Infrastructure Equipment Research Articles

How much does it cost to combine supply-side and demand-side RBF approaches in a single intervention? Full cost analysis of the Results Based Financing for Maternal and Newborn Health Initiative in Malawi

ObjectiveTo estimate the economic cost associated with implementing the Results Based Financing for Maternal and Newborn Health (RBF4MNH) Initiative in Malawi. No specific hypotheses were formulated ex-ante.SettingPrimary and secondary delivery...

Assessment of hospitals preparedness in road traffic crashes with mass casualty: the case of Iran

INTRODUCTION: Road traffic crashes (RTCs) annually cause about 1.35 million deaths and 20–50 million injuries. Hospitals have the main role in responding to road traffic injuries (RTIs) and decreasing the number of disabilities and deaths. This study aimed to assess the preparedness of selected Iranian hospitals in responding to road traffic crashes with mass casualties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 13 hospitals in four provinces including Tehran, Alborz, West Azerbaijan, and Hamedan in 2019. the valid and reliable questionnaire of hospital preparedness assessment in RTIs was used for data collection (Kappa coefficient = 0.89; CVR: 0.98; CVI: 0.97). Using SPSS 16, the level of hospital preparedness was categorized into three parts as weak (less than 34%), moderate (34–66%), and high (more than 66%). RESULTS: Preparedness of the selected hospitals was at a moderate level (= 65.25%). Although the level of preparedness in the aspects of command and control (72.7%), safety and security (71.54%), infrastructure and medical equipment (74.12%), and coordination (71.15%) was satisfactory, hospitals were weak in the training and exercise aspect (48.46%). The level of access to specific equipment needed for responding to trauma injuries was high (79.56%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, a response plan is required to make hospitals more prepared to respond to road traffic injuries. The plan may include training and development, as well as health facilities preparedness in terms of structure, equipment, and human resources. In addition, assessing the effectiveness of all response plans requires exercise and practice.

Simplified Green’s function for surface waves in quasi-incompressible elastic plates with application to elastography

Surface wave elastography is a growing method to estimate the elasticity in soft solids. It is particularly useful in the case of agrifoods like meat, cheese, or fruits because it does not require major infrastructure or large equipment and could be developed in portable devices. However, estimating the shear elastic properties from surface wave measurements is not straightforward. The shear wavelength in those materials is cm sized for the excitation frequencies usually employed in elastography (∼102 Hz), and the size of samples is comparable to it. Thus, the surface wave speed is frequency dependent with no direct relation to the shear wave speed. In this work we propose a simplified Green’s function for soft solid elastic plates which allows to retrieve the shear elasticity from near field measurements. The model is compared with experimental results obtained in agar–gelatin phantoms and food samples (cheese and bovine liver). The results show a good overall agreement although improvements can be achieved by incorporating diffraction and viscosity to the model.

Effect of COVID-19 on Energy Sector in Jordan

This study aims to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 on the energy sector in Jordan. The steps taken by the Jordanian governments to mitigate the economic and financial impacts that would enhance the resilience of the energy sector was considered. Deductive and inductive analysis methods of were used. Such methods aided to systematically consider the economic consequences of the COVID-19. The results of this study showed that the COVID-19 led to a significant decrease in energy consumption, a decline in economic growth, a significant rise in unemployment, an increase in market instability, and a decrease in the financial position of companies. The recommendations concluded that Jordan should begin to change its policies according to the new data, and take Measures to advance the energy sector by reducing fuel consumption and directing investment in energy saving policies and infrastructure equipment in parallel with the population boom in Jordan.

Effect of Tax Revenue Generation on Economic Growth in Nigeria

The contribution of taxation to all economies around the world cannot be exaggerated. Apart from the revenue function it performs for the government, it is also used to help the country achieve its macroeconomic goals in the areas of fiscal and monetary policy. While a significant portion of Nigeria's income comes from taxes, it has long been observed that the role of taxation in stimulating economic activity and growth remains unrecognized especially in the area of infrastructure and basic equipment. Earlier documents have shown that tax revenues in developed countries have a significant impact on economic growth, which is clearly reflected in the services provided by these countries. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between Nigerian tax revenues and economic growth in Nigeria. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the data using the Microsoft Excel package. As a result, petroleum profit tax, company income tax and value added tax have a positive impact on Nigeria's economic growth, while custom excise and duties have a negative impact, but overall, between tax revenue and Nigeria's economic growth, there is a significant correlation. The use of generated tax revenue is a serious concern, requires special attention of policy makers, taxpayer violations of tax law are obstacles, and inefficient tax administration is a sufficient loophole for tax evasion. As a result, income is reduced. In particular, the Tax Administration is only responsible for qualified professionals and trusted persons, and it is advisable to thoroughly educate the importance of taxes for the entire population.

