Search

We formulate the generalized group technology concept in cellular manufacturing under two new assumptions. Each process routing is indexed by a level of quality and each pair of machines is indexed by a level of compatibility. The quality of parts depends on their processing. The compatibility between machines corresponds to their ability to work together. Three objective functions are designed. They are minimizing exceptional elements, maximizing total quality of parts, and maximizing total compatibility between machines. A genetic algorithm (GA) embedded simple augmented ε-constraint (SAEC) is proposed. Computational experiments are performed on the GA-embedded SAEC, the SAEC, and a nondominated sorting GA. We compare the trade-off solutions produced by the three techniques. Due to the similarity in structure, we also make a direct comparison between the GA-embedded SAEC and the SAEC in terms of the quality of the most preferred solutions obtained. The results indicate that the hybrid approach performs satisfactorily within reasonable computation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into Chinese preschool teachers’ beliefs within a developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) framework, advocating for a more detailed understanding beyond traditional dichotomies. Using a person-centred approach, we analysed data from 202 preschool teachers in China to identify profiles of teachers’ beliefs, predictors of profile membership, and impacts on educational outcomes. Findings revealed three latent profiles: higher-level, moderate-level, and lower-level beliefs. Professional titles and years of experience were significantly associated with profile membership. Teachers with higher-level beliefs demonstrated superior perceived practices and process quality. They also reported higher scores for both DAP and developmentally inappropriate practice (DIP). This paradoxical finding suggests that certain practices traditionally viewed as developmentally inappropriate within Western educational contexts may be adapted or hold particular relevance in Chinese educational settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing pressure on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings to align their practices and values to that of schools, with the notion that a quality education in ECEC consists of providing care whilst also ensuring strong learning outcomes. This paper employs the constructs of structural and process quality to theorise the perceived disparities between ECEC institutions and schools and between ECEC services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The experiences of 29 Australian ECEC educators provide insight into the differing constructions of quality across ECEC services during the COVID-19 lockdown periods that occurred from May to August 2020 in the state of Victoria. The findings suggest that despite increasing pressure for ECEC programmes to be more like schools, the pandemic amplified society's positioning of ECEC as a caregiving service, highlighting the perceived differences between ECEC and schools and within the ECEC sector itself. While the findings suggest that ECEC educators were discouraged by the lack of recognition they received for providing quality education during the pandemic, the disruption of the pandemic prompted opportunities for reflection and action, providing more visibility of the quality of care that ECEC educators provide and the importance of their roles within the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the lack of educational opportunities limits the future of most people in Ethiopia, they pose dire consequences to young people in migration hotspot areas. Using input‐process‐outcome‐context‐education quality framework, this study investigated the quality of education in eight migration hotspot areas of Ethiopia and its association with migration. A random sample of 1,187 participants (793 students, 262 teachers and 132 parents) completed a survey. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that participants' overall rating of education quality was low. Over a third of participants perceived that input, process and outcome components of education in migration hotspot areas have a quality problem. Over 80% of the participants believed that poor quality of education could be a cause for migration. More specifically, a significant portion of the participants (37%) reported that there was no pedagogical centre in their respective schools; continuous assessment was practiced rarely (36%); and creativity and discovery among students was almost non‐existent (40%). The participants' ratings indicated that the top five factors that contribute to the poor quality of education are low level of teacher competence, poor student motivation, poverty, value attached to education and large class size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to understand how the perceived usefulness of voice assistants (VAs) is affected by the perceived quality of the process (interaction) and the outcome (information). The authors also aim to determine the extent to which the perceived usefulness of VAs improves the perceived privacy associated with their use and increases users’ intention to continue using them. Consumer technology innovativeness is included as a personal trait moderator, to compare the results between tech