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The current research examines how the knowledge that a product is made using a traditional method influences perceptions of its quality. We propose that consumers believe that a brand using traditional methods is beneficial for society because it is concerned about cultural preservation and this belief has a positive effect on perceived quality. Six experimental studies show that consumers evaluate products produced with a method described as traditional to be higher in quality than similar products that are not described as traditionally made and this effect is mediated by the belief that the brand is beneficial for society. Consistent with this theory, the positive effect of traditional production on perceived quality is attenuated when consumers view the brand to be unconcerned about cultural preservation, such as when the use of a traditional method is framed as a follower strategy (i.e. it imitates the actions of other brands) or when the brand is a multinational company. By showing that the mere mention of a traditional method can be another subtle way to position a brand as a moral actor, these findings contribute to the understanding of the link between perceived social responsibility and product evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the relation between internal audit function (IAF) quality and investment efficiency, a recurring value-added corporate activity critical to firm survival and profitability. We argue that an IAF, unlike other information intermediaries, is uniquely positioned to have access to firm-specific, private information—particularly related to localized, firm-specific risks. If a more competent IAF incrementally improves the information that is generated and communicated to management (while not participating directly in decision-making), we should observe more productive capital investment decisions from firms with higher quality IAFs relative to firms with lower quality IAFs. Through this enhanced information channel, we find that IAF quality is associated with investment efficiency. This result holds for both under- and overinvestment, although not in tests of all subsamples. We also document that this effect is more pronounced for firms with more complexity and for firms with greater investment opportunities. Our evidence indicates that IAF quality provides measurable and economically meaningful value to an organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an evaluation of the usability, functionality, and usefulness of the Warehouse Error Prevention (WEP) tool that consists of seven modules. The WEP tool is framed in a simple yes/no form, which can be used to identify human factors related to sources of pick errors in a warehouse. Thirty-three participants in 27 organisations from three different countries participated in a trial application and evaluation of the tool. The evaluation included a survey study and semi-structured interviews. Survey results show that participants agreed on the usability and functionality of the WEP tool. In the interviews, participants generally reported the WEP tool as being both accurate and functional with the potential to support engineers, ergonomists, and warehouse managers to improve order picking quality. Further quantitative field testing of the WEP tool's potential to identify costly warehouse errors is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study documented three domains of journal research quality using metrics from six major publishers and two major database services for a large sample of kinesiology-related journals: Rigor/soundness, usage, and prestige. All journal metrics were highly skewed and variable. Median acceptance rates and initial review time were consistent with rigorous peer-review. Four variables were strongly interrelated (0.849 < r < 0.963) and indicate typical usage of 1 to 3 citations for articles in these journals. The 5-year Eigenfactor Score had a relatively weaker association (0.510 < r < 0.758) with the usage metrics, supporting it as an estimate of the prestige afforded these kinesiology journals in Scopus instead of usage. Care must be taken to interpret multiple journal metrics; taking into account the skew, large variability, and confounding factors such as journal size and subject. Differences across quality domains, metrics, and bias from numerous contextual factors refute the insidious misuse of any single journal metric as quality indictor for ranking journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

U.S. equity exchanges have experienced a dramatic increase in competition from new entrants, resulting in the fragmentation of trading across venues. While market quality has generally improved over this period, we show most of the improvements have accrued to the largest stocks. We then show this bifurcation in market quality is related to the fragmentation of trading. Theoretically, more exchange competition should reduce trading costs, yet it may also increase adverse selection for liquidity providers, leading to higher spreads. We document evidence of both effects (fragmentation improves market quality for large stocks while small stocks experience relatively worse quality). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changing customer requirements and turbulent markets require suitably adapted capabilities to proactively cope with rapid changes. Agile manufacturing emerged in the late 1990s as a competitive concept to respond to these business challenges. While several seminal research works address agility in terms of concept definition, drivers and strategic capabilities, there is a lack of implementation frameworks of agile manufacturing. The current paper is concerned with the question of how to improve the agility of manufacturing companies. To address this question, a framework is iteratively developed with the aim of supporting decision makers in planning and implementing agility improvement projects. To this end, Design Science Research (DSR) methodology is used in conjunction with CIMO-logic (Context, Intervention, Mechanism, Outcome). The iterative development of the framework relies heavily on insights from case studies and from practitioners in the broad manufacturing sector. The paper provides evidence of the validity of the framework as well as outlining further research perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of slurry ice (SI) in physicochemical changes, water migration, myofibrillar protein characterisation, and extended shelf life during cold storage of pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus). SI provided faster cooling rate, better structural stability of muscle tissue, and a significant reduction in total viable count (TVC). In addition, the use of SI treatment resulted in a considerable reduction in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) and pH. The results of the texture profile analysis (TPA) demonstrated that SI had a significant inhibitory effect on the reduction of hardness, springiness, resilience, and chewiness. In addition, SI treatment better maintained a well‐structured myofibrillar protein stabilising the tertiary structure. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that SI treatment could retard the water migration. Furthermore, the results of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that SI treatment of pufferfish effectively slowed down the degradation of their myofibrillar protein fraction throughout the cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions As the US population ages, there is an increasing demand for home‐based primary care (HBPC) by those with Alzheimer's/dementia, multiple chronic conditions, severe physical limitations, or those facing end‐of life. