Product Lifetime Research Articles

Reproductive performance of Horro and Horro-crossbred dairy cows in Ethiopia's subhumid tropical environments.

Estrus detection, timing of insemination, feeding, and health care practices are all factors that can significantly affect cattle breeding efficiency and lifetime production. In Ethiopia's subhumid environment, the age at first calving, number of days open, duration from calving to first heat, and number of services per conception are economic traits that affect reproductive performance of Horro and Horro-crossbred dairy cows. Data collected at Ethiopia's Bako Agricultural Research Center between 1980-2019 was used to study the reproductive performance of Horro and Horro-crosses with Holstein Friesian and Jersey dairy cows. We identified overall mean ± standard error values of factors that affect reproductive performance, including age at first service (AFS) (29.2 ± 0.2 months), age at first calving (AFC) (39.8 ± 0.2 months), number of services per conception (NSC) (1.76 ± 0.4 months), calving interval (CI) (13.2 ± 0.3 months), days open (DO) (94.3 ± 4.3 days), conception rate (CR) (75.0 ± 1.3%), and replacement rate (RR) (28.4 ± 0.3%). The odds ratios of the 60-day and 90-day nonreturn rates (NRR) were 0.22 and 0.96, respectively. Sire and dam breed and birth period had significant (P < 0.001) effects on AFS and AFC, while season and dam parity had significant effects on CI and DO. Inconsistencies regarding feeding, heat detection, inseminator skills, insemination timing, animal health, and other husbandry practices may extend periods of AFS, AFC, CI, and DO. To optimize reproductive performance in Horro cows and Horro crossbreeds in Ethiopia's subhumid environments, improving management practices should be a priority.

The health and economic impact and cost effectiveness of interventions for the prevention and control of overweight and obesity in Kenya: a stakeholder engaged modelling study

BackgroundThe global increase in mean body mass index has resulted in a substantial increase of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including in many low- and middle-income countries such as Kenya. This paper assesses four interventions for the prevention and control of overweight and obesity in Kenya to determine their potential health and economic impact and cost effectiveness.MethodsWe reviewed the literature to identify evidence of effect, determine the intervention costs, disease costs and total healthcare costs. We used a proportional multistate life table model to quantify the potential impacts on health conditions and healthcare costs, modelling the 2019 Kenya population over their remaining lifetime. Considering a health system perspective, two interventions were assessed for cost-effectiveness. In addition, we used the Human Capital Approach to estimate productivity gains.ResultsOver the lifetime of the 2019 population, impacts were estimated at 203,266 health-adjusted life years (HALYs) (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 163,752 − 249,621) for a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, 151,718 HALYs (95% UI 55,257 − 250,412) for mandatory kilojoule menu labelling, 3.7 million HALYs (95% UI 2,661,365–4,789,915) for a change in consumption levels related to supermarket food purchase patterns and 13.1 million HALYs (95% UI 11,404,317 − 15,152,341) for a change in national consumption back to the 1975 average levels of energy intake. This translates to 4, 3, 73 and 261 HALYs per 1,000 persons. Lifetime healthcare cost savings were approximately United States Dollar (USD) 0.14 billion (USD 3 per capita), USD 0.08 billion (USD 2 per capita), USD 1.9 billion (USD 38 per capita) and USD 6.2 billion (USD 124 per capita), respectively. Lifetime productivity gains were approximately USD 1.8 billion, USD 1.2 billion, USD 28 billion and USD 92 billion. Both the 20% tax on sugar sweetened beverages and the mandatory kilojoule menu labelling were assessed for cost effectiveness and found dominant (health promoting and cost-saving).ConclusionAll interventions evaluated yielded substantive health gains and economic benefits and should be considered for implementation in Kenya.

Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Biobased Unsaturated Polyester Resin Reinforced with Unmodified/Modified Biosilica Nanoparticles.

