Desired Level Of Quality Research Articles

Foamed concrete facilitates decommissioning of nuclear plant

Foamed grout has been used extensively to backfill disused coal mines, but with densities of between 1000 and 2000 kg/m3. This report describes how two lightweight grouts having densities of 500 and 300 kg/m3 were developed and deployed in order to secure redundant chemical process vessels that were at risk of collapse in a hazardous nuclear environment. In addition to the densities, other important engineering characteristics were needed to achieve a desired quality level. At the end of the deployment approximately 1300 m3 of grout was deployed: 700 m3 of 500 kg/m3 density grout into a vertical shaft section and 600 m3 of 300 kg/m3 density grout into an area with limited loading capacity. This paper describes how the scheme was developed and how it was deployed, and the problems encountered batching large quantities of this experimental product.

Quality System for Production Software as Tool for Monitoring and Improving Organization KPIs

In this paper we propose a solution as support for quality systems for production software. The motivation behind this study was to reduce that cost in the production area caused by gaps in the quality of the production software. Our proposal: QSPS (Quality System for Production Software) is offering support in the vulnerable points of these quality systems which usually generate nonconformities and have proved to be difficult or impossible to control. QSPS is a method in seven steps or modules that integrates also software tools, templates, checklists, evaluating tools elaborated complying to products, process and system quality standards. If other analyzed methods like: Scrum, XP, Fuzzy, Prompt, PTA, PRINCE2 or norms like: ISO 9001, ISO 9000-3, TickIT, CMM and CMMI, AQAP-110/AQAP-150, IEEE 730/983 are working in a reactive way, after the developing phase was finished, QSPS is an active system, helping the software developer from the beginning of the implementation phase to improve the developing methodology and to fulfill the quality requirements. QSPS model was applied in one of the largest European automotive company, the result being finalized in a practical approach of the QSPS, named QSMA − Quality System for Manufacturing Application. Using the QSMA (Quality System for the manufacturing application) for industrial projects and not only therefore, has led to accurate running of the production line from beginning of the SOP (Start of Production). Once this system was implemented and the production software applications were realized under the principles and rules of the QSMA, we defined strategically measurable KPIs (key performance indicators) out of the seven modules of the QSMA. This KPIs have the role to signal every time a production application has not the desired quality level and presents a high level of risk that could cause additional costs in the production. Based on the KPIs evolution, the weaknesses in the software applications can be identified in real time, so that the developer can react immediately, before occurrence of substantial damage.

Process optimization of SnCuNi soldering material using artificial parametric design

The European Union has implemented the directive restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) prohibiting the uses of tin-lead solder. SAC305 (Sn96.5/Ag3.0/Cu0.5) has come into widespread use as a candidate soldering material in the electronics manufacturing industry. Nevertheless, the price of silver has increased dramatically in recent years. This study evaluates the feasibility of replacing the commonly used SAC305 with low cost SnCuNi (Sn99.25/Cu0.7/Ni0.05/Ge; SCN) solder alloy in wave soldering for high layer count printed circuit board. However, the melting temperature of SCN alloy is 227, 10 $$^{\circ }\text{ C}$$ higher than SAC305. The objective of this research is to investigate manufacturing issues and propose an optimal process. Process parameters such as soldering temperature and dwell time are determined to achieve the desired quality levels. Multiple quality characteristics, namely assembly yield and solder joint pull strength, are considered. Thus, this study compares two approaches, integration of principal component analysis/grey relational analysis and artificial neural networks (ANN) combined with genetic algorithms (GA), to resolve the problems of multiple quality characteristics. The results of verification test shows that samples prepared with the process scenario suggested by the ANN combined with GA are superior. The process scenario with maximum desirability value is 268.64 $$^{\circ }\text{ C}$$ soldering temperature and 7.42 s dwell time, indicating the recommended manufacturing process.

Preserving an aging transit fleet: An optimal resource allocation perspective based on service life and constrained budget

Local, county and state level transit agencies with large fleets of buses and limited budgets seek a robust fund allocation mechanism to maintain service standards. However, equitable and optimal fund allocation for purchasing, operating and maintaining a transit fleet is a complex process. In this study, we develop an optimization model for allocation of funds among different fleet improvement programs within budget constraints over the planning period. This is achieved by minimizing the net present cost (NPC) of the investment within the constraint of a minimum level of fleet quality expressed as a surrogate of the remaining life of the fleet. Integer programming is used to solve the formulated optimization problem using branch and bound algorithm. The model formulation and application are demonstrated with a real world case study of transit agencies. It is observed that minimizing NPC provides a realistic way to allocate resources between different program options among different transit agencies while maintaining a desired quality level. The proposed model is generalized and can be used as a resource allocation tool for transit fleet management by any transit agency.

