Productivity Improvement Research Articles

Improvements in Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Among Adults With Anxiety or Depressive Symptoms Participating in a Relational Agent-Delivered Digital Mental Health Intervention.

The study aimed to assess changes between baseline and end of treatment in work-related absenteeism, presenteeism, productivity, and nonwork-related activity impairment and estimate cost savings associated with observed improvements. Data from 91 employed adult participants who enrolled in a single-arm, exploratory study of a relational agent-delivered digital mental health intervention and completed Work Productivity and Activity Impairment assessments were analyzed; overall work productivity improvement was multiplied by the overall and education-adjusted US median annual salary to arrive at potential cost savings estimates. Adjusted models indicated more than 20% improvements in presenteeism, work productivity impairment, and activity impairment, yielding cost-savings estimates between $14,000 and more than $18,000 annually. Relational agent-delivered digital mental health interventions may be associated with improvements in work productivity and activity impairment, which could result in a sizable cost savings.

Corporate transaction costs and corporate green total factor productivity

Enhanced corporate green total factor productivity reflects a shift in business focus towards sustainable growth and lighter environmental impact, contributing to societal prosperity. This paper constructs an empirical econometric model to examine the relationship between corporate transaction costs and green total factor productivity. The results show that excessive corporate transaction costs significantly inhibit the improvement of green total factor productivity. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the inhibitory effect of corporate transaction costs on the improvement of green total factor productivity is more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises and firms with higher financing constraints.

Advancing tree genomics to future proof next generation orchard production.

The challenges facing tree orchard production in the coming years will be largely driven by changes in the climate affecting the sustainability of farming practices in specific geographical regions. Identifying key traits that enable tree crops to modify their growth to varying environmental conditions and taking advantage of new crop improvement opportunities and technologies will ensure the tree crop industry remains viable and profitable into the future. In this review article we 1) outline climate and sustainability challenges relevant to horticultural tree crop industries, 2) describe key tree crop traits targeted for improvement in agroecosystem productivity and resilience to environmental change, and 3) discuss existing and emerging genomic technologies that provide opportunities for industries to future proof the next generation of orchards.

Advancing Fault Detection in Building Automation Systems through Deep Learning

This study proposes a deep learning model utilizing the BACnet (Building Automation and Control Network) protocol for the real-time detection of mechanical faults and security vulnerabilities in building automation systems. Integrating various machine learning algorithms and outlier detection techniques, this model is capable of monitoring and learning anomaly patterns in real-time. The primary aim of this paper is to enhance the reliability and efficiency of buildings and industrial facilities, offering solutions applicable across diverse industries such as manufacturing, energy management, and smart grids. Our findings reveal that the developed algorithm detects mechanical faults and security vulnerabilities with an accuracy of 96%, indicating its potential to significantly improve the safety and efficiency of building automation systems. However, the full validation of the algorithm’s performance in various conditions and environments remains a challenge, and future research will explore methodologies to address these issues and further enhance performance. This research is expected to play a vital role in numerous fields, including productivity improvement, data security, and the prevention of human casualties.

The effects of gamification for manufacturing (GfM) on workers and production in industrial assembly

Gamification has been a growing topic of interest in recent years across many fields, especially marketing, healthcare, and education. More recently, researchers of manufacturing and production have begun exploring the potential applications of gamification for manufacturing, to improve psychological well-being of the workers and overall productivity. However, empirical research to support gamification for manufacturing remained scarce. In this research, a detailed methodology was developed to apply gamification to an assembly task and thorough empirical analysis was conducted. The experimental setup utilized a build kit for a Lego Telehandler (kit #42,133). Cycle time data, Myers Briggs Type Indicators, and NASA TLX assessment data from 20 participants for 15 repetitive builds were collected, with data collection amassing well over 110 h and approximately 1,100 data points. The results indicated that gamification has a significant effect on the productivity for the last build in a series of assembly tasks, temporal demand at the first build, and multiple task load ratings over time. While statistical significance was not found for other conducted analyses, thorough discussions regarding trends within the data and limitations of the study indicate that gamification for manufacturing would likely benefit from additional, similar empirical research. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that systematically evaluates gamification as a possible manufacturing productivity improvement tool by considering key manufacturing metrics (cycle time), task load of the operator, and operator-specific attributes (personality). The study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing an in-depth analysis of an empirical study that is repeatable by others to continue building empirical evidence for manufacturing assembly tasks.

