Management Challenges Research Articles

Interviewing in the metaverse: The renewed importance of location and embodiment

In this paper, we explore the methodological implications of conducting online qualitative interviews in the metaverse through virtual reality (VR). Technology companies have invested heavily in creating metaverse platforms for bringing people together in digital worlds, yet there is a significant absence of geographical research examining the implications of these spaces. Twenty-six undergraduate students participated in a remote interviewing exercise using the platform AltSpaceVR. Face-to-face interviews were subsequently conducted to gather their reflections about the experience of research interviews in a metaverse. The study highlights the significance of immersion and presence in virtual environments. Participants noted that, in contrast to video interviewing, the immersive nature of the virtual space resembled conventional face-to-face interviews. A sense of immersion and presence enhances the authenticity of the interview experience. There were, however, challenges in interface management and the role of avatars altering the embodied connection with the research subjects. The avatars provided personal representation but introduce complexities in establishing genuine connections and rapport. In our discussion of the implications for VR qualitative research, we emphasise the interplay of immersion, presence and embodiment which can add real value to remote interviewing experience, while reflecting on the technical and physiological limitations.

Evaluating tidal impact on ground source heat exchanger performance under fluctuating groundwater levels

Coastal regions undergo dynamic changes due to tidal forces, posing distinct challenges for groundwater management and utilization of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems. This study examines the impact of tidal fluctuations on groundwater levels and the performance of ground heat exchangers (GHEs), specifically focusing on the suitability of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology in high-tidal zones. Itoman City in Okinawa Prefecture, Southern Japan, serves as an ideal location for this study due to its complex coastal hydrogeological conditions and increasing interest in renewable energy solutions. Employing a comprehensive approach involving field experiments, FEFLOW software simulations, and model validation, we aim to elucidate the intricate relationship between tidal dynamics, groundwater behavior, and GHE performance. Furthermore, our investigation assesses the effectiveness of HDD-GHEs installed in highly tidal-affected zones to determine the optimal installation depth for this type of GHE in coastal regions. According to our research, the layer at a depth of 30 m is most affected by tidal influence and fluctuations in groundwater levels in coastal regions. This layer is the most suitable for installing horizontal HDD-GHEs, with an average heat exchange rate of about 89 W/m. This rate is approximately four and two times higher than the depths above and below this layer, respectively, due to groundwater saturation and flow in the formation. Furthermore, we noticed that the heat exchange rate increases from the top to the bottom of this layer, but the extent of this increase diminishes as the depth increases. This is because deeper depths are less affected by tidal fluctuations in groundwater levels.

Mapping the Global Spread of T. indotineae: An Update on Antifungal Resistance, Mutations, and Strategies for Effective Management.

The global spread of Trichophyton indotineae presents a pressing challenge in dermatophytosis management. This systematic review explores the current landscape of T. indotineae infections, emphasizing resistance patterns, susceptibility testing, mutational analysis, and management strategies. A literature search was conducted in November 2023 using Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria covered clinical trials, observational studies, case series, or case reports with T. indotineae diagnosis through molecular methods. Reports on resistance mechanisms, antifungal susceptibility testing, and management were used for data extraction. A total of 1148 articles were identified through the systematic search process, with 45 meeting the inclusion criteria. The global spread of T. indotineae is evident, with cases reported in numerous new countries in 2023. Tentative epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs) suggested by several groups provide insights into the likelihood of clinical resistance. The presence of specific mutations, particularly Phe397Leu, correlate with higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), indicating potential clinical resistance. Azole resistance has also been reported and investigated in T. indotineae, and is a growing concern. Nevertheless, itraconazole continues to be an alternative therapy. Recommendations for management include oral or combination therapies and individualized approaches based on mutational analysis and susceptibility testing. Trichophyton indotineae poses a complex clinical scenario, necessitating enhanced surveillance, improved diagnostics, and cautious antifungal use. The absence of established clinical breakpoints for dermatophytes underscores the need for further research in this challenging field.

