Production Quality Research Articles

Predictive modeling for cell culture in commercial manufacturing of biotherapeutics.

The biopharmaceutical industry continually seeks advancements in the commercial manufacturing of therapeutic proteins, where mammalian cell culture plays a pivotal role. The current work presents a novel data-driven predictive modeling application designed to enhance the efficiency and predictability of cell culture processes in biotherapeutic production. The capability of the cloud-based digital data science application, developed using open-source tools, is demonstrated with respect to predicting bioreactor potency from at-line process parameters over a 5-day horizon. The uncertainty in model's prediction is quantified, providing valuable insights for process control and decision-making. Model validation on unseen data confirms the model's robust generalizability. An interactive dashboard, tailored to process scientist's requirements is also developed to streamline biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity and product quality.

A Study on Genetically Engineered Foods: Need, Benefits, Risk, and Current Knowledge.

Food requirements have always been a top priority, and with the exponential growth of the human population, there is an increasing need for large quantities of food. Traditional cultivation methods are not able to meet the current demand for food products. One significant challenge is the shortened shelf-life of naturally occurring food items, which directly contributes to food scarcity. Contaminating substances such as weeds and pests play a crucial role in this issue. In response, researchers have introduced genetically engineered (GE) food as a potential solution. These food products are typically created by adding or replacing genes in the DNA of naturally occurring foods. GE foods offer various advantages, including increased quality and quantity of food production, adaptability to various climatic conditions, modification of vitamin and mineral levels, and prolonged shelf life. They address the major concerns of global food scarcity and food security. However, the techniques used in the production of GE foods may not be universally acceptable due to the genetic alteration of animal genes into plants or vice versa. Additionally, their unique nature necessitates further long-term studies. This study delves into the procedures and growth stages of DNA sequencing, covering the benefits, risks, industrial relevance, current knowledge, and future challenges of GE foods. GE foods have the potential to extend the shelf life of food items, alleviate food shortages, and fulfill the current nutritional food demand.

The moderating role of servant leadership in the relationship between organizational structure and performance in fashion retailing

PurposeThis study aims to reveal how the organizational structure (vertical integration vs. franchising) of 308 stores in a Spanish fashion retail franchise chain affects their performance measured through two key performance indicators commonly used in this industry, namely, labor productivity and service quality ratings. We also appraise the moderating role played by the servant leadership of franchisees and managers of company-owned outlets to explore its influence on the relationship between organizational structure and store performance.Design/methodology/approachWe have used multivariate analyses to study the research questions, with a panel dataset of quarterly store-level data for the period January–December 2022.FindingsVertically-integrated stores record lower labor productivity than franchised ones. This impact is lower in stores run by individuals high in servant leadership than in those run by individuals low in it. Franchised outlets also record lower ratings in service quality than vertically-integrated stores, and this negative impact is weaker in stores run by individuals high in servant leadership.Originality/valueNothing has thus far been published on the moderating effect of servant leadership in the relationship between the organizational structure of different stores and their outcomes in franchise systems.

Low-contrast X-ray image defect segmentation via a novel core-profile decomposition network

Accurate X-ray image defect segmentation is of paramount importance in industrial contexts, as it is the foundation for product quality control and production safety. Deep learning (DL) has demonstrated powerful image scene understanding capabilities and has achieved unprecedented performance in defect segmentation tasks. However, existing DL methods suffer from significant performance degradation when facing low-contrast X-ray images, as the core information of defects is often obscured and the profile details are ambiguous. To address this issue, this paper explicitly decomposes the X-ray defect segmentation task into two subtasks: core feature learning and elasticity profile refinement, allowing task “serial” decomposition and performance “parallel” improvement. On this basis, a novel core-profile decomposition network (CPDNet) is developed to achieve accurate defect segmentation of X-ray images. Specifically, the core feature learning module is designed to construct the effective feature space from two views, discriminative and structural, to extract defect-related core features from X-ray images. Subsequently, the elasticity profile refinement module is developed to further improve the defect segmentation performance, which makes the first attempt to define the profile refinement as an out-of-distribution detection and leverage the elasticity score to refine the profile details at the pixel level. To fully evaluate the presented method, we conduct a series of experiments using two real-world X-ray defect datasets, and the results demonstrate that the CPDNet outperforms state-of-the-art methods.