Can technological innovations contribute to more overcome the issue of poverty reduction in africa?

Although recent years have shown that innovation can also thrive in economies where the challenges of absolute poverty and inequality remain long-standing problems, the effects of innovation on poverty reduction has remained a largely unexplored field of investigation. . So this study assesses the effect of technological innovations on poverty reduction using a panel of 36 sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2008 to 2019. More specifically, the study examines the influence of technological innovation on poverty reduction. Using the principal component analysis (PCA) we constructed an indicator of the use, adoption and adaptation of technological innovations and that of multidimensional poverty. After applying several estimation techniques for panel data such as fixed effects, Driscoll and Kraay, kiviet (2020), Lewbel two stage least square (Lewbel 2SLS), mediating effects, the results shows that technological innovations significantly reduce poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. Our results survive several robustness checks. Taking into account the level of urbanization, it appears that technological innovations reduce poverty in countries with low urbanisation rates and increase it in countries with high urbanization rates. Finally, the analysis of mediation effects suggests that almost 30 % of the total effect of the use, adoption and adaptation of technological innovations on multidimensional poverty reduction is through the improvement of productivity in the industrial sector while 62.5 % is through the productivity of the agricultural sector. These results imply that poverty reduction policies in sub-Saharan Africa need to refocus on capacity building in the use, adoption and adaptation of technological innovations, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

Conversion of a classical microbiology laboratory to a total automation laboratory enhanced by the application of lean principles.

Laboratory automation in microbiology improves productivity and reduces sample turnaround times (TATs). However, its full potential can be unlocked through the optimization of workflows by adopting lean principles. This study aimed to explore the relative impact of laboratory automation and continuous improvement events (CIEs) on productivity and TATs. Laboratory automation took place in November 2020 and consisted of the introduction of WASPLab and VITEK MS systems. CIEs were run in May and September 2021. Before the conversion, the laboratory processed about ~492 samples on weekdays and had 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff for a productivity of 49 samples/FTE/day. In March 2021, after laboratory automation, the caseload went up to ~621 while the FTEs decreased to 8.5, accounting for productivity improvement to 73 samples/FTE/day. The hypothetical productivity went up to 110 samples/FTE/day following CIEs, meaning that the laboratory could at that point deal with a caseload increase to ~935 with unchanged FTEs. Laboratory conversion also led to an improvement in TATs for all sample types. For vaginal swabs and urine samples, median TATs decreased from 70.3 h [interquartile range (IQR): 63.5-93.1] and 73.7 h (IQR: 35.6-50.7) to 48.2 h (IQR: 44.8-67.7) and 40.0 h (IQR: 35.6-50.7), respectively. Automation alone was responsible for 37.2% and 75.8% of TAT reduction, respectively, while the remaining reduction of 62.8% and 24.2%, respectively, was achieved due to CIEs. The laboratory reached productivity and TAT goals predefined by the management after CIEs. In conclusion, automation substantially improved productivity and TATs, while the subsequent implementation of lean management further unlocked the potential of laboratory automation.IMPORTANCEIn this study, we combined total laboratory automation with lean management to show that appropriate laboratory work organization enhanced the benefit of the automation and substantially contributed to productivity improvements. Globally, the rapid availability of accurate results in the setting of a clinical microbiology laboratory is part of patient-centered approaches to treat infections and helps the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs backed by the World Health Organization. Locally, from the point of view of laboratory management, it is important to find ways of maximizing the benefits of the use of technology, as total laboratory automation is an expensive investment.

