Distribution Outlets Research Articles

Initial Experimental Investigation of Hydraulic Characteristics at Right-Angle Diversion in a Combined Canal and Pipe Water Conveyance System

To enhance the efficiency of irrigation water utilisation, China is progressively converting irrigation ditches into pipelines. The water distribution outlets in irrigation zones are predominantly right-angled, and there are typically occurrences of erosion, sedimentation, and structural deterioration in the surrounding areas. This article employs a synthesis of indoor physical model experiments and theoretical analysis to examine the distribution of channel flow velocity and variations in water surface profile, pipeline flow rate, diversion ratio, circulation intensity, and turbulence energy across different relative water depths. The experimental results indicate that the water surface adjacent to the main canal wall demonstrates a pattern of initial decline, followed by an increase and subsequently another decline; furthermore, as the water level in the main channel rises, the magnitude of this fluctuation progressively diminishes. In some sections of the canal, the water surface elevation progressively increases, albeit with minimal amplitude. With a constant relative water depth, an increase in main channel flow results in a corresponding increase in pipeline flow; however, the diversion ratio is inversely related to the main channel flow. Conversely, when the main channel flow rate is constant, the diversion ratio increases as relative water depth rises. The vertical flow velocity near the water diversion outlet has a negative value, signifying the existence of a backflow zone, while the horizontal flow velocity varies considerably, facilitating the formation of circulation and resulting in localised deposition and erosion. The water flow near the pipe inlet downstream of the lower lip of 0.5 times the pipe diameter is impacted by the return zone, which has a higher turbulence energy and circulation strength and is more susceptible to siltation. The turbulence energy of the water flow is higher in the range of 0.5 times the pipe diameter upstream and downstream of the pipe inlet. This research is highly significant in facilitating the conversion of irrigation channels into pipelines.

A Comprehensive Assessment of Quality of Antimalarial Medicines in Mainland Tanzania: Insights from Five Years of Postmarket Surveillance.

Sustainable access to high-quality antimalarial medicines is pivotal to achieving universal and effective malaria control. Poor-quality antimalarial medicines are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, impeding malaria control initiatives and claiming the lives of many children. Regular monitoring of the quality of antimalarial medicines is crucial to ensure the quality of service to the community. A cross-sectional study using a postmarket surveillance (PMS) approach was conducted from 2019 to 2023. Samples were collected from the port of entry, local manufacturers, and various distribution outlets in 15 regions of mainland Tanzania. The samples were subjected to tier 1 evaluation, comprising a product information review (PIR) and identification using the Global Pharma Health Fund-Minilab® techniques. Samples that failed the identification tests and 10% of the samples from distribution outlets that passed the tests were subjected to confirmatory testing (tier 2), which included assays, related substances, dissolution, and sterility per the pharmacopeial monographs. During five annual PMSs, 2,032 antimalarial samples were collected and subjected to quality tests. All samples complied with the standard specifications for identity, dissolution, related substances, sterility, physical evaluation, disintegration, and assay. A total of 292 (55.5%) tested samples failed the PIR evaluation, with incomplete package information in leaflets contributing to 64.7% of all deviations. Antimalarial medicines circulating in the mainland Tanzanian market meet expected quality standards. Continuous monitoring of the quality of antimalarial medicines is recommended.

Influence of brand image and word of mouth on purchase decisions at the 3 Second Fashion Store in Palangka Raya City

This research investigates the impact of brand image and word of mouth on consumer purchasing decisions at Toko Fashion 3Second in Palangka Raya. With the rapid growth of the fashion industry and the influx of various distribution outlets (distros) in Indonesia, this study highlights the competitive dynamics and consumer behaviour in the local context. Brand image and word of mouth have been identified as significant factors influencing consumer choices and loyalty. These are crucial for distros like Toko Fashion 3Second to thrive in a saturated market. This thesis utilizes quantitative analysis methods, with data gathered from consumer surveys and sales records, to explore the relationship between these variables and purchasing decisions. The findings indicate that both brand image and word of mouth significantly affect consumer decisions, guiding distros in refining their marketing strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. The implications of this study extend to the strategic management of brand reputation in the highly competitive fashion industry