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are increasingly providing HBPC, yet little is known about their quality of care in this unique setting.This observational study uses Medicare claims data from 2018 to assess the quality of care for high‐intensity HBPC users (5 or more visits/year) based on provider type (NP‐only, physician (MD)‐only, or both NP and MDs). We employ 12 quality measures from 3 care domains: access and prevention, acute care utilization, and end‐of‐life. Analysis includes bivariate comparisons and logistic regression models that adjust for demographic, clinical, and geographic characteristics.Among the 574,567 beneficiaries with 5 or more HBPC visits, 37% saw an NP, 37% saw a MD, and 27% saw both NPs and MDs. In multivariate models, those receiving HBPC from an NP or both NP‐MD are significantly more likely to receive a flu shot than the MD‐only group, but less likely to access preventive care. NP‐only care is associated with more acute care hospitalizations, avoidable ED visits, and fall‐related injuries, but significantly fewer avoidable admissions. For end‐of‐life care, those with NP‐only or both NP‐MD care are significantly more likely to have an advanced directive, be in hospice in the last 3 days of life, and more likely to die in hospice. The NP group is also more likely to die in the next year.HBPC patients are complex, with both palliative and curative needs. NPs provide almost half of HBPC in the Medicare program, to patients who are possibly sicker than those treated by physicians, with similar quality to MDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought poses a significant ecological threat that limits the production of crops worldwide. The objective of this study to examine the impact of soil applied biochar (BC) and peatmoss (PM) on the morpho-biochemical and quality traits of tobacco plants under drought conditions. In the present experiment work, a pot trial was conducted with two levels of drought severity (~ well-watered 75 ± 5% field capacity) and severe drought stress (~ 35 ± 5% field capacity), two levels of peatmoss (PM) @ 5% [PM+ (with peatmoss) and PM- (without peatmoss)] and three levels of rice straw biochar (BC0 = no biochar; BC1 = 150 mg kg− 1; and BC2 = 300 mg kg− 1 of soil) in tobacco plants. The results indicate that drought conditions significantly impacted the performance of tobacco plants. However, the combined approach of BC and PM significantly improved the growth, biomass, and total chlorophyll content (27.94%) and carotenoids (32.00%) of tobacco. This study further revealed that the drought conditions decreased the production of lipid peroxidation and proline accumulation. But the synergistic approach of BC and PM application increased soluble sugars (17.63 and 12.20%), soluble protein (31.16 and 15.88%), decreased the proline accumulation (13.92 and 9.03%), and MDA content (16.40 and 8.62%) under control and drought stressed conditions, respectively. Furthermore, the combined approach of BC and PM also improved the leaf potassium content (19.02%) by limiting the chloride ions (33.33%) under drought stressed conditions. Altogether, the balanced application of PM and BC has significant potential as an effective approach and sustainable method to increase the tolerance of tobacco plants subjected to drought conditions. This research uniquely highlights the combined potential of PM and BC as an eco-friendly strategy to enhance plant resilience under drought conditions, offering new insights into sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Chile, university administrators may appeal to a secondary agency to challenge the accreditation decisions of the primary national accreditation agency. The study analyzes the appeal judgments, using an empirical approach to identify arguments used by the secondary agency to justify its decisions. The analyses identify several factors, such as improvements since the last accreditation, faculty productivity, and financial standing, as the most relevant predictors of appeal success. The appellate agency, however, tends to emphasize the absence of deficiencies or weaknesses associated with these factors when it grants an appeal, sidestepping the primary agency’s criteria and standards for accreditation. Such an approach may be appropriate given the heterogeneous landscape of the Chilean higher education system, providing leeway to drive excellence in more selective institutions while maintaining some minimum standards in less selective ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investgate the effects of potassium (K) application on the agronomic traits and fruit quality of Lycium barbarum L. (Goji), three levels of K fertilizer, namely LK (25 g/plant), CK (50 g/plant), and HK (75 g/plant), were applied to plants in phytotron for observing and measuring relevant indicators. The investigation involved seven agronomic traits: plant height, plant stem diameter, new branch increment, yield of fresh fruits per plant, dry fruit quantity within 50 g, ratio of different grade fruits, and ratio of longitudinal diameter to transverse diameter of Goji fruits. The results showed that K application level had significant effect on ratio of the longitudinal diameter to the transverse diameter of fresh Goji fruits, and that the influence on other agronomic traits was slight. In the meanwhile, the concentrations of amino acids, betaine, polysaccharides and flavonoids of Goji fruits in different levels of K fertilizer were tested. The K treatment increased the content of glutamic acid, and decreased that of flavonoids (P < 0.05), whereas the content of other amino acids, polysaccharides and betaine were unaffected. A total of 132 flavonoid metabolites was identified. Among them, K treatment up-regulated 36 metabolites and down-regulated 30 metabolites (P < 0.05). The results provided a basis for balanced K supply to regulate the agronomic traits and nutrients of Goji fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION The aquatic processing industry is increasingly aware of the need to ensure that slaughtering is carried out under high welfare standards, so there is a need to explore the impact of slaughter methods on fish fillets. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different slaughtering methods (M1, lethality by hammering; M2, gas mixture causing death; M3, lethality by clove oil anesthesia + ice slurry; M4, lethality by ice slurry; M5, lethality by gradient cooling) on the energy metabolism, apoptosis and flesh mass in grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus).Therefore, 120 fish (24 per treatment) were slaughtered by the five methods. The results showed that the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzyme activity of M5 sample was higher. The serum glucose level of M2 samples and DAPI staining fluorescence of M2 samples were the highest, indicating that the stress response of M2 was strong. In addition, the texture, pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and K value results showed M5 samples had better flesh quality.Gradient cooling lethality had the least effect on oxidative damage and apoptosis in grouper during cold storage as the gradient cooling lethality had the least effect on antioxidant enzyme activities. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Onion skin is generated in high amounts as food waste that is rich in bioactive components. Thus, the valorisation of onion skin waste in food production following suitable methods of treatment can be regarded as a sustainable strategy in terms of nutrition, economy, and environment. Skin waste from onions (Allium cepa) was ground and exposed to dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (DBDCP) at 40 kV for either 0 or 30 min. Then the cold plasma‐treated onion skin powder (OSP) was added to chocolate at a concentration of 0%, 1%, or 2% (w/w). The DBDCP‐induced changes in the microbial load, colour, water content, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity of OSP were assessed. The TPC, antioxidant activity, and sensory properties of the chocolate samples added with OSP were also monitored. Cold plasma treatment increased the TPC and antioxidant activity of OSP, but it did not affect the water content, colour, and microbial load. The antioxidant activity and TPC of the chocolate samples incorporated with DBDCP‐treated OSP at a level of 2% were higher than the samples with or without untreated OSP. However, the samples with 2% DBDCP‐treated OSP demonstrated lower overall acceptability scores compared to samples without OSP. It can be said that cold plasma can be utilised in the treatment of onion skin waste and valorisation of cold plasma‐treated onion skin waste in the production of chocolate to improve its antioxidant properties. Future studies can focus on the enhancement of the sensory properties of onion skin‐added chocolate products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is a nonprofit, scientific, standard-setting organization, and world leader in establishing quality, purity, and testing standards for medicines, foods, and dietary supplements. USP quality standards are used in more than 140 countries and are legally recognized by more than 40 countries. Currently, there is renewed interest in herbal medicines globally, and health policies are being implemented worldwide for the use of complementary and traditional medicine. In response, USP has developed a robust body of monographs that can be used to guide industry and regulators in ensuring the quality and safety of botanical ingredients used in dietary supplements and herbal medicines. Throughout the Pan American regions, there is a strong tradition of using botanicals as herbal medicines and, as in other regions, a growing desire for botanical dietary supplements. This underscores the need for public quality standards to ensure quality, reduce the flow of substandard and adulterated products, and ensure public health and safety. In April 2022, USP launched the Pan America Botanical Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicines Expert Panel, with experts representing 12 different countries. The Expert Panel's work focuses on developing quality control standards for the most important botanical ingredients used in the respective countries, ingredients that are also of global importance. This article provides an overview of the state of botanical dietary supplements and herbal medicines in different Pan American regions with a focus on the regulatory status of herbal products, the development of national quality and research initiatives, and policies related to agriculture conservation and sustainability, among other topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smartphone-based artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic systems could assist high-risk patients to self-screen for corneal diseases (e.g., keratitis) instead of detecting them in traditional face-to-face medical practices, enabling the patients to proactively identify their own corneal diseases at an early stage. However, AI diagnostic systems have significantly diminished performance in low-quality images which are unavoidable in real-world environments (especially common in patient-recorded images) due to various factors, hindering the implementation of these systems in clinical practice. Here, we construct a deep learning-based image quality monitoring system (DeepMonitoring) not only to discern low-quality cornea images created by smartphones but also to identify the underlying factors contributing to the generation of such low-quality images, which can guide operators to acquire high-quality images in a timely manner. This system performs well across validation, internal, and external testing sets, with AUCs ranging from 0.984 to 0.999. DeepMonitoring holds the potential to filter out low-quality cornea images produced by smartphones, facilitating the application of smartphone-based AI diagnostic systems in real-world clinical settings, especially in the context of self-screening for corneal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The internet is a common source of health information for patients and caregivers. To date, content and information quality of YouTube videos on sarcoidosis has not been studied. The aim of our study was to investigate the content and quality of information on sarcoidosis provided by YouTube videos. Methods: Of the first 200 results under the search term "sarcoidosis," all English-language videos with content directed at patients were included. Two independent investigators assessed the content of the videos based on 25 predefined key features (content score with 0–25 points), as well as reliability and quality (HONCode score with 0–8 points, DISCERN score with 1–5 points). Misinformation contained in the videos was described qualitatively. Results: The majority of the 85 included videos were from an academic or governmental source (n = 63, 74%), and median time since upload was 33 months (IQR 10–55). Median video duration was 8 min (IQR 3–13) and had a median of 2,044 views (IQR 504 − 13,203). Quality assessment suggested partially sufficient information: mean HONCode score was 4.4 (SD 0.9) with 91% of videos having a medium quality HONCode evaluation. Mean DISCERN score was 2.3 (SD 0.5). Video content was generally poor with a mean of 10.5 points (SD 0.6). Frequently absent key features included information on the course of disease (6%), presence of substantial geographical variation (7%), and importance of screening for extrapulmonary manifestations (11%). HONCode scores were higher in videos from academic or governmental sources (p = 0.003), particularly regarding "transparency of sponsorship" (p < 0.001). DISCERN and content scores did not differ by video category. Conclusions: Most YouTube videos present incomplete information reflected in a poor content score, especially regarding screening for extrapulmonary manifestations. Quality was partially sufficient with higher scores in videos from academic or governmental sources, but often missing references and citing specific evidence. Improving patient access to trustworthy and up to date information is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn China, increasing breeding waste has caused environmental problems. This study explored the possibility of using breeding waste compost (BWC) instead of chemical fertilizer in vegetable cultivation. The experiment included no fertilizer (CK), 100% chemical fertilizer (CF), 10, 20, and 30% substitution of cow dung compost (CDC), goose dung compost (GDC), and duck dung compost (DDC) with chemical fertilizer (C01, C02, C03, G01, G02, G03, D01, D02, D03). The results showed that