Structure formation in sugar containing pectin gels – Influence of Ca2+ on the gelation of low-methoxylated pectin at acidic pH

A new method for the examination of the pectin gelation process is presented as a complementation of the most common determination of the gelling point (cross-over of G′ and G″) from oscillation measurements. It is based on the first derivation dG′/dt from oscillation measurements (named as structuring velocity), and defines an initial as well as a critical structuring temperature. These allow an exact determination of the start of structure formation and description of the structuring process also in gels with pre-gelation that showed no clear GP. Moreover, phases and mechanisms of gelation can be identified and structure developing rates can be calculated. The application of this method on the gelation of low-methoxylated pectin at pH 3 and 30% saccharose with different contents of Ca2+ was tested. The results show differences as well as similarities between the GP and the newly defined structuring parameters that could be partly explained by varying structuring mechanisms at different Ca-content. The initial structuring process started probably with ionic interactions (egg-box junction zones and random crosslinks) via Ca-bridges as well as hydrophobic interactions at temperatures ≥ 60 °C, it was nearly completed around 40 °C. Hydrophilic interactions (below 50 °C) and inter-dimer aggregations (below 25 °C) perhaps dominated the gelation during further cooling. In dependence on the Ca-content, two to three phases could be identified during the structuring process. The properties of the gels after cooling were tested by oscillation measurements as well as the USA-sag method. With increasing calcium content the elastic behaviour of the gels increased but they became also more and more brittle

Tanzania: Logistic System Capacity and Site Readiness to expand PMTCT and Initiate ART

In September 2003, JSI/DELIVER conducted an assessment of the logistics system capacity and individual site readiness to provide PMTCT services and to initiate ART at selected public sector health facilities in Tanzania. The purpose of the assessment was to support government expansion of PMTCT from five pilot sites to 28 health facilities in five regions by addressing the logistics system constraints to ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted supply of the broad range of commodities required for PMTCT and ART, and by conducting an evaluation of the overall readiness of each site to provide these services. Several private providers, nongovernmental and faith-based organizations, and employer-based programs were included in the assessment to learn about PMTCT and ART in these sectors and to identify opportunities for public/private sector collaboration in expanding service delivery and ensuring effective commodity distribution. In addition, interviews with pharmaceutical company representatives and visits to retail pharmacies provided an overview of current commercial sector distribution of ARV drugs in Tanzania. The main findings showed an urgent need to build logistics management capacity within the central level MOH to—Coordinate multiple sources of rapidly increasing funding for commodity procurement. Strengthen commodity-forecasting capacity. Align procurement cycles and supplier lead times with the in-country supply pipeline and demand for services. At the facility level, assessment findings showed that individual site readiness is heavily constrained by the availability and quality of human resources; laboratory infrastructure and capacity; and lack of an established inventory control system and standardized pharmacy management procedures

Preparing the foundations for video-based, practice-placement support: establishing the role from a students’ perspective

Currently, many placement-based health programme students within the UK are supported through face-to-face visits from university staff. Whilst cited in literature as being of value, the face-to-face nature of this contact is not supported. Alternatives including video-based communications methods offer the potential for cost effective, environmentally responsible support. However, in order to establish the fitness for purpose of alternative approaches, the content and purpose of current support needs to be understood. This project aimed to investigate student perceptions of the ideal content and purpose of clinical support visits, and alternatives to the current face-to-face approach. Fifty-six Physiotherapy undergraduate students responded to questionnaires with a further nine participating in a follow-up focus group. Participants emphasised the value of the visit in guiding learning, ensuring progression and resolving arising issues, and highlighted concerns over alternative approaches. Focus group participants discussed the importance of personal and professional confidence in directing requirements for support, and went on to propose a menu of options for methods of communication.Whilst limited in some applications, video technologies may be one of the options. Overall, however, this project supports the need for consideration of individualised learning journeys within curriculum planning

Understanding Supply Chain Complexity with Performance Measurement

Abstract: Despite the great number of complex systems existing in the real world, complexity is currently a poorly explored topic. In organizational settings, managers regularly apply to complex contexts classical approaches developed for simple systems, just because they do not know how to take into account companies' internal and external complexity. Nevertheless, before developing new managerial models, a deep knowledge about drivers and effects of complexity is needed. After defining the characteristics making supply chains complex systems, this paper discusses performance measurement as a methodology to analyze the effects of complexity on supply chain behavior. The results of a survey highlight that manufacturing companies usually evaluate isolated aspects of their supply chains, without considering the relationships between different performance indicators or dimensions. This work suggests System Dynamics as a valuable approach to understand the cause and effect connections among metrics and system elements affecting their values, thus clarifying the structure leading to a complex behavior. This research is the first step of a larger project aimed at providing companies with innovative tools to understand and manage supply chain complexit

Learning from error: leading a culture of safety

A recent shift towards more collective leadership in the NHS can help to achievea culture of safety, particularly through encouraging frontline staff to participateand take responsibility for improving safety through learning from error andnear misses. Leaders must ensure that they provide psychological safety,organizational fairness and learning systems for staff to feel confident in raisingconcerns, that they have the autonomy and skills to lead continual improvement,and that they have responsibility for spreading this learning within and acrossorganizations

Culture change in a professional sports team: Shaping environmental contexts and regulating power

Although high performing cultures are crucial for the enduring success of professional sport performance teams, theoretical and practical understanding of how they are established and sustained is lacking. To develop knowledge in this area, a case study was undertaken to examine the key mechanisms and processes of a successful culture change programme at English Rugby Union’s Leeds Carnegie. Exploring the change process from a 360 degree perspective, semi-structured interviews were conducted with team management, one specialist coach, six players, and the CEO. Analysed and explained through decentred theory, results revealed that culture change was effectively facilitated by team management: a) subtly and covertly shaping the physical, structural, and psychosocial context in which support staff and players made performance-impacting choices, and b) regulating the ‘to and fro’ of power which characterises professional sport performance teams. Decentred theory is also supported as an effective framework for culture change study