Updated Management Research Articles

Artificial intelligence and IoT driven system architecture for municipality waste management in smart cities: A review

Numerous devices, including sensors, RF ID, and other types of smart devices, have been developed as a result of the Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) revolution. Urban areas can become smart by monitoring and collecting data about their surroundings through the deployment of technologies with powerful computational capabilities and those that are converted into intelligent things. Waste management is among the most significant issues in smart cities, a rise in metropolitan regions and faster increases in population are the main reasons. When it comes to gathering data about waste management, intelligent services can serve as the front line. Waste management with IoT support is a common example of a service offered by smart cities. Various duties, like gathering, processing, and use of waste in appropriate facilities, are included in waste management. The present study proposed an updated waste management system architecture design after reviewing existing artificial intelligence and IoT-based waste management systems and automation in smart cities. The proposed system architecture deals with the automation of municipality trash in smarter urban areas, using IoT technology and sending notification messages based on sensor data relating to the dustbin state, such as full or empty. The notifications are sent simultaneously to the municipality office and the waste carrier vehicle driver, so that waste can be emptied on time. The proposed system architecture represents a scalable and adaptable model for municipalities that aim to transform their waste collection processes and play a key step in minimizing municipality waste in smart cities. By deploying this proposed system architecture with smart sensors and IoT devices, municipalities can monitor waste levels to ensure that bins are emptied when it is necessary. This reduces the frequency of waste collection, lowers fuel consumption, and minimizes operational costs. The Route optimization algorithms further enhance efficiency by determining the most efficient paths for waste collection trucks, so they can reduce travel time and fuel emissions.

To study the impact of COVID-19 on the epidemiological characteristics of allergic rhinitis based on local big data in China

To investigate the big data characteristics and trend changes of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) who sought medical attention at our hospital before (from 2018 to 2019) and after (from 2020 to 2023) COVID-19, and provide reference basis for the treatment of AR. This study used a descriptive epidemiological method to analyze the big data and trend changes of AR patients. A total of 62,196 AR patients were collected, of whom 32,874 were male and 29,322 were female, with an age range of 1–89 years. The monthly change trend of AR patients showed a marked seasonality. The number of AR patients increased year by year. There was no significant difference in the number of patients between different genders. There was a significant difference in the number of patients between different age groups. The number of AR patients increased markedly from 2018 to 2023, and COVID-19 seems to have accelerated this process. There is a clear seasonal pattern. The number of boy patients is significantly higher than that of girl patients, and the change in female hormones may affect the incidence of AR. Therefore, it is necessary to update management measures and formulate relevant policies in response to the changing trend of AR since the COVID-19 epidemic.

We need to aim at the top: Factors associated with cybersecurity awareness of cyber and information security decision-makers.

Cyberattacks pose a significant business risk to organizations. Although there is ample literature focusing on why people pose a major risk to organizational cybersecurity and how to deal with it, there is surprisingly little we know about cyber and information security decision-makers who are essentially the people in charge of setting up and maintaining organizational cybersecurity. In this paper, we study cybersecurity awareness of cyber and information security decision-makers, and investigate factors associated with it. We conducted an online survey among Slovenian cyber and information security decision-makers (N = 283) to (1) determine whether their cybersecurity awareness is associated with adoption of antimalware solutions in their organizations, and (2) explore which organizational factors and personal characteristics are associated with their cybersecurity awareness. Our findings indicate that awareness of well-known threats and solutions seems to be quite low for individuals in decision-making roles. They also provide insights into which threats (e.g., distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, botnets, industrial espionage, and phishing) and solutions (e.g., security operation center (SOC), advanced antimalware solutions with endpoint detection and response (EDR)/extended detection and response (XDR) capabilities, organizational critical infrastructure access control, centralized device management, multi-factor authentication, centralized management of software updates, and remote data deletion on lost or stolen devices) are cyber and information security decision-makers the least aware of. We uncovered that awareness of certain threats and solutions is positively associated with either adoption of advanced antimalware solutions with EDR/XDR capabilities or adoption of SOC. Additionally, we identified significant organizational factors (organizational role type) and personal characteristics (gender, age, experience with information security and experience with information technology (IT)) related to cybersecurity awareness of cyber and information security decision-makers. Organization size and formal education were not significant. These results offer insights that can be leveraged in targeted cybersecurity training tailored to the needs of groups of cyber and information security decision-makers based on these key factors.