BWC, particularly GDC, promoted lettuce growth and development. Compared to CK, the leaf fresh and dry weight of G03 were the highest, increasing significantly by 6.60 and 7.29 times, and the root fresh and dry weight of G02 were the highest, increasing significantly by 12.72 and 6.00 times. Different BWC improved soluble sugar, soluble protein, and Vitamin C to varying degrees, and the nitrate contents of some BWC treatments were lower than that of CK and CF. Conversely, CF had the highest nitrate accumulation and limited effects on certain growth and quality parameters. The mineral elements in lettuce were also affected by the type and dosage of fertilizers. The total nitrogen of CF, total phosphorus of G03, total potassium of G02, Ca and Mg of D01, Fe of CF, and Zn of G02 were at the peak. The rapid increase of biomass in GDC treatments led to reductions in Ca and Fe. Applying fertilizers would affect heavy metals in lettuce to unequal degrees, but all were within the food safety scope. The principal component analysis revealed the comprehensive effect of GDC treatments was recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Despite ubiquitous use of medical imaging in daily medical practice, the quality of referrals varies significantly across a variety of practice types and locations. This systematic review summarises studies in the literature that have employed interventions aimed at improving radiology referrals, excluding clinical decision support software. A systematic review of literature was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane. Two reviewers independently identified studies for inclusion. All studies that included interventions with any outcome measure were included. Any irrelevant studies, non‐English studies or not retrievable studies were excluded. Studies were grouped into Education, Feedback, Rationing, Penalties, and Other. The outcomes of the studies were summarised and qualitatively analysed due to anticipated heterogeneity. Four thousand six hundred and forty‐two studies were identified throughout PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane. One hundred and eighty‐seven duplicates were removed and 4436 abstracts were screened. Two hundred and forty were identified on the first phase of the screening with 167 then excluded for non‐relevancy. Seventy‐five full studies were included in the final analysis following the addition of 2 additional studies. Fifty‐seven studies were grouped into Education, 10 into Feedback, 4 into Rationing, 8 into Penalties, 9 into Other and 11 containing multiple. Eighty‐four percent of the studies reported an improvement in the quality of the referrals. Despite a variable rate of quality referrals, there are many interventions that radiology departments across the world can utilise to improve the referral process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the quality and health of foodstuffs is of great importance. The quality of foods like garlic is strongly influenced by the conditions of processing. Fungal infection is one of the most common hazards of garlic productivity that can affect its processing as well. This research aimed to use the E-Nose to investigate the aroma of garlic as a quality control factor influenced by different treatments such as type of processing, type of fungal infection, and time elapsed since the date of inoculation. The data was investigated and categorized through different methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), Support vector machine (SVM), and backpropagation neural network (BPNN). The Index of deterioration toughness increased during the monitoring period. In the analysis of the data related to the unprocessed whole (UW), dried slices (DS), garlic powder (PO), and garlic tablet (TA), the PCA included 55%, 75%, 47%, and 53% of the data, respectively. The LDA was able to classify the aroma of UW, DS, PO, and TA samples based on the TFI treatment with an accuracy of 90%, 93.33%, 88.89%, and 60%, respectively. Also, the BPNN classified the aromas of UW, DS, PO, and TA samples based on the TEI treatment with an accuracy of 90%, 95.6%, 72.2%, and 82.2%, respectively. The results revealed that the aroma alteration can be used as a comprehensive factor in the quality control of processed products. As well, the type of processing had significant effects on the severity of decay caused by fungal infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) doses (1.0 g/da, 0.8 g/da, 0.6 g/da, and control) on the agricultural and quality characteristics of Halis bread wheat variety, widely grown in various regions of our country, was investigated. The experiment was conducted in the 2022- 2023 growing season according to the randomized block trial design with four replications in Sakarya ecological conditions. The study examined agricultural characteristics such as plant height, grain yield, number of grains per spike, number of spikes per m², grain weight per spike, thousand-grain weight, and hectoliter weight, as well as quality properties including protein content, wet gluten, gluten index, moisture, zeleny sedimentation, alveograph energy value, alveograph P/L ratio, farinograph water absorption, farinograph development time, farinograph stability value, and farinograph softening value. Variance analysis revealed statistically significant effects of GA3 applications on grain yield, number of grains per spike, number of spikes per m², grain weight per spike, and hectoliter weight. Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant positive relationships among traits. According to Principal component analysis, the first four principal components explained 73.81% of the variation. As a results, it was determined that the application of 1.0 g/da GA3 significantly increases wheat yield but has no effect on quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research can be considered as the first complete survey for the valorization of new olive genotypes cultivated in the South-East of Tunisia as well as their oils. The study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition of virgin olive oil produced from two olive cultivars, namely Nourgou and Gousalani. The pomological characterization of fruits, the quality criteria and the phytochemical profile were quantified. Additionally, antioxidant activity was evaluated using Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) tests to also obtain a bioactive characterization of these monovarietal olive oils. The obtained results revealed that the analyzed olive oils samples can be classified into Extra Virgin category (EVOO) according to the regulated physicochemical characteristics. Our findings showed a significant variability in the chemical parameters of the analyzed EVOO likely associated with the genetic potential, mainly for chlorophylls contents (1.37–1.64 mg/kg), in carotenoids pigments (3.97–10.86 mg/kg), in α-tocopherol (175.59–186.87 mg/kg), in sterols (1036.4–1931.4 mg/kg) in oleic acid (65.33–68.73%), in palmitic acid (C16:0) (13.32–17.48%), in linoleic acid (C18:2) (11.06–13.47%). Additionally, the HPLC-MS/MS analysis showed that the two EVOOs analyzed contained appreciable amounts of total polyphenols, ranging from 348.03 up to 516.16 mg/kg, in Nourgou and Gousalani oils, respectively. Regarding the individual phenolic compounds, the EVOO samples were mainly characterized by phenolic alcohols, phenolic acids, secoiridoids, verbascoside, flavonoids and phenolic aldehydes. The prevalent simple phenolics detected were