Management Program Research Articles

Optimizing Corn Crop Protection: The First Sampling Plan for Controlling Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae).

Corn (Zea mays) is the most widely planted crop in the world. Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is currently a primary corn pest. The starting point for the development of pest control decision-making systems is the determination of a conventional sampling plan. Therefore, this study aimed to determine a practical conventional sampling plan for D. maidis in corn crops. Insect density was evaluated in 28 commercial fields. Subsequently, D. maidis densities were sampled from fields ranging from 1 to 100 ha. Insect density conformed to a negative binomial distribution in 89.29% of the fields. The insect densities determined using the sampling plan had a low error rate (up to 15%). Sampling time and costs ranged from 2.06 to 39.45 min/ha and 0.09 to 1.81 USD/ha for fields of 1-100 ha, respectively. These results provide the first precise and representative conventional sampling plan for scouting D. maidis adults grown in corn fields. Therefore, the conventional sampling plan for D. maidis determined in this study is practical and can be incorporated into integrated pest management programs for corn crops owing to its representativeness, precision, speed, and low cost.

Achieving Adherence to Positive Airway Pressure in Commercial Drivers using an Employer-mandated Remote Management Program

Achieving Adherence to Positive Airway Pressure in Commercial Drivers using an Employer-mandated Remote Management Program

A Systematic Review of Telehealth Utilization for Bowel Management Programs in Pediatric Colorectal Surgery.

Recent advancements in pediatric surgery have embraced telehealth (TH) modalities, transitioning from traditional in-person consultations to virtual care. This shift has broadened access to healthcare, potentially enhancing affordability, patient and caregiver satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. In pediatric colorectal surgery, telehealth has been effectively utilized to support Bowel Management Programs (BMPs) for children suffering from constipation and fecal incontinence. A systematic review was conducted to assess the effectiveness of virtual BMPs, analyzing studies from January 2010 to December 2023, sourced from MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, and the Cochrane Library, with five studies included. Remote BMPs, implemented through video or telephone consultations, reported satisfaction rates exceeding 75% among families, indicating a strong preference for virtual interactions over traditional visits. Significant findings from the studies include improvements in Vancouver and Baylor scores, reductions in the duration of multidisciplinary consultations, enhancements in pediatric quality of life and Cleveland scores, and decreased frequency of laxative treatments. The implementation of TH has facilitated patient-led care, enabling timely adjustments in treatment and efficient distribution of medical supplies. The findings suggest that virtual BMPs are a viable and effective alternative to conventional approaches, yielding high caregiver satisfaction and superior clinical outcomes while promoting patient independence.

A pool-based electricity retail markets integrating renewable energy sources and electric vehicles in the presence of demand response program and conditional value at risk to enhance energy security

In restructured power systems, energy security has become a critical concern, driven by changes in laws and regulations and underscored by a defensive approach implemented by the independent system operator. This alignment highlights a strong interdependence between energy security, energy supply, and the economic aspects of energy management. The paper explores how consumers energy supply in restructured systems can be managed through Demand-Side Management (DSM) and Demand Response (DR) programs, considering economic efficiency and risk in scenarios that include Renewable Energy Sources (RES), suitable storage systems, and electric vehicles (EVs). An energy security index is introduced to evaluate the impact of DR programs on both electrical and thermal energy, considering the economic risks involved. A hybrid pool-based electricity retail market approach is utilized to optimize energy security, supply, and consumption. The significant roles of RES, storage systems, and EVs are highlighted in this context. Economic and environmental optimization is achieved using the Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) method, facilitating strategic decision-making under varied risk conditions. The energy supply security is further analyzed in the presence of electricity market retailers, exploring different pricing strategies. A Mixed-Integer Programming (MIP) model, implemented in GAMS software with the CONOPT solver, is used to examine pricing methods such as Time-of-Use (TOU) and real-time pricing. Findings reveal that DR programs lead to substantial increases in retailer profit and energy supply security value, with real-time pricing showing a significant 23.5 % increase in energy supply security value and a 24.5 % increase in retailer profit compared to fixed tariff pricing.

