Proper Management Research Articles

Generation and Composition of Medical Waste in Lafia

Background: Effective management of medical waste is a prerequisite for efficient delivery of healthcare services, human health and environmental protection; and the availability of adequate data with regard to medical waste generation and composition is generally considered to be fundamental in the development of efficient medical waste management. However, in Lafia, the state capital of Nasarawa State, Nigeria and a rapidly developing town, there is inadequate information on the medical waste generation and composition. This study thus sets to evaluate the medical waste composition and generation in Lafia by direct observation during both rainy and dry seasons Methodology: The study involved the survey of a cross section of three (3) tertiary health institution. Findings: The study showed that there is significant variation in healthcare waste management practices and sustainability factors (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) (3Rs). The test showed that there prominent method of healthcare waste management at the studied institution was practice of incineration, pit burning and burying and frequency of waste disposal, leaving out other new and improved technologies for proper waste managements. This study aims to evaluate the medical waste generation and composition in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria across public and private hospitals. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: It is anticipated that the outcome of this research will avail resourceful data that will be needed for effective hospital waste management and other planning and design works.

Profiles of Teacher-Student Relationships and Classroom Management Practices: How They Relate to Self-Efficacy, Work Stress, and Classroom Climate

<p style="text-align:justify">Teachers' classroom practice encompasses diverse facets of teacher behavior. Understanding teachers’ classroom practice is important as the literature has been well documented its association with student, teacher, and classroom outcomes. Positive teacher-student relationships and proper classroom management, both are important aspects of teachers’ classroom practices, have been empirically linked to increasing student academic performance and reducing problem behaviors. This study explored patterns of teacher classroom practices across teacher-student relationships and classroom management and validated them using a person-oriented approach, k-means clustering, on three sets of data with over 600 participants. Using indicators of classroom assessment scoring system (CLASS), three distinct teacher profiles were identified: supportive, intermediate, and detached. Supportive teachers demonstrated high levels of teacher-student relationships and classroom management, while detached teachers showed low levels of both. Intermediate teachers fell between these two groups. The study also compared these profiles based on teacher self-efficacy, work stress, and classroom climate. Supportive teachers had the highest classroom climate scores, followed by intermediate and detached. Work stress was comparable for intermediate and supportive teachers, but both were lower than detached. No group differences were found for self-efficacy. This study contributes to the understanding of teacher behaviors with students in the lower grades.</p>

CONSTRUYENDO LA SOSTENIBILIDAD: APORTACIÓN MULTIDISCIPLINAR DESDE LA UNIVERSIDAD

The university, due to its work in the generation and dissemination of knowledge, is a very relevant part of the development of the SDGs. The Civil Engineering and Fundamentals of Architecture degrees play a key role in contributing to sustainability through the development of skills aimed at proper environmental management and administration of natural resources in accordance with them. This article shows the development and application of an initiative to increase the mastery of competences related to sustainability in different subjects of their study plan. The approach includes a framework with actions carried out both in regular subjects and in end-of-degree projects. Didactic activities have been designed using different methodologies and students have been involved in their learning process, bringing them closer to the real world from an environmental and sustainable perspective. Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Project-Based Learning, competence-based approach, university.

Risk management in the beverage production industry using FMEA and fuzzy cognitive map in an uncertain environment

Proper and systematic management of food industry failures can improve the quality of products and save a lot on the costs of organizations and people’s health. One of the conventional methods for risk assessment is the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) which is often performed in a phase or stage. Compared to the combined methods, this method is less accurate due to similar priorities of failure in the evaluation and the lack of consideration of the interaction between risks. The current research has applied an integrated approach based on two techniques, FMEA and Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM), in a multi-stage manner to increase assessment accuracy and ranking of failures. By considering the risks of an industry in an uncertain environment and the causal relationships between failures, this approach can evaluate the industry’s risks better than conventional methods. In the research method, the initial prioritization of failures by the FMEA method is used as the input of the multi-stage FCM. The cause-and-effect relationship between the failures is determined by experts and the functional records of the processes, and the FCM is prepared. Since no research evaluates the risks of the malting industry step by step and considers the causal relationships between the risks, the present study has improved risk evaluation in the malting industry by using a multi-stage FCM. The ranking results with the proposed hybrid approach and its comparison with the conventional methods showed that the rating became more accurate, and the multiple priorities were improved. Managers of the malt beverage industry can make effective investment decisions to reduce or better control the risks of this industry by using the results of applying the proposed approach.