secoiridoids with the dominance of the oleuropein aglycone in Gousalani oil. In addition, findings from in vitro antioxidant assays (FRAP and ORAC) revealed that the two studied oils possessed a powerful antiradical activity and a good reducing power capacity. In conclusion, these new EVOOs exhibited a superior quality compared to other Tunisian varieties, considering their antiradical activity and reducing power capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the development of renewable energy products (RES) encourages the search for innovative solutions that take into account key criteria from the point of view of their sustainable development. Despite efforts in this area, there is a lack of approaches and tools to support this process. Therefore, the aim of the research was to develop a decision-making model supporting eco-innovation in products based on the key criteria of sustainable development: quality (customer satisfaction with use), environmental impact in the life cycle (LCA), and the cost of investment incurred in the product development. The functioning of the model was based on the following factors: (i) obtaining the voice of customers (VoC) and processing it into product criteria as part of the development of alternative production solutions (prototypes), (ii) prospective quality assessment and subsequent life cycle assessment of prototypes, (iii) cost analysis taking into account both quality and environmental criteria, (iv) interpretation of results and search for eco-innovative product solutions. Development decision-making is additionally supported by techniques implemented in the model, e.g., the CRITIC method, the LCA method with Ecoinvent database in OpenLCA, the CEA method, and the morphology method. The model was illustrated and tested for photovoltaic (PV) panels, after which a global sensitivity analysis was performed in Statistica. The test results showed that the main factor that influenced the PV development decisions was the investment cost, followed by quality (customer satisfaction) and then environmental impact in LCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible preanalytical effect of incomplete filling of blood tubes on molecular biology assays. Materials and methods: The study population consisted of 13 healthy volunteers from whom 11 mL of whole blood was collected and then distributed in different volumes (1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 mL, respectively) into three 6.0 mL spray-dried and evacuated K2EDTA blood tubes. Automated RNA extraction was performed using the Maxwell® CSC RNA Blood Kit. DNA was extracted with a MagCorePlusII, with concomitant measurement of glyceralde-hyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene expression. The nucleic acid concentration was calculated using the NanoDrop 1000 spectrophotometer, and purity was assessed using A260/280 and A260/230 absorbance ratios. Results: The RNA concentration was higher in the tubes filled with 1.5 and 3.0 mL of blood than in the reference 6 mL filled tube. The RNA 260/280 and RNA 260/230 ratios did not differ significantly between the differently filled blood tubes. The DNA concentration remained constant in the differently filled tubes. Compared to the 6.0 mL reference filled tube, the 1.5 mL and 3.0 mL filled blood tubes displayed a lower DNA 260/280 nm ratio. The DNA 260/230 ratio did not differ significantly in any of the variously filled tubes. Compared to the 6.0 mL reference filled blood tube, the 1.5 mL and 3.0 mL filled blood tubes showed a significant increase in the GAPDHcycle threshold. Conclusions: Our results suggest that underfilling of K2EDTA blood tubes may be a modest but analytically significant source of bias in molecular biology testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The treatment of patients with a cochlear implant (CI) is usually an elective, complex and interdisciplinary process. As an important source of information, patients often access the internet prior to treatment. The quality of internet-based information regarding thematic coverage has not yet been analysed in detail. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the information on CI care available on the internet regarding its thematic coverage and readability. Material methods: Eight search phrases related to CI care were defined as part of the study. A checklist for completeness of thematic coverage was then created for each search phrase. The current German CI clinical practice guideline and the white paper on CI care in Germany were used as a basis. As a further parameter, readability was assessed using Flesch Reading Ease Scores. The search phrases were used for an internet search with Google. The first ten results were then analysed with regard to thematic coverage, readability and the provider of the website. Results: A total of 80 websites were identified, which were set up by 54 different providers (16 providers were found in multiple entries) from eight different provider groups. The average completeness of thematic coverage was 41.6 ± 28.2%. Readability according to the Flesch Reading Ease Score was categorised as "hard to read" on average (34.7 ± 14.2 points, range: 0–72). There was a negative statistically significant correlation between the thematic coverage of content and readability (Spearman's rank correlation: r = − 0.413, p = 0.00014). Summary: The completeness of thematic coverage of information on CI care available on the internet was highly heterogeneous and had a significant negative correlation with the readability. This result should be taken into account by both the providers of internet information and by patients when using internet-based information on CI care and help to further improve the quality of web-based information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peculiarities of the decoration of gravure imprints on cardboard using fluorescent inks are considered. The influence of the number of fluorescent impurities added to gravure printing ink on the optical indicators of printed image quality, particularly optical density, and gloss, is investigated. Increasing the number of fluorescent impurities added to the ink from 10 to 30% helps to increase the gloss on imprints from 2 to 15 units. Conducted thermogravimetric studies show the resistance of fluorescent imprints to the influence of temperatures during drying in the printing process. The topography of the surface of the substrates and its influence on the quality of imprints is studied. Conducted electron microscopic studies of imprints obtained with inks with different amounts of fluorescent impurities show their uniform distribution on the surface of the substrate. Studies of the fluorescence spectra of the ink and the imprints formed by it confirm the phenomenon of an increase in the intensity of the glow of printed images. The studies confirm the well-known influence of substrate roughness on the smoothness of gravure imprints. It is established that the absence of significant macro irregularities on the surface of Koppargloss FBB cardboard is due to the presence of two coating layers. Analysis of the surface profiles of FBB cardboard shows that its roughness parameter (Ra = 0.424 μm) is three times smaller compared to Incada Silk C GC1 cardboard (the roughness parameter Ra = 1.28 μm), with a single-layer coating. Such a pattern is also preserved on the imprints, which is reflected in their quality accordingly. Studies show that for imprints on GC1 