Continuous Improvement Research Articles

Patient satisfaction and their determinants in outpatient department of a tertiary public hospital in Nepal: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPatient satisfaction is a vital metric for assessing healthcare quality and delivering patient-centered care. It can predict service utilization patterns by determining healthcare users’ contentment with their providers. Consequently, evaluating patient satisfaction and its underlying factors is crucial to maintaining the quality of healthcare services. The present study aimed to assess patient satisfaction and its determinants in a tertiary care public hospital in Nepal. In this research, a cross-sectional design was employed to examine patient satisfaction within the Outpatient Department of Mental Hospital Lagankhel, Nepal. The study adopted a systematic random sampling approach for respondent selection, and stringent measures were implemented to uphold the validity and reliability of the collected data. To assess patient satisfaction comprehensively, the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-III (PSQ-III), developed by the RAND Corporation, was employed in conjunction with relevant sociodemographic variables. Utilizing mean scores and percentages, we calculated satisfaction levels across various dimensions. Additionally, a multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationships between patient satisfaction dimensions and sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsThis study encompassed perspective of 206 participants, with 57.3% representing patient relatives and 51% being male, median age of 32 years (standard deviation: 12.53). Notably, patients reported higher levels of satisfaction, particularly within the interpersonal relationship dimension, while the technical quality domain received comparatively lower satisfaction ratings. Multinomial logistic regression analysis underscored the significance of sociodemographic factors in shaping patient satisfaction, with age (p = 0.008), type of residence (p = 0.001), occupation (p = 0.0019), income status (p = 0.014), time to reach the healthcare facility (p = 0.013), and insurance enrollment status (p = 0.017) all demonstrating significant associations. These findings illuminate the intricate qualities of patient satisfaction within our healthcare context, offering actionable insights for enhancement and guiding the trajectory of future research endeavors.ConclusionsOverall patient expressed satisfaction with service provided by tertiary care hospital, however continuous improvement remains essential. Conducting large-scale, nationwide studies across hospital tiers is vital. This data-driven approach empowers policymakers to allocate resources effectively, inform decision-making, and enact policies that exceed patient expectations, fostering a healthcare system of unparalleled excellence.

Next-generation leadership for sustainability and avoidance of closure in private Madaris in Bangsamoro autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao

This study comprehensively analyzes the Madrasah educational landscape, examining demographic profiles, leadership practices, sustainability commitment, contributions, and challenges and opportunities within these institutions. The research reveals a diverse and dynamic scenario influenced by varied factors. The Demographic Profile illustrates a versatile distribution across designations, education levels, gender, service years, and student enrollment, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of Madrasah roles. School Directors predominate, underscoring the need for adaptable leadership. Educational Attainment shows a rich academic environment with a prevalence of Bachelor's Degrees and variability from higher qualifications, contributing to a nuanced educational setting. Gender Distribution demonstrates near-equal representation, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and gender balance within Madrasahs. Years in Service identifies a prevalent service duration of "11-20 Years," indicating an experienced workforce. Several student analyses highlight the variability in student populations, with a mean count of 5, signifying diverse institution sizes. Leadership Practices emphasize next-generation qualities like Islamic values, bilingual proficiency, and ethical decision-making. Consensus on visionary, adaptable, inclusive, and ethically grounded leadership underscores their significance. Sustainability and Institutional Viability reveal a varied commitment, urging increased dedication. Contributions to sustainability show diverse effectiveness levels. Challenges include financial struggles, resource inadequacy, enrollment fluctuations, and socio-cultural factors. Opportunities encompass continuous learning, financial support, collaboration, and addressing enrollment challenges. The study stresses the need for effective leadership, financial stability, and collaboration, urging a comprehensive approach to sustainable Madrasah education. Findings form a robust foundation for future research and interventions, guiding enhancements in sustainability, overcoming challenges, and fostering continuous improvement.

A knitted smart sneaker system based on piezoresistive strain sensing for stride counting

Currently, smart shoes are not as common as other wearable devices such as fitness trackers or smartwatches. However, with the continuous improvement in sensor and IOT technologies, it is expected that shoes with smart capabilities will catch up with the other popular wearables. The emergence of 3D knitting and its subsequent application in footwear manufacture has revolutionized the shoe manufacturing process. The use of knitwear allows for shoe parts such as the upper or the sole (insole, Strobel sole, midsole and/or outer sole) to be tailored with specific areas having different characteristics and providing different functions with low production effort. This study presents the design and manufacture of a knitted smart sneaker for cadence mensuration. The specified part of the sneaker is knitted with silverplated polyester yarn to serve as a strain sensor. During the weight-bearing and release phases of the foot, while walking, this strain sensor is stressed and relaxed by this oscillatory phenomenon thus allowing footstep data to be measured. Stride estimate tests were carried out and the results established that strides taken by a user can accurately be correlated to the readings of the system. This study is the first to develop a smart shoe-sensing system where the sensor is inherently embedded within the shoe upper.

