A Fuzzy Logic and Genetic Algorithm based Supplier Performance Evaluation Methodology for an Effective Supply Chain

In this paper, an attempt has been made to evaluate the supplier performance by adopting evolutionary fuzzy system owing to the linguistic nature of the attributes associated with the suppliers and manufacturing units. The proposed methodology provides reasonably good performance when applied to a process industry for evaluation of supplier’s performance

Biomechanical Modelling of Manual Material Handling Tasks: A Comprehensive Review

AbstractIn a developing country like India where industrial tasks are labour-intensive, involving Manual Material Handling (MMH) in many situations; workload measurement in terms of Newtonian anthropometry and physiological parameters is important to identify unduly heavy tasks, to evaluate traditional work methods, and to arrive at more efficient methods of work. In jobs which require prolonged manual labour like construction jobs, assessment of cardiovascular capacity may be used to determine a worker's level of fitness for work. To tackle the issues as mentioned, various approaches, such as biomechanical, physiological and physical evaluations may be used for proper quantification and minimization of risks of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) associated with different types of material handling tasks in order to reduce fatigue and physical stress. Among all evaluations, biomechanical evaluation deals with the study of the physical interaction of workers with their tools, machines, and materials so as to enhance the worker's performance while minimizing the risk of MSDs. In this context, studies of various biomechanical models (static and dynamic) are required to be studied. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the concepts of static and dynamic models as applicable for MMH task is presented. Starting with various types of static and dynamic models, the issues on occupational risk assessment related to various manual handling tasks are discussed progressively. The distinctiveness of the models are highlighted. Finally, based on the critical appraisal of the existing approaches, future research directions on various models of biomechanical evaluation are delineated

Ergonomic Analysis of Construction Jobs in India: A Biomechanical Modelling Approach

AbstractThis paper discusses the details of a study undertaken for biomechanical evaluation of a number of Manual Material Handling (MMH) tasks being carried out at a construction site in India. A comprehensive methodology involving a two dimensional dynamic biomechanical evaluation approach is developed for such construction MMH tasks involving carrying and lifting of materials like normal and Reinforcement Concrete Cement (RCC) bricks and heavy jack pipes with prevailing occupational risk factors. Data were collected through direct observations with videography at the construction site. The methodology consists of static and dynamic biomechanical modelling, assessment of different risk factors and identification of preventive and remedial measures to minimize or eliminate their effects. A motion analysis system called Ariel Performance Analysis System (APAS) was used for the workcycles of each task to determine linear and angular acceleration for body joints and segments considered along all the three coordinates using a large number frames for each workcycle. The biomechanical evaluation shows that the compressive forces at L5/S1 disc are beyond the threshold value of 3.4 KN for the construction workers carrying out such tasks. Results also indicate that there is a need for ergonomic performance improvement for such MMH tasks by the identified preventive and corrective measure

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Blood Transfusion Service: A case study from Kolkata, India

Background: The emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed a significant threat to public health all over the world and it has been a difficult challenge for blood banks in India to cope with the situation. In this study, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the blood transfusion service of India has been assessed.  Method: The present study is conducted in a stand-alone community blood bank situated in the city of Kolkata, India. A comparative evaluation of supply, demand, and utilization of blood components by analysing pre-pandemic and post-pandemic data from 2017 to 2020 has been presented. Result: As no blood donation camp could be organized due to the country-wide lockdown along with restrictions in mobility and large gatherings during the initial period after the outbreak of the pandemic, a significant reduction of 80.35% in blood collection was observed. The demand for the Packed Red Blood Cell was decreased by 75% due to the postponement of elective surgeries and non-urgent clinical interventions. Blood utilization patterns also changed as 40% of the Packed Red Blood Cell was issued to thalassemia patients during this period.  Conclusion: Based on the evaluation of blood bank performance under pre-pandemic and post-pandemic conditions, recommendations such as spreading public awareness, maintaining sufficient safety stock, proper training of blood banking staff, communicating with nearby hospitals, donors, and medical professionals have been identified to be helpful to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme situations such as a pandemic

Specific binding of L-triiodothyronine modulates Na<SUP>+</SUP>-K<SUP>+</SUP>- ATPase activity in adult rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes

Interactions of L-triiodothyronine (T3) in adult rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes were studied in vitro. Scatchard plot analysis revealed two sets of T3 binding sites. The degree of saturation of T3 binding sites (putative receptor) correlated well with the dose-dependent inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase activity in synaptosomes. The relative binding affinities and relative inhibition of enzyme activities for different TH analogues were L-T3&#62;T3-amine&#62;TRIAC=L-T4&#62;r-T3&#62;T2 and L-T3&#62;T3-amine&#62;TRIAC&#62;L-T4&#62;r-T3&#62;T2, respectively. The present study demonstrates the nature of inhibition of synaptosomal Na+-K+-ATPase activity may be as a function of T3 occupancy of synaptosomal receptor sites in adult mammalian brain