Management Tool Research Articles

Personnel Training for Common Facility Management Issues in Thermal-Energy-Storage Chiller Plant using a Serious 3D Game

Background This study introduces an innovative personnel training method for facility management and maintenance of Thermal-Energy-Storage (TES) chiller plants using a serious 3D game. Training games can improve the decision-making of personnel where they can learn to deal with management of TES chiller plants in the context of this study in an active learning approach. Intervention The research aims to investigate the effectiveness of an immersive learning experience with computerized simulation and synthetic task environments as a training game for facility managers. The serious 3D game adopts a first-person perspective, allowing players to assume the role of a facility manager and actively learn how to address maintenance issues commonly encountered in chiller plants. Methods The study implemented a first-person-based serious 3D game centered around a TES chiller plant. Participants, in the role of facility managers, engaged with the game and followed instructions to gain practical knowledge in managing maintenance issues within a controlled and simulated setting. Results The findings demonstrate increased engagement and interest among personnel when learning how to manage chiller plant issues within a serious 3D game environment. Notably, personnel experienced reduced pressure compared to real-life scenarios, as they navigated the challenges without the presence of a supervisor. Limitations The study’s limitations include a higher proportion of male participants in the qualitative content analysis, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the absence of a control group limits the ability to make direct comparisons with traditional training methods. Conclusion The results suggest that serious 3D games hold potential as an effective training tool for facility management and maintenance personnel. By engaging in active training within simulated and synthetic task environments, personnel can enhance their skills and decision-making capabilities. However, further research with a more diverse participant sample and a control group is warranted to fully evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative personnel training approach.

Towards strengthening resilience of organizations by risk management tools: A scientometric perspective on COVID‐19 experience in a healthcare and industrial setting

AbstractDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, the healthcare system and the global supply chain were exposed to an unpredicted event, which increased awareness about the need of more effective strategies to support decision‐making process and to empower safety barriers. In this work, a combined scientometric and systematic review was performed to analyze tools and methodologies able to combine resilience with more traditional risk assessment, learning from the experience posed by the COVID‐19 crisis. Bibliometric and literature content analyses were carried out focusing on resilience management upon the incoming of an unexpected event. The systematic analysis of the methods and models developed on the basis of different pandemic waves provides a natural guide for future research development.

Avoiding food waste from restaurant tickets: a big data management tool

PurposeThis study aims to address the global food waste problem in restaurants by analyzing customer sales information provided by restaurant tickets to gain valuable insights into directing sales of perishable products and optimizing product purchases according to customer demand.Design/methodology/approachA system based on unsupervised machine learning (ML) data models was created to provide a simple and interpretable management tool. This system performs analysis based on two elements: first, it consolidates and visualizes mutual and nontrivial relationships between information features extracted from tickets using multicomponent analysis, bootstrap resampling and ML domain description. Second, it presents statistically relevant relationships in color-coded tables that provide food waste-related recommendations to restaurant managers.FindingsThe study identified relationships between products and customer sales in specific months. Other ticket elements have been related, such as products with days, hours or functional areas and products with products (cross-selling). Big data (BD) technology helped analyze restaurant tickets and obtain information on product sales behavior.Research limitations/implicationsThis study addresses food waste in restaurants using BD and unsupervised ML models. Despite limitations in ticket information and lack of product detail, it opens up research opportunities in relationship analysis, cross-selling, productivity and deep learning applications.Originality/valueThe value and originality of this work lie in the application of BD and unsupervised ML technologies to analyze restaurant tickets and obtain information on product sales behavior. Better sales projection can adjust product purchases to customer demand, reducing food waste and optimizing profits.

Development and evaluation of a novel single nucleotide polymorphism panel for North American bison.

Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping platforms have become increasingly popular in characterizing livestock and wildlife populations, replacing traditional methods such as microsatellite fragment analysis. Herein, we report the development and evaluation of a novel bison SNP panel for population management and conservation. Initially, 2474 autosomal SNPs were selected from existing bison whole-genome sequences and variable sites among bison on the GGSP bovine 50K Chip, based on minor allele frequency, data completeness, and chromosome location. Additionally, 20 mitochondrial SNPs were chosen to identify known mitochondrial haplotypes in bison according to previous research. The SNPs were further evaluated using genotyping-by-sequencing with 190 bison, representing the historical lineages that survived the major population crash of the late 1800s. Variants with high potential for genotyping error were filtered out, and the remaining SNPs were placed on a custom Illumina™ array. The final panel consisting of 798 autosomal and 13 mitochondrial SNPs was used to establish baseline genetic parameters, compare populations, and assign mitochondrial haplotypes in 995 bison across ten populations. These SNPs were also found to be highly informative for individual animal identification and parentage assignment. This SNP panel provides a powerful new method to establish a baseline for estimating genetic health of bison populations and a new tool for bison managers to make informed management decisions based on genetic information specific to their populations.

Controverted Elections, Electoral Controversy and the Scottish Privy Council, 1689–1708*

AbstractBoth the privy council and elections in early modern Scotland are understudied. The council itself has largely been described as a tool for crown management of elections. But it was fundamentally a court and standing committee charged with government administration, which was often supplicated to deal with cases of electoral impropriety and controversy. As elections became increasingly contested throughout the later 17th century, so the council's role developed into a form of elections committee which adjudicated over controverted elections. This, in some ways, reflected the business conducted by parliament's own elections committee, although the council was largely concerned with elections in the royal burghs while it also dealt with other electoral issues. This article explores the privy council's engagement in a complex range of electoral business between the Revolution of 1689 and its abolition in 1708.

Этические аспекты, проблемы безопасности кардиохирургического вмешательства и предикция неблагоприятных событий

In cardiac surgery, patient’s awareness and consent to surgery are problematic as due to the lack of previous medical background a patient can’t understand the processes occurring in the body and effects of exposure on them. Thus, provision of sufficient information by a doctor is a part of safe surgical strategy. An open randomized prospective trial involving 89 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) was conducted. High rate of blood oxidation is believed to be an independent predictor of cognitive dysfunction development during the early postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Determination of blood oxidation rate is a tool of risk management during cardiac surgery starting from the stage of preoperative preparation, which is optimal to implement a safe strategy, including psychological and drug-induced support of the patient aimed at prevention of cognitive disturbances.

The Role of Innovative Work Behavior, Teamwork Climate, and Information Sharing in Enhancing the Innovative Performance of Energy Companies

This paper aims to test a positive relationship between managers' support for innovative work behavior (IWB) and innovative performance (IP) of energy companies (EC), mediated by information sharing (IS) and teamwork climate (TWC).
 The sample consisted of 235 EC in Slovakia. Data analysis was carried out using the PLS-SEM method.
 The results show that support for IWB can be considered as a predictor of IP, as managerial support for employees' innovative behavior (IB) has a positive effect on firms' IP. However, its effect may be enhanced by the interaction of other factors. Transparency of communication and support for teamwork (TW) have positive effects on overall IP. Sharing information with employees and fostering a climate of TW become important tools for innovative management. Neither the manager's seniority nor the manager's age has a significant effect on the relationship examined.
 Keywords: innovative performance of energy companies; innovative work behavior; information sharing; teamwork climate; management of energy companies

A new lean tool for design management: design cost deployment

The design process wields substantial influence across various dimensions in product’s life cycle, encompassing functionality, manufacturability, assembly, safety and numerous other facets. Consequently, it represents a significant contributor to the product’s overall cost. Enhancing the design process translates into accessing diverse opportunities within an ever-competitive market landscape. This paper introduces a novel lean framework explicitly that pinpoints and eradicates losses occurring during the design phases using an Overall Design Effectiveness (ODE) metric that assesses the performance of a company’s technical department. Our Design Cost Deployment (DCD) lean toolkit then identifies, analyses and eliminates design-related losses. The DCD implementation involves five core steps, each necessitating a purpose-built matrix for loss detection, cause–effect relationship investigation, cost quantification related to losses and guidance for decision-making in the context of improvements. This framework was tested in a real-world industrial scenario, involving a mechanical manufacturing company and was both to use straightforward and effective in its results.

