Certification System Research Articles

Exploration on the Integration Model of “Post–Course–Competition– Certificate” in Culinary Major under the “1+X” Certificate System: Taking Cantonese Cuisine and Cantonese Dimsum Vocational Skill Level Certificates as Examples

Exploration on the Integration Model of “Post–Course–Competition– Certificate” in Culinary Major under the “1+X” Certificate System: Taking Cantonese Cuisine and Cantonese Dimsum Vocational Skill Level Certificates as Examples

Sustainable agriculture made easy: CETARA-NF's self-certification

Consumers can receive guarantees through the certified evaluation tool of agriculture resources analysis of natural farming (CETARA NF) without having to deal with costly third-party certification's entry obstacles or complex participatory guarantee systems. The purpose of this study is to examine the reasons for farmers' engagement in CETARA-NF as well as their experiences and results. 400 farmers randomly interviewed from 4 agroclimatic zones using the well-structured questionnaire from a 135,000 certified farmers list. Most farmers fall under the Two Star category (61.5 %), followed by One Star (28.5 %) and Three Star (10 %). The findings imply that 61 per cent of farmers are transitioning towards natural farming as these farmers have minimised or eliminated the chemical use in their farming practices. Significant factors of adoption for this certification system were increased marketed quantity, chemical fertiliser cost and no certification cost. Also, market access (Rank 1), no cost of certification (Rank 2) and women friendly (Rank 3) recognized as the major advantages of this certification. CETARA-NF can be an alternative certification solution for smallholders by securing the integration of grassroots agroecological cooperation and customs inside natural farming systems, thereby overcoming certification barriers.

The global approaches to the regulation of quantum communication

In the rapidly evolving field of quantum communication, the regulatory framework plays a crucial role in ensuring security, standardization, and international cooperation. This article examines various approaches employed by countries to regulate quantum communication. The purpose of this research is to comprehensively analyze and compare different international approaches to the regulation of quantum communication to identify key features characteristic of the current stage of development and regulation of quantum communication, as well as to develop recommendations for optimizing and improving regulatory governance in this area. The methodological basis of the study consisted of general scientific and special methods. A detailed study of various legal documents, strategies, and standards related to quantum communication was conducted using the following general scientific methods: analysis, synthesis, induction, and system analysis. Among the special legal methods used was the comparative legal method, which made it possible to identify general trends, differences, and unique approaches in the regulation of quantum communication, as well as the formal-legal method for studying legal categories and legislative techniques used in various acts in the studied area. The study systematically examines legislative measures, government policies, and industry standards to determine the relationship between technological innovation and regulatory governance in the field of quantum communication. The research revealed that the regulation of quantum communication is primarily carried out at the level of strategic documents, such as national roadmaps, which contain recommendations and guidelines for regulating quantum communication. It was found that technical standards play a vital role in the development of quantum communication, with this development occurring at both national and international levels. Special groups and centers have been established for the effective implementation, development, and regulation of quantum communication, which allows for the identification of social, legal, political, and ethical issues. The main conclusions include the need to monitor administrative barriers, identify priority sectors for the implementation of quantum communication, and recognize quantum communication as a dual-use technology. It is recommended that an international certification and tracking system be created for quantum communication devices for export and import control purposes.

Towards green development: does business strategy affect enterprise green total factor productivity?

This study investigates the influence of business strategy on green total factor productivity (GTFP), focusing on the mediating effect of digital transformation and the moderating effect of organizational legitimacy. Leveraging micro-data from China’s listed industrial enterprises spanning from 2011 to 2021, findings reveal: (1) Prospector strategies exhibit a greater propensity to enhance GTFP compared to defender strategies. (2) Digital transformation partially mediates between business strategy and GTFP. (3) Organizational legitimacy moderates between business strategy and GTFP. Specifically, when a company possesses robust financial standing (pragmatic legitimacy), a better environmental track record (moral legitimacy), and establishment of Environmental Management System certification (cognitive legitimacy), the positive relationship between business strategy and GTFP is strengthened. (4) Further research indicates that business strategy exerts a more pronounced effect on enhancing GTFP for companies with larger scales and weaker political connections, as well as those situated in regions characterized by high fiscal revenue and favorable legal environments.

