Hasil untuk "Crisis management. Emergency management. Inflation"

Gal Engelberg, Konstantin Koutsyi, Leon Goldberg et al.

Identity Security Posture Management (ISPM) is a core challenge for modern enterprises operating across cloud and SaaS environments. Answering basic ISPM visibility questions, such as understanding identity inventory and configuration hygiene, requires interpreting complex identity data, motivating growing interest in agentic AI systems. Despite this interest, there is currently no standardized way to evaluate how well such systems perform ISPM visibility tasks on real enterprise data. We introduce the Sola Visibility ISPM Benchmark, the first benchmark designed to evaluate agentic AI systems on foundational ISPM visibility tasks using a live, production-grade identity environment spanning AWS, Okta, and Google Workspace. The benchmark focuses on identity inventory and hygiene questions and is accompanied by the Sola AI Agent, a tool-using agent that translates natural-language queries into executable data exploration steps and produces verifiable, evidence-backed answers. Across 77 benchmark questions, the agent achieves strong overall performance, with an expert accuracy of 0.84 and a strict success rate of 0.77. Performance is highest on AWS hygiene tasks, where expert accuracy reaches 0.94, while results on Google Workspace and Okta hygiene tasks are more moderate, yet competitive. Overall, this work provides a practical and reproducible benchmark for evaluating agentic AI systems in identity security and establishes a foundation for future ISPM benchmarks covering more advanced identity analysis and governance tasks.

Vsevolod N. Sergeev, Natal'ya A. Lazarevich

Цель. Систематизировать наиболее влиятельные гуманитарные, прежде всего социально-философские, подходы к технике и показать, какие свойства техносферы являются основными источниками угроз. Методы. Использованы методы критического анализа источников, типологизации и концептуального синтеза. Результаты. Объектом исследования выступает техносфера как исторически сформированная социотехническая система, а предметом – внутренние механизмы порождения рисков, заложенные в ее структуре и логике функционирования. Обзор основан на сравнительно-аналитическом осмыслении четырех теоретических направлений: философских критиков техники, системных реалистов, рефлексивных модернистов и сетевых конструктивистов (STS/ANT). Ключевые результаты включают: формулирование концептуального образа техносферы как гетерогенной, многоуровневой и слабо контролируемой сети взаимодействий между техническими, социальными и институциональными элементами; разработку типологии рисков, включающей инфраструктурную уязвимость, управленческую неопределенность, манипулятивную реконструкцию социального и эксплуатацию поведения; доказательство того, что риски техносферы носят не внешний по отношению к ней, а системный и неизбежный характер, вытекающий из самой структуры современного технологического мира. Новизна исследования заключается в междисциплинарной интеграции разнородных концептуальных подходов и предложении целостной рамки анализа, позволяющей рассматривать риск не как сбой, а как норму существования в техносфере. Область применения исследований. Практическая значимость обзора проявляется в возможности использовать предложенную типологию рисков при разработке стратегий управления, экспертизы и образовательных программ в области техносферной безопасности. Материал адресован специалистам, заинтересованным в междисциплинарном понимании угроз техногенной цивилизации.

Xinyi Ma, Yingling Fang, Rongkai Wu et al.

Fire incidents have surged in frequency in recent years, causing considerable harm to human life and the ecological environment. Consequently, researchers are focused on developing a variety of fire-warning materials. Intelligent fire-warning sensor materials demonstrate the capability to detect early signs of combustion, including characteristics such as temperature and smoke. These materials facilitate proactive alarm systems, thereby enhancing safety in fire prevention and management. Compared to traditional fire-alarm systems, these detectors demonstrate rapid and sensitive responses to fire, notably enhancing warning efficiency. This review elucidates the warning mechanisms of various fire-warning sensor materials, such as externally powered fire-warning materials based on electrical signal sensing, self-powered type, phase change/deformation, and color change observation, focusing on both self-powered and externally powered mechanisms. Furthermore, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the research and applications of these materials in fire-warning systems. Ultimately, we identified the primary challenges that this field faces and proposed potential solutions: a need existed to explore multifaceted mechanisms and integrate features such as corrosion resistance and self-healing properties to achieve multifunctionality in fire-warning systems. In addition, coupling intelligent technologies to enhance fire-warning capabilities and enable extensive real-world applications ultimately presents a forward-looking perspective on the future development of these fire-warning systems.

