Framework For Development Of Strategies Research Articles

Resilience in agri-food supply chains: a framework for risk assessment and strategy development

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of resilience in the agri-food supply chain (AFSC) to ensure a reliable, uninterrupted, and disruption-free food supply for the ever-increasing global population. This study aims to comprehensively rank the multitude of risks faced by the AFSC, which have predominantly been examined in isolation. It develops a strategic framework for mitigating these risks by implementing appropriate resilient strategies. The study employs novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making techniques, including the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (F-AHP), fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (F-TOPSIS), and fuzzy quality function deployment (F-QFD), to prioritise risks, assign weights, and rank various resilient strategies. The study contributes to the existing literature by proposing a systematic and robust strategic framework to facilitate decision-making processes in AFSC resilience management. It advances theoretical understanding and provides practical insights and recommendations for enhancing resilience in AFSC management.

Practical Application of a Relationship-Based Model to Engagement for Gene-Drive Vector Control Programs.

Engagement is an important component in the advancement of gene-drive vector control research programs as developers look to transition the technology from the laboratory to the field. As research advances and engagement surrounding this novel technology is put into practice, knowledge can be gained from practical experiences and applications in the field. A relationship-based model (RBM) provides a framework for end-user development of engagement programs and strategies. The model places end users at the center of the engagement decision-making processes rather than as recipients of predetermined strategies, methods, and definitions. Successful RBM application for healthcare delivery has previously been demonstrated, and the University of California Malaria Initiative (UCMI) has applied this model to its gene-drive program in the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe. The model emphasizes the importance of local leadership in the planning, development, and implementation of all phases of project engagement. The primary aim of this paper is to translate the model from paper to practice and provide a transparent description, using practical examples, of the UCMI program implementation of RBM at its field site. End-user development of the UCMI engagement program provides a unique approach to the development of ethical, transparent, and effective engagement strategies for malaria control programs. This paper may also serve as a reference and example for projects looking to establish an engagement program model that integrates end-user groups in the decision-making processes surrounding engagement.

An Investigation of the Carbon Emissions and Climate Change Awareness from the Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector in Guyana: The Case of Mahdia

Mineral extractive industries are becoming increasingly relevant in climate change science and policy. Guyana’s economic policy, the Low Carbon Development Strategy, seeks to align sectors of the economy along a low carbon emission trajectory. Although the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector is economically important, it is a known emissions-intensive sector that contributes to deforestation and direct operational emissions. This study sought to increase understanding of direct operational emissions by investigating carbon emissions associated with fuel combustion in ASGM. Further, the study investigated miners’ awareness of carbon emissions and willingness to reduce emissions; thus providing context for policymakers to advance measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the ASGM sector. The research methods used were qualitative document analysis, questionnaire-survey, and interviews. It was found that the average carbon dioxide emission per volume of earth moved from a sample of ASGM operations in Mahdia per quarter was 4.69 x 10-6 MtCO2e/m3. Miners were generally unaware of their carbon footprint and its link to mining, climate change, and the Low Carbon Development Strategy. This knowledge gap was accompanied by negative attitudes. 79% of miners indicated there was no need to reduce their carbon footprint, and 85% of miners were unwilling to change their usual practices. Recommendations to advance and integrate the sector within the Low Carbon Development Strategy framework were explored within the themes of: regulation and management; fiscal measures; technology; and education and awareness.

