Local Manufacturing Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Gas Emissions from Ecokiln and Artisanal Brick Kiln during the Artisanal Firing of Bricks

This article focuses on the research of gas emissions in two types of brick kilns located in the Maule Region, Chile. One of them is an artisanal brick kiln known as a “chonchón” (AKC), while the other is a semi-artisanal brick kiln with an improved design. The latter is referred to as the Ecokiln. This study focuses on the assessment of the emission profiles of key pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), CO, CO2, SO2, and NOx. The emission measurements of gasses, temperature, and flow were conducted during the operation of the kilns. These measurements were carried out following the protocol established by Chilean standards. The Ecokiln’s design facilitates optimal fluid dynamics. In direct comparison to the AKC, it exhibits reduced fuel consumption, shorter operation periods, an increased brick processing capacity, decreased burnt brick losses, and notably lower emissions, with a concentration of SO2 that is 83% less than that of the AKC, NOx emissions, 58% lower than the AKC, and a remarkable 74.3% reduction in PM10 emissions. Moreover, the Ecokiln reduces pollutant emissions, improving the well-being of brickmakers and their communities. These results offer insights into the environmental impact of local brick production and support sustainable manufacturing practices.

Potency, immunogenicity, and efficacy of rabies vaccine: In vitro and in vivo approach.

Rabies, a potentially lethal virus, affects more than 150 countries. Although the rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin have been available since 1908, Bangladesh is new to vaccine manufacturing. We checked the quality of the local manufacturing rabies vaccine for substandard. The potency and immunogenicity of 20 vaccines were analyzed by three in vivo and in vitro methods from March 2020 to May 2023. Single radial immunodiffusion, fluorescent antibody virus neutralization, and national institutes of health tests were carried out to evaluate the vaccine's efficacy to provide sufficient protection against the rabies virus. The potency of the rabies vaccine was determined by the in vitro SRID method by measuring glycoprotein content. An average of 16 articles from each batch was calculated. The minimum and maximum average mean values of the 20 batches were 5.058 and 5.346, respectively. The variance was calculated at 0.00566. We found a coefficient of variation (CV) between 9.36% and 14.80%. The 100% sample was satisfactory, as these samples had a potency of over 2.5 IU/mL. To observe immunogenicity, we applied the FAVN method for determining antibody titers. An average of 16 articles from every batch were counted to quantify antibody titers. The mean quantity of antibody titers ranged from 2.389 to 3.3875. The CV was slightly lower because of the dispersion of the data. At last, we performed an in vivo method, the NIH test method, to determine potency based on mortality rate. We found a mean value of 4.777 IU/SHD with a standard deviation of 1.13 IU/SHD. All 20 batches were found 100% satisfactory in the NIH test. The study implies that the rabies human vaccines manufactured in Bangladesh are potent enough to provide sufficient immunogenicity. Our research is warranted testimony for healthcare providers who work to extirpate rabies.

Respiratory syncytial virus immunoprophylaxis: Novel opportunities and a call for equity.

With the approval of the first vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a novel RSV-neutralizing antibody, 2023 has been perceived as a game-changing year in preventing severe outcomes of RSV infections in infants and the elderly. However, the costs of these pharmaceuticals are high, while RSV disproportionately impacts populations of low-to-middle-income regions, which may continue to suffer from a lack of pharmaceutical measures for RSV prevention under health and socioeconomic disparities. This paper presents an overview of the characteristics, clinical results, and approval status of various RSV vaccines and anti-RSV antibodies. It posits that wealthy nations cannot monopolize RSV immunoprophylaxis and should work jointly to make it available to lower-income countries. An approach toward RSV immunoprophylaxis equity based on five points is offered: (1) integration of RSV vaccines and antibodies into the existing global humanitarian distribution systems, (2) using affordable RSV vaccine pricing models, (3) enforcing equity as a part of national and global public health strategy, (4) implementing equitable allocation frameworks for RSV immunoprophylaxis, and (5) promoting local manufacturing. Such a plan needs to be put into action as soon as possible to avoid delays in serving the populations with the highest needs related to RSV burden.

