Unpredictable Changes Research Articles

Hospital financial control strategy in the COVID-19 Pandemic era

Background and purpose: The pandemic of COVID-19 is an unprecedented medical and economic challenge for healthcare system. The number of patients during pandemic of COVID-19 had a rapid growth which led to changes in services aspects that threaten financial viability of hospitals, including private hospitals. This study aims to determine the efforts of private hospitals in maintaining financial stability during the pandemic of COVID-19. Methods: A qualitative study with a multi-case design carried out in 7 (seven) private hospitals in Denpasar. Informants were obtained based on a purposive sampling approach. This study recruited 19 informants from 7 private hospitals in Denpasar. Data was collected through in-depth interviews conducted face-to-face, using the Zoom and Whatsapp applications. The data were analysed using a content analysis approach. Results: Almost all hospitals stated that their finances disrupted. Financial mitigation efforts were difficult to do, hospital preparation and responses were dependent on the hospital's financial condition and regulations that changing, and recovery efforts were not easy either because in general the community's economy has not recovered. Conclusion: Private hospital finances were experiencing disruption. Mitigation efforts were difficult to do due to the unpredictable changing regulations and policies during the pandemic. Based on the study results, it can be recommended that the hospital management needs to develop a service strategy that is able to overcome the problem of the surge in the number of patients.

Activation triggers: reconceptualization and review

Purpose- Businesses depend more on knowledge than other factors. Many academics have described the idea of absorptive capacity as a skill for handling outside knowledge. Since organizational phenomenon is a complex , the issue of absorptive capacity as a strategic and dynamic capability still merits further research consideration. Previous research shows that some of the variables are beyond the firm's control and moderate the effect of knowledge source and experience on absorptive capacity. The intensity of the triggers may have an impact on the firm's investment in absorptive capacity capability. The purpose of this study is to review and identify endogenous and exogenous contingencies that function as activation triggers on absorptive capacity based on the previous literature. Methodology- The theoretical model, hypothesis, and measurement indicators for the study's variables are described in this paper. Findings- The study of previous research shows that learning organization structure, business environment, organizational leadership, learning culture, management review, and competitive strategy play roles as moderator activation triggers in this study. According to the findings, businesses face complex and unpredictable business environment changes, as well as significant knowledge gaps. Decentralized and dynamic structures with participation in decision-making have a moderating effect on the capacity to absorb knowledge and make it easier for businesses to absorb new ideas. The results show that organizational culture fosters the development of fresh perspectives and encourages the integration of external knowledge to maximize the benefits of complementary knowledge sources. Also, the competitive strategy defines the scope and context of perception and learning. Other activation triggers that require more investigation include information technology, stakeholders, professional conduct, and research and development units. Conclusion- Managers can explore a variety of strategic alternatives and forge competitive advantages for their companies by using activation triggers as a group of variables to upgrade existing talents and develop new capabilities of absorptive capacity. Keywords: Absorptive capacity, activation triggers, endogenous and exogenous contingencies, knowledge. JEL Codes: D83, L1, O32

THE IMPACT OF EFL TEACHERS’ CAPACITIES TO USE MOBILE TECHNOLOGY FOR ENGLISH TEACHING AT A COLLEGE IN HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

Mobile gadgets, mobile teaching, and mobile learning aids have quickly risen to prominence in the fourth industrial revolution. Mobile devices' intelligent features enable teaching and learning anywhere and at any time using wireless networks.. Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) is therefore anticipated to improve learners' English proficiency. However, before mobile teaching and learning applications are developed, the teachers' capacity to use wireless mobile technology should be verified. The present paper examines how EFL instructors in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, use mobile devices to instruct English. Quantitatively, 45 EFL teachers participated in the study and responded within 15 minutes to a questionnaire containing 12 statements. Three open-ended interview questions were given to ten of them, and the data was obtained through a qualitative one. According to research findings, EFL teachers are self-assured in their ability to employ mobile technology and adjust the unpredictable changes of modern high-tech portables to aid in their English teaching

