Impact of Early Infestation of Two-Spotted Spider Mites (Tetranychus urticae) on Cotton Growth and Yield

Two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836) are pests of vegetables, ornamentals, and row crops around the world. Two-spotted spider mites have become an important long-season pests of cotton, causing injury to cotton from an early vegetative stage. In the past eight years, Arkansas cotton acreage treated for spider mites has more than doubled and most of the increase has been attributed to early season infestations. Yield losses of up to 30% have been observed in other studies where spider mite infestation started at third true leaf. Because of the apparent change in this pest\u27s population dynamics, particularly at early stages of crop development, the objective of the present study was to understand the impact of two spotted spider mites on cotton growth and yield. This project focuses on the impact of the timing and duration of infestations. Cotton plots were artificially infested at fourth, sixth true leaf in 2012, and at cotyledon and fourth true leaf during 2013. Both years included three infestation durations (short, medium, and long) at each infestation time. Two-spotted spider mites remaining on cotton at damaging densities for two weeks or more regardless of infestation time, caused significant yield loss. However, spider mites did not cause significant yield loss when environmental conditions did not favor spider mite development for extended periods

Business consulting para mejorar el nivel de servicio en Compañía Nacional de Chocolates de Perú SA

Compañía Nacional de Chocolates de Perú SA (CNCH), anteriormente Winter´s, es una empresa que cuenta con 39 años de historia en el mercado peruano. Su modelo de negocio persigue la creciente generación de valor basado en calidad, servicio y precio; de aquí se despliega la estrategia de operaciones y cadena de suministros. La gerencia de operaciones congruente con el interés corporativo de desarrollar la mejora continua en los procesos ha ido experimentando cambios importantes durante los últimos años con el objetivo de crear valor dentro de la organización, y es así como en el 2020 se implementa la metodología S&OP y en paralelo Demand Driven MRP modelo operacional. Estas implementaciones han fortalecido el abastecimiento oportuno de insumos para la producción, además, de estar alineadas a las necesidades del mercado. A la fecha CNCH ha ejecutado proyectos enfocados en mejorar la experiencia del consumidor e identificar productos con mayor rentabilidad. Pese a las grandes mejoras logradas se evidencia un nivel de servicio bajo del 95.91%, ocasionado principalmente por la imprecisión en la demanda del 37%; este trabajo plantea llevar a otro nivel el proceso de implementación de la metodología Demand Driven. Actualmente CNCH se encuentra en la etapa dos, que es el nivel operativo del Demand Driven; se requiere llevarlo a la etapa tres Demand Driven Adaptative Enterprise; que permitirá generar flujo en entornos BANI. Para lograr este objetivo se plantean las siguientes iniciativas (a) formación del equipo de trabajo Demand Driven S&OP (DDS&OP), (b) Generación del buffer de habilidades, (c) definir los rangos relevantes, (d) definición de los elementos de DDS&OP, (e) definición de los medidores tácticos, y (f) tecnología de la información. Lograr la implementación de la etapa tres del Demand Driven supone resultados favorables para la compañía tales como mejora del nivel de servicio del 95.91% al 97% y precisión de la demanda del 37% al 45%, representando un ahorro de S/ 482,986.National Chocolate Company of Peru SA (CNCH), formerly Winter's, is a company with 39 years of history in the Peruvian market. Their business model aims to achieve increasing value generation based on quality, service, and price, which drives their operations strategy and supply chain. Operations management has undergone significant changes in recent years that are consistent with the corporate interest in developing continuous improvement in processes. As a result, the S&OP methodology and Demand Driven MRP operational model were implemented in parallel in 2020. These innovations have improved the timely supply of industrial inputs while also being in line with consumer demands. Up to this point, CNCH has carried out initiatives aimed at enhancing the customer experience and locating goods with higher profitability. Despite the significant progress achieved, a low service level of 95.91% is still noticeable, primarily due to the demand's 37% imprecision. This study proposes to advance the Demand Driven methodology's implementation process. The Demand Driven enterprise is currently in stage two, which is the operational level. CNCH must advance to stage three, Demand Driven adaptive enterprise, which will enable flow generation in BANI environments. The creation of the Demand Driven S&OP (DDS&OP) work team, the generation of the skills buffer, the definition of the pertinent ranges, the definition of the DDS&OP elements, the definition of tactical gauges, and the use of information technology are all suggested as initiatives to accomplish this goal. Reaching stage three of Demand Driven implementation is expected to produce positive outcomes for the business, such as an increase in service level from 95.91% to 97% and accuracy of the demand from 37% to 45%, which translates to a savings of S/ 482,986

