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Present work covers the treatment of lignin enriched paper industry wastewater (LEPIW) using electrocoagulation (EC) process with stainless steel (SS) electrodes. In this study, EC operation is optimized in term of % chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and treatment cost (USD/kg COD removed). Single parameter study has been performed to study the effect of process parameters on % COD removal and treatment cost. Central composite design (CCD) of design of expert (DOE) has been used to corelate the input (time, initial COD, solution pH and current) and output parameters (% COD removal and treatment cost). Single parameter study states that maximum % COD removal of 84.4 & 77% is achieved in 40 & 60 min for initial COD:500 &1000 mg/L while 74, 66.7 & 58% can be achieved in 100 min for initial COD of 2000, 3000 & 4000 mg/L, respectively under optimum condition (solution pH:7, current: 1 A). Cost analysis summarizes that treatment cost decreases with increase in initial organic load (2.036, 2.075, 1.554, 1.247 & 1.127 USD/kg COD removed for initial COD of 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 & 4000 mg/L, respectively) at optimum condition. The caloric study states 2.31and 3.25 J/mg can be generated from the sludge and scum produced during EC process. DOE software suggests − 6.66–6.79% & − 16.73–7.95% error between experimental and designed value for % COD removal and treatment cost. [Display omitted] • COD removal range 84.4–58% is noticed for initial COD 500–4000 mg/l. • Treatment time increases from 60 to 100 min for initial COD range of 500–4000 mg/l. • Treatment cost 1.12–2.07 USD/kg COD R is noted for COD range of 500–4000 mg/l. • 2.31 and 3.25 J/mg energy is found from generated sludge and scum respectively. • Model predicts − 6.66–6.79% & − 16.73–7.95% error for COD removal & treatment cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with chemical oxygen demand (COD), phenol and Ca+2 removal from paper mill industry wastewater by electrocoagulation (EC) and electro-Fenton (EF) processes. A response surface methodology (RSM) approach was employed to evaluate the effects and interactions of the process variables and to optimize the performance of both processes. Significant quadratic polynomial models were obtained (R² = 0.959, R² = 0.993 and R² = 0.969 for COD, phenol and Ca+2 removal, respectively, for EC and R² = 0.936, R² = 0.934 and R² = 0.890 for COD, phenol and Ca+2 removal, respectively). Numerical optimization based on desirability function was employed; in a 27.55 min trial, 34.7% of COD removal was achieved at pH 9 and current density 96 mA/cm² for EC, whereas in a 30 min trial, 74.31% of COD removal was achieved at pH 2 and current density 96 mA/cm² and H2O2/COD molar ratio 2.0 for EF. The operating costs were calculated to be 6.44 €/m³ for EC and 7.02 €/m³ for EF depending on energy and electrode consumption at optimum conditions. The results indicate that the RSM is suitable for the design and optimization of both of the processes. However, EF process was a more effective technology for paper mill industry wastewater treatment as compared with EC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, the nursing profession constitutes the largest proportion of the health workforce; however, it is challenged by widespread workforce shortages relative to need. Strategies to promote recruitment of the nursing workforce are well-established, with a lesser focus on strategies to alleviate the burden on the existing workforce. This burden may be exacerbated by the impact of low-value health care, characterised as health care that provides little or no benefit for patients, or has the potential to cause harm. Low-value health care is a global problem, a major contributor to the waste of healthcare resources, and a key focus of health system reform. Evidence of variation in low-value health care has been identified across countries and system levels. Research on low-value health care has largely focused on the medical profession, with a paucity of research examining either low-value health care or the de-implementation of low-value health care from a nursing perspective. The objective of this paper is to provide a scholarly discussion of the literature around low-value health care and de-implementation, with the purpose of identifying implications for nursing research. With increasing pressures on the global nursing workforce, research identifying low-value health care and developing approaches to de-implement this care, is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the high density of users hosted everyday, public buildings are important producers of waste and emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Public restrooms play an