Reversionary Control Modes for the Mitigation of Failures in a Partially Turboelectric Aircraft Propulsion System

Abstract In support of emission and fuel burn reduction goals, the aviation industry is actively pursuing the advancement of electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) technology. This includes turboelectric and hybrid electric propulsion designs that combine gas turbine engine and electrical system hardware. Such architectures exhibit a high degree of coupling between subsystems. This drives the need for system-level control strategies to ensure the safe, coordinated, and efficient operation of all subsystems. The design and certification of any aircraft propulsion system requires that all potential subsystem failures are identified, and the hazards posed by these failures are appropriately mitigated. This requirement is particularly challenging for EAP systems due to their integrated nature. One approach to assist in EAP failure mitigation is the inclusion of automated reconfiguration capabilities within the propulsion control system. Such control modes, referred to as reversionary control modes, are designed to automatically detect failures and activate backup control modes upon failure detection. This paper covers the design and evaluation of reversionary control mode logic developed for a partially turboelectric propulsion concept. Test results from a real-time hardware-in-the-loop evaluation of the concept are also presented and discussed. The results show that the developed reversionary control logic can successfully detect and mitigate subsystem failures in a representative environment that includes actual electrical system hardware.

Impact of the new government-involved noninvasive prenatal testing certification system on the awareness of pregnant women about noninvasive prenatal testing in Japan.

In Japan, noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been performed by facilities accredited by the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2013. However, since 2016, with the implementation of NIPT, which can only be performed by blood sampling, non-obstetricians have been involved in prenatal testing. Therefore, in July 2022, a new government-involved NIPT certification system based on Health Sciences Council guidelines was introduced to ensure access to prenatal testing information for pregnant women. This survey was conducted in February 2023 and was the first survey after the certification system implementation. We conducted a web-based survey of 1227 pregnant women and nursing mothers who underwent NIPT after July 2022 to evaluate their experiences. Respondents were categorized by certification status as certified (C: 56%), non-certified (non-C: 23%), or uncertain (Q: 20%). The C group with a higher mean age at examination (35.0 ± 4.5 years) paid lower examination fees, received longer pre- and post-examination explanations, and underwent more weekday examinations (80%) than the other groups. Most respondents, 67%, 48%, and 53% in the C, non-C, and Q groups, respectively (p < 0.0001), stated that "NIPT needs to be regulated by the government or academic societies." The non-C group was more likely to say, "Insufficient post-test explanations at the laboratory made me more anxious," than the other groups when the testing results were non-negative (p = 0.015). Despite government regulation, some pregnant women choose convenience over certified facilities, risking inadequate care. The government should ensure that NIPT is a safe option for all pregnant women.

Food Safety Management System (FSMS): An Analysis of Restaurant Certificate Schemes in Malaysia

Customers of restaurants encounter some degree of uncertainty or risk due to their inability to evaluate the food or service qualities received before or after meal consumption. The Food Safety Management System (FSMS) certification schemes are intended to reduce the incidence of foodborne illnesses in Malaysia and to be used as a communication instrument to address the issue of information asymmetry. This investigation investigates the diverse FSMS certification programs that are accessible to food establishments, with a particular emphasis on restaurant operations in Malaysia. The study is dedicated to the identification of the concept of various FSMS certificate schemes that are designed and implemented in Malaysian restaurant operations. It also discusses the fundamental concept of the role differences of each FSMS certificate scheme that is obtained by numerous restaurant operations in Malaysia to communicate with potential customers. A content analysis was conducted on ten independent Malaysian-owned restaurants that had obtained and disclosed their FSMS certifications online (i.e., through their official website or social media account) to the public. All participating restaurant premises believe food safety certification through appropriate authorities is crucial, particularly in the context of the provision of information regarding sanitation, safety, and nutrition to guarantee high food quality standards and service delivery. FSMS eliminates the knowledge asymmetry between producers and consumers and demonstrates that a certified party adheres to a recognised standard. This investigation suggested that the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) should function as more than merely a mechanism for guaranteeing the safety and quality of food for consumers. It contributes to the establishment of client trust and confidence in the restaurant and improves the image of food businesses.

