Production Losses Research Articles

Amplification of autoimmune organ damage by NKp46-activated ILC1s.

In systemic lupus erythematosus, loss of immune tolerance, autoantibody production and immune complex deposition are required but not sufficient for organ damage1. How inflammatory signals are initiated and amplified in the setting of autoimmunity remains elusive. Here we set out to dissect layers and hierarchies of autoimmune kidney inflammation to identify tissue-specific cellular hubs that amplify autoinflammatory responses. Using high-resolution single-cell profiling of kidney immune and parenchymal cells, in combination with antibody blockade and genetic deficiency, we show that tissue-resident NKp46+ innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are crucial signal amplifiers of disease-associated macrophage expansion and epithelial cell injury in lupus nephritis, downstream of autoantibody production. NKp46 signalling in a distinct subset of group 1 ILCs (ILC1s) instructed an unconventional immune-regulatory transcriptional program, which included the expression of the myeloid cell growth factor CSF2. CSF2 production by NKp46+ ILCs promoted the population expansion of monocyte-derived macrophages. Blockade of the NKp46 receptor (using the antibody clonemNCR1.15; ref.2) or genetic deficiency of NKp46 abrogated epithelial cell injury. The same cellular and molecular patterns were operative in human lupus nephritis. Our data provide support for the idea that NKp46+ ILC1s promote parenchymal cell injury by granting monocyte-derived macrophages access to epithelial cell niches. NKp46 activation in ILC1s therefore constitutes a previously unrecognized, crucial tissue rheostat that amplifies organ damage in autoimmune hosts, with broad implications for inflammatory pathologies and therapies.

Preclinical Efficacy of Cap-Dependent and Independent mRNA Vaccines against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus-1.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an RNA virus associated with severe economic losses in animal production. Effective vaccination and viral surveillance are urgent for the prevention and control of BVDV infection. However, the application of traditional modified live vaccines and inactivated vaccines is faced with tremendous challenges. In the present study, we describe the preclinical efficacy of two BVDV mRNA vaccines tested in mice and guinea pigs, followed by a field trial in goats, where they were compared to a commercial vaccine (formaldehyde inactivated). The two mRNAs were engineered to express the envelope protein E2 of BVDV-1, the most prevalent subtype across the world, through a 5' cap-dependent or independent fashion. Better titers of neutralizing antibodies against BVDV-1 were achieved using the capped RNA in the sera of mice and guinea pigs, with maximum values reaching 9.4 and 13.7 (by -log2), respectively, on the 35th day post-vaccination. At the same time point, the antibody levels in goats were 9.1 and 10.2 for the capped and capless RNAs, respectively, and there were no significant differences compared to the commercial vaccine. The animals remained healthy throughout the experiment, as reflected by their normal leukogram profiles. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that mRNA vaccines have good safety and immunogenicity, and we laid a strong foundation for the further exploitation of efficient and safe BVDV vaccines.

Exploring the return-on-investment for scaling screening and psychosocial treatment for women with common perinatal mental health problems in Malawi: Developing a cost-benefit-calculator tool.

This study sought to develop a user-friendly decision-making tool to explore country-specific estimates for costs and economic consequences of different options for scaling screening and psychosocial interventions for women with common perinatal mental health problems in Malawi. We developed a simple simulation model using a structure and parameter estimates that were established iteratively with experts, based on published trials, international databases and resources, statistical data, best practice guidance and intervention manuals. The model projects annual costs and returns to investment from 2022 to 2026. The study perspective is societal, including health expenditure and productivity losses. Outcomes in the form of health-related quality of life are measured in Disability Adjusted Life Years, which were converted into monetary values. Economic consequences include those that occur in the year in which the intervention takes place. Results suggest that the net benefit is relatively small at the beginning but increases over time as learning effects lead to a higher number of women being identified and receiving (cost‑)effective treatment. For a scenario in which screening is first provided by health professionals (such as midwives) and a second screening and the intervention are provided by trained and supervised volunteers to equal proportions in group and individual sessions, as well as in clinic versus community setting, total costs in 2022 amount to US$ 0.66 million and health benefits to US$ 0.36 million. Costs increase to US$ 1.03 million and health benefits to US$ 0.93 million in 2026. Net benefits increase from US$ 35,000 in 2022 to US$ 0.52 million in 2026, and return-on-investment ratios from 1.05 to 1.45. Results from sensitivity analysis suggest that positive net benefit results are highly sensitive to an increase in staff salaries. This study demonstrates the feasibility of developing an economic decision-making tool that can be used by local policy makers and influencers to inform investments in maternal mental health.