Orientasi Pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia pada Era VUCA

The purpose of this research is to describe the use of the Problem Based Learning model in Indonesian Language Learning in the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) era. VUCA is a condition that shows rapid, unpredictable, uncertain, complex, and unpredictable changes in various fields, especially education. In this study used the method of literature study. The data analysis techniques used were (1) Examining VUCA and its possible problems and solutions in learning Indonesian, (2) Examining various components in learning Indonesian that might be a solution to the problems encountered in learning Indonesian, (3) Determine components that have great opportunities as solutions to overcome problems in the VUCA era, namely learning models because in the use of learning models other learning components can be integrated. (4) Synchronization between the characteristics of the problems that might arise in the VUCA era, general learning principles (scientific approach), specific principles of Indonesian language learning (genre-based approaches, genre pedagogy, and Content Language Integrated Learning -CLIL), use of ICT, HR demands XXI century, character that must be built or internalized, and independent learning, and (5) Designing synchronization results in the form of material content and activities to be carried out in PBL steps. The results of the research are in the form of a PBL model design in Indonesian language learning in the VUCA era that collaborates and integrates general learning principles, Indonesian language learning principles, the demands of 21st century human resources, ICT, the character that students must have, independent learning in PBL steps to achieve learning objectives that have been set.

In control or along for the ride? Lessons for anesthesiologists from air traffic control.

Anesthesia professionals work in an unpredictable, rapidly changing environment in which they are quickly diagnose and manage uncommon and life-threatening critical events. The perioperative environment has traditionally been viewed as a deterministic system in which outcomes can be predicted, but recent studies suggest that the operating room behaves more like a complex adaptive system, in which events can interact and connect with each other in unpredictable and unplanned ways. The increasing complexity of the healthcare environment suggests that the complete elimination of human error is not possible. Complex clinical situations predispose to errors that are the result of high workload, decision making under stress, and poor team coordination. The theory behind complex adaptive systems differs from medicine's traditional approach to safety and highlights the importance of an institutional safety culture that encourages flexibility, adaptability, reporting and learning from errors. Instead of focusing on standardization and strict adherence to procedures, clinicians can improve safety by recognizing that unpredictable changes routinely occur in the work environment and learning how resilience can prevent adverse events. A better understanding of automation, complexity, and resilience in a changing environment are essential steps toward the safe practice of anesthesia.

Concept-drift detection index based on fuzzy formal concept analysis for fake news classifiers

Unpredictable changes in the underlying distribution of the streaming data over time are known as concept drift. The development of procedures and techniques for drift detection, interpretation, and adaptation is central to concept-drift research. Data research has demonstrated that machine learning in a concept-drift environment produces poor learning results if drift is not handled. This study focuses on defining the concept-drift detection index to predict when the performance of a machine learning model for text-stream classifiers is low. It proposes an index that relies on the Fuzzy Formal Concept Analysis theory. The index exploits the formal lattice to understand whether new incoming facts (e.g., news) are well represented in the training data used to build the machine-learning model. Fake news was deemed ideal for testing this new measure because its typical application scenario required handling a stream of unstructured content and concept-drift awareness. Experiments on three news datasets revealed a relevant correlation (i.e., 73.9 %, 80.8 %, and 81 %) between the Accuracy of Random Forest (RF), Naïve Bayes (NB), and Passive Aggressive (PA) models, respectively, and the proposed index. This strong correlation suggests that the new index can avoid incorrect classifications and help in retraining decisions.

