Meet Quality Expectations Research Articles

Model Performance Evaluation: VGG19 and Dense201 for Fresh Meat Detection

To guarantee consumer safety and meet quality expectations, accurate detection of meat quality is a critical component of the food industry. The objective of this research endeavor is to assess and contrast the fresh meat detection capabilities of two distinct artificial neural network architectures, denoted as Dense201 and VGG19. Automated systems that can identify vital qualities in fresh meat, including color, texture, and cleanliness, have become feasible due to the development of image processing technology. For this reason, however, there are still few direct comparisons between various architectures of artificial neural networks, particularly VGG19 and Dense201. Comparing and contrasting the performance of both models in identifying the quality of meat from visual images, this study attempts to fill this void. Utilizing a vast dataset containing a variety of fresh meats exhibiting substantial visible variations constituted the research methodology. The assessment was conducted by examining the efficacy of both models in determining the quality of meat using established performance metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Regarding the detection of fresh meat, it is anticipated that the findings of this study will offer a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and drawbacks associated with every artificial neural network architecture. Contributing to a greater comprehension of the application of precise and efficient meat detection technology, this study also furnishes the food industry with a foundation for determining which model best meets the requirements of meat quality detection on a larger production scale.

Determinants of attitude towards and purchase intention of private label brands in Ecuador

The purpose of this study is to explain which factors influence the attitude towards private label products and their purchase intention in Ecuador. In this regard, the hypothetical effects of store image, familiarity with the private brand, its perceived quality and risk, and customers’ price consciousness, are studied. A survey distributed online was implemented, obtaining a final sample of 224 customers of the main supermarket chain in Ecuador: Supermaxi. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed, and a structural equations model was tested by consistent Partial Least Squares. Among the most relevant findings, it was found that attitudes towards private brands are a critical determinant of purchase intention; that a better image of the supermarket reduces the perceived risk, fostering consumer’s purchase intention. Familiarity with the private brand positively affects perceived quality, which, along with price consciousness, contributes to building attitudes towards private brands. Taken together, these results suggest that supermarkets should work on the tangible and intangible aspects that create store image to contribute to private brands sales. We also recommend marketing tactics such as product samples and testimonials to build brand familiarity among consumers, which along with meeting quality expectations will improve attitudes toward and purchase intention of private label brands. Finally, supermarkets need to be aware of those product categories in which consumers are most price-conscious in order to highlight the savings derived from private label products and promote more sales.

The traditional literature review

The traditional literature review

PFP@PLGA/Cu12Sb4S13-mediated PTT ablates hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting the RAS/MAPK/MT-CO1 signaling pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant tumors in the world, and patients with HCC face a poor prognosis. The conventional therapeutic strategies for HCC have undergone a challenge-riddled evolution owing to side effects and unsatisfactory efficacy. Here, aiming to provide a new method of HCC elimination, we formulated a novel multifunctional nanocapsule (PFP@PLGA/Cu12Sb4S13, PPCu) with applications in contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging (CEUS) and photothermal therapy (PTT). These PPCu were successfully constructed with an average diameter of 346 nm (polydispersity index, PDI = 0.276). The reinforced contrast ratio of these PPCu was determined by CEUS, revealing their promising applications in image-guided monitoring of HCC treatment. Furthermore, the excellent photoabsorption and biocompatibility indicated by organ H&E staining indicated that PPCu meet quality expectations for use as photothermal transduction agent (PTA). PPCu treatment at 50 °C and higher temperatures efficiently repressed the proliferation, induced the apoptosis and decreased the motility of HCC cells. These effects might have been results of RAS/MAPK/MT-CO1 signaling pathway inhibition. In summary, PPCu were constructed to integrate CEUS and PTT successfully into therapy, which can lead to HCC elimination through RAS/MAPK/MT-CO1 signaling pathway repression.

Role of Organizational Project Management Maturity Factors on Project Success

The importance of projects has resulted in increased international standards, academic research, and education and training on project management concepts. However, studies show that the number of successful projects has not changed significantly. As conventional wisdom emphasizes organizational project management maturity, the aim of this research effort is to study the relations between project success and project performance factors, and organizational project management maturity.The results of this study suggest that having a project portfolio management function within the organization improves the likelihood of assigning priority for projects and meeting quality expectations and project objectives. The presence of formalized project management processes may influence the assigning of project priority and the use of project planning tools and techniques. Furthermore, organizations with project policies and procedures in place are more likely to require project managers to have their PMP certification. Results show that customer satisfaction is considered the most important project success factor and more so for organizations with portfolio management in place.

