Delivery Chain Research Articles

Perspectives of postpartum women on intermittent presumptive treatment in Uganda: implications for malaria prevention: a qualitative study

BackgroundMalaria during pregnancy leads to many deaths in Africa. COVID-19 contributed to more malaria cases due to interruptions in prevention efforts. Intermittent presumptive treatment (IPTP) is an effective malaria prevention strategy for pregnant women, but adoption barriers still exist. The study aim was to explore barriers to the adoption of IPTP at Kawempe National Referral Hospital (KNRH) Uganda.MethodsIn a qualitative study design, data was collected using focus group discussions. A total of 37 postpartum mothers were interviewed in six focus group discussions. The interviews were conducted using a structured guide to explore barriers to IPTP implementation at KNRH. The data was transcribed, coded, and analysed using NVivo 10.ResultsThe study found that mothers lacked adequate knowledge about IPTP, faced socioeconomic and cultural constraints, fear of side effects, a high pill burden, and experience of health system challenges as major themes of barriers to optimal IPTP use.Conclusions and recommendationsChallenges in the service delivery and inadequate information in regard to importance and expected side effects were identified by the users as the major barriers to IPTP delivery in public health care setting. Improving delivery of focused health education talks and health work attitude and delivery chain for IPTP in the health facilities are recommended to increase its uptake.

Advanced Biofuel Value Chains Sourced by New Cropping Systems With Low iLUC Risk

ABSTRACTIncreasing lignocellulosic feedstock for advanced biofuels can tackle the decarbonization of the transport sector. Dedicated biomass produced alongside food systems with low indirect land use change (iLUC) impact can broaden the feedstock availability, thus streamlining the supply chains. The objective of this study was the design and evaluation of advanced ethanol value chains for the Emilia‐Romagna region based on low iLUC feedstock. Two dedicated lignocellulosic crops (biomass sorghum and sunn hemp) were evaluated in double cropping systems alongside food crop residues (corn stover and wheat straw) as sources to simulate the value chains. A parcel‐level regional analysis was carried out, then the LocaGIStics2.0 model was used for the spatial design and review of the biomass delivery chain options regarding cost and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the different feedstock mixes. Literature data on bioethanol production from similar feedstocks were used to estimate yields, process costs, and GHG emissions of a biorefinery process based on these biomasses. Within the chain options, GHG emissions were overly sensitive to cultivation input, mostly N‐fertilization. This considered, GHG emissions resulted similar across different feedstock with straw/stover (averaging 13 g CO2eq MJ−1 fuel), sunn hemp (14 g CO2eq MJ−1 fuel), and biomass sorghum (16 g CO2eq MJ−1 fuel). On the other hand, the bioethanol produced from biomass sorghum (608 € Mg−1 of bioethanol) was cheaper compared with straw (632 € Mg−1), sunn hemp (672 € Mg−1), and stover (710 € Mg−1). The bioethanol cost ranged from 0.0017 to 0.020 € MJ−1 fuel depending on the feedstock, with operations and maintenance impacting up to 90% of the final cost. In summary, a single bioethanol plant with an annual capacity of 250,000 Mg of biomass could replace from 5% to 7% of the Emilia‐Romagna's ethanol fuel consumption, depending on the applied sourcing scenario.

Assessing the role of non-state actors in health service delivery and health system resilience in Myanmar

