Building the Capacity of Health Professionals in Monitoring and Evaluation in a Public Health Institution: Experience of the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) of Côte d’Ivoire

Background: In the context of the fight against HIV, a lack of skills in monitoring and evaluating the personnel in charge of activities has been identified at the national level. It was the subject of a priority axis of the national plan for monitoring and evaluating the fight against HIV (2006-2010) that was aimed at strengthening the capacities of actors in this area. To increase the critical mass of competent human resources in the short term, the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) of Côte d’Ivoire organized monitoring and evaluation training sessions for healthcare professionals from 2011 to 2016. Methods: A single case study with multiple levels of analysis was carried out, combining a qualitative survey and a literature review. An evaluation was carried out six months after each training session. In addition, the results of the pre- and post-tests and of the daily and final evaluations that accompanied the various training sessions were used to provide further information. The qualitative data collected were analyzed using INVIVO 15 software. Results: Some 89 health professionals (69% men and 31% women) working at the national level (51% at the central level, including 58% in health programs) and in development partner agencies (37%) participated in this capacity building program. Most participants were senior health managers (56%), data managers (23%), and statisticians and computer scientists (10%). Almost all the trainings were financed by 16 technical and financial partners (85%), mainly the MEASURE Evaluation project (27%). Conclusion: M&E training, despite all its imperfections, has made it possible to identify M&E training needs at the national level and to increase the critical mass of national skills and to have some culture in M&E.

Sport Participation and Community Capacity Building in Disadvantaged Urban Communities

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between sport and community by examining the role played by sports participation in community engagement and community capacity building in disadvantaged urban communities.From a conceptual standpoint,the study is based on the sociological theory of the community and Community Capacity Building(CCB)theory,which provide overviews of the concept of community and community capacity and its characteristics.Four disadvantaged urban communities were investigated.Two of these communities had sports programs,while the other two did not.The online questionnaire methodology was adopted to assess the socio-demographic characteristics and community engagement of the participants(knowledge of programs and participation in community activities),and subsequently,an analysis of the online social media narratives of the community members themselves was developed to measure the characteristics of their community capacity building.We found that community engagement and community capacity values were higher in the communities with sports programs.These findings are promising and suggest that approaches based on sports participation development could be fruitful,particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Capacity Building Needs for Manual and Computer Assisted Teaching of Pattern Drafting for Entrepreneurship in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

This study investigated the capacity building needs for manual and computer assisted teaching of pattern drafting for entrepreneurship in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.The study was conducted and guided by two research questions and two hypotheses.This study adopted an ex-post facto research design.The population for the study consisted of 131 Home Economics lecturers from the Universities,Polytechnic,and Colleges of Education in South East Nigeria.The entire population was studied because of its manageable size,hence there was no sampling.The results of this study showed that the Home Economics lecturers are competent in drafting patterns using manual method.Technical skills required for lecturers of Home Economics to advance from manual to computer-assisted teaching of pattern drafting were identified.They include ability to grade patterns,ability to use software packages,and ability to discuss procedures of pattern drafting among others.Based on the findings,it was recommended among others that computer assisted teaching of pattern drafting should be incorporated and applied by Home Economics lecturers to ensure that students acquire technical skills that will enable them to enter into entrepreneurship.

Performance-based methodology for assessing seismic vulnerability and capacity of buildings

This paper presents a performance-based methodology for the assessment of seismic vulnerability and capacity of buildings. The vulnerability assessment methodology is based on the HAZUS methodology and the improved capacity- demand-diagram method. The spectral displacement (Sd) of performance points on a capacity curve is used to estimate the damage level of a building. The relationship between Sd and peak ground acceleration (PGA) is established, and then a new vulnerability function is expressed in terms of PGA. Furthermore, the expected value of the seismic capacity index (SCev) is provided to estimate the seismic capacity of buildings based on the probability distribution of damage levels and the corresponding seismic capacity index. The results indicate that the proposed vulnerability methodology is able to assess seismic damage of a large number of building stock directly and quickly following an earthquake. The SCev provides an effective index to measure the seismic capacity of buildings and illustrate the relationship between the seismic capacity of buildings and seismic action. The estimated result is compared with damage surveys of the cities of Dujiangyan and Jiangyou in the M8.0 Wenchuan earthquake, revealing that the methodology is acceptable for seismic risk assessment and decision making. The primary reasons for discrepancies between the estimated results and the damage surveys are discussed.

