Quality Certification Research Articles

Factors Influencing Purchase Decision of Jackfruit Products in Thiruvananthapuram District

Aim: Jackfruit is popularly known as a poor man's fruit in the eastern and southern parts of India. In India, Kerala is the largest jackfruit-producing state. Beyond its nutritional benefits, jackfruit has received attention for its significant environmental and economic benefits, which arise from its numerous culinary applications and potential as a sustainable food supply. Understanding the factors influencing consumer purchase decisions for jackfruit products is becoming increasingly important as the global perspective on food choices moves towards healthier and more sustainable options. Considering this, the study aimed to analyse different factors influencing the purchase decision of jackfruit products in the Thiruvananthapuram district.
 Methodology: Primary data were collected from the consumers residing in urban centres of Thiruvananthapuram district who had consumed at least one selected product. A purposive sampling method was employed to select 30 consumers for each product category, namely jackfruit chips, jackfruit ice cream, jackfruit flour, and jackfruit varatty. Secondary data were gathered from government reports publications, and journals. Statistical tools like the Index method, Kruskal Wallis, test and Mann-Whitney test were used for the analysis. The study was conducted from August to September 2023.
 Results: The taste and quality of the product emerged as common variables significantly influencing the four consumer groups in their purchase decisions. Factors like brand availability, quality certification, brand image, and social media were the factors not influencing consumers, except for jackfruit ice cream, which stands out due to additional promotional activities compared to other products. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test highlight significant differences among consumer groups regarding variables such as taste, convenience to use, convenience to cook, and convenience to travel.
 Conclusion: The influence of each variable on selected products showed different levels of influence. The taste and quality of the product emerge as common variables significantly influencing consumers in their purchase decisions. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test showed that the effects of these factors on each consumer group were not consistent.

The impact of prestigious attorneys on IPO withdrawal in the global primary market

This study aims to determine whether the involvement of prestigious attorneys in issuing companies affects withdrawals in the initial public offering (IPO) market. There is little evidence on how the involvement of famous lawyers affects IPO withdrawal. The study considers a large dataset consisting of 24,312 IPOs that were either successful or withdrawn from 22 distinct IPO marketplaces between January 1995 and December 2019. We find that IPO issuers may benefit from engaging with reputed attorneys by leveraging exceptional legal or negotiating abilities as quality certification signals to reduce IPO investors’ ex-ante uncertainty. Here, the objective is to protect their IPOs from withdrawal of at least by 22%. Multiple robustness tests validate the reliability of the results of this study. These findings have significant implications for researchers, legislators, investors, and issuers.

Determination of prothipendyl by difference spectrophotometric method based on the absorption of its sulfoxide

A new difference spectrophotometric method for the determination of prothipendyl hydrochloride in commercial pharmaceutical preparations has been proposed. The method includes oxidation of an aliquot of the drug solution with potassium caroate to form the corresponding sulfoxide (ε = (5.83 ± 0.07) × 103 L/mol cm) and subsequent measurement of the absorbance at 340 nm compared to that of the unoxidized drug solution of equal concentration. The graph of Beer’s law for prothipendyl hydrochloride shows that the ΔA values measured at the corresponding wavelength are proportional to the concentration of the drug in the concentration range of 1.5–70 µg/mL. The characteristics of the curve calibration curve of the linear regression equation were as follows: ΔA = (69.24 ± 1.78) × 10–4C (where C in μg/mL). A new spectrophotometric technique has been developed and the possibility of quantitative determination of prothipendyl hydrochloride monohydrate in Dominal® tablets of 40 mg has been demonstrated. RSD ≤ 1.3%; (│δ│ < tα × RSD/n\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sqrt{n}$$\\end{document}), where µ is quantification data given in the Certificate of Quality, δ = (x̅-µ) 100%/µ. The resulting difference in absorption does not depend on the presence of excipients and possible API oxidation products in the composition.

University Students’ Perception of Quality: A Case of Bangladesh

This paper explored the quality perception of university students of Bangladesh in terms of 57 quality dimensions. A total of 258 responses from both public and private universities with different demographics are considered using non-probability convenient sampling technique. The responses are found reliable and valid. The most important quality dimensions observed by the respondents are value for money, completeness, privacy, serviceability, performance, durability, accurate quantity, reliability, taste, sound, easy identification, and conformance. The very close to highly agreed attributes are quality certification, ease of use, responsiveness, timeliness, hygienic/cleanliness, accuracy, easy installation, competency, and accessibility and convenience. On the other hand, the least agreed quality dimensions as perceived by the respondents are appealing facilities, packaging/look, prestige, financial facilities, foreign good, advertisement, loyalty program, financially sound brand, CSR, celebrity endorsement. Of the 29 quality attributes of goods, the study identified good value, performance, serviceability, durability, reliability, sound, easy identification, conformance, taste, ease of use, easy set-up as the most important quality dimensions. Interestingly the students give less emphasis on natural and cognitive based quality attributes. On the other hand, of the 18 service quality attributes, the respondents found completeness, accuracy, cleanliness, timeliness, responsiveness, and accessibility &amp; convenience as most important quality attributes. Further, of the ten quality constructs common to both service and manufacturing items the respondents identified privacy of information and quality certification as the most important. On the other extreme the least agreeable attributes are financially sound companies, CSR activity, and celebrity endorsement. Demography and ideography wise no significant difference is observed in the study.