CLEMENT ADEWOLE, AKINTUNDE AYENI, MUKSUWAL DASUWAN

Persistent exchange rate fluctuations and inflationary pressures pose significant economic challenges in Nigeria, affecting businesses, households, and overall economic stability. The depreciation of the naira has consistently driven up consumer prices, eroding purchasing power and increasing production costs, particularly for an import-dependent economy like Nigeria. Despite numerous policy interventions, inflation remains a major concern, exacerbated by external shocks and structural weaknesses. Given these challenges, understanding the precise relationship between exchange rate movements and inflation is critical for designing effective monetary and fiscal policies. This study investigates the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on inflation in Nigeria, utilizing the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Implicit Price Deflator (IPD) as key inflation indicators. Using a 24-year time series dataset (2000–2024) and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the study establishes a significant long-run relationship between exchange rate depreciation and inflationary pressures. Findings reveal that naira depreciation leads to rising consumer prices, particularly affecting imported goods and overall cost of living. Additionally, money supply and monetary policy rate significantly influence inflation, even though with a slower adjustment process due to structural challenges in Nigeria’s economy. The study also highlights the impact of major macroeconomic events, including the 2008 global financial crisis, the 2016 exchange rate deregulation, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2023 exchange rate unification and fuel subsidy removal, on inflation dynamics. The results underscore the need for effective exchange rate management and monetary policies to stabilize inflation and support economic growth in Nigeria.

J. Mesa, A. Kariuki, S. Kiria

Global crises, including pandemics, political instability, and climate-related disasters, have exposed critical vulnerabilities in the tourism sector. The increasing frequency and intensity of these crises raise critical questions about the preparedness of tourism organisations. Crisis preparedness is paramount in crisis management as it requires a well-developed crisis management plan that is critical in helping tourism organisations to react effectively during crises. This study investigates the relationship between crisis preparedness strategies and organisational resilience among tourism enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya, with particular attention to the moderating effect of organisational size. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were collected from 284 licensed tourism organisations spanning micro, small, medium, and large enterprises. Quantitative analysis employing multiple linear regression revealed a strong positive association between crisis preparedness, measured through contingency planning and emergency capacity building, and organisational resilience (R² = 0.671, p < 0.001). Notably, while larger organisations benefited from structured systems and resource endowments, smaller enterprises demonstrated resilience through informal coping mechanisms and agility, although they often lacked formal preparedness frameworks. Importantly, the interaction effect of organisational size was non-significant, suggesting that the efficacy of preparedness strategies is universally beneficial across firm sizes. The findings have critical policy implications for Kenya’s broader tourism resilience agenda. There is a clear need for differentiated policy approaches that recognise the varying capacities of small and large enterprises. The findings demonstrate the need for a shift from reactive crisis responses to proactive resilience planning, which must be institutionalised within organisational structures and supported through external partnerships.

Pankaj K Agarwal, H K Pradhan, Konark Saxena

This study examines active liquidity management by Indian open-ended equity mutual funds. We find that fund managers respond to inflows by increasing cash holdings, which are later used to purchase less-liquid stocks at favourable valuations. Funds with less liquid portfolios tend to maintain larger cash reserves to manage flows. Funds that make active liquidity choices yield statistically and economically significant gross and net returns. The performance differences between funds with varying activeness in altering liquidity highlight the importance of active liquidity management in markets with substantial cross-sectional liquidity differences such as India.

Jo Daniels, Emilia Robinson, Elizabeth Jenkinson et al.

Background Staff retention in Emergency Medicine (EM) is at crisis level and could be attributed in some part to adverse working conditions. This study aimed to better understand current concerns relating to working conditions and working practices in Emergency Departments (EDs). Methods A qualitative approach was taken, using focus groups with ED staff (doctors, nurses, advanced care practitioners) of all grades, seniority and professional backgrounds from across the UK. Snowball recruitment was undertaken using social media and Royal College of Emergency Medicine communication channels. Focus group interviews were conducted online and organised by profession. A semi-structured topic guide was used to explore difficulties in the work environment, impact of these difficulties, barriers and priorities for change. Data were analysed using a directive content analysis to identify common themes. Results Of the 116 clinical staff who completed the eligibility and consent forms, 46 met criteria and consented, of those, 33 participants took part. Participants were predominantly white British (85%), females (73%) and doctors (61%). Four key themes were generated: ‘culture of blame and negativity’, ‘untenable working environments’, ‘compromised leadership’ and ‘striving for support’. Data pertaining to barriers and opportunities for change were identified as sub-themes. In particular, strong leadership emerged as a key driver of change across all aspects of working practices. Conclusion This study identified four key themes related to workplace concerns and their associated barriers and opportunities for change. Culture, working environment and need for support echoed current narratives across healthcare settings. Leadership emerged more prominently than in prior studies as both a barrier and opportunity for well-being and retention in the EM workplace. Further work is needed to develop leadership skills early on in clinical training, ensure protected time to deliver the role, ongoing opportunities to refine leadership skills and a clear pathway to address higher levels of management.

