Process Mining for Six Sigma

Process mining offers a set of techniques for gaining data-based insights into business processes from event logs. The literature acknowledges the potential benefits of using process mining techniques in Six Sigma-based process improvement initiatives. However, a guideline that is explicitly dedicated on how process mining can be systematically used in Six Sigma initiatives is lacking. To address this gap, the Process Mining for Six Sigma (PMSS) guideline has been developed to support organizations in systematically using process mining techniques aligned with the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) model of Six Sigma. Following a design science research methodology, PMSS and its tool support have been developed iteratively in close collaboration with experts in Six Sigma and process mining, and evaluated by means of focus groups, demonstrations and interviews with industry experts. The results of the evaluations indicate that PMSS is useful as a guideline to support Six Sigma-based process improvement activities. It offers a structured guideline for practitioners by extending the DMAIC-based standard operating procedure. PMSS can help increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of Six Sigma-based process improving efforts. This work extends the body of knowledge in the fields of process mining and Six Sigma, and helps closing the gap between them. Hence, it contributes to the broad field of quality management

Marine Biodiversity in the Caribbean: Regional Estimates and Distribution Patterns

This paper provides an analysis of the distribution patterns of marine biodiversity and summarizes the major activities of the Census of Marine Life program in the Caribbean region. The coastal Caribbean region is a large marine ecosystem (LME) characterized by coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses, but including other environments, such as sandy beaches and rocky shores. These tropical ecosystems incorporate a high diversity of associated flora and fauna, and the nations that border the Caribbean collectively encompass a major global marine biodiversity hot spot. We analyze the state of knowledge of marine biodiversity based on the geographic distribution of georeferenced species records and regional taxonomic lists. A total of 12,046 marine species are reported in this paper for the Caribbean region. These include representatives from 31 animal phyla, two plant phyla, one group of Chromista, and three groups of Protoctista. Sampling effort has been greatest in shallow, nearshore waters, where there is relatively good coverage of species records; offshore and deep environments have been less studied. Additionally, we found that the currently accepted classification of marine ecoregions of the Caribbean did not apply for the benthic distributions of five relatively well known taxonomic groups. Coastal species richness tends to concentrate along the Antillean arc (Cuba to the southernmost Antilles) and the northern coast of South America (Venezuela – Colombia), while no pattern can be observed in the deep sea with the available data. Several factors make it impossible to determine the extent to which these distribution patterns accurately reflect the true situation for marine biodiversity in general: (1) highly localized concentrations of collecting effort and a lack of collecting in many areas and ecosystems, (2) high variability among collecting methods, (3) limited taxonomic expertise for many groups, and (4) differing levels of activity in the study of different taxa

Modulation of lung inflammation in the control of bovine respiratory disease

peer reviewedThe purpose of this paper is to review the potential strategies which could improve the treatment of respiratory disorders in general and the modulation of lung inflammation in particular. Possible preventive treatments will not be discussed in this review

Physiology, pathophysiology of Platelet-Activating Factor and therapeutic properties of antogonists

Le facteur d'activation plaquettaire (PAF) est un phospholipide dérivé de l'acide arachidonique dont la particularité est d'activer l'agrégation et la dégranulation des plaquettes. Le PAF est également un puissant médiateur de l'inflammation sécrété par de multiples cellules. Il est capable de moduler et d'amplifier la cascade de l'inflammation. Ce travail de synthèse expose dans sa première partie, le processus de biosynthèse du PAF ainsi que le rôle qu'il joue dans le rétrocontrôle ou l'amplification de la cascade de l'inflammation. Dans la seconde partie, l'accent est mis sur la physiopathologie du PAF et cela plus particulièrement pour les systèmes respiratoire et cardiovasculaire. Enfin, les antagonistes du PAF les plus couramment utilisés sont repris dans un tableau où figurent l'espèce étudiée ainsi que les améliorations cliniques obtenues