Shape factor analysis of a magnetohydrodynamics mixed convective Nimonic 80A/water nanofluid flow over a moving wedge in the presence of thermal radiation

One of the most common problems faced in the industries is the lack of proper heat energy and temperature distribution management systems. The study of the effects of thermal radiation and magnetohydrodynamics on a water-based nanofluid flow with various shapes of the nanoparticle Nimonic 80A, over a moving wedge, is yet to be studied by any researcher. Being a superalloy of nickel–iron–chromium, Nimonic 80A is often used in exhaust systems and chemical plants as an anti-corrosive agent. The mathematical model presented in this article was transformed using similarity transformations and solved using MATLAB bvp4c code. All the results and graphs were formulated after a positive outcome of our results with that available in the existing literature. Increases in velocity and temperature were observed with the increase in empirical shape factors of the nanoparticle for various parameters. Local Nusselt number and skin-friction coefficients decreased under the influence of augmenting shape factors of the nanoparticles. The velocity profile decreased at a rate of 1.5% while the temperature profile augmented by 0.24% for an augmenting magnetic parameter from M = 0.6 to 0.8 while the velocity profile increased for an increase in radiation parameter. An increment in the nanoparticle concentration resulted in incrementing streamline values and skin friction coefficient by 0.38% and 6.83%, respectively.

Targeting MurB from Helicobacter pylori: insights from virtual screening, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation

ABSTRACT Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative, helical-shaped bacteria found in the mucus lining of the stomach of humans responsible for causing sores or an ulcer. H. pylori is becoming a multi-drug resistant bacterium, which in turn demands the need for development of alternative treatment strategies for the proper management of diseases. The peptidoglycan biosynthesis pathway is critical for the synthesis of cell walls and for the survival of H. pylori. There are several crucial enzymes in this biosynthesis pathway which can act as significant drug targets against H. pylori. One of these important enzymes is UDP-N-acetylenolpyruvoylglucosamine reductase (MurB), which catalyses an important committed step of cell wall biosynthesis. In the present study, we performed a high throughput virtual screening using the Enamine HTSC library against the MurB enzyme. The molecules were also screened for druglike properties by ADME screening, toxicity, and tumorigenic nature, followed by MD simulations. We found that Z102621114_1 and Z228235240_1 ligand molecules can act as potential inhibitors of MurB protein. Our results suggest, these molecules may be able to meet the demand for novel antimicrobials to treat H. pylori medication resistance. The subsequent experimental investigations can increase their potential as a novel agents against H. pylori infections. Research highlights Helicobacter pylori infects 50% of the Global population. Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with gastric cancer. MurB is a key drug target protein as it is responsible for cell wall synthesis. Z102621114_1 and Z228235240_1 were identified as potential inhibitors of MurB of Helicobacter pylori.

Solar radiation powered biodiesel synthesis using C&D waste catalyst – a novel approach

A significant amount of construction and demolition waste is generated in India every year. The proper management of this waste has become a crucial concern due to fast urban growth, building projects, and increased construction work. The volume of this waste is substantial, which can harm the environment, deplete resources, and pose health risks if not handled well. This study presents an innovative method for biodiesel synthesis, addressing the challenges of construction and demolition (C&D) waste management and renewable energy integration. The research introduces a novel catalyst derived from C&D waste through a calcination process, offering an eco-friendly solution for waste repurposing. This catalyst demonstrates potential for sustainable biodiesel production, marking a significant advancement in waste management practices. Furthermore, a pioneering solar-powered reactor is utilized for biodiesel synthesis, achieving an impressive 92.2% conversion rate under specific conditions. The system's energy efficiency, calculated as [Formula: see text], surpasses conventional methods, highlighting its potential for reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Moreover, the produced biodiesel meets ASTM D6751 standards, ensuring quality and compatibility with industry requirements.

