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Copyright of Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua is the property of Instituto Mexicano de Tecnologia del Agua (IMTA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua is the property of Instituto Mexicano de Tecnologia del Agua (IMTA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The social market economies of the Western world considered the provision of plasma derivatives produced from publicly owned blood services as a legitimate state commitment and, until the last decades of the 20th century, many of the relevant jurisdictions maintained state‐supported fractionation plants to convert publicly collected plasma into products for the public health system. This situation started to change in the 1990s, because of several converging factors, and currently, publicly owned/subsidized, not‐for‐profit fractionation activity has shrunk to a handful of players. However, the collection of plasma from publicly owned blood services has continued and recent developments have increased the interest of state authorities globally to increase the volume of plasma collected to increase the level of strategic independence in the supply of crucial plasma‐derived medicines from commercial market pressures, particularly the global for‐profit fractionation sector with its dominance of source plasma from paid donors in the United States. This paper reviews the development of the plasma industry and the evolution of the pressures on the supply of plasma, which has led to a situation of scarcity of key plasma‐derived medicinal products (PDMPs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusion Pressures on the supply of plasma‐derived medicinal products (PDMPs) have led to the efforts to increase the level of plasma collected by public health authorities.Public blood collectors were assessed regarding their routes towards domestically sourced plasma and PDMPs.The collectors' operations were specified and analysed. Models were classified according to the type of plasma collection system and contract fractionation arrangements.Commitment and control to a public plasma collection system are the key features that need to underpin plasma collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical geographers consider large infrastructures through their situatedness in place as well as through their entanglements within wider socio-economic and political structures. This contribution examines the historical geographical approach through eighteenth-century water infrastructures in urban and industrializing Britain. As such it explores the tension between an infrastructure embedded in place and the fluid nature of water how the everyday interactions of people with water shaped the management of these infrastructures and how their construction interlinked with wider socio-economic narratives. As prominent drivers of the transformation of place and space large infrastructures often ended up doing more than their constructors intended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines a range of issues related to food and beverages consumed by the soldiers, including ration supply methods, storage, transport and distribution of ration, cooking of food, food consumption as well as feeding of combat animals in the Prophet's (pbuh) ghazwa and sariyyas. The data of the research were obtained from sîra-maghāzî sources, universal history books, hadith books, tabakāt books, geography books, dictionaries, and other relevant sources. The findings of the study indicate that, during military operations in the time of the Prophet, food such as dates, hays, bread, sevîk, and dried or fresh meat were generally preferred due to their nutritional value, durability, ease of procurement, preservation, and transportation. During this period, a variety of methods were employed to provide food following necessities. The principal methods of food provision included personal food, food supplied by state support, natural resources, and war booty, food was procured through purchases, donations and aid, food supplies through treaties, and food procured through hunting. The sources do not contain any information regarding the warrior's stockpiling of provisions for himself during peaceful times. In the time of military campaigns, camels were the most important means of military transportation of the period, serving as a mobile supply depot for military units due to their exceptional carrying capacity and the fact that they themselves were a source of sustenance. Besides, the areas where war booty was obtained from the enemy served as a kind of supply depot. Food supplies were transported to operational areas by both camel and on foot. The number of meals per day and the quantity of food consumed per meal varies depending on a number of factors, which include the length and duration of the campaign, the amount of food stockpiled, and regional resources. Furthermore, there is a lack of detailed information on this subject in the sources, making it extremely challenging to accurately calculate the rations per soldier and the calorific value of the available food per day. In some cases, the troops faced significant ration shortages. However, the necessary food and beverages were quickly obtained from various sources, enabling the troops' continued operational effectiveness and the completion of the assigned missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ensuring the consistent availability of essential medicines is crucial for effective healthcare systems. However, Ethiopian public health facilities have faced frequent stockouts of crucial medications, highlighting systemic challenges such as inadequate forecasting, prolonged procurement processes, a disjointed distribution system, suboptimal data quality, and a shortage of trained professionals. This study focuses on the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Services (EPSS), known for its highly unstable and volatile supply chain, aiming to identify risks and mitigation strategies. Methods: Using a mixed-method approach involving surveys and interviews, the research investigates successful and less successful strategies, key success factors, and barriers related to pharmaceutical shortages. Results: Proactive measures such as communication, stock assessment, supervision, and streamlined procurement are emphasized as vital in mitigating disruptions, while reactive strategies like safety