BackgroundDue to the weaknesses of the public health system and its low reach, especially in border areas, provision of health services by non-state actors (NSAs) has historically played an important role in Myanmar. NSAs include local and international NGOs and civil society organisations (CSOs), but also Ethnic Health Organisations (EHOs) in the border areas, as well as the private (for profit) sector. This study aims to understand the changing role of NSAs in the shifting political environment of Myanmar between 2010 and 2022, and to explore their contribution to health system resilience.MethodsOur study includes three main components: a documentary review (n = 22), key informant interviews (KIIs) at central level (n = 14) and two township-level case studies (13 KIIs, 4 FGDs). Mostly qualitative data were collected in 2022 and synthesized, using a health system resilience framework to structure the analysis.ResultsDuring the transition period (2010–2014) and the new political era (2015–2020), while the country gradually transitioned to a democratic system, the government increasingly recognized NSAs. Initially, engagement with NSAs remained focused on disease-specific activities and government oversight was limited, but later it expanded to health system strengthening, including the start of a “convergence” with ethnic health systems. Progress was relatively slow, but defined by a clear vision and plans. The military coup of February 2021 brought a halt to this progress. Collaboration between government and NSAs was interrupted, and NSAs restored previous practices and parallel systems. Initially, most health service provision stopped, but with time coping strategies emerged, which showed the capacity of NSAs to absorb the shocks (focusing on basic services; using informal communication channels; maintaining buffer stocks of supplies) and adapt (changing modes of delivery and supply chains, and adjusting HRH training).ConclusionsThe study highlights the role of NSAs during crises, and provides insights on how the resilience capacities built over time by NSAs to provide services in adverse circumstances have informed the response to the latest crisis. While strategies of absorption and adaptation are noted in the study, we did not identify any transformation strategy – which might indicate the difficulty of NSAs to introduce radical changes when subjected to multiple shocks and a hostile political environment.

The Application of Big Data Technology in the Analysis of Commercial Circulation Data in Emerging Industries

Inside the generation of rapid technological development, rising industries are increasingly counting on big facts to pressure growth and innovation. This examine explores the transformative effect of huge facts generation on the analysis of commercial circulate statistics in those burgeoning sectors. By way of harnessing numerous and voluminous datasets, organisations inside rising industries can uncover crucial insights, optimise delivery chains, are expecting marketplace developments, and enhance patron reviews. The paper begins by using outlining the unique challenges and possibilities that emerging industries face within the virtual landscape, emphasising the want for strong facts-driven techniques. We delve into the methodologies of large facts analytics, together with data acquisition, garage, processing, and visualization strategies tailor-made for the nuanced requirements of these industries. A crucial examination of case research wherein huge facts has been efficaciously carried out offers realistic insights into its effectiveness and barriers. The examine similarly investigates the role of advanced analytics, system studying, and AI in refining data evaluation techniques, providing a complete view of the way those technologies synergistically make contributions to strategic selection-making. Moral issues, especially regarding records of privateness and safety, are also addressed, acknowledging the responsibilities that accompany the utilization of huge information. The paper concludes by projecting future traits in big statistics programs within rising industries, which includes the capacity for predictive analytics and the integration of IoT gadgets. This research now not only underscores the significance of big statistics in revolutionising business flow however also serves as a guiding framework for industry leaders and stakeholders trying to navigate the complexities of the digital age in rising markets.

ASSESSING THE SYNERGETIC EFFECT OF SELECTING THE OPTIMAL STRUCTURE OF A LOGISTICS CHAIN

This study tackles a critical challenge in logistics optimization: assessing the economic efficiency not only of individual entities within a logistics chain, but also the synergistic benefits that arise from their collaboration. We achieve this by proposing a methodology that evaluates the economic efficiency of interactions between participants in a logistics chain. This methodology goes beyond individual efficiency and delves into how the overall economic benefit is distributed among key stakeholders. These stakeholders include freight owners, who initiate the delivery process, forwarders who manage and optimize deliveries, carriers who physically transport goods, and freight terminals that facilitate cargo handling and storage. To ensure the methodology’s relevance to contemporary practices, we begin with a comprehensive review of recent advancements in delivery chain optimization research. We propose to measure the synergetic effect by considering delivery demand parameters, such as the weight of the consignment and the distance it needs to travel. To validate our methodology and gain practical insights, we conducted a series of experimental studies specifically tailored to the Kazakhstani transportation market. By analysing the share of the synergistic effect under varying delivery demand parameters, we were able to identify trends and patterns.