This paper presents sustainable technology for environmentally friendly composite production. Biobased unsaturated polyester resin (b-UPR), synthesized from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) glycosylate and renewable origin maleic anhydride (MAnh) and propylene glycol (PG), was reinforced with unmodified and vinyl-modified biosilica nanoparticles obtained from rice husk. The structural and morphological properties of the obtained particles, b-UPR, as well as composites, were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The study of the influence of biosilica modification on the mechanical properties of composites was supported by hardness modeling. Improvement of the tensile strength of the b-UPR-based composite at 2.5 wt.% addition of biosilica modified with vinyl silane, named "b-UPR/SiO2-V" composite, has been achieved with 88% increase. The thermal aging process applied to the b-UPR/SiO2-V composite, which simulates use over the product's lifetime, leads to the deterioration of composites that were used as fillers in commercial unsaturated polyester resin (c-UPR). The grinded artificially aged b-UPR composites were used as filler in c-UPR for the production of a table top layer with outstanding mechanical properties, i.e., impact resistance and microhardness, as well as fire resistance rated in the V-0 category according to the UL-94 test. Developing sustainable composites that are chemically synthesized from renewable sources is important from the aspect of preserving the environment and existing resources as well as the extending their life cycle.

Long-Term Insect Repellent Electrospun Microfibers from Recycled Poly(ethylene terephthalate).

In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of insect-borne diseases. Topically applied insect repellents are used to prevent these infectious diseases, but concerns of skin permeability and rapid evaporation rates have made way for alternative preventative methods. Encapsulation of insect repellents in polymeric materials allows for nonskin contact methods of repellent delivery with extended-release profiles without the need for reapplication. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is widely used in textiles as well as food packaging and other single-use applications. This short product lifespan makes PET a major environmental pollutant; thus, recycling of PET is of great interest and utility. We report on the fabrication and evaluation of recycled PET microfibers containing N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) and picaridin and the first evaluation of dual repellent loading (DEET/picaridin) via electrospinning. The electrospun microfibers displayed a repellent retention up to 97% within the polymer network upon processing. Release profiles were characterized by isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Hansen solubility parameters correlated release profiles with the chemical affinity between PET and the repellent substrate. Insect repellency was assessed against live mosquitoes using a novel bioassay method. Repellency was observed to be as high as 100% for over 1 week and 80% for over 3 weeks. Our method allows for long-lasting repellency with the potential for large-scale textile manufacturing.

Carbon footprint based on lifetime productivity for future cows selected for resilience to climate-related disturbances

Droughts, which can impact feed production, are projected to become more common under future climate conditions. In light of this, breeding cattle resilient to changes in feeding regimens is increasingly becoming an important topic. Body reserves can play a crucial role when the feed resources are limited. We simulated populations of dairy cows selected with 2 different breeding goals: one reflecting the current breeding goal and the other placing weight on minimum level of body reserves in early lactation and change in body reserves during lactation. We considered this latter as a breeding goal for resilience. We used the 2 dynamic simulation programs ADAM and AQAL to predict performance of the cows after selection. In AQAL, we modeled moderate and severe drought by decreasing feed quality and quantity offered to cows during one year. We compared cows selected with the 2 breeding goals under 3 environments: without disturbances related to climate and with moderate and severe drought. In the environments without disturbances and the moderate drought, the cows selected with the current breeding goal had higher life time lactation efficiency (energy invested in milk / energy acquired from feed) and lower carbon footprint per kg protein in milk and meat than cows selected for resilience. However, with severe drought, cows selected for resilience had higher life time lactation efficiency and lower carbon footprint per kg protein in milk and meat than those selected with the current breeding goal. This suggests that cows selected for high productive performance do not perform well under very limiting conditions, leading to increased climate impact. The importance of inclusion of body reserves as a resilience trait in dairy cattle breeding depends on the future environment in which the cows will be used.

Plant Extracts to Alleviating Heat Stress in Dairy Cows.

