Information System Research Articles

Contemporary use of fibrinolytics in the management of pediatric empyema.

This study seeks to investigate the contemporary use and effectiveness of fibrinolysis as a first-line option in pediatric empyema. The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) was queried to identify patients with empyema without fistula (2018-2023). First-line treatments were chest drainage (CD), chest drainage with fibrinolysis (CDF), and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery/open decortication (VATS/OD). Outcomes between groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-Square tests. Multivariate generalized linear model was used to account for covariates. 581 individuals/cases met inclusion criteria. CD accounted for 11.9% of cases, CDF for 67.6%, and VATS/OD for 20.7%. After adjusting for covariates differences in LOS were not significant (p = 0.393). Subsequent VATS/ODs were required in 6.9% of CDF cases, 8.9% of CD, and 3.3% of primary VATS/OD. Additionally, 32.5% of primary VATS/OD received adjuvant fibrinolysis. Complications were more often observed in the VATS/OD group compared to CD and CDF (11.7% vs 5.8% and 4.1% respectively; p = .008). There were no differences in 30-day readmission rate (VATS/OD:1.2%, CTD:1.5%, and CTDF:1%; p = 0.83). Fibrinolysis is now utilized as first-line treatment for most patients and as adjunct in other approaches. The findings justify further implementation as it is the less invasive first-line primary therapy in patients with empyema.

Business Strategy for Geonusa in Facing Price Competition in Geospatial Information System Industry

In an increasingly competitive market, Geonusa, a geospatial service provider in Indonesia, faces challenges from price-sensitive competitors and low barriers to entry. This paper explores strategies to position Geonusa as a thought leader in the industry, enabling the company to differentiate itself and move beyond competing on price. By leveraging its expertise, fostering innovation, and strengthening its marketing and government relations, Geonusa can secure a competitive edge and improve its market presence. The paper discusses how adopting a thought leadership strategy can help Geonusa address current challenges in market visibility and customer retention. However, the strategy focuses primarily on marketing and does not comprehensively address cost optimization and operational efficiency, which are essential for long-term success.

Developing a digital management system for museum collections using RFID and enhanced GIS technology

In recent years, the integration of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology with deep learning has revolutionized the Internet of Things (IoT), leading to significant advancements in object identification, management, and control. Museums, which rely heavily on the meticulous management of collections, require precise and efficient systems to monitor and oversee their valuable assets. Traditional methods for tracking and managing museum collections often fall short in providing real-time updates and ensuring optimal environmental conditions for preservation. These shortcomings place a considerable burden on museum staff, who must manually track, inspect, and maintain extensive collections. This study addresses these challenges by proposing an advanced electronic management system that leverages the synergy between RFID technology and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). By integrating an enhanced LANDMARC algorithm into our geoinformation framework, the system visually represents the real-time location of museum collections on custom electronic maps, significantly improving the accuracy and timeliness of environmental monitoring. Additionally, RFID technology is utilized to continuously identify the real-time location of museum staff, facilitating the evaluation of their inspection tasks. This dual approach not only enhances the operational efficiency of collection management but also supports the development of intelligent, automated systems for museums, advancing the application of RFID technology in item identification and location management.

Spatiotemporal distribution and meteorological factors of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Hubei province.

