Delivery Performance Research Articles

Construction of Methotrexate-Loaded Bi2S3 Coated with Fe/Mn-Bimetallic Doped ZIF-8 Nanocomposites for Cancer Treatment Through the Synergistic Effects of Photothermal/Chemodynamic/Chemotherapy.

A combination of therapeutic modalities in a single nanostructure is crucial for a successful cancer treatment. Synergistic photothermal therapy (PTT) can enhance the effects of chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and chemotherapy, which could intensify the therapeutic efficacy to induce cancer cell apoptosis. In this study, Fe and Mn on a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) (Fe/Mn-ZIF-8; FMZ) were synthesized through ion deposition. Furthermore, bismuth sulfide nanorods (Bi2S3 NRs; BS NRs) were synthesized via a hydrothermal process and coated onto FMZ to generate the core-shell structure of the Bi2S3@FMZ nanoparticles (B@FMZ). Next, methotrexate (MTX) was loaded effectively onto the porous surface of ZIF-8 to form the B@FMZ/MTX nanoparticles. The Fenton-like reaction catalyzes Fe2+/Mn2+ ions by decomposing H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in the formation of toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which promotes the CDT effect of killing cancer cells. Furthermore, under 808 nm laser irradiation, these B@FMZ nanoparticles showed a strong PTT effect, owing to the presence of intense BS NRs as a photothermal agent. The B@FMZ nanoparticles exhibited a prominent drug release efficiency of 87.25% at pH 5.5 under near-infrared laser irradiation due to the PTT effect can promote the drug delivery performance. The B@FMZ nanoparticles were subjected to dual-modal imaging, guided magnetic resonance imaging, and X-ray computed tomography imaging. Both in vitro and in vivo results suggested that the B@FMZ/MTX nanoparticles exhibited enhanced antitumor effects through the combined therapeutic effects of PTT, CDT, and chemotherapy. Therefore, these nanoparticles exhibit good biocompatibility and are promising candidates for cancer treatment.

Optimizing Supply Chain Transparency and Customer Compatibility with AI-Driven Models

As global supply chains become increasingly complex, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has emerged as a critical strategy for enhancing operational transparency and improving customer compatibility. This study investigates the application of AI-driven models in optimizing supply chain performance, focusing on predictive analytics, real-time data integration, and customer-centric personalization. A comprehensive experimental framework was employed, evaluating five distinct AI configurations against four key performance criteria: operational transparency, customer compatibility, cost efficiency, and delivery performance. Results demonstrated that the Real-Time Data Integration Model achieved a 20% improvement in operational transparency, allowing for enhanced visibility into inventory management and more agile responses to dynamic demand fluctuations. Additionally, the Customer-Centric Personalization Model increased customer satisfaction by 10%, emphasizing the critical role of tailored service delivery in modern supply chain management. The Cost Optimization Model yielded significant cost reductions, improving cost efficiency by 18%, though it showed a marginal decrease in customer compatibility. The findings highlight the trade-offs between cost efficiency and customer-centric strategies, suggesting that a balance is required to achieve a well-rounded and sustainable supply chain model. This research underscores the transformative potential of AI in driving efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Future work should explore the integration of advanced technologies such as 5G and further investigate scalable AI solutions capable of addressing the evolving challenges faced by global supply chains.