Ability to organize experiential activities of teachers in primary schools

This study examines the capacity of primary school teachers to design, organize, and evaluate experiential activities, utilizing a robust measurement framework grounded in the 2018 General Education Program. The evaluation encompasses 540 teachers, drawing on diverse sources, including questionnaires, regulatory documents, and input from educational stakeholders. The findings highlight commendable strengths in planning and organizing experiential activities, with 324 teachers demonstrating excellent or good capacity. However, critical gaps are evident, particularly in contextual analysis, testing tool design, and information processing, reflecting a need for targeted professional development. The measurement framework, calculated with a distance value of 0.8, employs a scale categorization that offers nuanced insights into the varying impact of experiential activities. The study underscores the significance of targeted professional development initiatives tailored to address identified gaps. Curriculum adaptations are recommended to leverage successful strategies, and informed decision-making is facilitated by evidence-based policies. The findings advocate for a culture of continuous improvement in educational practices. While the study provides valuable insights, limitations include contextual specificity, potential subjectivity in self-reported data, and the exclusion of student perspectives. A quantitative emphasis, reliance on a single methodology, and a sample size of 540 teachers may impact generalizability. This research informs educational stakeholders, policymakers, and practitioners about the current state of experiential education in primary schools. The study, within its limitations, contributes actionable insights to enhance the effectiveness of teacher training and curriculum design, fostering an environment conducive to experiential learning practices.

Project managers' understanding of continuous improvement in project management

In today's dynamic business world, companies must be able to adapt flexibly to constant change. To maintain their competitive advantage, companies must constantly review and improve their operating protocols. The concept of continuous improvement is based on a process-oriented view and aims to constantly refine the tools used to identify and solve problems. The adoption of the continuous improvement paradigm has steadily gained momentum in the field of project management. A comprehensive review of the existing literature reveals a conspicuous gap in the field of project management - insufficient attention to the integration of continuous improvement principles. In order to close this recognisable knowledge gap, this study examines in detail the role and reception of the philosophy of continuous improvement in the field of project management from the perspective of the project managers themselves. To achieve this goal, the insights and perspectives of project managers were systematically collected and subjected to rigorous analysis using an approach rooted in qualitative research methodology. The results of this research shed light on the high regard that project managers have for the continuous improvement approach. Nonetheless, they lament the incongruity of perspectives within the organizations they work for and point to a pronounced lack of understanding at the corporate level. It becomes clear that cultivating an institutional understanding of continuous improvement is essential for more effective execution of project management and mitigation of deviations from intended outcomes. Following the establishment of organizational awareness and the internalization of the principles of continuous improvement, the subsequent phase necessitates the training, motivation, and the establishment of a priority for continuous improvement throughout the entirety of the project management process.

SWOT analysis of Russian universal newborn hearing screening program

Introduction. The negative impact of congenital hearing loss on child’s development, education and socialization can be reduced by early identification and intervention as a result of universal newborn hearing screening. The screening program needs continuous improvement by monitoring of outcomes and correction of algorithms. The SWOT analysis can be applied to make effective decisions. 
 The purpose of the study is to identify strategies for the improvement of the Russian newborn hearing screening program based on SWOT analysis.
 Materials and methods. The study was based on the experience of two pediatric audiological centres in Novosibirsk and St. Petersburg. 
 At the first stage, in accordance with the SWOT methodology, internal and external factors, the strengths and weaknesses of the Russian hearing screening program were identified, as well as the opportunities and threats that can affect the audiological care for children. At the second stage, pairwise analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats was carried out.
 Results. The strengths of the Russian hearing screening program are national level implementation, high coverage of newborns in maternity hospitals, the use of modern objective audiological methods. Weaknesses are associated with a lack of medical personnel, need to equipment replacement, number of cases lost to follow-up. Opportunities are the availability of high-quality domestic diagnostic equipment, possibility for active interaction of specialists and families. The threats are caused by an imperfect legal framework and funding mechanisms, low awareness of parents, related professionals and society about the problem of congenital hearing loss. 
 Limitations. The study results are limited by the expertise of the authors without involving the wide range of stakeholders.
 Conclusion. The developed strategies can increase timely audiological service to hearing impaired children and their families and to plan the necessary resources in the face of modern challenges.