Agricultural Solid Waste and its Management: An Overview

Waste is one of the most pressing issues of the present time. Its effects seemed so drastic that concerns about its proper management raised questions around the globe. The major areas of developing and underdeveloped countries are used for agriculture and allied activities. Most of the waste generated in a country comprisesd agricultural wastes, most of which are solid. There is an urgent need to manage this agricultural waste to avoid environmental degradation and mitigate its ill effects on human and animal health. It was found that vermicomposting seemed to be by far the most affordable and quickest method of agricultural solid waste management. It also describes the problem of crop residue burning, which is quite prevalent in developing countries like India. It was also seen that the respective central and state governments must frame specific policies and laws for agricultural waste management. As agricultural solid wastes have good re-use and conversion potential, and it was suggested that suitable measures that can be taken to implement sustainable management of agricultural solid wastes.

Working Capital Management and Profitability: With Special Evidence from Agriculture Companies Listed on the National Stock Exchange

The study attempted to analyze the relationship between working capital management (WCM) and the profitability of agriculture companies. The data were collected from four agricultural companies listed on the National Stock Exchange during 2013-2021. The results showed that RCC and CCC had a significant negative relationship with the ROA of agriculture companies. The negative relationship implied that profitability was lower if the cash conversion cycle was longer. The study concluded that a reduction in the receivables collection cycle and cash conversion cycle could lead to an enhancement in the profits of the agriculture company. The findings also highlighted the significant positive impact of ICC and PDC on the ROA of agriculture companies. It implied that longer the duration of the inventory conversion period and payment to suppliers led higher profitability for the companies. Therefore, to maintain a specific level of inventories for proper working capital management and improved profitability, agricultural companies should invest in current assets with the help of a financial institutional support system. Policymakers could develop regulations to encourage the amount of current assets in the working capital of agricultural companies, leading to profitability.

Quality Indicators of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Korea.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that requires significant experiences and skills and has various procedure-related complications, some of which can be severe and even result in the death of patients. Expanding ERCP availability has the advantage of increasing accessibility for patients. However, ERCP poses a substantial risk if performed without proper quality management. ERCP quality management is essential for both ensuring safe and successful procedures and meeting the social demands for enhanced healthcare competitiveness and quality assurance. To address these concerns, the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association established a task force to develop ERCP quality indicators (QIs) tailored to the Korean medical environment. Key questions for five pre-procedure, three intra-procedure, and four post-procedure measures were formulated based on a literature search related to ERCP QIs and a comprehensive clinical review conducted by experts. The statements and recommendations regarding each QI item were selected through peer review. The developed ERCP QIs were reviewed by external experts based on the latest available evidence at the time of development. These domestically tailored ERCP QIs are expected to contribute considerably to improving ERCP quality in Korea.

Exploring Seed Production Techniques for Flowering Annuals: A Comprehensive Overview

This comprehensive overview delves into the intricate techniques involved in seed production for flowering annuals. From selecting suitable varieties to understanding pollination dynamics, harvesting, and storage, this review provides valuable insights into the complex process of seed production. Drawing upon the latest research and practical considerations, it highlights the importance of proper management practices for maintaining genetic purity and seed viability. By exploring the various methodologies and considerations, this abstract aims to provide a foundational understanding for both home gardeners and commercial growers seeking to optimize seed production in flowering annuals. This paper presents a thorough examination of seed production methodologies tailored for flowering annuals. By addressing key aspects such as variety selection, pollination strategies, harvesting techniques, and storage protocols, it offers a comprehensive guide for both novice gardeners and seasoned professionals. Through a synthesis of empirical research and practical insights, it underscores the significance of meticulous management in ensuring the quality and sustainability of seed stocks. With a focus on enhancing understanding and proficiency, this abstract serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to maximize the yield and diversity of flowering annuals in their cultivation endeavors.

