Multiple Management Strategies Research Articles

The Presence/Absence of an Awake-State Dominant EEG Rhythm in Delirious Patients Is Related to Different Symptoms of Delirium Evaluated by the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC).

(1) Background: Delirium is a serious condition in patients undergoing treatment for somatic diseases, leading to poor prognosis. However, the pathophysiology of delirium is not fully understood and should be clarified for its adequate treatment. This study analyzed the relationship between confusion symptoms in delirium and resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum (PS) profiles to investigate the heterogeneity. (2) Methods: The participants were 28 inpatients in a general hospital showing confusion symptoms with an Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) score of 4 or above. EEG was measured at Pz in the daytime awake state for 100 s with the eyes open and 100 s with the eyes closed on the day of the ICDSC evaluation. PS analysis was conducted consecutively for each 10 s datum. (3) Results: Two resting EEG PS patterns were observed regarding the dominant rhythm: the presence or absence of a dominant rhythm, whereby the PS showed alpha or theta peaks in the former and no dominant rhythm in the latter. The patients showing a dominant EEG rhythm were frequently accompanied by hallucination or delusion (p = 0.039); conversely, those lacking a dominant rhythm tended to exhibit fluctuations in the delirium symptoms (p = 0.020). The other ICDSC scores did not differ between the participants with these two EEG patterns. (4) Discussion: The present study indicates that the presence and absence of a dominant EEG rhythm in delirious patients are related to different symptoms of delirium. Using EEG monitoring in the care of delirium will help characterize its heterogeneous pathophysiology, which requires multiple management strategies.

Spraying drones: efficacy of integrating an avian repellent with drone hazing to elicit blackbird flock dispersal and abandonment of sunflower fields

Multiple management strategies exist to combat bird damage to agriculture. We explored combining two tools, drones as frightening devices and an avian repellent, to assess effectiveness of an integrated method to deter large flocks on complex landscapes. We evaluated the ability of a spraying drone (DJI Agras MG‐1P) deploying Avian Control (i.e. active ingredient: methyl anthranilate; hereafter MA) or water to elicit abandonment, flock reductions, latency to return, and behavioral changes of blackbirds (Icteridae) foraging in sunflower Helianthus annuus. Following hazing and spraying (MA = 32; water = 32 trials), the percent of flocks abandoning, partially abandoning, or remaining was 56%, 31%, and 13% for MA and 50%, 25%, and 25% for water, respectively. Following full abandonment, 14% more flocks returned following MA (83%) than water (69%), averaging 3.96 min ± 3.51 (SD) to return (MA = 4.12 min ± 4.03; water = 3.73 min ± 2.68). When reduction occurred, average decline was 47% ± 35 (SD) with MA and 44% ± 39 (SD) with water. Site conditions impacted the ability to maneuver the drone and observe flock behaviors, potentially resulting in variables other than treatment explaining the probability of abandonment and flock reduction. When controlling for flock size, number of lift‐offs following water treatments (0.23 min−1 ± 0.17 SD) was statistically less than the pre‐hazing period (0.43 min−1 ± 0.28 SD), however no relationship existed for MA treatments (post: 0.29 min−1 ± 0.32 SD; pre: 0.31 min−1 ± 0.20 SD). This difference may be due to a longer latency to return, decreasing the post‐hazing time period, or flightier birds after MA exposure. We found eight mins of hazing, and a 9‐l tank of repellent, was insufficient to elicit differences between water and repellent applications. We suggest extended hazing or additional negative stimuli (e.g. multiple drones, increased repellent) to increase efficacy.

