Single Office Research Articles

Four years of real-world sexual function outcomes after Rezum therapy in men with and without baseline erectile dysfunction.

Rezum alleviates lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) while preserving sexual function, but long-term sexual function outcomes are lacking in patients with baseline erectile dysfunction (ED). The study sought to analyze 4years of real-world sexual function outcomes of Rezum using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, stratified by baseline ED status. Participants included multiethnic Rezum-treated patients from a single outpatient office. IIEF domains and BPH medication usage were compared at baseline and 6, 12, and 48months using t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-square tests, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Primary outcomes over 4years included the IIEF functional domains (erectile function [EF], orgasmic function [OF], sexual desire [SD], intercourse satisfaction [IS], overall satisfaction [OS]) and BPH medication usage. A total of 91 patients were included: 40 (44%) in the ED cohort and 51 (56%) in the no ED cohort. History of diabetes was more prevalent in the ED cohort (35% vs 15.7%; P = .048). Baseline scores in the EF, OF, IS, and OS domains were lower in the ED cohort. Compared with baseline, there were no significant changes in any IIEF domains in either cohort at 6months. At 12months, the ED cohort had significant percent decreases in OF (-25%; P = .02), SD (-22.2%; P = .04), and OS (-33.3%; P = .004); the no ED cohort had a significant percent increase in EF (5%; P = .04). At 48months, the no ED cohort had no significant changes in any IIEF domains, while the ED cohort had significant percent increases in EF (30%; P = .01), SD (22.5%; P = .02), IS (20%; P = .01), and OS (58.3%; P = .008). Both cohorts significantly discontinued BPH medications at all follow-ups. At 48months, there were no cases of de novo ED in the no ED cohort. As modern BPH therapies continue to demonstrate efficacy in alleviating lower urinary tract symptoms, the preservation or improvement of sexual function emerges as an increasingly important consideration for patients, with our study suggesting Rezum as a compelling option. Our study has the strength of long-term Rezum outcomes in an ethnically diverse patient population, stratified by the presence of baseline ED, but is limited by retrospective design, single-center nature, and small sample sizes at long-term follow-ups. Rezum preserved long-term sexual function in patients without baseline ED and improved sexual function in those with baseline ED; however, individuals with ED may experience temporary decreases in sexual function at 12months.

Integrated Dynamic Photovoltaic Facade for Enhanced Building Comfort and Energy Efficiency.

This simulation study explores the potential of a novel façade design with integrated control system comprising a dynamic photovoltaic (PV) facade integrated with dimming lighting control to enhance the work environment in office buildings and achieve energy-efficient solutions. Parametric modeling using the Grasshopper plug-in for Rhino software 7, coupled with energy simulation through the Honeybee environmental plug-in for the EnergyPlus program, are used in the methodology. The integrated control strategy was simulated to study in a single office space, utilizing the Daysim engine to assess indoor daylight quality and focusing on Daylight Factor (DF) and Daylight Glare Probability (DGP). Additionally, two artificial lighting control systems were examined for potential integration with the dynamic PV facade to minimize lighting load. The study employs the Galapagos evolutionary solver function embedded within Grasshopper to identify optimum solutions. The dynamic PV façade achieves substantial reductions in overall energy consumption, cutting it by 73% in June, 54% in July, 54.5% in August, and 52.55% in September. The results demonstrate substantial reductions in total energy consumption, with notable savings in heating and cooling due to the dynamic facade's ability to balance and control solar radiation during working hours. Moreover, the dynamic PV facade contributes to electricity generation, demonstrating its potential to improve visual comfort, decrease energy consumption, and generate electric energy through rotational adjustments and varying transparency levels.

