Supply Shortages Research Articles

WHO public health laboratories webinar series – an online platform to disseminate testing recommendations and best practices during health emergencies

Laboratories play a central role in managing public health emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic imposed unique challenges on global laboratory systems, including testing protocol uncertainties, supply shortages, rapid need for information dissemination, and disruptions to traditional training methods. In response, the WHO established the Public Health Laboratories (PHL) knowledge sharing webinar series whose goals were to respond to the increased demand in up-to-date and reliable information, which WHO is in a unique position to provide. It also aimed to enhance peer-to-peer exchanges across laboratories. This article outlines the PHL webinar series delivery format and presents how the webinar series was received and perceived by participants and how it evolved to support the response to other health emergencies. Contents of the knowledge sharing sessions, as well as attendance, participants’ satisfaction and application of learning were monitored over time using registration forms, satisfaction polls, an annual survey and focus group discussions. From May 2020 to December 2023, 48 sessions attracted 58,688 registrations from 204 countries and territories. Thirty-five sessions featured presentations of WHO guidance, tools or documents and 39 sessions featured country experience sharing. Initially focused on COVID-19, the series became a tool to rapidly disseminate guidance and best practices during new health emergencies and to address cross-cutting topics relevant to the laboratory workforce. Feedback data shows participants found the webinars very useful (86% respondents), reporting knowledge gains in biosafety, quality management, and laboratory practices. The series facilitated knowledge application, with foreseen changes in workplace procedures and training activities (43% respondents). Barriers such as resource limitations, additional training needs, and connectivity issues were frequently identified. Evidence that this knowledge was subsequently applied by participants, such as through changes in workflow, onwards training events and procedural changes further reinforces the efficacy with which the series was able support the laboratory workforce globally in addressing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other health emergencies. The series utilized sessions on cross-cutting topics to run routinely and to keep a high level of engagement with laboratory professionals globally. This enabled it to act as an adaptable tool that was leveraged effectively and quickly during health emergencies for just-in-time learning.

Attribution of a record-breaking cold event in the historically warmest year of 2023 and assessing future risks

An unexpected record-breaking cold event struck eastern China in December 2023, causing widespread transportation shutdowns, power supply shortages, and agricultural crop damage. The manner in which such an extraordinary cold event was formed under global warming is unclear, as is the way in which anthropogenic climate change may affect the present and future frequency and intensity of similar cold events. Here, we show that the large-scale atmospheric circulation associated with the warm Arctic was the main event driver, explaining 83 ± 2% of the intensity of the 2023 cold event, whereas the thermodynamic effect of climate change suppressed the event intensity by −6 ± 3% in ERA5 and −22 ± 2% in HadGEM3-A-N216. An attribution analysis based on coupled model simulations shows that, due to anthropogenic climate change, the frequency and intensity of 2023-like events decrease by 92.5 ± 2.5% and 1.9 ± 0.2 °C, respectively, under the 2023 climate state. The thermodynamic effect of anthropogenic climate change outweighs its dynamic effect. Future projections indicate that the frequency and intensity of these 2023-like events will further decrease by 95 ± 3% and 2.05 ± 0.25 °C by the end of this century under an intermediate-emissions scenario compared with estimates made under the present climate. In contrast, 2023-like events will be similar to present events when the 1.5 °C target of the Paris Agreement is achieved. These findings highlight the dampening effect of anthropogenic climate change on cold events, but adaptation measures for future risks of 2023-like cold events will be needed by the end of the century if carbon neutrality is achieved.

Generalization of the location method of ashi points

Through analyzing the every textual research literature on the origin of the location method of ashi points, it is pointed out that the location method of ashi points has been generalized. It is known through systematic research and theoretical identification that this method refers to the simple way to locate the points, originated from the folk, and it is widely used to find the sites for pain relief when compared to the official education of meridians and acupoints, as well as treatment. At the time with the shortage of medical services and supplies, the poor people had no alternative, which results in a certain limitation. Modern acupuncture practitioners must associate ashi points with the acupoints of fourteen meridians and the extraordinary points in clinical practice, and deepen the exploration with modern medical knowledge and technology adopted.