Influence of Soil Parameters and Sowing Technics on Different Genotypes of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.). R. Br

Productivity improvement by adapting varieties to their environment was a major concern in the Sahel countries. Climatic constraints and low soil fertility are the main factors conditioning millet yield. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of edaphic parameters, sowing technics, and fertilization on the improvement of eight genotypes of millet. For this, a trial including eight varieties of millet in split plot was installed on the experimental station of CERRA in Maradi in 2020 during the rainy season. Soil samples at a depth of 20 cm were collected at the beginning and the end of experiment. Soil pH, organic carbon, and assimilable phosphorus were determined. Two sowing technics, seed balls, and direct sowing were applied. In seed balls, two types of fertilizer were used: the NPK (15-15-15) and ash. Phenology parameters and grain yield of each variety was measured. A statistical analysis of these data showed that edaphic parameters do not significantly influence yield. However, a significant variation in grain yield was observed among genotypes. Specifically, the variety ICMV IS 89305 exhibited a significantly higher grain yield (789 +/- 590 kg ha-1) compared to ICVH 18 (348+/-289 kg ha-1). Moreover, the different types of treatments applied to the seedlings showed a significant difference in terms of grain yield. The SSB treatments yielded more (1101+/-541 kg ha-1) than the BSC (480+/-463 kg ha-1) and BSE (317+/-322 kg ha-1) ball treatments. These results highlight substantial variability both within and between treatments. The positive effect of seed balls and fertilizer included vary according to the context. Specifically, when rainfall is scarce, seed balls prove to be non-efficient in improving the yield of millet.

Bibliometric Analysis and Predictors of Citations for Publications of a Higher Institution

Purpose: This study aims to depict the productivity and impact of publications affiliated with Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), and to identify bibliometric factors associated with the number of citations. Methods: Using keywords and identification numbers, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for all publications affiliated with JUST from 1987-2022. The retrieved data was imported, cleaned, visualized, and analyzed using stataIC 16, Excel 395 software, and VOSviewer software. The bibliometric analyses were conducted for types of publications, year of publications, type of journals, faculties, departments, faculty members, and most cited publications. Networking analyses were also conducted for international collaboration and keyword analysis using VOSviewer. Univariable and multivariable Poisson regression models were conducted to estimate the impact of several bibliometric factors on citation numbers. Results: A total of 16,830 publications were affiliated with JUST and published between 1986 and 2022. The total number of citations was 330,046. The average citation per publication was 19.6 and the institutional h-index was 165. Most publications were original articles (81.8%) and 71.7% were published in traditional (non-open) journals. Publication and citation numbers increased steadily, until 2013, and then exponentially, afterward. ? The Faculty of Engineering had the highest number of total publications (4,593), while the Faculty of Medicine had the highest number of total citations (148,384). Professor Yousef S. Khader ranks first as JUST's influential faculty? with 640 publications and 110,777 citations. Factors contributing to higher incidence rate for citations include years since publication, indexing in Scopus and WoS, reviews, publication in open-access journals, and collaboration. Network analysis revealed significant clusters of authors and keywords, with strong connections to the United States and Saudi Arabia. Conclusion: The productivity nd impact of JUST publications have improved annually for all faculties and departments. ?However, this improvement seems to be limited and can be explained by several factors. Further improvements in research productivity and impact are needed by implementing relevant strategies such as collaboration and interdisciplinary research, publishing in high-impact journals, considering open-access publishing, considering the potential societal impact of research, increasing visibility and reputation through appropriate affiliations, publishing review articles, and monitoring research output over time.

