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The article emphasizes the necessity for organizations to invest in digital transformation and Industry 4.0 to meet changing customer expectations in the coming year.

The article discusses the versatility of the fishbone diagram, also known as the Ishikawa diagram, in performing root cause analysis and aiding design solutions.

Unrefined and highly corrosive upstream petroleum resources and complex operating environments pose a significant threat to the integrity and safety of gathering pipelines. The present study proposed a novelty method to perform a risk assessment for gathering pipelines. The use of historical failure data developed a fishbone diagram model of hazard factors. The risk index system was developed based on the KENT method, including failure likelihood and failure consequence coefficient models. Information entropy theory was used to determine the weight of each indicator. Combined with the area-level safety design coefficient, The welding institute (TWI) method was improved to perform risk classification for different areas. The proposed method was applied to 81 gathering pipelines. Results demonstrated that the proposed method could meet the actual conditions of gathering pipelines, improving upstream energy security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to determine the size of the gap using the Ishikawa diagram (cause and effect diagram) within the requirements of implementing the provisions of ISO14001 in the Mosul Municipality Directorate. The unit requires studying according to what this unit possesses of the international specification for the environmental management system, and this research has been used in our research: Cause and Effect Diagram, as tools that can be applied in research. It was found from the study that there is this gap between the reality of the specification in this unit and its requirements, and by 63.1%, which is a clear indication of the lack of compatibility in that the administrative practices do not seem compatible and appropriate with the environmental management system and approved in accordance with international requirements, which means it is important to come up with results in our study that can be taken in the Mosul Municipality Directorate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the used lubricating oil of small Diesel engines under different conditions in order to monitor their instant health condition, indicate their useful life, and provide early warnings of failure progress. It is an attempt to monitor different oil properties together with oil contaminants to diagnose the possible failures before occurring and identify their root causes. It is an effective tool in the case where there are no historical data records for the engines. Specifically, used lubricating oil samples from eight Diesel-powered engines are analyzed as an important information source for early failure detection and decision support. Oil properties; kinematic viscosity, density, and total acidic number (TAN) were analyzed. Also, oil contaminants; wear debris particles, soot, and water content were also elucidated in attempting to predict engine health conditions, wear mechanisms, and useful life. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the wear debris particles. The root causes of engine failure were specified using the 5 Why’s method, and interviews with specialists, while the results were schematically presented using the Fishbone diagram. The analysis of oil viscosity showed that engines of high capacities performed better at high operating temperatures than small engines. Besides, the large oil imperfections are not directly related to the oil viscosity reduction but to the high oil TAN and the type and concentration of the oil impurities. This work analysis could assist in robust decision-making on the engine health condition, service life, and maintenance activity that should be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research work is to ascertain and prioritize the failure modes affecting the quality of the castings and to practise lean tools to enhance the performance of the foundry. In the foundry industry, the defects in casting motor casings, the root causes, and their effects are identified using the fishbone diagram. Then, FDM is used to categorize the serious causes. Five failure modes, namely sand burning, misrun, mould shift, cold shut, cuts, and washes, are identified as critical. It is prioritized based on the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process and Fuzzy TOPSIS-based FMEA analysis. These failure modes are taken as customer requirements for the FQFD matrix. The design requirements to meet the customers' requirements are identified. To meet these prioritized design requirements, TPM is used to improve the process performance. It is identified that there is an increase in the overall equipment efficiency of the plant by 2.03%, a reduction in the rejection rate by 2.50%, and a downtime reduction of the process by 11 min. The proposed model looks good for identifying and prioritizing the factors that distress the quality of the products and improving the quality of the process in the selected foundry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statisticians recommend design and analysis of experiments (DAE) for evidence‐based research but often use tables to present their own simulation studies. Could DAE do better? We outline how DAE methods can be used to plan and analyze simulation studies. Tools for planning include cause‐and‐effect diagrams and factorial and fractional factorial designs. Analysis is carried out via analysis of variance, main effect and interaction plots, and other DAE tools. We also demonstrate how Taguchi robust parameter design can be used to study the robustness of methods to a variety of uncontrollable population parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present work was to develop PTH (1-34)-loaded stealth nanoliposomes (PTH-LPs) by employing the use of the Quality by Design (QbD) approach. Risk identification was carried out using the Ishikawa fishbone diagram. PTH-LPs were optimized using Box Behnken Design, a type of response