Epidemiological observations and management challenges in extrapedal mycetoma: A three-decade review of 420 cases.

Mycetoma is a serious, destructive, disfiguring chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease affecting the subcutaneous tissues that spread to involve the skin, deep tissues and bone. The disease predominately affects the limbs, and extrapedal mycetoma is rarely reported. The reported extrapedal ones are characterised by high morbidity and mortality. This communication reports on 420 patients with extrapedal mycetoma seen and managed at the Mycetoma Research Centre (MRC), University of Khartoum, between January 1991 and December 2021. In this descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study, the electronic records of all mycetoma-confirmed patients seen during the study period were carefully and meticulously reviewed. The confirmed patients with extrapedal mycetoma were included in this study. The study included 420 patients with extrapedal mycetoma, 298 (70.7%) had eumycetoma, and 122 (29.3%) had actinomycetoma. There were 343 male patients (81.7%) and 77 (18.3%) females, with a male-to-female ratio of 4:1. Their ages ranged between 1.5 and 95 years, with a median of 28 years. Most of the patients were students and farmers. The majority of patients were from El Gezira, North Kordofan, and the White Nile States. Mycetoma was painful in 21%, and a family history of mycetoma was recorded in 11.5% of patients. The buttocks (37.9%) and head and neck (16.9%) were affected most. Less frequently affected sites were the trunk and back (12%) each, abdominal and chest walls (4.5%) each and loin (1%). The prominent clinical presentation findings were multiple sinuses discharging grains (55%), massive swellings (46%), and lymphadenopathy (11.5%). Less commonly observed clinical findings were local hyperhidrosis (5.3%) and dilated tortuous veins close to mycetoma lesions (0.5%). The study showed that 204 patients (48.6%) had clinical improvement in terms of decreased lesion size and healing of sinuses following medical therapy. Sixty-six patients (15.7%) had no noticeable improvement. The lesion continued progressing despite treatment in 44 patients (10.5%). In the study, 118 patients were on regular follow-up, and in this group, a cure was documented in 25 patients (21.1%) with eumycetoma and 23 (19.4%) with actinomycetoma. Post-operative recurrence among eumycetoma patients was 40%, with a 1% mortality rate. The treatment outcome was unsatisfactory, characterised by a low cure rate, high recurrence (40%) and follow-up dropout (57%) rates. This emphasises the importance of early case detection and management, objective health education programmes and thorough patient counselling to urge people to seek treatment early and reduce dropouts.

Polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young (PLNTY): A case report with surgical and neuropathological differential diagnosis.

Polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young (PLNTY) is a rare entity of low-grade neuroepithelial tumors that primarily affects children and young adults. This distinct type of tumor presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management. With its relatively recent identification, researchers and clinicians are striving to understand the characteristics, behavior, and optimal treatment strategies. The symptoms are primarily related to seizures. However, PLNTY can be asymptomatic in some cases. This is a single-center case report study and a literature review paper. We reviewed a case treated and diagnosed at the Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery. The demographic data, clinical follow-ups, laboratory, and radiological data of the patients were assessed. We present a 32-year-old male patient who has undergone gross total surgical excision with strict clinical follow-up. Clinical course as well as surgical data of the patient were observed and analyzed. On imaging, morphologic resembling and indistinctive clinical course can be nonspecific, contributing to diagnostic uncertainties. This case report was written with the notion that rare diagnoses present an opportunity to understand the progression and patho-oncological factors that can pave the way for better treatment.

