Abstract: Trihalomethanes (THMs) were among the first
disinfection byproducts to be discovered in chlorinated water. The
substances form during a reaction between chlorine and organic
matter in the water. Trihalomethanes are suspected to have negative
effects on birth such as, low birth weight, intrauterine growth
retardation in term births, as well as gestational age and preterm
delivery. There are also some evidences showing these by-products to
be mutagenic and carcinogenic, the greatest amount of evidence being
related to the bladder cancer. However, there exist inconsistencies
regarding such effects of THMs as different studies have provided
different results in this regard. The aim of the present study is to
provide a review of the related researches about the above mentioned
health effects of THMs.
Abstract: The impact of the information revolution is double
edged. While it is applauded for its versatility and performance
robustness and acclaimed for making life smooth and easy, on the
other hand people are concerned about its dark side especially to
younger generations. The education system should extend its
educating role beyond the school to home. Parents should be included
in forming the policies of Internet use as well as in the curriculum
delivery. This paper discusses how curriculum can be instrumental in
addressing social and ethical issues resulted from the Internet.
Abstract: Non-viral gene carriers composed of biodegradable
polymers or lipids have been considered as a safer alternative for gene
carriers over viral vectors. We have developed multi-functional
nano-micelles for both drug and gene delivery application.
Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was modified by grafting stearic acid (SA)
and formulated to polymeric micelles (PEI-SA) with positive surface
charge for gene and drug delivery. Our results showed that PEI-SA
micelles provided high siRNA binding efficiency. In addition, siRNA
delivered by PEI-SA carriers also demonstrated significantly high
cellular uptake even in the presence of serum proteins. The
post-transcriptional gene silencing efficiency was greatly improved by
the polyplex formulated by 10k PEI-SA/siRNA. The amphiphilic
structure of PEI-SA micelles provided advantages for multifunctional
tasks; where the hydrophilic shell modified with cationic charges can
electrostatically interact with DNA or siRNA, and the hydrophobic
core can serve as payloads for hydrophobic drugs, making it a
promising multifunctional vehicle for both genetic and chemotherapy
application.
Abstract: This study assessed the productivity and performance of the barangays in the Heritage City of Vigan in terms of the barangays- resource requirements, management of resources, produced goods and services, and outcomes of service delivery. The descriptive research design was used in the study employing the input-process-output-outcomes model. Findings of this study showed that the barangays were strong in terms of resource requirements which enabled them to produce goods and services. The barangays were also strong in terms of management of resources in development planning. They also showed great potential along fiscal administration, and had a moderately high capability in organization and management. However, the barangays appeared to be most wanting in the area of barangay legislation, but they were strong in community mobilization and they had strong linkages with POs, NGOs and educational institutions. In the delivery of social services, the barangays favored the maintenance of day care centers. However, the barangays seem to be weak in the delivery of economic services. They fared well along providing protective services such as in establishing a Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council and organizing a group of Barangay Tanod. In terms of environmental services, the barangays performed garbage collection and disposal; however, garbage still found their way in the streets in some barangays. The services delivered had effected an improved status of the barangays. However, the barangays are still facing some problems.
Abstract: Many organisations are nowadays interested to adopt
lean manufacturing strategy that would enable them to compete in
this competitive globalisation market. In this respect, it is necessary
to assess the implementation of lean manufacturing in different
organisations so that the important best practices can be identified.
This paper describes the development of key areas which will be
used to assess the adoption and implementation of lean
manufacturing practices. There are some key areas developed to
evaluate and reduce the most optimal projects so as to enhance their
production efficiency and increase the purpose of the economic
benefits of the manufacturing unit.
Lean manufacturing is becoming lean enterprise by treating its
customers and suppliers as partners. This gives the extra edge in
today-s cost and time competitive markets. The organisation is
becoming strong in all the conventional competition points. They are
Price, Quality and Delivery. Lean enterprise owners can deliver high
quality products quickly, with low price.