Search results

1 – 10 of over 10000
Article
Publication date: 1 October 2003

Heather R. Kolnsberg

The debate over whether or not to allow the sale of human organs is compelling enough to warrant discussion. A literature review revealed much ethical discussion, but little…

5688

Abstract

The debate over whether or not to allow the sale of human organs is compelling enough to warrant discussion. A literature review revealed much ethical discussion, but little discussion was found on economic outcomes related to donors and selling human organs. It was demonstrated in the literature how an increased organ supply will benefit recipients. If allowing the sale of organs is the way to increase the organ supply for the benefit of recipients, then, in order to demonstrate that donors will not be exploited, it must be demonstrated how, and if, such sales would benefit those donors. This study explores whether or not one should sell human organs. Using basic models, this study develops economic scenarios and outcomes related to the selling of human organs with particular focus on pricing and profitability in relation to donor benefit. Theoretical outcomes show that the donor will not benefit in the long run.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 February 2020

Nikhil Dhakate and Rohit Joshi

Environmental sustainability in health care is an important issue due to the limited available healthcare resources and increase in demand. For instance, organ recycling and…

Abstract

Purpose

Environmental sustainability in health care is an important issue due to the limited available healthcare resources and increase in demand. For instance, organ recycling and transplantation may reduce the increasing pressure on healthcare resources. The purpose of this paper is to set out to identify and interrelate the inhibitors that significantly influence the recycling of human organs and their implications to the environment in developing economies such as India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses Delphi–ISM–regression, a three-step method, to investigate the possible reasons for the poor supply chain efficiency of organ recycling and to explore the consequence of excessive use of healthcare resources on the environment. The Delphi technique facilitates the identification, synthesis, and prioritization of the inhibitors. Then, using focused group discussion, the interpretive structure modeling (ISM) presents the interaction among the inhibitors into a hierarchy. Further, on the basis of 257 valid responses received on the structured survey instrument, the regression model examines the influence of identified constructs on one of the identified root causes.

Findings

The ISM presents the hierarchy-based model that depicts high driving power and low dependence inhibitors leading to reduced organ recycling rate. “Negative Intentions of family members” toward organ donation t “Willingness to discuss with family” and “Perceived Behavioral Control” emerged as the significant factors influencing organ recycling rate, which adversely impact the environment sustainability.

Originality/value

The patients on the organ waiting list put pressure on the availability of medical resources and, ultimately, on the environment through the consumption of different drugs and disposable of medical wastes. The study suggests policymakers and hospitals improve on the existing policies for an efficient supply chain of human organ recycling. The Indian situation echoes the situation in most of the emerging economies, and similar solutions can apply there too.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 May 2023

Temidayo O. Akenroye, Adegboyega Oyedijo, Vishnu C. Rajan, George A. Zsidisin, Marcia Mkansi and Jamal El Baz

This study aims to develop a hierarchical model that uncovers the relationships between challenges confronting Africa's organ transplant supply chain systems.

41363

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop a hierarchical model that uncovers the relationships between challenges confronting Africa's organ transplant supply chain systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Eleven challenges (variables) were identified after a comprehensive review of the existing literature. The contextual interactions among these variables were analysed from the perspectives of health-care stakeholders in two sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries (Nigeria and Uganda), using Delphi-interpretive structural modelling-cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) techniques.

Findings

The findings reveal that weak regulatory frameworks, insufficient information systems and a lack of necessary skills make it challenging for critical actors to perform the tasks effectively. The interaction effects of these challenges weaken organ supply chains and make it less efficient, giving rise to negative externalities such as black markets for donated organs and organ tourism/trafficking.

Research limitations/implications

This paper establishes a solid foundation for a critical topic that could significantly impact human health and life once the government or non-profit ecosystem matures. The MICMAC analysis in this paper provides a methodological approach for future studies wishing to further develop the organ supply chain structural models.

Practical implications

The study provides valuable insights for experts and policymakers on where to prioritise efforts in designing interventions to strengthen organ transplantation supply chains in developing countries.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to empirically examine the challenges of organ transplant supply chains from an SSA perspective, including theoretically grounded explanations from data collected in two developing countries.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 June 2019

Suzi Mohamed Rashad

This paper aims to explore the factors leading to the phenomenon of child trafficking in Egypt, how deeply it runs through the Egyptian society and evaluate the state’s efforts to…

5900

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the factors leading to the phenomenon of child trafficking in Egypt, how deeply it runs through the Egyptian society and evaluate the state’s efforts to combat it.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper uses a case study method applied to the phenomenon of child trafficking in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and how the State is fighting it. The general policy approach is also used to clarify the State’s plans, programs and legislation in addressing the phenomenon of child trafficking, evaluate those policies and analyze the international documents.

