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At‐home storage of medications could pose a threat to public health and the environment if not handled appropriately. Excessive storage also creates health care and economic burdens. This study investigated storage practices, waste, and their determinants in China. Data were collected by pharmacy staff of urban‐dwelling households via online questionnaires. Descriptions at the household and medicine levels were conducted in Stata 16. Individual and family characteristics were associated with the presence of household medicine storage (84.6%, n = 5290), but storage location was poor. Expiration was the primary reason for discarding medicines. Respondents were inclined to buy medicines in pharmacies without prescription for storage purposes at out‐of‐pocket expenses, and 60.7% of medicines were purchased at out‐of‐pocket expenses, despite medical insurance coverage. Regarding wastage, 11.2% of medicines had expired and 38.2% were no longer needed. Purchasing for storage purposes was related to less waste due to expiration, while purchasing for treating acute diseases rather than chronic diseases was related to more waste, due to less for use. Accounting for 12.2% of all medications, antibiotics were associated with expiration and no further need for use. Source‐control measures targeting health facilities, pharmacies, and residents are needed under the combined efforts of all relevant departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High vaccine wastage can serve as a critical barrier to achieving the gains of vaccination, especially in a country like Nigeria, where data on vaccine wastage are sparsely available. We determined the country-wide vaccine wastage rates and their determinants through a mixed-methods study conducted across 576 health facilities (primary and secondary) in 24 states in Nigeria. We collected facility-based immunization records from June 2018 to May 2019, in addition to healthcare workers' interviews and observations of fixed and outreach sessions. The results show that open-vial wastage ranged from 21.2% (95% CI: 20.2%, 22.2%) for the pentavalent vaccine to 72.6% (95% CI: 71.5%, 73.6%) for BCG. Open-vial wastage rates for BCG, measles, and yellow fever vaccines were higher during outreach sessions, with rates of 76.2%, 64.3%, and 65.2%, respectively. For the outreach and fixed sessions, PCV and Penta had the least wastages of 22.0% for fixed sessions and 20.4% for outreach sessions. This study identified vaccine presentation (liquid vs. lyophilized vaccines), vial size (4 dose vs. 5 dose vs. 10 dose vs. 20 dose), RI service delivery strategies (fixed vs. outreach sessions), number of children vaccinated, and human resources (healthcare workers position/cadre) as key determinants of vaccine wastages in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O estudo teve por objetivo descrever a relação da idade dos equipamentos com a geração de resíduos em pequenas indústrias de processamento da madeira em Irati-PR. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário, onde 3 (três) indústrias serrarias foram selecionadas, a fim de coletar os dados para sua caracterização. As empresas abordadas foram caracterizadas como micro (2) e pequenas empresas (1), atuando no desdobro e beneficiamento da madeira. As espécies utilizadas como matéria-prima foram dos gêneros Pinus sp., Eucalyptus sp. e uma pequena quantidade de outras espécies. As empresas geram, em média, 175 m³ de resíduos, com aproveitamento médio de 43%. A geração de resíduos esteve relacionada com a idade dos equipamentos, onde a empresa com os equipamentos mais antigos, apresentou o maior montante. As empresas não realizam o gerenciamento dos resíduos, sendo estes vendidos para terceiros. Diante deste cenário, concluiu-se que as empresas geram quantidades grandes de resíduos, que, neste caso, estão atrelados à falta de manutenção e uso de equipamentos obsoletos. A falta de uma destinação correta é atribuída a falta de incentivo e informação sobre os potenciais usos dos resíduos e a possibilidade de geração de renda extra pelas empresas.

Removal of ewes from a flock before the end of their productive life, sometimes described as ewe wastage, can potentially lead to reduced flock productivity. While the main reasons for culling ewes are largely known, their relative importance to New Zealand farmers and farmers' rational behind their culling decisions are not. Therefore, this study involved semi-structured interviews with 38 sheep farmers from throughout New Zealand to explore their ewe culling decisions. Farmers consistently culled mixed-age and two-tooth ewes who failed to become pregnant or who had a vaginal prolapse. For other culling reasons, farmers' use of them and their rationale for doing so was diverse and varied between farmers based on ewe age-group, severity, season, perceived economic consequences and farmers' personal preference. This diversity indicates that there is scope for some farmers to carefully evaluate some of their culling decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recruitment to oral and maxillofacial Surgical (OMFS) specialty training was centralised in 2010. The 'flexibility' for OMFS to respond to specialty specific recruitment issues is reducing and many Specialty Trainees' (ST) posts are left unfilled. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) appointment process designed to address the problem of recruiting and appointing academic surgeons with local selection with national benchmarking has worked. Using a database of all UK OMFS consultants/trainees, an electronic questionnaire was shared by e-mail, WhatsApp, and other social media. Of 306 replies, 125 (41%) were Consultants/post-certificate of completion training (CCT) individuals, 66 (22%) ST, 61 (20%) second degree students, 27 (9%) pre-second degree, 26 (9%) dual degree pre-ST trainees, and one did not indicate their status. A total of 249 (76%) studied dentistry first and 230 (75%) were male. Of those replying, 147 (48%) had no direct experience of national selection. 