Utilization Management Research Articles

The Evolutionary Path and Emerging Trends of Circulating Fluidized Bed Technology: An Integrated Analysis through Bibliometric Assessment and Data Visualization

Confronted with the significant challenges of global climate change and environmental deterioration, the pursuit of carbon emission peaks and the realization of carbon neutrality have become a collective goal for countries worldwide. As an exemplary combustion technology noted for its efficiency and environmental friendliness, the circulating fluidized bed (CFB) is instrumental in curbing the release of carbon dioxide alongside other deleterious gases. The technology is pivotal in promoting the clean and efficient use of coal, simultaneously expediting the global shift towards a sustainable, green, and low-carbon future. This study employs a bibliometric analysis, a social network analysis, and information visualization techniques to delve into the evolution of CFB technology, leveraging the Web of Science database (SCI-EXPANDED and CPCI-S) and the Derwent Innovations Index (DII). Through a meticulous examination of academic papers and patent literature related to CFB technology, this research unveils the developmental trajectory and trends of CFB technology, providing a scientific foundation and reference for strategic technology planning and focused research in key areas. The findings indicate that, while there is a downward trend in the global publication of academic papers on CFB technology, the number of patent applications continues to grow steadily. CFB technology has achieved significant advancements in enhancing combustion efficiency, environmental protection, energy utilization, and waste management, and is progressing towards a direction of diversification and greater efficiency. Moving forward, the development of CFB technology should concentrate on pivotal areas such as material science, fluid dynamics simulation, environmental impact assessment, system integration, and intelligentization, to foster ongoing innovation and a broad application of the technology.

A Proof of Concept Using BLE to Optimize Patients Turnaround Time (PTAT) in Health Care

In 2022, Malaysia's Ministry of Health (MOH) acknowledged that government hospitals continue to face challenges in delivering high-quality patient care. A significant issue is the absence of a Real-Time Patient Location Monitoring and Tracking Solution, which prevents doctors from efficiently tracking patients within medical facilities. This lack of real-time tracking contributes to a decline in service quality, creating an urgent need for optimization in patient monitoring and tracking solutions. Implementing an effective tracking system can significantly enhance patient care quality, improve resource utilization management, and boost staff productivity, ultimately saving costs, time, and resources for hospitals. One critical area for improvement is the Patient Turnaround Time (PTAT), which refers to the duration a patient spends being processed at a hospital before being discharged. PTAT is currently prolonged in many hospitals due to the complex processes involved and patients becoming untraceable while waiting for their turn. To address these challenges, we have developed an Internet of Things (IoT) solution utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to optimize PTAT. This solution enables hospital staff to track patient movements and localize them in real-time. By using wearable devices, the system measures the distance from patients to various Access Points (AP) spread throughout the hospital based on the dBm value. This paper presents comprehensive experimentation for the Proof of Concept (POC) and pilot testing of this BLE-based solution. The results demonstrate the accuracy of using the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) to optimize patient turnaround times in hospitals. By implementing this BLE solution, hospitals can reduce the time patients spend waiting for treatment, thereby improving overall patient satisfaction and hospital efficiency. The ability to monitor patient locations in real-time will ensure that patients receive timely care, reducing the likelihood of them wandering off and becoming untraceable. This technology represents a significant step forward in modernizing patient care and streamlining hospital operations in Malaysia.

The characteristic VOCs of different parts of Artocarpus heterophyllus fruit based on HS-SPME-GC-MS and PTR-TOF-MS

Insight investigation on both edible pulps and inedible parts involving inflorescence axis and shreds of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam were carried out, a total of 98 VOCs and 201 masses were identified by the combination of HS-SPME-GC-MS and PTR-TOF-MS. Among them, according to the consistency of OAV and results of VIP > 1, p < 0.05, compounds methyl isovalerate (A2), 3-methylbutyl acetate (A5) and octanoic acid, ethyl ester (A21) were recognized as aroma markers to distinguish the pulps, shreds and inflorescence axis. Meanwhile, the inflorescence axis (IC50: 1.82 mg/mL) and shreds (IC50: 16.74 mg/mL) exhibited more excellent antioxidant potency than pulps (IC50: 17.43 mg/mL) in vitro. These findings validated the feasibility of coupling HS-SPME-GC-MS and PTR-TOF-MS for rapid detection of characteristic VOCs of this plant, and offered new prospect of fragrance utilization and waste management of the edible and inedible parts of A. heterophyllus fruit.

