An Analysis of the Impact of Stay-at-Home Measures on the Occurrence of Vaccine Shortages

COVID-19, a contagious respiratory disease, presents immediate and unforeseen challenges to people worldwide. Moreover, its transmission rapidly extends globally due to its viral transmissibility, emergence of novel strains (variants), absence of immunity, and human unawareness. This framework introduces a revised epidemic model, drawing upon mathematical principles. This model incorporates a modified vaccination and lockdown approach to comprehensively depict an epidemics transmission, containment, and decision-making processes within a community. This study aims to provide policymakers with precise information on real-world situations to assist them in making informed decisions about the implementation of lockdown strategies, maintenance variables, and vaccine availability. The suggested model has conducted stability analysis, strength number analysis, and first and second-order derivative analysis of the Lyapunov function and has established the existence and uniqueness of solutions of the proposed models. We examine the combined effects of an effective vaccination campaign and non-pharmaceutical measures such as lockdowns and states of emergency. We rely on the results of this research to assist policymakers in various countries in eradicating the illness by developing more innovative measures to control the outbreak.

Impact of the economic crisis and drug shortage on Lebanese cancer patients’care

BACKGROUND As a consequence of the economic crisis,the sociopolitical instability and the advent of the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic,nested challenges faced the Lebanese healthcare system.These have resulted in critical shortages of essential resources,including medications vital for oncologic patients.AIM To assess the ramifications of the ongoing economic crisis on oncology patient care focusing on our outpatient oncology department.METHODS A questionnaire was distributed during the month of February 2022 to oncology patients in Hôtel Dieu de France University Hospital in Beirut during their outpatient therapy.The primary objective was to assess the far-reaching impact of the economic crisis on patient care and the resulting psychological implications.RESULTS Among 182 interviewed patients,31.87%experienced treatment interruption mainly due to acute drug shortages.Despite 87.91%of the patients benefiting from third-party coverage,69.60%had to self-pay for their medications leading to 69.78%of patients perceiving that healthcare was more difficult to access after 2020.Psychologically,one-third of the patients exhibited symptoms of anxiety and/or depression,with 7 patients reporting suicidal ideations.Notably,37.93%of patients who interrupted cancer treatment reported a history of comorbidities,and 89.66%who altered their treatment cited financial difficulties.CONCLUSION Lebanese cancer patients face complex challenges spanning economic,healthcare,and psychological realms.Income inequalities exacerbated by the economic crisis hindered healthcare access.

Enlightenment and Suggestions on the Construction of Information Platform and Processing Mechanism of Drug Shortages in Developed Countries to China

Objective To study how to improve and perfect the information platform and processing mechanism of drug shortages in China.Methods By searching the relevant policies from official websites of FDA,European Medicines Agency(EMA),Health Canada(HC)and National Health Commission,the good experience of the United States,the European Union and Canada in the construction of information platform and processing mechanism of drug shortages was summarized for reference in China.Results and Conclusion China has initially established the processing mechanism of drug shortages,but the platform construction should be improved,and the information disclosure of drug shortages varies from province to province.We should improve the information platform of drug shortages,strengthen the disclosure and communication of information,enrich the processing tools and measures after the drug shortages occurs,and strengthen the cooperation with relevant associations and other non-governmental departments.

Effect of the Policies to Prevent Drug Shortage and Stabilize Drug Prices in Medical Institutions

Objective To evaluate the effect of some policies to prevent drug shortage and stabilize drug prices,and to provide reference for improving relevant policies.Methods With a combination of random stratified sampling and quota sampling,532 medical institutions in 20 provinces were selected to carry out questionnaire surveys.Then,a comparative analysis was made to study the changes of drugs on the shortage list and drugs on non-shortage list before and after the release of the policy of ensuring supply and stabilizing prices.Results and Conclusion The policy played an important role in curbing the growth of drug shortage in the medical institutions,but it did not curb the growth of drugs on non-shortage list.Besides,the drugs on non-shortage list showed an overall fluctuation and upward trend.Meanwhile,from the perspective of drug prices,the price stability problem of drugs on the shortage list and on the non-shortage list became more serious,and the average price increase was 256% and 239%,respectively.The implementation of policies related to the supply and price stability of drugs prevents the growth trend of drug shortages in the list of medical institutions,which has been recognized by most medical institutions.However,there is an increasing trend in the number of drugs on non-shortage list.In addition,the price increase of drugs on both the shortage list and non-shortage list is severe.Some medical institutions report that they have difficulties in using the information reporting system of drug shortage and the classification,grading and the alternative use of drug shortages.It is recommended to strengthen the management of price stabilization of drugs on the shortage list.Further attention should be paid to the supply and price stabilization of drugs on non-shortage list.At the same time,trainings in the classification and substitution of drug shortage and information reporting system should be actively organized,thus comprehensively improving the capabilities of medical institutions at all levels to deal with the problem of drug shortage.