120 (39%) had experience as a candidate, 20 (7%) as a selector only, 17 (6%) as a candidate and selector, and two did not record their experience. Of 250 expressing an opinion, 156 (62%) supported local selection with 140 (56%) supporting local selection and national benchmarking, which is a process used for research training posts by the NIHR. Geographical continuity was most important for 78% of pre-second-degree trainees, 45% of STs, and 54% of second-degree students. A total of 57 respondents completed free text comments. There is support for changes in OMFS ST selection including creating OMFS posts which include Foundation and second-degree training in NIHR style locally recruited nationally benchmarked posts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Racing structure and focus for racehorses differs across jurisdictions and is poorly described. In New Zealand and Australia, jumps racing accounts for a small proportion of total Thoroughbred races each year, as opposed to the larger jumps-racing (National Hunt) industry with purpose-bred horses found in the UK and Ireland. Aims: This study aimed to describe the career profile and pattern of racing for Thoroughbred jumps-racing horses in New Zealand. Methods: Metrics from every horse with a full jumps-racing career (n = 1276, 89% geldings) between the 2005/06 and 2021/22 racing seasons (n = 40,302 starts) were examined. Descriptive statistics, box plots and heat maps were used to describe the data, by using horse age as a proxy for career progression. Key results: Jumps-racing horses had a median of 17 flat starts (IQR 9–30) before their first jumps-racing start. The median career of a jumps-racing horse was 3.7 years (IQR 2.3–5.2) and 29 starts (IQR 16–44). Older horses had a decreasing number of flat-racing starts and an increasing proportion of steeplechase-racing starts. However, the majority of horses still had at least one flat-race start per calendar year, often prior to the first jumps race. Most horses had one spell each season (length 194 days, IQR 124–259), and a condensed preparation length over the winter months, with a median of 14 days (IQR 10–21) between starts. Conclusion: The career pattern for jumps-racing horses in New Zealand reflects the industry retention of horses with a prior career in flat racing into a secondary jumps-racing career. Successful horses have increased focus on preparation for the winter jumps-racing season. Implications: Jumps racing provides a secondary racing career for some flat-racing horses, particularly geldings. This strategy reduces wastage of horses from the industry. Jumps racing in the southern hemisphere is unique and poorly described. This study aimed to describe the career profile and pattern of racing for jumps-racing horses in New Zealand by using industry race data. All jumps-racing horses in New Zealand had a primary career in flat racing, before repurposing in a jumps-racing career for a further 2 years, increasing specialisation as the horse aged. This strategy results in a decrease in wastage from the racing industry. This article belongs to the Collection Equine Science Part II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study attempts to address the relationship between material waste and change orders in residential building projects implemented in the West Bank in Palestine. The main objectives include: (1) identify the main factors affecting change orders in residential projects, (2) identify the main factors affecting martial waste eon construction sites, (3) address the relationship between change orders and construction material waste, (4) develop prediction model that shows the impact of change orders on material waste. To achieve this, two methods are used: (1) questionnaire survey is conducted to identify the main factors affecting change orders and the major factors of material waste on construction sites. Fourteen (14) factors believed to affect change orders and 15 factors that might affect material waste are investigated in this study. (2) Case study is conducted to address the impact of change orders on material waste. Data collected from 40 residential building projects implemented in the West Bank in Palestine. Regression analysis is used to establish the predictive model that relates the change orders and material waste. Results indicate that the top five factors affecting change orders include: change of project scope by owner, shortage in equipment and materials, change in materials, design mistakes, and change of plans by owner. It also shows that the top five factors affecting material waste are: rework, lack of labors skills, design errors, purchasing materials not complying with specifications, and frequent design changes. The results revealed a strong relationship between number of change orders and construction material waste on site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both male and female food animals are slaughtered for meat. Some cows, ewes and does slaughtered are found with viable foetuses resulting in foetal wastage and loss of future replacement stock. Foetal wastage accounts for about 20%–25% of the decline in livestock numbers in sub‐Saharan Africa. Slaughter of pregnant cows, ewes and does results in economic losses and threatens food security with consequent decrease in available animal proteins to the fast growing human population. Protein requirement for healthy human development is inadequate in most developing countries including Uganda. The prevalence and economic losses associated with foetal wastage were assessed in an abattoir. Objectives: The study was cnducted to assess the prevalence of feotal wastage at the study abattoir and estimate the associated economic losses. Methods: The researchers supported by abattoir resident meat inspectors examined all slaughtered female animals during the study period. Gravid uteri obtained from slaughtered animals after dressing of carcasses were eviscerated using a sharp knife across the long axis to recover foetuses. The crown rump lengths (CRLs) of the recovered foetuses were measured using a tape measure, weighed on a scale and categorised into first, second and third trimesters. Prevalence of pregnant animals slaughtered was determined by calculating the percentage of pregnant animals over the total number of female animals slaughtered. Economic losses were estimated based on the monetary losses at birth, weaning, maturity, and carcass loss at weaning and maturity. Results: The aggregate slaughters were bovine 604 (73.6%), caprine 169 (20.6%) and ovine 48 (5.9%). The overall prevalence of foetal wastage was 21.9%. The aggregate prevalence of foetal wastage by species include 160 (88.9%) cows, 8 (4.4%) heifers, 4 (2.2%) does and 8 (4.4%) ewes. Foetal wastage of cows by trimester included 62 (38.8%), 26 (16.25%) and 72 (45.0%) in first, second and third trimesters, respectively, translating into loss of US$13,055. Foetal wastage was high and the associated economic losses were substantial which undermines sustainability of the national herd. Farmers should be sensitised about the economic losses and long‐term impact associated with foetal wastage and dissuaded from this practice. A policy is needed to deter farmers from selling pregnant animals for slaughter. Conclusions: A total of 168 bovine, 8 caprine and 12 ovine foetuses were wasted within 60 days study period. These foetal wastages translated to US$ 13,224 monetary losses at birth, US$ 31,849 monetary loss at weaning and US$ 57,0896 monetary loss at maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Ewe mortality during pregnancy and lambing is an issue for sheep producers globally, resulting in reduced productivity and profitability, compromised ewe welfare, and poor consumer perception. Despite these negative consequences, there was little investigation into