Control algorithm for dynamic solar shadings: A simulation study for office buildings based on ISO 52016-3

In 2019, the building sector was accountable for emitting 12GtCO2, equivalent to 21 % of global GHG emissions. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the building sector must change its pace. One of the ways to achieve this goal is through the installation of dynamic solar shadings in buildings. This study focuses on a single office in two locations characterised by a temperate climate: Liège (Belgium) and Milan (Italy). Two control strategies are designed for Venetian and Roller blinds, one with and one without glare evaluation. They both integrate horizontal illuminance, room occupancy, indoor operative temperature and vertical irradiance according to a multi-criteria approach based on ISO 52016-3. The control strategy aims to balance visual comfort, heating, artificial lighting and cooling energy needs and considers user satisfaction by evaluating the shading activation time. The control algorithms are applied and validated on a DesignBuilder shoebox model. Regardless of location, the control strategy that includes glare control improves the user's visual comfort in terms of light quantity and discomfort glare. However, a total annual energy needs increase is registered independently of the shading. Conversely, if glare is not included in the control strategy, control of thermal loads is observed. This work contributed to developing ISO 52016-3 shading control scenarios for offices and is intended for shading producers, solar shading associations, façade engineers, facility managers and the scientific community working on solar shading simulation and analysis.

Simplified expressions of uncertainty for single number quantities in ISO 3382-3 (2022).

The ISO 3382-3 (2022) standard defines single number quantities (SNQs) characterizing the spatial decay of speech (D2S, LpAS4m, rC) and of its intelligibility (rD). The standard assesses the accuracy of the measurement using a unique uncertainty value for each SNQ, relying on a round-robin test performed in a single office. To make this assessment more accurate, analytical expressions have been established by applying the law of propagation of uncertainty. These expressions, although precise, are too complex to be included in the standard. This work consists of their simplification, relying on 95 measurements conducted in 36 companies in France and Germany. First, the terms associated with distance measurement uncertainties were found to be negligible. Second, the estimation of the uncertainties of A-weighted speech levels and Speech Transmission Index, based on the measurements made at the workstations constituting the 95 paths, enabled further simplifications. Finally, simplified expressions turn out to be as accurate as the original expressions, and the estimated uncertainties are comparable to those reported by Yadav et al. (2019). If a unique value of uncertainty is to be retained for each SNQ, this study suggests 0.6 dB for D2S and LpAS4m, 7% for rC, and 10% for rD.

PULSE PRESSURE DYNAMICS: UNRAVELING THE IMPACT ON TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE, INDEPENDENT OF MEAN ARTERIAL PRESSURE

Objective: As individuals age, pulse pressure (PP) naturally increases due to arteriosclerosis and diffuse vascular stiffening. In the absence of an identifiable cause, a wide PP signals target organ damage (TOD) and adverse clinical outcomes. While hypertension is endemic in South Asia, there is paucity of data regarding determinants of PP and relationship with TOD in this region. We therefore aimed to explore the determinants of PP in an ambulatory patient population. Design and method: We analysed electronic medical records of subjects (n=8,362, 64% females 64%) attending a Medicine outpatient Department (OPD) at Shalamar Hospital, a tertiary care hospital, in Lahore, Pakistan during the period September 1st, 2021 to September 30th, 2023. Haemodynamic data included single measure of systolic and diastolic BP and heart rate. HTN was defined according to ESH and ACC guidelines. History of CVD included ishaemic heart disease and stroke. Relationshp between variables was analysed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Pp was analysed both as a continuous and categorical variable (>50, mm Hg). Results: Of the 8,362 subjects attending the OPD, 62% and 100% had a diagnosis of HTN as per ESH and ACC guidelines, respectively. PP>50, mm Hg was present in 56% and 45% of HTN as defined by ESH and ACC respectively. PP>50, mm Hg was associated with age (OR=2.7), female gender (OR=1.46), chronic kidney disease (CKD, OR= 3.6), CVD (OR=1.47) and diabetes mellitus (DM, OR=1.54). In a stepwise regression model, age, gender, heart rate, DM, CKD and CVD were associated with PP, independent of mean arterial pressure (R2=0.45, p<0.0001). Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first large study, exploring the determinants of PP in Pakistan. While the study is retrospective, using single office BP measurements, it highlights the importance of PP as an independent predictor of TOD. Prospective studies are the need of the hour to elucidate the pathophysiology and outcome of high PP in this population.