Pharmaceutical Engineering Strategy for Quality Informatics on the IDEF0 Business Process Model

Introduction Intricate modern pharmaceutical business activities strive to achieve lean development for the desired quality level by applying the quality by design (QbD) approach.

A New Vision of Quality Cost: An Essential Optimization Tool for Managerial Accounting

If we start from the assumption that all people have always wanted a high quality, we find that for centuries, they faced wit h huge and unstable forces which required changing strategies to achieve the desired level of quality. Nowadays, if we lo ok around, we see a very dynamic economic environment, which requires managers to impose a proper set of qualities including skill and flexibility. The purpose of the article is to present quality cost like an essential optimization tool, which influences the economic aspects of managerial accounting in two fundamental ways: the effect on income and the effect on cost.

Energy efficient genetic‐based schedulers in computational grids

SummaryIn today's highly parametrized distributed computational environments, such as green grid clusters and clouds, the growing power and cooling rates are becoming the dominant part of the users' and system managers' budgets. Computational grids, owing to their sheer sizes, still require advanced methodologies and strategies for supporting the scheduling of the users' tasks and applications to the distributed resources. The efficient resource allocation becomes even more challenging when energy utilization, beyond the conventional scheduling criteria, such as Makespan, is treated as first‐class additional scheduling objective. In this paper, we address the independent batch scheduling in computational grid as a bi‐objective global minimization problem with Makespan and energy consumption as the main criteria. We apply the dynamic voltage and frequency scaling model for the management of the cumulative power energy utilized by the grid resources. We develop three genetic algorithms as energy‐aware grid schedulers, which were empirically evaluated in three grid size scenarios in static and dynamic modes. The simulation results confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed genetic algorithm‐based schedulers in the reduction of the energy consumed by the whole system and in dynamic load balancing of the resources in grid clusters, which is sufficient to maintain the desired quality level(s). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Contemporary Trends in Defect Prevention: A Survey Report

Most of the software projects fail to meet the desired level of quality and standards due to different types of defects introduced during the course of requirement solicitation, designing and development. These defects inexorably hinder the secure deployment or smooth operations of the software systems. One of the key reasons for this misfortune is the lack of proper defect prevention planning while formulating the software architecture. Defect prevention needs to be a thorough and critical phase because it has a direct impact on quality of the product which cannot be compromised. This paper looks into different defect prevention techniques and analyses them critically. The scope of this study is restricted to the identification of the modern trends in defect prevention.

The impacts of changing transport and precipitation on pollutant distributions in a future climate

[1] Air pollution (ozone and particulate matter in surface air) is strongly linked to synoptic weather and thus is likely sensitive to climate change. In order to isolate the responses of air pollutant transport and wet removal to a warming climate, we examine a simple carbon monoxide–like (CO) tracer (COt) and a soluble version (SAt), both with the 2001 CO emissions, in simulations with the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory chemistry-climate model (AM3) for present (1981–2000) and future (2081–2100) climates. In 2081–2100, projected reductions in lower-tropospheric ventilation and wet deposition exacerbate surface air pollution as evidenced by higher surface COt and SAt concentrations. However, the average horizontal general circulation patterns in 2081–2100 are similar to 1981–2000, so the spatial distribution of COt changes little. Precipitation is an important factor controlling soluble pollutant wet removal, but the total global precipitation change alone does not necessarily indicate the sign of the soluble pollutant response to climate change. Over certain latitudinal bands, however, the annual wet deposition change can be explained mainly by the simulated changes in large-scale (LS) precipitation. In regions such as North America, differences in the seasonality of LS precipitation and tracer burdens contribute to an apparent inconsistency of changes in annual wet deposition versus annual precipitation. As a step toward an ultimate goal of developing a simple index that can be applied to infer changes in soluble pollutants directly from changes in precipitation fields as projected by physical climate models, we explore here a “Diagnosed Precipitation Impact” (DPI) index. This index captures the sign and magnitude (within 50%) of the relative annual mean changes in the global wet deposition of the soluble pollutant. DPI can only be usefully applied in climate models in which LS precipitation dominates wet deposition and horizontal transport patterns change little as climate warms. Our findings support the need for tighter emission regulations, for both soluble and insoluble pollutants, to obtain a desired level of air quality as climate warms.

Food quality as a public good: cooperation dynamics and economic development in a rural community

The present work deals with an initiative that aims at creating and promoting rural development through high quality. It is called “Presidia”, it has been started by the Slowfood movement, and it relies on an approach to rural economies different from the standard spreading of industrialization. The phenomenon on focus is based upon the cooperative dynamics of several small producers, and thus some criticalities typical of social dilemmas have emerged in the case-based study on the field: they deal with the role played by cooperation-supporting institutions. Through an empirically grounded agent-based model which allows what-if analysis of some policy suggestions, different mechanisms for promoting cooperation among producers are thus investigated. Simulation results outline how single altruistic actions are not capable of sustaining a positive aggregate while single selfish choices can determine very negative outcomes, and how only the strong commitment of most central actors can protect the system from random fluctuations in cooperation levels. Two main results are finally discussed: informal control mechanisms do not ensure the desired level of cooperation and high quality; interaction structure codetermines the outcome.