Findings

The research paper concluded that child trafficking in Egypt represents a serious phenomenon, which stems from social, economic and cultural reasons. Even though the Egyptian Government exerts relentless efforts to fight this crime, all attempts have proven insufficient due to the lack of coordination between the concerned parties and low funds, in addition to the feeble services offered to the victims.

Practical implications

This study sheds light on a very perilous phenomenon in the Egyptian society; an international one with intricate magnitudes, upon which the State must concentrate more and eradicate it.

Originality/value

The study contributes to drawing the attention of decision makers in Egypt to the dangers of this phenomenon, and to the points of strength and weaknesses of the government’s efforts against it.

Details

Review of Economics and Political Science, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-3561

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2020

Chih-Hao Wen and Yuh-Chuan Shih

Combining the collected human body variables by a 3D body scanner and the research results of medical computed tomography (CT) imaging, this research aims to develop a military…

387

Abstract

Purpose

Combining the collected human body variables by a 3D body scanner and the research results of medical computed tomography (CT) imaging, this research aims to develop a military bulletproof vest that is both protective and fit. In particular, the protective part must be able to cover the vital human internal organs completely. The results of this research help to make military bulletproof vests of different sizes for Taiwanese male and female soldiers. At the same time, the research results can provide a reference for the industry of making special-purpose clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

17 important human body variables of 988 participants (male: 716, 72.5%; female 272, 27.5%) are used for the analysis. The K-means algorithm firstly builds clusters of different body shapes for both sexes; the silhouette coefficient helps to determine the optimal number of clusters to be six. Thus, the standard size of the bulletproof vest for soldiers is determined. The specifications of the bulletproof vest's inner core and textile vest are calculated for each cluster user. Our research then makes twelve prototypes of the bulletproof vest. After that, 12 subjects are invited to try on the new version (the vest designed in this study) and the old version (the vest currently used) to contrast the differences between the two.

Findings

According to the index of the silhouette coefficient, the optimal number of clusters is determined to be six for both male and female clusters. Therefore, this study has designed six sizes of the bulletproof vest for male and female soldiers in Taiwan. After trying the new and old vests on, the subjects all indicate that the new vest fits better than the old one. In addition, the coverage of the bulletproof vest designed in this study is 94.38% for male users and 92.75% for female users.

Originality/value

The design of bulletproof vests must take note of the fit of the clothing itself and its protective function. Apart from the size design of general clothing only focusing on the human shape exteriorly, the bulletproof vest also needs to pay attention to the relative positions of vital organs inside the human body. Besides, for practical applications, it is quite effective to use the silhouette coefficient to determine the results of cluster analysis. Thus, the value of this research lies in the cross-field combination, enabling the integration of body measurement, data science and clothing design. Generally, bulletproof vests of newly designed sizes can meet the requirements of Taiwan's military. The research results can be used in the development of various military clothing for Taiwanese military personnel. At the same time, the results can be provided to the clothing industry as relevant parameters for designing unique functional clothing.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 February 2020

Sarah Louise Steele and Eduardo E. Hernandez-Salazar

An emerging market in human milk exists for both nutritional and biomedical research purposes. This commercialisation of human milk, however, raises issues about the exploitation…

Abstract

Purpose

An emerging market in human milk exists for both nutritional and biomedical research purposes. This commercialisation of human milk, however, raises issues about the exploitation and violence against women.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the framing of the issues as one of human rights, and whether the shifting of gender issues away from gender-specific spaces in legal and ethical debates, makes their ethical consideration and the tangible consequences from these considerations, into a potential further sources of exploitation and other forms of violence against women.

Findings

The authors find the commoditisation of human milk as a nutritional product deprives women from the centrality of their roles and, therefore, from the upholding of women rights and the adequate prevention of violence against women. They identify an emerging space where trafficking in women and girls can occur for their milk as part of a broader set of practices of reproductive exploitation. They also identify that existing legal, ethical and research discussions often frame labour or organ trafficking as the appropriate framework but find this inadequate to address the inherently gendered aspect of reproductive exploitation. The current response makes trafficking in women for their milk a potential practice while concealing the structural inequalities that underpin women’s experiences as the buyers and sellers of human milk.

Practical implications

The regulation of human milk sale should therefore move from a public health paradigm focused on safety to one of health and women’s rights, whereas human trafficking laws around the world should explicitly address reproductive exploitation.