stock may lack long-term efficacy. The study highlights the importance of aligning supply chain strategies with product uncertainties, fostering collaboration, and employing flexible designs for resilience. Managerial implications stress the need for responsive structures that integrate data quality, technology, and visibility. Conclusions: This study contributes by exploring proactive and reactive strategies, elucidating key success factors for overcoming shortages in countries with unstable supply chains, and offering actionable steps for enhancing supply chain resilience. Embracing uncertainty and implementing proactive measures can help navigate volatile environments, thereby enhancing competitiveness and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a life-threatening pandemic, it has left behind economic challenges worldwide. During the outbreak, many governments mandated the use of face masks in public areas, resulting in its demand and market price immediately skyrocketing. The government may intervene in markets through price, which may lead to market misallocation. This article aims to investigate how consumers form their beliefs about face mask price changes based on their estimations of the market demand and supply, both with and without government intervention, and assess their willingness-to-pay (WTP) for face masks during the pandemic. The data was collected through an online survey of Chinese consumers in 2020. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers to better understand consumers' price expectations and WTP for face masks, enabling more effective government interventions to maintain market stability while ensuring consumer access to face masks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The increasing shortage of staff in healthcare facilities worldwide calls for a human resource planning strategy in order to ensure safe, timely and patient-centred care. The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis and supply and demand projections of nurses, midwives, and radiographers within the labor market of the largest university hospital in the Baltic States by 2030. Methods: The staff supply was calculated on the intake and outflow of persons in the labour market annually for various factors. Projections for the demand of nurses, midwives, and radiographers took into account the different needs of the population, categorized by gender and age, for the services offered within the institution. Results: The analysis highlights significant projected shortages in the supply of nurses and radiographers by 2030, while the supply of midwives is expected to meet the demand. The projected supply of nurses in 2030 will be lower than in 2021. Projected nurses demand in 2025 according medium scenario - shortage of 59 nurses, on prospective scenario - of 331 nurses. In 2030 according medium scenario - shortage of 173 nurses on prospective - of 772 nurses. The projected supply of radiographers in 2030 will be higher than in 2021. Projected radiographers demand in prospective scenario which is the most likely in 2025 - shortage of 26 and in 2030 - shortage of 52 radiographers. The projected supply of midwives in 2030 will be higher than in 2021. The variables influencing the increase in the demand for midwives did not exceed the projected supply in the institution, indicating a balanced supply-demand scenario for midwives. Conclusions: Due to the rising demand for nurse and radiographer services from the aging population, the predicted supply of nurses and radiographers will be insufficient. To ensure the projected demand for nurses in the medium and prospective scenarios, the nurses recruited each year should increase up to 38% in the medium scenario and 69% in the prospective scenario from 2022. In the prospective demand scenario, the recruitment of radiographers should increase three-fold and the recruitment of midwives should be reduced by 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarifying the issues related to the supply, demand, and flow of ecosystem services is crucial for regional landscape management. This study employs the equivalence factor method and demand index quantification to analyze the supply and demand of ecosystem services in the Zheng-Bian-Luo region in 2000 and 2020. We used hotspot analysis tools and the minimum cumulative resistance model to establish the ecological corridors, identifying the spatial flow paths of ecosystem services in our site. By calculating the flow volume of the key corridor value through the breakpoint formula and field strength theory and combining this with the ratio of the regulating service value, we computed the ecological compensation amount, thereby realizing the value of the ecosystem service. The results indicate that the area of balance between ecosystem service supply and demand gradually decreased and the deficit area in the Zheng-Bian-Luo region increased 43.62% from 2000 to 2020 along with rapid urbanization. The total value flow of ecosystem services by the important ecological corridors in 2000 and 2020 was USD 242.40 million and USD 365.92 million, respectively. In 2020, it was predicted that Luanchuan County would receive ecological compensation totals of USD 237.76 million from each ecological demand area, and mainly from Jinshui District. Our findings support enhancing the quality of the ecological environment and optimizing the landscape management of the Yellow River's Henan section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No country is immune to the electoral success of populist radical right (PRR) parties: Spain and Portugal seemed to be the exception to this rule because, for decades, PRR parties remained relegated to the margins of the Iberian political systems. However, in 2019 VOX and Chega gained parliamentary representation: how did they manage to obtain their historic electoral breakthrough? From a supply-side perspective, we use the Party Manifesto dataset to show that VOX and Chega chose to position themselves within the existing political space and cleavages in ways that set them apart from the competition. VOX exploited the Spanish centre-periphery cleavage insisting on strong nationalist elements while advocating for increased centralization, while Chega insisted on personal freedom and welfare limitation to break the ties with the political system born out of the Carnation Revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inefficient supply chain