Product Characteristics Research Articles

Computer modeling of the synthesis of styrene–butadiene rubber: Influence of the feed of a chain transfer agent on the characteristics of the product

Objectives. To develop mathematical approaches and algorithms for analyzing the influence of various methods for feeding a chain transfer agent to a cascade of reactors, taking into account the choice of feed points on the characteristics of the final product of copolymerization using computer modeling.Methods. The processes of synthesis of copolymers were mathematically modeled using a statistical approach (Monte Carlo method). The developed algorithm is based on calculating the probabilities of elementary reactions in the process under study. In the case of continuous production of the copolymer in a cascade of reactors, it must be taken into account that the residence time of each particle of the reaction mixture in the reactor is subject to a probability distribution. The algorithm models the formation of copolymer macromolecules at the particle level, permitting the average molecular characteristics of the copolymer to be calculated and its microstructure to be studied based on modeling results.Results. The dependencies of the intrinsic viscosity on the reactor number and conversion were constructed by means of mathematical modeling. The calculation results showed satisfactory agreement with the experimental data obtained in production. The dependencies of the molecular weight distribution of the copolymer, the weight-average molecular weight, and the microheterogeneity index on the reactor number were constructed for various methods of feed of the chain transfer agent, i.e., to two and/or three points of the reactor cascade. The modeling and calculation results confirmed the influence of the method of adding the chain transfer agent to the cascade reactors on the molecular characteristics of the copolymer.Conclusions. The analysis of the structure of the molecular units of the styrene–butadiene copolymer showed a decrease in the weightaverage molecular weight of the final product and an increase in its stiffness in the case of the three-point feed of the chain transfer agent.

Zeta Potential Change and curing effects on Shield Muck solidified by Metal Ion Complex Catalysis

Using potentiometric testing, we investigated the zeta potential of shield muck curing materials’ particle surfaces, varying the concentration of metal ion complex. We analyzed the microscopic characteristics of shield muck curing products by using the electron microscopy, revealing the impact of metal ion complex on curing. Results showed that the metal ion complex significantly reduces the surface zeta potential of shield muck and conventional curing materials, with cement showing the most substantial effect, followed by shield muck, calcium carbonate, and calcium sulfate. The concentration of metal ion complex negatively correlates with the zeta potential within a range of 0 to 100 mmol/L. Comparing shield muck cured for 7 and 28 days, with and without metal ion complexes, indicated that metal ion complexes accelerate crystalline product formation, increasing the compressive strength of shield cinder cured products by over 35%. Fitted curves and empirical parameter equations of zeta potential and metal ion complex concentration align with experimental results. This study provides a reference for the efficient treatment and sustainable utilization of shield slag soil, holding significant practical engineering value.

Chemical Diversity of UK-Grown Tea Explored Using Metabolomics and Machine Learning

Background/Objectives: Dartmoor Estate Tea plantation in Devon, UK, is renowned for its unique microclimate and varied soil conditions, which contribute to the distinctive flavours and chemical profiles of tea. The chemical diversity of fresh leaf samples from various garden locations was explored within the plantation. Methods: Fresh leaf, which differed by location, cultivar, time of day, and variety, was analysed using Flow Infusion Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (FIE-MS). Results: Random forest classification revealed no significant differences between Georgian N2 cultivar garden locations. However, a significant degree of variability was observed within four tri-clonal variants (Tocklai Variety) with TV9 exhibiting greater similarity to the Georgian N2 cultivar compared to TV8 and TV11, while TV11 was found to be most like TV1. The intraclass variability in leaf composition was similar between the varieties. We explored the metabolic changes over the day in one variant (Camellia assamica Masters), yielding a model with a significant R2 value of 0.617 (p < 0.01, 3000 permutations). Starch and sucrose metabolism was found to be significant where the abundance of these chemical features increased throughout the day and then began to decrease at night. Conclusions: This research highlights the complex interplay of cultivars, geographical location, and temporal factors on the chemical composition of tea. It provides insightful data on the metabolic pathways influencing tea cultivation and production and underscores the importance of these variables in determining the final chemical profile and organoleptic characteristics of tea products.