Measuring the Relationship Between Leadership Styles and Destructive Leadership Behaviors Among Air Force Students Attending Army Command and General Staff College

Background: The Air Force uses the full range of leadership model (transformational, transactional, and passive-avoidant leadership) to develop leaders. However, there has been less research at how the leadership styles in the full range of leadership model are related to destructive leadership behavior, evidenced by adverse administrative actions. Objective: Conduct a pilot study using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and Destrudo-L in tandem, within a smaller population of Air Force Professional Military Education students, to determine if, and to what degree, a relationship existed between leadership styles and destructive leadership behaviors. Methods: The MLQ-5X and Destrudo-L research instruments were used to collect data from a population sample of the Air Force field grade officers attending professional military education (n = 22). The MLQ-5X measured leadership styles, and the Destrudo-L measured destructive leadership behaviors. Results: Linear regressions measured the relationships between leadership styles and destructive leadership behavior and all regressions found p ≤ 0.005. Transformational leadership behaviors were negatively related to both passive (B = −1.36) and active (B = −0.86) destructive leadership behaviors. Transactional leadership behaviors were also negatively related to both passive (B = −1.3) and active (B = −0.83) destructive leadership behaviors. However, passive-avoidant leadership behaviors had a positive relationship with passive (B = 1.21) and active (B = 0.68) destructive leadership behaviors. Conclusion: This pilot study found a relationship between leadership styles and destructive leadership behavior. However, the cross-sectional design, small population within a single officer rank, setting of a competitive in-residence Professional Military Education course, limit the generalizability of the findings.

Orientation dependent differences in energy breakdown for single offices in Belgrade continental climate

Orientation dependent differences in energy breakdown for single offices in Belgrade continental climate

Exploring office comfort and productivity in living labs: A yearlong structural equation modeling study

The relationship between workers' environmental comfort and productivity has been extensively studied over the years, yet real-world investigations remain limited. Living labs provide an opportunity to observe interactions between different comfort domains and their impact on occupants' attitudes and preferences. This study aims to investigate the connection between contextual factors, visual and thermal sensations, and comfort, and how they relate to the self-perceived productivity of office workers in a Living Lab setting, utilizing Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Comfort and sensation perception surveys were conducted during each session over a year, alongside a sensing system continuously monitoring air temperature, illuminance, and window/door operations in the five offices of a dedicated living lab participating in the study. Subjects working in single offices reported higher productivity than those in shared offices across all comfort conditions. Contextual characteristics, such as the time of day, had a significant impact on defining thermal and visual satisfaction. A significant cross-modal effect was observed between thermal and visual domains, highlighting that evaluating factors in isolation from comfort assessment overlooks critical elements of building physics. These findings underscore the importance of considering the broader context when assessing people's perception of their surroundings and how operational changes in office spaces can enhance employees' productivity judgment.

The implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment trends

The worldwide crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic forced companies providing non-essential services to adapt to the WHO's recommended social isolation measures. Consequently, there was a need to develop the ability to reorganize work away from traditional company locations, leading to the widespread adoption of practices such as freelancing, remote work, "single office," or "home office." This article investigates the impact of this evolving trend on the quality of life for employees in comparison to the conventional work model. To gather data, the research employed survey-type questionnaires constructed with statements grounded in relevant literature. Managers overseeing remote teams from various sectors were objectively queried about their agreement levels regarding themes related to the effects of home office on employee quality of life during the pandemic. The findings were then discussed using a SWOT analysis, focusing on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with this new work context. The article concludes by outlining a post-pandemic scenario for companies and employees, particularly in the continued adoption of home office practices.

Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan dan Penggunaan Teknologi Informasi Terhadap Kepatuhan Wajib Pajak

This research aims to analyze the influencequality of service and use of information technology on taxpayer compliance with the Padang One Roof Manunggal Administration System. This research uses quantitative methods. The population is the total number of taxpayers complying with the Padang One-Stop Single Administration System tax service office, the sampling technique is random sampling with anyone observing at the survey location. Data analysis uses multiple linear regression analysis using the SPSS application. The research results show that service quality has a positive effect on taxpayer compliance in the Padang One-Stop Single Administration System and the use of information technology has a positive effect on taxpayer compliance in the Padang One-Stop Single Administration System.