Total Quality Management in Sport Tourism and the Hospitality Industry: The Case of Greek Luxury Resorts with Sport and Recreation Facilities and Services

Total quality management (TQM) refers to a way of management wherein senior management is committed to guiding employees in continuous improvement in all processes, services and products, with the ultimate goal of satisfying customer requirements and expectations. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of leadership, organization culture (OC), customer-oriented strategy (COS) and human resource empowerment (HRE) on innovation, as well as the effect of innovation on TQM for sustainable development in Greek luxury resorts with sport and recreation facilities and services. A quantitative 5-point Likert scale method was utilized for the purpose of this study, and an online questionnaire survey was adopted for the data collection. To evaluate the resilience of our model, we conducted structural equation modeling using SPSS and AMOS software. Varimax rotation with Kaiser normalization was utilized to enhance the robustness of the analysis. A total of 895 questionnaires were successfully gathered from 454 luxury resorts. This study validated that leadership, OC, COS and HRE positively impact the luxury resorts’ innovation and thus support that innovation had a significant impact on TQM, which in turn leads to their sustainability and effectiveness and is supported by the resource-based view (RBV). Furthermore, this study is the first within the Greek hotel industry that jointly estimates the influence of leadership, OC, COS and HRE on innovation and its concurrent effect on TQM for sustainable development, which has not been methodologically considered before and provides useful policy implications for managers within the hotel industry.

MODELLING OF DEEP WELL CEMENTING PROCESS

The research aims to simulate Managed Pressure Cementing (MPC) for a deepwater field, focusing on optimizing the cementing process to ensure structural integrity and wellbore stability. The study addresses the challenges associated with conventional cementing methods, providing insights into the pressure dynamics, fluid properties, and pump performance crucial for deep well cementing operations. The methodology involves conducting a simulation to model the cementing process for a deep well with a total length of 9144 meters, where the previous casing's shoe is located at a depth of 6096 meters. Real data is utilized to obtain profiles of reservoir pressure, hydraulic fracturing pressure, and viscosities of essential fluids, including cement, drilling fluid, and buffer fluid. The simulation considers factors such as annular pressure loss, Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD) calculation, and pump performance under varying conditions. Additionally, the density of the cement slurry in the annulus during pumping is established. The study reveals that pump performance under the given conditions is 57 m³/h for drilling and buffer fluids, while for cement solutions, it can vary from 19 m³/h to 38 m³/h. These results offer actionable insights for operational planning and optimization of the cementing process in deep wells. The simulation successfully models the cementing process for a deep well, providing valuable data on equivalent circulation density and cement slurry density in the annulus. The determined pump performance under different conditions is critical for understanding the dynamics of fluid circulation during cementing operations. Practical implications of the research include the optimization of cementing processes, contributing to enhanced structural integrity, reduced wellbore instability, and improved efficiency in deepwater field operations. In conclusion, the study not only contributes to theoretical understanding but also provides practical data for optimizing the cementing process in deep wells, reflecting the industry's commitment to continuous improvement in drilling technologies and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of wellbore operations in challenging environments. Keywords: managed pressure drilling (MPD), wellbore stability, downhole conditions, real-time monitoring, managed pressure cementing (MPC), zonal isolation.

University Social Responsibility as Part of Sustainable Development in Latin America: A Study of Scientific Production in the Last 20 Years

University social responsibility refers to the policies of continuous improvement of institutions aimed at greater community development from a holistic and sustainable perspective. The objective was to describe the current state of scientific production on university social responsibility in the Latin American context during the period 2000-2022. The study was a bibliometric, descriptive and retrospective study of scientific production in Scopus. A total of 117 documents were found where there was a predominance of the original article type of document, representing 83.76% of the total number of documents. It was found that the countries of Colombia and Peru had the highest scientific production with 23.93% and 17.95% respectively. Likewise, it was identified that from the year 2019 there was a growing trend in publications. There was international collaboration between authors who published in the Latin American context. The findings allow identifying that scientific production on university social responsibility is linked to ethical commitments and university student training, sustainable development and university social responsibility from an educational management approach.

Perivascular spaces and where to find them - MR imaging and evaluation methods.

