The inability to achieve the target of universal access to electricity is influenced by several factors including funding limitations, the use of obsolete equipment, power theft, and system losses confronting the elec...The inability to achieve the target of universal access to electricity is influenced by several factors including funding limitations, the use of obsolete equipment, power theft, and system losses confronting the electricity distribution services of the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG). The study assessed the components of system losses within the ECG by determining and computing the percentage of system losses within ECG, examining the causes of both commercial and technical losses in ECG, and determining ways to improve energy efficiency by reducing system losses in the most cost-efficient manner. The study adopted deductive reasoning and a quantitative approach to guide data collection and analysis of the research output. A sample of 345 technical and non-technical staff of ECG in the Greater Accra Metropolis was selected from a population of 2500. Purposive, simple random, and cluster sampling techniques were used in identifying and accessing respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics were applied to measure central tendency and degrees of dispersion and the Relative Importance Index (RII) to predict criterion and predictor variables. The impact of low voltage network losses can adversely contribute to technical losses (20%) and reduce energy efficiency in power or electricity distribution companies. Non-technical losses are mainly caused by illegal connections, meter problems, and billing problems. Each of the non-technical losses contributes a maximum of 10% to system losses. Contributors to system losses at ECG are ranked first for power theft and least for lack of incentives. System losses at ECG include metering inaccuracies, bad workmanship, unmetered supply, and lengthy distribution lines, each recording a mean value of above 3.5. Measures to improve monitoring of the networks and systems at ECG and discourage power theft should include an extensive quantification, patrolling, and inspection of the entire network to assess the extent of the network and conditions relevant for the placement of systematically planned maintenance programmes.展开更多
If we want to enhance the medical level of modern hospital,we not only need to make the career morality and professional capability of the medical staff,but also require the perfection of the governance institution of...If we want to enhance the medical level of modern hospital,we not only need to make the career morality and professional capability of the medical staff,but also require the perfection of the governance institution of hospital in accordance with the development of society.That said,the medical staff will provide the patients with the best service,which is significant to the development of hospital.In addition,every hospital should conduct deepening reform of public hospital comprehensively to respond to call of the government.And the hospital should also put forward professional and comprehensive managing system based on the concrete conditions of the hospital.That is how the hospital can serve the people better.That said,this article focuses on how to promote the system of managing the modern hospital.展开更多
Introduction Task-shifting and task-sharing strategies show promise for managing chronic diseases especially in low-income and middle-income countries(LMICs),though their effectiveness in multimorbidity management rem...Introduction Task-shifting and task-sharing strategies show promise for managing chronic diseases especially in low-income and middle-income countries(LMICs),though their effectiveness in multimorbidity management remains unclear.This study synthesised evidence on task-shifting and task-sharing strategies globally and assessed the impact on core health outcomes in multimorbidity management.Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of global studies evaluating task-shifting and sharing interventions for individuals with multimorbidity.Six databases,including PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Ovid(Medline),CINAHL and Cochrane Library,were searched for studies reporting the core outcomes of multimorbidity management in quality of life,mortality,hospitalisation,emergency department visits and symptoms of depression and anxiety.Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled effect sizes with heterogeneity assessed through subgroup and meta-regression analyses.Results From 8471 records,36 studies from 14 countries were included,with only 5 conducted in LMICs.Twenty-one studies,encompassing 20989 participants,were eligible for meta-analysis.More than half of the studies involved nurses as delegates,with some sharing the tasks with health professionals and about 10%of studies involved non-health professionals,including community healthcare workers as delegates to share the responsibility in caring for individuals with multimorbidity.Most studies were multicomponent,with 16.7%addressing all guideline-recommended aspects of multimorbidity management.By pooling the findings,task-shifting and task-sharing interventions were associated with a 27%reduction in mortality(OR:0.73,95%CI:0.55 to 0.97,I2=0%),a modest improvement in quality of life(standardised mean difference(SMD):0.1,95%CI:0.03 to 0.17,I2=47%)and reduced symptoms of depression(SMD:0.27,95%CI:−0.52 to–0.02,I2=90%),but showed no significant effect on hospitalisation,emergency visits or anxiety-related symptoms.展开更多
Purpose-Interface management is the process of managing communications,responsibilities and coordination of project parties,phases or physical entities which are dependent on one another.Interface management is a cruc...Purpose-Interface management is the process of managing communications,responsibilities and coordination of project parties,phases or physical entities which are dependent on one another.Interface management is a crucial part of managing any construction project-but particularly important for high-speed railway projects that often have several contractual parties and stakeholders,very long project timelines and huge upfront cost overlays.This paper discusses how various project interfaces were managed during the design and construction of the civil engineering infrastructure for the High Speed Two(HS2)project in the United Kingdom.Design/methodology/approach-The paper uses the case study methodology.Key interfaces on the HS2 project are grouped into various categories and the paper discusses how they were managed within the Area North Integrated Project Team(IPT)of the HS2 project made up of contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI(BBV),the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture(DJV)and client HS2 Ltd.3 different case studies drawn from across the IPT are used,each of them highlighting different interfaces and how these interfaces were managed.Findings-The paper shows how innovative technical designs and modern methods of construction were used to address some of the unique and peculiar challenges of designing a brand-new railway in the United Kingdom.Addressing the contrasting and often competing requirements of different stakeholders,coupled with challenging physical constraints of the very limited land available for the project and the use of a rarely used Act of Parliament in the delivery of the project required different approach to interface management.Collaboration and proactive stakeholder engagement are necessary for successful interface management on megaprojects.The authors posit that adopting an integrated approach to engineering and construction management is an essential ingredient for the successful delivery of high-speed railway projects.Originality/value-With many high-speed railway projects around the world coming up in the next few years,understanding the context and challenges for each country will help engineering and design managers adopt appropriate approaches for their projects.The lessons learned on the HS2 project are also transferable to other mega infrastructure projects with complex project interfaces.展开更多
