Average Production Time Research Articles

3D-printed tool for creating standardized burn wounds in ex vivo skin tissues

IntroductionThe development of biomaterials and medical devices for burn wound treatment necessitates thorough investigation through in vitro/ex vivo models before transitioning to animal studies. Establishing a standardized and high-throughput burn wound model in ex vivo skin presents a considerable challenge. Our objective was to address this challenge by developing a practical and cost-effective 3D-printed burn wound tool capable of uniformly inducing burns in 12 skin samples simultaneously. Material and methodsUtilizing Autodesk Inventor software, we designed a 3D model comprising a plate-base component (PBC) and a rod-base component (RBC). The design was exported as a Standard Triangulation Language (STL) file, processed through "Slicer" software to generate a G-code file tailored for 3D printing. ResultsThe Rod-Base component underwent iterative design modifications to optimize weight, airflow, and material consumption, resulting in a final design featuring a unique star shape for enhanced airflow. Simultaneously, the Plate-Base component design evolved to enable easy and secure plate placement, demonstrating compatibility with 12-well plates. The average production time for the model was 14.5 h, with a production cost of approximately $20 (USD), covering printing material and steel rods. ConclusionIn conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the required equipment and software, empowering researchers to efficiently produce their accurate and cost-effective 3D-printed tool for controlled and reproducible burn wound creation in ex vivo viable skin tissues.

A comparison of adversarial malware generators

Machine learning has proven to be a valuable tool for automated malware detection, but machine learning systems have also been shown to be subject to adversarial attacks. This paper summarizes and compares related work on generating adversarial malware samples, specifically malicious Windows Portable Executable files. In contrast with previous research, we not only compare generators of adversarial malware examples theoretically, but we also provide an experimental comparison and evaluation for practical usability. We use gradient-based, evolutionary-based, and reinforcement-based approaches to create adversarial samples, which we test against selected antivirus products. The results show that applying optimized modifications to previously detected malware can lead to incorrect classification of the file as benign. Moreover, generated malicious samples can be effectively employed against detection models other than those used to produce them, and combinations of methods can construct new instances that avoid detection. Based on our findings, the Gym-malware generator, which uses reinforcement learning, has the greatest practical potential. This generator has the fastest average sample production time of 5.73 s and the highest average evasion rate of 44.11%. Using the Gym-malware generator in combination with itself further improved the evasion rate to 58.35%. However, other tested methods scored significantly lower in our experiments than reported in the original publications, highlighting the importance of a standardized evaluation environment.

Simple Synthesis of [18F] AV-45 and its Clinical Application in the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease.

[18F] AV-45 can be produced in a simple, stable, and repeatable manner on the Tracerlab FXF-N platform using a self-editing synthetic procedure and solid-phase extraction purification method. This technique is applied to positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of Alzheimer's disease (AD) to observe its distribution and characteristics in various brain regions and its diagnostic efficiency for the disease. The precursor was subjected to nucleophilic radiofluorination at 120°C in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide, followed by acid hydrolysis of the protecting groups. The neutralized reaction mixture was purified by solid phase extraction to obtain a relatively pure [18F] AV-45 product with a high specific activity. A total of 10 participants who were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD group) and 10 healthy controls (HC group) were included retrospectively. All of them underwent [18F] AV-45 brain PET/CT imaging. The distribution of [18F] AV-45 in the AD group was analyzed visually and semi-quantitatively. Six consecutive radiochemical syntheses were performed in this experiment. The average production time of [18F] AV-45 was 52 minutes, the radiochemical yield was 14.2 % ± 2.7% (n = 6), and the radiochemical purity was greater than 95%. When used with PET/CT imaging, the results of the visual analysis indicated increased [18F] AV-45 radioactivity uptake in the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes in AD patients. Semiquantitative analysis showed the highest diagnostic efficacy in the posterior cingulate gyrus compared with other brain regions (P < 0.001). Intravenous [18F] AV-45 was successfully prepared on the Tracerlab FXF-N platform by solid-phase extraction of crude product and automated radiochemical synthesis. PET/CT imaging can be used to diagnose and evaluate AD patients and provide a more robust basis for clinicians to diagnose AD.