Perivascular spaces (synonym: Virchow-Robin spaces) were first described over 150 years ago. They are defined as the fluid-filled spaces surrounding the small penetrating cerebral vessels. They gained growing scientific interest especially with the postulation of the so-called glymphatic system and their possible role in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. PubMed was used for a systematic search with a focus on literature regarding MRI imaging and evaluation methods of perivascular spaces. Studies on human in-vivo imaging were included with a focus on studies involving healthy populations. No time frame was set. The nomenclature in the literature is very heterogeneous with terms like "large", "dilated", "enlarged" perivascular spaces whereas borders and definitions often remain unclear. This work generally talks about perivascular spaces. This review article discusses the morphologic MRI characteristics in different sequences. With the continual improvement of image quality, more and tinier structures can be depicted in detail. Visual analysis and semi or fully automated segmentation methods are briefly discussed. If they are looked for, perivascular spaces are apparent in basically every cranial MRI examination. Their physiologic or pathologic value is still under debate. · Perivascular spaces can be seen in basically every cranial MRI examination.. · Primarily T2-weighend sequences are used for visual analysis. Additional sequences are helpful for distinction from their differential diagnoses.. · There are promising approaches for the semi or fully automated segmentation of perivascular spaces with the possibility to collect more quantitative parameters.. · Seehafer S, Larsen N, Aludin S et al. Perivascular spaces andwhere to find them - MRI imaging and evaluation methods. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; 196: 1029 - 1036.

Identification of breast cancer subtypes based on graph convolutional network

Identification of molecular subtypes of malignant tumors plays a vital role in individualized diagnosis, personalized treatment, and prognosis prediction of cancer patients. The continuous improvement of comprehensive tumor genomics database and the ongoing breakthroughs in deep learning technology have driven further advancements in computer-aided tumor classification. Although the existing classification methods based on gene expression omnibus database take the complexity of cancer molecular classification into account, they ignore the internal correlation and synergism of genes. To solve this problem, we propose a multi-layer graph convolutional network model for breast cancer subtype classification combined with hierarchical attention network. This model constructs the graph embedding datasets of patients' genes, and develops a new end-to-end multi-classification model, which can effectively recognize molecular subtypes of breast cancer. A large number of test data prove the good performance of this new model in the classification of breast cancer subtypes. Compared to the original graph convolutional neural networks and two mainstream graph neural network classification algorithms, the new model has remarkable advantages. The accuracy, weight-F1-score, weight-recall, and weight-precision of our model in seven-category classification has reached 0.851 7, 0.823 5, 0.851 7 and 0.793 6 respectively. In the four-category classification, the results are 0.928 5, 0.894 9, 0.928 5 and 0.865 0 respectively. In addition, compared with the latest breast cancer subtype classification algorithms, the method proposed in this paper also achieved the highest classification accuracy. In summary, the model proposed in this paper may serve as an auxiliary diagnostic technology, providing a reliable option for precise classification of breast cancer subtypes in the future and laying the theoretical foundation for computer-aided tumor classification.

Assessment of Professionalism, Attitudes, and Behaviors in Practicing Physical Therapy

Background: The field of physiotherapy plays a crucial role within the healthcare landscape, particularly in the context of modern medical and surgical practices. Professional behavior, attitudes, and values are fundamental to the practice, influencing patient care and interprofessional collaboration. Recent studies have highlighted a need for continuous evaluation and improvement in these areas to enhance the overall quality of physiotherapy services. Objective: This study aimed to assess the current state of professionalism, attitudes, and behaviors among practicing physical therapists, identifying strengths and areas for development to inform future educational and professional development initiatives. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 120 physical therapists in Lahore, utilizing convenient sampling. The Professional Behavior Continuum, a self-reflective tool, was employed to evaluate professional behaviors in various clinical settings. Data were collected through questionnaires, including a consent form to ensure confidentiality. The analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage to quantify the extent of core professional values among participants. Results: The majority of participants were aged between 26-30 years (45%), predominantly male (70%), and had 1-5 years of work experience (65%). The study revealed positive perceptions of integrity (60% honesty, 65% personal responsibility), respect (65% confidentiality, 70% diversity), responsibility (75% punctual for learning, 60% cope with challenges), competence (80% responsibility for learning, 70% self-reflection), maturity (80% professional dress/language, 70% emotional stability), and communication (80% respectful, 70% empathy/compassion) among physical therapists. Conclusion: The findings indicate a generally positive outlook on professional behaviors, attitudes, and values among physical therapists, with notable strengths in areas such as responsibility, competence, and communication. However, the study also suggests the need for ongoing professional development and education to address areas of improvement and ensure the highest standards of patient care and professional practice.