Inconsistent reproductive cycles and postnatal growth between captive and wild Chinese pangolins and its conservation implications

Captive breeding and reintroduction are crucial to the conservation of endangered species and restoring their populations in the wild. Previous research has primarily focused on behavioral changes and adaptations in captive-bred animals prior to release; few studies have examined changes in reproductive traits and postnatal development in captivity. The Chinese pangolin, Manis pentadactyla, is Critically Endangered because its population has substantially declined in the wild due to poaching for sale in the traditional medicine and luxury food markets. Nevertheless, success in captive breeding in Taiwan may provide a pathway to the recovery of wild populations. This study combined records on captive individuals and field observations on wild Chinese pangolins over a period from 1997 to 2023 to determine (i) mating season, (ii) birth timing, (iii) body mass and total length of newborns, and (iv) postnatal growth patterns prior to weaning. The present study suggests that mating and birth timings for captive Chinese pangolins are not seasonal, as they are in the wild. Captive-born infants are significantly longer and heavier at birth than wild-born infants. Remarkably, captive-born pangolins also experience more rapid weight gain, nearly doubling in size compared with their wild counterparts by 25 weeks of age, even before they are weaned. This rapid growth is likely attributable to the high nutritional content of captive diets. This study suggests artificial feed formulas should be aligned more closely with wild pangolins’ diets to reduce the risk of obesity. Additionally, reproductive parameters and postnatal growth rates in Chinese pangolins cannot be based on observations of captive individuals alone; wild populations must also be considered. We conclude that Chinese pangolins exhibit physiological flexibility in reproduction and growth in response to environmental changes, providing insights for captive pangolin management and reintroduction programs.

Investigating motivations to eat: Refining and validating a framework of Eating Behaviour Traits in dieters and the general population

Due to relationships between diet and health including obesity, there is a need to examine the explanatory power of factors that motivate people to (over or under) eat. In a previous investigation, a four-factor subscale-based model of eating behaviour traits (EBTs) was developed which identified individual differences in psychological factors influencing motivations to eat and some residual uncertainties. The current study used a data-driven and theory-driven approach, including individual items to refine and extend previous EBT models. The aim was to examine and validate the domain structure of a framework for EBTs. The analysis used two samples including a representative sample of the UK population (n = 2010, 51% female, 49% male, 18–88 years), and members of a weight management program (n = 2317, 96.6% female, 2.8% male, 21–84 years), who completed 5 questionnaires including 10 EBTs. The results found some support for a 6-factor model, encompassing reactive eating, negative emotional eating, positive emotional eating, restricted eating, homeostatic eating, and body-food choice congruence (data-driven model) or eating for health (theory-driven model). There were differences between the data-driven model and the theory-driven model regarding the 6th factor. Additionally, the data-driven model did not distinguish between eating for pleasure and reactive eating. The models demonstrated that the eating behaviour factors were significantly associated with BMI category. Overall, this research contributes to a more structured understanding of the dimensions of motivation underlying EBTs, emphasising the utility of this framework for identifying at-risk individuals and tailoring interventions to meet specific individual needs.

Implementation Based Strategy Management School in Enhancement Quality of Education at Leading State Elementary School 1 Morotai Island

Research purposes This is, to know implethe mentation Management Based School (MBS) in DN Unggulan 1 Pulau Morotai. Type of research used is qualitative descriptive. Data collection using source of primary data obtained through interviews, observations and documentation. Analysis of the data that is with data collection, data reduction , data display, and retrieval conclusion . Research result show that the implementation of MBS has been implemented Superior Elementary School 1 Morotai Island with do three movement inspirational namely (1) Management program school open with do approach with committee and parents students , and (2) SIMAK program or Synergy Interaction Monitoring Active Classroom Learning .​ With the existence of an MBS program is expected can realize objective education in a way effective and efficient.

Immature development and adult longevity of the soybean tentiform leafminer (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae).