ИННОВАЦИИ В ЖИЗНЕННОМ ЦИКЛЕ СТРОИТЕЛЬСТВА ПОСРЕДСТВОМ ИНТЕГРАЦИИ BIM/ГИС

Innovation in the life cycle of construction is an important topic for the modern construction industry. The introduction of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and GIS (Geoinformation System) technologies into the construction process changes the traditional methodology of designing buildings and structures. The integration of BIM and GIS allows you to improve the accuracy and quality of information in design and construction. This is achieved through digital control and management of data stored in a single database accessible to all project participants. The use of system integration in the design of buildings makes it possible to display much more accurately the achievements of ergonomics and safety, work with energy, optimization of materials, as well as forecasting operating costs. Innovations in the construction life cycle can reduce time and financial costs, as well as improve the quality of work in the entire project delivery chain. This is important for various sectors, including residential construction, commercial real estate and infrastructure facilities. BIM and GIS also help to simplify the interaction between all project participants - from architects and engineers to builders and operational teams. This provides more effective problem solving and improves interaction throughout the project lifecycle. This study is dedicated to the topic of integration of BIM/GIS platforms. This article will describe the main terms and definitions, compare the functionality of the platforms under consideration. The advantages of technology integration will also be presented, the experience of using information modeling technologies used for urban planning activities on the example of a BIM model of a cafe building will be considered. The construction model will be exported from the BIM space to the GIS environment, during which some pros and cons of the transfers are identified, on the basis of which conclusions are formulated about the further application and integration of Graphisoft and Autodesk products.

VARIABLE ASSESSMENT OF THE TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS SCHEME FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF GOODS TO THE TRADE NETWORK

The distribution of goods to the trade network is a complex process that requires a careful approach to determining the hierarchical structure of the interaction of participants in the logistics chain and planning their activities. An essential element of this process is choosing the configuration of the transport and logistics scheme, which ensures efficient and timely delivery of goods to the trade network. In this study, we propose to carry out a variable assessment of the efficiency of the distribution of goods according to basic schemes on the ground of taking into account a set of factors, such as the distance of transportation, volume of cargo, delivery terms, specific costs for transportation and storage of freight, the impact of changes in the speed of movement and the time of cargo operations. It makes it possible to present the choice of a rational transport and logistics scheme in the form of an optimisation process to make it more flexible and adaptable to the changing conditions that characterise the current distribution of goods. The article aims to establish a rational structure for determining the efficiency of the delivery of goods to the trade network based on evaluating a sensible version of the transport and logistics scheme, which ensures the conditions for implementing technological operations in time. The methodological basis for establishing a rational version of the transport and logistics scheme is a developed structural model of the influence of input parameters on the total costs and timeliness of delivery of a batch of goods to the trade network. Such a research model describes the functional relationship between incoming information flows about the volumes of orders for the delivery of goods, the nature of changes in the parameters of cars in motion and under loading-unloading, information about the structure of the available car fleet, and the characteristics of the communication network and the controlling influences represented by the choice of a rational total of trunk and delivery routes. Designating a logical sequence of communication between these flows enables determining the value of the components of the efficiency criterion of the transport and logistics delivery system. We established that the transport and logistics scheme of delivery is the basis for the development of transportation routes and the organisation of the functioning of warehouse distribution complexes. The developed structure for evaluating the efficiency of the delivery of goods to the trade network allows for determining the core conditions of activity of the logistics chain participants and specifying a set of technical, operational, and economic indicators of their work. Accounting for the time parameters of the transport and logistics chain enables taking into account the influence of fluctuations in the high-speed mode of movement and idle time at loading and unloading points. The developed models for estimating the time parameters of cargo delivery facilitate efficient planning of the transportation routes and determine the rational time for delivery of each consignment. All local models work in a complex with the general structure of evaluating the efficiency of goods delivery and ensuring a more efficient and transparent management of logistics processes. Their use allows logistics companies to reduce delivery costs, improve the quality of customer service, and increase the competitiveness of the trading network in the market. Keywords: delivery, product, trade network, delivery chain, logistics system.