cardboard, the average ΔE value is 2.23, for imprints on FBB cardboard, the average ΔE value is 3.71, which is due to the presence of double coating. The factors that can influence the process of fluorescence of printed images are outlined. The technological characteristics of inks for gravure printing on packaging are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic vegetable production is needed worldwide to minimize the use of inorganic fertilizers, protect the environment, and produce healthy food. Accordingly, in the present study, the effects of organic granules on the productivity, quality, and nutrient uptake level of tomatoes and the fertility and microbial population of the soil were determined. Briefly, organic NPK granules and organic N, P and K-rich sources were compared with synthetic NPK granules and synthetic fertilizers administered at 100 and 75% of the recommended fertilizer levels. Among the various treatments applied, treatment with 100% of the recommended NPK using the synthetic NPK granules (Urea, DAP and MOP) led to higher growth, yield attributes, and yield (fruit yield, - 24.21 t/ha and stover yield, -15.01 t/ha) of tomato. This treatment also enhanced the nutrient uptake by tomato. However, quality parameters, such as total soluble solids (6.64%), titrable acidity (0.62%), ascorbic acid content (14.31 mg/100 g), lycopene content (3.54 mg/100 g), reducing sugars (3.11%), non-reducing sugars (1.02%), total sugar (4.13%), and shelf life (15.76 days) of tomato were higher with 100% of the recommended NPK from organic NPK granules than from synthetic granules. This treatment also enhanced the available nutrients and microbial population in the soil. Notably, the same trend was observed for tomatoes fertilized with 75 % of the recommended NPK. The lowest values were obtained with the absolute control. Based on the results of this experiment, the application of 100% of the recommended NPK using organic NPK granules is the best approach to improve the quality of tomato fruits and to enhance the soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asbestos sector is unique within the built environment. The history of asbestos extends well beyond the 100 years that we are commonly aware of. It is known to be one of the most devastating workplace killers, with figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) demonstrating a current trend of approximately 5,000 deaths annually attributed to diseases caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. This paper looks at the highly specialised job roles that the industry struggles to attract fresh talent into. It summarises some of the statistics and make observations as to how asbestos continues to be a prevailing hazard affecting management, maintenance and modernisation of aging buildings across the UK. The aim is to continue to help educate the built environment sector about a unique culture of highly specialised persons that float between and around the realms of inspection, testing, certification, occupational hygiene, health and safety, and construction and demolition. The paper comments on the position of the industry in the current economic climate and proposes a change of attitude and understanding to progress and ensure the risk to human health posed by asbestos continues to be reduced and quality of service delivery improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the quality and standard of hand-written operative notes in a teaching institute. Methods: This prospective study was carried out in the department of surgery, Fatima Hospital, Baqai Medical University, from January 2023 till May 2023. One hundred fifty operative notes from general surgery domain were considered. These notes were evaluated according to the guidelines of Royal College of Surgeons, with added-on a few variables by the author. Results: All 150 notes were handwritten. Resident surgeon wrote the operative notes under the supervision of primary surgeon. There was a deficiency in mentioning medical record number, procedure starting time and duration of surgery. An important statement about the hemostasis is that it is secured-per-operatively was not documented. The residents were reluctant to explain the surgical procedures diagrammatically. The operative room number was missing in all notes. Post operative instructions lacked the information for nothing per oral, blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and input and output charting. Conclusion: It is observed that the operative surgical notes were however explainable about the procedure, but quality and standard was not matchable with that of Royal College of Surgeons notes. Hence, a lack of formal training for the resident surgeons in operative notes writing was observed. This study is a thought provoker to the surgeons and a guide to resident trainees, and hospital management to provide a handful operative notes writing theme in the form of performa provided in the department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper makes a case for developing a theory of quality ecologies in early childhood education and care, and presents our initial thoughts around how that might be done, including how it might create a space for further thinking, research and discussion. First, the politicised, positivist nature of dominant contemporary interpretations of quality is discussed, including our case for theoretical experimentation and diversification. Then, we discuss existing applications of ecologies theory in education research and the opportunities it presents, followed by our thinking so far around how it can be applied to critical theorisations of quality ecologies. Last, we outline our research program and what we envisage can be accomplished by a theory of quality ecologies in early childhood education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To progress with their learning, students need to be able to make judgements about the quality of their own work and the work of others. This capability is known as evaluative judgement. The importance of evaluative judgement is well-established, but environments in which learners practice this capability remain unknown. This paper explores whether learners practice evaluative judgement within qualitative self-assessment. We conducted a thematic analysis of students' qualitative self-assessments from years one, three and four of construction management and building surveying courses and analysed approximately 430 pages of text. Our analysis indicated that learners often practised evaluative judgement during qualitative self-assessment even when such pedagogical activity was not specifically designed for this purpose. While constructing their professional knowledge, learners made evaluations of the quality of work, their own and the work of others. Based on our findings, we recommend that qualitative self-assessment is embedded within curricula to enable learners to practice evaluative judgement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NAEYC DAP position statement and book are widely used as guides for implementing equitable early learning in settings serving children birth through age 8. Building on the spirit of Sankofa, which in translation from the Akan expresses, 'It is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot'. this article documents the revision process for the position statement and highlights critical early childhood research on cultural contexts and equitable practices that particularly informed