Effects of increasing the availability of vegetarian options on main meal choices, meal offer satisfaction and liking: a pre-post analysis in a French university cafeteria

BackgroundChanging the food environment is an important public health lever for encouraging sustainable food choices. Targeting the availability of vegetarian main meals served in cafeterias substantially affects food choice, but acceptability has never been assessed. We examined the effects of an availability intervention at a French university cafeteria on students’ main meal choices, meal offer satisfaction and liking.MethodsA four-week controlled trial was conducted in a university cafeteria in Dijon, France. During the two-week control period, vegetarian main meals constituted 24% of the offer. In the subsequent two-week intervention period, this proportion increased to 48%, while all the other menu items remained unchanged. Students were not informed of the change. Student choices were tracked using production data, and daily paper ballots were used to assess student satisfaction with the meal offer and liking of the main meal they chose (score range [1;5]). Nutritional quality, environmental impact, and cost of production of meal choices were calculated for each lunchtime. Food waste was measured over 4 lunchtimes during control and intervention periods. An online questionnaire collected student feedback at the end of the study.ResultsDoubling availability of vegetarian main meals significantly increased the likelihood of choosing vegetarian options (OR = 2.57, 95% CI = [2.41; 2.74]). Responses of the paper ballots (n = 18,342) indicated slight improvements in meal offer satisfaction from 4.05 ± 0.92 to 4.07 ± 0.93 (p = 0.028) and in liking from 4.09 ± 0.90 to 4.13 ± 0.92 (p < 0.001) during control and intervention periods, respectively. The end-of-study questionnaire (n = 510) revealed that only 6% of students noticed a change the availability of vegetarian main meals. The intervention led to a decrease in the environmental impact of the main meals chosen, a slight decrease in nutritional quality, a slight increase in meal costs and no change in food waste.ConclusionsDoubling availability of vegetarian main meals in a university cafeteria resulted in a twofold increase in their selection, with students reporting being more satisfied and liking the main meals more during the intervention period. These results suggest that serving an equal proportion of vegetarian and nonvegetarian main meals could be considered in French university cafeterias to tackle environmental issues.Trial registrationStudy protocol and analysis plan were pre-registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/pf3x7/).

Patient-reported outcome measures for systemic lupus erythematosus: an expert Delphi consensus to guide implementation in routine care

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may result in great impact on patients’ quality of life, social relationships, and work productivity. The use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in routine care could help capture disease burden to guide SLE management and optimize disease control. We aimed to explore the current situation, appropriateness, and feasibility of PROMs to monitor patients with SLE in routine care, from healthcare professionals’ and patients’ perspectives.MethodsA scientific committee developed a Delphi questionnaire, based on a focus group with patients and a literature review, including 22 statements concerning: 1) Use of PROMs in routine care (n = 2); 2) PROMs in SLE management (n = 13); 3) Multidisciplinary management of patients with SLE (n = 4), and 4) Aspects on patient empowerment (n = 3). Statements included in Sects. 2–4 were assessed from three perspectives: current use, appropriateness, and feasibility (with currently available resources). For each statement, panellists specified their level of agreement using a 7-point Likert scale. A consensus was reached when ≥ 70% of the panellists agreed (6,7) or disagreed (1,2) on each statement.ResultsFifty-nine healthcare professionals and 16 patients with SLE participated in the Delphi-rounds. A consensus was reached on the value of PROMs to improve SLE management (83%) and the key role of healthcare professionals (77%) and the need for a digital tool connected to the electronic medical record (85%) to promote and facilitate PROMs collection. PROMs most frequently used in clinical practice are pain (56%), patient’s global assessment (44%) and fatigue (39%), all on visual analogue scales. Panellists agreed on the need to implement multidisciplinary consultation (79%), unify complementary tests (88%), incorporate pharmacists into the healthcare team (70%), and develop home medication dispensing and informed telepharmacy programmes (72%) to improve quality of care in patients with SLE. According to panellists, patient associations (82%) and nurses (80%) are critical to educate and train patients on PROMs to enhance patient empowerment.ConclusionsAlthough pain, fatigue, and global assessment were identified as the most feasible, PROMs are not widely used in routine care in Spain. The present Delphi consensus can provide a road map for their implementation being key for SLE management.