A Strategy Development Framework for Educational Technology: An integrated Design Science Research and Modified Delphi Approach

Emerging technologies are transforming educational practices, but successful integration requires improving the quality and efficiency of learning. New technology emerges in hype cycles but adoption and performance lag over time. A strategy development framework is needed for decision-makers to understand the complex interaction of all the factors to consider when making new technology investments. The research explores how strategy development occurs through the dynamic interaction of strategy with learning, and technology integration. It analyses the key elements of a strategy map for learning with technology and how they influence each other within the overall strategy map. The research design integrated the different cycles of Design Science Research (DSR) with a modified Delphi Technique in two phases of research. During the first research phase, Delphi panel members were interviewed to understand current challenges and practices in learning with technology. The results of the literature review and thematic data analysis from the interviews were used to create a hypothetical strategy map and a strategy development framework, as an artefact, as part of the DSR process. This framework was shared with Delphi members in the second phase of research, and they were requested to evaluate the framework for its fit and utility in similar contexts of learning with technology. The feedback contributed to the refinement of the artefact and highlighted the key operational focus areas for learning with technology. The key operational focus areas identified were the need to increase the basic technology literacy of students and educators, continuous professional development in terms of online pedagogy, and the need for principles in terms of multimedia design. Other focus areas were an online design blueprint and an improvement in learning and teaching experiences through efficiencies and productivity of ed-tech technologies. This study contributes a strategy development framework for educational technology which enhances theories around the analytical and conceptual processes when planning and implementing new emerging technologies in learning. Analytical processes include external and internal analysis and a SWOT analysis of aspects related to learning with technology. Other key outcomes of the study include a hypothetical strategy map for learning with technology which aligns business objectives to a financial, customer, internal business process and learning and growth perspective.

A systematic reliability-centred maintenance framework with fuzzy computational integration – a case study of manufacturing process machinery

PurposeThis study presents a systematic framework for maintenance strategy development of manufacturing process machinery. The framework is developed based on the reliability-centred maintenance (RCM) approach to minimise the high downtime of a production line, thus increasing its reliability and availability. A case study of a production line from the ghee and soap manufacturing industry in Taiz, Yemen, is presented for framework validation purposes. The framework provides a systematic process to identify the critical system(s) and guide further investigation for functional significant items (FSIs) based on quantitative and qualitative analyses before recommending appropriate maintenance strategies and specific tasks.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed framework integrates conventional RCM procedure with the fuzzy computational process to improve FSIs criticality estimation, which is the main part of failure mode effect criticality analysis (FMECA) applications. The framework consists of four main implementation stages: identification of the critical system(s), technical analysis, Fuzzy-FMECA application for FSIs criticality estimation and maintenance strategy selection. Each stage has its objective(s) and related scientific techniques that are applied to systematically guide the framework implementation.FindingsThe proposed framework validation is summarised as follows. The first stage results demonstrate that the seaming system (top and bottom systems) caused 50% of the total production line downtime, indicating it is a critical system that requires further analysis. The outcomes of the second stage provide significant technical information on the subject (seaming system), helping team members to identify and understand the structure and functional complexities of the seaming system. This stage also provides a better understanding of how the seaming system functions and how it can fail. In stage 3, the application of FMECA with the fuzzy computation integration process presents a systematic way to analyse the failure mode, effect and cause of items (components of the seaming system). This stage also includes items’ criticality estimation and ranking assessment. Finally, stage four guides team members in recommending the appropriate countermeasures (maintenance strategies and task selection) based on their priority level.Originality/valueThis paper proposes an original maintenance strategies development framework based on the RCM approach for production system equipment. Specifically, it considers a fuzzy computational process based on the Gaussian function in the third stage of the proposed framework. Adopting the fuzzy computational process improves the risk priority number (RPN) estimation, resulting in better criticality ranking determination. Another significant contribution is introducing an extended item criticality ranking assessment process to provide maximum levels of criticality item ranking. Finally, the proposed RCM framework also provides detailed guidance on maintenance strategy selection based on criticality levels, unique functionality and failure characteristics of each FSI.