Zerui Xu

This paper examines the role of monetary policy in addressing economic crises by analyzing four significant events in U.S. history: Great depression, stagflation in 1970-198, the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19. The monetary policy in the country's economic management has been highlighted in order to resist the decline in financial activity, inflation, large-scale unemployment, and economic recession. History evaluation of policy responses and the results can be employed to assess the efficacy of monetary measures, such as quantitative easing and interest rate adjustments, in achieving financial stability and economic recovery. Nevertheless, this paper points out that it is paramount for the monetary policy adjustment to different economic conditions, and stresses that financial supervision should have the power to avoid speculative activities and guarantee the stability of financial system. The outcomes contribute to deeper knowledge of monetary policy as a tool in managing the crises and provide valuable insights for the policymakers for strategy formulation in future challenges.

Oumar Drame, Zeinebou Yahya, Adama Sarr et al.

Despite numerous studies on fires, each simulation faces several limitations. Fire is a complex phenomenon, and some of its processes remain poorly understood. Furthermore, the progression of flames and smoke is influenced by turbulent flow phenomena. In this context, this article delves into the analysis of smoke flow behavior using numerical fluid dynamics simulations (CFD) with the assistance of ANSYS FLUENT. The primary focus lies in describing the longitudinal ventilation system, a critical element for fire management. The chosen study area is the Soumbédjioune tunnel located in Dakar, Senegal, characterized by a sinusoidal floor with an amplitude equivalent to one-third of the entrance height. The tunnel has dimensions of 300 m in length (L), 10.5 m in width (W), and 7.22 m in height (H). To simulate the source of heat and smoke, a 2-cubic meter fire was placed in the center of the tunnel, modeling the combustion of N2, H2O, and O2 gases at a high temperature of 926.85 °C. The simulations yielded a critical ventilation velocity of 5.8 m/s, a crucial piece of information for fire management in this specific context. Furthermore, this article extends its analysis by examining the evolution of temperature and velocity contours in both ventilated and non-ventilated conditions, providing a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms at play.

Zhiming Wang, Jiangnan Peng, Xinzhi Liu et al.

In response to the early warning requirements of fire security technology in the Imperial Palace & large Ming and Qing ancient architectural complexes in China, a grid based fire warning algorithm is proposed by combining neural network YOLOv5s smoke detection technology. In this algorithm, the inverse proportional gridding algorithm based on building density is used to optimize the grid of buildings, and compared with the results of the equidistant grid algorithm, the risk distribution division is more detailed and reasonable. The smoke detection part uses YOLOv5s based smoke detection technology to detect the distribution of fire smoke in various areas, and the positioning of this area in the overall grid realized by the remote transmission module. With detection experiments on relevant datasets, the results show that its accuracy and mAP both reach 0.99. By utilizing the collaborative effect of inverse proportional gridding algorithm and smoke detection technology, a grid based visualization of smoke warning is achieved.

Hossein Shakibaei, Seyyed Amirmohammad Moosavi, Amir Aghsami et al.

Purpose – Throughout human history, the occurrence of disasters has been inevitable, leading to significant human, financial and emotional consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a well-designed plan to efficiently manage such situations when disaster strikes. The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive program that encompasses multiple aspects of postdisaster relief. Design/methodology/approach – A multiobjective model has been developed for postdisaster relief, with the aim of minimizing social dissatisfaction, economic costs and environmental damage. The model has been solved using exact methods for different scenarios. The objective is to achieve the most optimal outcomes in the context of postdisaster relief operations. Findings – A real case study of an earthquake in Haiti has been conducted. The acquired results and subsequent management analysis have effectively assessed the logic of the model. As a result, the model’s performance has been validated and deemed reliable based on the findings and insights obtained. Originality/value – Ultimately, the model provides the optimal quantities of each product to be shipped and determines the appropriate mode of transportation. Additionally, the application of the epsilon constraint method results in a set of Pareto optimal solutions. Through a comprehensive examination of the presented solutions, valuable insights and analyses can be obtained, contributing to a better understanding of the model’s effectiveness.