Lipid Quality of Amazonian’s Native Fish, Overview and Market Outlook of Brazilian Fish Farming

The aimed of this study was to carry out a bibliometric survey on the lipid composition Amazonian’s native fish and the international aquaculture overview, Brazilian aquaculture overview, native farmed fish production, characteristics of Brazilian fish meat, nutritional aspects and benefits of native fish consumption and market outlook of Brazilian fish farming. This is a data collection study that is characterized as being of an exploratory descriptive, with a qualitative character, aiming to analyze, systematize, compare and cross data between different scientific literatures related to the theme. The searches in Web, storage and data analysis were carried out from March to August 2021. The bibliographic bases for carrying out the searches were Scopus, Web Science, Elsevier, Hindawi, Scielo, Wiley, CAPES/Brasil Journals and institutional repositories. Searched for descriptors in Portuguese and English language, with words and terms separated by the Boolean operators 'AND' and 'OR'. In addition to being sustainable, consuming native farmed fish is a healthy choice from a nutritional point of view, because they contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids that are related to an anti-inflammatory effect and a lower propensity for cardiovascular diseases in consumers. Regarding the production chain problems, market studies must be carried out for each region of Brazil. In addition, more investment in integrated crop systems is needed. In other words, quality certification is needed to universalize native Brazilian fish. Therefore, the future of Brazilian fish will depend on better dissemination to attract different market niches

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES OF EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS OF INFORMATION AND MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGIES SPECIALTY

National education standards are documents that define expected educational achievements, knowledge, skills, and competencies. These standards may vary between countries and regions, but they are important to ensure the quality of education and comparability between different education systems. An important element of each education standard is the definition of professional competencies to be acquired. The formation of such competencies should be carried out with the involvement of the main stakeholders. To evaluate professional competencies according to the standards of bachelor’s and master’s education in information and measurement technologies, their group expert evaluation was carried out by stakeholder specialists using the averaging of indicators and the Rasch model. The results of assessment by both methods and their comparison are considered. The obtained results showed their convergence. The analysis of the results obtained according to the multivariate Rasch model showed that the measurement data according to this model allows calculating established statistics both for the competencies under consideration and for the involved experts. The Rasch model can be a useful tool for assessing the importance of established professional competencies for different levels of higher education in different specialties. Experts had the most doubts about the competence of a bachelor in the ability to develop a regulatory and methodological framework for quality assurance and technical regulation and to develop a scientific and technical basis for quality management systems and certification tests, as well as the competence of a masters in the ability to manage projects and startups and evaluate their results. Therefore, these competencies require special attention during the next revision of education standards for greater balancing of the relevant competency set.

Is Data the New Gold? Considering Intellectual Property Protection and Regulation of Data

Abstract This article reviews the economics literature on the optimal design of intellectual property, the current framework for protecting data, focussing on the European Union, and the main features of data. It combines these to ask how current intellectual property protection instruments and surrounding regulation could be adapted to more usefully protect (non-personal) data that require investment to create and encourage its diffusion. The main changes from current protections include an expansion of registration and cataloguing systems, more definition of quality certification, and increased attention to portfolios of protection mechanisms.

О ПОДХОДАХ К ПОСТРОЕНИЮ АРХИТЕКТУРЫ ЛОГИСТИЧЕСКОЙ СИСТЕМЫ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ КАЧЕСТВОМ В СТРОИТЕЛЬСТВЕ

One of the problems of the country's investment and construction sector is the problem of creating a transparent system for quality control of a construction project. The existing quality control system in construction, based on documenting the quality of material and technical resources and the production of work at each stage of the technological process of creating a construction project (construction control), does not provide holistic, transparent, information protected from unauthorized changes , available to all construction participants and end consumers. The article presents one of the possible approaches to designing the architecture of a logistics quality management system in construction with the integration of all necessary information in an information document called a quality passport of the finished construction project. The structure of the passport is proposed, built on the principle of forming a supply chain of material and technical resources (primarily construction materials), starting from a quarry for the extraction of non-metallic building materials and ending with the implementation of a set of technologically interrelated works for the construction of an object on a construction site. The author's definition of the quality certificate of a construction project is formulated. The instrumental support for the proposed architecture of the logistics system can be the Blockchain technology platform, which most fully meets the requirements for the preparation, integration and presentation of information about the quality of a construction project, the elements of which (quality) are formed along the technological supply chain of material and technical resources for construction throughout their movement from the primary source of their occurrence (for example, pre-production) to their installation at the construction site. Blockchain technology will ensure the receipt of reliable and undistorted information about the quality of materials used in construction for any reason, the safety of data on the quality of resources, and the use of quality information for all interested participants in the investment and construction process.