An integrated QFD framework for smart city strategy development

PurposeIn this study, the deployment of an integrated Quality Function Deployment (QFD) decision framework is presented to help cities design targeted strategies to become “smart”. Arguably smart cities leverage advanced technologies to enhance their smartness to improve everyday urban life. To this end, a QFD – Analytic Hierarchy Process – Analytic Network Process (QFD-AHP-ANP) framework is proposed to deliver guidance for selecting the appropriate mix of smart technologies based on the specific smart needs of each city.Design/methodology/approachThe AHP and ANP methods are incorporated into QFD to enhance its methodological robustness in formulating the decision problem. AHP accurately captures and translates the “Voice of the Experts” into prioritized “Smart City” dimensions, while establishing inter-relationships between these dimensions and “Smart City Technologies”. Meanwhile, ANP explores tradeoffs among the technologies, enabling well-informed decisions. The framework’s effectiveness is evaluated through an illustrative application in the city of Thessaloniki.FindingsApplying the framework to this real-world context confirms its practicality and utility, demonstrating its ability to particularize local, social, political, environmental and economic trends through the resulting mix of technologies in smart urban development strategies.Originality/valueThe importance of this study lies in several aspects. Firstly, it introduces a novel QFD decision framework tailored for smart city strategic planning. Secondly, it contributes to the operationalization of the smart city concept by providing guidance for cities to effectively adopt smart technologies. Finally, this study represents a new field of application for QFD, expanding its scope beyond its traditional domains.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of Na+/H+antiporter (NHX) genes in tomato under salt stress.

Plant Na +/H + antiporter (NHX) genes enhance salt tolerance by preventing excessive Na+ accumulation in the cytosol through partitioning of Na+ ions into vacuoles or extracellular transport across the plasma membrane. However, there is limited detailed information regarding the salt stress responsive SlNHXs in the most recent tomato genome. We investigated the role of this gene family's expression patterns in the open flower tissues under salt shock in Solanum lycopersicum using a genome-wide approach. A total of seven putative SlNHX genes located on chromosomes 1, 4, 6, and 10 were identified, but no ortholog of the NHX5 gene was identified in the tomato genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes are divided into three different groups. SlNHX proteins with 10-12 transmembrane domains were hypothetically localized in vacuoles or cell membranes. Promoter analysis revealed that SlNHX6 and SlNHX8 are involved with the stress-related MeJA hormone in response to salt stress signaling. The structural motif analysis of SlNHX1, -2, -3, -4, and -6 proteins showed that they have highly conserved amiloride binding sites. The protein-protein network revealed that SlNHX7 and SlNHX8 interact physically with Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway proteins. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that the SlNHX2 and SlNHX6 genes were substantially expressed in the open flower tissues. Moreover, quantitative PCR analysis indicated that all SlNHX genes, particularly SlNHX6 and SlNHX8, are significantly upregulated by salt shock in the open flower tissues. Our results provide an updated framework for future genetic research and development of breeding strategies against salt stress in the tomato.

Recommendations for Developing a Telemedicine Strategy for Botswana: A Meta-Synthesis.

Botswana is developing its eHealth capacity using a National eHealth Strategy. However, that strategy overlooks telemedicine, a potential solution for many healthcare challenges. For telemedicine to benefit Botswana, a telemedicine-specific strategy is required. While establishing a national strategy is a sovereign responsibility, guidance and recommendations can be provided. Using published resources specific to Botswana, key health-related issues were identified. These issues were matched with suitable telemedicine activities and delivery approaches. Recommendations were then derived from these for use in an effective telemedicine-specific strategy for Botswana. From 28 health-related issues, 6 were prioritised. Three telemedicine activities were identified (clinical services, education, and behaviour change), and one delivery approach was chosen (store-and-forward) because they align well with current needs, infrastructure, and mobile phone user capabilities. Since telemedicine has been proven to be effective, efficient, and cost-effective when implemented correctly, this knowledge and experience, plus a recognised strategy development framework, has led to evidence-based recommendations. Specific telemedicine options were identified as examples. As confidence grows, telemedicine options can be expanded to address additional clinical needs and explore alternative activities and delivery options. The recommendations can help the government develop a telemedicine-specific strategy that aligns with the National eHealth Strategy while actively promoting and supporting the adoption and system integration of straightforward telemedicine interventions. This foundation will facilitate the future expansion of telemedicine initiatives for the benefit of all Batswana.

