International Standards Research Articles

Point-of-care testing, near-patient testing and patient self-testing: warning points.

Point-of-care testing (POCT), near-patient testing (NPT) and patient self-tests (PST) are diagnostic examinations performed at the time and place of patient care. While POCT and NPT are performed and analyzed by medical professionals, PST are based on samples and parameters directly collected and analyzed by lay users. These tests are spreading both in high income countries and in low to middle income countries as they are expected to improve healthcare efficiency and equity, by saving resources, releasing pressure from hospitals and reducing logistical barriers. However, accurate multidisciplinary assessment is mandatory to ensure that what they promise is real. We reviewed some important ethical aspects, international standards and regulations. The current risks associated with alternative ways of testing are explained by the principles of respect for patient autonomy and non-maleficence. Further evidence from multidisciplinary assessment is needed to evaluate pros and cons in light of the principles of beneficence and justice. Although POCT or NPT need common regulation and accurate provider training to ensure safe and appropriate interpretation of results, PST needs even more attention as they are subject to direct patient use. Randomized controlled trails including patient education should be conducted in order to provide reliable evidence on clinical outcomes, patient acceptance and cost-effectiveness. Mandatory regulation is needed to avoid harm and EU regulation should help different countries maintain a safe use of devices in a global population of producers and users.

Assessment of potential health risks associated with heavy metal concentrations in leafy vegetables in Kerman, Iran

ABSTRACT Despite the growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of leafy vegetables, there is a lack of information about the presence of heavy metals and the associated risks in these products. This study aimed to investigate the concentration of heavy metals in leafy vegetables in Kerman City. The research also assessed the intake of heavy metals and the associated drisks for children and adults who consume these vegetables. The study followed the recommended methods by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to evaluate both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic diseases. A total of 400 leafy vegetable samples, including parsley, coriander, Persian leek, and basil, were randomly collected from agricultural farms in the outskirts of Kerman City. The samples were analysed using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer to measure the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), and copper(Cu). The results revealed that the levels of heavy metals in leafy vegetable samples exceeded the recommended standards set by international organisations such as FAO/WHO, European countries, and Iran. The total target hazard quotient (THQ) for non-carcinogenic diseases resulting from the consumption of leafy vegetables was higher than one for both children and adults in all studied areas, indicating a potential risk of non-carcinogenic diseases associated with the consumption of these vegetables. Furthermore, the average Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) resulting from exposure to agricultural soil through leafy vegetable consumption exceeded the hazardous and unacceptable range of 104− × 10−6 in both children and adults. This suggests the possibility of carcinogenic diseases caused by Pb and Cd through the consumption of leafy vegetables in all studied areas, with a higher overall risk observed in children compared to adults. In conclusion, while leafy vegetables are widely recognised for their nutritional benefits, our study underscores a critical gap in understanding the presence of heavy metals and the associated risks in these products. The findings reveal that the concentrations of heavy metals in leafy vegetables from Kerman City exceed international standards, posing potential health risks, particularly in children. Further research and regulatory actions are warranted to address this pressing issue and ensure the safety of our food supply.

Assessment of Water Quality, Ecological and Health Risks of Inland Water Bodies in Mexico: A Case Study of Lake Chapala