Heat stress (HS) in cows is a critical issue in the dairy industry. Dairy cows accumulate heat from body metabolism, along with that imposed by air temperature, humidity, air flow and solar radiation. HS in animals can occur during hot and humid summers when the ambient temperature is extremely high. Dairy cows have relatively high feed intakes and metabolic heat production and are thus susceptible to HS, leading to reductions in feed intake, lower milk yield, affected milk quality, reduced animal health and even shortening the productive lifespan of cows. Therefore, alleviating HS is a top priority for the dairy industry. Suitable plant extracts have advantages in safety, efficiency and few toxic side effects or residues for applications to alleviate HS in dairy cows. This paper reviews the effects of some plant extract products on alleviating HS in dairy cows and briefly discusses their possible mechanisms of action.

Optimal design for reliability improvement experiments with a non-constant scale parameter

ABSTRACT Traditionally, when planning reliability improvement experiments, the orthogonal design with equal sample allocation has been the typical choice. However, it is often found that both the scale parameter and the shape parameter of lifetime distributions vary across experimental factors, rendering the conventional approach unsuitable for such scenarios. In this article, we introduce a new approach named the ‘optimal design’ for planning such experiments. The D-optimality criterion is adopted to reduce the censoring issue as much as possible and thus to improve accuracy in estimating product lifetime. Our design strategy breaks down the problem into two essential subprocesses: sample allocation and determination of treatment combinations. To arrive at the best possible solution, we have devised an iterative algorithm that efficiently identifies the optimal solution. Through a case study on a real-world example, we demonstrate that the proposed methodology is highly effective in improving both the accuracy of estimations and the efficiency of experiments.

Bayesian analysis of accelerated life test under constrained randomization

Reliability engineers typically prioritize the lower percentiles. Accurately assessing these lower percentiles enables engineers to delve deeper into early product failures, paving the way for enhanced product reliability. In the manufacturing realm, many accelerated life tests (ALTs) veer away from completely randomized designs (CRDs) due to constraints in time and budget. Within ALTs, alterations in stress can lead to shifts in the failure mechanism of products. To accurately discern product lifetime percentiles, there is an imperative need to account for these varying failure mechanisms and random effects. Our approach introduces a re-parameterization model encapsulating random effects and disparate failure mechanisms. In this model, a specific percentile is employed as a stand-in for the scale parameter, laying the groundwork for a regression model interlinking the percentile, acceleration stress, and random effect. Concurrently, a separate regression model is designed for shape parameters in relation to acceleration stresses. Leveraging the Bayesian method, we ascertain the estimated values for the model parameters. The model is applied to an ALT example focusing on glass capacitors. The simulations underline the model’s prowess in delivering a more precise estimation of lower lifetime percentiles. Additionally, the Bayesian method further refines the accuracy of the lifetime percentile estimations.

The effect of backfat thickness determinedin vivoin breeding gilts on their reproductive performance and longevity

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of backfat thickness (mean standardised measurement fromin vivoassessment) of Polish Large White (PLW) gilts on their reproductive performance and productive lifespan. The study included 5,122 PLW gilts from 160 breeding herds in Poland, which reproductive performance was analysed on the basis of the rearing results of 20,662 litters. The gilts were divided into two groups differing in mean standardised backfat thickness (P2+P4/2) on the performance test day: I≤10 mm, II&gt;10 mm. Sows in group I vs II had a three month shorter herd life (P≤0.001), gave birth to fewer litters and piglets (P≤0.001), but the average number of piglets born alive and reared to 21 days of age/litter was higher in them (P≤0.001). The number of live-born piglets per 100 days of reproductive life in group I was greater than in group II (P≤0.001). When culling sows in cycles 1–8 and later, there was more intensive culling in group I vs II from cycle 1 to 6 and a lower percentage of sows remaining in the herd. In group I vs II, the proportion of sows with a lifetime productivity of fewer than 30 piglets was 5.5 percentage points higher and that with a production of more than 100 piglets was 1.9 percentage points lower. Our results indicate that the level of fat reserves determined in vivo in breeding gilts can be a preliminary information about the reproductive potential of sows and their predisposition to longevity.