Originality/value

Emerging forms of exploitation, such as human milk sale remain underdiscussed alongside other more prominent forms of reproductive exploitation, such as surrogacy. The authors call for explicit consideration of the emerging trade as its burdens fall exclusively on women and existing frameworks for addressing exploitation often overlook these emerging practices and the structural inequalities faced by women that drive these trades.

Details

International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4902

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2019

Michal Frivaldsky, Miroslav Pavelek, Pavol Spanik, Dagmar Faktorova and Gabriela Spanikova

The purpose of this paper is to study the performance of the approximated model of biological tissue for development of complex 3 D models. The comparison of results from the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the performance of the approximated model of biological tissue for development of complex 3 D models. The comparison of results from the complex model of liver tissue and results from the approximated model is provided to validate the proposed approximation method.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model of hepatic tissue (respecting its heterogeneous character up to the microstructure of hepatic lobules) is used for analysis of current field distribution within this tissue. Initially, the complex model of tissue structure (respecting the heterogenous structure) is presented, considering its complicated structure. Consequently, the procedure for the approximation of a complex model is being described. The main motivation is the need for simple, fast and accurate simulation model, which can be consequently used within more complex modeling of human organs for investigation of negative impacts of electrosurgical equipment on heterogenic tissue structure. For these purposes, the complex and approximated model are mutually compared and evaluated.

Findings

The obtained results are exploitable for the analysis of the probability of injury formation in sensitive tissue structures, and the approximated model shall serve for optimization of complex and time-consuming analyses.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations include development of precise and fast electro-magnetic simulation model of biological tissue.

Practical implications

Practical implications is focused on the optimization processes of the electro-surgical procedures.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper concerns the approximation method of organic tissue modeling.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 38 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

Francesco Cepolina and Rinaldo C. Michelini

The paper describes co‐robotic devices, aiming at accomplishing surgical operations by remote overseeing and manipulation. The concept design of a modular layout is presented…

1290

Abstract

The paper describes co‐robotic devices, aiming at accomplishing surgical operations by remote overseeing and manipulation. The concept design of a modular layout is presented, assuring body penetration by curved and twisted paths, with minimal impact. The fixture develops as an articulated snake‐like forearm, carrying a wrist and the pertinent effectors; scalpels, scissors, sewing rigs, cameras, etc. The fixture is a good example of a micro electro mechanical system, with force‐actuation and shape‐control being intrinsic properties. Different options are studied and the related basic operational characteristics are summarised and compared. The jointed forearm might include one to six blocks. Specifically, task‐oriented end‐effectors are considered, e.g. a self‐operating sewing rig, able to operate with a single thread. The robot co‐operation will drastically modify surgery practice, giving freedom from anthropocentric bounds; the paper introduces such opportunities, with comments on typical control strategies and hints on actual performance, inferred by testing on virtual reality and digital mock‐ups.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2004

Alexander Bolonkin

Immortality is the most cherished dream and the biggest wish of any person. People seldom think about it while they are still young, healthy, and full of energy. But when they get…

Abstract

Immortality is the most cherished dream and the biggest wish of any person. People seldom think about it while they are still young, healthy, and full of energy. But when they get some incurable disease or become old, then there is no bigger wish for them than to live longer, put off the inevitable end. No matter what heavenly existence in the after‐life is promised to them by religion, the vast majority of people want to stay and enjoy life here, on Earth, as long as possible. In this paper, one possible way of personal immortality is discussed.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 33 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2003

Yongnian Yan, Rendong Wu, Renji Zhang, Zhuo Xiong and Feng Lin

This paper introduces a new subject called bio‐manufacturing. Bio‐manufacturing combines life science with manufacturing science, and uses manufacturing method to form materials…

1780

Abstract

This paper introduces a new subject called bio‐manufacturing. Bio‐manufacturing combines life science with manufacturing science, and uses manufacturing method to form materials with bio‐activity and bio‐degradability into scaffolds. In this paper, we discuss the hierarchy of bio‐manufacturing: the lower grade uses undegradable bio‐material to form permanent organ replacement such as auricular cartilage and the higher grade uses biodegradable bio‐materials to repair organ damage or organ replacement which degrades after embedded in the human body. They all adopt jetting/extrusion deposition process (fused deposition modelling or 3D printer), the distinct different point being the temperature of the forming chamber. The samples of bones and auricular cartilage produced by those processes had been practiced on dogs and rabbits, repaired their damage.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 10000