The Effect of Competency-Based Curricula on the Promotion of Social Values and Civic Education in the Pre-University Education: Case of Kosovo

This study investigates teachers’ understanding of the competency-based curriculum framework. In addition, it investigates teachers’ opinions on the promotion of civic education and social values through the curricular framework, and what impediments teachers face in implementing the curriculum on the civic education subject. A questionnaire, including structured and open-ended questions, was developed and distributed to 318 teachers. Findings of this study indicated that the majority of teachers understand the curricular framework including core and subject curricula, related to civic education and social values. In addition, findings indicate there are inadequate textbooks and insufficient professional development and training of teachers. Findings also indicate that inappropriate infrastructure and adequate equipment have a negative effect on the implementation of competency-based curricula. Recommendations highlight the need for a revision of textbooks based on the curricular framework provisions and additional training of teachers on implementing the competency-based curriculum. In addition, there is a need for providing adequate working conditions for teachers. Recommendation for future research is to include other factors such as students’ performance and outcomes of the educational process. 
 
 Received: 15 November 2021 / Accepted: 20 January 2022 / Published: 5 March 2022

Implications of ICNIRP 2020 Exposure Guidelines on the RF EMF Compliance Boundary of Base Stations

In March 2020, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) released its new guidelines (ICNIRP 2020) on the limitation of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure in the frequency range 100 kHz–300 GHz. These have taken several years to develop and include the review of the latest scientific literature. Most countries worldwide currently apply the RF-EMF exposure limits provided in the ICNIRP 1998 guidelines and are expected to align their regulations according to the recently revised limits. In this paper, the implications of the ICNIRP 2020 guidelines on the RF-EMF compliance of base stations (BSs) for mobile communications are analyzed in detail. The study covers different types of BS products, from low-power small cells to macro cell equipment, operating within different frequency bands and of relevance for 2G to 5G mobile technologies. A direct comparison of the BS RF-EMF exclusion zones (or compliance boundaries), when the ICNIRP 2020 and the ICNIRP 1998 limits are applied, is provided. Since existing and future mobile equipment infrastructure is likely to be required to comply with the ICNIRP 2020 guidelines, the paper provides useful information to mobile equipment manufacturers, mobile operators, standardization bodies and regulators.

A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators to adequate environmental health conditions and infection control for healthcare workers in Malawi

Abstract The burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is high in low- and middle-income countries. Inadequate environmental health (EH) conditions and work systems contribute to HAIs in countries like Malawi. We collected qualitative data from 48 semi-structured interviews with healthcare workers (HCWs) from 45 healthcare facilities (HCFs) across Malawi and conducted a thematic analysis. The facilitators of infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in HCFs included disinfection practices, patient education, and waste management procedures. HCWs reported barriers such as lack of IPC training, bottlenecks in maintenance and repair, hand hygiene infrastructure, water provision, and personal protective equipment. This is one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of IPC practices and environmental conditions in Malawian HCFs in relation to HCWs. A comprehensive understanding of barriers and facilitators to IPC practices will help decision-makers craft better interventions and policies to support HCWs to protect themselves and their patients.

Hospital's preparedness in road traffic injuries with mass casualties: Exploring a valid and reliable checklist

Background:The most important functional factor of hospitals is having a preparedness plan for dealing with disasters and emergencies such as road traffic injuries. There is a gap in the design and the development of a valid and reliable tool to evaluate the levels of hospital preparedness during road traffic injuries with mass casualty.Objectives:The aim of this study was to explore a valid and reliable tool for measurement of hospital preparedness in road traffic injuries with mass casualties.Methods:This study was conducted in two phases, each comprising different steps: tool design and judgmental evidence. In the first step, the determination of the content domain, sampling from content (item generation), and the formation of the tool and in the second stage, validity and reliability of the tool were performed.Results:From the 139 items that were finally set, nine dimensions including command and control, infrastructure and medical equipment, information and communication systems, surge capacity, triage and medical services, safety and security, human resources management, coordination and cooperation, and training and exercise were identified. Content validity index and content validity ratio of the tool were 0.97 and 0.98, respectively. The reliability of the tool was 0.89 with the kappa coefficient, respectively.Conclusion:The tool has sufficient reliability and validity for measuring hospital preparedness in road traffic injuries with mass casualties. Thus, this tool can be used for assessing the preparedness of hospitals for better planning, preparedness, and response to road traffic injuries with mass casualties.

