Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities And Threats Research Articles

REVIEW ON THE APPLICATION OF OPEN BANKING IN SHARIA BANKING: AN SWOT ANALYSIS

This study was conducted to analyze SWOT (Strength, Weakness Opportunity, and Threat) Open Banking in Islamic banking in Indonesia. The analytical method used is descriptive literature research, namely by providing a description or description of the problems that have been identified and carried out intensively and in detail on a problem from the available literature. The results of this study indicate that there are several strategies that can be taken by Islamic Banking in dealing with Open Banking, including the S-O strategy: cooperation with fintech and e-commerce; and expand the network of cooperation nationally and internationally; W-O strategy: socializing open banking, improving technology and security, and increasing service complaints; S-T strategy: cooperate with other financial institutions, implement standardization prepared by the regulator; and W-O Strategy: multiple security enhancements, sorting out cooperation to third parties, and upgrading Islamic banking internal servers.

Mplementation of Community Policing in Efforts to Prevent Crime in the City of Banjarmasin

This study discusses the implementation of Polmas (community policing) which is done by members of Bhabinkamtibmas (People’s security and order supervising officer). The Banjarmasin police are collaborating with FKPM through a problem-solving programme. The goal is to find supporting and inhibiting factors, and identify a Polmas implementation model in an effort to prevent the occurrence of crime in Banjarmasin. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach in accordance with the main objectives of the research, namely to study, describe and analyse data and information according to needs. The techniques used were through observation, interviews and documentation.This study focuses on several topics related to a problem which lifted that is to know and analyse the factors that support and hinder the implementation of community policing. This is an effort to prevent crime in Banjarmasin by using information based on Theory George C. Edward III, who held the view that policy implementation is influenced by four factors, namely: 1) communication; 2) resources; 3) disposition; and, 4) bureaucracy structure. To obtain an effective and efficient model for implementing Polmas programme policies in Banjarmasin using a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) approach by considering internal factors consisting of strength and weakness components and external factors consisting of opportunity and threat components.In this study it was found that the implementation of the Polmas / Community policing policy in the city of Banjarmasin had been carried out well due to the accuracy of the appointment of the right program implementers, the acceptance of the program by the targeted community members and the active role of the potential community involved in implementing the policy, but this was not the case. Without any obstacles that must be overcome, for example budget constraints in implementation, program implementers / Bhabinkamtibmas who have other duties, there is a public perception that the responsibility of Kamtibmas is only on the security forces and the legal awareness of citizens is low. This research is expected to have significant practical benefits for readers and related institutions - especially police institutions - in implementing policies. It can provide positive information for police officers, especially those carrying out Polmas duties, while tasked with maintaining security and public order through preventing the occurrence of crime in their respective areas of duty. Keywords: Implementation, Community Policing, Bhabinkamtibmas and problem-solving DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/12-8-04 Publication date: April 30 th 2022

Prospects of Joint Venture in Local Road Bridge Construction of Nepal

Purpose: The trend of forming a Joint Venture (JV) to enter into the bidding procedure is high in local road bridge construction (LRBC) in Nepal. As we know that the construction industry is complex, firms are facing a new type of problem in every next project. In such an unpredictable working environment working jointly with different firms is a challenge. So, this study was carried out to analyze the prospects of JV in LRBC in Nepal. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study covers the bridges which are built by DoLIDAR under different projects. Various data collection tools were used for the study. Primary data were collected from a questionnaire survey, sample bridges of DoLIDAR, field observations, and focus group discussions. Secondary data were collected from reports, journals of previous studies, and trends of JV formation in international constructions. Strength Weakness Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis based on a questionnaire survey was also carried out. Findings/Result: It was also found that to fulfill the gap between the documentation and implementation of JV, a policy is required. As the client's intention for provision of JV is the actual requirement of the project, no to change the scope and scale of contractors so, JV must be formed and followed as per the requirement of the project. Joint ventures should make a detailed agreement among themselves clarifying the roles and responsibilities of each partner, usage of the resources, and the implementation of the project. For the proper management of JV, a management committee should be formed which shall manage the working team and resources suitably as per the requirement for the project. The presence of at least one partner from each partner in every meeting should be made mandatory by the client. A separate policy should be formulated focusing on detailed agreement clause, institutional arrangement for better functioning of JV. The database system of active contractors should be maintained by MoPIT which shall be used as a major tool while evaluating as well as awarding contracts. Originality/Value: The scope of this study is to identify the practice and prospects of JV's in LRBC. It addresses the understanding of clients and contractors about the JV. The study area covers the bridges built by DoLIDAR funded by GoN, SDC, World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), etc. The study includes local bridges built in DRCN roads covering the Himalayan region, mountain region, and Terai region. The study outcome is significant for the construction stakeholder to overcome the challenges of JV for taking the benefits of JV. The study is significant for policymakers for formulating policies to reduce the problems of JV. Paper Type: Action Research