The Position and Prospects of Academic Libraries: Strengths and Opportunities

Its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) shape the academic library in terms of what it is and does, how it is seen, where it excels and struggles, and its potential for advancement or decline. The purpose of this research is to guide strategy development, decision making, and advancement of positioning by identifying and analyzing the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats impacting academic libraries. Its premise is that an understanding of these elements, their overlap, and the interplay between them is essential to the effective development of academic library strategy. This research is unique in applying SWOT analysis to academic libraries collectively. The approach is to select four items of long-term significance in each SWOT category across two articles. Strengths and opportunities are the focus of this first article, preceded by context, a literature review, and overview of the SWOT analysis methodology. The strengths identified are centrality, values, collaboration, and reinvention, while the opportunities are the post-COVID world, digital scholarship, open scholarship, and learning space. The second article will examine weaknesses and threats, discuss the whole SWOT analysis and offer a framework for future strategy development, and positioning based on ten proposed strategic directions.

The Position and Prospects of Academic Libraries: Weaknesses, Threats and Proposed Strategic Directions

This is the second article in a two-part SWOT analysis of academic libraries. The purpose of this research is to guide strategy development, decision making and advancement of positioning by identifying and analyzing the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats impacting academic libraries. Its premise is that an understanding of these elements, their overlap and the interplay between them is an essential foundation for the effective development of strategy. The research is unique in applying SWOT analysis to academic libraries collectively. The second article focuses on weaknesses and threats. Weaknesses are identified as conservatism, stakeholder misperceptions, economics and diversity. Declining position, identity blurring, competition and uncertainty constitute the key threats. Examination of these factors is followed by a discussion of the whole analysis and a proposed framework for future strategy development and positioning, based on ten strategic directions emerging from the analysis. These are: active positioning; knowing the territory; being politically attuned; prioritizing outward engagement; maximizing social capital; communicating value and identity; embracing uncertainty; addressing diversity deficits; leveraging change in scholarly communications; and maintaining long-term perspective.

A Digital Strategy Development Framework for Supply Chains

Digitalization has provoked rapid changes in the operational landscape, thus requiring prompt decision-making across end-to-end supply chains. Notwithstanding the fact that technology is the epicenter of digital transformation, more often than not, organizations fail to effectively adopt innovative applications, harness their full potential, and realize growth and competitiveness. Therefore, this article argues that a unique strategy formulation process is required to embrace digitalization in manufacturing supply chains. However, within the context of manufacturing networks, strategy formulation approaches are limited. To this end, this article adopts a case study approach to extract tacit knowledge across 12 multinational companies within the theoretical boundaries of corporate strategy development. Research findings and a theoretically derived framework demonstrate that there are three typologies of digital strategy development for manufacturing supply chains, namely: 1) top-down; 2) bottom-up; and 3) mixed. Every identified typology is supplemented with three determinant criteria for digital supply chain strategy formulation, i.e., number of suppliers, market demand, and product types. Noteworthy, the aforementioned strategies are context-dependent. This article contributes to the operations management field by formulating a novel strategy development framework for digital supply chains. The proposed framework, synthesized via strategic management theoretical views and primary evidence, can provide a reference point as companies chart their current and future digital supply chain strategy state.

Perceptions and attitudes of patients and healthcare workers towards the use of telemedicine in Botswana: An exploratory study.

