Management Support Research Articles

Low Impact of Nitrogen Fertilization on Grafted Tomatoes under High-tunnel Production

High-tunnel systems can improve and prolong production under challenging climate, but research on nitrogen management and grafting is still needed. This study analyzes the effects of rootstock and two N fertilization levels in northern Nevada under high-tunnel commercial production. We report on tomato yield, growth, leaf nutrient profile, and spectral indices [i.e., soil plant analysis development (SPAD) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)] correlation with leaf nitrogen. Although rootstock influenced yield and leaf nutrient profile depending on location, no clear effect from the nitrogen fertilization was observed in growth and yield. Moreover, the low accuracy of SPAD and NDVI indices in predicting leaf nitrogen status undermined the capacity to provide enough support for a sustainable nitrogen fertilization management.

On soil districts

In 2023, the European Commission released a legislative proposal for a Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience which aims to define a legal framework to achieve healthy soils across the European Union (EU) by 2050. A key component of the initial Directive is the mandate for Member States to establish basic geographic soil governance units, referred to as soil districts, and appoint a district-specific authority to oversee the implementation of soil health assessments. This paper proposes an operational definition of the districts following the conditions outlined in the proposal for the Directive and discusses various attention points for their implementation. Tentative districts were developed for seven EU countries, considering soil type, climate, topography, and land cover factors, starting from the smallest existing administrative unit (i.e. municipalities). Experts were asked to report on the applicability of the proposed districts within well-known pedo-ecological regions and discuss the relevance of the districts for establishing an EU-wide monitoring network and reporting on soil health and degradation. The outcomes highlight the need for detailed soil maps to account for specific soil types when stratifying countries into soil districts. The soilscape approach allows for a consistent method to defining soil districts across Member States. This enables contrasting soils within a district to be managed in a similar manner, with soil degradation/health thresholds applied to each district based on land cover. However, it is unclear whether soil districts as currently formulated in the Directive are in fact the right tool to support local soil management and monitoring of soil health. Districts can help ensure that all soil conditions are covered in a monitoring system, but they may not provide support for soil management or monitoring at a local scale due to short-scale soil variability and threats affecting soil management within the same soilscape. Beyond the use of districts for designing a European/national scale monitoring system, the districts can help create animations and other educational tools to promote soil literacy and connectivity of users to soils locally.

Construction error control method of large-span spatial structures based on digital twin

In the process of construction of large-span spatial structures, there are many control elements, which need to carry on the dual control of internal force and shape. The traditional control method cannot measure the construction deviation completely and accurately, and there is a lag in information feedback. In this paper, spatio-temporal information is integrated into digital twin and a construction error control method is proposed for large-span spatial structures. By analyzing the fusion mechanism of spatio-temporal information and digital twin, a closed-loop control system for structural errors before, during and after construction is formed. Driven by the control architecture, the method of structure simulation analysis and real-time monitoring during construction is proposed, and the functional relationship between cable force and cable length is established. Based on point cloud data, construction error optimization detection method is proposed for structure formation state. The nonlinear relation between elevation change rate and cable force deviation is formed and the control measures of formation state error are obtained. The experimental model of cable truss structure is taken as an example to apply and verify the theoretical method. The construction error control twin platform is formed in the experiment. Driven by the platform, the twinning analysis and real-time monitoring of the construction process are carried out to control the error of the structure formation. The results show that this method integrates spatio-temporal information into digital twin to realize data integration processing. The optimized error detection method can save 30% time cost and effectively control the construction error within 3%. The integration of spatio-temporal information and digital twin provides theoretical and algorithm support for the intelligent management and control of large-span spatial structure construction.