underrated role in waste generation and GHG emissions, especially if paper towels are used as the hand-drying method. The choice of the hand-drying method (i.e., paper towels vs. electrical hand dryers) also affects the economic balance of a public institution, involving costs for the purchase of hand-drying materials/apparatuses, energy and waste disposal. The present paper aims at evaluating the economic and environmental impact of the introduction of electrical hand dryers (alternative scenario) in place of paper towels (reference scenario) in a public building. The paper presents a solid methodology, based on a numerical experiment approach, to identify a decision criterion for establishing the economical convenience of adopting the alternative scenario in public restrooms. Key factors affecting the choice between the proposed alternatives are presented and discussed in a dedicated sensitivity analysis. From the environmental point of view, this study evaluates the impact of each scenario in terms of GHG emissions, related to multiple waste treatment options and different electric grid mixes. Based on the experimental assumptions, the method allowed concluding that the alternative scenario becomes economically convenient when the number of daily usages (N) is > 57 ± 4. The environmental convenience of the alternative scenario is visible even at N < 10. The method here described can be successfully used to support strategic decisions for cost optimization and environmental mitigation in institutional buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a customized root cause analysis approach to investigate the reasons, provide improvements measures for the cost overruns, and schedule slippage in papermachine- building projects. The proposed approach is an analytical-survey approach that uses both actual technical data and experts' opinions. Various analysis tools are embedded in the approach including: data collection and clustering, interviews with experts, 5-Whys, Pareto charts, cause and effect diagram, and critical ratio control charts. The approach was implemented on seven projects obtained from a leading international paper machine supplier. As a result, it was found that the main causes behind cost and schedule deviations are products' related; including technical accidents in the Press section, damaged parts, design issues, optimization of the machine and missing parts. Based on the results, prevention measures were perceived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Au/TiO 2 nanotubes for 4-chloroguaiacol (4-CG) and pulp and paper effluent treatment. • Comparison of electrocatalysis, photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis (PEC). • Identification of degradation intermediates and HO• estimation. • Recirculation mode experiment for 4-CG and real pulp and paper effluent treatment. • Electrical energy consumption for the PEC experiments was examined. A simple anodization technique has been adopted for the synthesis of Au doped TiO 2 nanotubes (Au/TiO 2 NTs) electrode. The physicochemical properties of Au/TiO 2 NTs electrodes have been studied using FE-SEM, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and UV–vis DRS analysis techniques and, compared with un-doped TiO 2 NTs electrodes. The optimization of process parameters has been carried out for the photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation of 4-CG (4-Chloroguaiacol) under batch-mode experiments. Au/TiO 2 nanotube electrodes showed 84% degradation efficiency in 6 h under optimized conditions viz. 0.15 mM Au loading, 0.08 g L−1 electrolyte concentration, 0.03 A current and pH 3 under UV light irradiations. The degradation of 4-CG was validated with the quantification of generated •OH and degradation intermediates/by-products during the batch-mode PEC treatment. The PEC process was observed to be more efficient for degrading and mineralizing 4-CG when compared to PC and EC processes, individually. PEC degradation of 4-CG has also been assessed in recirculation mode to study the feasibility of synthesized Au/TiO 2 NTs electrodes to treat large volume of contaminant polluted wastewater. For the feasibility of industrial scale applications, pulp and paper mill effluent was subjected to the PEC degradation under recirculation mode using Au/TiO 2 NTs electrodes and significant reduction in COD and TOC values were observed. Overall, the cost of electrical energy consumption was computed for all the batch and recirculation-mode PEC treatment of 4-CG as well as real pulp and paper mill effluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The INDDEX24 Dietary Assessment Platform (INDDEX24) was developed to facilitate the collection of 24-h dietary recall (24HR) data. Alongside validation studies in Viet Nam and Burkina Faso in 