Yarn level finite element method simulation for bending over sheaves of braided ropes

The complex problem of ropes (cyclic) bending over sheaves (CBOS) is considered in this article. Ropes that are used to manoeuvre and regulate sails undergo a variety of dynamic stresses which are crucial yet difficult to determine, due to the complexity of the multi-scaled braiding structure of ropes. A full dynamic Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation of a braided rope bending over a sheave is conducted with the commercial software Abaqus/Explicit, as it can capture the complex processes occurring inside the rope to high accuracy. A theoretical deduction is performed to determine the yarn paths in a 3D braided structure. Relative movement between braided yarns (including the interlacing point) are better assessed at yarn level through 3D element types instead of the traditional beam elements, as they allow to obtain an estimation of yarn-yarn displacement. Parametric studies are conducted to better understand the factors that affect the yarn sliding. The ratio between the diameter of the sheave and the rope, and the braiding angle, are found to be crucial for the relative movement, while the number of yarns and their diameters have little influence. The successful simulation process demonstrates the feasibility of modelling and analysing the complex interaction occurring in braided structures under specific boundary conditions. The calculated estimated displacement can contribute to further investigations such as the friction and heat generation problem in braided ropes. Simulation with this method can provide alternatives in predicting lifespan of braided products that cannot be easily inspected.

Impact of Inbreeding and Ancestral Inbreeding on Longevity Traits in German Brown Cows.

A recent study on the population structure of the German Brown population found increasing levels of classical and ancestral inbreeding coefficients. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of inbreeding depression and purging on longevity traits using classical and ancestral inbreeding coefficients according to Kalinowski (2002) (Fa_Kal, FNew), Ballou (1997) (Fa_Bal), and Baumung (2015) (Ahc). For this purpose, uncensored data of 480,440 cows born between 1990 and 2001 were available. We analyzed 17 longevity traits, including herd life, length of productive life, number of calvings, lifetime and effective lifetime production for milk, fat, and protein yield, the survival to the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th lactation number, and the culling frequencies due to infertility, or udder and foot and leg problems. Inbreeding depression was significant and negative for all traits but for culling due to udder and to foot and leg problems. When expressed in percentages of genetic standard deviations, inbreeding depression per 1% increase in inbreeding was -3.61 to -10.98%, -2.42 to -2.99%, -2.21 to -4.58%, and 5.13% for lifetime production traits, lifetime traits, survival rates, and culling due to infertility, respectively. Heterosis and recombination effects due to US Brown Swiss genes were positive and counteracted inbreeding depression. The effects of FNew were not significantly different from zero, while Fa_Kal had negative effects on lifetime and lifetime production traits. Similarly, the interaction of F with Fa_Bal was significantly negative. Thus, purging effects could not be shown for longevity traits in German Brown. A possible explanation may be seen in the breed history of the German Brown, that through the introgression of US Brown Swiss bulls ancestral inbreeding increased and longevity decreased. Our results show, that reducing a further increase in inbreeding in mating plans is advisable to prevent a further decline in longevity due to inbreeding depression, as purging effects were very unlikely in this population.

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Angus herds in Hungary and analyses of their production traits.