Acceptability of a dapivirine levonorgestrel vaginal ring in two Phase 1 trials (MTN-030/IPM 041 and MTN-044/IPM 053/CCN019): Implications for multipurpose prevention technology development.

End-user feedback early in product development is important for optimizing multipurpose prevention technologies for HIV and pregnancy prevention. We evaluated the acceptability of the 90-day dapivirine levonorgestrel ring (DPV-LNG ring) used for 14 days compared to a dapivirine-only ring (DVR-200mg) in MTN-030/IPM 041 (n = 23), and when used for 90 days cyclically or continuously in MTN-044/IPM 053/CCN019 (n = 25). We enrolled healthy, non-pregnant, HIV-negative women aged 18-45 in Pittsburgh, PA and Birmingham, AL (MTN-030 only). Self-reports of vaginal bleeding and adherence (ring removals, expulsions) were collected via daily short message service. Acceptability data were recorded in face-to-face interviews at study exit. We assessed differences in acceptability by product characteristics and adherence; and associations between baseline characteristics/demographics, number of bleeding days, adherence, and overall acceptability. Most (21/23) women in the 14-day MTN-030 study and about half (13/25) in the 90-day MTN-044 study liked their assigned rings. In MTN-030 there were no significant associations between any variables and overall acceptability of either ring. In MTN-044, women who disliked the DPV-LNG ring had a significantly higher incidence of unanticipated vaginal bleeding, and reporting that vaginal bleeding changes were unacceptable than those who liked it. Although we found no overall association between adherence and acceptability, significantly more women who disliked (versus liked) the DPV-LNG ring reported expulsions during toileting. The DPV-LNG ring could meet the needs of women seeking simultaneous protection from HIV and unintended pregnancy. Addressing issues related to vaginal bleeding and expulsions early in product development will likely enhance acceptability of the DPV-LNG ring. Trial registration: Clinical Trial Registration: MTN-030/IPM 041: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02855346; MTN-044/IPM 053/CCN019: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03467347.

Integrating Analytical Procedures in Routine Practices of Centralized Antiblastic Compounding Units for Valorization of Residual Compounded Drugs

Background/Objectives: Although extemporaneous formulations of anticancer drug products for personalized therapy are produced according to Good Hospital Pharmacy Manufacturing Practice, the lack of knowledge about drug stability under clinical conditions limits the second-time use of these highly costly medications in clinical practice. Therefore, the residual compounded drugs are considered waste and a cost item that negatively affects the healthcare system. In the context of the ever-increasing interest of the health system in applying practices in line with personalized medicine and spending review policies, this research aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating analytical techniques into daily routine practice. Specifically, the present research focused on fast stability analysis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in antiblastic residual compounded drugs with the purpose of demonstrating their potentialities as a resource for possible second-time use. Methods: Two different subsets of drug products were analyzed, i.e., medicines containing small molecules and medicines containing monoclonal antibodies. In relation to their different physicochemical properties, two analytical approaches were optimized and involved in the stability investigation: HPLC-DAD for small molecules and a combined approach of LC-MS/MS with size exclusion chromatography for monoclonal antibodies analysis. Results: Results underlined that the stability data, as available in the summary of product characteristics related to each medicine, do not completely describe the physicochemical shelf-life of anticancer compounded drugs. Conclusions: In fact, for all tested products, our results suggested a longer shelf-life in comparison to the datasheet, giving hospital pharmacists the possibility to extend the clinical use of compounded drugs, improving the cost–benefit of anticancer personalized therapy.

An Analysis of the Role of Aluminum-based Bulking Agents in Food Products

The food industry's evolution has witnessed a significant shift in consumer preferences and regulatory approaches towards food additives. The mid-20th century was characterized by the prevalent use of food additives, frequently without thorough examination. In contrast, contemporary trends prioritize "clean labels" that highlight descriptors such as "gluten-free," "organic," and "additive-free." This shift reflects growing consumer awareness of potential health risks associated with certain additives, particularly bulking agents. This article explores the function of aluminum-based bulking agents in food items, emphasizing their prevalence, modes of action, possible health implications, and existing regulatory frameworks. This paper will analyze the potential long-term health implications of aluminum exposure and explore the feasibility of developing alternative bulking agents with minimal adverse effects. This study underscores the essential equilibrium between improving the characteristics of food products and ensuring public health protection. The primary objective is to advance the comprehension of the intricate issues related to food additive regulations and to support informed decision-making in the advancement of food safety.