Leaf Senescence Characteristics and Responses to Water Shortage of Different Hybrid Rice Cultivars during Grain Filling Stage

[Objective] The pattern of leaves senescence was studied to provide reference for the planting technology and breeding rice cultivars resistant to premature senescence. [Method] Six hybrid rice cultivars were cultivated under limited and conventional irrigation managements; after the heading of rice, the root activities, nitrogen content in leaves, chlorophyll content （SPAD value）, net photosynthetic rate and the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, peroxidase （POD）, catalase （CAT） were determined. [Result] The rhythms in attenuation of xylem sap flow rate, leaf nitrogen content, chlorophyll content （SPAD value） and net photosynthetic rate of different rice cultivars were significantly different in attenuation starting time, attenuation frequency and attenuation range. Physiological indexes of different cultivars responded inconsistently to water shortage. Extremely significantly positive correlations were found between the decline rates of chlorophyll content and leaf nitrogen content and xylem sap flow rate of roots, the photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content. The changes in activities of SOD, CAT and POD were different, and responded to water shortage differently in different cultivars. The change dynamic of leaf nitrogen content and chlorophyll content was positively related with the activity dynamic of SOD and CAT. The change dynamic of leaf nitrogen content and chlorophyll content was negatively related with the malondialdehyde （MDA） content. The difference in the attenuation rhythm of physiological indexes of leaves and response to water shortage of different hybrid rice cultivars were related to genotype difference. Increasing roots activities and protecting enzyme activities of leaves benefit to defer attenuation of chlorophyll content and nitrogen content of leaves and to keep stronger photosynthetic function. [Conclusion] The senescence resistance of rice is a combined result of genotype differences and physiological response to environment.

Optimal EOQ Model for Deteriorating Items Considering the Incremental Quantity Discounts and Shortages

In this present paper, a deterministic lot size model is developed for deteriorating items with incremental quantity discounts. It is assumed that shortages are permitted to occur and fully backlogged. A simple solution procedure is shown for determining the optimal order lot size and the optimal order cycle. A numerical example is used to illustrate how the solution procedure works.

PRESSURE OF WATER SHORTAGE ON AGRICULTURE IN ARID REGION OF CHINA

The arid areas in China are mainly located in North China and NorthwestChina. The North China is the main region for food production. There is 31. 19% of the totalfarmland and 26. 01% of the total population, but only 6. 14% of the available water resources ofChina. Groundwater is over pumped (6. 53 X 10~9m^3 every year) in the regions of Beijing, Tianjin,and Hebei Province, so water supply could not meet the water demand there. The distribution of waterin Northwest China is uneven, some inland rivers and lakes are dried up, and desertification hasexpanded since river water in the upper and middle reaches is diverted for irrigation. Up to 2050,population will be up to 1. 6 X 10~9 in China, and industry will be developed fast, therefore 50% ofthe water supply will be used by industry and resident, and water for agriculture will be decreasedyear by year. In the coming 50 years, water demand for agriculture will be increased by 5. 6 x10^9m^3 in the Huanghe (Yellow) River valley, and by 1. 7 x 10~9m^3 in the Northwest China. It willbe impossible for the Huanghe River to meet the water demand, because it always dried up in the coldhalf year since 1984. To avoid water shortage of agriculture in the arid regions, it is necessaryto divert water from the Changjiang (Yangtze) River in the south of China, and to use waterefficiently. It is the best way to use drip irrigation in agriculture, recycle water in industry andresident use, and control water pollution. Otherwise water shortage in the arid regions willrestrict the development of agriculture in China.

A Study of Address Shortage in a Tree Based ZigBee Network for Mobile Health Applications

There are increasing demands for mobile health applications. This paper reports the development of a mobile health profile which dedicates to mobile applications. The mobile health profile is developed in association with the ZigBee Health Care profile and the IEEE 11073 standard which is normally applied to non-mobile applications. Since mobile sensors have to be carried by patients, the mobile health profile must facilitate mobility. In this investigation, a ZigBee fixed-mobile network (ZFMN) is defined and developed to supplement the ZigBee Health Care Profile for patient monitoring. The mobility study of ZigBee is performed using a random waypoint OPNET simulation model. In a ZFMN, the critical issue of address shortage is identified and discussed. It is analyzed that the problematic address shortage in a ZFMN may generate a huge amount of orphaned end devices and thus the packet drop percentage may potentially rise to 70%, rendering the network unable to function properly. Without introducing additional governing schemes, it is evaluated that the communication of the entire ZigBee network may paralyze. Further vigorous test are performed (by OPNET) on the communication capability of ZFMN when devices are randomly moving and sending data in 1s. It is vital to point out that under the adverse condition of address shortage, the performance of a ZFMN is still encouraging as long as the packet drop percentage has been kept below 3% before running out of address. The conclusion drawn in this analysis is that the packet drop percentage should be kept below 3% to provide a satisfactory QoS for an effective mobile health application using ZFMN such as patient monitoring. Such finding is also important for other future mobile application design of ZigBee. The address shortage issue is left as an open problem that needs attention for a resolution.