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a vital rodent-borne disease, and poses a serious public health threat in Hubei province. We aimed to explore the spatiotemporal distribution of HFRS in Hubei province during 2005-2022, and the effects of meteorological factors. Data on HFRS cases at the county level in Hubei province during 2005-2022 were obtained from the Chinese Center for Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The monthly meteorological data at the city level was extracted from the China Meteorological Data Sharing Service System from 2016 to 2020. Descriptive analyses, joinpoint regression model, spatial correlation analyses, Geodetector model and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model were conducted to investigate the epidemic characteristics, temporal trend, spatial distribution, influencing factors of HFRS and predict its trend. A total of 6,295 cases were reported in Hubei province during 2005-2022, with an average incidence of 6/1,000,000. Most cases were males (74.52%) and aged 40-69 years (71.87%). The monthly HFRS cases showed two seasonal peaks, which were summer (May to June) and winter (November to December). The HFRS incidence remained fluctuating at a low level during 2005-2015, followed an increasing trend during 2015-2018, and then decreased during 2018-2022. Hotspots were concentrated in the center of Hubei province in all 3 periods, including Qianjiang, Tianmen and some counties from Xiangyang, Jingmen and Jingzhou cities. The distribution of HFRS had a positive association with wind speed, while a "V"-shaped correlation with mean temperature, with an explanatory power of 3.21% and 1.03% respectively (both P <0.05). The ARIMA model predicted about 1,223 cases occurred in the next 3 years. HFRS cases showed seasonal fluctuation and spatial clustering in Hubei province. Central plain areas showed high risk of HFRS. Wind speed and mean temperature had significant effects on the transmission of HFRS in Hubei province. The results alert health authorities to conduct disease-climate surveillance and comprehensive prevention strategies, especially in high-risk counties.

Spatiotemporal patterns and factors contributing to neonatal mortality in Ethiopia: Data from EDHS 2000 to 2019.

Although Ethiopia has substantial improvements in various health indicators such as maternal and child mortality, the burden of neonatal mortality remains high. Between 2016 and 2019, neonatal mortality increased from 29 deaths per 1,000 live births to 33 deaths per 1,000 live births. This study aimed to explore the spatial patterns and factors contributing to neonatal mortality in Ethiopia. Data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) for the years 2000, 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2019 were analyzed. The EDHS sampling design uses a two-stage cluster sampling technique, considering census enumeration areas as primary sampling units and households as secondary sampling units. We used the Spatial Scan analysis in SaTScan and Getis-Ord Gi* statistic in Geographic Information System (GIS), to analyse the spatiotemporal patterns of neonatal mortality. Maternal, newborn and health service-related factors contributing to neonatal mortality were also analyzed using a multilevel logistic regression model. Adjusted Odds Rios (AOR) with corresponding 95% CI were presented as a measure of association and a P-value of 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. During the initial three consecutive surveys, there was a consistent pattern of hot spot clusters in the Amhara and Benshangul Gumuz regions, along with certain parts of the Oromia region. However, in later surveys, these clusters shifted to the eastern parts of the country, notably including the Somali region. Early initiation of breast feeding was associated with reduced chances of neonatal death (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]) = 0.27; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.23, 0.32). Neonates born at home (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.82) and male babies had a higher likelihood of mortality during the neonatal period compared to their counterparts (AOR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.24, 1.51). The odds of neonatal mortality increased with the number of children a mother had ever given birth to (AOR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.24, 1.51). In contrast, longer birth intervals were associated with a reduced risk of neonatal mortality (AOR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.83). The central southern, central-western, north-western, and northern parts of Ethiopia had most of the neonatal death clusters in the first three rounds of DHS while eastern Ethiopia had the highest neonatal mortality clusters in the latest two surveys. Our results underscore the importance for policymakers and health administrators to reassess intervention approaches and reallocate resources to regions identified as hot spots for neonatal mortality. Enhancing the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth would improve newborn survival rates. Special attention and care need to be given to babies born of smaller sizes.