management within the US healthcare industry results in significant financial and environmental impact. Unopened medical supplies may routinely be discarded in the Emergency Department (ED), contributing as a source of unnecessary medical waste. Quantify the financial and environmental impact of unopened medical supplies that are routinely discarded in two EDs. The study utilized a waste audit of collection bins targeting unopened medical supplies that would have otherwise been discarded. Associated financial cost was calculated using data from the purchasing department and from an online search. End-of-life (EOL) environmental impact was calculated using the M+ Wastecare calculator. A lifecycle analysis was performed on a supplier-packaged intubation kit, which the study identified as a significant source of waste. High volumes of unused, unopened supplies (143.48 kg) were collected during the study period with a yearly extrapolated value of 1337 kg. Purchasing costs over 44 days at Hospital A and 37 days at Hospital B for these items amounted to $16,159.71 across both sites with a yearly extrapolated value of $150,631.73. Yearly extrapolated EOL impact yielded 5.79 tons per year of CO2eq. Components from supplier-packaged intubation kits were found to contribute to 45.2% of collected items at one site which purchased them. Lifecycle analysis of an intubation kit yields 23.6 kg of CO2eq. This study demonstrates that the disposal of unopened medical supplies contributes a significant source of financial and environmental waste in the ED setting. The results continue to support the trend of procedure kits generating significant environmental and financial waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulating ecosystem carbon sequestration service (ECSS) flows is crucial for optimizing the carbon cycle in ecosystems and achieving sustainable balance between the supply and demand of the ECSS. This study integrates least-cost path analysis with Kriging interpolation to simulate the dominant wind direction and corrects the interpolated wind speeds to account for terrain and surface conditions. Carbon emissions are spatially distributed using points of interest and road network data. Ultimately, by traversing the carbon emission rate grids along wind directions, the ECSS flows are simulated. The results reveal that the study area has a small carbon sink area but a high total carbon emission, leading to a situation where the supply of ECSS is insufficient to meet demand. The ECSS flows, based on the simulated wind field, demonstrate high spatial resolution and highlight the service flow corridors with distinct spatial heterogeneity. The study area has a significant carbon surplus, requiring a forest area ten times larger than the study area itself to fully sequester this carbon. These findings provide valuable insights for urban sustainable development and carbon emission reduction strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The increasing shortage of staff in healthcare facilities worldwide calls for a human resource planning strategy in order to ensure safe, timely and patient-centred care. The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis and supply and demand projections of nurses, midwives, and radiographers within the labor market of the largest university hospital in the Baltic States by 2030. Methods The staff supply was calculated on the intake and outflow of persons in the labour market annually for various factors. Projections for the demand of nurses, midwives, and radiographers took into account the different needs of the population, categorized by gender and age, for the services offered within the institution. Results The analysis highlights significant projected shortages in the supply of nurses and radiographers by 2030, while the supply of midwives is expected to meet the demand. The projected supply of nurses in 2030 will be lower than in 2021. Projected nurses demand in 2025 according medium scenario - shortage of 59 nurses, on prospective scenario - of 331 nurses. In 2030 according medium scenario - shortage of 173 nurses on prospective - of 772 nurses. The projected supply of radiographers in 2030 will be higher than in 2021. Projected radiographers demand in prospective scenario which is the most likely in 2025 - shortage of 26 and in 2030 - shortage of 52 radiographers. The projected supply of midwives in 2030 will be higher than in 2021. The variables influencing the increase in the demand for midwives did not exceed the projected supply in the institution, indicating a balanced supply-demand scenario for midwives. Conclusions Due to the rising demand for nurse and radiographer services from the aging population, the predicted supply of nurses and radiographers will be insufficient. To ensure the projected demand for nurses in the medium and prospective scenarios, the nurses recruited each year should increase up to 38% in the medium scenario and 69% in the prospective scenario from 2022. In the prospective demand scenario, the recruitment of radiographers should increase three-fold and the recruitment of midwives should be reduced by 30%.

Seablite salt (Suaeda maritima) was a unique product currently under development. Seablite is a low-sodium salt essential for modern society, particularly for those who prioritize their health. This investigation aims to employ a dynamic system approach to evaluate the revenue and profit generated by the salt production system. The dynamic systems approach steps: the construction of the causal loop diagram, the development of the stock-and-flow model, the parameterization of the model, the simulation to analyze the system's behavior under various conditions, the verification and validation, the development of policy recommendations, and the conclusion with a summary of the core findings. The model was developed using four submodels: (1) demand, (2) supply, (3) production cost, and (4) revenue. The moderate scenario demonstrates that the salt flow requirements can be satisfied by utilizing the dynamic system to protect the revenue and production costs. It was consistent with the escalating production expenses. According to the optimistic scenario, the salt demand can be satisfied until 2026. The company's revenue is insufficient to cover production costs due to the rise in raw material prices. Farmers begin to reap the rewards in this scenario. It's because the overall revenue exceeds the production costs.