Water security threatens the world's population, so the assessment of the quality of water in reservoirs is one of the priority issues and represents a challenge for the sustainability of ecosystems and the human population. The aim is to evaluate the physicochemical parameters and heavy metals of the water of Lake Chapala to evaluate its water quality, during the period 2010-2023, and to estimate the ecological and health risks. The results will provide valuable information on water quality management and protection of human health. The design is an ecological study, using water quality, pollution risk, ecological and health risk indices. The place and duration of the study is the Lake Chapala during the period 2010-2023. The methodology consisted of obtaining the quality data of the Water Lake Chapala through the State Water Commission, the National Water Commission and studies conducted by the University of Guadalajara. The analyses were conducted on a monthly basis from 2010 to 2023. Subsequently, the CWQI, WQI, NP, HPI, HEI, DC, PERI, HQ, HI, THI, CR and TCR indices were calculated to determine water quality and ecological and health risks. The results showed que the distribution of parameter concentration showed great spatial variation, but not temporal; the TDS, Turbidity, pH, Al, As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn with percentages above the CCME standard, but most of them within the NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021. The heavy metals Al, As, Cr, Pb and Zn have concentration percentages of more than 100% with respect to the international standard. The remaining 14 parameters are within both national and international standards. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that none of the trace elements have positive correlations with each other. Water quality according to the WQI of 178 was categorized as poor quality, while for the CWQI almost all uses except grazing, water quality is poor (20-35). According to the NP index (3.8 to 670), the concentrations of heavy metals showed high levels of contamination. The HPI index (88.6) showed moderate to high levels of heavy metal contamination. The HEI index showed <10 levels, indicating low contamination. The DC had a value of 0.2-18.2, classified as a high degree of contamination. The PERI index showed that the ecological risk from heavy metals is high. Non-carcinogenic risk indices indicate that lake water is not suitable for drinking, and poses a high health risk via ingestion, while dermal contact does not pose a health risk to residential and recreational recipients. The carcinogenic risk index is negligible to acceptable. The conclusion is according to the water quality, ecological and health risk indices, the water quality of Lake Chapala is poor, with a high degree of contamination and represents ecological and health risks (non-carcinogenic). It is recommended that the use of lake water does not include its ingestion to avoid health problems, and it is important to take measures to sanitize the lake to avoid ecological and health risks.

Current Issues of Improving Proceedings in Cases of Administrative Offenses in the Context of Compliance with International Standards of Human Rights and Freedoms

The article examines the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights on the recognition of inconsistency of the procedure for consideration by Ukrainian courts of certain categories of administrative offenses with the basic provisions of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 04.11.1950. Based on the analysis of the ECHR judgment "Bantysh and Others v. Ukraine", the provisions of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, the Law of Ukraine "On the Public Prosecutor's Office", and draft laws No. 10002 of 05.09.2023 and No. 10002-1 of 22.09.2023 on amendments to the current legislation of Ukraine on improving the proceedings in cases of administrative offenses, the author proves that the requirements of the European Court of Human Rights do not comply with the recommendations of the governing bodies of the European Union regarding the status of the public prosecutor's office in the system of law enforcement agencies, which may cause certain legal conflicts and problems with the application of the legislation on administrative offenses by the judicial authorities of Ukraine. Based on the results of the research, it is proposed to introduce changes to the current legislation of Ukraine in order to improve the status of the prosecutor in the proceedings in cases of administrative offenses and to determine the range of subjects authorized to represent the prosecution in relevant cases. 

An Assessment of a Photovoltaic System’s Performance Based on the Measurements of Electric Parameters under Changing External Conditions

This article presents an analysis of the performance of a 14.04 kWp grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) installation consisting of monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon and bifacial glass–glass monocrystalline silicon modules. The photovoltaic system was mounted in Poland, a location characterized by temperate climate conditions. On the basis of the obtained results, the photovoltaic parameters were determined in accordance with the international standard. The annual energy yield of the entire system was 1033 kWh/kWp, and the performance ratio achieved was 83%. The highest average daily final yield was in the range of 4.0–4.5 kWh/kWp for each photovoltaic technology under investigation. In the cold part of the year, the efficiency of the photovoltaic modules was estimated to be 15%, and it was estimated to be 7% during the warm part of the year. Array capture losses accounted for around 0.75 kWh/kWp of energy loss per day, whereas the inverter efficiency was over 95% during the months that are beneficial for energy production.

Management of patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma in Australia and New Zealand: Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology/Oncology Group position statement.

