Mathematical model for footwear upper material consumption estimation.

Appropriate material consumption estimation since the design phase for footwear fabrication is a vital issue as material costs account for a sizeable portion of the overall production cost of a pair of shoes. This paper presents a mathematical model to predict the calculation of footwear upper material consumption to improve the utilization ratio of materials through a suitable nesting map onto leather. The proposed model concentrates on the two-dimensional geometry of footwear components and the application of rich mathematical concepts. The model reflects the outlines of individual footwear components while determining the area using definite integral calculus. Five distinct rotational kinds are applied for component arrangements that correlate to the physiognomy of leather because nesting onto the leather is intractable. The simple concept of a minimal-area polygonal enclosure is applied to maximize material utilization with minimum waste. Finally, the model was verified for four consecutive Oxford footwear sizes by comparing actual upper material consumption with predicted upper material consumption. The noble contribution of this analysis is to use ImageJ software to compute upper material consumption in real case analysis through image processing techniques and separate estimation of wastes, especially the fourth waste. The results of the comparison study show that the proposed model can reduce average material requirements by 2.06 %. This minimization of waste could be beneficial in terms of economic and environmental sustainability. Therefore, this study can be applied to estimate more accurately the amount of upper material required for footwear fabrication and support better utilization of material in the footwear industry.

Perceptions of the Addictiveness of Low-Nicotine Cigarettes Versus Typical Cigarettes and Exposure to Tobacco Industry-Sponsored Corrective Campaign.

BACKGROUND: In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a regulatory plan to reduce the nicotine content of cigarettes. This study examines the association of exposure to industry-sponsored corrective statements on perceptions of the addictiveness of low-nicotine cigarettes relative to typical cigarettes within the general US population. METHODS: The study comprised 4975 US adult respondents of the 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, Cycle 3). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine associations between exposure to tobacco industry corrective messages and perceptions of the addictiveness of low-nicotine cigarettes relative to typical cigarettes. RESULTS: In the overall population, 4.1% reported that low-nicotine cigarettes were much more addictive than typical cigarettes, 67.5% said they were equally addictive, while 28.4% reported they were slightly/much less addictive. Adults exposed to industry-sponsored corrective messages had higher odds of perceiving low-nicotine cigarettes as equally addictive as typical cigarettes (aOR 1.57; 95% CI, 1.13-2.19) than those who saw no corrective messages. Those exposed to the corrective messages specifically about the addictiveness of smoking and nicotine had higher odds of perceiving low-nicotine cigarettes as equally addictive as typical cigarettes (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.07-2.81) compared to those who saw no corrective message. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that exposure to court-ordered tobacco industry corrective statements may have reinforced perceptions on the addictive potential of nicotine. However, study findings indicate a need for campaigns specifically tailored to address misperceptions observed in this study.

67.5% of US adults perceived low-nicotine cigarettes and typical cigarettes as being equally addictiveExposure to court-ordered corrective statements increased the odds of equal addictiveness perceptionExposure to corrective statements specifically tailored to addiction increased the odds of equal addictiveness perception.

Modelling effluent reuse in the pulp and paper industry to predict consequences on conductivity.

The objective of this study was to assess, through simulation, conductivity variations in pulp and paper circuits when recycling waste water treatment plant (WWTP) effluent with a view to reducing fresh water use in a tissue mill. WWTP effluent was recycled in the process for different uses. A PS2000 digital model coupled with the PHREEQC chemical simulation engine was used to identify and quantify the main sources of conductivity: caustic soda, sodium bisulphite and acetate production through anaerobic microbial activity. Recycling WWTP effluent enables fresh water uptake to be reduced by 50% when used for pulp dilution or white water, by 81% when used in paper machine showers, and up to 96% for all uses combined. As fresh water use decreases, circuit closure increases along with, consequently, COD and conductivity. COD build-up can be controlled by best available techniques application. Recycling WWTP effluent has a strong impact on conductivity. However, the impact of high conductivity levels on additives performance is limited in the case of the mill studied. Acetate concentration could be controlled by better agitation of tanks or the introduction of air by pumps. Furthermore, limiting acetate production can reduce the need for caustic soda to control the pH.

Industry star or production elite: evidence from total factor productivity of Chinese electricity sector's green transformation.