A survey study on arsenic speciation in coal fly ash and insights into the role of coal combustion conditions

Coal fly ashes (CFAs) are the low-density byproducts of the coal combustion process. Improper or uncontrolled CFA disposal poses significant environmental and health concerns due to the potential leaching of toxic heavy metals such as arsenic (As). Previous studies have investigated the content and speciation of As in different CFA samples, yet systematic information on As speciation in CFA with representative coal source and combustion conditions is still missing. Based on a recent survey study on the typical coal sources and combustion conditions across the U.S., this study selected 19 representative CFA samples to systematically investigate As speciation and potential correlations with these parameters. The composition, morphology, mineralogy, and As speciation of these CFA samples were characterized by complementary analytical, microscopic, and spectroscopic techniques. Synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy and microscopy analyses revealed the dominant As oxidation state to be As(V) and with strong associations to Ca, with the exception of 3 samples that had 19–51% As(III), likely due to the use of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process. Principal component analysis was conducted to identify potential correlations of As concentration and oxidation state with parameters such as major element content, loss on ignition (LOI), average particle size, coal source, and combustion condition. Al2O3 and FeO content were found to capture a majority of the variability. Results from this study provide fundamental basis for understanding the correlations between coal source, combustion conditions, CFA characteristics, and As speciation, and providing insights for downstream beneficial utilization or disposal management.

GIJA:Enhanced geyser‐inspired Jaya algorithm for task scheduling optimization in cloud computing

AbstractTask scheduling optimization plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and performance of cloud computing systems. In this article, we introduce GIJA (Geyser‐inspired Jaya Algorithm), a novel optimization approach tailored for task scheduling in cloud computing environments. GIJA integrates the principles of the Geyser‐inspired algorithm with the Jaya algorithm, augmented by a Levy Flight mechanism, to address the complexities of task scheduling optimization. The motivation for this research stems from the increasing demand for efficient resource utilization and task management in cloud computing, driven by the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the growing reliance on cloud‐based services. Traditional task scheduling algorithms often face challenges in handling dynamic workloads, heterogeneous resources, and varying performance objectives, necessitating innovative optimization techniques. GIJA leverages the eruptive dynamics of geysers, inspired by nature's efficiency in channeling resources, to guide task scheduling decisions. By combining this Geyser‐inspired approach with the simplicity and effectiveness of the Jaya algorithm, GIJA offers a robust optimization framework capable of adapting to diverse cloud computing environments. Additionally, the integration of the Levy Flight mechanism introduces stochasticity into the optimization process, enabling the exploration of solution spaces and accelerating convergence. To evaluate the efficacy of GIJA, extensive experiments are conducted using synthetic and real‐world datasets representative of cloud computing workloads. Comparative analyses against existing task scheduling algorithms, including AOA, RSA, DMOA, PDOA, LPO, SCO, GIA, and GIAA, demonstrate the superior performance of GIJA in terms of solution quality, convergence rate, diversity, and robustness. The findings of GIJA provide a promising solution quality for addressing the complexities of task scheduling in cloud environments (95%), with implications for enhancing system performance, scalability, and resource utilization.

Most States Allow Medicaid Managed Care Plans Discretion To Restrict Substance Use Disorder Treatment Benefits.