Projecting and Transforming the Net Structure of Delivery Chains in Conditions of Latest Geo-Political Changes

Logistics in Russia has been actively developing lately. One of key trends in this process implies building a net structure by logistic companies as a foundation for efficient and competitive delivery chains. The article studied development of a net structure of delivery chains and specific features of new reality of net functioning, where their transformation shall take place. It was found out that strategic goals, which are targeted at by logistic company plans are based on rational net configuration. Availability of rationally projected logistic chains both inside the country and abroad became unquestionable competitive advantage that allowed companies to move goods to the final consumer. Globalization of economy in certain countries and the development of international trade in the last decade provided logistic companies with wide opportunities for profitable territorial location of delivery chain links. However, the desired success of logistic companies in attaining goals of functioning faced today’s transport and logistics reality caused by pressure of numerous factors connected with sanctions against Russia, which led to the necessity to transform net configuration. In view of this the authors discussed in more detail the mechanism of some factors, which can result in distortion of product flows and arising of new ones, including in international delivery chains.

The Role of Supply Chains as an Input to Improve Institutional Performance: Prospective Study

This article examines the pivotal position of delivery chains in enhancing overall institutional performance, highlighting their importance as essential for organizational success. It begins by defining delivery chains and institutional overall performance, establishing a framework for understanding their interconnections. Essential additives of robust supply chains, such as logistics, procurement, and facts flow, are explored to demonstrate how they contribute to institutional efficiency and effectiveness. The look at analyzes the effect of strong deliver chains on institutional overall performance, demonstrating that optimized supply chain management can result in value reduction, progressed provider delivery, and stronger aggressive gain. Strategies for reinforcing delivery chains within institutions are mentioned, imparting actionable insights for leaders searching to leverage delivery chain abilities to force overall performance upgrades. Finally, the thing identifies future developments in delivery chain control, such as digital transformation, sustainability, and collaboration, suggesting that establishments must adapt to these changes to stay aggressive in a rapidly evolving landscape. By integrating those views, this study aims to offer treasured steering for institutional leaders trying to harness the energy of supply chains to enhance overall performance and obtain strategic goals. Keywords : Supply chain, Input institutional Improvement, Quality improvement

Exploring recreational ecosystem services and influencing factors in megaparks using mobile phone data—Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta region

At the large scale, regions composed of multiple cities and large parks are important nodes in the regional ecological network system. They provide diversified Recreational Ecosystem Services (RES), which are key components of the regional open space system. Traditional data and methods for evaluating RES in large parks have not fully considered the interactions between visitors and urban physical space environments. This study, grounded in the Theory of the Delivery Chain, defines parks over 100 ha as “megaparks”, employs mobile phone signaling data to effectively distinguish between local and non-local visitors in megaparks in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region. An index system was constructed to evaluate the RES effect of megaparks by measuring mobile check-in density, service radius, and turnover volume using Hierarchical Linear Regression (HLR) to reveal the relevant spatial influence factors of 677 megaparks. This study revealed that there are remarkable geographic and population differences in the RES effects of megaparks across cities in the Yangtze River Delta region. The turnover volume indicator can play an important role in measuring the RES of megaparks. Ten factors, including Internet users’ attention to parks, GDP per capita, Internet users’ attention to city, green coverage rates of megaparks, density of bus stations within a 500 m-buffer, the network distance to the administrative center, observable mountain or terrain fluctuations, landscape shape index, cultural heritage within the park, and supporting facilities around the park, have positive or negative impacts on the RES effect of megaparks, but none of the influencing factors worked simultaneously on the three indicators of mobile check-in density, service radius, and turnover volume of megaparks. We found that the turnover volume indicator is more advantageous in reflecting the spatial characteristics of RES in megaparks in a large-scale region, and the measurements are closer to traditional perceptions, which can serve as an important complement to the indicators of visitor mobile check-in density and service radius.