China is constantly seeking rapid, high-quality growth in order to meet its carbon peaking and neutrality goals. Approximately 40% of China's carbon emissions come from the electric power industry, which is beset by issues of poor efficiency and excessive emissions. Thus, it is essential to determine if environmental restrictions increase economic benefits total factor productivity while still preserving the environment. We use the Quasi-DID method to examine the impact of carbon emissions trading scheme on firm-level total factor productivity of electric power companies. The findings demonstrate the following: (1) carbon emissions trading scheme considerably impedes total factor productivity development; (2) the primary cause of this detrimental impact is the need for additional improvements in marketization since green innovation is still in its infancy; (3) additional study indicates that law enforcement's heterogeneity is what affects this restriction. Our research may both enhance the Chinese carbon emissions trading scheme's effectiveness assessment framework and point out several potential avenues for high-quality growth.

Health and Safety Education for Painting Workers in Small Companies to Make Them Aware That Paint Is "Dangerous and Harmful".

Workers in painting companies may be unaware that the paints they handle have adverse health effects. The present study explored the factors associated with workers' perception of paints as "dangerous and harmful". A questionnaire survey and interviews were conducted with workers engaged in painting operations in small-sized painting companies (fewer than 50 employees) in northern Kyushu and Yamaguchi prefectures. Safety and health education methods making workers perceive paint as "dangerous and harmful" were clarified. Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis were used for the survey and hierarchical cluster analysis for the interviews. The factor "Hazard prediction activity (KY Activity)", gender, and job position were identified as factors that make workers perceive paint as "dangerous and harmful". Based on the interview results, "KY Activity" was a keyword and a standardized safety and health activity. Before work, workers gather in a small group to discuss the dangers and hazards of paint, share information, establish action goals, and confirm safety measures. The questionnaire identified "KY Activity" as a factor influencing the workers' perception of paint as "dangerous and harmful". "KY Activity," also extracted from the interviews, is an effective health and safety education method for teaching workers in small-sized painting companies that paint is "dangerous and harmful".

[Business continuity capabilities for disaster preparedness: A comparative study of different industries in Wakayama Prefecture].

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to elucidate the status of business continuity plan (BCP) formulation in businesses, focusing on different industries. It examined their preparation for natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, and crisis events, such as emerging infectious diseases. METHODS: A total of 1,583 businesses in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, were randomly selected from the Wakayama Occupational Health Support Center workplace list. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires were distributed by mail. The questionnaire comprised questions on the business, awareness and formulation status of BCP, and business continuity capabilities in preparation for natural disasters and crisis events. It also explored reasons for the lack of progress in BCP formulation. Businesses were categorized into three groups based on the type of industry: manufacturing (114 companies), lifeline (66 companies), and others (207 companies). RESULTS: Questionnaires were collected from 412 businesses, and 387 of those that responded to the type of industry were analyzed (valid response rate: 24.3%). More than 50% of businesses in all industries were aware of BCP. Regarding the status of BCP formulation, 39.5% of the manufacturing, 34.8% of the lifeline, and 41.5% of others had already formulated or were formulating a BCP. Many lifeline businesses had not taken any measures to prepare facilities and allocate funds for emergencies. Additionally, 49% were at high risk of being forced to close down due to disasters. As the background to the lack of progress in formulating a BCP, 60.9% of lifeline businesses did not know what to develop or how to consider it. In addition, 44.2% of others had to secure the time and human resources necessary for formulation. CONCLUSIONS: Although awareness of BCPs is increasing, their formulation has not progressed significantly. In particular, BCP formulation has been delayed in lifeline industries, resulting in low business continuity capabilities. Given that many businesses do not know the contents or methods of formulating BCPs, it is suggested that educating relevant parties about using templates is necessary. This approach can reduce the time required for formulation and enable the creation of a BCP even without detailed human resources.

Impact of digital technology innovation on carbon intensity: evidence from China's manufacturing A-share listed enterprises.

