Control Practices Research Articles

Alleged Violation of Article 17 of Law Number 5 of 1999 Regarding Transportation Management Services for Shipping (Export) of Clear Lobster Seeds, Decision Number 04/KPPU-I/2021 Decision Date 09 June 2022

This study examines the alleged violation of Article 17 of Law Number 5 of 1999 related to the transportation management services for the delivery (export) of clear lobster seeds, based on the Decision of the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) Number 04/KPPU-I/2021 dated June 9, 2022. In this case, there are strong indications that several business actors have carried out unhealthy market control practices, which have a negative impact on business competition in the transportation management sector for clear lobster seeds in Indonesia. This study analyzes the impact of the alleged violations on business actors, service quality, innovation, and the development of the national fisheries sector. The conclusions drawn emphasize the importance of law enforcement and regulatory reform to maintain healthy competition in this sector. Recommendations provided include stricter law enforcement, regulatory reform, increased innovation, and protection for small business actors and fishermen affected

Examining the Relationship between Infection Control Practices and ESBL Bacterial Carriage in Healthcare Workers

The Enterobacteriaceae family widely produces Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL), and infection by ESBL-producing bacteria can significantly increase morbidity, complicate therapeutic difficulties, escalating healthcare costs, and increase mortality rates. Transmission of these bacteria within the hospital environment may lead to the prevalence of ESBL-producing bacterial carriers among healthcare workers. Health workers' infection prevention and control (IPC) behavior plays a role in transmitting these pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to determine the relationship between IPC behavior and the incidence of ESBL-producing bacterial carriers in health workers at Banjarnegara Islamic Hospital. This research used an observational analytic approach with a cross-sectional method. The sampling technique involved purposive sampling, resulting in a total sample of 61 people. Data were obtained by completing an IPC behavior questionnaire and collecting rectal swab samples cultured on CHROM ESBL Agar media. Statistical analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney test. The research identified a prevalence of 13.1% (8/61) ESBL-producing bacterial carriers among health workers at Banjarnegara Islamic Hospital. However, based on statistical analysis, the p-value was 0.664, leading to the rejection of the hypothesis (accepted if p-value <0.05). In conclusion, there is no significant relationship between IPC behavior and the incidence of ESBL-producing bacterial carriers in health workers at Banjarnegara Islamic Hospital.

Assessment tools for evaluating the efficiency of practices to control food safety performance indicators in cereal-based small-medium scale food manufacturing establishments in Bangladesh

Safe production in small-medium enterprises (SMEs)-based food processing industries is a challenge in developing countries due to limited resources and inefficient process control activities. For the development of the situations, we first need to identify the context characteristics and control activities that have an impact on the safety of the finished products. In the present study, a comprehensive target-oriented tool was designed to evaluate the efficiency of control practices with respect to contextual factors to understand the likelihood of common hazards in cereal-based small and medium factories. The identified 18 control activities, based on previous studies, were assigned to three food safety performance indicators, such as allergen contamination, pesticide residue or heavy metal contamination, and fungal contamination. The performance level of activities is a marker of whether the control practices are able to control the food safety performance indicators in cereal-based SME manufacturers. A Venn diagram is used to visually present the efficiency of control activities. Moreover, among the 18 control practices, 7 for mitigating pesticide residues or heavy metal contamination, 9 for allergen control, and 13 control practices for fungal contamination were identified. As comparatively lower control practices (water source, raw material control, testing, etc.) are involved in mitigating pesticide residues or heavy metal contamination, which proves context factors (Good Agricultural Practices, contamination-free soil, etc.) are more important to minimize the risk. We inspected the implementation of the developed tool in 44 cereal-based small-medium manufacturers in Bangladesh and calculated 59.06% efficiency in controlling fungal contamination. Most of the cereal-based SMEs in Bangladesh operate from a poor to a basic level, which is an indication of the high likelihood of occurring hazards.