Jewellery made of precious stones and metals is a luxury item, referring to goods with excessive consumer properties. At the same time, the sphere of turnover of precious metals, precious stones (PMPS) and products made from them is of strategic importance for the formation and development of the state economy. Businesses operating in this sphere are subject to compulsory registration in a special state register. The government is interested in supporting the jewellery industry and increasing its turnover, which is directly dependent on the population’s demand for PMPS products.Popular demand, in turn, depends on many factors that have their own specificities in relation to the area under study. An assessment of the factors based on expert opinion, conducted by the author with interviews of a group of consumers, the study of scientific research materials and journalistic articles from various Internet resources, indicates the acceptable superiority of offers of jewellery made of precious stones and metals, focused on the potential increase in the possibilities of sunlight.The conclusions presented in the paper on the factors influencing demand are recommended for use in the development of business development strategies and may be useful in making decisions on state regulation of the sale of jewellery made from PMPS.

The supply operation is widely used among professionals, which is why it has imposed the regulation of the relations between them. The supply contract complements the provisions of the sales contract, concerning the effects of the contract, specifically the obligations of the parties: those of the supplier, namely the transfer of ownership of the supplied goods, delivery of goods and provision of services, bearing the risk of loss of the goods up until they are handed over, the warranty obligation for eviction, and the warranty obligation for the defects of the supplied goods, as well as those of the beneficiary, namely taking over the goods and paying the price of the products or services. An aspect that adds specificity to the supply contract is the possibility of subcontracting the supply, which, we believe, raises issues due to the lack of regulation regarding the possibility of changing the price by conventional means.

"Purpose: This study aimed to provide the basic data needed to estimate future urologist supply and demand by applying various statistical models related to healthcare utilization. Materials and Methods: Data from multiple sources, including the Yearbook of Health and Welfare Statistics, Korean Hospital Association, Korean Medical Association, and the Korean Urological Association, were used for supply estimation. Demand estimation incorporated data on both clinical and non-clinical urologists, along with future population estimates. In-and-out moves and demographic methods were employed for supply estimation, while the Bureau of Health Professions model was utilized for demand estimation. Supply estimation assumptions included fixed resident quotas, age-specific death rates, migration rates, and retirement age considerations. Demand estimation assumptions included combining clinical and nonclinical urologist demands, adjusting population size for age-related healthcare usage variations. Urologist productivity was determined by adjusting productivity levels to 100%, 90%, and 80% of the base year based on actual clinical practice volumes. Results: Estimations of both demand and supply consistently indicate an oversupply of urologists until 2025, followed by an expected shortage by 2035 owing to increased deaths and retirements attributed to the aging urologist population. This shortage becomes more pronounced when employing more reliable models, such as logit or ARIMA (autoregressive integrated moving average), underscoring the growing need for urologists in the future. Conclusions: All estimation models estimated an oversupply of urologists until 2025, transitioning to a deficit due to reduced supply thereafter. However, considering potential unaccounted factors, greater effort is needed for accurate predictions and corresponding measures."

The emergence of increasingly complex global supply networks and the rising risk of unpredictable events may have far-reaching consequences for various industries and the global economy. The impact unpredictable events have on supply chains remains a relatively underexplored area that requires further research and analysis. Current studies primarily concentrate on singular events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on supply chains. This research aims to identify the main challenges in supply chain management resulting from unforeseen events and the actions taken in supply chains in response to them. The research is based on individual in-depth interviews conducted with a purposive sample of experts in supply chain management using a partially structured interview questionnaire. The research results were analysed using Nvivo v. 17.1, software for qualitative data analysis. A hybrid approach was employed for data coding. The research indicates several problems and the main remedial actions in supply chains in response to unforeseen events. Unforeseen events in the supply chain affect almost all supply chain operations: procurement, planning (including inventory planning and maintenance of company resources and production lines), logistics management (including transportation), and order management. The research indicated that cooperation, integration, and information exchange within the supply chain are crucial for effective responses to unforeseen events. Furthermore, the research highlighted the positive impact of unforeseen events on supply chain innovation. Moreover, there is an observed prevalence of intuitive management, particularly when responding to unexpected events. The research findings can serve as a basis for further discussions and studies on the potential impact and consequences of future unexpected events on supply chain resilience.