РАБОТА В РАДОСТь, ИЛИ ЧТО ЛУЧШИЕ В МИРЕ РАБОТОДАТЕЛИ ДЕЛАЮТ ДЛЯ СВОИХ СОТРУДНИКОВ

To succeed in the face of constant and unpredictable changes, organizations need to ensure a high level of employee engagement and satisfaction with their work. These processes contribute to sales growth, increase customer loyalty and reduce staff turnover. At the same time, research organizations reveal that almost 80% of employees of companies around the world are disappointed in their work. This circumstance reduces their productivity and contribution to the development of the organizations in which they work. Specialists identify conditions that neutralize dissatisfaction and increase employee motivation. At the same time, special attention is paid to the involvement of the employee in the creative flow, which contributes to his development and improvement of his results. The following practices were identified by analyzing of companies’ activities to promote the happiness of their employees: the formation of common company values and building their connection with the values of employees; providing employees with autonomy in making key decisions about their professional activities; creating opportunities for initiative and creativity in the development of their field; creating conditions for the constant exchange of ideas, knowledge, experience, as well as feedback.

ЕКЗОГЕННІ ДЕТЕРМІНАНТИ ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ КРАЇНИ В УМОВАХ ГЛОБАЛЬНОЇ ВОЛАТИЛЬНОСТІ

The article focuses on examining specific factors that influence the economic security of countries in the face of increasing global volatility. It explores the essence of exogenous factors, such as international trade, foreign investments, and international financial markets, and their impact on the state of economic security. The analysis considers the effects of current geopolitical changes, macroeconomic shocks, and crisis situations on a country’s economic stability. The importance of developing risk management strategies and diversifying risks to maintain an appropriate level of economic security in an unpredictable global environment is emphasized. The article also highlights the significance of developing adaptation and reserve mechanisms, as well as implementing prudent risk management practices, to ensure the stability of a country’s economic system. Based on the identified determinants, several proposals are put forward regarding the need for regulatory political and economic measures that can enhance a country’s economic security in modern conditions. The constant growth of interdependence in international markets, capital mobility, and the expansion of foreign trade volumes present new challenges and threats to the economic stability of countries. Exogenous determinants, which are external factors beyond the direct control of the state, have a significant impact on economic security. The current environment of global volatility, including financial crises, trade conflicts, unpredictable changes in global commodity markets, and major shifts in the geopolitical sphere, greatly affect economic security. These factors can lead to economic disruptions, reduced production, increased unemployment and inflation, disruptions in financial stability, and generate additional threats to socio-political stability. Therefore, understanding exogenous determinants and their influence on economic security is crucial for developing effective risk management strategies and ensuring the stability of a country’s economy.

Unpredicted, rapid and unintended structural and functional changes occurred during early domestication of Silphium integrifolium, a perennial oilseed.

Selection for increased yield changed structure, physiology and overall resource-use strategy from conservative towards acquisitive leaves. Alternative criteria can be considered, to increase yield with less potentially negative traits. We compared the morphology, anatomy and physiology of wild and semi-domesticated (SD) accessions of Silphium integrifolium (Asteraceae), in multi-year experiments. We hypothesized that several cycles of selection for seed-yield would result in acquisitive leaves, including changes predicted by the leaf economic spectrum. Early-selection indirectly resulted in leaf structural and functional changes. Leaf anatomy changed, increasing mesophyll conductance and the size of xylem vessels and mesophyll cells increased. Leaves of SD plants were larger, heavier, with lower stomatal conductance, lower internal CO2 concentration, and lower resin concentration than those of wild types. Despite increased water use efficiency, SD plants transpired 25% more because their increase in leaf area. Unintended and undesired changes in functional plant traits could quickly become fixed during domestication, shortening the lifespan and increasing resource consumption of the crop as well as having consequences in the provision and regulation of ecosystem services.