The main mission of the Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology and Oncology Group (ANZCHOG) is to develop and facilitate local access to the world's leading evidence-based clinical trials for all paediatric cancers, including brain tumours, as soon as practically possible. Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) - a subset of a larger group of tumours now termed diffuse midline glioma, H3K27-altered (DMG) - are paediatric brain cancers with less than 10% survival at two years. In the absence of any proven curative therapies, significant recent advancements have been made in pre-clinical and clinical research, leading many to seek integration of novel therapies early into standard practice. Despite these innovative therapeutic approaches, DIPG remains an incurable disease for which novel surgical, imaging, diagnostic, radiation and systemic therapy approaches are needed. All patients with DIPG should be discussed in multidisciplinary neuro-oncology meetings (including pathologists, neuroradiologists, radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, medical oncologists) at diagnosis and at relapse or progression. Radiation therapy to the involved field remains the local and international standard of care treatment. Proton therapy does not yield a superior survival outcome compared with photon therapy and patients should undergo radiation therapy with the available modality (photon or proton) at their treatment centre. Patients may receive concurrent chemotherapy or radiation-sensitising agents as part of a clinical trial. Biopsy should be offered to facilitate consideration of experimental therapies and eligibility for clinical trial participation. After radiation therapy, each patient should be managed individually with either observation or considered for enrolment on a clinical trial, if eligible, after full discussion with the family. Re-irradiation can be considered for progressive disease. Every child diagnosed with DIPG should be offered enrolment on a clinical trial where available. Access to investigational drugs without biological rationale outside the clinical trial setting is not supported. In case of potentially actionable target identification with molecular profiling and absence of a suitable clinical trial, rational targeted therapies can be considered through compassionate access programs.

Implications of technological advancement of surgery in low and middle-income countries' a narrative review.

Countries that are striving to keep pace with emerging technologies in surgical practices and still not able to cope with exemplary international standards are in dire need of resources to build and strengthen their healthcare system. This review focusses on the impeding factors that hinder in adaptation of advanced technology and machinery in the health care industry. Considering the immense potential for current surgical technologies to transform the delivery of healthcare, their implementation in LMICs confronts considerable challenges due to lack of infrastructure, human capital and inadequate resources. To address these difficulties, various entities, including healthcare institutions, government and non-governmental organisations, and foreign partners, must work together. Building capacity through intended education and training initiatives, building infrastructure, and collaborative partnerships are critical for overcoming hurdles to effective deployment of surgical technology in low-income communities of the world.

Accumulation of Cd and Pb in sediments and Asian swamp eels (Monopterus albus) from downstream area of Cisadane River, Indonesia.

This study examined the presence of two heavy metals (Cd and Pb) in the sediments and Asian swamp eels (Monopterus albus) in the downstream area of Cisadane River. The average concentrations of Cd and Pb in the sediments from all sampling locations were 0.594 ± 0.230mg/kg and 34.677 ± 24.406mg/kg, respectively. These concentrations were above the natural background concentration and the recommended value of interim sediment quality guidelines (ISQG), suggesting an enrichment process and potential ecological risk of studied metals to the ecosystem of Cisadane River. The increase in contamination within this region may be attributed to point sources such as landfill areas, as well as the industrial and agricultural land activities in surrounding area, and experienced an increasing level leading towards the estuary of Cisadane River. Meanwhile, the average concentrations of Cd and Pb in the eels from all sampling locations were 0.775 ± 0.528μg/g and 28.940 ± 12.921μg/g, respectively. This study also discovered that gill tissues contained higher levels of Cd and Pb than the digestive organ and flesh of Asian swamp eels. These concentrations were higher than Indonesian and international standards, suggesting a potential human health risk and therefore the needs of limitations in the consumption of the eels. Based on the human health risk assessment, the eels from the downstream of Cisadane River are still considered safe to be consumed as long as they comply with the specified maximum consumption limits.

Abstract PO3-11-09: Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of lymphedema patient-reported outcome measurements in Chinese breast cancer patients

