Evaluation Of Impact Research Articles

Environmental Impact Evaluation of CO2 Absorption and Desorption Enhancement by Membrane Gas Absorption: A Life Cycle Assessment Study

Environmental Impact Evaluation of CO2 Absorption and Desorption Enhancement by Membrane Gas Absorption: A Life Cycle Assessment Study

Utilization of Kombucha Tea to Improve Children's Health and Reduce Stunting Rates in Patempuran Village, Jember Regency

In order to overcome the problem of stunting in children, a team of Jember University lecturers collaborated with the Patempuran Village community and posyandu cadres to carry out community service activities. The main focus of this activity is the mass use and dissemination of Kombucha Tea, chosen because of its important nutritional content and potential to improve intestinal health and nutrient absorption in children. This activity includes outreach to increase understanding of the benefits of Kombucha Tea, training for posyandu cadres and village mothers on how to produce Kombucha Tea, as well as the distribution process to families with children under five. Apart from that, counseling regarding healthy eating patterns and the importance of nutrition was also provided in this activity. The impact evaluation was carried out after the activity was carried out to measure the extent to which Kombucha Tea made a positive contribution in reducing stunting rates in Patempuran Village. Close collaboration between the lecturer team, the community and the local government forms a sustainable community service model, which is expected to have a positive impact in improving the welfare of children in Patempuran Village.

An Evaluation of the Environmental Impact of Logistics Activities: A Case Study of a Logistics Centre

An Evaluation of the Environmental Impact of Logistics Activities: A Case Study of a Logistics Centre

A Measure That Really Works? Impact Evaluation of the Contribution for Self-Employment as a Tool of Active Labour Market Policy in Slovakia

Unemployment presents a significant challenge requiring attention not only in developing countries but also in economically developed ones. Active labour market policies offer a potential solution to address this issue. This study focuses on assessing the impact of the intervention called Contribution for Self-employment provided under the Act on Employment Services No. 5/2004 Coll in the Slovak Republic. This financial support is extended voluntarily to unemployed individuals seeking jobs and aims to partially defray the expenses associated with launching business ventures. The primary objective of this research is to quantify the effectiveness of the Contribution for Self-employment in enhancing the employment of its recipients, thereby gauging its efficacy in reducing unemployment. The evaluation employs a counterfactual impact assessment methodology, utilising propensity score matching for analysis, with propensity score estimated by the logistic regression. Data from the registry of jobseekers maintained by the Central Labour Office of Social Affairs and Family in Slovakia are utilised in this analysis. This study’s findings indicate a favourable impact of the contribution on the employment of its participants compared to the comparable non-participants. Consequently, this intervention emerges as a viable mechanism for supporting entrepreneurship and mitigating unemployment in Slovakia.

Impact evaluation of a cash-plus programme for children with disabilities in the Xiengkhouang Province in Lao PDR: study protocol for a non-randomised controlled trial

IntroductionMore than 170 countries have implemented disability-targeted social protection programmes, although few have been rigorously evaluated. Consequently, a non-randomised controlled trial is being conducted of a pilot ‘cash-plus’ programme implemented...

Using cultural-historical activity theory to describe a university-wide blended learning initiative

Institution-wide evaluations of Blended Learning implementations are rare. Even less common are evaluations that report the sociocultural context of the implementation. Recently, an Australian university in the western region of Victoria embarked on an initiative to blend all course units over a three-year period. Stemming from a rigorous analysis of reporting documents and participantresearcher observations, an attempt has been made to describe the sociocultural context of this blended learning initiative through the lens of Engestrom’s Cultural-historical Activity Theory (CHAT). This description, along with the challenges surfaced will serve as a precursor to the university-wide impact evaluation of this blended learning initiative. The objective of the analysis was to reify the complex processes, intricate relationships and dynamic environmental elements, which tend not to be captured by impact evaluations. Understanding what exactly is going on will enable the University to situate evaluation findings in the context of factors that might have helped or hampered the achievement of outcomes, and remediate process-related problems in a timely manner. Amidst the flurry of focused and coordinated blended learning activities, eight key process-related challenges emerged: Staff Capacity, Engagement, Deployment, Workload, Technological Issues, Project Management, Communication and Unit Stability. These challenges could potentially make or break ‘the Blend’ if not adequately addressed. This paper highlights the value of process evaluations for online and blended learning implementations and argues for such evaluations to be grounded in ontological realities reflected on accountability reports and observational data.