ATTRACTING FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) IN HANOI AGRICULTURE

This paper analyzed the current situation of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into the agriculture in Hanoi. We used the data set of the number of projects and the amount of investment capital in investment types, investment partners, and location, then applied strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. We found that Hanoi has favorable conditions to develop hi-tech agriculture and has many competitive advantages compared to other provinces. However, the capital investment in agriculture tends was downward. Based on our findings, we propose a new strategy for raising foreign investment capital into agriculture in Hanoi.

Concept Libraries for Repeatable and Reusable Research: Qualitative Study Exploring the Needs of Users.

BackgroundBig data research in the field of health sciences is hindered by a lack of agreement on how to identify and define different conditions and their medications. This means that researchers and health professionals often have different phenotype definitions for the same condition. This lack of agreement makes it difficult to compare different study findings and hinders the ability to conduct repeatable and reusable research.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the requirements of various users, such as researchers, clinicians, machine learning experts, and managers, in the development of a data portal for phenotypes (a concept library).MethodsThis was a qualitative study using interviews and focus group discussion. One-to-one interviews were conducted with researchers, clinicians, machine learning experts, and senior research managers in health data science (N=6) to explore their specific needs in the development of a concept library. In addition, a focus group discussion with researchers (N=14) working with the Secured Anonymized Information Linkage databank, a national eHealth data linkage infrastructure, was held to perform a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis for the phenotyping system and the proposed concept library. The interviews and focus group discussion were transcribed verbatim, and 2 thematic analyses were performed.ResultsMost of the participants thought that the prototype concept library would be a very helpful resource for conducting repeatable research, but they specified that many requirements are needed before its development. Although all the participants stated that they were aware of some existing concept libraries, most of them expressed negative perceptions about them. The participants mentioned several facilitators that would stimulate them to share their work and reuse the work of others, and they pointed out several barriers that could inhibit them from sharing their work and reusing the work of others. The participants suggested some developments that they would like to see to improve reproducible research output using routine data.ConclusionsThe study indicated that most interviewees valued a concept library for phenotypes. However, only half of the participants felt that they would contribute by providing definitions for the concept library, and they reported many barriers regarding sharing their work on a publicly accessible platform. Analysis of interviews and the focus group discussion revealed that different stakeholders have different requirements, facilitators, barriers, and concerns about a prototype concept library.

OWNERSHIP AND ACCESS ON BEACH: A CASE STUDY ON AVANI SEPANG GOLD COAST, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