Rate of nosocomial MRSA transmission evaluated via contact screening

BackgroundThe prevention of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) transmission in the healthcare setting is a priority in Infection Control practices. A cornerstone of this policy is contact tracing of nosocomial contacts after an unexpected MRSA finding. The objective of this retrospective study was to quantify the rates of MRSA transmission in different clinical settings.MethodsThis multi-centre study included MRSA contact screening results from two regional hospitals and one academic hospital. MRSA contact tracing investigations from 2000 until 2019 were reviewed and post-contact screening results were included of index patients with an MRSA-positive culture and their unprotected contacts. Available typing results were used to rule out incidental findings.ResultsOf 27,377 contacts screened after MRSA exposure, 21,488 were Health Care Workers (HCW) and 4816 patients. Post-contact screening was initiated for a total of 774 index cases, the average number of screened contacts per index case was 35.7 (range 1 to 640). MRSA transmission was observed in 0.15% (41) of the contacts, 19 (0.09%) HCW and 22 (0.46%) patients. The number needed to screen to detect one MRSA transmission was 667. The highest risk of MRSA transmission occurred during patient-to-patient contacts, with transmission rates varying from 0.32 to 1.32% among the participating hospitals. No transmissions were detected in HCW (n=2834) in the outpatient setting, and the rate of transmissions among HCW contacts on the wards was 0.13% (19 of 15,874). Among 344 contacts of patients with contact precautions, no transmissions were detected.ConclusionsReconsidering current MRSA contact tracing practices may lead to a more targeted approach with a lower number needed to screen.

Knowledge and practice of malaria vector control of the residents in Chu RCam commune, Krong Pa district, Gia Lai province, in 2023

Cross - sectional descriptive study with the aim of describing the knowledge and practices of malaria vector control among people in the area where malaria is still prevalent in Chu RCam commune from September to December 2023. The results of interviews with 300 people showed that the average ratio of people/net in the village was 1.5 people/net, while the ratio in the field was 2 people/net. 47.4% of people did not know the cause of malaria infection; 36.3% of people did not know the harmful effects of malaria, and 12.7% of people did not know how to sleep under a mosquito net to prevent malaria. 5.8% of people in the village and 3.3% of people in the field did not sleep under a mosquito net. 74.7% of people chose mosquito nets to prevent mosquitoes. Therefore, it is proposed to continue providing mosquito nets to households lacking mosquito nets.

Biological control for One Health

Biological control has been effectively exploited by mankind since 300 CE. By promoting the natural regulation of pests, weeds, and diseases, it produces societal benefits at the food-environment-health nexus. Here we scrutinize biological control endeavours and their social-ecological outcomes through a holistic ‘One-Health’ lens, recognizing that the health of humans, animals, plants, and the wider environment are linked and interdependent. Evidence shows that biological control generates desirable outcomes within all One Health dimensions, mitigating global change issues such as chemical pollution, biocide resistance, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction. Yet, its cross-disciplinary achievements remain underappreciated. To remedy this, we advocate a systems-level, integrated approach to biological control research, policy, and practice. Framing biological control in a One Health context helps to unite medical and veterinary personnel, ecologists, conservationists and agricultural professionals in a joint quest for solutions to some of the most pressing issues in planetary health.

Assessment of Air Pollution Levels from a Building Construction Site on Lagos Island

The introduction highlights the challenges of air pollution from construction activities on a site in Lagos Island, Nigeria, emphasizing the need for comprehensive studies to assess air pollution levels and evaluate its implications for public health and environmental quality. The methodology outlines the monthly data collection process, using the Earth Sense Zephyr (equipped with electrochemical detectors for gases) to measure CO, NO, NO₂, O₃, and Optical light scattering for particles) to measure PM₂.₅, and PM₁₀, and the ARA n-FRM Sampler for additional data collection on PM₂.₅, and PM₁₀. The study found that CO, NO, and NO₂ levels were influenced by construction activities, vehicle emissions and industrial sources, with notable peaks in CO and NO concentrations during specific months. Ozone levels remained consistently low, likely due to the "titration effect," while particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) showed significant seasonal variation, peaking during the dry season due to construction dust and dry weather conditions. The findings underscore the need for stringent regulatory measures and effective dust control practices, particularly during periods of increased construction activity and dry weather, to mitigate air pollution and protect public health. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of air pollution from a typical construction site in Lagos Island, emphasizing the urgency of sustainable interventions to safeguard public health and environmental integrity. The study proposes enhanced monitoring and surveillance, stringent regulatory measures, promotion of sustainable construction practices, and public awareness and education, to address the challenges associated with construction-related air pollution on Lagos Island.

