Production Line Research Articles

A-247 Performance and Compatibility Assessment of Serially Diluted Microbix QAPTM Controls with Seegene NovaplexTM Assays

Abstract Background Choosing high-quality external (third-party) controls like Microbix QAPTM PROCEEDxTM Controls and REDxTM Controls is crucial during test development, validation of Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs), performance verification, proficiency testing, instrument qualifications, operator training and R&D testing. Laboratories may prefer to include multiple positive controls at varying concentrations to achieve reliable performance across a broad range of detection concentrations. In this study, we assess the performance and compatibility of Microbix QAPTM PROCEEDxTM liquid Controls and REDxTM swabs with Seegene’s real time qPCR assays that utilize TOCE and MuDTTM technologies. TOCE and MuDTTM technologies achieve multiple reads in a single channel and are the backbone of Seegene’s wide coverage panel assays. Methods The controls below were reconstituted and/or diluted in Copan UTM and extracted on the Seegene STARlet liquid handler using Seegene’s STARmag Universal extraction kit. After extraction, PCR was run on the Bio-Rad CFX 96 Opus Dx and analyzed using the Seegene Viewer software. Results Microbix QAPsTM liquid formulations were tested at various dilutions from stock up to 1/2048 with N=5per dilution. The VP-13-01 Flu A control was detected up to a concentration of1/2048 and at this dilution had Ct values of 30 + 0.3 for the Novaplex Respiratory Panel 1A (RP1A) Assay, 28.6 + 0.3 cycles for the Seegene SARS-CoV-2/FluA/FluB/RSV (Quad) Assay, and 27.9 + 0.3 for the Respiratory Virus Master (RVM) Assay. The Microbix VP-14-01 Flu B control was detected up to 1/2048 with Ct values of 34.3 + 0.3 for the RP1A Assay, 30 + 0.5 for the Quad Assay, and 30.3 + 0.3 for the RVM Assay. The VP-07-01 RSV A control was also detected at a 1/2048 dilution with Ct values of 32.7 + 0.3 for RP1A, 30.6 + 0.6 for Quad Assay, and 29.2 + 0.4 for RVM. The VP-61-01 Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) control was detected up to a dilution of 1/128 with a Ct value of 37.3 + 0.4 when tested with the Seegene Sexually Transmitted Infection Essential (STI) Assay. The VP-02-M1 HSV1 control was detected up to a dilution of 1/128 with a Ct value of 31.3 + 0.7 for the Seegene Genital Ulcer (GU) Assay. The VP-23-M1 HSV2 control was detected p to a dilution of 1/128 with a Ct value of 31.9 + 0.5 for the GU Assay. Microbix also makes a dry swab formulation product line that we tested in 3mL of UTM. Of these we tested the RED-S-10-M1 swab covering the SARS-CoV-2, Flu A, Flu B, and RSV controls. The VP-S-12-M5 swab covering the Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), and TV controls. We also tested the VP-S-03-M1 swab covering HSV1, HSV2, VZV and syphilis controls. When tested with various assays all swabs were detected at the stock formulation. Conclusions Microbix QAPsTM are inactivated whole-organism controls, mimicking patient samples, and meet the stringent demand for quality or performance assessments. Their compatibility with Seegene’s Assays over a range of dilutions and formulations makes them ideal for ensuring reliable detection across multiple diagnostic needs.

Mass customization using hybrid manufacturing and smart assembly: An optimal configuration and platform design approach

