Development and Application of Integrated Indicators for Assessing Healthcare Waste Management Systems in Kenyan Hospitals

Healthcare waste management (HCWM) is an important aspect of healthcare delivery globally because of its hazardous and infectious components that have potential for adverse health and environmental impacts. The paper introduces a set of indicators for assessing HCWM systems in hospitals. These indicators are: HCWM policies and standard operating procedures, management and oversight, logistics and budget support, training and occupational health and safety, and treatment, disposal and waste treatment equipment housing. By plotting a mark on a continuum which is defined as good and poor on the extremes and is connected with all other marks in a spoke arrangement, it’s possible to describe a baseline for HCWM in any specific hospital. This baseline can be used to improve awareness of the actors and policy-makers, compare the same hospital at a different point in time, to compare observations by different evaluators and to track improvements. Results suggest that in Kenya, the application of such indicators is useful for evaluating which priorities should be addressed to improve outcomes in HCWM systems. Systematic sampling technique was used to identify and collect data by use of observational checklist, interviews, visual verification and review of documents and a HCWM assessment tool. The objective is to suggest an integrated management tool as a method to identify prevailing problems with a HCWM system. The method can be replicated in other contexts worldwide, with a focus on the developing world. The integrated indicators focus on management of HCW and not its potential impact on human health and environment, an area recognized to be critical for future research.

Analysis and Design of Agricultural Sustainability Indicators System

The development and characteristic of agricultural sustainability indicators system （Sis）, at home and abroad, was reviewed. It was pointed out that the existing domestic methods of sustainability evaluation can not be accepted by foreign scholars, and their scientific basis is inadequate. The experience and shortcomings of the previous studies on the indicators selection and evaluation methods were analyzed, also with the significance for practice. Finally, a new SIs for agriculture development evaluation was proposed, together with the corresponding calculation and evaluation methods. The farmer development index indicator was proposed to embody the viewpoint that the development of people is the ultimate aim; the dynamic weight calculation method was designed to reflect the various significance of the different indicators when their values were changing; and new indicators integrate methods were also explored.

Visualization analysis of the capability of weapon system of systems for multi-dimensional indicators

In the field of weapon system of systems (WSOS) simulation, various indicators are widely used to describe the capability of WSOS, but it is always difficult to describe the comprehensive capability of WSOS quickly and intuitively by visualization of multi-dimensional indicators. A method of machine learning and visualization is proposed, which can display and analyze the capabilities of different WSOS in a two-dimensional plane. The analysis and comparison of the comprehensive capability of different components of WSOS is realized by the method, which consists of six parts: multiple simulations, key indicators mining, three spatial distance calculation, fusion project calculation, calculation of individual capability density, and calculation of multiple capability ranges overlay. Binding a simulation experiment, the collaborative analysis of six indicators and 100 possible kinds of red WSOS are achieved. The experimental results show that this method can effectively improve the quality and speed of capabilities analysis, reveal a large number of potential information, and provide a visual support for the qualitative and quantitative analysis model.

NATIONAL KNOWLEDGE INNOVATION SYSTEMS: EVOLUTION, DEFINITION AND INDICATORS

The paper examines the three stages of the evolution of national innovation systems: national technology innovation systems, national innovation systems and national knowledge innovation systems. A national knowledge innovation system is a network of institutions and organizations which jointly or individually contributes to the knowledge innovation (including scientific and technical knowledge innovation). The author stresses that knowledge innovation will occur in all processes of the produc-tion, transmission and use of knowledge. There are four subsystems in this system: scientific knowledge innovation, technical knowledge innovation, knowledge trans-mission and knowledge use subsystem. The author also lists some indicators for the System.

Providing Performance Evaluation Indicators for Intelligent Transportation Systems (The Case Study of Tehran-Karaj Freeway Located in Iran)

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) play a fundamental role in reducing traffic congestion and increasing safety during daily transportation. These systems can also be useful in improving social welfare leading to general satisfaction. Proper performance evaluation can be efficient in improving the performance of these systems, and providing a scientific assessment index system can assist decision-makers in smart communities to plan for the development of ITS. However, the evaluation of these systems requires identifying appropriate indicators of performance evaluation that are consistent with the views of the beneficiaries of these systems. In this paper, performance evaluation indicators of ITS have been identified, and three indicators entitled “environmental and safety”, “assistance in reducing traffic congestion” and “attractive public transport” are presented to evaluate the performance of these systems. Moreover, the intelligent transport systems of the Tehran-Karaj Freeway in Iran are studied, and inferential statistical methods are employed to test the research hypotheses. It is worth noticing that in this study, a one-sample T-test method is used for hypotheses assessment and the SPSS software was used to analyze the findings. Also, the results demonstrated that the performance of ITS in the Tehran-Karaj Freeway regarding the indicators, such as “Declaration of route blocking information due to maintenance or reconstruction” and “Declaration of path geometry conditions” has not been acceptable.