Herbal Innovations in Eczema Care: A Comprehensive Review of Formulation Development, Safety, and Efficacy

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, presents a significant challenge in clinical management due to its multifactorial etiology and variable clinical manifestations. Conventional treatments often focus on symptom relief and inflammation control, yet concerns regarding their long-term safety and efficacy persist. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring herbal therapies as adjunctive or alternative treatments for eczema management. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the development and evaluation of topical herbal formulations specifically targeted at managing infectious eczema. Beginning with an introduction to eczema, encompassing its prevalence, underlying pathophysiology, and conventional treatment modalities, the review sets the stage for exploring the potential of herbal therapies. It delves into the significance of herbal treatments in eczema care, emphasizing their potential advantages such as efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability. The review then outlines the systematic approach to formulation development, encompassing the selection of herbal ingredients, optimization of base formulations, and rigorous stability testing. Safety evaluation strategies, including toxicological assessments, skin irritation potential, and allergenicity testing, are discussed to ensure the safety and tolerability of the herbal formulations. Efficacy evaluation involves assessing anti-inflammatory properties, antimicrobial activity, and conducting well-controlled clinical trials to determine their clinical efficacy and impact on patient outcomes. Through a comprehensive discussion and analysis, this review aims to elucidate the potential of topical herbal formulations as promising therapeutic options for managing infectious eczema, while also identifying areas for further research and optimization

Legal Issues of Fusion Technologies

Abstract A comprehensive regulatory framework for fusion must consider the unique characteristics and challenges of fusion technology, including safety, environmental protection, waste management, export/import control, and nuclear liability. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has established safety standards and guidelines related to fusion, but more needs to be done to address the gaps in the existing legal frameworks. The article emphasizes the need for clear and predictable regulations to provide confidence for investors and promote the research, development, and deployment of this promising technology. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, commercial fusion power is still likely many years away from being a reality, but a legal framework is essential for its eventual success.

Therapy-Related Myeloid Neoplasm: Biology and Mechanistic Aspects of Malignant Progression

Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN) arise after a documented history of chemo/radiotherapy as treatment for an unrelated condition and account for 10–20% of myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. T-MN are characterized by a specific genetic signature, aggressive features and dismal prognosis. The nomenclature and the subsets of these conditions have changed frequently over time, and despite the fact that, in the last classification, they lost their autonomous entity status and became disease qualifiers, the recognition of this feature remains of major importance. Furthermore, in recent years, extensive studies focusing on clonal hematopoiesis and germline variants shed light on the mechanisms of positive pressure underpinning the rise of driver gene mutations in t-MN. In this manuscript, we aim to review the evolution of defining criteria and characteristics of t-MN from a clinical and biological perspective, the advances in mechanistic aspects of malignant progression and the challenges in prevention and management.

Aftermath Türkiye’s double earthquake: detailed analysis of fracture characteristics and acute management from a level I trauma center

BackgroundThis research investigated surgical interventions for the treatment of extremity and pelvic fractures and aimed to provide an analysis of management challenges under crisis conditions in a Level I Trauma Center after Türkiye’s February 6, 2023, earthquakes.MethodsThe study was a retrospective examination of the medical records of 243 fracture cases associated with the earthquakes. The age, gender, time of admission, types of extremity and pelvic fractures, anatomical localizations, and surgical treatment methods for fractures were recorded. The results of these parameters were evaluated in detail, together with the results of other surgical treatments performed in the hospital in the first week after the disaster, such as fasciotomy, amputation, and wound debridement.ResultsMost of the 243 (119 males and 124 females) patients with extremity fractures and pelvic fractures receiving surgical treatment were adults (n = 182, 74.9%). The most common lower extremity fractures among all fracture cases were tibial shaft (30.8%) and femoral shaft (20.6%) fractures. A total of 33 patients had surgical procedures for the treatment of two or more significant bone fractures involving either the extremity or the pelvic ring. The analysis showed that the median age of patients who underwent surgery due to extremity and pelvic fractures was 36 years, with a range of 1 to 91 years, which was statistically increased compared to patients who received surgery for other musculoskeletal injuries such as fasciotomy, amputation and debridement (p < 0.001).ConclusionFractures were one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the first days after earthquakes, and the management of fractures differs significantly from soft tissue injuries and amputation surgeries as they require implants, special instruments, and imaging devices. The delivery of healthcare is often critically impaired after a severe earthquake. Shortages of consumables such as orthopedic implants, power drills, fluoroscopy equipment, and the need for additional staff should be addressed immediately after the earthquake, ideally by the end of the first day.