Algorithms and methods for managing request flows in a distributed service system

The article devoted to the approaches to algorithmization of the information management system of a distributed service enterprise. The study of the dependence of the optimal capacity of the service system center on the service area was carried out. The mechanism of optimization of the service area, taking into account organizational and economic constraints, as well as optimization of the service area for mobile sources of applications, is investigated. Processing customer requests must meet the requirements of efficiency, reliability, and efficiency of the corporate information network. In the presence of a single office of a service company, it is not always possible to find an optimal or close to optimal query processing algorithm in terms of performance. The problem of the optimal service area without taking into account restrictions in order to maximize the profit of the enterprise is considered. Models of the functioning of the decision-making subsystem for servicing requests by a service enterprise have been developed, differing in taking into account the service area and the spatial stationarity of customers.

Capital structure of single family office-owned firms

Single family offices (SFOs) manage trillions of dollars worldwide. The enormous value of assets under management highlights their key role as a cohesive wealth management tool globally. Despite the increasing relevance of SFOs, research on SFOs is still in its early stages. Particularly little is known about the capital structure of the firms owned by SFOs. By drawing on a hand-collected sample of 173 SFO-owned firms in the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) region, we compare the capital structure of SFO-owned firms with the capital structure of family-owned firms. Our empirical results show that SFO-owned firms display a higher long-term debt ratio than family-owned firms, indicating that SFO-owned firms follow trade-off theory, similar to private equity-owned firms. Additionally, we show that this effect is stronger for SFOs that sold their original family firm. In contrast, family-owned firms tend to be more conservative in their financial decision-making and seem to follow the logic of the pecking order theory.

Partnering for Better Health: Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Clinical Pharmacist Collaboration to Improve Glycemic Control in Underserved Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of initiating use of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in patients being treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus, specifically those who face barriers to obtaining this device because of its cost. MethodsThis retrospective medical record review compared diabetes control of patients before and after use of a CGM device within a single primary care office. Patient medical records were reviewed 18 months after initial CGM was provided, and only those who received a CGM directly from the clinic were included in the review. Statistical analysis comparing the difference in mean baseline glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level with the first HbA1c level after CGM placement was completed using the paired t test for the primary outcome. FindingsA total of 41 patients who obtained at least 1 CGM reader and a minimum of a 30-day supply of sensors from the clinic were included in the review. The primary outcome resulted in a significant reduction in the mean (SD) first HbA1c level after CGM placements of −1.9% (2.5%) (P < .001) with a total of 10 and 22 patients with an HbA1c level <7% and 8%, respectively. This mean (SD) reduction in HbA1c level was also seen in both insulin-treated patients (−1.8% [2.8%], n = 30) and non–insulin-treated patients (−2% [2.8%], n=11). The largest reduction in the first HbA1c level after CGM placement was seen in those patients provided a CGM along with collaborative care with a clinical pharmacist. These patients saw a mean (SD) decrease of −2.5% [2.7%] (n = 26) in their HbA1c level with a mean (SD) decrease of −0.8% (1.6%) (n = 15) for those not comanaged by the clinical pharmacist. ImplicationsThe results of this study suggest that the use of CGM in the underserved population can lead to a significant improvement in glycemic control in patients with diabetes, regardless of treatment therapies used. Involving a multidisciplinary team in diabetes management, including clinical pharmacists, may further improve outcomes. Access to these devices in the underserved population may be crucial in reducing the risk of developing complications related to uncontrolled diabetes.