A Set of Coherent Indicators for the Assessment of the Energy Profitability of Energy Systems

The concern on climate change and on the limitations of fossil fuels is leading to the promotion of renewable-based energy options. However, the assessment of the energy profitability of a technology is still a controversial topic, especially when renewable-based systems are compared with non-renewable ones and when the depletion of the stocks of available resources is not accounted properly. As a matter of fact, some popular energy indicators do not seem to cover all the aspects of the problem, with the risk of drawing ambiguous conclusions. A set of life cycle-based indicators is proposed in order to establish a more reliable approach to the assessment of energy products which decouples the different contributions given by renewable and non-renewable resources. The proposed set of indicators has been quantified for different groups of energy products and compared with an energy indicator frequently used (i.e. EROI). A coherent assessment of the depletion of energy resources and of the energy profitability of the products is presented. The indicators could even contribute to understand the feasibility of energy projects and plans by evaluating their impact on the stock of energy resources.

Standards System and Evaluation Indicators System for Environmental Protection Products

Environmental protection products and equipment are important substance basis and insurance which provide supporting for to the realization of the strategic objective of reduced energy use and emissions while improving the resource economy ＆ environmental kindly society building, as well as the sustainable development economy and environment in a sustainable fashion. Here, the framework of the standards system and evaluation indicators system for environmental protection products are described based on the present deficiencies in independent innovation, lower levels of standardization, and poor operating effectiveness of such equipment in China with a goal of forcing the development of standardization, seriation and currency used in the environmental protection industry. The results presented here should serve as a reference for the promotion of quality and effectiveness in environmental protection products and equipments.

Effect of foot reflexology on pain and physiological indicators in postoperative patients:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim:To determine the effect of foot reflexology intervention on pain and physiological indicators in postoperative patients.Data resources:The Cochrane library,PubMed,EMBASE,MEDLINE,SCOPUS,CINAHL,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),VIP,and Wan Fang Data were searched from inception until January2020.Review methods:Studies were screened according to the PICOS principle.The methodological quality was assessed with Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.Results:5 randomized clinical trials involving 318 participants were included in the meta-analysis.There were significant differences in pain and heart rate in postoperative patients between the two groups.Conclusion:The foot reflexology intervention decrease the postoperative pain and heart rate for the postoperative patients.It can be considered to be an effective non-pharmaceutical therapy to reduce the postoperative pain and heart rate.The evidence is not enough to prove the effectiveness of reducing postoperative blood pressure,respiratory rate,pulse rate and oxygen saturation using the foot reflexology.

Progress in the Study of Laboratory Indicators Related to Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the more common gastrointestinal diseases in clinics and is characterized by rapid progression, many complications, and high mortality. When it develops into severe pancreatitis, its prognosis is poor. Therefore, early assessment of the degree of inflammatory response plays a crucial role in the treatment plan and prognosis of patients. More and more studies have shown that the levels of D-dimer (D-D), angiotensin-2 (Ang-2), phosphate, heparin-binding protein (HBP), retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4), and osteoblastic protein (OPN) are closely related to the severity of acute pan-creatitis and can be used as effective indicators for early assessment of AP. In this paper, the research progress of the above indicators in assessing the severity of AP is summarized.

Territorial Planning for Coastal Zones in Chile:The Need for Geographical-Environmental and Natural Risk Indicators for Spatial Decision Support Systems

Coastal zones are very dynamic and fragile environments, constituting a landscape ever more heterogeneous, fragmented and with increasing levels of complexity due to the changing relationship between man and nature. Integrated coastal zone management therefore requires detailed knowledge of the system and its components, based—to a large extent—on technical and scientific information. However, the information generated must be in line with the political requirements necessary for decision-making and planning. Thus the use of indicators to give a simplified view of the many components of the territory, and at the same time to provide important information about patterns or trends, becomes a tool of the utmost importance. These indicators can be understood as measurable characteristics of the environment, which facilitate comprehension of the processes occurring at different scales and serve as a reference to inform the population and support decision-making. The aim of the present note is to demonstrate briefly the need to develop geographical-environmental and natural risk indicators to facilitate comprehension of the dynamic of spatial and temporal landscape patterns, particularly in coastal environments. This approach offers an historical summary of the natural, socio-economic and political processes which currently make up the territory, and which without doubt will continue to influence it in the future. At the same time, it is proposed that information should be integrated on the basis of this framework with a view to generating spatial decision support systems in a context of planning and integrated management of the coastal zones of Chile.