Understanding the complex interactions between human activities and ecosystem functions is a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development.Since the implementation of the“Grain for Green”Project in 1999,ecosyst...Understanding the complex interactions between human activities and ecosystem functions is a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development.Since the implementation of the“Grain for Green”Project in 1999,ecosystem functions in China’s Loess Plateau have significantly improved.However,intensified human activities have also exacerbated the pressures on the region’s fragile ecological environment.This study investigates the spatiotemporal variations in the human activity intensity index(HAI)and net ecosystem benefits(NEB)from 2000 to 2020,using expert-based assessments and an enhanced cost-benefit evaluation framework.Results indicate that HAI increased by 16.7% and 16.6% at the grid and county levels,respectively.NEB exhibited pronounced spatial heterogeneity,with a total increase of USD 36.2 trillion at the grid scale.At the county level,the average NEB rose by 75%.The degree of trade-off was higher at the grid scale than at the county scale,while the synergistic areas initially expanded and then declined at both scales.Key areas for improvement and regions of lagging development were identified as priority zones for ecological management and spatial planning at both spatial resolutions.This study offers scientific insights and practical guidance for harmonizing ecological conservation with high-quality development in ecologically vulnerable regions.展开更多
Resilience plays a crucial role in maintaining desirable ecosystem states and is a key objective of sustainable ecosystem management.This study synthesizes the concepts and measurement approaches of terrestrial ecosys...Resilience plays a crucial role in maintaining desirable ecosystem states and is a key objective of sustainable ecosystem management.This study synthesizes the concepts and measurement approaches of terrestrial ecosystem resilience and expounded on its spatio-temporal changes and influencing factors based on the literature over the past 50 years.Arid regions exhibited the lowest levels of spatial resilience,and the global ecosystem resilience showed a downward trend.In the focal regions,ecological resilience in Amazonian and Southeast Asian rainforest regions declined primarily driven by human activities such as deforestation and cropland expansion.Precipitation and temperature exerted bidirectional influences the resilience of ecosystems,indicating that ecosystem responses to climatic factors were non-monotonic.Evidence concerning anthropogenic factors such as land management and deforestation on ecosystem resilience were predominantly negative.Overall,this study provides a comprehensive synthesis of large scale terrestrial ecosystem resilience assessments,offering valuable insights for ecosystem protection and restoration policy development.展开更多
Arid and semi-arid ecosystems are prone to extensive fires due to specific climatic conditions,sparse vegetation cover,and high density of fine fuels.Understanding the flammability characteristics of land covers is es...Arid and semi-arid ecosystems are prone to extensive fires due to specific climatic conditions,sparse vegetation cover,and high density of fine fuels.Understanding the flammability characteristics of land covers is essential for fire management and designing land restoration programs in arid and semi-arid ecosystems.This study provided a new approach to evaluate the flammability of shrublands and woodlands using flammability indices(FIs)including time to ignition(TI),duration of combustion(DC),and flame height(FH)of plant species and their relative frequencies in the Dalfard Basin of southeastern Iran.The results showed that there was a significant difference in FIs between land covers.Shrublands had higher flammability potential compared with woodlands.Plant moisture content had a negative relationship with TI(P<0.010)and no significant relationship with DC and FH(P>0.050).Artemisia spp.,Astragalus gossypinus Fischer,Amygdalus scoparia Spach,and Cymbopogon jwarancusa(Jones)Schult.had the highest FI.Tree species such as Rhazya stricta Decne.,and Pistacia atlantica Desf.showed greater resistance to fire.Using principal component analysis,the relationship between species and FIs was examined,and TI of wet fuel was the most important FI in relation to species.Structural equation model showed that life form(P<0.001)was the most important flammability driver.Precipitation(P<0.010)and legume species(P<0.010)were significantly related to the flammability in arid land.This study emphasizes the importance of managing high-risk species and using resistant species in vegetation restoration and shows that combining species FIs with their abundance is an effective tool for assessing fire risk and fuel management at the plant community scale.展开更多
Strategically coupling nanoparticle hybrids and internal thermosensitive molecular switches establishes an innovative paradigm for constructing micro/nanoscale-reconfigurable robots,facilitating energyefficient CO_(2)...Strategically coupling nanoparticle hybrids and internal thermosensitive molecular switches establishes an innovative paradigm for constructing micro/nanoscale-reconfigurable robots,facilitating energyefficient CO_(2) management in life-support systems of confined space.Here,a micro/nano-reconfigurable robot is constructed from the CO_(2) molecular hunters,temperature-sensitive molecular switch,solar photothermal conversion,and magnetically-driven function engines.The molecular hunters within the molecular extension state can capture 6.19 mmol g^(−1) of CO_(2) to form carbamic acid and ammonium bicarbonate.Interestingly,the molecular switch of the robot activates a molecular curling state that facilitates CO_(2) release through nano-reconfiguration,which is mediated by the temperature-sensitive curling of Pluronic F127 molecular chains during the photothermal desorption.Nano-reconfiguration of robot alters the amino microenvironment,including increasing surface electrostatic potential of the amino group and decreasing overall lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level.This weakened the nucleophilic attack ability of the amino group toward the adsorption product derivatives,thereby inhibiting the side reactions that generate hard-to-decompose urea structures,achieving the lowest regeneration temperature of 55℃ reported to date.The engine of the robot possesses non-contact magnetically-driven micro-reconfiguration capability to achieve efficient photothermal regeneration while avoiding local overheating.Notably,the robot successfully prolonged the survival time of mice in the sealed container by up to 54.61%,effectively addressing the issue of carbon suffocation in confined spaces.This work significantly enhances life-support systems for deep-space exploration,while stimulating innovations in sustainable carbon management technologies for terrestrial extreme environments.展开更多
To address the challenge of balancing thermal management and thermal runaway mitigation,it is crucial to explore effective methods for enhancing the safety of lithium-ion battery systems.Herein,an innovative hydrated ...To address the challenge of balancing thermal management and thermal runaway mitigation,it is crucial to explore effective methods for enhancing the safety of lithium-ion battery systems.Herein,an innovative hydrated salt composite phase change material(HSCPCM)with dual phase transition temperature zones has been proposed.This HSCPCM,denoted as SDMA10,combines hydrophilic modified expanded graphite,an acrylic emulsion coating,and eutectic hydrated salts to achieve leakage prevention,enhanced thermal stability,cycling stability,and superior phase change behavior.Battery modules incorporating SDMA10 demonstrate significant thermal control capabilities.Specifically,the cylindrical battery modules with SDMA10 can maintain maximum operating temperatures below 55°C at 4 C discharge rate,while prismatic battery modules can keep maximum operating temperatures below 65°C at 2 C discharge rate.In extreme battery overheating conditions simulated using heating plates,SDMA10 effectively suppresses thermal propagation.Even when the central heating plate reaches 300°C,the maximum temperature at the module edge heating plates remains below 85°C.Further,compared to organic composite phase change materials(CPCMs),the battery module with SDMA10 can further reduce the peak thermal runaway temperature by 93°C and delay the thermal runaway trigger time by 689 s,thereby significantly decreasing heat diffusion.Therefore,the designed HSCPCM integrates excellent latent heat storage and thermochemical storage capabilities,providing high thermal energy storage density within the thermal management and thermal runaway threshold temperature range.This research will offer a promising pathway for improving the thermal safety performance of battery packs in electric vehicles and other energy storage systems.展开更多