In March 2020, the Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness approved a National eHealth Strategy. Although a milestone, the strategy does not mention telemedicine. There is need to address this by developing an evidence-based adjunct strategy for telemedicine to facilitate its introduction and adoption. To do so, several stages of a published eHealth Strategy Development Framework were mimicked. This allowed situational awareness to be created through exploring behavioural factors and perceptions that might influence the adoption of telemedicine in Botswana. The study aim was to explore current issues, concerns, perceptions, attitudes, views, and knowledge of patients and healthcare professionals regarding health-related issues and telemedicine that might influence implementation of telemedicine in Botswana and thereby inform future development of a telemedicine strategy. An exploratory survey study was conducted using different survey questionnaires for patients and healthcare professionals, each using a mix of open- and closed-ended questions. These questionnaires were administered to convenience samples of healthcare professionals and patients at 12 public healthcare facilities in Botswana; seven clinics (three rural; four urban), and five hospitals (two primary, two district, and one tertiary), selected to align with the country's decentralised healthcare structure. Fifty-three healthcare professionals and 89 patients participated. Few healthcare professionals had actively used telemedicine for clinical consults and self-education using telephone calls, cell phone apps, or video conferencing (doctors 42%, nurses 10%). Only a few health facilities had telemedicine installations. Healthcare professional preference for future telemedicine uses were e-learning (98%), clinical services (92%), and health informatics (electronic records (87%). All healthcare professionals (100%) and most patients (94%) were willing to use and participate in telemedicine programmes. Open-ended responses showed additional perspective. Resource shortages (health human resources and infrastructure) were key to both groups. Convenience, cost effectiveness, and increased remote patient access to specialists were identified as enablers to telemedicine use. However inhibitors were cultural and traditional beliefs, although privacy, security and confidentiality were also identified. Results were consistent with findings from other developing countries. Although use, knowledge, and awareness of telemedicine are low, general acceptance, willingness to use, and understanding of benefits are high. These findings bode well for development of a telemedicine-specific strategy for Botswana, complementary to the National eHealth Strategy, to guide more systematic adoption and application of telemedicine in the future.

Biofilms on Indwelling Artificial Urinary Sphincter Devices Harbor Complex Microbe-Metabolite Interaction Networks and Reconstitute Differentially In Vitro by Material Type.

The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is an effective treatment option for incontinence due to intrinsic sphincteric deficiency in the context of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, or stress urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy. A subset of AUS devices develops infection and requires explant. We sought to characterize biofilm composition of the AUS device to inform prevention and treatment strategies. Indwelling AUS devices were swabbed for biofilm at surgical removal or revision. Samples and controls were subjected to next-generation sequencing and metabolomics. Biofilm formation of microbial strains isolated from AUS devices was reconstituted in a bioreactor mimicking subcutaneous tissue with a medical device present. Mean patient age was 73 (SD 10.2). All eighteen artificial urinary sphincter devices harbored microbial biofilms. Central genera in the overall microbe-metabolite interaction network were Staphylococcus (2620 metabolites), Escherichia/Shigella (2101), and Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum (674). An rpoB mutation associated with rifampin resistance was detected in 8 of 15 (53%) biofilms. Staphylococcus warneri formed greater biofilm on polyurethane than on any other material type (p < 0.01). The results of this investigation, wherein we comprehensively characterized the composition of AUS device biofilms, provide the framework for future identification and rational development of inhibitors and preventive strategies against device-associated infection.

Identifying and Selecting Appropriate Strategies for Integrating Green Management into the Structure of Razi University: A Mixed Sequential Exploratory Study

The purpose of this study was to identify and select appropriate strategies for integrating green management (GM) activities in to the structure of Razi University using a mixed sequential exploratory method. Using critical case sampling method, 32 individuals were selected as statistical sample in qualitative phase of the research. The main technique in this phase was three-level coding process (open, axial, and selective coding) alongside “Content Validity Ratio” for refining identified codes. The final output of this section was to identify the most important strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats ahead of the university to integrate GM in its structure. In the quantitative phase, the comprehensive framework of strategy development was used. A total of 250 staff and faculty members were selected using Cochran's formula and random stratified sampling method as a statistical sample in the quantitative phase (N = 965). The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire (extracted from qualitative phase) which its validity and reliability were confirmed using “Content Validity Ratio” (CVR≥ 0.54) and “Cronbach's alpha coefficient” (α≥ 0.84). According to the steps of the “comprehensive strategy development framework”, after determining the strategic position of Razi University, eight strategies were identified for integrated GM in to the university operations. Hierarchical matrix wased used to idntify the best strategies for integrating GM in to Razi university straucturs according to criterions of time and cost, feasibility, compose operations, and educational and research programs. Findings showed that strategies of joining or membership of the university in one of the global green university evaluation systems and technology change are the most sensitive to GM; And by applying them, more tangible results can be achieved in the field of GM development in the university.