A study of the Performance of Haier Smart under Digital Transformation

In recent years, the digital boom has continued to hit, and global scientific and technological innovation has been unprecedentedly intensive and active. On the cusp of this 5G trend, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud sharing, and big data are emerging in an endless stream, constantly impacting traditional technologies and the real economy. The fourth industrial revolution has quietly penetrated into every corner of society. Both people's lives and the economic environment have been unprecedentedly affected. As an important pillar industry in the national economic construction, how to meet the digital transformation, seize the opportunity of digital transformation, enhance product value, and create new quality productivity has become particularly important. This paper takes digital transformation as the starting point, explores the motivation and path of Haier's digital transformation in the past ten years, and evaluates its performance. The study found that Haier Smart Home's digital transformation has improved the long-term performance of enterprises; the first enlightenment is to accelerate the transformation and upgrading and improve the degree of digital attention ; second, adhere to innovation-driven, enhance digital R &amp; D sales; third, create a digital platform to enhance the user's personalized experience. It is expected that the research in this paper can provide some reference for the digital transformation of other household appliance enterprises and bring some help to the digitization of China's household appliance manufacturing industry.

A Preliminary Evaluation of Faba Bean as a Green Shell Bean in Virginia, USA

Even though faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important food crop on worldwide basis, its use as a vegetable i.e. use of green seeds as food is limited. We were interested in characterizing production and food quality traits of faba bean grown in eastern USA. Our main objective is to develop faba bean as a winter alternative crop for this region to diversify cropping system that currently mainly depends upon cereal grain crops. This necessitates existence of winter-hardy faba bean varieties. We conducted a preliminary experiment with two winter-hardy faba bean breeding lines to record production and seed composition traits. Two faba bean lines (VSX-BL and VSX-BH) were planted in the field in November 2022 and green pods were harvested in June 2023 at physiological maturity. Values of most of the traits under study were statistically similar between the two lines except for concentration of phosphorus. Results demonstrated that faba bean green pod and green seeds yields could be approximately 5700 and 2100 kg ha-1. The shelling percent in green faba bean pods was approximately 37 whereas seed number per pod was approximately 2.6. Concentrations (g 100 g-1) of fructose, glucose, and sucrose were 0.245, 0.668, 2.9021, respectively whereas concentrations of Fe and Zn (mg kg-1) were 103.7 and 69.7, respectively. Green faba bean seeds contained small amounts of RFO carbohydrates. Seed composition traits of green faba bean seeds compare well with green seeds of pea, soybean, and white lupin. Our results provide a positive proof of concept that production of green faba bean as an alternate winter food legume crop in eastern USA is possible.

Effect of a lime-based bedding conditioner on physical-chemical characteristics and microbiological counts of recycled manure solids

Bedding materials are aimed at providing a safe and comfortable resting environment for cows. Control of pathogen proliferation in these substrates is crucial to prevent intramammary infections in dairy cows, as these can significantly impact milk quality, cow health, and farm productivity. This is particularly relevant in the case of organic bedding substrates, including manure-derived materials. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of a lime-based conditioner (LBC), composed of CaCO3MgCO3 and Ca(OH)2*Mg(OH)2, at increasing concentrations on the physical-chemical characteristics and bacterial counts of untreated anaerobically digested manure solids (ADMS) and separated raw manure solids (SRMS). Unused ADMS and SRMS were evaluated at four LBC weight-based concentrations: 0 (as untreated control), 10, 15, and 20% of LBC inclusion. The bedding materials were assessed immediately after LBC addition (0 h) and after 24, 72, and 168 h of storage at 28°C. The dry matter content (DM), and pH were measured for all the time points. Standard microbiological methods were used to assess total bacterial counts (TBC), other Gram-negative bacteria, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and streptococci and streptococci-like organism (SSLO). It was observed a linear increase in both DM and pH with increasing concentrations of LBC. Specifically, for each percentage unit increase of LBC, the DM of ADMS and SRMS increased by 0.73 and 0.71%, respectively. Similarly, for each percentage unit of LBC, the pH of ADMS and SRMS increased by 0.15 and 0.19, respectively. Conversely, a linear decrease in TBC, Gram-negative bacteria, coliforms, E. coli, and SSLO was observed with increasing concentrations of the LBC. Manure-derived materials without the inclusion of the LBC had bacterial counts that tended to remain high or increase over time. Otherwise, bedding materials with LBC application had reduced bacterial counts. Based on the results of the present study, it was observed that the higher the concentration of LBC, the more significant the reduction of bacterial counts. Specifically, bacterial recovery was lower when higher concentrations of LBC were applied. Our findings underscore the potential of LBC in effectively controlling environmental bacteria and improving the physical-chemical characteristics of manure-derived bedding materials to improve cow health and welfare.