Sustainable water,energy and food(WEF)supplies are the bedrock upon which human society depends.Solar-driven interfacial evaporation,combined with electricity generation and cultivation,is a promising approach to miti...Sustainable water,energy and food(WEF)supplies are the bedrock upon which human society depends.Solar-driven interfacial evaporation,combined with electricity generation and cultivation,is a promising approach to mitigate the freshwater,energy and food crises.However,the performance of solar-driven systems decreases significantly during operation due to uncontrollable weather.This study proposes an integrated water/electricity cogeneration-cultivation system with superior thermal management.The energy storage evaporator,consisting of energy storage microcapsules/hydrogel composites,is optimally designed for sustainable desalination,achieving an evaporation rate of around 1.91 kg m^(-2)h^(-1).In the dark,heat released from the phase-change layer supported an evaporation rate of around 0.54kg m^(-2)h^(-1).Reverse electrodialysis harnessed the salinity-gradient energy enhanced during desalination,enabling the long-running WEC system to achieve a power output of~0.3 W m^(-2),which was almost three times higher than that of conventional seawater/surface water mixing.Additionally,an integrated crop irrigation platform utilized system drainage for real-time,on-demand wheat cultivation without secondary contaminants,facilitating seamless WEF integration.This work presents a novel approach to all-day solar water production,electricity generation and crop irrigation,offering a solution and blueprint for the sustainable development of WEF.展开更多
Within the domain of Intelligent Group Systems(IGSs),this paper develops a resourceaware multitarget Constant False Alarm Rate(CFAR)detection framework for multisite MIMO radar systems.It underscores the necessity of ...Within the domain of Intelligent Group Systems(IGSs),this paper develops a resourceaware multitarget Constant False Alarm Rate(CFAR)detection framework for multisite MIMO radar systems.It underscores the necessity of managing finite transmit and receive antennas and transmit power systematically to enhance detection performance.To tackle the multidimensional resource optimization challenge,we introduce a Cooperative Transmit-Receive Antenna Selection and Power Allocation(CTRSPA)strategy.It employs a perception-action cycle that incorporates uncertain external support information to optimize worst-case detection performance with multiple targets.First,we derive a closed-form expression that incorporates uncertainty for the noncoherent integration squared-law detection probability using the Neyman-Pearson criterion.Subsequently,a joint optimization model for antenna selection and power allocation in CFAR detection is formulated,incorporating practical radar resource constraints.Mathematically,this represents an NPhard problem involving coupled continuous and Boolean variables.We propose a three-stage method—Reformulation,Node Picker,and Convex Power Allocation—that capitalizes on the independent convexity of the optimization model for each variable,ensuring a near-optimal result.Simulations confirm the approach's effectiveness,efficiency,and timeliness,particularly for large-scale radar networks,and reveal the impact of threat levels,system layout,and detection parameters on resource allocation.展开更多
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) 2 aims to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030.However,global hunger and food insecurity have continued to rise at an alarming rate(UN 2023).Subtropical regions are home to ...The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) 2 aims to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030.However,global hunger and food insecurity have continued to rise at an alarming rate(UN 2023).Subtropical regions are home to more than 30% of the world's population,predominantly in developing countries where per capita farmland and food supply are only 40% of those in developed nations(FAO 2018).Meeting the Zero Hunger target amid ongoing population growth in these regions requires a substantial increase in agricultural production while minimizing soil degradation and adverse ecological impacts.This challenge is shared by many countries across South Asia,Africa,and Central and South America.展开更多
High-concentration photovoltaic(HCPV)systems present significant thermal management challenges due to the intense heat fluxes generated under concentrated solar irradiation,especially in arid environments.Effective he...High-concentration photovoltaic(HCPV)systems present significant thermal management challenges due to the intense heat fluxes generated under concentrated solar irradiation,especially in arid environments.Effective heat dissipation is critical to prevent performance degradation and structural failure.This study investigates the thermal performance and design optimization of an enhanced HCPV module,integrating numerical,analytical,and experimental methods.A coupled optical-thermal-electrical model was developed to simulate ray tracing,heat transfer,and temperature-dependent electrical behaviour,with predictions validated under real-world desert conditions.Compared to a baseline commercial module operating at 106℃,the optimized design achieved a peak temperature reduction of 16℃,lowering the cell temperature to 90℃under a concentration ratio of 961×and direct normal irradiance(DNI)of 950 W/m^(2).The total thermal resistance was reduced from 0.25 to 0.15 K/W(a 40%improvement),and the electrical efficiency increased from 37.5%to 38.6%,representing a relative gain of approximately 3.1%.The system consistently maintained a fill factor exceeding 78%,underscoring stable performance under high thermal load.These findings demonstrate that targeted thermal design,informed by integrated modeling,is essential for unlocking the reliability and efficiency of high-flux solar energy systems.展开更多
This paper discusses recent research findings together with management schemes in preventing and managing of thermal stress by handling external and internal factors in livestock production systems. Preventive measure...This paper discusses recent research findings together with management schemes in preventing and managing of thermal stress by handling external and internal factors in livestock production systems. Preventive measures against thermal stress are described as basic structural adjustments and the modifications that can be implemented readily, according to animal health and welfare requirements and refer to （1） environmental modification and thermal comfort in various housing systems; （2） action on animals, such as genetic selection for breeds resistant to infectious disease, parasites and climate extremes; （3） action on feed and （4） action on staff handling the animals. Moreover, measures to be taken both in situations of chronic thermal stress and heat or cold strokes are presented as they are applied to （1） limit stress, （2） monitor the temperature felt by animals, （3） adapt diet and drinking water supplies and （4） correct physiological imbalances. Examples are given for different farm species （cattle, sheep, goat, poultry and pigs） and different production systems （intensive, extensive and alternative）. The paper concludes with a practical guide for the effective handling of thermal stress at farm level, summarizing the results from recent research studies on the specific topic.展开更多
Neuromodulation for diabetic peripheral neuropathy represents a significant area of interest in the management of chronic pain associated with this condition.Diabetic peripheral neuropathy,a common complication of dia...Neuromodulation for diabetic peripheral neuropathy represents a significant area of interest in the management of chronic pain associated with this condition.Diabetic peripheral neuropathy,a common complication of diabetes,is characterized by nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels that lead to symptoms,such as pain,tingling,and numbness,primarily in the hands and feet.The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of neuromodulatory techniques as potential therapeutic interventions for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy,while also examining recent developments in this domain.The investigation encompassed an array of neuromodulation methods,including frequency rhythmic electrical modulated systems,dorsal root ganglion stimulation,and spinal cord stimulation.This systematic review suggests that neuromodulatory techniques may be useful in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.Understanding the advantages of these treatments will enable physicians and other healthcare providers to offer additional options for patients with symptoms refractory to standard pharmacologic treatments.Through these efforts,we may improve quality of life and increase functional capacity in patients suffering from complications related to diabetic neuropathy.展开更多
