Technical Service Providers Research Articles

The mechanism for improving the management of the maintenance and repair process using neural network technology

The system of preventive maintenance for various types of equipment is considered. To identify the need for managerial influence on the processes of maintenance and repair of the product, the coefficient of variation of the maintenance (repair) cycle is proposed. This coefficient is formed by the values of operating time or work between stops for maintenance or repair. To determine its numerical value, it is recommended to use such concepts as "maintenance (repair) cycle" and "frequency of maintenance (repair)". The values of the coefficient characterizing the stability of the process of repair and maintenance of the product are determined. These values of the coefficient are proposed to be used to justify the need to analyze the causes of failures or, in other words, the instability of the repair and maintenance process. The main managerial influences on the process of maintenance and repair are determined, which can be taken as a result of the analysis of the causes of failures. These include: the decision to search for a technical service provider, expanding the competencies of employees, updating the material base. Modern industry 4.0 tools allow you to get the required level of quality when working with a large data stream. The use of neural network technology in various technical service management tasks is due to some advantages over classical methods of statistical processing of results. The experiments of various authors are presented in which it is shown that neural network technologies are able to interpret graphic information, justify its use in technical diagnostics at the stage of analyzing diagnostic information in the form of oscillograms, which allows the use of complex diagnostic equipment in the absence of experts. A neural network simulation was carried out to recognize defects in bearing assemblies. As a result, the created neural network recognized the type of defect in accordance with the matrices of input signals and the output matrix of types of defects, which makes it possible to develop a mechanism for improving technical service using neural networks as a tool for analyzing diagnostic information in the absence of experts in this field.

A qualitative analysis of health information-sharing networks in the Indonesian poultry sector.

Animal production systems are developing into increasingly complex value chains involving a large diversity of actors with multiple and dynamic linkages, concurrently creating many opportunities for disease spread. Access to timely and good-quality animal health information is vital for designing effective disease management strategies. However, several factors may hamper information flows along those chains. Understanding the structure and dynamics of information networks is essential to develop effective and acceptable health information systems. We applied a qualitative network approach to understand how information about poultry health is generated, disseminated and used for decision-making along the poultry value chain in Indonesia. Maps of the value chain and information networks were generated based on data from key informant interviews to illustrate the linkages and information-sharing patterns between stakeholders. Four types of farm business models were identified: company-owned, contract, partnership and independent. Although companies and most independent farmers collected health and production data routinely, their systems were strongly siloed and still relied on a mix of digital and paper-based methods, which impaired their analytical capacity. Technical service providers from the upstream sector and industry associations were identified as key intermediaries in the information-sharing network with the ability to create informal bridges between separate business networks and public actors. These actors can play a strategic role in the development of integrated information systems to improve stakeholders' capacity to monitor, anticipate and manage disease threats at all levels of the value chain. This study contributes to fill an important knowledge gap regarding the layer sector and may help decision-makers to design effective policies and interventions tailored to the type of business model.

Study of Medicine E-Trade Regulation in Senegal

Introduction: E-trade covers, in addition to online selling activities, services relating to internet use. Several European states already authorize medicines e-trade, with or without prescription. In Senegal, fake drugs online sale in violation of pharmaceutical monopoly has provoked many debates, both among health professionals and patients. The objective of our work is to contribute to development of medicine e-trade regulation in Senegal. Methodology: It’s a retrospective and cross-sectional study, carried out from October 1st, 2018 to July 31th, 2019, using a documentary review and interviews. Data were compared with those of the literature. Results: There is a significant institutional mechanism marked by establishment of structures and/or control of e-trade. At legal level, law on electronic transactions and its implementing decree encourage exercise of e-trade activity. Violations of rights of person with regard to processing of personal data are sanctioned. However, technical service provider has an obligation to inform consumer, who may apply withdrawal right, due to unavailability of goods or services ordered. As for drug trade, practice of pharmacy is well supervised. Monopoly of medicine sale is reserved for pharmacists, who must exercise their activity in a licensed pharmacy. However, medicines e-trade falling within same logic, and coming under full responsibility of pharmacist, is not taken into account by our current law on pharmacy. However, law on electronic transactions creates conditions for medicines e-trade exercise. Conclusion: In Senegal, medicines e-trade does not have any specific regulations. However, law on e-trade has set up conditions for exercising medicine e-trade