The leaf-mining microlepidopteran, Macrosaccus morrisella (Fitch) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), has emerged as a new pest of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill (Fabales: Fabaceae), in Canada and the United States, but little is known about its life history traits. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the immature developmental rate of M. morrisella, from egg to adult emergence, on soybean at different temperatures, and the longevity of adults supplied with water and/or honey at different temperatures. The time to 50% emergence of adults was 71.90, 36.33, 24.62, and 17.83 days at 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C, respectively. The lower developmental threshold of M. morrisella was estimated at 8.96 °C, with 425.04 degree-days required for egg-to-adult development. For adult longevity, time to 50% mortality at 25 °C was 15.00, 4.00, and 2.00 days when adults were provided with 25% (v/v) honey-water solution, water, or nothing, respectively. In a follow-up experiment, time to 50% mortality at 25 °C was 24.00, 6.00, 3.00, and 3.00 days when adults were provided with honey and water (offered separately), honey, water, or nothing, respectively, with a synergistic effect when honey and water were offered simultaneously as opposed to honey or water alone. Finally, when fed 25% (v/v) honey-water solution and maintained at 20, 25, and 30 °C, time to 50% mortality of adults was 26.50, 15.00, and 15.00 days. These results inform the understanding of the basic biology of M. morrisella and will help inform the future development of management programs for this insect in soybean.

Cognitive influencing factors of ICU nurses on enteral nutrition interruption: a mixed methods study

BackgroundThe incidence of clinically avoidable enteral nutrition interruptions is high. ICU nurses, as the implementers and monitors of enteral nutrition, have a close relationship between their cognitive level of enteral nutrition interruption and the incidence of enteral nutrition interruption. The level of ICU nurses’ cognition of enteral nutrition interruption and the key factors influencing the level of ICU nurses’ cognition of enteral nutrition interruption are not known.ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the cognitive level of ICU nurses on enteral nutrition interruption and delve into the key factors that affect their cognitive level from the perspective of management.DesignA sequential explanatory mixed methods research design was used.MethodsWith the convenience sampling method, an online survey questionnaire was distributed to ICU nurses in Chongqing, and 336 valid questionnaires were collected. After the survey, ICU managers were invited to participate in qualitative interviews, in which 10 participants from five hospitals completed face-to-face individual semi-structured interviews and were analyzed with thematic analysis.ResultsThe survey found that ICU nurses had a good level of cognition towards enteral nutrition interruption but poor knowledge about the definition, causes, and consequences of enteral nutrition interruption, as well as negative attitudes toward active learning, assessment, and communication. And the longer work time in the ICU, joining the nutrition team, receiving systematic training, and acquiring relevant knowledge from academic journals more frequently were favorable to improving ICU nurses’ knowledge level of enteral nutrition interruption. Personal interviews further identified the key factors affecting their cognitive level, including (1) lack of knowledge, (2) lack of proactive thinking, (3) lack of enteral nutrition management programs, and (4) lack of quality management tools for enteral nutrition interruption.ConclusionAlthough ICU nurses demonstrate a relatively high level of cognition, there is still room for improvement. ICU administrators must take specific measures to improve the knowledge of ICU nurses, especially in non-tertiary hospitals, in order to prevent nurse-induced enteral nutrition interruption in all ICUs and improve medical quality.Trial registrationNot applicable.

The Lived Experiences of Paternal Parents as Primary Caregivers in Raising Children with Developmental Disabilities