Colonoscopy represents a safe procedure that is widely used in medical practice either to diagnose or treat various gastrointestinal diseases.During the last few years,the incidence rate of perforations in colonoscopi...Colonoscopy represents a safe procedure that is widely used in medical practice either to diagnose or treat various gastrointestinal diseases.During the last few years,the incidence rate of perforations in colonoscopic procedures has increased,especially in therapeutic colonoscopies.The recent advancements in endoscopic techniques and gastrointestinal tumoral resection procedures such as endoscopic mucosal resection,endoscopic full-thickness resection,and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)could be a risk factor for this increased risk.The incidence rate of mortality of serious colonoscopic perforations is 7.1%.The management plan for these perforations starts with conservative treatment in mild cases,endoscopic closure,and surgical management in severe cases.Recently,endoluminal vacuum therapy was found to be effective in the management of colorectal perforations and this has been reported in multiple case reports.This editorial provides an overview of the current guidelines for the management of iatrogenic colorectal perforations.These insights are from the perspectives of endoscopists and gastroenterologists.We also present a management algorithm based on the guidelines of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy,the American Gastroenterological Association,and the World Society of Emergency Surgery.We also discussed in brief the use of endoluminal vacuum therapy in colorectal perforations.展开更多
With the rapid growth in the availability of digital health-related data,there is a great demand for the utilization of intelligent information systems within the healthcare sector.These systems can manage and manipul...With the rapid growth in the availability of digital health-related data,there is a great demand for the utilization of intelligent information systems within the healthcare sector.These systems can manage and manipulate this massive amount of health-related data and encourage different decision-making tasks.They can also provide various sustainable health services such as medical error reduction,diagnosis acceleration,and clinical services quality improvement.The intensive care unit(ICU)is one of the most important hospital units.However,there are limited rooms and resources in most hospitals.During times of seasonal diseases and pandemics,ICUs face high admission demand.In line with this increasing number of admissions,determining health risk levels has become an essential and imperative task.It creates a heightened demand for the implementation of an expert decision support system,enabling doctors to accurately and swiftly determine the risk level of patients.Therefore,this study proposes a fuzzy logic inference system built on domain-specific knowledge graphs,as a proof-of-concept,for tackling this healthcare-related issue.The system employs a combination of two sets of fuzzy input parameters to classify health risk levels of new admissions to hospitals.The proposed system implemented utilizes MATLAB Fuzzy Logic Toolbox via several experiments showing the validity of the proposed system.展开更多
To meet the challenge of mismatches between power supply and demand,modern buildings must schedule flexible energy loads in order to improve the efficiency of power grids.Furthermore,it is essential to understand the ...To meet the challenge of mismatches between power supply and demand,modern buildings must schedule flexible energy loads in order to improve the efficiency of power grids.Furthermore,it is essential to understand the effectiveness of flexibility management strategies under different climate conditions and extreme weather events.Using both typical and extreme weather data from cities in five major climate zones of China,this study investigates the energy flexibility potential of an office building under three short-term HVAC management strategies in the context of different climates.The results show that the peak load flexibility and overall energy performance of the three short-term strategies were affected by the surrounding climate conditions.The peak load reduction rate of the pre-cooling and zone temperature reset strategies declined linearly as outdoor temperature increased.Under extreme climate conditions,the daily peak-load time was found to be over two hours earlier than under typical conditions,and the intensive solar radiation found in the extreme conditions can weaken the correlation between peak load reduction and outdoor temperature,risking the ability of a building’s HVAC system to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.展开更多
The development and economic growth of a nation is closely related to its available transportation system. Good and efficient road transport infrastructure facilities will promote industrial and socio-economic develop...The development and economic growth of a nation is closely related to its available transportation system. Good and efficient road transport infrastructure facilities will promote industrial and socio-economic development. To provide safety and comfort to road users, a comprehensive road maintenance schedule must be formulated and adopted to ensure those roads are in good condition at all times. Preventive maintenance works, such as road rehabilitation will help to reduce the major road repairs and expenditure. Prior to this, a good database, gathered through GIS will be necessary in order to ensure maintenance is done effectively. Geographic Information System (GIS) is said to be one of the useful tools that can be utilized to manage database in road maintenance engineering. This system is capable of storing, managing, analyzing, computing and displaying all forms of geographical data for road maintenance works. In this study, the author has adopted GIS application software – ArcView, and has reviewed and analyzed its effectiveness in managing road database. These data are then used to assist the management to ensure effective and systematic road maintenance. A typical model of roads in Penang, Malaysia is used as a case study to further clarify the application of GIS in road maintenance.展开更多
Corporate Performance Management （CPM） system is an information system used to collect, analyze, and visualize key performance indicators （KPIs） to support both business operations and especially strategic decisio...Corporate Performance Management （CPM） system is an information system used to collect, analyze, and visualize key performance indicators （KPIs） to support both business operations and especially strategic decisions. CPM systems display KPIs in forms of scorecard and dashboard so the executives can keep track and evaluate corporate performance. The quality of the information as shown in the KPIs is very crucial for the executives to make the right decisions. Therefore, it is important that the executives must be able to retrieve not only the KPIs but also the quality of those KPIs before using such KPIs in their strategic decisions. The objectives of this study were to determine the role of the CPM system in the organizations, current data and information quality state, problems and perspectives regarding data quality, as well as data quality maturity stage of the organizations. Survey research was used in this study; a questionnaire was sent to collect data from 477 corporations listed in the Stock Exchange of Thailand （SET） on January, 2011. Forty-nine questionnaires were returned. The results show that about half of the organizations have implemented CPM systems. Most organizations are confident in the information in CPM system, but information quality issues are commonly found. Frequent problems regarding information quality are information not up to date, information not ready by time of use, inaccuracy and incomplete. The most concerned and frequently assessed quality dimensions were security, accuracy, completeness, and validity. When asked to prioritize, the most important quality dimensions are accuracy, timeliness, completeness, security, and validity respectively. In addition, most organizations concern about data govemance management and have deployed such measures. This study showed that most organizations are on level 4 on Gartner＇s data governance maturity stage in which data governance is concerned and managed, but still not effective.展开更多