Hybrid Manufacturing (HM) and smart assembly stand as pivotal pillars in advanced smart manufacturing systems, offering manufacturers highly efficient and adaptable solutions for manufacturing. This paper delves into the configuration of a production line that integrates HM and assembly stages, each comprising multiple cells, with each cell housing one or more parallel stations. The objective is to manufacture a family of final assemblies, leveraging the platform concept to defer mass customization to later stages and thereby minimize processing costs. A mathematical programming model is proposed to identify the optimal configuration for such production lines, considering constraints such as an allowable capital cost and machine availabilities. In addition, the precedence, inclusion, and seclusion restrictions imposed on the part family are considered. The proposed mathematical programming model aims to delineate which HM features are processed in the part platform cell versus those processed in the mass customization (part variants) cells. Simultaneously, the model determines the components (variants from the HM stage) of final assemblies processed in the assembly platform cell, as well as components assembled or disassembled in the final assembly cells. Furthermore, the model seeks to determine the required number of stations in each cell to meet periodic demand. The overall objective of the model is to minimize the capital and the processing cost. A detailed case study illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed configuration approach and mathematical model. The proposed model is solvable in a few seconds by using commercial solvers.

Agile Methodologies In The Automotive Industry: A Comprehensive Survey

The automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation driven by trends such as autonomous driving, connectivity, electrification, and rapid digitalization. This results in embracing agile software development practices and new digital architectures to accelerate development cycles and manage increasing complexity. This paper discusses the insights on the agile methodologies into automotive software procedures, extending agility beyond software units , integrating agile with product lines, addressing security concerns, and constructing advanced digital platforms for automotive systems also assessment models like ASPLA (Agile Software Product Line Adoption) for agile adoption in software product lines, and future research directions towards realizing the vision of intelligent, self-driving, connected vehicles through continuous evolutions in agile-based development processes, digital architectures complying with quality standards, cross-domain collaborations, and empirical validations

Dynamic modeling and real-time performance analysis of multi-product batch manufacturing systems with perishable products

Production lines handling perishable goods in industries such as petrochemical and food processing demand meticulous precision in timing. These systems are governed by stringent timeframes, where products must strictly adhere to defined residence times. Exceeding these time constraints leads to product scrapping, posing a significant threat to overall productivity. Modeling such intricate systems presents a formidable challenge, and success hinges upon a deep understanding of the complex interplay between production and batch scrapping dynamics. In response to this challenge, this paper presents a novel model for a multiproduct batch production line with perishable products. Furthermore, the real-time performance metric of Permanent Production Loss (PPL) is extended to this system using a method of PPL back-adjustment in time. To validate the fidelity of the proposed mathematical model, numerical case studies are conducted, comparing the developed model to a discrete event simulation. The results demonstrate that the model accurately represents the system at hand. The expressions for PPL evaluation and attribution are also validated using case studies.

Experimental model of crushing coriander seeds

Seed crushing is one of the main technological operations [1] in the process of obtaining essential and fatty oils, on which their yield and quality depend [2]. Improving the process of preparation for the extraction of coriander seeds by selective cryodesintegration and creating technological lines of various productivity is of significant importance and relevance. However, modern methods and means of cryodesintegration of coriander seeds require research and improvement. The process of seed grinding is divided into three phases [3]: elastic deformation, which occurs from the beginning of the action of the applied force on the material being ground until the elastic limit is reached and is accompanied by compaction and compression of the structural aggregates of the seeds; plastic deformation, which occurs from the moment of the beginning of the shift of individual elements of the material relative to each other and is characterized by the relative displacement of the structural aggregates of the seed kernel, as a result of which the material is compacted and flattened; destruction of the material with the formation of a free surface of particles. The main parameter of the process of cryodesintegration of coriander seeds is subject to theoretical justification - normal pressure, leading to deformation, where the pressure on the seeds exceeds their tensile strength, but there is no appearance of oil on the surface of the opened seeds. This prevents oil loss and contamination of the working parts, especially with essential oils. Monitoring theoretical studies of the grinding process allows us to talk about the need to develop a mathematical description of this process.