Challenges faced by mental health nurses working with people living with mental illness in Eswatini: A qualitative study

BackgroundResearch on the challenges faced by mental health nurses working in poorly resourced settings, especially in Eswatini, is limited. As a result, we conducted this study to explore and describe the challenges faced by mental health nurses working with people living with mental illness in Eswatini. MethodsThe study employed a qualitative approach, using an exploratory-descriptive design and the data were collected from nine (9) purposively selected mental health nurses at the National Psychiatric Referral Hospital (NPRH). A majority (n = 7) of the participants had bachelors’ degrees and were female (n = 5), with a mean of 6 years working experience in a mental health setting. The data were collected using an unstructured interview guide through audio-recorded individual in-depth-interviews, and were analysed manually using Colaizzi’s method of phenomenological analysis. ResultsFive themes emerged from the data: i) physical violence; ii) sexual harassment iii) emotional distress due to verbal abuse; iv) stigma and discrimination; and v) administrative challenges (drug stock-outs, staff shortage, overcrowding, and inadequate infrastructure and medical equipment). ConclusionThe mental health nurses shared several challenges they encounter on their day-to-day job, including physical, psychological and administrative challenges. There is a need for the Ministry of Health working with the Wellness Centre for health workers to design staff wellness programs aimed at mitigating work-related stress and challenges faced by mental health nurses. The Ministry of Health and the NPRH administration should put in place safety measures at the NPRH and should devise a management strategy to tackle the administrative challenges raised by the nurses in this study.

Mungbean: A Preview of Disease Management Challenges for an Alternative U.S. Cash Crop

AbstractMungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) products and other plant-based protein sources exceeded $1 billion in U.S. sales during 2020. Nearly all of the mungbean consumed in the U.S. is imported, but it has considerable potential as a domestic crop. Its tolerance of drought and high temperatures gives U.S. farmers additional options for crop rotation. Mungbean is a short-season crop (60 to 90 d). It fits the current infrastructure of equipment, chemical, inputs, and storage for soybean and has a developed market. Similar to other crops, vulnerability to diseases can be a constraint for mungbean production. This manuscript reviews mungbean diseases causing significant yield losses in current production regions and current control options. This information will provide a useful guide to breeders and farmers to develop and produce a profitable crop, and will also equip university extension personnel with essential information to assist mungbean farmers with disease management.

Sustainable solid waste management in restaurants: The case of the Ecozinha Institute, Brazil

This study aimed to propose a systematic model for the sustainable management of solid waste in restaurants, based on the experience of the Ecozinha Institute (Brazil). The Solid Waste Management System for Restaurants (SGRS-R) was developed through a case study conducted in a Brazilian restaurant. Data on meal preparation processes were collected through direct observation and recorded on forms designed specifically for this purpose according to parameters and guidelines described in the literature. Corrective actions already in place were monitored, and the need for new actions was identified. SGRS-R consists of seven steps, two of which are aimed at defining corrective actions and recommendations for solid waste management and reduction. The other five steps are supported by evaluation forms for (1) gravimetric control of solid waste, (2) description of physical infrastructure and solid waste equipment, (3) survey of solid waste collection, recycling, and disposal companies, (4) description of the flow of solid waste, and (5) monitoring of meal preparation steps. It was observed that SGRS-R implementation promoted changes in meal preparation processes in line with the principles of waste avoidance, reduction, reuse, and recycling. Waste management plans implemented by the Ecozinha Institute were able to reduce the amount of solid waste sent to sanitary landfills by up to 90%. It is important to emphasize that SGRS-R can be adapted and applied to any type of restaurant, given that solid waste management criteria are defined for each meal preparation step. SGRS-R can be used to restructure the management of solid waste in restaurants through strategies that include from menu planning to temporary storage of solid waste, thereby minimizing the environmental impacts associated with food service.