Stability assessment of forestry plant power system based on improved long short-term memory network

The stability assessment of forestry power system plays a vital role in many aspects. First of all, the stability of the power system is directly related to the production efficiency, employee safety and environmental sustainability of the factory. If the power system is unstable, it may cause power outage or power fluctuations, which will interrupt the production and turn the production line, which will lead to a reduction in production capacity and the increase in production costs. In addition, the stability of the power system is directly related to the security of employees. Sudden power failure or voltage fluctuations may cause improper equipment operation, and may even cause accidents and damage. Therefore, by evaluating the stability of the power system, potential security risks can be reduced. In addition, unstable power systems may cause waste and increase environmental burden. In order to improve the stability of the power system, this article proposes an improved LSTM (long and short memory) model of improved stability prediction. This model uses the power system to operate data, including current, voltage, frequency, and other parameters, and external factors related to weather conditions and load changes to predict the stability of the power system. Compared with traditional methods, this method performs well in predicting the failure and abnormalities of the power system, and has the ability to evaluate high accuracy and stability. Therefore, the improved LSTM model method can be regarded as a powerful tool for power system management and maintenance.

Decreased Effective Patellar Tendon Length following Distalization Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy without Patellar Tendon Tenodesis.

Distalization tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is an effective treatment for improving patellar height in patients with patella alta associated with patellofemoral instability and cartilage lesions. The addition of a patellar tendon tenodesis has been suggested; nonetheless, concerns exist regarding possible increased patellofemoral cartilage stresses. To evaluate pre- and postoperative patellar tendon length and alignment parameters on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after distalization TTO without patellar tendon tenodesis. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Twenty skeletally mature patients who underwent distalization TTO with or without anteromedialization at our institution between December 2014 and August 2021 were included. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative MRIs of the affected knee. The Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), the axial and sagittal tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distances, the distances from the tibial plateau to the patellar tendon insertion and the tibial tubercle, and the patellar tendon length were assessed. PROMs included the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Quality of Life subscale, the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, and the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey mental and physical component scores. The mean patient age at surgery was 27.4 years (range, 14-42 years). Radiographic parameters demonstrated improved patellar height (CDI decreased from 1.36 to 1.11; P < .001) after distalization TTO. The distance from the tibial plateau to the patellar tendon insertion significantly decreased from 20.1 mm preoperatively to 17.9 mm postoperatively (P < .020), and the patellar tendon length decreased from 53.4 mm preoperatively to 46.0 mm postoperatively (P < .001). The patellar tendon insertion was not distalized after distalization TTO, likely because of scarring of the patellar tendon proximal to the osteotomy site. Patients demonstrated significant pre- to postoperative improvements on all PROMs (P≤ .024 for all ). There were 4 (20%) complications-2 cases of arthrofibrosis, 1 postoperative infection, and 1 osteotomy delayed union. Distalization TTO without patellar tendon tenodesis was associated with improved radiographic outcomes and PROMs. It provides an additional tool for surgical management of patellofemoral pathology with associated patella alta.

Monitoring the Impacts of Artificial Recharge Structures on Water Table at Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India

To study the groundwater recharge through rainfall and artificial recharge structures in selected dry well in different locations of UP was experimented. The data was recorded (1998-2017) to execute the artificial recharge structure at the appropriate locations with best geological condition to enhance the recharge rate at least cost for control of declining groundwater level. Study reveals that the stochastic auto regressive lime series model is an effective tool for management of ground water resource at pre and post monsoon. The variation of pre and post monsoon ground water level is maximum as the physical soil characteristics including hydraulic conductivity may enhance the recharge rate at least cost.