Orthopedic War-Related Injuries in Gaza: In-Depth Insights from within the Strip

Gaza has been under continuous attack for over a year, resulting in widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis. The bombings have caused mass casualties and devastating injuries, with buildings collapsing and overwhelming the healthcare system. Attacks on hospitals, arrests of medical staff, and severe shortages of medical supplies have hindered the delivery of life-saving treatments, forcing hospitals to provide only basic care. Due to a lack of specialized staff and equipment, treatment delays and infection risks have increased, and emergency measures such as amputations are often used. This review highlights the critical medical situation in Gaza, focusing on the challenges faced by medical staff, the impact of war-related injuries, and the broader health consequences caused by infrastructure damage and limited access to healthcare.

An ARDL Study on Wastewater, Carbon Dioxide, and Blue Economy Impacts in Türkiye

Pollution of water resources results in the degradation of aquatic ecosystems and poses a threat to the global Blue Economy. Water pollutants, especially in water source like oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes where aquaculture is prevalent, can lead to species alterations, reduced food quality, decreased tourism opportunities in coastal areas, reduced employment in the sector, and declining incomes. This study aims to capture the impact of municipal wastewater and carbon dioxide on income in Türkiye between 1994 and 2022 using the ARDL approach. It examines the relationship between municipal wastewater and carbon dioxide discharged into rivers, lakes, and seas, and the income generated from aquatic resources, with the objective of guiding Blue Economy policy actions. The results of the ARDL long-term estimates indicate that (i) wastewater discharged by municipalities and (ii) carbon dioxide have adverse effects on income derived from aquatic resources. In the long-term forecast, carbon dioxide is expected to cause supply shortages due to increasing pollution in seas and rivers, while in the short term, it affects resources in lakes. The findings also suggest a long-term decrease in product quantities due to wastewater in water sources. Based on these results, the study recommends changes in policies addressing factors that disrupt the aquatic ecosystem, and suggests that municipalities develop new methods to combat wastewater discharge.

Statistical Overview of Drug Shortage in Syria

Access to medications is a fundamental aspect of healthcare and vital for human well-being. Medicine shortages are widespread and impact countries across all income levels. This research aimed to monitor the characteristics of drug shortages in Syria through a distributed survey. 76% of the sample were females. 88.9% of the sample were 20-29 years old. A high percentage of the participants were single (86.6%). 62% were students. Pharmacy is the profession or field of study for most participants (83.4%). Half of the participants live in the city (51%). Most participants work at a local pharmacy. The majority (79.5%) have fewer than 5 years of experience. Most participants were well-informed about medication shortages and personally experienced the impact of this issue in their professional or personal lives. A shortage of baby supplies, specifically baby milk, was reported by 70.33% of the surveyed parents. Tablets and capsules are the pharmaceutical formulations that experience shortages most commonly. Shortages were reported in all categories of medications. Participants identified the shortage of raw materials and low profit margins as significant factors contributing to drug shortages. Further research into drug shortages in Syria is warranted to address this issue.

Internal and External Factors in Developing Farmer Businesses in Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia (Case Study)

This study aimed to identify external and internal factors in community businesses in Alitta Village. The study was conducted in Alitta Village, Mattiro Bulu District, Pinrang Regency in May 2024. The analysis used in this study was a SWOT analysis. The results of the study showed that internal factors are management, finance, human resources, facilities and infrastructure, and legal umbrella while external factors are technology, business partners, government, village potential, community participation and competitors. BUMDes development is carried out with a focus on three main aspects: improving the village economy, developing existing potential, and managing this potential to meet the needs of the local community. Meanwhile, the lack of human resources for BUMDes management, the difficulty of maintaining the agricultural machinery owned and the supply of raw material inputs that are not smooth. Efforts to overcome obstacles through strategy development can be an option to be implemented, namely Increasing product availability, recruiting new members to run each business division and opening independent outlets. Significant impact because gasoline is an important commodity needed by rural communities. Most farmers who rely heavily on water pumps to irrigate their agricultural land. Gasoline supply shortages cause delays and disruptions in the operation of such equipment, hampering agricultural productivity.