Development and Update of Guideline-based Quality Indicators in Lung Cancer

Abstract Background In 2022, an update of the German lung cancer guideline, first published in 2010 and revised in 2018, was released. This article aims to show the process of updating, developing, and implementing guideline-based quality indicators (QI) into the certification system for lung cancer centers (LCC). Methods A multidisciplinary and interprofessional working group revised the guideline QIs from 2018 using the strong recommendations of the guideline update, a systematic review for QIs, and the results of the implemented QIs from LCC. Results For 4 out of 8 indicators from the 2018 guideline, the LCC showed an improved implementation of the requirements in the last 3 years (2018–2020). For 3 indicators, the median of the results was constant at a very high level (≥96% or 100%). Only the “adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy” indicator showed declining values between 2018 and 2020. The target values and plausibility limits were well achieved by LCC. After updating the guideline, one QI from 2018 was not included in the new QI set due to the small denominator population. Based on the new strong recommendations, 8 new QIs were defined. From the QI set of the guideline update, 13 of 15 indicators (7 since 2018 and 6 from 2022 on) were adopted into the certification program. Conclusions The guideline recommendations are implemented by LCC at a high level. The process presented confirms the successful implementation of the so-called quality cycle in oncology. The QIs developed by the German Guideline Program in Oncology (GGPO) are adopted by the certification program. The implementation of the QI is measured in LCC, evaluated by the German Cancer Society (DKG), and reflected back to the GGPO. The “real world” data have led to the deletion of one QI and show a high implementation of most QIs in LCC.

258. SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY ANALYZED USING NATIONAL CLINICAL DATABASE IN JAPAN

Abstract Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is a highly invasive procedure in gastrointestinal surgery. The National Clinical Database (NCD) of Japan starting data collection in 2011 has accumulated real world data of esophagectomy, one of the main nine gastroenterological surgeries for which detailed input items have been required for the evaluation of surgical mortality and postoperative complications. We herein reviewed the short-term outcomes after esophagectomy analyzed by Japanese nationwide big database. Many studies on esophagectomy, including investigations of quality indicators, feasibility of minimally invasive surgery, and various patients’ conditions, have been conducted using NCD. The validation of certification systems by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery (JSGS) and the Japan Esophageal Society (JES) revealed that the institute’s certification had greater influence on short-term surgical outcomes than the operating surgeon’s certification. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) can replace open esophagectomy (OE). MIE performed with no preoperative treatment was associated with significantly less incidence of any pulmonary morbidities, prolonged ventilation 48hours, unplanned intubation, surgical site infection, and sepsis. The total surgery-related mortality rates of MIE and OE were 1.7% and 2.4%, respectively (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The operative mortality in the elderly group with residual tumors increased to more than twice than that in the non-elderly groups (15.9 vs. 5.5 or 6.5%) and was much higher than that in elderly patients without residual tumors (15.9 vs. 4.6%). Careful selection is important for the treatment of elderly patients with highly advanced tumors to avoid unfavorable short-term outcomes. Thus, the NCD has contributed to quality assessment and improvement of surgery by feedback of accurate data in Japan.

사업장 안전문화 증진을 위한 사업장 안전의식 수준 향상 프로그램의 활용 방안

To effectively reduce industrial accidents, workplaces must be encouraged to undertake safety initiatives independently and establish a strong safety culture. This study introduces leading indicators and a safety culture model developed to assess the safety awareness levels among workplace members. By diagnosing these levels, it becomes possible to promote activities in areas where safety awareness is lacking. Additionally, areas with significant perception differences among members can be improved by investigating the underlying causes. Establishing a safety culture in the workplace necessitates the promotion of improvement activities based on diagnostic results. This study proposed several tasks to raise safety awareness in workplaces. These tasks include activating safety culture diagnosis in connection with the corporate self-regulation system, introducing a safety culture grade certification system, training private experts, supporting workplace consulting, and discovering and disseminating best practices.