Innovative Healthcare Models for Nursing Excellence and Patient Safety

This article delves into the exploration of innovative healthcare management models designed to cultivate nursing excellence and elevate patient safety within healthcare settings. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study systematically assesses the effectiveness of these models through comprehensive research endeavors. The findings uncovered through this research shed light on the tangible impact of innovative management strategies on both nursing practices and patient outcomes. The study, rooted in a commitment to evidence-based inquiry, navigates the complex intersection of healthcare management and frontline care delivery. By adopting a mixed-methods approach, it incorporates quantitative and qualitative analyses, offering a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted dynamics at play within these innovative models. The revealed insights serve as a beacon for healthcare administrators and policymakers, providing them with valuable considerations as they strive for excellence in care delivery. The implications extend beyond theoretical observations, offering practical guidance for the implementation and refinement of healthcare management strategies. The study's outcomes contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the continuous improvement of patient care, positioning innovative management models as instrumental components in shaping the landscape of modern healthcare.

Ultrasonic Fasciotomy for the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciopathy: A Prospective Study.

To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of an ultrasonic fasciotomy for plantar fasciopathy. Prospective observational study. Tertiary care academic medical center. Patients with chronic plantar fasciopathy refractory to standard, conservative treatments were included in this study. Patients underwent ultrasonic fasciotomy of the plantar fascia. The primary outcome measures were change in visual analog scale at 12 and 52 weeks post-procedure compared with baseline as well as patients' self-reported satisfaction with the procedure. Sixty-seven patients were included. There was a significant improvement in visual analog scale at all follow-up time points, with an average overall improvement of 5.87 ( P < 0.0001). 94% of patients reported satisfaction with the outcomes of their procedure at 12 and 52 weeks. No procedural complications were seen. This study demonstrates that an ultrasonic fasciotomy is a safe and effective treatment option for chronic plantar fasciopathy, with continued symptom improvement and a high degree of patient satisfaction up to 52 weeks post-procedure. These findings suggest that an ultrasonic fasciotomy should be considered for patients with chronic plantar fasciopathy refractory to conservative treatments.

A dynamic modeling approach to predict water inflow during tunnel excavation in relatively uniform rock masses

Karst landforms are widely distributed all over the world. With the continuous improvement of infrastructure construction, tunnelling in mountainous karst areas is inevitable. Due to the complex hydrogeological conditions in karst areas, groundwater inflow during tunnelling is usually difficult to predict and can cause huge economic losses and casualties. Therefore, finding better ways to improve the prediction of tunnel water inflow is of great significance to ensure the safety of tunnelling. In this study, three commonly used modules (CHD, DRAIN and CFPM1) in MODFLOW are selected and compared to predict the water inflow of tunnels. We find that the CFPM1 module performs better in terms of considering both tunnel size and actual water inflow dynamics during tunnel excavation, which is a continuous process rather than an instantaneous process. Secondly, we build a hypothetical case and predict the tunnel water inflows using above three different modules. We find that the CHD module yields the largest initial and stable water inflow, followed by the DRAIN module, and the CFPM1 yields the least. Besides, as the most sensitive factor in the CFPM1 module, the influence of tunnel diameter on water inflow is discussed. Finally, taking the Shizishan Tunnel as an actual field example, we compare the simulation results of different modules with the measured tunnel inflow. In general, the prediction of the CFPM1 module is the closest to the measured value, and the prediction accuracy is the highest during the conventional tunnel construction process. However, when water-saturated karst features such as underground rivers, caves or faults are exposed during tunnelling, the water level may change instantaneously, which is more consistent with the principle of CHD module. In summary, this study provides theoretical and numerical support for the safe construction of relatively uniform rock mass tunnels in karst areas.

Application of High-performance Concrete in Civil Engineering

With the continuous improvement of modern civil engineering performance requirements on building materials, high-performance concrete (High-Performance Concrete, HPC) has become one of the key materials. This paper discusses the application of HPC in various civil engineering, and its innovative impact. HPC has played a key role in many major engineering projects for its extraordinary durability, high intensity and excellent working nature. First, the paper introduces the basic composition and performance characteristics of HPC, including its compressive strength, durability and rheological properties. The optimized formulation of HPC reduces the use of cement, and cement production is one of the major sources of carbon emissions. By using fly ash, silicon ash and other industrial by-products to replace part of the cement components, HPC not only improves its environmental friendliness, but also enhances the comprehensive performance of the material. Finally, the paper prospects the potential development of HPC in future civil engineering. With technological advances and increasing demand for environmentally friendly building materials, the improvement and application of HPC will continue to expand.