Paracyclophane-based ionizable lipids for efficient mRNA delivery in vivo

mRNA therapeutics utilizing lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technology represent a medical innovation for the treatment of various diseases. Amine-derived ionizable cationic lipids have been regarded as the pivotal component of LNPs, which often utilize commercially available small amine molecules as their cores. Given that even minor changes in the structure of ionizable lipids can result in significant differences in the delivery performance, there is a growing need to redesign the lipid amine-cores to optimize mRNA therapy. Here, we rationally design and synthesize a library of 198 paracyclophane-based ionizable lipids (PILs), which are then formulated into LNPs for mRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo. The resulting PIL LNPs displayed favorable characteristics, including appropriate particle sizes, zeta potentials, mRNA binding capability, efficacious endosomal escape, and robust mRNA delivery in vitro. Tailoring the PIL structures further enables mRNA expression specifically in the liver or simultaneously across multi-organs in vivo. Notably, the optimized PIL LNPs demonstrate superior efficacy compared to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved DLin-MC3-DMA LNPs following intravenous administration. Additionally, when administered intramuscularly, our PIL LNPs exhibit higher efficacy than the SM-102 and ALC-0315 LNPs that are employed in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines. These findings demonstrate the potential of paracyclophane-based ionizable lipids in advancing mRNA therapeutics, particularly for liver-targeted drugs and vaccines.

PEGylation Can Effectively Strike a Balance in siRNA Delivery Performances of Guanidinylated Linear Synthetic Polypeptides with Potential Use for Transcriptional Gene Silencing.

The prevailing design philosophy for polymeric vectors delivering siRNA is rooted in the post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) mechanism. Yet, the transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) mechanism offers a potentially more durable silencing effect, which necessitates efficient siRNA delivery into the nucleus. However, it remains a challenge for the polymeric vectors to efficiently deliver siRNA into the nucleus. We have explored guanidinylated cyclic synthetic polypeptides (GCSPs) to enhance the nuclear delivery of siRNA, but an increased cytotoxicity and difficulty in producing the GCSPs on a large scale limit their utility. Herein, we simply prepare PEGylated guanidinylated linear synthetic polypeptides (PGLSPs) exhibiting improved membrane penetration, direct siRNA transport to the nucleus, reduced toxicity, high cellular uptake, and mitigation of protein corona formation. The PEGylation can effectively balance the vector's nuclear delivery capacity with other critical aspects of performances for siRNA delivery. Therefore, the PGLSPs hold promise as TGS-based delivery vectors, offering potential for future therapeutic applications.

Making dysfunctional municipalities functional: towards a framework for improving municipal service delivery performance in South African municipalities

Making dysfunctional municipalities functional: towards a framework for improving municipal service delivery performance in South African municipalities

Lateral Assessment of Mucomimetic Hydrogels to Evaluate Correlation between Microscopic and Macroscopic Properties.

A major limitation in the development of mucosal drug delivery systems is the design of in vitro models that accurately reflect in vivo conditions. Traditionally, models seek to mimic characteristics of physiological mucus, often focusing on property-specific trial metrics such as rheological behavior or diffusion of a nanoparticle of interest. Despite the success of these models, translation from in vitro results to in vivo trials is limited. As a result, several authors have called for work to develop standardized testing methodologies and characterize the influence of model properties on drug delivery performance. To this end, a series of trials is performed on 12 mucomimetic hydrogels reproduced from literature. Experiments show that there is no consistent correlation between barrier performance and rheological or microstructural properties of the tested mucomimetic hydrogels. In addition, the permeability of both mucopenetrating and mucoadhesive nanoparticles is assessed, revealing non-obvious variations in barrier properties such as the relative contributions of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions in different models. These results demonstrate the limitations of predicting mucomimetic behavior with common characterization techniques and highlight the importance of testing barrier performance with multiple nanoparticle formulations.

Assessing measles risk transmission in Iran: a utilization of the World Health Organization’s programmatic risk assessment tool,2022

