Efficiency evaluation of urban and rural municipal water service authorities in South Africa: A data envelopment analysis approach

In recent years the local governments in South Africa have faced numerous public protests with regard to service delivery and particularly the provision of basic services such as water and sanitation. In response, South Africa has introduced benchmarking systems (Blue Drop, Green Drop) to improve the quality of potable water and sanitation services. These systems have seen some success; however, the efficiency with which these water services are provided is yet to be assessed. This study uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate the efficiency with which several South African water service authorities (WSAs), including both metropolitan and local municipalities, provide water services to the public in both urban and rural areas.Keywords: efficiency, data envelopment analysis, water service provisio

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the National Benchmarking Initiative (NBI) in improving the productivity of water services authorities in South Africa

Water shortages, public demonstrations and lack of service delivery have plagued many South African water services authorities (WSAs) for a number of years. From 2004–2007 the National Benchmarking Initiative (NBI) was implemented to improve the performance, efficiency and sustainability of WSAs. The current study demonstrates the use of data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the Malmquist productivity index (MPI) for the assessment of the effectiveness of the NBI in achieving these goals. Furthermore, the MPI is used to assess the impact that the termination of the NBI had on the efficiency of the WSAs in the years that followed. In conclusion, the MPI is identified as a valuable tool for regulators and policy makers that wish to assess the performance of their benchmarking initiatives.Keywords: water service provision, productivity, benchmarking, Malmquist index, DE

WIDE-ANGLE LIQUID CRYSTAL POLARIZATION SWITCH

A polarization switch includes a pair of liquid crystal cells operating in counter-phase such that the thickness-direction retardation of the polarization switch is substantially independent on the switching state, and thus may be passively compensated by a fixed retarder. A passive compensation structure is provided to convert the input polarization state to the first polarization state together with the first LC cell in the undriven state, and to convert the input polarization state to the second polarization state together with the second LC cell in the undriven state

The investigation of clotting abnormalities in cytoreductive surgery patients through thromboelastography

Introduction Bleeding is a common occurrence in surgery. Point of care testing with viscoelastic assays such as TEG and ROTEM has become more common place. TEG and ROTEM have the potential to guide management of coagulopathy. Many health care professionals still rely upon standard laboratory tests to manage a bleeding patient. We aimed to investigate the literature surrounding management of the surgically bleeding patient via viscoelastic assays. Methods Literature review of Embase, Medline, Pubmed and the Cochrane library using “TEG, ROTEM, surgery” search terms. Results Via the literature search and reference lists reviewed by both authors, a total of 62 articles have been evaluated, 35 of these have been included in this review. Discussion Viscoelastic assays are used most commonly during orthotopic liver transplantation, trauma, post-partum haemorrhage and cardiac surgery. Although the evidence is not overwhelming, we have identified recurrent themes where viscoelastic assays seem to be beneficial. Viscoelastic assay use, especially when incorporated into an algorithm, appears to reduce blood product administration which in turn reduces costs and potential adverse events. They are quicker than standard laboratory tests and they can detect hyperfibrinolysis, the hallmark of coagulopathy, via in vivo clot analyses which standard laboratory tests are unable to do. Ultimately more randomised controlled trials are required

Chronological records of climate-related events and societal consequences [abstract]

EXTRACT (SEE PDF FOR FULL ABSTRACT): A chronology of documented regional and global warm and cold event records is collated along with documented ecosystem response records and health threat/sequellae records for the historical period. Patterns of societal response to cold periods punctuated by warm periods have been associated with considerable human health impacts, stimulated by blooms in disease vectors such as rodents and insects