Critical Quality Factors Research Articles

Distinguishing Majorana bound states from Andreev bound states through differential conductance and current noise spectrum

Abstract We investigate the quantum transport through a quantum dot coupled with a superconducting (SC) nanowire. By elaborating the differential conductance and current noise spectrum, we focus on the distinct characteristics of the topological Majorana bound states (MBSs) and trivial Andereev bound states (ABSs) hosted in SC wire. For MBSs with a topological quality factor q = 1, we observe the degenerate features manifested as the zero-bias peak (ZBP) in differential conductance and the Rabi dips degeneracy (RDD) in noise spectrum. In contrast, for ABSs with q < 1, the splitting of these degenerate features depends on the linewidth, arising from realistic measurement conditions. Furthermore, we identify the critical quality factors q c and q S associated with the emergences of ZBP and RDD, respectively. The value of q c is temperature-dependent, and we establish a suitable temperature window to ensure the visibility of single ZBP in the experiments. Whereas, q c depends on the coupling strength rather than the temperature. Typical values for these quality factors are approximately q c ≈ 0.93 and q S ≈ 0.99 . Our results suggest that the degenerate Rabi spectrum signal could serve as a hallmark for the presence of MBSs, which goes beyond the scope of differential conductance.

Distinguishing Majorana bound states from Andreev bound states through differential conductance and current noise spectrum

Abstract We investigate the quantum transport through a quantum dot coupled with a superconducting
(SC) nanowire. By elaborating the differential conductance and current noise spectrum, we focus on the distinct characteristics
of the topological Majorana bound states (MBSs) and 
 trivial Andereev bound states (ABSs) hosted in SC wire.
For MBSs with a topological quality factor $q=1$,
we observe the degenerate features
manifested as the zero-bias peak (ZBP) 
in differential conductance and the Rabi dips degeneracy (RDD) in noise spectrum.
In contrast, for ABSs with $q<1$,
the splitting of these degenerate features 
depends on the linewidth, arising from realistic measurement conditions.
 Furthermore, we identify the critical quality factors 
$q_{\rm c}$ and $q_{\s}$ associated with the emergences of ZBP and
 RDD, respectively.
The value of $q_{\rm c}$ is temperature-dependent, and we 
establish a suitable temperature window to ensure the visibility of single ZBP in the experiments. 
Whereas, $q_{\rm c}$ depends on the coupling strength rather temperature.
Typical values for these quality factors are
approximately $q_{\rm c}\approx 0.93$ and $q_{\s}\approx 0.99$.
Our results suggest that 
the degenerate Rabi spectrum signal 
 could serve as a hallmark for the presence of MBSs, 
 which goes beyond the scope of differential
conductance.

Interface Characterization of Fusion Bonded Composites Made from Laser-Pretreated Steel and Glass Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastics Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Material-hybrid designs made of metal and plastic are becoming increasingly important in the automotive and aerospace industries. They place new demands on joining technology in particular. One promising process is the fusion bonding of metals and fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. In this process, the thermoplastic matrix material of the fiber-reinforced composite component is melted and a direct adhesive bond is created with the metallic joining partner. This joining technology has already been extensively studied in the past. In particular, the interface between the joining partners has been identified as a critical factor for the long-term quality of the joint. The interface can be altered by influences during production, such as e-coat process or the effects of harsh environmental conditions during operation like corrosion and thermomechanical loads. Determining the extent of these influences on the interface condition and thus the quality of the joint is difficult, but it is essential to support the use of the joining method in safety-critical areas. Previous investigations of this joining method have mostly been carried out destructively using tensile shear tests and non-destructively using fiber optic and piezo ceramic sensors, but all approaches have only shown limited significance with regard to the metal-plastic interface in detail. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as a very sensitive measurement method could represent an almost non-destructive and at the same time very sensitive alternative which is currently not reported for this use case in the literature. In previous internal investigations, we found that EIS can be used to measure layer thicknesses of up to 3.5 mm, contrary to the usual use of this test method for characterizing the properties of thin coatings, corrosion behavior and battery performance. In fusion bonding applications, typical material thicknesses of thermoplastics above the interface are around 1.5 mm and are thus well above the usual layer thicknesses of approx. 20 µm to 100 µm for typical EIS applications.This study aims to examine how EIS can be used advantageously for the interface characterization of fusion bonded specimens and up to which extent the EIS can provide a statement about the metal-plastic interface. In this study, a joint of a laser-pretreated steel and a glass fiber-reinforced PA6 is investigated. We measured specimens directly after production, after a treatment similar to an automotive e-coat process and after certain intervals of a salt spray test. Using the Kramers-Kronig transformation, the EIS data was validated and qualitatively analyzed with Nyquist and Bode diagrams, the impedance at 0.1 Hz, the maximum impedance and equivalent circuits. Tensile shear and edge shear test serve as destructive reference tests to determine strength parameters of the joints and evaluate the respective fracture patterns. This opens up the possibility to correlate the results of EIS and destructive measurements. In summary, EIS is suitable for characterizing the metal-plastic interface, even with polymer thicknesses of 1.5 mm, which are comparatively high for EIS. Due to the very low phase angle and the resulting low dielectricity of the glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic, changes in the impedance data are directly related to the interface condition. The measured impedance spectra could be differentiated with Nyquist and Bode diagrams, the impedance at 0.1 Hz and the maximum impedance.

