Strategies to secure surgical research funding: fellowships and grants.

Innovation and advances in surgery are entirely dependent on research. Fellowships and grants are the principal means by which surgical research projects are funded. However, these are scarce and highly competitive. This article offers guidance through the application process for the aspiring academic surgeon. Approaching the application in a timely and structured manner, seeking advice from current and previous award-holders and members of review panels, and obtaining preliminary data are key ingredients to success

The impact of international benchmarking on the price of immunosuppressive medicines for transplant recipients in South Africa

Background. External reference pricing (ERP) is an internationally applied pricing policy to regulate the price of medicines. In 2005, the South African (SA) Minister of Health published a Government Gazette of regulations relating to a transparent pricing system for medicines and scheduled substances, stating that the Minister must publish a methodology for conforming to international benchmarks. In May 2014, the most recent proposed benchmark methodology was published, detailing that international benchmarking of medicines (IBM) requires that the lowest price in a selected basket of countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Spain and SA) be used as the ultimate price for the purposes of benchmarking of originator products.Objectives. To provide a broad observational basis for the use of IBM and the proposed countries as a pricing tool; the feasibility of using BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and SA) as comparator countries; and a small sample comparison of local state tender pricing in relation to the IBM proposed basket of comparator country pricing. Immunosuppressant medicines for organ transplant patients were used for this comparison, as they are relatively expensive and there is reluctance to implement pricing and reimbursement policy options to contain their costs.Methods. Ex-manufacturer medicine pricing information for 2016, 2017 and 2018 was sourced for immunosuppressive medicines for SA (public and private sectors), Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Spain, Brazil and Russia. Unit prices were compared for products with the same international non-proprietary name (INN), strength, formulation and manufacturer. In most cases the products were matched on product name, bearing translation nuances in mind.Results. Across all 3 years, in the majority of products, ERP using the proposed basket of comparator countries Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Spain lowered the local private sector ex-manufacturer price of medicine. Similarly, for the majority of products comparing local pricing with that of available BRICS country pricing data, the comparison lowered the price. For 92% of products where a comparison could be made, the SA state tender price was the lowest available price.Conclusions. Conducting an ERP analysis consumes time and resources. However, it may prove to reduce a current or proposed medicine price and may be considered as one of a range of medicine pricing policies employed by a country. It should not be used in isolation from other medicine pricing and reimbursement policies.

Testing the performance of warehousing rival policies through discrete event simulation

This research tested the performance of alternative warehouse designs concerning the picking process. Travel Distance and Total Fulfillment Time were the chosen measures. An explanatory case study was built up around a model implemented with SIMUL8. Hypotheses were set by selecting outcomes of the literature survey matching popular empirical findings. 15% reductions were found out for Total Fulfillment Time and Resource Utilisation, which was used as a proxy for operational efficiency. Literal replication of theoretical data patterns was considered as an internal validity sign. Assessing estimated changes benefits ahead of implementation was found out as a relevant contribution to practice.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Testing the performance of rival warehousing policies through discrete event simulation

This research tested the performance of alternative warehouse designs concerning the picking process. The chosen performance measures were Travel Distance and Total Fulfilment Time. An explanatory case study was built up around a model implemented with SIMUL8. Hypotheses were set by selecting outcomes from the literature survey matching popular empirical findings. 17.4% reductions were found for Total Fulfilment Time and Resource Utilisation. The latter was then used as a proxy for operational efficiency. Literal replication of theoretical data-patterns was considered as an internal validity sign. Assessing the estimated changes benefits ahead of implementation was found to be a contribution to practice.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Project Based Learning (PjBL) yang Disertai dengan Peta Konsep terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa Kelas XI TPHP SMK Negeri 2 Gorontalo pada Materi Sistem Koloid

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui model pembelajaran project based learning (PjBL) yang disertai dengan peta konsep terhadap hasil belajar siswa pada materi sistem koloid. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimen, dengan desain Posttest-Only Control Group. Sampel berjumlah 46 siswa SMK Negeri 2 Gorontalo yang terdiri dari dua kelas, yaitu kelas eksperimen dan kelas kontrol yang masing-masing berjumlah 23 siswa. Kelas eksperimen menggunakan model pembelajaran project based learning (PjBL) yang disertai dengan peta konsep sementara kelas kontrol menggunakan pembelajaran konvensional. Pengumpulan data menggunakan tes sebagai instrumen, dengan materi sistem koloid. Analisis data dilakukan menggunakan uji t untuk menguji hipotesis penelitian. Berdasarkan hasil statistika diperoleh nilai rata-rata post-test kelas eksperimen dan kelas kontrol masing-masing adalah 81,32 dan 64,43. Hasil analisis data untuk hasil belajar menunjukkan bahwa dalam taraf signifikan 0,05 diperoleh nilai thitung > ttabel atau (16,96 > 1,681) maka H0 ditolak atau dengan kata lain menerima H1. Maka dengan demikian penggunakan model pembelajaran project based learning (PjBL) yang disertai dengan peta konsep berpengaruh terhadap hasil belajar siswa

AKTIVITAS ANTIBAKTERI DARI EKSTRAK KASAR BAKTERI YANG BERASOSIASI DENGAN SPONGE Acanthostrongylophora sp.

