Evaluation of composting parameters, technologies and maturity indexes for aerobic manure composting: A meta-analysis

Aerobic composting is an efficient method to recover nutrients from animal manure. However, there is considerable variability in the management and maturity criteria used across studies, and a systematic meta-analysis focused on compost maturity is currently lacking. This study investigated the optimal range of startup parameters and practical criteria for manure composting maturity, as well as the effectiveness of in situ technologies in enhancing composting maturity. Most maturity indexes were associated with composting GI, making it an ideal tool for evaluating the maturity of manure composts. GI increased with declined final C/N and (Final C/N)/(Initial C/N) (P < 0.01), and therefore a maturity assessment standard for animal manure composting was proposed: a mature compost has a C/N ratio ≤23 and a GI ≥70, while a highly mature compost has a GI ≥90 and preferably (Final C/N)/(Initial C/N) ≤0.8. Meta-analysis demonstrated that C/N ratio regulation, microbial inoculation and adding biochar and magnesium-phosphate salts are effective strategies for improving compost maturity. Specifically, a greater reduction in the C/N ratio during the composting process is beneficial for improving the maturity of compost product. The optimal startup parameters for composting have been determined, recommending an initial C/N ratio of 20-30 and an initial pH of 6.5-8.5. An initial C/N ratio of 26 was identified as the most suitable for promoting compost degradation and microorganism activity. The present results promoted a composting strategy for producing high-quality compost.

Pathways to improve health information systems in Ethiopia: current maturity status and implications

Background

To achieve national and international strategic goals, countries are advised to assess the maturity status of their health information systems (HIS), including business continuity and interoperability. This work aims to determine the existing maturity status of the Ethiopian HIS, set HIS improvement goals, and inform a path towards an improved national HIS by the end of 2024.

Methods

This assessment was a collaborative and transparent process that was carried out with the engagement of all key stakeholders through consultation. We used the Stages of Continuous Improvement (SOCI) tool to guide the assessment to measure the maturity level of the Ethiopian HIS in five core domains, 13 components and 39 subcomponents and to guide future plans.

Results

The overall average score of the national HIS maturity was 2.68/5, which is categorized between repeatable (stage 2) and defined (stage 3) maturity levels. The assessment findings revealed that three out of the five HIS maturity domains were at a repeatable stage. Only the leadership and governance and the data quality and use domains were at the defined maturity level. A majority (7/13) of the subcomponents were at the repeatable level of maturity, while four were at the defined level. Policy, legal and regulatory framework and compliance from the leadership and governance domain and interoperability from the data quality and use domain were categorized as having an emerging status. Considering the current HIS maturity status, gaps and strengths identified, ongoing HIS initiatives, existing platforms, and the interest and level of engagement of senior government leadership, this assessment put forward an improvement roadmap for achieving the desired managed stage (4.37) of maturity by the end of 2024.

Conclusions

The findings show that the overall maturity level of the Ethiopian HIS is 2.68, which is between the repeatable and defined maturity stages. Enforcement of policies and legislation, data exchange among systems, and information and communication technology infrastructure business continuity planning are the main challenges of Ethiopian HIS requiring further investment. Strengthened and collaborative effort is critical to reaching the desired goal of “managed” HIS (stage 4) in the country by 2024.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12961-022-00860-z.

Cybersecurity maturity assessment framework for higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabia government has proposed different frameworks such as the CITC's Cybersecurity Regulatory Framework (CRF) and the NCA's Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC) to ensure data and infrastructure security in all IT-based systems. However, these frameworks lack a practical, published mechanism that continuously assesses the organizations' security level, especially in HEI (Higher Education Institutions) systems. This paper proposes a Cybersecurity Maturity Assessment Framework (SCMAF) for HEIs in Saudi Arabia. SCMAF is a comprehensive, customized security maturity assessment framework for Saudi organizations aligned with local and international security standards. The framework can be used as a self-assessment method to establish the security level and highlight the weaknesses and mitigation plans that need to be implemented. SCMAF is a mapping and codification model for all regulations that the Saudi organizations must comply with. The framework uses different levels of maturity against which the security performance of each organization can be measured. SCMAF is implemented as a lightweight assessment tool that could be provided online through a web-based service or offline by downloading the tool to ensure the organizations' data privacy. Organizations that apply this framework can assess the security level of their systems, conduct a gap analysis and create a mitigation plan. The assessment results are communicated to the organization using visual score charts per security requirement per level attached with an evaluation report.