ULTIMATE LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY OF CYLINDER DERIVED FROM AUTOFRETTAGE UNDER IDEAL CONDITION

According to the basic theory on autofrettage and according to the 4th strength theory, several parameters and their relations are studied under ideal condition, including σej/σy, the equivalent stress of total stresses at elastoplastic juncture; σei/σy, the equivalent stress of total stresses at inside surface; σej＇/σy, the equivalent stress of residual stresses at elastoplastic juncture; σei＇/σy, the equivalent stress of residual stresses at inside surface; and p/σy, load-bearing capacity of an autofrettaged cylinder. By theoretical study on relations between the parameters, noticeable results and laws are achieved： to satisfy ｜σei＇｜=σy. the relation between kj and k is, k^2lnkj^2-k^2-kj^2＋2=0, when k→∞, kj = √e = 1.648 72, as based on the 3rd strength theory, where k is the outside/inside radius ratio of a cylinder, kj is the ratio of elastoplastic juncture radius to inside radius of a cylinder; If the plastic region covers the whole wall of a cylinder, for compressive yield not to occur after removing autofrettage pressure, the ultimate k is k=-2.218 46 as based on the 3rd strength theory; With k=2.218 46, a cylinder＇s ultimate load-bearing capacity equals its entire yield pressure, or p/σy=21nk/√3; The maximum and optimum load-bearing capacity of an autofrettaged cylinder is just 2 times the loading which an unautofrettaged cylinder can bear elastically, or p/σy=2（k^2-1）/√3 k^2, and the limit of the load-bearing capacity of an autofrettaged cylinder is also just 2 times that of an unautofrettaged cylinder. The conclusions are the same as based on the 3rd strength theory, but some equations are different from each other.

Effect of Optimum Plastic Depth on Stresses and Load-bearing Capacity of Autofrettaged Cylinder

Autofrettage is an effective measure to even distribution of stresses and raise load-bearing capacity for （ultra-）high pressure apparatus. Currently, the research on autofrettage has focused mostly on specific engineering problems, while general theoretical study is rarely done. To discover the general law contained in autofrettage theory, by the aid of the authors’ previous work and according to the third strength theory, theoretical problems about autofrettage are studied including residual stresses and their equivalent stress, total stresses and their equivalent stress, etc. Because of the equation of optimum depth of plastic zone which is presented in the authors’ previous work, the equations for the residual stresses and their equivalent stress as well as the total stress and their equivalent stress are simplified greatly. Thus the law of distribution of the residual stresses and their equivalent stress as well as the total stress and their equivalent stress and the varying tendency of these stresses are discovered. The relation among various parameters are revealed. The safe and optimum load-bearing conditions for cylinders are obtained. According to the results obtained by theoretical analysis, it is shown that if the two parameters, namely ratio of outside to inside radius, k, and depth of plastic zone, kj, meet the equation of optimum depth of plastic zone, when the pressure contained in an autofrettaged cylinder is lower than two times the initial yield pressure of the unautofrettaged cylinder, the equivalent residual stress and the equivalent total stress at the inside surface as well as the elastic-plastic juncture of a cylinder are lower than yield strength. When an autofrettaged cylinder is subjected to just two times the initial yield pressure of the unautofrettaged cylinder, the equivalent total stress within the whole plastic zone is just identically equal to the yield strength, or it is a constant. The proposed research theoretically depicts the stress state of ultra-）high pressure autofrettaged cylinder more accurately and more reasonably and provides the reference for design of （ultra-）high pressure apparatus.