Best perioperative practices in the management of obstructive sleep apnea patients undergoing ambulatory surgery.

This review is timely due to the increasing prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among patients undergoing ambulatory surgery, necessitating updated perioperative management strategies to improve outcomes and reduce complications. Recent studies emphasize the importance of risk stratification using tools like STOP-Bang, highlighting the association between high-risk OSA and increased perioperative complications. Intraoperative management strategies, including the preference for regional anesthesia and careful monitoring of neuromuscular blockade, have been shown to mitigate risks. Postoperative protocols, particularly continuous monitoring, are crucial in preventing opioid-induced respiratory depression. Effective management of OSA in ambulatory surgery requires a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing preoperative screening, tailored intraoperative techniques, and vigilant postoperative monitoring. Implementing guidelines and protocols can significantly enhance patient safety and outcomes.

Review on Updated Management of Prurigo Nodularis (PN)

Background: Prurigo Nodularis (PN) presents as a challenging chronic dermatological condition characterized by intensely pruritic nodules on the skin, leading to significant morbidity. Despite its prevalence and impact on patients' quality of life, treatment options remain limited, necessitating evidence-based approaches to address this complex condition effectively. Objective: This study aims to provide an updated overview of evidence-based management strategies for PN, highlighting recent advancements in treatment modalities. Method: A systematic review of clinical studies on PN treatment was conducted by searching the PubMed and Scopus databases from January 1, 2001, to December 1, 2023. A total of 706 unique studies published in English were identified and screened for inclusion criteria. Only primary clinical studies investigating treatment strategies in PN patients were included, while case reports and series with fewer than five patients were excluded. Relevant publications were further supplemented by searching bibliographies for additional studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Results: The review identified significant advancements in evidence-based management strategies for PN, driven by a growing body of clinical research and therapeutic innovation. Pharmacological interventions targeting pruritus, inflammation, and lesion resolution have shown efficacy, including topical agents such as corticosteroids, emollients, Vitamin D3 analogues, tacrolimus creams, and systemic therapies like antihistamines, gabapentinoids, immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory agents, JAK inhibitors, retinoids, and sometimes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Additionally, emerging biological agents and non-pharmacological approaches, such as multidisciplinary interventions, have demonstrated promise in improving patient outcomes. Conclusion: Evidence-based management of PN represents a dynamic field with evolving treatment modalities. While challenges persist, including limited efficacy and safety concerns of certain treatments, recent developments in targeted therapies, systemic immunomodulators, and novel pharmacological approaches offer hope for improved patient care. Further research into genetic underpinnings and personalized therapies is warranted to address the heterogeneous nature of PN and enhance treatment efficacy and safety.

Assessing population viability and management strategies for species recovery of the critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot

AbstractRecovery of endangered species is challenging and lengthy, especially when it involves reintroduction and dynamic environmental conditions. Because managers often need to decide between many management strategies with uncertain outcomes, periodically assessing progress toward recovery using population viability analysis (PVA) can help guide decision‐making. We developed a PVA for the critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot (Amazona vittata) to evaluate current status and potential future management strategies to reach goals set in the Recovery Plan. Having grown from their nadir of 13 birds in 1976 to 686 in 2021, the recovery effort has made great progress. Using 15 years of data, we built an individual‐based PVA that included interactions between two captive and three wild populations connected via annual releases. If management continues as planned, the wild populations have no to moderate risks of extinction (0–32%) over the next 100 years. However, wild populations remain dependent on releases to sustain growth, and recovery targets for stable population growth and connectivity have not yet been reached. Our analysis suggests that hurricanes are an impediment to reaching recovery targets and impact some wild populations more than others based on geography. Projections with climate‐change‐induced higher hurricane impact resulted in wild populations being less likely to stabilize. We identified demographic rates and associated management strategies that could positively impact wild populations: increasing reproduction (e.g., via increasing artificial nests, improving nest success) and decreasing first‐year mortality (e.g., via targeted predator control). Based on our current understanding of Puerto Rican parrot demographics, species recovery will continue to be management‐dependent unless demographic rates can be altered. As more data are gathered, especially for data‐sparse populations and in the face of environmental change, future iterations of this model can re‐evaluate progress, update management strategies, and provide support for deciding if and when to delist this iconic species.