Identification of Aggregation Pheromone as an Attractant for Odontothrips loti, A Serious Thrips Pest on Alfalfa.

Odontothrips loti (Haliday) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is one of the most serious pests on alfalfa, causing direct damage by feeding and indirect damage by transmitting plant viruses. This damage causes significant loss in alfalfa production. Semiochemicals offer opportunities to develop new approaches to thrips management. In this study, behavioral responses of female and male adults of O. loti to headspace volatiles from live female and male conspecifics were tested in a Y-tube olfactometer. The results showed that both male and female adults of O. loti were attracted to the odors released by conspecific males but not those released by females. Headspace volatiles released by female and male adults were collected using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME). The active compound in the volatiles was identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis showed that there was one major compound, (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutanoate. The attractive activity of the synthetic aggregation pheromone compound was tested under laboratory and field conditions. In an olfactometer, both male and female adults showed significant preference for synthetic (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutanoate at certain doses. Lures with synthetic (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutanoate significantly increased the trap catches of sticky white traps at doses of 40-80µg in the field. This study confirmed the production of aggregation pheromone by O. loti male adults and identified its active compound as (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutanoate, providing a basis for population monitoring and mass trapping of this pest.

Development of two competitive ELISAs based on monoclonal antibodies for the serological detection of Bovine ephemeral fever virus

Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) is a member of the genus Ephemerovirus in the family Rhabdoviridae. It is an arthropod-borne virus transmitted by many species of midges and mosquitoes. It can cause severe economic consequences due to losses in milk production and the general condition of cattle and water buffalo. BEF occurs in some tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions of Africa, Australia, the Middle East and Asia with seasonal outbreaks, but its possible spread to other areas (e.g. Europe) cannot be excluded. Therefore, using and developing rapid diagnostic methods with optimal performance is essential for identifying emerging pathogens and their control. In the present study, we developed two competitive serological ELISAs based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), designed by using BEFV inactivated antigen and the BEF recombinant nucleoprotein (N), respectively. A panel of 77 BEF-positive and 338 BEF-negative sera was used to evaluate the two tests. With a diagnostic sensitivity of 97.4 % using the inactivated virus and 98.7 % using the recombinant N, and a diagnostic specificity of 100 % using both antigens, our results suggest that these tests are suitable for the serological diagnosis of BEF.

Genomic prediction of the performance of tropical doubled haploid maize lines under artificial Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. infestation.

Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth., a parasitic weed, causes substantial yield losses in maize production in sub-Saharan Africa. Breeding for Striga resistance in maize is constrained by limited genetic diversity for Striga resistance within the elite germplasm and phenotyping capacity under artificial Striga infestation. Genomics-enabled approaches have the potential to accelerate identification of Striga resistant lines for hybrid development. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of genomic selection for traits associated with Striga resistance and grain yield (GY) and to predict genetic values of tested and untested doubled haploid maize lines. We genotyped 606 doubled haploid lines with 8,439 rAmpSeq markers. A training set of 116 doubled haploid lines crossed to 2 testers was phenotyped under artificial Striga infestation at 3 locations in Kenya. Heritability for Striga resistance parameters ranged from 0.38-0.65 while that for GY was 0.54. The prediction accuracies for Striga resistance-associated traits across locations, as determined by cross-validation (CV) were 0.24-0.53 for CV0 and from 0.20 to 0.37 for CV2. For GY, the prediction accuracies were 0.59 and 0.56 for CV0 and CV2, respectively. The results revealed 300 doubled haploid lines with desirable genomic estimated breeding values for reduced number of emerged Striga plants (STR) at 8, 10, and 12 weeks after planting. The genomic estimated breeding values of doubled haploid lines for Striga resistance-associated traits in the training and testing sets were similar in magnitude. These results highlight the potential application of genomic selection in breeding for Striga resistance in maize. The integration of genomic-assisted strategies and doubled haploid technology for line development coupled with forward breeding for major adaptive traits will enhance genetic gains in breeding for Striga resistance in maize.