A “rotating menu” of medical uncertainty for families affected by telomere biology disorders: A qualitative interview study

BackgroundMedical uncertainty may cause distress and challenge medical decision-making for patients with rare diseases and their caregivers. Few studies have examined the experience and management of medical uncertainty in rare disease and the dynamics of multiple medical uncertainty sources, issues, and management strategies. ObjectiveWe explored the experience and management of uncertainty in individuals with telomere biology disorders (TBDs), a set of rare cancer-prone bone marrow failure syndromes, and their caregivers. DesignParticipants (N = 32) in this qualitative-descriptive study were individuals with a TBD (n = 17) and/or their caregivers (n = 15). We thematically analyzed transcripts to describe the presence and dynamics of medical uncertainty in TBDs using categories from a previously published taxonomy. ResultsIndividuals with TBDs and caregivers described medical uncertainty as a chronic burden embodied amidst a range of interrelated sources and issues. Scientific uncertainty included diagnostic and prognostic ambiguity. Practical uncertainty focused on logistical challenges of building and maintaining medical care teams. Personal uncertainty included difficulty realigning self-identity, goals, and relationship expectations post-diagnosis. Scientific, practical, and personal uncertainty issues were entangled. The rarity of TBDs resulted in limited scientific knowledge, which gave rise to practical and personal uncertainties affecting medical decision-making and relationship formation (e.g., creating trusted care teams where patient knowledge of TBDs may exceed that of clinicians). Participants used multiple strategies for uncertainty management, particularly information-seeking and community-building. However, these management strategies could intensify, rather than resolve, participants’ medical uncertainty. ConclusionIn TBDs, medical uncertainty manifests as a network of multiple, interrelated, sources and issues, which require evolving management strategies. Researchers must be mindful that complex, synergistic uncertainty networks contribute to psychosocial challenges in TBDs. Additional research is warranted to address scientific uncertainty in TBDs, including clinical manifestations and underlying biology, and to develop psychosocial interventions that recognize and anticipate evolving uncertainty.

Can ecological zoning act as an environmental management tool for protecting regional habitat quality: Causal evidence from the national key ecological function zone in China

Habitat degradation is one of the most serious environmental problems worldwide, which threatens human wellbeing and sustainable development. Exploring how to protect natural habitats has become a research hotspot in the environmental management field. Ecological zoning has been widely used in habitat protection, but its actual effectiveness has been rarely revealed, especially with the robust and reliable causal inference method. Therefore, taking the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) in China as the study area, we first quantified habitat quality and changes at the district/county scale during 2005–2019. Then, we used the National Key Ecological Function Zone (NKEFZ) as a representative ecological zone scheme, and explored the effectiveness of the NKEFZ in protecting habitat quality with the Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Difference combined method, which is a representative causal inference method. We found that habitat quality showed an uneven distribution during the study period, and habitat quality of districts/counties within the NKEFZ was higher than that outside the NKEFZ with statistical significance. Most districts/counties experienced a habitat quality decrease, but the decrease within the NKEFZ is less than that outside the NKEFZ. We observed that the NKEFZ can protect habitat quality from the causal relationship perspective, but there was the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of the NKEFZ effectiveness. In terms of the spatial dimension, the NKEFZ was the most effective in the Lower Reach of the YREB. In terms of the temporal dimension, there was a 1-year time-lag effect of the NKEFZ effectiveness, and NKEFZ effectiveness experienced a sharp increase from 2016. The NKEFZ contributed to protecting habitat quality through multiple management strategies such as urban land quota, high pollution industry prohibition, and ecological compensation. Overall, this study verified that the ecological zone scheme can contribute to habitat quality protection, and emphasizes that the effectiveness of ecological zoning may vary across time and space. This work can support ecological zoning implementation with robust evidence, and provides a novel perspective for understanding the effectiveness of ecological zoning.