An Overview of Laryngologic Manifestations of Neurologic Diseases.

Patients with various neurological disorders often present with or manifest during their disease process laryngologic pathology that can lead to significant morbidity. Recognizing and treating this aspect of their disease may be crucial in optimizing patient outcome. We discuss updated information and management regarding various neurological disorders that affect the larynx and how these sequelae are diagnosed and treated. An understanding of the laryngologic manifestations of neurological disorders will facilitate management of these patient populations. Preventing and minimizing complications arising from these sequelae will improve quality of life and optimize patient outcomes.

Explore the Problems and Solutions in the Management of Financial Funds in Colleges and Universities

Financial capital management is an important guarantee to realize the normal operation of colleges and universities, and to improve the level of financial management is a key topic of research in colleges and universities. Therefore, some universities continue to improve and update management measures, hoping to improve the efficiency of the use of financial funds, reasonable allocation of capital resources. However, in the actual management stage of financial funds, there are still shortcomings, including the low utilization rate of funds, this paper carries out an analysis of this, describes the problems existing in the management of financial funds in colleges and universities, focuses on the analysis of solutions, in order to provide some suggestions for improving the quality of financial management in colleges and universities.

Genetic diversity of enteric viruses responsible of gastroenteritis in urban and rural Burkina Faso.

Viral gastrointestinal infections remain a major public health concern in developing countries. In Burkina Faso, there are very limited updated data on the circulating viruses and their genetic diversity. This study investigates the detection rates and characteristics of rotavirus A (RVA), norovirus (NoV), sapovirus (SaV) and human astrovirus (HAstV) in patients of all ages with acute gastrointestinal infection in urban and rural areas. From 2018 to 2021, stool samples from 1,295 patients with acute gastroenteritis were collected and screened for RVA, NoV, SaV and HAstV. Genotyping and phylogenetic analyses were performed on a subset of samples. At least one virus was detected in 34.1% of samples. NoV and SaV were predominant with detection rates of respectively 10.5 and 8.8%. We identified rare genotypes of NoV GII, RVA and HAstV, recombinant HAstV strains and a potential zoonotic RVA transmission event. We give an up-to-date epidemiological picture of enteric viruses in Burkina Faso, showing a decrease in prevalence but a high diversity of circulating strains. However, viral gastroenteritis remains a public health burden, particularly in pediatric settings. Our data advocate for the implementation of routine viral surveillance and updated management algorithms for diarrheal disease.

Implementing an Updated Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Management Order Set Focused on Patient Safety.

Patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal often receive care on inpatient mental health units. Registered nurses on one such unit had several concerns and questions about the existing alcohol withdrawal symptom management order set. To address these issues, a multidisciplinary team including nurses, psychiatrists, and pharmacists was formed. The aims for this project were to review and revise the existing order set, educate staff, implement the changes, and evaluate outcomes. The Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement framework guided the project. Five phases were completed to revise the order set and implement: a survey of nurses on the unit, community practice evaluation, and order set revisions. A simulation escape room facilitated nursing education. Patient records were reviewed to identify adverse events. Diazepam replaced lorazepam as the primary medication choice, and a front-loading protocol was added. Order set clarity was improved, education increased nursing staff confidence to competently complete a patient assessment with the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment Alcohol Scale Revised, and no adverse patient events occurred after implementation. A revised order set for symptom management of patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal reflected up-to-date evidence while maintaining patient safety. All nurses agreed the revised order set was clear and easy to follow; pharmacists and physicians were satisfied with the revisions. Implications for leaders include having a multidisciplinary team, sufficient resources to answer clinical questions, and regular discussions by all involved disciplines to review any adverse events as well as newly published evidence. Close monitoring of patients early in implementation is recommended to detect adverse events.

Implementing an Updated Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Management Order Set Focused on Patient Safety.

Implementing an Updated Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Management Order Set Focused on Patient Safety.

Guidance on assessing the potential impacts of selenium in freshwater ecosystems.