Measurement dynamics and data treatment in fire testing

Fire testing is and will remain of paramount importance in helping industry, regulators and all other fire safety stakeholders to achieve a safer world. For this to happen, test data must be stable and reliable, regardless of the test facility that produced the data, its various operators, the measurement equipment used, and so on. The instruments and sensors used to measure heat release, smoke production and mass loss rate are susceptible to mechanical and/or electrical disturbances and all have their own dynamic behaviour. This leads to a variation in the test results. A scatter that is only due to the measurement.This paper examines the time and frequency domain behaviour of various measurement components and hardware & software filters in use today. It proposes an instrument-independent method of eliminating noise and other interference, describes a method of adjusting the response time of the various input signals to a common value applicable to all test institutes, and proposes a method of accurately synchronising these signals in time.The result is unambiguous qualitative measurement data that can be confidently compared with data from other sample sets or between different laboratories and researchers. It improves the stability and reproducibility of test results leading to a more stable classification of materials.

Consequences and Explanatory Factors of Late Start to Prenatal Consultation by Pregnant Women at the MAZIBA Reference Health Center, in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: It is undeniable that the NPC plays a crucial role in the development process of nations; “because maternal and neonatal deaths, which hinder economic growth and cause global losses in productivity, can be avoided thanks to ANC, which is all the more effective if it is early and regularly repeated. This consultation effectively contributes to avoiding “complications of pregnancy and its consequences, which are a major challenge for the health of women of childbearing age; and the leading global cause of morbidity, disability and mortality in this target, especially in developing countries. This research seeks to determine the repercussions and explanations explanations of the beginning late arrival of women to prenatal consultation. Method: This study is quantitative of the cross-sectional descriptive correlational type, carried out at the MAZIBA health and maternity center, more precisely in the Bonhomme district, in the commune of Matete, city of Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, during the period from January 29 2022 to April 8, 2023. It used the survey method, combined with the interview technique and a survey questionnaire as the data collection instrument. Results: The late onset of CPN remains a major public health issue in the study region. The late arrival of pregnant women at the CPN is influenced by different variables such as neglect, fatigue, distance, lack of financial means, high cost of care, poor reception, lack of space, lack of chairs or benches. The consequences linked to late arrival at the ANC are on two levels: the consequence for the pregnant woman and for the fetus. In the pregnant we obtained an average of 18.7% and 31.3% in the fetus. This study demonstrated that there is a significant statistical relationship between It also appears that there is a significant statistical relationship between personal, socio-economic, organizational, cultural factors and the consequences in the fetuses (p = 0.00. P=0.01, and p=0.00). Conclusion: Thus, healthcare professionals have the opportunity to provide ongoing education on the importance of starting prenatal care visits early to avoid adverse pregnancy outcomes, taking into account all the elements mentioned.

(Invited) Past, Present and Future for Electrochemical Gas Sensors in Energy Applications

The markets for modern low-cost electrochemical gas sensors have been growing for longer than sensors have been around. Energy markets for gas sensors include the oil, gas and electricity industries as well as the new developing and fast growing green energy sectors. The primary gases to detect include combustible hydrocarbons, oxygen, and toxic gases. Specifically, we are interested in methane (blue and green), ammonia, and H2 for the renewable energy sectors but include hydrocarbon fuels and CO2 as a greenhouse gas emission. The reasons for monitoring crosscut all areas of the energy business and include applications in production, transport, storage and use. Primary sensor uses include: 1) health and safety (people and assets), 2) leak detection and isolation to help mitigate product losses, 3) monitoring to protect the environment and 4) measurements for process control and efficacy. Each of these areas of sensing have special requirements and demand cost-effective and time efficient sensor performance in many and varied real world scenarios.Electrochemical gas sensors have a long and rich history starting with the commercialization of the first practical potentiometric CO2 gas sensor by Severinghaus in 1954 and the O2 amperometric sensor by Clark in 1956 that launched the modern blood gas analysis industry. Additional milestones include the introduction of the “diffusion electrode” in 1968 creating the modern amperometric sensor which has produced a large array of sensors for toxic and hazardous gases including H2, ammonia, and other energy gases. Progress has been made in the field of electrochemical gas sensors, not only in improving performance, sensitivity, selectivity, response time, and stability, but also in logistical properties including miniaturization, lower power consumption, low cost as well as communication and computation to make automated-operational systems. New high-volume production has contributed to lower costs commensurate with a chip-based sensor mentality. The evolution of one of the gas sensor technologies is given below (the room temperature AGS or amperometric gas sensor) and similar progress has been seen in mixed potential and solid state gas sensors.The growing understanding of the sensor’s fundamental electrocatalytic reactions has led to tailored designs of electrode-electrolyte combinations and packages for the various applications. Often ignored in sensor publications of performance, the fundamental electrocatalytic studies are poised to make significant advances in energy gas sensor selectivity and sensitivity. The additional implementation of intelligent algorithms (AI/ML) to make “smart” sensors and sensor arrays complements advanced nano-materials and designs for improving sensor performance. One major improvement is our understanding of the sensor response mechanisms at the electrocatalytic level. This new research will enable new electrochemical sensor advances that are poised to impact the health and wellbeing of both people and the planet. Ideas and concepts that significantly contribute to the safe and efficient rollout of the newest green energy platforms are presented. Figure 1