surface methodology to examine the effect of independent variables on dependent variables such as particle size and percentage entrapment efficiency (%EE). Design space was generated for PTH-LPs to reduce interbatch variability during the formulation development process. Furthermore, a cytotoxicity assay, cell proliferation assay, calcium calorimetric assay, mineralized nodule formation, and cellular uptake assay were carried out on MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. The results obtained from these procedures demonstrated that lipid concentration had a significant positive impact on particle size and %EE, whereas cholesterol concentration showed a reduction in %EE. The particle size and %EE of optimized formulation were found to be 147.76 ± 2.14 nm and 69.18 ± 3.62%, respectively. Optimized PTH-LPs showed the sustained release profile of the drug. In vitro cell evaluation studies showed PTH-LPs have good biocompatibility with MG-63 cells. The cell proliferation study revealed that PTH-LPs induced osteoblast differentiation which improved the formation of mineralized nodules in MG-63 cells. The outcome of the present study conclusively demonstrated the potential of the QbD concept to build quality in PTH-LPs with improved osteoanabolic therapy in osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Transfusion errors can occur anywhere from blood donation to final blood transfusion. They are a source of increased cost and patient mortality. Automated workflows can reduce transcription errors, but resource‐poor centres still use semi‐automated/manual method for testing including manual labelling of column agglutination cards/testing tubes. Missing out any details on these cards can lead to errors in reporting results, wastage and loss of resources and effort. The aim of this study was to implement Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control) methodology to reduce transcription errors while labelling gel card in immunohaematology lab to zero defect. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, transcription errors while manually performing 200 tests with 1400 opportunities were analysed. Baseline variables like number of errors, defects per million opportunities and sigma level in our current setup were measured. With the application of DMAIC methodology, root cause analysis for each error using Ishikawa diagram and structured Interviews were done to identify causes. A multipronged approach to deal with errors was done to improve critical areas using brainstorming sessions and developing training sheets for practice. After implementing the changes, baseline variables were reanalysed. Results: Application of DMAIC resulted in an overall reduction in defects from 34.86% to 0.56% with sigma level improvement from 1.89 to 4.08. Conclusion: Six Sigma methodology can be used in a resource‐poor setting even with lack of automation to ensure error‐free process flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prefabricated buildings are gradually gaining popularity in China because of their lower costs, shorter construction periods, and environmental friendliness. However, compared with traditional buildings, prefabricated buildings require coordination and management of processes such as component production, transportation and storage, and on-site component assembly. Therefore, managing the quality of prefabricated buildings is complex. In order to manage the quality of prefabricated buildings better, it is necessary to study the quality systems of prefabricated buildings. Firstly, by analyzing the logical relationship of each stage of the prefabricated buildings, we identified the key stages. Then, the main quality control factors that affect the qualities and relationships of the main quality control factors were derived by combining relevant building codes, literature studies, and project experiences; a network model of quality control factors of prefabricated buildings (NQPB) was constructed. Secondly, the complex network theory was applied to analyze the node degree, betweenness centrality, clustering coefficient, and other indicators of the NQPB to derive 17 key quality control factor nodes. The importance of the 17 key nodes in the quality management of prefabricated buildings was verified through a simulation. Next, the NQPB of Project A was constructed and analyzed, and five key nodes were identified. This demonstrates how the NQPB method can be applied to a specific prefabricated building project. Moreover, Project A was used as a case study to compare fault tree analysis (FTA), fishbone diagram, and 4MIE methods with the NQPB method to derive the potential advantages of the NQPB method. Finally, further analysis led to recommendations for quality management of prefabricated building projects in general as well as for Project A. This study can be used as a reference for quality control and assurance managers in all stages of prefabricated buildings and provide new ideas and methods for the quality analysis and management of prefabricated buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has not been sufficiently proliferated in the developing construction communities. This is owing to the lack of incorporating the key success factors (KSFs) of BIM implementation in a phase-based roadmap to support implementing BIM in practice on a step-by-step approach. With this in mind, this work aims at (1) defining the KSFs for implementing BIM within the developing economies' socio-economic environment, (2) investigating the interrelationships among the KSFs, and (3) establishing the KSFs in a phased approach to devise a roadmap for their implementation on a step-by-step basis. First, 18 KSFs for implementing BIM have been specified by systematically investigating the pertinent literature and interviewing six well-qualified practitioners in BIM from Egypt, as a developing country. Second, from ten Egyptian BIM experts, data on the influences of the KSFs on each other have been gathered, employing a matrix format-based questionnaire. Third, the experts' evaluations have been processed, utilizing the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. Proficiently, DEMATEL through its causal diagram portrayed the