AI Based Real-Time Weather Condition Prediction with Optimized Agricultural Resources

Purpose: Unpredictable and rapid change in weather patterns has great impact on agricultural activities, especially for precision agriculture that results in worsened water resources availability, decreased soil fertility, use of pesticide as well as decreased yield productivity. In attempt to alleviate these challenges, this study aims at developing a real-time weather and farm field data driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) system that analyze, manage and schedule irrigation and fertigation as well as enabling farmers to interact with their farms via Smart phone or PCs to optimize energy and water resources.
 Methodology: The system employs weather condition monitoring sensors such as atmospheric pressure, air temperature, air humidity and wind speed for collecting real-time farm field data and uses Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) to predict rainfall rate at farm area for 24 hours period. The system also gathers field data such as soil moisture content and soil nutrient content and uses the Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to predict the time for irrigation and fertigation. By combining weather and farm field data, the system schedules the irrigation and fertigation activity. In addition, the mobile application is developed for the farmers to interact, control and monitor the farming activities and the data is presented to the farmers in both graphical and numerical formats.
 Findings: The system prototype deployed and tested in the two hectors Maize farm proved that 55% of water, 51% of energy and 20% of fertilizer were saved as well as increases in 20% of Maize yield production compared to previous season.
 Recommendations: Since the current irrigation and fertigation practices are based on predetermined time of the day and threshold values for automatic irrigation, this solution introduced the new concept of real-time and short-term weather forecasting that enables farmers to balance the irrigation period and weather pattern for water and fertilizer resources optimization.

Flexible HTTP-based Video Adaptive Streaming for good QoE during sudden bandwidth drops

We have observed a boom in video streaming over the Internet, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, that could exceed the network resource availability. In addition to upgrading the network infrastructure, finding a way to smartly adapt the streaming system to the network and users’ conditions to satisfy clients’ perceptions is exceptionally critical, too. This paper proposes a new QoE-aware adaptive streaming scheme over HTTP - ABRA - to make flexible adaptations based on the network and the client’s current status. Besides, we propose a technique that can keep the buffer at an average high for more than 10s. We were limiting the phenomena of rebuffering due to unexpected and unpredictable bandwidth changes. The algorithm keeps the quality of subsequent versions’ quality constant even when the average bitrate decreases, increasing the QoE. Experimental results show that our method can improve QoE from 7.86% to 20.41% compared to state-of-the-art methods. ABRA can provide better performance in terms of QoE score in all buffer conditions compared to the existing solutions while maintaining a minimum secured buffer level for the worst case.

Impact fault detection for marine current turbines blade via MEGK-means and PCA under variable marine conditions

The advancement of the marine current turbine (MCT) technology has the potential to aid China in achieving its carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. The performance of MCTs is influenced by fluctuating water velocities and erratic turbulence. The blades of MCTs are susceptible to cracking due to prolonged exposure to seawater. Unpredictable changes in marine currents contribute to unstable working environments. This study presents multiple envelope geometrical K-means to categorize stator current readings and develop fault detection models. It first constructs an envelope geometric feature matrix by using the extracted modulus signal. Then, the matrix is used to select the initial center for clustering, and a multi-scale principal component analysis is performed under each working condition to decrease data dimensionality. Finally, T 2 and squared prediction error (SPE) serve as the projection of the sample vector on the principal element space and the remaining subspace, respectively, and can be utilized to monitor fault cases. The experimental findings demonstrate that the proposed method has excellent recognition capabilities and detection accuracy for the impact faults of MCTs under variable working conditions.

ADAPTIVE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN CONFRONTATION OF GLOBALIZATION'S CHALLENGES

Globalization has created a dynamic and complex business environment, requiring organizations to adjust to unpredictable and rapid change. In this context, adaptive HR management is essential for sustaining the success and competitiveness of the organization. The method of research employed is a literature review, which entails gathering and analyzing literature on adaptive HR management and the challenges of globalization. The research findings indicate that adaptive human resource management necessitates the use of change-responsive strategies and practices, such as in recruitment, employee development, performance management, diversity management, technology use, effective leadership, and adaptive change management. This study highlights the advantages of adaptive human resource management, including increased employee productivity, workforce quality, organizational adaptability in the face of change, greater employee satisfaction, and competitive advantage. The practical implication of this study is the significance of organizations implementing adaptive HR strategies and practices in response to globalization's challenges.