Insight into critical water quality factors and gill function of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) during packaging bag transport

Insight into critical water quality factors and gill function of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) during packaging bag transport

Imaging and Anesthesia Protocol Optimization in Sedated Clinical Resting-State fMRI.

The quality of resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) under anesthesia is variable and there are no guidelines on optimal image acquisition or anesthesia protocol. We aim to identify the factors that may lead to compromised clinical rs-fMRI under anesthesia. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed clinical rs-fMRI data acquired under anesthesia from 2009-2023 at Massachusetts General Hospital. Independent component analysis-driven resting-state networks (RSNs) of each patient were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively and grouped as robust or weak. Overall networks were evaluated by using the qualitative method, and motor and language networks were evaluated by using the quantitative method. RSN robustness was analyzed in 4 outcome categories: overall, combined motor-language, individual motor, and language networks. Predictor variables included rs-fMRI acquisition parameters, anesthesia medications, underlying brain structural abnormalities, age, and sex. Logistic regression was used to examine the effect of the study variables on RSN robustness. Sixty-nine patients were identified. With qualitative assessment, 40 had robust and 29 had weak overall RSN. Quantitatively, 45 patients had robust, while 24 had weak motor-language networks. Among all the predictor variables, only sevoflurane significantly contributed to the outcomes, with sevoflurane administration reducing the odds of having robust RSN in overall (OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.05-0.79, P = .02), motor-language (OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.04-0.80, P = .02), and individual motor (OR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.02-0.64, P = .02) categories. Individual language network robustness was not associated with the tested predictor variables. Sevoflurane anesthesia may compromise the visibility of fMRI RSN, particularly impacting motor networks. This finding suggests that the type of anesthesia is a critical factor in rs-fMRI quality. We did not observe the association of the MR acquisition technique or underlying structural abnormality with the RSN robustness.

The artificial intelligence and design of experiment assisted in the development of progesterone-loaded solid-lipid nanoparticles for transdermal drug delivery

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the formulation development of nanomedicine. This study investigated the physicochemical characteristics of progesterone-loaded solid-lipid nanoparticles (PG-SLNs) produced through an emulsification–ultrasonication process, with a focus on demonstrating the efficacy of this controlled preparation method via the Design of Experiments (DoE) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). Critical quality factors, including stearic acid, medium chain triglycerides (MCT), Pluronic F-127, and the amount of propylene glycol (PG), were explored using DoE to streamline experimental setups. The concentration of stearic acid was identified as a crucial factor influencing PG-SLN physicochemical properties, impacting particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and %drug loading (%DL). Optimal conditions for PS, PDI, ZP, and %DL were identified. DoE revealed acceptable values across multiple runs, and the ANN model demonstrates high prediction accuracy, surpassing Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The selected PG-SLN formulation was tested for transdermal drug delivery, showing improved permeation compared to PG suspension. Loading with limonene further enhances transdermal drug delivery, attributed to limonene’s role as a penetration enhancer. Moreover, the selected PG-SLN formulation was found to be safe and non-toxic to neuronal cells. The combination of DoE and ANN was proposed to enhance predictive ability. This research highlights the potential of PG-SLNs in transdermal drug delivery, emphasizing the role of limonene as a safe and effective enhancer. The study contributes to the growing interest in applying AI tools in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields for improved predictive modeling.