Современная палитра управленческих средств и механизмов эффективного руководителя

The article considers the dynamics of various managerial approaches, means, methods and mechanisms used in organisational systems in the process of analysis of the activity of enterprises and organisations in order to form adequate managerial decisions by managers of companies of various types of activity. It is shown that the modern “palette” of actual methods, techniques and other means of management of an effective manager, in addition to heterogeneous managerial technologies, should include the latest methods and models created within the framework of automated systems of company management using the means of digitalisation, digital transformation, application of digital twins et al. Aim. The aim of this work is to create a comprehensive set of managerial tools, methods, and mechanisms that an effective ma¬nager should possess when preparing, adopting, implementing, and controlling managerial decisions and their outcomes. Materials and methods. The article presents a comprehensive analysis of managerial approaches, means, technologies, and mechanisms aimed at enhancing the performance of organizational systems. The analysis is based on a significant amount of scientific and technical literature. Results. The authors have developed a series of holistic tools and mechanisms to be used in the process of forming and adopting managerial decisions in organisational systems. Conclusion. The article argues that an effective manager should possess a diverse set of approaches, techniques, methods, and mechanisms to manage all processes and areas of activity in various enterprises and organizations. This includes the use of automated management systems, digitalization, and digital transformation, as well as the introduction of digital twins to improve organizational systems.

Investigations into Economic Returns Resulting from Foliar Fungicides and Application Timing on Management of Tar Spot in Indiana Hybrid Corn.

Tar spot, caused by Phyllachora maydis, is the most significant yield-limiting disease of corn (Zea mays L.) in Indiana. Currently, fungicides are an effective management tool for this disease, and partial returns from their use under different disease severity conditions has not previously been studied. Between 2019 and 2021, two separate field experiments were conducted in each year in Indiana to assess the efficacy of nine foliar fungicide products and nine fungicide application timings based on corn growth stages on tar spot symptoms and stromata, canopy greenness, yield, and influence on partial returns. All fungicides evaluated significantly suppressed tar spot development in the canopy and increased canopy greenness over the nontreated control. Additionally, applications of mefentrifluconazole + pyraclostrobin, metconazole + pyraclostrobin, cyproconazole + picoxystrobin at tassel, and propiconazole + benzovindiflupyr + azoxystrobin between the tassel and dough growth stages were the most effective at significantly reducing disease severity, increasing canopy greenness, protecting yield, and offered the greatest partial return. Fungicide products varied in their ability to protect yield under low and high disease severity conditions relative to the nontreated control. Consistently, positive yield increases were observed when disease severity was high, which translated to greater profitability relative to low severity conditions. On average, the yield increases across foliar fungicide products and timed application treatments were 544.6 and 1,020.7 kg/ha greater, and partial returns using a grain value of $0.17/kg were $92.6/ha and $173.5/ha greater, respectively, when high severity conditions occurred. This research demonstrates that foliar fungicides and appropriately timed fungicide applications can profitably be used to manage tar spot in Indiana under high disease severity conditions.

Integration of drowsiness management tools: experience of three different tools in the mining area

Integration of drowsiness management tools: experience of three different tools in the mining area

Evidence from interpretable machine learning to inform spatial management of Palau's tuna fisheries