Evaluation of the productivity and costs of excavator-based mechanized tree planting in Finland based on automated data collection

The poor cost-effectiveness of mechanized planting (MECP) is the main reason for the low mechanization rate of planting. In this study, we investigated the productivity of the mechanized excavator-based planting of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] H. Karst.) seedlings based on data collected by the Risutec Asta documentation system. We also compared the costs of a MECP chain with two different manual planting (MAP) chains, where mounding was carried out by a crawler excavator (EXC) or a continuously advancing mounder (CONT). The MECP of seedlings was carried out using an EXC equipped with a Risutec PM-1 60 planting device. Generally, the nine study sites in western Finland contained few surface obstacles (e.g., the logging residues had mainly been harvested), which made the conditions very suitable for MECP. The average production time taken by the MECP was 9 h ha-1. The operating hour (G15-h) productivity averaged 215 seedlings G15-h-1 , with the mean planting time being 13.8 s seedling-1. Loading 160 seedlings into the seedling cassette took approximately 10 min (3.8 s seedling-1). Overall, the cost of the MECP was about 5% lower than for the EXC + MAP. However, when productivity was set at &lt;200 seedlings G15-h-1 , the cost of the MECP was higher than that of the EXC + MAP. Based on our findings, the most cost-efficient planting chain was CONT + MAP. However, based on our results, the required level of productivity can be achieved if the sites are suitable for MECP and the machine operators are skilled.

Optimal Worker Allocation of Food Manufacturing System using Simulation and Data Envelopment Analysis

This study suggests employing simulation and data envelopment analysis to support decision making for determining the optimal worker allocation for a food manufacturing production line. The simulation model for food production is based on a real-world example from the food industry, focusing on a manufacturing company. The challenge faced by the company involves a constrained number of workers allocated to four processes. The imbalance number of workers in each process will affect the productivity of the company. Through simulation modeling of the actual systems, it was discovered that the filling process presents a bottleneck due to its significantly higher average waiting time compared to the other processes. A valid simulation model was subsequently employed to generate potential improvements. Nineteen improvement models were proposed and assessed based on various selection criteria, including average total production time, average number of entities still in the system, total production, and average resource utilization. Among the nineteen improvement models, Improvement Model 11 (IM11) emerged as the best improvement model. The optimal worker allocation alternative involves assigning two workers to each process, leading to anticipated increases in total production and average resource utilization. Utilizing simulation and data envelopment analysis can help the management of the company to make better decisions in determining the optimal worker allocation.

Closed system production of serum eye drops using dockable saline.

A fully closed system solution to manufacture serum eye drops using diluted serum has remained elusive, necessitating production steps to mitigate bacterial contamination risks in a clean suite environment, hampering production efficiency amid growing demand. We describe our recent implementation of a fully closed manufacturing process at New Zealand Blood Service. A dockable format for sterile saline manufactured to custom specifications configured with a 15-cm tubing to enable sterile connections was sourced from a local pharmaceutical manufacturer. From a total of 30,168 eye drop vials manufactured since implementation, the average production time was reduced by up to 45% performed in the general laboratory environment, attributed to eliminating processes performed in a clean suite. No bacterial contamination was observed, demonstrating robust sterile connections. Dockable saline takes serum eye drops manufactured from a functionally closed system to a fully closed system, thereby enhancing patient safety, significantly reducing manufacturing time and cost and transforming production from a highly restrictive process into a portable workflow that is simple, practical and effective.

Optimization of Automatic Synthesis and Separation of [18F] AV-45 and Quality Control.

