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Relationship between leadership support and operational excellence in health care sector: A study of Indian health care managers; [Relaci entre respaldo al liderazgo y excelencia operativa en el sector sanitario: estudio de los gestores de un centro sanitario en India]
Background and objective: Leadership communicates purpose and innovative ways to thrive for performance. Leadership support influences and impacts operational excellence in the health sector as a patient-centered operation, with effective management, excellence framework, challenges and constraints, teamwork and value stream mapping. It is hypothesized that: (1) perceived leadership support will positively correlate with perceived operational excellence (Patient-centered Operations, Effective Resource Management, Excellence framework, Eliminating Challenges or Constraints, Team Work, Value Stream Mapping) and (2) the correlation would be highest with Patient-centered Operations. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between leadership support and operational excellence in the health care sector among a selected group of healthcare managers. Materials and method: A correlation study between leadership support and operational excellence was designed for a group of health care managers (n = 80) from eight hospitals in Kerala, South India. The selection of executives was from NABH accredited hospitals from districts with a minimum of four NABH accredited hospital. A survey was sent to a selected study sample. The respondents were cooperative and provided responses on perceived leadership support for operational excellence. Results: Factors of leadership support correlated to operational excellence. Conclusion: In the health care sector, leadership support for patient-centered operations helps achieve operational excellence. 2020 -
Mid-infrared variability of ?-ray emitting blazars
Using data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, we studied the mid-infrared (mid-IR) 3.4 ?m (W1-band) and 4.6 ?m (W2-band) flux variability of ? -ray emitting blazars. Our sample consists of 460 flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) and 575 BL Lacertae (BL Lac) objects. On intraday time-scales, the median amplitude of variability (? m) for FSRQs is 0.04+0.03?0.02 and 0.05+0.03?0.02 mag in W1 and W2 bands. For BL Lacs, we found median ? m in W1(W2) bands of 0.04+0.01?0.02 (0.04+0.02?0.02) mag. On long time-scales, for FSRQs we found a median ? m of 0.44+0.28?0.27 and 0.45+0.27?0.27 mag in W1 and W2 bands, while for BL Lacs, the median values are 0.21+0.18?0.12 and 0.22+0.18?.011 mag in W1 and W2 bands. From statistical tests, we found FSRQs to show larger ? m than BL Lacs on both intraday and long time-scales. Among blazars, low synchrotron peaked sources showed larger ? m compared to intermediate synchrotron peaked and high synchrotron peaked sources. The larger ? m seen in FSRQs relative to BL Lacs on both intraday and long time-scales could be due to them having the most powerful relativistic jets and/or their mid-IR band coinciding with the peak of the electron energy distribution. BL Lacs have low power jets and the observational window too traces the emission from low-energy electrons, thereby leading to low ? m. In both FSRQs and BL Lacs predominantly a bluer when brighter behaviour was observed. No correlation is found between ? m and black hole mass. 2020 The Author(s) Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society -
Development challenges for agriculture in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is heralded as one of the economically advanced states, but this illusion crashed under the attack of COVID-19 virus and economic deterioration is expected to follow. It is argued here that the state policy dished out a raw deal to the agricultural sector and set the sector under severe stress. The path of this retrogression, reasons behind the trends and the possible policy platform for the last six decades are traced. Stagnation has gripped the agricultural sector, and it is losing cultivable land to other uses. This is accompanied by a sharp increase in small and marginal holdings. Surprisingly, the state has no agricultural policy document in place and the sector largely depends on only sporadic firefighting approaches with a policy paralysis. 2020 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
Synthetic Biology Tools for Genome and Transcriptome Engineering of Solventogenic Clostridium
Strains of Clostridium genus are used for production of various value-added products including fuels and chemicals. Development of any commercially viable production process requires a combination of both strain and fermentation process development strategies. The strain development in Clostridium sp. could be achieved by random mutagenesis, and targeted gene alteration methods. However, strain improvement in Clostridium sp. by targeted gene alteration method was challenging due to the lack of efficient tools for genome and transcriptome engineering in this organism. Recently, various synthetic biology tools have been developed to facilitate the strain engineering of solventogenic Clostridium. In this review, we consolidated the recent advancements in toolbox development for genome and transcriptome engineering in solventogenic Clostridium. Here we reviewed the genome-engineering tools employing mobile group II intron, pyrE alleles exchange, and CRISPR/Cas9 with their application for strain development of Clostridium sp. Next, transcriptome engineering tools such as untranslated region (UTR) engineering and synthetic sRNA techniques were also discussed in context of Clostridium strain engineering. Application of any of these discussed techniques will facilitate the metabolic engineering of clostridia for development of improved strains with respect to requisite functional attributes. This might lead to the development of an economically viable butanol production process with improved titer, yield and productivity. Copyright 2020 Kwon, Paari, Malaviya and Jang. -