Mobile Wissensarbeit in öffentlichen Fernzügen – Höhere mentale Beanspruchung als im Einzelbüro bei der mobilen Bearbeitung von Routineaufgaben

Remote work in public long-distance trains – Higher mental load than in a single office during remote processing of routine tasks Objective: More and more commuters and travelers are using their time in long-distance trains for mobile work. The impact of working in this environment on the resulting mental workload is not well understood. As part of an extensive field study, the study discussed in this paper addresses mental workload during the execution of routine remote work in the ICE. Methods: 59 persons performed a routine task in an ICE train: For two hours, they processed fictitious customer inquiries in a ticket system. Every 10 minutes, their stress level was measured using the SEA scale (Eilers et al. 1986). In a control condition in the laboratory, the same individuals completed a comparable task in a single office. Results: A pairwise comparison (Wilcoxon signed-rank test) revealed significantly higher mental load during in-train working. Examination of age effects indicates that mental load in the train condition increases with age. Conclusion: When performing routine remote work on an ICE train, it must be assumed that the work environment will lead to higher mental workload. Task content and temporal scope should be adjusted accordingly to ensure safe and healthy work. Keywords: remote work – routine task – mental strain – public transport – cognitive ergonomics

At-Home Blood Pressure Measurements Provide Better Assessments of Orthostatic Hypotension in Parkinson's Disease.

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common in Parkinson's Disease (PD). It is intermittent, exacerbated by stressors including meals, medications, and dehydration, and frequently is unrecognized. Although intermittent, assessment is usually by a single "in clinic" BP measurement. This study examines whether 10 home measurements are more sensitive in detecting OH than a single "in clinic" measurement. Participants (44 people with PD and 16 controls) were instructed to measure lying and standing BP at home. BP was measured on five consecutive days upon waking and before bedtime. Symptoms were also assessed using the Movement Disorder Society United Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and the Non-Motor Questionnaire. While a postural drop in systolic BP (≥20 mmHg) was recorded "in clinic" in thirteen of the forty-four PD participants, a postural drop was found in at least one of the ten home measurements in twenty-eight of the forty-four participants. Morning hypertension and variability in lying systolic BP was more common in these subjects than in those without a postural drop or the controls. A greater number of measurements of lying and standing BP are more likely to reveal orthostatic hypotension, variation in systolic BP, and hypertension than a single office measurement in people with PD.

Are Single Family Offices Good Entrepreneurial Investors?

Are Single Family Offices Good Entrepreneurial Investors?

One or many project offices in educational organization of tertiary education: advantages and disadvantages

The article is devoted to the creating and management expediency of several project offices in an educational organization of tertiary education (hereinafter – OTE). The topic relevance is due to the growing number and types of ongoing projects that require proper organization and management and, consequently, governance of project management offices. The article presents the features of educational projects and the role of the project management office in the OTE system. The main types of project management offices at universities and their functions and tasks are described. Common elements of successful project management offices from around the world are highlighted based on a global study conducted by the Project Management Institute (PMI) together with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2021. The advantages and disadvantages of creating a single system of several project offices of different orientation and a single project management office at the university are discussed. Based on the information from the scientific literature and the conducted research, the authors conclude that in order to use all the advantages of the project office in full, it is necessary to create one project office in OTE. However, the authors also claim the need for further research to assess the feasibility of the practical implementation of their proposed solution.

Non-visual daylight potential in offices: a parametric study

A building design where appropriate daylighting is considered from early stages can enhance the building’s energy performance, as well as human well-being and productivity. Daylight naturally regulates our daily biological clock, which synchronizes our circadian rhythms. This paper presents a simulation-based parametric study to evaluate the non-visual daylight potential. A side-lit single office room in the Danish climate was simulated in Grasshopper 3D. Using the Lark plug-in, grid-based and image-based workflows were created to generate illuminance, circadian light and Equivalent Melanopic Lux. In this study we compared two design cases with extremely high and low thermal and daylighting conditions. The impact of orientation on the circadian rhythms of a sitting person with a pre-defined view-direction under an overcast and a clear sky was investigated. The results indicate that certain design combinations can minimize daylight access up to three times leading to a higher risk of circadian disruption. These disruptions were the highest in winter and under the overcast sky. No clear impact of the building-orientation on the circadian stimulation for the defined view-direction was observed. Hence, it is essential that the view-direction is set optimally. Evaluating circadian response in early phases can lead to inclusive decision-making for enhanced indoor conditions.