Economic Costs Attributed to Diagnosed Diabetes in Each U.S. State and the District of Columbia: 2021.

To update state-specific estimates of diabetes-attributable costs in the U.S. and assess changes in spending from 2013 to 2021. We used an attributable fraction approach to estimate direct medical costs of diagnosed diabetes using the 2021 State Health Expenditure Accounts, the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 2018-2019 Minimum Data Set. We estimated diabetes-attributable productivity losses from morbidity and mortality using the 2016-2021 National Health Interview Survey and the 2021 mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Costs were adjusted to 2021 U.S. dollars. Total diabetes-attributable cost in 2021 was $640 billion ($335 billion in direct medical costs and $305 billion in indirect costs). The median state-level total diabetes-attributable cost was $8.2 billion (range $842 million to $81 billion). The median state-level per-person cost was $21,082, ranging from $17,452 to $37,090. Total diabetes-attributable cost increased by a median of 33% between 2013 and 2021, ranging from 16 to 68% across states. Medical costs increased by 50% overall (range 33-79%) and by 27% (range 15-41%) for per person with diabetes. Costs paid by Medicaid experienced the highest increase between 2013 and 2021 (median 153%; range 41-483%). State economic costs of diagnosed diabetes are substantial and increased over the last decade. These costs and their growth vary considerably across states. These findings may help state policy makers in developing evidenced-based public health interventions in their respective states to prevent and control the prevalence of diabetes.

(Invited) Hydrogen Detection Strategies to Support H2@Scale--the NREL Sensor Laboratory