Frugal Innovation Strategies and Supply Chain Performance of Food and Beverage Firms in South-South Nigeria

This study explored frugal innovation strategies and supply chain performance of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. It critically analyzed the dimensions of frugal innovation strategies (value innovation, cost cutting advancement and technological innovation) and relate them to supply chain performance measures (product availability, on-time delivery and supply chain flexibility) of food and beverage firms. The study applied the positivist research philosophy and correlational research design. The population of this study comprised 82 registered food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. The sample size consisted of 68 food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. The Taro Yamene’s formula was used to determine the sample size for the study. The sampling unit consisted of managers of the selected food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection in this study. The data collected were analyzed statistically while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) was used to test the formulated hypotheses. The SPSS software program version 24 was used to correlate the data collected on the study variables. The findings revealed that value innovation has a significant relationship with product availability, on-time delivery and supply chain flexibility of food and beverage firms. This study also revealed that cost cutting advancement has significant relationship with product availability, on-time delivery and supply chain flexibility of food and beverage firms. The study equally revealed that technological innovation has a significant relationship with product availability, on-time delivery and supply chain flexibility of food and beverage firms. Based on these findings, it was concluded that frugal innovation strategies such as value innovation, cost cutting advancement and technological innovation are significant predictors of supply chain performance of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. Based on the findings and conclusion, it was recommended that food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria should adopt frugal innovation strategies as it would improve their supply chain performance.

Optimizing Last-Mile Delivery: A Multi-Criteria Approach with Automated Smart Lockers, Capillary Distribution and Crowdshipping

Background: This publication presents a review, multiple criteria optimization models, and a practical example pertaining to the integration of automated smart locker systems, capillary distribution networks, crowdshipping, last-mile delivery and supply chain management. This publication addresses challenges in logistics and transportation, aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction. This study integrates automated smart locker systems, capillary distribution networks, crowdshipping, last-mile delivery and supply chain management. Methods: A review of the existing literature synthesizes key concepts, such as facility location problems, vehicle routing problems and the mathematical programming approach, to optimize supply chain operations. Conceptual optimization models are formulated to solve the complex decision-making process involved in last-mile delivery, considering multiple objectives, including cost minimization, delivery time optimization, service level minimization, capacity optimization, vehicle minimization and resource utilization. Results: The multiple criteria approaches combine the vehicle routing problem and facility location problem, demonstrating the practical applicability of the proposed methodology in a real-world case study within a logistics company. Conclusions: The execution of multi-criteria models optimizes automated smart locker deployment, capillary distribution design, crowdshipping and last-mile delivery strategies, showcasing its effectiveness in the logistics sector.

FUTURE OF E-COMMERCE IN INDIA 2024

This observation Investigates the potentialities for E-commerce In India In 2024. In India, E-trade Has Grown considerably due to factors together with growing internet Penetration, phone Use, And shifting client Behaviour. The Paper looks At India's E-commerce state of affairs properly now. It also describes How Omni Channel structures Are Used For Transactions via blockchain, Social Media Composition, and fifth-generation community communication. All events worried in trade, which include the ones within the Public and personal Sectors, internal and external trade, delivery Chain firms, And purchasers, Will surely benefit From This study's know-how Of The Emergence Of The Technology Of Omni Channel structures inside the fifth industrial Revolution (5IR), as well as its prospects And anticipated challenges. In India, the e-trade commercial enterprise is expanding rapidly and indicates no signs and symptoms of slowing down. The creation of clever phones, rising internet penetration, and shifting consumer behavior are some of the factors propelling the increase of e-trade in India. This paper examines the country of e-trade in India now, highlights big trends, talks about capability and issues, and gives predictions for the enterprise's future. The have a look at's foundation is an intensive examination of scholarly works, business courses, and professional judgments. The examination focuses on how E-commerce Is Doing In India right Now, Highlights crucial traits, Talks about ability And troubles, And gives Predictions For the world's destiny. The examiner’s basis Is an intensive exam Of Scholarly Works, commercial enterprise guides, And expert Judgments. E-trade encompasses all forms of exchange that take vicinity entirely in our online world. There are many advantages to shopping for matters online, inclusive of more selection, lower expenses, and greater ease of use. E-commerce can be broken down into awesome areas: sales of goods and services over the net, and the usage of the net for financial and retail transactions. E-commerce, or digital trade, is the instruction of accomplishing enterprise dealings via electronic communique technologies which include the internet, telephones, and fax machines. The banking, tourism, media, and retail sectors are only some examples of online groups that stand to benefit from future enlargement. in which and how diverse styles of global electronic commerce are practiced around the sector is determined with the aid of diffusion of economic, political, cultural, and supranational establishments. The Indian financial system will now not be the handsiest one hurt using this. The net financial system has been in comparison to a "gold rush." E-significance commerce to the expansion of the economy may be attributed to quite several factors. They take a look at checked-out areas all the manner from Australia to the Antarctic and from North us to South the USA. The potential for e-trade to better people's lives and the world at large makes it essential for both B2B and C2C transactions. key phrases: E-commerce, E-commerce traits, client Behaviour, Rural E-trade, Technology Adoption, cellular commerce, Omni Channel, Drop delivery enterprise model, 5IR, Pandemic, supply Chain destiny, B2B, B2C.