Toward sustainable and eco-friendly production of coffee: abatement of wastewater and evaluation of its potential valorization
Abstract: Coffee is one of the most significant beverages consumed worldwide, dating to times immemorial. It plays a pivotal role in several economies owing to its second position in the list of trading commodity, after petroleum. The growing demand for coffee has resulted in a great amount of coffee production and processing and subsequent release of large volumes of wastewater. This wastewater is characterized to have very high chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand with potential to cause environmental pollution thus requiring smart strategies to effectively reduce their load of the wastewater before releasing them into the habitable ambiance. The existing research on coffee wastewater treatment should be critically analyzed for their sustainability and economic viability for them to be commercially used in developing countries for effluent mitigation. This literature review aims to suggest an effective way to treat the wastewater by combining various methods, coupling it with value addition like energy generation. The goal of this review is to provide a direction for future research to integrated treatment with valorization along with a focus on emerging technologies. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Review-electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols using chemically modified electrodes: A review
Electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols utilizing chemically modified electrodes is considered as a green and facile method. This method is also considered as a feasible solution for a clean and efficient energy production, is more economic and produces less toxic and minimal waste. Electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols is of great interest as many of its products find applications in chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. The major classifications of chemical modification to the electrodes for electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols discussed in this review include conducting polymers, noble metal nanoparticles, metal oxides, or metal-oxides as nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide-based modifications. Despite its wide range of applications and environmentally benign nature, electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols using chemically modified electrodes is underutilized, less appreciated, and still in its infancy stages. This review aims to provide the readers with an overview in the field of electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols by incorporating two significant applications-Electroorganic conversion of alcohols to aldehydes and their applications in alcohol-based fuel cells. Further, this also presents an outlook for gaining deeper insights for making this methodology more economic, and applicable in various synthetic organic chemistry fields. 2020 The Electrochemical Society (ECS). Published on behalf of ECS by IOP Publishing Limited -
Handloom weavers and lockdown in Sualkuchi Cluster of Assam
After demonetisation in 2016, followed by imposition of the goods and services tax in the subsequent year, the COVID-19 lockdown has turned out to be a final nail in the coffin for the handloom sector in Assam. It has special importance in the informal economy of Assam since it is next to agriculture in creating employment opportunities. An examination of the Sualkuchi weaving cluster in Assam shows the many challenges the weavers, most of them women, face. 2020 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
Standards of human rights to palliative care: gaps and trends
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate key milestones in development of standards of human rights to health care in particular context of addressing palliative care, relevant efforts of advocacy in past decade and future area of growth. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, analysis of human rights and its standards in context of palliative care has been provided through the lens of freedom from ill treatment and torture, right to health care and older persons and childrens rights. Findings: Findings of this study highlighted significant developments in this area which include following: first treaty of human rights which explained right to palliative care; first resolution on palliative care by World Health Assembly; special rapporteurs report focussed on denial of pain; and addressing issue of controlled medicine availability in special session of UN General Assembly. Originality/value: Human rights standards and their development in context of palliative care have been most significant in relation to freedom from ill treatment and torture, right to health care and older persons rights. Further work is required in context of childrens rights and treaty bodies of human rights need to consistently address state obligations towards palliative care. 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
COVID-19 and the world with co-morbidities of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes
Newly emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has now spread across the globe in past few months while affecting 26 million people and leading to more than 0.85 million deaths as on 2nd September, 2020. Severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection increases in COVID-19 patients due to pre-existing health co-morbidities. This mini-review has focused on the three significant co-morbidities viz., heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, which are posing high health concerns and increased mortality during this ongoing pandemic. The observed co-morbidities have been found to be associated with the increasing risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 critical illness as well as to be associated positively with the worsening of the health condition of COVID-19 suffering individuals resulting in the high risk for mortality. SARS-CoV-2 enters host cell via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors. Regulation of crucial cardiovascular functions and metabolisms like blood pressure and sugar levels are being carried out by ACE2. This might be one of the reasons that contribute to the higher mortality in COVID-19 patients having co-morbidities. Clinical investigations have identified higher levels of creatinine, cardiac troponin I, alanine aminotransferase, NT-proBNP, creatine kinase, D-dimer, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase in patients who have succumbed to death from COVID-19 as compared to recovered individuals. More investigations are required to identify the modes behind increased mortality in COVID-19 patients having co-morbidities of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. This will enable us to design and develop suitable therapeutic strategies for reducing the mortality. More attention and critical care need to be paid to such high risk patients suffering from co-morbidities during COVID-19 pandemic. 2020 Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology. All rights reserved. -
Diazanorbornene: A Valuable Synthon towards Carbocycles and Heterocycles
Desymmetrization of meso compounds is well recognized as a powerful method for delivering biologically relevant molecular skeletons in a few synthetic steps. Heterobicyclic olefins are a class of meso compounds which exhibit exceptional reactivity due to their high ring strain originating from the unfavorable bond angles and eclipsing interactions. Extensive research was carried out towards the synthetic transformations of oxa-, aza-, and diazanorbornenes/norbornadienes for the synthesis of a wide variety of carbocycles and heterocycles in a single step, most importantly in a stereo- and chemo-selective manner. This review summarizes the relevant aspects of diazanorbornene reactivity which will inspire the synthetic community for exploiting these highly strained bicyclic systems for the creation of extensive libraries of novel structurally and biologically interesting molecules. The review is divided into several sections based on the type of reactions that diazanorbornenes are subjected to. 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH -
Deciphering the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on food security, agriculture, and livelihoods: A review of the evidence from developing countries
With COVID-19 now spreading in developing countries, massive consequences on health and livelihoods are feared. Food security is the most important and crucial aspect of sustainable development. The agricultural sector forms the backbone of the economy and provides livelihood to a large section in developing countries. Therefore, the disruption in food security and the agricultural sector will have far-reaching impacts on these countries. Owing to the importance of these sectors, this paper performs a comprehensive assessment of the effect of COVID-19 on food security and agriculture. The research suggests coping and mitigation mechanisms that can be adopted to sustain livelihoods. 2020 The Author(s) -
Application of phase change material in asphalt mixture A review
The use of latent heat storage capacity from phase change material (PCM) to regulate asphalt pavement temperature is an innovative way to mitigate temperature-related pavement distresses, such as thermal cracking and rutting. In this review, a detailed discussion on the classification and incorporation methods of PCM in asphalt mixture is presented. Further, the physical and chemical performances of PCM modified asphalts were reviewed, followed by their thermal and mechanical properties. It was observed that temperature related performance of asphalt mixtures can be well controlled in the phase change temperature range. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and n-Tetradecane have been generally used to regulate the high and low temperatures of asphalt pavement, respectively. Mixed results were obtained on rheological properties of binders with PCMs as well as on road performance properties of asphalt mixtures with PCMs. It is important to note that PCMs with high latent heat and thermal conductivity are preferred for effective thermal regulation. 2020 Elsevier Ltd -
Coal-Based Fluorescent Zero-Dimensional Carbon Nanomaterials: A Short Review