Organisational culture and institutionalisation of green supply chain management

The international community faces numerous sustainability challenges. In response, firms tackle these difficulties by adopting and implementing Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) techniques. However, there has been minimal discourse in the literature concerning the institutionalisation of GSCM. This study aimed to enhance our understanding of the institutionalisation of Green Supply Chain Management, specifically concerning South African cement businesses. The study specifically examines institutionalisation from the standpoint of organisational culture. In addition to examining existing literature, the researcher intentionally selected 23 supply chain practitioners from six prominent cement companies, environmental law officials, and academics to provide their insights and perspectives on the influence of organisational culture in institutionalising Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) within the cement industry. Thematic analysis was employed to examine primary data. The study findings indicated that the organisational culture obstructing the institutionalisation of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) factors comprised resistance to green policy implementation, insufficient top management support, and misalignment between green strategy and corporate goals. Conversely, the organisational culture promoting GSCM institutionalisation included human development and investment, effective communication, incentives, and a strong green culture as primary drivers. The study will inform supply chain professionals, cement company managers, environmental regulatory agencies, and NGOs about the significant influence of organisational culture on the institutionalisation of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM). The influence of culture on the institutionalisation of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM).

Factors affecting and strategies for safe handling of chemotherapy: A narrative review

Background: Chemotherapy poses significant occupational hazards to healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, with exposure to cytotoxic drugs linked to severe health consequences such as cancer, infertility, and miscarriages. This review examines factors influencing safe chemotherapy handling and identifies strategies to minimize exposure risks. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases and keywords like "chemotherapy," "safe handling," "hazardous drugs," and "nurses." Studies on individual and organizational factors influencing safe practices were included, while review articles and theses were excluded. The findings from multiple sources were synthesized to highlight key strategies for improving chemotherapy safety. Results: Individual factors affecting safe handling include knowledge of chemotherapy hazards, self-efficacy in using personal protective equipment (PPE), and perceived risk of exposure. Organizational factors include workplace safety climate, clear policies and procedures, availability of PPE, workload, staffing ratios, managerial support, and comprehensive training programs. Conclusion: Ensuring safe chemotherapy handling requires a multi-faceted approach addressing both individual and organizational factors. Key strategies include enhancing knowledge through education, promoting self-efficacy, fostering a positive safety climate, developing clear policies, ensuring adequate resources, optimizing staffing, providing managerial support, and implementing continuous training programs to improve safe practices.

Changes in soil conservation service supply-demand coordinations and their influencing factors: Evidence from the Loess Plateau of China

Soil conservation service (SCS) is crucial for the regulation of fragile ecosystems. As the Loess Plateau is a typically erosion-threatened region, determining the spatial matching pattern and drivers of SCS supply (soil conservation) and demand (soil erosion) is essential for sustainable development and effective resource management. This study innovatively proposed the coupling coordination framework between SCS supply and demand to assess the current state and clarify the subsequent regulation direction. First, the RUSLE model was employed to evaluate the SCS supply and demand from 1990 to 2020 and acquire the ecological supply-demand ratio (ESDR). Then, the SCS supply-demand coordination relationship was spatially quantified by utilizing the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, and a function fitting was performed between ESDR and CCD. Using the geo-detector model, the Getis-Ord Gi⁎ method, and the local Moran's I index, the influences of natural, engineering, and socio-economic factors on the SCS supply-demand coordination were explored from global and local perspectives. The results showed that: (1) the annual average supply of SCS increased by 64.93 % in 1990–2020; the average demand decreased by 52.43 %; the average ESDR increased by 28.06 %; supply surplus was the predominant feature, more conspicuously in the central and eastern regions; (2) the highest supply-demand CCD was captured in the central and eastern regions, showing “Moderate balance” and “High balance” respectively, and its area increased by 27 % in 30 years; the lowest CCD regions were mainly in the northwest and their area shrank; (3) enhancing the supply of SCS and reducing demand facilitated the coordination of the supply-demand relationship, and the threshold for the supply-demand coordination state decreased over time; (4) climate, topography and soil properties dominated the spatially non-stationary change of the SCS supply-demand pattern, followed by engineering measures such as afforestation and terraces, and finally socio-economic factors. This study offers support for cross-regional soil erosion management and natural ecosystem restoration on the Loess Plateau.