Turning Policy into Delivery: A Case Study Approach

The purpose of this article is to encourage institutions, especially secondary schools, to move towards greater improvement through turning policy into delivery. It is imperative that each institution or organization has appropriate policies in place. Certain institutions and organizations are good at policy design but less so in policy implementation. Policy itself is not enough to turn an institution or organization around hence policy design should not be equivalent to a silo. To turn an institution or organization around is directly proportional to turning policy into delivery. The policy should promote a culture of development and enculturation of those who happen to join the institution. In addition, self-regulation strategies are crucial when attempting to turn policy into delivery. Clearly, delivery chain should allow for policy to be deliverable. Although there is a vast amount of literature about policy implementation, the researchers wanted to encourage principals of secondary schools to move from partial effectiveness to improvement through intensifying turning of policies into a delivery strategy. The researchers adopted a case study approach and selected five principals of schools randomly. The respondents were interviewed at their respective places of work when convenient. The purpose of interviews of the participants was to ascertain their experiences in turning policy into delivery in their working environments. Their responses were analysed using data matrix. Their responses were recorded and presented as a case study approach. The findings of both the respondents and the literature review confirm that all stakeholders are ultimately responsible for turning policy into delivery.

Field-based investigation reveals selective enrichment of companion microbes in vegetables leading to specific accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes

Vegetables capture antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from the soil and then pass them on to consumers through the delivery chain and food chain, and are therefore the key node that may increase the risk of human exposure to ARGs. This study investigates the patterns and driving forces behind the transmission of ARGs from soil to vegetables by the commonly planted cash crops in the coastal region of southern China, i.e. broccoli, pumpkin, and broad bean, to investigate. The study used metagenomic data to reveal the microbial and ARGs profiles of various vegetables and the soil they are grown. The results indicate significant differences in the accumulation of ARGs among different vegetables harvested in the same area at the same time frame, and the ARGs accumulation ability of the three vegetables was in the order of broccoli, broad bean, and pumpkin. In addition, broccoli collected the highest number of ARGs in types (n = 14), while pumpkin (n = 13) does not obtain trimethoprim resistance genes and broad beans (n = 10) do not obtain chloramphenicol, fosmidomycin, quinolone, rifamycin, or trimethoprim resistance genes. Host tracking analysis shows a strong positive correlation (|rho| > 0.8, p < 0.05) between enriched ARGs and plant companion microbes. Enrichment analysis of metabolic pathways of companion microbes shows that vegetables exhibit a discernible enrichment of companion microbes, with significant differences among vegetables. This phenomenon is primarily due to the screening of carbohydrate metabolism capabilities among companion microbes and leads varied patterns of ARGs that spread from the soil to vegetables. This offers a novel insight into the intervention of foodborne transmission of ARGs.