A paired study comparing mononuclear cell collection using a new in-line system with an off-line extracorporeal photopheresis apheresis system.

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) product characteristics are not well established. The aim of this study was to compare mononuclear cells (MNCs) collection using the new Amicus blue (AB) In-line ECP system to our standard Off-line ECP system using the Optia apheresis device and the MacoGenic G2 inactivation system (OM). We assessed the ECP products and procedure parameters, patient characteristics, and adverse events for both AB and OM systems in paired patients. Comparisons were made with t-test for paired samples. Thirteen patients underwent 15 double, paired procedures using both ECP protocols and processing the same blood volume of 4000 mL. Total MNC collected in the product were 51.6 × 108 (95% CI 30.0-73.1) and 42.2 × 108 (95% CI 22.4-62.0) for the AB and OM, respectively (not significant). Both products were also similar regarding volume, MNC concentration, purity, and hematocrit. However, total platelet count (×1011) was significantly lower in the AB products: 0.25 (95% CI 0.15-0.36) versus 1.2 (95% CI 0.9-1.5). The new AB system reduced significantly also the time invested and anticoagulant used per procedure compared with OM, albeit with similar collection efficiency and percentage of MNC captured per procedure. Hypocalcemia was the commonest adverse event with both systems, but it was not severe. The new AB system collected MNC products comparable to our current experience with OM, although in a significantly shorter time, with a reduced use of anticoagulant and lower contamination with platelets, which are all valuable advantages of the new system.

Physicochemical Profile of Canastra Cheese Inoculated with Starter Cultures of Kluyveromyces lactis and Torulaspora delbrueckii.

Canastra cheese, an artisanal cheese produced in Serra da Canastra-Brazil, has great cultural importance. Furthermore, this cheese has nutritional and sensory attributes that make it of great economic importance. Its microbiota is composed of different bacteria and yeasts. Some yeasts already isolated by our research group have been characterized as potential probiotics. Probiotic microorganisms have garnered scientific interest, as improvements in the physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of food products have been reported when these microorganisms are used. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate Kluyveromyces lactis and Torulaspora delbrueckii, which were previously isolated from Canastra cheese, as autochthonous starter cultures. Canastra cheese was produced under three different conditions: (1) cheese with "Pingo" (natural starter), (2) cheese with "Pingo" + yeast mixed culture, and (3) cheese with only mixed yeast culture. The results showed that the mixed yeast inoculum significantly influenced the lactic acid bacteria population. Yeast populations remained at around 106 CFU/g after 45 days of maturation. Furthermore, cheeses containing the yeast mixed with inoculum had an initial lactose content reduced by 92.80% compared to cheese produced with "Pingo" (87.70%). The antioxidant activity, evaluated using the ABTS method, showed that cheeses containing the mixed yeast culture had higher percentages of antioxidant activity at 45 days of maturation. The texture profile of the cheeses changed over time. In general, the cheese containing the yeast mixed culture and "Pingo" and the cheese containing "Pingo" had the lowest hardness at 30 days of maturation (5245 and 5404 N, respectively). Among the volatile compounds, 3-methylbutyl octanoate, phenethyl butyrate, phenethyl propionate, isobutyl butanoate and pentyl propionate were found only in cheeses produced with yeast mixed culture. The obtained results demonstrated that the use of autochthones probiotic cultures could improve the cheese characteristics without negatively impacting the traditional physicochemical attributes of Canasta cheese.

ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF NON-RECEPTION ANTI-FEVER MEDICINES IN CHILDREN

The aim of the work was to analyze the use of over-the-counter antipyretic drugs in young children. Methods and materials. Marketing, analytical, comparative analysis and generalization of information were chosen as research methods. The study of the analysis of the needs of fever patients in the improvement of pharmaceutical care was conducted based on three pharmacies of the Podorozhnyk pharmacy chain, which were in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk. We conducted sociological research using questionnaires. The survey was conducted from October 1 to 31, 2023. To ensure representativeness, according to the calculations, 50 respondents (visitors of pharmacies) were involved in the survey, who approached the pharmacy employee with the aim of purchasing an antipyretic drug for a younger child. The results of the analysis were processed using computer programs. The results. As of November 2023, the market of Ukraine is dominated by Ukrainian-made medical devices (66.7%). Among the dosage forms, tablets prevail - a total of 41 names and capsules (36 names), the least oral solutions and solutions for injections - 1 name each. Taking into account that the greater number of drugs refers to over-the-counter drugs, an important aspect of responsible self-medication by the patient and pharmaceutical care by the pharmacist is the clinical and pharmaceutical characteristics of the medicinal product in view of the API or its combination, its dose, dosage form, possibility and features application in separate groups of patients, in particular children, was the study and analysis of instructions for the medical use of drugs regarding the possibility of taking these drugs in children. According to the analysis of the instructions for pharmaceuticals, it was found that 28% of drugs are allowed for use in children from birth to 1 year, from 1 year - 2.29%, from 3 years - 0.7%, from 5 years - 6.8%, from 6 years - 35.6%, from 10 years - 0.7%, from 12 years - 12.9%, more than 7 kg - 4.6%, more than 20 kg - 3.1%, more than 33 kg - 3.79%, as prescribed by a doctor taking into account the benefits/risks - 1.5%. To ensure representativeness, according to the calculations, 50 visitors to the pharmacy (representatives of the child) who came to the pharmacy to purchase an antipyretic drug for the treatment of a child's fever were involved in the survey. Conclusions. The conducted clinical and pharmaceutical analysis showed that the treatment of hyperthermia in children must be approached very carefully, because the assortment of over-the-counter drugs in Ukraine is large, there is a synonymy of the names of drugs of individual companies, which contain different compositions of active substances of different concentrations, which are indicated for use in individual groups of patients. Considering that many pharmaceuticals are over the counter, an important aspect is the responsible attitude of the pharmaceutical worker to inform and warn the buyer of the pharmacy, as well as responsible self-medication on the part of the patient. The effectiveness of antipyretic therapy will be higher when the pediatrician works together with the child's parents to improve medical literacy. From an ethical and deontological point of view, only close contact between the pediatrician and the patients' parents will allow to effectively eliminate febrile syndrome and prevent its dangerous and sometimes fatal consequences.

Pre-exposure of Lactobacillus acidophilus to stress conditions impacts the metabolites and bioaccessibility of calcium and carotenoids in fermented dairy products.

This study evaluated the impact of fermentation with Lactobacillus acidophilus pre-subjected to acid, osmotic, and oxidative stress conditions on the production of metabolites and the bioaccessibility of nutrients and bioactive compounds in fermented milks and yogurts. The products were added with orange bagasse (additional calcium - Ca source) and buriti pulp (carotenoids source). Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to analyze the volatile and non-volatile compounds metabolites from fermentation, respectively. In vitro digestion assays (dialysis and micellization) evaluated the bioaccessibility of Ca and carotenoids. Results showed that fermentation with L. acidophilus, previously exposed to acid, osmotic, and oxidative stress conditions, increased the production of volatiles such as higher alcohols and compounds derived from amino acid catabolism (1-butanol, 1-decanol, 1-nonanol, nonanoic acid, 2-ethyl 1-hexanol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol). Also, when this microorganism was subjected to osmotic and oxidative stress, an increase in the bioaccessibility of Ca in natural fermented milks from 4.1% to 13.3-15.5% and in the same products fortified with orange bagasse from 5.3% to 9.3-10.8% (when compared to the non-stressed condition) were observed. Conversely, the use of L. acidophilus - non-stressed or subjected to oxidative stress - reduced the bioaccessibility of carotenoids in products containing buriti pulp from 9.6% to 7.8% and 4.1% (in yogurts); and, from 4.1% to 2.0% (in fermented milks), when compared to control. Thus, the pre-exposure of probiotics to stress conditions may impact not only the sensory and biochemical characteristics of fermented products, but also the bioaccessibility of nutrients and bioactive compounds.

