scholarly journals Lean and Kaizen: The Past and the Future of the Methodologies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasileios Ismyrlis
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Economic Environment ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Success Stories ◽  
The Future ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Improvement Methodologies

Lean and Kaizen improvement methodologies have been in the entrepreneurship spotlight for a long time. They can be adopted by any kind of enterprise, and they succeed in producing better long-term results, improving their performance, but most important, influencing the philosophy of the organizations implemented. In this research, many case studies and success stories of companies implementing Kaizen or/and Lean methodologies, or even the new Lean Kaizen methodology, will be introduced. We attempt to evaluate the performance of Lean and Kaizen implemented companies and distinguish the elements that made the difference. Maybe, it is some specific tool, or an aspect in the culture that was enhanced, since the implementation of these business process improvement methodologies. Finally, thoughts and estimations will be presented, regarding the future of these methodologies, in the unstable and rapidly changing economic environment.

Optimism and opportunities for conservation physiology in the Anthropocene

2020 ◽  
pp. 319-330
Author(s):  
Steven J. Cooke ◽  
Christine L. Madliger ◽  
Jordanna N. Bergman ◽  
Vivian M. Nguyen ◽  
Sean J. Landsman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Conservation Physiology ◽  
Success Stories ◽  
The Future ◽  
Long Term Monitoring ◽  
Term Monitoring

We discuss 12 themes that emerged from the set of case studies comprising the text, namely: (1) mechanisms matter for conservation; (2) physiology is just one source of knowledge; (3) physiology and behaviour are intertwined; (4) new tools and technologies should be embraced; (5) physiology can be valuable in captive settings; (6) conservation physiology extends across scales; (7) physiology can be incorporated into long-term monitoring programmes; (8) conservation physiology is applicable to invertebrates; (9) non-imperilled species deserve attention; (10) successful application is increased by co-production; (11) sharing success stories is important; and (12) findings should be communicated across a variety of platforms. We end the chapter with a discussion of some of the challenges currently being faced in the discipline, and with a message of optimism for the future.

Gefäßchirurgie an der Jahrtausendwende

VASA ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Polterauer ◽  
Nanobachvili ◽  
Fuegl ◽  
Huk
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Vascular Surgery ◽  
Intimal Hyperplasia ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Prosthetic Material ◽  
Vascular Medicine ◽  
The Future

Modern diagnostic modalities as well as ongoing improvement of vascular prosthetic material and surgical techniques have stimulated progress in vascular surgery. New discoveries concerning the mechanism of endothelial function, atherosclerosis, developments in gene therapy and endovascular techniques will expand the future therapeutic spectrum of vascular surgery. Endoluminal implantation of stent grafts for the treatment of aortic aneurysm may be a reasonable alternative to conventional surgery, especially in high-risk patients. Long-term results of this procedure, however, are not yet available. Stenting of internal carotid artery stenosis may be considered as an experimental method of treatment. Its feasibility, efficacy, safety and long-term results must be analyzed before the application of the method may be restricted or recommended. Endoluminal irradiation (brachytherapy) reduces intimal hyperplasia/restenosis and can improve the long-term results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Anti-atherosclerotic and anti-aggregatory therapy (with statins, estrogens, antibiotics, nitric oxide precursor/donors, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors) will play an important role in the prevention of ischemic diseases and improve the results of surgical/interventional treatment by reducing intimal hyperplasia and restenosis. Gene therapy opens new vistas in vascular medicine. Angiogenetic factors can be used for the treatment of patients with distal occlusion of the peripheral arteries. Gene transfer may be useful in the conservative treatment of progressive aortic aneurysms. A more unified vision toward vascular medicine might be the key for research and development in the future.

scholarly journals Long-time coherent accumulation algorithms for reflected signal with non-zero higher derivatives of the range to radar target in the spectral domain

Doklady BGUIR ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 35-44
Author(s):  
S. V. Kozlov ◽  
Van Cuong Le
Keyword(s):  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Matched Filter ◽  
Repetition Period ◽  
Coherent Accumulation ◽  
Uncertainty Function ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Higher Derivatives ◽  
Range Migration ◽  
The Difference

The purpose of the article is to present computationally economical algorithms for long-term coherent accumulation of signals reflected from a point target with compensation for range and frequency migration and accumulation of signals in the spectral region. The algorithms include intra-period processing with simultaneous correction of range and frequency migration and inter-period processing with coherent accumulation of signals at the output of intra-period processing. In the first variant of the algorithm, intra-period processing is implemented by calculating the spectra of the received signals in each repetition period, multiplying the samples of the spectra by the samples of the amplitude-phase-frequency characteristic of the matched filter of a single signal and correcting phase coefficients determined by the number of the repetition period and the values of the range derivatives, and the inverse Fourier transform of the transformed spectra. The difference between the second version of the algorithm at the stage of intraperiod processing is the correction of only the quadratic and subsequent components of the range and frequency migration and the use of the keystone transformation, which eliminates the linear range migration. Coherent accumulation for both variants is realized due to the fast Fourier transform of the signal samples over the repetition periods for all samples over the range. The concept of “rough speed resolutionˮ is introduced, which determines the arrangement of channels when compensating for range migration. The uncertainty function in the coordinates “velocity–acceleration” is obtained. The equivalence of the two variants of the algorithm is shown and estimates for the required number of receiver channels are given. The simulation results confirming the operability of the proposed algorithms are presented.