Risk Prediction Model for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Based on Routine Laboratory Indicators and Risk Factors: A Retrospective Analysis

Background: Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) is a group of diseases in which pregnancy and elevated blood pressure coexist. There is still a lack of reliable clinical tools to predict the incidence of HDP. The purpose of this study was to establish and validate a nomogram prediction model for assessing the risk of HDP in pregnant women based on laboratory indicators and HDP risk factors. Method: A total of 307 pregnant women who were hospitalized in the obstetrics and gynecology department of our hospital were included in this study, and were randomly divided into a training cohort and validation cohort at a ratio of 7:3. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for the development of HDP on laboratory indicators as well as risk factors for HDP in the training cohort of patients. The results of the multivariate regression model were visualized by forest plots. A nomogram was constructed based on the results of multivariate logistic regression to predict the risk of HDP in pregnant women. The validity of the risk prediction model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), the consistency index (C-index), the calibration curve and the decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: BMI ≥ 25 Kg/m2, total cholesterol in early pregnancy, uric acid and proteinuria in late pregnancy were independent risk factors for HDP. The AUC and C-index of the nomogram constructed by the above four factors were both 0.848. The calibration curve is closely fitted with the ideal diagonal, showing a good consistency between the nomogram prediction and the actual observation of HDP. The DCA has demonstrated the great clinical utility of nomogram. Internal verification proves the reliability of the predicted nomograms. Conclusion: The BTUP nomogram model based on laboratory indicators and risk factors proposed in this study showed good predictive value for the risk assessment of HDP. It is expected to provide evidence for clinical prediction of the risk of HDP in pregnant women.

Can spatial planning in the Polish Carpathians be enforced? How spatial chaos indicators depict a gap between scientific knowledge and practice

Despite their strategic hydrological importance for neighbouring areas,the Polish Carpathians are experiencing spatial chaos,which may weaken their adaptability to the progressive climate change.The article attempts to answer the question of whether spatial planning,which is supposed to guarantee spatial order,fulfils its role and whether the knowledge of the natural conditions of spatial development is respected in the spatial planning process.Using GIS techniques,up to 238 communes were analysed in terms of their spatial coverage,the degree of scattered settlement,and the violation of natural barriers by location of buildings in areas that are threatened with mass movements or floods;by settlement on excessively inclined slopes and in areas with adverse climatic conditions.Spearman non-parametric rank correlation analysis and the multidimensional Principal Component Analysis(PCA)technique were performed to investigate relations between spatial chaos indicators and the planning situation.The analysis of the data has revealed that spatial planning does not fulfil its role.Serious errors in location of buildings have been noted even though the communes are covered by local spatial development plans.Scientific knowledge is not sufficiently transferred into planning documents,and bottom-up initiatives cannot replace systemic solutions.There is a need for strengthening the role of environmental studies documents in the spatial planning system.This would facilitate the transfer of scientific knowledge into the planning process and help to protect mountain areas.The development of a special spatial strategy for the Polish Carpathians in compliance with the Carpathian Convention is also recommended.

Stock trend prediction method coupled with multilevel indicators

To systematically incorporate multiple influencing factors,the coupled-state frequency memory(Co-SFM)network is proposed.This model integrates Copula estimation with neural networks,fusing multilevel data information,which is then fed into downstream learning modules.Co-SFM employs an upstream fusion module to incorporate multilevel data,thereby constructing a macro-plate-micro data structure.This configuration helps identify and integrate characteristics from different data levels,facilitating a deeper understanding of the internal links within the financial system.In the downstream model,Co-SFM uses a state-frequency memory network to mine hidden frequency information within stock prices,and the multifrequency patterns of sequential data are modeled.Empirical results show that Co-SFM s prediction accuracy for stock price trends is significantly better than that of other models.This is especially evident in multistep medium and long-term trend predictions,where integrating multilevel data results in notably improved accuracy.