and nontech innovators. For this purpose, the authors use the framework of the uses and gratifications theory (U&GT). Design/methodology/approach – A survey of 467 VA users was conducted and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Findings – The authors identify two main determinants of the perceived usefulness of VAs that influence users’ intention to continue using this technology, process quality and outcome quality. These two factors influence the continued use of VAs in different ways depending on the technology innovativeness of the consumers. The results show that tech innovators are oriented toward the interactive experience, and therefore, mainly value the process quality. In addition, nontech innovators are oriented toward a satisfactory response from VAs, and therefore, primarily value the outcome quality. In addition, the positive effect of perceived usefulness on perceived privacy is higher for tech innovators. Originality/value – This study enhances the literature on the perceived usefulness of VAs within the framework of U&GT. It identifies two antecedents (process quality and outcome quality) of perceived usefulness and observes significant differences based on technological innovativeness. Impacto de la calidad del proceso y resultado en la intención de seguir usando asistentes de voz Objetivo – Este artículo tiene como objetivo entender cómo la utilidad percibida de los Asistentes de Voz (AV) se ve afectada por la calidad percibida del proceso (interacción) y el resultado (información). Asimismo, busca determinar hasta qué punto la utilidad percibida de los AVs mejora la privacidad percibida asociada con su uso y, consecuentemente, la intención de los usuarios de seguir utilizándolos. La innovación tecnológica se incluye como moderador personal para comparar los resultados entre innovadores tecnológicos y no tecnológicos. Para este propósito, utilizamos la Teoría de Usos y Gratificaciones (U&GT). Diseño – Se realizó una encuesta a 467 usuarios de AVs, y se utilizó la modelización de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM) para analizar los datos. Resultados – La calidad del proceso y la calidad del resultado son antecedentes claros de la utilidad percibida de los AVs, que afecta a la intención de los usuarios de seguir usándolos. La influencia de ambos factores difiere entre usuarios según su nivel de innovación tecnológica. Los resultados muestran que los innovadores tecnológicos valoran más la experiencia interactiva y la calidad del proceso, mientras que los no innovadores tecnológicos se enfocan en obtener respuestas satisfactorias de los AVs. Además, la influencia positiva de la utilidad percibida en la privacidad percibida es más pronunciada en los innovadores tecnológicos. Originalidad – Este estudio enriquece la literatura sobre la utilidad percibida de los AVs dentro del marco de la U&GT. Identifica dos factores previos (calidad del proceso y calidad del resultado) de la utilidad percibida y observa diferencias significativas basadas en la innovación tecnológica. 过程和结果质量对继续使用语音助手意愿的影响 目的 – 本文旨在了解语音助手（VAs）的感知有用性如何受到过程（交互）和结果（信息）的感知质量的影响。我们还旨在确定语音助手的感知有用性在多大程度上改善了与使用语音助手相关的感知隐私, 并提高了用户继续使用语音助手的意愿。我们将消费者的技术创新性作为个人特质调节因素, 以比较技术创新者和非技术创新者的结果。为此, 我们使用了 “使用与满足理论"（U&GT）框架。 设计/方法/途径 – 我们对 467 名增值服务用户进行了调查, 并使用结构方程模型（SEM）对数据进行了分析。 研究结果 – 我们确定了影响用户继续使用该技术意向的虚拟机构感知有用性的两个主要决定因素：（1）过程质量和（2）结果质量。根据消费者的技术创新能力, 这两个因素以不同的方式影响着虚拟现实技术的持续使用。结果显示, 技术创新者以互动体验为导向, 因此主要看重过程质量。此外, 非技术创新者倾向于从虚拟机构获得令人满意的回应, 因此主要看重结果质量。此外, 对于科技创新者来说, 感知有用性对感知隐私的积极影响更大。 价值 – 本研究在 U&GT 框架内加强了有关虚拟机构感知有用性的文献。它确定了感知有用性的两个前因（过程质量和结果质量）, 并观察到了基于技术创新性的显著差异。

Abstract Background Overall, research on social determinants of access and quality of outpatient care in Germany is scarce. Therefore, social disparities (according to sex, age, income, migration background, and health insurance) in perceived access and quality of consultation in outpatient care (primary care physicians and specialists) in Germany were explored in this study. Methods Analyses made use of a cross-sectional online survey. An adult population sample was randomly drawn from a panel which was recruited offline (N = 2,201). Perceived access was assessed by waiting time for an appointment (in days) and travel time to the practice (in minutes), while quality of consultation was measured by consultation time (in minutes) and quality of communication (scale of four items, Cronbach’s Alpha 0.89). Results In terms of primary care, perceived access and quality of consultation was worse among women compared to men. Estimated consultation time was shorter among people with statutory health insurance compared to privately insured respondents. Regarding specialist care, people aged 60 years and older reported shorter waiting times and better quality of communication. Lower income groups reported lower quality of communication, while perceived access and quality of consultation was worse among respondents with a statutory health insurance. Variances explained by the social characteristics ranged between 1% and 4% for perceived access and between 3% and 7% for quality of consultation. Conclusion We found social disparities in perceived access and quality of consultation in outpatient care in Germany. Such disparities in access may indicate structural discrimination, while disparities in quality of consultation may point to interpersonal discrimination in health care.