Breaking the WAVE and shattering stereotypes: addressing organizational change and team dynamics with female leaders

Research methodology The research consisted of a questionnaire and in-depth interview with the CEO. Secondary research was conducted to read through various articles and literature available on the organization. Relevant courses are organizational behavior/organization development/strategic management. Case overview/synopsis In a landscape traditionally dominated by male leadership, this case study highlights the compelling narrative of a new leader with an unconventional leadership style. This purpose of this case study aims to explore the change management challenges faced by Molade, CEO of WAVE, a leading vocational education social enterprise based in Lagos, Nigeria, as she grapples with the issue of organizational culture and gender bias and their impact on team dynamics while implementing a new strategy. Her leadership journey reflects not only personal triumphs but also the broader impact of diverse perspectives at the helm of organizational decision-making. Despite having over a decade of industry experience and being well-respected in her field, Molade is met with resistance and patronizing behavior from some of the existing team members who question her authority and decision-making abilities. The case discusses leadership challenges faced by Molade, a female leader, its negative implications on her performance and her ability to implement change within the organization. Ultimately, Molade’s perseverance and strategic thinking enabled her to successfully navigate her dilemma. Complexity academic level Undergraduate business course(s) which include organizational behavior, organization development and strategic management.

Drug-coated balloon versus drug-eluting stenting coronary angioplasty for ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of real-world studies

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction In the realm of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), drug-eluting stent angioplasty (DES) is a well-established strategy for urgent revascularization. However, several challenges arise when selecting stents for these patients. These challenges include dealing with endothelial oedema and vasospasm during acute thrombotic occlusion. Moreover, there are concerns surrounding DES-related complications. These complications include the need for prolonged anti-platelet therapy, which increases the risk of bleeding, late stent thrombosis, and in-stent restenosis (ISR). In light of these issues, drug-coated balloons (DCB) have emerged as a compelling alternative. Purpose: This study aims to explore the safety and efficacy of DCB compared to conventional DES angioplasty in the management of STEMI. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted across electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, reference lists of relevant publications, and grey literature sources) for studies published from the inception of DCB up to 31st August 2023. Results Nine eligible studies, consisting of four randomised controlled trials and two retrospective propensity-matched studies, were included. These studies, all single-center, involved a total of 2,122 patients (934 in the DCB versus 1,188 in the DES group) over a median follow-up period of 15 months (ranging from 6 to 36 months). The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences between DCB and DES angioplasty in terms of technical success (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 0.22-15.08, p = 0.58), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.60–2.56, p = 0.57), all-cause mortality (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.83–1.75, p = 0.33), cardiac death (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 0.47-4.17, p = 0.54), cardiovascular-related hospitalization (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.32-1.65, p = 0.44), recurrent myocardial infarction (OR: 0.99, 95% CI:0.34-2.90, p = 0.99), target lesion revascularization (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.56–2.34, p = 0.71), late luminal loss (SMD: -0.25mm, 95% CI: -1.05 to 0.54, p = 0.53), postoperative TIMI flow (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.54-2.50, p = 0.71), fractional flow reserve (MD: 0.012, 95% CI -0.018 to 0.032, p = 0.27), and bleeding risk (7.2% in DCB versus 7.5% in DES). It's noteworthy that 8.2% of patients in the DCB group required bailout stenting due to coronary artery dissection type C, a rate 10 times higher than that in the DES group (p &amp;lt; 0.005). Additionally, DCB angioplasty displayed a statistically significant presence of residual stenosis compared to DES angioplasty (OR: 6.48, 95% CI: 1.13-37.2, p = 0.04). Conclusion DCB angioplasty demonstrates promise but presents unique challenges in STEMI management, particularly in complex scenarios requiring bailout stenting and residual stenosis. The study contributes to the ongoing discussion about the role of DCBs in optimizing STEMI treatment, highlighting their potential benefits and areas of concern.