AbstractLong-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), like 22:6n-3 (Docosahexaenoic acid; DHA) and 20:5n-3 (Eicosapentaenoic acid; EPA), are recognized for a range of important physiological roles in many aquaculture species. While the effects of EPA and DHA on a range of performance attributes and meat qualities are well recognized, an increasing awareness of their role in immune function, reproduction, bone formation and stress response is also emerging. Against this background of demand, global supplies of LC-PUFA are dominated by fish oil production from a diversified range of sources, though news sources are emerging. Among those aquaculture sectors that are the largest users of LC-PUFA resources (salmonids, shrimp, and marine fish), there are varying degrees of capacity by each to endogenously synthesize LC-PUFA and this affects the degree to which they must be obtained via the diet. Salmonids, which are the largest user of these nutrients possess some capacity to make EPA and DHA de novo, although evidence supports that salmonids perform better when provided with them preformed. Requirements by shrimp for LC-PUFA are variable, with evidence indicating that some species have capacity to desaturate and elongate fatty acids, whereas others do not. This is consistent with the observation that some species can utilize short-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas others need pre-formed LC-PUFA in their diet. A third group, marine fish, have limited ability to desaturate and elongate precursor fatty acids and therefore have a critical requirement for LC-PUFA in their diet. Evidence across multiple species indicates that demands for these fatty acids are greater when the animals are young, and this demand decreases as they age. Among the various marine fish species examined estimates of requirements vary substantially and a one-size-fits all approach is clearly not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the subject's importance, historiography has overlooked the shipbuilding industry and its supplies in the Spanish Caribbean, hence the need for this forum. It contributes to naval historiography by offering four case studies that discuss shipbuilding activities in shipyards and the supply of materials, especially the main raw material – wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural crop price prediction is a crucial tool for farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimize their profits. This paper presents the development of a machine learning model designed to predict crop prices, integrating inventory management to enhance accuracy and reliability. The model utilizes a robust dataset that includes variables such as commodity name, state, district, market, minimum price, maximum price, modal price, inventory levels, and date. By employing various machine learning algorithms, we ensure precise predictions tailored to the agricultural context. Additionally, the integration of inventory management practices allows for a better understanding of how stock levels influence market prices, providing deeper insights for farmers. The web application, built using the Flask framework, offers an intuitive interface for users, facilitating easy access to price forecasts and inventory-related insights. A key feature of the application is its integrated API, which helps farmers calculate the distance from their location to the nearest markets, using Google Maps for accurate and real-time measurements. This innovative solution empowers farmers to make better-informed decisions, ultimately enhancing their economic outcomes through improved crop price predictions and effective inventory management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current state of development of the domestic sugar market is considered. It is determined that the traditional raw materials for sugar production in Ukraine are sugar beets of domestic production, grown almost in full by agricultural enterprises. It is determined that the price situation in the domestic sugar market is quite predictable, since it is closely related to production volumes, stocks and demand for the sweet product. It is concluded that in order to stabilize the domestic sugar market and weaken Ukraine's dependence on imports of liquid fuels, it is necessary to diversify sugar beet production on the basis of organizing the production of bioethanol from intermediate products of sugar beet processing at the capacities of sugar and distilleries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of private labels and digital marketing brings new challenges to manufacturers. However, within these challenges, manufacturers can discover strategic opportunities to uphold a competitive advantage in the market. This study considers two scarce topics in the literature: the private label business from a supplier's perspective and the inclusion of the digital strategy in the B2B segment. Data collected from 203 manufacturers interviewed are tested against the research model using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that the digital strategy of the manufacturers influences their network capacity and the performance of the private label supply. Network capability also influences the performance of private labels. Digital strategy is a key element in the development of the private label supply business. Furthermore, the study mentions that companies with lower export levels tend to have less competence in private label performance. Consequently, the global presence of manufacturers has been acknowledged as a driving factor for the success of private brands, facilitating entry into international markets and expanding the customer base. The findings of this study have important practical implications for private label manufacturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jute is a significant fibre found in India, particularly grown in the provinces of Bengal and Assam. The increasing demand for jute fibre in international markets encouraged the peasants of Bengal to grow jute for commercial purposes. Therefore, Bengal became a centre for globally recognised jute production and supplied to European nations. The discussion of jute trade in India would be lacking without referring to the Goalpara district of Assam, which shares a close flank with Bengal, where a plethora of jute had been grown. The damp alluvial soil of the Goalpara district became favourable for growing extensive jute. The affordable and cheap price of high-quality jute attracted many traders from Bengal and Central India. Besides, the Goalpara district had access to waterways in every nook and cranny, and the