CoplayingVR: Understanding User Experience in Shared Control in Virtual Reality

Shared control of avatars in virtual reality is emerging as a promising method to enhance collaborative interactions. While the literature investigates shared control as an input modality to understand the design of functional experiences, the user experience associated with shared control remains underexplored. In this paper, we investigate the user experience of shared control using a networked VR environment, "CoplayingVR". Through a user study comprised of three gaming tasks in VR with 48 participants, we collect both quantitative and qualitative data on the user experience and performance of shared control. Our findings reveal that the shared control mode significantly improved user experience factors and brought novelty to the play. Furthermore, shared control significantly enhanced the task efficiency for novice users. Finally, we discuss how our findings inform the implications for research and practice of shared control for the growing body of research in VR.

A scoping review on control strategies for Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widespread neglected zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (EG) with a global burden of control in the billions of dollars. E. granulosus' life cycle involves definitive, intermediate, and humans as dead-end hosts. Echinococcosis control programs use strategies that focus on any of these hosts. We aimed to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the EG control interventions worldwide. We conducted a scoping review by mapping all studies on interventions for EG control following the Arksey and O'Malley Framework. We screened identified articles, and charted and coded selected papers. We classified the data based on target host, type of study, and control mechanism. We described the efficacy or safety outcomes, and the associated barriers/facilitators for the intervention. Critical appraisal was conducted. From 7,853 screened studies, we analyzed 45: seven centered on human interventions, 21 on animals, and 17 on both. Studies on humans focused on educational strategies and human CE monitoring. The studies on animals were field trials and most were based on Praziquantel (PZQ) for dogs. Studies focused on both animals and humans had, in general, more participants, lasted longer, and covered larger geographical areas. Overall, the quality of studies was moderate to low. Available evidence suggests that long-term interventions aimed at both animals and humans can achieve significant reduction in EG transmission, particularly when PZQ treatment for dogs is included. Higher quality evidence, standardization of methodologies, and better reporting on post-intervention outcomes are necessary for drawing stronger conclusions. Further evidence is needed to assess the sustainability and scalability of control measures. Nonetheless, an integrative One Health approach is essential for overcoming the multiple challenges associated with sustaining long-term control efforts for Echinococcosis.

Optimal Control Problems in Complex Systems: The Combination of Mathematical Modeling and Optimization Strategies

Optimal control in complex systems is a challenging and practical field. Traditional control methods can not meet the needs of complex systems, so mathematical modeling and optimization strategies are needed to improve system performance and stability. The optimal control theory can solve the control problem in complex system effectively and improve the operation efficiency of the system by establishing mathematical model and combining optimization strategy. From mathematical modeling method to hybrid optimization strategy research, this paper discusses the theory and practice of optimal control in depth. In the future, it is necessary to further improve the research methods to solve the uncertainty of complex system models and make greater contributions to realizing more intelligent control schemes.