OFFICE BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY AND INSTABILITY IN CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS: ASSOCIATION WITH PRECLINICAL ORGAN DAMAGE

Objective: To evaluate the association of systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability and instability within a single office visit with preclinical target organ damage in young individuals. Design and method: Apparently healthy individuals aged 6-25 years referred for elevated blood pressure (BP) were subjected to triplicate office BP measurements in a single visit and 24h ambulatory BP monitoring. SBP variability and instability were quantified using (i) standard deviation (SD) (ii) coefficient of variation (CV) (iii) average real variability (ARV) (iv) maximum office SBP (v) maximum-minimum office SBP difference (MMD) (vi) ratio of difference between 1st-3rd measurement to the average office SBP (Relative change). Preclinical organ damage was evaluated by (i) carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), (ii) carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV; Complior device), and (iii) echocardiographic left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Results: 301 individuals were analyzed (mean age 13.8±3.7 years, 66.8% males, BMI z-score 1.12±0.95, average office BP 122.6±16.9/72.5±10.7 mmHg, 24h ambulatory BP 119.1±11.4/67.8±6.8 mmHg). LVMI measurements were available in 258 participants, IMT in 208 and PWV in 60. LVMI, IMT and PWV were associated with office SBP (r = 0.30/0.23/0.42, respectively, p&lt; = 0.001), 24h ambulatory SBP (r = 0.35/0.33/0.48, p&lt; = 0.001) and maximum office SBP (r = 0.31/0.30/0.41, p&lt; = 0.001). LVMI and IMT were associated with SD (r = 0.14/0.15, p&lt;0.05) and MMD (r = 0.13/0.15, p&lt;0.05), while IMT and PWV with age (r = 0.31/0.38, p&lt;0.001). Other indices of variability were not associated with indices of organ damage. In stepwise multivariable linear regression models (independent variables: age, sex, BMI z-score, office SBP, 24h ambulatory SBP, maximum office SBP, SD, MMD), LVMI was determined by BMI z-score and 24h ambulatory SBP, IMT by age, male sex and 24h ambulatory SBP, and PWV by 24h ambulatory SBP. Conclusions: These results suggest that in young individuals the variability and instability of office SBP within a single visit are not associated with preclinical organ damage.

DETERMINANTS OF WITHIN-VISIT OFFICE BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY AND INSTABILITY: EUROPEAN DATA FROM 1.053 INDIVIDUALS

Objective: Blood pressure (BP) variability is the physiological sequelae of the complex interaction of multiple neural, humoral, reflex, and behavioral factors. This analysis aimed to evaluate the determinants of BP variability and instability within a single office visit, which is routinely used for hypertension evaluation in clinical practice. Design and method: A retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data was performed, comprising adults with triplicate office BP measurements in a single office visit and 24h ambulatory BP monitoring collected within the context of prospective clinical studies in Finland, Greece, and United Kingdom. Indices of BP variability and instability included: (i) standard deviation (SD) (ii) coefficient of variation (CV) (iii) average real variability (ARV) (iv) maximum office BP (Max) (v) maximum-minimum difference (MMD) of office BP (vi) ratio of the difference between 1st-3rd measurement to the mean office BP (Relative change). White-coat effect was defined as the difference between office and daytime ambulatory BP. Results: Data from 1.053 individuals were analyzed (mean age 57.7 ± 11.3 years, males 50%, treated hypertensives 50.3%, average office BP 133.5 ± 18.7/83.5 ± 10.9 mmHg, daytime ambulatory BP 132.5 ± 14.1/80.7 ± 9.9 mmHg). All the indices of BP variability and instability were positively associated with average office BP, age, BMI, and white-coat effect, but with an inverse association between age and maximum diastolic BP (all p &lt; 0.05). In multivariable linear regression analysis systolic BP variability was mainly determined by average office systolic BP, and treatment for hypertension, while diastolic BP variability was determined by office diastolic BP and female sex (Table). Conclusions: These results suggest that the variability and instability of BP within a single office visit is mainly influenced by the BP level, female sex and the administration of antihypertensive treatment.