Pediatric acute urinary retention due to impacted urethral meatal calculus: a rare case report

Urethral calculus is rare in pediatrics, especially with acute urinary retention. The diagnosis of urethral calculus is made by proper history taking, physical examination, and imaging studies. In this case, the diagnosis was made mainly by anamnesis, inspection, and palpation of the calculus in the external urethral meatus. Invasive and less invasive procedures such as open surgery, meatotomy, or laser lithotripsy procedure, can be a management of urethral calculus. In this case, simple extraction was performed without meatotomy or other invasive procedures. A 5-year-old, boy was reported to come to the emergency department because of severe pain in his penis and acute urinary retention. The patient had a history of dysuria, a habit of delaying urination, and low fluid intake. On physical examination, it was found a distention in the suprapubic area and a green-white solid mass at the external urethral meatus. A 10-millimeter calculus was successfully extracted from the external urethral meatus with simple extraction procedures under local anesthesia. This case report demonstrated a rare case of pediatric acute urinary retention secondary to impacted urethral meatal calculus in an emergency setting of a low-level hospital. Immediate and proper management was required due to the patient's condition and considering the lack of facilities. The extraction of calculus with minimal urethral damage was the recommendation.

Perioperative knowledge, self-efficacy and clinical practices related to postoperative delirium care in older people across geographical regions in Australia.

In older people undergoing surgery, there is a lower tolerance for complications. This highlights the need for documented clinical practices on proper prevention, pre-screening and management of complications such as postoperative delirium (POD). Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines exist for delirium management; however, the management of delirium in clinical settings differs widely. This study aims to develop an understanding of the knowledge, components of self-efficacy (confidence/competence), and clinical practice related to POD care among preoperative and recovery nurses across different types of geographical locations in Australia. A 27-item online survey was sent out to professional associations focused on perioperative care across Australia. The participants included practicing registered nurses specialising in perioperative care. The main outcome measures were Knowledge, confidence/competence and clinical practice relating to POD care in older patients. Respondents were categorised into two groups-major cities and rural and remote. Mean age was 46.3 years for respondents in Australian major cities and 49.5 for the comparison group. There was a statistically significant difference between Australian major cities and 'rural and remote' in confidence in detecting hyperactive delirium, 25.2% versus 11.7% respectively as well as managing hyperactive delirium, 13.8% versus 1.7%, respectively. Similar results were also observed on hypoactive delirium. Respondents from both groups did not mirror the ideal situation in managing a hyperactive delirium. Results from this study are inconclusive and there is no clear-cut observation in clinical practice or knowledge between the two geographical categories in this study. The absence of a distinct strategy with POD prevention highlights the need for a uniform approach and consensus on POD prevention and management in older people. This can be achieved by creating more awareness and education through professional development related to POD.

Recent test experiences with applying multiple unshrouded impellers in a single-shaft compressor

The use of unshrouded impellers to increase the pressure ratio and volume reduction achieved in low mole weight, single-shaft compressor applications is discussed. The aerodynamic and mechanical implications of using multiple unshrouded impellers in series is also addressed. Test results will show that with proper management of impeller tip gaps good aerodynamic performance can be achieved with three unshrouded impellers in a single process section. The development effort also leveraged a knowledge-based impeller design system to provide new impeller designs that were optimized as a function of Mach number to provide a 30% axially shorter section without compromising aerodynamic performance. The shorter axial stages in the first section pushed the rotor natural frequency 20% higher, enabling faster rotor tip speeds. Test results from a single-stage test rig and from a full-size prototype testing are provided and generally show good agreement.