Hybrid Distribution Model and Market Penetration of Consumer Electronics in Nigeria

In a geographically large and diverse market like Nigeria, gaining full-scale market penetration for consumer goods can be a herculean task due to inadequate transportation infrastructure, and lack of robust channel structure. This study sought to mitigate this challenge by investigating the causality between hybrid distribution model and market penetration. It specifically aimed to determine the influences of direct and indirect distribution on market penetration of consumer electronics in Nigeria. The study adopted cross-sectional research design. Primary data were obtained from 384 major distributors of consumer electronics in Port Harcourt, Calabar and Ikeja through a structured questionnaire. Snowball and quota sampling techniques were applied to recruit respondents for the survey. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the hypotheses of the study were tested using multiple linear regression. The findings of the study revealed that even though both direct and indirect distribution strategies had significant positive influences on market penetration of consumer electronics in Nigeria, the indirect distribution approach had a higher contribution to market penetration. Hence, the study concluded that hybrid distribution model strategically enhances the ability of manufacturers of consumer electronics to achieve extended market penetration in Nigeria. Therefore, we recommended that: manufacturers of consumer electronics should establish direct distribution outlets in Nigeria such as company warehouses, manufacturer-owned retail stores, corporate online stores, and direct sales representatives in order to effectively sell products to customers while eliminating the prospects of third-party adulterations, counterfeiting and other unwholesome practices of middlemen; and there is need for manufacturers of consumer electronics to collaborate and strategically partner with capable intermediaries like wholesale distributors, retail chain stores, independent retailers, online marketplaces, authorized dealers and market traders to achieve extended market coverage and ensure their products are extensively available in the Nigerian market.

Investigation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Bread Baked and Sold in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State Nigeria

Heavy metals are pollutants that are of global significance due to their toxicological properties when their intake significantly exceeds recommended levels. They are persistent in the environment, and may be unintentionally present in raw materials used for production of bread; they may migrate from packaging into food, or find their way into finished food products due to anthropogenic activities. The present study investigated the presence of heavy metals in bread baked and sold in Makurdi, Metropolis, to ascertain their safety for consumption. Twenty different bread brands were sampled twice from bakeries and distribution outlets within Makurdi, metropolis respectively. The heavy metal analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The varied concentrations of heavy metals in mg/kg of Fe, Pb, Cr, Zn, Ni, and Cd in Bread Loaves from Bakeries (BFB) and in Bread Loaves from Distribution Outlets (BFD) were determined. Cd was not detected in BFB and flour, but it was present in one sample in BFD. Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was employed to separate the means. Though, most of the studied heavy metals were within permissible limits, caution should be taken when consuming bread, because of their ability to persist and bio-accumulate in bio-systems.

Empowering Authors and Revolutionising Publishing: The Decentralised Approach Using Blockchain

This study looks into how Blockchain technology can be used to establish a decentralised method to book publishing. Traditional publishing strategies can present authors with obstacles such as limited control over their work, money processing issues, and limited access to distribution outlets. The decentralised model afforded by Blockchain technology, on the other hand, has the potential to give authors more control over their work, smoother payment processing, and more distribution channels. The study investigates the advantages and disadvantages of employing Blockchain technology in book publishing and the possible impact on the sector as a whole. The study also includes a prototype of a decentralised publishing platform based on Blockchain technology, which allows authors to upload their work directly to the platform, receive real-time payment, and experience a more transparent and equitable publication process. The front-end of the platform was built with javascript. While writing the smart contract, solidity was employed. According to the findings of this study, Blockchain technology has the potential to transform the book publishing industry by empowering authors and boosting transparency and justice in the publication process.