New Agreement Streamlines Technical Service Provider Enrollment for CCAs, CPSS’s

New Agreement Streamlines Technical Service Provider Enrollment for CCAs, CPSS’s

The whys and whats of OPERAS

Pierre Mounier presents OPERAS, the European research infrastructure dedicated to open scholarly communication in the social sciences and humanities. With 10 core and a further 40+ member institutions from 16 different countries, its aim is to share knowledge between stakeholders across Europe. As a distributed infrastructure, OPERAS consists of a number of multinational Special Interest Groups that work on specific topics with the aim of developing services and conducting projects at a European level. Ranging from technical service providers and libraries through university presses and learned societies to entire research institutes and universities, OPERAS brings together a variety of stakeholders that work collectively to promote open dissemination of research-based knowledge about society and culture. All interest groups are convened twice a year for an "assembly of the commons"; further coordinating and strategic tasks are taken care of by an Executive Committee and a General Assembly. All member organisations are required to work for open access. Individuals that want to contribute are encouraged to check whether there are any member institutions in their country; in case not, they can always contact one of the coordinators (Pierre Mounier or Suzanne Dumouchel) or another member of the Executive Committee directly. Recording made in conjunction with the 17th Munin Conference on Scholarly Publishing. First published online: December 27, 2022.

Cost Analysis of Collection and Ex Situ Conservation of Seeds of Important Native Tree Species of Mexico

In Mexico, there are barely any studies that estimate the cost of germplasm conservation especially that carried out ex situ. The objective of this study was to analyze the collection and storage costs (CSC) of seeds of some native tree species that have social and economic importance in Mexico. Information on the importance of native trees was obtained through a literature review and research from a seed bank and forest technical service providers. Based on the environmental and social importance, as well as the conservation status of native species, poverty attention, and food security, an indicator of economic and social importance has been designed using multicriteria analysis. The highest value of the indicator included 32 species; Fabaceae was the most represented family (28%). The CSC analysis was applied to the species with the highest value indicator, currently available market price (CMP), and stored in the seed bank (SB). They were evaluated using the “cost of collection” method comparing CMP vs. SB. The cost of accession in the SB is 11 times higher than the CMP with 7% of nominal interest rate (NIR) and increases 24 times during a storage period of ten years with the same NIR per year. Despite the costs associated with the maintenance and management of SBs, their importance for conservation and contribution to society is highlighted.

Aquaculture and Its Impact of The Covid-19 Pandemic on The Fish Processing Industry: Case Study from Local Community

The Indonesian government has facilitated farmers through the role of agricultural extensionists (AE). Covid-19 pandemic has caused heavily impacts on the fisheries sector especially on the socio-economic conditions of the stakeholders, e.g., fishers, fish farmers, traders, as well as consumers. This impact on aquaculture is about its production is largely influenced by the demand from the food service sectors, processing factories, and export. Movement restrictions of fish farmers and less demand from consumers needs to maintaining the stocks of cultured commodities becomes more expensive as most of the products could not be harvested. From the snow ball sampling methods and research interview, the covid-19 pandemic makes the fish processing industry decrease more than 56%. It impacts 3 main activities, such as reducing demand for fish, low prices due to cancellation of shipment by buyer and lack of technical service provider. This decrease has a positive impact on the community to overcome the existing problem, diversifying the product and recognize need for new strategies to identify marketing opportunities that use technology.

Building a Capable State: Unpacking Critical Skills Development Challenges in the Public Sector

Whilst the active repositioning of the role of South Africa’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) has been a key thrust of governments response to slow economic growth, not enough attention has been given to exploring the challenges of building the capability of public services. More specifically, there has been insufficient scholarly focus that critically unpacks the nature and extent of skills development and human resource challenges facing management in SOEs. In order to fill this gap, this paper reports on the findings of a study undertaken at Transnet Capital Projects (TCP), a former project execution wing of Transnet SOE. Data collected from 191 respondents, in a survey of TCP project management teams, revealed that whilst the technical service providers contracted to deliver on mega-projects possessed the requisite skills, experience, and expertise, Transnet project’s personnel had limited experience and exposure to execute high value mega-projects. Moreover, the study highlighted low levels of management retention, with the high turn-over rates alluding to systemic internal challenges. These findings, nearly ten years since the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) intent on professionalising the public service, is worrisome and points to a need for an urgent intervention if the vision of building a developmental state is to be realised.

The Irish Johne's Control Programme.