Determining nitrogen status using a universal critical nitrogen dilution curve for predicting flue-cured tobacco yield and quality

The critical nitrogen (Nc) dilution curve is considered an effective method for crop nitrogen (N) diagnosis, fertilization decision-making, and crop modeling. The Nc dilution curve is typically described using a power function curve (Nc = A1W−A2). This study established a universal Nc dilution curve and evaluated its potential application in flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) N diagnosis, yield, and quality regulation. Field experiments were conducted involving three tobacco varieties (Honghuadajinyuan, Yunyan87, and K326) and four N application rates (0 to > 90 kg N ha−1). The study was conducted in Southwest China from 2021 to 2022. The universal Nc curve obtained across all experimental data was 3.45 W−0.39. The parameter A2 was more susceptible to genotype and environment interactions than parameter A1. The uncertainty first rapidly decreased and then remained at a lower value as biomass increased. The relationship between leaf biomass and days after transplantation and accumulated growth degree was robust. The N nutrition index (NNI) and accumulated N deficiency effectively determined leaf N status and N demand, respectively. There was an inverse correlation between the NNI, leaf yield, and between the superior and medium leaf ratios. The quantitative relationship can be used to adjust the synergistic production of tobacco yield and leaf quality.

Mechanical site preparation in South Africa: comparing the productivity of pitting machine operators under different site conditions

ABSTRACT Pitting is the preparation of a tree planting position. In South Africa, various contractors and grower companies have gradually adopted pitting machines over the past decade, to overcome the challenges of manual pitting, such as low productivity, poor ergonomics, and inconsistent pit quality. Even though most forestry stakeholders understand productivity requirements (e.g. pits/shift) from pitting machines, they are often unaware of productivity differences associated with different operators and work conditions. This study aimed to compare the operational productivity and pit quality achieved by different pitting machine operators under different site conditions. The experiment was conducted in two sub-compartments, with two different post-harvest slash treatments: broadcast burning or mulching (and pre-marking). Then, four operators were tasked to dig pits using the same equipment. Operator productivity was assessed by analyzing time study data, while pit quality was estimated by determining pit depth and diameter. The results indicated that Operator 4 performed significantly better on mulched sites (543 pits/PMH) than on burned sites (430 pits/PMH), while Operator 2 was the least productive with 261 and 253 pits/PMH in mulched and burned sites, respectively. The overall average productivity was 120 pits/PMH higher on mulched sites than on burned sites. Although work quality did not correlate with productivity, there were differences between operators on the mulched site. The proportion of good pits varied, but site preparation technique did not significantly affect pit quality. We conclude that operator experience significantly impacts productivity and that marking the pitting spots is important to ensure that the required number of pits per hectare is achieved.

Intraspecific variation in tomato: Impact on production quality and cadmium phytoremediation efficiency in intercropping systems with hyperaccumulating plant