Carbon nanomaterials (CNs) have fascinated material scientist owing to their outstanding properties, making them potential materials for numerous critical applications. Over the years, scientists have reported several techniques for the production of CNs from distinctive precursors using various top-down and bottom-up approaches. Coal is being proven as an inexpensive, abundant, and effective carbon source for harvesting CNs with unique characteristics, properties, and high production yield. CNs derived from coal exhibit excellent fluorescence property, which can be tuned by varying the degree of oxidation, particle size, surface functionalization, etc. The fluorescent coal-derived CNs are effective materials for label-free bioimaging and selective sensing applications. In this review, we encompass the synthesis of different kinds of CNs from coal, their fluorescence properties, proposed fluorescence mechanisms, factors affecting fluorescence property, and fluorescence sensing and bioimaging applications. 2020 American Chemical Society. All rights reserved. -
Do geopolitical tensions instigate mindless following in stock markets? An empirical enquiry into the indices of CNX Nifty HFT
Geopolitical tensions between nations play a crucial role in triggering volatility and affecting the investors behavior in stock markets. This empirical work attempts to detect the traces of herding and bubble embedded in the Indian stock indices of CNX Nifty 50 and CNX Nifty 100 (both in High-Frequency Trading domains) during the latest events of geopolitical tensions escalated between India-China and India-Pakistan. An event window approach is employed to capture the impact of these events on herding behavior and information uncertainty in the considered stock indices. Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA) is applied to compute the Hurst value in all the trading days of the event window. The results of both indices exhibit conclusive evidence of herding and bubble formation during the overall period of geopolitical tensions between India-China and India-Pakistan. However, the degree of herding in the stock indices intensifies to a profound pattern when the tensions between India and China escalated into deadly violent clashes, and also during the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan that eventually ended up in airstrikes across the boundaries. The overall level of information uncertainty depicted by entropy is within control. The volatility in these stock indices has been confirmed to follow a unidirectional pattern. Krishna T. A., Suresha B., 2021 -
Risk management of technological accidents triggered by natural-hazards (Natech): A review of relevant indian legislation
The ill-effects of technological sites on the environment have been researched substantially across the world with particular reference to pollution. However, the threats posed by the environment to technological sites have rarely been studied. Such events, where natural forces trigger technological accidents, are called Natech accidents. It has been observed that developed countries are aware of this emerging hazard and they have responded to it by creating various legislative frameworks for managing Natech risk. In contrast, in developing countries, it has not yet received due attention. The present study has been done to understand the Indian perspective of the legal framework for Natech risk reduction. The study revealed that India has an elaborate legislative framework for disaster risk identification and management. Though there is attention to routine disaster risk, the risk from natural forces to the technological sites is rarely considered. Apart from recognizing natural forces as a threat, no specific legislation is available for Natech risk reduction. A developing country like India must manage the risk posed by natural forces to its technological infrastructure. There is a need for specific legislation to manage Natech risk, which will be an initiating force for the state of the art Natech risk management. 2021, World Research Association. All rights reserved. -
Reproductive health vs overall well-being: systematic review of studies on women migration and health care utilization
Purpose: Sustainable development goals (SDGs) recognize the importance and interrelation between health and migration. Women migration and health is well researched, yet less attention is paid to their healthcare utilization, especially with regard to overall health and well-being. This paper aims to highlight the gap in the existing literature on health care utilization by women migrants. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guideline. For the review, the literature was taken from three electronic databases, which were Springer Link, Taylor and Francis and PubMed. From a total of 1,575 studies, seven studies cleared the eligibility screening. Findings: Of seven studies, five were found to focus on the sexual and reproductive health of the women migrants than their general health and well-being, and less attention is paid to health promotion and illness prevention beyond reproductive and sexual health. While, studies on general health have focused on the influence of health status on health care utilization and the influence of health insurance in health care utilization. The review has revealed the disparities faced by migrant women in different countries while seeking health care. Originality/value: Studies on women migration and health care utilization have largely focused on the reproductive and sexual health needs of women, and this overemphasis often undermines their accessibility and affordability to overall health and well-being. Therefore, the present study has moved away from the concept of sexual and reproductive health tot that of overall health and well-being of women migrants. 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Relationship patterns among women survivors of Abuse in India