A model of community capacity building for sustainable dengue problem solution in Southern Thailand

Dengue community capacity (DCC) is important for developing a sustainable approach to over-coming the problem of dengue. The objectives were 1) to develop and 2) evaluate a dengue community capacity building model for the leader and non-leader group in three communities selected by purposive technique. A mixed method research design was used employing both qualitative and quantitative methods with qualitative studies conducted for community capacity building model: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. DCC level was assessed by the Dengue Community Capacity Assessment Tool (DCCAT) including larval indices, and morbidity and mortality rate. To analyze the differences of the leader and non-leader’s DCC levels both pre and post-interventions in each model, the Mann-Whitney and Independent T-test were used and to analyze the difference of the DCC level among the three models (Ban Mon, Ban Nangpraya and Ban Kang), the Kruskal-Wallis Test, ANOVA, and ANCOVA were used. The findings showed that there were some differences among the three models in dengue community capacity building in terms model. The participants consisted of leader (n = 26, 24 and 28) and non-leader groups (n = 200, 215 and 176 respectively). The DCC levels of both leader and non-leader groups increased post-intervention in each model (p < 0.001) and in all three models, showing a statistically significant difference between pre and post-intervention (p < 0.001). Ban Kang model demonstrated the highest DCC levels of leader and non-leader groups, the lowest larval indices (HI, BI, and CI), and no dengue morbidity. In contrast, Ban Mon and Ban Nangpraya model showed low DCC level in both leader and non-leader groups, a high rate of larval indices and high dengue morbidity rate. However, there was no mortality rate in three areas. The conclusion indicates that the model with a high DCC level showed low risk on the dengue index both entomological and epidemiology index. The model of dengue community capacity building for dengue solution was sustainability not only needs to be maintained DCC levels but also increased dependent upon the contexts of each community.

Seismic Capacity Assessment of Existing RC Buildings in The Sudan by Using Pushover Analysis

Recently, the evaluation of seismic performance of existing buildings has received a great attention. Current research works and observations indicate that The Sudan have low-to-moderate seismic regions. Most of existing buildings are designed only for gravity load. The objective of this paper is to assess the seismic performance of existing RC buildings in The Sudan. Four typical buildings were investigated using pushover analysis according to ATC-40. They were designed according to the Regulations for earthquake-resistant design of buildings in Egypt (ESEE) and International Building Code (IBC2012). Results showed that the buildings designed considering by ESEE and IBC2012 loads were found adequate and satisfied the Immediate Occupancy (IO) acceptance criteria according to ATC-40. The comparison of the pushover curve shows that the stiffness of frames is larger when using ESEE Regulations compared to the IBC2012 design. This means that ESEE design procedure provides a greater capability to resist seismic load than the IBC2012 design.

Student capacity building of dengue prevention and control: A study of an Islamic school, Southern Thailand

Dengue has been a critical problem for an Islamic School, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Southern Thailand. Objectives: 1) to build student capacity;and 2) to evaluate the results of student capacity building. Method: Participatory Action Research: PAR was applied in three phases: 1) the school-based preparation phase;2) the process of building student capacity phase, and 3) evaluation of the results of the student capacity building. Independent T-Test statistical method was used to analyze student capacity both before and after the intervention. Larval Indices were determined through ratio analysis. Results: Prior to the intervention, there was no clear strategy for combating dengue. In this study, three groups were formed to build student capacity: a leader group, a non-leader group, and a support group. The leader group (48 student leaders), critical to the study, was set as a dengue club named “Eliminate Ades Aegypti, the culprit of dengue” which focused on eight sets of activities: “Dengue or Death”, “Seniors educating juniors”, “Reward for good answers”, “Dengue monitoring team”, “Youth to expel mosquetoes”, “Mosquito or busy”, “Garbage elimination of Pondok”, and “Essential doctors”. The level of student capacity for the prevention and control of dengue of a sampling of 308 student representatives of the Pondok (Islamic school) showed an increase after intervention ( (SD);56.78 (17.06);65.33(15.36) and different statistic significant (P < 0.001). The Larval indices ratio levels had decreased from the original levels (BI = 244, HI = 45, and CI = 26) after intervention (BI = 137, HI = 39, and CI = 19). Dengue morbidity and mortality rates were not found during the study. Discussion: Although there had been an increase in student capacity, a decrease in the larval indices ratio, and the absence of a dengue epidemiology index, the high risk of a dengue epidemic might still be found in the school because the ratio of larval indices were higher than the standard index. Then, the committed participation of students, school, and communities around the school vicinity is needed in building student capacity of dengue prevention and control.

