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Colombian Leftist Non-State Armed Groups: The Gendered Experience of Conflict through to Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR)
No full textThe prevailing approach which the Women, Peace and Security Agenda takes to inform gender sensitive Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) is important but ultimately inadequate in the pursuit of gender equality. This research uses a Gender Relational Analysis framework to analyse the evolution of DDR in the context of Colombia from a gender perspective. A phenomenological methodological approach and feminist research practices were employed and 49 interview participants from four Colombian leftist non-state armed groups (NSAGs) and a number of subject matter experts contributed. Against the background of how gender conscious thinking has evolved within Colombian reintegration, the research reveals how prior leftist NSAG participation comes to shape experience and expectation of reintegration, and critically engages with its effectiveness in challenging entrenched gender hierarchies of power in a transformative way to produce more inclusive and equitable peace. This research draws attention to the complex gendered identities of women and men and the ways in which they must renegotiate their identity within reintegration. It reveals the impact of gender equality ideology and collective group identity on former insurgents. It advocates for an embedded gender mandate from the outset of peace negotiations, for a gender relational approach to DDR, and reintegration which offers elements of collectivist and individualised model approaches. The outcome of the research is a substantial case study of reintegration in the Colombian context which shows the value of gender relational analysis as a methodological approach within peacebuilding
583 Evidence-based social learning for safety and health promotion among irish dairy farmers
No full text32nd Triennial Congress of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH), Dublin, Ireland, 29th April to 4th May 2018Introduction Farming is an occupation that incurs high rates of occupational injuries and illness, including fatalities. Internationally, legislative approaches to improve agricultural occupational safety and health (OSH) practices have been inconsistent in achieving those objectives. Many alternative initiatives to influence agricultural OSH practices have been developed, frequently emphasising information provision. In Ireland, evaluation of information provision approaches, such as classroom-based learning, has found that this is ineffective for improving agricultural OSH practices. However, peer-based learning using communities of practice (COPs), such as Teagasc dairy farmer discussion groups, presents a promising context for agricultural OSH promotion in Ireland.
Research has established the efficacy of farmer discussion groups for promoting adoption of novel technologies and production practices. Little research has been undertaken to assess whether they are effective for promoting agricultural OSH practices. This paper describes the extent to which Teagasc dairy discussion groups engage with agricultural OSH, and identifies the characteristics associated with agricultural OSH engagement. The results are evaluated with respect to the existing literature regarding effective social learning for farming and OSH promotion, to assess the suitability of these COPs for agricultural OSH promotion.
Methods Information about discussion group characteristics and engagement with OSH topics was collected using a survey of Teagasc dairy discussion group members, and a survey of Teagasc dairy discussion group facilitators. The statistical software R was used to assess variation in discussion group engagement with OSH, and the group characteristics statistically associated with that variation.
Result Analysis of the results is ongoing and will be completed in September 2017.
Discussion The findings of this study, including the evaluation framework developed from literature review, can contribute to effective agricultural OSH promotion in Ireland, and internationally. This is especially true for other countries with existing farmer COPs, such as farmer discussion groups in New Zealand and Wales
Identifying and categorising knowledge reuse activities in electronic repositories
No full textPurpose: Knowledge reuse using electronic repositories, while increasingly important, requires more thorough analysis. Service modularity has been recently applied in services research but has not been integrated into knowledge reuse studies. The purpose of this paper is to draw on both service modularity and knowledge reuse to develop and validate a framework that categorises forms of packaged knowledge in an electronic repository. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on knowledge reuse and service modularity research, a model is proposed. The model is empirically tested using a case study research design. Findings: This research highlighted the value of including both context and process as key dimensions when packaging service knowledge for reuse. This study identifies knowledge types present in modular solutions and how they were configured and reconfigured in the knowledge repository. This research identified five ways modularised services were leveraged. In addition to the traditional scale and stretch approaches, already present, but conflated, in the service literature, three other configurations were identified; shrink, separate and segment. Research limitations/implications: The findings are based on a single empirical case study which may limit the generalisability of the findings. There is a need for additional research to further validate the model in additional contexts. Practical implications: This study provides managers with empirical examples of how a modular repository was used in practice and outlines five ways of recombining contextual and processual elements to enable service codification and reuse. It has implications for how knowledge is decomposed and recombined in repositories, suggesting an explicit separation of context and process knowledge while developing modular elements within both. Originality/value: To the best of the authorâ s knowledge, this is the first study that explicitly uses context and process as dimensions and draws on service modularity to understand types of knowledge reuse in electronic repositories. In doing so, it adds value by developing and validating a model that identifies five types of reuse.ACCEPTEDpeer-reviewe