IMPLEMENTATION OF OPEN HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM AT DOÑA FRANCISCA LACSAMANA DE ORTEGA MEMORIAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

The study examined the implementation and challenges of the Open High School Program (OHSP) at Doña Francisca Lacsamana de Ortega Memorial National High School (DFLOMNHS). The OHSP serves as an alternative mode of secondary education, designed to accommodate learners who cannot attend traditional schools due to personal, economic, or geographical constraints. This descriptive research investigated the relationship between learner profiles, academic performance, and the level of program implementation. The study involved 48 learners and 16 teachers, utilizing surveys to assess various factors, including the program’s effectiveness and the challenges faced by teacher-implementers. The results revealed that the majority of learners are female, aged 16-20, and come from low-income families with parents who generally have low educational attainment. The academic performance of these learners varies, with a significant portion not meeting expectations. The level of program implementation, as perceived by both learners and teachers, is generally positive, but challenges remain, particularly in addressing the diverse needs of learners and improving academic outcomes. The study underscores the importance of continued support and evaluation to enhance the effectiveness of OHSP in achieving its goals of reducing dropout rates and providing quality education to underserved communities. The following conclusions were drawn based on the findings. Open High School learners and teachers possessed varied characteristics as to gender, age, highest educational attainment of parents, occupation of the parents, family monthly income, academic performance, and years in service. Open High School is generally-well implemented by both teachers and the learners. There is no significant difference in the level of implementation of Open High School as perceived by the learners and the teachers. There is no significant relationship between the profile characteristics of the learners and various dimensions of the implementation of the Open High School program. Similarly, the profile of the teacher-respondents also showed no significant relationship with the implementation of the Open High School program across the same dimensions. The respondents face significant challenges in the implementation of the Open High School program, which can be categorized into three primary clusters: role challenges, general challenges, and instructional challenges. Based on the findings and conclusions drawn, the following are highly recommended. Schools should implement programs that equip parents with skills to support their children academically, particularly for those with lower educational attainment and low family monthly income. Regular workshops on seminars on modern teaching methods, time management, and academic support could be beneficial. Professional development programs should be intensified to equip teachers with innovative teaching methods, such as integrating technology and differentiated instruction. This will address the gap in teaching methods and promote more engaging and effective learning experiences. Efforts should be made to maintain or enhance open communication and collaboration between learners and teachers. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the Open High School Program’s effectiveness should be carried out to ensure its goals are being met. Comprehensive evaluation of the Open High School program to identify other factors that might influence its implementation effectiveness such as program resources, training quality, and support system should be conducted. Similar studies should be conducted to further determine the effectiveness of the Open High School program.

Soil and Microbial Biomass Response to Land-Use Changes in the Loess Plateau

Vegetation restoration is a critical strategy for addressing ecosystem degradation globally. However, understanding the specific impacts of land-use changes, particularly the conversion of farmland to forestland and grassland, on soil nutrients and microbial biomass in the Loess Plateau remains limited and requires further evaluation. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore how these conversions affect soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and microbial biomass components under various land-use patterns. We studied the SOC, TN, TP, soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) content and their ratios under six land-use patterns (Farmland (FL), Abandoned cropland (ACL), Natural grassland (NG), Alfalfa grassland (Medicago sativa L. (MS)), Spruce forestland (Picea asperata Mast. (PA)) and Cypress forestland (Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco (PO))). The conversion of FL to grassland and forestland significantly increased C:N and C:P by 9.82~64.12%, 10.57~126.05%, and 51.44~113.40%, 22.10~116.09%, respectively. The conversion of FL to ACL reduced the C:N and C:P by 5.34~13.57% and 1.51~7.55%, respectively. The conversion of FL to NG can increase soil N:P. The conversion of FL to grassland and forestland increased soil MBC, MBN, and MBP by −31.54~84.48%, −48.39~1533.93%, −46.55~173.85%, and −34.96~17.13%, 68.72~432.14%, −38.39~318.46%, respectively. However, the MBC, MBN, and MBP contents in the soil converted from FL to ACL varied from −28.21~11.95%, 11.17~531.25%, and −82.64~70.77%, respectively. Soil SOC, TN, TP, available potassium (AK), pH, and soil bulk density (BD) are the main factors causing microbial biomass differences. These results indicate that converting farmland into forestland and grassland can improve soil nutrient structure and increase soil microbial biomass and carbon accumulation. The results of this study provide theoretical support for the scientific management of regional land.