文摘The inability to achieve the target of universal access to electricity is influenced by several factors including funding limitations, the use of obsolete equipment, power theft, and system losses confronting the electricity distribution services of the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG). The study assessed the components of system losses within the ECG by determining and computing the percentage of system losses within ECG, examining the causes of both commercial and technical losses in ECG, and determining ways to improve energy efficiency by reducing system losses in the most cost-efficient manner. The study adopted deductive reasoning and a quantitative approach to guide data collection and analysis of the research output. A sample of 345 technical and non-technical staff of ECG in the Greater Accra Metropolis was selected from a population of 2500. Purposive, simple random, and cluster sampling techniques were used in identifying and accessing respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics were applied to measure central tendency and degrees of dispersion and the Relative Importance Index (RII) to predict criterion and predictor variables. The impact of low voltage network losses can adversely contribute to technical losses (20%) and reduce energy efficiency in power or electricity distribution companies. Non-technical losses are mainly caused by illegal connections, meter problems, and billing problems. Each of the non-technical losses contributes a maximum of 10% to system losses. Contributors to system losses at ECG are ranked first for power theft and least for lack of incentives. System losses at ECG include metering inaccuracies, bad workmanship, unmetered supply, and lengthy distribution lines, each recording a mean value of above 3.5. Measures to improve monitoring of the networks and systems at ECG and discourage power theft should include an extensive quantification, patrolling, and inspection of the entire network to assess the extent of the network and conditions relevant for the placement of systematically planned maintenance programmes.
文摘If we want to enhance the medical level of modern hospital,we not only need to make the career morality and professional capability of the medical staff,but also require the perfection of the governance institution of hospital in accordance with the development of society.That said,the medical staff will provide the patients with the best service,which is significant to the development of hospital.In addition,every hospital should conduct deepening reform of public hospital comprehensively to respond to call of the government.And the hospital should also put forward professional and comprehensive managing system based on the concrete conditions of the hospital.That is how the hospital can serve the people better.That said,this article focuses on how to promote the system of managing the modern hospital.
基金supported by the National Key R&D programprogramme of China(Grant No.2023 YFC 3605002)Noncommunicable Chronic Disease National Science and Technology Major Project(Grant No.2023ZD0506001)+1 种基金the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(ClFMS)(Grant No.2025-I2M-KJ-029)the non-profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(Grant No.2022-ZHCH330-01).
文摘Introduction Task-shifting and task-sharing strategies show promise for managing chronic diseases especially in low-income and middle-income countries(LMICs),though their effectiveness in multimorbidity management remains unclear.This study synthesised evidence on task-shifting and task-sharing strategies globally and assessed the impact on core health outcomes in multimorbidity management.Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of global studies evaluating task-shifting and sharing interventions for individuals with multimorbidity.Six databases,including PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Ovid(Medline),CINAHL and Cochrane Library,were searched for studies reporting the core outcomes of multimorbidity management in quality of life,mortality,hospitalisation,emergency department visits and symptoms of depression and anxiety.Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled effect sizes with heterogeneity assessed through subgroup and meta-regression analyses.Results From 8471 records,36 studies from 14 countries were included,with only 5 conducted in LMICs.Twenty-one studies,encompassing 20989 participants,were eligible for meta-analysis.More than half of the studies involved nurses as delegates,with some sharing the tasks with health professionals and about 10%of studies involved non-health professionals,including community healthcare workers as delegates to share the responsibility in caring for individuals with multimorbidity.Most studies were multicomponent,with 16.7%addressing all guideline-recommended aspects of multimorbidity management.By pooling the findings,task-shifting and task-sharing interventions were associated with a 27%reduction in mortality(OR:0.73,95%CI:0.55 to 0.97,I2=0%),a modest improvement in quality of life(standardised mean difference(SMD):0.1,95%CI:0.03 to 0.17,I2=47%)and reduced symptoms of depression(SMD:0.27,95%CI:−0.52 to–0.02,I2=90%),but showed no significant effect on hospitalisation,emergency visits or anxiety-related symptoms.
文摘Purpose-Interface management is the process of managing communications,responsibilities and coordination of project parties,phases or physical entities which are dependent on one another.Interface management is a crucial part of managing any construction project-but particularly important for high-speed railway projects that often have several contractual parties and stakeholders,very long project timelines and huge upfront cost overlays.This paper discusses how various project interfaces were managed during the design and construction of the civil engineering infrastructure for the High Speed Two(HS2)project in the United Kingdom.Design/methodology/approach-The paper uses the case study methodology.Key interfaces on the HS2 project are grouped into various categories and the paper discusses how they were managed within the Area North Integrated Project Team(IPT)of the HS2 project made up of contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI(BBV),the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture(DJV)and client HS2 Ltd.3 different case studies drawn from across the IPT are used,each of them highlighting different interfaces and how these interfaces were managed.Findings-The paper shows how innovative technical designs and modern methods of construction were used to address some of the unique and peculiar challenges of designing a brand-new railway in the United Kingdom.Addressing the contrasting and often competing requirements of different stakeholders,coupled with challenging physical constraints of the very limited land available for the project and the use of a rarely used Act of Parliament in the delivery of the project required different approach to interface management.Collaboration and proactive stakeholder engagement are necessary for successful interface management on megaprojects.The authors posit that adopting an integrated approach to engineering and construction management is an essential ingredient for the successful delivery of high-speed railway projects.Originality/value-With many high-speed railway projects around the world coming up in the next few years,understanding the context and challenges for each country will help engineering and design managers adopt appropriate approaches for their projects.The lessons learned on the HS2 project are also transferable to other mega infrastructure projects with complex project interfaces.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.U2243225)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDB40000000)+2 种基金the Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi(Grant No.Z2024-ZYFS-0065)the Funding of Top Young talents of Ten Thousand talents Plan in China(2021)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grants No.2452023071 and 2023HHZX002).