Population genomic analysis of the greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) in the Mediterranean and the Northeast Atlantic, based on SNPs, microsatellites, and mitochondrial DNA sequences

The greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) has attracted considerable economic interest since the 1990s because it possesses traits that distinguish it as a promising candidate in aquaculture. However, the challenges of its successful rearing, combined with the need to develop proper management practices, underline the importance of research into the genetic diversity of both wild and farmed stocks. We aimed to decipher the genetic structure of S. dumerili in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Northeast Atlantic using three types of genetic markers (mitochondrial control region sequences, microsatellites, and single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs) to evaluate the population genetic structure of the species. The results were compared to those of previous studies of the species focusing on the Central Mediterranean and confirmed the presence of two divergent mtDNA haplogroups distributed without any detectable geographical structuring within the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. However, population analyses of the genetic structure of the species using either 10 microsatellites or a set of 1,051 SNP markers suggest that the species forms three genetically distinct groups, one in the Mediterranean and two in the Atlantic. The latter has so far not been reported in the Northeast Atlantic, and that this differentiation refers to samples from the Canary Islands is surprising. Fifteen candidate outlier SNP loci were identified in the data set, one located within the tead1a/TEF-1A gene, which has been associated with temperature acclimation of the medaka. This work enriches our knowledge of the genetic diversity of wild populations of the greater amberjack in the Mediterranean and the Northeast Atlantic and attempts to investigate signs of local adaptation toward a better understanding of the species distribution patterns. Future studies should be conducted to investigate the genomic regions associated with temperature acclimation in marine organisms that have to adapt to the ongoing climate change pressures, such as sea temperature rise, in order to survive.

Determinant Features to Reduce the Infrastructure Gap in Saudi Arabia under a Public–Private Partnership Scheme

Saudi Arabia is forecast to develop a significant number of infrastructure projects, as recorded in its strategy Saudi Vision 2030. To implement this strategy, the country intends to leverage public–private partnerships. This research has various goals. Firstly, it intends to identify the determinant features (DFs) that may facilitate the population of private–public partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) through the opinions of PPP experts. Second, it aims to analyse these opinions through a statistical approach. The research used the following methodologies: the development of a survey amongst sectorial experts, with a total of 45 valid responses; a statistical characterisation of the responses; and an exploratory factor analysis to determine the minimum number of factors explaining the proposed objectives. The findings of the research revealed that the five most relevant factors were the availability and effectiveness of a proper regulatory and legal framework; adequate risk allocation and sharing among project stakeholders; a straightforward project brief and client outcomes; the comprehensive and business viability of project feasibility studies; and finally, the assurance that proper project value management systems are in place during different project stages. As its principal contribution, this study finds, based on the experts’ opinions, that KSA should consider the mentioned determinant factors to ensure that PPP plays the expected role in the provision of infrastructure.

To Study the Effect of Foliar Spray of Nano Fertilizer on Growth Characters of Rabi Maize (Zea mays L.) in Mandsaur Region (MP), India

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar spray of nano fertilizer on growth characters of maize involving hybrid variety (pioneer) during Rabi season 2022-23 at Crop Research Cafeteria at Mandsaur University Mandsaur. This experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replication involving eight treatments and five growth characters of maize. The analysis of variance (ANNOVA) has indicated significant amount of variability present among all eight treatments and all five quantitative character studies. The obtained results revealed that the application of 100% NPK + 2 spray of nano N-fertilizer is more beneficial in terms of growth, productivity, maximum gross return, net return, beneficial cost ratio and sustainability over rest of treatments which lead us to recommend the treatment of 100% NPK + 2 spray of nano N-fertilizer as a most proper nutrients management practice to be applied in sandy loam soil at under Mandsaur region conditions.

