Vencore (United States)

Power constitutes a central yet often overlooked factor in organizational decision-making. In companies, it shapes not only formal decision processes but also informal structures and the distribution of influence within hierarchies. This study examines how structural changes in formal organizational hierarchies affect the distribution of power. Building on an entropy-based modeling framework, directed authority relations are translated into a cardinal measure of structural power. The analysis employs the expert system Shell-SPIRIT to derive power potentials from probabilistic representations of organizational structures. Using systematically varied organizational scenarios under ceteris paribus conditions, the study quantitatively substantiates three general theses on steering power through organizational design. The results demonstrate how intuitive mechanisms of power formation can be formally measured and compared, thereby providing a transparent analytical foundation for integrating structural power into organizational analysis and decision-making. • Introduce a cardinal-scale method for measuring relational power in decision-making. • Quantify power dynamics using an entropy-based data-driven evaluation model. • Examine how hierarchical shifts affect power distribution within dynamic organizations. • Present strategic insights for steering power potential in organizational structures. • Derive actionable theses for managing power in complex decision environments.

The valorization of anaerobic digestate as a liquid biofertilizer is central to circular bioeconomy strategies but is constrained by heavy metals, inorganic salts, and pathogenic microorganisms. This study evaluates a dual-material filtration approach combining glass wool and granular activated carbon (GAC) to improve the physicochemical and microbiological quality of horse-manure digestate. Three column configurations were tested (C1–C3) with increasing media loads. The balanced configuration, C2 (0.3 g glass wool, 4 g GAC), achieved substantial reductions in key parameters: hardness (–52.9%), sodium (–80%), zinc (–66.6%), copper (–50%), and hydrogen sulfite (–74.9%); alongside a 22.2% increase in total alkalinity and the highest filtrate recovery (96%). C3 (0.5 g glass wool, 6 g GAC) completely removed nitrate and nitrite (100%) and reduced fluoride by 33%, but with lower hydraulic performance (76% recovery). C1 was the least effective overall. Microbiological analyses showed consistent dominance of Proteus spp. across conditions, while glass wool–containing setups (C2–C3) favored the emergence of capsulated Klebsiella spp. colonies; no E. coli was detected. Overall, the integrated glass wool–GAC filtration offers a low-cost, scalable route to safer, more stable liquid biofertilizers, supporting sustainable reuse pathways in the circular bioeconomy.

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Long-term home non-invasive ventilation (LTH-NIV) improves the prognosis of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. However, differences in care delivery may impact the benefit of LTH-NIV. This systematic review aimed to evaluate how LTH-NIV is delivered to COPD patients and the impact of delivery modalities on health outcomes. <bold>Methods:</bold> EMBASE and PubMed were systematically searched for studies reporting primary data of LTH-NIV initiation or additional home-based interventions aiming to improve health and organizational outcomes in COPD patients, published between 1990 and 2024 (PROSPERO ID CRD42025648464). <bold>Results:</bold> We identified 44 eligible articles, predominantly from Europe (n=36). Of these, 7 studies examined the organization of LTH-NIV delivery and 5 explored alternative care modalities, namely outpatient or home initiation (n=2), outpatient follow-up (n=1), and telemonitoring (n=3). Alternative care modalities showed promise; outpatient initiation and adaptation significantly improved health-related quality of life (severe respiratory insufficiency questionnaire after 3 months; +5.7, p=0.001), remote monitoring delayed hospital readmissions (by 151 days, p<0.05) and reduced 12-month readmission rate (-21.7%, p=0.023), and home initiation showed cost-saving (-€4769, p<0.001). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Despite increasing use of LTH-NIV for COPD patients and the promising benefits of alternative care delivery models, research in this area is limited. Further studies are needed to optimize home-based care strategies and improve patient outcomes.