A fair and privacy-aware EV discharging strategy using decentralized whale optimization algorithm for minimizing cost of EVs and the EV aggregator
No full textA key motivation to fasten the roll-out of electric vehicles (EVs) to the market is to implement Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionalities. With V2G in place, EV owners can have extra freedom to interact their battery energy with power grids, namely by selling their energy to the grid when their EVs are not in use. On the other hand, EV aggregators and utility companies can leverage the flexibility of the collected energy to implement various ancillary services to the grids, which may significantly reduce costs of, for instance, running spinning reserve of traditional power plants on the grid side. However, this extra freedom also poses practical challenges in terms of how to devise a discharging strategy for a group of EVs that is fair and in some sense optimal. In this paper, we present a new design of EV discharging strategy in a typical V2G energy trading framework whilst leveraging the whale optimization algorithm in a decentralized manner, a metaheuristic algorithm that has been shown effective in solving large-scale centralized optimization problems. We demonstrate that by using simple ideas of data shuffling and aggregation, one can design an EV discharging strategy in a fair, optimal and privacy-aware manner, where privacy refers to the fact that no critical information of EVs should be exchanged with the EV aggregator, and vice versa. The fairness implies that a common discharge rate needs to be sought for all EVs so that no one gets better benefits than others in the same V2G programme. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the efficacy of our proposed system
Influential factors of cereal crop landscapes on aphidophagous syrphid communities
No full textAphidophagous syrphids are a common group of insects in agriculture, attributed with benefiting farmers with pollination and pest control services. Farmed landscapes are also believed to have potential in supporting and conserving syrphid populations. However, there is still much to be understood in terms of how agricultural factors can influence aphidophagous syrphids, both positively and negatively. The more that is understood about influential factors, the more farmers and conservationists can do to optimize their ecosystem service provision and protect syrphid species. In this body of work, I aimed to investigate various agricultural factors for their influence on aphidophagous syrphids, with a focus on Irish cereal grain crops, and Avena sativa in particular.
First, I investigated the potential for the presence of harmful factors in agri-systems both organic and conventional. residues of pyrethroid (i.e. deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, permethrin) and neonicotinoid (i.e. clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam) insecticides in nectar, pollen-laden stamens, and aphid food resources. While pyrethroids were not detected in any of the samples, neonicotinoid residues were detected in every sample media type (maximum residues for nectar < 2.40 ng/mL, stamens < 4.19 ng/g, aphids < 11.33 ng/g). Thiacloprid was detected seven times, imidacloprid once, clothianidin not at all, and no sample contained multiple pesticides. Furthermore, neonicotinoid residues were found in organic and conventional oat crops, suggesting mobility of pesticide residues into areas where they are not applied. These results suggest that aphidophagous syrphids can be exposed to dietary pesticide residues in adult and larval stages, even in fields that did not receive direct applications of pesticides.
I then conducted lab-based bioassays to investigate the lethal and sublethal effects on the adult of a common Irish syrphid (Episyrphus balteatus) from acute oral exposure to ten different concentrations of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam in nectar food resources, non-control concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 24 ng/?L. While we determined that there were differences between some of the survival rates of the different concentrations (P = 0.016), they were not significant enough to be detected after pair-wise test and corrections for multiple testing. Mortality was not high enough to determine a 72-hour LD50, though an acute LD50 was estimated to be about 100-120 ng per fly 12 days after exposure. Temporary sublethal effects were also observed, with neonicotinoid exposure linked with increased time spent resting, decreased time spent flying and grooming, and a reduced ability to grip smooth surfaces. These sublethal effects were not seen beyond three days after exposure. From these results, it is possible that thiamethoxam dietary exposure in the field poses a low risk to aphidophagous syrphid health, particularly when compared to the detected residue levels from the first study.
Finally, I investigated what natural factors (i.e. hedge habitat structure, food resource availability, food resource competitor abundance) may influence their populations in cereal grain crops. Floral abundances were measured by counting floral units along transects in the crops and along the hedge, and timed walks of these same transects were done for observing adult aphidophagous syrphids and other visitors landing on flowers and oats. Aphids, juvenile aphidophagous syrphids and other invertebrate abundances on the oats were also measured along these transects in the crop from timed hand-searches. Both investigated food resources were determined to be influential to aphidophagous syrphid abundances in organic oat crops, where floral abundance had a positive effect, but crop aphid abundance had a negative effect. The pattern of aphid and aphidophagous syrphid abundances throughout the summer indicated a predator-prey dynamic, in which syrphid predatory activity helped control crop aphid abundance. For food resource competitors, flower-visiting bees and parasitized aphid abundances had positive relationships with aphidophagous syrphid abundance, indicating that any competition that occurs is inconsequential on syrphid abundances. Hedge habitat structure did not correlate to aphidophagous syrphid abundance, though this could be due to my methodology.
