Effective Use Of Products Research Articles

Improving implementation of innovations in agriculture

This article presents ways to improve the introduction of innovations in agriculture. One of the main factors in the growth of production and employment in agriculture is the application and wide distribution of innovations. Practice shows that innovation is the most important source of improving product quality, saving labor and material costs, increasing labor productivity, improving production and increasing industry efficiency. The results showed that the area of cereal crops in 1991 was 1079.9 thousand hectares, in 2020 it was 1578.3 thousand hectares, vegetable crops were 165.6 thousand hectares in 1991 to 220.0 thousand hectares in 2020, and potatoes were 40.0 thousand hectares in 1991 to 2020 increased by 89.6 thousand hectares. The total area of agricultural crops was 4200.0 thousand hectares in 1991 and 53309.4 thousand hectares in 2020, which was decreased. Noteworthy, innovative methods must be introduced for effective use of products, technology, and equipment, while employees’ qualifications must be improved to ensure the smooth implementation of these innovations.

A Sponsor’s View on Postmarketing Regulatory Commitments Involving Human Drug Products

A Sponsor’s View on Postmarketing Regulatory Commitments Involving Human Drug Products

Consumers’ motivations and barriers concerning various sharing services

Recently, the sharing economy has emerged as a new consumption style. Although sharing's additional environmental loads and rebound effects are concerning, it has the potential to reduce environmental loads by suppressing new production and the effective use of products. In this study, we investigated differences among consumers based on their usage experiences and future intentions, focusing on the differences among the various sharing services. We investigated consumers' motivations and barriers in two countries: Japan and Switzerland. The results showed that individuals with prior usage experience showed higher future usage intentions for the service. The motivations and barriers of individuals who had future intentions were more realistic, such as economic (price), space, quality and safety issues. The respondents with no future use intentions showed other barriers, such as “do not want to use” and “no product”, and presented more specific motivations to get additional value, such as “getting acquainted with a new person” and having an “interesting experience”. Individuals with prior experience were relatively younger and had higher “materialism” and “normative” tendencies, indicating the active and aggressive personal characteristics of sharing-service users. The comparison between the two countries also indicated that the maturity of the service, in other words, time since the service was launched, gave the difference of usage and motivation. Besides, the cultural and economic differences can also lead to different motivations and barriers as well as different levels of acceptability of secondhand-goods usage. This study revealed the influence of consumers' prior usage experiences on their future intentions to use, motivations, and barriers. We also showed that motivations and barriers can change as the service matures through the cross-national comparison between Japan and Switzerland.

Developing a User-focused Standardised Design System for Prescription Medicine Packaging in Slovenia

IntroductionIn my thesis I am exploring the role of pharmaceutical packaging design in relation to the user. This topic is becoming increasingly relevant as the number of issued prescriptions in Slovenia is rising every year, treatment with prescription medicine is experienced by almost everyone. Medicine packaging must therefore provide essential information effectively and efficiently.AimThe purpose of this thesis is to improve current heterogeneous conditions by developing a standardized design system for all prescription drugs by taking into account users’ needs at each stage of the process. The final goal is a simpler and more effective use of products for everyone involved.MethodsResearch was conducted in three stages. In the first stage, the existing condition in packaging design was analysed: information hierarchy/arrangement on 8 significant manufacturers’ products considering 1 - the type of information and 2 - different user groups. Second stage consisted of conducting surveys with 2 focus groups representing two main user groups who use the packaging differently - medicine consumers and healthcare professionals.(1) Consumer focus group consisted of 81 participants, recruited randomly from various age groups (age 10 to 89). They were asked closed-ended questions. Healthcare professionals focus group consisted of 5 pharmacists with extensive experience. They were asked open-ended questions. The collected data from both research stages was statistically and qualitatively analysed in order to define the main problems with medicine packaging design and use. Identified problems were then addressed through the design process. The third stage included development of a standardised design system in accordance with information design theory and cognitive psychology findings.(2) These helped establish the system building blocks/rules: information hierarchy and organization, use of colour, shape and typography.ResultsAnalysis of existing conditions clearly exposed the heterogeneity and unsuitability of the majority of medicine packaging design. These caused similar problems to both user groups: trouble finding information (73 %), lack/redundancy of information (47 %/17 %), illegible, unreadable typography (39 %), distracting visual elements (26 %), unclear distinction between medicines (17 %). These lead to various consequences: incorrect route of administration (39 %), consuming/prescribing expired (30 %) or incorrect product (8 %), time loss (8 %). Each of these problems was addressed through establishment of new, highly precise rules in packaging design: regulating hierarchy and typography, introducing visual categorization through symbols and illustrations (information category, pharmaceutical form, ATC group) and color-coding medicine strength. The rules form a standardised system which provides unity, consistency and quality regulation, improving the everyday experience of many people.ConclusionThe research was carried out as a part of a BA thesis. The execution of the project would require a change in the legislation on state level. It therefore serves as a speculative proposal, aiming to raise questions that are currently not being addressed properly within the industry. The possibility of implementation could be recognized through gradual transformation of individual rules/building blocks of the system into new state regulations or guidelines. Discussion with the industry and the profession has not yet been carried out due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Evaluation of a topical sarolaner-selamectin combination to control flea populations on naturally infested cats in private residences in West Central Florida