Private beach is a global practice in enhancing tourism industry activity but relatively new concept in Malaysia. While tourism is under responsibility of the federal government, utilization and use of land belong to state authority’s power and control pursuant to Federal Constitution 1957. This including land consist of beach pursuant to National Land Code 1965. However, Malaysia is yet to have specific statutory governance on beach or coastal. This paper focuses on State of Selangor government practice in land administration regarding practice of private ownership existence on beach. It will discuss on the government’s reason, present administration and management for the practice and uptake on public access to private owned beach. A qualitative methodology has been adopted by using case study strategy on AVANI Sepang Gold Coast (SGC), Bagan Lalang, Sepang, Selangor. Data has gathered through document analysis and semi-structured interviews on purposive key informants including local authority and state agency representatives. It was found that the practice of ‘private beach’ in Selangor exist through state land alienation and transfer process to ‘joint venture’ entity which include state agency for ‘eco-tourism’ redevelopment in Bagan Lalang’s coastal area which comprises of soil land, beach land and water. This practice was found in line with State of Selangor government guideline on ‘Pekeliling Pengarah Tanah Dan Galian Selangor Bilangan 14/2010: Panduan Pemberimilikan Tanah Dasar Laut Bagi Tujuan Pembangunan Di Atas Dasar Air Di Negeri Selangor.’ Further findings were explained in SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat) analysis. To conclude, key informants agree this complex issue requires intense caution when considering the implications, models, and administrative processes associated for beach redevelopment and sustainable.

Management and Mapping Ecosystem Services in a Privately Owned Natura 2000 Site: An Insight into the Stellantis–La Mandria Site (Italy)

The Natura 2000 network is an ecological network covering the whole territory of the European Union to ensure the long-term maintenance of threatened or rare natural habitats and species of flora and fauna, including in metropolitan and rural areas. Some of the Natura 2000 sites have been subject to changes in ownership that have led to a fragmentation of the territory. Private entities may own areas within a Natura 2000 site and must ensure sustainable management of their property, especially from an ecological point of view. The case study is the Stellantis–La Mandria site, a private area owned by Stellantis, within the Natura 2000 site “ZSC IT1110079 La Mandria”, near Turin. The research proposes a participatory methodology, mainly addressed in this first phase to experts and professionals and aimed at the valorisation and management of private Natura 2000 sites previously considered as industrial sites, to allow a careful fruition and safeguarding of the natural heritage. The aim of the research is to provide a methodological approach and the first qualitative results useful to providing the owners with an indication for a more targeted management of the site; mapping the areas that provide ecosystem services (ES, especially cultural ones); mapping the areas that could be subject to future fruition; collaborating with the managing body to collect useful data for the future drafting of a new area plan. Two main research activities were carried out, a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis concerning the management and possible future fruition of the site and a participatory mapping of ES. It should be emphasised that the research allowed the first results to be obtained, which, on the one hand, make it possible to validate the methodology used to achieve the objectives and, on the other hand, the results will have to be implemented over time by involving numerous stakeholders among those who can access the private area. The results of the research highlight opportunities and threats with regard to the conservation of ecological–environmental characteristics and future fruition of the site. The participatory mapping identifies areas with different ecological value and, therefore, different management needs and identifies areas that could be used differently for future fruition. Overall, the results aim to meet some of the European Commission’s wishes regarding Natura 2000 sites, with particular reference to the involvement of different stakeholders and experts for the conservation of biodiversity and the integration of ecological and social aspects into the management and fruition plans.

Assessment of Geosites within a Natural Protected Area: A Case Study of Cajas National Park

Cajas National Park (CNP), located in southern Ecuador, comprises an area of high natural, scientific and cultural value with wide recognition worldwide. This national park has a large number of elements that, as a whole, constitute a relevant geological heritage. However, this geological heritage requires an enhancement that complements the important contribution made by the Natural Park in terms of conservation and protection of the natural heritage. This study aims to evaluate sites of geological relevance present in CNP through international geosite assessment methodologies and thus provide knowledge favouring these resources’ sustainable use and geoconservation. The study phases comprise four stages: (i) a base information analysis of the study area; (ii) identification and selection of sites of geological interest; (iii) a geosite and geomorphosite assessment using the Inventario Español de Lugares de Interés Geological (IELIG) method and Brilha method; (iv) a qualitative assessment using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis for the contribution and influence of geomorphosites in the development of the study area. This work made it possible to determine that all the analysed geosites and geomorphological sites (14) have a high and very high interest. The Llaviucu valley site stands out for its relevant scientific, academic and tourist value. The IELIG method revealed that 50% of the evaluated sites have a high protection priority, while the rest are in the “medium” category. In addition, the investigation through the SWOT analysis revealed that the geomorphosites could provide significant added value to the development of geotourism and of the NP itself, complementing the already known natural attractions; moreover, the study presented strategies for the use of these in the sustainable development of the area.