文摘Understanding the complex interactions between human activities and ecosystem functions is a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development.Since the implementation of the“Grain for Green”Project in 1999,ecosystem functions in China’s Loess Plateau have significantly improved.However,intensified human activities have also exacerbated the pressures on the region’s fragile ecological environment.This study investigates the spatiotemporal variations in the human activity intensity index(HAI)and net ecosystem benefits(NEB)from 2000 to 2020,using expert-based assessments and an enhanced cost-benefit evaluation framework.Results indicate that HAI increased by 16.7% and 16.6% at the grid and county levels,respectively.NEB exhibited pronounced spatial heterogeneity,with a total increase of USD 36.2 trillion at the grid scale.At the county level,the average NEB rose by 75%.The degree of trade-off was higher at the grid scale than at the county scale,while the synergistic areas initially expanded and then declined at both scales.Key areas for improvement and regions of lagging development were identified as priority zones for ecological management and spatial planning at both spatial resolutions.This study offers scientific insights and practical guidance for harmonizing ecological conservation with high-quality development in ecologically vulnerable regions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grants No.42522105 and 42171088)the 111 Project of China(Grant No.B23027)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China.
文摘Resilience plays a crucial role in maintaining desirable ecosystem states and is a key objective of sustainable ecosystem management.This study synthesizes the concepts and measurement approaches of terrestrial ecosystem resilience and expounded on its spatio-temporal changes and influencing factors based on the literature over the past 50 years.Arid regions exhibited the lowest levels of spatial resilience,and the global ecosystem resilience showed a downward trend.In the focal regions,ecological resilience in Amazonian and Southeast Asian rainforest regions declined primarily driven by human activities such as deforestation and cropland expansion.Precipitation and temperature exerted bidirectional influences the resilience of ecosystems,indicating that ecosystem responses to climatic factors were non-monotonic.Evidence concerning anthropogenic factors such as land management and deforestation on ecosystem resilience were predominantly negative.Overall,this study provides a comprehensive synthesis of large scale terrestrial ecosystem resilience assessments,offering valuable insights for ecosystem protection and restoration policy development.
文摘Arid and semi-arid ecosystems are prone to extensive fires due to specific climatic conditions,sparse vegetation cover,and high density of fine fuels.Understanding the flammability characteristics of land covers is essential for fire management and designing land restoration programs in arid and semi-arid ecosystems.This study provided a new approach to evaluate the flammability of shrublands and woodlands using flammability indices(FIs)including time to ignition(TI),duration of combustion(DC),and flame height(FH)of plant species and their relative frequencies in the Dalfard Basin of southeastern Iran.The results showed that there was a significant difference in FIs between land covers.Shrublands had higher flammability potential compared with woodlands.Plant moisture content had a negative relationship with TI(P<0.010)and no significant relationship with DC and FH(P>0.050).Artemisia spp.,Astragalus gossypinus Fischer,Amygdalus scoparia Spach,and Cymbopogon jwarancusa(Jones)Schult.had the highest FI.Tree species such as Rhazya stricta Decne.,and Pistacia atlantica Desf.showed greater resistance to fire.Using principal component analysis,the relationship between species and FIs was examined,and TI of wet fuel was the most important FI in relation to species.Structural equation model showed that life form(P<0.001)was the most important flammability driver.Precipitation(P<0.010)and legume species(P<0.010)were significantly related to the flammability in arid land.This study emphasizes the importance of managing high-risk species and using resistant species in vegetation restoration and shows that combining species FIs with their abundance is an effective tool for assessing fire risk and fuel management at the plant community scale.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22168008,22378085)the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation(2024GXNSFDA010053)+1 种基金the Technology Development Project of Guangxi Bossco Environmental Protection Technology Co.,Ltd(202100039)Innovation Project of Guangxi Graduate Education(YCBZ2024065).
文摘Strategically coupling nanoparticle hybrids and internal thermosensitive molecular switches establishes an innovative paradigm for constructing micro/nanoscale-reconfigurable robots,facilitating energyefficient CO_(2) management in life-support systems of confined space.Here,a micro/nano-reconfigurable robot is constructed from the CO_(2) molecular hunters,temperature-sensitive molecular switch,solar photothermal conversion,and magnetically-driven function engines.The molecular hunters within the molecular extension state can capture 6.19 mmol g^(−1) of CO_(2) to form carbamic acid and ammonium bicarbonate.Interestingly,the molecular switch of the robot activates a molecular curling state that facilitates CO_(2) release through nano-reconfiguration,which is mediated by the temperature-sensitive curling of Pluronic F127 molecular chains during the photothermal desorption.Nano-reconfiguration of robot alters the amino microenvironment,including increasing surface electrostatic potential of the amino group and decreasing overall lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level.This weakened the nucleophilic attack ability of the amino group toward the adsorption product derivatives,thereby inhibiting the side reactions that generate hard-to-decompose urea structures,achieving the lowest regeneration temperature of 55℃ reported to date.The engine of the robot possesses non-contact magnetically-driven micro-reconfiguration capability to achieve efficient photothermal regeneration while avoiding local overheating.Notably,the robot successfully prolonged the survival time of mice in the sealed container by up to 54.61%,effectively addressing the issue of carbon suffocation in confined spaces.This work significantly enhances life-support systems for deep-space exploration,while stimulating innovations in sustainable carbon management technologies for terrestrial extreme environments.
基金financially supported by Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong province(2024A1515010228)CATARC Automotive Inspection Center Excellent Engineer Program(2023B0909050007).