Current studies do not provide a consensus on whether digital technology innovation can reduce enterprise carbon intensity despite the rise of the digital economy. This paper examines the role and influence pathway of digital technology innovation on enterprise carbon intensity using data from A-share listed enterprises in China's manufacturing industry from 2012 to 2021. The findings indicate that (1) digital technology innovation has been found to significantly reduce enterprise carbon intensity, as confirmed by numerous robustness and endogeneity tests. However, its inhibitory effect on carbon intensity shows a marginal decreasing trend. (2) In the heterogeneity analysis, it was found that digital technology innovation significantly reduces the carbon intensity of consuming coal, coke, kerosene, and diesel. From various perspectives, including enterprise, industry, and external environment, there are significant differences in the carbon reduction effects of digital technology innovation. (3) The analysis of impact paths reveals that digital technology innovation can affect enterprise carbon intensity through three paths: improving productivity, enhancing green innovation efficiency, and adjusting energy consumption. (4) Upon further analysis, it was discovered that the spillover effect of digital technology innovation is more pronounced in the industry cohort of enterprises. Additionally, digital technology innovation plays a positive role in enhancing enterprise ESG performance. The paper's findings offer empirical evidence and decision-making references for the government to develop reasonable policies for reducing carbon emissions, promoting green and low-carbon enterprise transformation, and actively and steadily achieving the goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.

Knowledge mobilization between the food industry and public health nutrition scientists: findings from a case study.

BACKGROUND: Improving the nutritional quality of the food supply increases access to nutritious foods, which improves dietary habits and population health. Yet, knowledge mobilization initiatives between public health nutrition researchers and food industries are often not adequately considered and understood. This study explored what elements related to this specific context need to be recognized so that researchers can better mobilize nutrition science knowledge with the food industry to promote the nutritional improvement of food products. METHOD: A case study qualitative approach was selected to answer the research question, using semi-structured interviews as the data collection technique. Québec baking industry actors were shown a mock-up of an online mobilization platform sharing the results of the Food Quality Observatory that describes the nutritional quality of breads offered in Québec, Canada. They were asked to think aloud as they explored the web platform and were interviewed. Two coders analyzed the data using an inductive approach and thematic content analysis, starting with individual open coding, and then put forward their analyses and drafted the final themes. RESULTS: The final data consisted of 10 semi-structured interviews conducted between October 2019 and August 2020. Four main themes were identified: the industry's context, the knowledge mobilization initiative, the product-related matters stemming from the information shared and the motivation within the industry. Within each theme, sub-themes were highlighted and related to the industries' motivation to improve their products' nutritional quality. This study also specified key considerations for changes to the sodium and fiber content in bread. CONCLUSION: Other steps beyond using simple language and a website format could be taken to better mobilize scientific knowledge with food industries, such as providing more consumer information, using an integrated knowledge mobilization approach that includes a consideration of ethics, working with communication professionals, collaborating with food science experts, and providing resources to act on shared information. Legislation such as the front-of-pack regulations could accelerate the pace of collaboration between researchers and industry. Overall, establishing a prior relationship with industries could help gain a better understanding of the themes highlighted in this study. Future research could build on this case study to provide more insights and solidify these findings. CLASSIFICATION CODES: Public Health, Public Private, Policy Making, Research Institutions, Use of Knowledge.

Integrated operations planning model for the automotive wiring industry.

An integrated operations planning model for automotive wiring companies is studied to improve synchronization between production activities and inventory flows. These combined factors are growing in significance as they drive the need to take proactive steps in manufacturing and distributing wiring materials within the supply chain. This involves anticipating the requirements of different automotive manufacturers and thereby guaranteeing a consistent, uninterrupted, and punctual provision of raw wiring materials. This support is vital for sustaining the ongoing manufacturing operations in the automotive sector. For this push flow system, the proposed operational model is based on integer linear programming, considering capacity and bill of materials constraints to determine production quantities, inventory levels, and machine sizing. Real-life data from the automotive wiring industry validates the effectiveness of coordinated production and inventory activities, resulting in significant lead time reductions of up to 60 %. These findings provide compelling reasons for automotive wiring partners to engage in joint operations planning.

More than money: Core self-evaluations, job characteristics and work-family conflict among women.

Integrating work and family life is a relevant concern, especially for women in the banking industry. While the impact of job characteristics on work-family conflict is well-documented, the moderating role of core self-evaluations (CSE) remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the role of CSE in moderating the relationship between job characteristics and work-family conflict among married female bank employees in Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 245 married female bank employees in Enugu state. Participants were assessed using the Core Self-Evaluation, Job Characteristics, and Work-Family Conflict Scales. Pearson correlation analysis and path coefficient evaluation were utilised to test the study's hypotheses. Job characteristics, notably autonomy, feedback, skill variety, task identity, and task significance, influence work-family conflict across three dimensions: behaviour-based, strain-based, and time-based. Notably, CSE emerged as a significant moderator, with its influence varying depending on the job characteristics. The findings highlight the importance of considering both job characteristics and individual psychological attributes in addressing work-family conflicts. Organisations should adopt a multidimensional, individual-centred approach, recognising the intertwined roles of job factors and personal evaluations in shaping employees' work-life balance experiences.