Managed care plans, which contract with states to cover three-quarters of Medicaid enrollees, play a crucial role in addressing the drug epidemic in the United States. However, substance use disorder benefits vary across Medicaid managed care plans, and it is unclear what role states play in regulating their activities. To address this question, we surveyed thirty-three states and Washington, D.C., regarding their substance use disorder treatment coverage and utilization management requirements for Medicaid managed care plans in 2021. Most states mandated coverage of common forms of substance use disorder treatment and prohibited annual maximums and enrollee cost sharing in managed care. Fewer than one-third of states forbade managed care plans from imposing prior authorization for each treatment service. For most treatment medications, fewer than two-thirds of states prohibited prior authorization, drug testing, "fail first," or psychosocial therapy requirements in managed care. Our findings suggest that many states give managed care plans broad discretion to impose requirements on covered substance use disorder treatments, which may affect access to lifesaving care.

포토보이스를 활용한 영아반 교사의 놀이중심 보육과정 실행에서 나타난 어려움 탐색

The purpose of this study is to explore the difficulties that emerged in the implementation of the play-centered curriculum practices of infant class teachers based on the play-centered childcare curriculum emphasized in the 4th standard childcare curriculum. To this end, a photovoice research method was conducted with 10 infant class teachers working at the national and public S daycare center in G, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The photovoice research method analyzed the data collected by the research participants as they spoke out while discussing together using photos taken directly by themselves, in the process of selecting, contextualizing, and categorizing them. The six subcategories of difficulties in the implementation of the play-centered curriculum practices process of infant class teachers in this study are play autonomy and creativity support, development level differences and social interaction, teacher roles and interventions, teacher support and resource utilization, safety and hygiene management, institutional and policy support. The final categories for this were expressed as difficulties in autonomous play implementation, difficulties in role and support, and difficulties in environmental management and policy management. This study which explored the difficulties experienced by implementing the play-centered curriculum practices process of teachers through the photovoice research method can be useful in improving the currently implemented childcare policy and childcare process. Therefore, it is expected to contribute to supporting infant class teachers' implementation of the play-centered curriculum practices.

THE ROLE OF AI IN ENHANCING GREEN MANAGEMENT AND ADVANCING DIGITAL LEAN PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABLE EFFICIENCY

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing green management and advancing digital lean practices marks a pivotal transformation in achieving sustainable efficiency within various sectors. AI's role extends beyond mere automation, serving as a critical tool for data-driven decision-making, resource optimization, and waste reduction. This paper explores the synergistic potential of AI with green management principles and digital lean methodologies to foster environmental stewardship and operational excellence. Through the lens of current technologies such as machine learning, predictive analytics, and IoT, we analyze how AI-driven solutions can significantly reduce environmental footprints, enhance energy efficiency, and streamline production processes. The discussion includes real-world case studies that illustrate substantial improvements in sustainability metrics, including energy consumption, resource utilization, and waste management. However, the adoption of AI also presents challenges, including ethical considerations, data security, and the need for substantial investment in technology and skills development. Despite these hurdles, the compelling benefits of AI for sustainable business practices underscore the importance of continued research, investment, and collaborative efforts in this field. This paper concludes by highlighting future directions for AI in green management and digital lean practices, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to sustainability that are both efficient and environmentally responsible.

Effective elimination of Hg(II) from water bodies with acid-modified magnetic biomass spent coffee grounds: conditional optimization and application.

To maximize the efficiency of biomass waste utilization and waste management, a novel acid-modified magnetic biomass spent coffee grounds (NiFe2O4/SCG) was obtained by pyrolysis at 473K and co-precipitation methods and employed to eliminate bivalent mercury (Hg(II)) in water bodies. The prepared NiFe2O4/SCG adsorbent exhibits remarkable magnetism with a strength of 45.78emu/g and can easily be separated from water via a magnetic force. The adsorption of Hg(II) over the NiFe2O4/SCG has an optimal conditions of pH = 8, T = 39 ℃, and dosage of 0.055 g/L, and the maximal adsorption capacity for Hg(II) is 167.44 mg/g via Response Surface Methodology optimization. The removal of Hg(II) over NiFe2O4/SCG primarily involves ion exchange, electrostatic attraction, and chelation; conforms to the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir models; and is an endothermic reaction. Additionally, the magnetic biomass NiFe2O4/SCG has good regeneration capability and stability. The application research reveal that inorganic salt ions, nitrogen fertilizer urea, humus, and other contaminants in different actual water bodies (river water, lake water, and the effluent of sewage treatment plant) have little effect on the adsorption of Hg(II) over the NiFe2O4/SCG. The prepared adsorbent NiFe2O4/SCG has practical application value for removing Hg(II) from water bodies.