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to <90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], >300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

Dos decenios de actividad universitaria en economía social, cooperativismo y emprendimiento desde el Instituto Universitario IUDESCOOP

Durante las últimas dos décadas, el Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Economía Social, Emprendimiento y Cooperativismo IUDESCOOP ha desarrollado una intensa actividad de promoción y avance de los modelos económicos que fomentan la igualdad social, la democracia, la solidaridad y la sostenibilidad. Fundado con unos valores y una visión clara, este centro ha cultivado un ambiente propicio para la investigación y la enseñanza en el ámbito de las cooperativas y la economía social. El IUDESCOOP, gracias a la implicación de las más de treinta personas que lo han impulsado, ha logrado consolidarse como un referente en la investigación sobre estas áreas cruciales, generando conocimientos relevantes que han influido en políticas públicas, legislaciones y estrategias empresariales orientadas hacia un enfoque más humano y participativo. Además, su compromiso con la docencia ha sido continuo, formando a profesionales y líderes comprometidos con la promoción de modelos económicos más justos y centrados en las personas. También ha fomentado colaboraciones interdisciplinarias y establecido alianzas estratégicas con otras universidades e instituciones académicas, organizaciones gubernamentales y entidades del ámbito de la economía social, consolidando así un legado de impacto positivo en la sociedad. Tras una necesaria introducción que relata la trayectoria de esta institución universitaria, la presente obra contiene más de treinta contribuciones versadas sobre temas muy diversos pero de plena actualidad, realizadas por miembros del IUDESCOOP, por otros profesores tanto de la Universitat de València como de otras universidades, así como personas, expertas y activistas de la economía social, tanto del sector cooperativo y de la economía social como de las administraciones públicas, que han tejido fuertes vínculos con el proyecto del IUDESCOOP. Todos ellos presentan en común la vocación por generar conocimiento para un futuro con mayor prosperidad inclusiva y sostenible.S5428000 Generalitat ValencianaDuring the last two decades, the University Institute of Research in Social Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Cooperativism (IUDESCOOP) has engaged in an intense promotion and advancement of economic models that foster social equality, democracy, solidarity, and sustainability. Founded with clear values and vision, this center has nurtured an environment conducive to research and education in the field of cooperatives and social economy. Thanks to the dedication of over thirty individuals who have driven its mission, IUDESCOOP has established itself as a reference in research on these crucial areas, generating relevant knowledge that has influenced public policies, legislations, and business strategies oriented towards a more humane and participatory approach. Additionally, its commitment to education has been continuous, shaping professionals and leaders dedicated to promoting fairer economic models focused on people. It has also encouraged interdisciplinary collaborations and formed strategic alliances with other universities, academic institutions, government organizations, and entities in the social economy domain, thus solidifying a legacy of positive impact on society. Following a necessary introduction narrating the trajectory of this university institution, this work comprises over thirty contributions covering diverse and highly relevant topics. These contributions are authored by members of IUDESCOOP, other professors from both the University of Valencia and other universities, as well as experts and activists in the social economy sector, including cooperatives, social economy, and public administrations. They all share a common commitment to generating knowledge for a future characterized by greater inclusive and sustainable prosperit