The impact of functional and service quality on perceived security in manufacturing and telecommunication services

PurposeThis research deals with the critical factors of quality and their significance to perceived security as an effort to build a formidable loyalty of customers in a technology driven service environment. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the key contributing elements of functional and service quality on perceived security and to further analyze its impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.Design/methodology/approachA hypothesized structure model is proposed and justified using the data collected in the manufacturing and telecommunication service sectors in South Korea through survey with total 647 respondents. To clarify the reliability of model and validity of the proposed hypothesis, AMOS 24.0 software was utilized. Furthermore, two moderating variables were adopted for the depth understanding.FindingsThis study reveals that service quality dominantly influences the level of perceived security due to its characteristics that are mostly formed on the stage of customer-contact activity. This study further provides a strategic methodology for manufacturing and telecommunication firms to foster sustainable growth by focusing on perceived security during the service delivery process.Originality/valueThis finding is particularly important as Ontact technology becomes increasingly critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is worthwhile noting that the research outcome of this study may, in turn, trigger the trust issue that need to be combined with quality in the era of Industry 4.0.

Balancing clean and quality production goals: A multi-analytical approach to scrutinizing the influencing factors in China's manufacturing industry

Balancing clean and quality production goals: A multi-analytical approach to scrutinizing the influencing factors in China's manufacturing industry

Critical Success Factors of Multichannel Integration Quality: A Case In E-Commerce Integrated Chat Application

Selama bertahun-tahun, internet telah hadir untuk memfasilitasi teknologi di berbagai sektor, salah satunya adalah ritel multisaluran. Internet memungkinkan banyak bisnis tradisional untuk berkembang menjadi peritel multisaluran dengan melengkapi penawaran toko mereka dengan saluran online untuk meningkatkan efisiensi operasional dan meningkatkan kepuasan pelanggan. Namun, hal ini menimbulkan kesenjangan bagi perusahaan yang ingin memulai perjalanan implementasi integrasi multisaluran mereka, di mana mereka harus memfokuskan sumber daya mereka untuk berhasil mengimplementasikan integrasi multisaluran. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan faktor penentu keberhasilan (critical success factor/CSF) kualitas integrasi multichannel pada e-commerce dengan menggunakan metode Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) untuk analisis data. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada sebuah perusahaan yang menawarkan integrasi multichannel e-commerce. Penelitian ini dilakukan melalui studi literatur dan wawancara dengan dua orang pemangku kepentingan dari proyek integrasi multichannel e-commerce sebagai ahli untuk penelitian ini dan kemudian menyebarkan kuesioner kepada dua orang yang terlibat dalam proyek tersebut. Terdapat 14 faktor yang dievaluasi, yang terdiri dari tiga faktor yang berhubungan dengan konfigurasi layanan channel, dua faktor yang berhubungan dengan konsistensi konten, dua faktor yang berhubungan dengan konsistensi proses, tiga faktor yang berhubungan dengan jaminan, dua faktor yang berhubungan dengan timbal balik channel, dan dua faktor yang berhubungan dengan hubungan dengan pelanggan. Di antara 14 faktor tersebut, konsistensi sistem merupakan faktor yang paling penting, diikuti oleh keluasan pilihan saluran, konsistensi informasi, dan aksesibilitas pemulihan layanan

Improve the satisfaction of medical staff on the use of home nursing mobile APP by using a hybrid multi-standard decision model

ObjectiveTo identify critical satisfaction gaps in a home nursing mobile application (APP) using a systematic decision-making model.MethodsInitially, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method was used to analyze the relationship structure and corresponding weights among the indicators. The Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) method was used to identify the categories of all indicators and their corresponding strategic directions. Twenty-six home nursing specialists currently providing home nursing services were recruited for this study.ResultsThe IPA results revealed that “Assurance,” “Reliability,” and “Personal security protection” are critical satisfaction gaps. From the influence network and weight results, “information quality” and “system quality” were the critical quality factors in the home nursing mobile APP. The influence of the network relationship structure and weight demonstrated a 98.12% significance level, indicating good stability.ConclusionContinuous improvement in information and system quality is recommended to optimize the overall quality of the home nursing mobile APP. Additionally, user demands should be considered, and personal safety guarantee functions should be developed and integrated into the system to ensure the safety of home nursing workers.