Abstract Background: Lymphedema is one of the most common complains reported by breast cancer survivors, which negatively affects the quality of life (QoL). Various internationally recognized patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs), such as the Upper Limb Lymphedema 27 (ULL-27), Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health questionnaire (Lymph-ICF), Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire for upper limbs (LYMQOL-ARM), and Lymphedema Life Impact Scale Version 2 (LLIS), have been translated into different languages and widely used to assess QoL in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). However, limited evidence has proved the efficiency of these tools in Chinese patients. In this study, we performed cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of these four PROMs within the Chinese context. Additionally, we also compared the accuracy in detecting BCRL for early diagnosis. Methods: A process of forward–backward translation and cultural adaptation was conducted based on international standards. Content validity was assessed through patient interviews. Internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The correlation analysis of the MOS item short from health survey (SF-36) and each BCRL QoL questionnaires was utilized to indicate the convergent and divergent validity. Clinical validity was assessed by comparing scores among patients with different BCRL stages. Furthermore, questionnaires scores and the known group of lymphedema or not were compared to generate receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves of these instruments. Results: A total of 204 female breast cancer patients were recruited in this study. Among them, 104 patients (61 with lymphedema and 43 without lymphedema) finished LYMQOL-ARM and ULL-27 questionnaire, while 100 patients (59 with lymphedema and 41 without lymphedema) were assessed by Lymph-ICF and LLIS. The internal consistency was high, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients above 0.9 for all subscales and global scales. The content validity was generally good, except for a few issues reported by the patients. Convergent and divergent validity confirmed the hypotheses of correlation between the tested questionnaire and SF-36 to varying degrees: 100% for ULL-27, 80% for Lymph-ICF, nearly 70% for LLIS, and only 50% for LYMQOL-ARM. LLIS and Lymph-ICF demonstrated strong clinical validity, with significant differences found in total and subscale scores among participants in different BCRL stages (P< 0.05). There were no significant differences between stages for the mood dimension (P=0.132) of LYMQOL-ARM, psychological dimension (P=0.506), social dimension (P=0.083), and total score (P=0.057) of ULL-27. Only the physical concerns and global scale of LLIS and the symptom subscale of Lymph-ICF exhibited acceptable AUC values near 0.7 (AUC 0.725, 95% CI 0.625-0.825, p< 0.029; AUC 0.680, 95% CI 0.573-0.787, p< 0.002; AUC 0.734, 95% CI 0.633-0.834, p< 0.001, respectively). In contrast, other subscales and questionnaires displayed lower AUC values. Conclusion: Lymphedema is a chronic disease that has a relatively low mortality risk but significantly affects the quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize patient-reported outcomes in the assessment of lymphedema. Among the four PROMs, LLIS not only showed high internal consistency and content validity more suitable for Chinese patients, but also exhibited better performance in reflecting the presence and severity of lymphedema patients. Consequently, the validated and reliable Chinese version of LLIS is recommended for clinical and scientific practices in the assessment of BCRL, which will help to provide better interventions with a patient-centered focus. Citation Format: Yue Zhou, Bingqiu Xiu, Qi Zhang, Jiong Wu. Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of lymphedema patient-reported outcome measurements in Chinese breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-11-09.

The current status and global trends of clinical trials related to robotic surgery: a bibliometric and visualized study.

Conducting clinical trials can evaluate the effectiveness and safety of surgical robots. To promote the advancement of academic robotic programs in surgery, this study captures the development trend and research hotspots of clinical trials related to surgical robots by bibliometric analysis. Bibliometrix package in R software was used to analyze the publication year, authors, countries, institutes, and journals. The visualization maps of keywords were formed using VOSviewer. The keywords with the strongest citation bursts and the institutional collaboration map were created by CiteSpace. Urology dominates with 31.3% of publications and the controlled clinical trials in urology and orthopedic accounted for the highest proportion, reaching 73%. North America, the USA, and Seoul National University lead in productivity. The most productive country, region and institution are North America, USA and Seoul National University, respectively. The trend of collaboration is regional instead of international. Keyword and burst keyword analysis revealed a primary focus in clinical research on robotic surgery: evaluating process improvements, comparing robotic and traditional surgery, and assessing feasibility. Long-term clinical trials assess surgical robots not only intraoperative performance but also postoperative complications and overall surgical outcomes. The development in the field is unbalanced between regions and countries. To promote multi-center clinical trials, governments can streamline review procedures and establish international consensus review standards, while academic institutions can form academic alliances. Also, the study offers recommendations for the development of academic robotic programs and regional collaboration units in robotic surgery, which may provide researchers with a strong reference for future research.

Bridging the mismatch: observing the introduction of new anesthesia technology for a low-resource environment

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the impact of the introduction of the Universal Anaesthesia Machine (UAM), a device designed for use in clinical environments with limited clinical perioperative resources, on the choice of general anesthesia technique and safe anesthesia practice in a tertiary-care hospital in Sierra Leone.MethodsWe introduced an anesthesia machine (UAM) into Connaught Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone. We conducted a prospective observational study of anesthesia practice and an examination of perioperative clinical parameters among surgical patients at the hospital to determine the usability of the device, its impact on anesthesia capacity, and changes in general anesthesia technique.FindingsWe observed a shift from the use of ketamine total intravenous anesthesia to inhalational anesthesia. This shift was most demonstrable in anesthesia care for appendectomies and surgical wound management. In 10 of 17 power outages that occurred during inhalational general anesthesia, anesthesia delivery was uninterrupted because inhalational anesthesia was being delivered with the UAM.ConclusionAnesthesia technologies tailored to overcome austere environmental conditions can support the delivery of safe anesthesia care while maintaining fidelity to recommended international anesthesia practice standards.