INFORMATION SYSTEM OF STREET LIGHTING CONTROL IN A SMART CITY

Context. In the context of the rapid development of technologies and the implementation of the concept of smart cities, smart lighting becomes a key element of a sustainable and efficient urban environment. The research covers the analysis of aspects of the use of sensors, intelligent lighting control systems with the help of modern information technologies, in particular such as the Internet of Things. The use of such technologies makes it possible to automate the regulation of lighting intensity depending on external conditions, the movement of people or the time of a day. This contributes to the efficient use of electricity and the reduction of emissions into the atmosphere. Objective. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the procedures for creating an information system as a tool for monitoring and evaluating the level of illumination in a smart city with the aim of improving energy efficiency, safety, comfort and effective lighting management. The implementation of a smart lighting system for Lviv will help improve energy efficiency and community safety. Method. A content analysis of scientific publications was carried out, in which the results of research on the creation of street lighting monitoring systems in real urban environments were presented. The collection and analysis of data on street lighting in the city, such as energy consumption, illumination level, lamp operation schedules, and others, was carried out. Machine learning methods were used to analyze data and predict lighting needs. Using the UML methodology, the conceptual model of the street lighting monitoring information system was developed based on the identified needs and requirements. Results. The role of data processing technologies in creating effective lighting management strategies for optimal use of resources and meeting the needs of citizens is highlighted. The study draws attention to the challenges and opportunities of implementing smart lighting in cities, maximizing the positive impact of smart lighting on modern urban environments. The peculiarities of the development and use of an information system for controlling street lighting in a smart city are analyzed. The potential advantages and limitations of using the developed system are determined. Conclusions. The project on the creation of an information system designed to provide an energy-efficient lighting system in a smart city will contribute to increasing security, particularly, ensuring the safety of the community through integration with security systems, reducing energy consumption, through minimizing the electricity usage in periods when the need for lighting is not necessary. It has been determined that to implement an information system for remote monitoring and lighting control in a smart city, it is advisable to consider the possibility of using a complex lighting control system. Calculations were made on the example of Lviv for the city’s lighting needs. The use of motion sensors to determine the need to turn on lighting was analyzed. A conceptual model of the information system was developed using the object-oriented methodology of the UML notation. The main functionality of the information system is defined.

Optimasi Tata Kelola Sistem Informasi Industri Tape Melalui Pengembangan Way Finding Industri Tape Desa Banjarsari

The optimization of information system management in the tape industry through the development of Way Finding in Banjarsari Village aims to enhance operational efficiency and visitor experience. This program integrates wayfinding technology with the information system to provide accurate and interactive navigation guidance in the tape industry area. The methods used include the development of a digital wayfinding application, technical training for industry managers, and evaluation of system effectiveness through user feedback. The results indicate increased visitor satisfaction and more efficient management. The implementation of this optimized information system is expected to support the development of a more modern and attractive tape industry in Banjarsari Village.

METHODS FOR ANALYZING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

Context. Information systems for inventory management are used to forecast, manage, coordinate, and monitor the resources needed to move goods smoothly, in a timely, cost-effective, and reliable manner. The more efficiently the system works, the better results a company can achieve. A common problem with existing performance measurement methods is the difficulty of interpreting the relationship between performance indicators and the factors that influence them. Objective. The purpose of the study is to describe a method for evaluating the effectiveness of information systems, which allows to establish a link between performance indicators and factors that influenced these indicators. Method. A set of indicators characterizing the effective operation of inventory management information systems is proposed. The rules for quantifying the factors that influence the performance indicators are proposed. The factors arise during events that affect the change in order, delivery, balance, target inventory level, parameters of the forecasting algorithm, etc. The proposed method performs an iterative distribution of the quantitative value of factors among performance indicators and thus establishes the relationship between performance indicators and factors. Results. The implementation of the proposed method in the software was carried out and calculations were made on actual data. Conclusions. The calculations carried out on the basis of the method have demonstrated the dependence of performance indicators on factors. The use of the method allows identifying the reasons for the decrease in efficiency and making the company’s management more efficient. Prospect for further research may be to detail the factors, optimize software implementations, and use the method in inventory management information systems in various areas of activity.