Direct-to-Video (On Demand): New Industrial and Cultural Valuations of Nontheatrical Film Releases

Direct-to-Video (On Demand): New Industrial and Cultural Valuations of Nontheatrical Film Releases

The impact of product diversity and distribution networks on consumption expansion

Investigation on the influencing factors of consumption expansion is an important subject in business research. This study constructs a consumption utility function and analyzes the relationship between search cost and product heterogeneity and equilibrium price. Employing the data on 31 regions in China from 2002 to 2020, the panel data model is used to verify the results of the theoretical analysis. We draw the following conclusions. (1) Expanding the number of distribution outlets will lead to a decline in the equilibrium price, and an increase in product diversity prompts consumers to conduct more searches. (2) Expanding distribution networks can increase residents’ total consumption and consumption level. (3) An increase in product diversity can expand resident consumption. The conclusions suggest that distributors and retailers can increase the categories of their products, provide consumers with diversified decision-making space, and stimulate consumption expansion.

Investigation of distribution uniformity of distributor for biogas slurry application based on CFD analysis

A horizontal distributor for biogas slurry application was proposed to explore the distribution performance through CFD analysis and verified by field test. The rheological properties of biogas slurry were analyzed at first, and key parameters were obtained for the next simulation. The effects of distribution modes, inlet direction, and outlets number on the velocity distribution of flow field and mass flow rate of the horizonal distributor were investigated by CFD simulations. Results of rheological properties indicated that biogas slurry was a non-Newtonian fluid and exhibited shear-thinning behavior. It can be well described by power-law model. The simulation results showed that the geometry of rotor, especially the block numbers was the main factor that determining the fluid movement and trajectory of distribution and output. The mode rotor 1 with two blocks reached the lowest variable coefficient of mass flow rate (4.49%), indicating a higher degree of uniformity. The upward inlet direction would obtain less dead zone, and the distributor with an even outlets number would possess more uniform distribution and less dead zone. The field test of the distributor with rotor 1, upward inlet direction, and 24 outlets has been carried on to verify the simulation results, the variable coefficient of mass flow was 13.06%, which was slightly higher than the simulation (9.23%), but it still within the range of requirement (<15%). The proposed model and the findings of this work are of guiding significance for the study of the utilization technology and equipment of liquid biogas residue. Keywords: distributor, biogas slurry, distribution uniformity, rheological properties, CFD DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20231601.7460 Citation: Fu J J, Chen Y S, Xu B X, Ma B, Wang P J, W A B, et al. Investigation of distribution uniformity of distributor for biogas slurry application based on CFD analysis. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2023; 16(1): 45–52.

Heavy metal concentration in some commercial poultry feeds available in Abuja, Nigeria

The concentrations of heavy metals in some commercial poultry feeds available in Abuja, Nigeria was investigated. Poultry feed rations (starter, grower, finisher and layer) of seven different feed brands available in Abuja were purchased from their various distribution outlets. The nitric acid digestion method followed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry technique were used for metal content quantification. Analytical method validation was performed using IAEA-V-8 Rye flour certified reference material and good recoveries were obtained in all the metals indicating the accuracy of the applied analytical procedure. The mean of heavy metal concentrations (μg/g dry weight) in the poultry feeds were 2.31 ± 1.23, 0.43 ± 0.20, 1.66 ± 0.82, 23.35 ± 5.26, 238.09 ± 45.80, 0.61 ± 0.26, 99.57 ± 15.63 and 68.21 ± 11.92 for Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Fe, Co, Mn and Zn respectively. Generally, the levels of iron, manganese, zinc and copper in the poultry feeds were higher than FAO/WHO, National Research Council (NRC) and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) maximum recommended limits in feeds. Pearson correlation analysis on the metals in poultry feeds showed a significant (p &lt; 0.01) positive strong correlations between Co/Ni (0.658), Mn/Cu (r = 0.566), Zn/Cu (r = 0.683) and Zn/Mn (r = 0.758) suggesting that these metals could have had the same pathway into the feeds.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Implications of Netflix’s Venture into Nollywood Seen From a Local Audience Perspective

Abstract Within the last decade alone different distribution platforms have emerged in the Nigerian movie industry. One of the most notable and potent among these is Netflix. Employing Disruptive Innovation Theory (dit) as notional scaffolding, this article uses key informant interviews (kii) and focus group discussions (fgd) to examine what Netflix’s engagement in Nollywood means in terms of the viability of other distribution outlets. It investigates the ‘good, the bad and the ugly’ sides of the Nollywood-Netflix relationship from the Nigerian audience perspective to give an understanding that can contribute to Nollywood’s healthy expansion. The study argues that the emergence of Netflix leaves many Nollywood content creators (ncc s) begging for acceptance when their content is adjudged inconsequential. This must be creatively challenged and negotiated through ncc s and distributors using available technologies to improve production values, set up and collaboratively operate multiple online distribution platforms for the Nigerian audience’s satisfaction.