Intercropping with hyperaccumulators can facilitate the safe utilization of cadmium-contaminated soil. However, the effectiveness of this approach is influenced by plant species and varieties, which necessitates research on optimal plant consortia. In this study, 8 tomato varieties (3 cherry tomatoes and 5 common large-fruit tomatoes) were intercropped with Sedum alfredii in a moderately Cd-contaminated vegetable field. The results showed that the Cd concentration in the fruits of common large-fruit tomato varieties under monoculture was 1.03–1.50 mg/kg, while that in the fruits of cherry tomato varieties was 0.67–0.71 mg/kg. After intercropping with S. alfredii, the fruit Cd concentrations of Hangza 501, Hangza 503, and Hangza 108 decreased by 16.42 %, 19.72 %, and 6.76 %, respectively, while those of the other varieties significantly increased, except for those of Hangza 8. In contrast, the shoot Cd concentration of cherry tomatoes was greater than that of large-fruit tomatoes under monoculture. Furthermore, a significant increase in the shoot Cd concentration was noted in the Hangza 501, Hangza 503 and Hangza 603 plants following intercropping. Additionally, intercropping with S. alfredii increased the concentration of soluble sugars in the fruits of Hangza 8, Hangza 501, Hangza 503 and Hangza 603 by 4.66 %, 17.91 %, 10.60 % and 17.88 %, respectively. Intercropping with tomatoes resulted in a decrease in both the biomass and Cd uptake of S. alfredii. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect on S. alfredii was less pronounced when intercropped with cherry tomatoes than when intercropped with large-fruit tomatoes. Among the intercropping treatments, S. alfredii exhibited the greatest total Cd accumulation (0.06 mg/plant) when intercropped with Hangza 503. In conclusion, the cherry tomato variety Hangza 503 was the most suitable for intercropping with S. alfredii and can be used safely for vegetable production and simultaneous phytoremediation of polluted soil. Our findings suggest that strategic selection of tomato varieties can optimize the effectiveness of “phytoextraction coupled with agro-safe production” technology for managing soil Cd concentrations.

Cost-Effectiveness of Dupilumab and Oral Janus Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Singapore.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects both adults and children, impacting their quality of life and productivity; however, traditional systemic treatments such as cyclosporine have limitations. Emerging novel systemic interventions, including monoclonal antibodies and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, have been shown to improve patient outcomes. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of novel systemic interventions for moderate-to-severe AD in adults compared with the best supportive care (BSC) in Singapore. The economic evaluation used a hybrid model consisting of a decision tree and Markov model. Treatment responses at 16 weeks were based on a network meta-analysis that was developed specifically for this study. Long-term response, discontinuation rates, episodes of flares and treatment-emergent adverse events were obtained from key dupilumab, abrocitinib, baricitinib and upadacitinib trials. The study had a 5-year time horizon and considered the healthcare payer's perspective. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed as well. Baricitinib 4mg and 2mg have the lowest incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, at Singapore dollars (S$)60,730/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) and S$66,842/QALY, respectively. Upadacitinib 30mg offers the highest incremental QALY gain, while baricitinib 2mg offers the least. The cost of the intervention drugs accounted for the highest proportion of the overall expenses (68-93%) for those in the maintenance state. Other influential factors within the model included (1) the incremental utility derived from intervention response; (2) the probability of achieving Eczema Area and Severity Index 75 (EASI-75) with BSC; and (3) the relative risk of achieving EASI-75 with the interventions. In a scenario where the cost of all drugs is matched to the lowest-priced drug, the top three cost-effectiveness interventions are dupilumab, upadacitinib 30mg and abrocitinib 200mg, respectively. The interventions are found to be cost-effective at their existing prices when compared with BSC. Ideally, a composite score of treatment success and quality-of-life scores ought to be included, but such data were unavailable. Future research should consider conditional discontinuation data and long-term outcomes when such data become accessible.

Influence of the Glutaraldehyde-based and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Based Aerosol Disinfectant on Some of the Physiological and Zootechnical Indices in Broiler Chickens

