Compiling and using input-output frameworks through collaborative virtual laboratories.

Compiling, deploying and utilising large-scale databases that integrate environmental and economic data have traditionally been labour- and cost-intensive processes, hindered by the large amount of disparate and misaligned data that must be collected and harmonised. The Australian Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory (IELab) is a novel, collaborative approach to compiling large-scale environmentally extended multi-region input-output (MRIO) models. The utility of the IELab product is greatly enhanced by avoiding the need to lock in an MRIO structure at the time the MRIO system is developed. The IELab advances the idea of the "mother-daughter" construction principle, whereby a regionally and sectorally very detailed "mother" table is set up, from which "daughter" tables are derived to suit specific research questions. By introducing a third tier - the "root classification" - IELab users are able to define their own mother-MRIO configuration, at no additional cost in terms of data handling. Customised mother-MRIOs can then be built, which maximise disaggregation in aspects that are useful to a family of research questions. The second innovation in the IELab system is to provide a highly automated collaborative research platform in a cloud-computing environment, greatly expediting workflows and making these computational benefits accessible to all users. Combining these two aspects realises many benefits. The collaborative nature of the IELab development project allows significant savings in resources. Timely deployment is possible by coupling automation procedures with the comprehensive input from multiple teams. User-defined MRIO tables, coupled with high performance computing, mean that MRIO analysis will be useful and accessible for a great many more research applications than would otherwise be possible. By ensuring that a common set of analytical tools such as for hybrid life-cycle assessment is adopted, the IELab will facilitate the harmonisation of fragmented, dispersed and misaligned raw data for the benefit of all interested parties.

Evaluation of a mass dispensing exercise in a Cities Readiness Initiative setting.

PURPOSE: The effectiveness of a point of dispensing (POD) used in a mass dispensing exercise was evaluated. METHODS: Public Health-Seattle & King County (PHSKC), in conjunction with the University of Washington, conducted a functional exercise of mass dispensing plans to test the effectiveness of a POD. Specifically, the organization and maintenance of patient flow, staffing model, signage, and dissemination of public information were evaluated. A data collection application using cellular telephones was used to record time and patient flow data to evaluate patient flow. Questionnaires distributed to staff and volunteer patients at the end of the exercise obtained feedback regarding the setup, organization, and operations of the POD. RESULTS: The POD was operational for approximately 68 minutes. The majority of POD staff reported feeling comfortable with their specific job tasks and duties within 15 minutes of opening the doors to the POD to the public. Staff questionnaires also revealed a high level of self-reported confidence in their ability and in the ability of their colleagues to perform the job-specific responsibilities required of them or respond to this hypothetical event. The majority of volunteer patients found the signs helpful and easy to follow and the check-in form easy to complete. Despite efforts to provide patients with oral and written information about the medications being dispensed, only 80% indicated that they knew how to take the medication, and only 73% reported understanding the medication instructions for all the individuals for whom they picked up medication. CONCLUSION: The majority of volunteer patients and staff who participated in a functional exercise of mass dispensing plans found the POD to be effective. Time-flow analysis provided preliminary estimates of the total amount of time needed to complete the dispensing process for each head of household.