Hydrogen represents a major pathway to decarbonize and stabilize the national and international energy industry and select manufacturing markets. To facilitate the development of hydrogen markets, the US Department of Energy initiated H2@Scale to bring together stakeholders to advance affordable hydrogen production, transport, storage, and utilization to increase revenue opportunities in multiple energy sectors. One major impediment to hydrogen implementation is cost. To expedite the use of hydrogen in energy and other markets, the United States announced in 2021 the Hydrogen Shot, which seeks to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen by 80% to $1 per 1 kilogram in 1 decade ("1 1 1"). As the cost of hydrogen drops, new applications will emerge that will require unique configurations of existing equipment and infrastructure, and eventually lead to advances in the generation and utilization of hydrogen. As the hydrogen economy expands, sensors and detection methods will need to adapt to changing infrastructure demands to address the primary targets of health & safety, emissions monitoring, and process control. The NREL Sensor Laboratory is playing a pivotal role in advancing the use of hydrogen sensors and detection methodologies in each of these categories to support DOE’s mission for safe and efficient utilization in emerging markets. Health & safety monitors are required to ensure that operators and facilities can react to unintended hydrogen releases, either as GH2, LH2, or as a constituent of blends (e.g., natural gas or ammonia). Current detection methodologies focus on safety applications to detect near its lower flammable limit (4 vol %), and typically include point sensors in applications such as fixed or mobile detectors (e.g., personal gas monitors). Methodologies amenable for area detection include acoustic, emerging optical imaging methods, and flame detectors.Comparable detection strategies can be utilized for emissions monitoring and quantization, however few methods can simultaneously cover both low (emissions) and high (health & safety) levels. Deployment of emission level detectors will be required to 1) reduce product loss through small but potentially significant leaks from an environmental or cost perspective, 2) reduce downtime of high demand systems by early identification of eminent system failures (leaks through pump or compressor seals indicative of impending failure), and 3) address potential emission monitoring requirements that may be set by regulating bodies. The first two points should be adopted by industry to reduce the cost-of-goods-sold.The third main category for hydrogen detection relates to process control and may be advantageous for many existing applications. Two main applications are emerging. For example, the purity requirements for hydrogen that is dispensed from refueling systems for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) is rigorously regulated by the Standard SAE J2719, which prescribes maximum allowable levels of multiple impurities in the hydrogen fuel and must be verified by a regulatory body. Hydrogen contaminant detectors (HCD) integrated to the fueling station can assure this compliance. HCDs must be able operate in 100% H2 backgrounds and be able to distinguish between multiple contaminants at low ppm to low ppb levels.Secondly, as a strategy to decarbonize the natural gas grid, there are proposals to blend hydrogen with natural gas. This blending will affect transport applications (pipeline infrastructure), stationary combustion systems (turbines), and consumer and commercial appliances. In the short-term, hydrogen levels up to 20% are proposed. Variations in the hydrogen level can have dramatic impact on the combustion process and on the potential response of safety sensors. These mixtures may be regulated so that the concentration at a delivery point must be monitored with high precision. However, routine maintenance may introduce background gases such as ambient air (with water) or maintenance gases (introduced with welding processes or adhesive outgassing.) Therefore, the detection methodology must be robust enough to recover or respond to various contaminants.Several reviews can be found in literature addressing sensing and detection technologies, including their limitations and applications. However, for most applications, limitations can be alleviated by combining various detection techniques either through system integration or implementation of machine learning methods (artificial intelligence). Many detection methods already implement some sort of senor fusion, i.e., integrated temperature and humidity sensors allow for compensation methods of point sensors to increase the accuracy and precision of detectors through a wide range of environmental conditions. Similarly, sensing arrays (electronic noses) may implement intelligent algorithms to quantify multiple gasses present in a sample, or simply to identify a single gas in a mixture.In this presentation, we will discuss several applications, highlight their current approach for hydrogen detection, and suggest detection strategies to supplement their limitations.

(Invited) Detection, Location and Quantification of H2 Gas Leaks Based on Data Collected with Electrochemical Sensors in a Specifically Designed Test Chamber

Hydrogen is one of the most important energy gases as it is carbon free and therefore can result in the emission reduction of the greenhouse gas CO2. However, hydrogen itself is a secondary greenhouse gas. As a secondary greenhouse gas, hydrogen does not directly add to global warming by entrapping heat. Instead, it reacts with molecules in the atmosphere that are needed to remove the greenhouse gas CH4. CH4 is comparably short-lived in the atmosphere with approximately 10 years compared to CO2 which can last in the atmosphere for centuries. However, CH4 traps at least 100 times as much heat as CO2. Considering the difference in heat capacities of CH4 and CO2, combined with the difference in lifetime, if the same amount of CH4 and CO2 were to be released into the atmosphere at the same time, the global warming effect of CH4 would be approximately 28 times higher than the warming effect of CO2. This means, by releasing hydrogen in the atmosphere, the global warming effect is indirectly enhanced by increasing the lifetime of CH4. Therefore, it is essential to be able to detect, locate and quantify hydrogen leaks right away.Due to the ever-growing hydrogen infrastructure including production facilities, transportation systems like pipelines, as well as storage facilities and user end stations, it is essential to create low-cost, low-power sensors that can be deployed in high numbers. Electrochemical sensors have the potential to fulfill all the needed criteria and are already used for the detection of hydrogen. However, in order to use these sensors to not only detect the leak, but also to locate and quantify the amount of hydrogen that leaked into the atmosphere, additional models and algorithms are needed. To our knowledge, no system currently exists on the market that can be used to fulfill all three tasks.We built a test chamber that enabled us to evaluate H2 leaks and to collect data with electrochemical sensors in a controlled room and environment. The chamber has the size of 800 x 400 x 450 mm3 with a total volume of 144 L. We placed seven of our commercial electrochemical sensors that can detect 0 – 250 ppm hydrogen at different positions inside the box. The box was equipped with one gas inlet and one gas outlet to ensure pressure stability inside the box during our leak test. The inlet was connected to a gas tube which was connected to two mass flow controllers as well as to an outlet tube via a three-way valve. This way, it could be ensured that the gas stream had a stable volume and a constant speed. We released controlled amounts of hydrogen into the box and collected the data with our seven sensors. We were able to see a location-dependent sensor response over time for a 1 second leak of H2 which indicates the capability of such a sensor system to be used for the location of a leak.Quantifying hydrogen is a very complex issue. It requires extremely accurate readings and an intelligent algorithm that is capable to use the reading from multiple sensors and turn that into a mass of hydrogen leaked or leaking. The extremely accurate reading is difficult because the zero and span readouts from the electrochemical sensor is dependent on temperature as well as humidity. This means that the readout zero and span will have to be compensated for both temperature and humidity. While we currently use algorithms to compensate for temperature, we found that these algorithms are not good enough when the sensors are used to measure concentrations in the low-ppm or ppb range. We are researching AI and other computational means to include both temperature and humidity in the compensation algorithms and how including both variables in the compensation process can improve the sensors performance at low concentrations. Both the H2 sensor and its deployment capabilities are technologically and economically significant to the rapidly expanding H2 market for protecting human health, the environment, stemming expensive product losses and promoting efficient use.