This study delves into the lived experiences of paternal parents raising children with developmental disabilities within the City of Cabuyao Laguna. It aims to comprehend their unique challenges, explore how the distress of raising a child with developmental disabilities is manifested in them, and identify their coping strategies. Eight (8) paternal parents, acting as primary caregivers for children with Autism, Down syndrome, and Intellectual disability who were also reported to experience significant stress, were interviewed. The study used a Parental Stress Scale and interviews to collect data. By using a phenomenological research approach, three main themes emerged through thematic analysis: (1) Navigating Parenting Challenges and Sacrifices; under this theme are the subthemes: (1.1) lifestyles, (1.2) financial issues, and (1.3) social stigma. (2) Holistic Well-being Under Stress, its subthemes are (2.1) physical manifestation, (2.2) emotional impact, and (2.3) impact on the body. (3) Balancing Approach to Personal Development and Well-being, under this main theme are these subthemes: (3.1) coping and fostering resilience, (3.2) positive mindset in maintaining children’s growth and well-being, (3.3) engaging diverse activities. The study recommends a Stress Management Program for Paternal Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities, which aims to support paternal parents in raising children with developmental disabilities by providing them with essential stress management tools and fostering a supportive community. Throughout the 5-week program, participants will engage in interactive sessions focused on understanding stress, exploring coping strategies, strengthening physical health, enhancing parent-child interactions, building support networks, and accessing resources for ongoing support.

Genomic Consequences of Isolation and Inbreeding in an Island Dingo Population.

Dingoes come from an ancient canid lineage that originated in East Asia around 8,000 to 11,000 years BP. As Australia's largest terrestrial predator, dingoes play an important ecological role. A small, protected population exists on a world heritage listed offshore island, K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). Concern regarding the persistence of dingoes on K'gari has risen due to their low genetic diversity and elevated inbreeding levels. However, whole-genome sequence data is lacking from this population. Here, we include five new whole-genome sequences of K'gari dingoes. We analyze a total of 18 whole-genome sequences of dingoes sampled from mainland Australia and K'gari to assess the genomic consequences of their demographic histories. Long (>1 Mb) runs of homozygosity (ROHs)-indicators of inbreeding-are elevated in all sampled dingoes. However, K'gari dingoes showed significantly higher levels of very long ROH (>5 Mb), providing genomic evidence for small population size, isolation, inbreeding, and a strong founder effect. Our results suggest that, despite current levels of inbreeding, the K'gari population is purging strongly deleterious mutations, which, in the absence of further reductions in population size, may facilitate the persistence of small populations despite low genetic diversity and isolation. However, there may be little to no purging of mildly deleterious alleles, which may have important long-term consequences, and should be considered by conservation and management programs.

Do inexperienced nurses in the lactation period experience workplace violence? A qualitative study.

Among clinical healthcare personnel, nurses face the highest proportion of workplace violence, which has a significant impact on their physical and mental well-being as well as their personal and professional lives. However, little is known about the effects of workplace violence on inexperienced breastfeeding nurses and their experiences during and after breastfeeding when they return to work. This study aimed to explore the experiences of inexperienced breastfeeding nurses who encountered workplace violence and its resulting impacts. This study employed a descriptive qualitative design. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 nurses working in various positions and departments at three tertiary hospitals. Purposive and maximum variation sampling techniques were employed. The interview data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method, and the research findings were reported according to Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ)standards. Inferences regarding workplace violence and risks for inexperienced breastfeeding nurses included physical labor (such as lifting heavy objects and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation), conflicts, inadequate job skills, role confusion, occupational exposure risks, patient violence, and pressure from older adults. An inductive thematic investigation revealed the "Challenges faced during breastfeeding," "Conflicting professional and family roles," "Out of balance," and "Coping strategies." Inexperienced breastfeeding nurses experience several negative consequences due to workplace violence. Therefore, it is essential to plan and implement preventive strategies and management programs that specifically target workplace violence among inexperienced breastfeeding nurses.

Air pollution over southern Africa: Impact on the regional environment and public health implication

Air pollution is one of the problems in many countries posing serious challenges the world is facing today. This is a global public health and environmental issue with multiple facets; it affects all aspects -human health, development, economy, land use and the environment. Although industrial revolution has been a great advancement in human life in terms of technology, societal development, creation and provision of multiple services, it has also resulted in the production of large quantities of unpleasant substances the atmosphere. It is no doubt that worldwide urbanization and industrialization are escalating at a high rate and reaching unprecedented proportions in many countries. In this article, we revisit the state of air pollution over southern Africa and assess the extent to which this can impact on the regional environment. The study is qualitative but also employs a blend of quantitative and qualitative evidence on the status of Air Quality (AQ) over southern Africa. The subcontinent is now a significant source of atmospheric and environmental pollution, having transformed from a rural to one of the more developing regions in the world. There is an influx of particulate and gas pollution from both local and remote sources. Prominent hotspots can be observed on satellites for Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Particulate Matter (PM) and Biomass Burning (BB) emissions around active areas. Depending on the nature of pollutant generation and amount, there are often differing levels of exposure to certain toxic elements, some of which are more harmful to human life. Increase in seasonal/annual pollution, in accordance with continued human development and industrial revolution can have a dire effect on the region, especially considering the growing African population. Comprehensive long-term AQ management programs are therefore needed to ensure that tolerable pollution levels are not exceeded, and that population exposure is taken care of.

