RFID Adoption: An Exploratory Study of Issues and Concerns

Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems have received increased attention from academicians and practitioners in the past few years. By implementing RFID, companies could achieve “process freedoms” and real-time visibility. Studies have discussed about opportunities, benefits, and challenges in deploying RFID. The issues discussed and insights offered in these studies were mostly of theoretical and conceptual significance due to the emergent nature of the phenomenon and difficulty in collecting data. The purpose of this paper is to get practical insights into organizations’ strategic issues in adapting to this new technological change. It examines the firm’s decision to adopt RFID from strategic perspective and aims to understand the transition process in doing so. The findings and conclusions reported are based on the data collected from organizations that have started the deployment process or have already deployed RFID

Formulation and characterization of an apigenin-phospholipid phytosome (APLC) for improved solubility, in vivo bioavailability, and antioxidant potential

The apigenin-phospholipid phytosome (APLC) was developed to improve the aqueous solubility, dissolution, in vivo bioavailability, and antioxidant activity of apigenin. The APLC synthesis was guided by a full factorial design strategy, incorporating specific formulation and process variables to deliver an optimized product. The design-optimized formulation was assayed for aqueous solubility, in vitro dissolution, pharmacokinetics, and antioxidant activity. The pharmacological evaluation was carried out by assessing its effects on carbon tetrachloride-induced elevation of liver function marker enzymes in a rat model. The antioxidant activity was assessed by studying its effects on the liver antioxidant marker enzymes. The developed model was validated using the design-optimized levels of formulation and process variables. The physical-chemical characterization confirmed the formation of phytosomes. The optimized formulation demonstrated over 36-fold higher aqueous solubility of apigenin, compared to that of pure apigenin. The formulation also exhibited a significantly higher rate and extent of apigenin release in dissolution studies. The pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a significant enhancement in the oral bioavailability of apigenin from the prepared formulation, compared to pure apigenin. The liver function tests indicated that the prepared phytosome showed a significantly improved restoration of all carbon tetrachloride-elevated rat liver function marker enzymes. The prepared formulation also exhibited antioxidant potential by significantly increasing the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and decreasing the levels of lipid peroxidase. The study shows that phospholipid-based phytosome is a promising and viable strategy for improving the delivery of apigenin and similar phytoconstituents with low aqueous solubility

Drug-Phospholipid Complex-loaded Matrix Film Formulation for the Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Quercetin

A novel quercetin-phospholipid-complex(QPLC)-loaded matrix film for improved transdermal delivery of quercetin was developed. The QPLC formulation, prepared using a solvent-evaporation method, was optimized using a central-composite design. The optimized QPLC formulation was characterized by particle size and zeta potential analysis, thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). QPLC formulation was functionally evaluated for solubility and in vitro dissolution of quercetin. Matrix films of pure quercetin (Q-MF)or QPLC QPLC-MF) were prepared using a solvent casting method. The prepared Q-MF and QPLC-MF were characterized for weight uniformity, folding endurance, moisture content, and moisture uptake. The films were also functionally characterized for in vitro diffusion of quercetin through a dialysis membrane and ex vivo permeability of quercetin across rat skin. Finally, the anti-inflammatory activity of the films was evaluated on carrageenan-induced paw edema in Wistar albino rats. The experimental design identified the optimal formulation and process variables for the preparation of QPLC. The validation of the obtained model using these values confirmed the suitability and robustness of the model. The physical-chemical characterization of the prepared QPLC supported the formation of a stable complex. The solubility analysis of QPLC showed a 22-fold increase in quercetin aqueous solubility, compared to pure quercetin. The dissolution results exhibited a significantly higher rate and extent of quercetin dissolution from QPLC compared to that of pure quercetin. The permeability of quercetin from Q-MF and QPLC-MF across rat skin mirrored those obtained from the dissolution studies. Topical application of QPLC-MF exhibited a significant (p\u3c0.05) inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats compared to that of Q-MF. This study provides a promising combination approach, i.e., phospholipid-based complexation and transdermal film formulation for improved transdermal delivery of quercetin and similar pharmacologically active phytoconstituents

Kaempferol-Phospholipid Complex: Formulation, and Evaluation of Improved Solubility, In Vivo Bioavailability, and Antioxidant Potential of Kaempferol

The current work describes the formulation and evaluation of a phospholipid complex of kaempferol toenhance the latter’s aqueous solubility, in vitro dissolution rate, in vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotectiveactivities, and oral bioavailability. The kaempferol-phospholipid complex was synthesized using a freeze-drying method with the formulation being optimized using a full factorial design (32) approach. The resultsinclude the validation of the mathematical model in order to ascertain the role of specific formulation andprocess variables that contribute favorably to the formulation’s development. The final product wascharacterized and confirmed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform InfraredSpectroscopy (FTIR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-NMR), and Powder X-rayDiffraction (PXRD) analysis. The aqueous solubility and the in vitro dissolution rate were enhanced comparedto that of pure kaempferol. The in vivo antioxidant properties of the kaempferol-phospholipid complex wereevaluated by measuring its impact on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-intoxicated rats. The optimizedphospholipid complex improved the liver function test parameters to a significant level by restoration of allelevated liver marker enzymes in CCl4-intoxicated rats. The complex also enhanced the in vivo antioxidantpotential by increasing levels of GSH (reduced glutathione), SOD (superoxide dismutase), catalase anddecreasing lipid peroxidation, compared to that of pure kaempferol. The final optimized phospholipidcomplex also demonstrated a significant improvement in oral bioavailability demonstrated by improvementsto key pharmacokinetic parameters, compared to that of pure kaempferol