IMPLEMENTASI SISTEM MUTU INTERNAL UNTUK MENINGKATKAN MUTU PENDIDIKAN DASAR

To implement state education goals, internal quality assurance is carried out in relation to national education standards. Internal quality is now applied not only to higher education, but also to primary and secondary education. We continue to ensure and lead educational quality assurance and compliance in primary and secondary school units. The aim of this research is to determine and describe the implementation of the internal quality system cycle. The techniques used in data collection are: Observation, interviews, documentary research. The results of the research show that the quality improvement steps implemented at Bawamai Pontianak Elementary School are in accordance with the SPMI cycle steps including: First, school self-evaluation based on education quality certificates; second, a plan to improve quality through the formation of a quality committee and analysis of the results of the Kermbali School self-evaluation; Implementation of quality improvement, fourth, evaluation of follow-up and results of quality improvement after quality improvement, and fifth, return to next year's quality plan. The results of implementing internal quality assurance influence a more innovative learning process, student and school performance, satisfaction and success of internal and external customers. Eight national education standards.

Status of Pesticide Use among Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Crop Farmers in North West Bank, Palestine

The data were collected to diagnose the current status of pesticide use on thyme crops (Thymus vulgaris). In total, 111 questionnaires were used to calculate the means, standard deviation, and percentages of farmers’ responses. Chi-square (χ2) and T-tests were employed to test the associations between pesticide application practices and demographic variables, recipients of extension, sources of farmer information, production, and marketing. The results showed that 69.7% of farmers used 23 insecticides, and 11.8% of the pesticides were not suitable for pest control. Additionally, 73.5% were not compatible with the safety period. There was a 29.2% increase in pesticide concentration from the recommended amount and a 32.4% increase in the number of spraying times during the season. Farmer commitment to pesticide use instructions was moderate, with a mean of 2.8 ± 0.68. In total, 51.4% of farmers received extension services, and 47.2% relied on their local experience for pesticide practices. Extension services influenced the overused dose. Most farmers did not participate in specialized courses or field days, and no regulatory extension was carried out by institutions for them. They did not adhere to a production guide or obtain a quality certificate. The application of different pesticides did not increase the productivity of thyme. The study findings revealed alarming trends in current farmer practices, with significant implications for crop, farmers, and consumer safety. They underscore the pressing need for targeted interventions, including improved extension services and increased farmer awareness to promote responsible pesticide use.

Farmers' adoption of agriculture green production technologies: perceived value or policy-driven?

Understanding the underlying reasons for farmers' AGPT adoption in the context of resource environment tightening and agricultural carbon reduction has become crucial to promote agriculture sustainable development. This paper uses multiple ordered regression model and probit model to test the impact of farmers' perceived value on their adoption of agricultural green production technologies (AGPT) by using the first-hand data from 613 rice farmers in Hunan, and explores the effect and mechanism of policy subsidies and market incentives on the adoption of AGPT, and investigates the differences in the impact of perceived value on the adoption of green technologies in different production stages. The results showed that, (1)farmers' AGPT adoption is significantly affected by their perceived value, in which perceived benefits significantly promotes farmers' AGPT adoption, while the perceived risks is the opposite. But farmers' AGPT adoption in different production stages is influenced by different perceived value. The adoption of soil testing and fertilization technology (STFT) in the pre-production stage is significantly influenced by the perceived benefits; adoption of green pest control technology (GPCT) in the mid-production stage is significantly influenced by both the perceived benefits and the perceived risks; and adoption of straw return technology (SRT) in the post-production stage is significantly influenced by the perceived risks. (2) Farmers' adoption of green technologies can be encouraged by policy subsidies, which also have the moderating effect of decreasing the negative influence of perceived risks on farmers' adoption behaviour. (3) Further analysis reveals that market incentives can compensate for the limitations of policy subsidies, greatly promote farmers' adoption of AGPT, and regulate farmers' perceived risks and perceived benefits to encourage them to use green technologies. Consequently, the Government should actively publicize and organize training on agriculture green technologies, and provide diversified subsidy programmes for different green technologies. And governments should also improve the quality certification system and the market price mechanism for agricultural products, so as to help farmers adopting green technologies to achieve an increase in their income.