The Difference in the Source of Bee Bread (Citrus, Anise) in Its Chemical Composition

Beebread is a hive product derived from the collection of pollen by bees. To produce beebread, bees enrich the gathered pollen with honey and digestive enzymes, storing the mixture within the combs. The transformation of bee pollen into beebread occurs through an anaerobic fermentation process facilitated by the bees.
 Effective beehive management is crucial to encourage the accumulation of beebread, with the intention of marketing it for human consumption. This is due to its recognition as a valuable nutritional supplement, attributed to its rich array of nutrients. The nutritional value of beebread, including protein, amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, and polyphenols, is contingent upon the plant source of the bee pollen, emphasizing the significance of proper hive management for optimizing its quality.
 The nutritional and functional composition of beebread lead this research, work was done to collect bee bread from two different geographical regions, namely the coastal region (Lattakia), which was the predominant citrus at the time of collection and the interior region (the countryside of Hama), which was aniseed prevalent at the time of collection.
 The results of the research showed the difference in the chemical composition of bee bread collected from the two mentioned areas.
 The protein content of bee bread samples from the interior region increased, which amounted to 20%, with a very high significance compared to bee bread from the coastal region, which amounted to 15.6%.
 The content of sinters also increased with a very high significance, which amounted to 7.92% and 2.02% in the interior and coastal regions, respectively.
 As for the ash, it was 2% and 1.3% in the interior and coastal regions, respectively.
 As for the humidity of the samples of the interior region, it was lower than that of the coastal region, which amounted to 8.68%, while 13.5% in the coastal region.
 The results also showed the difference in the content of the studied bee bread samples in fructose, where the content of the samples of the interior region amounted to 23.07%, while the content of the samples of the coastal region amounted to 18.10%, while the content of glucose sugar reached 15.74% and 14.82% in both the interior and coastal regions, respectively.
 This confirms the difference in the chemical composition of bee bread according to the plant type from which bee pollen was collected.

Evaluating the context dependency of large river nursery habitats for fishes in the lower Red River catchment

AbstractBoth fine‐ and coarse‐scale physicochemical conditions affect the quantity and quality of nursery habitats within riverine ecosystems. Nursery habitats in large, braided, and sandbed streams such as the lower Red River of Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas are not well described and likely vary among species. Identification of nursery habitats is important for developing proper conservation and management actions. We used an occupancy model framework to determine how hierarchical habitat factors related to the occupancy of 38 juvenile fish species. Our findings indicate that large river nursery habitats can generally be defined by reaches with off‐channel slackwater habitat, having deep pools but shallow thalweg depths, typically located further away from dams, and with low percentages of limestone lithology. Species within the same genera often exhibited variable relationships with river slope, amount of large woody debris, channel shape, discharge, and position of reaches within the stream network. Our results indicate important species‐specific relationships that define nursery habitats, indicating an important context dependency of nursery habitats even within fishes that are taxonomically similar. If the goal is to improve recruitment by native fishes, then consideration of the important species‐specific differences would be beneficial if improvements are made to nursery habitats. Moreover, careful consideration of the effects of dam operations will help maintain proper connectivity to off‐channel habitats important in downriver portions of the river network.

HUBUNGAN PENGELOLAAN SAMPAH DENGAN KEJADIAN DIARE DI DESA PANDANAN

Pandanan Hamlet is a favorite tourist destination in Lombok, admired by tourists for its beautiful beaches. Diarrhea represents a common and potentially serious global health issue, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare. This condition, characterized by increased frequency and fluidity of stool, can be caused by various factors ranging from bacterial or viral infections to chronic medical conditions. This research focuses on Pandanan Village, examining the impact of waste management on the incidence of diarrhea. Waste management is a crucial environmental issue worldwide. Improperly managed waste, encompassing various materials from household to industrial waste, can become a source of disease spread. The study indicates a correlation between good waste management and a decrease in diarrhea incidents. Results show a significant relationship (P<0.05) between poor waste management and increased diarrhea incidence, with poor waste management being linked to 22 cases of diarrhea. These findings underscore the importance of proper waste management as a preventive measure against diarrhea, particularly in the context of sanitation and environmental cleanliness. This research provides crucial insights into the relationship between environmental factors and public health, highlighting the need for interventions focused on improving sanitation infrastructure and health education in Pandanan Village.