북유럽 출소자의 갱생보호 프로그램 동향

The aim of the study is to make policy suggestions that are suitable for the situation of the Korea Rehabilitation Agency. Therefore, we compared and analyzed the domestic Rehabilitation Policy with advanced North European countries, and derived shortcomings and improvements of the Korea Rehabilitation Agency. As a result, regarding the improvements for the domestic Rehabilitation Policy, first, it is necessary to actively utilize Nordic Rehabilitation policies to solve problems related to addiction and mental illness. Second, actively implementing empathy-building programs such as prison experience programs or camps with peers is needed. Third, we suggest strengthening the willingness for social adaptation by incorporating a motivation reinforcement program (MI) into prior counseling. Fourth, through the procedure of the program certification system, we propose to benchmark advanced programs that have been proven effective in reducing recidivism. Fifth, it is crucial to strengthen the expertise of employees and volunteers who are performing rehabilitation protection tasks by providing systematic and specialized education. Sixth, in order to effectively help released prisoners return to society and manage them professionally and systematically, the scope of social welfare services should be expanded to released prisoners and their families.

Development Status of Advanced Practice Nurses in China and Abroad: A Review

With the advent of the post-epidemic era, science and technology are developing rapidly, and the health care industry is facing tremendous changes. In order to meet the challenges of public health, the special role of advanced practice nurse (APN) has attracted attention. This article reviews the development status, certification system, practice, and development trend of APN in various countries, aiming to provide reference for establishing the APN role and promoting its development in China, and calls for the establishment and improvement of the APN model as soon as possible to help achieve a "Healthy China".

Integrating Course and Certificate Teaching: Practical Exploration of Enhancing English Vocational Skills under the “1+X” Certificate System

This article explores the implementation path of the “1+X” certificate system in vocational college English teaching, specifically how to integrate VETS (Vocational English Test System) level examination teaching with daily teaching. The article analyzes the current situation and dilemmas of course-certificate integration teaching, including the separation of teaching content, the lack of practical ability among teachers and the absence of a unified teaching plan. Subsequently, it proposes the characteristics and design ideas of course-certificate integration teaching, emphasizing the role of the course in cultivating compound talents. A specific case demonstrates how to integrate “Advanced International English for Vocational Colleges” with the VETS primary tutorial to enhance students’ language skills, vocational skills and international perspective and shape the correct professional concepts.

Adapting online wine education to China: a two-study multimethod approach

Purpose Teaching wine tasting online is challenging, even given the curated digital tools of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, a highly renowned online wine certification system is used. This paper aims to initially explore wine experts’ opinions about online wine education and subsequently examine the feasibility of customizing wine appreciation lexicons for Chinese learners. Design/methodology/approach A two-study multimethod approach was adopted. Study 1, a two-stage Delphi study, was conducted with 17 wine experts representing a number of countries, using a mix of closed/open-ended questions in an online survey. Data was collected in a market study in Study 2, conducted at agricultural markets in Thailand (pilot test) and China. Dialogues with market sellers were undertaken, evoking mental imagery of wine descriptors to explore the relevance of traditional versus local aromas and flavors in describing wine. Findings Findings concentrate on three main areas: general advantages/disadvantages of online wine education, reactions toward asynchronous/synchronous methods of wine tasting and, finally, the feasibility of customizing a wine appreciation lexicon for Chinese learners. Originality/value The study presents novel insights into the role of online wine education in China.