Perbandingan Akurasi Metode Fuzzy Mamdani dan Fuzzy Sugeno dalam Memprediksi Kebutuhan Darah PMI Kota Medan

Blood demand prediction is important to avoid the instability of blood stocks or supplies. Too much and abundant blood stock can cause losses, because the blood will be wasted when it passes the storage expiration date. Meanwhile, too little stock can risk a shortage of blood supply. To anticipate this, it is necessary to predict the amount of blood demand that must be received in the future in order to achieve optimum blood availability. Fuzzy Mamdani and Fuzzy Sugeno methods that use the concept of fuzzy logic are considered capable of handling complexity and uncertainty in decision making, so they can be used to predict the amount of blood demand by considering the varying and uncertain amounts of blood demand and supply. The calculation results show that the Fuzzy Mamdani method has better accuracy than the Fuzzy Sugeno method with MAPE values of 16.707% and 17.987% respectively. The Fuzzy Mamdani method has an accuracy level in the good category according to the MAPE method and can be used to predict blood demand at PMI Medan.

Pneumonia Vaccines: Indications for Use and Current Safety Data in Pregnancy.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and invasive pneumococcal disease among adults in the United States, with higher rates of disease occurring among individuals with chronic medical and immunocompromising conditions. Pregnant individuals, especially those with co-morbid conditions, are also at increased risk of infection due to S. pneumoniae due to physiologic and immunologic changes in pregnancy. Vaccination against pneumococcus is recommended for adults living with HIV aged 19-49, congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, asplenia, chronic renal failure, sickle cell disease, alcohol abuse, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathies, chronic lung disease, chronic liver disease, and diabetes mellitus. During pregnancy, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends vaccination against S. pneumoniae for individuals meeting criteria for immunization outside of pregnancy. Pneumococcal vaccine uptake has been low. There are no data available for vaccine uptake in pregnancy, but we suspect it is lower than non-pregnant populations. Low uptake of immunization rates in pregnancy is likely multifactorial and includes general vaccine hesitancy among pregnant individuals, cost, access to care, and supply shortages. While data in support of pneumococcal vaccines during pregnancy are limited, sufficient evidence exists to support the safety and efficacy of vaccination in the antepartum period. Pregnancy provides an opportunity to continuously engage individuals in care, allowing obstetricians and gynecologists to establish rapport, work to reduce vaccine hesitancy, and to provide pneumococcal immunization to those who are eligible. Medical indications for pneumococcal vaccination will increasingly apply to pregnant persons as the population acquires co-morbidities and there is a need for improved education among obstetricians on the topic of antenatal pneumococcal vaccination.

The Utilisation of Solar-Powered Boreholes for Groundwater Supply: Addressing Water Scarcity in the Polokwane Municipality, Mankweng Cluster

In many African countries, including South Africa, groundwater remains vital for rural communities, yet sustainable methods of its supply still require improvement. The purpose of this study is to enhance groundwater supply through an innovative and sustainable borehole system that improves reliability and ensures a consistent water supply. This study was motivated by the need to provide sustainable water access in rural communities by addressing critical gaps in existing groundwater supply systems, thereby enhancing community resilience. This study identified a problem of water scarcity in the Polokwane Municipality, Mankweng Cluster, where the existing borehole systems are inadequate to supply groundwater. Handpumps demand significant physical effort, grid-powered boreholes cease to operate during frequent power cuts, and the inconsistent diesel supply further limits borehole operation. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, involving data collection through interviews that were analysed using content analysis. Findings indicate several challenges, including power cuts, diesel supply shortages, poor infrastructure maintenance, vandalism, and theft of equipment, which affect the proper operation of boreholes. The study concludes that water scarcity in the Mankweng Cluster stems from inadequate water infrastructure. The study recommends implementing a solar-powered borehole system that uses photovoltaic energy to pump water from underground aquifers.