This study aims to investigate the genetic structure and characteristics of the Angus cattle population in Hungary. The survey was performed with the assistance of the Hungarian Hereford, Angus, Galloway Association (HHAGA). Genetic parameters of 1,369 animals from 16 Angus herds were analyzed using the genotyping results of 12 microsatellite markers with the aid of PowerMarker, Genalex, GDA-NT2021, and STRUCTURE software. Genotyping of DNA was performed using an automated genetic analyzer. Based on pairwise identity by state values of animals, the Python networkx 2.3 library was used for network analysis of the breed and to identify the central animals. The observed numbers of alleles on the 12 loci under investigation ranged from 11 to 18. The average effective number of alleles was 3.201. The overall expected heterozygosity was 0.659 and the observed heterozygosity was 0.710. Four groups were detected among the 16 Angus herds. The breeders' information validated the grouping results and facilitated the comparison of birth weight, age at first calving, number of calves born and productive lifespan data between the four groups, revealing significant differences. We identified the central animals/herd of the Angus population in Hungary. The match of our group descriptions with the phenotypic data provided by the breeders further underscores the value of cooperation between breeders and researchers. The observation that significant differences in the measured traits occurred among the identified groups paves the way to further enhancement of breeding efficiency. Our findings have the potential to aid the development of new breeding strategies and help breeders keep the Angus populations in Hungary under genetic supervision. Based on our results the efficient use of an upcoming genomic selection can, in some cases, significantly improve birth weight, age at first calving, number of calves born and the productive lifespan of animals.

Building Up of Fuzzy Evaluation Model of Life Performance Based on Type-II Censored Data

The semiconductor industry is a rapidly growing sector. As collection technologies for production data continue to improve and the Internet of Things matures, production data analysis improves, thus accelerating progress towards smart manufacturing. This not only enhances the process quality, but also increases product lifetime and reliability. Under the assumption of exponential distribution, the ratio of lifetime and warranty has been proposed as a lifetime performance index for electronic products. As unknown parameters of the index, to use point estimates to assess lifetime performance may cause misjudgment due to sampling errors. In addition, cost and time limitations often lead to small sample sizes that can affect the results of the analysis. Type-II censored data are widely applied in production and manufacturing engineering. Thus, this paper proposes an unbiased and consistent estimator of lifetime performance based on type-II censored data. The 100(1 − α)% confidence interval of the proposed index is derived based on its probability density function. Overly small sample sizes not only make the length estimates of lifetime performance index intervals for electronic products too long, but they also increase sampling errors, which distort the estimation and test results. We therefore used the aforementioned interval to construct a fuzzy test model for the assessment of product lifetime and further help manufacturers to be more prudent and precise to evaluate the performance of product life cycles. A numerical example illustrates the applicability of the proposed model.

A cognitive analysis-based key concepts derivation approach for product design

In the development of a new product, concept generation is a crucial stage, as it determines much of the cost of the product lifetime. The process of generating concepts that meet customer requirements, however, can be challenging due to incomplete information, chaotic design constraints, and complicated design iterations. Deep learning-based pretrained language models can be a potential solution to overcome these limitations. But current methods are limited by the gap between the language used in design-related documents such as patent and the casual spoken language as the latter reflects the thinking process of concept generation. In this paper, we propose a key concepts derivation approach based on cognitive analysis to address challenges in product design and to effectively incorporate prior knowledge. This approach leverages a pretrained language model to extract information from multiple sources of textual data and represents design thinking in a vector space. We conduct a Design-by-Analogy based verbal protocol analysis experiment for high-speed elevators to collect verbal data and establish a design thinking corpus. Based on this, our approach is employed for key concepts derivation in product design and explore how solutions are generated to realize specific customer-required functionality. By analyzing the types of design stimuli, the effectiveness of our approach in deriving key design concepts are demonstrated with respect to novelty and feasibility.

