An experienced senior administrator with a career in chemical facility operations and management that spans approximately 35 years, Donald "Don" Lee Pferdehirt currently serves as president of his own consulting company, ChemOps Insights, in Spring, TX. One of Don Pferdehirt’s areas of expertise is Total Productive Manufacturing.
An approach that furthers the general goals of lean manufacturing methodology, Total Productive Manufacturing (TPM) promotes a strong relationship between maintenance and operations at any given company. By aligning the standards and objectives between these two areas, TPM has proven to be successful at eliminating equipment breakdowns and keeping manufacturing lines working continuously and at a rapid pace. By streamlining changeovers (i.e., alterations, cleaning, and other processes of change on the production line) and reducing stoppage, TPM operates under the fundamental premise that all factory equipment should be able to run seven days per week and 24 hours per day. TPM also works to reduce manufacturing defects and promote a safe working environment.
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Formerly serving as head of technical support for operations at Bayer Corporation, Donald Lee "Don" Pferdehirt brings more than three decades of chemical engineering experience to his role as president of the Spring, TX-based consultancy firm ChemOps Insights, LLC. Outside of his professional pursuits, Don Pferdehirt is a supporter of the Lupus Foundation of Pittsburgh. There are four different types of Lupus, the most common of which is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This variation of the disease affects the B cells of a person's immune system and causes them to produce antibodies that react negatively against their own tissues. Common SLE symptoms include fatigue, skin rashes, joint pain, and kidney problems. While there is no cure for the autoimmune disease, researchers at Emory University School of Medicine recently discovered patterns of gene activity that might serve as a precursor to the development of SLE. The study, published in Nature Immunology, involved blood samples from 21 women, nine of which had been previously diagnosed with SLE. In examining the DNA of their B cells, researchers noticed signals of activation in "resting naïve" B cells are being stimulated via receptor pathways. This discovery should support efforts to develop new therapeutic interventions. A chemical engineer based in Spring, TX, Don Pferdehirt earned degrees from Pennsylvania State University and the University of Houston. Donald Lee Pferdehirt draws on over three decades of experience as the president of ChemOps Insights LLC. The consulting firm specializes in helping companies design, staff, and operate chemical facilities. Aside from his professional endeavors, Don Pferdehirt enjoys the theater.
War Horse is one of many significant plays introduced in the 21st century. Adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s novel by playwright Nick Stafford, War Horse explores the relationship between animals and humans against the backdrop of World War I. The play opened to significant acclaim at the UK’s National Theatre in 2007 and has since been produced in 11 countries. The play centers around Joey, a horse that was requisitioned by the British army to serve in the calvary during World War I. Much beloved by his owner Alfred, Joey is thrust into circumstances that include being captured by Germans and a devastating period of loneliness while trapped in no man’s land. Though officially too young to enlist in the army, Alfred becomes a soldier with a personal mission to find Joey. Imaginative and inventive, War Horse allows the personality of the animals to shine. Though they don’t have an official voice, the horses become the main characters of the play as they effectively communicate emotions such as curiosity, contentment, and fear. This is made possible by talented puppeteers who operate intricate puppets developed by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company. The life size puppets, made of cane, gauze, and wire, feature glass eyes that seem to come to life under the lights of the stage. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, a special performance of War Horse was presented to an audience of servicemen and veterans at the National Theater. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University and the University of Houston, Don Pferdehirt applies over 33 years of experience as a chemical engineer in his role as president of ChemOps Insights LLC in Spring, TX. ChemOps Insights LLC is a consulting firm that assists clients in the development, design, and operational aspects of chemical facilities. In addition to his professional pursuits, Don (Donald Lee) Pferdehirt has offered support to the Lupus Foundation of Pittsburgh. Over five million people suffer from lupus worldwide, with 16,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the US. The chronic autoimmune disease causes joint pain and fatigue and can affect multiple areas of the body including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. Lupus results when a person’s immune system becomes overactive, attacking healthy tissues. While there is no cure for lupus, a rheumatologist will help patients develop an individualized treatment plan that will help them manage their symptoms. The plan will take into consideration a person’s age, symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health. Depending on which systems have been affected by the disease, additional specialists may need to be consulted. Embracing a healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition and regular exercise can help lessen the symptoms of lupus. Most lupus patients also need to take medications to manage their symptoms. Some of the medications they may be prescribed include: -Anti-inflammatories and over the counter pain relief can ease a patient’s pain and reduce some swelling. -Corticosteroids are prescribed to relieve significant swelling. -Antimalarials are used to enable smaller dosages of other medications. They are also prescribed to treat skin rashes, mouth ulcers, and joint pain. -Anticoagulants help to prevent blood clots that can be common with lupus. -Monoclonal antibodies, the first treatment developed specifically to treat lupus, disrupt the activation of B lymphocytes by interfering with BLyS, a protein required for B cell activity. -A repository corticotropin injection is thought to help the body produce steroid hormones which can support healthy immune system function. Based in Spring, TX, Donald Lee “Don” Pferdehirt is a respected leader who has worked in the chemical process sector for more than two decades and now serves clients as a consultant in the field. Outside of his professional life, Don Pferdehirt is a longtime supporter of the Lupus Foundation of Pittsburgh and its work as part of a larger collaborative effort with the Lupus Foundation of America to help those with the disease.