cause-and-effect relations map of the KSFs. Besides, it divided the KSFs into four clusters, each of which signifies a phase in the BIM implementation journey along with its corresponding priority as well as the priorities of the KSFs that it encompasses. The causal diagram indicated that phase one related KSFs of the BIM implementation journey: research and development investments, senior management support, and firm's fiscal support contribute to the whole success of the developed BIM implementation roadmap. This study equips construction practitioners in the developing economies with a four-phased roadmap for applying the KSFs of BIM implementation journey in practice on a step-by-step basis. This contribution helps in better prioritizing their decisions and optimizing the allocation of their resources when applying BIM in their business. Hence, at a fast pace, BIM can be proliferated in those countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to establish a tolerance optimization method based on manufacturing difficulty computation using the genetic algorithm (GA) method. This proposal is among the authors' perspectives of accomplished previous research work to cooperative optimal tolerance allocation approach for concurrent engineering area. Design/methodology/approach: This study introduces the proposed GA modeling. The objective function of the proposed GA is to minimize total cost constrained by the equation of functional requirements tolerances considering difficulty coefficients. The manufacturing difficulty computation is based on tools for the study and analysis of reliability of the design or the process, as the failure mode, effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) and Ishikawa diagram. Findings: The proposed approach, based on difficulty coefficient computation and GA optimization method [genetic algorithm optimization using difficulty coefficient computation (GADCC)], has been applied to mechanical assembly taken from the literature and compared to previous methods regarding tolerance values and computed total cost. The total cost is the summation of manufacturing cost and quality loss. The proposed approach is economic and efficient that leads to facilitate the manufacturing of difficult dimensions by increasing their tolerances and reducing the rate of defect parts of the assembly. Originality/value: The originality of this new optimal tolerance allocation method is to make a marriage between GA and manufacturing difficulty. The computation of part dimensions difficulty is based on incorporating FMECA tool and Ishikawa diagram This comparative study highlights the benefits of the proposed GADCC optimization method. The results lead to obtain optimal tolerances that minimize the total cost and respect the functional, quality and manufacturing requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structured steel construction is an interesting option to the already established concrete structure at a time when Brazilian civil construction seeks more efficiency. Encouraging the use of this material requires a better understanding of its characteristics and especially its possible pathologies to prevent degradation, costs, and even structural collapse. This study uses Total Quality Management tools are applied to analyze the pathologies present in five medium and large steel-structured buildings. The causative elements are identified with the information about the buildings' pathologies, and the risk analysis of the pathologies is performed using, especially, the Ishikawa Diagram and the GUT Matrix. The most frequent pathologies highlighted in the study are corrosion in the structure, cracks in the closures, and infiltrations in the interface closure/structure. The main causes, according to the Ishikawa diagram and the GUT matrix, are related to construction technique, labor, environmental conditions, and raw material used. The results show that it is possible, through the tools of Quality Management, to establish the risk of each pathology and its origin and determine the degree of risk that each one offers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

External ventricular drain (EVD) and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor placements are among the most common critical care procedures for severe brain injury. Quality improvement initiatives have streamlined similar processes. The aim of the project was to decrease the time to collect supplies for EVD or ICP monitor placement by 25% by April 1, 2021. The project followed the define-measure-analyze-improve-control 6 sigma framework. Several quality gaps were identified: equipment stored separately, delays in replacing faulty items, and wasted resources. The team defined the process using the suppliers-inputs-processes-outputs-customers + requirements method, measured time to collect supplies, and analyzed data with an Ishikawa/fishbone diagram. The improve phase included a kaizen burst to generate solutions and an impact/effort grid to evaluate options. The team concluded that the optimal plan was to stock a mobile EVD cart and an ICP monitor pole with disposable go-bags. The average time for nurses to collect EVD placement supplies decreased from 411 to 63 seconds (7–1 minute), and the average time for nurses to collect ICP monitor placement supplies decreased from 418 to 53 seconds (7–<1 minute). Residents decreased the time to obtain EVD placement supplies from 330 to 56 seconds (6–<1 minute) and ICP monitor supplies from 489 to 77 seconds (8–1 minute). Feedback was overwhelmingly positive and focused on improved process efficiency and reduced waste. The time reduction and enthusiasm are likely associated with the simplicity and comprehensiveness of the intervention design. Including key stakeholders in decision-making and succinct communications reduced resistance to change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correct management of industrial assets is of great importance for market competitiveness, especially when it comes to the availability of these resources. Following this premise, the present work consists of assessing the availability reflected by the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), of a