Changes and continuities of Makjang drama in the Korean broadcasting industry

ABSTRACT This paper examines the changes and continuities of makjang drama series within the structural changes that abound in the Korean broadcasting industry. Based on analysis of publications by terrestrial broadcasters and statistics of television ratings, the findings indicate that terrestrial television networks, which have been the major production and distribution outlets of Korean television dramas, recognize makjang drama to be important in securing their position following the entry of new players into the market, namely mobile and social media platforms, streaming services, and new broadcasters. While leading screenwriters and production studios strive to evolve and move away from the genre by reflecting the changing tastes of audiences, terrestrial broadcasters continue programming makjang drama despite criticisms against the genre as they record high television ratings with strong support from older audiences. In spite of criticisms and controversies over their improbable plots and violent and sensational clichés, the findings of this study explain that much of broadcasters’ persistence in producing makjang drama should be understood within the context of industrial changes.

Assessment of Excess Gamma Dose Exposure Level in Typical Nigeria Commercial Building Materials Distribution Outlets

The gamma dose rate exposure levels from different brands of building materials at commercial distribution stores/shops in two major cities in Ondo State, Nigeria, were measured using a well calibrated Inspector 1000 scintillator detector. The results showed that the different brands of building materials which are Corrugated iron sheet, Aluminum roofing sheets, Conduit pipes, Paints, Cement, PVC pipes, Wash hand basin, Bath tub, Water closet, Kitchen zinc, Asbestos, Floor tiles, Wall tiles, Bullet proof door, Binding wire, rings and rods, Red bricks, Galvanized pipes, Copper pipes, Water tanks contributed excess annual effective doses of 0.332 mSv/y and 0.311mSv/y to store keepers in Ikare Akoko and Akure cities respectively. The indoor and outdoor annual effective dose of each of the investigated two cities are correlated using simple linear regression equations. The results of the modeling and experiment show that annual effective dose received by the occupants of these shops/stores was about 12 % higher than what could be received in a typical natural radiation environment in the two cities because the building materials acts as a source of radiation indoor. The research indicated that the typical habit of using poorly ventilated and confined space as stores/shops by the sales men might subject them to internal exposure through inhalation of radon gas and its short-lived decay products. Implementation of the developed equations would definitely promote rapid determination of outdoor annual effective dose through indoor annual effective dose and ultimately save time and other valuable resources.

Quality of selected anti-retroviral medicines: Tanzania Mainland market as a case study

BackgroundAntiretroviral drugs (ARVs) have significantly reduced morbidity, mortality and improved the quality of life of people living with HIV infection. Poor quality ARVs may result in harmful consequences such as adverse drug reactions, treatment failure and development of drug resistant strains and sometimes death, which in turn may undermine the healthcare delivery system. To ensure optimal treatment outcomes, medicines quality control must be undertaken regularly. This study was aimed at evaluating the quality of ARVs circulating on the Tanzania Mainland market.MethodsThis was a survey study. ARVs samples were collected in 20 regions of Tanzania Mainland, between 2012 and 2018. All sampled ARVs were subjected to screening testing using the Global Pharma Health Fund® Mini-Lab kits. Sampled ARV’s that failed screening test or yielded doubtful results and 10 % (10 %) of all that complied with the screening test requirements were selected for full quality control testing. Quality control testing was conducted at the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) laboratory a World Health Organisation prequalified. Samples collected from the medicine distribution outlets were also, subjected to product information review.ResultsA total of 2,630 samples were collected, of which 83.7 % (2200/2630) were from port of entry (POEs). All sampled ARVs were screened and conformed to the specifications, except of the fixed dose combination (FDC) lopinavir/ritonavir 0.27 % (7/2630) and lamivudine/zidovudine/nevirapine 0.27 % (7/2630) that failed the disintegration test. Out of the 100 samples selected for full quality control testing, 3 % of them failed to comply with the specifications, of which FDC stavudine/lamivudine/nevirapine failed disintegration and assay tests 2 % (2/100) and 1 % (1/100), respectively. Samples failing the assay test had low content of stavudine (86.6 %) versus specification limits (90 -110 %). Out of the 430 samples which were subjected to product information review, 25.6 % (110/430) failed to comply with the TMDA packaging and labelling requirements.ConclusionsThe quality of majority of ARVs circulating on the Tanzania Mainland market was good, even so, significant deficiencies on labelling and packaging were observed. These results call for continuous monitoring of quality of medicines circulating on the Tanzania Mainland market.