Unlocking the power of tobacco taxation to mitigate the social costs of smoking in Mexico: A microsimulation model.

Despite being the most cost-effective tobacco control policy, tobacco taxation is the least implemented of the WHO MPOWER package to reduce smoking worldwide. In Mexico, both smoking prevalence and taxation have remained stable for more than a decade. This study aims to provide evidence about the potential effects of taxation to reduce the burden of tobacco-related diseases and the main attributable social costs in Mexico, including informal (unpaid) care costs, which are frequently ignored. We employ a first-order Monte Carlo microsimulation model that follows hypothetical population cohorts considering the risks of an adverse health event and death. First, we estimate tobacco-attributable morbidity and mortality, direct medical costs, and indirect costs, such as labour productivity losses and informal care costs. Then, we assess the potential effects of a 50% cigarette price increase through taxation and two alternative scenarios of 25% and 75%. The inputs come from several sources, including national surveys and vital statistics. Each year, 63,000 premature deaths and 427,000 disease events are attributable to tobacco in Mexico, while social costs amount to MX$194.6 billion (US$8.5) -MX$116.2 (US$5.1) direct medical costs and MX$78.5 (US$3.4) indirect costs-, representing 0.8% of GDP. Current tobacco tax revenue barely covers 23.3% of these costs. Increasing cigarette prices through taxation by 50% could reduce premature deaths by 49,000 over the next decade, while direct and indirect costs averted would amount to MX$87.9 billion (US$3.8) and MX$67.6 billion (US$2.9), respectively. The benefits would far outweigh any potential loss even in a pessimistic scenario of increased illicit trade. Tobacco use imposes high social costs on the Mexican population, but tobacco taxation is a win-win policy both for gaining population health as well as reducing tobacco societal costs.

Reducing Outgoing Quality Level (OQL) in Textile Manufacturing Through Six Sigma Methodology: A Case Study

Globally, the textile industry plays a significant role in production but faces many challenges that affect its operation and sustainability. Product quality remains an essential concern despite technological advancements and quality control measures. Raw materials, production methods, and skills differ, resulting in customer dissatisfaction and damage to reputation. A quality management strategy is necessary to overcome these problems and promote quality improvement. This includes the implementation of the Lean Six Sigma approach. This article focuses on improving textile quality by developing the Six Sigma DMAIC method. An analysis of three months' data from a textile company shows that an increase in the Outgoing Quality Level (OQL) from 3% to 6% resulted in significant economic losses, amounting to PKR-240,000 due to rework, residual costs, customer returns, and lost sales time. By utilizing Six Sigma tools, the company reduced OQL from 6% to 4%, thus lowering product losses and increasing operational efficiency. As a result of these findings, the textile industry can improve quality and profitability through a Lean Six Sigma approach.