Economic feasibility and direct greenhouse gas emissions from different phosphorus recovery methods in Swedish wastewater treatment plants

Phosphorus (P) is a finite, non-renewable resource that is a critical component of fertilizers; therefore, recovering P from municipal wastewater can provide an alternative sustainable source of this nutrient. This work analyses economic impacts and greenhouse gas emissions of P recovery in Swedish municipal wastewater treatment plants. The study examines different scenarios, including P recovery technologies in individual plants and hubs, and considers various P-rich streams (supernatant, sludge, and ash) in plants, different plant sizes, and multiple sludge management strategies such as land application, incineration, and hydrochar production, under current market conditions. The goal is to identify and offer solutions tailored to local conditions, addressing both technical opportunities and strategies to reduce costs.The results show varying recovery rates: 5 % from supernatant, 36–65 % from sludge, and 17 % from sludge ash relative to total P in wastewater. Despite technical feasibility, P recovery costs are not covered at current market prices of P, indicating a lack of financial incentive, especially for smaller treatment plants. The least expensive recovery method costs about 7 k€/t P for ash, compared to 30–187 k€/t P for supernatant, however with the latter coming with the co-benefit of mitigated greenhouse gas emissions. The emissions from studied plants range from 84 to 123 kt CO2 eq (CO2 equivalent) for supernatant, 94–141 kt CO2 eq for sludge, and 75–102 kt CO2 eq for ash among different P recovery methods. Comparatively, P recovery methods from supernatant showed the lowest emissions, while the lower emissions range for ash is due to the consideration of fewer plants. Developing hub networks and converting sludge into products like hydrochar are crucial for attracting investments, enhancing P recovery, and leveraging economies of scale. Results highlight the urgency for localized strategies and proactive policy interventions to reconcile economic and environmental objectives in P recycling. Furthermore, P recovery from wastewater treatment plants, although more resource-intensive than mineral fertilizer, promotes circularity in the food chain and mitigates the risk of eutrophication.

Do network management and trust matter for network outcomes? A meta-analysis and research agenda

ABSTRACT Collaborative and network governance assume that network management and trust matter for network outcomes. We test this assumption by conducting a meta-analysis of public administration studies investigating the correlation between network management and network outcomes (50 effect sizes), and trust and network outcomes (28 effect sizes). While both matter for achieving network outcomes across countries, trust matters most. Trust is particularly important for achieving process outcomes and multiple network management strategies combined are more effective than separate single strategies. A research agenda centred on complex modelling, comparative research and using mixed, multisource, experimental and longitudinal data is stipulated in conclusion.

Effect of sublethal concentrations of the bioinsecticide spinosyn treatment of Trichoplusia ni eggs on the caterpillar and its parasitoid, Trichogramma brassicae.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) seeks to combine multiple management strategies for optimal pest control. One method that is successfully employed in IPM is the use of beneficial organisms. However, in severe circumstances when pest insects exceed threshold limits, insecticides may still need to be implemented. Thus, understanding the effects of insecticides on biocontrol agents, such as parasitoid wasps, is paramount to ensure sustainable agroecosystems. Sublethal effects of the bioinsecticide spinosyn, a mixture of the bacterial Saccharopolyspora spinosa (Mertz and Yao) fermentation products spinosyn A and D, on eggs of Trichoplusia ni (Hübner), a cruciferous crop pest, and its egg parasitoid Trichogramma brassicae (Bezdenko) was investigated. The LC50 for spinosyn A and D (dissolved in ethanol) on T. ni eggs is 54 ng mL-1. Transcriptomics on caterpillars (1st and 3rd instars) that hatched from eggs treated with sublethal concentrations of spinosyn identified the upregulation of several genes encoding proteins that may be involved in insecticide resistance including detoxification enzymes, such as cytochrome P450s, glutathione S-transferases and esterases. Sublethal T. ni egg treatments did not affect parasitoid emergence, however, there was a marked increase in the size of T. brassicae hind tibia and wings that emerged from spinosyn-treated eggs. For the caterpillar, treatment of eggs with sublethal concentrations of spinosyn may induce insecticide resistance mechanisms. For the parasitoids, their increased size when reared in spinosyn-treated eggs suggests that the emerged wasps may have higher performance. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Application of multiple pressure management strategies in urban water distribution networks using sequential optimization