IMPACT AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19: AN ANALYSIS OF LARGE MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN PENANG

This paper examines the impact of Covid-19 and movement control orders on large manufacturing firms in Penang, a major industrial hub in Malaysia with notable participation in the global value chain and identifies the response strategies undertaken by large manufacturing firms for this crisis. This study employs an exploratory qualitative research analysis based on a purposive sampling technique to gather data using an online semi-structured expert interview, with 22 large local and foreign manufacturing firms in Penang responding to the interview. The findings suggest that most of the firms expected a loss of business revenue, disrupted supply chains, employee redundancy, and an increase in government support. Persevering and innovation strategy is the most popular measure taken on by large manufacturing firms, and none of the firms interviewed choose pure persevering as a sole strategy to combat the crisis. The study provides an understanding of strategic responses undertaken by large manufacturing firms. Besides that, the study provides inputs to the government, industry, and policymakers' suggested policy interventions to improve future crisis management.

Institutionalizing Innovation: From Pilot to Scale for Co-Packaged Oral Rehydration Salts and Zinc-A Case Study in Zambia.

We document the development and institutionalization in Zambia of a health innovation for diarrhea treatment aimed at children aged younger than 5 years: a unique oral rehydration salts and zinc (ORSZ) co-pack. Seven recommendations from the World Health Organization/ExpandNet are used retrospectively to analyze and describe the successful scale-up of this innovation from its concept stage, including in-country expansion and policy, institutional, and regulatory changes. The 7 recommendations comprise using a participatory process, tailoring to the country context, designing research to test the innovation, testing the innovation, identifying success factors, and scaling up. The scale-up of co-packaged ORSZ in Zambia is shown to be sustainable. Five years after donor funding ended in 2018, an independent, local manufacturer continues to supply the private and public sectors on a commercially viable basis. Furthermore, national coverage of ORSZ increased from less than 1% in 2012 to 34% in 2018. A key success factor was the continuous facilitation over 8 years (spanning planning, trial, evaluation, and scale-up) by a learning and steering group chaired by the Ministry of Health, open to all and focused on learning transfer and ongoing alignment with other initiatives. Other success factors included a long lead-in of inclusive initial consultation, ideation, and planning with all key stakeholders to build on and mobilize existing resources, knowledge, structures, and systems; alignment with government policy; thorough testing and radical review of the product and its value chain before scale-up, including manufacture, distribution, policy, and regulatory matters; and adoption by the government of a co-packaging strategy to ensure cases of childhood diarrhea are treated with ORSZ. With appropriate local adaptations, this approach to scale-up could be replicated in other low- and middle-income countries as a strategy to increase coverage of ORSZ and potentially other health products.

Industrial robots, and information and communication technology: the employment effects in EU labour markets

ABSTRACT This paper explores the effects of industrial robots and information and communication technology (ICT) on regional employment in European Union countries. The empirical analysis relies on a harmonised comprehensive regional dataset that combines business statistics and national and regional accounts data. This rich dataset enables us to provide detailed insights into the employment effects of automation and computerisation in EU regions for the period 2001–16. The results suggest relatively weak effects on regional total employment dynamics. However, industrial robots show negative employment effects in local manufacturing industries and positive employment effects in local non-manufacturing industries. While the negative effect is concentrated in particular local manufacturing industries, the positive effect has operated in local service industries. Information technology investments show positive employment effects in local manufacturing industries and some individual local service industries, while communication technology investments are shown to be irrelevant for employment dynamics. In contrast, software and database investments have had a predominantly negative association with local employment.