Introduction. A huge number of disinfectants are used for aerosol disinfection of poultry premises, most of them are recommended for preventive or terminal disinfection carried out in the absence of poultry. At the same time, some products available to veterinary services are recommended for concurrent disinfection and are used in the presence of poultry, although, not all of them meet the requirements on composition, purpose and mode of use. The one of interest is a glutaraldehyde-based and quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) based disinfectant, which has already been investigated in the scientific sources, however the influence of this agent on the physiological and zootechnical status of poultry treated therewith has not been fully studied. The aim of this research is to study the physiological status and productive qualities of the broiler chickens exposed to direct aerosol treatment with the glutaraldehydeand QAD based disinfectant.Materials and Methods. The research was conducted from October to November 2019 in the industrial poultry farm settings in a large flock of broiler chickens of the Cobb 500 cross, divided into two groups — experimental and control one. In the experimental poultry house, on the 10th day after putting the broiler chickens in the house, a preventive aerosol disinfection was carried out by means of the Nebulo cold fogger in the presence of poultry. A 0.5% solution of glutaraldehydeand QAD based disinfectant was used in a dosage of 5 ml per 1 m3 (the maximum permissible concentration exceeding the recommended one). In the control poultry house the aerosol disinfection was not carried out. The biochemical tests of blood serum (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin, total protein, creatinine, blood urea, blood uric acid) were made using a biochemical analyser. The zootechnical indices were also studied (livability, mortality, average daily gain, feed and water consumption during the full growing life cycle, feed conversion ratio).Results. The time history of the blood serum biochemical indices showed that the use of the glutaraldehydeand QAD based aerosol disinfectant in the specified above dosage in the presence of broiler chickens did not cause a negative, toxic effect on chickens’ metabolic indicators — all changes fluctuated slightly within the physiological norm. The zootechnical monitoring data have revealed the positive effect of the aerosol disinfection on the growth and maturing of chickens, enhancement of the livestock livability and poultry average daily gain due to the decrease of microbial burden on the growing organisms of chickens. The broiler chickens livability during the entire growing period in the experimental group was 0.84% higher than in the control group. Also, the average daily gain by the end of the growing period in the experimental group was 1.52% higher than in the control group, and the average liveweight of one bird was 2 137.7 g (experimental group) and 2 111.1 g (control group). At the same time, the feed costs in the experimental group were 0.11% less than in the control group.Discussion and Conclusion. It was found that the use of a glutaraldehydeand QAD based aerosol disinfectant, even in the maximum permissible concentration in the presence of poultry, not only didn’t have a negative effect on the physiological and zootechnical status of the broiler chickens, but, on the contrary, fostered creation of the more comfortable conditions for their keeping and growing. The obtained research results allow us to confidently recommend this method of aerosol disinfection to be used in the animal and poultry keeping premises.

Selecting appropriate forage cover crops to improve growth, yield, and fruit quality of wolfberry by regulation of photosynthesis and biotic stress resistance

Forage cover crops have the potential to improve soil quality and orchard productivity, but their effects on wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) plants are still unclear. In this study, we conducted field and greenhouse experiments between 2019 and 2021, with 10 forage species as cover crops. We observed the growth, yield, fruit quality, and photosynthetic characteristics of wolfberry plants, as well as the occurrence of plant diseases and pests. Based on averaged data for all forage species, cover cropping facilitated plant growth, maintained fruit yield, and promoted leaf photosynthesis in wolfberry compared to monocropping. This was exemplified by a notable increase in the branch number of wolfberry plants under ryegrass treatment, with marginal increase in branch length under evergreen grass (lvyuan 5) and mangold treatments. Cover cropping additionally improved wolfberry quality through increasing carotenoid, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid contents by 21%, 53%, and 127%, respectively (P< 0.05). The presence of mangold, alfalfa, sweet sorghum, ryegrass, and feather grass reduced powdery mildew-induced leaf damage in wolfberry plants by 69% (P< 0.05). When alfalfa, feather grass, and ryegrass were used, the risk of aphid infestation was lowered by 67% (P< 0.05). Collectively, the results indicated that mangold, ryegrass, and alfalfa were the optimal cover crops for sustainable wolfberry production in the study area. The use of appropriate forage cover crops enhanced plant growth and fruit quality of wolfberry by stimulating photosynthetic capacity and biotic stress resistance.

Modeling of multi-phase flow in plasma transferred arc cladding of NiCrBSi/WC metal matrix composite

In this paper, a 3D multiphase flow model has been established for the plasma transferred arc (PTA) cladding of composite powder (NiCrBSi/50 wt% WC) on a 40CrNi2MoA substrate. The multiphase flow model simulates both the discrete phase (WC particles) and continuous phase in the melt pool, including the behaviors of heat transfer and particle distribution. The buoyancy, arc pressure, surface tension, and electromagnetic force are calculated. The model is then used to predict the influences of welding currents and preheating temperatures on the depth of heat-affected zone (HAZ), the temperature field, and the dimensions of the cladding layers. To validate this model, the dimensions and the HAZ depth are analyzed and compared to experimental data. The results show that the dimensions and HAZ depth obtained by the model simulation are in good agreement with the experiment. The HAZ depth, the melt pool length, and the dimensions of cladding layer would increase with the increasing welding current or preheating temperature. Driven by the inward convection in the melt pool, WC particles tend to distribute around the center line of cladding layers. This is the first work of modeling 3D multiphase flow in PTA cladding process of particle-reinforced metal matrix composite (MMCs). The work can provide theoretical guidance for adjusting process parameters to control HAZ depth and cladding quality in actual production.