The correlation between neutrophil lymphocyte ratio in pregnant women with COVID-19 and neonatal outcome

Background and objectives. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pregnancy periods can adversely affect the neonatal outcomes. Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) were reported as sensitive markers and good predictor of COVID-19 progression in symptomatic pregnant women. The aim of this study to find correlation on NLR value of the pregnant women with COVID-19 to the neonatal outcome. Materials and methods. We retrospectively included neonates who was delivered from pregnant women with COVID-19 at Dr. Soetomo Hospital from June 2021 to July 2022. NLR value of the pregnant women were calculated. Demographic data and clinical characteristic were taken from medical records. The diagnosis of COVID-19 in pregnant women is confirmed by PCR nasopharyngeal swab, as well as in the neonates who undergo nasopharyngeal swab a maximum of 24 hours after birth. Results. Total of 1058 births delivered between June 2021- July 2022, 224 neonates (21.17%) met inclusion criteria. We analyzed the severity of maternal factors described by NLR and correlated with neonate outcomes, such as mortality, Apgar Score (AS), birth weight, gestational age, type of delivery and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) swab of the neonates. the results of our analysis, the maternal NLR was correlated with the birth weight (p=0.005). However, NLR of the pregnant women are not correlated with mortality of the neonates (p=0.681), type of delivery (p= 1), AS at 1 minute (p= 0.158), AS at 5 minutes (p= 0.158), gestational age (p= 0.110) length of stay (LOS) (p=0,258) and PCR swab of the neonates (p= 1). Conclusions. NLR value in the majority of pregnant women with COVID-19 was found to be increasing, but these results are not related for the neonatal outcome except the birth weight.

Implementing Post-Pandemic Economic Parity: A Potential Restoration Through Distributive Justice

Abstract This paper explores the economic disparities created and augmented by the Pandemic and implores the state to adopt redistribution schemes based on the philosophy of distributive justice. The pandemic created and augmented gaping class inequalities, by pushing some into unemployment and poverty, while catalysing others’ prosperity. This may or may not have involved a fault element on the part of those that profited from the pandemic, which is to say, while some may have actively exploited the situation to increase their profits at the cost of general interests, others may have simply gained profits while retaining ethical practices in their conduct of business. This Paper argues that, irrespective of the fault element, States must implement a special financial scheme that necessitates companies that gained enormous profits from the pandemic to contribute towards assisting those who were financially crushed by the pandemic. The paper will build this on the philosophy of distributive justice, examining the ‘difference principle’ as well as ‘luck and responsibility egalitarianism’. Simply put, this means that States must enforce a system that neutralizes the ‘luck’ element that the pandemic induced in the society, through a financial scheme best suited for its situation. This may be achieved through levying a special tax for a period of time on particular business entities and/or by requiring companies to include a special corporate social responsibility project in line with the quantum of additional profits owing to the pandemic. Arguably, corporate houses that exploited the pandemic must not be placed at par with those that merely happened to profit from it (say, for instance, a pharmaceutical company that may have manipulated the drug market to increase prices and limit supply of an important drug, as opposed to a food/essentials delivery chain that naturally saw an increase in the number of consumers ordering deliveries online). But the obligation to carve out a part of their profits for social redistribution is not founded on whether they are at fault or not. Any fault may, of course, be used as a basis for levying a higher penalty or other legal measure, apart and distinct from the obligation that this paper builds on. The scheme that is proposed by the Paper is not to penalize but is based on the philosophy of distributive justice and thus does not require that the company was ever in violation of laws, but merely that the pandemic that devastated most people happened to be a profitable enterprise for others in contrast. It is in the State’s interests to negate the widened gap of economic disparities thus created, and this justifies that the Government would require such corporate houses to carve out a fraction of their fortunes for those who suffered severely. The Paper builds primarily on the philosophical foundations of distributive justice, urging its practical implementation in post-pandemic the economy. States must adopt creative measures to restructure patterns of privileges created or amplified by such unprecedented (at least in recent history) circumstances, as the pandemic.