Implementasi Sistem Informasi Analisis Beban Kerja Pada Pegawai di Lingkungan Kecamatan Sawahan Kota Surabaya

Workload Analysis is an important process that must be carried out in every agency, both private and government, in order to determine the needs for the number and type of Employee and Employee positions with a Work Agreement based on position analysis and workload analysis. The existence of this Workload Analysis information system can make it easier for organizations to make decisions on employee workload analysis in planning employee arrangements to make them more efficient and accurate. This research uses descriptive research with qualitative methodology. By conducting direct observations and interviews, using the Miles and Hubbermen model data analysis method which consists of three stages, the first is data reduction, the second is data display and then the final stage is drawing conclusions. According to George C. Edward III there are several aspects that influence how well policies are implemented, therefore it is important to take a closer look at how ABK information system policies are implemented. These aspects include; bureaucratic structure, resources, disposition, and communication. Based on research findings, these four factors are adequate; the only thing that is limited is the resource element. Not all employees understand how to operate the ABK information system. This is not a serious obstacle for Sawahan District in implementing this policy.

Optimalisasi Pelaksanaan Pemantauan dan Evaluasi Kinerja Penyelenggara Pelayanan Publik (PEKPPP) di Puskesmas Gunung Anyar

Optimizing the implementation of monitoring and evaluation of public service provider performance (PEKPPP) at Puskesmas Gunung Anyar is a crucial effort to enhance public health service quality. This study employs a qualitative approach with a case study method to delve into the subject. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. Findings indicate the necessity of efficient management information system integration and enhanced human resource capacity. Additionally, active community participation in the evaluation process is crucial to improve responsiveness and accountability of Puskesmas. The research results show that the implementation of monitoring and evaluation at the Gunung Anyar Community Health Center still faces various challenges, including limited human resources, lack of training, and minimal use of information technology. To overcome this obstacle, it is recommended to increase human resource capacity through regular training, develop an integrated management information system, and increase community participation in the evaluation process. Implementation of this strategy is expected to increase the effectiveness of performance monitoring and evaluation, which in turn will improve the quality of health services at the Gunung Anyar Community Health Center. This study provides important insights for policy makers in formulating better policies for managing health services at the Puskesmas level.

Medical school service regions in Canada: exploring graduate retention rates across the medical education training continuum and into professional practice

ABSTRACT Purpose To create medical school service regions and examine national in-region graduate retention patterns across the medical education continuum and into professional practice as one approach to advancing social accountability in medical education. Methods Medical school service regions were created in Canada using publicly available data and mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Population size and density for each service region were calculated using census data. Retrospective data of medical graduates who completed their medical degrees between 2001–2015 (n = 19,971) were obtained from a centralized data repository and used to analyze in-region retention rates by medical specialty across the training continuum and five years into professional practice. Results Spatial inequities were observed across medical school service regions. Graduate retention patterns also varied across service region groups and medical specialties. Quebec (86.5%) and Ontario (80.4%) had above-average retention rates across the medical education continuum. Family medicine had the highest retention rates from undergraduate to postgraduate training (81.9%), while psychiatry had the highest retention rate across the training continuum and into professional practice (71.2%). The Alberta and British Columbia service region group demonstrated high retention rates across the training continuum and into professional practice and medical specialties, except for retention from undergraduate to postgraduate medical education. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of considering both medical specialty and practice location of graduates when planning and retaining the physician workforce. The observed retention patterns among graduates are a critical aspect of addressing societal needs and represent an intermediate step towards achieving health equity. Furthermore, graduate retention patterns serve as an outcome measure for schools to demonstrate their commitment to social accountability. Tracking and monitoring graduate outcomes may lead schools to actively collaborate with government agencies responsible for healthcare policy, which may ultimately improve physician workforce planning and promote more equitable healthcare access.