Development of inducible packaging cell line for rAAV production via CRISPR-Cas9 mediated site-specific integration

Development of inducible packaging cell line for rAAV production via CRISPR-Cas9 mediated site-specific integration

Paspalum lepton - a valuable adjunct to the suite of grasses used in grazing systems in the subtropics or a potential weed

Native and exotic C4 grasses currently used in grazing systems in the subtropics have specific limitations with management, decline in feed quality as they mature and variable adaptation to soils and climates, providing opportunities to identify alternative species to complement or replace them. One option is Paspalum lepton (syn. P. nicorae), a sward- forming, rhizomatous grass native to subtropical South America with recognized forage value. An early maturing form of this species has become naturalized in Northern New South Wales since its introduction in the 1940s. More recent introductions with forage and amenity potential are being established vegetatively and by seed as it becomes available. This paper reviews published work on P. lepton and reports largely unpublished results and observations on its performance in research and development studies in subtropical Eastern Australia. The potential value of and threats posed by P. lepton in relation to its adaptation, productivity, competitiveness and role in limiting ingress of existing weedy species are discussed. APG 54281 and APG 54325 are palatable, productive and persistent lines of this grass that have proven to be adapted to livestock production systems in most of the humid lowland subtropics, and to a specific niche in the subtropical uplands of Southeast Queensland where there is a lack of adapted C4 grasses and C3 grasses are only marginally adapted.

The Post–World War II Rise of AmorePacific: Women’s Labor, South Korea’s Cosmetic-Product Industry, and the Park Chung Hee Regime of 1961–1979

Abstract AmorePacific, the creator of renowned product lines such as the Color Control Cushion Compact, Laneige, and Sulwhasoo, stands prominently among the top ten global cosmetic companies, epitomizing the pinnacle of “K-beauty.” This article delves into how K-beauty, beyond its contemporary global allure, is deeply rooted in the historical and politico-economic landscape of the Park Chung Hee regime (1961–79). Through an examination of AmorePacific’s extensive archives, the article traces the company’s development, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping South Korea’s cosmetics industry since 1945. The evolving history of AmorePacific provides a lens to explore the often-overlooked roles of women in an industry previously characterized by underground trafficking, post exchange (PX) stores, and counterfeit production. As AmorePacific navigated new economic policy and rigorous rhetoric under the Park regime, Korean women began to assume new economic and sociopolitical roles, including in factory work, as door-to-door salespeople, and as models and moral consumers in state-led campaigns. Thus the work of women was vitally involved with AmorePacific, the nation’s growing cosmetic-product industry as a whole, and the Park regime’s stringent regulation of South Korea’s extensive black market, which was critical to its economic formalization.

The Application of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Mechanical Manufacturing and Automation

In order to achieve intelligent production and quality control, improve production efficiency and accuracy, the author proposes an application method of artificial intelligence technology in mechanical manufacturing and automation. The author aims to explore the specific application of artificial intelligence technology in the mechanical manufacturing industry and summarize the main advantages of automation technology. By analyzing these advantages, the aim is to provide targeted recommendations for future technological development. Meanwhile, the author aims to provide theoretical support for promoting the application of modern artificial intelligence technology and automation technology in the field of mechanical manufacturing. In the manufacturing process, intelligent production and quality control can be achieved, improving production efficiency and accuracy; In the field of automation, artificial intelligence technology can achieve intelligent control systems and autonomous decision-making, improving the flexibility and adaptability of production lines. Overall, the application of artificial intelligence technology has brought revolutionary changes to mechanical manufacturing, promoting the upgrading and development of the industry.

Application of stealth nanobeacon for traceability assurance in pharmaceutical tablets via surface-enhanced Raman scattering during the tablet coating process

Microtaggant technologies for on-dose authentication have garnered significant interest for use in the anti-counterfeit activities and traceability of pharmaceutical dosage forms. Previously, we proposed a stealth nanobeacon (NB) comprising self-assembled colloidal gold nanoparticles with reporter molecules that demonstrated characteristic surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity. However, the integration of such microtaggants into standard production lines remains underexplored. In this study, we demonstrate the incorporation of NB into tablet coatings using a simple mixing method with conventional coating solutions. Rapid and discernible SERS responses from the NB-coated tablets were observed in response to laser excitation at 785 nm for 0.1s, implying that it is an advanced and efficient method for counterfeit detection. In addition, the SERS intensity of NB increased with coating time, suggesting that NB can be used as a tracer for the real-time monitoring of coating thickness. Furthermore, NB-coated tablets were indistinguishable from NB-free tablets, even during colorimetric analysis. These results suggest that the NB possesses stealth properties and can be easily incorporated into counterfeit detection products.