Objective: Based on the Tracerlab FXF-N platform, a synthesis program and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification program edited by us can stably and repeatedly produce [18F] AV-45 without changing the process. The [18F] AV-45 produced meets the main indexes of radiopharmaceutical intravenous preparations. Methods: The O-toluene sulfonated precursor (1 mg) was subjected to nucleophilic radiofluorination at 115°C in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), then the protective group was hydrolyzed by acid. The neutralized reaction mixture was purified through a preparative HPLC then formulated for injection using a C18 purification cartridge. This method yielded a relatively pure [18F] AV-45 product with high specific activity. Results: Four consecutive radiochemical synthesis operations were carried out in this experiment; the average production time of [18F] AV-45 preparation was 60 min, the radiochemical yield was 14.8 ± 2.1% (n = 4), the radiochemical purity was greater than 95%, and the other important quality control indexes met the requirements of radioactive drugs for intravenous administration. Conclusion: This experiment was based on the Tracerlab FXF-N platform with the synthesis program and preparative HPLC purification program edited by us. Through screening and optimization of the separation and purification system and the separation and analysis system, as well as automatic radiochemical synthesis and preparation quality control, intravenous [18F] AV-45 was successfully prepared.

Design and Evaluation of Livestock Feed Chopper Machine

Nowadays in Malaysia, the livestock industry has become the increasing demand over the past few years. Like agriculture, livestock is also a growing business that can help local farmers to generate their income. Thus, an economic and practical chopper machine for livestock feed is necessary to fulfil this demand. The machine is driven by an AC powered motor (1400 rpm, 1 Hp). It is divided into five major components, which are the fodder inlet, fodder outlet, power unit, cutting unit and frame stand. For safety reason, a cover made by clear acrylic Perspex were built in front of the blade to prevent any injuries. The machine structure is reasonable and practical as it is supported by four lockable wheels and handle for easy movement. Time taken to finish the chopping process will be analyzed for both methods. Three different weights of fodder will be used. For 500g, 1000g and 1500g of weight, average production time taken by machine is 15s, 33s and 42s respectively. While conventional method is 240s, 400s and 640s respectively. The percentage decrease of production time was calculated to evaluate the performance. Based on the result obtained, it shows that by using the chopper machine, it can help to reduce the production time to produce the chopped fodder compared to the conventional method. For weight 500g, it reduces the production time to 93.75%, for weight 1000g to 91.75% and lastly for weight 1500g to 93.44%. Hence, the chopper machine is practical, flexible and cost effective to use for chopping fodder.

Challenges and strategies for biogas production in the circular agricultural waste utilization model: A case study in rural China

As a renewable energy source, production and utilization of biogas is of great benefit to mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reduction of the dependency on fossil fuels, and promotion of the utilization of livestock manure and crop straw. It has been widely popularized in rural China, yet the benefits and drawbacks of the operation of household biogas digesters (HBD) are not well-understood, resulting in the operation of HBD failing to live up to expectations. This study used propensity score matching (PSM) to estimate the true benefits of the HBD process, explored the drivers and barriers for households to continue using HBD with the logit model, and identified the determinants of HBD operation time by using the tobit model. Results showed that of the 1743 households interviewed, 42% had adopted HBD and the average biogas production time using HBD was 6.66 months per year. It was estimated that HBD owners could save 474 Chinese yuan (CNY) annually by using HBD and that the net present value of the HBD program would be generated after eight years of operation. However, lack of technical training and subsidies for HBD operation were the key barriers for households to carry on using HBD. Conversely, a warm local climate and HBD with larger size had positive effects on households deciding to continue using HBD. Thus, comprehensive policies addressing construction and operation of HBD, as well as new methods for a high-value supply chains to comprehensively utilize biogas products could solve dilemmas in HBD operation.

Thermal Analysis of Parabolic Trough Solar Collector and Assessment of Steam Power Generation at Two Locations in Cameroon