2019–2020, we conducted activity-based costing studies to estimate the cost of conducting a 24HR among women of reproductive age using INDDEX24 compared with the pen-and-paper interview (PAPI) approach. We also modelled alternative scenarios in which: (1) 25–75 % of dietary reference data were borrowed from the INDDEX24 Global Food Matters Database (FMDB); (2) all study personnel were locally based and (3) national-scale surveys. In the primary analysis, in Viet Nam, the 24HR cost US $111 004 ($755/respondent, n 147) using INDDEX24 and $120 483 ($820/respondent, n 147) using PAPI. In Burkina Faso, the 24HR cost $78 105 ($539/respondent, n 145) using INDDEX24 and $79 465 ($544/respondent, n 146) using PAPI. In modelled scenarios, borrowing dietary reference data from the FMDB decreased the cost of INDDEX24 by 17–34 % (Viet Nam) and 5–15 % (Burkina Faso). With all locally based personnel, INDDEX24 cost more than PAPI ($498 v. $448 per respondent in Viet Nam and $456 v. $410 in Burkina Faso). However, at national scales (n 4376, Viet Nam; n 6500, Burkina Faso) using all locally based personnel, INDDEX24 was more cost-efficient ($109 v. $137 per respondent in Viet Nam and $123 v. $148 in Burkina Faso). In two countries and under most circumstances, INDDEX24 was less expensive than PAPI. Higher INDDEX24 survey preparation costs (including purchasing equipment) were more than offset by higher PAPI data entry, cleaning and processing costs. INDDEX24 may facilitate cost-efficient dietary data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[english] Introduction: Multiple-choice-examinations are still fundamental for assessment in medical degree programs. In addition to content related research, the optimization of the technical procedure is an important question. Medical examiners face three options: paper-based examinations with or without computer support or completely electronic examinations. Critical aspects are the effort for formatting, the logistic effort during the actual examination, quality, promptness and effort of the correction, the time for making the documents available for inspection by the students, and the statistical analysis of the examination results.Methods: Since three semesters a computer program for input and formatting of MC-questions in medical and other paper-based examinations is used and continuously improved at Wuerzburg University. In the winter semester (WS) 2009/10 eleven, in the summer semester (SS) 2010 twelve and in WS 2010/11 thirteen medical examinations were accomplished with the program and automatically evaluated. For the last two semesters the remaining manual workload was recorded. Results: The cost of the formatting and the subsequent analysis including adjustments of the analysis of an average examination with about 140 participants and about 35 questions was 5-7 hours for exams without complications in the winter semester 2009/2010, about 2 hours in SS 2010 and about 1.5 hours in the winter semester 2010/11. Including exams with complications, the average time was about 3 hours per exam in SS 2010 and 2.67 hours for the WS 10/11. Discussion: For conventional multiple-choice exams the computer-based formatting and evaluation of paper-based exams offers a significant time reduction for lecturers in comparison with the manual correction of paper-based exams and compared to purely electronically conducted exams it needs a much simpler technological infrastructure and fewer staff during the exam.[german] Einleitung: Multiple-Choice-Klausuren spielen immer noch eine herausragende Rolle für fakultätsinterne medizinische Prüfungen. Neben inhaltlichen Arbeiten stellt sich die Frage, wie die technische Abwicklung optimiert werden kann. Für Dozenten in der Medizin gibt es zunehmend drei Optionen zur Durchführung von MC-Klausuren: Papierklausuren mit oder ohne Computerunterstützung oder vollständig elektronische Klausuren. Kritische Faktoren sind der Aufwand für die Formatierung der Klausur, der logistische Aufwand bei der Klausurdurchführung, die Qualität, Schnelligkeit und der Aufwand der Klausurkorrektur, die Bereitstellung der Dokumente für die Einsichtnahme, und die statistische Analyse der Klausurergebnisse.Methoden: An der Universität Würzburg wird seit drei Semestern ein Computerprogramm zur Eingabe und Formatierung der MC-Fragen in medizinischen und anderen Papierklausuren verwendet und optimiert, mit dem im Wintersemester (WS) 2009/2010 elf, im Sommersemester (SS) 2010 zwölf und im WS 2010/11 dreizehn medizinische Klausuren erstellt und anschließend die eingescannten Antwortblätter automatisch ausgewertet wurden. In den letzten beiden Semestern wurden die Aufwände protokolliert.Ergebnisse: Der Aufwand der Formatierung und der Auswertung einschl. nachträglicher Anpassung der Auswertung einer Durchschnittsklausur