The Irish Johne's Control Programme (IJCP) provides a long-term approach to the voluntary control of Johne's disease (JD) in Ireland, strongly supported by Irish cattle industry leadership. It leverages the establishment of Animal Health Ireland for control of animal diseases not regulated by the European Union. The IJCP has four objectives: facilitate protection against spread of JD to uninfected farms; reduce the level of infection when present; assure markets of JD control in Ireland; and improve calf health and farm biosecurity. Key IJCP elements are an annual veterinary risk assessment and management plan (VRAMP), annual whole herd test (WHT) by ELISA on blood or milk samples with ancillary faecal PCR testing of ELISA reactors, and Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health (TASAH) investigations of infected herds. There are pathways for assurance of herds with continuing negative tests and for management of test-positive herds. Herdowners are responsible for on-farm activities, and specifically-trained (approved) veterinary practitioners have a pivotal role as technical advisors and service providers. The programme is supported by training of veterinarians, performance of testing in designated laboratories, documentation of policies and procedures, innovative data management for herd and test activities and for programme administration, training, and broad communication and awareness activities. Tools and systems are refined to address emerging issues and enhance the value of the programme. An Implementation Group comprising industry, government and technical leaders sets strategic direction and policy, advised by a Technical Working Group. Shared funding responsibilities are agreed by key stakeholders until 2022 to support herds in the programme to complete requirements. Herd registrations have increased steadily to exceed 1,800. National bulk tank milk surveillance is also being deployed to identify and recruit test-positive herds with the expectation that they have a relatively high proportion of seropositive animals. The programme will continue to innovate and improve to meet farmer and industry needs.

Hambatan Penerapan Konstruksi Berkelanjutan: Perspektif Pemerintah

Sustainable construction is a way for the construction industry to achieve sustainable development by considering social, economic, environmental, and cultural issues. Policies for implementing sustainable construction in infrastructure delivery are still not clearly understood, resulting in challenging implementation by planners and contractors. This research study identifies the barriers to implementing sustainable construction in developing infrastructure projects in Bina Marga, Cipta Karya, Sumber Daya Air, and Perumahan Permukiman sectors in North Sulawesi Province. Data collection using semi-structured interviews involved 23 informants from these four sectors. The results of the study found that the barriers evenly occur throughout the life cycle of an infrastructure project in four sectors, namely: (1) the programming phase related to strategic planning documents and identification of barriers, (2) the technical planning phase related to technical understanding and competence service providers, (3) construction implementation phase related to expert consultants, service provider competence, and green construction technology, (4) utilization phase related to socialization, promotion, and education, (5) demolition phase related to mechanisms and availability of resources. The study results provide academic-based information for the government to minimize barriers to implementing sustainable construction policies throughout Indonesia.

Facilitating use of climate information for adaptation actions in small coastal communities

Municipalities are key agents in the transition to sustainability, and yet we have poorly developed theories and practices for how to facilitate the use of climate information by local governments in adapting to climate change. Existing research suggests that climate information is more likely to lead to adaptation actions when it is coproduced by researchers and policy makers because doing so increases the likelihood that the content of information is credible, salient, and legitimate. In this study, we explored how the coproduction process facilitated or hindered use of information from two climate adaptation projects in coastal New Hampshire. Based on 17 interviews and document review, we found that, contrary to expectations, highly engaged coproduction of knowledge may not be necessary due, in part, to preexisting trust among New Hampshire coastal municipalities, technical service providers, and researchers. However, we found in small towns with limited capacity, even the best climate knowledge is unlikely to be used without ongoing context-specific implementation assistance. Our research provides both practical recommendations for those actively advancing climate adaptation, as well as contributions to the undertheorized third phase of transdisciplinary research in which knowledge is translated to action.

AGRICULTURE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM AND FOOD SECURITY: STRATEGY OF ADOPTION OFAGRICULTURE MECHANIZATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES THROUGH “BELT AND ROAD” INITIATIVE CHINA

In this article, we study the influence of Agriculture Innovation ecosystem on food security through the contribution of Belt and Road Initiative. We identify strategy which foster agriculture mechanization adoption in developing countries. The innovation ecosystem is the large and diverse range of resources and participants that are necessary and contribute to continuous innovation in an economy. These include investors, entrepreneurs, technical and business development service providers, and researchers amongst others. We engage with agriculture Innovation Ecosystems thinking to consider the ways in which it might enhance efforts to create multi-actor, cross-sectoral innovation that are capable of supporting transitions to sustainable agricultural systems across multiple scale, hence achieving food security (Pigford, Hickey, & Klerkx, 2018). According to the world health organization (WHO) in the state of food security and nutrition in the world 2018, new evidence this year corroborates the rise in world hunger observed in this report last year, sending a warning that more action is needed if we aspire to end world hunger and malnutrition in all its forms by 2030. Through the “belt and road” initiative by the Chinese government, many international students got the opportunity to study in China, and act as a bridge between their respective countries and China (Yu, Qian, & Liu, 2019). In addition, as home country of great number of manufacturing companies, China promote agriculture mechanization and provide agricultural machinery to belt and road countries (de Soyres, Mulabdic, Murray, Rocha, & Ruta, 2019). These strategies have an impact in achieving food security worldwide (Zhang, Zhang, Tian, Liu, & Zhang, 2018). We speak of food security "when all people, at all times, have economic, social and physical access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that satisfies their nutritional needs and dietary preferences to enable them to live active and healthy lives" stated by Food and Agriculture organization. For this research, we attempted to show how “belt and road” initiative contribute to food security. Keywords: Agriculture Innovation ecosystem, Agricultural mechanization, China, belt and road, food security. DOI: 10.7176/IKM/11-4-03 Publication date: May 31 st 2021