Portfolio Evolution Analysis for SPL Scoping: Unveiling the dynamics with dedicated time-series dashboards

Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) is a recognized methodology for systematically developing reusable software components and tailored software products for specific market segments. A critical activity within domain engineering is SPL Scoping, aimed at profiling the SPL boundaries and fitting this market segment. Yet, this market is a moving target, which requires SPLs to be proactive in anticipating and addressing future challenges and opportunities. In this setting, rather than all the possible products potentially derived from the SPL’s Feature Model (i.e., the potential portfolio), the subset of products actually deployed is a better indicator of market adoption and customer preferences, and ultimately, of the SPL’s fitness to the market. This study characterizes the phenomenon of ‘deployed portfolio evolution’ in terms of the size and frequency of portfolio changes. We then elaborate on the advantages of utilizing this data source and the necessity for dedicated tools for Portfolio Evolution Analysis integrated within variability managers. To achieve this, we introduce the functional requirements, implementation, and architecture of PortfolioScan, a dashboard for Portfolio Evolution Analysis built on top of pure::variants. The dashboard enables the evaluation of feature usage through time-series charts such as temporal heat maps, line charts, and also a scoping-criteria comparison matrix. Evaluation results (n=13) indicate a positive perception. Practitioners also recognize the benefits of Portfolio Evolution Analysis for Testing Resource Optimization and Configuration Assistance. The ultimate goal of the study is to establish a basis for more responsive and market-oriented decision-making in SPL tasks.

Leveraging belief uncertainty for informed decision making in software product line evolution

Software Product Lines (SPL) are not static software artifacts, but they evolve over time. The planning, realization, and release of a SPL requires many high-level decisions involving many different stakeholders with different expertise. Taking their opinions into account to make the right decisions is not trivial. Currently there are no mechanisms to assist stakeholders in the decision making process in an informed manner. In this paper, we propose the use of belief uncertainty in conjunction with feature models to assist in the evolution of SPLs by explicitly quantifying opinions and their associated uncertainty. We present a novel approach in which subjective logic is used to represent the opinions of stakeholders in three evolution scenarios, namely feature model evolution, next release problem and variability reduction. We apply our approach to the evolution of the Xiaomi MiBand SmartWatch SPL over the time period from July 2014 to October 2023. We present an implementation of our approach and evaluate its scalability.

Prospects for increasing the functionality of milk-containing products through the use of non-traditional plant raw materials

It is an undeniable fact that nutrition is an important and integral part of human life. Unfortunately, nutrition is not always complete and balanced. It has been established that only rational nutrition is the lever by which it is possible to ensure normal growth and development of the body. Food industry enterprises are trying to create exactly such conditions for adequate human adaptation to the regalia of the surrounding world, namely, they develop and produce specialized products that contribute not only to disease prevention, but also to a stable increase in mental and physical performance. Moreover, these activities do not contradict the state policy in terms of improving the health of the population, through the introduction of healthy nutrition products into the retail network, through various assistance to manufacturing enterprises (subsidies, grant support). Regarding manufacturers of milk-containing food products, the importance of which is undeniable, they quite actively promote product lines for certain segments of the population, for example, children, pregnant and lactating women and the elderly. The main objective of the research is to develop a technology for a milk-containing product (drinking yoghurt) that includes several functions important for humans, namely, functional, diabetic, probiotic ones. The product is given the specified functions by including scientifically substantiated components in the recipe, including those from non-traditional raw materials. Standard and individual research methods have been used to confirm the quality indicators of the finished product. The main results of the research include determining the type of plant material that meets the specified requirements and characteristics and contributes to giving the finished product additional properties (prebiotic, functional, diabetic). The final result of the research is obtaining a product that helps increase the body resistance to the negative environmental effects. The use of secondary plant materials for food purposes, which contributes to the design of a food product with a certain quality composition and specified consumer properties, in comparison with existing analogues, can be considered the novelty of the research.

Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of a material based in recycled polyvinyl butyral PVB and high-density polyethylene HDPE determined in human peripheral leukocytes

Abstract Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is a polymer resin byproduct of the automotive industry. Separation and recycling of PVB from automotive windshield production lines solve waste management issues and might be used in biomedicine implants, particularly when blended with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Materials designed for biological applications must undergo pre-clinical safety evaluation, including in vitro biocompatibility and cytotoxicity testing. This study evaluated in vitro the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of thick composite films made of recycled PVB (rPVB), HDPE, and composites made of concentrations of both polymers using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors. The microstructure and elemental analysis revealed no potential concerns regarding mechanical damage to the cell cultures. After culturing the PBMCs in the presence of the polymers and their blends, we observed no acute release of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL1-β, nor evidence of cell death, measured by the release of nucleosomes to the extracellular medium at 24 h nor at 7 days of culture. We also found no damage to the cell monolayer. The stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), used here as proinflammatory control, induced the significant release of both cytokines and caused damage to the cell monolayer. In conclusion, the pure recycled PVB, pure HDPE, and their composites are safe and biocompatible.

Insights on Weld Quality using Unsupervised Learning: Clustering of MIG/MAG Process Signals

Abstract With the increasing complexity of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) processes, data-driven approaches for monitoring and understanding automated GMAW production lines are gaining increased prominence. In this work, welding process data recorded in a production environment is analysed using unsupervised learning methods. We describe a data processing pipeline for feature engineering and apply a state-of-the-art clustering method to gain more insights into the welding production process. The clustering results are compared with the results from the application of dimensional reduction techniques and discussed based on human-interpretable characteristics of the welding process.

From waste to advanced resource: Techno-economic and life cycle assessment behind the integration of polyester recycling and glucose production to valorize fast fashion garments

This work demonstrates the technical, economical, and environmental viability of integrating enzymatic hydrolysis, mechanical refining, and total chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching processes for industrial-scale production of glucose from textile waste. The process features an innovative mechanical refining pretreatment coupled with TCF oxidation of dyes to achieve over 90% improvement in enzymatic hydrolysis yields of cotton textile waste while also promoting the purification and recycling of synthetic fibers. A comprehensive techno-economic analysis was performed based on a 14,000 bone dry tons (BD tons) annual glucose production line, utilizing both 100% cotton and cotton/polyester blends, reveals capital investments ranging from USD 5.6 to 7.9 million, with manufacturing costs per ton of glucose varying between USD 215 and USD 475, depending on the textile blend used. The cotton/polyester 50/50 blend scenario had the lowest minimum selling price (USD 290 per ton of glucose) due to the revenue from the unhydrolyzed synthetic fibers, which are a valuable and key co-product. A sensitivity analysis highlights the significant influence of recycled polyester content and market prices on the economics. Additionally, a life cycle assessment was performed to compare the carbon footprint of the four scenarios. In contrast to other existing pretreatments that can contribute to up to 70% of the emissions in enzymatic hydrolysis of textiles, the mechanical refining pretreatment can contribute as low as 10% of the total emissions in the process proposed in this work. While certain challenges remain, such as the development of a robust supply chain model, the conversion pathway shown in this work for upcycling cotton textile waste into value-added chemicals represents a promising opportunity to combat textile landfilling and foster the circular economy within the industry.

PRODUCTION OPTIMIZATION USING PETRI NETS

The work finds purpose in the development of automating fibrous bag palletizing solutions. Using Petri nets, representation and studying of the entire process in a simple manner was possible, from bag apprehension until the final palletization of the filled bags – which allowed the analysis of system performance. Using PIPE, different process configurations were laid out and with FlexSim 2024 a virtual representation of the production line was made.