The Impact of ChatGPT on Language Evolution: A Linguistic Analysis

This research sought to identify changes in terms of word choice, sentence structure, and semantics introduced by ChatGPT and how the functionality of ChatGPT impacts the pragmatics of the English language: politeness, deixis, and discourse markers. This study used corpus analysis as part of the methodology involving Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools for part-of-speech tagging and sentiments, analyzing changes in wordings, syntaxes, and semantic elements generated by ChatGPT as an advanced language modal. A qualitative approach, including user surveys and comparative analysis, proved useful in clarifying the changing patterns of politeness, deixis, and discourse markers in AI-supported communication. Henceforth, ChatGPT generates neologism, unique cultural references, verbal contextual adaptations, and a wide range of technical terms. Moreover, the researchers found that user preferences for communication mediums vary, which showed a complex field of users and their expectations in the context of language generated by ChatGPT. Thus, it was observed that ChatGPT contributes significantly to developing the pragmatic aspects of language use in the modern era. Hence, the study proposes that the ChatGPT polishes the usage of politeness terms and improves its deixis along with formal discourse markers. This highlights the need for continuous improvement, especially in areas such as politeness, deixis management, and integration of discourse markers for the developers.

What can machine vision do for lymphatic histopathology image analysis: a comprehensive review

Over the past 10 years, machine vision (MV) algorithms for image analysis have been developing rapidly with computing power. At the same time, histopathological slices can be stored as digital images. Therefore, MV algorithms can provide diagnostic references to doctors. In particular, the continuous improvement of deep learning algorithms has further improved the accuracy of MV in disease detection and diagnosis. This paper reviews the application of image processing techniques based on MV in lymphoma histopathological images in recent years, including segmentation, classification and detection. Finally, the current methods are analyzed, some potential methods are proposed, and further prospects are made.

Manajemen Riayah Masjid Al-Hidayah Kelurahan Bandar Selamat Medan

This research explores the Riayah Management of Al-Hidayah Mosque in Bandar Selamat Village, Medan, focusing on the understanding and obstacles in its maintenance. Through a descriptive qualitative approach using interviews, observations, and documentation, the results show that the mosque is progressing despite facing some challenges. The challenges include the lack of human resource development that is still in the revamping stage, the inconsistency of the mosque's SOP that causes unexpected negligence, limited funds for maintenance, and the lack of active participation from the congregation. A deeper understanding of mosque management, knowledge renewal, and active support from the congregation are needed to create a better mosque environment. Therefore, mosque administrators are advised to continue deepening their knowledge of relevant management concepts as well as maintaining existing working principles. Overall, this study makes an important contribution to the understanding of mosque management and highlights the need for continuous improvement in maintenance to enhance the welfare of Muslims.

Influence of Hf doping on structural, morphological, optical and electrochemical properties of NiO thin films: Electrochromic application

In this study, the authors investigated the influence of hafnium doping on the properties of NiO thin films using the spray pyrolysis (SP) method. A comprehensive analysis was conducted to evaluate the structural, morphological, optical, and electrochemical characteristics of the deposited films. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive analysis by X-ray (EDS), UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometry, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and chronoamperometry (CA) were employed. XRD examination revealed that the NiO thin films exhibit a polycrystalline cubic phase, with a preferred orientation along the (111) plane. The successful integration of Hf ions into the NiO matrix was confirmed by the Raman spectrum. SEM images depicted the formation of dense and uniform nanograins on all film surfaces, free from any cracks. EDS analysis and elemental mapping indicated uniform and homogeneous distribution of Ni, O, and Hf elements across the films. The optical analysis suggested a decrease in the optical band gap energy from 3.54 eV to 3.49 eV with an increase in hafnium doping concentration. Electrochemical results revealed a continuous improvement in specific capacitance with Hf doping. The NHf6 sample reached 65 F. g−1 at 5 mV s−1, compared to 46 F. g−1 at 5 mV s−1 for the NHf0 sample. However, the NHf4 film exhibited the highest optical density variation (49%), shortest response times (tb = 3.58 s, tc = 4.67 s), and the largest coloration efficiency (63.39 cm2/C), indicating enhanced electrochromic performance at this Hf doping rate. These findings suggest that Hf-doped NiO holds promise as a candidate for use as a counter-electrode in electrochromic devices.