CircSSBP2 acts as a MiR-2400 sponge to promote intramuscular preadipocyte proliferation by regulating NDRG1.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is a critical factor in beef quality. IMF is mainly distributed between muscle fibres and its accumulation can affect the marbling and meat quality of beef. IMF formation and deposition is a complex process and in recent years a group of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), known as circRNAs, have been discovered to play an important role in regulating intramuscular fat deposition. CircRNAs form a covalent loop structure after reverse splicing of precursor mRNAs. They can act by adsorbing miRNAs, thereby reducing their repressive effects on downstream target genes. Based on high-throughput sequencing of circRNAs in intramuscular fat of Qinchuan and Japanese black cattle, we identified a novel circSSBP2 that is differentially expressed between the two species and associated with adipogenesis. We show that circSSBP2 knockdown promotes bovine intramuscular preadipocyte proliferation, whereas overexpression inhibits bovine intramuscular preadipocyte proliferation. We also show that circSSBP2 can act as a molecular sponge for miR-2400 and that miR-2400 overexpression promotes bovine intramuscular preadipocyte proliferation. Furthermore, N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) was identified as a direct target gene of miR-2400, and NDRG1 interference promoted the proliferation of bovine intramuscular preadipocytes. In conclusion, our results suggest that circSSBP2 inhibits the proliferation of bovine intramuscular preadipocytes by regulating the miR-2400/NDRG1 axis.

Predictive modeling of garlic quality in hybrid infrared-convective drying using artificial neural networks

Predictive modeling of garlic quality in hybrid infrared-convective drying using artificial neural networks

NLC-Based Sunscreen Formulations with Optimized Proportion of Encapsulated and Free Filters Exhibit Enhanced UVA and UVB Photoprotection.

The topical use of sunscreens is recommended for avoiding the damaging effects of UV radiation. However, improvements are still needed in the existing products to enhance their photoprotection effectiveness and safety. This involves minimizing the use of chemical UV filters while providing enhanced and prolonged photoprotection. This work investigated novel sunscreen formulations and their UV protection effects by encapsulating Uvinul® A, Tinosorb® S, and Uvinul® T150 into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) based on bacuri butter and raspberry seed oil. First, the impact of critical formulation and process parameters on NLCs' particle size was evaluated using a 22 Face Centered Central Composite Design. Then, formulations were evaluated in terms of critical quality factors, in vitro skin permeation, and in vitro and in vivo photoprotection activities. The developed NLCs-containing formulations exhibited appropriate size (122-135 nm), PdI (<0.3), encapsulation efficiency (>90%), and drug content (>80%), which were preserved for at least 90 days under different stability conditions. Moreover, these NLCs-based formulations had equivalent skin permeation to emulsion-based controls, and the addition of NLCs into sunscreen cream bases in the optimum proportion of 20% (w/w) resulted in enhanced UVA and UVB photoprotection levels, despite a 10% reduction in the total filters content. Altogether, these results describe the application of nanoencapsulated organic UV filters in innovative sunscreen formulations to achieve superior photoprotection and cosmeceutical properties.

Personalized optimal room temperature and illuminance for maximizing occupant's mental task performance using physiological data

Personalized optimal room temperature and illuminance for maximizing occupant's mental task performance using physiological data

Study of Centrality Measures in the Network of Green Spaces in the City of Krakow

Access to and interaction with natural blue or green spaces is a critical factor in quality of life and overall well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to natural areas has health benefits for individuals and society. Incorporating interconnected natural ecosystems into the urban fabric is recognized as a means of building urban resilience and mitigating climate change. It is therefore essential to strengthen and expand existing networks. Mathematical measures of centrality provide a valuable approach to analyzing networks, based on the assumption that certain nodes are more central due to better connectivity. However, due to their complexity, centrality measures are not widely used in urban planning studies, and no research has been conducted in specific Polish conditions. This study aims to fill this gap by testing the usefulness of centrality measures in Krakow’s system of green spaces. The results show that there are few well-connected green areas and that the centrality measures vary. The information provided by this study can contribute to a better understanding of the spatial distribution of green spaces in Krakow and in future to better management and decision-making processes aimed at improving the accessibility of green spaces and the quality of life of residents.

Assessing the Internal Critical Success Factors of Service Quality in Boatels: A Case Study of Egypt

Critical success factors (CSFs) are inputs that, directly or indirectly, can contribute to a project's success. CSFs contain a variety of components, traits, requirements, or characteristics that, if properly upheld, can have a significant impact on the project's performance. Primarily internal and exterior CSFs can be easily recognized. Each of these factors cost a lot of investment whether it is internal or external. Finding essential internal success variables that have an impact on service quality for better use of investment is the aim of this study. Holistically, this study aims to examine the key success internal factors and their impact on providing high-quality service in Cruises. Internal CSFs include six variables. i.e., Senior Management Experiences, Human Resources Management (HRM), Customer focus Service culture, Management Information System (MIS), and Social Responsibility. A scale for each of these variables was used. Two hundred sixty-four returned forms were analyzed using Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the measurement model of service quality internal critical success factors using AMOS 4. Keywords: internal CSFs, CSF elements, service quality (SQ), cruise

Relationships between sensory properties and metabolomic profiles of different apple cultivars.