factors associated with ewe death during this time. Therefore, this study aimed to assess associations between ewe body condition score (BCS), weight, reproductive parameters, and risk of mortality during pregnancy and lambing. Methods Four cohorts from three commercial New Zealand farms participated, with 13,142 ewe lambs enrolled and followed over time. Data were collected for five consecutive lambings. Visits aligned with key on-farm management times, specifically: prior to breeding, at pregnancy diagnosis (PD), prior to lambing (set-stocking), and, at weaning of their lambs. At each visit, ewes were weighed, BCS assessed and reproductive status was recorded when relevant (litter size at PD and lactation status after lambing). Ewes that died or were culled were recorded, and any ewes that were absent from consecutive visits were presumed dead. Logistic regressions were developed to assess the relationship between weight and BCS at each visit, PD result (single or multiple-bearing) and lactation status (wet or dry) in each year, and, risk of mortality during the pregnancy and lambing period in each year. Results In the PD to weaning period, mortality incidence ranged from 6.3 to 6.9% for two-tooth (18-months-old at breeding) to mixed-age (54-months-old at breeding) ewes. For ewe lambs (7 to 8-months-old at breeding), mortality was 7.3% from set-stocking to weaning. Heavier ewe lambs at PD were less likely to die during lambing (OR: 0.978, p = 0.013), as were those with greater set-stocking BCS. In subsequent years, BCS was a predictor of ewe death, with odds of mortality greatest for ewes

High vaccine wastage can serve as a critical barrier to achieving the gains of vaccination, especially in a country like Nigeria, where data on vaccine wastage are sparsely available. We determined the country-wide vaccine wastage rates and their determinants through a mixed-methods study conducted across 576 health facilities (primary and secondary) in 24 states in Nigeria. We collected facility-based immunization records from June 2018 to May 2019, in addition to healthcare workers’ interviews and observations of fixed and outreach sessions. The results show that open-vial wastage ranged from 21.2% (95% CI: 20.2%, 22.2%) for the pentavalent vaccine to 72.6% (95% CI: 71.5%, 73.6%) for BCG. Open-vial wastage rates for BCG, measles, and yellow fever vaccines were higher during outreach sessions, with rates of 76.2%, 64.3%, and 65.2%, respectively. For the outreach and fixed sessions, PCV and Penta had the least wastages of 22.0% for fixed sessions and 20.4% for outreach sessions. This study identified vaccine presentation (liquid vs. lyophilized vaccines), vial size (4 dose vs. 5 dose vs. 10 dose vs. 20 dose), RI service delivery strategies (fixed vs. outreach sessions), number of children vaccinated, and human resources (healthcare workers position/cadre) as key determinants of vaccine wastages in Nigeria.

The study identified the instructional materials that are available and examined the level of its utilization in public primary schools in Southwestern Nigeria. In addition, it established the influence of instructional materials on instructional quality in public primary schools in Southwestern Nigeria. This study adopted descriptive design with a sample size of 450 respondents selected from the population of the study with the use of multi-stage sampling procedure. Instructional Materials Availability, Utilization and Instructional Quality Questionnaire (IMAUIQ) was used to collect data from the respondents which was trial tested on 90 respondents from selected public primary schools in local governments outside the selected ones for the study. The result revealed that chalkboard 450(100%) and textbooks 300(67%) are the predominant instructional materials available. Chalkboard 450(100%) was found to be sufficiently utilized. The result further showed that instructional materials have significantly influence on instructional quality in public primary schools in Nigeria. This is because the calculated value (4.82) is greater than the critical value (3.84) at 0.05 level of significance. The study concluded that there is inadequate utilization of instructional materials with their attendant consequences on instructional quality in public primary schools in Southwestern Nigeria.

Abstract Background Both male and female food animals are slaughtered for meat. Some cows, ewes and does slaughtered are found with viable foetuses resulting in foetal wastage and loss of future replacement stock. Foetal wastage accounts for about 20%–25% of the decline in livestock numbers in sub‐Saharan Africa. Slaughter of pregnant cows, ewes and does results in economic losses and threatens food security with consequent decrease in available animal proteins to the fast growing human population. Protein requirement for healthy human development is inadequate in most developing countries including Uganda. The prevalence and economic losses associated with foetal wastage were assessed in an abattoir. Objectives The study was cnducted to assess the prevalence of feotal wastage at the study abattoir and estimate the associated economic losses. Methods The researchers supported by abattoir resident meat inspectors examined all slaughtered female animals during the study period. Gravid uteri obtained from slaughtered animals after dressing of carcasses were eviscerated using a sharp knife across the long axis to recover foetuses. The crown rump lengths (CRLs) of the recovered foetuses were measured using a tape measure, weighed on a scale and categorised into first, second and third trimesters. Prevalence of pregnant animals slaughtered was determined by calculating the percentage of pregnant animals over the total number of female animals slaughtered. Economic losses were estimated based on the monetary losses at birth, weaning, maturity, and carcass loss at weaning and maturity. Results The aggregate slaughters were bovine 604 (73.6%), caprine 169 (20.6%) and ovine 48 (5.9%). The overall prevalence of foetal wastage was 21.9%. The aggregate prevalence of foetal wastage by species include 160 (88.9%) cows, 8 (4.4%) heifers, 4 (2.2%) does and 8 (4.4%) ewes. Foetal wastage of cows by trimester included 62 (38.8%), 26 (16.25%) and 72 (45.0%) in first, second and third trimesters, respectively, translating into loss of US$13,055. Foetal wastage was high and the associated economic losses were substantial which undermines sustainability of the national herd. Farmers should be sensitised about the economic losses and long‐term impact associated with foetal wastage and dissuaded from this practice. A policy is needed to deter farmers from selling pregnant animals for slaughter. Conclusions A total of 168 bovine, 8 caprine and 12 ovine foetuses were wasted within 60 days study period. These foetal wastages translated to US$ 13,224 monetary losses at birth, US$ 31,849 monetary loss at weaning and US$ 57,0896 monetary loss at maturity.