Life history and deleterious mutation rate coevolution

The cost of germline maintenance gives rise to a trade-off between lowering the deleterious mutation rate and investing in life history functions. Therefore, life history and the mutation rate coevolve, but this coevolution is not well understood. We develop a mathematical model to analyse the evolution of resource allocation traits, which simultaneously affect life history and the deleterious mutation rate. First, we show that the invasion fitness of such resource allocation traits can be approximated by the basic reproductive number of the least-loaded class; the expected lifetime production of offspring without deleterious mutations born to individuals without deleterious mutations. Second, we apply the model to investigate (i) the coevolution of reproductive effort and germline maintenance and (ii) the coevolution of age-at-maturity and germline maintenance. This analysis provides two resource allocation predictions when exposure to environmental mutagens is higher. First, selection favours higher allocation to germline maintenance, even if it comes at the expense of life history functions, and leads to a shift in allocation towards reproduction rather than survival. Second, life histories tend to be faster, characterised by individuals with shorter lifespans and smaller body sizes at maturity. Our results suggest that mutation accumulation via the cost of germline maintenance can be a major force shaping life-history traits.

Financial Feasibility Analysis of the Inferior Robusta Coffee Beans Selling Using the Fermentation Method with Kefir Starter at CV. Asmak Kopi

This study aims to assess the financial feasibility of Kefir fermentation for inferior robusta coffee. The research design employed data collection methods. The study was conducted at CV. Asmak Kopi from August to December 2022. The study utilized data as the subject of investigation. The data used in this research consisted of primary and secondary data. Primary data was sourced from the coffee business entity CV. Asmak Kopi, including labor data, production costs, production types, and coffee prices. Secondary data used in the study was obtained from various government institutions, organizations, research studies, survey results, and other sources. The obtained data was quantitative and analyzed to determine financial feasibility, including analysis of production costs, break-even analysis, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) analysis, Benefit Cost Ratio (B/C Ratio) analysis, Payback Period (PP) analysis, Return on Investment (ROI) analysis, and Net Present Value (NPV) analysis. This quantitative analysis was presented in tabulated form, grouping and classifying the data to facilitate data analysis. Data processing was performed using calculators and Microsoft Excel software. Based on the research findings, the business of improving the quality of inferior robusta coffee through kefir fermentation at CV. Asmak Kopi is financially feasible. This is supported by the results of the financial feasibility test, indicating an IRR of 82.88%, B/C Ratio of 3.08, Gross B/C Ratio of 1.8, positive NPV, and a payback period shorter than the production lifespan. The sensitivity analysis also showed that a 50% increase in inferior material prices had no significant impact, indicating that the business is still viable. However, a 20% decrease in selling prices has a significant impact, and the product should not experience a price decrease of more than 20%. At a price decrease of 30%, the business is not feasible as it would result in losses. The business of improving the quality of inferior robusta coffee through kefir fermentation at CV. Asmak Kopi is feasible.

A review of low-frequency latex harvesting systems that lessen the tapper shortage problem of the smallholders' natural rubber production

Smallholders' rubber production is encountering problems of skilled tapper shortage and high production costs resulting from increased worker wages and the substantial growth of new mature areas. Low-frequency latex harvesting system (LFLHS) effectively improves tapper productivity with long-term optimum yield by reducing the tapper requirement. LFLHS reduces tapper requirement by 33% to 67% of the conventional harvesting systems. Under the d3 (tapping every three days) frequency harvesting system, a tapper is assigned to cover three tasks, and his productivity is at least 30% higher than that of the d2 (alternative daily) frequency harvesting system. The cumulative yield of LFLHS is comparable to that of d2 frequency. It is economically profitable when the cumulative yield of LFLHS reaches 90% of the d2 frequency tapping as a break-even yield. Its low number of tapper requirement and high productivity saves tapping cost. 20% to 55% of tapping cost can be reduced by shifting the harvesting frequency from d2 to d3. The virgin bark of basal panels could be tapped at least four to ten years more than conventional tapping systems. The low bark consumption allows sufficient time for the regeneration of bark tissues resulting in a potentially higher yield from the renewed bark. Thus, sustainable economic yield is achievable for a productive lifespan of 30 to 35 years from the LFLHS. These advantages of LFLHS contribute to reducing the tapper requirement and cost of production, ensuring increased profits and a longer economic lifespan of rubber production.Keywords: Latex harvesting system, Tapper requirement, Tapper productivity, Tapping cost