the fourth edition. Looking back to move forward and engaging in critical reflection is essential to DAP. This article outlines the extensive development process behind NAEYC position statements beginning with a historical understanding of DAP. We highlight the importance of feedback, as well as the diversity of thought behind the fourth edition of the position statement, which challenged old practices and illuminated new possibilities, eliciting both positive and negative critiques. We underscore that DAP, an imperfect living document, requires ongoing reflection. We conclude by encouraging critics of DAP and those defending it to do so with the understanding that research and scholarship must undergo updates/revisions, and DAP is no different. Thoughtful discussions are at the heart of DAP as anchored in intentional teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: YouTube has educational videos on inhalers. However, their content and quality are not adequately known. Objectives: This study investigated the quality and content of educational YouTube videos on inhalers. Methods: This descriptive study analyzed 178 YouTube videos on inhalers between May and July 2022. Two researchers independently evaluated the videos. The Global Quality Score (GQS), Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark Criteria, and Inhaler Application Checklist (IAC) were used to assess the quality and content of the videos. Spearman's correlation, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, ANOVA, and Post hoc analysis Bonferroni test were used for data analysis. Results: The videos had a mean GQS score of 3.70 ± 1.24, and JAMA score of 2.22 ± 0.60. A negative correlation was between the quality score of the videos and views, likes, comments, duration, and likes/views (respectively; r = −0.237 p < 0.005, r = −0.217 p < 0.003, r = −0.220 p < 0.005, r = −0.147, p < 0.005). The videos narrated by nurses and doctors had significantly higher mean JAMA and GQS scores than others (p = 0.001). The videos missed some procedural steps [gargling (29.1%), adding no more than five ml of medication and device cleaning (41.9%), and exhaling through the nose (37.5%)]. Videos uploaded by individual missed significantly more procedural steps than professional organizations (p < 0.05). Conclusions: YouTube videos about inhaler techniques have a moderate level of quality. Videos uploaded by doctors and nurses as content narrators were of higher quality. The videos missed some procedural steps. Individual video uploaders had higher missed procedural steps. Counseling should be provided to patients regarding the reliability of online information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize, being a nutritious and multipurpose crop requires proper nutrition (N, P, and K) and standardization of sowing time to enhance productivity and profitability under changing climate scenario. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during monsoon season of 2021 and 2022 at agricultural farm, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, in split plot design with four fertilizer levels (125, 100, 75, and 50% recommended dose of fertilizers; RDF) in main plots and four sowing dates (15 and 30 of June and July) in subplots, replicated thrice. Maize sown on 30 June and fertilized with 125% RDF ensured higher growth attributes throughout crop growth. Besides, comparatively greater yield attributes as well as grain yield (8.22 t ha−1), stover yield (11.86 t ha−1), and harvest index (40.9%) were observed from that treatment combination, and it also recorded higher quality protein and nutrient uptakes but less residual soil fertility. Maize grown on 30 July under application of 50% RDF was the poorest yielder. Further, production economics and energy analysis showed similar trend and indicated that maize grown on 30 June under application of 125% RDF recorded maximum gross return (₹168275 ha−1), net return (₹109565 ha−1), and benefit-cost ratio (2.87) as well as energy output (269084 MJ ha−1) and net energy gain (250750.3 MJ ha−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• RSM was used for inactivation efficiency against two fungal species of tomatoes. • EO, UV and their combination were used and compared for tomatoes conservation. • The combined EO and UVC showed the best antifungal activity than other treatments. • Photosensitization of tomatoes preserved their quality attributes during 7 days. This study aims to investigate the antifungal activities of thyme essential oils mediated photosensitization for extending the shelf life and preserving the quality of fresh tomatoes. Contrary to Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea , photosynthetization was proven to display the best antifungal activity, with a survival percentage of about 12 and 17% respectively. However, UV-C showed the least effectiveness, with survival rates of 33 and 32%, respectively, after 20 min of irradiation time. In addition, a central composite design (CCD) was employed, incorporating five levels and two independent variables: irradiation time and TEO concentration. This design aimed to assess the survival percentage of two fungal species, Alternaria. Alternata and Botrytis Cinerea. The obtained results indicated that the irradiation time significantly influenced the survival percentage of both tested fungal species. Interestingly, fresh tomato fruits were stored at 22 °°C with a relative humidity of 65 ± 5 % for 7 days and subsequently divided into four lots: control tomatoes, tomatoes treated only with UV-C irradiation at 10 min, tomatoes treated only with TEO at 55 µg/mL and photosynthesized tomatoes treated with both TEO and UV-C irradiations. The changes in the chemical properties of tomato, including pH, titratableacidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), texture and color, were analyzed, along with sensory evaluations. Chemical quality indicators like total soluble solids were significantly affected by storage time. Notably, in tomatoes treated with photosensitization, the TSS was lower (5 ± 0.05) compared to control tomatoes (5.6 ± 0.01) stored at 22 °C. Besides, the test of TEO based- photosensitization on tomatoes artificially inoculated with B. cinerea and A. alternata showed statistically significant delay in lesion diameter (1.5 cm ± 0.115) compared to the untreated group (3.5 cm ±0.15) at (p < 0.05). Subsequently, the combination of UV and TEO exhibited antifungal efficacy in tomato fruits, suggesting their potential as natural preservatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four methods with different cooling rates were applied to the tilapia freezing. • Volatile bases (TBV-N), thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), microstructure were analyzed. • TBV-N, colors parameters and TBARS were statistically significant in all treatments. • Air blast and combined method altered less the texture of fillets after storage time. • Cryogenic freezing showed thermal stress, cracking and tissue quality damaged. The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets were frozen with static air (SA) at -20 °C, air blast freezing (AF) at -25 °C, combined method (CM - immersion in liquid nitrogen followed by AF) and cryogenic freezing (CF - immersion in liquid nitrogen). The effects of different freezing methods and of storage time at -18 °C (0, 30, 60 and 90 days) on fillet quality were evaluated. The temperature records were obtained, and the freezing times were determined by monitoring the temperatures of the geometric centers of the fillets. For CF, CM, AF and SA, the freezing times were 5.32, 127, 146 and 268 min, respectively. The quality of the frozen fillets was evaluated by measuring pH, volatile nitrogenous bases (TBV-N), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and fatty acids and by obtaining a texture profile and performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The samples frozen by CF, after storage, had the highest levels of TBV-N because the high freezing rate produced superficial cracks that negatively affected the quality of the fillets. Freezing the samples with SA produced the worst quality indices and the microstructure was visibly damaged, with greater spaces between the fibers left by ice crystals. For all parameters evaluated, freezing with AF and CM resulted in fast freezing rates and better-quality tilapia fillets for 90 days of storage. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• LNF exhibited a high freezing rate and contributed to small ice crystal forming. • LNF maintained WHC and shear force of Monopterus albus. • LNF alleviated myofibrillar protein denaturation of Monopterus albus. • LNF at −110 °C is more suitable for Monopterus albus than LNF at −50 °C and −80 °C. Monopterus albus is highly susceptible to spoilage due to high protein and moisture contents while frozen storage can effectively prolong the shelf-life. To study the effect of liquid nitrogen freezing (LNF) on quality, microstructure of ice crystal and muscle fiber, and physicochemical properties of proteins, Monopterus albus was frozen at -20 °C by refrigerator (RF, control), -50 °C, -80 °C, and -110 °C by LNF, respectively. The -110 °C LNF exhibited the highest freezing rate among four groups, contributing to the formation of small ice crystals with more uniform distribution and alleviating the damage to muscle fiber. In -110 °C LNF group, protein secondary structure changed relatively subtle, resulting in high protein solubility, Ca2+-ATPase activity, and total sulfhydryl content, as well as low surface hydrophobicity and disulfide bond content. LNF retarded the rise of TVB-N value, prevented the loss of immobilized and free water, and maintained water holding capacity and shear force. In conclusion, -110 °C LNF was recommended a promising freezing process for frozen Monopterus albus due to less alteration of quality and alleviation of protein denaturation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• After exposed to ammonia environment below 1000 mL m−3 for 6 days, well-packaged boxed non-daily creams showed no ammonia residue. • Boxed non-daily creams with well packaging exposed to ammonia environment below 1000 mL m−3 for 6 days showed no color, odor, sensory evaluation, pH value, peroxide value, and benzo (α) pyren difference compared with the CK group at the same period. • After exposed to ammonia environment below 1000 mL m−3 for 6 days, well-packaged boxed non-daily creams had no food safety risk. Ammonia leakage in food cold storage have adverse impact on the quality of food, which may be related to ammonia concentration and exposure time, but there is a lack of data support. In this paper, the quality of boxed non-dairy cream exposed to ammonia environment (0 (CK), 100, 500, and 1000 mL m −³) at −18 °C for 6 day were evaluated. Results showed that no ammonia residue was detected in the boxed non-dairy cream exposed for 6 days. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the color value, odor, pH value, and sensory score of the non-dairy cream under the four ammonia groups during the same exposure time. And peroxide values was far below the standards limit, and benzo (α) pyrene content of all the cream groups were not detected The results indicated that all the boxed non-dairy cream in this experiment had no quality deterioration and food safety risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper provides a new choice of freezing method by using 20 % ethanol, 20 % propylene glycol, 10 % glycerol, and 10 % sodium chloride aqueous solution as immersion freezing medium. • The freezing rate of IF was 2.66 cm/h, which was 6.33 times higher than that in AF groups. • Compared with AF and BF, the ice crystals were smaller and more uniformly shaped, with properties of lower water migration and less texture softening after cryogenic liquid freezing of IF and LNF group aquatic products. • Immersion freezing showed the same superiority in maintaining the freshness of fish fillets and retaining the protein structure as liquid nitrogen storage. The freezing of aquatic products without causing significant changes in quality is recently attracting much attention. In this study, the effects of air freezing (AF, -20 °C), blast freezing (BF, -35 °C), liquid nitrogen freezing (LNF), and immersion freezing (IF, -35 °C) by 20 % ethanol, 20 % propylene glycol, 10 % glycerol, and 10 % sodium chloride aqueous solutions, respectively, on muscle qualities and myofibrillar protein properties of the red drum were investigated. The results indicated that the freezing rate of IF was 2.66 cm/h, which was 6.33 times higher than that in AF groups. Compared with AF and BF, the ice crystals were smaller and more uniformly shaped, with properties of lower water migration and less texture softening after cryogenic liquid freezing of IF and LNF group aquatic products. Immersion freezing showed the same superiority in maintaining the freshness of fish fillets and retaining the protein structure as liquid nitrogen storage. Overall, IF has similar effects to LNF in maintaining muscle qualities and myofibrillar protein properties. This study describes a new freezing method that uses 20 % ethanol, 20 % propylene glycol, 10 % glycerol, and 10 % sodium chloride aqueous solutions as immersion freezing medium. The multi-compound freezing medium has the potential to be used for the freezing of aquatic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have proclaimed a state of emergency following their constitutional provisions. Consequently, in response to the outbreak, several countries resorted to utilising the authority vested in their respective governments by the Constitution or preexisting legislation about disasters. Indonesia subsequently responded to extensive criticism from domestic and international experts for its delay in formally declaring a nationwide state of emergency in response to the outbreak. In the initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country experienced significant societal and economic consequences due to inadequate crisis governance. This article argues that the government's response to the COVID-19 outbreak was ineffective in preventing the Pandemic's rapid spread and its adverse impacts on society and the economy. This situation was due to perceived poor quality content and underlying principles of the country's legislation. Consequently, the insufficiency became apparent in the inconsistent strategies employed by both central and local governments in tackling the Pandemic, a need for more expertise among institutional personnel, inadequate allocation of resources for crisis management, limited collaboration among government agencies, and the vulnerability of law enforcement. This article proposes that Indonesia enhance its crisis management legislation to establish a comprehensive framework for the supervision and execution of various outbreak management strategies, including those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]