Perioperative Craniotomy Excision of Dextra Subtemporal Tumor with Thiopental, Sufentanyl and Invasive Monitor

Intracranial masses can arise from a variety of aetiologies, including congenital, neoplastic, infectious, or vascular processes, each requiring distinct diagnostic and management considerations. Establishing the presence or absence of intracranial hypertension is a critical component of the preoperative evaluation for patients undergoing craniotomy for mass lesions. Hemodynamic is an examination of the physical aspects of blood circulation, cardiac function and physiological characteristics of peripheral vasculature. A 74 year old man was admitted to the hospital because of cephalgia, and left limb weakness. Previously, the patient often felt headaches that came and went since six months ago. Three days before being admitted, the patient felt weak in his left limb and experienced decreasing in consciousness. The patient was given thiopental because the onset of action of thiopental was very short. Administration of intravenous doses of thiopental can cause cerebral vasoconstriction. Sufentanil was administered as an analgesic, because sufentanil is an opioid that has a rapid onset and analgesic potential, compared to fentanyl, intravenous and sufentanil is 5–10 times stronger. This efficacy to maintain adequate cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), reduce cerebral blood flow (CBF), maintain normal autoregulation, reduce cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO2). Arterial cannulation with continuous transduction is considered the gold standard for blood pressure monitoring during anaesthetic procedures. Rapid fluctuations in blood pressure can occur due to patient positioning, surgical manipulation, and the effects of anaesthetics drugs, and close monitoring of these changes is crucial for maintaining hemodynamic stability. The impact of anaesthetic management on CBF is also an integral component of neuroanesthesia, as increases in CBF are associated with increases in cerebral blood volume (CBV). An effective neuro-anesthesia management program that incorporates both invasive blood pressure monitoring and optimization of cerebral perfusion that can help preserving hemodynamic stability and improving outcomes for patients undergoing craniotomy surgery

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON ADAPTATION OF FARMERS IN NORTH WEST REGIONS OF HERAT PROVINCE

Agriculture and Climate are mutually dependent. There is a need to understand the effect of climate change on agricultural sector both at global and as well as at regional level. The present study was conducted in 2020, to know the effects of climate change on farmers’ adaptation. Ex post facto research design applied for this research. Pre prepared questionnaires have been distributed to120 respondents in three districts of north - west regions of Herat province and analyzed with the help of suitable statistical tests and the findings showed that, all farmers opined that, wheat’s varieties were changed from long duration to short duration, time of planting, switching over to other crops was observed among farmers. Spacing between the rows/plants, quantity of seeds used and quantity of organic fertilizer application were increased after 2010. The major constraint to initiate adaptation measures was; difficult to work in the field due to severe temperature and the important suggestion to mitigate the ill effects of climate change was; planning to control and store rainwater through the implementation of watershed management program. Based on the results of this study, it is hoped that appropriate strategies/ measures can be worked out to create awareness and learning mechanisms to enable farmers to handle their situations better.