Exploring the Effects of Low-Carbon Labels on Purchase Intentions for Green Agricultural Products

Expedited economic expansion and innovative technological advancement have precipitated considerable environmental predicaments, giving rise to extensive ecological conundrums worldwide. In response to the pressing situation, numerous countries have implemented policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. One such initiative is the “low-carbon label”, which signifies a commitment to lowering carbon emissions. On one hand, it offers consumers an effective means to identify low-carbon products, thereby enhancing their willingness towards green consumption. On the other hand, it motivates businesses to transition towards greener practices, thereby guiding the market towards more environmentally friendly directions. This transition has had a significantly positive impact on reducing carbon emissions and promoting the development of a low-carbon economy, highlighting its critical value within the broader environmental movement. This study focuses on exploring whether the low-carbon label can influence consumers’ willingness to purchase green agricultural products. The theoretical framework was developed based on the theory of perceived value and SOR theory. The data were gathered through a randomized survey conducted in China. The research findings suggest that the perceived environmental value, functional value, and emotional value have significant impacts on consumers’ willingness to purchase green agricultural products. Trust in low-carbon labels plays a critical role in mediating the relationship between perceived value and consumers’ purchasing intentions for green agricultural products. Our research yielded the following conclusions. (1) Consumers are progressively cultivating an independent pro-environmental persona and increasingly aligning themselves with sustainable development, as indicated by their affinity towards carbon labels. (2) The selection of low-carbon agricultural products by consumers is contingent upon sensory perception, emphasizing environmental spillover value, functional enhancement, and emotional support. (3) Consumer confidence in green low-carbon agricultural products stems from an intuitive perception perspective, suggesting that low-carbon labels should accentuate functional and emotional values. The study suggests proactive measures to enhance the role of low-carbon labels in the consumption of green agricultural products. These measures include three parts: (1) Improving the content system of low-carbon labels and integrating digital technologies to reconstruct trust systems; (2) strengthening promotional efforts focusing on enhancing consumers’ intrinsic value perceptions; and (3) establishing a national-level low-carbon labels certification system, raising standards, and strengthening supervision.

Relevance of guarantees of origin for Europe's renewable energy targets

To accelerate the transition towards an energy system based on renewable energy sources (RES), governments set targets for RES shares in their energy mixes. Renewable energy also plays a major role in decarbonization strategies of private organizations. Electricity from RES is claimed via the acquisition of market-based Energy Attribute Certificates, such as Guarantees of Origin (GOs). GOs can be traded within the European residual mix area. Interest in GOs is lower in countries with high RES shares, leading to a trade imbalance. In 2020, Iceland and Norway had a GO trade deficit that corresponded to 74.2 % and 62.4 %, respectively, of their gross final electricity production from RES. This study evaluates the non-dependence of Europe's RES targets and the GO system by including GO trade in the RES share calculations. Overall, 11 countries do not reach their 2020 RES targets for the electricity sector due to the inclusion of GO trade. Their total GO trade deficit amounts to 212 TWh, equivalent to 31 % of all issued GOs from RES. Limiting international GO trade to ensure that each country still achieves its RES-E targets is one option to harmonize governmental and corporate RES and decarbonization targets. Other options include the complete prohibition of international GO trade and a GO trade limitation to actual physical electricity transmission. Further aligning physical and virtual electricity consumption could strengthen the energy transition contribution of energy attribute certificate systems, such as the GO system.

Socio-Ecological Factors in Building a Healthy Community: A Comparative Study of Healthy Community Assessment Standards

Healthy community assessment standards significantly influence community design and planning and are an important measure of a community’s ability to support health and well-being. Previous studies have mostly focused on built-environment indicators. However, building a healthy community is a complex issue involving multiple dimensions and factors. The consideration of the full range of health promotion factors is the key to determining their potential impact on individuals’ health. It is necessary to consider multiple perspectives to deepen the understanding of community health influences and enhance the effectiveness of the implementation of the assessment standards. The socio-ecological model (SEM) provides a critical framework for understanding the multiple influences on individual health. In this study, a two-dimensional interdisciplinary analytical framework of “socio-ecological factors–development goals” is developed by integrating development goals that summarize building considerations in assessment standards. Contextual analysis is used to examine the provisions of the following assessment standards: Assessment Standard for Healthy Community (ASHC), Assessment Standard for Healthy Retrofitting of Existing Residential Area (ASHRERA), WELL Community Standard (WELL), and Fitwel Certification System of Community (Fitwel). The results show that community and organization factors are used more than interpersonal and policy factors among the four standards. Humanistic constructions lack attention in the ASHC and ASHRERA standards compared with the other standards. The differences between the four standards indicate that there is a need to focus on regional features and develop locally adapted interventions. This study offers a novel exploration of the potential effectiveness of healthy community assessment standards from a multidisciplinary perspective. The results of this study support standard-setters and planners in the development of interventions to improve building healthy communities using intersectionality frameworks.