Toward an Integrated Strategy Development Framework: A New Synthesis Based on the Giants of the Past

Toward an Integrated Strategy Development Framework: A New Synthesis Based on the Giants of the Past

A Protected Area Connectivity Evaluation and Strategy Development Framework for Post-2020 Biodiversity Conservation

Maintaining and improving the connectivity of protected areas (PAs) is essential for biodiversity conservation. The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) aims to expand the coverage of well-connected PAs and other effective area-based conservation measures to 30% by 2030. We proposed a framework to evaluate the connectivity of PAs and developed strategies to maintain and improve the connectivity of PAs based on PA connectivity indicators, and we applied this framework to China’s terrestrial PAs. We considered that the concept of PA connectivity is at the level of both PA patches and PA networks, including four aspects: intra-patch connectivity, inter-patch connectivity, network connectivity, and PA–landscape connectivity. We found that among China’s 2153 terrestrial PA patches, only 427 had good intra-patch connectivity, and their total area accounted for 11.28% of China’s land area. If inter-patch connectivity, network connectivity, and PA–landscape connectivity were taken as the criteria to evaluate PA connectivity, respectively, then the coverage of well-connected terrestrial PAs in China was only 4.07%, 8.30%, and 5.92%, respectively. Only seven PA patches have good connectivity of all four aspects, covering only 2.69% of China’s land. The intra-patch, inter-patch, network, and PA–landscape connectivity of China’s terrestrial PA network reached 93.41%, 35.40%, 58.43%, and 8.58%, respectively. These conclusions indicated that there is still a big gap between China’s PA connectivity and the Post-2020 GBF target, which urgently needs to be improved. We identified PA patches and PA networks of ecological zones that need to improve PA connectivity and identified improvement priorities for them. We also identified priority areas for connectivity restoration in existing PAs, potential ecological corridors between PAs, and priority areas for PA expansion to improve the connectivity of PAs in China. Application of our framework elsewhere should help governments and policymakers reach ambitious biodiversity conservation goals at national and global scales.

A triple helix framework for strategy development in circular textile and clothing supply chain: an Indian perspective

Textile and clothing is one of the most resource consuming and pollution creating industries. The adoption of circular practices in the textile and clothing supply chains, operating in South Asian countries, are still at nascent stage. This research aims to identify the barriers of circularity in the textile and clothing supply chain and to develop strategies to overcome those. A set of 33 barriers were identified from the literature and it was further narrowed down to 18 barriers through a questionnaire survey among textile and clothing domain experts. Using grey-DEMATEL analysis, 10 causal barriers were identified. Lack of supply chain collaboration, lack of effective planning for circular supply chain, lack of incentives for circularity in supply chain, and lack of technical know-how for recycling emerged as the crucial causal barriers. Based on the interviews with the experts of textile and clothing industry, a triple-helix framework involving the government, industry and academia was proposed for the development of strategies for circular textile and clothing supply chain. Generating consumer awareness, creating circular clothing design for longevity and recycling, development of automated sorting technology, upscaling of chemical recycling, collaboration with sorters and recyclers, making recycled fibre economically competitive, favouring circular textiles in public procurement, and enacting incentives for circular practices emerged as the dominant strategies. The findings of this research will assist the textile and clothing industry to implement circular practices in their supply chain operations. This study is one of few initial attempts to explore the barriers and devise strategies for circular textile and clothing supply chain.