horizontal press in a metal mechanical industry that supplies spare parts for the agricultural and road implements market. To support the formulation of the OEE, a review of the Toyota Production System (TPS) is carried out to understand the concept of waste on the factory floor. For the analysis of the historical data of the press, two quality tools were considered: Pareto Diagram and Cause and Effect Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram), used as guidelines for the elaboration of a maintenance plan based on Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Conducting the work led to an increase of about 30% in the OEE indicator, reflecting the gains obtained mainly in the Performance and Availability of the equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with a statistical analysis of the production process in an organization in the food sector, specifically, in the branch of roots. In addition, this study is characterized by the use of a hybrid analysis with the fusion of qualitative and quantitative aspects in order to improve the generation of knowledge as well as to facilitate the interpretation of the results obtained. As a work methodology, the control chart by variable was developed from data collected during visits to the organization. The study also carries out an approach on the capacity indexes from the perspective of the cassava packaging process as well as an analysis of the percentage of items outside the specifications. It is worth mentioning the use of the Ishikawa diagram to identify root causes of process variability, in addition to proposing corrective measures for such causes. Finally, according to the analyzes carried out, the organization in question presented an efficient and quality product packaging process, since all samples were within the control limits established statistically and the percentage of items outside the specifications was showed reduced, meaning only approximately 3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Higher frequency of transcriptional errors in the radiotherapy electronic charts for patients on telecobalt was noted. We describe the impact of the quality improvement (QI) initiative under the department’s incident learning program (ILP). Materials and Methods: The multidisciplinary quality team under ILP was formed to identify the root cause and introduce methods to reduce (smart goal) the current transcription error rate of 40% to <5% over 12 months. A root cause analysis including a fishbone diagram, Pareto chart, and action prioritization matrix was done to identify key drivers and interventions. Plan‑Do‑Study‑Act (PDSA) Cycle strategy was undertaken. The primary outcome was percentage charts with transcriptional errors per month. The balancing measure was “new errors” due to interventions. All errors were identified and corrected before patient treatment. Results: The average baseline error rate was 44.14%. The two key drivers identified were education of the workforce involved and mechanical synchronization of various machine parameters. PDSA cycle 1 consisted of an education program and sensitization of the staff, post which the error rates dropped to 5.4% (t‑test P = 0.03). Post‑PDSA cycle 2 (synchronization of machine parameters), 1, 3, and 6 months and 1 year, the error rates were sustained to 5%, 4%, 3%, and 4% (t‑test P > 0.05) with no new additional errors. Conclusions: With various generations of machines and technologies that are not synchronized, the proneness of transcription errors can be very high which can be identified and corrected with a typical QI process under ILP [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was computational predictability of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) encapsulated modified release multiple unit pellets system (MUPS) tablet of Metoprolol succinate by quality by design (QbD). Quality target product profile (QTPP) and critical quality attributes (CQAs) of MUPS tablets were defined. Risk assessment was done using Ishikawa diagram and failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) as per ICH Q8 guidelines. Formulation was screened and optimized using Plackett–Burman and Box– Behnken design. Pellets were prepared by wruster coating system-using polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Ethyl cellulose (EC) with other excipients. Formulation variables X1: HPMC and X2: EC have affected the drug release (Y1). PEG capsulation ensures the intactness of film after compression. ANOVA results confirm the selected model was statistically significant. This investigation demonstrated the PEG encapsulated HPMC and EC polymer coated with optimised curing time will achieve a single dose of metoprolol succinate applying QbD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding antemortem data in forensic odontology procedures is a complicated task and often a time-consuming work. A quick response code in searching antemortem data efficiently is required. A method of digitizing data is introduced to speed up the process and retrieve accurate and precise information. The present study employed a mixed method approach with a sequential exploratory survey strategy. The research was carried out in two stages. Firstly, the qualitative research uses the PIECES framework and fishbone diagrams. Secondly, quantitative study with one shot case study method. Pathway analysis is used to determine the effect of digital antemortem Quick Response Code. The efficiency and control factors obtained values of 4.02 and 4.03, respectively, while performance, information, economic and service were 3.80, 3.79, 3.76, and 3.74, respectively. The effect of Quick Response Code on accuracy indicators is odontogram 8%, radiography 17.7%, facial recording 28.7%, dental impressions 3% and palatine rugae 1.2% and other variables (e) beyond observation of 94.2%. On the precision indicators, the effect of the Quick response code on the odontogram, radiography, facial recording, dental impression and palatine rugae were 11.8%, 17.2%, 2.3%, 7.8% and 10.2%, respectively, while other variables (e) were 94.8 %. Resource and control factors have a strong role in influencing the digitization of antemortem data and the use of information systems in forensic odontology procedures. The effect of using Quick Response Codes on the effectiveness of antemortem data searches on indicators of accuracy and precision quantitatively is not significant (p > 0.05). However, the qualitative use of Quick Response Code can provide added value for antemortem data types in digital html format that are more concise, simple, can be transferred quickly without destroying the authenticity of the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The higher demand for surgical services during the advancement of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted from the need for a pre-admission negative result, the need for extra resources, and a shortage of skilled expertise. This quality improvement project aimed to reduce the in-hospital preoperative waiting time of elective cases to less than 24 hours. Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary care center. Following the collection of baseline data, we formed a multidisciplinary team to analyze the root causes and intervention ideas of delay using fishbone and driver diagrams, respectively. We prioritize key drivers and implemented several low-cost interventions using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model. We monitored the average in-hospital preoperative waiting time of patients. Results: Overall, in-hospital preoperative waiting time for elective cases has been reduced from a baseline of 4.89 days to 1.32 days on average by the end of 10 months of initiating the project. Similarly, monthly elective case cancellation rate due to COVID-19-related reason has been reduced from baseline 62.5% of the total cancellation to 0%. Due to this, the average monthly inpatient bed utilization has increased from 2.21 patients per month during pre-COVID-19 period to 5.9 patients per month in each bed of the surgical ward by the end of the project. Conclusion: The implementation of a quality improvement project can optimize operation theatre efficiency, inpatient bed utilization, and reduce the surgical backlog. Meticulous and rigorous effort has to be laid down to do root cause analysis, generate feasible change ideas, and continuous follow-up, and testing of multiple PDSA cycles is required to impact an improvement and sustain it in the long run. The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic could be used as an opportunity to reduce the length of stay in the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Industrial Minerals & Processing / Huagong Kuangwu yu Jiagong is the property of Industrial Minerals & Processing Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Fatec Zona Sul (REFAS) is the property of Revista Fatec Zona Sul (REFAS) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Problems of Friction & Wear is the property of National Aviation University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Problems of Friction & Wear is the property of National Aviation University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this study was to investigate how Lean can be applied in an educational environment to improve operational processes. The application of the Six Sigma methodology blended and supported by the application of various Lean tools is demonstrated in a case study of a kindergarten. Multiple tools, such as: the fishbone diagram; A3 reporting; '5 Why's'; process mapping; waste analysis; and 5S amongst others led to a reorganisation of the preparation room. This produced overall reductions of 82.65% in excess motion, 75.49% in excess transport, and 60.66% in excess inventory. Furthermore, more than 45 min of preparation time were saved due to the reduction of non-value-added time. The challenges and barriers, as well as, areas of future applicability were also investigated. This case study provides practitioners valuable insights into the applicability of the Six Sigma framework for Lean implementation in a primary education setting. Further, insights regarding the future applicability and benefits in the respective field are provided. Finally, the challenges and barriers, as well as, its general future applicability are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Material production processes are special processes. As part of continuous improvement, it is extremely important to find the causes of the incompatibilities that occur in them. To increase the effectiveness of these actions, different methods are used. The purpose of this study was to present an original method that allows the classification to improve the combinations of actions of product with material incompatibility. The originality of this method allows for the sequential and coherent operation of adequate analysis techniques of causes resulting in incompatibilities in the product material and, consequently, identifying the reasons that influence their quality. The presented method was developed using a new combination of brainstorming (BM), the Ishikawa diagram with 5M rule, the DEMATEL method, and the algorithm used in the MATLAB software. As a result of the proposed applied method, it is possible to create a sequence of actions that include interactions between important causes of product incompatibility, which was supported by the test of this method. This method was shown to support the creation of a rank of importance of improvement actions. This ranking allows for improvement of any product according to the possibilities of enterprises and simultaneously allows for reducing or eliminating products' incompatibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the article was to present the basic issues related to the functioning of transport processes in an enterprise, getting acquainted with and analysing selected areas of transport of the observed enterprise and showing how the practical use of information on the existing transport processes in the enterprise using selected methods and research tools allows for process optimisation. Design/methodology/approach: To determine the causes of the problem, it was decided to use quality management tools, i.e. the five whys analysis and fishbone diagram. In order to perform a detailed analysis, it was decided to use the SMED method to parameterise the