Utilization of distal radius and ulna classification scheme in predicting growth peak and curve progression in idiopathic scoliosis girls undergoing bracing treatment

PURPOSE

Distal radius and ulna (DRU) classification scheme has been proposed for predicting skeletal maturity in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). However, the utilization of DRU classification scheme in the assessment of growth peak and curve progression in IS was still inconclusive. This study aimed to correlate the distal radius and ulna stages with several indicators for growth potential and to evaluate the predictive value of DRU system for curve progression in braced female IS patients.

METHODS

This was a consecutive longitudinal study including physically immature IS girls receiving standardized bracing treatment and regularly followed up every 3-6 months until brace weaning. The following data of each visit were collected: chronologic age, standing height, Cobb angle, spinal length, Risser sign, digital skeletal age (DSA) scores and DRU scores. The height velocity (HV), spinal growth velocity (SGV) and angle velocity (AV) of each visit were calculated. The correlation among radius stage, ulna stage, Risser sign, height, spinal length, HV, SGV and AV was studied.

RESULTS

Forty braced IS girls with 349 longitudinal whole spine X-rays were reviewed. The average DRU scores at initial visit were R6.5 ± 1.1 and U4.5 ± 1.2 for radius and ulna, respectively. Both the radius stages between R5 and R8 and ulna stages between U3 and U6 indicated high SGV and high HV. The DSA scores were 402.1 ± 48.8 and 430.8 ± 44.4 at R7 and R8, respectively. The AV values were - 5.9 ± 12.4°/y and - 0.4 ± 1.5°/y at R5 and R6, which increased to 5.9 ± 17.3°/y, 3.1 ± 15.7°/y and 4.2 ± 12.2°/y at R7, R8 and R9, respectively. The DSA scores were 387.3 ± 65.7 for U5 and 432.9 ± 48.5 for U6, respectively. The AV values were - 3.1 ± 0.3°/y at U3, - 1.7 ± 9.3°/y at U4, 2.3 ± 16.1°/y at U5, 5.4 ± 15.5°/y at U6 and 4.4 ± 12.9°/y at U7.

CONCLUSIONS

Both distal radius and ulna scores correlate with the longitudinal growth potential, and thus, the DRU scoring scheme is an alternative predictor for growth potential and curve progression in girls with IS. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Assessment of the knowledge level of the professional as regards Patient Blood Management in their organisation. Results of the MAPBM project survey

INTRODUCTION

The Maturity Assessment Model in Patient Blood Management project involves the use of a matrix that evaluates the maturity of the centre as regards blood transfusion practice. This tool includes a questionnaire to be completed by physicians to determine their level of knowledge of patient blood management strategies in their centre.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty one hospitals took part in the Maturity Assessment Model in Patient Blood Management project in 2016. The questionnaire included 10 questions, 3 about the centre, specialty, and years of experience, and 7 about patient blood management protocols in the respondent's centre. The minimum responses required per centre was calculated according to the number of beds. Responses from at least 3 different specialties were required in order to be evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 1403 questionnaires were completed. The specialty with the highest completion rate was anaesthesiology (40.9%). The distribution as regards professional experience was homogeneous: <10 years, 33.4%, 10-20 years, 33%, and> 20 years 33.6%. Nearly three-quarters (74.2%) knew the patient blood management protocol used in their centre, and 60.7% knew the protocol for the treatment of pre-operative anaemia. Slightly fewer (72%) reported knowing the blood transfusion protocol (transfusion threshold) used in their centre, and 90% considered other factors besides haemoglobin in the decision to transfuse. Only 30.7% of professionals reported receiving periodic information on transfusion practices.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant lack of knowledge about preoperative anaemia and perioperative transfusion protocols used in the centres polled. Few centres provide their physicians with information on transfusion practices.