Despite decades of fate and effects studies, environmental selenium (Se) contamination and management remain an issue for many freshwater systems in North America. Several regulatory bodies have promulgated updated targets or management levels for Se; however, additional guidance on best practices for monitoring Se to protect freshwater aquatic life is warranted. In this article, we describe current approaches to assessing the ecological risks of Se in impaired freshwater systems and outline recommended methods for collecting and analyzing biological and abiotic samples and interpreting data. Because reproductive impairment of fish populations is most commonly used to determine the potential impacts of Se, several biological factors that could affect Se toxicity are explored, including diet, trophic positions, reproductive biology, body size and maturity, migratory movements, and use of seasonal habitats. Measuring Se concentrations in mature eggs is the most reliable metric for estimating potential reproductive impairment in fish populations because the range of toxicity thresholds is relatively narrow for all but a few tolerant fish species. In situations where collecting mature eggs is not feasible, we review the use of alternative fish tissue for estimating potential effects. Factors affecting Se uptake from freshwater are also considered with guidance on collecting abiotic (e.g., water and sediment) and biotic components of aquatic food webs (e.g., macroinvertebrates, biofilm). Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-16. © 2024 SETAC.

Alopecia: Updated management

Alopecia: Updated management

Update on thymic epithelial tumors: a narrative review.

Thymoma, thymic carcinoma and thymic neuroendocrine tumors originate from the epithelial cells of the thymus and account for the thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). Although TETs are uncommon, they are the most frequent tumor type in the anterior mediastinum. Multidisciplinary approach is essential for their correct management. The aim of the present review is to summarize the update management for TETs. For this review, we searched in Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE) and MEDLINE until 6 September 2023. The terms used in the search included thymoma, thymic carcinoma, thymic epithelial tumors, management, immunotherapy, multiple tyrosine kinases inhibitors. The therapeutic approach is based on histology and tumor stage and may involve surgery with or without neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment. In the metastatic setting, platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard of care and patients who do not respond to first-line treatment have limited treatment options mainly because of the poor efficacy shown in subsequent lines of therapy. Future research should focus on identifying predictive biomarkers for patients with TETs, and should implement multicenter collaborations and appropriate clinical trials tailored for rare tumor types. Immune check point inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitors have also been studied in this clinical setting.

Evaluation of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Brazilian Cities According to the Updated Waste Management Condition Index –ICGRA

Evaluation of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Brazilian Cities According to the Updated Waste Management Condition Index –ICGRA

Assistance of School Principals in Building Student Character at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Ummul Qur'an An-Nurani

The purpose of this research is to determine the assistance of teachers and school principals in student character education. Community service activities through the assistance of the head of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Ummul Qur'an An-Nurani Tembilahan can be carried out well according to plan. From the results of this mentoring activity, it can be concluded that the impact of this activity was a positive response from the principal, teachers, employees and students of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Ummul Qur'an An-Nurani Tembilahan. The students' character also improved because there were activities that provided students with additional knowledge about improving the character formation of students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Ummul Qur'an An-Nurani Tembilahan which was carried out well. Then, by creating a conducive madrasah atmosphere, students can feel at home in carrying out learning. For future improvements, there are several recommendations, namely that optimization of this program needs to be carried out to obtain maximum results, and the implementation of updated library management must continue.Keywords: Mentoring, Principal, Student Character.

A decentralized solid compound storage facility managed by a centralized electronic platform at a growing drug discovery company

Within a growing drug discovery company, scientists acquire (either through in house synthesis or purchase) then store, retrieve, and ship solid compound samples daily between multiple locations. The efficient management and tracking of this entire process to support drug discovery is a significant challenge. This article describes a decentralized and cost-effective inventory facility that simplifies the solid compound storage and retrieval process. Standardized storage cabinets from the market are utilized, providing a cost-effective physical infrastructure. The cabinets can be distributed across storage rooms at multiple sites and arranged into spaces with a variety of dimensions, allowing the system to be retrofitted into existing facilities and scaled up easily. We can provide storage close to work areas at each location, minimizing both unnecessary movement of staff and transportation of substances. We have applied a systematic barcoding method to the compound batch identifier that correlates with its compound location. This simplifies the compound registration process as well as the process of finding and returning compounds. Additionally, a centralized electronic platform has been employed to store, update and track solid compound information, such as properties, location and quantity. Compound shipment may be initiated from different sites, and a centralized electronic platform assists the information retrieval process, ensuring each location possesses up-to-date information. The electronic platform we present streamlines the management of compound registration, location tracking, weight updates and shipment information, facilitating seamless record sharing among all stakeholders. Every step of the process can be tracked in real time by the project team. The platform can be flexibly configured to adapt to an evolving set of storage locations, with all information and processes being audited.