Real-time tool breakage monitoring based on dimensionless indicators under time-varying cutting conditions

Tool breakage occurs randomly during machining operations, which induces more severe impacts on the quality of components compared to progressive tool wear. It is widely acknowledged that the unpredictable changes in cutting conditions will cause fluctuations in the signal amplitude and thus generate false alarms. This study introduced a novel method for tool breakage monitoring based on dimensionless indicators under time-varying cutting conditions. The amplitude ratio (AR) and the energy ratio (ER) were proposed according to the power spectrum of the spindle vibration signal, which represents the change of amplitude and the energy distribution, respectively. The AR and ER are normalized and integrated into a unified indicator for real-time breakage monitoring. The floating monitoring threshold is designed based on the Gaussian distribution. Moreover, the material removal rate (MRR) is selected as a secondary indicator to accurately identify tool breakage based on determining the amplitude fluctuation caused by cutting conditions or teeth breakage. The effectiveness of the proposed method for tool breakage monitoring has been verified under the constant, time-varying, and entry/exit cutting conditions. The results show that the proposed indicators have higher sensitivity than the traditional root mean square (RMS) features and eliminate false alarms during condition change transients. This research provides a potential solution for tool breakage monitoring under complex cutting conditions.

Association between hopelessness and job burnout among Chinese nurses during the COVID-19 epidemic: The mediating role of career calling and the moderating role of social isolation

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased workload and work pressure on nurses owing to the unpredictable changes during this challenging situation. Herein, we explored the relationship between hopelessness and job burnout in nurses working in China against the backdrop of the COVID-19 outbreak. MethodThis was a cross-sectional study involving 1216 nurses in two hospitals in Anhui Province. The data was collected using an online survey. The mediation and moderation model was constructed, and the data was analyzed using SPSS PROCESS macro software. ResultsOur results showed that the nurses had an average job burnout score of 1.75 ± 0.85. Further analysis revealed a negative correlation between hopelessness and career calling (r = −0.551, P < 0.01) and a positive correlation between hopelessness and job burnout (r = 0.133, P < 0.01). Additionally, a negative correlation was demonstrated between career calling and job burnout (r = −0.138, P < 0.01). Moreover, career calling strongly mediated (by 40.9%) the relationship between hopelessness and job burnout in the nurses. Finally, social isolation in the nurses was a moderating factor for the association between hopelessness and job burnout (β = 0.028, t = 2.851, P < 0.01). ConclusionBurnout severity in nurses increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Career calling mediated the relationship between hopelessness and burnout, with greater burnout levels in nurses who experienced social isolation. Therefore, we suggest that job burnout in nurses can be improved by mitigating the effects of hopelessness and social isolation through psychological interventions and enhancing their sense of career calling through education to strengthen their professional identity.

The Problem with the Anthropocene: Kainos, Not Anthropos

The Problem with the Anthropocene: <i>Kainos</i>, Not <i>Anthropos</i>

Agile Programs Need Agile Reviews

ABSTRACTCurrent technical oversight approaches used for government programs (for example, stage‐gate reviews) are not agile — their expectations are not aligned with agile development cadences, and they are not adequately responsive to continuous unpredictable change. This article explores ways to provide insight and responsive forward looking actionable guidance for agile projects in the context of government and defense programs. It proposes a general oversight approach that produces minimal drag and disruption and keeps pace with agile product development.

Free-ranging livestock changes the acoustic properties of summer soundscapes in a Northeast Asian temperate forest