Urban Freight Last Mile Logistics—Challenges and Opportunities to Improve Sustainability: A Literature Review

Last mile logistics (LML) is the least efficient and complex part of supply chain. The main objective of this study was to identify major challenges of urban freight LML and opportunities for intervention. For this, 42 peer-reviewed full papers published after 2010 and three additional references were used. The findings indicated that urban freight flow has a trend of steady growth. The main driving forces behind this steady growth are population growth, urbanization, densification, globalization, online and omni-channel (OC) retailing, and urban economic development. Using typology analysis, three main potential freight LML configurations were mapped and discussed. Freight LML configurations that involve light cargo vehicles and cargo bike-based delivery schemes could be more attractive freight LML models if the delivery failure is minimized. The LML challenges were categorized as technological, infrastructural, LML system and management, and logistic cost related challenges, and discussed broadly. Similarly, the potential opportunities were discussed from environmental, economic, and social sustainability aspects. Finally, this report has pinpointed future potential research agendas related to LML. The study could be a knowledge base useful for academicians and practitioners, logistics and technical service providers, policy makers, and customers.

MPLEMENTASI PENYELENGGARAAN REKOMENDASI TEKNIS BIDANG PERTAMBANGAN MINERAL DAN BATUBARA PASCA TERBITNYA UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 23 TAHUN 2014 DI PROVINSI BANTEN TAHUN 2016

This study aims to explain the process of transfer of authority in mineral and coal mining from the district / city to the Banten Provincial Government. Including the constraints and implications of the transition of authority over the implementation of good governance mining practices in Banten Province after the issuance of Law Number 23 Year 2014 concerning Regional Government. This study uses descriptive qualitative methods. The results of the study indicate that the process of transferring mineral and coal authority in Banten Province still encountered several obstacles and obstacles. First, mining business licenses are not permits that are only administrative in nature but are closely related to technical and non-technical readiness in the field. Secondly, the authority to administer mining business licenses that have been delegated since the end of 2014 to the Banten Provincial Government has brought its own constraints to the Banten Provincial Office of Energy and Mineral Resources (Mining and Energy Service) as the technical service provider for technical recommendations. Third, is the delegation and submission of mining data in Kabuaten / cities throughout Banten Province. Fourth, is the overlapping financial obligations imposed on applicants for mining business licenses. The Banten Provincial Government has also not yet prepared regulations related to the issue of mineral and coal mining. This condition will have an impact on the application of good meaning practice in Banten Province, where in its implementation it must pay attention to environmental aspects, community development. Keywords : Mining, the transition of authority, good mining practice

Regulating Central Bank Digital Currencies: Towards a Conceptual Framework

Due to technological change and the rise of private digital currencies more and more central banks investigate the possibility of issuing their own Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). This paper develops a conceptual framework, which shows how the issuance of CBDC and the provision of access can be regulated. Therefore, theoretical CBDC designs and existing jurisdictions from around the world are considered. The framework points out that the regulation of CBDC encompasses two components: on the one hand, the regulation of the legal form of CBDC. On the other hand, the level of obligation, which indicates how legally binding the issuance and provision of access is for the central bank and potentially involved third parties. Besides, this paper discusses the pros and cons of different regulatory options to find out how CBDC should be regulated. It concludes that only a right to CBDC for everyone is non-discriminatory and therefore favorable in the view of consumers. Furthermore, it is favorable to let third parties provide access to CBDC since this potentially increases competition and reduces operational duties for the central bank. While payment service providers are more suitable as third parties for CBDC stored on a central ledger, technical service providers are for CBDC stored on a distributed ledger.