Financial Technologies Impact on Higher Education Institution Budgeting and Financial Planning

This study investigates the impact of financial technologies on the budgeting and financial planning practices of private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The primary objectives are to identify the most adopted financial technologies, evaluate the extent of cash flow management practices, and assess the implementation of digital payment systems. Comparative research design was utilized in the study to determine the differences in perception between teaching staff (N = 50) and non-teaching staff (N = 50) regarding these technologies. Data were collected through surveys and analyzed to determine the levels of adoption and effectiveness of various financial technologies. The findings reveal that digital payment systems are the most widely adopted, followed by Oracle Financials and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. HEIs demonstrate strong practices in revenue diversification, strategic budgeting, cost control, and financial reserve management. However, concerns about the accuracy of financial reporting indicate a need for improvement. Significant differences in perceptions and attitudes towards financial technologies were found between teaching and non- teaching staff, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions. Based on these findings, a comprehensive financial technology plan is proposed, focusing on enhancing perceived use, improving ease of use, fostering positive attitudes, and increasing actual usage of financial technologies. The plan includes specific actions, responsibilities, and timelines to ensure effective implementation. This research underscores the importance of continuous investment in financial technologies and strategic planning to enhance financial management practices in HEIs. By addressing the identified gaps and leveraging existing strengths, institutions can achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and innovation in their financial operations, ultimately leading to improved financial stability and performance. Keywords: Financial Technology, HEIs, Financial Planning, Budgeting

Friend or foe? Engaging public can save the critically endangered common hamster (Cricetus cricetus)

AbstractThe common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) occupies a controversial position among mammals inhabiting agricultural areas, as it is possibly the only critically endangered species that is legally targeted by lethal control methods, making it a conflict‐generating pest. We surveyed various stakeholders, agrarian consultants, wildlife rangers, and residents for the first time in Hungary, with two interrelated questionnaires to obtain accurate information about hamster populations, and to learn about the participants knowledge of, and attitude toward hamsters in order to provide fundamental information for planning and strengthening social embeddedness. Additionally, we prepared the current distribution map of the hamster. Based on the relatively wide distribution and locally high abundance of the species, Hungary has a key role in hamster conservation. We identified several factors, which can contribute to successful species protection. The results indicated that more than 60% of the respondent's liked hamsters. In contrast, only a few residents considered hamsters in their settlement to be beneficial. Our results suggest that the hamster's reputation is disproportionately negative due to vaguely known perceptions of harm as compared with actual reported damage. This imbalance could be rectified through enhanced communication efforts. Improving the species' reputation is integral to effective species conservation initiatives. Current pest control practices (poisons and snap traps) kill the hamsters, even though 82% of the residents would prefer to keep the hamsters alive, conforming to conservation efforts. The results also indicated that the hamster could be a flagship species in Hungary. Knowledge of the protected status of the hamster predicted a positive attitude toward the species and related to nature conservation consciousness. We conclude that requirements of residents should be included in the species action plan along with the experts' knowledge, as this could contribute to successful, long‐term conservation of the hamster.

Implementation of COVID-19 infection control best practices in nursing homes amid the pandemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has claimed around 170,000 lives among nursing home residents and staff in the United States through April 2023. In a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 136 nursing homes, we delivered training to improve COVID-19 infection control best practices. We sought to assess the implementation of infection control practices in participating nursing homes.MethodsConcurrent with the delivery of the RCT (January-November 2021), we surveyed nursing home administrators (NHAs, n = 38) at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Using validated items from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the surveys inquired about 80 infection control best-practice activities (yes/no). The survey also asked seven scales corresponding to inner setting factors that may have impacted implementation. We assessed changes in infection control practices and inner setting factors between baseline and 6-month follow-up.ResultsOverall, the implementation of 11 best practices changed over time. NHAs reported an increase in the availability of informational materials for residents and families (84% vs. 100%, p = 0.031), the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer over soap (76% vs. 97%, p = 0.008), and the development of contingency plans for increased postmortem care (53% vs. 82%, p = 0.013). The implementation of four best-practice visitation policies and three communal restrictions decreased between baseline and 6-month follow-up (all p < 0.05). Regarding inner setting factors, only culture stress (perceived strain, stress, and role overload) increased between surveys (mean scores: 3.14 vs. 3.58, p = 0.004).ConclusionThis study was among the first to report changes in implementing COVID-19 infection control best practices in nursing homes amid the pandemic. Culture stress was an important inner setting factor that may have impacted implementation activities.Trial registrationNCT04499391Date of registrationAugust 3rd, 2020

An Insight into Practices Associated with the Control of Internal Parasites in the Dairy Goat Herds of Romania: A Questionnaire Survey.