Sponges have a potential to produce bioactive compounds. Their ability to do it since there is a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms in these bacteria. Because of this critical role, the bacteria symbiotic with sponge allegedly have great potential in terms of producing bioactive compounds that have been isolated from sponges (Lee, et al, 2001). In this study, using bacterial culture preparations isolated from the sponge, Acanthostrongylophora sp., the bacterial isolates were tested for their antibacterial activities using a well diffusion test. Based on the antibacterial activity test, the bacterial isolates known as BPO (shaped wavy white dots) and BPB (white threadlike have a certain type of thread) had antibacterial activity. ODS had a broad spectrum as potent against all three types of tested bacteria (Vibrio cholerae, Staphyloccocus aureus, Bacillus subtillis)

Investigation of the Vertical Profile Radio Refractivity Gradient and Effective Earth Radius Factor (k-factor) in Transmission Link Over Oyo, Oyo State, South Western Nigeria

Surface radio refractive gradient and k-factor are very imperative in observing propagation conditions, designing and planning of microwave communication links in the lower part of the atmospheric boundary layer. The measurement of weather variables (air temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity and wind speed) were conducted in this study at the School of Science, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo (7.83°N, 3.95°E), Oyo State, Nigeria. The research was carried out for a period of one year (January to December, 2020) using self-designed cost effective portable weather monitoring systems. The systems were sited from the ground to a height of 200 m on a 220 m Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) UHF channel 37 tower at Oke-Apitipiti in Oyo Town of Oyo State. The calculated daily and monthly averages data are employed to investigate the vertical surface radio refractivity and its refractivity gradient. The highest value of -1.093E+26 N-units/km was recorded in January, while the month of July experienced the least of about -9.305E+19 N-units/km. The months of January–July verified sub-refractive conditions with propagation conditions having varying degree of occurrence. On the other hand, super-refraction and ducting were recorded mostly between August–December from the study. The results also find applicability in radio engineering for refining VHF/UHF terrestrial links based on clear-air considerations which will support operational planning of terrestrial radio networks in Oyo, South Western Nigeria Keywords: Microwave; k-factor; refractivity gradient; sub-refractive; super-refractio

SOSIALISASI MEMELIHARA DAYA TAHAN TUBUH SERTA MEMBERIKAN KETENANGAN UNTUK MENJALANI KEHAMILAN MELALUI ANTENATAL YOGA DAN HYPNOPRENATAL PADA IBU HAMIL

Abstrak: Angka Kematian Ibu (AKI) merupakan masalah yang masih menjadi prioritas untuk diselesaikan di beberapa Negara, tak terkecuali Indonesia. Berbagai metodepun sudah mulai diterapkan guna mengatasi masalah ini. kegiatan ini dibuat bertujuan untuk sosialisasi terkait pentingnya memelihara daya tahan tubuh serta memberikan ketenangan untuk menjalani kehamilan melalui antenatal yoga dan hypnoprenatal pada ibu hamil.; dengan melakukan skrining peserta sebelum mengikuti kelas yoga dan hipnoprenatal. Metode pelaksanaan kegiatan dengan cara memberikan sosialisasi sebagai awal pemahaman ibu hamil tentang yoga dan hipnoprenatal; Kegiatan ini melibatkan mitra dari 2 Desa yaitu desa Sejahtera dan desa Ayula Selatan, dengan jumlah total ibu hamil sebnayak 10 orang. Kegiatan dievaluasi melalui pretest dan posttest terkait pengetahuan ibu hamil tentang yoga dan hypnoprenatal. Setelah kegiatan dilaksanakan, dan setelah dilakukan pre dan posttest diperoleh hasil bahwa pengetahuan ibu hamil tentang yoga dan hypnoprenatal mengalami peningkatan sebesar 100%, sehingga diharapkan dari hasil tersebut, dapat memberikan ketenangan bagi ibu hamil selama proses kehamilan.Abstract: Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is a problem that is still a priority to be resolved in several countries, including Indonesia. Various methods have been applied to overcome this problem. This activity was created with the aim of socializing the importance of maintaining endurance and providing peace to undergo pregnancy through antenatal yoga and hypnoprenatal for pregnant women; by screening participants before attending yoga and hypnoprenatal classes. The method of carrying out activities by providing socialization as an initial understanding of pregnant women about yoga and hypnoprenatal; This activity involved partners from 2 villages, namely Sejahtera Village and Ayula Selatan Village, with a total of 10 pregnant women. Activities were evaluated through pre-test and post-test related to pregnant women's knowledge about yoga and hypnoprenatal. After the activity was carried out, the result was that the knowledge of pregnant women about yoga and hypnoprenatal had increased by 100%, so it was hoped that these results could provide peace for pregnant women during the pregnancy process.