mit ca. 140 Teilnehmern und ca. 35 Fragen ist von 5-7 Stunden für Klausuren ohne Komplikation im WS 2009/2010 über ca. 2 Stunden im SS 2010 auf ca. 1,5 Stunden im WS 2010/11 gefallen. Einschließlich der Klausuren mit Komplikationen bei der Auswertung betrug die durchschnittliche Zeit im SS 2010 ca. 3 Stunden und im WS 10/11 ca. 2,67 Stunden pro Klausur.Diskussion: Für konventionelle Multiple-Choice-Klausuren bietet die computergestützte Formatierung und Auswertung von Papierklausuren einen beträchtlichen Zeitvorteil für die Dozenten im Vergleich zur manuellen Korrektur von Papierklausuren und benötigt im Vergleich zu rein elektronischen Klausuren eine deutlich einfachere technische Infrastruktur und weniger Personal bei der Klausurdurchführung.

• RLD dose (0.009 g/g TS) with pH 10 had a significant effect on PPST sludge. • Disperser coupled RLD method got maximal liquefaction rate at 5128 kJ/kg TS. • A higher methane production was attained by disperser coupled RLD method. • Disperser coupled RLD method was obtained a positive net energy of 900.64 kWh. • A net profit of 134 $/ ton of sludge was achieved by disperser coupled RLD method. In this study, the disintegration potential of disperser coupled rhamnolipid (RLD) was investigated on pulp and paper mill secondary sedimentation tank (PPST) sludge. Initially, RLD dosage and pH were optimized for liquefied organic content release. Maximal of liquefied organic content release of 2158 mg/L was attained at an optimized RLD dosage (0.009 g/g TS (Total solids), pH 10). To augment liquefaction of PPST sludge further, disperser and disperser coupled RLD methods were carried out. Disperser coupled RLD method has achieved maximal liquefaction rate (27%) and total suspended solids (TSS) reduction (20%) at 5128 kJ/kg TS when compared to disperser method. Subsequently, methane assay was performed in which disperser coupled RLD method yielded higher methane production of 295 mL/g VS (Volatile solids). Then, cost analysis was performed in which disperser coupled RLD method achieved a net profit of 134 $/ ton of PPST sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a MILP (Mixed Integer Linear Programming) model for a continuous packed-bed biomass dryer. The model minimizes total drying costs, including both capital and operational costs, of the dryer. Heated air, which flows through a biomass bed and perforated conveyor, is used as drying gas by the dryer. We define the dryer size with the help of an experimentally-measured characteristic drying curve. The MILP model is tested in a case study where the dryer is assumed to have been installed at a Scandinavian pulp and paper mill. There are three different heat sources available for the heating of drying air: warm water at 60 °C, warm water at 80 °C and backpressure steam at the pressure of 0.4 MPa. The results indicate that, in practice, the use of only low-temperature warm water flows for heating of drying air is the most economic method when their prices are low (below 1 € MWh −1 in the case study). Warm water flows are usually waste heat from pulp and paper mills and their prices are low compared to the price of back-pressure steam (typically from 10 to 15 € MWh −1 ). The use of steam for drying may be reasonable if the price of warm water is for some reason clearly higher than the price of a typical waste-heat stream. The MILP model presented in this work can be used for minimizing drying costs of any material (not only biomass) dried in a continuous packed-bed dryer if the characteristic drying curve of the material is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a simple and low-cost method for patterning poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) barriers in porous support such as paper for the construction of flexible microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs). The fabrication method consisted of contact-printing a solution of PDMS and hexane (10:1.5 w/w) onto chromatographic paper using custom-designed rubber stamps containing the patterns of μPADs. After penetrating the paper (∼30 s), the PDMS is cured to form hydrophobic barriers. Under optimized conditions, hydrophobic barriers and hydrophilic channels with dimensions down to 949 ± 88 μm and 771 ± 90 μm ( n = 5), respectively, were obtained. This resolution is well-suitable for most applications in analytical chemistry. Chemical compatibility studies revealed that the PDMS barriers were able to contain some organic solvents, including acetonitrile and methanol, and aqueous solutions of some surfactants. This find is particularly interesting given that acetonitrile and methanol are the most used solvents in chromatographic separations, non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis and electroanalysis, as well as aqueous solutions of