Background: Ewe mortality during pregnancy and lambing is an issue for sheep producers globally, resulting in reduced productivity and profitability, compromised ewe welfare, and poor consumer perception. Despite these negative consequences, there was little investigation into factors associated with ewe death during this time. Therefore, this study aimed to assess associations between ewe body condition score (BCS), weight, reproductive parameters, and risk of mortality during pregnancy and lambing. Methods: Four cohorts from three commercial New Zealand farms participated, with 13,142 ewe lambs enrolled and followed over time. Data were collected for five consecutive lambings. Visits aligned with key on-farm management times, specifically: prior to breeding, at pregnancy diagnosis (PD), prior to lambing (set-stocking), and, at weaning of their lambs. At each visit, ewes were weighed, BCS assessed and reproductive status was recorded when relevant (litter size at PD and lactation status after lambing). Ewes that died or were culled were recorded, and any ewes that were absent from consecutive visits were presumed dead. Logistic regressions were developed to assess the relationship between weight and BCS at each visit, PD result (single or multiple-bearing) and lactation status (wet or dry) in each year, and, risk of mortality during the pregnancy and lambing period in each year. Results: In the PD to weaning period, mortality incidence ranged from 6.3 to 6.9% for two-tooth (18-months-old at breeding) to mixed-age (54-months-old at breeding) ewes. For ewe lambs (7 to 8-months-old at breeding), mortality was 7.3% from set-stocking to weaning. Heavier ewe lambs at PD were less likely to die during lambing (OR: 0.978, p = 0.013), as were those with greater set-stocking BCS. In subsequent years, BCS was a predictor of ewe death, with odds of mortality greatest for ewes < BCS 2.5. Additionally, for poorer BCS ewes, increasing weight reduced risk of mortality, but there was no impact of increasing weight in greater BCS ewes. Conclusions: This study identified risk factors associated with ewe mortality during the pregnancy and lambing period. Flock owners can use these to either cull at-risk ewes or proactively intervene to reduce likelihood of mortality, thereby improving flock productivity, profitability and welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Red blood cell wastage occurs when blood is discarded rather than transfused, and ineffective ordering results in unnecessary crossmatch procedures. We describe how a multimodal approach to redesigning electronic ordering tools improved blood utilization in a pediatric inpatient setting and how using innovative application of time series data analysis provides insights into intervention effectiveness, which can guide future process improvement cycles. Methods: A multidisciplinary team used best practices and Toyota Production System methodology to redesign electronic blood ordering and improve administration processes. We analyzed crossmatch to transfusion ratio and red blood cell wastage time series data extracted from our laboratory information system and electronic health record. We used changepoint analysis to identify statistically discernible breaks in each time series, compatible with known interventions. We performed causal impact analysis on red blood cell wastage time series data to estimate blood wastage avoided due to the interventions. Results: Changepoint analysis estimated an 11% decrease in crossmatch to transfusion ratio and a 77% decrease in red blood cell monthly wastage rate during the intervention period. Causal impact analysis estimated a 61% reduction in expected wastage compared to the scenario if the interventions had not occurred. Discussion: Our results show that electronic health record design is an important factor in reducing waste and preventing unnecessary crossmatching, and that time series analysis can be a useful tool for evaluating the long‐term impact of each stage of intervention in a longitudinal process redesign effort for the purpose of effectively targeting future improvement efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicine wastage has become a concern to the nation due to the detrimental impacts that it brings to the economy and environment. Therefore, this study aims to provide an overview of the various waste-minimizing activities performed by government pharmacists and pharmacy technicians A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 2022 until April 2022. The data was collected through the snowball sampling method from the respondents via online platforms. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 4 segments was used. A total of 76 pharmacy personnel participated in this study. More than half of the participants carried out a variety of activities to reduce medicine waste throughout the stages of the medicine supply chain. 40.8% of the participants reported that prescribers could adjust and optimize the prescribed doses for patients, and 30.3% reported pharmacists would counsel the physicians on efficient prescribing practice. The respondents considered activities in the dispensing stage, particularly those associated with the pharmacy organization, the most attainable to be executed as a regular practice, whereas approaches in the prescribing phase are the most important in minimizing medication waste. Conclusion: Overall, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have carried out a variety of activities to reduce medicine waste throughout the stages of the medicine supply chain, though other potential activities have yet to be undertaken in government pharmacies. The participants acknowledged the importance of the activities to reduce wastage; however, the feasibility of the interventions for implementation as a standard practice is still questioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present investigation was conducted to assess the effect of two feeder types (hexagonal vs. linear) on performance of stable (before mixing) and mixed Beetal bucks. In first trial, stable bucks were studied for 4- week period at hexagonal (BH) vs. linear (BL) feeder (n=6 each). In second trial, after rearing 4 weeks on two feeder types, half (3) of the bucks {1 high, 1 intermediate and 1 low ranked in social hierarchy} from both the groups were interchanged to form two mixed groups (hexagonal and linear mixed bucks i.e. BHM and BLM), which were observed for 2 weeks period. Bucks were observed for weight gain, body condition score (BCS), daily feed intake, feed wastage, injuries and blood biochemical parameters. Blood samples were collected at weekly interval before regrouping period and at day 1 (regrouping), 3, 7 and 14 after regrouping. Body weight (BW) and dimensions of adult bucks had no influence of feeder type during premixing as well as post-mixing. Feed intake as well as wastage (green fodder) too did not differ statistically though overall feed wastage was numerically higher at hexagonal feeder. Injuries and lameness incidences were relatively more at hexagonal feeder (BH : BL :: 1 : 0 and BHM : BLM :: 3 : 1). Blood biochemical indicators of stress did not differ between the groups. Stable and regrouped Beetal bucks had similar performance indicators at both types of feeders with minor welfare advantages at linear feeder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Implementation of automated steps in preparing blood components for transfusion from whole blood collections has produced improvements in multiple fields. The aim of this review is to summarize data from existing literature related to automation of whole blood processing systems. Materials and Methods: We searched MEDLINE for studies comparing semi‐automated and fully automated whole blood processing systems published before 20 July 2021. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Additionally, we performed a manual search. Results: We identified 500 studies, of which 459 (92%) did not meet the eligibility criteria, and finally 17 studies were included in the analysis. Manual search included six additional studies. Publication year ranged from 2004 to 2021. Automation reduced the run‐time (from 92 to 76 min), improved recovery of haemoglobin in red cell concentrates (RCCs) and resulted in higher red blood cell and platelet yields. Automation also reduced discard rates due to whole blood bag ruptures (1.2%–0.1%), low volume of RCCs (<200 ml; 0.5%–0.03%) and haemolytic plasma (2.1%–0.6%). Automation could reduce the number of full‐time equivalent (FTE) operators or maintain the number of FTE operators while performing additional procedures, and it reduced to 1.13 m2 the space required for the device. Conclusion: Automation of whole blood processing resulted in continued improvements in productivity, product quality and technical features. However, too few publications are available to reach strong conclusions. Therefore, it is necessary to expand the scientific knowledge in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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An increase in waste debris contamination of the water is endangering and putting the lives of aquatic species in peril. Despite the fact that more research has been done on the pollution caused by floating garbage and debris in rivers and other natural and man-made water bodies during the past ten years, including plastic, plants (Eutrophication), and other debris, there are still significant information gaps. The design and construction of the waste cleaning device for the water bodies are the focus of this project. Using a device called a "Water Bodies Cleaner," waste material from the water's surface is removed and properly disposed of in the body of water. The waste surface material from the water bodies will be lifted by a machine, which will ultimately lead to secondly, there will be less water pollution, and thirdly, fewer aquatic species will perish as a result of these issues. Given the significance, we developed a project/preposition for building a medium-sized cruiser called a "Water Body Cleaner" that will collect any trash or sewage that is present on the water's surface, down to a depth of around 2 to 3 feet. With the use of a conveyor belt, the trash and debris will be gathered in the Water Body Cleaner's dumpster. The Municipal Corporation will take the gathered rubbish out of the dumpster and send it for product recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With recent advancements in anaesthetic management where newer drugs and innovative treatment modalities are being introduced, the healthcare cost has increased and it is prudent to reduce the healthcare expenditure in a developing country such as Sri Lanka without compromising on patient care. Reducing drug wastage, can reduce the impact on hospitals pharmaceutical budget. The present study was conducted to assess the wastage of intravenous anaesthetic drugs and to assess its economic impact at a tertiary hospital in Sri Lanka. Following ethical clearance and institutional approval, a prospective study was conducted at all operations rooms at a tertiary care hospital for four consecutive weeks. Intravenous anaesthetic drugs left in syringes, vials and opened ampules not used were documented at the end of each day. The total and daily cost of drug wastage was calculated using the unit price list issued by the Ministry Of Health, Sri Lanka. The largest volume of drug wastage was from Propofol 1489.28 mg. per day followed by Ephedrine (145.35 mg per day). The total financial loss during the study period was Rupees. 164477.95, and the average daily loss was Rupees. 5874.21. The maximum daily cost of drug wastage was due to Metaraminol (Rupees. 3537.9) followed by Propofol (Rupees. 616.35). The financial impact form anaesthetic drug wastage was considerable with Metaraminol and Propofol being the main contributors. Educating the staff on drug costs, employing practical methods to reduce wastage and frequent audits can be used as a wastage cost reduction strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The goal of blood bank audit is to continuously improve services to the patients by reducing rework, wastage, and inappropriate care. This can be done by establishing certain quality indicators. The rate of discarded blood and its components due to wastage, expiry, and transfusion-transmitted infection are one of such indicator. Design: Retrospective data on the number of whole blood, components prepared, and discarded were collected from the blood bank information system and analyzed. Results: During the study period, the total number of blood and components prepared were 3922. Out of which, a total of 226 units (5.76%) were discarded. In order to alleviate the shortage of blood, we should do intermittent auditing, quality monitoring, thorough evaluation and training of staff, proper management of the resources, and workforce.

Teaching learning-based optimization (TLBO) is a popular algorithm used to solve various optimization problems. Nevertheless, conventional TLBO and some improved variants tends to suffer with premature convergence due to rapid loss of population diversity, especially when handling the challenging optimization problems. Furthermore, it is not practical to tackle real-world multiobjective problems using prior approach given the frequent changes of customers’ requirements. Motivated by these challenges, an improved variant known as Modified Multi-objective Teaching Learning Based Optimization-Refined Learning Scheme (MMTLBO-RLS) was proposed as a posterior approach to solve challenging multiobjective optimization problems, including the prediction of optimum turning parameters to machine Polyether ether ketone material (PEEK). Substantial modifications were introduced for teacher and learner phases of MMTLBO-RLS to achieve better balancing of exploration and exploitation searches without incurring excessive computational cost. For modified teacher phase of MMTLBO-RLS, each learner was guided by a unique teacher solution and unique mean position to perform searching with better diversity. Meanwhile, two new learning strategies are incorporated into the modified learner phase of MMTLBO-RLS, enabling all learners to enhance their knowledge more efficiently based on their learning preferences. A systematic approach was followed to develop modelling equations required for optimization. The developed algorithm was then employed in single objective optimization as well as multiobjective optimization to cater its performances in any real-world environment. The prediction model reports that surface roughness of $1.1042~\mu m$ and material removal rate of 22.8991 cm3/minute can be achieved. The predicted results differ from validation results by less than 2.69% in any case of optimization. A benchmarking on the performance of MMTLBO-RLS in solving CEC 2009 multiobjective benchmark functions was further carried out with other seven meta-heuristic algorithms. The superior performance of MMTLBO-RLS proves that it is not only suitable to be used in industries to produce the parts of PEEK with supportive quality and quantity, but it is also able to solve other multiobjective optimization problems with competitive performances.