文摘To address the challenge of balancing thermal management and thermal runaway mitigation,it is crucial to explore effective methods for enhancing the safety of lithium-ion battery systems.Herein,an innovative hydrated salt composite phase change material(HSCPCM)with dual phase transition temperature zones has been proposed.This HSCPCM,denoted as SDMA10,combines hydrophilic modified expanded graphite,an acrylic emulsion coating,and eutectic hydrated salts to achieve leakage prevention,enhanced thermal stability,cycling stability,and superior phase change behavior.Battery modules incorporating SDMA10 demonstrate significant thermal control capabilities.Specifically,the cylindrical battery modules with SDMA10 can maintain maximum operating temperatures below 55°C at 4 C discharge rate,while prismatic battery modules can keep maximum operating temperatures below 65°C at 2 C discharge rate.In extreme battery overheating conditions simulated using heating plates,SDMA10 effectively suppresses thermal propagation.Even when the central heating plate reaches 300°C,the maximum temperature at the module edge heating plates remains below 85°C.Further,compared to organic composite phase change materials(CPCMs),the battery module with SDMA10 can further reduce the peak thermal runaway temperature by 93°C and delay the thermal runaway trigger time by 689 s,thereby significantly decreasing heat diffusion.Therefore,the designed HSCPCM integrates excellent latent heat storage and thermochemical storage capabilities,providing high thermal energy storage density within the thermal management and thermal runaway threshold temperature range.This research will offer a promising pathway for improving the thermal safety performance of battery packs in electric vehicles and other energy storage systems.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52070057)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2023M730855)Heilongjiang Postdoctoral Fund(No.LBH-Z22183)for financial support。
文摘Sustainable water,energy and food(WEF)supplies are the bedrock upon which human society depends.Solar-driven interfacial evaporation,combined with electricity generation and cultivation,is a promising approach to mitigate the freshwater,energy and food crises.However,the performance of solar-driven systems decreases significantly during operation due to uncontrollable weather.This study proposes an integrated water/electricity cogeneration-cultivation system with superior thermal management.The energy storage evaporator,consisting of energy storage microcapsules/hydrogel composites,is optimally designed for sustainable desalination,achieving an evaporation rate of around 1.91 kg m^(-2)h^(-1).In the dark,heat released from the phase-change layer supported an evaporation rate of around 0.54kg m^(-2)h^(-1).Reverse electrodialysis harnessed the salinity-gradient energy enhanced during desalination,enabling the long-running WEC system to achieve a power output of~0.3 W m^(-2),which was almost three times higher than that of conventional seawater/surface water mixing.Additionally,an integrated crop irrigation platform utilized system drainage for real-time,on-demand wheat cultivation without secondary contaminants,facilitating seamless WEF integration.This work presents a novel approach to all-day solar water production,electricity generation and crop irrigation,offering a solution and blueprint for the sustainable development of WEF.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.62071482 and 62471348)the Shaanxi Association of Science and Technology Youth Talent Support Program Project,China(No.20230137)+1 种基金the Innovative Talents Cultivate Program for Technology Innovation Team of Shaanxi Province,China(No.2024RS-CXTD-08)the Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities,China。
文摘Within the domain of Intelligent Group Systems(IGSs),this paper develops a resourceaware multitarget Constant False Alarm Rate(CFAR)detection framework for multisite MIMO radar systems.It underscores the necessity of managing finite transmit and receive antennas and transmit power systematically to enhance detection performance.To tackle the multidimensional resource optimization challenge,we introduce a Cooperative Transmit-Receive Antenna Selection and Power Allocation(CTRSPA)strategy.It employs a perception-action cycle that incorporates uncertain external support information to optimize worst-case detection performance with multiple targets.First,we derive a closed-form expression that incorporates uncertainty for the noncoherent integration squared-law detection probability using the Neyman-Pearson criterion.Subsequently,a joint optimization model for antenna selection and power allocation in CFAR detection is formulated,incorporating practical radar resource constraints.Mathematically,this represents an NPhard problem involving coupled continuous and Boolean variables.We propose a three-stage method—Reformulation,Node Picker,and Convex Power Allocation—that capitalizes on the independent convexity of the optimization model for each variable,ensuring a near-optimal result.Simulations confirm the approach's effectiveness,efficiency,and timeliness,particularly for large-scale radar networks,and reveal the impact of threat levels,system layout,and detection parameters on resource allocation.
文摘The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) 2 aims to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030.However,global hunger and food insecurity have continued to rise at an alarming rate(UN 2023).Subtropical regions are home to more than 30% of the world's population,predominantly in developing countries where per capita farmland and food supply are only 40% of those in developed nations(FAO 2018).Meeting the Zero Hunger target amid ongoing population growth in these regions requires a substantial increase in agricultural production while minimizing soil degradation and adverse ecological impacts.This challenge is shared by many countries across South Asia,Africa,and Central and South America.
基金funded by King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy(KACARE),grant number“PC-2020-1”.
文摘High-concentration photovoltaic(HCPV)systems present significant thermal management challenges due to the intense heat fluxes generated under concentrated solar irradiation,especially in arid environments.Effective heat dissipation is critical to prevent performance degradation and structural failure.This study investigates the thermal performance and design optimization of an enhanced HCPV module,integrating numerical,analytical,and experimental methods.A coupled optical-thermal-electrical model was developed to simulate ray tracing,heat transfer,and temperature-dependent electrical behaviour,with predictions validated under real-world desert conditions.Compared to a baseline commercial module operating at 106℃,the optimized design achieved a peak temperature reduction of 16℃,lowering the cell temperature to 90℃under a concentration ratio of 961×and direct normal irradiance(DNI)of 950 W/m^(2).The total thermal resistance was reduced from 0.25 to 0.15 K/W(a 40%improvement),and the electrical efficiency increased from 37.5%to 38.6%,representing a relative gain of approximately 3.1%.The system consistently maintained a fill factor exceeding 78%,underscoring stable performance under high thermal load.These findings demonstrate that targeted thermal design,informed by integrated modeling,is essential for unlocking the reliability and efficiency of high-flux solar energy systems.
文摘This paper discusses recent research findings together with management schemes in preventing and managing of thermal stress by handling external and internal factors in livestock production systems. Preventive measures against thermal stress are described as basic structural adjustments and the modifications that can be implemented readily, according to animal health and welfare requirements and refer to （1） environmental modification and thermal comfort in various housing systems; （2） action on animals, such as genetic selection for breeds resistant to infectious disease, parasites and climate extremes; （3） action on feed and （4） action on staff handling the animals. Moreover, measures to be taken both in situations of chronic thermal stress and heat or cold strokes are presented as they are applied to （1） limit stress, （2） monitor the temperature felt by animals, （3） adapt diet and drinking water supplies and （4） correct physiological imbalances. Examples are given for different farm species （cattle, sheep, goat, poultry and pigs） and different production systems （intensive, extensive and alternative）. The paper concludes with a practical guide for the effective handling of thermal stress at farm level, summarizing the results from recent research studies on the specific topic.
