Development of a framework for cloud-based ERP implementation in developing countries.

This research aims to provide a framework to support organizations in cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning implementation successfully based on benefits realization (BR) approach. The framework has been developed through benefits realization management with adopting the maturity concept to realize most of the expected benefits. The methodology covers four stages, namely, understanding context and current practices, data collection and analysis, framework development and validation. The interview technique has been used to collect data from industries in different sectors based on the qualitative research approach and case study strategy. The research methodology was applied on organizations (customer) and cloud service providers in developing countries during different times of cloud-based ERP post-implementation. The framework integrated maturity and benefit realization (BR) model for better realization; The benefit realization model has four phases, identifying, planning, assessing, and establishing of the benefits. BR approach required a proactive procedure that is maturity which consists of three phases: identification, evaluation, and action. The assessment tools for both models are conducted by using multi-grade fuzzy logic, that will provide indices which shows the organization where they are (maturity index) and where they are going to be (BR index). The developed framework has been validated using assessment tools with industrial experts and the result has been examined by Spearman rank correlation coefficient that shows a perfect positive correlation. The main contribution of this research focused on integrating the benefits realization approach and maturity concept of cloud-based ERP system implementation in the developing countries. The maturity helps organizations to improve the weaknesses area by assessing five enablers: (leadership, strategy, people, technology, and governance) before starting the implementation, to pave the way for realizing the benefits. While the benefit realization model assess organization to realize the expected benefits (operational, managerial, strategic, technology, and organizational) and establish potential for further benefits lead to investment objectives at the end.PhD in Manufacturin

Diagnostic impact of emergency ultrasound for cholecystitis

Background: Previous studies reported different rates of accuracy considering the use of POCUS in diagnosis of cholecystitis indicating that POCUS is not enough when deciding the management. The aim of this study is to compare POCUS findings in the diagnosing of the acute cholecystitis performed by both emergency medicine residents and radiologists. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted in the ED of KAMC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The population consisted of patients presented to the ER with RUQ (right upper quadrant pain) and had an abdominal ultrasound performed in the past 6 year. The study used BEST Care system to access the data of patients who underwent ultrasonography, since January 2016 using a data collection sheet. Results: Our results included 1871 patients admitted in KAMC. Emergency physicians had success rate of 25% in correctly reporting the presence or absence of wall thickening, and 44.1% for pericholecystic fluid. In addition, scanning by emergency physicians has a success rate of 60% in detecting CBD dilatation, 12.7% for Murphy’s sign, and 46.3% for acute cholecystitis. Moreover, we found that the presence of thickened gallbladder wall in the ultrasonographic finding is a significant predictor for cholecystitis as it is increasing its incidence by 2.09 times (P=0.038). Conclusions: Ultrasonography conducted by emergency department could be useful in detecting characteristics of gallbladder however, in our study, it showed low accuracy in detecting gallstones and acute cholecystitis compared with surgical and pathological finding

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Various Strategies in Post-Polymerization Functionalization of Organic Polymer-Based Monoliths Used in Liquid Phase Separation Techniques

This review article is aimed at summarizing the various strategies that have been developed so far for post-polymerization functionalization (PPF) of organic polymer-based monoliths used in liquid phase separation techniques, namely HPLC at all scales and capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The reader will find the organic reactions performed on monolithic columns for grafting the chromatographic ligands needed for solving the separation problems on hand. This process involves therefore the fabrication of template monoliths that carry reactive functional groups to which chromatographic ligands can be covalently attached in a post-polymerization kind of approach. That is, the template monolith that has been optimized in terms of pore structure and other morphology can be readily modified and tailor made on column to fit a particular separation. The review article will not only cover the various strategies developed so far but also describe their separation applications. To the best of our knowledge, this review article will be the first of its kind

Ultrathin optically transparent carbon electrodes produced from layers of adsorbed proteins