“Electrohydrodynamic Drying: A Comprehensive Review of Design Considerations and Quality Effects on Dried Fruits and Vegetables”

ABSTRACTElectrohydrodynamic (EHD) drying, an emerging non‐thermal technology, gains favor for its simple construction, energy efficiency, and superior dried product quality. Operating at ambient temperature, it preserves a product's original characteristics. This study delves into EHD drying's mechanism, electrode selection, and design considerations, emphasizing its impact on vitamins, color, and bioactive compounds in fruits and vegetables. A comparative analysis with traditional and innovative drying methods is included, exploring combined and EHD‐assisted techniques for improved organoleptic and nutritional qualities. While, currently it is limited to lab‐scale, scaling up EHD drying holds promise for ensuring nutritional security, with considerations on various limiting factors and future potential.

A Descriptive Comparative Analysis of Safety Concerns Outlaid in the Risk Management Plans of the European Union and Japan.

This study aimed to obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of the risk management plans (RMP) and the background regulatory policies governing them, in the European Union (EU) and Japan. This was done by descriptively comparing the safety concerns (SCs) listed in the RMP and examining their relationships with product labeling. Information regarding SCs was collected from the published RMP of both the EU and Japan for the targeted products-all of which were commonly approved in both regions. The concordance rate of the SCs for each product between the EU- and Japan-RMP was calculated. The warning information for each product was collected from the product labeling, summary of product characteristics for the EU, and package insert for Japan, and compared with the SCs listed in the corresponding RMP. A total of 259 products that were approved for sale in both the EU and Japan (1998-2023), for which RMP were available in both regions, were analyzed. While 51.0% of the SCs labeled as important identified risks (IIRs) in the EU-RMP were concordant with those in the Japan-RMP, 20.4% of the SCs listed as IIRs in the Japan-RMP were concordant with those in the EU-RMP. The concordance rate between the SCs identified as IIRs and the warning information was 18.6% for the EU-RMP and 88.4% for the Japan-RMP. The low SC concordance rate between the EU- and Japan-RMP indicates a different approach to selecting RMP SCs by the two regulatory authorities.

Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke: a study on intravenous thrombolysis in patients over 80 years of age with acute ischaemic stroke

ObjectivesTo investigate the safety and efficacy outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients aged >80 years with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) after IVT was approved in this patient population in...

The comparison of compositional quality of milk and physicochemical properties of milk fat of indigenous cattle breed of Sri Lanka with locally reared pure European cattle breeds

As an essential dietary ingredient, milk fat (MF) has a major impact on the nutritional value, economics, and physical and chemical characteristics of milk and dairy products. The purpose of this research study was to examine and contrast the compositional quality of milk and physicochemical characteristics of milk fat of the Sri Lankan indigenous cow breed with that of locally raised Ayrshire and Holstein-Friesian pure European cattle breeds. Three random samples of milk from each breed of Ayrshire and Holstein-Friesian were gathered from the Nuwara Eliya district, and indigenous cow’s milk samples were collected from the Jaffna district, Sri Lanka. For compositional analysis, the Bulgarian MCCW Lactoscan equipment was used. To analyze physicochemical properties, a cream separator was used to separate the fat. The standard AOCS procedures were used to analyze physiochemical properties: Free fatty acid value (FFA), acid value (AV), saponification value (SV), peroxide value (PV), Polenske value (P) and Reichert Meissl value (RMV). The AOAC method was used to analyze the Refractive Index (IR). The evaluated parameters showed significant differences (p<0.05) according to Minitab one-way ANOVA. According to the study of the compositional quality of milk, locally bred pure European cow breeds had higher percentages of protein, fat, lactose, SNF, total solids and salts in milk than the native Sri Lankan bovine breed. The highest levels of PV (1.40 meqO2/kg), AV (0.67 mg KOH/g), and FFA (0.34) were found from milk fat of local indigenous cow breeds, whereas Holstein-Friesian milk fat had the lowest levels. The Ayrshire milk fat had the highest SV (236.50 mg KOH/g) and RMV (28.97), whereas the Indigenous cattle breed had the lowest. Holstein-Friesian milk fat had the greatest P (1.87), while Ayrshire milk fat had the lowest (1.57). In all the three breeds, IR (1.46) was nearly identical. This study revealed that, milk of locally raised pure European cattle breeds are better in quality than the local indigenous breed. Highest PV, AV and FFA observed in the local breed revealed that milk fat of local varieties are more susceptible to oxidation than that of locally raised European breeds.Keywords: Holstein-Friesian, Ayrshire, Indigenous cow breed, Milk composition, Physicochemical characteristics.