Predictive process control using a moving radiant actuator

This paper presents a predictive control framework for a class of industrial distributed-parameter processes employing moving radiant actuators. The use of a moving actuator provides additional control options, but it also requires more elaborate control strategies to ensure a desired level of quality for the target process. The proposed predictive control framework is based on a generic one-dimensional (1D) formulation that describes common characteristics of typical radiant source actuated processes. The developed control framework incorporates carefully reduced process models that capture the main features of the processes and a state/parameter estimator activated with a policy that considers the changing radiant input distribution accompanying the moving actuator. The developed model predictive control framework is then demonstrated on a 1D robotic ultraviolet paint curing process. The results show that the predictive control approach provides a better cure process performance than typical static optimization methods.

METER: Measuring Test Effectiveness Regionally

Researchers from both academia and industry continually propose new fault models and test metrics for coping with the ever-changing failure mechanisms exhibited by scaling fabrication processes. Understanding the relative effectiveness of current and proposed metrics and models is vitally important for selecting the best mix of methods for achieving a desired level of quality at reasonable cost. Evaluating metrics and models traditionally relies on actual test experiments, which is time-consuming and expensive. To reduce the cost of evaluating new test metrics, fault models, design-for-test techniques, and others, this paper proposes a new approach, MEeasuring Test Effectiveness Regionally (METER). METER exploits the readily available test-measurement data that is generated from chip failures. The approach does not require the generation and application of new patterns but uses analysis results from existing tests, which we show to be more than sufficient for performing a thorough evaluation of any model or metric of interest. METER is demonstrated by comparing several metrics and models that include: 1) stuck-at; 2) <i xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">N</i> -detect; 3) <i xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">PAN</i> -detect (physically-aware <i xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">N</i> -detect); 4) bridge fault models; and 5) the input pattern fault model (also more recently referred to as the gate-exhaustive metric). We also provide in-depth discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of METER, and contrast its effectiveness with those from the traditional approaches involving the test of actual integrated circuits.

Models and measures to evaluate the effectiveness of funds utilization for scientific research and development of advanced technologies

The purpose of this report was to construct some alternative methods to estimate the effectiveness of investments in scientific research and development of advanced technologies, especially their long-term effects. The Study Group decided to focus on the sub-problem of finding the relation between the spending on science and the quality of science itself. As a result, we have developed two independent methodologies. The most promising one is based on the theory of time-delay systems, which allows capturing effects of the time-lag between the use of funds and the results related to scientific work. Moreover, the methodology gives an opportunity to seek the optimal spending scenario that would fulfill some prescribed constraints (e.g. it would minimize costs and at the same time remain above a desired level of quality of science). The second methodology is premised on Stochastic Frontier Analysis and it can be applied to determine the form of relation between the amount of financing and the results of scientific work. It offers considerable advantages for analyses of several forms of relation at once (production functions) and for a suitable choice of the best one. Both methods are promising, however, additional work is necessary to apply them successfully to some real-life problems.

Identifying service superiority, zone of tolerance and underlying dimensions

PurposeThis paper seeks to investigate the overall service quality of the library system of Independent University, Bangladesh, a top‐ranked private university in Bangladesh. A survey is conducted among the library users specifically faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students.Design/methodology/approachA modified version of the SERVQUAL questionnaire was used for data collection. The gap differences between perceived and desired services were calculated and ranked which could indicate what services meet, exceed or fall short of the users' expectations. The mean values of desired service levels were ranked and compared among three groups of users. A Kruskal‐Wallis test was done to examine the differences in desired level of service quality by different groups. The method zone of tolerance was applied to find out the range between perceived and minimum service levels. Finally, the underlying dimensions of service quality were identified through exploratory factor analysis of level of desired services.FindingsIt has been revealed that perceived services were lagging behind the desired services and attributes of service quality which fall short of user perception though the gaps were not much higher. It has also been observed that there were some significant differences in desired services received by the users. The overall scenario of tolerance zone was inside the tolerable level by all users and only one attribute was problematic.Originality/valueThe concept of library service quality and assessment is new in Bangladesh. The author of this paper first started to study on this area among public and private university libraries. This study will no doubt encourage and foster further research in this area for the effectiveness and the better performance of academic libraries in Bangladesh.