The community capacity building for sustainable dengue problem solution (CCB-SDPS) model: The results from studies in community, southern region, Thailand

This paper provides an approach for sustainable dengue problem solution by the community capacity building model and the results of two studies from implementation the model in Southern region, Thailand. The conceptual framework of the CCB-SDPS model consisted of three dimensions;1) community-based (leader and non-leader in community), 2) community capacity building process, and 3) sustainable dengue problem solution (outcomes). The outcomes of studies focused on the capacity level by the DCCAT (14 domains of leader group, and 11 domains of non-leader group), dengue entomology (Larval) index, and epidemiological (morbidity and mortality) rate. The two studies were pilot study in high risk dengue areas. These studies were application of CCB-SDPS model. First study was the process of using the tool for testing the DCCAT in two communities. The results showed only three steps of using assessment tool;community preparation, assessment, and community hearing. The second study was the fully testing model in three communities. Participatory action research and mix methods;quantitative and qualitative collecting data were preparation community-based, building capacity process (assessment, plan, implement, and reassessment), and outcomes monitoring. The results of second study showed three models of the CCB-SDPS. The two studies confirmed the sustainable in after intervention of community capacity building such as increased capacity level of leader and non-leader group, deceased entomological indices (HI, BI, and CI), and non presentation of morbidity and mortality rate in during study period. These results showed the model conducing on contexts of each community such the three dimensions of the conceptual framework of the model, community-based, building capacity process, and measurement of outcomes of sustainable dengue problem solution. These experiences in Southern Thailand demonstrated the main keys to the approach of CCB-SDPS were in the use of strategies planning to initiate community capacity building towards sustained dengue problem solution.

Sustainability Capacity Building Based on Educational Method: A Case Study on China and Sweden Joint Program

Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development (EE&ESD) have been widely accepted as an effective educational method to contribute to capacity development and processes of change in developing countries. This paper takes SIDA supported EE&ESD in formal educationadvanced international training program, China as an example. By analyzing and reflecting its orientation, implementation, outcomes and evaluation, experiences and lessons learned are expected to help improve the sorts of international cooperation capacity building programs both from international and also Chinese perspectives.

Capacity Building and Transfer of Know-how in Radiation Protection. Dissemination of Enetrap Projects Results

The ENETRAP （European Network on Education and Training in RAdiological Protection） project series, since the first edition in 2005 till the current ENETRAP III, always have been the objective to maintain a high level of competence in radiation protection （RP）, assuring the continued development of suitable well-trained personnel and adequate knowledge management. This objective is crucial to ensure future safe use of ionizing radiations （IR） and the development of new technologies in a safe way. A big effort and lot of work has been done in these 11 years including the new definitions in the BSS for RP Expert （RPE）, RP Officer （RPO） and Medical Physics Expert （MPE） which are the basis for future national development and implementation and adequate the high-level education and training （E＆T） in the countries. In order to manage all the valuable results of the projects and to distribute them to the society, is required a tool, developed with this specific propose, that will be the object of this paper.