Determining consumers’ willingness to pay in view of extrinsic attributes of Erzurum Stuffed-Kadayif with Protected Geographical Indication

The aim of the study is to determine consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) in view of the brand types and food retailers simulations from the product profiles based on the intrinsic and extrinsic attributes of Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif profiles with Protected Geographical Indication, and then to create the marketing strategies for each consumer segment. In order to reach to these goals, the main material composed of the primary data obtained from consumers consuming Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif in Erzurum Province. Based on the data, k-means cluster analysis was firstly used to segment heterogeneous consumer masses according to their consumption frequencies, and choice-based CA model was secondly applied to calculate the total utilities for each consumer segment and then to measure consumers’ WTP for Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif profile simulations. The results of the study highlighted that the light and heavy users’ WTPs with higher premium prices for the local brands and manufacturer outlets calculated as 48.0% and 28.2%, and 40.8% and 26.5% respectively, but the medium users’ WTPs with high premium prices for each product attribute found as 14.5%. Focused on such consumer-oriented attitudes, the market actors should position Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif with local retailer brands sold from the higher premium prices at the manufacturer stores for the light and heavy users, but it should be implemented the product differentiation strategies under the intrinsic and extrinsic food attributes for the medium users.

Assessing the Impact of Trade Policies on Growth and Development of the Manufacturing and Agricultural Sectors in Nigeria

This article examines the impact of trade policies in Nigeria (1960–2022) on the manufacturing and agricultural sectors. To set the context, I have grouped the trade policy periods into two categories: (a) the pre–structural adjustment programme (SAP) era (1960–1985) and (b) the post-SAP era (1986–2022). I have then examined economic data and all the existing literature to understand the pattern of manufacturing and agricultural outputs during these policy periods. Pre-SAP and post-SAP trade policies show a shift from protectionism to liberalisation, moderately improving agricultural and industrial sectors but still facing obstacles. Despite policies and agreements to improve trade, economic development remains unrealised. This study demonstrated that trade policies have led to erratic progress in both the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, consequently making a lesser contribution to the overall Nigerian development. Within this debate, three different schools of thought can be distinguished. The first school of thought holds that trade policy reforms benefit the growth of Nigerian manufacturing and agricultural sectors. The second school of thought contends that trade policy reforms (such as trade liberalisation) have a detrimental effect on industrial and agricultural sectors. The third school of thought argues that there is no proof or substantial linkage between trade policy reforms and the productivity and growth of manufacturing and agricultural sectors. Nevertheless, to benefit from trade liberalisation, this article identifies the need to revise the Nigerian trade policy as well as stabilise foreign exchange rates to advance and boost local manufacturing and agricultural sectors and promote active participation in trade agreements and policies.

Occupational Safety and Health for Adult Saudi Arabian Women: Utilizing National Anthropometric Data.

In the last five years, the female labor force has increased rapidly in Saudi Arabia. This is due to the new government's vision to empower women. For many decades, Saudi females were excluded from working in certain fields due to cultural restrictions. Nowadays, Saudi women are not only joining the service workforce but are currently employed in more physically demanding careers, such as manufacturing and military jobs, which were previously dominated by males. It becomes necessary to design workplaces, tools, and equipment to safely accommodate the female physical attributes, which include body dimensions. This study presents the anthropometric measurements of Saudi Arabian adult females. In total, 504 female subjects aged 20-70 participated in the study. Thirty-eight body measurements, including weight and triceps skinfold, were taken in sitting and standing postures. The main contribution of this study is to provide a national anthropometric database of Saudi females, which is very limited, especially for females in the age groups under study. The availability of such data will allow foreign and local manufacturers to design usable and safe products and workspaces for a wide range of Saudi adult females. The findings reveal that there are no significant differences in the body dimensions of Saudi females across all age groups, except for stature height, eye height, chest depth, skinfold (mm), sitting height, buttock-knee length, and hip breadth. The study also reveals that Saudi females' body sizes are different from other Asian, Middle Eastern, and British nations, which invalidates the assumption of using other nations' body measurements to estimate Saudis' body measurements. Utilizing the supermarket cashier workstation to assess the appropriateness of commercial station fit for Saudi females' body dimensions, the results underscore the crucial role of anthropometric measurements in addressing differences between product design and the unique body dimensions of Saudi females. The identified anthropometric mismatch highlights potential risks, emphasizing the threat to the working safety of Saudi females. Moreover, the data can be used by health professionals as a base to evaluate the health of Saudi adult females. Descriptive statistics and extreme values are determined. The data are presented in standard anthropometric tables.

