RMS capacity utilisation: product family and supply chain

yesThe paper contributes to development of RMS through linkage with external stakeholders such as customers and suppliers of parts/raw materials to handle demand fluctuations that necessitate information sharing across the supply chain tiers. RMS is developed as an integrated supply chain hub for adjusting production capacity using a hybrid methodology of decision trees and Markov analysis. The proposed Markov Chain model contributes to evaluate and monitor system reconfigurations required due to changes of product families with consideration of the product life cycles. The simulation findings indicate that system productivity and financial performance in terms of the profit contribution of product-process allocation will vary over configuration stages. The capacity of an RMS with limited product families and/or limited model variants becomes gradually inoperative whilst approaching upcoming configuration stages due to the end of product life cycles. As a result, reconfiguration preparation is suggested quite before ending life cycle of an existing product in process, for switching from a product family to a new/another product family in the production range, subject to its present demand. The proposed model is illustrated through a simplified case study with given product families and transition probabilities

Softening Coefficient of Reinforced Concrete Elements Subjected to Three-Dimensional Loads

Reinforced concrete structures are prone to fail under the effect of complex threedimensional loading conditions. Accurate constitutive models for concrete under the effect of triaxial stresses are therefore necessary in order to predict the proper response. Strong interaction between in-plane and out of plane shear loads has been observed in experimental tests of concrete structures. This paper presents the derivation of concrete constitutive laws under the effect of triaxial stresses, in particular the softening coefficient, using the results of large-scale tests on representative concrete panels. The experimental program of 7 full-scale panel specimens is briefly described, and the results are then used to derive analytical expressions for the softening coefficient under the effect of bi-directional shear. Finally, existing membrane shear theories are modified to take into consideration the effect of applied out-of-plane shear. The response of the tested panels proved to be accurately predicted using the new theory

Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Membrane Elements Subjected to Bidirectional Shear Loads

The shear design and behavior of a typical membrane reinforced concrete (RC) element has been extensively studied in the past several decades. Such design requires knowledge of the constitutive behavior of RC elements subjected to a shear stress acting along its plane (in-plane shear). These constitutive models were accurately derived from experimental test data on representative RC panel elements. The true behavior of many large, complex structures, however, involves interaction between the in-plane and out-of-plane shear stresses acting on the RC element. To investigate this interaction, large-scale tests on representative concrete panels need to be conducted. The University of Houston is equipped with a unique universal panel testing machine that was used for this purpose. The panel tester enhanced the understanding of the in-plane shear behavior of RC elements. Recently, 10 additional hydraulic jacks were mounted in the out-of-plane direction of the universal panel tester to facilitate testing of concrete elements subjected to bidirectional and tridirectional shear stresses. The experimental program included designing, fabricating, instrumenting, and testing full-scale RC elements. The elements were subjected to different combinations of in-plane and out-of-plane shear loads. A strong interaction between in-plane shear strength and out-of-plane shear stresses was observed

Pattern of Bladder Cancer at University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia in the era of HIV Epidemic

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is endemic to Zambia and is associated with changes in the patterns of both AIDS and non- AIDS defining cancers. Bladder cancer is one malignancy that has been noted toincrease in the era of HIV/ AIDS epidemic. This study sought to describe the pattern of cancer of the bladder at UTH in the era of HIV/AIDS epidemic in respect with the epidemiological characteristics, prevalence of HIV infection and the histological types of bladder cancer in patients with cancer of the bladder.Patients and Methods: A prospective cross sectional, hospital based study was performed at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka, Zambia, between November 2009 and November 2010. Patients with bladder cancer who presented to the hospital during this period were recruited and  parameters studied included patients demographics, HIV status and pathology of cancer. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS 17.Results: A total of 53 patients with median age of 57.49 years who had histological confirmed bladder cancer were recruited during this one year period. The male to female ratio was 1.3 to 1. Of the 53 patients, HIV infection was found in six patients (11.3 %). Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histological type (60.4%) followed by Transitional cell carcinoma (30.2%) and adenocarcinoma was least common type (9.4%).Schistosoma infection was found in 14 patients all had SCC. The study found a statistically significant reduction in the mean age of bladder cancer in HIV infected patients.Conclusions: Squamous cell carcinoma is still the most common histological type of bladder cancer in Zambia and it's strongly associated with schistosomia infection. Haematuria remains to be the most common presenting symptom in bladder cancer patients