A comparison of different intensified upstream processes highlighting the advantage of WuXi Biologics' Ultra-high Productivity platform (WuXiUPTM) in improved product quality and purification yield.

WuXiUPTM, WuXi Biologics' Ultra-high Productivity platform, is an intensified and integrated continuous bioprocess platform developed for production of various biologics including monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, and bispecific antibodies. This process technology platform has manifested its remarkable capability in boosting the volumetric productivity of various biologics and has been implemented for large-scale clinical material productions. In this paper, case studies of the production of different pharmaceutical proteins using two high-producing and intensified culture modes of WuXiUPTM and the concentrated fed-batch (CFB), as well as the traditional fed-batch (TFB) are discussed from the perspectives of cell growth, productivity, and protein quality. Both WuXiUPTM and CFB outperformed TFB regarding volumetric productivity. Additionally, distinctive advantages in product quality profiles in the WuXiUPTM process, such as reduced acidic charge variants and fragmentation, are revealed. Therefore, a simplified downstream purification process with only two chromatographic steps can be developed to deliver the target product at a satisfactory purity and an extremely-high yield.

Quality of life and work productivity and activity impairment among online survey respondents with migraine across a range of headache frequency

ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the migraine burden and healthcare utilization in the context of headache frequency using nationwide claims data linked to online survey data previously collected in Japan.BackgroundIt has been shown that increase in headache frequency can impose greater impact on individuals’ daily and social functioning, but migraine burden in those with low-frequency headaches remains largely unknown in Japan.MethodsThis post-hoc, observational study reported on 674 respondents who were working individuals and their family members aged 19–74 years, responded to an online questionnaire (response rate: 14.1% [21,704 responded/153,545 kencomⓇ registrants]), and were previously classified as having migraine. Disease burden in terms of Migraine-Specific Quality of Life (MSQ) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) was compared across 0–3, 4–7, 8–14, and ≥ 15 monthly headache days (MHD).ResultsAmong 674 respondents, 419 (62.2%), 148 (22.0%), 61 (9.1%), and 46 (6.8%) had 0–3, 4–7, 8–14, and ≥ 15 MHD, respectively. Of those, 55 (13.1%), 31 (20.9%), 19 (31.1%), and 20 (43.5%) respondents consulted physicians for headaches. Moderate-to-severe impairments in daily activities were reported by 298 (71.1%), 110 (74.3%), 46 (75.4%), and 38 (82.6%) respondents. The proportion of the respondents with WPAI &amp;gt;0% generally increased with increasing headache frequency (presenteeism: 41.7 and 67.5% in respondents with 0–3 and ≥ 15 MHD, respectively; overall work impairment: 44.8 and 72.5%, respectively; and activity impairment: 44.9 and 73.9%, respectively), except for absenteeism (12.4 and 22.5%, respectively). The mean MSQ score declined with increasing MHD (Role function-restrictive: 75.1 and 59.5 in those with 0–3 and ≥ 15 MHD, respectively; Role function-preventive: 85.8 and 75.0, respectively; and Emotional function: 81.9 and 63.6, respectively).ConclusionBased on the Japanese nationwide claims data, quality of life and work productivity decreased with increasing numbers of headache days. Substantial disease burden paired with low levels of healthcare utilization highlights the need for medical or non-medical intervention.

First report of Fusarium humuli causing stem spots in Nicotiana tabacum L in China.