EXERGY ANALYSIS OF COAL THERMAL CONVERSION PROCESSES

To develop energy-saving technologies and facilities that use coal, it is essential to evaluate the energy potential of the resulting products. Additionally, it is necessary to determine their suitability for specific technologies, processes, and installations. Alongside the energy method, it is proposed to use the exergy method, which allows for the assessment of not only the quantitative but also the qualitative aspects of thermal conversion processes. Thermal conversion methods such as combustion and gasification are of interest for both energy and industrial applications. The study includes calculations of the exergy efficiency of coal thermal conversion products, based on which material and exergy balances were compiled for the gasification process under air and oxygen blast conditions, as well as for the combustion process. An analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of process temperatures on the characteristics of coal thermal conversion products (composition, output, exergy). Additionally, the exergy efficiency coefficients (overall, chemical and physical exergy) for these thermal conversion methods were calculated. Based on the analysis, optimal operating modes for coal thermal conversion processes were determined, depending on the final goals of the obtained products. The advantages of high-temperature oxygen and air gasification were identified, characterized by low exergy losses (24.9–28.9 %) and high chemical potential (12–13.46 MJ/kg of coal). The exergy efficiency of the oxygen gasification process is 68.3–71.2 %, while for air gasification, it is 70.2– 76.3 %. It was also established that, to achieve the highest fuel utilization efficiency, it is advisable to utilize the heat of the produced syngas. The utilization of 1 MJ/kg of coal from the physical exergy of the gas increases the overall exergy efficiency of air gasification by 3.5 % and that of oxygen gasification by approximately 0.7 %. A comparison of the exergy efficiency of the processes was conducted, revealing that coal gasification is a more rational method of thermal conversion compared to traditional combustion. This is because the highest losses are observed during the combustion process, with an exergy efficiency of 64.8 %. During coal combustion, irreversible losses account for 35 % of its initial exergy.

Deconstruction and Empirical Insights into the Key Factors of Elderly Household Product Purchasing Decisions in Anhui Province

Against the backdrop of the accelerated aging process globally and in China, especially the significant increase in the elderly population in Anhui Province, the market for elderly household products presents both opportunities and problems. In this study, 518 elderly people from 16 prefecture-level cities in Anhui Province were sampled. Through methods such as questionnaire surveys and structural equation models, an in-depth analysis was conducted on the impacts of cognitive ability, product characteristics, usage scenarios, and product usability on the purchasing decisions of elderly household products. The results show that cognitive ability, product characteristics, and usage scenarios are significantly positively correlated with purchasing decisions, and product usability plays a crucial mediating role. Moreover, significant differences exist in these factors among elderly people with different demographic characteristics. This study innovatively reveals the internal mechanism of the purchasing decisions of elderly household products in Anhui Province and provides targeted strategies for enterprises and the government.

Optimizing explosive welding parameters of Al 5052 - WM - SiCp - Al 1100 composites through microstructural analysis and 3D welding window development

Explosive welding is a crucial technique for fusing metals and creating composite materials. This study investigates various combinations of Al 5052, wire-mesh, SiCp, and Al 1100 through explosive welding, adjusting welding parameters to alter cladded interface morphology. It evaluates resulting composites’ microstructure, tensile strength, shear strength, and impact resistance. Optimal welding outcomes occurred at a dynamic bend angle of 17.8 degrees. A wavelength to amplitude ratio of less than 8.4 shows improved clad strength. The maximum impact strength observed was 18.3 N-m in sample E22. The research introduces a 3D welding window, integrating kinetic energy, wavelength-to-amplitude ratio, and dynamic bend angle. This tool correlates microstructural attributes with material properties during the manufacturing process, enhancing understanding. The study emphasizes explosive welding’s potential and the importance of comprehending factors affecting product morphology and characteristics. The 3D welding window’s development offers promise in optimizing explosive welding and crafting tailored composites. Findings from this research are significant for the materials science and engineering community, offering insights crucial for advancement in the field.