In February 2019, the Lupus Foundation of America unveiled a new partnership with life science company Exagen to increase awareness about major advances in laboratory testing that can lead to a timely diagnosis of Lupus - a key element of effectively treating the disease. Exagen has developed several laboratory tests that give health care providers comprehensive analyses of the key biomarkers in patients who may have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in conjunction with its own algorithm that can predict how likely it is that SLE is actually present in these patients. Accuracy of the test is greater than 80 percent. LFA and Exagen say they will work together to make sure that patients and medical providers are educated about the specific benefits of these tests. In his comments, LFA president and CEO Stevan W. Gibson says the main goal of the partnership is to cut down on the time it takes to get an accurate diagnosis, which in turn will lead to better patient outcomes Donald “Don” Pferdehirt, president of ChemOps Insights, LLC, in Spring, TX, likes to run during his free time. Runners like Don Lee Pferdehirt must work to increase their stamina, as well as their speed. Building stamina, whether it's to tackle longer distances or to have an easier time with the runs one already participates in, takes time and effort. It requires a commitment to running, and these tips will help ensure that this dedication leads to results. 1. Keep training consistent. Consistency helps runners improve their stamina. They should don their shoes and stay active for at least 30 minutes three or four times a week, if not more often. One session should be significantly longer than the others, which will challenge the body to develop more overall stamina. 2. Engage in tempo runs. Tempo runs, in which a runner chooses a shorter distance but a higher-than-normal pace, help reduce fatigue. These teach the body how to clear lactic acid more quickly, enabling muscles to remain active longer. 3. Use proteins and carbohydrates for recovery. All runs need a good recovery. Either a meal or a snack including both carbohydrates and protein should follow within 30 minutes of a run. Donald “Don” Pferdehirt, a resident of Spring, TX, serves as the president of the consulting firm ChemOps Insights, LLC. Donald Lee Pferdehirt likes to learn new languages during his free time. Learners like Don Pferdehirt can pick up a new language faster using the following tips.
Incorporate lessons into everyday life Keeping lessons relevant in day-to-day life helps accelerate the process. Talking to others, whether a partner who's also picking up the language or fluent speakers, can ground the process in the real world. While learning goes fastest when the student is entirely immersed in the language, even going to a public place where it is spoken can speed things up. Make it fun and avoid focusing on perfection Proficiency can also improve when people avoid taking the learning process too seriously. Activities like writing comic strips and recording songs can keep them engaged. Similarly, a willingness to make mistakes, rather than getting everything right immediately, makes the experience less stressful and more efficient. Listen to native speakers In languages which use different phonemes from one's native tongue, listening to others speak and even watching them can help. Some unusual sounds can be easier to pick up and use once one sees the process of making them with the lips, teeth, tongue, and throat. Those without access to a native speaker can try viewing films and television as a supplement. As president of ChemOps Insights, LLC, in Spring, TX, Donald ”Don” Lee Pferdehirt specializes in providing expert-level insight to clients on operations and personnel matters for chemical facilities. Don Pferdehirt is also a longtime supporter of the American Heart Association (AHA). According to a recent report from the AHA, about half of all American adults suffer from cardiovascular disease. In light of these figures, the organization recently issued new guidelines for the treatment of high blood pressure, which can lead to serious issues like heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Researchers and heart professionals note that some blood pressure levels that were once considered healthy have been shown to be connected to worse outcomes for patients, highlighting the importance of early intervention. Today, high blood pressure is defined as 130/80, compared to the old definition of 140/90. While the guidelines represent progress in cardiovascular health, cardiologists say emphasizing healthy heart habits is still the number one priority. Eating healthy, getting regular exercise, keeping off extra weight, and avoiding smoking are some of the most common habits that lead to better cardiovascular outcomes. As president of ChemOps Insights, Donald (Don) Lee Pferdehirt leverages over 30 years of experience as an operator of chemical facilities to advise clients through his Spring, TX-based consultancy. An avid runner in his free time, Don Pferdehirt lives in a region that is home to a number of great places to enjoy a run. The best of these include: Hermann Park This 445-acre park in the center of Houston gives runners the option of sticking to a two-mile jogging trail or taking a detour to explore the park’s hidden scenery. For those looking to extend their workouts, Hermann Park connects with Brays Bayou Greenway, a 31-mile, naturally formed park that stretches to the Houston Ship Channel. Rice University Loop Located across the street from Hermann Park, the Rice Loop takes runners on a 2.92-mile tour through historic Rice University. Flat and largely shaded, the loop offers views of the prestigious institution’s stunning architecture and public art displays. Buffalo Bayou Park The numerous trails throughout this 160-acre urban park allow runners the opportunity to consistently vary their routes. What’s more, Buffalo Bayou Park’s ample natural and man-made scenery, which ranges from lush woodlands to the Houston skyline, makes for a visually pleasing workout. Donald ”Don” Lee Pferdehirt advises clients on designing, staffing, and operating chemical facilities in his capacity as president of the Spring, TX consulting firm ChemOps Insights, LLC. Charitably active in his free time, Don Pferdehirt supports such medical nonprofits as the American Heart Association. A new study co-funded by the American Heart Association has found that income volatility may be associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. Published in early 2019 in the journal Circulation, the study saw researchers collect data on nearly 4,000 young adults residing in four diverse US cities. These young adults, all of whom were between 23 and 35 years old at the beginning of the study, were followed from 1990 to 2005. The results showed that participants whose income significantly decreased at least twice in the 15-year period not only had approximately double the chance of developing cardiovascular disease, but also approximately double the chance of prematurely dying. While the study was not designed to determine cause and effect, the results nonetheless point to income volatility as a threat to public health. |
AuthorEngineer and Manager Don Pferdehirt. Archives
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