Historic data show that home flea infestations can be managed by treating all animals on the premises with a highly effective flea control product. The use of effective products has also been shown to reduce pruritus and minimize dermatologic lesions in both cats and dogs. Therefore, an in-home study was conducted in West Central Florida USA to evaluate the efficacy of a topically applied selamectin-sarolaner formulation to control fleas in naturally infested cats over a 12-week period. Thirty-seven cats in 21 households were treated once monthly with the selamectin-sarolaner topical solution. In the topical fluralaner treatment (positive control) group, forty-three cats in 20 households were treated once on day 0. A combined total of thirty dogs in both groups were treated once monthly with oral sarolaner. Fleas on cats were counted by flea combing, fleas on dogs were counted using visual area counts and fleas in the indoor premises were assessed using intermittent-light flea traps. Blinded-assessments of feline dermatologic lesions (modified-SCORFAD) were conducted monthly by a boarded-dermatologist and pruritus severity was evaluated by pet owners. Three consecutive monthly treatments of selamectin-sarolaner reduced flea populations on cats by 96.3 % within 7 days and by 100% from week 6 to the end of the 12-week study. The topical application of fluralaner reduced flea populations by 98.1 % within 7 days and efficacy reached 100% by week 12. At the end of the study, fleas were completely eradicated (from cats, dogs and homes) in every home regardless of treatment group. Owner reported cat pruritus was reduced by > 87 % in both treatment groups by week 12. Significant improvements in dermatologic lesion scores (> 81 %) were achieved by both products by the end of the study. Monthly applications of topical selamectin-sarolaner or topical fluralaner to cats living in the heavy flea challenge environment of West Central Florida USA were effective in eradicating flea infestations, reducing pruritus and improving dermatologic lesions.

Resource efficiency of consumables – Life cycle assessment of incontinence products

Circular economy is presented as a sustainable alternative to the take-make-waste society. The discourse on circular economy emphasizes the role of durable products, while consumable products are less in focus, although resources efficiency is needed for all types of products. This paper aims to contribute knowledge on resource efficient measures that are possible to implement for consumables and to evaluate their resource efficiency potential by means of a case study on incontinence products using life cycle assessment. Four possible measures were identified that can be implemented at different stages of the value-chain, to increase their resource efficiency. The study was delimited to measures possible to implement using current technology. The measures were: recycling of waste generated in production, increasing the share of bio-based material in the product, shifting to a partly reusable product system and more effective use of products through customization to user’s needs. Effective use of products through customization led to at least 20% decrease in environmental impact with no trade-offs between studied impact categories. However, when looking at global warming potential only, the partly reusable product system was found to decrease environmental impact with more than 50% compared to a corresponding disposable product. Moreover, many resource efficient measures were identified as being possible to implement for consumables, and in the case of incontinence products a combination of measures was possible.

Instruments for the effective organization of production processes and their improvement during the development of radio electronics products

Improvement of the quality of production processes organization, shift to a new engineering level and effective use of products are associated with the improvement of production and the development of organizational processes quality control system. The purpose of the paper is to study the methods and means that allow increasing the performance of the implementation and organization of production processes for the development of radio-electronic instrument making products, as well as their improvement. It is possible to increase production efficiency and quality of manufactured products, in particular, by ensuring the processes stability, reducing the dispersion of production parameters, timely detecting deviations of production processes and eliminating their causes. This can be achieved through the use of methods for organizing inter-operation statistical analysis, control and regulation of processes using cause-and-effect analysis of product parameters relationship, which allow establishing the statistical relationship of their parameters with the modes of the production process and patterns of product parameters distribution depending on processing factors. The analysis of converters production processes was carried out and the cause-and-effect diagram was drawn up taking into account the main factors affecting the quality and percentage of usable products yield. Structure of the analysis system for monitoring production processes and its algorithm are given. The paper shows the dependence of the filming process quality on films parameters in the form of a cause-and-effect graph, as well as products manufacture progress diagram, which demonstrates the reproducibility and stability of the converters production processes. An integrated approach to the implementation of production processes, taking into account special aspects of the technology, connection of instrument parameters with processing factors, organization processes quality control, allows reducing the dispersion of product parameters, improving process stability and overall production efficiency.

Developing a framework for integrating local and scientific knowledge in internationally funded environment management projects: case studies from Kien Giang Province, Vietnam

ABSTRACTLocal and scientific knowledge, when adequately and properly integrated, produces enormous benefits for natural resource management in comparison to a single knowledge system being used. Adequate and proper integration has major constraints that include ineffective use of the integrated knowledge, thoroughly inclusive processes, and true public participation. A six-stage framework is developed using the results and conclusions of two case studies regarding sustainable management of eroding mangrove-dominated muddy coasts in Vam Ray, Hon Dat district, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam. The framework does not stop with the creation of integrated knowledge, but should undergo a longer process. The new knowledge developed in this framework is the understanding gained and lessons learnt during the testing of products of multiple knowledge systems in a local context rather than products of integrated knowledge systems themselves. The Vam Ray framework promotes a high level of participation, effective use of products of multiple knowledge systems, maximum integration of local and scientific knowledge, local ownership, and sustainability. Therefore, the Vam Ray framework adds a new dimension to the literature in relation to integration of local and scientific knowledge in natural resource management.