Impact of an Intervention Program on Clostridioides difficile Infections: Comparison of 2 Hospital Cohorts.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) occurs in various contexts and care settings and is managed by multiple specialists who are not experts in its management. While there are many initiatives to improve the diagnosis and avoid overdiagnosis, there is less focus on the overall management of the infection. We studied a cohort of patients with a positive test result for toxigenic C difficile in 2 hospitals. Hospital A has a program that provides advice from an infectious disease specialist (IDS) and promotes continuity of care by providing a phone number to contact the IDS. Hospital B does not have any specific CDI program. The evaluation assessed the proportion of patients not treated (carriers or self-limited disease), adherence to Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines, access to novel therapies, recurrence and mortality rates, and readmission and emergency department visits due to CDI. We assessed the program's effectiveness through a logistic regression model adjusted for covariates chosen by clinical criteria. Hospital A avoided more unnecessary treatments (19.3% vs 11.5%), provided access to novel therapies more frequently (35.3% vs 13%), and adhered more closely to current guidelines (95.8% vs 71.3%). Although the mortality and recurrence rates did not differ, the absence of an intervention program was associated with greater odds of admission due to recurrence (odds ratio, 4.19; P = .037) and more visits to the emergency department due to CDI (odds ratio, 8.74; P = .001). Implementation of a CDI intervention program based on recommendations from IDSs and improved access to specialized care during the follow-up is associated with enhanced quality of CDI management and potential reductions in hospital resource utilization.

Sustainable Water Resources Management through Disaggregated Multi-Region Virtual Water Flow and Interaction Analysis

Virtual water transfer is considered as an important pathway to alleviate water shortage in arid regions due to limited water resources and unbalanced distribution. It is essential to explore the hidden mechanism of virtual water transfers among multiple regions to support future water resources allocation and management. In this study, a Disaggregated Multi-Region Virtual Water Flow and Interaction (DrWIn) model is developed to facilitate the analysis of virtual water inflow, outflow, transfer balance, and the related interactions. In addition, a factorial analysis is integrated to quantify the impacts of industrial water consumption and their interactive effects. A special case study of China is conducted to illustrate the applicability and superiority of the DrWIn model. It is found that interaction effects of any two industries are negative, indicating that high freshwater consumption in two industries is not the best choice. The obtained results provide a solid scientific basis for identifying the key industries and regions across a multi-region study system and supporting water resources utilization management in the future.

Evolution of Biodiversity Protection in the Framework of European Common Agricultural Policy

The Common Agricultural Policy has undergone continuous evolution over the years, moving from a narrow, production-oriented approach to an agriculture with holistic approach, in which agricultural activity is intended to be treated having harmonious and sustainable utilization and rational management of natural resources and components of nature. The goal of protecting biodiversity within the Common Agricultural Policy becomes increasingly visible with each successive financing period; yet its fulfilment encounters numerous difficulties, primarily due to the resistance of Member States to introducing far-reaching changes, as well as due to the resistance of agricultural environments considering the indicated changes as striking their interests. The aim of this article is to evaluate the legal solutions adopted within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy, both in its initial period of validity and the period commencing from year 2000, when the focus on environmental issues became significantly more prominent. This article also evaluates the currently applicable financial perspective in the context of its potential for protecting biodiversity in agricultural activities.