Digital Solutions for Health Services and Systems Management: Narrative Review of Certified Software Features in the Brazilian Market.

The paper reviews digital solutions for health services management in Brazil, focusing on certified software features. It reveals the integration of various functionalities in operational, financial, and clinical needs simultaneously, which are critical for enhancing operational efficiency and patient care. This study highlights the integration of critical features like interoperability, compliance management, and data-driven decision support, although advancing innovation and integration remains essential for broader impact.

Prognostic nutritional index is an independent risk factor for continuing S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical resection

PurposeReports on the association of perioperative nutritional and inflammatory status with the clinical course of adjuvant chemotherapy did not include neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We aimed to clarify the mechanism by which perioperative nutritional and inflammatory status affect the clinical course of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer.MethodsWe enrolled 123 patients with pancreatic cancer retrospectively who underwent surgical resection with neoadjuvant and S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy between January 2013 and December 2022. The duration of continuing S-1 treatment and the continuation rates at 3 and 6 months after initiating adjuvant chemotherapy were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The log-rank test was used to evaluate statistical differences between the high and low prognostic nutritional index (PNI) groups. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for continuing S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy.ResultsThe optimal cut-off value for preoperative PNI was 45. Preoperative PNI was an independent risk factor for continuing S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy in patients who underwent perioperative adjuvant chemotherapy and surgical resection (hazard ratio = 2.435, 95% confidence interval = 1.229 − 4.824, p = 0.011). Low PNI was associated with lower S-1completion (p = 0.02) and higher S-1 withdrawal (p = 0.031). Additionally, the preoperative PNI status affected ≥ grade 2 adverse events caused by adjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.001).ConclusionPreoperative PNI affected adjuvant chemotherapy continuation and related adverse events in patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and curative resection. Additional perioperative anti-inflammatory management and nutritional support may be required to improve the clinical course of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and patient survival.

Improving transparency in malaria programme funds: A business case for connected diagnostics in Kenya.

International vertical health financing programmes risk functioning in parallel with existing domestic funding in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), leading to inefficient service delivery and concomitant poor health outcomes. We assessed the opportunities offered by digitalised diagnostics (ConnDx) to target and monitor health funds to those in need objectively and transparently. ConnDx was rolled out in five private health facilities in Kisumu, Kenya. The ConnDx process was codeveloped with the local Department of Health of Kisumu. We used the quantitative data generated by ConnDx. We also calculated the costs for ConnDx and standard care to assess potential cost reductions. In total, 2199 malaria cases were detected among 11 689 patients with fever. ConnDx allowed for the identification of malaria hotspots, semi-real-time assessment of patient health seeking behaviour across facilities and insights in doctor's prescription behaviours. Based on these insights, we estimated a 25% reduction in costs can be realised, while simultaneously better quality indicators can be monitored. The concept of ConnDx can be used for any medical condition that can be diagnosed in a digital manner and linked to mobile payment systems. The generated data can contribute to better quality services for individual patients while at the same time support local health policy makers and managers for more targeted interventions. The ConnDx approach can help decision makers in LMICs to channel disease-specific funds to the right patients for the right disease at the right time, which can potentially accelerate the way to universal health coverage.