Comprehensive evaluation method for plateau driving fatigue based on psychophysiological indicators

To investigate the effects of plateau environments on driving fatigue,heart rate and electroencephalogram(EEG)signals were chosen as indicators to characterize driving fatigue.The study analyzed the variation in these indicators as drivers transitioned into fatigued stages.By examining the sample entropy of EEG signals and the heart rate variation coefficient,a complex indicator of driving fatigue(CIDF)was established using principal component analysis to overcome the limitations of single-indicator methods.According to the CIDF values,the driving fatigue states in plateau areas were subdivided into three categories,including alertness,mild fatigue,and severe fatigue,by cluster analysis.Optimal binning determined thresholds for different driving fatigue states,which were validated through variance analysis.The results indicate that the CIDF values effectively distinguish the driving fatigue states of drivers in plateau areas.The CIDF thresholds for the alertness and the mild fatigue states are 0.34 and 0.50,respectively.A CIDF value greater than 0.50 indicates that the driver is in a severe fatigue state.

Evidence-Based Nursing Practice of Reducing Immune-Related Skin Toxicity of Tumor Patients Guided by Sensitive Indicators

Purpose research on nursing sensitive indicators in tumor Patients application effect in immune-related skin toxicity management. Method select our hospital April to June, 202360 cases patients with immune therapy settings as the control group. August-October, 2023 60 cases the patients treated with immune therapy were the experimental group. The control group adopted regular nursing methods, while the experimental group sensitive Indicators, evidence-based give preventive care. The social situation, psychological state, physical function, quality of life score, incidence of skin toxicity caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors, moderate and above of the two groups of patients were compared. Incidence of skin toxicity. Result: experience group SAS score, SDS score higher than the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05);The incidence of skin toxic reactions caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors and the incidence of moderate and above skin toxic reactions in the experimental group are lower than those in the control group, and the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: sensitive indicator guidance evidence-based preventive care can reduce the degree of immune-related skin toxicity, improve the psychological state and quality of life of tumor patients treated with immune therapy and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, improve nursing quality and patient satisfaction.

Epidemio-Clinical Profile and Factors Associated with Performance Indicators of Integrated Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children Aged 6 - 59 Months Hospitalized at the Kalaban Coro Reference Health Center

Introduction: Malnutrition is an important reason for consultation in Mali’s health facilities and remains a major public health problem. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemioclinical profile and associated factors with performance indicators of integrated management of severe acute malnutrition in children aged 06 to 59 months. Methodology: this was a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection (January 2021 to December 2022). All children hospitalized for severe acute malnutrition in the pediatric department and whose medical records were usable were included. Data collected using a standardized questionnaire was analyzed with SPSS Version 20 software. Results: A total of 534 children were included. The 12 to 23 months age group (49.1%) and the female sex (53.18%) were the most affected. Fully vaccinated children by age represented 49.4%. The predominant form of malnutrition was marasmus (77.7%). Diarrhea/vomiting (30.3%), fever (18.4%) and cough (15.5%) were the main reasons for consultations. Cure, discontinuation and death rates were 78.5%, 2.1% and 9.2%, respectively. On univariate analysis, the factors statistically associated with performance indicators (cure, drop-out, death) were gastroenteritis (P-value Conclusion: This study reveals that the frequency of severe acute malnutrition remains high at the Kalaban Coro reference health center. Better prevention of illnesses such as malaria, gastroenteritis, and respiratory infections, as well as timely referral, could help facilitate its management.

Human impact gradients via anthropogenic pollen indicators:insights gleaned from a case study in the Rif Mountains(Northern Morocco)