A Broad And Structured Approach To Improving Patient Safety And Quality: Lessons From Denver Health

America's health care systems have not achieved the desired level of quality and safety. This may be due, in part, to the lack of clear and robust approaches for institutions to follow. Denver Health, an integrated, public safety-net institution, developed a multifaceted, structured approach to quality and safety improvement that has produced positive outcomes. For example, in 2010 Denver Health ranked first of 112 US academic medical centers in terms of actual mortality observed relative to the national mortality rate. Given these results, we argue that regulatory bodies should refocus their oversight to consider an institution's overall structured approach to quality improvement and safety, instead of monitoring individual small outcomes, such as a patient's receipt of antibiotics for pneumonia within six hours of arriving in the emergency department.

Evaluation of Commerce/Management Research Reports - A Model Framework

Academic research in Social Science in general and Commerce in particular is fast emerging in India. This situation has placed a severe responsibility on the shoulders of educational institutions and research guides to ensure that the standard of research work is maintained on par with the global standards, and its quality safeguarded. To ensure this desired level of quality in research, the evaluation of research report should be more scientific and based on high standards. It is unfortunate that there is no specific and accepted/uniform norms for the evaluation of research report. Each examiner follows his/her own method of evaluation and recommends the award of research degrees. Against this background, an attempt has been made in this article, to provide some tips for the evaluation of research reports in commerce and management.

Performance-Related Specification for Superpave Pavements in Kansas

Statistical specifications for highway construction provide the means to measure the important quality control attributes and ensure their compliance. The pay adjustments, part of these specifications, reflect the amount of deduction or bonus and the optimized risk distributed between the owner and the contractor. The Kansas Department of Transportation (DOT) has built a comprehensive database of as-constructed material properties for Superpave® pavements from the tests required in the quality control–quality assurance (QC-QA) program. Currently, Kansas DOT pays incentives or disincentives for mixture air voids and in-place density of Superpave pavements. A practical performance model and a composite index that includes air voids, in-place density, asphalt content, and voids in mineral aggregate are needed to reflect the factors that affect the performance of Superpave pavements. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of levels of significance and lot size and to develop practical performance models and a composite index for Superpave pavements in Kansas. Thirty-five projects from six administrative districts of Kansas DOT were selected in this study. Lot-by-lot comparison showed that QC-QA means were significantly different in most cases. The number of cases with a significant difference in means increased with an increase in significance level. A practical performance model and composite index from multiple quality characteristics have been proposed as an integral part of performance-related specifications (PRS) for Superpave pavements in Kansas. The performance model can be used to better understand the consequences of either exceeding or falling short of the desired quality levels and will provide a logical and defensible basis for the adjusted pay schedules that are an integral part of PRS.

Transparent encryption techniques for H.264/AVC and H.264/SVC compressed video

Transparent encryption of video content requires to provide a video preview that is left in plaintext, while the enhancement information is encrypted. In this paper we propose three algorithms that provide transparent encryption. The first two ones are based on the idea of generating controlled drift in such a way as to obtain the desired quality level, while the third algorithm employs scalable video coding. We provide experimental results on several video sequences, as well as a security analysis, showing that the proposed algorithms provide an effective framework to perform transparent encryption.

A Formal Framework for Multicast Communication

Multicasting is an important and challenging goal for heterogeneous wireless ad hoc networks, as it allows transmission and routing of packets to multiple destinations using fewer network resources. In mission-critical environments, the same information needs to reach multiple destinations with minimum delay and loss. This calls for formal and systematic techniques that can capture requirements adequately and implement them accurately, thereby providing the desired level of quality of service (QoS) for multicast communications. This paper provides a formal model for the heterogeneous wireless network and proposes a formal language that can specify and implement requirements, policies, instructions and abstractions for multicast communication over such networks. The language, named Multicast Specification and Implementation Language (MSIL), is also presented as a communication and control language for multicast configuration management, transmission, routing and QoS. The syntax and semantics of MSIL are described and discussed in detail. The applicability of MSIL constructs in modeling requirements for multicast network management is analyzed and demonstrated. Example MSIL programs, illustrating the expressiveness of the language, are developed for multicast QoS.

Mandatory Radiation Safety Training for Interventionalists: The European Perspective

Radiation protection (RP) knowledge is of paramount importance for interventionalists. All international bodies acknowledge the importance of education and training in reducing patient doses while maintaining the desired level of quality in medical exposures. The basic recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) on RP training for Interventional Radiology (IR) are summarized as follows: a second, specific level of training in RP; specific additional training whenever new X-ray systems or techniques are implemented, and quality assurance programs, including RP training. The European perspective is discussed in the framework of the Directive on Medical Exposures: Competence in RP must be certified. The Member States of the European Union shall ensure that appropriate curricula are established and shall recognize the corresponding diplomas, certificates, or formal qualifications. Some examples of the accredited training courses on RP organized by national IR Societies are described (content, training strategy, training material available, and results obtained). The work carried out in this area and the training material produced by the International Atomic Energy Agency are also quoted, together with a new set of recommendations on RP training and the certification produced by the ICRP that will be published in 2010.