The supply of electrical energy to households remains a major concern in Cameroon. Over the past two decades, the state has devoted enormous financial resources to the construction of thermal power plant working on Heavy Fuel Oil. Despite this effort, it has been noted that the production of electricity from fossil sources has not been up to the expectations of the population because the production cost that remains quite high limits the supply to major urban centers. In this context, it becomes a necessity to explore other sources of production and in particular renewable sources. This paper is concerned with the study of the steam production potential in the stations of Maroua and Yaounde in Cameroon using Parabolic Trough Collectors. Two production modes are considered in this study which are: The direct mode using water and the indirect mode with TherminolVP1 as heat transfer fluid. The modeling of the system is based on the study of the energy balance of heat exchange between the receiver and the calorific fluids in order to assess the impact of incident solar irradiation on the fluid outlet temperature for each generation mode. Using PVGIS solar data, the outlet temperature profile of water as well as the thermal power generated and the system efficiency for different series associations using a variable number of collectors were analyzed. It was shown that the temperature of the steam increases with the increase in the number of collectors. For an association of 8 collectors, the average daily production time of pressurized steam at 40bars is 8 hours with a maximum temperature of 600 °C in direct mode and 490 ° C in indirect mode for the month of February in Maroua. The maximum efficiency for the same month is 72.7% in direct generation and 60.7% in indirect generation. These results confirm the possibility of energy generation combining solar sources with existing heavy fuel oil stations for better efficiency. However, further investigations about the energy demand and the supply are necessary for appropriate sizing of the solar generator.

Kutatásetika és kutatásszervezés a SARS-CoV-2 vírus okozta világjárványban

Összefoglaló. A klinikai orvosbiológiai vizsgálatok elkezdéséhez a kutatásban részt vevők biztonságát ellenőrző Egészségügyi Tudományos Tanács (ETT) kutatásetikai bizottságainak hozzájárulása szükséges. A járványt csak tudományos eredményekkel lehet legyőzni, ezért kitörésekor gyorsították a COVID–19 kutatási protokollok bírálatát. A koronavírus világjárvány szükségessé tett egy megváltozott kutatási adatkezelést is. A járványok megoldása a megelőzés. Bár a vírusellenes vakcinák adása hamar megkezdődött, ami jelentős tudományos teljesítmény, mégis tudományellenes hullám söpör végig a világon, és a kötelező védőoltások körüli jogi, etikai viták fellángoltak. Áltudományos érvelésekkel félrevezetnek embereket. Az ETT nemzeti kutatásfejlesztési programot javasolt a járvány következményeinek leküzdésére. Summary. Biomedical research activities are subjects to prior professional-ethical approval. ETT (the Medical Research Council in Hungary) through its research-ethics committees ensures the safety of people and protects their interests and health in various clinical investigations and trials. Thus, science, ethics, and safety cannot be separated in biomedical research. The ETT operates three national ethics committees. The opinions of ethical bodies are binding; clinical and biomedical research may not be initiated without the consent of the relevant ETT committees. This is in line with international regulations. The ETT has published the “Codex of Bioethics. On the concepts and practice of biomedical research” on its website. When the epidemic broke out, the ETT Presidency initiated immediate legislative changes that allowed for online meetings as well as digital consent to investigations, in addition to the previously exclusive personal ones. In the epidemic, time became the determining dimension, but this and the aim of the research could not be combined with such “lightening” that would endanger the safety and interests of the participants in the COVID studies. Thus, under the still strict requirements, the time for reviewing the COVID-19 protocols had to be radically shortened. However, the ETT research ethics committees also rejected submissions during the epidemic. A total of 171 COVID-19-related research protocols were approved in Hungary in 2020. The ETT Presidency initiated a national Research and Development program on infectious diseases, a call for scientific clinical R&amp;D proposals on COVID-19, and also elaborated its priorities. Throughout human history, the solution to epidemics has always been to prevent the spread of disease through vaccinations. The average production time for traditional vaccines is about 15 years, whereas in the year of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic outbreak, mass vaccinations began with completely new coronavirus vaccines partly made using brand new molecular biology technology that had never been used before. Despite the tremendous professional scientific achievements, a wave of hostilities is sweeping across the world, and the ethos and successes of science, and scientific communities in research are being questioned when their roles are dominant and outstanding. The concept of compulsory vaccination has been arguably classified as a human right. With this, the world of vaccinations was tied to concepts that it really had nothing to do with. Arbitrary pairing and joint treatment of remote concepts favours the spread of fatal diseases such as measles and poliomyelitis, for which there are already vaccines. Meanwhile, pseudosciences are misleading the public. The coronavirus pandemic has also necessitated changes in data management. The ETT has previously initiated a number of legal and professional proposals on health data management and access to research data, and has developed its own data protection rules following the introduction of the GDPR.