Predictive maintenance in Industry 4.0: a survey of planning models and machine learning techniques.

Equipment downtime resulting from maintenance in various sectors around the globe has become a major concern. The effectiveness of conventional reactive maintenance methods in addressing interruptions and enhancing operational efficiency has become inadequate. Therefore, acknowledging the constraints associated with reactive maintenance and the growing need for proactive approaches to proactively detect possible breakdowns is necessary. The need for optimisation of asset management and reduction of costly downtime emerges from the demand for industries. The work highlights the use of Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled Predictive Maintenance (PdM) as a revolutionary strategy across many sectors. This article presents a picture of a future in which the use of IoT technology and sophisticated analytics will enable the prediction and proactive mitigation of probable equipment failures. This literature study has great importance as it thoroughly explores the complex steps and techniques necessary for the development and implementation of efficient PdM solutions. The study offers useful insights into the optimisation of maintenance methods and the enhancement of operational efficiency by analysing current information and approaches. The article outlines essential stages in the application of PdM, encompassing underlying design factors, data preparation, feature selection, and decision modelling. Additionally, the study discusses a range of ML models and methodologies for monitoring conditions. In order to enhance maintenance plans, it is necessary to prioritise ongoing study and improvement in the field of PdM. The potential for boosting PdM skills and guaranteeing the competitiveness of companies in the global economy is significant through the incorporation of IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and advanced analytics.

A critical review of the feasibility of emerging technologies for improving safety behavior on construction sites.

INTRODUCTION: Advancements in the modern construction industry have contributed to the development of a range of technology-based interventions to improve the safety behavior of front-line construction workers. Notwithstanding the extensive research on safety behavior, there is still a paucity of research on assessing technology interventions of safety behavior to provide an overview of their strengths and limitations. The present study aims to bridge this gap in the literature and identify the main trends of research. METHOD: A systematic review and critical content analysis are adopted to capture an overview of the state of knowledge on safety behavior technologies. As a result of searching Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases in the period from Jan 2010 to Feb 2023, a total of 359 potential studies went through the systematic screening process and finally, 48 representative studies were selected followed by an assessment of the feasibility and applicability of the safety behavior technologies. RESULTS: It was found that safety behavior technology is characterized by seven technologies including virtual-reality simulation (T1), eye-tracking technology (T2), prediction modeling of safety behavior (T3), computer-based training (T4), drone/sensor-based hazard monitoring (T5), vision-based behavior monitoring (T6), and real-time positioning (T7). CONCLUSIONS: This research improves understanding of the status of safety behavior technologies and provides a critical review of their feasibility from the perspective of four assessment criteria including application, limitation, benefit, and feasibility. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The categorizations of technologies add value to the body of knowledge in terms of generic requirements for their implementation and adaptation on construction sites.

Distribution of COVID-19 mitigation measures by industry and work arrangement-US blood donors, May 2021-December 2021.

OBJECTIVE: To describe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mitigation measures in workplaces of employed US blood donors by industry and work arrangement. METHODS: During May-December 2021, blood donors responded to a survey; we describe the distribution of reported workplace mitigation measures by industry and work arrangement, organized using the hierarchy of controls. RESULTS: Of 53,433 respondents representing 21 industries, ventilation upgrades were reported by 4%-38% of respondents (overall: 20%); telework access ranged from 14%-80% (53% overall). Requiring masks (overall: 84%; range: 40%-94%), physical distancing (77%; 51%-86%), paid leave for illness (70%; 38%-87%), and encouraging vaccination (61%; 33%-80%) were common. Independent workers reported fewer mitigation measures than those in traditional employment settings. CONCLUSIONS: Mitigation measures varied by industry and work arrangement. Some mitigation measures may be challenging to implement or irrelevant in certain industries, supporting the idea that mitigation is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Tailored strategies to mitigate workplace risks of disease transmission are vital. Strategies should rely on effective methods for identifying workplace controls (e.g., through the hierarchy of controls) and account for industry-specific characteristics and workplace environments.