AbstractStatic and dynamic area‐based management tools hold substantial potential to balance socioeconomic benefits derived from fisheries and costs from bycatch mortality of at‐risk species. Palau longline fisheries have high bycatch of at‐risk species including the olive ridley marine turtle and silky and blue sharks. This study analyzed a two decades‐long time series of observer and electronic monitoring datasets from the Palau distant‐water and locally‐based pelagic longline fisheries. An interpretable or explainable machine learning‐based modeling approach was used to derive spatially resolved species‐specific catch rate predictions. These models were conditioned on a suite of potentially informative environmental, bathymetric, ocean‐climate metric, vessel, monitoring system, and set‐specific operational predictors. Overall, there would be limited ecological tradeoffs from focusing fishing effort within primary catch rate hotspots for target bigeye and yellowfin tunas. Mean field prediction surfaces also defined catch rate hotspots for at‐risk species of silky and blue sharks, olive ridley turtle, and pelagic stingray, which did not overlap the hotspots for target species. The predicted target species hotspots, however, overlap olive ridley and pelagic stingray warmspots. Results also identify opportunities for temporally dynamic spatial management to control catch rates of target and bycatch species. Management of fishery operational predictors of fishing depth and soak duration present additional opportunities to balance catch rates of at‐risk bycatch and target species. A transition to employing fleetwide or vessel‐based output controls that effectively constrain the fishery would alter the spatial management strategy to focus on zones with the lowest ratio of at‐risk bycatch to commercial catch. Our findings support evidence‐informed evaluation of spatial management strategies and complementary measures to meet objectives for balancing socioeconomic benefits derived from target species catch with costs to threatened species.

Optimal stop-loss rules in markets with long-range dependence

Stop-loss is a common risk management tool for limiting risks and improving trading strategy performance. The effectiveness of stop-loss depends critically on asset price characteristics. This study is the first to analyze stop-loss strategy incorporating long-range dependence of asset prices through a fractional Brownian motion-based market model. It is shown that stop-loss strategy yields a positive return premium over the buy-and-hold return when asset price exhibits long-range dependence. The efficacy of stop-loss strategies and the determining criterions are investigated through both theoretical analysis and simulation studies. The performance of a stop-loss rule depends on the Hurst parameter, mean and volatility of the asset returns. The optimal stop-loss threshold model in a chosen strategy class is fitted by polynomial regression. Empirical analysis demonstrates that the class-specific optimal rules outperform stop-loss rules under alternative asset return-generating models.

Integrated Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS techniques based Soil Erosion Susceptibility Mapping in Chite Watershed, Mizoram, India

Soil erosion is a significant form of land degradation that profoundly affects agricultural and ecosystem sustainability. The present study aimed at addressing this issue by developing precise and feasible erosion susceptibility map in Chite watershed, India, using integrated approach combining the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) with Geographic Information System (GIS). To evaluate erosion susceptibility conditions, multiple causative factors including elevation, slope, drainage density, distance from streams, land use / land cover, rainfall intensity, normalized difference vegetation index, lithology, soil texture and lineament density were selected. These factors and their sub-classes were prioritized by AHP method based on their relative influence on soil erosion. Subsequently, the calculated AHP weights were utilized for generating a spatial dataset of soil erosion susceptibility through GIS technology. Accuracy assessment by the area under the ROC curve (AUC) reveals considerably acceptable results for the predicted map when compared to erosion inventory, producing an accuracy level of 0.812 (81%) and 0.922 (92%) for erosion and non-erosion points respectively. Thus, the present study manifests the efficiency of integrating the AHP and GIS techniques for erosion susceptibility mapping in the Chite watershed and this may serve as a valuable tool for sustainable land management and erosion control.

IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL RESOURCE ACCOUNTING IN INDIA : A CASE STUDY ON THE MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES

Natural resource accounting is a crucial framework for evaluating the economic and environmental dimensions of a regions resource utilization. This case study delves into the crucial field of natural resource accounting in India, with a specific focus on the management of mineral and energy resources. The study underscores the fundamental axiom that Measurement of a resource leads to its better management. Through data collection, resource valuation, stock and flow analysis, sustainability assessment, and environmental impact evaluation, the paper reveals insights into the sustainable management of these invaluable assets.Indias burgeoning demand for mineral and energy resources, driven by rapid economic growth, necessitates an informed approach to resource management. Natural resource accounting serves as a key tool in this regard. By quantifying these resources, assessing their value, marketing them and considering their economic, environmental, and social impacts, this study advocates for a more informed decision-making process.The study emphasizes how the data and analysis derived from natural resource accounting facilitate the formulation of effective policies. These policies encompass resource extraction quotas, taxation, conservation measures, and environmental regulations, all of which are vital in ensuring responsible resource management.Furthermore, the study acknowledges the significant environmental repercussions of mineral and energy resource extraction. It underscores the importance of accounting for environmental costs and damages, thereby advancing policies aimed at responsible resource management and environmental conservation.A critical aspect addressed in this case study is the assessment of resource sustainability. Understanding whether resources are being extracted at a rate that is sustainable in the long term is paramount. It also underscores the need for policies that promote sustainable resource management and conservation.Transparency and public awareness are another focal point of the study. The availability of information regarding the status and utilization of mineral and energy resources can lead to more responsible resource management practices and enhanced accountability among stakeholders.Finally, this study emphasizes the economic planning and revenue generation potential of natural resource accounting. By grasping the value and availability of mineral and energy resources, governments can allocate resources for development projects, infrastructure, and social welfare programs more effectively.In conclusion, natural resource accounting is a vital tool for sustainable resource management in India. By quantifying and assessing these resources while considering their economic, environmental, and social implications, the government and stakeholders can make more informed decisions and work towards responsible resource management. The study highlights the potential for responsible management of mineral and energy resources in India, benefiting both the present and future generations while safeguarding its natural heritage.

МОДЕЛІ ТА МЕТОДИ УПРАВЛІННЯ ЗАЛУЧЕНИМ КАПІТАЛОМ НА ПІДПРИЄМСТВІ

Raised capital is a part of the enterprise's capital, which is formed at the expense of external sources, such as loans, credits, issuance of securities, etc. Raised capital, such as loans, bonds, shares or investments, is an important part of financing a business. It is an important tool for financing the company's activities, but at the same time it is associated with certain risks. Achieving effective management of this capital helps to ensure sustainable operation and growth of the enterprise, ensure financial stability and the ability to pay interest or repay loans on time. A business must determine the optimal mix of financing that meets its needs and constraints. Effective management of capital employed can help a company to be more competitive in the market, as it helps to influence the cost of capital and overall financial profitability. Factors affecting the capital structure include the organizational and legal form of the enterprise, industry specifics of operational activity, the size of the enterprise, the cost of capital, the freedom to choose sources of financing, the state of the capital market and the level of income taxation. Regular determination of capital management efficiency indicators is important for monitoring the current state of its structure. The important issues related to the effective use of loans and other forms of borrowed capital to achieve the company's financial goals are considered in the article. Debt management strategies and tools, optimization of debt service costs, as well as risks associated with the use of borrowed capital were studied.

A Comparative Clinical Study to Evaluate the Effect of Jatamansi churna and nirgundi taila padabhyanga in Nidranasha

Background: According to Ayurveda, there are three pillars of life such as Ahara, Nidra, and Brahmacharya and among them, Ayurveda gives more importance to Nidra (sleep). Sleep is an essential phenomenon for the maintenance and restoration of both body and mind, and thus, Nidra is a precious gift by nature, which is directly connected with the mental state. Keeping in view the importance of sleep, the present work aimed at comparing the efficacy of Jatamansi churna versus Nirgundi taila padabhyanga with respect to Nidranasha. Materials and Methods: 40 numbers of patients were taken for the study and all patients were divided into two equal groups, i.e., Group A and Group B. Group A consisted of 20 patients were treated with Jatamansi Churna internally for 15 days. Group B consisted of 20 patients were treated with Jatamansi Churna internally and Nirgundi taila Padabhyanga for 15 days. A comparison was done between Group A and Group B and the assessment was made before and after treatment. Results: The better result was obtained in Group B in reducing the subjective and objective parameters of Nidranasha than Group A. Conclusion: It can be said that, internal application of it can be said that, internal application of Jatamansi Churna along with Nirgundi Tila Padabhyanga could be the effective tools for the management of Nidranasha along with Nirgundi Tila Padabhyanga could be the effective tools for management of Nidranasha.