Investigation of Effects of Capacity Spectrum Method on Performance Evaluation of Multi-Story Buildings According to the IRAQI Seismic Code Requirements

The aim of this study is to assess the performance objectives defined in the Iraqi Seismic Code (ISC) in order to make a realistic evaluation related to Performance-Based Seismic Design (PBSD) of multi-story reinforced concrete buildings and also to compare and evaluate structural response demands obtained from nonlinear static analysis procedures according to two versions of the capacity spectrum method (CSM) which are recommended in ATC 40 and ATC 55. Two groups of three-dimensional RC buildings with different heights, designed according to Iraqi Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete (IBC), are investigated. Pushover analyses are carried out to determine the nonlinear behavior of the buildings under three different seismic hazard levels, for two Iraqi seismic zones, of earthquake loads. In order to determine performance levels of the buildings, maximum inter-story drift demands and plasticizing sequence are determined and compared with the related limits using the CSM recommended in ATC 40 and ATC 55. From the results of this research, it can be concluded that RC buildings designed according to the Iraqi codes sufficiently provide the performance objectives stipulated in the ISC. Comparing structural response quantities obtained from the two versions of CSM, effects on performance evaluations of the buildings are investigated comparatively, as well.

Regional Research Capacity -Building inSustainability Science:Facts, Gaps, and Futures in Northeast Asia

Evidence shows that some conceptual ideas relevant to both local and global sustainability have been adopted in some official documents in northeast Asian nations, particularly China, South Korea, and Japan. This seems to be a very positive signal for the future development of sustainability science in this region. However,studyes show that there are still some major gaps there. One is the problem of how to build up the regional research capacity of sustainability science among northeast Asian research institutes across different disciplines as well as different political systems. Another is how to shift the conceptual frameworks of sustainability science into the operational policy frameworks. There are four major obstacles to the enhancement of regional research capacity-building in sustainability science. In order to build up the regional research capacity in sustainability science and to realize both local and global goals of the sustainable development in northeast Asia, this paper proposes some

Building Capacity

Chinese companies in Africa are improving infrastructure and benefiting local communities

Clinical Nurses’Research Capacity Building in Practice—A Systematic Review

The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate evidence of clinical nurses’ research capacity building in practice. A systematic review of studies of nurses’ research capacity building in practice was performed. The quality of the articles was evaluated and reflected on in accordance with the Quality Assessment and Validity Tool for Correlation Studies. The literature searches identified a total of 4748 abstracts and titles. Eight quantitative studies were included in the evaluation. Three themes emerged from the analysis: Failure to ensure research quality and standards, Developing a research culture and Collaboration and organization of research utilization. The first theme has one sub-theme: Lack of knowledge about how to increase research utilization. The second theme is based on three sub-themes: Ability to identify clinical problems, changing nurses’ attitudes to research and research supervision. Finally, the third theme has one sub-theme: Funding as a success factor. In conclusion, research capacity building requires the development of research competence to generate knowledge that enhances quality and patient safety. Nurse leaders are essential for establishing evidence-based practice and a research culture, thus enhancing nurses’ scientific attitudes and capacity.

A Bio-inspired Mutual-hook Strategy for the Soft Finger to Improve Load-bearing Capacity and Grasping Stability

Soft grippers have great potential applications in daily life,since they can compliantly grasp soft and delicate objects.However,the highly elastic fingers of most soft grippers are prone to separate from each other while grasping objects due to their low stiffness,thus reducing the grasping stability and load-bearing capacity.To tackle this problem,inspired from the venus flytrap plant,this work proposes a mutual-hook mechanism to restrain the separation and improve the grasping performance of soft fingers.The novel soft gripper design consists of three modules,a soft finger-cot,two Soft Hook Actuators(SHAs)and two sliding mechanisms.Here,the soft finger-cot covers on the soft finger,increasing the contact area with the target object,two SHAs are fixed to the left and right sides of the finger-cot,and the sliding mechanisms are designed to make SHAs stretch flexibly.Experiments demonstrate that the proposed design can restrain the separation of soft fingers substantially,and the soft fingers with the finger-cots can grasp objects three times heavier than the soft fingers without the proposed design.The proposed design can provide invaluable insights for soft fingers to restrain the separation while grasping,thus improving the grasping stability and the load-bearing capacity.