Training on the Behavior Strategy of Salted Egg MSME Business Organizations in Facing Business Competition

organizational behavior is behavior that can influence organizational performance. Every organization should follow trends and patterns within the organization in order to maximize profits and survive for a long time. The rise of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in 2024 requires every MSME to regulate its organizational strategy and behavior so that it can run its business smoothly. The rapid development of MSMEs which are attracting the attention of various groups means that MSMEs must have unique product characteristics that make them superior to others. Training on employee attitudes needs to be carried out in order to maximize marketing and maximize profits and non-profits for salted egg MSMEs. The method used in training is offline or face-to-face & mentoring, namely by analyzing and problem solving. The material provided is a business strategy in increasing competitiveness in the digital era. The material is presented through lectures, training, questions and answers, and demonstrations.

On a mod 3 property of ℓ-tuples of pairwise commuting permutations

Let Sn denote the symmetric group of permutations acting on n elements. We investigate the double sequence {Nℓ(n)} counting the number of ℓ tuples of elements of the symmetric group Sn, where the components commute, normalized by the order of Sn. Our focus lies on exploring log-concavity with respect to n: Nℓ(n)2-Nℓ(n-1)Nℓ(n+1)≥0.We establish that this depends on n(mod3) for sufficiently large ℓ. These numbers are studied by Bryan and Fulman as the nth orbifold characteristics, generalizing work by Macdonald and Hirzebruch–Hofer concerning the ordinary and string-theoretic Euler characteristics of symmetric products. Notably, N2(n) represents the partition numbers p(n), while N3(n) represents the number of non-equivalent n-sheeted coverings of a torus studied by Liskovets and Medynkh. The numbers also appear in algebra since |Sn|Nℓ(n)=HomZℓ,Sn.

Evaluating the cost-utility of ferric derisomaltose versus ferric carboxymaltose in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and iron deficiency anaemia in Norway

AIMS Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is among the most common extraintestinal sequelae of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Intravenous iron is often the preferred treatment in patients with active inflammation with or without active bleeding, iron malabsorption, or intolerance to oral iron. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cost-utility of ferric derisomaltose (FDI) versus ferric carboyxymaltose (FCM) in patients with IBD and IDA in Norway. MATERIALS AND METHODS A published patient-level simulation model was used to evaluate the cost-utility of FDI versus FCM in patients with IBD and IDA from a Norwegian national payer perspective. Iron need was modelled based on bivariate distributions of hemoglobin and bodyweight combined with simplified tables of iron need from the FDI and FCM summaries of product characteristics. Patient characteristics and disease-related quality of life data were obtained from the PHOSPHARE-IBD trial. Cost-utility was evaluated in Norwegian Kroner (NOK) over a five-year time horizon. RESULTS Patients required 1.64 fewer infusions of FDI than FCM over five years (5.62 versus 7.26), corresponding to 0.41 fewer infusions per treatment course. The reduction in the number of infusions resulted in cost savings of NOK 7,720 (NOK 35,830 with FDI versus NOK 43,550 with FCM). The need for phosphate testing in patients treated with FCM resulted in further cost savings with FDI (no costs with FDI versus NOK 4,470 with FCM). Total cost savings with FDI were therefore NOK 12,190. FDI also increased quality-adjusted life expectancy by 0.071 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) driven by reduced incidence of hypophosphatemia and fewer interactions with the healthcare system. CONCLUSIONS FDI resulted in cost savings and improved quality-adjusted life expectancy versus FCM in patients with IDA and IBD in Norway. FDI therefore represents the economically preferable iron formulation in Norwegian patients with IBD and IDA in whom it is indicated.