Working with industry for improved patient outcomes

Various codes of practice, guidelines and protocols exist that support the engagement between health professionals and industry. Of importance is how these engagements can be encouraged to support improved patient outcomes. This article reviews the policies that exist from both the perspective of the health professionals and that of industry within the wound-care market space. Health professionals' engagement with wound-care companies in various guises in practice, including advancement of medical technologies; education development; provision on the safe and effective use of products; and true, practical research and evaluations of products. Joint working initiatives do exist between the NHS and industry that are transparent, mutually beneficial, support patient safety, ensure improved patient experience, and drive clinical effectiveness.

적응형 유전알고리즘을 이용한 사용자 인터페이스 설계 방법 개발

The size and layout of user interface components need to be optimally designed in terms of reachability, visibility, clearance, and compatibility in order for efficient and effective use of products. The present study develops an ergonomic design method which optimizes the size and layout of user interface components using adaptive genetic algorithm. The developed design method determines a near-optimal design which maximizes the aggregated score of 4 ergonomic design criteria (reachability, visibility, clearance, and compatibility). The adaptive genetic algorithm used in the present study finds a near-optimum by automatically adjusting the key parameter (probability of mutation) of traditional genetic algorithm according to the characteristic of current solutions. Since the adaptive mechanism partially helps to overcome the local optimality problem, the probability of finding the near-optimum has been substantially improved. To evaluate the effectiveness of the developed design method, the present study applied it to the user interface design for a portable wireless communication radio.

The Journey to the End of Smoking: A Personal and Population Perspective

Smoking cessation is best represented as a journey and not a single event. This article chronicles the path of change for the population of smokers in Maryland. This study compared the population of ever-smokers in Maryland over three time points (2000, 2002, and 2006) examining how the population of ever-smokers shifted over time. Analysis of process of change and social influence variables conducted using data from the Maryland Adult Tobacco Surveys (MATS) administered in 2000, 2002, and 2006. Analyses indicated an increasing percentage of ever-smokers (100 lifetime cigarettes) who have successfully quit and maintained cessation for more than 5 years. By 2006, the population of current adult smokers (aged > or =18 years) was smaller but seemed less interested in and able to quit. More 2006 smokers were in earlier stages of change for cessation and not interested in or planning to quit in the near term. Many had unsuccessfully tried to quit, with a substantial minority finding that cessation products found effective in research were not effective for them. Despite past failures, the vast majority expects to quit, has considered quitting, and believes that they will likely succeed eventually. Larger percentages of 2006 smokers are being advised to quit by medical professionals, are accessing empirically supported quit-smoking aids, and have multiple quit attempts. They also smoked every day for more years, smoked as many cigarettes per day, and had environments as filled with smoking as their 2000 and 2002 counterparts. Increasing successful cessation would require not only appropriate use of effective products but also successful negotiation of important tasks in the cessation journey. Health literacy and a consumer perspective can help to bridge gaps in the dissemination and effective use of empirically supported treatments.

Aplicação de polieletrólitos sintéticos na clarificação do extrato aquoso de estévia

The extract of stevia leaves is usually dark which demands a clarification in order to be accepted by sweetener consumers. One of the using techniques is the decantation, which requires the use of effective products for best results. In the market, flocculant products are available, such as: NOVUS TM CE2666 (cationic) and BETZDEARBORN TM F11 (anionic). When these products are used at a certain level of concentration, satisfactory results of decantation and consequent clarification are provided. The aim of this paper was to compare the performance of the best polymers by removal percentage (color and turbidity) and by the decantation speed. A Jar Test device was used and the concentration of coagulant (aluminum sulfate) and of polyelectrolytes were varied, as well as pH at 8,0, 9,0 and 10,0. Calcium oxide was applied in this phase. The best condition was obtained when the anionic polyelectrolyte was used, reaching a turbidity removal of 97%.

Management of warfarin (coumarin) overdose

Treatment with coumarin oral anticoagulants, such as warfarin, is effective antithrombotic therapy, but patients treated with these drugs are at significant risk of bleeding. The risk of haemorrhage increases with increasing intensity of anticoagulation and overanticoagulation is common. Reversal can be achieved by stopping the coumarin drug or administration of vitamin K, fresh frozen plasma or coagulation factor concentrates. However, there are surprisingly few studies defining the optimum dose of these products and there are no randomized studies comparing the relative benefit and risk of coagulation factor concentrates versus fresh frozen plasma. Guidelines for the management of overdose are based on level III and IV evidence and are, therefore, only grade B recommendations at best. Further studies are required to determine the most effective use of products and the dose required for safe reversal of overanticoagulation.