Flavor is a critical factor in apple quality. To better understand apple flavor, this study aimed to identify the relationships between sensory attributes and the chemical composition (volatiles and non-volatiles) of apples using a combined metabolomic and sensory evaluation. Sensory results showed the positive (apple, fruity, pineapple, sweetness, sourness) and negative (cucumber) flavor attributes of apples. A metabolomic analysis with statistical correlations revealed significant metabolites related to the flavor attributes of apples. Volatile esters (e.g., hexyl acetate and 2-methylbutyl acetate for apple and fruity notes) and non-volatile sugars and acids (total sugars, tartaric acid, and malic acid for balanced sweet and tart flavors) were associated with the apple flavor preferred by consumers. Some aldehydes and alcohols (e.g., (E)-2-nonenal) contributed to a negative hedonic perception (cucumber). The collected information demonstrated the roles of key chemical compounds in apple flavor quality, and may be applicable to quality control.

A combined QFD-AHP decision-making tool for the investigation and improvement of e-banking usage

PurposeThis paper presents a decision-making framework for e-banking operations, based on the Quality Function Deployment and the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The main research question is the development of a framework and its potential contributions in supporting decision makers in implementing quality strategies that will encourage the usage of e-banking services (EBS).Design/methodology/approachThe introduced framework comprises four distinct stages which include criteria determination, field surveys and EFA, QFD application including AHP and finally sensitivity analysis investigating the dynamic nature of the environment. AHP determines the intensity of the relationship between e-banking quality criteria and customer banking activities. A novel House of Quality (HoQ) is proposed, based on a market mix founded on key e-banking activities, and sensitivity analysis is used to investigate alternative scenarios. To illustrate the steps of applying this framework, the authors use a convenience sample from the Greek e-banking sector.FindingsThrough the illustrated example is supported that the proposed approach can reveal valuable information when contemplating strategies to improve e-banking usage and expand its acceptance. In addition, sensitivity analysis leads to purposeful insights regarding the effects of market segmentation and/or target settings on the ranking of e-banking quality/selection criteria provided by the HoQ. In the specific numerical example, the most critical quality factors were “Security and Reliability”, “Convenience”, “Design”, “Pricing” and “Skills,” although different rankings night well appear in different contexts or geographical regions. Moreover, sensitivity analysis showed that these results depend on the specific market mix and targets. As mentioned above, the implementation of the framework in different geographical regions or e-service sectors might certainly reveal different critical factors.Research limitations/implicationsDiscussed in the paper body.Practical implicationsDiscussed in the paper body.Originality/valueThe paper presents a well-defined four stage framework for improving EBS penetration. It utilizes a structured qualitative and quantitative approach and outlines and ranks e-banking quality factors stemming from the market mix and allows assessment of alternative scenarios through sensitivity analysis.

Identification of critical quality factors and critical satisfaction gaps in emergency training courses for new nurses by the multi-criteria network structure model

ObjectiveTo identify critical quality factors and critical satisfaction gaps in emergency training courses for new nurses through a systematic decision-making model.MethodsFirstly, the service quality (SERVQUAL) was used in the evaluation index system of this study. Then, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was used to analyze the relationship structure and the corresponding weights between the indicators. Finally, the importance-performance analysis (IPA) method was used to identify the categories of all indicators and the corresponding strategic directions. Fifteen new nurses in Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province were selected as participants in this study.ResultsThe IPA results showed that “(C13),” “(C22),” “(C52),” “(C53),” “(C54),” “(C55),” “(C56),”and “(C57)” are critical satisfaction gaps. From the results of influence network and weight, empathy (C5) was the critical quality factor of the entire training course. The influence network relationship structure and weight had a 98.1% significant confidence level, indicating good stability.ConclusionTeachers’ empathy is key to the learning outcomes of new nurses in emergency nursing training courses. Hence, teachers should be attentive to the empathetic quality of their teaching methods to help new nurses gain knowledge and experience in emergency care, especially when they come from different professions and departments.

Critical effect of heat input on joint quality in resistance element welding of Al and steel

Critical effect of heat input on joint quality in resistance element welding of Al and steel