surfactants are suitable mediums for cell lyses assays. The utility of the technique was evaluated in the fabrication of paper-based electrochemical devices (PEDs) with pencil-drawn electrodes for experiments in static cyclic voltammetry and flow injection analysis (FIA) with amperometric detection, in both aqueous and organic mediums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we describe a combination of paper-based sensors and a novel smart-phone application for on-site quantification of colorimetric readouts as an ultra-low cost solution to monitoring water quality. The system utilizes a paper-based analytical device (μPAD) that produces a colorimetric signal that is dependent on the concentration of a specific target; a cell phone equipped with a camera for capturing images of two μPADs – one tested with a water sample and the other tested with clean water that is used as a control; and an on-site image processing app that uses a novel algorithm for quantifying color intensity and relating this to contaminant concentration. The cell phone app utilizes a pixel counting algorithm that performs with less bias and user subjectivity than the typically used lab-based software, ImageJ . The use of a test and control strip reduces bias from variations in ambient lighting, making it possible to acquire and process images on-site. The cell phone is also able to GPS tag the location of the test, and transmit results to a newly developed website, WaterMap.ca™, that displays the quantitative results from the water samples on a map. We demonstrate our approach using a previously developed μPAD that detects the presence of organophosphate pesticides based on the inhibition of immobilized acetylcholinesterase by these contaminants. The objective of this paper is to highlight the importance and potential of developing and integrated monitoring system consisting of μPADs, cell-phones and a centralized web portal for low-cost monitoring environmental contaminants at a large-scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The importance of accurately costing implementation strategies is increasingly recognised within the field of implementation science. However, there is a lack of methodological guidance for costing implementation, particularly within digital health settings. This study reports on a systematic review of costing analyses conducted alongside implementation of hospital-based computerised decision support systems. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Scopus and CINAHL databases were searched between January 2010 and August 2021. Two reviewers independently screened and selected original research studies that were conducted in a hospital setting, examined the implementation of a computerised decision support systems and reported implementation costs. The Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change Framework was used to identify and categorise implementation strategies into clusters. A previously published costing framework was applied to describe the methods used to measure and value implementation costs. The reporting quality of included studies was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist. Results: Titles and abstracts of 1836 articles were screened, with nine articles eligible for inclusion in the review. Implementation costs were most frequently reported under the 'evaluative and iterative strategies' cluster, followed by 'provide interactive assistance'. Labour was the largest implementation-related cost in the included papers, irrespective of implementation strategy. Other reported costs included consumables, durable assets and physical space, which was mostly associated with stakeholder training. The methods used to cost implementation were often unclear. There was variation across studies in the overall quality of reporting. Conclusions: A relatively small number of papers have described computerised decision support systems implementation costs, and the methods used to measure and value these costs were not well reported. Priorities for future research should include establishing consistent terminology and appropriate methods for estimating and reporting on implementation costs. Trial registration: The review protocol is registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021272948). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various animals build nests with defensive structures to deter predation on offspring. Construction of nest defensive structures can reduce the probability of predation but will involve various costs. Here, we examined both the costs and benefits of the construction of a nest defensive structure in a paper wasp, Polistes chinensis antennalis, and clarify whether the paper wasp changes the level of defensive structures of nests depending on predation risk. A foundress (queen) of the paper wasp starts a colony in spring and maintains her nest alone until the emergence of workers. At this stage, pupae in the nests are sometimes preyed on by conspecifics of other nests. The intruder needs to break the cocoon, which seals the entrance of the cell, to extract the pupa from the cell. Foundresses often apply nest material (pulp) to the surface of cocoons in their nests. We found that pulp on a cocoon increased the time an intruder required to break the cocoon. This result shows that the pulp structure on cocoons helps to prevent predation on pupae. On the other hand, pulp on cocoons involved costs, including time required to collect pulp and being a potential obstacle to the emergence of workers from the cocoon. Additionally, we found that the amount of pulp on cocoons was greater in nests under higher predation risk than nests under lower predation risk. These results suggest that pulp on cocoons is a nest defensive structure, and foundresses adjusted the construction of the defensive structure depending on predation risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• OZNCE method has effectively improved the disintegration of PPMW biosolid. • OZNCE method was achieved 31% of lysis rate at 15 min of pretreatment time. • Higher methane production of 324 L/kg VS was noted for OZNCE method. • Combinative method was achieved a net energy of 168 kWh/ton of biosolid. In this study, ozonation (OZN) combined consortium of hydrolytic enzymes (CE) method was studied for augmenting anaerobic biodegradability (ABD) of pulp and paper industry waste (PPMW) biosolid. Initially, OZN method was performed by varying ozone dosage and pretreatment time. A higher lysis rate and suspended solids (SS) reduction were noticed respectively to be 20% and 15% at an optimized ozone dosage (0.04 g/g TS) and pretreatment time (24 min). For further enhancing PPMW biosolid disintegration, OZNCE method was proceeded with respect to CE dosage and pretreatment time at an optimized ozone dosage (0.04 g/g TS). At 10% v/v CE dosage and 15 min pretreatment time, maximum of lysis rate (31%) and SS reduction (23.5%) were achieved. The pretreated biosolids were subjected to ABD assay in which OZNCE method obtained higher methane gas production potential of 324 L/kg VS. Also, cost analysis was done, which revealed that OZNCE method obtained a net profit of 15 $ per ton of PPMW biosolid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a simple and cost-effective strategy for rapid fabrication of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices and valves by inkjet printing. NaOH aqueous solution was printed onto a hydrophobic filter paper, which was previously obtained by soaking in a trimethoxyoctadecylsilane-heptane solution, allowing selective wet etching of hydrophobic cellulose to create hydrophilic-hydrophobic contrast with a relatively good resolution. Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB)- ethanol solution was printed onto hydrophobic paper to fabricate temperaturecontrolled valves. At low temperature, CTMAB deposited on the paper is insoluble in aqueous fluid, thus the paper remains hydrophobic. At high temperature, CTMAB becomes soluble so the CTMAB-deposited channel becomes hydrophilic, allowing the wicking of aqueous solution through the valve. We believe that this strategy will be very attractive for the development of simple micro analytical devices for point-of-care applications, including diagnostic testing, food safety control, and environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Through a nationally representative household survey in Afghanistan, we conducted an operational study in two relatively secure provinces comparing effectiveness of computer-aided personal interviewing (CAPI) with paper-and-pencil interviewing (PAPI). Methods: In Panjshir and Parwan provinces, household survey data were collected using paper questionnaires in 15 clusters, and OpenDataKit (ODK) software on electronic tablets in 15 other clusters. Added value was evaluated from three perspectives: efficient implementation, data quality, and acceptability. Efficiency was measured through financial expenditures and time stamped data. Data quality was measured by examining completeness. Acceptability was studied through focus group discussions with survey staff. Results: Survey costs were 68% more expensive in CAPI clusters compared to PAPI clusters, due primarily to the upfront one-time investment for survey programming. Enumerators spent significantly less time administering surveys in CAPI cluster households (248 min survey time) compared to PAPI (289 min), for an average savings of 41 min per household (95% CI 25–55). CAPI offered a savings of 87 days for data management over PAPI. Among 49 tracer variables (meaning responses were required from all respondents), small differences were observed between PAPI and CAPI. 2.2% of the cleaned dataset's tracer data points were missing in CAPI surveys (1216/ 56,073 data points), compared to 3.2% in PAPI surveys (1953/ 60,675 data points). In pre-cleaned datasets, 3.9% of tracer data points were missing in CAPI surveys (2151/ 55,092 data points) compared to 3.2% in PAPI surveys (1924/ 60,113 data points). Enumerators from Panjsher and Parwan preferred CAPI over PAPI due to time savings, user-friendliness, improved data security, and less conspicuity when traveling; however approximately half of enumerators trained from all 34 provinces reported feeling unsafe due to Taliban presence. Community and household respondent skepticism could be resolved by enumerator reassurance. Enumerators shared that in the future, they prefer collecting data using CAPI when possible. Conclusions: CAPI offers clear gains in efficiency over PAPI for data collection and management time, although costs are relatively comparable even without the programming investment. However, serious field staff concerns around Taliban threats and general insecurity mean that CAPI should only be conducted in relatively secure areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When loading liquefied natural gas (LNG) onto a dual-fuel LNG container ship fuelled by LNG, there is a considerable temperature difference between LNG and the fuel tank at room temperature. The current solution is to pre-cool the tank with LNG through a spray line but the cooling process, if not correctly handled, can result in excessive cooling rates and Boil-Off Gas (BOG), which can expose the tank to increased temperature stress and gas pressure. Therefore, this paper takes the Mark III fuel tank of a specific type of LNG container ship as the object and realises a real-time predictive control system by writing a UDF (User Defined Function) to simulate and analyse the influence of LNG spray rate on the change of cooling effect, cooling time and cooling cost under the unidirectional LNG spray cooling mode. Compared with the results of the fuel tank gas experiment, the deviation of numerical model simulation results is less than 5%. Under the same cooling rate, the real-time control scheme can achieve a more uniform cooling rate and reduce the total LNG consumption by 25%. With the increase in LNG cooling rate, the cooling time, LNG usage, and the total BOG exhaust volume all decrease; however, the decreased range gradually decreases as well. The results of this paper provide parameters and suggestions for optimising and improving the LNG fuel tank cooling monitoring and control system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and objectives. This education-focused paper presents a discussion of possible data sources used in patient safety issues specific to fall reduction in hospital inpatient care settings. Background. Although hospitals and clinicians in the USA have been implored to improve care and reduce events that harm patients (falls), studies to date have failed to clearly address the facility system-level factors for falls. Making meaningful approaches to modify risk factors is clearly overdue. Design. Discursive paper. Method. Possible data sources for answering patient fall-related research questions in hospital settings are categorised as: (1) archived hospital data, (2) surveys of patients/families/clinicians, (3) interviews and focus groups of patients/families/clinicians, (4) publicly available data sets and (5) published legal cases. The complexities of research in fall prevention are illustrated using the conceptual models. Examples were included to illustrate the use of these data sources. Discussion. Data-related issues include: (1) unit of analysis, (2) computer data processing capabilities, (3) merging data sets from different sources and (4) data abstraction, aggregation and data analytic techniques. Conclusions. The trend to use multiple data sources to answer research questions is gradually emerging. To demonstrate effective fall prevention efforts across hospitals, publicly available data sets can be reliable sources for analyses to inform policymakers about meaningful fall prevention programmes that result in positive outcomes. Relevance to clinical practice. Challenges to develop and evaluate any interventions to eliminate risk factors for falls often relate to selecting feasible interventions and whether staff members accept the interventions and adhere to adopting the intervention. Using multiple data sources with time factors to cross-validate the sufficiency of nurses' knowledge with their practice patterns may be more productive. This need further supports the importance of this paper about possible data sources used in the