Mixed-methods impact evaluation in international development practice: distinguishing between quant-led and qual-led models

ABSTRACT Despite being widely endorsed for more than two decades, the practice of mixed-methods impact evaluation (MMIE) remains confusing. This paper suggests that greater clarity can be achieved by distinguishing between quant-led and qual-led models of MMIE. The quant-led model gives most weight to variance-based epistemological approaches to causal attribution but can also incorporate process-theory approaches. The qual-led model relies mainly on a process-theory approach but incorporates quantitative data collection and analysis. After setting out the context, the paper sets out these conceptual distinctions. It then presents an illustrative case study of how the Qualitative Impact Protocol (QuIP) has been utilised within the two models. Third, the paper explores divergent support for the two models. We conclude with reflections on how wider recognition of the distinction between them can improve evaluative practice by deepening our understanding of multiple options for the integration of qualitative and quantitative aspects of impact evaluation. While mainly intended to be of practical relevance to those planning, conducting, and reviewing MMIEs, the paper is also relevant to wider concerns over the political economy of knowledge production and distribution.

Evaluation of hydrological responses to climate change in the Gibe Gojeb catchment, southwestern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The expected influences of climate alteration on hydrological responses in the Gibe Gojeb catchment, southwestern Ethiopia, were evaluated using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model and regional climate models (RCMs). This study emphasizes the evaluation of the climate change impact on hydrological responses. The RCM data were downloaded from CORDEX-Africa. Power transformation and delta change methods were used for bias correction of precipitation and temperature, respectively. The calibration and validation of the SWAT model showed good agreement, and climate change impact was simulated. Accordingly, precipitation, soil water content, percolation, water yield, and groundwater are projected to decrease by 28.18, 7.5, 9.1, 5.4, and 9.2%, respectively, under RCP4.5 in the future (2021–2050). Besides, surface runoff and potential and actual evapotranspiration are projected to increase by 17.4, 11.32, and 5.06%, respectively. Soil water content, percolation, water yield, and precipitation are projected to decrease by 10.51, 5.63, 2.76, and 21.57%, respectively, under RCP8.5 in the future. Rain-fed crop production and hydropower generation in the catchment would be highly vulnerable to the likely effects of climate change. The attained results help to develop effective adaptation measures to reduce the ongoing impacts of climate change and draft long-term water resource management plans in the Gibe Gojeb catchment.

Using intervention mapping to develop an intervention for multiparty communication with people with congenital deafblindness.

Due to their dual sensory impairment, people with congenital deafblindness (CDB) are rarely naturally involved in other people's conversations. Their communication partners find it challenging to include them in group conversations. However, overhearing others communicate is important for developing social and communication skills. Hence, we developed an intervention program to guide communication partners in offering multiparty communication to people with CDB. This article describes how the program was developed through an intervention mapping approach. Intervention mapping is a six-step process: logic model, model of change, program design, program production, program implementation plan, and evaluation plan. These six steps were applied to systematically develop a program to foster multiparty communication in people with CDB. Representatives of the involved groups participated in the project group and the working group to ensure feasibility and acceptability. Following the intervention mapping steps resulted in creation of a program for communication partners that consists of an education session, practicals, and four video-feedback sessions. Information sessions for practitioners and managers were also developed. The program was implemented incrementally with program implementers in each organization. A subjective evaluation and an impact evaluation were done after each implementation phase. Intervention mapping was used to develop a program that connects theory to practice. The program appeared to meet the communication partners' needs and be feasible in terms of time investment. This article offers suggestions for broadening the scope of the program to other settings and for further investigating the effects of the program on the social and communication skills of people with CDB.