Regulating Aspects and Geologic Solutions of the Natural Gas Building Capacities to a Gas Market Model in Albania

Caspian Gas into Balkans over medium to long term becames Albanian case on June 2013 when TAP route was selected. After Albanian National Territory Council approved TAP AG＇s Compound Development Permit, the project should start Construction Phase 1. Existing gas pipeline connections of Albania within the European network via TAP, is highly estimated by energy authorities in both technical and regulating aspects. New pipelines are projected to be build in order to meet local energy consume and seasonal fluctuations, as well as needs of Kosovo and FYROM. Some of important points： determination on the capacity sector building for a due Albanian Gas Market Model, supply options on the future gasification, alternatives of opening underground gas storages in the salt domes of Dumre region and extending pipelines to neighboring countries. By assistance of the Secretariat of Energy Community, MEI starts drafting the new gas law to meet Third Energy Package. TAP project, IAP project, Albania-Kosovo Pipeline, an LNG plant and terminals coastal construction, can contribute on the diversification of gas supply. Underground Gas Storage potentials are geologic solution target, considering the Upper Miocene depleted sandstone gas fields of Divjaka, as well as the Dumre evaporitic deposits diapir of the Upper Triassic.

The path and countermeasures of increasing government’s governance capacities in energy-saving renovation of existing buildings

The dual functions of government participation and governance in the development of the existing building energy-saving renovation market determine the importance of the government’s scientific and effective actions.Continuously improving the government’s role is to promote the effective operation of the existing building energy-saving renovation market.Based on the inherent requirements of improving the government governance capacity in the development of the existing building energy-saving renovation market,this paper constructs the implementation path for the development of the existing building’s energy-saving renovation market from the three dimensions of practical concept,practical process and practical methods.From the four aspects of improving the legal and regulatory system,building a market information sharing platform,establishing a sound market supervision mechanism,and consolidating and improving the market accountability system,we will structure the existing building energysaving renovation market development to improve the government’s ability to restrain and implement measures.From the four levels of improving the market incentive mechanism,optimizing the market financing environment,clarifying the position of market resource allocation,and building a social operation platform,design measures to improve government incentives in the development of the existing building energy conservation renovation market.From the shaping of governance yuan organizational roles,governance capacity and responsibilities of departments at all levels to define boundaries,to build four main interactive platform governance perspective,the main parties demand balance the interests of both the governance capacity development planning in the government market,building energy-saving market to enhance the implementation of countermeasures.In order to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the existing building energy-saving renovation market based on the enhancement of government governance capacity.

Mechanical properties of monodirectional Gutou mortise-tenon joints of the traditional timber buildings in the Yangtze River region

The mechanical properties of the monodirectional Gutou mortise-tenon joints of the ancient Chinese traditional timber buildings in the Yangtze River region were studied using the experimental method. Three monodirectional Gutou mortise-tenon joints were designed according to the actual configurations. The failure modes,the hysteretic curves,the skeleton curves, the rotation rigidities, and the energy dissipation capacity of this type of mortise-tenon joints under the low cyclic reversed loading were obtained. The results show that the hysteretic curves of the monodirectional Gutou mortise-tenon joints appear to be Z shape and have obvious pinch effects. During the process of the test,these mortisetenon joints pass orderly through the elastic stage,the yield stage and the failure stage. The energy dissipation capacity of these mortise-tenon joints generally decreases with the increase in the rotation angle. The equivalent viscous damping coefficients of the monodirectional Gutou mortise-tenon joints are between 0. 161 and 0. 193. The results can provide the theoretical base for the computing analysis and repair design of Chinese traditional timber buildings in the Yangtze River region.