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Journal articles on the topic 'Designated suppliers'
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Cheshmberah, Mohsen. "Developing an Integrated Framework for Supplier Evaluation based on Relevant Attributes and Performance Measures." Logistics & Sustainable Transport 11, no. 1 (February 1, 2020): 101–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/jlst-2020-0007.
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AbstractSupplier evaluation and selection is essential to any organization, and planning an effective and comprehensive approach to that end seems inevitable. Meanwhile, determining the requisite criteria for evaluating and selecting suppliers is probably one of the most important steps to be taken towards developing an evaluation and selection model in the organization. In this article, first a review of the literature on the criteria and the field of supplier evaluation and selection are provided. These criteria are then placed into proper categories. In order to formulate a supplier evaluation and selection framework for the manufacturing organization under study, the implemented categorization is applied where a list of fifteen attributes and performance criteria is created; where upon it is secured with the help of a designated panel (project team). These features are then screened using Lawshe’s method the “social attribute” is removed from the list of fifteen. The remaining 14 other criteria are configured within the SEAP (Suppliers Evaluation based on Attributes and Performances) framework. The framework follows the objective of continually evaluating suppliers, both potential and actual ones through incorporating their performances into their qualification ratings. Based on the proposed framework, suppliers are evaluated on the basis of two types of criteria, - feature (attribute) and performance.
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Chang, Zai Kang, Mien Ling Chong, and Jamie Bartram. "Analysis of Water Safety Plan costs from case studies in the Western Pacific Region." Water Supply 13, no. 5 (September 1, 2013): 1358–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/ws.2013.146.
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Unsafe water remains a significant public health threat in high and low income countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes Water Safety Plans (WSPs) as the most effective means of consistently ensuring the safety of a drinking-water supply. Although health benefits of WSP implementation have been shown, there is a lack of information relating water supplier characteristics to expected costs. Costing practices were adapted from food quality management studies and applied to six water suppliers from the Western Pacific Region, as designated by WHO. The explanation building procedure was used to develop understanding of relationships between drinking-water supply agency (DWSA) characteristics and WSP implementation costs. The results indicate that costs associated with WSP implementation are expected to be low for developed DWSAs; however, for developing DWSAs, there is high variability in costs which indicates further research may not improve generalized WSP cost estimations. Furthermore, developing DWSAs experience large and highly variable capital and operational monitoring costs. The capital and operational monitoring improvements are necessary to achieving a safe water supply and may require ongoing financial and technical resources to execute.
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Alley, Roderic. "Leaking Like a Sieve? Transfer Restraints on Small Arms, Light Weapons and Ammunition." Journal of Conflict and Security Law 24, no. 2 (2019): 325–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jcsl/krz007.
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Abstract Compared to nuclear weapons, chemical and biological weapons or advanced conventional weapons systems, such as missiles, small arms and light weapons (SALW) and the ammunition required to render them lethal, have received less attention from arms control analysts. Accordingly the focus of this commentary is upon two particular inadequacies identified within the existing SALW restraint repertoire. They include, first, a failure to have SALW ammunition designated as an objective deserving explicit restraint designation and, secondly, persisting and largely unresolved state differences over controlling supplies of this weaponry to armed non-state actors. Both concerns illustrate how a use of consensus procedures within relevant rule formulation has favoured the interests of major SALW suppliers. The two deficiencies identified are considered destabilising given their continued capacity to degrade restraints designed to restrict deployments of this long-lasting weaponry—particularly within locations exhibiting limited forms of state capacity. The scope for existing legal mechanisms to remedy these deficiencies is examined, as is their potential to induce enhanced compliance and implementation.
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Dyer, W. Gibb, and Svetlana Panicheva Mortensen. "Entrepreneurship and Family Business in a Hostile Environment: The Case of Lithuania." Family Business Review 18, no. 3 (September 2005): 247–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-6248.2005.00045.x.
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This article compares the survival strategies used by the founders of family and nonfamily businesses in the hostile economic environment of Lithuania. In this exploratory study, six firms were studied in depth: three family firms and three nonfamily firms. These firms were in that sector of the Lithuanian economy designated as “light industry.” The major strategies used by founders to keep their firms viable include (1) developing social capital to gain favor with local authorities and important customers and suppliers and (2) using family networks to gain access to human and financial capital. The family businesses appeared to be more successful than the nonfamily enterprises. Moreover, the ability to draw on family resources seemed to be the predominant reason for their modest success.
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Wu, Linhai, Guangqian Qiu, Jiao Lu, Minghua Zhang, and Xiaowei Wen. "Allocation of responsibility among pork supply chain players." British Food Journal 119, no. 12 (December 4, 2017): 2822–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/bfj-01-2017-0045.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the responsibility that should be taken by different pork supply chain participants to ensure pork quality and safety, with the aim of providing some guidance for strengthening the supervision of pork quality and safety. Design/methodology/approach The pig farmer survey and the pork consumer survey were conducted in Funing County, Jiangsu Province, using the best-worst scaling (BWS) and a mixed logit model. Findings The results showed that the designation of responsibility for ensuring pork quality and safety was of, in descending order, feed producers and suppliers, backyard farmers and farms of designated size, pork processing workshops and companies of and above designated size, slaughterhouses, supermarkets, farmer’s markets, pig transporters, and consumers. Both pig farmers and pork consumers believed that those involved in the initial pork supply chain should take greater responsibility for pork quality and safety. Originality/value Allocation of responsibilities across the entire pork industry chain was investigated from the perspective of pig farmers and pork consumers using the BWS and a mixed logit model. The results of this study might explain the unique problems that occur in pork supply chain management in large developing countries like China.
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Agarwal, Princy, and Amul Mishra. "PHARMACEUTICAL QUALITY AUDITS: A REVIEW." International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics 11, no. 1 (January 9, 2019): 14. http://dx.doi.org/10.22159/ijap.2019v11i1.29709.
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Auditing is a vital function within a pharmaceutical company nowadays. Quality audit is a review and evaluation of all or part of a quality system with the specific purpose of improving it. It is one of the means to examine pharmacy programs and ensures that the procedures and reimbursement mechanisms comply with the contractual and regulatory requirements. A quality audit is usually conducted by external or independent experts or by a team designated by management for this purpose. These audits can be extended to suppliers and contractors as well. An audit will assess the strengths and weaknesses of quality assurance and quality assurance processes, the results of which assists in improving processes and building a better system for company benefits. This article focuses on various aspects of quality auditing in the pharmaceutical industry including its principles, objectives, importance and benefits and planning along with the deficiencies that are likely to occur during the process. This review comprises a well-organized summary of various guidelines available till date using the Google Scholar search engine and the keywords listed below.
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P. Vlachos, Ilias. "The impact of private label foods on supply chain governance." British Food Journal 116, no. 7 (July 1, 2014): 1106–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/bfj-09-2012-0228.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the introduction of private label (PL) foods upon the governance of the food supply chains. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted a multi-case study research examining the launch and development of PL cheeses in four large national-wide retail chains. The paper focused on the category of Products of Designated Origin (PDO) cheeses, including the popular feta cheese. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and secondary sources of information. Data analysis involved single-case and within-case analyses. Findings – There is a strong motive to launch and develop PL cheeses due to increasing consumer demand. Retailers choose suppliers based on criteria such as: compliance to quality assurance standards, modernisation of processing facilities, implementation of legislation, credibility, experience, and reputation. Retailers use contracts and prefer small suppliers than medium-sized companies. Supply chain governance turns from market to hierarchy status, which performs better in terms of supply chain cost, food quality, and consumer satisfaction. The structure of food industry is also affected by pressure put on medium-sized food companies. Research limitations/implications – The paper is based on a multiple case study design that does not provide static generalisations, yet it offers a stepping stone to building new theory about supply chain governance, how it evolves and its effects on supply chain performance. Practical implications – The introduction of PL cheeses favours small and dynamic cheese processing units willing to adopt retailer standards and prices over larger units, which poses a real threat to the survival of regional-wide food companies. Originality/value – Few studies have examined how supply chain governance evolves and what triggers a change in governance structures.