Forecast of the time lag effect of carbon emissions based on a temporal input-output approach

This paper investigates the time lag effect of carbon emissions using a novel temporal input-output approach (TIO). The sectoral average production time of various sectors is evaluated based on the turnover rate data of 3394 listed companies in China’s A-share market. Then, a polynomial function is developed to fit the indirect carbon emissions and time lag at each consumption stage in the industrial chains. Finally, an empirical study is carried out to forecast the time lag effect of carbon emissions with final demand fluctuations based on the latest 2017 input-output table for China. The results show that indirect carbon emissions caused by sectoral economic activities decline stage by stage in the industrial chains, and the decline rate and time lag intensity vary significantly among sectors. The logistics industry has the highest spread efficiency for indirect carbon emissions in the industrial chains, and the construction industry is the first industry affected by the indirect carbon emissions caused by the manufacturing industry. The power/thermal industry’s impact on China’s carbon emissions is the fastest, but its duration is the shortest, while the impact of the manufacturing and mining industries are more stable and durable. However, considering the fluctuations in final demand, the manufacturing industry has replaced the power/thermal industry as the most important industry affecting the time lag effect of China’s carbon emissions. This study provides important theoretical and practical value for indirect carbon emissions forecasting.

The use of three-dimensional anatomical patient-specific printed models in surgical clipping of intracranial aneurysm: A pilot study.

Background: In the present study, we aim to develop simulation models based on computed tomography angiography images of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and their parent vessels using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. The study focuses on the value of these 3D models in presurgical planning and intraoperative navigation and ultimately their impact on patient outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of its kind from a war-torn country, like Iraq.Methods: This is a prospective study of a series of 11, consecutively enrolled, patients suffering from IAs for the period between February and September 2019. The study represents a collaboration between the two major neurosurgical centers in Baghdad/Iraq; Neurosciences Teaching Hospital and Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital. We analyzed the data of eleven patients with IAs treated by microsurgical clipping. These data include patient demographics, clinical, surgical, and outcomes along with the data of the 3D-printed replica used in these surgeries. All cases were operated on by one surgeon.Results: Our study included 11 patients, with a total of 11 aneurysms clipped. The mean age was 44 ± 8, with a median of 42.5 and a range of 35–61 years. About 60% of our patients were female with a female-to-male ratio of 1:5. About 60% of the aneurysms were located at the anterior communicating artery (Acom) while the remaining 40% were equally distributed between the posterior communicating and internal carotid arteries bifurcation. The standard pterional approach was followed in 50% of cases, whereas the other 50% of patients were treated through the lateral supraorbital approach. About 90% (n = 9) of the patients had a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of 5 and 10% had a GOS of 4. The 3D-printed models successfully replicated the aneurysm size, location, and relation to the parent vessel with 100% accuracy and were used for intraoperative guidance. The average production time was 24–48 h and the production cost was 10–20 US dollars.Conclusion: 3D printing is a promising technology that is rapidly penetrating the field of neurosurgery. In particular, the use of 3D-printed patient-matched, anatomically accurate replicas of the cerebral vascular tree is valuable adjunct to the microsurgical clipping of IAs, and our study conclusions support this concept. However, both the feasibility and clinical utility of 3D printing remain the subject of much, ongoing investigations.

Informes de posicionamiento terapéutico: experiencia en España en el periodo 2013-2019

ObjectiveDescribe the characteristics of the therapeutic positioning reports (TPRs) published in Spain in the period 2013-2019. Design and data sourceSystematic review of all TPRs published in the website of the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS). Selection of studiesAll TPRs published since May 2013, until March 2019 Data extractionThe main variables collected were the therapeutic groups assessed, the number of TPRs, the time of elaboration, the existence of restrictions versus the authorized indications and the information on the efficiency of medicines. ResultsDuring the period under review, 214 TPRs were carried out, with an average production time of 8.8 months, almost three times the objective of 3-month initially set. 57% of the TPRs established restrictions of use with respect to the approved indications. 26% of TPRs referred to the existence of economic data, although none included details on the efficiency. 10% of TPRs were updated. ConclusionsFor TPRs to meet their objective of improving the efficiency of the assessment process and the consistency in the decisions on price, reimbursement and financing of medicines by the SNS, the deadlines established for publication must be met, incorporating systematically information on the efficiency of the drugs and including periodic updates with the new information generated.