district's administrative centre had inland transportation connections to Bengal. The jute trade was extensively carried out in the Goalpara district, and all the jute fibre was transported to Bengal and then to European countries. The demand for jute in the international markets caused a huge number of peasants to migrate to Goalpara district from East Bengal to cultivate jute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beginning in mid‐2021, U.S. food prices surged at the fastest pace in decades, due to pandemic‐related supply chain and labor shortages, rising transportation costs and wages, food commodity and fertilizer shocks resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and perhaps demand‐side effects of recent monetary and fiscal stimulus. We decompose the path of domestic food prices into explanatory factors, grouped by supply or demand orientation. Our findings indicate that although supply‐side factors explain most of the observed price changes, the demand‐side factors we studied—particularly the money supply—have a stronger correlation with recent food price increases than they have, historically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil-dependent African nations like Ghana face uncertainty in oil's future trajectory due to shifting demand and supply determinants influenced by global dynamics: financial crises, pandemics (e.g., COVID-19), pro-environmental agendas, and geopolitics (e.g., the Russia-Ukraine conflict). Understanding current global oil trends and its outlook is vital. This study addresses how oilexporting countries like Ghana, reliant on oil revenue, should position themselves for the future. Through expert interviews and thematic analysis, the study reveals that pro-environmental shifts, geopolitics, renewable energy focus, and energy efficiency affect supply. Robust economies, COVID-19, energy generation, and environmental concerns impact demand. Renewable energy will grow in significance in Ghana's energy mix. Ghana's oil revenue is expected to remain substantial, with global dynamics posing limited threats. Recommendations include expediting oil exploration, diversifying policies, and transitioning to renewables to secure long-term sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Natural Gas Industry is the property of Natural Gas Industry Journal Agency and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Indonesian Agribusiness / Jurnal Agribisnis Indonesia is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: This research investigates how to implement the Islamic banking system in Uzbekistan. It explores the need, size of the potential demand and supply of Sharīʿah-compliant products and services. The study also identifies opportunities and challenges of implementing Islamic banking in Uzbekistan and provides insight into how to overcome those challenges. This paper aims to fill the gap and answer the following questions: why is there a need to introduce an Islamic banking system in Uzbekistan? Research Methodology: Exploratory research was conducted to explore the opportunities and challenges of implementing Islamic banking instruments in Uzbekistan. It relies on mixed methods and a combined approach. Empirical data was collected from 400 members of the public and 45 professionals in the capital of Uzbekistan-Tashkent. The questionnaire was distributed randomly to adult residents using a survey and structured interviews based on the fieldwork carried out in Tashkent. Data were analysed using statistical methods. Findings: This research reveals novel findings and results indicate that the potential demand exists as demonstrated by the samples. This research recommends Uzbekistan government revise the following: existing legislation, Central Bank rules and regulations, Tax Code, Civil Code, Law on Commodities, prudent Regulatory Framework for Islamic Financial Institutions (IFI), and human capital need to be developed. The country can cooperate with the Islamic Development Bank Group and other foreign organizations to achieve these tasks. Practical implications: The implications of this research are to provide a road map to the regulators, policymakers, governments, and the financial industry on how to introduce Islamic banking and finance in Uzbekistan. A likely remedy is the incorporation of Islamic financial instrument principles through the equitization of mortgages. As far as the author's knowledge this is the first research assessing the markets for Islamic banking in Uzbekistan. Originality/Value: This research complements the existing literature on why there is a need to implement Islamic banking in Uzbekistan and it contributes towards filling the gap as no empirical research exists. This paper sketches an avenue for further research in Islamic banking in Uzbekistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article updates the issues of formation and implementation of the logistic mechanism of operation and development of domestic production enterprises. The purpose of the study is to generalize and further develop the methodological foundations of the formation of the logistic mechanism of activities of domestic enterprises. It is proven that the logistic mechanism of the enterprise should be considered as a set of its elements that interact with each other to ensure the proper level of efficiency of logistic activities, implementation of the enterprise's logistics strategy. Such elements are: its subjects, objects, purpose, goals, tasks, aspects of strategy and tactics, tools, means, resource provision, etc. On the other hand, the logistic mechanism has its own specifics associated with purely logistic aspects. It is found that the efficiency of the logistic mechanism of the enterprise should be understood as the ability of the economic entity to ensure smooth and efficient processes of stock management, transportation of material stocks and finished products, warehousing, packaging, freight processing, procurement and distribution; formation of a full-fledged, high-quality and efficiently functioning logistic system; implementation of business logistic strategies. It is argued that the achievement of this goal requires the implementation of such functions as security, rhythmicity, balance, stimulation and the addition of added value. The leading areas of formation and implementation of the logistic mechanism of the enterprise have been identified, namely, inventory management; purchases; transportation; warehousing; distribution; packaging; freight processing. The measures aimed at increasing the efficiency of the enterprise's logistic mechanism should be implemented in accordance with these very directions.