КОНЦЕПЦИЯ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ СТЕЙКХОЛДЕРАМИ В СИСТЕМЕ СТРАТЕГИЧЕСКОГО УПРАВЛЕНЧЕСКОГО УЧЕТА И АДАПТИВНОГО БЮДЖЕТИРОВАНИЯ

In the process of developing a strategy and overall positioning of a business in the market, it is increasingly difficult for management to respond to the non-deterministic external conditions of functioning. Most of the factors influencing economic activity are connected precisely with the relationships that create demand, as well as ensure the dynamics of innovation. Therefore, it is important to consider the concept of stakeholders in the framework of strategy development, adaptive budgeting, strategic management accounting and the definition of reporting forms, since any business needs to understand what value it forms in the eyes of others. To this end, the article examines the concept of stakeholders and suggests ways to integrate it into the business performance management system, strategic management accounting of business processes and adaptive budgeting on the example of electrical industry enterprises. In particular, the typology of stakeholders is considered, the structure of management of the main groups of stakeholders on the basis of responsibility centers in the process of implementing elements of strategic management accounting and adaptive budgeting is presented, using the example of a company that produces electrical products. Special attention is paid to the factors of business performance reduction and the author’s approach to establishing direct and feedback KPIs in the context of stakeholders and responsibility centers (CS) is proposed on the example of a company that produces electrical products.

Telemedicine options to address identified health needs in Botswana.

ObjectiveGlobal efforts to implement national ehealth strategies have occurred, yet specific telemedicine implementations have fallen behind. A weakness inherent within many, perhaps most, national ehealth strategies, including Botswana's – is a lack of telemedicine focus. This is despite its potential to address many current healthcare system needs. The development of a telemedicine-specific strategy, to complement the existing ehealth strategy, has been proposed. This paper reports on an emulated process to determine prioritised health needs, identify broad solutions, consider ehealth and then telemedicine solutions, and prioritise these as insight for telemedicine-specific strategy development.MethodsThe eHealth Strategy Development Framework (eHSDF) was adopted and steps 5–7 were emulated. Key informants participated in telephone-based semi-structured interviews in November 2020, using a key informant interview guide. Participants were asked specific questions related to national health needs, proposed solutions, and prioritisation. The interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis.ResultsEleven key informants identified the top five perceived health issues as human resource shortages, congestion and overcrowding, prevalence of diseases, poor referral system, and lack of diagnostic and case management skills. Solutions were proposed, some of which included: Telehealth (including telemedicine), health informatics, and elearning. Telemedicine solutions included: a health professional help desk, teleconsultations, and apps for specialist referral. eLearning solutions were training, mentoring, and continuing professional development.ConclusionA telemedicine-specific strategy, addressing the identified health issues and aligned to the existing national ehealth strategy, would provide the required focus to enable the development and deployment of telemedicine activities in the country.

Light-mediated discovery of surfaceome nanoscale organization and intercellular receptor interaction networks

The molecular nanoscale organization of the surfaceome is a fundamental regulator of cellular signaling in health and disease. Technologies for mapping the spatial relationships of cell surface receptors and their extracellular signaling synapses would unlock theranostic opportunities to target protein communities and the possibility to engineer extracellular signaling. Here, we develop an optoproteomic technology termed LUX-MS that enables the targeted elucidation of acute protein interactions on and in between living cells using light-controlled singlet oxygen generators (SOG). By using SOG-coupled antibodies, small molecule drugs, biologics and intact viral particles, we demonstrate the ability of LUX-MS to decode ligand receptor interactions across organisms and to discover surfaceome receptor nanoscale organization with direct implications for drug action. Furthermore, by coupling SOG to antigens we achieved light-controlled molecular mapping of intercellular signaling within functional immune synapses between antigen-presenting cells and CD8+ T cells providing insights into T cell activation with spatiotemporal specificity. LUX-MS based decoding of surfaceome signaling architectures thereby provides a molecular framework for the rational development of theranostic strategies.