DEVELOPMENT OF CONTRACTORS’ MITIGATION PRACTICES TOWARDS RISKS OUT OF CONTRACTORS’ CONTROL IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Research has shown that public construction projects in Saudi Arabia have exhibited poor performance for the past three decades. Recent studies have identified that contractors are not the main party that cause risks as owners, designers, and other parties have the major share of causing risks in the industry. The traditional risk management practices have been ineffective at helping contractors deliver projects on time and within budget while meeting quality expectations. The aim of this study is to develop a risk mitigation model for the contractors to mitigate risks out of contractors’ control (caused by other parties). The developed model is validated through identifying contractors’ perceptions who work in public construction projects in Saudi of the new approach through conducting a questionnaire survey. The developed model focuses on increasing accountability of project parties through mitigating parties’ activities and risks, measuring the activities and risks deviations (time and cost), and identifying sources of deviations. Transparency is utilized in the model through sharing weekly updates of the activities and risks combined with updated information of performance measurements of all project parties. The analysis of the study results showed that project risks will be minimized and performance of projects can be increased if contractors shift their focus using the new model from only managing their own activities and risks to managing all project parties’ activities and risks.

Description of a New Predictive Modeling Approach That Correlates the Risk and Associated Cost of Well-Defined Diabetes-Related Complications With Changes in Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c).

The modeling approach described here is designed to support the development of spreadsheet-based simple predictive models. It is based on 3 pillars: association of the complications with HbA1c changes, incidence of the complications, and average cost per event of the complication. For each pillar, the goal of the analysis was (1) to find results for a large diversity of populations with a focus on countries/regions, diabetes type, age, diabetes duration, baseline HbA1c value, and gender; (2) to assess the range of incidences and associations previously reported. Unlike simple predictive models, which mostly are based on only 1 source of information for each of the pillars, we conducted a comprehensive, systematic literature review. Each source found was thoroughly reviewed and only sources meeting quality expectations were considered. The approach allows avoidance of unintended use of extreme data. The user can utilize (1) one of the found sources, (2) the found range as validation for the found figures, or (3) the average of all found publications for an expedited estimate. The modeling approach is intended for use in average insulin-treated diabetes populations in which the baseline HbA1c values are within an average range (6.5% to 11.5%); it is not intended for use in individuals or unique diabetes populations (eg, gestational diabetes). Because the modeling approach only considers diabetes-related complications that are positively associated with HbA1c decreases, the costs of negatively associated complications (eg, severe hypoglycemic events) must be calculated separately.

Introducing a New Risk Management Model to the Saudi Arabian Construction Industry

Research has shown that construction projects in Saudi Arabia have exhibited poor performance for the past three decades. The traditional risk management practices have been ineffective at helping contractors deliver projects on time and within budget while meeting quality expectations. Studies have identified that client decision making is one of the main causes of risks that occur on projects in Saudi Arabia. This paper proposes a new risk management model that can minimize client decision making, and enable the client to utilize expertise, thereby improving project quality and performance. The model is derived from the Information Measurement Theory (IMT) and Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS), both developed at Arizona State University in the United States (U.S.). The model has been tested over 1800 times in both construction and non-construction projects, showing a decrease in required management by owner by up to 80% and an increase in efficiency up to 40%.

The impact of minimising specifications and management at the University of Hawaii

The University of Hawaii was searching for modifications to their construction delivery process that would increase the value and performance of construction and the efficiency of their project management group. The university had been plagued by poor construction performance (not on time, not on budget, and not meeting quality expectations). Their goal was to do more construction (with fewer project managers) and minimise the risk of construction non‐performance. The university wanted to study the impact of specifications, construction management, inspections and the existing low‐bid process on construction performance. The Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS) was selected due to its documented results in delivering high performance. There were two objectives for implementing the PIPS process. The first objective was to determine whether the university could procure higher quality construction projects by minimising management, regulations, qualifications, user specifications and inspections. The second objective of the test would be to document the impact of the PIPS process and satisfaction level of the different parties (contractors, designers, procurement personnel, lawyers, facilities engineers and university leaders) involved in this process.

State of Utah Performance Information Procurement System Tests

The state of Utah has experienced problems in the procurement of construction. Similar to other states using low-bid, Utah historically has not had construction projects delivered on time and within budget. Faced with critical projects to prepare for the 2002 Olympics, overworked construction project managers, and construction litigation caused by low-bidding contractors, the Division of Facilities Construction and Management tested the Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS) in the fall of 1998 on the University of Utah Housing Project Phase II for the 2002 Olympic Housing. Five other tests were conducted. This article analyzes the differences between the PIPS and the Utah low-bid procurement system, the results of the state of Utah tests, problems, and modifications to the PIPS, and recommendations to future users of the PIPS. Major contributions of this article include the PIPS, Kashiwagi’s Information Measurement Theory, and Zeleny’s Displaced Ideal Model. The objective of this article is to use an information-based business process to procure contractors who deliver on time and on budget and meet quality expectations.

Selecting the best contractor to get performance: On time, on budget, meeting quality expectations

The most important element in construction procurement is contractor selection. Particularly, hiring contractors who are performers. Why then do facility owners continue to select non‐performing contractors? This paper presents a system for contractor selection that has resulted in a 99 per cent success rate for completing facility construction on time, on budget and meeting or even exceeding quality expectations. The Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS), a full information system that discourages non‐performers, identifies the best‐performing contractor for the project and motivates the contractor to improve their performance on the current project. Based on $3.5m research and over 300 tests, PIPS has the ability to minimise the owners’ risk (not being on time, on budget, and meeting quality expectations). PIPS allows facility and project managers the ability to control the contractor selection process through the use of performance information, assuring that the right contractor is selected for each project.