Pre- and Postharvest Strategies for Pleurotus ostreatus Mushroom in a Circular Economy Approach

Mushroom cultivation presents a viable solution for utilizing agro-industrial byproducts as substrates for growth. This process enables the transformation of low-economic-value waste into nutritional foods. Enhancing the yield and quality of preharvest edible mushrooms, along with effectively preserving postharvest mushrooms, stands as a significant challenge in advancing the industry. Implementing pre- and postharvest strategies for Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm (oyster mushroom) within a circular economy framework involves optimizing resource use, minimizing waste, and creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly production system. This review aimed to analyze the development and innovation of the different themes and trends by bibliometric analysis with a critical literature review. Furthermore, this review outlines the cultivation techniques for Pleurotus ostreatus, encompassing preharvest steps such as spawn production, substrate preparation, and the entire mushroom growth process, which includes substrate colonization, fruiting, harvesting, and, finally, the postharvest. While novel methodologies are being explored for maintaining quality and extending shelf-life, the evaluation of the environmental impact of the entire mushroom production to identify areas for improvement is needed. By integrating this knowledge, strategies can be developed for a more sustainable and circular approach to Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom cultivation, promoting environmental stewardship and long-term viability in this industry.

Improved Monte Carlo techniques for distributed generation impact evaluation

Improved Monte Carlo techniques for distributed generation impact evaluation

Evaluating the Credibility of Entrepreneurs’ Impact Promises in Early-Stage Impact Investing

This article investigates ethnographically how early-stage impact investors evaluate the credibility of the impact promises made by social entrepreneurs. Uncovering how investors carry out this task beyond observable characteristics and self-reported prosocial intentions, I propose that their evaluation of impact promises centers on four interrelated aspects of the entrepreneurs’ behavior: impact metrics, impact track record, impact management, and impact prospects. I articulate these aspects into a framework explaining how credible beliefs about entrepreneurs’ impact promises emerge among investors and embolden their investment decisions.

Lack of CYP3A4 protein induction despite mRNA induction in primary hepatocytes exposed to rifabutin as a possible explanation for its low interaction risk in vivo.

Rifampicin is a strong inducer of cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1), leading to profound drug-drug interactions. In contrast, the chemically related rifabutin does not show such pronounced induction properties in vivo. The aim of our study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the different induction potentials of rifampicin and rifabutin in primary human hepatocytes and to analyze the mechanism of potential differences. Therefore, we evaluated CYP3A4/ABCB1 mRNA expression (polymerase chain reaction), CYP3A4/P-gp protein expression (immunoaffinity-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, IA-LC-MS/MS), CYP3A4 activity (testosterone hydroxylation), and considered intracellular drug uptake after treatment with increasing rifamycin concentrations (0.01-10µM). Furthermore, rifamycin effects on the protein levels of CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 were analyzed (IA-LC-MS/MS). Mechanistic analysis included the evaluation of possible suicide CYP3A4 inhibition (IC50 shift assay) and drug impact on translational efficiency (cell-free luminescence assays). Rifabutin accumulated 6- to 15-fold higher in hepatocytes than rifampicin, but induced CYP3A4 mRNA comparably to rifampicin (e. g. rifampicin 61-fold vs. rifabutin 44-fold, 72h). While rifampicin for example enhanced protein (10µM: 21-fold) and activity levels considerably (53-fold), rifabutin only slightly increased CYP3A4 protein expression (10µM: 3.3-fold) or activity (11-fold) compared to rifampicin after 72h. Both rifamycins similarly influenced expression of other eliminating proteins. A potential CYP3A4 suicide inhibition by a specific rifabutin metabolite or disruption of ribosome function were excluded experimentally. In conclusion, the lack of protein enhancement, could explain rifabutin's weaker induction-related drug-drug interaction risk in vivo.

Comprehensive assessment of pediatric acute and inpatient care at a tertiary referral hospital in Malawi: opportunities for quality improvement

BackgroundDespite the reduction in global under-5 mortality over the last decade, childhood deaths remain high. To combat this, there has been a shift in focus from disease-specific interventions to use...