scholarly journals The biosecurity risks of seeds in a botanic garden context

2021 ◽  
pp. 147-162
Author(s):  
Sara Redstone ◽  
Adrian Fox
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Botanic Garden ◽  
Seed Systems ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Awareness Raising ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Term Storage

Seeds present a naturally occurring package of germplasm with ideal attributes for collection, distribution and, in the case of orthodox seed, long term storage. From a phytosanitary perspective seeds are often considered a relatively low-risk option for movement of germplasm across borders. Most published data are concerned with diseases of commercial crops and little is known about the risks associated with wild collected, non-commercial seeds. However, there is demonstrable risk associated with the movement of any plant germplasm which can pose a risk to both crops and the wider environment. Presented here are a discussion on seed standards and the difference between seed borne and seed transmitted pathogens, with case studies presented to highlight the risks associated with informal seed systems and wild collected seeds in particular. Additionally, suggestions on how to address phytosanitary issues are presented including awareness raising measures aimed at improving biosecurity procedures during collection and before long-term storage of seed accessions.

Reduced Intensity Conditioning (RIC) Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-SCT) for Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Long Term Results of a “Donor” Versus “No Donor” Comparison.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 1090-1090
Author(s):  
Mohamad Mohty ◽  
Hugues de Lavallade ◽  
Jean El-Cheikh ◽  
Patrick Ladaique ◽  
Catherine Faucher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Results ◽  
Donor Group ◽  
No Donor ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
Related Donor ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Treat Analysis

Abstract RIC regimens have emerged as an attractive modality to decrease transplant-related toxicity (TRM). However, the potential higher relapse rate after RIC allo-SCT is still under considerable debate. This report describes the long term results of 95 consecutive AML patients, diagnosed between Nov. 1999 and Dec. 2003 in a single institution, and who were considered as potential candidates for RIC-allo-SCT. Using a genetic randomization through a “donor” versus “no donor” comparison, the aim was to assess the real benefit of RIC-allo-SCT for adult AML and its impact on outcome. In this series, 35 patients (37%; “donor” group) had an “identified” HLA-identical sibling donor, while the remaining 60 patients had no HLA-matched related donor (“no donor” group). As per institutional policy, HLA-matched unrelated donors were not considered during the study period. No significant differences in patients or AML features were found between the two groups. In the “donor” group, 25 patients (71%; median age, 51 (range, 26–60)) could actually proceed to the RIC-allo-SCT. The 10 remaining patients with an identified donor did not receive allo-SCT because of early relapse after CR (n=2), patient or donor refusal (n=6), and psychiatric disorders appearing before allo-SCT (n=2). The current median follow-up is 60 months. In an “intention-to-treat” analysis, the KM estimate of leukemia-free survival (LFS) was significantly higher in the “donor” group as compared to the “no donor” group (P=0.003; 60% versus 23% at 7 years). When restricting the analysis to patients who could actually receive the RIC-allo-SCT (median follow-up, 40 months from time of allo-SCT), the difference in LFS was also significant between this group of 25 patients (“transplant” group) and the remaining 70 patients (“no transplant” group) who did not receive allo-SCT (P=0.0002; 72% versus 24% at 7 years). In the “transplant” group, RIC-allo-SCT was performed at a median of 209 (range, 119–413) days after diagnosis. No major toxicities were encountered during RIC administration (fludarabine, busulfan and ATG), and only 3 patients died from TRM, for a cumulative incidence of 12% (95%CI, 3–32%) at last follow-up. This relatively low TRM translated towards a significantly higher overall survival (OS) in the “transplant” group as compared to the “no transplant” group (P=0.0003). In the “intention-to-treat” analysis, OS was still significantly higher in the “donor” group as compared to the “no donor” group (P=0.003; Figure below). After controlling for relevant factors, in the multivariate analysis, only actual performance of RIC-allo-SCT (P=0.0005; RR=4.1; 95%CI, 1.8–9.1), was significantly predictive of an improved LFS, further confirming the overall benefit of RIC-allo-SCT for adult AML patients. We conclude that if a matched related donor is identified, RIC-allo-SCT should be proposed since it represents a valid and potentially curative option for AML patients not eligible for standard myeloablative allo-SCT. Figure Figure

Quantitative Estimates of Holocene Glacier Mass Fluctuations on the Western Tibetan Plateau

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juzhi Hou
Keyword(s):  
Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Mass Gain ◽  
The Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Alpine Glacier ◽  
Kunlun Mountain ◽  
Western Kunlun ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Western Tibetan Plateau ◽  
The Difference