Background: The paediatric massive transfusion protocol (MTP) is activated in the paediatric population for both trauma and non-trauma related indications. While it helps to improve the efficiency and efficacy of the delivery of blood products, it can also result in increased wastage. We aimed to evaluate the wastage rates from our paediatric MTP activations from 2013 to 2018. Method: As part of an audit, we retrospectively reviewed the records of the paediatric patients who had MTP activations. We collected the following data: reason for MTP activation, weight of patient, number of cycles of MTP required, blood products used, blood products wasted, deviation from our institution's recommended MTP blood product ratio, and reason for wastage. Result: We had 26 paediatric MTP activations within the audit period. There was an overall wastage rate of 1.5%, with wastage occurring in 3 out of 26 patients. The reason for all wastage was demise of the patient. Most patients' transfusion ratios deviated from our institution's MTP protocol. Conclusion: Our wastage rates are low likely because of clear MTP activation guidelines and a flexible MTP workflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At a time of sustainable development, food wastage constitutes an important problem for the global food economy. A group that is to a large degree co-responsible for wasting food are its buyers, who submit to numerous market trends, including consumptionism. The approach of the consumer to the issue of food wastage may stem from a number of factors, including the idea of belonging to a specific generation. The consumers' age and the related experiences from the food market may differentiate the rationality of their purchasing behaviour and the scale of food wastage. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of belonging to a particular generation X (aged 60+), Y (aged 31-59) or Z (aged 18-30) on the participants' attitudes and behaviours concerning unconsumed food. The study was conducted in 2021 using a survey method among 165 people from the Pomorskie Voivodeship. The study results demonstrated that belonging to a particular generation did differentiate the attitudes and behaviours of the surveyed in most of the areas subject to the study. In terms of self-assessment of their own knowledge concerning food wastage, respondents from generation X declared having the most knowledge, while generation Z declared only fragmentary knowledge. The importance of the food wastage issue from an ethical, social and economic standpoint was noticed by higher percentages of participants from generations Y (85.5%) and Z (76.4%) than generation X (70.9%). The food groups where, according to the surveyed, food wastage occurred the most in all generations were: bread, meat, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. The primary causes of wasting food declared by generation Z respondents were spoilage and poor meal planning, while for generations Y and X it was expiry. Attempts to use (process) unconsumed food were made primarily by representatives of the oldest generation (X). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical grade oxygen is classified as a drug and needs to be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Oxygen therapy is prescribed to people who cannot maintain normal blood oxygen saturation while breathing atmospheric air. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the importance of the rational use of this scarce commodity. This study investigated oxygen therapy practices in adult ward patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study design with an analytical component was used in the adults wards at a National District Hospital and the Pelonomi Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein. Data were collected from patient files, interviews and oxygen measurements of adult patients that received oxygen. Results: One hundred and fifteen patients were included in the study, of whom 47.0% received oxygen without an oxygen prescription. Around 62.3% of the patients with prescriptions did not receive oxygen as prescribed. The prescriptions and oxygen administration for COVID-19 patients were better than for non--COVID-19 patients. A quarter of the patients possibly received oxygen therapy unnecessarily. Conclusion: Poor oxygen therapy practices were identified, including prescription errors, oxygen administration errors and oxygen wastage. A protocol should be developed and implemented for the prescription and administration of oxygen therapy. Training should occur to prevent oxygen wastage. Contribution: This study highlighted poor oxygen practices and prescriptions, as well as oxygen wastage in the absence of local oxygen therapy guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aims: To describe rates of and reasons for culling and mortality of ewes between breeding and mid-lactation on New Zealand sheep farms; to investigate associations of these variables with farm demographic variables; and to describe rates of and reasons for culling of ewes at weaning., Methods: Participants were a convenience sample of 34 farms from across New Zealand. Demographic data were initially collected for each farm via a questionnaire administered in-person to the flock owner or manager. During approximately 8 months from breeding to mid-lactation, ewe tally, culling and mortality data were collected and used to calculate various parameters related to flock performance and to investigate associations. During the main ewe-culling event at weaning, ewe-culling data were collected from 29/34 flocks participating in the study., Results: There was considerable variation between flocks, but the between-flock mean replacement percentage was 29.2 (SD 5.0)%. Overall, a between-flock mean of 10.5 (SD 4.6)% of ewes presented for breeding were culled or dead/missing by mid-lactation and thus did not rear any lambs. Additionally, from 27 flocks that reported data on ewes' success at rearing lambs, a between-flock mean of 3.9 (SD 2.5)% of ewes that remained alive at mid-lactation failed to rear any lambs, resulting in an overall between-flock mean loss of 23.1 (SD 6.3) potential lambs per 100 ewes. Two-thirds of ewe mortalities between breeding and mid-lactation occurred during the lambing period. Model results showed flocks with higher pregnancy scanning percentages had lower rates of culling and mortality between breeding and mid-lactation. However, apart from farm contour, from breeding to mid-lactation there were no associations for culling and mortality with farm size, flock size, number of ewes per labour unit, whether ewe hoggets (7-9 months of age) were presented for breeding, or duration of the breeding period. A between-flock mean of 16.5 (SD 8.3)% of ewes present at weaning were culled, and among mixed-age ewes, the most common reasons for culling at this time were age, incisor teeth defects and udder defects., Conclusions: To reduce unnecessary ewe culling and mortality, attention should be focused on maximising conception rates, ensuring judicious culling decisions, optimising body condition score, and identifying farm-specific causes of death over the lambing period to facilitate targeted intervention strategies., Clinical Relevance: Identifying why and when ewes exit flocks, and comparing it with the data presented here, will facilitate the development of flock-specific interventions to reduce ewe culling and mortality.,  ., Abbreviations: BCS: Body condition score; NI: North Island; SI: South Island.