Tobacco is one of the most important economic crops in China. Disease is one of the main factors affecting the quality of tobacco production (Cai et al. 2022). Stem spot disease of tobacco was observed in the Planting Demonstration Garden in Chang Ning (26°37N; 112° 31E), Hunan Province of China, from May to June 2023. The disease seriously retarded tobacco growth and the incidence rate was about 30-50% of the plants(Yun Yan 87). Most of infected tobacco had black spots on the stems, and the spots expanded and joined together quickly, while many stems turned black and withered. For pathogen isolation, symptomatic stem samples were collected and disinfected with 75% ethanol for 30 s and 2% sodium hypochlorite for 1 minute, followed by rinsing with sterile distilled water three times. Subsequently, small pieces (5 × 5 mm) of diseased tissues were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated in the dark at 25 °C for 24 h to 36 h. The emerging fungal hyphal tips were transferred to PDA and purified by the single-spore method(Yu et al. 2022). In total, 16 cultures with the same appearance were isolated from 30 disease spots on the stem. Strain coded as hnxryc2 was randomly selected for identification. After culturing in PDA for 7 days, white and dense colonies wereobserved with a mean radial growth rate of 6.4 mm/day. The strain cultured 10 days on SNA. Morphological observations were made on 10-day-old culture on SNA medium, and macroconidia were sickle-shaped and slightly curved, with 3-5 septa (2.32-7.00 µm × 0.53-1.17 µm, n = 50), neither microconidia nor chlamydospores were observed. These morphological characteristics were consistent with the description of Fusarium humuli (Wang et al. 2019, Li et al. 2023). Furthermore, primers ITS1/ITS4, EF728F/EF986R, RPB1-F5/RPB1-R8 and fRPB2-5F2/fRPB2-7cR(Xie et al. 2023) were used to amplify the ITS region, EF-1α, RPB1, and RPB2 from strain hnxryc2, respectively. The sequence alignment of hnxryc2 with the NCBI database and FUSARIOID-ID shows the following results: The sequence of ITS region(GenBank accession number PP543715) was 100% identical to these of Fusarium sp. (MN428026.1), the sequences of EF-1α, RPB1, and RPB2 of strain hnxryc2(GenBank accession numbersOR257586, OR326856 and OR257587 respectively) were 99% to 100% identical to these of F. humuli (GenBank accession numbers MK289578.1, MZ824672.1 and MZ824673.1, respectively). Then a phylogenetic tree based on ITS region, EF-1α, and RPB2 sequences was constructed (Kroon et al. 2004). The strain hnxryc2 was more closely related to F. humuli (CGMCC3.19374 GenBank accession nos. MK280845.1, MK289570.1 and MK289724.1, respectively), with bootstrap values 88%. Pathogenicity tests were performed on detached stems of tobacco and potted plants. Wounded stems were inoculated with conidial suspensions (100 μL, 1×107 spores/mL), and the controls were inoculated with sterile water (Xu et al. 2023). The inoculated detached stems were kept in humid chambers (Zhong et al., 2019), each treatment was given a 12h/12h light/dark cycle at 25°C. Deep black spots were observed for 3 days after inoculation. After 9 days, typical symptoms similar to the original diseased plants in the field were found on all inoculated stems, while the control stems did not exhibit any symptoms. Pathogenicity assays were repeated thrice. The pathogen F. humuli was successfully reisolated from the stem of inoculated samples showing symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. humuli inducing stem spot on tobacco in China. Since F. humuli is a common pathogenic fungus that infects different plant species, more attention should be paid to its prevalence in tobacco, and the potential risk of a disease outbreak in other provinces of China.

Intelligent system based on a satellite image detection algorithm and a fuzzy model for evaluating sugarcane crop quality by predicting uncertain climatic parameters

The increase in uncertain weather affects agriculture, impacting crop yield and quality, mainly due to the interaction of climatic variables such as temperature, wind speed, and humidity. In addition, soil erosion and nutrient loss are regional problems aggravated by inadequate agricultural practices in developing sugarcane agriculture. The present research proposes an Intelligent System based on a detection algorithm and a fuzzy model to estimate the quality of the sugarcane crop and the probability of the presence of pests and diseases through the prediction of uncertain variables. Wind speed, cloudiness, humidity, and thermal amplitude were considered variables of interest because parameters out of control of these variables generate a state of thermal stress, triggering pests and diseases that reduce crop quality and sugar production. This research uses geospatial information to simplify the exchange of information through a detection algorithm using real-time satellite images and a fuzzy model to estimate crop quality and prevent climate change-related problems. The variables humidity and cloudiness determine sugarcane quality as they are related to crop phenology and the probability that the crop will develop pests and diseases. In contrast, the intelligent system showed a correlation of over 93% for predicting the variables of interest.