implementation of the transport process. Findings: The analysis carried out before and after the introduction of the changes allowed to determine whether the problem was solved and what benefits the company gained. Examining the time of individual transport processes allowed to implement a new IT system, which contributed to the development of the company and allowed to save a large amount of capital. Originality/value: The results of the study can be used in strategic decisions of the company in the area of optimisation of transport processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apple pomace represents a low-cost and rich source of bioactive compounds with valuable properties - ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA). Due to the wide range of applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, these compounds have a high commercial value, and possessing a suitable analytical method with measurement uncertainty is of great significance and practicability. Aim: The purpose of the present work was to estimate detailed measurement uncertainty for the validated HPLC method combined with the extraction procedure for the determination of UA and OA in apple pomace. Methods: The chromatographic analysis using LC-20AD Prominence Shimadzu System and ultrasound-assisted extraction using the ultrasonic bath DW-5200DTS were performed to obtain and determine UA and OA in apple pomace. The process of measurement uncertainty evaluation was performed by the Ishikawa diagram and a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches. Results: The content of UA and OA (mg/g) in apple pomace with the value of the expanded uncertainty was calculated, which is 7.06 ± 0.647 mg/g (k=1.96; P=95%) and 4.70 ± 0.422 mg/g (k=1.96; P=95%), respectively. Six sources of all the contributors of uncertainties were observed that affected the measurement. Discussion: The A-type standard uncertainty value was 3 times less than the B-type standard uncertainty for both analytes. The results show that B-type standard uncertainty is a major contributor, and the value of the expanded uncertainty of the validated method will not change from test to test in the same laboratory conditions. Conclusions: The methodology described in this work explains well the details and practical aspects of the hybrid approach using the method validation data and proposes step-by-step instructions to evaluate the measurement uncertainty of the quantitative method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professional education institutions need to understand the perception of their students to create the development of human beings and respect differences, in addition to understanding the importance of including people with physical and mental disabilities. This study presents the representation of a PwD in the job market and how the lack of it can affect the functional structure of companies and vocational education institutions in the city of Ouro Branco. The methodological strategy addressed started from perspectives of what the Brazilian government believes to be an inclusive school and created a checklist, capable of evaluating the structure and working conditions of employees with special needs. Data analysis used the GUT, 5W1H and Ishikawa Diagram tools to develop prioritized interventions. These initiatives are capable of creating a school of professional education that not only teaches what inclusion is, but also welcomes a professional future with limitations. Finally, it is concluded that schools need pedagogical and structural interventions, so that professionals with disabilities can work, in addition to having their representation, to inspire students in the same situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In automotive industries, variable customer needs’ increase the competition amongst enterprises. However, manufacturers are struggling to complete the customer demand on time. This paper presents a case study taken region in the automotive industry in Michigan, USA. It aims to reduce the production delay by stabilizing manufacturing processes that improve production throughput. Many tools are used including project charter, process flow diagram, Arena simulation, design of experiment (DOE), and layered process audit sheet. The project charter is used to represent the problem, objectives, scope, and methodology. The investigation of the system and the possible improvements are performed using Arena simulation along with DOE. Shop-floor data were collected and statistically analysed to model the different processes. Besides, the Ishikawa diagram was used to identify the root causes of the problems. Results show significant improvements. The number of finished products increased from 726 to 14161 units. The average WIP number increased from 4.9543 to 6.3615 units. The variation amongst the workstations’ utilization is reduced. The cycle time decreased from 203.96 to 130.20 sec. (Received in March 2022, accepted in July 2022. This paper was with the authors 3 weeks for 2 revisions.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of PODIUM- Revista de Ciencia y Tecnologia en la Cultura Física is the property of Universidad de Pinar del Rio and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The current study explores a design and development of the simple, fast, green and selective novel method of UPLC to quantify pitavastatin and ezetimibe simultaneously. The combined approach of Green Analytical Method with Quality by Design-based risk assessment was done using the Ishikawa fishbone diagram followed by a rotatable central composite design used for the optimization. The optimal chromatographic separation was attained through a mobile phase of 72: 28% v/v ethanol and 0.1% orthophosphoric acid (pH 3.5), with a 0.31 mL min−1 flow rate. The developed UPLC-PDA method was sensitive and specific for pitavastatin and ezetimibe, with linearity ranging from 2 to 30, 10–150 μg mL−1 with an R2 of 0.9999 and 0.9997, respectively. The forced degradation study of stability-indicating assay results shows the degradation in respective stress conditions. The developed UPLC method was validated and found to have sensible results with good linearity, accuracy