Strategic planning of post-mining land uses: A semi-quantitative approach based on the SWOT analysis and IE matrix

The suitable Post-Mining Land-Use (PMLU) selection is the main stage in mine reclamation planning. One of the main objectives of mine reclamation is to ensure the sustainability of PMLU. To achieve a sustainable PMLU, the suitability and vulnerability of the PMLU should be maximum and minimum, respectively. In this regard, in addition to mined land suitability assessment, it is necessary to identify the PMLU option's vulnerabilities and provide appropriate solutions to mitigate them, relying on the PMLU option's strengths and existing opportunities. The best technique for handling this problem is the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis method. However, very few studies have been done on the SWOT analysis of PMLU alternatives, most of which are qualitative and only provide a SWOT matrix without defining strategies to assure the sustainable deployment of PMLU options. Based on the SWOT analysis and the IE (Internal-External) matrix, a novel strategic planning approach for post-mining land-uses is developed in this study. To this end, after forming the SWOT matrices, appropriate strategies are defined based on the strategic position of each PMLU option in the IE matrix. The proposed approach is verified in Iran's iron ore mines. For generating the SWOT matrices, in total, 43, 41, 48, and 48 items of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were defined for 8 possible general PMLU options, respectively. By quantifying the internal and external strategic factors, the PMLU option of non-renewable energy achieved the best strategic position in the IE matrix. Then, based on the PMLU options' strategic position in the IE matrix, 32 strategies were defined for all 8 PMLU options. To avoid overlapping strategies, each strategy simultaneously addresses several strategic factors. This new generic approach makes choosing the sustainable PMLU option easier and gives a general vision for the mine reclamation project's success.

Policy Strategy for Sustainable Management of Mangrove Ecotourism in Siak Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia

Siak regency, Indonesia, has more than two hundred-thousand-hectare mangrove areas. Local community for all this time has been developed mangrove areas as ecotourism, but they still lack sustainable management to maintain it. Therefore, this study aims to promote strategies' policy for the sustainable management of mangrove ecotourism in the Siak regency. The research was conducted from July 2019 to July 2020 at 3 locations of mangrove ecotourism, which involved 30 respondents, consisting of 21 people to assess the SWOT analysis and 9 experts to assess AHP. For generating the sustainable policy strategy, A'WOT, a combination of AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), was applied. The SWOT data in mangrove ecotourism management includes strengths (2.797), weaknesses (-0.22), opportunities (3.668), and threats (0.149). The results showed that there were six policies needed to excuse. From these policies, the opening opportunities for investors for ecotourism development policy (0.243), improving facilities and infrastructure policy (0.194), providing business training on ecotourism policy (0.178), increasing ecotourism promotion policy (0.111), establishing cooperation between government and stakeholders policy (0.97), and maintaining mangrove ecosystem policy (0.79). It was concluded that mangrove ecotourism in Siak regency required priority funding to develop facilities and ecotourism's business training to cultivate sustainable management of mangrove ecotourism. Corporation between the government and stakeholders was needed to accelerate the realization of the policies.

“Growing as a Stronger Clinician in Adverse Conditions”—A Snapshot of Clinical Training during COVID-19

Transformative learning theory has been recommended as a pedagogy of uncertainty for accommodating new beliefs that enable humans to thrive amid the challenges and complexity of our world. As higher education institutions embrace new roles and responsibilities, few studies have focused on how the disruptions caused by COVID-19 may facilitate formative learning experiences. This study explored how registrars responded to the challenges facing clinical training during the first wave of COVID-19, and how the impact of these disruptions prompted personal and professional development. Registrars completed an online qualitative SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of their training experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were thematically analysed. Four hundred and five responses were received from 54 registrars. Themes related to challenges included mental distress, resource constraints, and compromised and inadequate training. Themes related to strengths and opportunities included new learning experiences, resilience, coping strategies, and enhanced graduate competencies related to leadership, collaboration, communication, and health advocacy. The disruptive and disorienting elements of COVID-19, although situated in chaos, aggravating the constraints of training in under-resourced settings, also provided unexpected learning opportunities. These findings highlight the transformative potential of disrupted learning contexts and the need for responsive curricular to enhance graduate competencies, adaptability, and resilience.

Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis of Virtual Outpatient Department Under Telemedicine Department During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic has challenged all current management tools used for patient care. This study aims to determine strength, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT) to virtual OPD and consultants' perceptions of teleconsultation virtual OPD during the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting to newer technologies for successfully handling this situation.Material and methodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Virtual OPD of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh among patients availing Telemedicine consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic. All patients availing services from April 2020 to October 2020 were included in this study. Method for SWOT analysis: A checklist was prepared, and investigators assessed SWOT. An external evaluator was invited to evaluate the SWOT analysis conducted by the investigators. For numeric variables, the mean ± SD was used, and for categorical variables, percentages and proportions were used.Results Around 22% of the patients who approached virtual OPDs were ≥ 60 years of age. More than half (55.3%) of the patients or their attendants who consulted Telemedicine OPD were from Uttarakhand, followed by Uttar Pradesh (42.6%). The proportions of male patients were 54.4%. Around 17.6% of teleconsultations were performed for radiotherapy. General medicine and cardiology consultations were (15.2%) and (12.8%), respectively.ConclusionTelemedicine can be effective if certain requirements had been provided. Maintaining privacy of the patient's data was a challenge.

Marine conservation tourism and the Giant Pacific Octopus: A SWOT analysis of two public engagement programs and the viability of a hybrid program at the Seattle Aquarium, Washington, USA

Marine conservation requires financial and human capital to effectively function. Tourism activities can provide both, if done responsibly. Marine conservation tourism (MCT) concerns tourist activities involving the engagement with—and the study, protection, and restoration of—marine wildlife and their ecosystems. There are two models that are commonly used: commercial and non-commercial. However, a combined hybrid MCT model may be more effective. To evaluate this potential, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis was conducted on two representative programs at the Seattle Aquarium dedicated to the conservation of the iconic Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO). Octopus Survey Week is a non-commercial, research-focused program utilizing voluntary assistance of local divers. Octopus Week is a commercial program in which conservation goals are facilitated by visitor fees and donations from aquarium supporters. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach. Data collection (N=86) involved semi-structured interviews and focus groups. SWOT analysis was enhanced with (1) MECE (Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive) framework to identify prominent factors or themes, and (2) TOWS (Threats, Opportunities, Weaknesses, and Strengths) analysis to suggest strategies relevant to the SWOT findings. Results show Octopus Survey Week program is viable but not well known. The Octopus Week program is also viable; there is an opportunity here for improvement. Importantly, interviewees would prefer a hybrid program. However, even a hybrid program would face logistical and temporal issues. To increase public interest and participation, it is recommended that the Seattle Aquarium connect them in a more proactive manner. Looking ahead, we hope the field of marine conservation tourism will expand as researchers develop new methods to improve conservation efforts.

COVID-19 control management in central corona hospitals using SWOT and QSPM matrices: A case study in Kashan central hospitals