Women's Intention to Prevent Vesico Vaginal Fistula Recurrence in Two Repair Centres in Zambia

Objective: The study purpose was to determine the association between intention to prevent Vesico-Vaginal Fistula recurrence and knowledge of the risk factors of Vesico Vaginal Fistula recurrence, attitude towards Vesico Vaginal Fistula prevention and self esteem among women with Vesico-Vaginal Fistula in two repair centers in Zambia.Design: This was a descriptive cross sectional correlational study in which data were obtained through the structured interview schedule.Main Outcomes: Vesico vaginal fistula has been recognized as a preventable tragedy and a challenge in areas where access to health care with emergency obstetric care is poor. The situation is getting worse among women, and the key to ending fistula is to prevent it.Measures: The Ministry of Health need to introduce waiting homes in hospitals with emergency obstetric care so that repaired women with VVF can wait for delivery. The MOH needs to support community sensitization orpublic education on attitudes towards Vesico vaginal fistula prevention which will in turn improve intentions to prevent Vesico vaginal fistula  recurrence. Management at katete and Chilonga mission hospitalsshould ensure that counseling services are intensified to women with a repaired VVF so as to prevent recurrence. Antenatal clinics should be used as an opportunity for teaching Vesico Vaginal fistula since the study findingreview that 45% of the respondents did not know the risk factors of recurrence.Results: Majority of the respondents (97%) had positive intentions to prevent VesicoVaginal Fistula recurrence. More than half of the respondents (55%) knew the risk factors of VVF recurrence, 61% had positive attitudes towards Vesico Vaginal Fistula prevention and 52% had low level of self esteem. There was a significant positive relationship between intentionto prevent Vesico Vaginal Fistula recurrence and attitude towards Vesico Vaginal Fistula prevention and a significant negative relationship between intention to prevent Vesico Vaginal Fistula recurrence and self esteem. Knowledge of the risk factors of Vesico vaginal fistula recurrence was not significant. Using multiple regressions, attitude and self esteem were significant explaining 15% of the variance in intention to preventVVF recurrence.Conclusion: Vesico vaginal fistula is a very unpleasant experience for women. Corrective measures have been started by UNFPA but these need to be strengthened. There is need for innovation to consider other solutions that has not been tried before. This is important in order to prevent recurrence of Vesico vaginal fistula among repaired women in subsequent pregnancies

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ROUNDTABLE TECHNIQUE ON STUDENT’S WRITING SKILLS IN DESCRIPTIVE TEXT

This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of implementing the roundtable technique in enhancing descriptive writing skills among eighth-grade students at SMP Simanjaya Lamongan. The research utilized a pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. Data analysis involved the application of a paired sample t-test to ascertain the presence of a significant effect before and after the intervention. This research included a sample of 30 students from the eighth grade at SMP Simanjaya Lamongan. The findings of the research indicated a notable improvement in students' writing skills when employing the roundtable technique. This was evident in the average scores obtained by students on both the pretest and posttest. The mean score increased from 73.60 during the pretest to 83.03 in the posttest. The researcher then conducted a paired sample t-test to address the research question. The results of the t-test analysis revealed that the p-value (probability value) was below the significance level α (0.00 < 0.05). Consequently, the null hypothesis (Ho), asserting no significant effect of the roundtable technique on students' descriptive writing skills, was rejected. The acceptance of the alternative hypothesis led to the conclusion that the roundtable technique had a significant positive effect on the students' writing skills in producing descriptive texts

Pattern of Bladder Cancer at University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia in the era of HIV Epidemic