Towards a Multi-Dimensional Index of Child Growth to Combat the Double Burden of Malnutrition

Background: There is growing awareness in the field of public health that combatting the double burden of malnutrition requires approaches that address its multi-dimensional origin, rather than focusing primarily on the biomedical domain. Current frameworks of malnutrition like the UNICEF conceptual framework, and the Lancet Series 2013 framework have been instrumental in understanding the determinants of malnutrition and developing appropriate interventions. However, these frameworks fail to explicitly address issues of agency, that is, about being able to pursue one’s goal. The capability approach as originally developed by Amartya Sen includes agency in the causal chain.Summary and key Messages In the past 5 years, the International Union of Nutritional Sciences Task Force “Towards a multi-dimensional index for child growth and development” has developed a capability framework for child growth, and conducted empirical research applying this framework. The working group discussed what would be needed to further develop the approach and explained the added value to international organisations and policy makers. We suggest developing an index of advantage that will be a proxy for a child’s agency. We hypothesise that such an index will explain much of the variance in studying inequalities in child nutrition and thus call for action to improve this focal point

A STUDY ON ORGANISATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS AS INCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS IN INDIA

This study focusses on the literature survey and identifying the research gap to frame the objectives of the study, formulate the hypotheses and pursue the research study. In todays globalize economy; competition is becoming even more intense. Many companies are trying very hard not only to satisfy their customer’s needs, but where possible, excel them. This can only be achieved through cost reduction, improvement in product performance, increased customer satisfaction and a constant effort towards world class organizations. In order for companies to survive and grow in the future, it is essential that they deliver high quality goods and services. Those that can deliver quality are the ones that will prosper in the next century (Ross, 1994) (1). Companies actually compete on three major issues; Quality, Price and Delivery. However, companies choosing the low cost approach may find themselves losing premium business to competitors while retaining the low-margin business in the long term (Victor, 1995).(2)  Many companies have become aware of the need to make quality as the competitive marketing strategy in a global market. Large companies for instance, have started to implement total quality initiative in their products and services. The increasing acceptance of Total Quality Management (TQM) as a philosophy of management and a way of company life has taken place for almost three decades. Many companies understand that TQM is necessary for them to remain competitive, retaining their market share and to be able to respond to changing competitive demand in today business world. Based on some studies (Ross, 1994,(1) Ghobahdian, (1995) (3), Ahire et al., (1996)(4),Gulbro et al., (2000)(5), not all companies are able to implement TQM successfully. This is because it requires a different implementation approach to cater for the varying needs of the industries in order for effective implementation. Software industries have been slow in adopting TQM when compared to manufacturing companies which necessitated to pursue this thesis. Their involvement has focused primarily on ISO 9000 certification, and very few had advanced beyond that (Yusof, 2000) (6). Therefore, the identification of critical success factors for successful implementation as well as the problems faced by Software Industries  in implementing TQM are  an important area to be understood. The value of this research is one of the primary steps towards reaching the needs of Indian Software Industries that are trying to implement TQM in their business. With a better understanding of this issues, it can be a groundwork for the development of an appropriate TQM framework for practical implementation by the Software Industries

EFFECTIVENESS OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT (TQM) IN INDIAN SOFTWARE INDUSTRIES AS INCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Total Quality Management (TQM) has become latest management mantra in globalised and drastically changing business environments. Recently the organisations are considering the TQM as magic cure for improving organizational performance, creating learning organisation, modification of the behaviour of both the employees and the management. Several researchers have also looked at the concept of Standardization of Quality (ISO 9000 certification) in relations to the implementation of TQM. Both Primary and Secondary data are used in the analysis. The concept of TQM has evolved from a narrow focus on Statistical Quality Control (SQC) to a broad spectrum of socio-cultural, behavioural and technical issues. Many countries have come up with national Quality Award models to encourage continuous improvement in the processes to achieve business excellence in their companies. Simultaneously emphasis is also laid on the international quality certification so that the companies can become world-class. The most popular quality management standard certification is the ISO: 9000 series by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO). We present our study in this paper

Formulation and Characterization of the Improved Solubility, In Vivo Bioavailability and Antioxidant Activity of Apigenin-Phospholipid Complex (APLC)

In the present study a phospholipid based complex of apigenin (APLC) was prepared with a goal of improving its aqueous solubility, dissolution, in vivobioavailability, and antioxidant activity

ASSESSMENT OF TQM NEED - PERCEPTION OF MANAGERS AND SENIOR EXECUTIVES – AN APPROACH

TQM implementation in Software industry has been acknowledged in general as one of the important activity which is playing a significant role. All categories of staff admit the fact that, in view of the changing software industry scenario, implementation of TQM is a must, in order to enable the software industry to meet the challenges. The TQM implementation in Software industry has been able to contribute significantly in this direction, dispelling the doubts regarding effectiveness.  However, during the empirical study conducted, the employees felt that the system has not been able to achieve the optimum level in fulfilling the objectives due to some of the shortcomings which are in its operation.  No doubt the present system has most of the ingredients of a modern outlook, but it has not achieved to some extent the desired results in the areas of planning, coordination and enforcement of this policies.  Some of the problems observed during the study are as under, of which factors for   effective implementation of TQM are the foremost and important one. In this paper, the need for effective implementation of TQM, the problems encountered during the implementation and ways to overcome are analysed in detail