QUANTIFYING THE IMPACT OF TRAFFIC-RELATED EMISSIONS ON AIR QUALITY IN KANO CITY, NIGERIA

The aim of this study is to assess the concentration of traffic related air pollutants at some major traffic junctions in Kano metropolis, it comprised of carrying traffic count in the vicinities so as ascertain the sources of the pollution and identify the level of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), Sulphur dioxide (SO 2) for a period of six weeks. Traffic density was estimated via manual counting using tally sheet system. Crowcon gasman to air samplers ware used to measure the concentrations of gases emitted into the atmosphere at the selected locations. A total of 126 samples of air quality measurements were taken out for three hours, with each hour devoted to morning, afternoon and evening peak periods. Results obtained were compared with National Environmental Standard and Regulatory Enforcement Agency (NESREA) guideline limits. Data were analysed using statistical package IBM SPSS version 16.0 to compute descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression analysis and one sample t-test. There was a correlation between CO, NO 2, SO 2 and traffic volume in the entire junctions, and most of the correlation obtained may be attributed to the high vehicular volume in the traffic jam. The result of this indicated that the mean concentration of CO, NO 2 and SO 2 emission at Kabuga, Kofar ruwa, Hotoro NNPC and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital traffic junctions, gaseous emissions were within NESREA guideline limit for ambient conditions, except for CO concentration of 14.43 and 13.60 ppm at Bata and Kantin Kwari intersections were found to be much higher when compared with the NESREA guideline limits, respectively. This implies that transport-related pollution around Bata and Kantin Kwari is apparently unsafe. Similarly, it is likely that air quality will continue to deteriorate as the city continues to grow. Therefore, there is need for government to institute and enforce traffic emission control and air quality management programs as a priority. They should also work to prevent further environmental degradation by adopting effective policy in Nigeria.

Optimal dosage ranges of various exercise types for enhancing timed up and go performance in Parkinson's disease patients: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.

To examine the dose-response relationship between specific types of exercise for alleviating Timed up and Go (TUG) in Parkinson's disease PD. Systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception until February 5th, 2024. Data analysis was conducted using R software with the MBNMA package. Effect sizes of outcome indicators were expressed as mean deviation (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CrI). The risk of bias in the network was evaluated independently by two reviewers using ROB2. A total of 73 studies involving 3,354 PD patients. The text discusses dose-response relationships in improving TUG performance among PD patients across various exercise types. Notably, Aquatic (AQE), Mix Exercise (Mul_C), Sensory Exercise (SE), and Resistance Training (RT) demonstrate effective dose ranges, with AQE optimal at 1500 METs-min/week (MD: -8.359, 95% CI: -1.398 to -2.648), Mul_C at 1000 METs-min/week (MD: -4.551, 95% CI: -8.083 to -0.946), SE at 1200 METs-min/week (MD: -5.145, 95% CI: -9.643 to -0.472), and RT at 610 METs-min/week (MD: -2.187, 95% CI: -3.161 to -1.278), respectively. However, no effective doses are found for Aerobic Exercise (AE), Balance Gait Training (BGT), Dance, and Treadmill Training (TT). Mind-body exercise (MBE) shows promise with an effective range of 130 to 750 METs-min/week and an optimal dose of 750 METs-min/week (MD: -2.822, 95% CI: -4.604 to -0.996). According to the GRADE system, the included studies' overall quality of the evidence was identified moderate level. This study identifies specific exercise modalities and dosages that significantly enhance TUG performance in PD patients. AQE emerges as the most effective modality, with an optimal dosage of 1,500 METs-min/week. MBE shows significant benefits at lower dosages, catering to patients with varying exercise capacities. RT exhibits a nuanced "U-shaped" dose-response relationship, suggesting an optimal range balancing efficacy and the risk of overtraining. These findings advocate for tailored exercise programs in PD management, emphasizing personalized prescriptions to maximize outcomes.Systematic Review Registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42024506968).