Integrated design and maintenance strategies for wind turbine gearboxes

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to optimize the maintenance strategies for wind turbine (WT) gearboxes to minimize costs associated with PM actions, cooling, production loss and gearbox replacement. Two approaches, periodic imperfect maintenance and a novel design incorporating alternating gearboxes are compared to identify the most cost-effective solution.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs mathematical modeling to analyze the design, operation and maintenance of WT gearboxes. Two maintenance strategies are investigated, involving periodic imperfect maintenance actions and the incorporation of two similar gearboxes operating alternately. The models determine optimal preventive maintenance (PM) and switching periods to minimize total expected costs over the operating time span.FindingsThe research findings reveal, for the considered case of a moroccan wind farm, that the use of two similar gearboxes operating alternately is more cost-effective than relying on a single gearbox. The mathematical models developed enable the determination and comparison of optimal strategies for various WT gearbox scenarios and associated maintenance costs.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations may arise from simplifications in the mathematical models and assumptions about degradation, temperature monitoring and maintenance effectiveness. Future research could refine the models and incorporate additional factors for a more comprehensive analysis.Practical implicationsPractically, the study provides insights into optimizing WT gearbox maintenance strategies, considering the trade-offs between PM actions, cooling, production loss and gearbox replacement costs. The findings can inform decisions on maintenance planning and design modifications to enhance cost efficiency.Social implicationsWhile the primary focus is on cost optimization, the study indirectly contributes to the broader societal goal of sustainable energy production. Efficient maintenance strategies for WTs help ensure reliable and cost-effective renewable energy, potentially benefiting communities relying on wind power.Originality/valueThis paper introduces two distinct strategies for WT gearbox maintenance, extending beyond traditional periodic maintenance. The incorporation of alternating gearboxes presents a novel design approach. The developed mathematical models offer a valuable tool for determining and comparing optimal strategies tailored to specific WT scenarios and associated maintenance costs.

A study on substance abuse awareness and usage trends within the construction sector

Purpose To address safety risks, worker well-being concerns and productivity losses in construction due to substance misuse, this study aims to explore awareness and usage levels of various substances among Nigerian construction professionals. The findings aim to inform targeted interventions and policy development to tackle these industry-specific challenges. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review identified several substances and intoxicants commonly used in construction, which informed the development of a well-structured questionnaire. This questionnaire was distributed to both construction professionals and nonprofessionals. The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed the normality of awareness and utilization scores for each substance, while the Kruskal-Wallis H-test explored significant differences in awareness and usage scores among different respondent groups. Findings Despite reporting low awareness of substances commonly used in construction, a significant proportion (over 60%) of respondents admitted to using several of these substances in their construction activities. This highlights a concerning disconnect, with more than half (62.5%) exceeding a predefined threshold (3.5) for significant substance use. Ten out of the 16 substances surveyed fell into this category, indicating a widespread issue within the industry. Practical implications The findings of this study highlight the need for increased education and awareness programs about the dangers of substance misuse in the construction industry. Construction companies should implement regular training sessions and workshops to educate workers on the risks associated with substance use. Additionally, there should be stricter enforcement of substance use policies and routine substance testing to deter misuse. These measures can enhance safety, improve worker well-being and boost overall productivity in the construction industry. Originality/value The insights from this study can inform the development of international policies and best practices for substance use prevention and worker well-being in the construction industry. Sharing these findings with international organizations, policymakers and industry stakeholders can help create broader guidelines and frameworks adaptable for implementation in various countries.

Resource limitation of compensatory responses in ecosystem processes after biodiversity loss

Abstract Biodiversity loss may result in the decline in important ecosystem processes. The effect of biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning is determined by the functional contribution of the species lost and the compensatory responses of the remaining species. It is unknown to what extent the strength of the compensatory response of the remaining species depends on resources availability. Here we evaluate how the primary production of an assemblage of salt marsh plants responds to a realistic sequence of species loss in an 7‐year experiment, with and without the addition of fertiliser. We found near‐full compensation of progressive species loss in gross community primary production by the extinction‐resistant species with fertiliser as long as one species (Triglochin maritima) remained. Without fertiliser, at least four species, including the particularly abundant species Plantago maritima, were needed to maintain gross community primary production. These results suggest that the magnitude of the compensation by extirpation‐resistant species for the decline in ecosystem processes associated with progressive biodiversity loss depends on the resource context, and that compensation after the loss of plant species can be accelerated by increasing resource availability. Ultimately, full compensation appears to be limited by the presence and abundance of species in the remaining community that possess traits that allow them to compensate for the species lost. Synthesis and applications: These findings suggests that the conclusions of a large body of biodiversity‐ecosystem experiments cannot be used for informing the management of natural systems because they do not simulate realistic extinction sequences and therefore cannot quantify the potential for compensation of ecosystem services in the real world.