The Role of Lean Marketing in Achieving Sustainable Competitive Advantage: An Analytical Study at Al-Mosul Dairy Manufactory

This paper aims to examine the relationship between Lean Marketing (LM) and implementing Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA). Based on discussing the different types of waste that a company can produce during the production process. This study targeted the Mosul Dairy Manufactory. In total (67%) valid completed questionnaires, out of (75) questionnaire forms distributed to the manufacturer’s marketing departments and distribution outlets. This study is based on a number of conceptual and applied questions concerning the relationship of correlation and its influence between the variables of research. The questionnaire was used as the main tool for collecting data and information. Statistical quantitative methods like (SPSS) were adopted in analyzing the data collected by the questionnaire. The main outcomes indicated, the existence of a significant correlation between the two variables, as well as, the existence of a significant impact of lean marketing on the sustainable competitive advantage. The main significance suggests; the necessity to adopt the concept of lean marketing in the manufacturing facility to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

رصد للحالة التشکیلیة فى مصر (1970 – 2021) من خلال مراجعة کتب منشورة

To date, 2021, I have written 10 books, eight in distribution outlets, and two in print. All its pages include many and varied critical articles about many works of art in the field (drawing, painting, and sculpture) for many contemporary fine artists, of different ages, orientations, and artistic styles, on which I was a witness through my field follow-up of private or even collective art exhibitions, from the 1970s to the present. All of this is to monitor the situation of Fine Arts seriously, and to measure the indicators of its growth and rise horizontally and vertically. Today, it has become a very wide and varied panoramic image. Its purpose is to cover an important aspect of the creativity of the fine artists who were present on the art scene and left in turn year after year; or those who are now present and produce serious and distinctive works of art of varied visual and aesthetic orientations. In this way, my selection of work would not be considered random, improvisational, or mandatory, but it is based on the new and creative experiences of a present young generation or those who have passed their age and have an effective and renewed presence in any of the different areas of creativity.

Salt Iodization and Urinary Iodine Concentration Levels among Primary School Children in Mt. Elgon Sub-County, Kenya

Aims: Iodine plays a key role in thyroid hormone production and functioning. Inadequate iodine intake results in iodine deficiency (ID) which impairs the normal functioning of the thyroid. The deficiency is responsible for damage to brain development, growth retardation, cretinism, and thyroid dysfunction. Millions of people have been condemned to a life of few prospects and continued underdevelopment due to ID. The study was conducted to assess iodine status among primary school children in the Mt. Elgon region and the impact of salt iodization on this status.&#x0D; Study Design: A school-based cross-sectional descriptive study to assess iodine status among primary school children was employed in the study.&#x0D; Study Area and Duration: The study was carried out in Kenya, Bungoma County, Mount Elgon Sub-County. The study period was between 27th November 2018 and 26th November 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Healthy primary school children aged 6 to 12 years who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Spot urine samples were collected in schools, while water samples were collected from different water sources. Salt was collected from households (HH) and at distribution outlets. The Sandell Kolthoff reaction was used to analyse urine and water samples while salt was analysed using iodometric titration.&#x0D; Results: The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 200.7 µg/l. Out of which 0.55% were severely deficient, 5.25% moderately deficient, 18.23% with a mild deficiency, 25.69% had adequate iodine levels, 22.38% had more than adequate, and 27.90% had excess iodine levels. Household and salt samples from different distribution outlets that conformed to set standards of iodization were 49.4% and 63.64%, respectively. Iodine was not detected in all the water samples collected.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study population was found to have adequate iodine based on the median UIC of 200.7 µg/l. However, there was a coexistence of both deficiency and excessive UIC and salt iodization within the population. No iodine was detected in the water samples in the region.