Abstract This paper presents lightweight tooling concepts based on additive manufacturing, with the aim of developing advanced tooling systems as well as installing sensors for real-time monitoring and control during the anchoring and manufacturing of aeronautical parts. Leveraging additive manufacturing techniques in the production of tooling yields benefits in manufacturing flexibility and material usage. These concepts transform traditional tooling systems into active, intelligent tools, improving the manufacturing process and part quality. Integrated sensors measure variables such as displacement, humidity and temperature allowing data analysis and correlation with process quality variables such as accuracy errors, tolerances achieved and surface finish. In addition to sensor integration, additive manufacturing by directed energy arc and wire deposition (DED-arc) has been selected for part manufacturing. The research includes the mechanical characterisation of the material and the microstructure of the material once manufactured by DED-arc. Design for additive manufacturing" principles guide the design process to effectively exploit the capabilities of DED-arc. These turrets, equipped with sensors, allow real-time monitoring and control of turret deformation during clamping and manufacturing of aeronautical parts. As a first step, deformation monitoring is carried out within the defined tolerance of ± 0.15, which allows a control point to be established in the turret. Future analysis of the sensor data will allow correlations with process quality variables to be established. Remarkably, the optimised version of the turret after applying DED technology weighed only 2.2 kg, significantly lighter than the original 6 kg version. Additive manufacturing and the use of lightweight structures for fixture fabrication, followed by the addition of sensors, provide valuable information and control, improving process efficiency and part quality. This research contributes to the development of intelligent and efficient tool systems for aeronautical applications.

Background: Overall, research on social determinants of access and quality of outpatient care in Germany is scarce. Therefore, social disparities (according to sex, age, income, migration background, and health insurance) in perceived access and quality of consultation in outpatient care (primary care physicians and specialists) in Germany were explored in this study. Methods: Analyses made use of a cross-sectional online survey. An adult population sample was randomly drawn from a panel which was recruited offline (N = 2,201). Perceived access was assessed by waiting time for an appointment (in days) and travel time to the practice (in minutes), while quality of consultation was measured by consultation time (in minutes) and quality of communication (scale of four items, Cronbach's Alpha 0.89). Results: In terms of primary care, perceived access and quality of consultation was worse among women compared to men. Estimated consultation time was shorter among people with statutory health insurance compared to privately insured respondents. Regarding specialist care, people aged 60 years and older reported shorter waiting times and better quality of communication. Lower income groups reported lower quality of communication, while perceived access and quality of consultation was worse among respondents with a statutory health insurance. Variances explained by the social characteristics ranged between 1% and 4% for perceived access and between 3% and 7% for quality of consultation. Conclusion: We found social disparities in perceived access and quality of consultation in outpatient care in Germany. Such disparities in access may indicate structural discrimination, while disparities in quality of consultation may point to interpersonal discrimination in health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The additive manufacturing technology powder bed fusion of metal with a laser beam (PBF-LB/M) is industrially established for tool-free production of complex and individualized components and products. While the in-processing is based on a layer-by-layer build-up of material, both upstream and downstream process steps (pre-processing and post-processing) are necessary for demand-oriented production. However, there are increasing concerns in the industry about the efficient and economical implementation and validation of the PBF-LB/M. Individual products for mass personalization pose a particular challenge, as they are subject to sophisticated risk management, especially in highly regulated sectors such as medical technology. Additive manufacturing using PBF-LB/M is a suitable technology but a complex one to master in this environment. A structured system for holistic decision-making concerning technical and economic feasibility, as well as quality and risk-oriented process management, is currently not available. In the context of this research, a framework is proposed that demonstrates the essential steps for the systematic implementation and validation of PBF-LB/M in two structured phases. The intention is to make process-related key performance indicators such as part accuracy, surface finish, mechanical properties, and production efficiency controllable and ensure reliable product manufacturing. The framework is then visualized and evaluated using a practice-oriented case study environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Erziehungswissenschaft is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

This paper presents lightweight tooling concepts based on additive manufacturing, with the aim of developing advanced tooling systems as well as installing sensors for real-time monitoring and control during the anchoring and manufacturing of aeronautical parts. Leveraging additive manufacturing techniques in the production of tooling yields benefits in manufacturing flexibility and material usage. These concepts transform traditional tooling systems into active, intelligent tools, improving the manufacturing process and part quality. Integrated sensors measure variables such as displacement, humidity and temperature allowing data analysis and correlation with process quality variables such as accuracy errors, tolerances achieved and surface finish. In addition to sensor integration, additive manufacturing by directed energy arc and wire deposition (DED-arc) has been selected for part manufacturing. The research includes the mechanical characterisation of the material and the microstructure of the material once manufactured by DED-arc. Design for additive manufacturing" principles guide the design process to effectively exploit the capabilities of DED-arc. These turrets, equipped with sensors, allow real-time monitoring and control of turret deformation during clamping and manufacturing of aeronautical parts. As a first step, deformation monitoring is carried out within the defined tolerance of ± 0.15, which allows a control point to be established in the turret. Future analysis of the sensor data will allow correlations with process quality variables to be established. Remarkably, the optimised version of the turret after applying DED technology weighed only 2.2 kg, significantly lighter than the original 6 kg version. Additive manufacturing and the use of lightweight structures for fixture fabrication, followed by the addition of sensors, provide valuable information and control, improving process efficiency and part