and precision. Further, the greenness was evaluated using five states of art metrics like NEMI, GAPI, AES, AMGS, and AGREE metrics and found the greenest results. Based on the results we concluded that the developed UPLC method could be efficient for the simultaneous determination of pitavastatin and ezetimibe in bulk and tablet dosage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work, an attempt was made to machine the titanium (Ti6Al4V) alloy utilizing electric discharge machining technique. The distinct process parameters and its impact on the machining performance were identified using the cause-and-effect diagram (CED). The key process parameters identified by CED diagram were current, pulse on time (Ton), aluminium oxide (Al2O3) powder concentration, and gap distance; experiments were conducted by varying the process parameters, experimental runs were designed using the Taguchi mixed orthogonal array. The experimental results revealed that improvement in material removal rate (MRR) was due to the bridging effect; reduction in tool wear rate (TWR) owing to the expansion of spark gap and enhancement in the surface roughness (Ra) was due to the complete flushing of machined debris. The interaction impact was analysed using the contour plot and with the aid of mathematical modelling experimental fits that were identified and the results were validated utilizing the sensitivity analysis. The obtained results were optimized using the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) optimization technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to optimize the cashier service macroprocess in a supermarket located in the Alto Paranaiba. Decision-making tools were applied, such as brainstorming, process mapping, Ishikawa diagram and PDCA cycle. The simulation type was based on the M/M/1 model, in the context of Queuing Theory. Thus, factors such as customer satisfaction and increased productivity were sought through systematic control and continuous improvement of the cashiers' service macroprocess. Finally, the alignment carried out between the PDCA cycle and the Routine Management brought an effective contribution, represented by the standardization of the macroprocess, by the construction of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stabilizing the quality of industrial product materials remains a challenge. This applies mainly to new or significantly modified materials. It also refers to special processes. The tests of product quality can stabilize the quality of industrial product materials. The popular method for this is using the non-destructive testing (NDT). The NDT identifies incompatibility but does not determine the cause of its occurrence. Hence, it was necessary to support the process of identifying causes of incompatibilities in products. The purpose of the article was to develop a model based on a new approach to determine the ranking of actions that are possible as part of the process of stabilizing the quality of industrial products. The model was developed to improve quality through sequential and systematic methods of identification (and reduce) and incompatibility. The quality management techniques and decision method were applied and combined in this model, i.e., SMART(-ER) the method, method of selecting a team of experts, brainstorming (BM), Ishikawa diagram with the 5M rule, Likert scale validation technique, arithmetic average, and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). The test of this model was carried out to find cracks in the outer hull of 418 alloy four-point bearing (CPW-S 5616), which was identified by NDT (magnetic-powder method). As a result, a ranking of activities was obtained to stabilize the quality of the product and the main cause of incompatibility was indicated, i.e., the cause which can influence to the most degree influence on occurrence the incompatibility. The originality of the proposed model is an application in the right order of specially selected and combined qualitative methods and supporting decision methods. The finding of causes of incompatibility of products is the basis of product improvement in the area of stabilizing the quality of materials, mainly by the occurrence of special processes. The universality of the model refers to the possibility of its application for any material, processes of its formation, and processes of products, and any incompatibilities where the model can be integrated with quality control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As regulatory and technical landscapes for pharmaceutical formulation development are rapidly evolving, a risk-management approach using multivariate analysis is highly essential for designing a product with requisite critical quality attributes (CQA). Efinaconazole, a newly approved poorly water-soluble antifungal triazole drug has poor permeability. Spanlastics, new-generation surfactant nanovesicles, being fluidic, help improve the permeability of drugs. Therefore, we optimized efinaconazole spanlastics using the concepts of Formulation-by-Design (FbD) and explored the feasibility of transungual delivery for the management of onychomycosis. Using the Ishikawa fishbone diagram, the risk factors that may have an impact on the CQA of efinaconazole spanlastic vesicles were identified. Application of the Plackett–Burman experimental design facilitated the screening of eight different formulation and process parameters influencing particle size, transmittance, relative deformability, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and dissolution efficiency. With the help of Pareto charts, the three most significant factors were identified, viz., vesicle builder (Span), edge activator (Tween), and mixing time. The levels of these three critical variables were optimized by FbD to reduce the particle size and maximize the transparency, relative deformability, encapsulation efficiency, and dissolution efficiency of efinaconazole spanlastic nanovesicles. Bayesian and Lenth's analysis and mathematical modeling of the experimental data helped to quantify the critical formulation attributes required for getting the formulation with optimum quality features. The optimized efinaconazole-loaded