Is the repeat worth it? Optimizing syndromic panel pathogen detection protocols.

The aim of the study was to compare the cost and clinical impact of repeating BioFire FilmArray gastrointestinal (GI) and respiratory (RP) panel assays with 3 vs 4 pathogen targets positive. We analyzed 12,027 GI and RP panels to evaluate our retesting policy, which retested panels with 3 or more detected pathogens (3-pathogen protocol) compared with the manufacturer's 4-pathogen (4-pathogen protocol) recommendation. We compared the retesting results, calculated the cost implications, and reviewed the clinical impact on antibiotic prescriptions and patient outcomes. Retesting with our 3-pathogen protocol revealed that 81% (39/48) of GI and 76% (26/34) of RP panels had identical results, whereas 19% (9/48) of GI and 24% (8/34) of RP panels showed discrepancies on retesting. The additional cost incurred by our protocol compared with the manufacturer's protocol was $9820.32. There was no evidence that our more stringent policy affected antibiotic prescription or clinical outcomes. Our more stringent 3-pathogen protocol for retesting panels did not improve patient management compared with the manufacturer's 4-pathogen protocol but resulted in unnecessary costs and increased the risk of depleting testing kits during supply shortages. Consequently, we adopted the manufacturer's suggestions, highlighting the need to balance clinical rigor with cost-effectiveness in laboratory testing protocols.

An overlapping generations version of Krugman’s world’s smallest macroeconomic model and fiscal deficit

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This paper attempts to introduce an overlapping generations structure into Paul Krugman's "The world's smallest macroeconomic model" (Krugman (1999)) to examine the implications of fiscal policy, particularly fiscal deficits, in a framework suitable for policy analysis. In that paper, Krugman argued that under the price rigidity assumption, a shortage in the money supply leads to underemployment and recession, so increasing the money supply would eliminate underemployment and restore full employment. But how can the money supply be increased? I show that in order to restore full employment out of a recession, a fiscal deficit is needed to increase the money supply. I also show that in a growing economy, fiscal deficits are necessary to maintain full employment at constant prices or inflation. Fiscal deficits are not only effective in pulling the economy out of recession, they are even necessary for growth to continue without recession or inflation. The fiscal deficit in this paper represents the difference between government spending and government revenues. If this difference is positive, we say that the government is in deficit. Krugman's original model is a one-period static model. I intend to extend this model to a dynamic overlapping generations model.</span></p>

Challenges of maternity continuum of care within the primary health care in northwest Ethiopia: interpretive description using a socio-ecological model.

The maternity continuum of care plays a vital role in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, its uptake remains low in Ethiopia, highlighting the need to identify challenges within the primary health care system to inform practice. Hence, this study aimed to explore the challenges of the maternity continuum of care within the primary health care system in northwest Ethiopia. An interpretive description approach was employed from March 3, 2022, to November 27, 2022, within the primary health care system in northwest Ethiopia. Maximum variation sampling was utilized, comprising 28 in-depth interviews, three focus group discussions with 29 participants, and four key informant interviews. The reflexive thematic analysis method was applied, and the results were mapped onto the constructs of the socio-ecological model. The analysis identified four main themes: low maternity healthcare-seeking behavior (intrapersonal level), lack of peer and family support (interpersonal level), cultural influences on maternity care and low community responsiveness (community level), and inadequate health system readiness and response (health facility/system level). Some of the sub-themes include low health literacy and self-efficacy and misconceptions regarding maternity care at the intrapersonal level; peer and family pressure against seeking maternity care, low autonomy, and intimate partner violence at the interpersonal level; cultural influences on pregnancy disclosure and postnatal care and low social accountability at the community level; and delays in accessing ambulance services, long waiting times for maternity care, shortages of essential healthcare supplies, poor coordination of care, inadequate monitoring and evaluation, disrespectful maternity care, and dissatisfaction among healthcare workers at the health facility/system level. Intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and health facility- and system-level challenges have influenced the maternity continuum of care within the primary health care in northwest Ethiopia. Since these challenges are interdependent, considering a holistic approach within primary health care could lead to an improved maternity continuum of care.