Performance Enhancement of Solar Still Unit Using v-Corrugated Basin, Internal Reflecting Mirror, Flat-Plate Solar Collector and Nanofluids

The conventional solar still (CSS) unit faces challenges such as low productivity (Pd) and thermal efficiency (ηth) due to the limited temperature difference between the hot water and the cold interior glass cover surfaces (ΔTw-gi). This study addresses these issues by introducing enhancements in the CSS unit, incorporating a v-corrugated-type basin, internal reflecting mirror, flat-plate solar collector (FPSC) still, and FPSC nanofluids. A v-corrugated-type basin, internal reflecting mirror, FPSC still, and FPSC nanofluids elicited a significant improvement in the distillate productivity (Pd) up to approximately 22.39%, 41.72%, 70.10%, and 104.13% compared to the CSS unit. This increase in the Pd is attributed mainly to a notable raise in the ΔTw-gi, showing increments of around 34.33%, 52.32%, 77.37%, and 112.87% compared to the CSS unit. Moreover, a v-corrugated basin, internal reflecting mirror, FPSC still, and FPSC nanofluids substantially increased the average daily thermal efficiency (ηth), around 22.01%, 26.71%, 39.57%, and 56.21%, respectively. The results confirmed that integrating the v-corrugated basin, internal reflecting mirror, FPSC still, and FPSC nanofluids within a combined seawater distillation system can significantly enhance the performance of the CSS unit. These different combinations effectively raised the basin water temperature (Tw) and ΔTw-gi, consequently improving the overall performance of the solar still unit.

The impact of EID policy and trade on the environmental effects of Chinese paper enterprises from the perspective of financial constraints

Accompanying China's accession to the World Trade Organization, the rapid development of the Chinese economy has led to increasingly serious environmental issues. However, the inherent mechanisms underlying the impact of Environmental Information Disclosure (EID) policy and trade on the environmental effects of Chinese paper enterprises remain unclear in the context of the era's requirement for a resource-conserving and environmentally-friendly society. The pollution problem in the papermaking industry has received attention worldwide, and how to balance the environmental and development issues of papermaking enterprises is an urgent issue that needs to be solved in the academic community. This study explores the impact mechanisms of EID policy and trade on the environmental effects of enterprises from the perspective of financial constraints. Utilizing the PSM-DID model, the study investigates the moderating effects of financial constraints on the EID policy and import-export trade. The findings reveal that both external and internal financial constraints have negative, detrimental effects on the environmental effects of the EID policy and trade. These constraints impede research and development investment and technological upgrades, hinder productivity improvement, and hamper the realization of “regulatory and trade innovation effects”. This study enriches our understanding of the mechanisms by which trade affects the environmental effects of Chinese paper enterprises and further identifies the impacts of Chinese EID policy and trade on pollution emissions by enterprises, providing a theoretical basis and practical foundation for the government in formulating financial, environmental, and trade policies.

The effect of light intensity on microalgae biofilm structures and physiology under continuous illumination

The interest by biofilm-based microalgae technologies has increased lately due to productivity improvement, energy consumption reduction and easy harvesting. However, the effect of light, one key factor for system’s operation, received less attention than for planktonic cultures. This work assessed the impact of Photon Flux Density (PFD) on Chlorella vulgaris biofilm dynamics (structure, physiology, activity). Microalgae biofilms were cultivated in a flow-cell system with PFD from 100 to 500 μmolm-2s-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\upmu {\ extrm{mol}} \\, \ extrm{m}^{-2} \\, \ extrm{s}^{-1}}$$\\end{document}. In the first stage of biofilm development, uniform cell distribution was observed on the substratum exposed to 100 μmolm-2s-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\upmu \ extrm{mol} \\, \ extrm{m}^{-2} \\, \ extrm{s}^{-1}}$$\\end{document} while cell clusters were formed under 500 μmolm-2s-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\upmu \ extrm{mol} \\, \ extrm{m}^{-2} \\, \ extrm{s}^{-1}}$$\\end{document}. Though similar specific growth rate in exponential phase (ca. 0.3 d-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ extrm{d}^{-1}}$$\\end{document}) was obtained under all light intensities, biofilm cells at 500 μmolm-2s-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\upmu \ extrm{mol} \\, \ extrm{m}^{-2} \\, \ extrm{s}^{-1}}$$\\end{document} seem to be ultimately photoinhibited (lower final cell density). Data confirm that Chlorella vulgaris showed a remarkable capability to cope with high light. This was marked for sessile cells at 300 μmolm-2s-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\upmu \ extrm{mol} \\, \ extrm{m}^{-2} \\, \ extrm{s}^{-1}}$$\\end{document}, which reduce very rapidly (in 2 days) their chlorophyll-a content, most probably to reduce photodamage, while maintaining a high final cell density. Besides cellular physiological adjustments, our data demonstrate that cellular spatial organization is light-dependent.