Auditing standards and the persistence of the audit expectations gap: Evidencing the absence of French ‘exceptionalism’

Auditing standards have become a central feature in the world of auditing. One of the primary claims made for International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) is their capacity to reduce the audit expectations gap (AEG), but the gap persists despite the widespread adoption of ISAs. France is an intriguing case site for studying the development and impact of audit standard setting, especially given its reputation as a country for maintaining its own distinctive audit regulatory traditions. Its claimed resistance to Anglo‐American influences, however, is not what stands out in our archival analysis of French audit standard‐setting processes and an accompanying series of interviews with key participants. In contrast, the French audit standard setting emerges as a process that has largely aligned with the spirit of ISAs and adopted a narrow interpretation of the AEG. The presented analysis challenges the operational significance of a claimed French exceptionalism and adds to a growing questioning of the capacity of auditing standard setting to drive fundamental advancement in auditing practice and to meet public expectations.

The Impact of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) on the Indian Commercial Real Estate Market: A Study of Investor Perception and Market Performance

The introduction of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in India has marked a significant evolution in the country's commercial real estate landscape. This paper examines the multifaceted impact of REITs on the Indian commercial real estate market, focusing on key dimensions such as liquidity, transparency, investor access, and market development. Firstly, REITs have enhanced liquidity in the commercial real estate sector by providing investors with a liquid avenue to invest in income-generating properties, thereby reducing the traditionally illiquid nature of real estate investments. This increased liquidity has facilitated capital flow into the market and stimulated transaction activity. Secondly, REITs have contributed to greater transparency in the Indian real estate market. By mandating regular disclosures and adherence to stringent governance standards, REITs have improved information symmetry between investors and property developers, leading to a more efficient allocation of capital and reduced investment risk. Thirdly, the introduction of REITs has widened investor access to commercial real estate assets. Individual investors, institutional funds, and foreign investors now have the opportunity to participate in the market through REIT investments, thereby diversifying their portfolios and potentially earning stable returns from rental income and capital appreciation. Furthermore, REITs have played a pivotal role in the development of the Indian commercial real estate market. Their presence has spurred the professionalization of property management practices, encouraged the adoption of international standards, and catalyzed the growth of ancillary industries such as real estate services and financial advisory firms.

Spatial distribution and pollution assessment of metals in sediments along the industrialized coast of East Java, Indonesia.

The eastern coastline of Gresik, located in East Java, Indonesia, experienced significant industrialization, leading to the development of numerous diverse sectors. These diverse industrial activities, in addition to other human activities, result in the contamination of sediment across the eastern coast of Gresik with a variety of metals. Metals like arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) have exceeded the international standards for sediment quality, potentially causing significant harm to the aquatic ecosystem in this coastal region. The results of the multivariate analysis indicate that the metals found in the sediment are related to a combination of anthropogenic inputs, specifically those originating from industrial effluents in the area under study. Based on the assessment of enrichment factor, contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, degree of contamination, ecological risk index, and pollution load index, it can be concluded that the metals examined displayed different degrees of sediment contamination, ranging from minimal to severely contaminated.

Enabling reliable usability assessment and comparative analysis of medical software: a comprehensive framework for multimodal biomedical imaging platforms

Enabling reliable usability assessment and comparative analysis of medical software: a comprehensive framework for multimodal biomedical imaging platforms

FINANCIAL REPORTING EVOLUTION: A CASE STUDY OF IND AS IMPLEMENTATION OF INDIAN STEEL COMPANIES

This article investigates the ramifications of the transition from Indian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (IGAAP) to Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) on financial reporting within the Indian steel industry. In an era of global economic interconnectivity, the move towards aligning with international standards, notably International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), holds profound implications. The study underscores the paramount importance of transparency and comparability in financial reporting. The study employs the Grays Comparability Index (GCI) to quantitatively assess the conservatism levels in reporting various financial statement items. The findings reveal that while assets, liabilities, and equity exhibit relatively consistent reporting under both standards, Ind AS demonstrates a propensity for greater optimism in the reporting of income, expenses, and financial activities.