Effect of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation in Diabetic Kidney Disease: Results From the CREDENCE Trial and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chronic kidney disease with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate or elevated albuminuria increases risk for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. This study assessed the effects of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on stroke and atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL) from CREDENCE (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes With Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation) and a meta-analysis of large cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) of SGLT2i in type 2 diabetes mellitus.METHODS: CREDENCE randomized 4401 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease to canagliflozin or placebo. Post hoc, we estimated effects on fatal or nonfatal stroke, stroke subtypes, and intermediate markers of stroke risk including AF/AFL. Stroke and AF/AFL data from 3 other completed large CVOTs and CREDENCE were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.RESULTS: In CREDENCE, 142 participants experienced a stroke during follow-up (10.9/1000 patient-years with canagliflozin, 14.2/1000 patient-years with placebo; hazard ratio [HR], 0.77 [95% CI, 0.55-1.08]). Effects by stroke subtypes were: ischemic (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.61-1.28]; n=111), hemorrhagic (HR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.19-1.32]; n=18), and undetermined (HR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.20-1.46]; n=17). There was no clear effect on AF/AFL (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.53-1.10]; n=115). The overall effects in the 4 CVOTs combined were: total stroke (HRpooled, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.82-1.12]), ischemic stroke (HRpooled, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.89-1.14]), hemorrhagic stroke (HRpooled, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.30-0.83]), undetermined stroke (HRpooled, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.49-1.51]), and AF/AFL (HRpooled, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.71-0.93]). There was evidence that SGLT2i effects on total stroke varied by baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (P=0.01), with protection in the lowest estimated glomerular filtration rate (<45 mL/min/1.73 m2]) subgroup (HRpooled, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.31-0.79]).CONCLUSIONS: Although we found no clear effect of SGLT2i on total stroke in CREDENCE or across trials combined, there was some evidence of benefit in preventing hemorrhagic stroke and AF/AFL, as well as total stroke for those with lowest estimated glomerular filtration rate. Future research should focus on confirming these data and exploring potential mechanisms. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02065791

Kidney and Cardiovascular Effects of Canagliflozin According to Age and Sex: A Post Hoc Analysis of the CREDENCE Randomized Clinical Trial

Rationale & Objective: It is unclear whether the effect of canagliflozin on adverse kidney and cardiovascular events in those with diabetic kid-ney disease varies by age and sex. We assessed the effects of canagliflozin among age group categories and between sexes in the Canagli-flozin and Renal Endpoints in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) study.Study Design: Secondary analysis of a random-ized controlled trial. Setting & Participants: Participants in the CREDENCE trial. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to receive canagliflozin 100 mg/d or placebo.Outcomes: Primary composite outcome of kid-ney failure, doubling of serum creatinine con-centration, or death due to kidney or cardiovascular disease. Prespecified secondary and safety outcomes were also analyzed. Out-comes were evaluated by age at baseline (<60, 60-69, and >_70 years) and sex in the intention-to-treat population using Cox regression models.Results: The mean age of the cohort was 63.0 & PLUSMN; 9.2 years, and 34% were female. Older age and female sex were independently associ-ated with a lower risk of the composite of adverse kidney outcomes. There was no evidence that the effect of canagliflozin on the primary outcome (acomposite of kidney failure, a doubling of serum creatinine concentration, or death from kidney or cardiovascular causes) differed between age groups (HRs, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.52-0.87], 0.63 [0.4 8-0.82], and 0.89 [0.61-1.29] for ages <60, 60-69, and >_70 years, respectively; P = 0.3 for interaction) or sexes (HRs, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.5 4-0.95] and 0.69 [0.56-0.8 4] in women and men, respectively; P = 0.8 for interaction). No differences in safety outcomes by age group or sex were observed.Limitations: This was a post hoc analysis with multiple comparisons.Conclusions: Canagliflozin consistently reduced the relative risk of kidney events in people with diabetic kidney disease in both sexes and across age subgroups. As a result of greater background risk, the absolute reduction in adverse kidney outcomes was greater in younger participants.Funding: This post hoc analysis of the CREDENCE trial was not funded. The CREDENCE study was sponsored by Janssen Research and Development and was conducted collaboratively by the sponsor, an academic-led steering committee, and an academic research organization, George Clinical.Trial Registration: The original CREDENCE trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with study number NCT02065791