Systems and actual practices of occupational safety and health risk management in the People's Republic of China

To investigate the systems and actual practices of occupational safety and health risk management in China. First, we gathered basic information through a literature review using an academic search engine (Japan Medical Abstracts society, Pubmed, and Google Scholar), as well as a general search on the Internet. Next, we conducted field surveys at a graduate school for public health, providers of occupational health services (e.g. medical examinations, working environment measurements), and local workplaces of a Japanese construction machinery company in China. This information was analyzed in terms of legal framework, professional staff, working environment measurements, medical examinations, occupational diseases, and occupational health service providers. Health and safety-related matters have become codified in Chinese workplaces as a result of safety laws and measures to prevent occupational diseases. While the country does have safety and hygiene officers, they lack official frameworks for occupational physicians and nursing professionals. The employers are not obligated to appoint medical professionals. While general medical examinations are not provided for under Chinese law, businesses are obligated to bring in external providers of occupational safety to perform special medical exams and working environment measurements. Occupational diseases are on the rise; pneumoconiosis comprises roughly 80% of cases. In addition, occupational health technical service providers have specialized staff and are not permitted to perform medical examinations or other services without government accreditation. There are great disparities in specialist knowledge about health and hygiene between company staff and external organizations, thus running the risk of corporate health and safety policies existing only on paper. This issue demands greater utilization of public health physicians in Chinese workplaces and support from Japanese professionals who understand how occupational safety and health risk management operate in China.

Climate change curricula for adult audiences in agriculture and forestry: A review

Agricultural and forestry advisers and other technical service providers play an important role in supporting farmers and foresters to adapt to climate change. However, not all agricultural and forestry advisers are comfortable talking about climate change with land managers. While there is a demonstrated interest related to climate-related professional development, few examples of curricula developed with the express purpose of serving this audience and a systematic review of these curricula has not been conducted. To address this gap, we reviewed 12 curricula which were developed and implemented between 2001 and 2017. The goal of this review is to apply the lessons learned from a range of climate change-focused curricula to new, regionally or sector-specific educational programs targeting both agricultural advisers and innovative farmers. Our findings suggest that developers of future educational programs consider the following: (a) the specific needs of their audience, including topical interests and learning needs; (b) the use of interdisciplinary teams for curricula development; (c) trade-offs associated with inclusivity and depth of course content; and (d) the advantages of project-based education approaches suited for adult learning audiences. By applying these concepts to future curricula, these curricula are likely to have the greatest level of impact.

Genstar Capital acquires pump distributor OTC

US private equity firm Genstar Capital has purchased Ohio Transmission Corporation (OTC), an industrial equipment distributor and technical service provider, from Irving Place Capital, in partnership with management.

Using Continuous Response Assessment to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Extension Education Products

The case study addressed in this article illustrates the value of continuous response measurement (CRM) for testing and refining messages produced for distribution to Extension audiences. We used CRM to evaluate the responses of Extension educators and Natural Resources Conservation Service technical service providers to a video describing greenhouse gas mitigation techniques. By using this assessment method, message producers can identify elements in a video that elicit strong positive or negative responses and then refine communication activities accordingly. Our study highlights the potential of CRM for informing how Extension education products and materials may be preevaluated to ensure more widespread acceptance and use of final versions by intended audiences.

Competition Aspects of Digital Financial Services

This study enumerates a sampling of competition issues stemming primarily from access to, and the use of technology in, the digital financial services (DFS) ecosystem from the perspective of its stakeholders. Stakeholders include regulators, technical service providers and aggregators, payment switches, agent networks, mobile network operators (MNOs), independent banks, payment service provider (PSP)-affiliated banks, MNO-affiliated banks, MNO-affiliated PSPs, mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), and independent PSPs. Market imbalances may result from unequal policy frameworks or from market conduct. The former may be from regulatory bans on or restricted access to: DFS ecosystems; disproportionate and unequal compliance and capital requirements; and inconsistent and disproportionate tax regimes. The latter could relate to a market participant’s access to fair reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms to technology; critical and scarce infrastructure, services used for channel or wholesale access, discriminatory pricing of services, cross-subsidization of services, quality of service, and access to big data. The report outlines competition issues that have been identified by the author based on publicly available and ventilated examples and studies of DFS ecosystems worldwide, as of January 2017. Insights from market participants, analysts, and regulators participating in the ITU Focus Group on DFS are also included. Regulatory capacities and potential types of interventions to deal with these and other related competition and market balance concerns are detailed, as are the technical and commercial methods that have been employed by market participants to deal with competition-related issues in the absence of regulatory intervention. Country examples are from: Bangladesh, China, Colombia, Georgia, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In some instances, multiple competition-related issues in the DFS ecosystem in a country may manifest.