Work absence and productivity loss of patients undergoing a trial of spontaneous passage for ureteral stones.

Patients with ureteral stones are often managed with a spontaneous trial of passage. While cost effective, the current literature has not examined the effects of a trial of passage on patients' work productivity. In this study, we aim to characterize work absence and productivity losses in a cohort of patients undergoing a trial of passage for ureteral stones. Actively employed patients aged 18 to 64 and discharged from Duke emergency departments without surgical intervention for ureteral stones ≤ 10mm were contacted by phone four weeks after their presentation. Participants completed the Institute for Medical Technology Assessment Productivity Cost Questionnaire which assesses three domains: absenteeism - missed work; presenteeism -productivity when returning to work; and unpaid work - assistance with household work. Linear regression associated demographic and stone factors with productivity losses.109 patients completed the survey. In total, 67% of patients missed work, 46% had decreased productivity when returning to work, and 55% required assistance with unpaid work. 59% of patients with stones ≤ 5mm missed work versus 84% with stones > 5mm (p = 0.009). African American race (coefficient 23.68, 95% confidence interval 2.24-45.11, p = 0.031), first-time stone formers (coefficient 20.28, 95% confidence interval 2.50-38.07, p = 0.026), and patients with stones > 5mm (coefficient 25.34, 95% CI 5.25-45.44, p = 0.014) were associated with increased productivity losses. The majority of patients miss work while undergoing a trial of passage and many have decreased productivity when returning to work. This information may help counsel patients in emergency departments, especially first-time stone formers, and prevent return visits.

Haematobiochemical Alterations in Rabbit Mange

Mange in rabbits is an economically important parasitic disease which cause significant loss in productivity, body weight and fur quality. Forty eight rabbits with clinical signs of alopecia, anorexia, pruritis, skin erosions and dry crust like lesions on extremities, ears, nose and face were brought to Veterinary Clinical Complex, Rajendranagar and Hyderabad. Skin scrapings were collected, processed and examined under microscope to detect mite infestation. Different mites i.e. Sarcoptes scabiei, Psoroptes cuniculi, Notoedres cuniculi, Demodex cuniculi and Cheyletiella parasitivorax were noticed in rabbits. Haematological examination revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in haemoglobin, PCV, RBC count and a significant (p<0.05) increase in TLC count in affected rabbits. Serum analysis showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in ALT and AST levels in infected rabbits. Treatment with ivermectin along with proper management resulted in recovery from mange in rabbits.

Estimation of the Clinical, Economic, and Social Burden of Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Mexico.

Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of death among cancer patients worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the clinical, economic, and social burdens of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in private and public healthcare centers in Mexico, utilizing real-world evidence. The study population included patients >18 years of age diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC who received cancer treatment at the Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI (IMSS), the Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre" (ISSSTE), the Mexican Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER), and the Medical Center ABC (American British Cowdray) from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. The analysis included evaluation of epidemiological data, treatment regimens, and clinical outcomes, and emphasized pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, including detailed follow-up investigations, as part of comprehensive clinical management. Additionally, the study assessed the social burden through variables such as working-age absenteeism and presenteeism and caregiver productivity loss, as well as economic burden, considering both clinical and social components, with costs adjusted to 2022 Mexican pesos (MXN) values. A total of 188 patients with metastatic NSCLC were studied. The main type of NSCLC tumor found in the sample was adenocarcinoma (81%). Treatment regimens included pharmacological treatments (78%), non-pharmacological treatments (25%), and palliative care (24%). Complications were present in 73% of the cohort, while 60% presented adverse events. Clinical management costs of up to MXN1,001,579 per patient in the public sector and MXN2,140,604 in the private sector were reported. It was estimated that working-age patients lose 84-335 days yearly due to absenteeism and presenteeism, while caregivers report a productivity loss equivalent to 13-30 days due to the management of NSCLC patients. These indirect costs of NSCLC contribute to the social burden. A working-age patient with stage IV disease is associated with an average indirect cost of MXN49,731-178,287 in public institutions, while in private institutions, the cost elevates to MXN438,103. This study highlights the substantial clinical, economic, and social burdens of stage IV NSCLC in Mexico, revealing significant disparities between public and private healthcare sectors. It underscores the urgent need for standardized practices and equitable care across all systems.