<p><strong><span>Knowledge of the alpine glacier mass fluctuations is a fundamental prerequisite for understanding glacier dynamics, projecting future glacier change, and assessing the availability of freshwater resources. The glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) are sources of water for most of the major Asian rivers and their fate remains unclear due to accurate estimates of glacier mass fluctuations are lacking over long time scales. Here, we used d</span><sup><span>18</span></sup><span>O record at a proglacial open lake as proxy to estimate the Holocene glacier mass fluctuations in the Western Kunlun Mountain (WKM) quantitatively and continuously. Relative to past decades, maximum WKM glacier mass loss (-28.62±25.76 Gt) occurred at 9.5-8.5 ka BP, and maximum glacier mass gain (24.53±25.02 Gt) occurred at 1.3~0.5 ka BP, the difference in WKM glacier mass between the two periods account for ~20% of the total glaciers. Long-term changes in glacier mass suggests the TP glaciers likely face severe threats at the current rates of global warming. </span></strong></p>

scholarly journals Long-term results after mitral valve surgery using minimally invasive versus sternotomy approach: a propensity matched comparison of a large single-center series

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayse Cetinkaya ◽  
Anna Geier ◽  
Karin Bramlage ◽  
Stefan Hein ◽  
Peter Bramlage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitral Valve ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Cardiovascular Death ◽  
Mitral Valve Surgery ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Matched Comparison

Abstract Background Mitral valve (MV) surgery has traditionally been performed by conventional sternotomy (CS), but more recently minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become another treatment option. The aim of this study is to compare short- and long-term results of MV surgery after CS and MIS. Methods This study was a retrospective propensity-matched analysis of MV operations between January 2005 and December 2015. Results Among 1357 patients, 496 underwent CS and 861 MIS. Matching resulted in 422 patients per group. The procedure time was longer with MIS than CS (192 vs. 185 min; p = 0.002) as was cardiopulmonary bypass time (133 vs. 101 min; p < 0.001) and X-clamp time (80 vs. 71 min; p < 0.001). ‘Short-term’ successful valve repair was higher with MIS (96.0% vs. 76.0%, p < 0.001). Length of hospital stay was shorter in MIS than CS patients (10 vs. 11 days; p = 0.001). There was no difference in the overall 30-day mortality rate. Cardiovascular death was lower after MIS (1.2%) compared with CS (3.8%; OR 0.30; 95%CI 0.11–0.84). The difference did not remain significant after adjustment for procedural differences (aOR 0.40; 95%CI 0.13–1.25). Pacemaker was required less often after MIS (3.3%) than CS (11.2%; aOR 0.31; 95%CI 0.16–0.61), and acute renal failure was less common (2.1% vs. 11.9%; aOR 0.22; 95%CI 0.10–0.48). There were no significant differences with respect to rates of stroke, myocardial infarction or repeat MV surgery. The 7-year survival rate was significantly better after MIS (88.5%) than CS (74.8%; aHR 0.44, 95%CI 0.31–0.64). Conclusion This study demonstrates that good results for MV surgery can be obtained with MIS, achieving a high MV repair rate, low peri-procedural morbidity and mortality, and improved long-term survival.

scholarly journals Lyme Disease: In the “Lime Light” for Over 25 Years

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Kenisha J Evans ◽  
Eric Ayers ◽  
Cassandra E. Stinson ◽  
Arren E Simpson ◽  
Delisa Quayson
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Chronic Lyme Disease ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Made In

Lyme disease has been a topic of debate practically since its discovery in the 1970’s. The hot topic is whether or not long-term antibiotics should be used for Lyme disease patients with persistent symptoms. The source of such a long-running debate stems from the difference in opinions over the cause of long-term, persistent symptoms after treatment in some patients. Toward its end, Medicine has finally begun to embrace the existence of Chronic Lyme Disease, but changes still need to be made in the future.

scholarly journals Success factors of long-term CIOs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Hillebrand ◽  
Markus Westner
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Organizational Environment ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
The Future ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Functional Involvement ◽  
It Organization ◽  
Skilled Workforce

AbstractAlthough the average tenure of CIOs has increased over the last years, the majority of CIOs have been in their positions for only three years or less. Nevertheless, some CIOs have been successful in their position for a long time. In this study, we use tenure as a proxy for success as a CIO. The goal of this paper is to examine factors that are critical to the success of long-term CIOs. For this purpose, we created and analyzed resumes of 384 CIOs. Out of these 384, we conducted 19 interviews with CIOs from top-tier companies and collected and analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data. In the process, we were able to identify nine factors that are critical for the success (CSF) of CIOs. These factors fall into three categories. Category “Personality” includes “Accepting and embracing change” (CSF #1), “Being perseverant to pursue long-term goals” (CSF #2), “Anticipating the future through visionary thinking” (CSF #3), and “Being empathetic to deal with uncertainty felt by co-workers” (CSF #4). The “Role Fulfilment” category includes “Cross-functional involvement and integration of the IT organization” (CSF #5), “Positioning and restructuring of the IT organization” (CSF #6), and “Well-connected and communicative leadership” (CSF #7). The “Organizational Environment” category consists of “Availability of skilled workforce” (CSF #8) and “Reporting line to the CEO” (CSF #9). CSFs 1, 2, and 3 were perceived as most important by the participating CIOs. The results may be of particular interest both to aspiring CIOs and equally their employing organizations, as they reflect what long-term CIOs value during their time in office.

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