AN ELASTIC OSCILLATION MODEL FOR GOODS IN A SHORTAGE MARKET

In this paper. an oscillated model.which results from the shortage action in market economy with elastic replacement of goods is obtained.And some naturalrelations between the model and a typically oscillatory model are established Theresults can interpret some market phenomena and provied the theoretical tools for theeconomic program.

Water shortage and wastewater reuse

China is not abandantly supplied with freshwater. Water shortage is a crucial problem in northern China, and affects the development of economy and causes a host of environmental and ecological problems. Water saving, water resource protection, strengthening of management and exploitation of new water resources are some of the major measures for solving the water shortage problem. Wastewater reuse is also a feasible and practical means of alleviating the problem.

Sustainable development of Shandong Peninsula urban agglomeration:a scenario analysis based on water shortage and water environment changes

China has experienced a rapid urbanization since late 1970s. The great increase of urban population has resulted in various environmental changes, of which urban water shortage and water environment problems have occurred in most cities, especially in the rapidly developing urban agglomerations in the eastern coastal region. This research, taking Shandong Peninsula Urban Agglomeration （SPUA） as a case study area analyzes the urbanization expansion in the last decades, discusses the water shortage and water environment changes following the rapid economic development and urbanization sueh as groundwater sinking in the urban and plain area, sea water and saltwater intrusion in the coastal cities, water pollution overspreading and water ecosystem degradation, and puts forwards some strategies for sustainabilitv in populous regions with severe water shortage. Some countermeasures for sustainable development of SPUA are put forward, such as constructing modern water resources inter-city networks to regulate water resouree between cities, adjnsting urbanization policy and urban scale planning to promote the development of small towns and medium sized cities, optimizing urban industry structure by restricting high water consumption enterprises and stimulating the growth of tertiary industry. improving water use efficiency to rednce fresh water consumption and wastewater discharge, introducing economic means to water pricing and water management system, and restoring ecological conditions to strengthen the natural water-making capacity.

Anticipated Actions to Reduce Energy Shortages in the Residential Sector

This study investigates the electric energy shortages impact upon the residential sector in Riyadh city, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) resulting from severe power outages. The results reveal the extent of hardship and high costs the residential will suffer and endure. These outages occur and extend for longer durations. To mitigate these consequences, a method is suggested known as “willingness-to-pay” to seek the ability and willingness of consumers to pay to avert these power outages and energy shortages. Two approaches have been developed and utilized. The first one is based on a consumer survey to estimate his perceived costs. Outages occur in specific periods and last for longer durations. The second approach focussed on developing a mathematical model to complement the survey approach as this model can decrease the size of the problem complexity associated with consumer lack of experience in evaluating and assessing the worth of service reliability and quality.

Perceptions of Nurses on Patient Outcomes Related to Nursing Shortage and Retention Strategies at a Public Hospital in the Coastal Region of Tanzania

Background: There is little disagreement that the shortage of nurses affects patients’ outcomes globally. However, within the low and middle income country setting, there is minimal known about the perceptions of nurses on nursing shortages impact the health outcomes of their patients and what recruitment and retention strategies might be appropriate to address some of these challenges. This study explored the perceptions of nurses on the health outcomes of patient related to shortage of registered nurses and the strategies to retain nurses at a public hospital in Tanzania. Method: This qualitative descriptive study used semi-structured in-depth interviews with a select group of nurses in a large public hospital. Findings: Through an iterative coding process, a series of categories were derived which yielded three major themes—factors contributing to nursing shortage;compromised quality of care;and recruitment and retention strategies. Conclusion: A shortage of nurses affects the health outcomes of patients as it potentially hinders timely accomplishment of the optimal nursing. Efforts need to be proactive in recognizing the reasons for nursing shortages which are rooted in individual, institutional (agency), and organizational (systemic) issues. Within the LMIC context, such as where this study was conducted, it became apparent that the nurses wanted acknowledgement and opportunities to work collaboratively towards the resolution of workload issues for the benefit of the patients.

Is Distance Education the Answer to the Nursing Shortage?

This study examined the effectiveness of distance education compared with campus based learning among nursing students. Distance education in nursing curricula is increasing. Academic nurse leaders must demonstrate the effectiveness of distance learning. This study is unique in that two cohorts, distance learners and campus learners, were taught synchronously by the same faculty member. Quantitative measures of student learning outcomes were compared using SPSS. There were no significant differences in learning outcomes between distance learners and campus learners. This study provides empiric support for distance education as a means to address the nursing shortage.