Global Supply Chain Nervousness (GSCN)

In today’s competitive environment, managing supply chains (SCs) is becoming increasingly challenging. Demand uncertainty, globalization, shorter product and technology lifespans, and growth in the number of logistics partners result in more sophisticated global supply relationships, which in turn, increase SC vulnerability. Generally, nervousness reduces SC effectiveness because SC instability is primarily caused by events that are external to the business domain. This tension creates uncertainty, increases the cost of maintaining supply chains, and makes relationships with suppliers and customers unpredictable. This study analyzed global SC nervousness (GSCN) components in terms of drivers, consequences, indicators, and pillars, and proposed solutions. A questionnaire was used to study and evaluate the characteristics of the GSCN, and the DELPHI–FAHP was used to analyze the results and designate the factors that most impact nervousness mitigation in the supply chain. To this end, a framework is presented to discuss the interactions of nervousness in a SC with an integrated solution. The results indicate that demand planning, sourcing strategy, collaboration, risk management, and sustainable SC, along with technological innovation applications, represent essential demands for a smarter future GSC vision.

CO2 Emissions from Plastic Consumption Behaviors in Thailand

Plastic waste is an environmental crisis that is becoming increasingly well-documented. The rapid expansion of plastic manufacturing and consumption has led to a harmful cycle of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions due to petroleum-based production and plastic waste disposal. Plastic production and disposal depend on the consumption behavior of people. This study aimed to examine the plastic consumption behavior in Thailand and its impact on climate change at the end-of-life stage. The general information, plastic consumption, and plastic waste management were collected via questionnaires for each product lifetime, including single-use, medium-use, and long-use plastics. Based on 567 questionnaires, the results showed that people consumed single-use plastic, e.g., plastic bag, food container, cutlery, straws, and bottles, at a rate of about nine pieces/household/day or three pieces/cap/day. The medium-use and long-use plastic were 10 pieces/household/month and 50 pieces/household/year, respectively. It should be remarked that population density, education, and number of household members affected plastic consumption behavior, especially for single-use plastic. Regarding the disposal of end-of-life plastics, Thai people, on average, contribute 0.15 kg CO2eq/household/day to climate change. Many households have mismanaged waste by open dumping and open burning. Therefore, practicing proper waste management will help Thailand on the path to carbon neutrality in the future.

Losses of lifetime employment duration and productivity for patients with different subtypes and stages of lung cancer

BackgroundHow different subtypes and stages of lung cancer affect morbidity- and mortality-associated productivity have not been investigated. This study quantified the losses of lifetime employment duration and productivity among patients with various subtypes and stages of lung cancer.MethodsWe identified nationwide lung cancer patients diagnosed at the ages of 50–64 between 2011 and 2019. Monthly survival probabilities were weighted by monthly employed-to-population ratios and working salaries to estimate lifetime employment duration and productivity. We compared lifetime employment duration and productivity of patients with those of the age-, sex-, calendar year-matched general population for losses of lifetime employment duration and productivity, which were multiplied by pathology and stage shifts based on the first-round screening of Taiwan Lung Cancer Screening in Never Smoker Trial (TALENT) to calculate the savings of lifetime employment duration and productivity.ResultsLung cancer patients had shorter survival and employment duration than the referents. Patients with lung cancers other than adenocarcinoma experienced greater losses of lifetime employment duration and productivity as compared to adenocarcinoma patients. Applying the estimations of never-smoking patients to 100 lung cancer patients with pathology and stage shifts based on the TALENT, the savings of lifetime employment duration and productivity were 132.2 (95% prediction interval: 116.2–147.4) years and 3353 (95% prediction interval: 2914–3802) thousand US dollars, respectively.ConclusionsEarly diagnosis of lung cancer would save the losses of employment duration and lifetime productivity. Future evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of lung cancer screening could consider incorporating these societal impacts.