Controlling pressure in water distribution networks is an important management issue. Excess pressure in a network can lead to leakage, causing economic losses to water utilities. To address this problem, pressure management methods are used to reduce and balance pressure in the network. Popular methods include the pressure-reducing valve, variable-speed pump, and district metered area. Any of the above methods can be applied to a single network. However, considering all methods in a single optimization can lead to a very complex problem because each method behaves differently. To mitigate this problem, sequential optimization can be performed to simplify the optimization process. The objective of this study is to present the methodology of applying these methods sequentially and analyze the best sequence. The optimization was performed considering the benefit-cost ratio to gage the performance gain versus the investment cost. Then, the behavior of each method in the sequence was analyzed and compared using multi-criteria decision analysis, considering the economic, hydraulic, and environmental factors. The results show that the sequential optimization succeeded in iteratively reducing the leakage of the network and that there was an optimal path to a better optimization result.

Impacts of multiple demand-side management strategies on microgrids planning: a literature survey

Abstract Demand-side management (DSM) schemes play a crucial role in managing renewable energy generation and load fluctuations by utilizing demand–response programmes (DRPs). This paper aims to provide a detailed overview of DRPs that help microgrid operators to keep costs and reliability within acceptable ranges. Additionally, this review paper provides a detailed economic load model for DRPs based on initial load, demand–response (DR) incentive, DR penalty and elasticity coefficients. This article also aims to guide researchers in identifying research gaps in DSM applications in microgrids by comparing various DSM schemes from different countries and regions in terms of DSM strategies, objective functions and optimization techniques. Furthermore, this study analyses the impact of DRPs on microgrid configuration from the perspective of utilities and customers, considering technical and economic performance metrics. As a result, it can be concluded that none of the studied cases provides models or guidelines for choosing appropriate DSM schemes that consider different consumer interests or load-type features. Furthermore, a few researchers have addressed the features of a modern price-based DR strategy, renewable generation-based dynamic pricing DR, which offers higher customer satisfaction than traditional DRPs.

Demand Response in Buildings: A Comprehensive Overview of Current Trends, Approaches, and Strategies

Power grids in the 21st century face unprecedented challenges, including the urgent need to combat pollution, mitigate climate change, manage dwindling fossil fuel reserves, integrate renewable energy sources, and meet greater energy demand due to higher living standards. These challenges create heightened uncertainty, driven by the intermittent nature of renewables and surges in energy consumption, necessitating adaptable demand response (DR) strategies. This study addresses this urgent situation based on a statistical analysis of recent scientific research papers. It evaluates the current trends and DR practices in buildings, recognizing their pivotal role in achieving energy supply–demand equilibrium. The study analysis provides insight into building types, sample sizes, DR modeling approaches, and management strategies. The paper reveals specific research gaps, particularly the need for more detailed investigations encompassing building types and leveraging larger datasets. It underscores the potential benefits of adopting a multifaceted approach by combining multiple DR management strategies to optimize demand-side management. The findings presented in this paper can provide information to and guide future studies, policymaking, and decision-making processes to assess the practical potential of demand response in buildings and ultimately contribute to more resilient and sustainable energy systems.

Evaluating the efficacy of fisheries management strategies in China for achieving multiple objectives under climate change

It is increasingly recognized that effective fisheries management needs to take into account not only the target species, but also the broader scope of biological, environmental, socio-economic and institutional factors pertaining to human utilization of fishery resources. This recognition has stimulated a global call for the Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM), with an increasing appreciation of its merits in the face of climate change. In this study, we applied the concept of EBFM to China's fisheries and tested the performance of various fisheries management strategies, including status quo management and alternative strategies with different objective priorities, under contrasting climate warming scenarios. We used the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) as an operating model, with an explicit consideration of trophic interactions, and specifically quantified the trade-offs across multiple metrics (i.e., sustainable fishery production, economic profitability, seafood security, and ecosystem health). No single strategy was superior across all the four dimensions. Importantly, the existing approach to fisheries management underperformed in most metrics, with the current fishing intensity exceeding the level that would maximize multispecies yields (fMSY) and total profits (fMEY). In contrast, an alternative harvest control rule (HCR) strategy, designed to respond to variations in biomass, provided inherent resilience of the ecosystem under climate warming, resulting in increased commercial fish biomass, improved profit and seafood supply, as well as enhanced ecosystem structure and function across various time-climate scenarios. From a tactic perspective, the multiple species management strategies of “fMSY” and “fMEY” can be better suited for the highly mixed fishery context in China. These alternatives also consistently demonstrated superior performance compared to the existing fisheries management strategy. Our work reveals potential trade-offs among diverse ecosystem services and provides a framework using EwE model for quantifying possible performance of management strategies under climate change, leading to more informed and transparent decision-making.