CRITICAL CAUSAL EVENTS IN SYSTEMS BASED ON CQRS WITH EVENT SOURCING ARCHITECTURE

Context. The article addresses the problem of causal events asynchrony which appears in the service-oriented information systems that does not guarantee that the events will be delivered in the order they were published. It may cause intermittent faults occurring at intervals, usually irregular, in a system that functions normally at other times. Objective. The goal of the work is the comparison and assessment of several existing approaches and providing a new approach for solving the causal events synchronization issue in application to the systems developed using Command Query Responsibility Segregation (CQRS) with Event Sourcing (ES) architecture approach. Methods. Firstly, the method of estimation of the likelihood of causal events occurring within the systems as the foundation for choosing the solution is suggested. Based on the results of the analysis of several projects based on CQRS with ES architecture it shows that the likelihood of critical causal events depends on the relationships among entities and the use-cases connected with the entities. Secondly, the Container of Events method, which represents a variation of event with full causality history, adapted to the needs of CQRS with ES architecture systems, was proposed in this work. The variants of its practical implementation have also been discussed. Also, the different solutions, such as Synchronous Event Queues and variation of Causal Barrier method were formalized and assessed. Thirdly, the methods described have been discussed and evaluated using performance and modification complexity criteria. To make the complexity-performance comparative assessment more descriptive the integrated assessment formula was also proposed. Results. The evaluation results show that the most effective solution of the issue is to use the Container of Events method. To implement the solution, it is proposed to make the modifications of the Event Delivery Subsystem and event handling infrastructure. Conclusions. The work is focused on the solution of the critical causal events issue for the systems based on CQRS with ES architecture. The method of estimation of the likelihood of critical causal events has been provided and different solutions of the problem have been formalized and evaluated. The most effective solution based on Container of Events method was suggested.

Penerapan Sistem Informasi Terpadu dalam Industri Tape Desa Banjarsari Menggunakan Celestial Cartography sebagai Peta Navigasi Kunjungan

The implementation of an integrated information system in the tape industry in Banjarsari Village using Celestial Cartography as a navigation map aims to enhance efficiency and visitor experience. This program integrates information technology with digital navigation to provide accurate and interactive guidance for visitors. The methods used include the development of a digital map application, technical training for industry managers, and evaluation of system effectiveness through user feedback. The results show increased visitor satisfaction and more efficient visit management. The implementation of this integrated information system is expected to support the development of a more modern and attractive tape industry in Banjarsari Village.

Toward Smart Urban Management: Integrating Geographic Information Systems and Geology for Underground Bearing Capacity Prediction in Casablanca City, Morocco

To effectively manage the sustainable urban development of cities, it is crucial to quickly understand the geological and geotechnical attributes of the underground. Carrying out such studies entails significant investments and focused reconnaissance efforts, which might not align seamlessly with large-scale territorial planning initiatives within a city accommodating more than 3 million inhabitants, like Casablanca in Morocco. Additionally, various specific investigations have been conducted by municipal authorities in recent times. The primary aim of this study is to furnish city managers and planners with a tool for informed decision-making, enabling them to explore the geological and geotechnical properties of soil foundations using Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and geostatistics. This database, initially intended for utilization by developers and construction engineers, stands to economize a substantial amount of time and resources. During the urban planning of cities and prior to determining land usage (five- or seven-floor structures), comprehending the mechanical traits (bearing capacity, water levels, etc.) of the soil is crucial. To this end, geological and geotechnical maps, along with a collection of 100 surveys, were gathered and incorporated into a GIS system. These diverse data sources converged to reveal that the underlying composition of the surveyed area comprises silts, calcarenites, marls, graywackes, and siltstones. These formations are attributed to the Middle Cambrian and the Holocene epochs. The resultant geotechnical findings were integrated into the GIS and subjected to interpolation using ordinary kriging. This procedure yielded two distinct maps: one illustrating bearing capacity and the other depicting the substratum. The bearing capacity of the soil in the study zone is rated as moderate, fluctuating between two and four bars. The depth of the foundation remains relatively shallow, ranging from 0.8 m to 4.5 m. The outcomes are highly promising, affirming that the soil in Casablanca boasts commendable geotechnical attributes capable of enduring substantial loads and stresses. Consequently, redirecting future urban planning in the region toward vertical expansion seems judicious, safeguarding Casablanca’s remaining green spaces and the small agricultural belt. The results of this work help to better plan the urban development of the city of Casablanca in a smarter way, thus preserving space, agriculture, and the environment while promoting sustainability. In addition, the databases and maps created through this paper aim for a balanced financial management of city expenditures in urban planning.