The Evaluation of Impacts of Multi Factor Model on TTC Stock Price: a Case in Real Estate Industry in Vietnam

Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of macroeconomic factors on the stock price of a real estate firm, specifically Thanh Cong TCC, in Vietnam from 2014 to 2020. The study aims to assess both positive and negative influences of five macroeconomic variables on stock prices and to understand the overall business health reflected by stock fluctuations. Methods: This study utilizes a data collection method involving statistics, analysis, synthesis, comparison, and quantitative analysis to generate qualitative comments and discussion. Econometric methods, particularly regression analysis, are employed to evaluate the quantitative results and assess the impact of macroeconomic factors on stock prices. Results: The quantitative research reveals several key findings. Firstly, the stock price of Thanh Cong TCC (Y) exhibits a negative correlation with the lending rate (R) and GDP growth, indicating that higher lending rates and lower GDP growth negatively impact stock prices. Conversely, there is a positive correlation between stock prices and the risk-free rate (Rf), consumer price index (CPI), and VNINDEX, suggesting that these factors positively influence stock prices. Furthermore, the study identifies GDP growth and lending rates as having the highest impact on firm stock prices. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of considering macroeconomic factors in understanding stock price fluctuations in real estate firms in developing countries like Vietnam. The findings emphasize the significant impact of lending rates and GDP growth on stock prices, indicating their pivotal role in shaping the business health and overall economic conditions. By recognizing these influences, firms like Thanh Cong TCC can better navigate market dynamics and make informed strategic decisions to enhance their performance and resilience in the face of macroeconomic challenges.

Causal impact evaluation of occupational safety policies on firms’ default using machine learning uplift modelling

It is often undermined that occupational safety policies do not only displace a direct effect on work well-being, but also an indirect effect on firms’ economic performances. In such context, econometric models dominated the scenes of causality until recently while Machine Learning models were seen with skepticism. With the rise of complex datasets, an ever-increasing need for automated algorithms capable to handle complex non-linear relationships between variables has brought to uncover the power of Machine Learning for causality. In this paper, we carry out an evaluation of a public aid-scheme implemented in Italy and oriented to support investment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in occupational safety and health (OSH) for assessing the impact on the survival of corporations. A comparison of thirteen models is performed and the Individual Treatment Effect (ITE) estimated and validated based on the AUUC and Qini score for which best values of 0.064 and 0.407, respectively, are obtained based on the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM). An additional in-depth statistical analysis also revealed that the best beneficiaries of the policy intervention are those firms that experience performance issues in the period just before the interventions and for which the increased liquidity brought by the policy may have prevented default.

Impact and flexibility support capability estimation model of urban electric vehicles based on the integration of urban traffic network and Urban Distribution Network

Electric Vehicle (EV) is regarded as the bridge between Urban Road Network (URN) and Urban Distribution Network (UDN). It can not only make negative impact on power grid, but can also provide flexibility support capability to power grid. Whether the benefit is negative or positive depends on the dynamical behavior of EVs. So with the rapid development of EVs in the urban area, accurate evaluation of both negative impact and flexibility support capability of dispersed EVs in the urban area is very important for V2G application. In order to get the accurate evaluation results, the interaction between transportation system and electric power system should be taken into consideration. In this paper, an estimation model of the impact and flexibility support capability of urban dispersed EVs considering the interaction between URN and UDN is proposed. In order to improve the accuracy of the estimation model, the interaction between URN and UDN is modeled as an integration model based on EV trip chain. It takes EVs’ temporal and spatial dynamic stochastic characteristics into consideration simultaneously and can be used to describe the energy interaction between URN and UDN. An indices set consist of multi-index is proposed to evaluate the impact and flexibility support capability of urban EVs based on the integration model. Three numerical cases are conducted to verify the validity of the proposed model. The results show that the proposed integration model of URN and UDN based on EV trip chain can not only be used to describe the energy interaction between URN and UDN, but also to estimate the impact and flexibility support capability of urban dispersed electric vehicles.