This study in Rwanda offers a comprehensive analysis of water quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, departing from previous research by utilizing panel data analysis for a nuanced understanding of spatiotemporal dynamics. Unlike earlier studies focusing on specific aspects, this research adopts a holistic approach, examining factors crucial for water supply, quality, and cost, thus providing an integrated view of Rwanda's water sector. By analyzing data from various sources, including the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), the study evaluates the reliability, quality, and cost-effectiveness of drinking water. It identifies cost-effective water treatment plants and studies determinants such as production cost, raw water quality, and supply between 2017 and 2022, introducing novel metrics such as performance scores and a drinking water quality index. Despite an increase in lost water, WASAC notably improves water supply, resulting in a higher water access rate by 2022. The study highlights the influence of factors such as performance scores and raw water quality on water supply and quality. It emphasizes continuous monitoring, targeted interventions, and community engagement for sustainable water service delivery. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners, aiming to enhance water management strategies and improve water access in Rwanda. HIGHLIGHTS Panel data analysis offers nuanced spatiotemporal insights departing from cross-sectional methods.; Holistic approach examines water supply, quality, and cost, unlike prior single-focus studies.; Innovative metrics introduced include performance score and water quality index.; Practical insights help identify cost-effective water treatment plants and key determinants.; Sustainability focus emphasizes continuous monitoring and community engagement.;

Abstract Background This study involved a scoping review to explore factors influencing dental hygienist demand and supply in high-income countries. Methods A six-stage scoping review was conducted with separate search strategies tailored to four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Google) plus a targeted scan of dental hygienist organization websites. This yielded 2,117 unique citations, leading to 148 articles included in the review. Results Nearly half of the articles (47%) focused on the United States, with 11% on Canada. Most articles (91%) were in English, alongside 13 in Korean and one in French. Journal articles comprised 62% of the publications, followed by reports/working papers (11%) and websites (11%). Other types included conference abstracts, policy briefs, and presentation slides. Content-wise, 47% were original research, with analysis articles (14%), commentaries (11%), and reviews (8%) also present. The articles were coded into three main categories: workforce characteristics/projections, factor-specific analyses, and workforce opportunities. The articles on workforce characteristics covered demographic, geographic, and employment aspects of dental hygienists, along with projections for supply and demand using simulation modelling and geospatial analyses. Factor-specific articles investigated the (1) working environment, (2) policy/regulatory/training environment, (3) job/career satisfaction and related human resource issues, and (4) scope of practice. The third key category of articles highlighted opportunities for expanding the workforce through alternative models in different sectors/settings (e.g., public health, primary care, long-term care, hospitals, mobile outreach, and non-clinical roles including research, education and leadership) and for a range of vulnerable or underserved populations (e.g., geriatric and pediatric populations, persons with disabilities, those living in rural/remote areas, Indigenous peoples, and incarcerated people). Conclusions This review provides a comprehensive documentation of the current state of the dental hygienist workforce, compiling factors affecting demand and supply, and highlighting opportunities for the dental hygienist workforce in Canada and other high-income countries. The findings offer a foundation for future research, highlighting the need for more focused and rigorous reviews and underscoring the necessity of high-quality studies to verify the effectiveness of various interventions and policies. This is crucial to address dental hygienist workforce challenges and ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of oral health care delivery.

This study examines the disruptions in the operations of state trade enterprises and consumer cooperatives in providing food to the population of Bashkortostan during the Great Patriotic War. The article is based on unpublished documents from the National Archives of the Republic of Bashkortostan, as well as materials from periodicals. It is revealed that the weakening of the state’s control functions led to an increase in embezzlement and theft in trade and public catering enterprises. The combination of reduced trade turnover and the rise in abuses within the supply system resulted in severe food shortages. Supply disruptions affected workers, officials, evacuated populations, children, and medical institutions. Various abuses are discussed, including food ration card counterfeiting, different forms of self-supply, and instances of double provisioning. Attention is given to violations in accounting for population groups and inflated supply norms. It is established that combating abuses in the supply system was complicated by the involvement of enterprise leaders, shop workers, accountants, and representatives of auditing bodies in criminal activities. The conclusion is drawn that despite numerous violations, the supply system only minimally provided essential food items to the population of Bashkortostan with interruptions and not in full.

In recent years, the popularity of the word mercenary and the acronym PMCs (private military company) has increased in scientific and public discourses, which a number of experts associate with the changing world order. The article seeks to identify the reasons for the use of mercenary military force by international actors. The author proceeds from the fact that the fundamental reasons of the mercenary-customer partnership, remain unchanged and are not subject to changes occurring both within States and in the international system. These reasons originate from the imperfections of the military apparatus, which are referred to in the article as "flaws". The author identifies 3 levels of flaws: political, organizational and executive. The political level represents the risks associated with the use of military force for the decision-maker. Hired military force is used to hedge such risks. Problems of the organizational level can be seen in various features of the preparation of a military operation and are often associated with the limitations or slowness of the bureaucratic apparatus. The advantage of a private contractor is greater flexibility. Executive-level problems stem from the inefficiency of the armed forces in carrying out specific combat tasks. Mercenaries often have unique skills and embrace innovations faster than the public sector. Despite the fact that more specific reasons for the use of mercenary military force may depend on the characteristics of the historical period and the political system, the three-level classification of flaws is applicable both over the entire time period and in the vast majority of spheres, including cyberspace.