Situational diagnosis of basic sanitation planning in the upper west region of Rio Grande do Norte

This article examines the development and implementation of Municipal Basic Sanitation Plans (PMSB) in the Upper West Region of the Brazilian Northeastern state of Rio Grande do Norte. The investigation reveals that, despite the legal requirement for PMSB, many municipalities encounter significant challenges, including a dearth of trained personnel and financial resources, insufficient public engagement, and the absence of a unified information system for basic sanitation policy. Moreover, the lack of budget provisions for executing the actions outlined in the plans was identified as a critical issue. The article concludes that it is essential to fortify planning processes, ensure public participation, furnish the requisite technical and financial capacity, integrate basic sanitation actions into municipal budgetary frameworks, and address the political disarticulation of small municipalities.

ON-BOARD LOG AND COORDINATE TRANSFORMATION FOR DETECTED OBJECTS ON THE SURFACE OF WATER

Context. The relevance of the work is to the demand for UAV technologies with the integration of artificial intelligence in today’s conditions. Objective. The goal of the work is to develop a minimum working version of the UAV explorer and software for controlling the UAV data. Method. The proposed mathematical description, which calculates the coordinates of the object, based on the dimensions of the original image from the camera, the dimensions of the image with which the neural network works, the angle of the field of view of the camera, the position of the UAV and the angles of roll, pitch and yaw, allows you to transfer the coordinates of the object, of the found NN, in the image to the geographical coordinates, thereby moving away from the rigid reference to the coordinates of the UAV. Results. The problem of systematization of objects detected during the mission on the surface of water bodies was solved bycreating a flight log, organizing interaction with a neural network, applying post-processing of recognized objects, mathematically transforming the coordinates of objects for display and visualization into geographic coordinates, thereby move away from the rigid reference to the coordinates of the UAV. Conclusions. A workable logbook generation and storage system has been created, which takes into account the peculiarities of information presentation in the logbook, and ensures effective interaction of the components of the created information system within the proposed hardware and software complex, which allows organizing the process of researching water bodies using the SITL environment from the flight controller developers.

“Design of a Trustworthy Cloud-Native National Digital Health Information Infrastructure for Secure Data Management and Use”

Abstract Since 2022, Malawi Ministry of Health (MoH) designated the development of a National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) as one of the most important pillars of its national health strategy. This system is built upon a distributed computing infrastructure employing the following state-of-art technologies: (1) digital healthcare devices to capture medical data; (2) Kubernetes-based Cloud-Native Computing architecture to simplify system management and service deployment; (3) Zero-Trust Secure Communication to protect confidentiality, integrity and access rights of medical data transported over the Internet; (4) Trusted Computing to allow medical data to be processed by certified software without compromising data privacy and sovereignty. Trustworthiness, including reliability, security, privacy and business integrity, of this system was ensured by a peer-to-peer network of trusted medical information guards deployed as the gatekeepers of every computing node on this system. This NDHIS shall facilitate Malawi to attain universal health coverage by 2030 through its scalability and operation efficiency. It shall improve medical data quality and security by adopting a paperless approach. It will also enable MoH to offer data rental services to healthcare researchers and AI model developers around the world. This project is spearheaded by the Digital Health Division (DHD) under MoH. The trustworthy computing infrastructure was designed by a taskforce assembled by the DHD in collaboration with Luke International in Norway, and a consortium of hardware and software solution providers in Taiwan. A prototype that can connect community clinics with a district hospital has been tested at the Taiwan Pingtung Christian Hospital.