Modeling an Investment Framework for BMTA Electric Bus Fleet Development

In Thailand, diesel buses are notorious for their poor energy efficiency and contribution to air pollution. To combat these issues, battery electric buses (BEBs) have emerged as a promising alternative. However, their high initial costs have posed challenges for fleet management, especially for agencies such as the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA). This study aims to revolutionize BEB fleet management by developing an energy model tailored to the BMTA’s needs. The methodology consists of two crucial steps: analyzing BMTA bus routes and designing fleet management and charging systems. Through this process, the study seeks to determine the maximum number of BEBs that can be operated on each route with the fewest chargers possible. The results reveal exciting possibilities. Within the city bus landscape, two out of five BMTA bus routes show potential for transitioning to BEBs, provided they meet a maximum energy requirement of 200 kWh every two rounds. This analysis identifies routes ripe for BEB adoption while considering the limitations of battery size. In the next step, the study unveils a game-changing strategy: a maximum of 13 BEBs can operate on two routes with just four chargers requiring 150 kW each. This means fewer chargers and more efficient operations. Plus, the charging profile peaks at 600 kW from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., showing when and where the fleet needs power the most. However, the real eye-opener? Significant energy savings of THB 10.44 million per year compared to diesel buses, with an initial investment cost savings of over 37%. These findings underscore the potential for BEB fleet management to revolutionize public transportation and save money in the long run. However, there is more work to be done. The study highlights the need for real-time passenger considerations, the development of post-service charging strategies, and a deeper dive into total lifetime costs. These areas of improvement promise even greater strides in the future of sustainable urban transportation.

Developing a smart green supplier risk assessment system integrating natural language processing and life cycle assessment based on AHP framework: An empirical study

Global carbon reduction drives the transformations of corporations, emphasizing carbon and environmental impact within supply chains. A critical challenge in risk management is converting unstructured data into quantifiable information, and ruining the conversion often leads to ineffective risk assessments. While artificial intelligence is increasingly used in supply chain risk management, previous studies seldom integrate text analysis for risk extraction and lack accurate risk assessment methods. This study pioneers an intelligent green supplier risk assessment system integrating natural language processing (NLP) and life cycle assessment (LCA) based on an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) framework. The proposed approach utilizes NLP keyword extraction to identify and assess risk and uses LCA to uncover environmental risks, minimizing negative impacts. The text classification model attains 81.7 % accuracy, ensuring a trustworthy risk assessment system. The proposed method could significantly improve risk analysis efficiency, foster sustainable procurement, and elevate enterprise competitiveness in sustainable business practices.

The adaptive prowess of the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Insights from mouthpart morphology and mitogenomic analysis

The lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1797), is a pervasive pest known to infest stored products and poultry facilities worldwide, posing significant challenges for pest management. Understanding its adaptability to diverse environments is crucial for devising effective control strategies. This study investigated adult mouthparts and analyzed the mitogenome of A. diaperinus using specimens obtained from a cat litter box. The examination of mouthparts revealed notable intraspecific variations, suggesting potential adaptations to different ecological conditions. Analysis of the mitogenomes unveiled nucleotide variations in protein-coding genes (PCGs), ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and the control region, with all mutations in PCGs being nonsynonymous, primarily occurring at the second codon positions. Evaluation of Ka/Ks ratios indicated purifying selection acting on the PCGs of A. diaperinus. Phylogenetic analyses consistently placed the newly sequenced sample within the same clade as previously sequenced A. diaperinus samples. The presence of A. diaperinus in cat litter highlights its remarkable adaptability to diverse habitats. Furthermore, intraspecific variation in mouthpart morphology and the mitogenome suggests ongoing adaptations to various food sources and environmental niches. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of A. diaperinus adaptations and emphasize the importance of continued research for effective pest management strategies.