quality. This research contributes to the development of intelligent and efficient tool systems for aeronautical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The first level of a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening process was systematically analysed using the Healthcare Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (HFMEA) approach by a multidisciplinary team aiming to improve the programme quality. Setting: The study was conducted at the Local Health Authority of Bologna, Northern Italy. Methods: Seven brainstorming sessions were conducted and all the activities performed were recorded on a FMEA worksheet consisting of individual records reporting the specific phases of the analysed process along with associated activities, possible failure modes, their causes and effects, the obtained risk priority numbers (RPNs) and the control measures to plan. Results: Twenty-three failure modes, 14 effects and 12 possible causes were identified. Nine failure modes were prioritised according to the RPN obtained; most resulted in possible false-negative faecal immunochemical test (FIT) results (66.7%), followed by sample loss (22.2%) and not reaching the entire target population (11.1%). This leads to 66.7% of corrective/preventive actions being applied to the phase of returning the stool sample by the citizen. For this phase reorganisation, the local pharmacies were involved not only as FIT kit delivery points but also as specimen collection and sending points to the laboratory. These organisational changes allowed the introduction of complete traceability of kits and specimens flow, as well as temperature control. A re-evaluation of the prioritised failure modes 6 months after launching the implemented screening process showed that HFMEA application decreased the risk of potential errors by 75.9%. Conclusion: HFMEA application in CRC screening programme is a useful tool to reduce potential errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on a medium-scale Jamaican study, The Early Interactions Project, which measured environmental quality in 42 childcare facilities in Jamaica using Infant and Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS-3). One of the overarching goals of the project was to quantitatively measure programme quality with the goal of providing recommendations for the improvement of global process quality within the participating centres. These findings are then discussed relative to their implications for practices employed within childcare centres. The findings indicate that nursery settings are underperforming across all indicators of quality as measured by the ITERS-3 scale. This finding illuminates the need for increased access to professional development opportunities for nursery staff, improved financial capacities for nursery facilities and improved oversight of the sector catering to children in the 0–3 age cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A system's approach depends on the low malfunction of the equipment and processes of that system, and maintenance plays an essential role in achieving this goal. In addition, over time, the equipment quality decreases, and a quality transfer from controlled to uncontrolled mode may occur, characterized by an increase in the rate of return of the product and the tendency to fail. One of the methods that researchers have widely used in analyzing the risk of net operations is the analysis of the effect and failure modes to identify critical failure modes and focus planning and net resources on them. In analyzing the effect and failure modes, one of the essential steps is prioritizing the equipment to determine the critical equipment, as well as determining the fundamental failure modes and prioritizing them to plan the net operation purposefully. This paper aims to dynamically rank equipment in intuitionistic fuzzy environments with interval values to identify and prioritize critical equipment and present a mathematical model for combining optimization of preventive maintenance intervals and control parameters. For this purpose, a model is presented that calculates the dynamic weights of each piece of equipment according to the conditions of each piece of equipment in the indicators of failure probability, failure consequence, and lack of fault detection power. Therefore, dynamic ranking is provided for the equipment. In this research, for dynamic prioritization of equipment, the method of analysis of the ratio of intuitionistic fuzzy gradual weighting with quantitative values (IVIF-SWARA) was presented. Then, a mathematical model was presented for the identified critical equipment. The proposed model can determine the optimal value of each of the four decision variables, i.e., sample size, inspection rotation time, control limit coefficient, and preventive repair intervals of each of the critical equipment of the Northern Oil Pipeline and Telecommunication Company and the total expected cost of integration per unit. Minimize time. The results show that the proposed model is much more flexible in calculating equipment's weight and dynamic rating and provides more logical rating results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Die Unfallchirurgie is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Abstract Background Antenatal care (ANC) is a principal component of safe motherhood and reproductive health strategies across the continuum of care. Although the coverage of antenatal care visits has increased in Ethiopia, there needs to be more evidence of effective coverage of antenatal care. The 'effective coverage' concept can pinpoint where action is required to improve high-quality coverage in Ethiopia. Effective coverage indicates a health system's performance by incorporating need, utilization, and quality into a single measurement. The concept includes the number of contacts, facility readiness, interventions received, and components of services received. This study aimed to measure effective antenatal care coverage in Ethiopia. Methods A two-stage cluster sampling method was used and included 2714 women aged 15–49 years and 462 health facilities from six Ethiopian regions from October 2019 to January 2020. The effective coverage cascade was analyzed among the targeted women by computing the proportion who received four or more antenatal care visits where the necessary inputs were available, received iron-folate supplementation and two doses of tetanus vaccination according to process quality components of antenatal care services. Results Of all women, 40% (95%CI; 38, 43) had four or more visits, ranging from 3% in Afar to 74% in Addis Ababa. The overall mean health facility readiness score of the facilities serving these women was 70%, the vaccination and iron-folate supplementation coverage was 26%, and the ANC process quality was 64%. As reported by women, the least score was given to the quality component of discussing birth preparedness and complication readiness with providers. In the effective coverage cascade, the input-adjusted, intervention-adjusted, and quality-adjusted antenatal coverage estimates were 28%, 18%, and 12%, respectively. Conclusion The overall effective ANC coverage was low, primarily due to a considerable drop in the proportion of women who completed four or more ANC visits. Improving quality of services is crucial to increase ANC up take and completion of the recommended visits along with interventions increasing women’s awareness.