This work establishes a starting point of knowledge on dietary pesticide residue hazards faced by aphidophagous syrphids in Irish agriculture, which puts this anthropogenic factor into context of various natural factors. Future research can draw upon the findings of this work to further our understanding of pesticide residues in the agricultural landscapes and how syrphids and other beneficial insects are affected by them, which can inform ecologically friendly practices and policies on pesticide use. Farmers and conservationists can also refer to this work for insight into how the agricultural landscape can impact aphidophagous syrphids
Prevalence and predictors of continence containment products and catheter use in an acute hospital: A cross-sectional study
No full textAlthough incontinence is common in hospital, the prevalence and predictors of continence aid use (continence wear and catheters) are poorly described. A one-day cross-sectional study was conducted in a large university hospital assessing consecutive inpatients (≥55) for their pre-admission and current use of continence aids. Barthel Index, Clinical Frailty Scale and Charlson Co-morbidity scores were recorded. Appropriateness was defined by local guidelines. 355 inpatients, median age 75±17 years, were included; 53% were male. Continence aid use was high; prevalence was 46% increasing to 58% for those ≥75. All-in-one pads were the most common, an overall prevalence of 31%. Older age, lower Barthel and higher frailty scores were associated with continence aid use in multivariate analysis. Inappropriate use of aids was high at 45% with older age being the only independent predictor. Continence aids are often used inappropriately during hospitalisation by older patients. Concerted efforts are required to address this issue
A synthesis of systems engineering tools to improve patient safety, quality and efficiency in health care
No full textCancer occurrence has given rise to high risks and deaths of patients all over the world. The consistent negative impact of cancer on humans have spurred healthcare providers and administrators to judiciously search for better options to treat and manage cancer patients. One of such treatment modalities that is safe, cheaper and effective is Radiotherapy. However, due to the technological advancement of treatment options which involved multi-systems and different professionals, have inadvertently created new pathways for multiple Radiotherapy incidents to occur during patient treatment. Consequently, patients have been affected in various ways: from minor to severe injuries, and in even deaths were recorded significantly in many cancer centres in the world. Even though numerous improvement measures have been developed over the years to mitigate and minimise the impact of errors and mistakes caused by Radiotherapy treatment systems and humans on patients; still, Radiotherapy incidents at various levels continued to occur prevalently in the globe.
Following from the above, this study is aimed at integrating Systems Engineering tools, such as Lean Management (LM), Lean Six Sigma (LSS), Total Quality Management (TQM) / Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA), Benchmarking and Human Factors Engineering (HFE) with a view to developing a simplified framework that can improve the Quality, Safety and Efficiency of healthcare. The lack of standard quality improvement initiatives to address the issues of patient safety, quality of care and process efficiency mostly due to modern technological complexities, which often led to errors and mistakes, is a serious concern to healthcare providers and management. Thus, there is a need for the development of a comprehensive framework for clinical utilisation of difficult technology and process inefficiencies.
The study utilised both quantitative and qualitative methodologies: namely, a Single Case Study, Questionnaire and Benchmarking Case Study, which were adopted to answer the central research question vis-à-vis the study’s objectives. The varied research methodologies employed in this study, supported by the outcomes of the literature review, provided the mechanisms for the development of a framework, called the Radiotherapy Lean (RADLean) Improvement Blitz. This framework is a holistic integration of Systems Engineering tools with the core purpose to streamline Processes, improve Patient Safety, Quality and Efficiency with lower costs. Also, it will act as a catalyst in encouraging and stimulating organisations cultural change from top management down to lower employees. The RADLean Blitz Improvement framework is proactively and reactively designed robustly to respond and address issues that likely to affect Patient Safety, Process Efficiency and Quality of Patient care that might manifest in the systems during the routine patient treatment process.
The framework is developed holistically on the following initiatives; namely, IDEFØ Technique, Lean Management tools, Total Quality Management / Plan-Do-Check-Act tools, Lean Six Sigma methodology and Human Factors Engineering techniques. It composed of four primary high-level phases: (1) Identification of Drivers, Strategic Goals & Operational Objectives, Need for Improvement and Management final Approval; (2) Engagement of Stakeholders, Gap Analysis, Team Formation, Metrics Identification; (3) Management Commitment & Support, SWOT Analysis, Training of Improvement Tools; (4) and Correct Plans if required Improvement Readiness, Experts’ Reviews & Change Control, Systems and Controls. These four phases are further sub-divided into six interactive implementation stages for effectiveness: Assess, Plan, Ratify, Improve, Control and Standardise (APRICS).