Cardio-Oncology: A New Discipline in Medicine and Its Relevance to Hematology.

Cardio-oncology, a burgeoning subspecialty, addresses the complex interplay between cardiology and oncology, particularly in light of increased cardiovascular (CV) disease mortality in cancer patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cardio-oncology with a focus on the therapies used in hematological malignancies. We explore the bidirectional relationship between heart failure and cancer, emphasizing the need for collaborative care. The review discusses risk stratification, highlighting the importance of baseline CV risk assessment and personalized surveillance regimens. Primary and secondary prevention strategies, including pharmacological interventions, are outlined. The review also delves into the cardiotoxicity associated with hematological cancer therapies, focusing on anthracyclines, Bruton kinase inhibitors, BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, multiple myeloma treatments, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We then highlight the high risk of venous and arterial thromboembolisms in cancer patients and the challenges of anticoagulation management in cardio-oncology. Finally, the review touches on the importance of long-term follow-up and appropriate screening in cancer survivors at high risk of CV morbidity and mortality, based on their CV risk profile and the type and dose of cardiotoxic therapies they received such as anthracyclines or high radiation doses.

Revisiting Spatial Justice and Urban Parks in the Post-COVID-19 Era: A Systematic Literature Review

Urban parks, integral to city life, have long contributed to the well-being of residents through various ecosystem services. Previous studies consistently highlighted unequal park distribution and access, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these disparities. From a spatial justice perspective, this review examines urban parks’ roles during the pandemic, the impact on equity and access, and how evolving park usage characteristics inform future management challenges. Analysing 53 peer-reviewed studies and 11 online materials from January 2020 to April 2023, this review reveals a significant increase in park visitors during the pandemic, causing challenges in accommodating the surge due to lockdown measures. The findings underscore physical and social justice dimensions, revealing disparities in park access during COVID-19. These challenges prompt reevaluating urban parks’ potential for well-being and ecosystem benefits, advocating for inclusive decision-making to enhance community resilience and socialisation. The COVID-19 crisis highlighted planning and management challenges, emphasising the need for a more sustainable, liveable, and responsive approach to urban park planning.

Mechanics and permeability properties of ecological concrete mixed with recycled engineering muck particles

The excavation of construction foundation pits, tunnels, channels, and other projects generates a significant volume of engineering muck, posing challenges in management. Prolonged accumulation of this muck can lead to environmental pollution. The effective recycling of this type of construction waste is crucial for the advancement of a circular economy, necessitating immediate attention to research and solutions. In this study, a novel method is introduced for the preparation of low-carbon and environmentally friendly ecological concrete. This method involves the utilization of recycled engineering muck particles to substitute a portion of the natural aggregate and enables the comprehensive recycling of engineering muck. Subsequently, the mechanical and permeability properties of ecological concrete under varying muck particle content and porosity conditions are analyzed through experiments, taking into account the impact of relative average pore diameter and pore tortuosity. A predictive model has been developed for the tortuosity of pore channels in ecological concrete, taking into account effective porosity and average pore diameter. The enhanced Kozney-Carman model is employed to describe the correlation between pore properties and hydraulic conductivity. The findings indicate that a composite curing agent is formed by combining ordinary Portland cement with a hydrophilic polyurethane solution. This composite curing agent demonstrates superior performance compared to pure cement in the solidification of engineering muck. As the replacement rate of unsintered recycled residue particles increases, the porosity of concrete may increase by up to 29.7 %. This results in enhanced permeability characteristics but a decrease in compressive strength. In contrast to lightweight aggregates manufactured through the sintering process, the carbon emissions of unsintered recycled residue particles are reduced by 57.7 %. This study provides suggestions for the repurposing of construction waste and contributes to the advancement of sustainable practices within the concrete production sector.