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Zheng, Yu, and Regina Abrami. "The New Face of Chinese Industrial Policy: Making Sense of Antidumping Cases in the Petrochemical and Steel Industries." Journal of East Asian Studies 11, no. 3 (December 2011): 373–406. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1598240800007384.
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Why have China's petrochemical and steel industries behaved so differently in seeking trade protection through antidumping measures, especially given that both industries face the full force of the global economy? We argue that the patterning of antidumping actions is best explained in terms of industrial structures, inclusive of degrees of horizontal concentration and vertical integration. These structures determine a firm's motivation to seek protection as well as its capacity to overcome collective action problems within its industry. In the petrochemical industry, the shift toward greater horizontal consolidation and vertical integration reduces the collective action problems associated with antidumping petitions among upstream companies. It also weakens downstream companies lobbying in favor of the general protection of highly integrated conglomerates. In the steel industry, by contrast, national industrial policy fails to weaken local state interests sufficiently. Fragmented upstream and downstream channels instead persist, with strong odds against upstream suppliers waging a successful defense of material interests. Such distinctive industrial structures, we show, were a direct result of whether the central government could restructure these designated priority industries in its preferred direction. We find that exogenous price shocks proved particularly helpful in this regard.
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Hallberg, Peter, Nina Hasche, Johan Kask, and Christina Öberg. "Quality management systems as indicators for stability and change in customer-supplier relationships." IMP Journal 12, no. 3 (November 12, 2018): 483–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/imp-01-2018-0006.
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Purpose This paper extends the discussion on stability and change through focus on specific relationship characteristics. Quality management systems prescribe established routines for supplier selection and monitoring, and may thereby designate the nature and longevity of customer–supplier relationships. The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss the effects of quality management systems on stability and change in different forms of customer–supplier relationships. Design/methodology/approach A number of illustrative examples based on participatory data and interviews help to capture different types of customer–supplier relationships (private/public; certified/non-certified) related to quality management systems. Findings While certified customers in most sectors only need to prove that their suppliers have procedures in place, many customers equate this with requiring that their suppliers should be certified. The paper further shows that customers replace deeper understandings for their suppliers’ procedures with the requirement that they be certified. Originality/value The paper contributes to the existing literature through integrating quality management systems literature with the business network approach. For business network studies, the discussion on quality management systems as constricting regimes is interesting and provides practical insights to the business network studies as such quality management systems increase in importance and spread.
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Cherepkov, S., V. Dulya, and V. Maliavskyi. "Procedures for Assessing the Conformity of Measuring Instruments — Structure, Design Principles and Approaches to Their Choice." Metrology and instruments, no. 1 (March 25, 2019): 56–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.33955/2307-2180(1)2019.56-61.
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Since January 01, 2016, new legislation in the field of metrology came in force in Ukraine. There have been significant changes in the regulation of metrological activity in accordance with the new Law of Ukraine “On Metrology and Metrological Activity”, which is harmonized with European legislation, in the country. Thus, the new Law lacks such forms of metrological control as state acceptance tests and state control tests, as well as state metrological certification of measuring instruments. Instead of these types of metrological control the conformity assessment system of measuring instruments according to established requirements has been implemented. Therefore, this article considers new approaches of the conformity assessment system of measuring instruments according to established requirements and is a logical continuation of an article published in Metrology and Instruments journal (1 (69), 2018), which considered the basics of development and operating the conformity assessment system of measuring instruments. This article considers some issues related to conformity assessment procedures. Criteria for the selection of modules for the conformity assessment procedure and their description are defined. The existing approaches for selection of conformity assessment procedures of measuring instruments and the cooperation of manufacturers (suppliers) of measuring instruments with designated conformity assessment bodies on the market are given. The article offers practical interest for manufacturers of measuring instruments for the legal regulated sphere.
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BRUNELIN, STEPHANIE, JAIME DE MELO, and ALBERTO PORTUGAL-PEREZ. "How Much Market Access? A Case Study of Jordan's Exports to the EU." World Trade Review 18, no. 3 (May 8, 2018): 431–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1474745618000174.
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AbstractThe value of preferential market access schemes has fallen sharply. Drawing on a relaxation announcement of July 2016 simplifying origin requirements for access to the EU that should help improve market access, thereby contributing to alleviate the refugee crisis in Jordan, this paper argues that a simplification of origin requirements is a straightforward way to enhance preferential market access. Yet, the EU decision limits the beneficiaries who must be located in designated special economic zones, which limits preferential market access. The paper compares the performance of Jordanian exports to the EU and the US under their respective FTAs. It shows that Jordanian exports to the US have grown more rapidly than exports to the EU over the last 15 years. The study documents lower utilisation of preferences in the EU than in the US, especially in Textiles and Apparel (T&A) in spite of non-negligible preferences. Three contributing factors are identified: (i) higher adjusted preferences for apparel in the US than in the EU; (ii) greater competition from other suppliers (mostly from LDCs) in the EU market than in the US market; (iii) simpler origin requirements in the case of the Jordan–US FTA. Comparative evidence from the two FTAs and econometric estimates suggest that this should help restore market access for Jordanian exports to the EU. These estimates provide additional evidence that origin requirements suppress market access. Other pathways to simplify origin requirements are offered in the conclusion.
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Blattert, Clemens, Anton Bürgi, and Renato Lemm. "Berechnung von Mehraufwand und Minderertrag infolge des Trinkwasserschutzes im Wald." Schweizerische Zeitschrift fur Forstwesen 163, no. 11 (November 1, 2012): 437–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.3188/szf.2012.0437.
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Calculation of additional expense and reduced revenue as a result of drinking water protection in the forest A good portion of the drinking water in Switzerland originates from groundwater wells in the forest. Within the framework of the Water Protection Ordinance these forest areas are designated as groundwater protection zones (core zone, S1; inner protection zone, S2; further protection zone, S3) to protect the drinking water supply against contamination. The designation of a forest area as a protection zone is connected to prescriptions and recommendations influencing forest management and causing additional costs for forest enterprises. On behalf of the Federal Office for Environment, an Excel tool has been developed. With this tool, the additional expense and reduced revenue can be calculated quickly and easily. To reflect the requirements in the tool, courses of action were defined, as they occur in forest management (e.g. no chemical wood treatment in the S2 and S3 zone, utilization of non-polluting fuels and lubricants). Subsequently, these courses were converted into mathematical formulae quantifying the additional costs. Three harvesting methods common in forest management were thereby distinguished, a motor-manual harvesting method, a fully mechanized harvesting method and a harvesting method for steep slopes. The results calculated with the drinking water protection tool can form an essential basis for the discussion on compensation payment for water services from forest management and provide a better communication between forest managers and water suppliers. However, the results of the tool are to be regarded rather as guidelines and should not be taken as absolutely.
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Ricards, June E. "Masks required in designated areas regardless of sterile supplies or scrubbed person's presence." AORN Journal 41, no. 3 (March 1985): 518–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0001-2092(07)62677-5.
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Kusrini, Novira, and Maswadi Maswadi. "The performance improvement of sustainable palm oil supply chain management after COVID-19: Priority indicators using F-AHP." Uncertain Supply Chain Management 9, no. 2 (2021): 227–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.5267/j.uscm.2021.3.010.
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The performance of sustainable supply chain management today, especially for palm oil, continues to experience a drastic decline from the social, economic, and environmental perspectives. Both the supply and demand sides are undergoing severe disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To survive the COVID-19 situation and afterward, the palm oil industry needs to focus on priority indicators for immediate improvement. For that reason, our study aims to determine the primary indicators used to assess the performance of sustainable supply chain management to improve the palm oil industry's performance immediately. The F-AHP method is used to rank which indicators are focused on the COVID-19 situation and thereafter. The findings of this study designate that there are three main indicators, namely from the economic side (adaptability), the social side (improving employee health and safety), and the environmental side (sustainable supplier management). This finding is beneficial for the industry and for supply chain actors such as suppliers, customers, and the government in taking attitudes and setting policies related to sustainable supply chain management in the face of pandemic.