Effect of platelet-activating factor on bovine pulmonary function

The objectives of this study were to determine whether the infusion of platelet-activating factor would modify bovine pulmonary function, heart rate and platelet count and whether any such modifications could be antagonised by the prior intravenous injection of a specific antagonist (WEB 2086). In saline-pretreated calves, the respiratory rate, total lung resistance (RL) and maximal changes in transpulmonary pressure (delta Ptp) were significantly increased whereas lung dynamic compliance (CLdyn), tidal volume (VT), platelet count and heart rate were significantly decreased. The changes in RL, CLdyn, VT and delta Ptp were abolished by pretreatment with WEB 2086, whereas respiratory rate remained significantly increased to 125 per cent of the baseline value, but less than in the saline-pretreated calves in which it was 250 per cent of the baseline value

Role of the cholinergic pathway in mediating platelet-Activating factor-induced pulmonary dysfunctions in unsedated calves

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible role of the cholinergic pathway in mediating platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced pulmonary dysfunctions in unsedated calves. In a placebo group, PAF infusion challenge induced significant dysfunctions in the pattern of breathing [a significant increase in respiratory rate (RR) and a significant decrease in tidal volume (VT)], the mechanics of breathing [a significant increase in total lung resistance (RL) and a significant decrease in dynamic lung compliance (CLdyn)] and gas exchange, whereas in atropine pre-treated calves, PAF infusion challenge induced a significant increase in RR, VT and HR and a significant decrease in CLdyn. The RL increase was prevented by atropine pre-treatment. On the basis of our findings, we suggest that, in cattle, the PAF-induced pattern of breathing dysfunctions and the diffuse bronchoconstriction and microvascular leakage of small airways are not mediated through the cholinergic pathway. By contrast, our data suggest that PAF-induced bronchoconstriction of upper airways is at least partly mediated through muscarinic receptors

Preliminary classification of the bovine respiratory complex into different levels of severity

Despite prophylactic measures, mainly including vaccination programs and management measures, respiratory disease remains the major cause of economic losses in the bovine species. Choice of treatment is currently mainly based on the clinicians' personal experience. A theoretical method has been proposed earlier to classify this syndrome into four grades of severity : Grade 1, subclinical disease (no treatment); Grade 2, compensated clinical disease (antibiotics only); Grade 3, noncompensated clinical disease (antibiotics + anti inflammatory drugs); and Grade 4, irreversible clinical disease (no treatment). In order to realize this theoretical classification under field conditions, three techniques, each one evaluating the oxygen transport chain at a différent level, have been studied and validated, i.e. pulse oximetry, lactate dosage and the lobeline test. Afterwards, measurements were performed on calves suffering from acute respiratory disease and a preliminary classification was established. This novel approach could orientate and economize therapeutic strategies in bovine respiratory disease

Ketoprofen and Phenylbutazone Attenuation of PAF-Induced Lung Inflammation in Calves

peer reviewedThe purposes of this study were: (1) to investigate which arachidonic acid metabolites contributed to platelet-activating factor (PAF) induced pulmonary dysfunction; and (2) to compare the effect of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, phenylbutazone and ketoprofen in a model of PAF-induced reversible lung inflammation in six calves. In placebo and phenylbutazone groups, PAF infusion induced significant dysfunctions in the pattern of breathing, mechanics of breathing and gas exchange. These dysfunctions were prevented by ketoprofen pretreatment, except for the mechanics of breathing which was moderately but significantly altered by the PAF challenge. In all calves, leukotriene (LT) B4 plasma concentrations did not significantly increase above baseline values at any time. Prostaglandin (PG) E2 plasma concentrations showed a minor significant increase in phenylbutazone pretreated calves (55.8 +/- 25.8 pg/mL from 36.7 +/- 16.13 pg/mL). Thromboxane (TX) B2 plasma concentration was significantly increased during PAF challenge in placebo- and phenylbutazone-pretreated groups, but not in ketoprofen-pretreated calves (1580.0 +/- 1370 from 42.7 +/- 10.7 pg/mL; 2340 +/- 477 from 63 +/- 32 pg/mL; and 36.5 +/- 4.12 from 39.3 +/- 12.0 pg/mL, respectively). These data suggest that TXA2 is an important cyclooxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid produced in response to PAF and that ketoprofen (intramuscular injection, 3 mg/kg) is more effective than phenylbutazone (intramuscular injection, 10 mg/kg) in preventing respiratory dysfunctions induced by the PAF challenge 30 min after drug administration. Ketoprofen did not suppress totally the PAF-induced changes in mechanics of breathing, which suggests that PAF or a secondary release of mediators could have a direct action on airway smooth muscle