BackgroundDespite successful efforts to eliminate measles in Iran, imported measles cases continue to be reported. Because measles is endemic in neighboring countries. This research aims to evaluate the risk of measles transmission in different regions of Iran.MethodsMeasles case-based surveillance data of the Expanded Program of Immunization containing 31 provinces and 463 districts from 2019 to 2021 were assessed. The WHO Measles Programmatic Risk Assessment tool was used to evaluate the risk of disease transmission in four domains: population immunity, surveillance quality, program delivery performance, and threat assessment. scores were categorized as low, medium, high, or very high risk.ResultsDuring 2019–2021, the average incidence of measles was 1.9 per 1 million. Chabahar and Mashhad with 76 and ./6per million reported the highest and lowest incidence respectively. All 463 districts were categorized as low risk in risk assessment. Andimeshk, Chabahar, and Bojnurd obtained the highest risk scores with 27, 24, and 25 respectively. All districts were classified as low risk for population immunity. The average coverage of (MMR1) and (MMR2) was 95% or higher. All districts received the minimum points for surveillance quality.ConclusionAll regions are placed at a low level of disease transmission risk. However, the tool is not able to assess the risk at the rural or peripheral sectors level. The indicators used in this tool are the same for all countries with different epidemiological features (elimination, endemic). Sensitivity analysis can optimize the use of this tool for countries with different disease conditions.

Engendering project management competencies in Saudi Arabian construction professionals

Purpose Persisting construction performance shortcomings in the Saudi Arabian construction industry requires engendering project management competencies in construction professionals’ roles and responsibilities. The purpose of this study was to determine significant construction project management competencies for Saudi Arabian construction professionals. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional questionnaire survey used project managers’ competencies from the literature. Construction professionals participated in the survey. Normalisation was used to determine the critical individual competencies. Statistically significant differences due to designations and organisations were analysed. Factor analysis revealed the relationships among significant competencies. Findings The most critical individual competencies included communication, team building and leadership skills. However, Project managers and all other construction professionals had statistically significant differences in insights on some of the critical competencies. The results revealed seven components: behaviour and attitude-related competencies; fundamental project management-related competencies; pro-active, knowledge and creativity-related competencies; political and organisational-related competencies; stakeholder management and experience-related competencies; management-related competencies; and confidence, commitment and negotiation-related competencies. Research limitations/implications Evidently, inculcating project management competencies is essential for construction professionals to enhance project performance. The failure to get insights from the National Project Management Office officials was a limitation; however, views from construction professionals were sufficient as they are the most affected stakeholders. Originality/value The study determined project management competencies necessary for Saudi Arabian construction professionals to improve their project delivery performance.

Performance Assessment of Village Apparatus in Population Administration Services

The general background of this research highlights the importance of village apparatus performance in population administration services as a key factor in enhancing efficiency and accessibility of services for the community. The specific background focuses on the analysis of the performance of the Sumberejo Village apparatus in Sidoarjo, selected for its relevance as a representation in assessing service quality. The knowledge gap identified in this study pertains to the lack of comprehensive evaluation regarding productivity, service quality, and accountability in the context of administrative services. The aims of the research are to evaluate the performance of village apparatus in providing services and to offer recommendations for improvement. The results reveal that the performance of the village apparatus is inadequate, with productivity indicators showing good mental attitudes but lacking in technological understanding and work discipline. Service quality is also assessed as insufficient, as indicated by lengthy and complicated service times, resulting in criticism from the community. The novelty of this study lies in its qualitative descriptive analysis that explores practical challenges faced by local administrators. The implications of these findings suggest that improving technological understanding, work discipline, and streamlining service processes are essential for enhancing the quality of administrative services and meeting community expectations. Highlights: Analysis reveals inadequate performance in service delivery by village apparatus. Lack of technological proficiency among village staff affects service efficiency. Lengthy and complicated service processes lead to negative feedback from the community. Keywords: Performance, Service, Productivity, Quality, Accountability

Advancements in the Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems Utilizing Microemulsion-based Gels.

Microemulsion gel, as a promising transdermal nanoparticle delivery system, addresses the limitations of microemulsions and enhances their performance in drug delivery and release. This article aims to discuss the advantages of microemulsion gel, including improved drug bioavailability, reduced drug irritation, enhanced drug penetration and skin adhesion, and increased antimicrobial properties. It explores the methods for selecting microemulsion formulations and the general processes of microemulsion preparation, as well as commonly used oil phases, surfactants, and co-surfactants. Additionally, the biomedical applications of microemulsion gel in treating conditions, such as acne and psoriasis, are also discussed. Overall, this article elucidates the significant potential of microemulsion gel in topical drug delivery, providing insights into future development and clinical applications.