System Schema Analysis of County Economy Talents Shortages Based on the Perspective of Returning-home Entrepreneurship

According to the discussion of domestic scholars on county talents,we know that the researches concerning county human resources mainly focus on discussing the problems such as the total amount,distribution,quality and introduction of county talents though the analysis of coordination between talents and county economic development,and the research of relationship between industry adjustment and talents need.However,there have no relevant documents about the analysis and discussion of county talents problems based on system schema theory.In view of this reality,on the basis of the introduction of the system schema theory propounded by management guru Peter Senge,we conduct the feedback schema analysis of the restricted factors of talents shortages during county economic development;establish the growth limits schema of county talents system;analyze the functioning mechanism of the total amount,distribution,quality and introduction of county talents on the development of county economy;discuss the relationship between the individual quality,social relation and emotional need of returning-home start-up,and talents resource shortage;propose the countermeasures and suggestions to mitigate the shortage of county talents,in order to optimize the allocation of county human resources,and promote the county's economic development.

Mitigating Energy Shortages in China

The recent electricity supply shortage in the People’s Republic of China(PRC)is driven by a disequilibrium in demand and supply.Energ y demand has picked up with the economy recovering and industry growing,strongly supported by solid merchandise export growth.At the same time,soaring coal prices have hit power producers curtailing growth in electricity supply.

Impact of Electricity Shortages on Productivity: Evidence from Manufacturing Industries

Electricity shortages present a significant constraint on manufacturers,who rely on electricity as an important input into production.In China,electricity supply has been growing rapidly.However,the rapid industrialization sometimes makes the power supply still unable to meet the demand.Using a survey of 1673 Chinese manufacturing firms,this paper explores how firms response to electricity shortages and its impact on productivity.We find that self-generation of electricity and investment in Research and Development(R&D)have significant positive relationships with electricity shortages.Further investigations reveal that self-generation is the most common way to deal with electricity shortages.However,it aggravates productivity loss.Though investment in Research and Development can promote productivity,it cannot offset the negative impact of electricity shortages on productivity.Analyses on subsamples show heterogeneity in the impacts of electricity shortages across firms.In particular,large firms are more inclined to invest in R&D than small and medium-sized firms are.They are also the one who suffer significant productivity loss due to self-generation of electricity.Though it is possible for medium-sized firms to reduce productivity loss through R&D,they are not likely to invest in R&D as a response to electricity shortages.This study illustrates that firms can hardly have effective solutions to electricity shortages,and policy makers should take great efforts to increase electricity supply.

RIKEN Nishina Center＇s Response to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster： Radiation Screening at Fukushima, How We Dealt with the Electrical Power Shortage and Other Hardships

A large magnitude-9.0 earthquake struck northeast Japan on March 11, 2011. Thirty minutes later, a tsunami reached Tokyo Electric Power Corporation （TEPCO）＇s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station, and the emergency diesel generators submerged under water. Three units of the reactor experienced meltdown, and hydrogen explosions occurred at reactor houses. The RIKEN Nishina Center （RNC） contributed to the radiation screening effort by providing human resources, instruments, and transportation. The RNC also carried out extraction work and sample tests for soil contamination. Last summer, RIKEN was legally required to save 15% （equivalent to 3.3 MW） of its allocated electricity in its contract, making it extremely difficult to conduct experiments using accelerators. Accelerator operation was thus reduced to a minimum during the first half of the year. The RNC has a gas-turbine-based co-generation system （CGS） with an electrical capacity of 6.5 MW. The CGS was operated non-stop until the end of the year. RIKEN is constructing two sets of CGSs, each with a capacity of 1.5 MW to be commissioned this autumn.

State boosts efforts to alleviate power shortage

The government has decided on a two-pronged drive to solve thecountry’s protracted energy shortage by bolstering investment projectswhile tightening control power consumption.Power generating projects costing some 20 billion yuan (4.26 billion)make up about one-third of the total 68 large and medium-sized capitalconstruction projects approved recently by the State Council despite theausterity policy.All the projects are expected to be completed within threeto eight years.With the completion of the 20 large and medium-sizedprojects,10,500 MW of generating capacity and 530 km of 500 kV trans-mission lines and corresponding substations will be added to the nation’scombined installed generating and transmitting capacity.Three of the projects,with a total installed capacity of 4140 MW。

The Innovations and Shortages of the New Budget Law

The introduction of the new budget law is one of the most important achievements of the construction of national legal system. It is a landmark event in building financial system. The new budget law has made a lot of breakthroughs and innovations in the budget managemenL to lead direction for further deepen fiscal reform. However, the modification of the budget law can only adopt the principle of limited modification, there are still many problems. This paper discusses the innovation and deficiency of the new budget law under the background of budget law modification, and makes suggestions to further improve the budget law.