Implementasi Permen LHK No. 52 dan 53 Tahun 2019 di Lingkungan SDN 02 Sungai Naning dan SMPN 1 Bukit Barisan Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota

The issuance of Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 52 and 53 of 2019, makes all schools have to implement it, with the aim of creating a representative learning environment that is fun and comfortable for students as an effort to form an environmentally caring character. Implementation of Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 52 and 53 of 2019 at SDN 02 Sungai Naning and SMPN 1 Bukit Barisan using several concrete steps, namely planning, organizing, implementing and controlling. The purpose of the study is to evaluate and describe planning, organizing, actuating, and control in implementing Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 52 and 53 of 2019 in the environment of SDN 02 Sungai Naning and SMPN 1 Bukit Barisan Kab. Fifty Kota. This research is a field type (field research) with qualitative methods, and the approach is descriptive analytics. The source of the data is research informants, in the form of primary data, namely the heads of SDN 02 Sungai Naning and SMPN 1 Bukit Barisan. The secondary data consists of the Head of the Education Office and the Head of the Ministry of Religion of Fifty City Regency, Vice principals, and students. Research instruments in the form of observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis using reduction techniques, display verification and drawing conclusions. Test validity with credibility, dependability, capability and auditoring tests. Research results 1) Insightful policy planning, including issuing decrees (SK), forming an Adiwiyata implementation team, forming organizational structures, integrating with the school's vision and mission, and conducting mapping. Planning for an environment-based curriculum by integrating it into the curriculum, learning methods and models, participatory based environmental activity planning including mutual assistance, extracurricular scouts, making green houses, living pharmacies, hydroponics, planning infrastructure management including resource utilization, waste and waste management systems, building partnerships with related agencies. 2) Organizing includes division Job description in accordance with the organizational structure. 3) Implementation in the implementation of Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 52 and 53 by carrying out all parts of planning properly and correctly. 4) Control activities in the form of monitoring, inspection, supervision, and evaluation as well as projections for future maturity.

Literature Study: Utilization and Effective Management of School Operational Assistance (SOA) Funds

Literature Study: Utilization and Effective Management of School Operational Assistance (SOA) Funds

HTA60 What Utilization Management Strategies Does ICER Recommend to US Payers and Policy-Makers to Manage Uncertainty with Gene Therapies?

HTA60 What Utilization Management Strategies Does ICER Recommend to US Payers and Policy-Makers to Manage Uncertainty with Gene Therapies?

Switch to pollution control bonds, else carbon risk will switch us: Evidence from the U.S. electric utility firms

This study explores the implications and effectiveness of pollution control bonds (PCBs) in reducing carbon risk, focusing on a sample of 242 U S. electric utility firms from 2012 to 2022. The research investigates the association of PCB issuances with (i) absolute (unscaled) carbon emissions levels and their three scopes; and (ii) carbon emissions intensity and its three scopes. Using quantile regressions covering the 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th quantiles, along with the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) methodology (where the treatment group includes firms using PCBs and the control group comprises firms that do not opt for PCBs), the findings show a significant reduction in carbon emissions due to PCB issuance. Substantial differences were observed between the treatment group and the control group across various quantiles of carbon emissions, particularly for companies with medium to high carbon footprints, both in terms of overall CO2 emissions and scope 2 CO2 emissions. Moreover, disparities between the two groups were notable across all quantiles of scope 1 CO2 emissions. Additionally, among the companies using PCBs, those with lower risk profiles exhibited a smaller carbon footprint, measured by scope 3 CO2 emissions, in comparison to their counterparts. Furthermore, the study highlights a more pronounced impact of PCBs issuance during the second phase of the Kyoto Protocol and the commitment period of the Paris Agreement. The results remain robust when alternative measures of carbon risk are applied. These findings carry significant implications for municipal and financing authorities, as well as investors within the U.S. electric utility industry. This research contributes novel insights to the field of electric utility management.