Effects of tree species mixing and soil depth on the soil bacterial and fungal communities in Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantations

Chinese fir [Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.] is a critical timber tree species for its fast growth and high yield in southern China and is widely planted in subtropical regions of the country. However, the management of Chinese fir in the form of a monoculture plantation is not conducive to the maintenance of soil fertility and improvements in forest productivity. The establishment of mixed conifer–broad–leaved forests through near-natural transformation is developing into a promising method of forest cultivation for replacing large pure coniferous plantations. Bacteria and fungi are an important part of the soil microbiota and are involved in the soil nutrient cycle. Therefore, this study investigated the response of soil bacterial and fungal communities to the introduction of broad–leaved trees in three types of Chinese fir plantations [Cunninghamia lanceolata monoculture plantation (CMP), C. lanceolata–Castanopsis hystrix Hook. f. & Thomson ex A. DC.–Michelia hedyosperma Law. mixed plantation (CCM), and C. lanceolata–Castanopsis fissa (Champ. ex Benth.) Rehder & E.H.Wilson–Erythrophleum fordii Oliv. mixed plantation (CCE)] located in Guangxi Province, China. And the effect of soil layers (0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm soil depths) on the soil microbial communities was further analyzed. The results suggested that tree species mixing significantly affected bacterial and fungal communities, but soil depth only significantly affected bacterial communities (P < 0.01). The relative abundance of Basidiomycetes in CCE (53.91–78.76 %) was significantly higher than that in pure forest (P < 0.05). Bacteria exhibited more complex and multilinked networks in the mixed stands, particularly for the CCE plantation. Mixed planting patterns significantly enhanced bacterial nitrogen fixation and the presence of symbiotic fungi. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and correlation analyses indicated that the microbial community structure was strongly affected by soil environmental factors, with bacteria affected mainly by available phosphorous (AP) and fungi affected mainly by soil enzyme activity and total potassium (TK). In summary, the introduction of broad–leaved species (especially C. fissa and E. fordii) had a significant impact on the soil microbial community, increasing the relative abundance of bacterial nitrogen fixation and symbiotic fungi and generating a complex microbial network. We suggest that changes in AP, TK, and fungal communities should be considered in the near-natural transformation of Chinese fir or soil fertility maintenance and sustainable management to maintain soil fertility.

Unveiling the Roles of LncRNA MOIRAs in Rice Blast Disease Resistance.

Rice blast disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is a major threat to rice production worldwide. This study investigates the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in rice's response to this destructive disease, with a focus on their impacts on disease resistance and yield traits. Three specific lncRNAs coded by M. oryzae infection-responsive lncRNAs (MOIRAs), MOIRA1, MOIRA2, and MOIRA3, were identified as key regulators of rice's response to M. oryzae infection. Strikingly, when MOIRA1 and MOIRA2 were overexpressed, they exhibited a dual function: they increased rice's susceptibility to blast fungus, indicating a negative role in disease resistance, while simultaneously enhancing tiller numbers and single-plant yield, with no adverse effects on other yield-related traits. This unexpected improvement in productivity suggests the possibility of overcoming the traditional trade-off between disease resistance and crop yield. These findings provide a novel perspective on crop enhancement, offering a promising solution to global food security challenges by developing rice varieties that effectively balance disease resistance and increased productivity.