A flood analysis of the Hyoja drainage basin (Gwanghwamun area) in Seoul was conducted using the XP-SWMM model, which includes 315 pipeline datas and 293 subbasins. The model was created by considering topographical factors (e.g., pipeline slope and buildings). curve number (CN) values were determined for each subbasin based on land use and detailed soil maps for estimating infiltration. Additionally, a digital terrain model (DTM) was generated using a 1:5,000 digital topographical map and survey data.In the XP-SWMM model, the evaluation of ponding varies depending on the ponding conditions (e.g., Ponding Allowed(PA), Link Spill Crest to 2D(2D), None Poning(NP)), leading to considerable differences in the calculation of hydraulic heads at the nodes. The Hyoja drainage basin, the focus of this study, features a steep slope in the upstream area and hilly terrain in the downstream, indicating potential limitations in accurately modeling flood volume.To overcome the limitations of the XP-SWMM model, the surface slope and lowlands were incorporated when establishing node conditions. Areas with a slope of less than 5% were assigned the &amp;#8220;2D&amp;#8221; option, whereas areas with a slope greater than 5% were assigned the &amp;#8220;NP&amp;#8221; condition. In addition, supplementary modeling was conducted by combining certain subbasins to assess the impact of runoff from upstream areas on downstream flooding.The flood volume analysis based on the ponding conditions under 95 mm/hr rainfall revealed that the &amp;#8220;NP&amp;#8221; condition tended to underestimate flood volume, while the &amp;#8220;2D&amp;#8221; condition tended to overestimate it by assuming ponding was present even in sloped areas. As a result, the &amp;#8220;2D&amp;#8221; condition was applied to basins with a surface slope of 5% or less, while the &amp;#8220;NP&amp;#8221; condition was applied to areas that were not lowlands. Lowlands were designated as areas with an elevation below 40.0 m, accounting for approximately 20% of the total area.When comparing the flood volume before and after merging the subbasins, the flood volume in upstream areas with a slope of 5% or more decreased, whereas the volume in the downstream Gwanghwamun area increased. This situation was attributed to runoff from the upstream basin, which added to the increase in the downstream flood volume.The study findings showed that by setting node ponding conditions considering basin slope and lowland conditions, simulating flooding events that closely resemble actual occurrences is possible. Thus, limitations of the XP-SWMM model can be overcome. Furthermore, merging subbasins has proven to be an effective approach for analyzing the interactions between upstream and downstream regions and assessing the impacts of critical flood zones. Technical decisions should reflect consideration for characteristics of the basin and topographical factors when designing a modelAcknowledgementsThis work was supported by Korea Planning &amp;amp; Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology funded by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS, Korea). [Development and Application of Advanced Technologies for Urban Runoff Storage Capability to Reduce the Urban Flood Damage / RS-2024-00415937]&amp;#160;&amp;#160;

The integration of mathematical approaches into Human Resource (HR) practices within the Information Technology (IT) sector represents a significant advancement in optimizing HR functions and decision-making. This abstract explores how quantitative methods and data analytics can enhance various HR practices in IT organizations, focusing on talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, retention, and compliance. Mathematical techniques such as predictive analytics, optimization models, and statistical analysis provide valuable insights into managing human capital effectively. Predictive models and machine learning algorithms enable accurate forecasting of employee turnover, assessment of candidate suitability, and identification of skill gaps. Optimization approaches, including linear programming and resource allocation models, help in maximizing recruitment efficiency and training effectiveness. In performance management, statistical models and data-driven evaluations facilitate objective assessments of employee performance, aligning it with organizational goals. Additionally, predictive analytics and risk models are employed to anticipate and mitigate retention challenges, enhancing employee engagement and reducing turnover. The mathematical approach extends to compliance and risk management, where quantitative risk models and anomaly detection techniques ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies. By leveraging these methods, IT companies can make informed HR decisions, improve operational efficiency, and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. In summary, applying mathematical approaches to HR practices in the IT sector fosters data-driven decision-making, enhances strategic HR interventions, and supports organizational growth and adaptability in the face of technological advancements.

BackgroundOral anticoagulants (OACs) are recommended for stroke reduction in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). OAC use has been studied in Medicare populations, but data for younger, commercially insured populations are limited.ObjectiveThis retrospective study aimed to describe the geographic variation of OAC use among commercially insured patients with NVAF at high risk of stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2) in the USA.MethodsGeographic variation was assessed by 3-digit zip code and race among patients identified from the Komodo Health commercial database with a diagnosis of NVAF between January 1, 2016, and August 31, 2021. Continuous health plan enrollment for ≥ 12 months before and 12 months after the NVAF diagnosis was required.ResultsA total of 619,111 patients with NVAF at high risk for stroke were identified, of whom approximately 50% were not treated with OACs. Of the half who received OACs, almost 85% received direct OACs (DOACs) and 15% received warfarin therapy. Overall, the highest untreated rates were observed in the South and West US regions, followed by the Midwest, then the Northeast. The highest DOAC treatment rates were in the Northeast for White patients and in the North and South for Black patients. The highest warfarin treatment rates were in the upper Midwest for White patients and the Midwest for Black patients.ConclusionsThis study may help guide the identification of areas to target interventions to improve treatment rates and confirm prior findings of geographic and racial variations of OAC use in NVAF.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40256-025-00728-x.