The authors have developed algorithms and a simulation model of the production process in the selected enterprise, and proposed variants of emergency conduct. An aggregated simulation model as well as simulation results will allow for the implementation of appropriate procedures for dealing with emergencies. Through employing these measures, audits conducted in the company will reveal how the company is prepared for various failures and what their impact is on the efficiency indicators of the process.

Summary: Background: Quality assurance (QA) in surgery is crucial, ensuring patient safety, improving outcomes, and maintaining the highest standards of care. Structured medical documentation is a key component in generating valid data that can be used to achieve QA goals. Unfortunately, digital systems for surgical documentation that are simultaneously clinically oriented, appropriately comprehensive, and user friendly are currently lacking. Methods: For this reason, the Department of Visceral, Transplant, and Thoracic Surgery at the Medical University of Innsbruck has established its medical documentation platform as a quality-controlled registry (qcRegistry). Results: This paper gives an overview of quality assurance measures in medicine, especially in surgery. It describes the essential requirements for the data of a registry, the tools to achieve quality-controlled data, and its implementation in routine without significantly disturbing the daily clinical routine. Conclusion: Despite complex conditions inherent to medical quality-controlled documentation, it has been shown that a quality-controlled, audit-capable registry (qcRegistry) can be successfully implemented across all aspects of surgical practice in a tertiary care surgery department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Erziehungswissenschaft is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Logistics processes play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the supply chain, and warehouse management is one of the key logistics activities of invaluable significance. To evaluate the management principles of companies, it is necessary to thoroughly analyze their functions, operational standards, and quality requirements. One of the most common strategies in modern businesses is quality improvement. Insufficient quality can lead to competitive disadvantages and have negative consequences for companies that do not prioritize quality and neglect their services and products, resulting in a loss of customer loyalty and revenue. Effective warehouse management is critically important for companies to meet consumer needs, reduce costs, and gain a competitive advantage. Conducting qualitative research is necessary in order to learn how to properly organize warehouse management within companies, which will also help to identify key issues and determine areas for change. This article consists of a theoretical section that analyzes the scientific literature on the quality of warehouse process management in the logistics sector. It examines theoretical aspects of logistics processes and quality assurance in company management, including the implementation of systems that ensure quality in warehouse processes and logistics process management. The subsequent sections describe the research methods applied, evaluate the results of warehouse management quality, and provide insights and recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents a novel model for optimizing process information in manufacturing steps through the utilization of Process Constituent Elements (PCE), with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of product process information design. To achieve this objective, a systematic analysis is conducted on six dimensions: input, output, resources, value-adding activities, environment, and process control and inspection content. In addition, specific attributes of PCE are investigated, and an improved FP-growth algorithm is employed to extract the optimized structural expressions of typical PCE, thus determining specific expression requirements. The PCE and their attribute relationships are organized into modular mapping rules, resulting in an optimized representation structure based on a polychromatic set approach. The effectiveness of this approach is quantitatively assessed by developing a comprehensive quality indicator evaluation system for process information and using a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model for analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Certification of centers for weaning from a ventilator in neurological neurosurgical early rehabilitation (NNER) by the German Society for Neurorehabilitation (DGNR) is possible since 1 October 2021. Objective: The results of certification of facilities in the first year after starting the procedure are presented. Material and methods: As part of the certification process 28 criteria are assessed including a set of mandatory characteristics of the facility. The criteria are divided into structural criteria (i = 7), diagnostic criteria (i = 6), personnel criteria (i = 3), internal organization criteria (i = 7), and quality management criteria (i = 5). Results: A total of 13 centers were certified in the first year, with a combined total of 283 beds for weaning from a ventilator in the NNER and served 2278 persons to be weaned from a ventilator in the year before certification, with a median of 134 per facility (range 44–414). Only rarely was weaning unsuccessful, requiring conversion to home mechanical