Research on the Impact of Coastal Land Reclamation on Geomorphic Complexity and Tidal Energy Dissipation—A Case Study of Zhoushan Islands, Hangzhou Bay

ABSTRACTCoastal mudflats are vital land resources. In recent years, coastal reclamation has emerged as a vital strategy for alleviating coastal land supply shortages and for developing marine resources in coastal areas. However, large‐scale coastal reclamation changes the natural landscape properties of sea areas, triggering alterations in the surrounding hydrodynamic and ecological environments. Despite the significant impact of coastal geomorphic features on tidal energy loss and disaster prevention, few studies have explored the intrinsic connection between the complexity of coastal landscapes and the rate of tidal reduction. This relationship is crucial for predicting potential tidal energy loss responses to large‐scale changes in geomorphologic features caused by accelerating coastal land reclamation. This study focuses on Hangzhou Bay as the research area and develops a model that combines the correlation between the rate of tidal reduction and the complexity of coastal landscapes. The model is constructed using fractal geometry theory and quantitative methods, while also incorporating principles from ocean dynamics theory. The model is applied to assess the impacts of reclaimed land on the geomorphic complexity and tidal energy dissipation in the Zhoushan Islands. Results indicate a high correlation between differential tide reduction rates and coastal geomorphic complexity. Application of this model reveals that traditional reclamation planning and design substantially alter coastal morphology. Consequently, the significant reduction in the fractal dimension (D) and shape index (S) leads to a tidal reduction rate decrease of over 88%, posing substantial threats to coastal and estuarine bay disaster prevention and ecosystem services. The study proposes effective control indicators and scientific reclamation planning measures, providing a theoretical basis and novel methods for the rational utilization and sustainable development of coastal mudflat resources.

DETERMINANTS OF INFLATION IN ETHIOPIA: AN ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS USING ARDL BOUNDS TESTING APPROACH

Purpose- The main purpose of this paper is to examine the macroeconomic factors that drive inflation in Ethiopia. Nonetheless even with different economic liberalization reforms and attempts on macroeconomic level, inflation stands as one of the most crucial issues affecting the Ethiopian economy. The purpose of this study is thus to investigate circumstances that trigged inflation during the period of 2003 to 2023 in an effort to identify key sources of sustained inflation and to determine the best ways of managing it. Methodology- This study employs the ARDL technique to analyze the determinats of inflation through various macroeconomic variables in Ethiopia. The ARDL approach is particularly suitable for examining the short-run and long-run dynamics of the variables involved. Data for this research is sourced from reputable institutions, including the NBE, the EEA, the IMF, the WB, the CSA, and the MoFD, spanning from 2003 to 2023. Findings- The study's findings indicated that exchange rate, broad money supply, import price, government expenditure, and budget deficit all have a positive and statistically significant impact on inflation in both the long and short run. On the other hand, interest rates and GDP growth exhibit a negative effect on inflation. While interest rates have an inflationary effect in the short run, they demonstrate a deflationary impact in the long run. In the short run, the budget deficit has a negative effect on inflation, suggesting that managing fiscal imbalances can contribute to lower inflation rates. Conclusion- This study suggests that Ethiopian policymakers should improve fiscal and monetary policies by controlling money circulation, stabilizing exchange rates, ncreasing government spending efficiency. Moreover, reinforcing the institutions and adapting to global fluctuations can further reduce inflation. Keywords: Macroeconomic drivers, time series, ARDL model, Bond test JEL Codes: E31, C32, O55

Rabies and mobility: 2025 update

Switzerland has been considered free of terrestrial rabies for more than 20 years. Nevertheless, the topics of rabies and rabies vaccination are more relevant than ever. On the one hand, this is because the demand for vaccines is increasing due to the increasing mobility of humans and animals, and on the other hand, there are frequent vaccine supply shortages. Our article highlights the key points in the face of growing challenges.