Checklist of Water mites in Mexico. Historical background and DNA barcoding perspectives

Water mites are the most ubiquitous, abundant, diverse, and ecologically important group of arachnids in all freshwater environments. In Mexico, despite being a megadiverse country, only 271 species have been recorded so far since 1873. This is probably due to the scarcity of taxonomists in the country or the inherent complex morphology of this group, which challenges its systematics and its integration into other research studies. Molecular identification has been highly useful for practical applications of these organisms, while taxonomic identification work continues. Until now, a species checklist and reference information about water mites diversity and distribution in Mexico is lacking. In this work, we compiled species described or recorded in Mexico and provided preliminary data for a COI barcode library of the water mites in the country. This checklist includes 271 species from 25 families and 61 genera. In addition, the COI barcode library is supplied in a public dataset from the BOLD database (boldsystems.org); it contains 794 sequences corresponding to 103 BINs or putative species, of which only five of them have been identified to the species. We predict that the discovery of hidden diversity of mites will continue and improve after the use of integrative taxonomy tools. Also, their value as indicators of water quality will be re-evaluated, helping in the conservation of freshwater environments and the evaluation of the global warming impact.

Wearing their heart on a wall: the World’s Biggest Comic

Abstract An arts-based project, using a community development approach engaging people in a community of place to address suicide prevention, is potentially powerful. This involves linking community development and mental health promotion practice. The challenge in doing this is that, conceptually, the integration between the two is incomplete and there is a lack of guidance about effective community processes. This paper analyses community development processes to create the World’s Biggest Comic (WBC). The WBC was an innovative, large scale public art project engaging local artists, some with a lived experience of mental illness, to tell a story of Will and Hope. A 15-part comic story, printed on vinyl canvas panels and mounted on buildings, covered 600 m2. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=217471332673743 Conducted in a small rural South Australian community by the local volunteer Suicide Prevention Network, the WBC aimed to raise awareness, break down stigma, and prompt life-saving conversations. Results of a mixed method impact evaluation are presented using a community development framework that considers ‘people’, ‘space’, and ‘place’. The use of sociological concepts about community and the community field, the value of relationships, and listening to the voices of those with a lived experience of mental illness, may assist practice. Some potential learnings and pitfalls in using a community development approach in mental health promotion are discussed.

Evaluation of Sechium edule fruit attenuation impact on the cardiomyopathy of the STZ-induced diabetic rats

Sechium edule, commonly known as chayote is known for its low glycemic index, high fiber content, and rich nutritional profile, which suggests it may be beneficial for individuals with diabetes. While research specifically examining the impact of chayote on diabetes is limited, this study screened its biological impacts by using different biomarkers on streptozotocin-induced diabetic (STZ-ID) rats. The ethanolic extract of the Sechium edule fruits was assessed for different phytochemical, biochemical, and anti-diabetic properties. In the results, chayote extract had high phenolic and flavonoid contents respectively (39.25 ± 0.65 mg/mL and 12.16 ± 0.50 mg/mL). These high phenolic and flavonoid contents showed high implications on STZ-ID rats. Altogether 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract considerably reduced the blood sugar level and enhanced the lipid profile of the STZ-ID rats. Additionally, they have decreased blood urea and serum creatinine levels. Besides, the levels of SGOT, SGPT, LDH, sodium, and potassium ions were significantly lowered after the administration period. More importantly, the electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters such as QT, RR, and QTc which were prolonged in the diabetic rats were downregulated after 35 days of administration of S. edule extract (400 mg/kg). And, the histological examination of the pancreas and kidney showed marked improvement in structural features of 200 and 400 mg/kg groups when compared to the diabetic control group. Where the increase in the glucose levels was positively correlated with QT, RR, and QTc (r2 = 0.76, r2 = 0.76, and r2 = 0.43) which means that ECG could significantly reflect the diabetes glucose levels. In conclusion, our findings showed that the fruit extract exerts a high potential to reduce artifacts secondary to diabetes which can be strongly suggested for diabetic candidates. However, there is a need to study the molecular mechanisms of the extract in combating artifacts secondary to diabetes in experimental animals.