A comparative analysis of vaccine lists, prices, and candidates, and the national immunization program between China and the United States

Vaccines have an essential role in preventing infectious diseases and reducing the burden of disease. The differences in vaccine lists and prices, and the National Immunization Program (NIP) and vaccine development between China and the United States (US) in conjunction with epidemiologic data on infectious diseases were systematically compared. The epidemiologic data of infectious diseases in 2019 were extracted from the China National Health Commission and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The vaccine list was identified from the China National Medical Products Administration and US Food and Drug Administration databases. Vaccine prices were obtained via the China government procurement platform and the US CDC. The NIP vaccines for China and the US were obtained from the China and US CDCs. Vaccine candidates investigated in 2015-2022 were identified from the China Clinical Trial Registry Platform and the US clinicaltrials.gov database. Differences in the incidence of infectious diseases between China and the US were detected with both countries facing a lack of available vaccines for prevention of many diseases. The number of listed vaccines and preventable diseases in China was 59 and 36, respectively, which was higher than the US (45 and 31, respectively). The median price of NIP vaccines in China was significantly lower than the price in the US (median: $3.8 vs. $20; P<0.001); however, there was no significant difference in the price of non-NIP vaccines (median: $68 vs. $86; P=0.498). Vaccines developed by local manufacturers were less expensive than imported products despite the absence of significant differences (median: $16 vs. $31; P=0.180). The number and types of NIP vaccines used to prevent infectious diseases in China were lower than the US. The majority of vaccine candidates in China were not novel compared to the US. Vaccines marketed in China for infectious diseases were comparable to the US. Our findings suggest that China should further expand NIP vaccines and incentive research and development on novel vaccines to improve accessibility based on infectious disease epidemiology.

Modeling of trade and production hub in the conditions of Industry 4.0

The article is dedicated to the current issues of researching digital transformation in accordance with global standards, global competition, and social aspects. The previous transformation practices of food enterprises in line with the requirements of Industry 4.0 have been analyzed. A physical concept of a digitized trade and production hub has been designed in accordance with Industry 4.0, encompassing both production and trade complexes. It represents an innovative and promising initiative that addresses a range of current problems on a national and regional scale. To ensure the effective functioning of the digitized trade and production hub concept in line with Industry 4.0, a mechanism for an automated system for receiving raw materials and finished products from suppliers, accounting, production, and acceptance of finished products, control of supplier raw material and product stocks, operation of the trading floor and digital stand, traceability of the movement of goods and material values for the formation of preliminary orders to the supplier of raw materials and finished products, the functioning of the value creation logistics chain for the supplier and the trade and production hub, and the distribution of material resources between suppliers and the Industry 4.0 trade and production hub have been developed. A concept of a digitized trade and production hub in accordance with Industry 4.0 and mechanisms of its functioning, which are automated, have been designed. The proposed concept aims to increase the efficiency of production and logistic processes, inventory control, automatic order generation, and raw material distribution. It is worth noting that the developed model in accordance with Industry 4.0 is aimed at optimizing resources, reducing operational costs, improving the quality of manufactured products, supporting local manufacturers, providing an opportunity for small local manufacturers to collectively use modern digital technologies, and increasing employment at both the local and regional levels. The franchising model serves as an additional scaling tool for Industry 4.0 trade and production hubs, allowing the integration of innovative enterprises into a unified production-digitalized ecosystem.