Improvement of the plane-parallel movement of the attachment of the feller-bunchers machine LP-19

This paper presents a mathematical model of the articulated manipulator feller-bunchers machine LP-19 (FBM LP-19) and allows you to identify the laws of motion of the boom, the stick and stand feller-bunchers head (FBH) depending on the volume of the working fluid in the hydraulic cylinders drive the boom and stick. Based on the results of mathematical modeling, a method and means for controlling the trajectory of the stick, arrow, and FBH with one complex control device that provides the movement of the FBH close to the plane-parallel one. The dependences of the position of FBH in the vertical plane of the boom and stick were established using the developed integrated device and without it. It has been experimentally established that the use of the developed integrated control device firstly reduces the time of the aiming operation of the FBH (changing the horizontal outreach) and secondly, the average production time of unit of wood is less than that of the base machine, which allowed increasing the productivity of the FBM compared to the base one.

Design and validation of a low-cost, high-fidelity model for robotic pyeloplasty simulation training

Owing to restrictions in operative experiences, urology residents can no longer solely rely on 'hands-on' operative time to master their surgical skills by the end of residency. Simulation training could help residents master basic surgical skills and steps of a procedure to maximize time in the operative room. However, simulators can be expensive or tedious to set up, limiting the availability to residents and training programs. The authors sought to develop and validate an inexpensive, high-fidelity training model for robotic pyeloplasty. Pyeloplasty models were created using Dragon Skin® FX-Pro tissue-mimicking silicone cast over 3-dimensional molds. Urology faculty and trainees completed a demographic questionnaire. The participants viewed a brief instructional videoand then independently performed robotic dismembered pyeloplasty on the model. Acceptability and content validity were evaluated via post-task evaluation of the model. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing procedure completion time, the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) score, blinded subjective physical evaluation of repair quality (1-10 scale), and flow rate between experts and novices. In total, 5 urology faculty, 6 fellows, and 14 residents participated. The median robotic console experience among faculty, fellows, and residents was 8 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 6-11), 3.5 years (IQR = 2-4 years), and 0 years (IQR = 0-0.5 years), respectively. The median procedure completion time was 29min (IQR = 26-40min), and the median flow rate was 1.11mL/s (IQR = 0-1.34mL/s). All faculty had flow rates >1.25mL/s and procedure times <30min compared with 2 of 6 fellows and none of the residents (P<0.001). All faculty, half of the fellows, and none of the residents achieved a GEARS score ≥20, with a median resident score of 12.5 (IQR = 8-13) (P<0.001). For repair quality, all faculty scored ≥9 (out of 10), all fellows scored ≥8, and the median score among residents was 6 (IQR = 2-6) (P<0.001). The material cost was $1.32/model, and the average production time was 0.12 person-hours/model. This low-cost pyeloplasty model exhibits acceptability and content validity. Construct validity is supported by significant correlation between participant expertise and simulator performance across multiple assessment domains. The model has excellent potential to be used as a training tool in urology and allows for repetitive practice of pyeloplasty skills before live cases.

Novel 3-dimensionally printed patient-specific guide improves accuracy compared with standard total shoulder arthroplasty guide: a cadaveric study