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Dąbrowski, Tadeusz, Jerzy Chmiel, and Adam Rosiński. "Modelling of power supplies reliability in aspect of their technical and functional state." Journal of KONBiN 42, no. 1 (June 1, 2017): 191–208. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/jok-2017-0025.
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Abstract The article presents issues related to the modeling of reliability of power supply in terms of their technical and functional condition. There are designated relations allowing to determine the probability of staying the power supply in the state: full suitability, incomplete suitability and unsuitability. There is also examined the impact of time restore of the state of full suitability for the value of the probability of staying the power supply in the state of incomplete suitability.
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Koster, Kay, Jan Stafleu, Peter C. Vos, and Michiel J. van der Meulen. "Can we elevate the subsiding coastal plain of the Netherlands with controlled sedimentation?" Proceedings of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences 382 (April 22, 2020): 767–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/piahs-382-767-2020.
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Abstract. Half the surface area of the coastal plain of the Netherlands has been subsiding below mean sea-level as a result of peatland drainage. At present, the low elevation is sustained, because sedimentation necessary to aggrade the coastal plain back to natural elevations is hampered by engineering structures. Alternatively, controlled sedimentation is a discussed method to elevate the coastal plain. This can either be achieved by allowing water courses to deliver sediments to designated areas, or by anthropogenic deposition. Here, we assess the possibilities of this strategy by determining whether natural systems or anthropogenic deposition are sufficient to elevate the surface to mean high water (MHW), taking into account IPCC projected minimum and maximum forecasted sea-level rise (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5), and predicted future subsidence. We use the 3D geological subsurface model GeoTOP to quantify sediments; i.e. clay and sand that were naturally delivered to the coastal plain by series of tidal inlets and the Rhine river system. Furthermore, we quantify the amount of anthropogenic deposition, and analyze documented supplies. Finally, we discuss the implications of controlled sedimentation in designated areas by providing examples of past embankment breaches. We quantify that 16.98 km3 of sediments are required to elevate the surface to MHW, and between 22.41 and 29.29 km3 at the end of the 21st century. We estimate that 45.30 km3 of sediments were delivered by the tidal systems during 3000 years (52 % sand), 20.18 km3 by the Rhine river system during 8000 years (29 % sand), and 3.59 km3 of anthropogenic deposition. We conclude that the coastal plain of the Netherlands cannot be elevated to more safe levels with controlled sedimentation. Exceptions are areas proximal to tidal systems with high sediment yields. Anthropogenic deposition, combining natural sedimentation with supplied sediments, or allowing peat growth in inundated areas could be viable alternatives as well as.
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Sørensen, Sebastian R., Zeev Ronen, and Jens Aamand. "Growth in Coculture Stimulates Metabolism of the Phenylurea Herbicide Isoproturon by Sphingomonas sp. Strain SRS2." Applied and Environmental Microbiology 68, no. 7 (July 2002): 3478–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/aem.68.7.3478-3485.2002.
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ABSTRACT Metabolism of the phenylurea herbicide isoproturon by Sphingomonas sp. strain SRS2 was significantly enhanced when the strain was grown in coculture with a soil bacterium (designated strain SRS1). Both members of this consortium were isolated from a highly enriched isoproturon-degrading culture derived from an agricultural soil previously treated regularly with the herbicide. Based on analysis of the 16S rRNA gene, strain SRS1 was assigned to the β-subdivision of the proteobacteria and probably represents a new genus. Strain SRS1 was unable to degrade either isoproturon or its known metabolites 3-(4-isopropylphenyl)-1-methylurea, 3-(4-isopropylphenyl)-urea, or 4-isopropyl-aniline. Pure culture studies indicate that Sphingomonas sp. SRS2 is auxotrophic and requires components supplied by association with other soil bacteria. A specific mixture of amino acids appeared to meet these requirements, and it was shown that methionine was essential for Sphingomonas sp. SRS2. This suggests that strain SRS1 supplies amino acids to Sphingomonas sp. SRS2, thereby leading to rapid metabolism of 14C-labeled isoproturon to 14CO2 and corresponding growth of strain SRS2. Proliferation of strain SRS1 suggests that isoproturon metabolism by Sphingomonas sp. SRS2 provides unknown metabolites or cell debris that supports growth of strain SRS1. The role of strain SRS1 in the consortium was not ubiquitous among soil bacteria; however, the indigenous soil microflora and some strains from culture collections also stimulate isoproturon metabolism by Sphingomonas sp. strain SRS2 to a similar extent.
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Hashemian, Reza. "Local Biasing and the Use of Nullator-Norator Pairs in Analog Circuits Designs." VLSI Design 2010 (March 9, 2010): 1–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2010/297083.
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A new technique is presented for biasing of analog circuits. The biasing design begins with local biasing of the nonlinear components (transistors), done according to the pre-specified operating points (OPs) and for the best performance of the circuit. Next, the transistors are replaced with their linear models to perform the AC design. Upon finishing with the AC design we need to move from the local biasing to global (normal) biasing while the OPs are kept unchanged. Here fixators—nullators plus sources—are shown to be very instrumental and with norators—as the place holders for the DC supplies in the circuit—they make pairs. The solution of the circuit so prepared provides the DC supplies at the designated locations in the circuit. The rules to engage in circuit analysis with fixator-norator pairs are discussed, and numerous pitfalls in this line are specified. Finally, two design examples are worked out that clearly demonstrate the capability and power of the proposed technique for biasing any analog circuit.
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Mason, Kathleen L., Michael V. Gonzalez, Chungwon Chung, Michelle R. Mousel, Stephen N. White, Joshua B. Taylor, and Glen A. Scoles. "Validation of an improved Anaplasma antibody competitive ELISA for detection of Anaplasma ovis antibody in domestic sheep." Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 29, no. 5 (May 8, 2017): 763–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1040638717709494.
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An accurate and simple-to-perform new version of a competitive ELISA (cELISA) kit that became commercially available in 2015 for testing of cattle for antibody to Anaplasma marginale was validated for detection of Anaplasma ovis antibody in domestic sheep. True positives and negatives were identified using nested PCR (nPCR) as the gold standard. Negative bovine control sera supplied with the kit were used to calculate % inhibition (%I), designated bovine control ELISA (BcELISA), and this was compared to %I calculated from negative ovine sera derived from hand-raised, pathogen-free sheep, designated ovine control ELISA (OcELISA). The receiver operating characteristics area under the curve was 1.0 with a p value <0.001 regardless of the source of the control sera. The cutoff values for negative BcELISA and OcELISA were <30%I and <27%I, respectively. Our work confirmed that this Anaplasma antibody cELISA kit version 2 can be used with the serum controls supplied in the kit to test for A. ovis antibody in domestic sheep. Furthermore, this work confirmed the historically high infection prevalence (>93%) at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (Dubois, Idaho), in spite of efforts to reduce the possibility for iatrogenic transmission there, suggesting high levels of tick-borne transmission.
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Mukherjee, Subham, Trude Sundberg, and Brigitta Schütt. "Assessment of Water Security in Socially Excluded Areas in Kolkata, India: An Approach Focusing on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene." Water 12, no. 3 (March 8, 2020): 746. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w12030746.