Transforming Delivery and Supply Chain Management to Company’s above-par Performance Framework

An inefficient supply chain has a significant risk to company profitability and customer satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to explore the main strategies that manufacturing companies can utilize to identify and address obstacles in supply chain and delivery management, ultimately leading to enhanced performance and customer satisfaction. The researcher conducted surveys and interviews with the key informants such as customers and experts in the Supply Chain to gather insights into their experiences, recommended solutions to a problem, and other pertinent factors. The researcher therefore concludes that it is clear that to achieve a high level of performance in today’s highly competitive business environment, it is necessary to transform delivery and supply chain governance into an integral part of a company’s overall performance framework. Adopting cutting-edge technologies, utilizing data-driven insights, optimizing the supply chain through a Vertical Integration strategy, and adopting agile methodologies are necessary to maximize the potential of a business’s supply chain and distribution processes. Study findings benefit both companies and customers here in the Philippines by providing the potential to improve consistency in meeting customer demand without a delay in delivering complete items, resulting in customer satisfaction and business growth. Keywords: Supply Chain and Delivery Management, Increase Customer satisfaction, Enhance Company performance, Vertical Integration Strategy

Effectiveness of decentralizing outpatient acute malnutrition treatment with community health workers and a simplified combined protocol: a cluster randomized controlled trial in emergency settings of Mali.

Outpatient treatment of acute malnutrition is usually centralized in health centers and separated into different programs according to case severity. This complicates case detection, care delivery, and supply chain management, making it difficult for families to access treatment. This study assessed the impact of treating severe and moderate cases in the same program using a simplified protocol and decentralizing treatment outside health centers through community health workers (CHWs). A three-armed cluster randomized controlled trial under a non-inferiority hypothesis was conducted in the Gao region of Mali involving 2,038 children between 6 and 59 months of age with non-complicated acute malnutrition. The control arm consisted of 549 children receiving standard treatment in health centers from nursing staff. The first intervention arm consisted of 800 children treated using the standard protocol with CHWs added as treatment providers. The second intervention arm consisted of 689 children treated by nurses and CHWs under the ComPAS simplified protocol, considering mid-upper arm circumference as the sole anthropometric criterion for admission and discharge and providing a fixed dose of therapeutic food for severe and moderate cases. Coverage was assessed through cross-sectional surveys using the sampling evaluation of access and coverage (SLEAC) methodology for a wide area involving several service delivery units. The recovery rates were 76.3% in the control group, 81.8% in the group that included CHWs with the standard protocol, and 92.9% in the group that applied the simplified protocol, confirming non-inferiority and revealing a significant risk difference among the groups. No significant differences were found in the time to recovery (6 weeks) or in anthropometric gain, whereas the therapeutic food expenditure was significantly lower with the simplified combined program in severe cases (43 sachets fewer than the control). In moderate cases, an average of 35 sachets of therapeutic food were used. With the simplified protocol, the CHWs had 6% discharge errors compared with 19% with the standard protocol. The treatment coverage increased significantly with the simplified combined program (SAM +42.5%, MAM +13.8%). Implementing a simplified combined treatment program and adding CHWs as treatment providers can improve coverage while maintaining non-inferior effectiveness, reducing the expenditure on nutritional intrants, and ensuring the continuum of care for the most vulnerable children.

GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN: MODEL ERP UNTUK KOPERASI KECIL DALAM MENGURANGI BIAYA OPERASIONAL

A cooperative is an economic entity that is unique, namely ownership and purpose business involving members. In cooperatives, apart from being a business owner, members at the same time become perpetrators or actors in operating the business. Cooperatives are business entities that collectively achieve the goals of the individuals who are members. The small farming industry, despite the second food and drink production, often faces many challenges in managing their product. KPSBU as provider credit of small farming industry members has scheduled the delivery chain. This abstract introduces the concept of a Green Supply Chain tied to the specific needs of small-scale credit providers in a small farming sector. By examining the potential benefits and addressing the challenges faced by these farmers to reduce such costs which caused by their activity, this study aims to shed light on practical strategies for developing cost-effective and environmentally sustainable supply chain practices in the context of small-scale corps called the ERP model. Through case studies and analyses, this research provides insights that can empower small farmers to navigate the intersection of economic viability and environmental stewardship by adapting and comparing the cost with the efficiency of maximum output.