Emergence and evolution of standardization systems in medical biology laboratories

Abstract Introduction The history of standardization relating to the activities of medical laboratories traces the development of quality system standards in the world, and their evolution. Content In this study, we have included the key benchmarks that represent the stages of the quality system’s evolution in recent decades. Accreditation of medical laboratories has become compulsory in most countries, regarding national or international standards. International acknowledgment of the effectiveness of the results delivered to the many stakeholders, particularly patients and prescribers, is conferred through the use of standards. Summary The ISO 15189 standard represents the latest and most specific international standards for medical laboratories of all types. Outlook More research is necessary to study if laboratory practices reflect the evolution of standards within the medical laboratory field.

Numerical Simulation Analysis of the Bending Performance of T-Beams Strengthened with Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Based on the CDP Model

In bridge reinforcement projects, damaged T-beams are the most common objects for reinforcement, yet the interface bonding and bending performance of UHPC reinforcement on T-beams have hardly been studied. To ensure the reliability and stability of UHPC-strengthened T-beams in practical applications, this study introduced a post-installed rebar bonding technique to efficiently connect T-beams with UHPC layers. Initially, using ABAQUS software [2020 version] for finite element simulation, this study investigated the effects of various post-installed rebar parameters (horizontal spacing, yield strength, diameter, and matrix concrete strength) on the shear performance of the UHPC and RC interface, obtaining the optimal connection parameters. Subsequently, by comparing shear formulas in domestic and international standards, a new UHPC-RC steel bar interface shear strength theoretical formula with 93.6% accuracy was derived. Finally, finite element simulations analyzed the impact of different post-installed reinforcing bar layout forms and longitudinal spacing, as well as UHPC-strengthened location and layer thickness, on the bending performance of damaged T-beams. The results showed a good match between simulation outcomes and experimental results, applicable for further reinforcement analysis of T-beams. When the horizontal spacing of post-installed rebars is 12d, with diameters ranging from 10 mm to 14 mm, their anchoring capability is efficiently utilized. A square form of a post-installed rebar with a longitudinal spacing of 300 mm effectively improves the ultimate bending load capacity of the strengthened beam. The simulation analysis and theoretical results help in the design and application of post-installed steel connections and UHPC-strengthened structures in UHPC-strengthened reinforced concrete T-beam structures.

Identifying and Dealing with Interdependencies and Conflicts between Goals in Manufacturing Companies’ Sustainability Measures

Companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable business practices. Internal and external stakeholders’ expectations manifest in legal requirements, national and international standards, and market and customer expectations, among other things, must be considered. In addition to profit maximization, which is the usual target for corporate management, management must consider environmental sustainability aspects such as resource efficiency, greenhouse gas intensity, and a company’s emissions behavior. In addition, social aspects related to the company’s employees, the immediate urban environment, the situation in the supply chain, and effects on the market environment must increasingly be considered. Specifically, companies are faced with the challenge of dealing with conflicting objectives regarding the various aspects of sustainability and, if necessary, weighing them up against each other. These trade-offs must be made against the company’s socio-economic and ecological environment, corporate strategy, and sustainability goals. This paper provides an overview of current approaches and research gaps on this topic through a literature review. It highlights the lack of methods and frameworks to specifically deal with trade-offs and conflicts between goals.

Study on the Potential of New Load-Carrying Capacity Descriptions for the Service Life Calculations of Gears

Calculating the service life of gears under variable loads requires a description of the load-carrying capacity. The current standard for this is the use of the S/N curve. International standards such as ISO 6336 stipulate the use of this approach for the calculation of the service of gears under variable loads. In this paper, five new approaches are developed and evaluated to describe the load-carrying capacity of gears in the load range of finite life. Four methods are based on machine learning, and one uses mathematical regression. To validate the new approaches, the results of an experimental study investigating the service life of gears under variable loads are presented. These results form the basis for the conducted study, which compares the five new methods with the existing approach. The comparison focuses on the ability of the load-carrying capacity descriptions to provide an accurate calculation of the service life and to reduce scattering as much as possible. The results of the study show significant potential for the new methods, especially the one based on a neural network.