Quality Surveillance of Anti-Tuberculosis Medicines in Tanzania, 2012-2018

Background: The use of substandard and falsified (SF) anti-tuberculosis (ant-TB) medicines may lead to treatment failure and development of drug resistance. SF medicinal products are claimed to be more prevalent in developing countries with high burden of tuberculosis disease. National Regulatory Authorities therefore, should ensure that the quality of these life-saving medicines is systematically monitored. We conducted a post marketing surveillance study to determine the quality of anti-tuberculosis medicines circulating on the market in Tanzania Mainland. Methods: This was a prospective cross sectional study conducted between 2012 and 2018. Purposive sampling technique was used in collecting a total of 777 samples of anti-tuberculosis medicines. Samples were collected from ports of entry, Medical Stores Department (MSD) and healthcare facilities in 16 regions of Tanzania Mainland. All collected samples were subjected quality screening using Global Pharma Health Fund® (GPHF) Mini-Lab kits. Only samples collected from MSD and healthcare facilities were subjected to product information review. Samples collected from MSD and healthcare facilities that did not comply with GPHF protocol requirements or yielded doubtful results and ten percent (10%) of all those that complied were subjected to tier II confirmatory testing using full pharmacopoeia monographs at the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Device (TMDA) Quality Control Laboratory which is prequalified by the World Health Organization. Results: All 777 collected samples complied with the requirements of both GPHF minilab protocol and respective compendial monographs when subjected to screening and confirmatory testing, respectively. Of the samples collected from medicine distribution outlets 71.3% (176/247) samples did not comply with product information requirements as per TMDA labelling requirements and approved product information. Conclusion: These Results calls for continuously reinforcing and monitoring of Ant-TB medicines to ensure that only those of good quality and proper information are circulating on the Tanzanian mainland market.

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT OF INSTAGRAM ON IMPULSE BUYING

Today technology is one of the most important business aspects as a facility that can give a company a competitive advantage by using social media. The high number of social media users makes the business producers use it as a promotion media. Bandung is a city center that offers all kinds of needs; one of them is fashion. The rapid development of fashion’s creative industries is marked by the number of distribution outlets (distro), clothing, and factory outlets (FO) that increase from year to year. This research is conducted to determine the social media content of Instagram used by the Bandung fashion industries and its influence on impulse buying. The method used in this research is descriptive verification. The data collection technique is carried out through a questionnaire and interview. The respondents of this research are 100 consumers of 85 outlets. Based on the hypothesis testing using simple linear regression, it can be stated that the validity (significant) is “there is an influence of social media content of Instagram on impulse buying.”

A New Solution for City Distribution to Achieve Environmental Benefits within the Trend of Green Logistics: A Case Study in China

Green logistics has become a consensus and an important method to achieve sustainable development in industrial activities. However, the traditional direct distribution mode has high carbon emissions, an uncertain delivery time, and a low delivery efficiency. Uncoordinated resource allocations and unreasonable network layouts of terminal distributions have shackled green development within the express delivery industry. Considering the trend of green logistics, this study innovatively proposes a comprehensive and environmentally friendly mode for city distribution based on end crowdsourcing service stations (ECSSs). This study also adopts node centrality indices of complex network theory to evaluate the node importance of existing terminal distribution outlets. The comprehensive weights of the indices are obtained via the three-scale AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) and TOPSIS (Technology for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) methods to identify the candidate nodes for ECSSs. Finally, a location model is built to determine the optimal location to establish the ECSSs. A real-world case study was conducted to provide the location scheme of ECSSs in Beijing, China. Environmental benefits as well as economic and social benefits can be substantially achieved through the implementation of the new mode. The results show that carbon emissions can be reduced by 23.79–28.49% for the end of the distribution, 16.27–16.35% for the front-end, and approximately 17% for the entire distribution. Additionally, the loading rate of vans for the front-end of the distribution can be improved by 15.77%.