The Importance of Educational Expenditure Toward Human Resources Quality and Economic Growth: An Empirical Approach

This paper examines the critical significance of education in improving the calibre of human resources and stimulating economic development. This paper explores diversity and intricate ways in which education contributes to economic development through the enhancement of individual capabilities, the encouragement of inventive thinking, and the advancement of the general welfare of society. The paper emphasizes the critical need for significant public funding in education as a fundamental element for long-term economic progress and the improvement of personal well-being. By synthesizing empirical evidence and research findings from multiple studies, this paper provides substantial support for the notion that educational expenditure has a crucial influence on both economic growth and the development of high-quality human resources. It analyses the various manifestations and purposes of expenditures on education, illustrating its crucial contribution to the development of human capital, the improvement of productivity, and the general well-being of society. The discourse further delves into the strategic significance of education in the formulation of policies, arguing in Favor of its prioritization as a pivotal economic policy. Effective educational investment, according to the paper, is not only crucial for providing individuals with the necessary skills for gainful employment, but also for enhancing their earning capacity and promoting the generation of social value. In summary, the paper underscores the critical role that education plays in fostering social progress and economic prosperity. It is imperative that policymakers acknowledge the enduring advantages of education and allocate resources in a manner that guarantees its continued prominence in approaches designed to attain economic and social goals.

Do renewable energy, environmental regulations and green innovation matter for China's zero carbon transition: Evidence from green total factor productivity

Rapid developments in environmental infrastructure have contributed to significant improvements in green total factor productivity, but further investigation is required to provide a detailed assessment to understand the policy mechanisms involved. This paper analyzes environmental progress in China through MMQR, CCEMG, and AMG as empirical strategies for 30 provinces in China. Our empirical results reveal that energy optimization through renewable energy is the most effective channel to improve green total factor productivity, though it is not the only available option. Since environmental regulations, infrastructure development, and green technology innovation also directly impact energy efficiency, adopting these within policy channels will positively impact environmental sustainability. Our empirical approach helps suggest novel environmental policy suggestions. In particular, policymakers must introduce structural changes within energy developments to foster renewable energy. Furthermore, China must increase environmental spending to upgrade its energy infrastructure further and solve ecological issues. These insights offer valuable policy guidance for decision-makers in China and globally, aiming to foster economic and environmental sustainability and achieve zero-carbon transition goals.

Verification of Vermicompost Technology on Faba Bean Production at Welmera District, Birbo Watershed, Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Vicia faba, usually known as faba bean, which is commonly cultivated as a crop for human consumption, is the world’s leading source of protein. However, due to the low availability of basic cations, excess of hydrogen and aluminium in exchangeable forms, soil fertility limits its productive potential. Thus, this verification trial was intended to show the effects of Vermicompost technology on faba bean production, productivity and soil properties improvement on Nitisol of Birbo watershed in Welmera district in 2020/23. This verification work indicated that vermicompost application had contributed to the improvement of soil’s chemical properties and yields of faba bean, even if statistically non-significant results were observed. Soil chemical properties like pH, TN and OC were observed due to their application. From this study it is concluded that fifty per cent of nitrogen (0.47 ton ha-1) from Vermicompost and fifty per cent of nitrogen from urea would be recommended to be applied in the areas which have the same agro-ecology and soil properties as Welmera Districts.