The application of improved SURF optical flow algorithm in seismic support safety monitoring system

Frequent earthquakes pose a major threat to the safety of building structures. As a critical component of earthquake-resistant systems, dynamic health monitoring of seismic isolation bearings is essential. However, existing monitoring methods are limited by high cost and poor environmental adaptability, and it is difficult to meet real-time requirements under complex conditions. Therefore, this study combines the stable acceleration feature point matching with the optical flow algorithm, and uses the proportional purification method and the bidirectional purification method to effectively match and purify the feature points. By optimizing the feature point matching and dynamic tracking accuracy, a seismic bearing safety monitoring system based on the improved feature optical flow algorithm is designed. The experimental results show that the improved model achieves a feature recognition rate of >90 %, and the number of feature tracking losses is <70. At the same time, the displacement time history curve of the seismic isolation bearing and the laser displacement sensor has the highest degree of fit, the error of the horizontal displacement peak is 2.13 %, and the absolute error is <0 .3mm. Compared with traditional methods, this system achieves high-precision real-time monitoring at a low cost, providing reliable technical support for the health management of seismic isolation bearings, and also opens up a new direction in the field of structural health monitoring.

The Influence of Employee Mindfulness on Customer Satisfaction under the Background of Platform Economy

Employee mindfulness can help improve employee engagement and customer satisfaction. In order to further reveal the action path of employee mindfulness and the influence of related factors, this paper reviews the internal action mechanism of employee mindfulness from the perspective of platform economy. By combing the action mechanism of the four core variables of employee mindfulness, state gratitude, work flow and customer satisfaction, a complete employee mindfulness action path is constructed to provide theoretical support and practical inspiration for enterprise managers, and help enterprises adapt to the changes of The Times and achieve healthy and sustainable development.

Student support management: strategies and impacts on the academic experience

Student support management: strategies and impacts on the academic experience

Reducing Waiting Times to Improve Patient Satisfaction: A Hybrid Strategy for Decision Support Management

Reducing Waiting Times to Improve Patient Satisfaction: A Hybrid Strategy for Decision Support Management

Preparing Nurses for CD20-CD3 Bispecific Antibody Treatment in Patients With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Scoping Review of Adverse Events and Management Strategies From Early Phase and Pivotal Trials.

Bispecific T-cell engaging antibodies (BsAbs) are novel agents used to treat B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL); these agents demonstrate a different toxicity profile compared with standard chemoimmunotherapy. To describe common adverse events (AEs) experienced by patients with B-NHL during BsAb treatment. MEDLINE, EMCARE, and EMBASE were searched for relevant studies. Prospective interventional clinical trials of CD20-CD3 BsAbs in late development reporting on safety data for B-NHL patients, published until March 2023, were included. This search identified 1481 records; 28 met the inclusion criteria. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neutropenia, pyrexia, and anemia were the most commonly reported AEs. CRS primarily occurred during the first cycle of treatment and was mostly low grade; 14 publications (48%) reported a grade ≥3; however, these occurred in less than 10% of patients. Mitigation strategies included premedication with corticosteroids, antipyretics, and antihistamines; step-up dosing; and planned hospitalizations. Two articles reported common signs and symptoms of CRS, which included pyrexia (98% and 99%), chills (13% and 35%), tachycardia (27% and 28%), and hypotension (24% and 38%). Supportive management, tocilizumab, and corticosteroids were widely used (reported in 16/28 studies) for the treatment of CRS. Patient risk factors for CRS included high tumor burden, bone marrow infiltration, and circulating disease. The AE profile of BsAbs requires specialized nurses, skilled in assessing patients for risk factors and recognizing signs and symptoms of AEs. Findings from this review will contribute to cancer nurses' knowledge of CD20-CD3 BsAbs for B-NHL, optimizing the quality and safety of patient care.