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Water security is essential not only to ensure the availability and accessibility of water for drinking, producing food, washing, but also to maintain both human and environmental health. The 2011 Census of India reveals that 17.4% of urban households in India live in deprived areas in urban landscapes which are designated as slums in the Census dataset. The increasing number of people living in these areas poses serious challenges to the provision of basic urban water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) services. Perceived susceptibility of risks from contaminated water and lack of proper sanitation and hygiene will be addressed in the light of social exclusion factors. This study attempts to assess the present situation of water, sanitation and required hygiene provisions within the areas defined as slums by the Census of India 2011 in Kolkata, India. Based on the results obtained from the datasets from the census, and a household survey, we identified a lack of supplies associated with WaSH provisions in these areas of Kolkata. The WaSH provisions in the slum areas of Kolkata city are facing various issues related to regularity, quality and quantity of supplied water. Additionally, there is poor maintenance of existing WaSH services including latrine facilities and per capita allocation of a sustainable water security among the slum dwellers. By adding to our understanding of the importance of factors such as gender, religions, and knowledge of drinking water in deprived areas, the study analyses the links between both physical and social issues determining vulnerability and presence of deprivation associated with basic WaSH provisions as human rights of slum communities.
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MUÑOZ-RODRÍGUEZ, PABLO, JOSÉ MARÍA CARDIEL, and DANIEL ATHA. "Acalypha subgenus Linostachys (Euphorbiaceae, Acalyphoideae): a global review." Phytotaxa 166, no. 3 (April 25, 2014): 199. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.166.3.2.
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A critical review of Acalypha subgenus Linostachys (Euphorbiaceae: Acalyphoideae) worldwide is presented. As a result 28 species, 6 of which were not previously recognized within the subgenus, are accepted and 5 new synonyms are proposed. Comprehensive nomenclatural information is supplied and 16 lectotypes and one neotype are designated. An identification key and geographic information, including a distribution map of the subgenus, are also provided. This is the first treatment of subgenus Linostachys since Pax and Hoffmann’s monograph in 1924.
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Al-Shareef, Ali S., Loui K. Alsulimani, Hattan M. Bojan, Taha M. Masri, Jennifer O. Grimes, Michael S. Molloy, and Gregory R. Ciottone. "Evaluation of Hospitals’ Disaster Preparedness Plans in the Holy City of Makkah (Mecca): A Cross-Sectional Observation Study." Prehospital and Disaster Medicine 32, no. 1 (December 14, 2016): 33–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1049023x16001229.
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AbstractBackgroundMakkah (Mecca) is a holy city located in the western region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Each year, millions of pilgrims visit Makkah. These numbers impact both routine health care delivery and disaster response. This study aimed to evaluate hospitals’ disaster plans in the city of Makkah.MethodsStudy investigators administered a questionnaire survey to 17 hospitals in the city of Makkah. Data on hospital characteristics and three key domains of disaster plans (general evaluation of disaster planning, structural feasibility of the hospitals, and health care worker knowledge and training) were collated and analyzed.ResultsA response rate of 82% (n=14) was attained. Ten (71%) of the hospitals were government hospitals, whereas four were private hospitals. Eleven (79%) hospitals had a capacity of less than 300 beds.Only nine (64%) hospitals reviewed their disaster plan within the preceding two years. Nine (64%) respondents were drilling for disasters at least twice per year. The majority of hospitals did not rely on a hazard vulnerability analysis (HVA) to develop their Emergency Operations Plan. Eleven (79%) hospitals had the Hospital Incident Command Systems (HICS) present in their plans.All hospitals described availability of some supplies required for the first 24 hours of a disaster response, such as: N95 masks, antidotes for nerve agents, and antiviral medications. Only five (36%) hospitals had a designated decontamination area. Nine (64%) hospitals reported ability to re-designate inpatient wards into an intensive care unit (ICU) format. Only seven (50%) respondents had a protocol for increasing availability of isolation rooms to prevent the spread of airborne infection. Ten (71%) hospitals had a designated disaster-training program for health care workers.ConclusionsMakkah has experienced multiple disaster incidents over the last decade. The present research suggests that Makkah hospitals are insufficiently prepared for potential future disasters. This may represent a considerable threat to the health of both residents and visitors to Makkah. This study demonstrated that there is significant room for improvement in most aspects of hospital Emergency Operations Plans, in particular: reviewing the plan and increasing the frequency of multi-agency and multi-hospital drills. Preparedness for terrorism utilizing chemical, biologic, radiation, nuclear, explosion (CBRNE) and infectious diseases was found to be sub-optimal and should be assessed further.Al-ShareefAS, AlsulimaniLK, BojanHM, MasriTM, GrimesJO, MolloyMS, CiottoneGR. Evaluation of hospitals’ disaster preparedness plans in the holy city of Makkah (Mecca): a cross-sectional observation study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32 (1):33–45.
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Simon, Anna J., and Andrew D. Ellington. "Recent advances in synthetic biosafety." F1000Research 5 (August 31, 2016): 2118. http://dx.doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.8365.1.
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Synthetically engineered organisms hold promise for a broad range of medical, environmental, and industrial applications. Organisms can potentially be designed, for example, for the inexpensive and environmentally benign synthesis of pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals, for the cleanup of environmental pollutants, and potentially even for biomedical applications such as the targeting of specific diseases or tissues. However, the use of synthetically engineered organisms comes with several reasonable safety concerns, one of which is that the organisms or their genes could escape their intended habitats and cause environmental disruption. Here we review key recent developments in this emerging field of synthetic biocontainment and discuss further developments that might be necessary for the widespread use of synthetic organisms. Specifically, we discuss the history and modern development of three strategies for the containment of synthetic microbes: addiction to an exogenously supplied ligand; self-killing outside of a designated environment; and self-destroying encoded DNA circuitry outside of a designated environment.
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Chambers, James A., Kenneth P. Seastedt, and Jocelyn Raymundo-Grinstead. "An Example of 3-D Printing for Expeditionary Medicine: The Air Force Retractor." Military Medicine 185, no. 5-6 (April 11, 2020): e565-e567. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usz449.
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Abstract Introduction Future challenges for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) include operating in a contested environment against near-peer adversaries. Providing casualty care in an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) region would be potentially challenged by impaired logistical ability to reconstitute supplies or adapt to evolving needs. Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, offers an ability to regenerate stocked items as well as modify them or even create novel products de novo. Materials and Methods This article discusses relevant technology and applications for deployed medical forces. Additionally, as proof of concept, we outline our design process for a novel 3D-printed surgical retractor. Results Our “Air Force Retractor” prototype highlights the potential of using AM to create or augment surgical instruments downrange. Conclusions This paper encourages further investigation of the use of AM/3D printing downrange to create surgical instruments and medical supplies in austere, A2/AD, and other logistically challenging environments. Not only would this support regeneration of supplies, but also modification and even creation of novel products to adapt to changing needs. If 3D files could be created of common surgical instruments for print on designated resins downrange, and FDA approval obtained, an online library of files could be created for easy access to DoD members across the globe to support our nation’s commitment to provide the best possible care for service members any time, any place.
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Thomson, Jean M., K. V. Darby, and L. Poller. "Calibration of BCT/441, the ICSH Reference Preparation for Thromboplastin." Thrombosis and Haemostasis 55, no. 03 (1986): 379–82. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0038-1661568.
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SummaryAn international collaborative exercise has been undertaken to calibrate a secondary international reference preparation (IRP) of thromboplastin on behalf of the International Committee for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH). This preparation of British Comparative Thromboplastin (BCT/441) is required because supplies of the WHO primary IRP (BCT/253) are necessarily limited.The calibration was performed at seven centres with only a small degree of interlaboratory variation. As a result of this study an ISI value of 1.04 has been assigned to the preparation.Opportunity was also taken to assess the reliability of a simplified calibration based on lyophilised plasmas. The results of the latter appeared reliable.BCT/441 will be available to officially designated National Control Laboratories for calibration of local thromboplastins to promote prothrombin time standardization in oral anticoagulant control.
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Orser, Barbara, Allan Riding, and Julie Weeks. "The efficacy of gender-based federal procurement policies in the United States." International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship 11, no. 1 (March 11, 2019): 6–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijge-02-2019-139.