A national survey of medical staffs' required capability and workload for accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy.

This study aimed to identify the required capabilities and workload of medical staff in accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). From August to September 2022, a questionnaire related to the capabilities and workload in the accelerator-based BNCT was administered to 12 physicians, 7 medical physicists and 7 radiological technologists engaged in BNCT and 6 other medical physicists who were not engaged in BNCT to compare the results acquired by those engaged in BNCT. Only 6-21% of patients referred for BNCT received it. Furthermore, 30-75% of patients who received BNCT were treated at facilities located within their local district. The median required workload per treatment was 55h. Considering additional workloads for ineligible patients, the required workload reached ~1.2 times longer than those for only eligible patients' treatment. With respect to capabilities, discrepancies were observed in treatment planning, quality assurance and quality control, and commissioning between medical physicists and radiological technologists. Furthermore, the specialized skills required by medical physicists are impossible to acquire from the experience of conventional radiotherapies as physicians engaged in BNCT were specialized not only in radiation oncology, but also in other fields. This study indicated the required workload and staff capabilities for conducting accelerator-based BNCT considering actual clinical conditions. The workload required for BNCT depends on the occupation. It is necessary to establish an educational program and certification system for the skills required to safely and effectively provide BNCT to patients.

Outcome research on esophagectomy analyzed using nationwide databases in Japan: evidences generated from real-world data.

Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is a highly invasive gastrointestinal surgical procedure. The National Clinical Database (NCD) of Japan, initiated in 2011, has compiled real-world data on esophagectomy, one of nine major gastroenterological surgeries. This review examines outcomes after esophagectomy analyzed using the Japanese big databases. Certification systems by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery (JSGS) and the Japan Esophageal Society (JES) have shown that institutional certification has a greater impact on short-term surgical outcomes than surgeon certification. Minimally invasive esophagectomy has emerged as a viable alternative to open esophagectomy, although careful patient selection is crucial, especially for elderly patients with advanced tumors. The NCD has significantly contributed to the assessment and enhancement of surgical quality and short-term outcomes, while studies based on Comprehensive Registry of Esophageal Cancer in Japan (CRECJ) have provided data on patient characteristics, treatments, and long-term outcomes. The JES has conducted various questionnaire-based retrospective clinical reviews in collaboration with authorized institutions certified by JES. The Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database provides administrative claims data including itemized prices for surgical, pharmaceutical, laboratory, and other inpatient services. Analyzing these nationwide databases can offer precise insights into surgical quality for esophageal cancer, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.

ADRESSING NON-COMPLIANCE WITH HALAL PRODUCT REGULATIONS IN INDONESIA: SAFEGUARDING MUSLIM CONSUMER RIGHTS

This article examines the persistent non-compliance of producers with halal product regulations in Indonesia and its implications for safeguarding the rights of Muslim consumers. Despite the enactment of the Halal Product Assurance Law in 2014, a significant discrepancy exists between regulatory mandates and actual adherence. Through a normative-juridical approach involving legal interpretation and analysis of government reports and academic literature, this study delves into the various factors contributing to this issue. The research findings indicate that non-compliance arises from a combination of regulatory uncertainties, institutional inefficiencies, and socio-economic challenges. Notably, inadequate enforcement mechanisms, overlapping institutional jurisdictions, and the financial burden of certification processes are identified as key factors. This non-compliance undermines the halal integrity of products, thereby violating the rights of Muslim consumers as stipulated by Islamic law. Resolving this issue necessitates a comprehensive overhaul of the halal certification system, encompassing streamlined procedures, improved inter-agency collaboration, and strengthened enforcement measures. These efforts contribute to the broader dialogue on religious consumer rights and regulatory adherence in diverse societies, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the halal sector.