The widespread and uncontrolled use of anthelmintic products has contributed to the emergence of anthelmintic resistance (AR). This phenomenon globally threatens the productivity and welfare of small ruminants. A questionnaire consisting of 34 questions was handed to 234 goat farmers across Romania to gain insight into control practices against internal parasites and the farmers' perception of the parasitic infections present in their herds and the efficacy of anthelmintic treatments. The majority of farmers (88.5%) admitted they had never submitted fecal samples for parasitological laboratory analysis, and 77.4% had treated the animals on their own. In general, the farmers dewormed their goats based on visual body weight estimation. Prophylactic anthelmintic treatment was practiced by more than 85% of the farmers. A traditional control approach based on treating the entire herd at fixed time intervals is widespread among Romanian goat and sheep farmers. The most commonly used anthelmintic drugs in the previous 3 years (2021-2023) were benzimidazoles (85.5%) and macrocyclic lactones (81.6%). Poor anthelmintic efficacy was suspected by 14.5% of farmers, and the minority (18.0%) considered internal parasites as a problem in their herds. Regarding the farmers' perception of the presence of parasites, there was a significant level of uncertainty. This is the first survey carried out in Romanian goat herds, and it provides up-to-date information on practices aimed at controlling internal parasites.

Biocontrol potential of Bacillus velezensis QF-2 isolated from rhizosphere soil of Vickifunkia tianschanica

Plant diseases caused by pathogenic fungi result in substantial losses of human, material, and financial resources annually. The common practice of chemical control often leads to the development of drug resistance in target organisms and carries adverse environmental impacts. As an alternative, researchers are exploring the potential of microbial control agents found in the rhizosphere.Previous studies have identified numerous promising microbial strains that could be utilized as effective, ecologically-friendly, and sustainable solutions to manage plant diseases. In the present investigation, a bacterial strain designated QF-2 was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Vickifunkia tianschanica. Through dual culture experiments and molecular biological analysis, the taxonomic status of this strain was clearly established, and its antagonistic activities against seven plant pathogens were observed. Furthermore, the researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of the QF-2 genome. Concurrently, five secondary metabolites (1–5) produced by QF-2 were studied, isolated, and identified.

Study on The Adoption of Historical Record and Chain of Custody By Brazilian Judicial Experts From the Collection to the Disposal of Evidence: A Survey Questionnaire

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the practices and protocols of the chain of custody adopted by forensic experts in Brazil, with the intent of evaluating the effectiveness and compliance of these procedures in the evidence production process. Theoretical Framework: This research is based on theories of forensic computing and the importance of evidence preservation. It highlights concepts of quality control and standardized practices in the chain of custody, providing a foundation for understanding best practices and relevant protocols. Method: The methodology employed involves administering a specific questionnaire to a group of forensic experts across Brazil. Data was collected to gather information on chain of custody procedures, including collection, acquisition, examination, analysis, transfer, and disposal of evidence. The study aims to measure the adoption and application of standardized practices by these professionals. Results and Discussion: Results revealed significant variations in the adoption of chain of custody practices among forensic experts. The discussion contextualizes these variations in relation to established theories and practices, identifying gaps and weaknesses in protocols and suggesting areas for improvement. Implications of the Research: The implications of this research include potential improvements in evidence preservation practices and the need for greater adherence to standardized protocols, impacting the reliability and credibility of evidence in judicial processes. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by identifying deficiencies in current practices and suggesting directions for enhancement. The relevance is underscored by the need to improve evidence quality and ensure the integrity of judicial processes.