Corey S. Hazekamp, Dana L. Sacco

Joshi Dookhy, Barry McBrien

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE Shoulder pain frequently presents as a low priority case in the Emergency Department (ED). However, this is associated with many potential aetiologies, including sickle cell crisis. A thorough history taking and comprehensive assessment, along with an open-minded approach can enhance clinical decision-making processes when caring for patients presenting with shoulder pain. CASE PRESENTATION A 35-year-old male presented to the ED with left shoulder pain. He was given a low priority score as he did not report any significant previous history or trauma, appeared well, and reported a low pain score at the time of presentation. CLINICAL DISCUSSION The open-minded approach by the Advanced Nurse Practitioner led to an appropriate diagnosis, pain management, care, and follow up for the patient. CONCLUSION This case underscored the critical importance of 'probe and probe again' until a clear rationale emerged for the aetiology of the shoulder pain experienced by a young and healthy patient.

T. Court, I. E. Emmanuel

The aim of the study is to examine the nexus between corporate philanthropy (CP) and corporate reputation (CR) from the perspective of a global health emergency, cultural orientation, and African context. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. A purposive sampling procedure was adopted in the selection of 200 respondents and data were collected from the 200 respondents (Recipients of palliatives) through a structured questionnaire. Considering organizations as the unit of analysis, the data were aggregated, averaged and analyzed through paired (dependent-sample) t-tests, multivariate regression and moderation analysis. The results demonstrate that corporate philanthropy before and during the pandemic had a positive effect on corporate reputation, there was a significant difference in the perceived corporate reputation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic while cultural orientation and COVID-19 health crisis orientation moderated the relationship between CP and CR during the pandemic. This study is the first of its kind to empirical examine the link between CP and CR from the lens of cultural milieu, global health emergency of COVID-19 and in African context. The study contributed to management theory and practice through critical findings from the dimension of a global health crisis.

Jinyang Li

In this research paper, we investigate into a paper named "A Deep Reinforcement Learning Framework for the Financial Portfolio Management Problem" [arXiv:1706.10059]. It is a portfolio management problem which is solved by deep learning techniques. The original paper proposes a financial-model-free reinforcement learning framework, which consists of the Ensemble of Identical Independent Evaluators (EIIE) topology, a Portfolio-Vector Memory (PVM), an Online Stochastic Batch Learning (OSBL) scheme, and a fully exploiting and explicit reward function. Three different instants are used to realize this framework, namely a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), a basic Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), and a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM). The performance is then examined by comparing to a number of recently reviewed or published portfolio-selection strategies. We have successfully replicated their implementations and evaluations. Besides, we further apply this framework in the stock market, instead of the cryptocurrency market that the original paper uses. The experiment in the cryptocurrency market is consistent with the original paper, which achieve superior returns. But it doesn't perform as well when applied in the stock market.

Michele Azzone, Emilio Barucci, Davide Stocco

We investigate the portfolio frontier and risk premia in equilibrium when institutional investors aim to minimize the tracking error variance under an ESG score mandate. If a negative ESG premium is priced in the market, this mandate can reduce portfolio inefficiency when the return over-performance target is limited. In equilibrium, with asset managers endowed with an ESG mandate and mean-variance investors, a negative ESG premium arises. A result that is supported by empirical data. The negative ESG premium is due to the ESG constraint imposed on institutional investors and is not associated with a risk factor.

Maysam Khodayari Gharanchaei, Reza Babazadeh

Forming quantitative portfolios using statistical risk models presents a significant challenge for hedge funds and portfolio managers. This research investigates three distinct statistical risk models to construct quantitative portfolios of 1,000 floating stocks in the US market. Utilizing five different investment strategies, these models are tested across four periods, encompassing the last three major financial crises: The Dot Com Bubble, Global Financial Crisis, and Covid-19 market downturn. Backtests leverage the CRSP dataset from January 1990 through December 2023. The results demonstrate that the proposed models consistently outperformed market excess returns across all periods. These findings suggest that the developed risk models can serve as valuable tools for asset managers, aiding in strategic decision-making and risk management in various economic conditions.

