An integrated lean and ISO 14001 framework for environmental performance: an assessment of New Zealand meat industry

The aim of this paper is to explore the implementation of an integrated lean and ISO 14001 approach in meat industry for environmental performance and examine a proposed conceptual framework by capturing insights from lean and ISO 14001 experts in New Zealand (NZ). Semi-structured interviews have been conducted with a group of consultants (lean and ISO 14001) to evaluate the suitability of an integrated lean and ISO 14001 approach in the meat industry for environmental performance. A conceptual framework from literature has guided this study leading to its further development based on the empirical evidence collected. Findings have illustrated a synergistic positive impact of lean and ISO 14001 implementation as an integrated approach for sustaining environmental performance in the meat industry. A joint implementation programme provides more clarity in aligning ISO 14001 operational procedures with lean tools and techniques for an enhanced environmental performance outcome. The application of an integrated lean and ISO 14001 framework is proposed in this paper, which can help industry practitioners and academia in developing a joint implementation strategy and conducting future research. To the best of author’s knowledge, this study is the first to assess the effective implementation of lean and ISO 14001 as an integrated approach in the New Zealand meat industry.Publishe

Protocol for the cultural adaptation of pulmonary rehabilitation and subsequent testing in a randomised controlled feasibility trial for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Sri Lanka

Introduction: International guidelines recommend pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) should be offered to adults living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but PR availability is limited in Sri Lanka. Culturally appropriate PR needs to be designed and implemented in Sri Lanka. The study aims to adapt PR to the Sri Lankan context and determine the feasibility of conducting a future trial of the adapted PR in Sri Lanka. Methods and analysis: Eligible participants will be identified and will be invited to take part in the randomised controlled feasibility trial, which will be conducted in Central Chest Clinic, Colombo, Sri Lanka. A total of 50 participants will be recruited (anticipated from April 2021) to the trial and randomised (1:1) into one of two groups; control group receiving usual care or the intervention group receiving adapted PR. The trial intervention is a Sri Lankan-specific PR programme, which will consist of 12 sessions of exercise and health education, delivered over 6 weeks. Focus groups with adults living with COPD, caregivers and nurses and in-depth interviews with doctors and physiotherapist will be conducted to inform the Sri Lankan specific PR adaptations. After completion of PR, routine measures in both groups will be assessed by a blinded assessor. The primary outcome measure is feasibility, including assessing eligibility, uptake and completion. Qualitative evaluation of the trial using focus groups with participants and in-depth interviews with PR deliverers will be conducted to further determine feasibility and acceptability of PR, as well as the ability to run a larger future trial. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics review committee of Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka and University of Leicester, UK. The results of the trial will be disseminated through patient and public involvement events, local and international conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number ISRCTN1336773

Optimization of L�ser Scribing for Thin-Film PV Modules

Summary This report covers the first year of a two-year project to investigate the use of four different types of lasers for scribing of materials used for polycrystalline thin-film photovoltaics. The materials under investigation include semiconductors (cadmium telluride and copper indium gallium diselenide), transparent conducting oxides (fluorine-doped tin oxide and aluminum-doped zinc oxide), and a metal (molybdenum). The laser systems are all commerc ially available and were chosen for the range of pulse durations and wavelengths available. We used a continuous krypton-lamp-pumped, Q-switched Nd: Y AG laser with a wavelength of A.=532 nm, a flashlamp pwnped-Nd:YAG laser (A.=532 or 1064 nm), a copper-vapor laser (A.=511 and 578 nm), and an XeCl-excimer laser (A.=308 nm). In addition to the diff erent wavelengths, these systems were chosen for the range of pulse durations available. The pulse durations range from 100-600 nsec for the cw/Q-switched Y AG, 55 nsec for the Cu-vapor, 20 nsec for the excimer, to 10 nsec for the flashlamp-pumped, Q-switched Y AG. The laser systems and beam focussing options are being evaluated from the point of view of the efficiency of pulse energy utilizati on, potential for high scribing velocity, and scribe quality (e.g., electrical isolation, narr ow scribe width, small heat-affected zone, and minimum ejecta rim at the scribe edge)

Optimization of laser scribing for thin-film PV modules. Annual technical progress report, 12 April 1995--11 April 1996

One of the most important aspects in moving from the cell level to the integrated module level in thin-film photovoltaics is to achieve reliable and reproducible cell interconnects having low series resistance and high shunt resistance, and to do this with a minimum of dead area between cells. It is known that mechanical scribing often produces considerable damage (e.g., film tearing) surrounding the scribe. Laser scribing has shown the potential for superior scribe widths and profiles for many of the materials involved with thin-film PV. However, problems arc also known to occur with a heat-affected zone around the scribe, and for some materials and some focus conditions high positive ridges or collars are left along the scribe line. The commercially-available scribing systems have been optimized typically for other applications and other materials such as scribing of crystalline Si. Optimum operation for thin-film PV materials has been investigated by several PV manufacturers but there has been limited discussion of problems or of optimum parameters in the open literature. Furthermore, to our knowledge, there has been little investigation of the applicability, for thin-film PV, of laser systems other than the traditional cw lamp-pumped, Q-switched Nd:YAG

The Application of Machine Learning to Consolidate Critical Success Factors of Lean Six Sigma

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Combat High: America’s Addiction to War

In March, Harper’s Magazine convened a panel of former soldiers at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. The participants, almost all of whom saw combat in Iraq or Afghanistan, were asked to reflect on the country’s involvement in the Middle East. This Forum is based on that panel, which was held before an audience of cadets and officers, and on a private discussion that followed