Automated traffic sign change detection using low-cost LiDAR scans and unsupervised machine learning

ABSTRACT Current practices in traffic sign monitoring heavily rely on manual inspections, a method that is both time-consuming and prone to human error. This leads to inefficiencies in the management and maintenance of these critical roadside assets. The objective of this work is to overcome these limitations by proposing a method for automated change detection in traffic signs using low-density LiDAR data. The proposed solution integrates noise elimination, point cloud restructuring, and cross-scan KD-tree generation, followed by the application of unsupervised machine learning techniques for change identification. The effectiveness of this method was verified by testing across three different highways with varying point cloud resolutions. For robust testing, an algorithm was also designed to simulate a broad range of different damage scenarios in traffic signs of different types, sizes, and placements. Testing in different scenarios along almost 15 km of the road revealed impressive results with accuracy and F1 score metrics ranging from 92% to 100%. Moreover, the algorithm was also extremely efficient with an average runtime of just 115” per km of fully automated unattended processing. The change detection potential of the proposed algorithm extends beyond traffic signs, as it could be adapted for many highway elements, enhancing the efficiency of transportation asset management and highway maintenance programmes. The findings indicate that this approach not only fills a significant gap in the current traffic sign monitoring and asset management practice but also offers a promising, comprehensive solution towards automated, cost-effective, and precise monitoring and maintenance of traffic signs, thus addressing a major challenge in this area.

Effectiveness of an online text-based stress management program for employees who work in micro- and small-sized enterprises: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInternet psychoeducational interventions improve employees' mental health. However, implementing them for employees in micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) is challenging. ObjectivesThis randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of a fully automated text-based stress management program, “WellBe-LINE,” in improving mental health and job-related outcomes for employees in workplaces with fewer than 50 employees. MethodsThe program was developed based on stakeholder interviews and surveys of 1000 employees at MSEs. Adult full-time employees at an enterprise with fewer than 50 employees were recruited from registered members of a web survey company in Japan. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group (1:1). Participants in the intervention group were invited to register for the program using the LINE app. Psychological distress measured by Kessler 6 (K6) was a primary outcome, with self-administrated questionnaires at baseline, 2-month (post), and 6-month follow-ups. A mixed model for repeated measures conditional growth model analysis was conducted using a group ∗ time interaction as an intervention effect. Implementation outcomes were measured through implementation outcome scales for digital mental health (iOSDMH). Results1021 employees were included in this study. No significant effects were shown in any outcome. The reported implementation outcomes were positively evaluated, with 80 % acceptability, 86 % appropriateness, and feasibility (ease of understanding the contents [88 %], frequency [86 %], and length of content [86 %]). ConclusionsA simple text-message program for employees at MESs was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible; however, it did not result in improved mental health or job-related outcomes. Trial registrationUMIN clinical trial registration: UMIN000050624 (registration date: March 18, 2023).

A study on fire risk and its mitigation in gravure printing press

The gravure printing process is widely utilized for large-scale, high-quality, multi-colored printing tasks executed at high press speeds. This includes a diverse range of products such as art books, greeting cards, currency, stamps, wallpaper, magazines, and more. This thesis addresses the fire risks associated with gravure printing, acknowledging the use of highly flammable materials and the potential for static charge-related incidents. Despite its prevalence, there is limited research on fire prevention and control in gravure printing. The study employs field observations, stakeholder interviews, and an extensive review of literature on fire risk and control in printing press operations in India. It analyzes the causes of fires using the fire triangle model, emphasizing the role of heat, combustible materials, and oxygen in fire incidents within the printing press environment. The thesis categorizes preventive measures into fire prevention and fire suppression actions, focusing on reducing fire load, static charge mitigation, and implementing firefighting systems. It observes that poor housekeeping, lack of awareness, and inadequate emergency control plans contribute significantly to fire hazards in press facilities. Additionally, the research identifies key factors such as high press temperatures, low humidity, improper storage, and inadequacies in firefighting systems as potential causes of fires. It emphasizes the need for optimal environmental conditions, proper storage practices, and effective firefighting infrastructure within press facilities. The study concludes with comprehensive guidelines for loss prevention and control, including management programs, housekeeping, operator training, pre-emergency planning, preventive maintenance, and plant security. It also addresses safety measures specific to gravure printing presses, such as automatic sprinkler systems, fire hydrant system, carbon dioxide flooding systems, and portable fire extinguishers. In summary, this thesis provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of fire risks in gravure printing presses and recommends a holistic approach for effective fire prevention and control.