文摘Neuromodulation for diabetic peripheral neuropathy represents a significant area of interest in the management of chronic pain associated with this condition.Diabetic peripheral neuropathy,a common complication of diabetes,is characterized by nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels that lead to symptoms,such as pain,tingling,and numbness,primarily in the hands and feet.The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of neuromodulatory techniques as potential therapeutic interventions for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy,while also examining recent developments in this domain.The investigation encompassed an array of neuromodulation methods,including frequency rhythmic electrical modulated systems,dorsal root ganglion stimulation,and spinal cord stimulation.This systematic review suggests that neuromodulatory techniques may be useful in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.Understanding the advantages of these treatments will enable physicians and other healthcare providers to offer additional options for patients with symptoms refractory to standard pharmacologic treatments.Through these efforts,we may improve quality of life and increase functional capacity in patients suffering from complications related to diabetic neuropathy.
文摘Colonoscopy represents a safe procedure that is widely used in medical practice either to diagnose or treat various gastrointestinal diseases.During the last few years,the incidence rate of perforations in colonoscopic procedures has increased,especially in therapeutic colonoscopies.The recent advancements in endoscopic techniques and gastrointestinal tumoral resection procedures such as endoscopic mucosal resection,endoscopic full-thickness resection,and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)could be a risk factor for this increased risk.The incidence rate of mortality of serious colonoscopic perforations is 7.1%.The management plan for these perforations starts with conservative treatment in mild cases,endoscopic closure,and surgical management in severe cases.Recently,endoluminal vacuum therapy was found to be effective in the management of colorectal perforations and this has been reported in multiple case reports.This editorial provides an overview of the current guidelines for the management of iatrogenic colorectal perforations.These insights are from the perspectives of endoscopists and gastroenterologists.We also present a management algorithm based on the guidelines of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy,the American Gastroenterological Association,and the World Society of Emergency Surgery.We also discussed in brief the use of endoluminal vacuum therapy in colorectal perforations.
基金funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Umm Al-Qura University,Makkah,Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Under Grant Code:22UQU4281755DSR05.
文摘With the rapid growth in the availability of digital health-related data,there is a great demand for the utilization of intelligent information systems within the healthcare sector.These systems can manage and manipulate this massive amount of health-related data and encourage different decision-making tasks.They can also provide various sustainable health services such as medical error reduction,diagnosis acceleration,and clinical services quality improvement.The intensive care unit(ICU)is one of the most important hospital units.However,there are limited rooms and resources in most hospitals.During times of seasonal diseases and pandemics,ICUs face high admission demand.In line with this increasing number of admissions,determining health risk levels has become an essential and imperative task.It creates a heightened demand for the implementation of an expert decision support system,enabling doctors to accurately and swiftly determine the risk level of patients.Therefore,this study proposes a fuzzy logic inference system built on domain-specific knowledge graphs,as a proof-of-concept,for tackling this healthcare-related issue.The system employs a combination of two sets of fuzzy input parameters to classify health risk levels of new admissions to hospitals.The proposed system implemented utilizes MATLAB Fuzzy Logic Toolbox via several experiments showing the validity of the proposed system.
基金National Key R&D Program of China of the 13th Five-Year Plan(No.2018YFD1100704)。
文摘To meet the challenge of mismatches between power supply and demand,modern buildings must schedule flexible energy loads in order to improve the efficiency of power grids.Furthermore,it is essential to understand the effectiveness of flexibility management strategies under different climate conditions and extreme weather events.Using both typical and extreme weather data from cities in five major climate zones of China,this study investigates the energy flexibility potential of an office building under three short-term HVAC management strategies in the context of different climates.The results show that the peak load flexibility and overall energy performance of the three short-term strategies were affected by the surrounding climate conditions.The peak load reduction rate of the pre-cooling and zone temperature reset strategies declined linearly as outdoor temperature increased.Under extreme climate conditions,the daily peak-load time was found to be over two hours earlier than under typical conditions,and the intensive solar radiation found in the extreme conditions can weaken the correlation between peak load reduction and outdoor temperature,risking the ability of a building’s HVAC system to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
文摘The development and economic growth of a nation is closely related to its available transportation system. Good and efficient road transport infrastructure facilities will promote industrial and socio-economic development. To provide safety and comfort to road users, a comprehensive road maintenance schedule must be formulated and adopted to ensure those roads are in good condition at all times. Preventive maintenance works, such as road rehabilitation will help to reduce the major road repairs and expenditure. Prior to this, a good database, gathered through GIS will be necessary in order to ensure maintenance is done effectively. Geographic Information System (GIS) is said to be one of the useful tools that can be utilized to manage database in road maintenance engineering. This system is capable of storing, managing, analyzing, computing and displaying all forms of geographical data for road maintenance works. In this study, the author has adopted GIS application software – ArcView, and has reviewed and analyzed its effectiveness in managing road database. These data are then used to assist the management to ensure effective and systematic road maintenance. A typical model of roads in Penang, Malaysia is used as a case study to further clarify the application of GIS in road maintenance.
文摘Corporate Performance Management （CPM） system is an information system used to collect, analyze, and visualize key performance indicators （KPIs） to support both business operations and especially strategic decisions. CPM systems display KPIs in forms of scorecard and dashboard so the executives can keep track and evaluate corporate performance. The quality of the information as shown in the KPIs is very crucial for the executives to make the right decisions. Therefore, it is important that the executives must be able to retrieve not only the KPIs but also the quality of those KPIs before using such KPIs in their strategic decisions. The objectives of this study were to determine the role of the CPM system in the organizations, current data and information quality state, problems and perspectives regarding data quality, as well as data quality maturity stage of the organizations. Survey research was used in this study; a questionnaire was sent to collect data from 477 corporations listed in the Stock Exchange of Thailand （SET） on January, 2011. Forty-nine questionnaires were returned. The results show that about half of the organizations have implemented CPM systems. Most organizations are confident in the information in CPM system, but information quality issues are commonly found. Frequent problems regarding information quality are information not up to date, information not ready by time of use, inaccuracy and incomplete. The most concerned and frequently assessed quality dimensions were security, accuracy, completeness, and validity. When asked to prioritize, the most important quality dimensions are accuracy, timeliness, completeness, security, and validity respectively. In addition, most organizations concern about data govemance management and have deployed such measures. This study showed that most organizations are on level 4 on Gartner＇s data governance maturity stage in which data governance is concerned and managed, but still not effective.