The Role of Triglyceride-rich Lipoproteins and Their Remnants in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the world's leading cause of death. ASCVD has multiple mediators that therapeutic interventions target, such as dyslipidaemia, hypertension, diabetes and heightened systemic inflammatory tone, among others. LDL cholesterol is one of the most well-studied and established mediators targeted for primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD. However, despite the strength of evidence supporting LDL cholesterol reduction by multiple management strategies, ASCVD events can still recur, even in patients whose LDL cholesterol has been very aggressively reduced. Hypertriglyceridaemia and elevated levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) may be key contributors to ASCVD residual risk. Several observational and genetic epidemiological studies have highlighted the causal role of triglycerides within the TRLs and/or their remnant cholesterol in the development and progression of ASCVD. TRLs consist of intestinally derived chylomicrons and hepatically synthesised very LDL. Lifestyle modification has been considered the first line intervention for managing hypertriglyceridaemia. Multiple novel targeted therapies are in development, and have shown efficacy in the preclinical and clinical phases of study in managing hypertriglyceridaemia and elevated TRLs. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the biology, pathogenicity, epidemiology, and genetics of triglycerides and TRLs, and how they impact the risk for ASCVD. In addition, we provide a summary of currently available and novel emerging triglyceride-lowering therapies in development.

A Primer on Rate-Splitting Multiple Access: Tutorial, Myths, and Frequently Asked Questions

Rate-Splitting Multiple Access (RSMA) has emerged as a powerful multiple access, interference management, and multi-user strategy for next generation communication systems. In this tutorial, we depart from the orthogonal multiple access (OMA) versus non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) discussion held in 5G, and the conventional multi-user linear precoding approach used in space-division multiple access (SDMA), multi-user and massive MIMO in 4G and 5G, and show how multi-user communications and multiple access design for 6G and beyond should be intimately related to the fundamental problem of interference management. We start from foundational principles of interference management and rate-splitting, and progressively delineate RSMA frameworks for downlink, uplink, and multi-cell networks. We show that, in contrast to past generations of multiple access techniques (OMA, NOMA, SDMA), RSMA offers numerous benefits: 1) enhanced spectral, energy and computation <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">efficiency</i> ; 2) <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">universality</i> by unifying and generalizing OMA, SDMA, NOMA, physical-layer multicasting, multi-user MIMO under a single framework that holds for any number of antennas at each node (SISO, SIMO, MISO, and MIMO settings); 3) flexibility by coping with any interference levels (from very weak to very strong), network loads (underloaded, overloaded), services (unicast, multicast), traffic, user deployments (channel directions and strengths); 4) <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">robustness</i> to inaccurate channel state information (CSI) and <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">resilience</i> to mixed-critical quality of service; 5) <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">reliability</i> under short channel codes and <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">low latency</i> . We then discuss how those benefits translate into numerous opportunities for RSMA in over forty different applications and scenarios of 6G, e.g., multi-user MIMO with statistical/quantized CSI, FDD/TDD/cell-free massive MIMO, millimeter wave and terahertz, cooperative relaying, physical layer security, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, cloud-radio access network, internet-of-things, massive access, joint communication and jamming, non-orthogonal unicast and multicast, multigroup multicast, multibeam satellite, space-air-ground integrated networks, unmanned aerial vehicles, integrated sensing and communications, grant-free access, network slicing, cognitive radio, optical/visible light communications, mobile edge computing, machine/federated learning, etc. We finally address common myths and answer frequently asked questions, opening the discussions to interesting future research avenues. Supported by the numerous benefits and applications, the tutorial concludes on the underpinning role played by RSMA in next generation networks, which should inspire future research, development, and standardization of RSMA-aided communication for 6G.