A Qualitative Analysis of the Association of Treatment Outcomes, Psychosocial Factors, and Multimorbidity in Severe Hypertensive Patients Attending Health Institutions in Southeast Nigeria

Severe hypertension is associated with a two-fold increase in relative risk of death. Interventions to date fail to achieve sustained improvement in blood pressure, particularly in regional areas of high social disparity. Growing evidence points to multiple psychological, social and morbidity factors as contributors to the onset of and trajectory of hypertension. This study aims to examine the association of psychosocial factors and multimorbidity with response to treatment and treatment outcomes in the management of severe hypertensive patients providing updated knowledge and recommendations to improve their quality of care. We employed a hospital based comparative cross-sectional study using a quantitative and qualitative approach. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect information from 733 severe hypertensive patients attending cardiology clinics in two tertiary health institutions in southeastern Nigeria. Data collected was transcribed, coded, and analysed with IBM SPSS version 23 software with appropriate descriptive tools used in presenting findings. We observed a significant association between age of the respondents and their response to treatment. Overweight/obese respondents were 1.5times less likely to respond to treatment. These findings add to existing knowledge provoking thoughtful discussions among relevant public health actors and stakeholders to update management policies for severe hypertension.

Leukoplakia with Diverse Grades of Epithelial Dysplasia – A Case Series and Review of Literature with Updated Management Protocol

Oral leukoplakia is considered the most potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity, with a high risk of malignant transformation. Based on the clinical manifestation, it has been classified as a homogeneous and non-homogeneous variant. It has been considered predominantly a white lesion of the oral cavity that cannot be classified under any other definable lesions. Leukoplakia is a term used to describe the lesion clinically. There are various components responsible for the threatening change of oral leukoplakia. The clinical diagnosis of leukoplakia is confirmed by histopathology, which commonly indicates intense epithelial dysplasia. This manuscript describes a series of cases diagnosed clinically as leukoplakia and their grades of epithelial dysplasia, a Review of literature about etiology and the key pathogenesis behind it, risk determinants for malignant transformation, chair side investigation for epithelial dysplasia, and updated management protocol.

РОЛЬ ІННОВАЦІЙНОЇ СКЛАДОВОЇ РОЗВИТКУ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА В УМОВАХ КОНКУРЕНТНОГО СЕРЕДОВИЩА

The most significant source of the emergence and maintenance of competitive advantages of the enterprise is the use of updated scientific and technical products, which are the result of scientific, engineering, technological and intellectual activities of leading specialists. High competitiveness provides opportunities to earn profits sufficient to interest investors for further cooperation, which will ensure stable development of the enterprise. Thus, under the conditions of a dynamic competitive environment, the introduction of innovations is a necessary condition for maintaining high competitive positions of the enterprise. Based on the theory of "innovative development" developed by J. Schumpeter, the main emphasis in the article is on the need to introduce innovations into the production process, as an integral component of ensuring competitiveness on the market of the business entity. Thus, the modern market needs the active development of innovations materialized in updated technologies, products, organizational and management solutions. Innovative activity has several specific features: increased risk, unpredictability of results, delayed effectiveness (longterm nature of obtaining results), and at the same time, the potential for obtaining high profits. The formation of the company's innovative potential, as well as its implementation, is determined, to a greater extent, by the continuous interaction of a complex of factors and conditions that accelerate the innovation process, from the results of scientific research to the introduction of innovative technology, or the mass release of innovative products. The article explores such important categories as "innovation", "novation", "discovery", "invention" and "innovation" and outlines the clear differences between them. Different approaches of scientists to the category "innovative potential" are characterized. The choice of the most optimal method of assessing the innovation potential is of great importance, since such an indicator demonstrates the readiness of the enterprise to create an innovative product in the form of a scientific and technical sample and its use in practice, and also helps to assess how much the implementation of the innovation is economically justified. The methods of assessment of innovation potential proposed by various scientists, which are most widely used in practice, are considered.