Exploring the Impact of Innovation practices, Technologies on the Operational Efficiency of Commercial Banks in Nigeria

In the rapidly evolving financial landscape, innovation has become a critical driver of operational efficiency for commercial banks. This study explores the impact of technological and process innovations on the operational efficiency of commercial banks in Nigeria. It aims to understand how innovative practices and technologies influence cost reduction, service delivery, customer satisfaction, and overall financial performance. Using a straightforward random sampling technique and a descriptive survey design, the study selected 388 participants at random from the 97,026 commercial bank employees in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, who make up the entire population. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis from financial reports of major Nigerian banks with qualitative insights from interviews with banking professionals. The findings indicate that the adoption of digital banking platforms, automated teller machines (ATMs), mobile banking applications, and advanced data analytics significantly enhance operational efficiency. These innovations reduce transaction costs, minimize human error, and improve service speed and reliability. Furthermore, process innovations such as streamlined loan processing and automated compliance checks contribute to more efficient banking operations. The study highlights the high cost of technology implementation, cybersecurity risks, and the need for continuous staff training as the challenges that may hinder innovation to strive. Despite these challenges, the positive impact of innovation on operational efficiency is evident, suggesting that continued investment in innovative technologies and practices is crucial for the competitive advantage and sustainability of commercial banks in Nigeria. The study further recommends that Nigerian commercial banks prioritize technology adoption and process improvements to enhance their operational capabilities and meet the dynamic needs of their customers.

Intersections of Compassion, Science, and Spiritual Care in Global Health for Public Health Benefits.

Across the globe, spiritual care is offered by individuals, healthcare chaplains, and humanitarian, social and related spiritual groups on account of zeal, voluntary and paid services. Sometimes, services are provided without understanding the connectivity of compassion, spiritual care, and scientific protocols. There are instances where health professionals and managers disagree with spiritual caregivers or reject spiritual services because of poor service deliveries in conflict with healthcare protocols. Against this background, this article focuses on how spiritual care services can be provided scientifically to improve service delivery. It presents leading questions to link the scientific and compassionate approach to spiritual care. These include-What is science? What is compassion? What is spiritual care? What makes compassion and spiritual care scientific? Are there tenets of compassion in religions? How are compassion, science and spiritual care linked? What are the implications of the intersections for public health and safety? Hopefully, the provided answers may improve the service delivery performance of spiritual caregivers and their collaboration with healthcare professionals, social workers, and related groups.

Learning-based Predictive LPV Control of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jets

Abstract Complexity of atmospheric pressure plasma jet dynamics poses a significant challenge for control design, and this letter presents a learning- and Scenario-based Model Predictive Control (ScMPC) method in the Linear Parameter-Varying (LPV) framework to tackle this challenge. By leveraging artificial neural networks, an LPV state-space representation of the system dynamics is first learned. The mismatch between this model and real plant is then estimated using Bayesian neural networks, enabling scenario generation for ScMPC design. Soft constraints are imposed in the control design formulation to ensure the feasibility of the underlying optimization problem. Results from extensive simulations are used to compare the proposed framework with a benchmark LTI-based ScMPC, demonstrating superior performance in both reference tracking and thermal dose delivery. The proposed approach allows for accurate control of plasma jets while reducing conservatism inherent in either LTI-based approaches or other robust control methods.