Numerical analysis and experimental research on the vibration performance of concrete vibration table in PC components

Abstract Vibration table is the key equipment to realize high efficiency and high quality forming and compacting of concrete in prefabricated component (PC) production line, and its performance directly affects the shape quality and compressive strength of PC components. However, the operating parameters of the vibration table are difficult to match the rheology of the concrete during the construction process, which directly leads to a low molding efficiency or unqualified shape quality in the case of slab-type components. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately describe the concrete flow behavior during vibration to improve the construction performance and compaction effect. In this work, the coupled theory of computational fluid dynamics and discrete element is used to study the concrete vibration and compacting characteristics, and the influence of process parameters on vibration performance is analyzed in order to realize the adjustment and optimization of key parameters. First, the concrete solid-liquid two-phase model parameters are calibrated by V-shaped funnel experiments and slump experiments. Then, based on the simulation results, the homogeneity and compactness of concrete are discussed using the segmented sieving method and the slicing method, and the indexes for evaluating the working performance of the vibration table are proposed. Finally, the relationship between vibration frequency (20–30 Hz), vibration amplitude (3–4 mm), and vibration time (15–35 s) and concrete vibration compaction characteristics is investigated to provide a theoretical basis for improving the molding efficiency and mold quality of PC components.

Green Perspective of the Ecommerce Supply Chain in Online Retail Industry of Pakistan

Purpose: The study aimed to examine the effect of green consumerism on positive and negative environmental attitude, ease of green product use, usefulness and green product recovery towards behavioral intention to use e-commerce in Karachi, Pakistan. Design/Methodology/Approach: In this study, the quantitative method was used to construct the research framework and conduct hypothesis testing. The suitable target population for this current study is users of e-commerce in Karachi, Pakistan. The study has collected 200 responses from the respondents. Convenience sampling as a technique has been utilized. PLS-SEM has been used as a data analysis technique. Findings: The study’s findings indicated that green consumerism effects the negative environmental attitude negatively and significantly however, it affects the environmental attitude positively and significantly, besides green product recovery insignificantly affects the behavioral intention to use e-commerce. Lastly, the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness affects the behavioral intention to use e-commerce positively and significantly. Implications/Originality/Value: Managers should adopt green company policy to replace fossil fuels with rentable fuels in logistical operations and gain a competitive edge over competitors by developing a new product line in accordance with company environmental policies.

Roll‐to‐Roll Production of High‐Performance All‐Organic Polymer Nanocomposites for High‐Temperature Capacitive Energy Storage

AbstractDielectric materials with significant performance in high temperatures are highly desired, especially in harsh environments. However, the polymer‐based dielectric films have developed so far, the production scale remains at the state of the lab. Here, an all‐organic strategy is proposed by introducing phenyl‐acid‐based polymer nanodots (PAPD) into Polyetherimide (PEI), achieving high capacitive energy storage properties even at 200 °C and mass production by an industrial continuous roll‐to‐roll process. The abundant hydrogen bonding between PAPD and PEI chains ensures uniform distribution for the enhanced interaction between nanofillers and polymer matrix. Under UV irradiation, the electron‐affinity and band gap of the film are further extended, which impede charge transfer and reduction of conductive loss. A low loading (0.3 wt.%) of PAPD renders the membrane significant improvement in breakdown strength and charge–discharge efficiency. An ultrahigh energy storage density of 5.1 J cm−3 with a charge–discharge efficiency of over 90% and charge–discharge cycle stability up to 2 × 104 cycles at 150 °C is observed. Furthermore, a 1000 m long roll of polymeric film is roll‐to‐roll fabricated on an industrial solution‐casting production line and the low cost makes practical commercial scale application possible. Considering the low loading and low cost of nanofiller, this all‐organic design strategy sheds light on the industrial application of high‐temperature dielectric materials.