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Purpose Because procurement policies are one of the means of redressing discrimination and economic exclusion, the US Government has targeted 23 per cent of its annual half-trillion dollar spend to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and 5 per cent of its spend to women-owned businesses. Design/methodology/approach The research framework is informed by two theoretical paradigms, feminist empiricism and entrepreneurial feminism, and uses a secondary analysis of survey data of active federal contractors. Findings Empirical findings inform the extent to which certifications are associated with bid frequency and bid success. The results indicate that none of the various certifications increase either bid frequency or bid success. The findings are consistent with entrepreneurial feminism and call for federal accountability in contracting with women-owned supplier firms. Research limitations/implications The findings are consistent with entrepreneurial feminism and call for federal accountability in contracting with women-owned supplier firms. Practical implications Recommendations include the need to review the impact of consolidated tenders on designated (as certified) SME vendors and to train procurement personnel about the economic contributions of women-owned businesses. Originality/value This research studies the efficacy of various certifications, with particular reference to that of women-owned, on the frequency with which SMEs bid on, and succeed in obtaining, US federal procurement contracts.
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Lee, Jae Young, Woo Sung Jung, Bo Kyong Kim, and Tae Soon Kwon. "Electrokinetic Remediation of Railroad Soil Contaminated by Multi-Metals Using 2-D Reactor." Advanced Materials Research 864-867 (December 2013): 1168–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.864-867.1168.
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Soil pollution around railroad sites is mainly caused by heavy metals and oils. In this study, electrokinetic (EK) remediation was tested to remediate the heavy metal-contaminated railroad soil. The main pollutants of the soil were Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. The used reactor was 2-D scale and DC electric current was supplied continuously under 2 V/cm. As a result, the total removal efficiency of heavy metals from the contaminated railroad soil was about 55.2 %. In the future, the additional researches are required to enhance the removal efficiency for the residual concentration of heavy metals in soil under the remediation standard levels designated from the Soil Environment Preservation Act in Korea.
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Przybyłek, Jan, Krzysztof Dragon, and Piotr Michał Jan Kaczmarek. "Hydrogeological investigations of river bed clogging at a river bank filtration site along the River Warta, Poland." Geologos 23, no. 3 (December 20, 2017): 201–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/logos-2017-0021.
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AbstractRiver bank filtration (RBF) is a system that enriches groundwater resources by induced infiltration of river water to an aquifer. Problematic during operation of RBF systems is the deterioration of infiltration effectiveness caused by river bed clogging. This situation was observed in the Krajkowo well field which supplies fresh water to the city of Poznań (Poland) during and after the long hydrological drought between the years 1989 and 1992. The present note discusses results of specific hydrogeological research which included drilling of a net of boreholes to a depth of 10 m below river bottom (for sediment sampling as well as for hydrogeological measurements), analyses of grain size distribution and relative density studies. The results obtained have allowed the recognition of the origin of the clogging processes, as well as the documentation of the clogged parts of the river bottom designated for unclogging activities.
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Ma, Xiaogang, Chunyu Bao, Niu Yu, and Jing Xie. "Leader Selection and Dynamics Analysis under Leader-Based Collective Bargaining for Buyers’ Alliance." International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos 31, no. 10 (August 2021): 2150156. http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/s021812742150156x.
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This paper focuses on the leader selection from the leader-based collective bargaining system, where buyers form an alliance and designate one of them as the leader to bargain with the supplier for a lower wholesale price of their common component. We construct the dynamic bargaining system consisting of two heterogeneous buyers and one supplier to analyze the influence of the enterprise nature and bargaining power on the leader selection. It was proved that the buyer with stronger bargaining power should be the leader. However, we find that, when the buyers are heterogeneous, the result may be different. In order to explore which factor plays a more important role in the leader selection, we design two rounds of bargaining for comparison. The interesting results imply that whether the bargaining power will reverse the leader selection in the first round depends on its growth rate. The nonlinear dynamics theory is also introduced to analyze the complex behaviors in the dynamic bargaining system. We analyze the influence of adjustment speed on the dynamic bargaining system and obtain the conditions required to maintain system stability. Considering the significance of system stability, the delayed feedback control mechanism is adopted to drive chaos back to stability.
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Ueda, Mirthes, Adelaide José Vaz, Eide Dias Camargo, Ana Maria Carvalho de Souza, Regina Maria Figueiredo Benelli, and Marcos Vinícius da Silva. "Passive haemagglutination test for human neurocysticercosis immunodiagnosis: II - Comparison of two standardized procedures for the passive haemagglutination reagent in the detection of anti-Cysticercus cellulosae antibodies in cerebrospinal fluids." Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo 30, no. 1 (February 1988): 57–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s0036-46651988000100010.
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A comparison of two different standardized reagent procedures for the passive haemagglutination test (PHA) in the detection of specific antibody to Cysticercus cellulosae in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was carried out. The formaldehyde-treated group O Rh-human red blood cells (HuRBC) and glutaraldehyde-treated sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were the supplies for the reagents preparation and, in the tests, they were designated as PHA-1 and PHA-2, respectively. For both reagents the cells were coated with the cysticerci total saline extract (TS) antigen. PHA-1 and PHA-2 were assessed in a total of 204 CSF from patients with neurocysticercosis, from non-related infections and from healthy individuals. The positivity and specificity indices obtained were respectively 81.7% and 94.4% for PHA-1 and for PHA-2, 88.7% and 96.6%. Since no significant differences were observed between the results provided by two reagents, at level of significance of 0.05, either processes of cell sensitization can alternatively be used according to the own laboratory convenience.
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Loukas, Marios, Robert G. Louis, Lynsey Stewart, Barry Hallner, Terry DeLuca, Walter Morgan, Ranjil Shah, and Jim Mlejnek. "The surgical anatomy of ulnar and median nerve communications in the palmar surface of the hand." Journal of Neurosurgery 106, no. 5 (May 2007): 887–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.3171/jns.2007.106.5.887.
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Object Sensation in the palmar surface of the digits is supplied by the median and ulnar nerves, with the boundary classically being the midline of the ring finger. Overlap and variations of this division exist, and a communicating branch between the ulnar and median nerve could potentially explain further variations in digital sensory innervations. The aim of this study was to examine the origin and distribution of the communicating branch between the ulnar and median nerves and to apply such findings to the risk involved in surgical procedures in the hand. Methods The authors grossly and endoscopically examined 200 formalin-fixed adult human hands obtained in 100 cadavers, and a communicating branch was found to be present in 170 hands (85%). Of the specimens with communicating branches, the authors were able to identify four notable types representing different points of connections of the branches. The most common, Type I (143 hands, 84.1%), featured a communicating branch that originated proximally from the ulnar nerve and proceeded distally to join the median nerve. Type II (12 hands, 7.1%) designated a communicating branch that originated proximally from the median nerve and proceeded distally to join the ulnar nerve. Type III (six hands, 3.5%) designated a communicating branch that traversed perpendicularly between the median and ulnar nerves in such a way that it was not possible to determine which nerve served as the point of origin. Type IV (nine hands, 5.3%) designated a mixed type in which multiple communicating branches existed, arising from both ulnar and median nerves. Conclusions According to the origin and distribution of these branching patterns, the investigators were able to define a risk area in which the communicating branch(es) may be subject to iatrogenic injury during common hand procedures.
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Tabash, Mohammed, and Mazer Abuqamar. "ASSESSMENT OF THE STATUS OF PRIVATE AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL PHARMACEUTICALS SUPPLY WAREHOUSES IN GAZA STRIP, PALESTINE." Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research 11, no. 2 (February 1, 2018): 300. http://dx.doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2018.v11i2.22639.
