Purpose Electricity savings from energy-efficient appliances (EEAs) may have a significant impact on reducing global warming. There are several barriers confronted by EEAs, which have lowered their acceptance rate. The current study aims to identify and highlight key barriers to strengthening domestic sector adoption of EEAs in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach In the current study, 13 barriers were discovered by an in-depth literature review and the judgement of experts as well. Further, integrated “interpretive structural modeling” (ISM) and “decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory” (DEMATEL) approaches are used to evaluate barriers. The ISM technique is implemented to categorize barriers into distinct hierarchy levels and “cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification” (MICMAC) analysis to divide barriers among four clusters “independent, linkage, dependent and autonomous.” Moreover, the DEMATEL methodology is applied to classify the barriers among cause and effect clusters. Findings The integrated ISM and DEMATEL approach suggests that the topmost influencing barriers to the acceptance of EEAs are the lack of Government policies and initiatives, lack of attractive loan financing and subsidized energy prices. Practical implications This study would help researchers, regulators, producers, policymakers and consumers to comprehend the need for additional developments and understand that the adoption of EEAs is a current need. Overall, the results of this study expedite stakeholders with the key barriers that may assist to enhance the acceptance of EEAs within the domestic sector. Originality/value An extensive literature survey showed a dearth of studies for the identification, modeling and analysis of barriers collectively. Therefore, the current work used the ISM and DEMATEL approaches to fill the gap and to provide more comprehensive knowledge on barriers related to the acceptance of EEA.

PurposeTuberculosis (TB) continues to c-exist with humans despite many TB control programs and elimination strategies. This depicts that some barriers are not allowing achieving the desired results. The current study aims to focus on identification and ranking of such barriers to facilitate TB control programs in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachIn the present study, 13 barriers that can influence success rate of TB elimination strategies have been recognized with an in-depth assessment of related literature and opinions of specialists from medical industry and academic world. The interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) techniques have been employed for the ranking of barriers.FindingsBased on driving power of barriers, the study coined that underinvestment is a major barrier followed by poor implementation of government policies and programs, poverty and poor primary health care infrastructure.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings may guide healthcare service providers and researchers in analyzing the barriers and understanding the necessity of further advancements to decrease the count of already existing and incident cases.Practical implicationsPolicy- and decision-makers may utilize the information on dependence and driving power of barriers for better planning and effective execution of TB control strategies.Originality/valueAlthough a lot of literature is available on different barriers that are affecting success of TB strategies, the current study analyzes all the key barriers collectively for the prioritization of barriers.

Simulation devices have grasped the attention of almost all industries worldwide and the medical field has not been exempt. With technological advancement, it becomes important to assess whether medical simulators are the way forward as an adjunct or as a replacement to traditional training approaches by assessing their safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness, and whether they should be made mandatory in the curriculum of urology training.The present review aims to clarify some of these issues, as well as assess their role in urological training and present both the pros and cons of this simulation-based training.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a condition better discussed than suffered. People suffering from ESRD are at a disadvantage not only financially, but also emotionally and in terms of the quality of their lives. The majority of their productive time is spent in hospital, on dialysis machines, or in the search for a suitable kidney donor, so that they may be able to improve upon the quality of their remaining lifespan. Only a "lucky few" are able to find a suitable matching donor, be it living (related) or a cadaver, whilst the others are left to fend for themselves. As the supply fails to cope with the demand, people go to the extent of exploring the pool of "unrelated donors". Though not legalised yet, this is one domain yet to be explored in its entirety, both on humanitarian as well as ethical grounds. Our current work hopes to highlight this scenario and also provides a few options that may well become "ethically acceptable" in the not-so-far future.

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