Oleogel-S10 in Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Case Series Evaluating the Impact on Wound Burden Over Two Years.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare, difficult-to-treat, inherited multisystem diseases affecting epithelial integrity. Impaired wound healing is central and can lead to serious clinical complications, deformities, and symptoms with a devastating impact on quality of life (QoL). Dressing changes and wound care are central to the management of EB. Recently Oleogel-S10 (also known as birch bark extract or birch triterpenes) was approved in Europe and the UK for treating EB wounds. This approval was based on data from the EASE phase3 study, which demonstrated Oleogel-S10 accelerated wound healing, reduced total wound burden, and decreased the frequency of dressing changes in patients with EB. A retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted for up to 24months in 13 patients with EB treated with Oleogel-S10 through an early access programme in Colombia. Effectiveness was assessed by measuring body surface area percentage (BSAP) and total body wound burden (EBDASI). Tolerability and safety were monitored throughout. This is the first report to evaluate the effectiveness of Oleogel-S10 in clinical practice. The results showed a reduction in percentage of BSA affected, from a mean of 27.3% at baseline to 10.4% at 24-month follow-up, despite treatment interruptions. A reduction in EBDASI skin activity score of - 16.2 (24months) together with a reduced skin damage index score of - 15.4 (18months) was also observed. Physicians, patients, and caregivers perceived faster wound closure. Adherence with therapy by patients was good, and patients expressed satisfaction with treatment and reported improvements in self-esteem, productivity, and social interaction. Oleogel-S10 was well tolerated; however, two patients reported worsening wounds related to gauze adherence. Two deaths during treatment interruption were reported and was not considered related to Oleogel-S10. This study supports the effectiveness of Oleogel-S10 in a real-world scenario in a country with scarce resources for the treatment of EB.

A Two-Stage Cascade for Increased High-Value Product Accumulation in Chlamydomonas asymmetrica

Cascade systems are used in the large-scale production of astaxanthin, facilitating a successful value-added process despite high accumulating costs. However, their application to other high-value products (HVPs), like lutein, β-carotene, chlorophylls, and fatty acids, remains unexplored. This study investigates Chlamydomonas asymmetica in chemostatic cultures, focusing on the impact of light and dilution rate. A two-stage cascade system is designed, combining high-light growth with low-light pigment accumulation. The results show potential for productivity improvement. Notably, the spacetime yield (STY) of Chlorophyll a increased by 20.96%, reaching 2.73 g·L−1·d−1 at the lowest dilution rate. Lutein maintains a consistent concentration of 22.34 mg·g−1, while β-carotene achieves a maximum STY of 3.60 mg·L·d−1. A cascade modification with a hollow fiber membrane significantly enhances HVP concentrations—Chlorophyll b, Lutein, Chlorophyll a, β-carotene, EPS, and GLA increase 27.23%, 38.95%, 31.88%, 86.19%, 128.7%, and 57.71%, respectively. STY improvements for these HVPs range from 1.78% to 82.96%. This study offers insights into C. asymmetica’s response and proposes a cascade modification for enhanced HVP production and downstream processing efficiency.

Optimal design of direct recycling partial-discard strategy for enhancing the separation performance of the simulated moving bed process

This study proposes direct recycling partial discard (DRPD) as a novel operating strategy and analyzes its potential to enhance the separation performance of simulated moving bed (SMB) processes by a simulation study. The DRPD strategy allows simultaneous removal and recycling of products through asynchronous port switching. Applied to the separation of S-(+)-GUA and R-(−)-GUA enantiomers, DRPD outperformed conventional SMB, VariCol, and VariCol + ModiCon operations in purity, recovery, productivity, and eluent consumption. Analyzing 542 DRPD operations with variations in the average column length (N¯k) and recycle length (RL), this study emphasized the significant roles of N¯I, N¯III, and RL values in process design. Consistently, the optimal conditions for the 5-column DRPD operation were determined atN¯I = 2.2, N¯III = 1.6, and RL >35% to maximize the throughput. The flexibility in the separation region of DRPD enabled a more significant difference between m3 and m2, expanding to m2 = 0.05, m3 = 4.84 compared to m2 = 1.81, m3 = 4.24 in SMB under the optimized setting. As a result, the optimal 5-column DRPD operation demonstrated substantial improvements in productivity and eluent consumption compared to the optimal 6-column SMB by 171.07% and −77.78%, respectively. Furthermore, an alternative design for the DRPD operation that can be implemented without additional equipment is proposed.