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Objective: Storage of medicine is one of the most important stages in the pharmaceuticals and medical preparations management, which influences the quality and the effectiveness of these products. The study was conducted to assess the storage system of the drugs, medical disposables and their management in the private and local NGOs medical warehouses in Gaza Strip.Methods: A cross-sectional study using interviewing questionnaire and checklist was carried out at (16) local NGOs including 33 employees and (29) private warehouses including 57 employees.Results: The quality of construction of private and local warehouses were enough satisfied (80%), while stock management and quality control were in a need to improvement (44.5%), in which the quality of stock control and conditions of local NGOs were higher than private warehouses. Inadequate training courses were given in store related work. The majority of warehouses did not have practical guidelines and written procedures for dealing with storage procedure; also, there is inadequate safety and security system. About 37% of them kept controlled drugs in a separate storage space designated for this purpose. More than half of warehouses always quarantined medical supplies until the quality is checked. 60% of warehouses used first expire first out dispensing policy for medical supplies. 56% of the warehouses measure temperature, while not all warehouses measured humidity.Conclusion: Warehouses need to pay attention to the commodity management cycle and to ensure the availability of safety measurements. Provision of training to employees dealing with the storage process is essential accompanied by monitoring and supervision.
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Dongré, Raj, Satish Ramaiah, and John D’Angelo. "Use of Viscosity Standard Fluid To Control Quality of Rheological Measurements for Characterizing Asphalt Binders." Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board 1586, no. 1 (January 1997): 24–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.3141/1586-04.
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The results of a study to establish a protocol for calibrating and maintaining Superpave rheometers are described. The reference standard material used was supplied by Cannon Instrument Co. The material (high viscosity standard) is designated as N2700000 and is supplied with ASTM traceable values of steady shear viscosity at various Superpave specification temperatures. The main objective was to determine whether sound calibration practices and adequate training can improve the repeatability and reproducibility of the rheological parameters required in the Superpave binder specification. Ten laboratories participated in the study. The results indicate that the viscosity standard can be used as a standard fluid to calibrate and maintain the Superpave rheometers. The repeatability and reproducibility data were compared with similar estimates reported by the AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory. It was found that the reproducibility (between-laboratory variation) improved by a factor of two and repeatability (within-laboratory variation) improved modestly. With these results, a protocol for using the standard was also developed. Further analysis of results is under way to determine the frequency of calibration and maintenance required to obtain consistent rheological measurements. The results of this analysis and efforts to implement statistical process control charts for calibration and maintenance of rheometers using the standard reference fluid (Cannon N2700000 viscosity standard) are discussed.
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Kroff, T., and R. Heckard. "Taking charge of the demand side when short-supplied: Prioritized distribution of the 2004-2005 influenza vaccine to members in common of a designated high-priority group of healthcare workers." American Journal of Infection Control 33, no. 5 (June 2005): e92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2005.04.111.
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Hurley, John R., and Loren A. Brooks. "Primacy of Affiliativeness in Ratings of Group Climate." Psychological Reports 62, no. 1 (February 1988): 123–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1988.62.1.123.
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Relationships among the 12 items of MacKenzie's (1983) short Group Climate Questionnaire (GCQ-S) were examined from two perspectives. All 25 members of four small groups and 9 nonparticipant observers separately supplied 75 GCQ-S protocols for varied group sessions that were compared for items' correlations and mean differences. Similarities overshadowed the differences between ratings by members and observers although members consistently rated group sessions more favorably than observers. Both data sets featured positively intralinked but negatively interlinked quintets of items designated Affiliative and Disaffiliative This 10-item Affiliativeness composite fully coincided with the main findings of prior studies by Slough and Hurley and Brooks. Superseding MacKenzie's Avoiding, Conflict, and Engaged GCQ-S miniscales, Affiliativeness parallels the affiliation/evaluation factor central to mote comprehensive group-climate inventories and also closely resembles the interpersonal domain's prepotent affiliation dimension.
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Carson, Susan D. Biegel, Philip E. Klebba, Salete M. C. Newton, and P. Frederick Sparling. "Ferric Enterobactin Binding and Utilization byNeisseria gonorrhoeae." Journal of Bacteriology 181, no. 9 (May 1, 1999): 2895–901. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/jb.181.9.2895-2901.1999.
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ABSTRACT FetA, formerly designated FrpB, an iron-regulated, 76-kDa neisserial outer membrane protein, shows sequence homology to the TonB-dependent family of receptors that transport iron into gram-negative bacteria. Although FetA is commonly expressed by most neisserial strains and is a potential vaccine candidate for bothNeisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis, its function in cell physiology was previously undefined. We now report that FetA functions as an enterobactin receptor. N. gonorrhoeae FA1090 utilized ferric enterobactin as the sole iron source when supplied with ferric enterobactin at approximately 10 μM, but growth stimulation was abolished when an omega (Ω) cassette was inserted withinfetA or when tonB was insertionally interrupted. FA1090 FetA specifically bound59Fe-enterobactin, with a Kd of approximately 5 μM. Monoclonal antibodies raised against theEscherichia coli enterobactin receptor, FepA, recognized FetA in Western blots, and amino acid sequence comparisons revealed that residues previously implicated in ferric enterobactin binding by FepA were partially conserved in FetA. An open reading frame downstream of fetA, designated fetB, predicted a protein with sequence similarity to the family of periplasmic binding proteins necessary for transporting siderophores through the periplasmic space of gram-negative bacteria. An Ω insertion withinfetB abolished ferric enterobactin utilization without causing a loss of ferric enterobactin binding. These data show that FetA is a functional homolog of FepA that binds ferric enterobactin and may be part of a system responsible for transporting the siderophore into the cell.
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Ekka, Abha, Shubra A. Gupta, Divya Sahu, Anmol Madhur Minj, and G. P. Soni. "Assessment of infrastructure of first referral unit facilities in Surguja division: a responsibility of providing emergency obstetric care." International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health 6, no. 12 (November 27, 2019): 5168. http://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20195464.
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Background: Availability of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) is one of interventions to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. The health system fails when effective and affordable health interventions do not reach the population, when Poor infrastructure, drugs and equipment are lacking, and qualified human resources are scarce. The objective of the present study was to assess the availability of EmOC infrastructure in first referral units (FRUs) of Surguja division, Chhattisgarh.Methods: A cross sectional study was designated with 13 FRUs of Surguja division. A semi structured, closed-ended questionnaires was observed on the basis of check list, reviewing record, and interview by available staff.Results: FRUs of Surguja division for physical infrastructure scored 68.5%, for essential medicine 69.2%, for equipments 50.7%, for instruments 45.3% and for availability of blood 34.6%, for health man power category of specialist score was 25.7% but for supportive staff 65.4%.Conclusions: Our study revealed three existing bottlenecks in the healthcare delivery system as inadequate civil infrastructure, short fall of specialists as well as inadequate supplies of drugs and equipment, hampering the function of facility.
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Anderson, Ewan W. "The Political and Strategic Significance of Water." Outlook on Agriculture 21, no. 4 (December 1992): 247–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/003072709202100402.
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Water has always been regarded as of political and even of strategic importance, particularly in the more arid parts of the world. From the earliest civilizations in the Fertile Crescent to the modern state, water security has been considered a national issue. Over 40% of the world's population lives in shared drainage basins, and therefore questions of equity with regard to potable water supplies, irrigation, power distribution, flood control, navigation, fishing and, possibly, leisure pursuits, are bound to arise. As in many parts of the world, but especially the Middle East and the drier areas of Africa, populations burgeon, these questions will assume even greater prominence. International law in the context of trans-boundary issues is still largely in the development stage. Recently, with the changing world order, the concept of resource geopolitics, involving potential problems of access and denial, has been re-examined. In this context, like petroleum and certain minerals, water is designated strategic. As is apparent in the current Middle East Peace Talks, water issues can be a vital component in global diplomacy.
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Biondi, Maurizio, and Paola D'Alessandro. "Revision of Diphaulacosoma Jacoby, an endemic flea beetle genus from Madagascar, with description of three new species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini)." Fragmenta Entomologica 48, no. 2 (December 31, 2016): 143. http://dx.doi.org/10.4081/fe.2016.181.
