GSBI Replication Toolkit: A Market Research Manual for Water Social Enterprises

The authors of this report conducted a community needs assessment in several communities of northern Nicaragua in order to develop a business model for a potential water social enterprise in the area. The purpose of this report is to provide a toolkit to replicate this project in other areas with similar needs. It acts as a guide, laying out the necessary steps to gather, analyze, and use data in creating a viable social enterprise model. The report refers to our own project, “AguaNic: Proposal to ASDENIC for Launching a Drinking Water Social Enterprise,” with examples of the work we did along the way and sample documents when relevant. This should allow future research teams to learn from our experiences when conducting similar projects

Recommendations to ASDENIC for a Potential Water Social Enterprise

Opportunity People living in rural and semi-urban communities in Northern Nicaragua drink contaminated water on a daily basis and struggle with the effects on their health. ASDENIC is in a unique position to create a social enterprise within its organization to provide sustainable clean water solutions to the communities it already serves, and beyond. By distributing and/or manufacturing affordable, effective household water filters, this enterprise could fill an important need through a financially self-sustaining model. Research Activities We conducted 70 semi-structured interviews with potential beneficiaries in six communities: Daraili, Bramadero, Buena Vista, El Pegador, Condega, and Las Sabanas. Additionally, we administered 37 written surveys of 20 questions each and conducted two focus groups with a total of 10 participants, all in rural communities. We met with 15 key informants from local water nonprofits, local governmental organizations, and ASDENIC employees to gather contextual knowledge on the history and infrastructure of water purification efforts. All activities were conducted in Spanish. We took 24 water samples from public and private water taps in rural, peri-urban, and urban areas to test levels of bacterial contamination. In addition, comprehensive water analysis tests funded by Miller Center were conducted, prior to our arrival. These tests assessed bacteriological, material, and chemical contaminants at regional water sources. Our interviews, surveys, meetings, and tests provide a blend of qualitative and quantitative data on the current drinking water situation from environmental, economic, and public health perspectives. Key Findings There is a need. On average, 90% of water tests conducted in rural communities in private and public faucets showed levels of coliform that exceeded WHO guidelines for acceptable drinking water. In addition, the vast majority of participants we interviewed expressed concern about the quality of their drinking water with a smaller, yet still significant portion reporting that someone in their family was currently experiencing diarrheal issues related to their water. There is a market. A majority of individuals we interviewed stated they would be willing to pay for a filter that would provide cleaner water but currently this type of product is not accessible to them

Global disparities in surgeons’ workloads, academic engagement and rest periods: the on-calL shIft fOr geNEral SurgeonS (LIONESS) study

: The workload of general surgeons is multifaceted, encompassing not only surgical procedures but also a myriad of other responsibilities. From April to May 2023, we conducted a CHERRIES-compliant internet-based survey analyzing clinical practice, academic engagement, and post-on-call rest. The questionnaire featured six sections with 35 questions. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (SPSS® v. 28). The survey received a total of 1.046 responses (65.4%). Over 78.0% of responders came from Europe, 65.1% came from a general surgery unit; 92.8% of European and 87.5% of North American respondents were involved in research, compared to 71.7% in Africa. Europe led in publishing research studies (6.6 ± 8.6 yearly). Teaching involvement was high in North America (100%) and Africa (91.7%). Surgeons reported an average of 6.7 ± 4.9 on-call shifts per month, with European and North American surgeons experiencing 6.5 ± 4.9 and 7.8 ± 4.1 on-calls monthly, respectively. African surgeons had the highest on-call frequency (8.7 ± 6.1). Post-on-call, only 35.1% of respondents received a day off. Europeans were most likely (40%) to have a day off, while African surgeons were least likely (6.7%). On the adjusted multivariable analysis HDI (Human Development Index) (aOR 1.993) hospital capacity > 400 beds (aOR 2.423), working in a specialty surgery unit (aOR 2.087), and making the on-call in-house (aOR 5.446), significantly predicted the likelihood of having a day off after an on-call shift. Our study revealed critical insights into the disparities in workload, access to research, and professional opportunities for surgeons across different continents, underscored by the HDI

A Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Aluminum Batteries

Herein, the use of a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) comprising polyacrylonitrile and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride:aluminum trichloride (EMIMCl:AlCl3) ionic liquid in aluminum batteries is investigated. The investigated GPE is characterized in terms of conduction properties. The obtained ionic conductivity values are suitable for battery applications. The ability of the GPE to sustain an efficient aluminum stripping deposition process is verified, revealing the need of a swelling process to enable the aluminum plating/stripping. The mitigation of the chloroaluminate corrosivity in the GPE is confirmed by evaluating the corrosion current of stainless steel 316 current collectors. The long-term ability of GPE to sustain the stripping deposition process is tested, evidencing a good Al/GPE interface stability. Finally, the GPE electrolyte suitability in the Al battery is verified by assembling an Al/GPE/pyrolytic graphite (PG) cell. The test cell shows a good cycling ability, demonstrating the suitability of the GPE electrolyte for the realization of aluminum batteries