BackgroundPatient-specific instrumentation (PSI) systems for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) can improve glenoid component placement, but may involve considerable expense and production delays. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel technique for in-house production of 3-dimensionally printed, patient-specific glenoid guides. We hypothesized that our PSI guide would improve the accuracy of glenoid guide pin placement compared with a standard TSA guide.MethodsWe randomized 20 cadaveric shoulders to receive pin placement via the PSI guide (n = 10, study group) or standard TSA guide (n = 10, control group). PSI guides were designed to fit each glenoid based on 3-dimensional scapular models constructed from computed tomography scans. A presurgical plan was created for the guide pin trajectory in neutral version and inclination based on individual scapular anatomy. After pin placement, 3-dimensional models from repeated computed tomography scans were superimposed to calculate deviation from the presurgical plan for each specimen.ResultsInclination deviation was significantly lower in the PSI group than in the standard guide group (1.5° ± 1.6° vs. 6.4° ± 5.0°, P = .009). The glenoid entry site exhibited significantly less deviation in the PSI group (0.8 ± 0.6 mm vs. 2.1 ± 1.2 mm, P = .008). The average production cost and time for the PSI guides were $29.95 and 4 hours 40 minutes per guide, respectively.ConclusionsThe PSI guide significantly improved the accuracy of glenoid pin placement compared with the standard TSA guide. Our PSI guides can be produced in-house, inexpensively, and with substantially reduced time compared with commercially available guides.

Qualification and Performance Evaluation of an Automated System for Compounding Injectable Cytotoxic Drugs

Abstract Background Use of automated systems for the production of chemotherapy will increase in answer to hospitals’ needs to rationalise production. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of a PharmaHelp® automated system for compounding chemotherapy. Methods Viable and non viable particles in air and liquid were measured by particle counter. Surface chemical contamination was simulated with a quinine solution. Microbiological contamination and aseptic processes were studied using media-fill tests. Dose accuracy was evaluated using a gravimetric method, in simulation studies and with real products in daily practice. Productivity was calculated by batch of ten IV-bags. Results No particles or microbiological contamination were detected. Filling was accurate for all the volumes of non-viscous solution studied (97–103 %). Minimum volumes which could be prepared accurately were 2 mL and 5 mL for the non-viscous and viscous solutions, respectively. For 2–5 mL volumes, the robot was less accurate than average, and 0–2 % of bags were rejected (deviation&gt;10 %). Average fill deviations were from 0–3 % for 2–5 mL volumes and&lt;1 % for volumes above 5 mL. Average production time for ten bags was 61±11 min. Conclusions The automated system was able to produce chemotherapy effectively, delivering appropriate quality with productivity comparable to manual preparations. These results confirmed that such automated systems have the potential to guarantee optimal safety for patients and technicians.

Using mixed goal programming to optimize performance of extrusion process for multiple responses of irrigation pipes

The performance of the polyethylene extrusion process used in the plastic industry was optimized using mixed goal programming. Four responses, the roll weight, production cycle time, distance between emitters, and thickness, are crucial. After a combination of initial factor settings was determined, individual and moving range control charts were established for each response. Two-phase optimization was implemented using L18 and L9 arrays for conducting experiments. A two-phase fuzzy goal programming model was formulated and employed to determine the combination of optimal factor settings, which was used to perform experiments. The results showed a significant reduction in the average production time from 13.0 to 11.316 min. Moreover, the average respective relative percentages of variability reduction for the roll weight, production cycle time, distance between emitters, and thickness were 48.547%, 49.048%, 47.174%, and 63.704%, respectively, and the corresponding estimated process capability indices for the combination of initial (optimal) factor settings were 0.202 (1.440), 0.330 (0.914), and 0.460 (1.456). Such improvement results in significant reduction in quality costs.

Lean Accounting Comes to Lean Software Development

I argue that lean software development firms become more productive if they align their lean managerial accounting systems and lean software development processes. I conduct an experiment on software development teams that have used lean and agile software development practices. A treatment group is re-trained in lean software development practices, and after three months, the productivity of the treatment group is compared to that of a control group that did not receive this re-training. This first phase (Phase 1) estimates the productivity improvements from using lean software development practices. Results from Phase 1 indicate that these practices shorten average production time by 80% in software development. In the second phase (Phase 2), a treatment group will be exposed to new lean management accounting measures for three months while a control group will only see existing reported metrics. Software development productivity will be measured for both groups before and after this exposure to evaluate the impact of the treatment. I will also survey both groups before and after treatment to evaluate how lean management accounting measures affect employee engagement and empowerment. The experimental site is a large publicly traded software firm that uses lean and agile software development practices.