Active Asset Management

Robust and real‐time asset management is crucial for distribution utilities to operate their infrastructure efficiently. The importance and challenge of asset management has also grown significantly in response to new regulatory requirements, growing customer expectations, and rapid technological advancements. While the importance of actively managing assets is understood within the utility industry, the application of “best practices” in asset management varies based on the asset's criticality to the business. Issues surrounding the management of system critical assets have significant implications for distribution system operations. The strategies and technologies used to maintain critical infrastructure, and an examination of how other industries like commercial real estate manage assets, can shed light on how utilities could improve their approach to managing both critical and non‐critical assets.

A Pilot Study on the Assessment of the Knowledge, Practice, and Challenges of Pharmaceutical Inventory Management among Community Pharmacists

Pharmacies and related supplies must always be available at the required location, in the requisite amount, and with the necessary quality for health facilities to offer comprehensive care. Efficient inventory management improves pharmaceutical product profitability by reducing procurement costs and preventing long-term storage, while poor inventory management hinders essential drug availability. The current study aims to assess the knowledge, practice, and challenges in applying inventory management methods. A mixed-method study design with sampling techniques of purposive and snowball methods was used. A semi-structured questionnaire was implemented for quantitative data and an open-ended question was employed to explore more information as qualitative data. The collected qualitative data were transcribed and identified as five major themes knowledge about inventory management, challenges faced by pharmacists in managing inventory, purchasing methods, stocking, and expiry, and the purpose of inventory control management. Most pharmacists employ the inventory management method based on their experience and the customer needs. Among the basic inventory management tools like ABC, VED, FSN, or XYZ, the use of VED and FSN methods for purchasing and stocking is high. It is noted that they lack professional training but gained more knowledge and skills through the experience. When they were asked about the inventory control methods, about 70% of them were not aware, and of those who said yes 20 % were able to answer at least 1 method and 10 % were not able to correctly mention the name. To conclude the pharmacist should start considering the modern methods along with the current methods for effective marginal profit and competitive management of the pharmacies.

Fire Resistance of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete Containing Spent Garnet as Partial Fine Aggregate Replacement

Introduction The escalating demand for concrete, driven by global infrastructure development, poses significant challenges to environmental sustainability due to the depletion of natural resources and the accumulation of waste materials. This paper explores the potential of utilizing waste materials, particularly palm oil clinker (POC) and spent garnets, as sustainable alternatives in concrete production. The depletion of natural aggregates, such as river sand, coupled with the environmental hazards associated with waste disposal, underscores the urgent need for eco-friendly solutions in construction materials. POC, derived from palm oil production waste, and spent garnets from abrasive industries offer promising avenues for reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability in concrete production. By addressing the dual challenges of resource depletion and waste management, this research aims to contribute to developing greener construction practices and mitigating environmental degradation. Aims This study aims to investigate the effects of incorporating spent garnet as a partial fine aggregate replacement on the fire resistance of POC LWAC. By examining the interplay between spent garnet inclusion and fire resistance, the research contributes to developing more sustainable concrete formulations and aids in industrial waste management practices, addressing critical societal and environmental challenges. Methods This study investigates the effects of elevated temperatures on the compressive strength and durability of POC LWAC specimens. Concrete specimens were demoulded after 24 hours of curing and submerged in water for 28 days. Compressive strength and water absorption tests were conducted at the end of the curing period. Subsequently, specimens were subjected to temperatures of 300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C for 1 hour in a furnace. After cooling naturally for 24 hours, visual inspection, mass reduction analysis, and evaluation of residual compressive strength were performed. Results Results indicate that 20% garnet replacement yields the highest compressive strength due to pore filling and denser structure. Higher garnet levels lead to reduced strength and increased water absorption. Visual assessment post-heating shows surface alterations, with 20% garnet exhibiting the lowest mass loss and strength reduction at elevated temperatures. Conclusion Notably, specimens containing 20% spent garnet in POC LWAC performed better in a fire than others, enhancing their fire-resistant properties. In summary, this research introduces a hopeful approach to improve the sustainability of concrete and mitigate the environmental repercussions of industrial waste.