Changes in diet form and thermal processing can be beneficial to pig production. Our objective with this study was to better understand and analyze the effects of diet form (mash vs. pellets) on feed wastage, performance, and the carcass of pigs. Forty pigs, castrated males and females between 21 and 127 days old, were distributed in a randomized block design into two treatments: mash diet and pelleted diet. We analyzed the data through generalized linear mixed models, considering the blocks (initial weight and sex) as random effects and the pens as the experimental unit, totalizing two treatments with 10 replicates of two animals each. We applied the F-test to compare means and considered significant if P<0.05 and marginally significant if 0.05≤P<0.1. During the nursery period (21 to 62 days old), pigs fed with the pelleted diet showed a decrease in (P<0.05) daily feed intake (DFI) and an improvement in feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, the diets showed no difference (P>0.1) in daily weight gain (DWG). From 21 to 42 days old, we found that those fed mash diet had higher feed wastage (P<0.05) compared to those fed with the pelleted diet. In the following phase, FCR (P<0.05) and DWG (P<0.05) were higher in pigs up to 80 days old, and a higher DWG (P<0.1) in those up to 101 days old fed with the thermally processed diet. In pigs from 62 to 127 days old, DFI, DWG, and FCR had no statistical difference (P>0.1) between the groups evaluated. Regarding the carcass, we observed an increase in backfat thickness (P<0.1) in pigs fed with the pelleted diet when compared to others, but there was no change in loin depth (P>0.1). These results suggest that pelleting is a viable thermal processing for pig production, because it reduces the amount of feed wastage, improves performance of male and female pigs in the nursery and growing phases and altered the carcass of these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy outcome is a powerful indicator of the health status of its women and the quality of health care available to the community. A two-way relationship between women's health and pregnancy outcome exists and high rates of foetal and early infant mortality are well known. The use of opium for medicinal or recreational purposes has a long history in many parts of the world and thus continues to be common. Infants born to mothers who use opiates do have impaired growth, smaller head size, and significant neuro-behavioral dysfunction due to withdrawal. This paper reports the adverse pregnancy outcome and its predictors, particularly the opium addiction among 234 married Wancho tribe of the Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Data were collected from women through a pretested questionnaire. Data reveal that a high rate of stillbirths (4.91 percent) and spontaneous abortion (6.06 percent) among addicts than the non-addicts. Pregnancy wastage is not only unwanted in itself but also has an adverse impact on women's health and hence public health intervention is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical grade oxygen is classified as a drug and needs to be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Oxygen therapy is prescribed to people who cannot maintain normal blood oxygen saturation while breathing atmospheric air. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the importance of the rational use of this scarce commodity. This study investigated oxygen therapy practices in adult ward patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study design with an analytical component was used in the adults wards at a National District Hospital and the Pelonomi Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein. Data were collected from patient files, interviews and oxygen measurements of adult patients that received oxygen. Results: One hundred and fifteen patients were included in the study, of whom 47.0% received oxygen without an oxygen prescription. Around 62.3% of the patients with prescriptions did not receive oxygen as prescribed. The prescriptions and oxygen administration for COVID-19 patients were better than for non–COVID-19 patients. A quarter of the patients possibly received oxygen therapy unnecessarily. Conclusion: Poor oxygen therapy practices were identified, including prescription errors, oxygen administration errors and oxygen wastage. A protocol should be developed and implemented for the prescription and administration of oxygen therapy. Training should occur to prevent oxygen wastage. Contribution: This study highlighted poor oxygen practices and prescriptions, as well as oxygen wastage in the absence of local oxygen therapy guidelines.

Background: The evaluation of wastage of blood products represents an important element in the appropriate use of blood components, a critical control point in the system of blood administration. Discarding or wastage of blood can be attributed to several reasons namely time expiry, wasted import, non-usage of ordered blood, broken bags and seal with leakage, hemolytic reasons, clotted blood, returned after 30 min, and miscellaneous others. Wasting of blood and blood components are an inefficient use of resources and may be avoided. The present study was undertaken with aim of primarily to determine the frequency of blood products wasting and secondarily to determine the factors that affect blood products wastage at our institute. Methods: The present study is a retrospective cross sectional descriptive study conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital located in South Delhi catering to low socioeconomic population. Blood component wastage was defined as components that did not meet the required standards of hospitals or fractionation centres during collection, processing and storage. The main reasons included expiry date, inappropriate volume, haemolysis of red blood cells (RBCs), contamination of plasma or platelets with RBCs, blood bag leakage, reactive infectious disease tests and inappropriate temperature during storage or transportation. The required data from clinical units and blood bank were collected and analyzed for a period of 7 years. Results: A total of 13728 blood units were received during the specified period. Overall wasted factor was of 18.5% with maximum wastage of platelet concentrate units (53.7%). Analyzing the causes of blood and blood product wastage in the hospital for this study showed that blood and blood product wastage were associated with many causes of which the common causes, included the expiration of the usability period (69.2%), sero-reactivity for infectious diseases (13.7%) and Quality Control units (9.2%). Conclusion: Blood is an irreplaceable precious resource which needs to be properly utilized with minimal wastage. Although present study was limited due to its retrospective nature but it still outlines the importance to emphasize that measures should be taken into account for formulating guidelines, effective policies, and training efforts for personnel.