An Overview of Factors affecting Women Performance in Some Primary Health Care Delivery in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

An Overview of Factors affecting Women Performance in Some Primary Health Care Delivery in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

Logistics Technology Adoption and Delivery Performance of Shipping Companies in South-West Nigeria

This study explored logistics technology adoption and delivery performance of shipping companies in South-West Nigeria. The study used a positivist research philosophy and correlational design to analyse data from 65 shipping companies in South-West Nigeria, with 20 managers selected purposefully and a structured questionnaire used as the primary instrument. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) was used to test the formulated hypotheses. SPSS software program version 24 was used to perform the bivariate analysis. The findings revealed that Artificial intelligence adoption has a significant relationship with on-time delivery of shipping companies. The study showed a significant correlation between the adoption of Artificial intelligence, transportation technology, and warehouse automation, as well as the on-time delivery of shipping companies. The study concluded and recommended that adopting logistics technology can significantly enhance the delivery performance of shipping companies in South-West Nigeria.

A Systematic Review of Primary Healthcare Services: Evaluating Differences and Similarities Between Developed and Developing Nations

Background: Primary healthcare (PHC) systems play a critical role in ensuring equitable and effective healthcare delivery. However, significant disparities exist in the scope and performance of PHC services between developed and developing countries. Understanding these differences is crucial for improving global health outcomes. Objective: This systematic review aims to compare the scope and effectiveness of primary healthcare services across developed and developing countries. It seeks to identify key differences in healthcare delivery, system performance, and governance structures and provide insights into enhancing PHC services. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus, and explored grey literature and reports from relevant organizations. Studies were selected based on their comparative data on PHC services in developed and developing countries, published in peer-reviewed journals or reputable sources. Data were extracted on study characteristics, population details, and key outcomes related to service delivery and system performance. Quality assessment was performed using appropriate tools for different study designs. Results: The review identified significant variations in PHC service scope and effectiveness between developed and developing countries. Key findings include differences in healthcare delivery models, governance structures, and system performance metrics. The review highlights both strengths and challenges in various contexts, providing a comparative overview of PHC services. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for context-specific strategies to improve PHC services. Recommendations include enhancing coordination and governance, addressing gaps in accountability and transparency, and focusing on scalable interventions. This review provides valuable insights for policymakers and health system planners aiming to optimize PHC services globally.

Overall performance assessment of selected small-scale irrigation schemes using internal and external performance indicators in West Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia

This study was conducted to evaluate the overall performance of selected small-scale irrigation schemes using internal and external performance indicators. The performance of the irrigation schemes in relation to water balance was evaluated using three indicators. The results indicated that the relative water supply (RWS), relative irrigation supply (RIS), and field application ratio (FAR) of Midagdu irrigation scheme were 0.9, 1.3, and 0.75 respectively. This indicates that the water supply is not closely related to the water demand. However, for the Wadeti Irrigation scheme, the RWS, RIS, and FAR are 0.48, 0.35, and 2.83, respectively, indicating water stress. The Midagdu irrigation scheme shows 7496.75 birr/ha for both output per unit command area and output per unit cropped area. Output per unit irrigation water supply was 12.5 birr/m3, while output per unit water consumed was 4.4 birr/m3. For the Wadeti irrigation scheme, the values were 11,276.12 birr/ha, 11,276.12 birr/ha, 8.7 birr/m3, and 1.6 birr/m3, respectively. This study results showed that the Wadeti irrigation scheme is more land-efficient, while the Midagdu scheme is more water-efficient. The values of the hydraulic performance indicators Conveyance Efficiency (Ec), Water delivery capacity (WDC), and Delivery Performance Ratio (DPR), for the Midagdu irrigation scheme were 75 %, 0.45, and 0.8, respectively, while for the Wadeti irrigation scheme, the values were 42 %, 0.11, and 0.4, respectively. These results indicate that the water delivery performance of the two schemes was poor. Therefore, improving the hydraulic performance of the scheme requires minimizing water conveyance losses.