Tobacco industry strategies to influence the regulation of new and emerging tobacco and nicotine products in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Objective: To document tobacco industry strategies to influence regulation of new and emerging tobacco and nicotine products (NETNPs) in Latin America and the Caribbean. Methods: We analyzed industry websites, advocacy reports, news media and government documents related to NETNPs, focusing on electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. We also conducted a survey of leading health advocates. We applied the policy dystopia model to analyze industry action and argument-based strategies on NETNP regulations. Results: Industry actors engaged in four instrumental strategies to influence NETNP regulation - coalition management, information management, direct involvement in and access to the policy process, and litigation. Their actions included: lobbying key policy-makers, academics and vaping associations; providing grants to media groups to disseminate favorable NETNP information; participating in public consultations; presenting at public hearings; inserting industry-inspired language into draft NETNP legislation; and filing lawsuits to challenge NETNP bans. The industry disseminated its so-called harm reduction argument through large/influential countries (e.g., Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico). Industry discursive strategies claimed NETNPs were less harmful, provided safer alternatives, and should be regulated as so-called harm reduction products or have fewer restrictions on their sale and use than those currently in place. Conclusion: Our analysis provides a better understanding of industry strategies to undermine tobacco and nicotine control. To help counter industry efforts, health advocates should proactively strengthen government capacities and alert policy-makers to industry attempts to create new regulatory categories (so-called reduced-risk products), provide misleading information of government authorizations of NETNPs, and co-opt so-called harm-reduction messages that serve the industry's agenda.

[Thoughts on High-Quality Innovation and Development of in Vitro Diagnostic Reagents Industry in Shanghai].

As an important part of the Big Health Industry, in vitro diagnostic(IVD) reagents play a vital role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In recent years, especially after the novel coronavirus infection, IVD industry has developed rapidly in China, but it still cannot meet the needs of clinical use. By conducting desk research, expert interview, manufacturer survey and hospital survey, this study analyzed the development status of IVD industry in Shanghai, summarized the problems encountered in the high-quality development from the aspects of raw materials, innovation ability, and clinical trials, etc., and proposed recommendations for promoting the high-quality innovation and development of IVD industry in Shanghai.

Bridging Reproductive and Productive Work: The Case of Surrogates in California.

In this article, we explore the perspectives of commercial gestational surrogates in California, USA. Women who gestate for others reveal themselves as important agents in the process of giving meaning and cultural legitimacy to their practice, thus demonstrating their capacity to act in their own interest and resignify their work in their own terms. To them, surrogacy is more than wage labor. They assert the importance of their experience as a source of professional skills, downplaying its monetary value and placing it within favorable moral frameworks, thus finding cultural legitimacy. In doing so, they bridge the divide between traditional female reproductive work (unpaid emotional, relational, and care work) and productive work (paid professional work in the public sphere). They achieve this without subverting the underlying values of western kinship. The results shed light on employability and entrepreneurship of surrogates in the fertility industry of California.

Workplace-related determinants of mental health in food and bar workers in Western, high-income countries: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This review synthesizes evidence from etiologic and intervention studies of workplace-related determinants of mental health in workers in food and bar workers in the hospitality industry in Western high-income countries. METHODS: Peer-reviewed literature published between January 2000 and August 2023 was gathered from five bibliographic databases. Any study design was eligible. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools for appraisal. RESULTS: A narrative analysis was conducted for 26 included studies (total n = 15,069 participants) across Australia (3), Ireland (1), Norway (1), Spain (2), the United States (17) and the United Kingdom (2). Individual and task-related factors such as high emotional job demands and low job control were associated with high burnout and depression. Uncivil and hostile interpersonal interactions with customers, management, and colleagues were found to contribute to poor mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and burnout. CONCLUSION: Findings from included studies highlight the impact of workplace culture, including management practices and workplace social support, on mental health. Organization-level interventions may therefore be most effective for addressing individual, interpersonal, and organizational determinants of mental health in food and bar occupations, particularly when implemented as part of broader organizational efforts to support health and wellbeing. Industry-wide policy changes may also be necessary to address structural concerns, including job and financial insecurity, job strain and access to benefits, such as secure sick leave and minimum contract hours.