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals have been the most important centers for the virus spread. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the management of infection control in central corona hospitals in Kashan using the quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM) matrix. Methods: The existing documents studied the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the organization identified by environmental health experts. The internal and external factors were identified as internal factor evaluation (IFE) and external factor evaluation (EFE) matrices, respectively, then, prioritized and weighted. In the next step, the SWOT matrix was formed and the type of used strategy by the organization was determined, and solutions to improve the current situation were presented by experts. Finally, the attractiveness table was compiled and weighted using the QSPM method to prioritize the proposed strategies. Results: After identifying 25 strengths, 28 weaknesses, 15 opportunities, and 13 threats, weighting was performed, the final score for internal and external factors was 2.6475 and 2.3825, respectively. The final strategy for implementing COVID-19 disease control in the studied hospitals was the Conservative Strategy (WO). Based on this, six control strategies were presented. The priority and attractiveness of each strategy were evaluated using the QSPM matrix. Finally, the strategy of "structuring the system and providing and upgrading the equipment and infrastructure facilities" was implemented as a priority. Conclusion: According to the results, the combination of SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and QSPM methods can play an efficient role in identifying and evaluating the factors affecting the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in hospitals and further developing and prioritizing control strategies for this infectious disease.

Analisis Peluang Usaha Urban Farming: Pengembangan Hidroponik di Desa Karangwidoro Kab. Malang

<p><em>The growth of population in the world-wide is inline with the demand of food and land-use. However, the availability of land to produce food is tragically scarce. One of the solution which popular among society is by doing urban farming. Urban farming is a farming concept that is used as a solution in the midst of dense urban buildings and the lack of land for farming. There are various types of urban farming which one of the most popular is hydroponics. Hydroponics is considered as agriculture with a high-tech production system by small farmers. This study examines urban farming in Karangwidoro Village, Malang Regency which has been running since the beginning of 2020 with the hydroponic concept. The aim of this study to analyse the hydroponics as an effort to develop entrepreneurship among society. The methodology used is the Community-based research method and the analytical approach using SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threats) analysis. The results showed that Karangwidoro village agriculture has a great opportunity to be developed as a profit business.</em></p>

Mining voice of customers and employees in insurance companies from online reviews: a text analytics approach

PurposeAlthough insurance companies contribute to about $600 billion of the US gross domestic product and employ 2.7 million people, the overall perception of clients and workers employed in this domain is poor. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to propose recommendations to improve the service quality of insurance companies using the voice of customers and employees that are available online.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed methodology consists of four stages: extracting text reviews posted by employees and customers, reviewing feedback using bigrams and trigrams, determining topics and identifying quality-associated managerial recommendations using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) and root cause analysis techniques.FindingsOur results indicate that primary causes for client dissatisfaction are improper client assistance services, inefficient claims processing, issues related to payments/fees and unresponsive ancillary services. Offering different types of payment methods, immediate car replacement policy and features such as smartphone applications are commended very well. The major reasons for workforce frustrations include long and overly complex training, lack of social events and incentive programs. Coworkers, workplace facilities, clean work environment and other amenities are shown to have a positive impact on employees' satisfaction level.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to propose recommendations to improve the service quality of insurance companies using the voice of customers and employees that are available online. The proposed quality-related insights can assist insurance companies in improving the outlook of their workers as well as customers.

To Analyze the Relationship Between Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats of Indian Coal Mining Industries Towards Sustainable Development

Mining Industries are a significant contributor to the economic growth of countries. Mining industries provide basic raw materials to all the manufacturing industries, whether their poor environmental image. However, over the last three decades, the mining and mineral industries adopted environmental management practices toward environmental protection and responsiveness of societal pressure. To overcome challenges to implement green practices in Indian Coal Mining Industries, analyze Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat (SWOT) existence in industries. Addition of this work fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method is used to determine the relationship between SWOT factors which help develop better strategies to overcome environmental as well as economic issues.

Implementation of Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs) in Kenya: Challenges and opportunities

Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs) were established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2009 to support innovations in least developed countries. They facilitate innovators to access high quality innovations and technological information. They have been very successful in the United Kingdom and Germany. TISC implementation in Kenya has been evaluated in this work and challenges experienced determined with suggested mitigations. An evaluation of various intellectual property (IP) in Kenya shows that only 604 patents are registered per year; out of which, 167 are from nationals. Among the registered patents, an average of 5 patents per year is issued to Kenyans and 209 to internationals. There is a positive correlation between application of patents, trademarks, and industrial designs with establishment of TISCs. Three (3) out of 14 TISC centers are fully operational with an equipped office, trained personnel and offer services to innovators. Eleven centers are still ideas in the minds of center leaders. Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) and WIPO have trained all the center leaders on their mandates. Eleven (11) out of 14 centers cited financial constraints and non-committal administrations. Only 3 centers have financial benefit from IP. Eleven centers (11) are yet to implement their mandate fully and IP is mainly for staff development and branding. Incubation centers are rare and even difficult to get prototypes of the registered patents or designs. Furthermore, there is lack of IP audit and valuation. As such, prioritization of various IP by institutions for implementation is rare. On average, implementation of TISCs in Kenya is at 62%. A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of the findings reveals a young, experienced, intelligent and enthusiastic staff that is limited by resources (funds), facilities, lack of entrepreneurial skills and ignorance. However, they are exposed to several willing government agencies including the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) and Kenya National Research Fund (NRF). Nevertheless, external threats including pandemics (COVID 19) have impacted negatively on their implementation strategies. A business canvas model for the TISCs reveal their key partners to be NRF, KeNIA, innovators, companies, research institutions, learning institutions, small and medium enterprises, WIPO, KIPI etc. They can derive their own resources from external funding bodies, the government, and levy their services. It is, therefore, recommend that TISCs be hosted by learning institutions, financed by Kenya government with set objectives and be treated as businesses.

Assessing Groundwater Level Declination in Dhaka City and Identifying Adaptation Options for Sustainable Water Supply

Dhaka city, having a population of about 18 million, depends heavily on groundwater as a source of quality water. However, the city is encountering a rapid depletion of groundwater, and its groundwater-based water supply is at risk of failure. This study was carried out to analyze the groundwater depletion scenarios occurring from 1970 to 2019 in the city and to find suitable options to sustain its water supply. The trends in groundwater levels (GWLs) were quantified by the non-parametric Sen’s slope and their significances were assessed by the modified Mann-Kendall test. Contour maps of GWL were generated to develop the contemporary GWL scenario in the city. Key informant interviews (KIIs) with the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) officials, groundwater experts and researchers, in addition to semi-structured interviews with the DWASA consumers were conducted to assess current adaptation practices and to develop potential adaptation options. The effectiveness of the options was assessed by strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis and the options were ranked through a normalization process of the weights given by the KIIs for future adaptabilities. The GWLs were found to be decreasing all over the city, varying from 0.6–2.4 m/year. The contour maps demonstrated that the groundwater of the central area had depleted more than the peripheral areas. The locations vulnerable to severe groundwater depletion were identified to be the Khilgaon, Sobujbagh, Motijheel, Dhanmondi, and Sutrapur areas and some parts of the Cantonment and Mirpur areas. Potential options identified were adopting more surface water treatment plants, rainwater harvesting, implementing a block tariff system, reducing non-revenue water, metering water consumption, and promoting public awareness. Spatially-varying adaptation strategies were also suggested for different zones. Some measures adopted by DWASA were not supported by the respondents.

A SWOT Analysis of Portable and Low-Cost Markerless Motion Capture Systems to Assess Lower-Limb Musculoskeletal Kinematics in Sport.

Markerless motion capture systems are promising for the assessment of movement in more real world research and clinical settings. While the technology has come a long way in the last 20 years, it is important for researchers and clinicians to understand the capacities and considerations for implementing these types of systems. The current review provides a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis related to the successful adoption of markerless motion capture technology for the assessment of lower-limb musculoskeletal kinematics in sport medicine and performance settings. 31 articles met the a priori inclusion criteria of this analysis. Findings from the analysis indicate that the improving accuracy of these systems via the refinement of machine learning algorithms, combined with their cost efficacy and the enhanced ecological validity outweighs the current weaknesses and threats. Further, the analysis makes clear that there is a need for multidisciplinary collaboration between sport scientists and computer vision scientists to develop accurate clinical and research applications that are specific to sport. While work remains to be done for broad application, markerless motion capture technology is currently on a positive trajectory and the data from this analysis provide an efficient roadmap toward widespread adoption.