Global trade dynamics' impact on food pricing and supply chain resilience: A quantitative model

This study explores the influence of global trade dynamics on food pricing and supply chain resilience, focusing on the development of a quantitative model that examines the relationships between trade policies, economic indicators, and trade volumes. As fluctuations in trade policies—such as tariffs, quotas, and subsidies—directly impact food prices and market stability, this model provides a structured framework for assessing these variables’ interdependencies. By integrating data on trade flows, currency exchange rates, and commodity prices, the model quantifies the effects of protective and liberalized trade measures on both local and international food markets. This approach allows for identifying trends in pricing volatility linked to policy shifts, thereby offering insights into areas vulnerable to trade disruptions and external economic shocks. The resilience of the food supply chain is measured by evaluating metrics such as delivery times, supplier diversity, and inventory levels across regions affected by trade policy changes. The findings emphasize that trade barriers can result in price spikes, delays, and supply shortages, while open trade policies generally support market flexibility and pricing stability. Additionally, the model incorporates economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation, and unemployment rates, which correlate with food demand and purchasing power, thereby further influencing price and supply chain stability. Future research could leverage this model to develop adaptive strategies that strengthen supply chain resilience under various global trade conditions. Suggested adaptations include diversifying suppliers, increasing inventory buffers, and enhancing predictive analytics for better demand forecasting. By integrating these adaptive measures, stakeholders can mitigate adverse effects on food accessibility and affordability in both developed and emerging economies. This research contributes to the literature on food security, highlighting the need for resilient trade policies and supply chain strategies in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Species of the genus Gomphonema from Haqlan hot springs, Iraq, with the description of two new species

This work presents a systematic account of the species of Gomphonema in Haqlan hot springs, Iraq. In diatom-rich material epiphytic on the aquatic plant Najas minor, 11 species belonging to Gomphonema were encountered, including two species new to science: G. brockiae sp. nov. and G. hadithaensis sp. nov. These species were described based on light and electron microscope observations. Gomphonema brockiae is a thermophilic and halophilic species, differentiated from its allied taxa by valve morphology and ultrastructure, including valve outline and size, stria density and areola shape. Gomphonema hadithaensis is characterized by its naviculoid shape and large size but can be distinguished from related taxa by its length/width ratio as well as stria density. A detailed morphological description of valve ultrastructure is provided for all species in this work. Eight of the currently identified Gomphonema species are new records for Iraq. This work is a documentation of diatoms present in a rapidly changing habitat due to severe shortage of freshwater supply to Iraq.

Meeting India’s ethanol blending goals: forecasting demand and addressing supply shortages

Meeting India’s ethanol blending goals: forecasting demand and addressing supply shortages

Activated carbon aerogel evaporator for simultaneous salt-rejection and inhibition of phenol from entering condensed freshwater during solar-driven seawater desalination

A novel solar-driven seawater desalination process based on air–water interfacial heating is considered as one of the effective methods for supplying freshwater on islands with shortage of electricity supply. However, salt accumulation and volatile pollutants entering into condensed freshwater are two main drawbacks that limit the application of this new process. In this work, an activated carbon (AC) aerogel with both salt-rejection property and inhibition of volatile pollutants from entering freshwater was prepared using powdered AC as a photothermal and adsorbent material and polyvinyl alcohol as a skeleton. The water evaporation rate of the AC aerogel with its external exposure heights of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mm were 1.25, 1.46, 1.63, 1.64, 1.68 and 1.54 kg·m−2·h−1 under 1 kW·m−2 irradiance, respectively, which are 4.13, 4.82, 5.38, 5.42, 5.55 and 5.09 times higher than that without AC aerogel. The salt-rejection property was achieved by rapid exchange of the concentrated brine with the beneath feed water though the AC aerogel. Meanwhile, the distillation rate of volatile pollutant phenol was reduced from 84.84 % to 0 % through AC adsorption, thereby purifying the condensed freshwater. Finally, an out-door seawater desalination experiment was conducted by packing 25 AC aerogels using real seawater as feed water, and the freshwater quality fitted with the standards for drinking water quality in WHO, US EPA and China.