Understanding the relationship between modern pollen and vegetation is crucial for interpreting fossil pollen records and assessing human impact on the environment,both of which are essential for effective environmental management strategies.Despite numerous studies on fossil pollen records in the Rif landscape,research specifically focusing on modern pollen and its implications for understanding human impact on the natural landscape is notably lacking.This paper presents novel anthropogenic pollen indicators for the Rif Mountains and seeks to evaluate the gradients of human impact on the southern Mediterranean landscape.We employed a combination of modern pollen analysis,vegetation survey,and ordination techniques,incorporating various environmental and land-use variables.Canonical correspondence analysis(CCA)allowed us to evaluate the relationships between pollen types and environmental variables,helping us identify key anthropogenic pollen indicators associated with land use and human activities:Poaceae,Cannabist,Olea-t,and Asteraceae for cultivation;Brassicaceae,Genista-t,Poaceae,Asteraceae and Plantago-t,for grazing;Apiaceae,Urtica-t and Genista-t for slashing and burning.Additionally,an anthropogenic index score(AIS)was calculated for each sampled location.Correspondence analysis(CA)was then used to correlate each specific pollen type with levels of human impact as follows(a)low(e.g.,Cedrus atlantica-t,Quercus canariensis-t),(b)moderate(e.g.,Erica-t,Arbutus unedo-t,Eucalyptus-t),and(c)high(e.g.,Cannabis-t,Brassicaceae,Olea-t,Nicotiana-t).This paper enhances our comprehension of land-use dynamics and impact levels,providing essential insights for evaluating anthropogenic impact trends and human-induced changes in the Rif Mountains landscape.

Influence of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery on perioperative indicators, postoperative recovery, and serum inflammation in patients with colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND Conventional five-port laparoscopic surgery,the current standard treatment for colorectal carcinoma(CRC),has many disadvantages.AIM To assess the influence of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery(RPLS)on perioperative indicators,postoperative recovery,and serum inflammation indexes in patients with CRC.METHODS The study included 115 patients with CRC admitted between December 2019 and May 2023,52 of whom underwent conventional five-port laparoscopic surgery(control group)and 63 of whom underwent RPLS(research group).Comparative analyses were performed on the following dimensions:Perioperative indicators[operation time(OT),incision length,intraoperative blood loss(IBL),and rate of conversion to laparotomy],postoperative recovery(first postoperative exhaust,bowel movement and oral food intake,and bowel sound recovery time),serum inflammation indexes[high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6)],postoperative complications(anastomotic leakage,incisional infection,bleeding,ileus),and therapeutic efficacy.RESULTS The two groups had comparable OTs and IBL volumes.However,the research group had a smaller incision length;lower rates of conversion to laparotomy and postoperative total complication;and shorter time of first postoperative exhaust,bowel movement,oral food intake,and bowel sound recovery;all of which were significant.Furthermore,hs-CRP,IL-6,and TNF-αlevels in the research group were significantly lower than the baseline and those of the control group,and the total effective rate was higher.CONCLUSION RPLS exhibited significant therapeutic efficacy in CRC,resulting in a shorter incision length and a lower conversion rate to laparotomy,while also promoting postoperative recovery,effectively inhibiting the inflammatory response,and reducing the risk of postoperative complications.

Quality indicators in respiratory therapy

Quality indicators in healthcare refer to measurable and quantifiable parameters used to assess and monitor the performance,effectiveness,and safety of healthcare services.These indicators provide a systematic way to evaluate the quality of care offered,and thereby to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that patient care meets established standards and best practices.Respiratory therapists play a vital role in areas of clinical administration such as infection control practices and quality improvement initiatives.Quality indicators serve as essential metrics for respiratory therapy departments to assess and enhance the overall quality of care.By systematically tracking and analyzing indicators related to infection control,treatment effectiveness,and adherence to protocols,respiratory care practitioners can identify areas to improve and implement evidence-based changes.This article reviewed how to identify,implement,and monitor quality indicators specific to the respiratory therapy departments to set benchmarks and enhance patient outcomes.

Weighting indicators of building energy efficiency assessment taking account of experts' priority

Analytic hierarchy process(Group AHP) is combined with two different methods of assigning experts' priority to weight indicators in building energy efficiency assessment.One is to assign the experts' priority averagely,and the other is to use cluster analysis to assign experts' priority.The results show that,1) Different expert's priority assigns result in great different weights of indicators in building energy efficiency assessment,therefore,the method of assigning experts' priority should be taken into account carefully while weighting indicators of building energy efficiency assessment using Group AHP;2) Three indicators are found to be overwhelmingly important in residential building energy efficiency assessment in the hot summer and cold winter zone in China.They are 'Outdoor & indoor shadow','Heating & air-conditioning facilities' and 'Insulation of envelope';3) The method combining cluster analysis with Group AHP to weight indicator of building energy efficiency assessment has the advantage of finding overwhelming important indicator,whereas,some less important indicators have a tendency to be ignored.A useful reference is provided for building energy conservation including policy revision and energy efficient residential building design.