Household Economic Losses and Community Knowledge Determine Control Strategies: A Case of Cerebral Coenurosis in Small Ruminants in Northern Tanzania

Cerebral coenurosis affects sheep and goats worldwide and has zoonotic implications. Information on the financial burden and understanding of the disease and control practices may inform control strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Babati and Ngorongoro Districts, Tanzania, to determine economic losses, farmers’ knowledge, and attitudes and practices on the control of coenurosis in small ruminants. A structured questionnaire was administered to 558 households for data collection. The total annual loss was TZS 122.8 M (USD 52.9 K) for Babati and TZS 656.5 M (USD 282.9 K) for Ngorongoro District. The average annual household financial loss was TZS 356.8 K (USD 153.83) for Babati and TZS 3.1 M (USD 1.3 K) for Ngorongoro District. Almost 90% of respondents were aware of coenurosis while less than 1% of the respondents had no knowledge of it at all. The average knowledge score was 5.85 out of 16 (36.6%), which implies a low level of knowledge on coenurosis. About 94% of respondents showed a willingness to participate and pay the control costs. Given the economic loss and favorable attitudes toward control participation, delivery of an educational package on epidemiology and control of coenurosis to livestock keepers may trigger collaborative and sustainable intervention.

Deep learning-based quality prediction for multi-stage sequential hot rolling processes in heavy rail manufacturing

Traditional quality control practices in heavy rail manufacturing primarily rely on experiential knowledge and numerical simulations. However, these methods come with significant drawbacks, including high costs, safety concerns, and limited accuracy due to the inadequate consideration of various influencing factors. Despite the accumulation of extensive data by some heavy rail manufacturers in recent years, achieving data-driven quality modeling remains a formidable challenge, mainly due to the complexity of the multi-stage sequential production process. This study presents the Temporal-Spatial Mapping approach to transform isochronous sampling data into spatially aligned data. Additionally, it introduces a multi-objective prediction model, Temporal-Fusion-LSTM (TFL), designed for evaluating the quality of heavy rails. The proposed model presents the Double-Layer LSTM with Time-Steps Fusion (DLL) architecture. The first layer of the DLL architecture targets the temporal transfer regularity within a single stage, while the second layer addresses the transition dynamics across multiple rolling stages in the heavy rail rolling process. Following this, the Local Process Correlation Matrix (LPCM) based on the Maximal Information Coefficient (MIC) is employed to empower the model to comprehend the intricate interactions among parameters in each stage of the rolling process. Finally, the Multi-Gate based Shared-Bottom architecture is employed to accentuate manufacturing processes highly correlated with the target quality indicators during multi-objective prediction. Real production data from a heavy rail factory is utilized to validate the effectiveness of the method. The experimental results unequivocally demonstrate that the proposed method accurately predicts heavy rail quality and facilitates cross-stage prediction, thus establishing the groundwork for data-driven quality diagnosis and pre-control in heavy rail production.

Towards Sustainable Onion Seed Production: An In-depth Analysis of Pest Control Practices, Knowledge Gaps, and Pollinator’s Awareness among Onion Seed Farmers in Maharashtra, India

Towards Sustainable Onion Seed Production: An In-depth Analysis of Pest Control Practices, Knowledge Gaps, and Pollinator’s Awareness among Onion Seed Farmers in Maharashtra, India

Controlling and Auditing Business Operations: Developing a Scale

Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop an up-to-date measurement tool to evaluate the control and audit activities in all kinds of enterprises with expressions for control and audit within the scope of compliance audit. Methodology: Current expressions related to control and audit were selected from the item pool created based on the literature and scale development stages were applied. The data were then analyzed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the scale. Findings: The study developed a valid and reliable scale that can be used to measure control and audit activities in all types of businesses. The scale consists of five sub-dimensions: process control, materials and equipment, assessment, authorized person, standard procedures. Originality: The study is original in that it developed a scale that can be used to measure control and audit activities in all types of businesses, regardless of their characteristics. The scale is also up-to-date, as it reflects the latest thinking on control and audit practices. The scale is also up-to-date as it reflects today's working conditions related to control and audit practices. It can also be used by practitioners to assess the effectiveness of their control and audit systems.