spanlastic vesicles had a particle size of 197 nm, transparency of 91%, relative deformability of 12.5 min, and dissolution efficiency of 81.23%. The spanlastic formulation was incorporated into a gel and explored ex vivo for transungual delivery. This explorative study provides an example of the application of principles of risk management, statistical multivariate analysis, and the FbD approach in developing efinaconazole spanlastic nanovesicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corruption is a social phenomenon that has existed since the beginning in all communities, present in everyday situations, and affects the education system. We reviewed the various aspects of corruption in the Amazon education system basing on domination theory. We looked for factors that facilitate corruption in the education system and harm sustainable development in the Amazon. We have also shown the relationships between domination theory, scientific knowledge degradation, and sustainable development. We have identified some options to fight corruption in the education system to ensure sustainable development in the Amazon. We have implemented a qualitative research project under the Amazon Graduate Program to reach described goals. Our research methods included critical literature analysis, case study, direct observation, and content analysis to describe the literature review concepts. Through the Ishikawa diagram's graphic representation, we highlighted the causes of traditional domination and corruption sub-causes that cause the degradation of scientific knowledge and sustainability in the Amazon. The study concludes that the domination in the education system is similar to traditional domination. Corrupt actions can be decisive for preventing the construction of knowledge about Sustainability in the Amazon. The scenario warns of a crisis in the education system. Our findings allow us to suggest significant actions for coping with curbing corrupt practices and unethical actions in the system. Our Amazonian academy findings help reflect the reality of the managers and politicians sensitized with this investigative work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lean production system is one of the main factors that every company must have to improve quality, especially reducing waste that occurs in the production line. The musical instrument industry such as Piano manufacturing includes industries that reduce waste by improving the manufacturing system. The company's strategy to eliminate this waste is to create an effective and efficient work system. The piano production process still has several problems, such as the presence of waste. This is an obstacle in improving the quality of production by reducing the waste that occurs. For this reason, this research focuses on improving the quality of production by reducing waste that occurs, finding the cause of the problem and taking corrective action. The method used in this research is the integration of Lean and Six Sigma and the DMAIC framework. The process is waste flow and production problems are identified in Define phase and residual measurement is measured in Measurement phase. Fishbone diagrams and the application of FMEA are used to analyze the factors that cause problems that occur and prioritize improvements to solve these problems. The implementation of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is applied to the Enhance of quality improvement phase to reduce waste. The results showed that product quality increased from an average sigma level of 3.53 to 3.79 where overproduction decreased by 41% and Side Board production leadtime decreased by 373 second. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is an additive manufacturing process, which constructs physical items by fused melt material, selectively deposited layer-by-layer through a heated extrusion mechanism. Parameters' selection and control in FFF are of utmost importance since they significantly affect the surface quality (SQ) and dimensional accuracy (DA) of the FFF printed parts. In the present paper, initially, the FFF process is briefly presented. Next, a cause-and-effect diagram exhibits the process parameters' categorization with the SQ and DA of the manufactured parts. Then, according to the robust design theory, the process parameters are divided into three classes, i.e., the signal, the control, and the noise. This classification supports the selection of appropriate FFF printers, according to the control parameters, whereas it facilitates the optimization of the SQ and DA of printed parts, concerning the signal parameters. Finally, the impact of each parameter on SQ and DA is presented, supported by an extensive literature review. Overall, the process parameters' optimization is critical for the SQ and DA. Therefore, they should be adjusted to achieve higher quality and less post-processing work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses data from articles published from 2010 to 2019, which include empirical or theoretical-practical implications related to Human Resource Management (HRM) perspectives in a Lean environment. The main aim of this paper is to define Lean Management (LM) in light of HRM and identify HR themes. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of HRM in a Lean environment was carried out, based on the four well-known publishers, namely Emerald Online, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Taylor and Francis. In total, 180 relative papers published in 48 journals were collected. The affinity and the fishbone diagram were applied in order to group the practical implications of the studies into logical themes and sub-themes. Additionally, the Pareto diagram was used to prioritise the revealed themes. A high interest in soft-Lean practices has emerged in the last few decades. The practical implications of the reviewed articles have been grouped into eleven themes, revealing various aspects of HR involved in Lean management. Specifically, they concern Training, Leadership, Culture, Participation, HR department role, Commitment, Job Design, Teamwork, Communication, Impact on employee and Resistance tο change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]