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A taxonomic revision of the flea beetle genus <em>Diphaulacosoma</em> Jacoby, endemic to Madagascar, is provided. This genus includes seven species of which three are new to science: <em>D. elegans</em> sp. n., <em>D. jenisi</em> sp. n., and <em>D. nigroscutis</em> sp. n. An updated catalogue including new material, new faunistic records, distributions, chorotypes, and ecological notes is supplied. Lectotypes for <em>Diphaulacosoma</em> <em>laevipenne</em> Jacoby, <em>D. bicolor</em> (Weise) and <em>D. scutellare</em> (Weise) are designated. Additionally, the revision comprises a key for the identification of all seven species considered, habitus photos, and microscope and scanning electron micrographs of diagnostic characters, including aedeagus and spermatheca.
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Metzger, Amy M., and Mona Bormet. "Pharmaceutical stockouts: problems and remedies for faith-based health facilities in Africa." Christian Journal for Global Health 4, no. 2 (July 12, 2017): 19–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.15566/cjgh.v4i2.130.
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Background and aims: Faith-based organizations (FBOs) provide a substantial portion of the health care services in many countries but despite this coverage, many health facilities have struggled to maintain adequate stocks of supplies. The purpose of this study was to identify the types of supply chain systems used by African faith-based health facilities to acquire reproductive health commodities, the performance of the different supply chain system types, their associated challenges and possible corrective actions.Methodology: Through email surveys, phone interviews, and on-site visits, supply chains and challenges of faith-based health facilities in 13 African countries for 16 selected reproductive health (RH) commodities, including contraceptives were studied. Results: Of the 46 facilities surveyed, 55% faced stockouts of one or more products in the three months prior to the survey. Stockouts were less common for contraceptives than other RH products. Significant strengths of the FBO supply chain included creativity in finding other sources of commodities in the face of stockouts, staff designated to monitor quality of the commodities, high capacity for storage, low incidence of expired products, few instances of poor quality, and strong financial sustainability mechanisms, often including patient fees. Weaknesses included unreliable commodity sources and power supplies, long distances to depots, and problems maintaining the cold chain. Five supply chain types were identified. As a result of this study, FBOs in Cameroon have already taken steps to strengthen their supply chain systems and reduce stockouts by forming the Alliance of Christian Faith-Based Organizations for Family Planning (ACFBOFP) in Cameroon. This coalition is raising the profile and fortifying the voice of FBOs toward strengthening FBO commodity security in Cameroon. Conclusions: By studying the supply chains of faith-based health facilities, Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH) and its members have created new awareness among FBOs and international agencies of the importance and challenges of these systems and suggested actions toward improvement. This study can serve as a frame of reference as we move forward, anticipating an acceleration in interest to strengthen FBO supply chains to reach as many communities as possible with supplies and services. The alliance formed in Cameroon to strengthen commodity security may be a good model for other FBOs to consider.
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Sayuti, Irda. "Effect of Agitation to Hydrocarbon Degradation by a Hydrocarbonoclastic Bacterium isolated from Chevron Pacific Indonesia’s Waste Tank in Petapahan, Riau." International Journal of Ecophysiology 1, no. 2 (November 10, 2019): 146–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.32734/ijoep.v1i2.2825.
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Oxygen content is a limiting factor in the process of hydrocarbon compounds degradation by hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria. Oxygen may be supplied through agitation (stirring) during fermentation process by hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria. This study aims to to determine the optimal agitation speed for batch fermentation process by hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria isolated from the waste tank of PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI) Petapahan, Riau. This study was conducted in Biota laboratory, Universitas Andalas, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria were recovered from waste samples by culturing into nutrient broth. Three different agitation speed viz. 110, 120, and 130 rpm were selected as optimization factors. The results show that the percentage of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) degradation are 79.72, 87.49, and 88.35 for 110, 120, and 130 rpm, respectively. Meanwhile, chemical oxygen demand (COD) monitored during fermentation are 88.48, 90.06, and 90.16%, respectively. The agitation speed of 130 rpm is then designated as optimum factor for hydrocarbon degradation by hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria.
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SEEMAN, OWEN D., and JENNIFER J. BEARD. "Identification of exotic pest and Australian native and naturalised species of Tetranychus (Acari: Tetranychidae)." Zootaxa 2961, no. 1 (July 8, 2011): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.2961.1.1.
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An illustrated dichotomous key to the 3 endemic Australian, 9 naturalised exotic, and 14 exotic pest species of Tetranychus Dufour, 1832, deemed to be of greatest risk of accidental introduction to Australia is presented. Each species is diagnosed, illustrated with line drawings and/or photographs, and supplied with remarks on its biology, potential to enter Australia and economic importance. We establish that Tetranychus desertorum Banks, 1900, previously thought to be present in Australia, is absent. The erroneous record of T. desertorum is due to confusion between this species and T. ludeni. Tetranychus gloveri Banks, 1900 was absent from Australia until a recent incursion in Darwin, now considered eradicated. All previous records of Tetranychus gloveri, Tetranychus tumidus Banks, 1900 and Allonychus braziliensis (McGregor, 1950) in Australia are Oligonychus digitatus Davis, 1966. Tetranychus ludensis Attiah, 1969 syn. nov. is synonymised with Tetranychus ludeni Zacher, 1913. Lectotype and paralectotype specimens are designated for Tetranychus marianae McGregor, 1950 and Tetranychus mexicanus (McGregor, 1950).
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Sanders, Charlotta E. "Review of the Development of the Proposed Yucca Mountain Geologic Repository." Advances in Science and Technology 94 (October 2014): 115–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/ast.94.115.
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It can be said that the nuclear community neglected the issue of final storage of nuclear waste in the first era of nuclear power production, with many nations not looking at this topic until some years into its program. This is a matter that must not be neglected now during the ‘renaissance’ of nuclear if nuclear energy is to have a part on the stage of the play in world energy supplies. In 1982, the United States (U.S.) Congress passed the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA), which outlines the screening process for selecting a national site for used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste storage. This paper describes the U.S. nuclear waste policy dilemma and its impact on the selection and development of the nation's first long-term geologic repository for over 70,000 metric tons of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. In 1987, the U.S. Congress designated Yucca Mountain, which can be described as the "most studied real estate on the planet", as the repository site to be characterized. However, due to political pressures, the fate and realization of the Yucca Mountain repository is uncertain.
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Quist, Tanya M., C. Frank Williams, and M. L. Robinson. "Effects of Varying Water Quality on Growth and Appearance of Landscape Plants." Journal of Environmental Horticulture 17, no. 2 (June 1, 1999): 88–91. http://dx.doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-17.2.88.
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Abstract Increasing demand for limited water supplies in populated arid regions over the next decade may require implementation of new water-use practices. Eliminating use of high-quality water for landscape irrigation by using low-quality water delivered through secondary systems is an ideal option for conserving potable water. However, irrigation of woody landscape plants using waters high in inorganic salts may adversely affect soil fertility, structure, plant growth and appearance. Twelve woody ornamentals commonly used in landscapes in Salt Lake County, Utah, were treated with three blends of Utah Lake and Provo River water to assess the quality of plants produced. Three irrigation treatments, designated high-, medium-, and low-quality water were blended to maintain sodium concentrations of 15, 80 and 120 mg/liter respectively. Soils irrigated with medium-and low-quality water developed significantly higher adjusted sodium absorption ratio (SAR) and salinity than soils irrigated with high quality water and the effect varied with time. Except for four species, medium-and low-quality water did not significantly lower scores for plant appearance. Results of this two-year study support development of secondary water systems and use of lower-quality water for landscape irrigation.
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Emerson, Geoffrey G., and Steven S. Segal. "Alignment of microvascular units along skeletal muscle fibers of hamster retractor." Journal of Applied Physiology 82, no. 1 (January 1, 1997): 42–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1997.82.1.42.