ventilation before discharge (invasive home mechanical ventilation median per facility 10 persons, range 2–25; non-invasive home mechanical ventilation median 0 persons, range 0–57). A high level of process and structural quality was documented for the certified centers: across all areas of assessment, the individual certification criteria were met in the vast majority of cases (median degree of complete fulfilment 86%) or met with improvement potentials documented by the auditors (median 11%). Conclusion: Successful weaning in NNER and a high level of process and structural quality can be demonstrated by the certification results of centers that follow this integrative approach to weaning from a ventilator in a NNER setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Automobile Technology & Material is the property of Automobile Technology & Material 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 Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty is the property of Mehmet Akif Ersoy Universitesi Egitim Fakultesi Dergisi 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 authors have developed algorithms and a simulation model of the production process in the selected enterprise, and proposed variants of emergency conduct. An aggregated simulation model as well as simulation results will allow for the implementation of appropriate procedures for dealing with emergencies. Through employing these measures, audits conducted in the company will reveal how the company is prepared for various failures and what their impact is on the efficiency indicators of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present systematic review was dual: 1) to systematically identify and present all qualitative research exploring caregiver/child ratio and group size in Scandinavian Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) for children aged 0–5 years, and 2) to synthesize the results from included studies in order to explore how the structural aspects of the ECEC setting (ratio and group size) are perceived to influence the everyday life experiences, development, and wellbeing of children. All studies exploring caregiver/child ratio and group size in ECEC in Scandinavia using qualitative methods were included. Systematic electronic searches were carried out in Socindex, PsycINFO, ERIC, Academic Search Premier, Science Citation Index, Sociological Abstracts, Cristin, Forskningsbasen, Libris, Norart, Swemed, and BIBSYS between September 2020 and February 2022. Furthermore, hand searches and snowballing strategies were used to identify relevant studies. The final selection included 12 studies in the review. The quality of all included studies was assessed independently by two review authors. After critical appraisal, the thematic analysis was conducted using data from 11 studies as one included study was deemed to be of insufficient quality. Findings within the thematic synthesis highlight ways in which group size and caregiver/child ratio influence caregiver/child interactions, children's interactions, behavior, development, and learning as perceived by caregivers and observers and the caregivers' perceptions on what constitutes optimal group size and caregiver/child ratio in ECEC. No study included in the review used interviews with children or parents, and thus future research is needed in order to explore children's perspectives on these central structural characteristics of the ECEC setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gefaesschirurgie is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Previous research has demonstrated that early childhood educators are particularly affected by burnout symptoms, such as emotional exhaustion. However, only few studies exploring preschool quality consider early childhood educators' burnout symptoms as a predictor. Yet we know from other professions that burnout symptoms often lead to reduced job performance. Therefore, this study examines the link between emotional exhaustion in early childhood educators and an important aspect of preschool quality: the frequency of educational activities promoting language and pre-literacy (e.g. story reading or storytelling). We included 1389 educators nested in 204 preschools in Germany. Multilevel regression analyses revealed that emotional exhaustion was negatively related to the frequency of activities beyond important structural characteristics. Our findings suggest that more attention needs to be paid to early childhood educators' emotional exhaustion as it impairs quality care. Further, they encourage interventions targeting burnout symptoms in early childhood educators to avert detrimental effects for themselves and for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper establishes the teaching quality evaluation model and index system of ideological and political education with quality products as the core. This method was used to investigate 1140 college students in 10 universities. The results show that college students ignore intrinsic motivation and goals and lack ideal thinking in learning quality. In terms of course quality, there are some problems: the overall level of students’ investment in the course is not high, and their satisfaction with the course teaching is not high. The results of empirical analysis show that the multiple linear regression estimation based on the IPO method can better resist outliers and get a better prediction effect.

Copyright of Automatisierungstechnik is the property of De Gruyter 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.)