Risk assessment of flash flood under climate and land use and land cover change in Tianshan Mountains, China

Tianshan Mountains in China (CTM) is one of the flash flood-prone areas worldwide, constraining economic development and threatening human safety. We assessed the short-term and long-term future flash flood risk in CTM using a multi-criteria model combined with future climate and Land use and land cover (LULC). The short-term risk assessment results indicated that moderate, high, and extremely high risk areas were mainly located in the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountain, the southern Junggar Basin, and the northern Tarim Basin, accounting for about 10 % of the total area. The areas classified as high and extremely high risk were distributed in Ili (10,100 km2), Changji (4838 km2), Bortala (1783 km2), and Urumqi (1505 km2). The spatial distributions of future long-term and short-term flash flood risk are similar. There will be an increase in the flash flood risk from 2020 to 2030, mainly in Ili, Changji, and Hami. The flash flood risk in the CTM will decrease under different scenarios from 2030 to 2070. Historical flash flood data from the 1940s to the 2010s indicated that the results of the risk assessment are reasonable. Abundant precipitation from the westerly circulation and the trumpet-shaped topography drove the flash floods in Bortala-shuanghe(BS), Ili, Changji (west), and Urumqi-wujiaqv(UW). Snowmelt flash floods are another important flash flood type in Changji (West) and UW. The dense water system and the undulating terrain led to rainstorm flash floods in high mountainous areas of Aksu and Kashgar, Hami, Kizilsu, and Changji (east). Cultivated land, population, and roads are important risk receptors. The oases, water resource constraints, and the urban scale discontinuity led to the spatial displacement between hazard and risk. The flash flood risk change in the future is more closely related to LUCC than climate change. This study provides support for flash flood risk assessment and management in CTM and other arid inland areas under changed climate and LULC.

A business process management lifecycle framework for continuous improvement towards operational excellence: lessons learned from a longitudinal study in a Brazilian organisation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to offer a business process management (BPM) framework with information and insights on designing, implementing, using and assessing business processes for continuous improvement towards operational excellence. Design/methodology/approach An action research is carried out over two and a half years on the BPM evolution of a Brazilian entertainment organisation. Findings Research provides a novel procedural framework towards improving the understanding of how a complete lifecycle approach for BPM can be implemented for continuous improvement, embracing the critical success factors for each lifecycle phase to achieve operational excellence. Information technology and project management are critical success factors resulting in project barriers. Strategic alignment, top management support, collaborative environment, methods and methodology, and focus on users and culture are acknowledged as main enablers. Findings reinforce the importance of an organisation analysis phase to begin the BPM development and highlight the assessment and improvement phase to respond to organisational environment dynamism. Practical implications Practitioners can benefit from the lessons learnt and the proposed framework, which serves as a rigorous methodology to achieve operational excellence in their real-world settings. Originality/value This paper goes beyond the well-known design and analysis phases of BPM development, generally studied with an individual focus, offering a complete lifecycle approach for continuous improvement, analysing each phase, from the drawing board to its use and evaluation. It counts on an original longitudinal study rather than a single-time assessment study.

Enhancing sustainable performance among Islamic banks in Saudi Arabia: the role of management support and environmental innovation

Enhancing sustainable performance among Islamic banks in Saudi Arabia: the role of management support and environmental innovation

HR PRACTICES ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AMONG GEN Z

The study aims to explore Human Resources (HR) practices that cater to the mental health issues among Generation Z employees in the workplace. Given the fact that Gen Z is increasingly dominating the present workforce, companies would be forced to adapt their HR strategies to fit the special needs and sensitivities of this age group. This article explores various HR practices that include flexible work arrangements, training employees with regard to mental health, employee assistance programs, peer support networks, wellness initiatives, managerial support, digital mental health platforms, and workload management to ensure mental well being, curbing of the stigma associated with mental disorders, and creating a supportive work environment for the employees. By focusing on a literature review methodology, the paper synthesizes current research findings to provide insights for HR professionals, researchers, and organizational leaders.