Abstract Background Irrational household storage of medicines is a world-wide problem, which triggers medicine wastage as well as its associated harms. This study aimed to include all available evidences from literature to perform a focused examination of the prevalence and factors associated with medicine storage and wastage among urban households. This systematic review and meta-analysis mapped the existing literature on the burden, outcomes, and affective socio-economic factors of medicine storage among urban households. In addition, this study estimated pooled effect sizes for storage and wastage rates. Methods Household surveys evaluating modality, size, costs, and affective factors of medicines storage at home were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, SCOPUS, ProQuest, and Google scholar databases in 2019. Random effect meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were used to pool effect sizes for medicine storage and wastage prevalence among different geographical regions. Results From the 2604 initial records, 20 studies were selected for systematic review and 16 articles were selected for meta-analysis. An overall pooled-prevalence of medicine storage and real wastage rate was 77 and 15%, respectively. In this regard, some significant differences were observed between geographical regions. Southwest Asia region had the highest storage and wastage rates. The most common classes of medicines found in households belonged to the Infective agents for systemic (17.4%) and the Nervous system (16.4%). Moreover, income, education, age, the presence of chronic illness, female gender, and insurance coverage were found to be associated with higher home storage. The most commonly used method of disposal was throwing them in the garbage. Conclusions Factors beyond medical needs were also found to be associated with medicine storage, which urges effective strategies in the supply and demand side of the medicine consumption chain. The first necessary step to mitigate home storage is establishing an adequate legislation and strict enforcement of regulations on dispensing, prescription, and marketing of medicines. Patient’s pressure on excessive prescription, irrational storage, and use of medicines deserve efficient community-centered programs, in order to increase awareness on these issues. So, hazardous consequences of inappropriate disposal should be mitigated by different take back programs, particularly in low and middle income countries.

This paper attempts to identify the impact of food wastage on economic growth using the data for 165 countries over the 2014–2018 period. With the help of ordinary least squares (OLS) and generalized linear model (GLM), the study shows that food wastage and poverty impact GDP growth negatively. Poverty and food wastage are positively related. Reducing food wastage can lead to poverty reduction, stimulating GDP growth. Measures are required to reduce food wastage, especially in middle‐income countries with a high undernourishment rate. Food wastage reflects poor regulatory capacity, and strengthening the institutional quality can also reduce the wastage of food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To ensure safe red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practice, it is important to comply with storage and transport requirements of RBC units. We conducted a comprehensive survey on the practice of RBC transport and storage to explore the awareness of and compliance with the 30-minute rule, the current status of RBC unit transport, and possible utility of temperature indicators (TIs) to reduce RBC wastage. Methods: From June to August of 2019, 64 blood bank physicians (14 questions) in 64 secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals and 673 nurses (13 questions) in 42 tertiary-care hospitals replied to a questionnaire survey. The results of the survey were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: Among the physicians surveyed, 97.0% (N=62) of hospitals had transfusion guidelines in place. The RBC wastage in 2018 ranged from less than five units to more than 200 units. Among the nurses surveyed, 99.4% (N=669) were aware of and complied with the 30-minute rule; 13.5% (N=91) of the nurses had experience of RBC wastage due to violation of the 30-minute rule. Both physicians (67%, N=43) and nurses (83.1%, N=559) responded that TIs would help reduce RBC wastage. Conclusions: This is the first survey on the practices related to RBC transport and storage in Korea. This study provides fundamental data on current practice for the blood cold chain, insights into RBC wastage, and highlights the utility of TIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The evaluation of wastage of blood products represents an important element in the appropriate use of blood components, a critical control point in the system of blood administration. Discarding or wastage of blood can be attributed to several reasons namely time expiry, wasted import, non-usage of ordered blood, broken bags and seal with leakage, hemolytic reasons, clotted blood, returned after 30 min, and miscellaneous others. Wasting of blood and blood components are an inefficient use of resources and may be avoided. The present study was undertaken with aim of primarily to determine the frequency of blood products wasting and secondarily to determine the factors that affect blood products wastage at our institute. Methods: The present study is a retrospective cross sectional descriptive study conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital located in South Delhi catering to low socioeconomic population. Blood component wastage was defined as components that did not meet the required standards of hospitals or fractionation centres during collection, processing and storage. The main reasons included expiry date, inappropriate volume, haemolysis of red blood cells (RBCs), contamination of plasma or platelets with RBCs, blood bag leakage, reactive infectious disease tests and inappropriate temperature during storage or transportation. The required data from clinical units and blood bank were collected and analyzed for a period of 7 years. Results: A total of 13728 blood units were received during the specified period. Overall wasted factor was of 18.5% with maximum wastage of platelet concentrate units (53.7%). Analyzing the causes of blood and blood product wastage in the hospital for this study showed that blood and blood product wastage were associated with many causes of which the common causes, included the expiration of the usability period (69.2%), seroreactivity for infectious diseases (13.7%) and Quality Control units (9.2%). Conclusion: Blood is an irreplaceable precious resource which needs to be properly utilized with minimal wastage. Although present study was limited due to its retrospective nature but it still outlines the importance to emphasize that measures should be taken into account for formulating guidelines, effective policies, and training efforts for personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]