Flood impact assessment in remote areas using machine learning, SAR, and GIS: a case study of Ngabang District, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Flooding in remote regions presents significant challenges due to data scarcity, complicating impact assessment and mitigation efforts. This research delineates an integrated methodology for quantifying flood impacts in such contexts. By leveraging machine-learning algorithms, Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery was combined with digital elevation model data and river proximity metrics to predict and accurately demarcate flood extents. Geographic information systems overlay techniques were then employed for spatial analysis of the floods’ impacts on population and infrastructural assets. The methodology was applied in a case study in Ngabang District, Indonesia, demonstrating its utility. Analysis using decision tree, random forest (RF), and gradient boosting machine models provided critical insights into flood prediction factors. The RF model was chosen as the best, successfully identified flood-prone regions, achieving an accuracy of 0.94 and a Kappa of 0.87 on the testing data, demonstrating its robustness. The flood map showed significant impacts, affecting 373.81 hectares, 10,706 people, 1,500 buildings, and 15 km of roads. This study highlights the importance of proximity, elevation, SAR imagery, and iterative model improvements in flood prediction, offering valuable insights for flood management and mitigation efforts in data-scarce regions.

A Localized Evaluation of Surface Water Quality Using GIS-Based Water Quality Index along Satpara Watershed Skardu Baltistan, Pakistan

Surface water quality in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is of immense importance because of the city’s dependence on these resources for domestic uses, agriculture, and drinking water. The water quality index (WQI) was integrated with the Geographic Information System (GIS) to spatially envision and examine water quality data to facilitate the identification of pollution hotspots, trend analysis, and knowledge-based decision-making for effective water resource management. This study aims to evaluate the physiochemical and bacteriological parameters of the Satpara watershed and to provide the spatial distribution of these parameters. This study endeavors to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) by identifying localities with excellent and unfit water for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene. A total of fifty-one surface water samples were collected from various parts of the Satpara watershed during the fall season of 2023. Well-established laboratory techniques were used to investigate water for parameters like Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDSs), major cations (K+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+), major anions (Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, HCO3−), and bacteriological contaminants (E. coli). Spatial distribution maps of all these parameters were created using the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) technique in a GIS environment. A significant variation in the quality of water was observed along the study area. The level of Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination is above the permissible limit at various locations along the watershed, making water unsafe for direct human consumption in these areas. Some regions showed low TDS values, which could adversely affect human health and agricultural yield. From the WQI valuation, 58.82% of the collected samples were “Poor”, 31.8% were “Very poor” and 9.8% were found to be “Unfit for drinking”. The research findings emphasize the pressing need for consistent monitoring and adoption of water management strategies in Skardu City to warrant sustainable soil and water use. The spatial maps generated for various parameters and the water quality index WQI offer critical insights for targeted intercessions.

Financial Statement Audits and Data Breaches

Financial statement audits for public companies require auditors to test the internal controls over the client’s information systems that are material to the financial reporting process. Given the increasingly integrated nature of corporate data and control systems, a standard audit may have a positive effect on client firms’ other information systems, such as those that help prevent data breaches. In this paper, I provide evidence on whether and how auditors help prevent data breaches. Using plausibly exogenous improvements in auditing due to regulatory inspections and auditors’ cross-client learning, I find a decreased likelihood of data breaches among these auditors’ clients. Institutional insights gathered from interviews with accounting firm partners and industry professionals suggest two mechanisms for the role of auditors in preventing data breaches: the provision of relevant information and incentives for internal controls. Collectively, the findings provide evidence that improving accounting information systems can have a positive impact on nonaccounting systems. This paper was accepted by Ranjani Krishnan, accounting. Funding: I gratefully acknowledge financial support from Columbia Business School, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Deloitte Foundation, and the Bradley Fellowship awarded by the Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State. Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.01357 .