The framework was verified and validated through three known stages: the first stage involved validation of the RADLean Toolbox using DELPHI Techniques of experts’ review cycle, underpinned by IDEFØ technique grounded on two Kelly’s quality measurement factors; the second stage entails Kelly and Ijomah combination of quality measurement factors, while the last stage consisted of the interactive session of experts’ panel. The verification and validation were carried out in order to identify the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the framework and to strengthen it for wide-scale usage.
Hypothetically, with the developed framework, patients are expected to receive Radiotherapy services in a reasonable timeframe, which can be achieved through routine safety performance awareness; hence errors and hazards will be easily identified and resolved without difficulties. Thus, improving Quality, Safety, Efficiency and Reliability while minimising costs
Understanding solid-state processing of pharmaceutical cocrystals via milling: role of tablet excipients
No full textDiscovery of novel cocrystal systems and improvement of their physicochemical properties dominates the current literature on cocrystals yet the required end-product formulation is rarely addressed. Drug product manufacturing includes complex API solid state processing steps such as milling, granulation, and tableting. These all require high mechanical stress which can lead to solid-state phase transformations into polymorphs and solvates, or lead to dissociation of cocrystals into their individual components. Here we measured the effect of tablet excipients on solid-state processing of a range of pharmaceutical cocrystal formulations. Our findings were rationalised using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of intermolecular binding energies of cocrystal
constituents and co-milling excipients. A 1:1 stoichiometric ratio of API Theophylline (THP) and co-former 4- Aminobenzoic acid (4ABA) was co-milled with five different excipients: hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene glycol (PEG), lactose, and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The experiments were carried out in 10 and 25 ml milling jars at 30 Hz for different milling times. Co-milled samples were characterised for formation of cocrystals and phase transformation using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Our data shows that co-milling in the presence of PEG, HMPC or lactose yields purer cocrystals, supported by the calculated stronger excipient interactions for PVP and MCC. We identify a suitably-prepared THP–4ABA pharmaceutical cocrystal formulation that is stable under extended milling conditions
An accurate calorimeter-based method for the thermal characterization of heat pipes
No full textThis study presents a method that can be used to accurately determine the thermal performance of a cylindrical
heat pipe. In the method, the heat pipe is placed between two stainless steel 304 cylindrical blocks, configured as
radial calorimeters that achieve thermal contact with the evaporator and condenser sections of the pipe. A
flexible isothermal electrical heater mat surrounds the evaporator block, and a liquid-cooled copper pipe
wrapped around the condenser block is used to remove heat. High precision thermistors (±0.01 K) positioned at
fixed radial locations within the calorimeters are used to measure the heat supplied to the evaporator and the
heat extracted from the condenser. One-dimensional radial conduction is assumed to occur within each calo rimeter, and this enables the quantification of heat flows from the temperature readings. This assumption is
verified by a steady-state analysis of the radial, axial and circumferential temperature differences within the
evaporator calorimeter, based on data recorded for the lowest and highest heat inputs. Furthermore, a numerical
model is used to confirm that end effects have a negligible influence on radial conduction within each calo rimeter. This study concludes that the most commonly used characterization techniques for heat pipes can
greatly overestimate thermal performance (15–32% for input powers of 7.5–25 W respectively) due to inaccurate
quantification of heat flows into the evaporator and from the condenser. The calorimetric technique reported
here achieves uncertainties in thermal resistance of <7.5% for low thermal loads (<12.5 W) and <6% for higher
loads (>12.5 W). Moreover, the method achieves a significant improvement in the experimental thermal effi ciency, with values of >75% recorded for all heat inputs in this study. The use of radial calorimeters in the
current study obviates the requirement for calculating the losses from the heater to ambient, hence achieving low
uncertainties in thermal resistance and effective thermal conductivity for a range of heat inputs
The influence of the interaction of sous-vide cooking time and papain concentration on tenderness and technological characteristics of meat products
No full textThe food industry has been slow in harnessing technological developments to expand opportunities and benefit the community. One such opportunity is in the application of proteolytic enzymes to the development of softer-textured meat products that require reduced mastication force, for those with impaired dentition, and reduced strength including older adults. Proteolytic enzymes haven\u27t been fully explored for their potential in this area. Here a response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to model the interactive effects of sous-vide and papain application on texture, color, and cooking loss of meat. An innovative meat product formulation with a reduced toughness (120Â min cooking sous-vide and 0.01Â mg papain/100Â g) was optimized and the technological performance of the formulation was validated. Bias values of the optimized model were in the range of 0.97 to 1.06, while accuracy factors for shear force values, chewiness, TPA hardness, cooking loss, color parameters ranged from 1.00 and 1.06, both of which metrics indicated the reliability of the resultant models