research on patient safety specific to fall reduction for adults in hospital inpatient care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work deals with the design and fabrication of antennas for radio frequency identification (RFID) tag devices operating in the low microwave frequency range. Paper substrate material and inkjet printing process have been used to guarantee mechanical flexibility and ultra-low production costs of the antenna. A new antenna design methodology has been developed with the purpose to minimise the amount of both substrate material and conductive ink. The first goal is achieved by reducing, for a given frequency, the antenna size. The second goal, instead, is pursued by studying the surface current density distribution along the antenna and removing the metal material where such a current density is negligible. The above methodology has been applied to several antennas designs ranging from a windshield sticker tag to an RFID-SAW antenna. Moreover a 3.5 GHz crossed-dipole tag, based on the frequency-doubling mechanism, is reported along with a possible modification to enable wireless sensing. The experimental characterisation of these prototypes validates the proposed design methodology opening, in the mean time, the possibility for ultra-low cost mass production of RFID tag devices based on paper materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To estimate the long-term and short-term effects on cigarette demand in Argentina based on changes in cigarette price and income per person >14 years old. Method Public data from the Ministry of Economics and Production were analysed based on monthly time series data between 1994 and 2010. The econometric analysis used cigarette consumption per person >14 years of age as the dependent variable and the real income per person >14 years old and the real average price of cigarettes as independent variables. Empirical analyses were done to verify the order of integration of the variables, to test for cointegration to capture the long-term effects and to capture the short-term dynamics of the variables. Results The demand for cigarettes in Argentina was affected by changes in real income and the real average price of cigarettes. The long-term income elasticity was equal to 0.43, while the own-price elasticity was equal to −0.31, indicating a 10% increase in the growth of real income led to an increase in cigarette consumption of 4.3% and a 10% increase in the price produced a fall of 3.1% in cigarette consumption. The vector error correction model estimated that the short-term income elasticity was 0.25 and the short-term own-price elasticity of cigarette demand was −0.15. A simulation exercise showed that increasing the price of cigarettes by 110% would maximise revenues and result in a potentially large decrease in total cigarette consumption. Conclusion Econometric analyses of cigarette consumption and their relationship with cigarette price and income can provide valuable information for developing cigarette price policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tobacco consumption rates in Lebanon are among the highest worldwide. The country ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2005. A law was passed in 2011 which regulates smoking in closed public spaces, bans advertising, and stipulates larger warnings. Despite international evidence confirming that increasing taxation on tobacco products lowers tobacco consumption, no such policy has yet been adopted: a cigarette pack costs on average US$1.50. To date no studies in Lebanon have addressed the welfare and public finance effects of increasing taxes on tobacco products. METHODS: Using the 2005 national survey of household living conditions, we estimate an almost ideal demand system to generate price elasticities of demand for tobacco. Using estimated elasticities and a conservative scenario for expected smuggling, we simulate the consumption and tax revenue effects of a change in the price of tobacco under various tax schemes. RESULTS: Increasing taxes on all tobacco products so as to double the price of imported cigarettes would lower their consumption by 7% and consumption of domestically produced cigarettes by over 90%. Young adults (ages 15-30) are more sensitive: consumption would drop by 9% for imported cigarettes and by 100% for domestic cigarettes. Government revenues would increase by approximately 52%. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated elasticities indicate that an increase in taxes on all tobacco products would lead to a reduction in consumption and an increase in government revenue. Evidence from Lebanon on the effectiveness of increased taxation may help initiate national debate on the need to raise taxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]