This work describes a simple, versatile, and inexpensive procedure to prepare optically transparent carbon electrodes, using proteins as precursors. Upon adsorption, the protein-coated substrates were pyrolyzed under reductive conditions (5% H2) to form ultrathin, conductive electrodes. Because proteins spontaneously adsorb to interfaces forming uniform layers, the proposed method does not require a precise control of the preparation conditions, specialized instrumentation, or expensive precursors. The resulting electrodes were characterized by a combination of electrochemical, optical, and spectroscopic means. As a proof-of-concept, the optically transparent electrodes were also used as substrate for the development of an electrochemical glucose biosensor. The proposed films represent a convenient alternative to more sophisticated, and less available, carbon-based nanomaterials. Furthermore, these films could be formed on a variety of substrates, without classical limitations of size or shape.Fil: Alharthi, Sarah A.. University Of Texas At San Antonio; Estados UnidosFil: Benavidez, Tomás Enrique. University Of Texas At San Antonio; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Garcia, Carlos D.. University Of Texas At San Antonio; Estados Unido

Efficient Removal of Pb(II) from Aqueous Medium Using Chemically Modified Silica Monolith

The adsorptive removal of lead (II) from aqueous medium was carried out by chemically modified silica monolith particles. Porous silica monolith particles were prepared by the sol-gel method and their surface modification was carried out using trimethoxy silyl propyl urea (TSPU) to prepare inorganic–organic hybrid adsorbent. The resultant adsorbent was evaluated for the removal of lead (Pb) from aqueous medium. The effect of pH, adsorbent dose, metal ion concentration and adsorption time was determined. It was found that the optimum conditions for adsorption of lead (Pb) were pH 5, adsorbent dose of 0.4 g/L, Pb(II) ions concentration of 500 mg/L and adsorption time of 1 h. The adsorbent chemically modified SM was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET/BJH and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The percent adsorption of Pb(II) onto chemically modified silica monolith particles was 98%. An isotherm study showed that the adsorption data of Pb(II) onto chemically modified SM was fully fitted with the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. It was found from kinetic study that the adsorption of Pb(II) followed a pseudo second-order model. Moreover, thermodynamic study suggests that the adsorption of Pb(II) is spontaneous and exothermic. The adsorption capacity of chemically modified SM for Pb(II) ions was 792 mg/g which is quite high as compared to the traditional adsorbents. The adsorbent chemically modified SM was regenerated, used again three times for the adsorption of Pb(II) ions and it was found that the adsorption capacity of the regenerated adsorbent was only dropped by 7%. Due to high adsorption capacity chemically modified silica monolith particles could be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater

Illuminating the contributions of fintech, mineral resources, and foreign direct investment in alleviating environmental issues: An empirical analysis

The present study uncovers the complex relationship of financial technology (Fintech), mineral resources, and foreign direct investment with carbon mitigation by considering twenty economies in the Middle Eastern and North African region. Employing the CS-ARDL model, we meticulously account for time-invariant characteristics and distill the net impact of these key factors on carbon emissions. Our analysis spans the two-decade period from 2000 to 2020 and the robust empirical findings illuminate a promising way forward to mitigate environmental challenges for the region under consideration. Notably, according to the results, mineral resources emerge as a linchpin in promoting clean energy adoption across the selected economies and ultimately helping to control carbon emissions. Furthermore, fintech and FDI both are significant sources of increased funds availability for environmentally friendly projects and those emerging as catalysts for accelerating clean energy adoption and achieving carbon mitigation targets in the region. In short, our study underscores the pivotal role played by fintech, mineral resources, and FDI inflow in shaping the energy landscape for a clean environment. The study suggests that improvement in fintech promotes access to capital, promotes sustainable development, fosters knowledge and wise use of mineral resources, and ultimately helps to improve environment quality. In conclusion, this study offers valuable policy recommendations to empower policymakers in charting the sustainable use of mineral resources and advancing the fintech future for a healthy natural environment for the MENA region