PT11 Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Payer Utilization Management – Insights from a Quantitative Survey

PT11 Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Payer Utilization Management – Insights from a Quantitative Survey

Navigating urban complexity: The role of GIS in spatial planning and urban development

This paper explores the transformative impact of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in urban planning and architecture. It delves into various applications of GIS, including urban layout and design, traffic flow management, environmental impact assessments, infrastructure and utility management, and historical and cultural preservation. The challenges of implementing GIS, such as data accuracy, interoperability, and the need for specialized training, are examined. Additionally, the paper discusses the future of GIS in urban development, highlighting technological advancements, integration with smart city concepts, and the importance of policy and governance. Through comprehensive analysis, this study underscores the significance of GIS as a pivotal tool in creating sustainable, efficient, and resilient urban spaces

Multi-parameter-based fuzzy logic diagnostic system for health assessment of power transformer

ABSTRACT Power transformers are the most valuable assets in the power system. An appropriate asset management is therefore essential for ensuring a reliable power supply to the utility managers. This is accomplished through continuous transformer condition monitoring. The transformers’ asset management involves a severe investigation into its insulation health index. It is determined by utilising several diagnostic parameters of transformer insulation. In this context, a novel fuzzy logic-based health index model has been proposed in the present paper to find the overall health condition of transformers. This model utilises the results extracted from several important diagnostic tests of transformer insulation, such as furan analysis and dissolved gas analysis. The validity of the proposed fuzzy logic model has been tested using real data from 200 transformer samples. These samples are collected from different-rated transformers of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB), India. Further, the efficacy of the proposed fuzzy logic model has been validated against the expert model presented in literature. It is revealed from the comparison that the accuracy of the present proposed model is 92%. Also, it is observed that the proposed fuzzy logic model is very effective in interpreting dissolved gases and the other diagnostic test results of the transformer.

Response of Soil Chemical Properties under Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) Field to Integrated Application of Lantana camara L. Weed Vermicompost and NPS Mineral Fertilizer

Recently, the beauty of the environment, native forest plants, and crops were encroached with invasive weeds, and thus scientific community was concerned with searching for optional management of these horrible weeds. Accordingly, vermicomposting of invasive weeds with the purpose of utilization management was evaluated as an alternative option and cost-effective management. Utilization management included keeping the environment safe from expanding invasive weeds by using these weeds as vermicomposting materials. Consequently, vermicompost was produced from L. camara invasive weed and this produced vermicompost was interactively used with chemical fertilizer to appraise its effect on soil chemical properties after the tef crop was harvested. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a factorial combination with three replications. Four levels of L. camara vermicompost amendment (0, 2, 4, and 6 t·ha−1) and four levels of NPS fertilizer (0, 100, 150, and 200 kg·ha−1) were used in the combination of the treatments. Disturbed composite soil sampling at a depth of 20 cm was carried out, one sample before planting and 48 samples after harvesting of the tef crop. The results showed that the combined addition of vermicompost and NPS fertilizers at the rate of 6 t·ha−1 and 200 kg·ha−1, respectively, significantly increased plant-available phosphorus (Av. P). Reversely, the pH of the soil remained unchanged when the soil was treated with the integration of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer or at their separate individual application. Most of the soil chemical properties, i.e. soil organic carbon (SOC), electrical conductivity (EC), Av. P, total nitrogen (TN), carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C : N), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were found to be improved when the soil was amended with the highest dose of sole L. camara vermicompost fertilizer. The two-year consecutive organic fertilizer fertilization rate increased SOC from 63.64% to 107.56%, EC from 8.70% to 22.22%, Av. P from 40.87% to 143.13%, TN from 50% to 100%, C : N ratio from 8.14% to 11.58%, and CEC from 42.11% to 63.67% versus untreated plot. Single-application NPS chemical fertilizer has only an encouraging effect on Av. P and CEC of soil. The principal driving factor for any change in soil chemical properties was the L. camara vermicompost amendment. Therefore, using L. camara weed as a vermicompost can enhance soil fertility. This study offers the opportunity to convert the large biomass of L. camara weed into vermicompost through vermicomposting.