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is endemic to Zambia and is associated with changes in the patterns of both AIDS and non- AIDS defining cancers. Bladder cancer is one malignancy that has been noted to increase in the era of HIV/ AIDS epidemic. This study sought to describe the pattern of cancer of the bladder at UTH in the era of HIV/AIDS epidemic in respect with the epidemiological characteristics, prevalence of HIV infection and the histological types of bladder cancer in patients with cancer of the bladder.Patients and Methods: A prospective cross sectional, hospital based study was performed at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka, Zambia, between November 2009 and November 2010. Patients with bladder cancer who presented to the hospital during this period were recruited and parameters studied included patients demographics, HIV status and pathology of cancer. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS 17.Results: A total of 53 patients with median age of 57.49 years who had histological confirmed bladder cancer were recruited during this one year period. The male to female ratio was 1.3 to 1. Of the 53 patients, HIV infection was found in six patients (11.3 %). Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histological type (60.4%) followed by Transitional cell carcinoma (30.2%) and adenocarcinoma was least common type (9.4%). Schistosoma infection was found in 14 patients all had SCC. The study found a statistically significant reduction in the mean age of bladder cancer in HIV infected patients.Conclusions: Squamous cell carcinoma is still the most common histological type of bladder cancer in Zambia and it's strongly associated with schistosomia infection. Haematuria remains to be the most common presenting symptom in bladder cancer patients.

Lovemarks Drivers Effect on Luxury Fashion Brands Emotional Attachment

This research endeavors to investigate the effect of lovemarks on luxury fashion consumer decision-making in Egypt, examining its implications on the international competitive posture of Egyptian luxury firms. It seeks to bridge a significant research gap in the understanding of luxury consumer behavior in Egypt, particularly against the backdrop of global luxury market transformations. The study's objectives encompass the analysis of critical lovemarks drivers effecting luxury purchases and the exploration of the interplay between love and respect in the emotional attachment between consumers and brands. Employing a positivist epistemological approach, this research utilizes a deductive methodology within a cross-sectional framework, underpinned by quantitative data analysis from 440 luxury brand consumers. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire, informed by non-probability judgmental sampling based on socio-economic and lifestyle criteria, elucidates consumer perspectives. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) identifies intimacy, sensuality, and mystery as pivotal in nurturing brand love, while trust, performance, and reputation predominantly foster brand respect. Notably, intimacy emerges as the most influential factor in developing brand love, underscoring the value of personal brand-consumer connections. From an academic standpoint, this study contributes to the scholarly dialogue on luxury consumer behavior, with a special focus on the Egyptian milieu. In practical terms, it provides luxury brands with strategic insights for intensifying marketing approaches through emotional engagement and narrative construction. These insights are crucial for stakeholders in luxury brands, offering a strategic framework to enhance investment decision-making and bolster consumer loyalty in a culturally varied market

Les formes graves de la grippe A(H1N1) 2009 chez la femme enceinte: expérience du centre hospitalier universitaire de Fès, Maroc et revue de la littérature

Introduction: Le but de cette étude est de décrire les caractéristiques épidémiologiques, cliniques, paracliniques ainsi que l’évolution des femmes enceintes ou en post partum atteintes de formes graves de Grippe A(H1N1) 2009. Méthodes: C’est une étude prospective observationnelle monocentrique, menée au sein de notre service de réanimation mère et enfant au centre hospitalier universitaire Hassan II à Fès, sur une période de 3 mois, allant de novembre 2009 à janvier 2010. Résultats: L’âge moyen était de 28 ans, dans 85% des cas la grossesse se situaient au troisième trimestre, le syndrome grippal était constant, la SpO2 initiale était en moyenne de 86%. A la radiographie thoracique, un syndrome alvéolaire bilatéral était toujours présent. L’infection virale était confirmée dans tous les cas par la polymerase chain reaction. Chez 3 patientes la PaO2/FiO2 était inférieure à 300. L’Oseltamivir était l’antiviral utilisé chez toutes les parturientes. Un syndrome de détresse respiratoire aigu a été développé chez 28% des parturientes, elles ont été ventilées artificiellement avec des niveaux de pressions expiratoires positives à 14 +/- 1 cmH2O. L’évolution était favorable dans 71% des cas, cependant, 2 décès ont été déplorés. Conclusion: Les résultats rejoignent les données de la littérature, à savoir, un risque accru pour la femme enceinte de développer une forme grave, une présentation clinique similaire au reste de la population, l’intérêt de la vaccination et d’un traitement antiviral précoce et le rôle de l’ECMO dans le traitement des hypoxémies réfractaires