Guest Editorial Rate Splitting for Future Wireless Networks

Rate splitting (RS) and rate splitting multiple access (RSMA) have emerged as a promising and powerful multiple access, interference management, and multi-user strategy for next-generation wireless systems and networks. This Special Issue is entirely dedicated to the theory, design, optimization, and applications of RS and RSMA in various network configurations. It starts with a guest editor-authored tutorial paper [A1] that delineates the basic principles and applications of RS and RSMA. The tutorial paper is then followed by 17 technical papers.

Strategies for Adaptation to Shift Work

More than 20% of the industrialized workforce includes shift workers. The misalignment between their work schedules and circadian clock-driven sleep-wake cycles can result in excessive sleepiness during work and disturbed sleep after work. Shift work is associated with various negative health consequences, and workers are at risk for shift work disorder. In this review, we focus on strategies to facilitate shift work adaptation, including medication, light therapy, scheduled sleep and naps, flexible shift schedules, sleep hygiene, and family and social support to promote sleep, wakefulness, and adaptation to the circadian clock. An integrated approach that combines multiple management strategies in contrast to a single approach, can enable more effective shift work adaptation.

Soil organic carbon storage in Liaohe River Estuary Wetlands under restoration and multiple management strategies, based on landscape patterns

IntroductionManagement of coastal wetlands has resulted in extensive conservation of this natural resource; however, changes in carbon storage function are not yet known. There is a direct link between landscape and soil carbon storage. Predicting future changes in the landscape and carbon storage in coastal wetlands is important for developing wetland management policies.MethodHere, remote sensing and physical methods were used to measure and calculate the landscape and surface soil carbon stocks of the Liaohe River Estuary Wetland (LREW). The changes in the landscape and soil carbon stocks under three scenarios: natural development, strict protection, and culture pond transfer, were then predicted using the PLUS model.ResultThe results indicate that the surface soil organic carbon storage was 2107.97×103 t, while soil organic carbon density decreased from land to sea. Anthropogenic activity was found to be the main driver of the current landscape evolution. However, the impact of sea level rise is increasing. By 2030, considerably more storage will be gained under the culture pond transfer scenario than at present.DiscussionOur results reveal that some of the methods of ecological restoration may diminish the carbon storage capacity of coastal wetlands. Making full use of areas with high carbon storage potential may be an effective wetland carbon sink management strategy. Governments should consider more comprehensively for a better carbon pool when developing restoration strategies.

Juggling Act: Waged time investments and the health–wealth trade-off

Research on hybrid entrepreneurship—the process of founding and operating a business while retaining a primary “day job” in an established organization—has burgeoned in recent years, indicating its importance for entrepreneurial effectiveness. This study investigates how an entrepreneur’s waged time investments, or the number of hours hybrid entrepreneurs commit to a job that provides compensations outside their entrepreneurial role, as a percentage of their total working hours, affects work tension and venture performance. We find mixed support for our theoretical model by applying and testing the tenets of conservation of resource theory on a sample of entrepreneurs. Specifically, we find evidence that increases in waged time investments accelerate work tension but not venture performance. Further, we find that the effect of waged time investments on these outcomes differs across entrepreneurs’ experience. This study offers implications for researchers and practitioners interested in multiple jobholding and time management strategies in underexplored entrepreneurial contexts.