If not properly managed, free-range livestock grazing could be a great threat to forest ecosystems by causing heterogeneous and unpredictable changes in forest structure, functions, and biodiversity. Understanding these changes is important for informing land management decisions compatible with long-term biodiversity conservation. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) of biodiversity may provide integrative indices for assessing grazing effects. However, little is known about the responses of soundscape characteristics to forest grazing, especially in temperate forests. Here, we use bioacoustics to assess the impact of continuous livestock grazing on acoustic indices at the landscape scale in Northeast China. We compared the acoustic complex index (ACI), acoustic diversity index (ADI), acoustic evenness index (AEI), bioacoustic index (BIO), total acoustic entropy (H), and normalized difference soundscape index (NDSI) between 16 cattle-grazed forest plots and 36 ungrazed forest plots for different time scales (24 h diel cycles, dawn, day, dusk and night). We collected and analysed over 7000 h of recordings from 52 sites. Our results showed that the six acoustic indices exhibited distinct diel patterns in both forest habitats. Moreover, several indices, except for the ADI and AEI, significantly responded to grazing over 24 h diel cycles, but with contrasting patterns; compared to grazed forests, ungrazed forests had much more bioacoustics activity measured by significantly higher ACI and NDSI values and significantly lower BIO and H values. Livestock grazing was a key driver of diel acoustic patterns, resulting in the loss of nocturnal and dawn soundscapes. Our results indicate that intensive/excessive livestock grazing has a significant negative impact on soundscape quality in human-dominated temperate forest areas, which is likely triggered by shifts in faunal assemblages. Livestock, for example, may reduce the occupancy of sika deer (Cervus nippon), resulting in fewer sika deer vocalizations in grazed forests. Cattle lowing and the intensive sounds of cattle bells may also mask biological vocalizations. We argue that multiple acoustic indices are required to adequately account for the complex responses of soundscapes to large-scale livestock grazing. For forest management, we propose employing PAM to quantify the acoustic communities of the landscape from a new perspective, thereby fostering evidence-based forest management at the local scale to reconcile the livestock sector with ecosystem conservation.

Green chemistry assisted nanoscale synthesis and structural characterization of some transition metal cations

Nanoparticle studies are groundbreaking today, largely due to unpredictable changes in particle size and surface properties. Therefore, nanoparticles are considered as building blocks in optoelectronics, pharmaceuticals, nuclear energy, bioengineering, biomedicine and industrial applications. Today, the importance of environmentally friendly methods is increasing. The use of the green synthesis method, which adopts an economic synthesis approach that will reduce resource and energy consumption and do not harm the environment, is also encouraged in every field. In the study, biosafe ascorbic acid was used as an alternative reagent (agent) to the chemical reduction method. The method process performed with the reagent selected for nanoparticle synthesis has ensured that it is green synthesis, which is adopted as non-toxic and environmentally friendly. In this study, nanoparticles were synthesized by reducing the sulphate, nitrate, chloride and acetate salts of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II) and Mn(II) transition metals with the reducing agent ascorbic acid compound. It is aimed to investigate the effects of the same metal cations and different anion salts on nanoparticle synthesis. Depending on the radius ratios and solubility values of metal cations and anions, the nanoparticle obtained from Ni(CH3COO)2 salt has the smallest radius. Nano metal particles with the largest radius were obtained as a result of reduction from Co(NO3)2 salt. The characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles were recorded by particle size analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images.

Bagaimana Petani dalam Pengelolaan Risiko? Persepsi dan Perilaku Petani Tebu di Jawa Timur

One of the challenges of increasing sugarcane productivity is that unpredictable external factors expose farmers to a variety of risk production, necessitating farmers to adapt to these changes. This study intends to examine farmers' perceptions and behavior toward risk as an alternative to a new strategy for increasing sugarcane productivity through 237 samples of sugarcane farmers in East Java. The Just and Pope model was utilized to analyze risk preferences and the probit regression model was utilized to identify the socioeconomic elements influencing this behavior. According to the perception analysis, productivity is significantly influenced by climate, pests and diseases, labor, and land area. However, farmers typically only make passive adjustments, which is consistent with the analysis that they are risk- averse. This attitude is significantly influenced by age, whereas factors like farming experience, size of the family, off-farm, and education have insignificant impacts. To anticipate the unpredictable external changes and raise the farmer's quality, it is suggested to increase the frequency of training and the use of technology. This will encourage farmers to take more chances and be more open to using new technologies.