Applying the process approach in setting up the system of internal control in economic entities

Subject. The article addresses the organization and implementation of process approach when setting up a system of internal control of an economic entity, which ensures the management of effectiveness of divisions’ activities. Objectives. We aim at investigating the organization of the internal control system of an economic entity, based on its activities, accounting policies, classification of business processes, and risk identification. Methods. The study rests on methods of theoretical generalization, structural grouping, logical analysis, as well as the analysis of scientific and practical literature and accounting and control practice. Results. The analysis of practices revealed a number of problems in the implementation of the process approach in the accounting and control activities of economic entities, in particular, insufficient understanding and unpreparedness of management to implement the process approach, the lack of a system for regulating business processes, the lack of interconnection between the system of control indicators and the created business processes. It is advisable to divide the process of organizing the internal control system into a number of stages, i.e. the definition of activities, typology of business processes, risk identification, testing the internal control system’s quality. Conclusions. The introduction of the process approach in organizing an internal control system involves the systematization of information, depending on the nature of the business process, requiring permanent updating. The emergence of non-standard situations makes it necessary to adjust the boundaries of business processes. The resources of accounting business processes are personnel, software, equipment, and other infrastructure elements.

Management and market intelligence indicators based on the application of a tourism destination analysis model

This study is contextualized in the guidelines of the Ministry of Tourism of Brazil, promoting integrated itineraries and regionalization of tourism. The objective of the research is to analyze the development of tourism destinations, through the availability, access and application of the destination tourist indicators, which is selected in information for academic, organizational and managerial knowledge, based on the concept of intelligence in tourism. The destination selected for the application is the municipality of Bento Gonçalves (Rio Grande do Sul), known as the Brazilian capital of grapes and wines, is one of the main tourist destinations in southern Brazil. In 2010, academic research concerning the development in the municipality, showed positive points related to the general infrastructure, services and tourist equipment, as well as its importance in the regional and national tourism context. For the current research, the methodological design consists a theoretical review on the theme of management and smart tourism destinations, the tourist destination and region contextualization, and analytical correlations of collected data, using the expanded and updated instrument of the previous research, with questions open and closed, structured in ten conceptual axes. The methodology, of qualitative and quantitative nature, was complemented by document analysis. Evidence from the field research shows that the destination has evolved significantly in economic, governance and administrative intelligence terms, consolidating its regional position.

Effect of Laboratory Practical on Senior Secondary School Students Performance in Biology in Ilorin South LGA, Kwara State

The study investigated the effect of Laboratory practical on senior secondary school students’ performance in Biology in Ilorin South LGA, Kwara State. Three research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. Descriptive survey was adopted for this study. The population comprised SS1 to SS3 Biology students in Ilorin South LGA, Kwara state. Questionnaires were designed for one hundred and eighty (180) Biology students and the data collected were analyzed using descriptive mean, t-test and analysis of variance ANOVA. The findings revealed that the impact of Laboratory practical was significant to the students’ performance. There was no significant difference in students' opinion towards the impact of Laboratory practical on the performance of students based on gender and school type. The following recommendations are made: Adequate laboratory equipment should be provided for senior secondary school students to ease the learning difficulty experienced in learning Biology practical. School authorities as well as teachers should ensure that both male and female students engage in the carrying out Biology practical exercise in the laboratory. Government and private school owners should ensure the provision of well-structured infrastructural facilities and equipment that would improve practical work.

Dialysis Adequacy among Haemodialysis Patients in Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Dialysis adequacy is one of the most important indicators for measuring the quality of care provided in hemodialysis (HD) wards. Despite individual studies, there is still no comprehensive study about dialysis adequacy in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO). This study was conducted to evaluate the dialysis adequacy in HD patients in the EMRO. Methods: In the present systematic review and meta-analysis international (EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science) and national (SID, MAGIRAN) databases were searched for related articles using keywords “dialysis adequacy” and “EMRO” from 1 January 2000 to April 30, 2020. The quality of studies was studied using Hoy et al instrument. Results: Out of 966 retrieved studies, 63 studies conducted on 15462 HD patients were included. The pooled mean of KT/V and URR were 1.24 (95% CI: 1.19, 1.30) and 63.03% (95% CI: 61.31, 64.75), respectively. The pooled prevalence of Kt/V>1.2 and URR>65.0% were 42.73% (95% CI: 31.58, 53.88) and 42.52% (95% CI: 25.3, 59.7), respectively. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate the poor dialysis adequacy in the EMRO region and the need to improve the physical infrastructure, workforce, and pieces of equipment in hemodialysis wards.

Таможенные услуги: сущность, порядок предоставления и проблемы качества

the introduction and use of new customs technologies, the improvement of customs procedures, the practical development of consulting and informing participants in foreign economic activity, the expansion of the equipment of customs infrastructure - all this contributes to the creation of favorable conditions for foreign economic activity, an increase in the quality of customs services provided to interested parties, economic growth and business development. Due to the constantly increasing volume of foreign trade activity of the Russian Federation, the tightening of the rules and conditions of international trade, there is an increasing need for the development of modern customs services, since the institution of customs services undoubtedly affects the process of integration of the country into the world economic community, the improvement of trade and the economy of Russia as a whole.