Background: This study involved a scoping review to explore factors influencing dental hygienist demand and supply in high-income countries. Methods: A six-stage scoping review was conducted with separate search strategies tailored to four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Google) plus a targeted scan of dental hygienist organization websites. This yielded 2,117 unique citations, leading to 148 articles included in the review. Results: Nearly half of the articles (47%) focused on the United States, with 11% on Canada. Most articles (91%) were in English, alongside 13 in Korean and one in French. Journal articles comprised 62% of the publications, followed by reports/working papers (11%) and websites (11%). Other types included conference abstracts, policy briefs, and presentation slides. Content-wise, 47% were original research, with analysis articles (14%), commentaries (11%), and reviews (8%) also present. The articles were coded into three main categories: workforce characteristics/projections, factor-specific analyses, and workforce opportunities. The articles on workforce characteristics covered demographic, geographic, and employment aspects of dental hygienists, along with projections for supply and demand using simulation modelling and geospatial analyses. Factor-specific articles investigated the (1) working environment, (2) policy/regulatory/training environment, (3) job/career satisfaction and related human resource issues, and (4) scope of practice. The third key category of articles highlighted opportunities for expanding the workforce through alternative models in different sectors/settings (e.g., public health, primary care, long-term care, hospitals, mobile outreach, and non-clinical roles including research, education and leadership) and for a range of vulnerable or underserved populations (e.g., geriatric and pediatric populations, persons with disabilities, those living in rural/remote areas, Indigenous peoples, and incarcerated people). Conclusions: This review provides a comprehensive documentation of the current state of the dental hygienist workforce, compiling factors affecting demand and supply, and highlighting opportunities for the dental hygienist workforce in Canada and other high-income countries. The findings offer a foundation for future research, highlighting the need for more focused and rigorous reviews and underscoring the necessity of high-quality studies to verify the effectiveness of various interventions and policies. This is crucial to address dental hygienist workforce challenges and ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of oral health care delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This paper describes the peculiarities of the plasma-derived medicinal product (PDMP) market and illustrates the results of a review of the literature on policies aimed at counteracting the shortage of PDMPs. Characteristics of PDMPs: Plasma is primarily used for the industrial production of blood products (80%). The demand for PDMPs, particularly immunoglobulins (IGs), is increasing. However, the production of PDMPs is complex, long (7-12 months), and expensive, accounting, according to US estimates, for 57% of the total costs of PDMPs compared to 14% for small molecules. PDMP market: Unexpected increases in clinical need cannot be addressed in the short term. Once the demand for some diseases is satisfied, the collection and fractionation of plasma will only be used to supply some specific patients. Hence, the full weight of the marginal costs, which remain constant, are borne by a few products. According to last liter economics, the industry stops producing when the marginal revenue equals the marginal cost, thereby reducing the convenience of producing the most commonly used PDMPs (albumin and IG). The imbalance between the demand and supply of PDMPs was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which further increased the cost of plasma collection. Shortage issue and possible solutions: Policies to counteract this imbalance have also been discussed. If the demand is inappropriate, it should be reduced. If the demand is appropriate and supply cannot be increased, the demand should be prioritized for patients for whom PDMPs are the only available treatment. If the shortage depends on insufficient supply and technical and allocative efficiency, both production and supply should be improved, together with incentives for all stakeholders involved in the PDMP market to increase the sustainability of production/supply. The paper is focused on this second issue, that is supply-driven unbalance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper addresses a comprehensive historical assessment of water consumption, demand, and supply in Saudi Arabia, along with future projections regarding water balance, in terms of demand and supply by source in various sectors. Being an arid region, Saudi Arabia experiences scorching heat, low precipitation, a high rate of potential evaporation, and the absence of permanent water bodies over the territory. Groundwater contributes almost 61% of total available water, while the recharge rate is negligible. However, few widyan (ephemeral streams) systems exists to satisfy water demand, which could contribute to approximately one year of domestic water consumption if managed efficiently. The study also predicts water consumption scenarios for the next three consecutive development plans, i.e., the 10th plan (2015–2019), 11th plan (2020–2024), and 12th plan (2025–2029). The analysis shows that water consumption may decline significantly in the future, if the present rate of decline continues. Scenario I, if the current rate is assumed, provides a decrease in consumption of 14.36, 12.66, and 11.15 BCM for 10th, 11th, and 12th plans, respectively. Moreover, the domestic and industrial sectors will consume more water in the future. In the same way, scenarios II and III represent a decline in total water consumption, along with that of agriculture, while domestic and industrial water usage would increase, thus improving environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]