Certification System Research Articles

Lifecycle Evaluation of Environmentally Friendly Construction Materials: A Review

Abstract: This approach presumes that practices like using locally sourced materials or products containing recycled content are environmentally beneficial, irrespective of the product’s manufacturing process or disposal methods. The choice and application of sustainable building materials are crucial in the design and construction of green buildings. This chapter aims to provide an overview of sustainable materials and their environmental impacts. Additionally, it explores life cycle assessment (LCA) as a methodological framework for evaluating these materials and examines the limitations of LCA in analyzing the sustainability of building materials. the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was utilized to evaluate the environmental impacts of building materials in different construction systems. The study compared three types of construction systems: reinforced concrete, hotrolled steel, and light steel. Among these, the light steel system had the lowest embodied energy and global warming potential, followed by reinforced concrete and hot-rolled steel. Additionally, the constructions were assessed using the LEED certification system

BRIDGING BUSINESS-EDUCATION GAPS: INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN OF ENTREPRENEUR COURSE AND ITS MICRO-CREDENTIAL CERTIFICATION FRAMEWORK FOR SELF-EMPLOYED JUNIOR BUSINESS FACILITATOR OUTCOME

Micro-Credential Certification Schemes are increasingly essential in business management education for several reasons, including flexibility, relevance to industry trends, recognition of skills, modular learning, and career development. The research aims to develop a comprehensive micro-credential certification framework that aligns with national standards, business technical standards, and regulations, addressing the need for industry-recognized certifications. Furthermore, the research focuses on developing a Semester Learning Plan (SLP) based on the Integrated Certification Scheme and the instructional design, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive approach to learning and certification. The R&D method is selected to systematically develop and refine an instructional design that harmonizes with this certification system. The data analysis will involve qualitative analysis using thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns from interviews, observations, and document reviews, which will help assess the strengths and weaknesses of the educational program and the certification scheme. The formative evaluation results of students participating in the entrepreneurship program totaling 74 students will be used to evaluate the perceived value of the certification framework. The integration of the micro credential certification with instructional design has also proven effective in enhancing graduates' competitiveness in the job market, supporting career development through modular learning that is aligned with industry trends.

Enhancing the Reliability of Academic Document Certification Systems with Blockchain and Large Language Models

Verifying the authenticity of documents, whether digital or physical, is a complex and crucial challenge faced by a variety of entities, including governments, regulators, financial institutions, educational establishments, and healthcare services. Rapid advances in technology have facilitated the creation of falsified or fraudulent documents, calling into question the credibility and authenticity of academic records. Most existing blockchain-based verification methods and systems focus primarily on verifying the integrity of a document, paying less attention to examining the authenticity of the document’s actual content before it is validated and registered in the system, thus opening loopholes for clever forgeries or falsifications. This paper details the design and implementation of a proof-of-concept system that combines GPT-3.5’s natural language processing prowess with the Ethereum blockchain and the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) for storing and verifying documents. It explains how a Large Language Model like GPT-3.5 extracts essential information from academic documents and encrypts it before storing it in the blockchain ensuring document integrity and authenticity. The system is tested for its efficiency in handling both digital and physical documents, demonstrating increased security and reliability in academic document verification.

The impact of information acquisition ability on consumers' trust in eco-labels in China: insight of food sustainability

IntroductionThe lack of trust in eco-labels is a significant reason for the slow growth in demand for sustainable food, and reducing the information gap between relevant parties is a crucial means to improve consumer trust in eco-labels.MethodsIn order to investigate the influence and driving pathways of consumers' information acquisition abilities on their trust in eco-labels, a total of 1,072 urban and rural consumers in Inner Mongolia, China were surveyed in this study, with an analysis conducted using the structural equation model.ResultsIt was found that information acquisition ability, institutional trust, and label knowledge have significant direct impacts on eco-label trust, with impact effects of 0.270, 0.351, and 0.357, respectively. Additionally, information acquisition ability has indirect effect of 0.085 and 0.127 on label trust through institutional trust and label knowledge. Furthermore, information discernment awareness has a significant negative moderating effect between information acquisition ability and label trust.DiscussionTherefore, when publicizing the certification system and label knowledge, cultivating consumers' information acquisition ability effectively enhances eco-label trust. Moreover, strengthening media supervision to ensure the authenticity and objectivity of information transmission is an important measure to protect trust in eco-labels. This study enriches relevant research in the field of food sustainability and provides valuable recommendations to promote sustainable food consumption.

General theoretical characterization of contractual obligations for the provision of agency services

Problem setting. The development of market economy and globalization of business processes have increased the importance of agency services. However, the legal regulation of agency relations in Ukraine is characterized by gaps and conflicts, creating problems in law enforcement practice. This problem is particularly acute in the field of courier activities, where issues of consumer protection and distribution of responsibility between the agent and the principal arise. Purpose of research is to conduct a comprehensive theoretical and legal analysis of contractual obligations for the provision of agency services, determine their place in the system of civil law contracts of Ukraine, and develop proposals for improving their legal regulation. Analysis of recent researches and publications. The issues of agency contracts and services have been studied by such scholars as R.A. Maidanyk, Ye.O. Kharytonov, O.I. Kharytonova, N.V. Fedorchenko, A.B. Hryniak, M.D. Pleniuk, O.O. Kot, H.B. Yanovytska and others. However, despite the significant number of scientific works, the specifics of agency services in the field of courier activities and consumer protection remain insufficiently studied. Article’s main body. The legal regulation of agency relations in Ukraine is analyzed, the elements of the agency agreement and the peculiarities of the rights and obligations of the parties are determined. The article examines the fiduciary nature of agency relations and its impact on the assessment of the parties’ actions in the performance of the contract. Particular attention is paid to the specifics of providing agency services in the field of courier activities, including issues of consumer protection, personal data protection, and dispute resolution. The article proposes ways to improve the legal regulation of agency services, including the development of special regulatory acts for courier agents, the introduction of a certification system, and the development of effective mechanisms for consumer protection. Conclusions and prospects for the development. The study concludes that agency services are an important element of modern economic relations that requires proper legal regulation. The legal framework of Ukraine in this area is characterized by complexity but contains certain gaps and conflicts that need to be addressed. The agency agreement has specific elements that distinguish it from other types of contracts. For improving the legal regulation of agency services, it is necessary to unify approaches in civil and commercial law, develop special mechanisms for consumer protection, harmonize legislation with international standards, and improve mechanisms of agent liability. Future research should focus on developing detailed recommendations for improving legislation in the field of agency services, taking into account international experience and the specifics of different sectors of the economy.

Exploring Globalization's Effect on Accreditation and Certification Practices Through Time

This article provides a comprehensive exploration of globalization's impact on accreditation and certification practices—from their inception to the present day. It digs into the historical context of the first known accreditation and certification systems, tracing their evolution in response to the globalizing world. The study further investigates how globalization has influenced these practices, affecting their standards, procedures, and overall significance in various professional fields. Through critical analysis of data, the article presents a detailed overview of the current state of global accreditation and certification practices. It also projects potential future trends in this area, considering the ongoing dynamics of globalization. The article aims to provide a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of globalization, accreditation, and certification.

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.