Within the research field quality in preschool, interactions between staff and children are widely recognised as the single most important factor. Hence, preschool teachers play an important role in underpinning children's well-being, learning and development. However, prior research into preschool teachers' educational level and other characteristics such as structural quality determinants and specifically previous attempts to determine the impact of these factors on process quality have been somewhat mixed. In the study, preschool quality derived from a sample consisting of 96 preschools located within three Danish municipalities and measured by the ECERS-3. The ECERS data and the civil registration numbers of children and employees were transferred to Statistics Denmark (DST). Using data from the registers, it was then possible to estimate correlations between individual quality markers and staff characteristics. In this article, we focussed specifically on correlations between the educational level and educational background of the pedagogical staff on the one hand and the quality of interactions on the other, hence, the prevalence of three preschool teacher generations could be traced and linked to preschool quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of educator-child interaction is a well-established predictor of children's well-being and development. Situational and personal characteristics seem to play an important role in the quality of interactions. More challenging situations, such as a large number of children or activities like meals or transitions, show lower quality. One important personal characteristic might be educator self-efficacy. However, empirical findings of the relation between self-efficacy and interaction quality are inconsistent. Situational characteristics might explain these inconsistent findings. We investigate the effects of educator self-efficacy as well as situational characteristics on the observed interaction quality and the moderating role of the situation on the relation between educators' self-efficacy and interaction quality. A total of 245 early childhood care educators from 103 groups in Switzerland participated. A self-report questionnaire was used to assess educators' self-efficacy. Interaction quality was observed using a standardized observation tool (CLASS Toddler). Results confirm that the presence of many children and activities like meals, routines, and transitions are related to lower interaction quality. Including situational characteristics like group size or mealtimes yielded some significant – and partly contradictory – associations between educator self-efficacy and interaction quality. We discuss the still unclear and partly problematic transmission of self- efficacy into interaction quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Process models constitute crucial artifacts in modern information systems, and their proper comprehension is of utmost importance in utilizing such systems. Generally, process models are considered from two different perspectives: process modelers and readers. Both perspectives share similarities and differences in the comprehension of process models (e.g., diverse experiences when working with process models). The literature proposed many rules and guidelines to ensure proper comprehension of process models for both perspectives. As a novel contribution in this context, this paper introduces the process model comprehension framework (PMCF), constituting a first approach towards the measurement and quantification of the perspectives of process modelers and readers, as well as the interaction of both regarding the comprehension of process models. Therefore, the PMCF describes an Evaluation theory tree based on the communication theory and the conceptual modeling quality framework and considers a total of 96 quality metrics to quantify process model comprehension. Furthermore, the PMCF was evaluated in a survey with 131 participants and has been implemented and applied successfully in a practical case study including 33 participants. To conclude, the PMCF allows for the identification of pitfalls and provides related information about how to assist process modelers and readers in fostering and enabling a proper comprehension of process models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By taking process targeting as well as process variability into consideration, the Taguchi capability index C p m gives a reasonable indication of process loss. This makes it an ideal tool for practical applications that depend on the evaluation of process quality. The ability of Six Sigma quality management to reduce process defect rates has led a number of researchers to investigate the relationship between C p m and Six Sigma quality levels. Unfortunately, previous efforts indicate the quality level using only a range, rather than a specific value. Our objective in this study was to develop a Taguchi Six Sigma quality index Q p m that retains the advantages of C p m in the assessment of process performance, while providing a specific value for the quality level associated with the process in question. To ensure rigorous quality assessments, we employed the upper confidence limit of Q p m in the design of a testing model for use by manufacturers. Fuzziness and stochastic uncertainty are unavoidable aspects of data collection. We, therefore, adopted a right half triangular-shaped fuzzy number for Q ˆ p m to deal with imprecise data. We also developed a method of the fuzzy hypothesis testing for Q p m to make reliable decisions for process quality assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Mechanical Engineering is the property of Editorial Board of China Mechanical Engineering 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 characteristics of flexible production lines, i.e., "multiple steps and few processes", increase the complexity of the process and the difficulty of process quality control, but are not conducive for improving the quality and efficiency of a production line. In this study, we use a flexible production line processing spindle box as the research object. Using an extensive data analysis method, we study the key influencing factors of process quality and the prediction and optimization of process quality characteristics, aiming to accurately predict the machining accuracy of flexible production line processes and to achieve efficient quality control. A fuzzy hierarchical analysis-based impact factor model is developed to obtain a process quality impact factor model consistent with the spindle box of a production line. By verifying the prediction accuracy of 24 sets of quality spindle bore data, a prediction model with a relative error of less than 0.01 is obtained, which provides a prediction sample for analyzing potential problems of process quality in a production line. The SPC control principle is used to monitor process quality by using the standard control method, and the change trends between the actual and predicted values of quality characteristics are compared to achieve predictive control of the process quality. The product qualification rate of this control scheme under this monitoring method is 96%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study applies the J48 algorithm (Weka platform) to determine the most influential independent variables in the quality process of the following fruits: blackberry, orange, passion fruit, lemon, strawberry, lulo, mango, feijoa, and peach. This analysis is based on a database of 211 records, a dependent variable (quality), and a set of 10 independent variables: raw material type, °Brix, pH, acidity, color, smell, flavor, maturity, washed pH, and washed color. The results show with an accuracy of 93% that the most influential variables are: taste, color, and smell. However, if these variables are suppressed, it is revealed that the variables pH, °Brix, and product can predict the dependent quality variable with an accuracy greater than 93%. It is concluded that there are three organoleptic properties (taste, color, and smell) that are associated with fruit product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anaesthesiologie & Intensivmedizin is the property of DGAI e.V. - Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Anasthesiologie und Intensivmedizin e.V. 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.)