The Role of Cancer Charities in Breast Cancer Prevention in Iran

Background: Cancer is a significant public health problem, and its burden is increasing globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Cancer charities, alongside the government, could address health issues based on their goals. We studied the activities of cancer charities related to breast cancer (BC) prevention in Iran. Methods: We designed a situational analysis study. We abstracted the cancer charities’ objectives that were members of the “Iran Cancer National Network of NGOs and Charities (IRCNNC).” We also searched for their international activities. We reviewed the BC prevention programs conducted by Iranian cancer charities and collected their data and information regarding BC awareness and screening. Results: Overall, 43 charities were an active member of the IRCNNC and were engaged in 6 areas, including 1) financial and non-financial supports, 2) providing medical services, 3) providing accommodation to companions of the patients traveling from other cities, 4) supplying infrastructure and medical equipment to cancer hospitals, 5) conducting scientific and research activities, and 6) running educational and awareness campaigns. Most actions were on financial and non-financial supports. Seven charities are a member of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Five charities reported their movement on BC prevention. Conclusion: Most charities did not document their prevention programs and did not follow an organized screening program. Training and capacity building is needed to support the cancer charities for the evidence-based cancer prevention program.

Assessment of service readiness for maternity care in primary health centres in rural Nigeria: implications for service improvement.

Introductionseveral scientific reports from studies across Nigeria revealed a higher incidence of maternal mortality in rural parts of the country as compared to the urban areas. Part of the reasons is the paucity of health care infrastructure and personnel. This study was designed as part of an intervention program with the goal to improve the access of pregnant women to skilled pregnancy care in rural Nigeria. The specific objective of the study was to determine the nature and readiness of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in two Local Government Areas (LGAs) in rural parts of Edo State, Southern Nigeria to deliver effective maternal and child health services.Methodsthe study was conducted in 12 randomly selected PHCs in the two LGAs. Data were obtained with a semi-structured questionnaire administered on health workers and through direct observation and verification of the facilities in the PHCs. The results obtained were compared with the national standards established for PHCs in Nigeria by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.Resultsthe results showed severe deficits in buildings and premises, rooms, medical equipment, essential drugs, and personnel. Only 40% of items recommended by the NPHCDA were available for buildings; 41% of the PHCs had facilities available in the labour ward; while less than 30% had the recommended facilities in the antenatal care rooms. Only one PHC had a laboratory space, with only one item (a dipstick for urine analysis) identified in the laboratory. None of the PHCs had ambulances, mobile phones, internet or computers. There was no nurse/midwife in 4 PHCs; only one nurse/midwife each were available in 8 PHCs; while there was no Environmental/Medical Records Officer in any PHC. About 26% of the essential drugs were not available in the PHCs.Conclusionwe conclude that PHCs in Edo State, Nigeria have severe deficits in infrastructural facilities, equipment, essential drugs and personnel for the delivery of maternal and child health care. Efforts to improve these facilities will help increase the quality of delivery of maternal and child health, and therefore reduce maternal and child mortality in the country.

Chi phí phẫu thuật nạo va bằng Coblator tại bệnh viện nhi đồng 1 năm 2020

Objective: Determine full cost of Coblator adenoidectoy at Children’s Hospital 1 in 2020. Methods: Cross descriptive study, combining quantitative and qualitative methods performed on 192 Coblator adenoidectomy children, and interviewed 08 leaders of relevant departments in 2020. Results: The average full cost for Coblator adenoidectomy was 5,237,630 VND including direct cost 4,665,916 VND (89%) and indirect cost 571,714 VND (11%). In the direct cost group, the cost of drugs and consumables had the highest proportion at 74.58%; followed by a cost of 18.51% for the surgery team. For the indirect cost group, the cost for support and management personnel was the highest proportion of 68.41%; This was followed by depreciation costs (to maintain infrastructure and supplies and equipment) up 24.97%. The total cost identified in the study was higher than the recently price. The qualitative study results recording the proportion of cost components, the price of Coblator adenoidectomy were relatively appropriate and could be launched. Conclusion: Based on study results, we propose to adjust Coblator adenoidectomy fees from 3,352,000 VND (since 2015) to 6,044,723 VND to ensure revenue sources and maintain stable operation of the hospital. Key words: Cost of adenoidectomy, Children’s hospital 1, Coblator.