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Emerson, Geoffrey G., and Steven S. Segal. Alignment of microvascular units along skeletal muscle fibers of hamster retractor. J. Appl. Physiol. 82(1): 42–48, 1997.—When muscle fibers contract, blood flow requirements increase along their entire length. However, the organization of capillary perfusion along muscle fibers is unclear. The microvascular unit (MVU) is defined as a terminal arteriole and the group of capillaries it supplies. We investigated whether neighboring MVUs along the fiber axis perfused the same group of muscle fibers by using the parallel-fibered retractor muscle. Hamsters were anesthetized and perfused with Microfil to visualize MVUs relative to muscle fibers. Fields of study, which encompassed five to seven neighboring MVUs along a muscle fiber, were chosen from the interior of muscles and along muscle edges. On average, MVUs were 1 mm in length, 0.50 mm in width, and 0.1 mm deep; segments of ∼30 fibers were contained in this tissue volume of 0.05 mm3 (20 MVUs/mg muscle). The total distance across muscle fibers encompassed by a pair of MVUs is designated “union” (U); the fraction of this distance common to both MVUs is designated “intersection” (I). The ratio of I to U for the widths of neighboring MVUs provides an index of MVU alignment along muscle fibers (e.g., I/U = 1.0 indicates complete alignment, where the fibers perfused by one MVU are the same as those perfused by the neighboring MVU). We found that I/U along muscle edges (0.71 ± 0.02) was greater ( P < 0.05) than the ratio measured within muscles (0.66 ± 0.02). A model predicted a maximum I/U of 0.58 with random MVU alignment. Thus measured values were closer to random than to complete alignment. These findings indicate that an increase in blood flow along muscle fibers requires the perfusion of many MVUs and imply that vasodilation is coordinated among the parent arterioles from which corresponding MVUs arise.
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Lunardi, Diana G., Márcia H. Engel, João L. P. Marciano, and Regina H. Macedo. "Behavioural strategies in humpback whales,Megaptera novaeangliae, in a coastal region of Brazil." Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 90, no. 8 (June 2, 2010): 1693–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0025315410000421.
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The behavioural patterns of humpback whales are known to vary according to the social function of individuals in a group. To identify behavioural patterns related to specific group compositions, we observed events and behavioural states of humpback whales during research cruises in the Abrolhos Bank, Brazil, in the reproductive seasons from 1992 to 2003. We monitored 3022 groups and found a predominance of competitive groups without calves, when compared to competitive groups with calves. A Bayesian network analysis supplied occurrence probabilities for the behaviours analysed, indicating higher probabilities of occurrence for the behavioural patterns designated travelling and socializing. The model, generated from a binomial logistic regression, was able to predict competitive groups in association with the occurrence of the following aggressive behaviours: head-lunging, trumpet and bubblestreams. This study suggests the existence of behavioural patterns associated with specific group compositions and reinforces the concept that there is a clear-cut relation between competitive groups and the occurrence of aggressive behaviours. The preferential association of males to females with high reproductive potential for the following year (i.e. females without a calf) was also identified.
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Spalding-Fecher, Randall. "What is the carbon emission factor for the South African electricity grid?" Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 22, no. 4 (November 1, 2011): 8–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2011/v22i4a3225.
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One of the most important parameters for developing Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project proposals in the electricity sector (both supply and efficiency) is the standard electricity ‘grid emission factor’, which represents the carbon dioxide related to a megawatt hour of electricity supplied or saved on the grid. While there are detailed guidelines from the CDM Executive Board on how to calculate this emission factor, the values used in registered CDM projects in South Africa vary widely, both due to changes in the rules over time and also to misapplication of the rules. This paper shows how the application of the latest guidelines gives a ‘combined margin emission factor’ for South Africa of 0.957 tCO2/MWh in 2009/2010. The variation in emission factors in the literature, as well as the importance of reducing the transaction costs for South African project developers, points to the need for an official published grid emission factor from the CDM host country authority in South Africa, the Designated National Authority (DNA), within the Department of Energy.
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Melodi, A. O., and S. O. Aremu. "Functional Efficacy of Omu-Aran 132/33kV Electricity Transmission Substation-Network Arrangement." Advanced Materials Research 824 (September 2013): 100–107. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.824.100.
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This is one in a series of need driven studies to evaluate the efficacy of power delivery of radial 132/33 kV substation-network arrangements under prevailing load conditions, which represents communities expansions and social developments. The specific condition of Omu-Aran 132/33 kV substation-network arrangement (SNA), which supplies electricity to 5 load-communities in 4 respective States with similar demand cultures, was examined. Outgoing 33kV Network lines (NLs) were designated according to the names of their respective termini-cities. The description of network elements obtained from the network control centres, and network parameters were evaluated using standard formulas. From time series logged data (2007-2010) at the SNA, the maximum power statistics were evaluated to define the peak load conditions on the NLs. The SNA was modelled mathematically for load flow computational experiments using, predominantly, Bus Admittance Matrix method. Efficacy of power delivery was analysed using, mainly, voltage and thermal capacity criteria. An analysis of the results established substantial and inadmissible voltage and power losses between substation and load-communities on the existing 33 kV network lines; efficient normal mode use of these lines requires implementation of drastic load shedding, network reconstruction or reinforcement by voltage and power saving requirements.
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Shaikh, Fazal Ali, Muhammad Saeed Shahbaz, Saad Ud Din, and Nasurullah Odhano. "The Role of Collaboration and Integration in the Supply Chain of Construction Industry." Civil Engineering Journal 6, no. 7 (July 1, 2020): 1300–1313. http://dx.doi.org/10.28991/cej-2020-03091549.
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It has found that the construction sector of Pakistan is growing fast due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor but history shows that construction projects never achieves its targets. The literature revealed the major hurdles behind the construction is supply chain issues. Supply chain of construction is deficient due to lack of collaboration and integration. The aim of this study is the empirically verify the role of supply chain collaboration (information sharing, Joint decision making, and risk and reward sharing) and supply chain integration (supplier integration, internal integration, and customer integration) with performance. This is a quantitative study, a total of 350 questionnaires were distributed to registered construction firms with Pakistan Engineering Council and 221 were received and considered for analysis after purification, validity and reliability. Multiple-regression technique was applied through SPSS. This study has unique findings as all integration approaches have significant effects while collaboration is not working for the same industry. This proves that members of supply chain construction can get benefit from integration but they hesitate to share their risks, rewards, and planning to all stakeholders. This study will help managers in decision making. This study will also help the government of Pakistan and China in completing their construction projects in time and with the designated cost.
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Rollenbeck, R., J. Bendix, P. Fabian, J. Boy, W. Wilcke, H. Dalitz, M. Oesker, and P. Emck. "Comparison of Different Techniques for the Measurement of Precipitation in Tropical Montane Rain Forest Regions." Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology 24, no. 2 (February 1, 2007): 156–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.1175/jtech1970.1.
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Abstract Characteristics of different precipitation measurements in a tropical mountain valley in southern Ecuador are compared in this study to determine potential errors. The instruments are used for different ecological purposes like erosion studies, through fall measurements, investigation of atmospheric chemistry, and modeling of area rainfall distribution. Five recording devices (two precipitation radars, an electro-optical present weather sensor, and two tipping buckets) and three totaling gauges were operated in parallel at a designated site. Data were taken between 1998 and 2003 with different temporal resolution and different operational periods. The general agreement between the instruments is rather good; deviations are in the expected range of 10%–20% of the annual total of about 2200 mm. The remote sensing devices are superior in registering the frequent occurrence of light rain but are not capable of detecting the full range of rain intensities observed. The tipping buckets and the totaling gauges are reliable instruments, but a certain fraction of light drizzle and wind-driven rain is not detected. The present weather sensor has the widest range of sensitivity and supplies additional information on drop spectra. All datasets are affected by operational problems (interruptions, synchronization errors); hence, the redundancy given here seems reasonable for an ecosystem study.