A Review of Spatial Variations of Multiple Natural Hazards and Risk Management Strategies in Pakistan

Natural hazards are dynamic and unpredictable events that are a continuous threat to global socio-economic development. Humans’ reactions to these catastrophes are influenced by their proximity to the hazards and their ability to anticipate, resist, cope with, and recover from their consequences. Due to climatic changes, the risk of multiple natural hazards is expected to increase in several regions of Pakistan. There is a pressing need to understand the spatial discrepancies of natural hazards due to climate change and identifying the regions that require special measures to increase resilience, achieve adaptation, and sustainable development goals. This paper synthesizes the related literature to understand spatial variations of natural hazards due to climate changes across Pakistan. The Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT), National Aeronautics and Space Administration Global Landslide Catalog (NASA-GLC), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) are utilized to analyze spatial discrepancies and vulnerabilities to natural hazards. This study unveils that Pakistan’s current risk analysis and management strategies seem to be obsolete compared to global trends. Because of spatial variations of hazards, most research work on hazard risk assessments and risk management focuses on a single hazard, neglecting the co-occurrence impact of different natural hazards. Very limited studies are included in comprehensive multi-hazard risk strategies. Therefore, in Pakistan, risk management would require integrated multi-hazard risk assessment approaches to detect, analyze, measure, and evaluate various natural hazards, their effects, and interconnections. Moreover, the Pakistan governmental institutes dealing with natural hazards should focus on pre-disaster mitigation and resilience techniques instead of investing only in post-disaster relief activities.

Ruptured isolated spinal artery aneurysms: Case series of five patients and a review of the literature on management strategies.

Aneurysms of the spinal arteries are rare entities, the majority of which are associated with other vascular lesions, such as spinal vascular malformations. Isolated spinal artery aneurysms (SAAs) are even less frequently encountered, and their incidence is largely unknown, as the literature is limited to case reports and small series. The optimal management strategy for SAAs is not well defined. To review the institutional experience of five patients with isolated SAAs. Five cases of isolated SAAs were identified at our institution, including two cases with multiple simultaneous SAAs. Clinical presentation, imaging, and management strategies for each case were reviewed. A literature review of all SAAs reported between 1950 and 2020 was performed. A total of five patients with eight isolated SAAs presented to our institution: one aneurysm was lumbar in location, while the remaining seven were thoracic. Two patients were treated with glue embolization followed by laminectomy for hematoma evacuation; one was treated with only surgery; and the other two, which both had multiple lesions, were managed conservatively with interval complete regression of their aneurysms. All five patients had good neurological outcomes. Literature review found 124 patients with at least 137 isolated SAAs and revealed treatment strategies including conservative management, glue or coil embolization, muslin wrapping, and surgical resection or clipping. Multiple management strategies exist for SAAs, and clinical consideration of patient presentation and lesion morphology determine appropriate strategy. Our case series demonstrates three of these treatment paradigms.

Streamlining Agroecological Management of Invasive Plant Species: The Case of Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav

The increased demand for the adoption of sustainable practices to protect agroecosystems is challenged by the introduction and dominance of invasive plant species (IPS). The management of IPS requires a direct response from farmers and policy makers and is often associated with the adoption of practices that have negative ecological impacts. Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. (silverleaf nightshade) is a noxious IPS posing a serious threat to agriculture and the environment. The increased resistance to the biotic and abiotic stress factors caused by high phenotypic plasticity, dense trichomes, and spines allow the weed to adapt to many habitats, rendering several herbicides ineffective. If an early detection and eradication fails, multiple management strategies should be adopted to mitigate a further dispersal. Herbicides should be applied before or during flowering to prevent the formation of berries and the production of seeds. Precision agriculture tools, such as decision support systems, can be exploited to reduce the herbicide input. Soil tillage should be avoided to prevent clonal reproduction. Mowing is an effective tool to prevent the setting of seeds. Biological agents should be carefully released as a part of an agroecological weed management framework. Future research should focus on the development of cross-boundary protocols and actions to monitor the introduction pathways for the early detection and agroecological management of S. elaeagnifolium.