N. Friedman, Michelle Zuniga-Hernandez, Janet Titzler et al.

Abstract Objective Pediatric emergencies are high-stakes yet low-volume clinical encounters for emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians, necessitating innovative approaches to training. We sought to explore the acceptability, usability, and ergonomics of a novel augmented reality (AR) software for EMS crisis management training. Methods This was a prospective, mixed-methods study employing qualitative and quantitative analyses. We enrolled emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics at a municipal fire service in Northern California. We ran the Chariot Augmented Reality Medical simulation software (Stanford Chariot Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA) on the ML1 headset (Magic Leap, Inc., Plantation, FL), which enabled participants to view an AR image of a patient overlaid with real-world training objects. Participants completed a simulation of a pediatric hypoglycemia-induced seizure and cardiac arrest. Participants subsequently engaged in structured focus group interviews assessing acceptability, which we coded and thematically analyzed. We evaluated the usability of the AR system and ergonomics of the ML1 headset using previously validated scales, and we analyzed findings with descriptive statistics. Results Twenty-two EMS clinicians participated. We categorized focus group interview statements into seven domains after an iterative thematic analysis: general appraisal, realism, learning efficacy, mixed reality feasibility, technology acceptance, software optimization, and alternate use cases. Participants valued the realism and the mixed reality functionality of the training simulation. They reported that AR could be effective for practicing pediatric clinical algorithms and task prioritization, building verbal communication skills, and promoting stress indoctrination. However, participants also noted challenges with integrating AR images with real-world objects, the learning curve required to adapt to the technology, and areas for software improvement. Participants favorably evaluated the ease of use of the technology and comfortability of wearing the hardware; however, most participants reported that they would need technical support. Conclusion Participants positively evaluated the acceptability, usability, and ergonomics of an AR simulator for pediatric emergency management training, and participants identified current technological limitations and areas for improvement. AR simulation may serve as an effective training adjunct for prehospital clinicians.

Michael Steflovich, MSFES, EMT, NREMT

BACKGROUND Recent news has shown the strain on hospital emergency departments (EDs) and emergency medical services agencies due to the surge of COVID-19; however, compared to all emergency medical service transports, is it true that the United States is seeing an increase in the frequency of diversions? In this quantitative research report, data were collected and analyzed from a national prehospital emergency medical services information system, which allowed for a comparison of the frequency of diverted ambulances, transport times, and final patient acuity of patients arriving by diverted ambulances before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analysis was performed on data obtained from the National Emergency Medical Services Information System to compare the frequency of ambulance diversion prior to the COVID-19 disaster and during COVID-19. FINDINGS Analysis of data obtained from the National Emergency Medical Services Information System found that there was not a significant increase in the percentage of ambulance transports that were diverted during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic. However, there were significant increases in the volume of all transports and diverted transports during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.01 for both measures). CONCLUSION The significant increases seen in the demand for services, combined with an overall downward trend in the number of healthcare facilities, have resulted in an increase in the volume of diversions, despite the overall demand increasing as well. The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a disaster/public health crisis that is subject to the same phases compared to other types of disasters. The significant findings of this report should provide the emergency services field a big picture, understanding that the problem at hand is multifaceted, with these findings shining light on the effects of current issues between emergency services and hospital EDs.

E. Lipianin-Zontek, Z. Zontek

The paper presents some aspects of knowledge management theory. This underpins a research methodology designed to expose knowledge transfer in voluntary not-for-profit groups. The paper aims are to make  recommendations which, supported by a knowledge management strategy and good practices, provide the basis for the development of a future model of knowledge management in crisis situations. A hypothesis has been established: During emergencies that arise suddenly, a variety of information and knowledge is dispersed, widely disseminated, and belongs to many different organizations. A coherent information system is needed for the dissemination and sharing of knowledge for effective assistance to people affected by the crisis. The main challenge in managing knowledge in such humanitarian emergencies, is the fact that a wide variety of information and knowledge is dispersed, disseminated, and originally belongs to many different organizations. These information resources may not be organized and used effectively during a crisis situation.  Over time, preliminary and non-standardized rules are developed. The authors of this paper took part in a  humanitarian action - both independently and in cooperation with non-governmental organizations. This allowed for the collection of extensive research material. During the research, the methodology of participatory observation and surveys was used. The aim of the study was to develop knowledge management standards, for use in the event of other humanitarian crises. The final research technique used is given, from participant selection to outcome analysis. It was found that processes of organizational learning and active knowledge management occurred in many forms. Knowledge was transferred in and out of the organizations. Expertise from earlier experiences was applied, and transferred, becoming explicit. Managerial skills and methods were applied in new organizational contexts. Many similarities and some differences were found, despite clear differences in the type of organisations and country of origin. The research allowed the authors to research extensively into people’s motivations, priorities, and forms of information transfer. Knowledge acquisition, transfer and sharing were clearly identifiable, as was organizational learning and subsequent usage of it. Future implementation of standardized, coherent knowledge management rules, used in crisis situations will facilitate the sharing of knowledge and its reuse. The framework can also be applied to other situations of emergency decision making, such as crisis management and emergency medical assistance.