Performance Evaluation of Woybo Irrigation Scheme: Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Performance evaluation of irrigation scheme is vital for realizing the present status and identifying the area for improvement. The study was conducted in Woybo irrigation scheme which is located in Boloso Sore district, Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia. This study was aimed to evaluate the performance of Woybo irrigation scheme with internal performance indicators. A total of nine demonstrating farmers' fields were selected from three canal reaches (head, middle, and tail) through purposive sampling. Primary and secondary data were collected, recorded, and analyzed. To measure the water applied to each experimental field, Parshall flume was installed, and soil samples were taken to determine soil texture, field capacity, permanent wilting point, and soil moisture content before and after each irrigation event at regular soil depth intervals. The results revealed that the mean conveyance efficiency was 60.85% and the application efficiency was 48.53%. Water distribution uniformity, deep percolation, and storage efficiencies were 84.56%, 51.47%, and 85.22%, respectively. However, the overall irrigation efficiency was found to be 29.53%, which was poorly performed due to inadequate water application, ineffective field water management, and low efficiency in water delivery systems. The main factors contributing to the poor water delivery performance included failures in water regulating gates, leakages, and siltation of canals. To address these problems, recommendations are made such as improvements in water application techniques should be implemented, through proper irrigation scheduling, water conservation practices, surge irrigation techniques, and providing extension support, training, and experience sharing. Additionally, maintenance and lining of earthen canals are necessary, along with the replacement and repair of leakages and broken water regulating and controlling structures. These measures can help to upgrade water delivery efficiency and improve the overall performance of the irrigation scheme.

The Impact of Stroboscopic Visual Conditions on the Performance of Elite Curling Athletes.

In elite curling, precise time perception, speed control, and accuracy are critical components of performance. Stroboscopic training enhances visual processing speed, reaction time, motor skill control, and cognitive abilities by challenging the brain to make quick decisions with limited visual information. This study aimed to investigate the impact of stroboscopic visual conditions on the key performance aspects of elite athletes in curling to determine whether these effects can be leveraged in long-term training to enhance elite curling performance. This study involved the participation of 32 national-level male curling athletes (n = 32, age: 19.9 ± 2.2 years, height: 178.0 ± 6.2 cm, body mass: 71.9 ± 10.6 kg, and training age: 2.7 ± 0.9 years). A cross-over controlled experiment was conducted, with participants randomly assigned to either a stroboscopic-first group (n = 16) or a control-first group (n = 16). Each participant completed tests under both stroboscopic and normal visual conditions, including assessments of time perception error, speed control error, and curling accuracy. Paired sample t-tests were employed to analyse performance differences across conditions, and two-factor ANOVA was used to analyse sequence effects. Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to compare differences if the main effect was significant. Cohen's d was used for two-group comparisons, whereas ηp2 and Cohen's f were used for comparisons involving three or more groups. under stroboscopic conditions, participants experienced increased errors in time perception (p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.143), delivery speed control (p = 0.016, Cohen's d = 0.448), and reduced accuracy (p = 0.029, Cohen's d = 0.404). The sequence main effect on speed control error was significant (p = 0.025, ηp2 = 0.081, Cohen's f = 0.297). Stroboscopic visual conditions negatively impacted cognition (especially time perception) and delivery performance focused on speed control and accuracy in elite curling, highlighting the potential and feasibility of using stroboscopic training to enhance elite curling performance.

Steering through the storm: Environmental uncertainty and delivery performance

AbstractWe investigate the impact of Typhoon Lekima, a source of environmental uncertainty, on delivery performance, utilizing data from RiRiShun Logistics. We apply a staggered difference‐in‐differences model across low‐complexity and high‐complexity supply chains. The analysis uncovers distinct dynamics throughout the typhoon's forecast, active, and recovery phases. Notably, the active phase experiences less disruption in delivery performance compared to the forecast phase, owing to RiRiShun's wait‐and‐see policy. This approach leads to order accumulation but subsequently enables more effective resource allocation. In the recovery phase, high‐complexity supply chains demonstrate significant improvements, surpassing pre‐disaster performance levels. The study further emphasizes the critical role of two response mechanisms in managing high‐complexity supply chains. Increasing throughput efficiencies at destination centers and implementing transfer centers prove effective in enhancing delivery performance during both the forecast and active phases. However, the simultaneous application of these response mechanisms during the forecast phase unexpectedly reduces performance.