Solar Energy: A Key to the Decarbonization and Development Conundrum

India has planned to achieve net-zero energy by 2070, and decarbonizing the power sector is a critical goal. Currently, India is dependent on power from coal and other fossil fuels. However, India also has ambitious development goals and is parallelly fighting other challenges like poverty, unemployment, and economic growth. Among others, solar energy is available in abundance in India and rapid solarization has been identified as the best way to achieve India’s renewable energy targets at a mass scale. However, this also goes hand in hand with India’s development goals. India is attempting to build local capacity to manufacture solar energy products and incentivizing local manufacturers to expand their production. At a tariff level, solar energy is cheaper than energy from fossil fuels, enabling access to renewable energy to the lower strata of society. Offgrid solar has been used as a solution to address local problems like power cuts at households with solar torchlights and safety at night with solar streetlights. Furthermore, India is an active player in the trade of solar Photovoltaics (PV) panels, with growing exports not only improving its trade bills but also creating economic opportunities for local manufacturers. Solar energy could be India’s holy grail to achieve decarbonization as well as economic growth. This paper is a review of how India’s decarbonization ef-forts through solar energy is also contributing to economic growth.

Quality Evaluation of Locally Manufactured Paracetamol Tablets in East Africa.

Background: Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is categorized as an analgesic and antipyretic medication and is available as over the counter (OTC) medication. It is commonly used in conditions associated with pain and fever. There is a tendency for community to prefer using imported paracetamol tablets from Europe and United States than from Asia and Africa worrying of the quality of the products. Safety, effectiveness, and efficacy of a medicine can be guaranteed when its quality is reliable; however, there is limited data on the quality of locally manufactured paracetamol tablets, thus necessitating this study. Aim: This study is aimed at assessing the quality of paracetamol tablets 500 mg manufactured by local companies by evaluating their physical parameters, assay results, and dissolution profiles. The compliance of these tablets with the specifications outlined in the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) was analyzed. Additionally, a comparative dissolution test was conducted to assess dissolution profile for innovator product and generics. Method: Five different brands from East African countries with 76 tablets from each brand were compared with the innovator product regarding weight variation, hardness, friability, assay, and dissolution test based on the BP specifications. Results and discussion: All samples of paracetamol tablets 500 mg from the local manufacturers in this study met the specifications set by the BP for physical parameters, including weight variation, friability, hardness, and disintegration tests. The weight variation test, directly related to drug content variation, demonstrated compliance within the acceptable deviation of 5%. Similarly, the assay test, which determines the concentration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), confirmed that all samples complied with the acceptable concentration range of 90%-110% for paracetamol. The dissolution test, assessing the percentage release of the API within a specified time, demonstrated that at 15 min, two samples (diodol and enamol) exhibited lower concentration releases than the required 80%, indicating potential delays in their bioavailability and onset of action. Conclusion: To conclude, all samples had good quality and they can be used for their therapeutic purposes.

Towards continuous flow manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients in Africa: a perspective

Building start-of-the-art, sustainable and competitive local API manufacturing in Africa using continuous flow technology.

Eco Friendly Design of Dental Clinic

The design of eco-friendly dental clinics is gaining traction worldwide as part of a broader movement towards sustainable healthcare facilities. This project focuses on transforming a residential building in Oman into an eco-friendly dental clinic, aiming to set a benchmark for energy-efficient and sustainable healthcare design in the region. Key features include the use of biomass heating, natural and recyclable materials, and collaboration with local manufacturers to reduce carbon emissions. The clinic will be designed to accommodate 10-20 patients at a time and include five rooms: a family hall, treatment rooms, a laboratory, a store, and a restroom. Staffed by 5-10 employees, the clinic’s design prioritizes functionality and efficiency. This project not only enhances the building’s utility but also promotes environmental consciousness and a sustainable future. Recommendations include the integration of solar energy systems, water-saving technologies, and community outreach programs to educate the public on the benefits of sustainable practices in healthcare.

Зернопродуктовый подкомплекс Крыма: предпосылки к совершенствованию межотраслевого взаимодействия

The article considers the problems of the agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Crimea and substantiates the need for its reform. The author analyzes the structure of the grain-product subcomplex of the agro-industrial complex of the region, identifies the factors constraining its development. The resource potential of the republic is characterized. The problems of agricultural producers and possible solutions have been identified. Priority directions for the development of the flour and cereal industry are highlighted. The state of the Crimean market of cereal products is presented. The reasons for the uncompetitiveness of the products of local manufacturers have been established. The prerequisites and directions of reforming the grain production subcomplex of the Republic of Crimea are determined.

Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation: Implications for Sahel Regional Security

The study examined small arms and light weapons proliferation and its implications for Sahel regional security. The study adopted institutional theory propounded by Meyer John and Rowen Brian. It adopted Ex-post facto research design, data for the study were sourced through secondary sources and analyzed using content analysis. The study discovered that the Sahel region's porous borders make it simple for illicit traffickers to smuggle small arms and light weapons because transnational criminal organisations and armed groups are very mobile in uncontrolled border regions. The study recommended among others that; states in the region should intensify efforts towards strict monitoring and management of local illicit manufacturing of firearms.

Turkish Consumers’ Purchase Motivation towards Erzurum Stuffed-Kadayif with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) at the Dessert Retailers

Global climate change has rapidly changed consumers’attitude and behavior toward food products by affecting significantly their supply and demand. In this context, this study was planned to determine the main factors affecting Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif purchase motivation of Turkish consumers. The maim material of the research was obtained from 385 households residing in Erzurum, Turkey. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Two-step Cluster Analysis were used to explore Turkish consumers’ Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif purchase motivation at the dessert retailers. The results of the research highlighted that while consumers consuming this product at the local resteaurants satisfied fairly high from the food images under cultural integration, those consuming this dessert at the local patisseries also attituded a big importance to entrocentrism approach based on cultural integration. Similarly, consumers purchasing Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif as a ready-made local dessert from tle local manufacturer vendors tried to contribute considerably to sustainable food supply and consumption with entrocentrism approach under cultural integration. It should be improved appropriate positioning and segmentation strategies according to the purchase motivation of each consumer segment, and then they sould be implemented by policy makers.

Trade Balance and Pakistan Economy using ARDL model: A Perspective of Trade Deficit Developing Economies

The influence of trade balance on the economy provides opportunities and challenges against an ongoing global uncertain environment. Existing studies take a broad picture to analyze such influence, often failing under specific implications, indicating a need for a close perspective. Taking this background, this paper aims to study the main features of the complex association between trade balance and economic growth through a close perspective of Pakistan. Accordingly, the study follows econometric techniques and applies the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model on time series days of Pakistan from 1970-2021. In methodology, various statistical techniques are applied to refine the findings, mainly unit-root analysis and cointegration modeling in both long and short-run evaluations. In addition, dependence on trade balance was measured against independence of currency rate, joblessness, investment, and overall domestic production. Findings revealed that the local currency rate, in the long run, has a negative and significant association with the trade deficit, suggesting a growth in exports by lowering that rate. It also boosts local manufacturing to compete against imports, which feel costly. These results can facilitate customizing the local policy guidelines at the national level or in developing countries with similar financial issues like trade deficits. This study’s implications suggest that a close viewpoint between trade balance and the economy could guide in pursuing area-specific goals on a sustainable basis.

Turkish Consumers’ Purchase Decisions towards Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif with Protected Geographical Indication at Dessert Retailers

Global climate change has rapidly changed consumers’ attitude and behavior toward food products by affecting significantly their supply and demand. In this context, the study was planned to determine the main factors affecting Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif purchasing decisions of Turkish consumers. The maim material of the research was obtained from 385 households residing in Erzurum, Turkey in 2021. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Two-step Cluster Analysis were used to explore Turkish consumers’ Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif purchase decisions at its retailers. The results of the research highlighted that while consumers consuming this product at the local restaurants or buying from the retailers satisfied fairly high from hedonic quality attributes under the sensory perception, those consuming the product at the local patisseries also provided a higher hedonism satisfaction by focusing on their willingness to consume healthy food. Similarly, consumers purchasing Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif from the local manufacturer stores tried to contribute considerably to sustainable food supply and consumption with entrocentrism approach by considering emotional food perception under food safety and security making possible to consume healthy food. Consequently, it should be improved appropriate positioning and segmentation strategies according to the purchase decisions of each consumer segment, and then they should be also able to implement.