Abstract Background Family doctor service (FDS) is a scheme oriented to improving the access and continuity of primary care in China. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management is a core component of FDS. However, evidence on the quality of T2DM care is lacking and the potential association between FDS attributes and T2DM care is largely unknown. This study attempted to assess the process quality of T2DM care in general practice and explore the association between patient perceived FDS attributes and process quality of T2DM care. Methods Total 400 patients were recruited from 5 community health service centers in two urban districts in Beijing. Questionnaire survey and extraction of data from electronic health record (EHR) were conducted to collect patient characteristics, patient perceived FDS attributes (accessibility, continuity and team-based care) and process quality indicators (monitoring and health counseling indicators). Chi-square test and a two-level generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) were used to explore the association between FDS attributes and process quality. Results The utilization rate of all the 12 indicators in monitoring, 6 indicators in health counseling and all the 18 process indicators, was 12.8%, 23.8% and 6.0% respectively. Over half of the patients (56.8%) perceived all the 3 FDS attributes. There were statistically significant associations between accessibility of care and lipid (p = 0.008), electrocardiogram (p = 0.016), retinopathy (p = 0.037) and peripheral neuropathy (p = 0.006) monitoring and each of the 6 health counseling indicators (all the p values

In addition to the choice of inputs, there are additional aspects that determine the so-called external factors and students' internal factors that have an impact on the improvement of student learning outcomes. Infrastructure at the school, teachers, the teaching method, and other elements that stem from the family context are examples of external variables affecting children. Internal factors, such as good health, talent, intelligence, interests, and motivation. When determining the learning outcomes of students, the effectiveness of the learning process has a significant impact. In the meantime, motivation influences, supports, and guides students' learning behaviors. 1) To ascertain the impact of the effectiveness of the learning process and learning motivation on student achievement. 2) to ascertain how learning motivation affects student performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy in the construction industry is still in its infancy. It seems particularly difficult for companies in this sector to make strategic decisions that enable sustainable operations and ensure long-term business success. This article investigates factors such as employee involvement at the operational level that facilitate circular economy practices for companies in the construction industry. For this purpose, we conducted a company survey and analyzed it using a structural equation model. The results show that it is worthwhile for companies to empower their manufacturing employees to take actions independently in order to increase process quality and to reduce setup time, which together lead to better circular economy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron beam melting (EBM) as one of the relatively new metal AM techniques showed promising and increasing applications. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the quality of the EBM process using its critical quality characteristics. However, EBM and different AM process parts have many functionally or statistically correlated quality characteristics. Consequently, the quality characteristics of the EBM process should be evaluated together. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the quality of the EBM process using a multivariate process capability index (MPCI). In this study, the dimensional accuracy in different directions is considered as a quality characteristics. The proposed methodology involves producing a large sample of small specimens of square shape using EBM technology. Three critical dimensions of the specimen in the X, Y, and Z axis are investigated as quality characteristics. The dimensions of quality characteristics are measured using a precise measurement device. The normality and stability assumptions of the collected data are investigated using skewness measure, and multivariate process control chart respectively. Then a large sample of the multivariate normal data is simulated using computer software to estimate the percent of nonconforming (PNC) from the established specification limits, which is used to estimate MPCI. Finally, the capable tolerance of the process is estimated and the sensitivity analysis of variation is investigated. The results show the capability of the EBM process under different specification limits designations. Estimating MPCI revealed that the EBM process is capable under very coarse limits only. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis showed that variation in quality characteristics data is very sensitive for MPCI estimation, especially variation in width quality characteristic.

This paper presents the dynamics of engineer-to-order (ETO) practice through Integration Definition for Function Modelling (IDEF) practice. The paper describes and defines how an ETO manufacturer utilised IDEF-QA in order to manage project uncertainties within the tendering process. The research is conceptualised through an empirical action research approach, involving an active role in the assessment of the ETO process. The paper revisits the use of IDEF, showcasing an assessment of output quality. It also suggests a road map for resource uncertainty within ETO, specifically when scoping the supply chain for ETO projects. The paper then presents an IDEF Quality Assessment model for improving the tendering process of ETO, and it examines the importance of evaluating project behaviour for supporting new future projects. The principal contribution is in how a structured approach provides IDEF with a quality assessment of resources, thereby consolidating and establishing a relationship for highlighting the uncertainties experienced by ETO manufacturers within the decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]