Dating is hushed within the Indian society and this silences the trauma Indian women face in their pre-marital romantic relationships. This study delves into the nature and cyclic patterns that influence an abusive dating relationship. Are abusive behaviours passed down generations and learned in early childhood? What is characterised as an abusive relationship? This article discusses the experience of 11 Indian women in the age range of 20- 25 years who were subjected to abuse within their dating relationship. Thematic analysis was used to arrive at the organizing themes including factors related to perpetrators and victims, characteristics of abuse, families of victims and other psycho-social factors. 2021 Tata Institute of Social Sciences. All rights reserved. -
Application of Epoxy-Asphalt Composite in Asphalt Paving Industry: A Review with Emphasis on Physicochemical Properties and Pavement Performances
One of the failure mechanisms associated with asphalt paving layers, especially on steel deck bridges, is large permanent deformation, which adversely affects its long-term performance in service. Thus, epoxy resin was introduced in asphalt paving industry to tackle permanent deformation of asphalt mixtures due to its thermosetting nature. In this review, epoxy resin as a dominant component of the epoxy-asphalt composite system was first considered, followed by a discussion on its curing methods and curing mechanism. Furthermore, the physicochemical property and mechanical performance of epoxy asphalt and epoxy asphalt mixture were thoroughly examined. Crosslink density of epoxy asphalt dictates its viscosity and thus the allowable construction time. Phase separation and dispersion of asphalt particles in the epoxy matrix was observed for epoxy-asphalt composite, and it showed superior elastic behavior and deformation resistance capability when compared with conventional asphalt materials. Furthermore, epoxy asphalt mixture exhibited significantly higher compressive strength, much better rutting resistance, and superior durability and water resistance properties. However, its low-temperature cracking resistance was slightly compromised. 2021 Yu Chen et al. -
Critical review on arsenic: Its occurrence, contamination and remediation from water and soil
With the increasing pollution in todays world, importance is being given to solve a problem and do it in a sustainable, eco-friendly manner. Arsenic is a class-1 carcinogen and also causes many other side effects to humans, plants and animals. The utilization of arsenic as wood preservatives, pesticides, or its historical overuse by some military units for rice killing operations has led to the increase in the toxic effects of arsenic like its carcinogenicity, decreased immune response etc. Although conventional methods like coagulation, lime softening, adsorption, membrane technology are effective, they have their disadvantages like additional waste generation, causing increased pollution and are expensive. The better alternative is phytoremediation. Appropriate plants like Brassica juncea, Hydrilla verticilata, Pteris vittata L., Vallisneria natans, can be chosen based on the method of the remediation like phytoextraction, phytostabilization and phytofiltration or phytovoltalization. This review provides the list of a few plants which can be likely chosen for the purpose of both water and soil remediation. Advancements are occurring in bioremediation studies with the development of transgenic plants like transgenic tobacco, transgenic Arabidopsis thali-ana for better phytoremediation. Understanding the mechanism employed by the plant for its uptake/detoxification can aid in the enhancement of the process of remediation with the external supply of phosphorus. Along with this, the proper and safe disposal of plants is crucial for the remediation process. In addition, awareness of this solution to the general public is to be made for its effectiveness. : Author (s). Publishing rights @ ANSF. -
The organizational pedestal of quality of care climate in health care excellence; [Grundpfeiler einer qualitsorientierten Versorgungskultur: Gesundheitsversorgung in Indien]
Background: Health care in private healthcare organizations is a balancing act between business excellence and quality outcomes in practice. This complex activity establishes the existence of quality of care climate so as the pedestal of quality of care decisions bring health care excellence. In healthcare, Quality of care is not linear but multi-dimensional, with myriad challenges. Purpose: The aim of the study was to establish the organizational pedestal for quality of care and predominant quality of care dimension. Method: This study was approved by the IRB of our Institution. This study empirically tested the quality of care climate types in NABH accredited and non-accredited hospitals using quantitative method with a sample of 410 healthcare managers from accredited and non-accredited hospitals in South India. Results: The results indicate that among the dimensions of quality of care climate, competitive advantage was perceived the lowest with a mean rating of 73.14 among the rest. Value-Stream was perceived as the highest quality of care climate with a mean of 83.12. The results indicate that patient centered value-stream is the predominant dimension of quality of care climate as perceived by the managers and value stream is the predominated determinant of patient centered decisions. Conclusions: The results designate a promising support for patient centered quality of care approach for health care excellence with a balance on value stream mapping. 2021