Public value of accreditation in the continuous improvement of Education Degree Programs in Costa Rica

The different accreditation processes of undergraduate degrees are the object of research due to the value of international recognition based on their accreditation. Thus, accreditation has become the preferred means of monitoring and evaluating the quality of higher education and observing universities' impact on society. The present study is part of a broader research focused on developing a doctoral thesis. It is framed in the qualitative interpretative paradigm of an emergent exploratory type. The main objective is to identify the public value generated by accreditation in the continuous improvement of undergraduate programs accredited by SINAES (an anagram of Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior, National System of Higher Education Acceditation), in the field of education in Costa Rica. Five in-depth interviews were conducted to learn the perceptions of the key informants who participated in the accreditation process of the six selected degree programs. The results show the public value that accreditation produces in the continuous improvement of Education Degree Programs through ten categories that cover the achievements, benefits, results and effects of the contribution of SINAES in the continuous improvement processes of higher education. In conclusion, accreditation has become one of the determining factors when selecting an Education Degree Program in Costa Rica. The processes carried out by SINAES are perceived as legitimate and of excellence in developing these types of quality certifications.

Determination of the Chemical Properties of Honey from Suba Region, Homa Bay County-Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical properties of honey produced in the Suba region, specifically in the Suba South Sub-County, Gwassi North and South divisions' four regions, Nyandiwa (Western), Tonga (Northern), Magunga (Eastern), and Nyancha (Central) of Homa Bay County, Kenya. The study focuses on assessing the chemical properties of honey such as pH, free acidity, HMF content, proline content, glucose content, fructose content, sucrose content and mineral concentrations (K,Na,Ca,Mg,Fe,Zn,and Mn) to ascertain whether they are within the acceptable limits as set by the Codex Alimentarius Commissions.&#x0D; Methodology: An experimental approach was used to investigate the various chemical properties of honey sourced from the four regions of the Suba region in Homa Bay County. Codex Alimentarius Commission's defined methods were used to analyze each property. Both primary and secondary data were collected using interviews and purposive sampling techniques to collect a total of 40 honey samples. A pH meter, UV-visible spectrophotometer, and HPLC instruments were used to measure the pH, free acidity, HMF content, proline content, fructose content, glucose content, and sucrose content of the honey, respectively. The levels of minerals were measured using AAS for Na and K, while Ca, Zn, Mg, Mn, and Fe using a flame photometer. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 was used to perform various statistical tests and generate graphical representations of data. The collected samples were analysed at the Kenyatta University Research Laboratory.&#x0D; Findings: The findings showed that the chemical properties had the following mean values for the honey sample: pH = 4.01± 0.03, free acidity = 35.83±0.45 mEq/kg, HMF = 19.95±1.76 mg/kg, proline = 629.77±9.80 mg/kg, sum of glucose and fructose = 68.37±0.51%. While for the minerals, manganese was the least common and potassium the most common. The mean values result of this study show that honey from the Suba region satisfies the set standards by Codex Alimentarius Commission.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study validates the theory of international standards in honey production, emphasizing the positive impact of aligning with global benchmarks on honey quality and market acceptance in the Suba region. It emphasizes the importance of quality certification, which contributes to consumer trust and economic growth. The research also supports the theory through sensitization and education, which increase awareness about honey quality and educate beekeepers on proper production techniques. The study advocates for economic diversification through sustainable apiculture, resulting in improvements in economic stability and financial well-being in the Suba region.

Perception of Food Safety Associated with Entomophagy among Higher-Education Students: Exploring Insects as a Novel Food Source.

Edible insects can diversify diets, improve livelihoods, contribute to food and nutrition security, and have a smaller ecological impact. The European Union has categorized insects as novel food, and recently, in 2021 and 2022, two species, Tenebrio molitor and Acheta domesticus, were authorized for commercialization. The acceptance and perception of food risk derived from insect consumption vary depending on factors impacting insect consumption acceptability, including neophobic tendencies, gender differences, familiarity, and gastronomic perceptions. The aim of this work was to evaluate the perception and acceptance of edible insects by exploring these factors. This study was carried out on higher-education students from universities in Valencia (Spain). The students recognized insects' high nutritional value, particularly protein content, and had varying levels of knowledge about specific nutritional components. In terms of labeling and marketing, removing health and sustainability benefits from packaging can improve consumer responses. Most respondents prefer clear labeling of insect derivatives, quality certification seals, and complete information about insect content. Students consider marketing and knowledge to be significant influencers of insect consumption. In summary, this text highlights the multifaceted nature of insect consumption acceptability. These insights offer valuable perspectives on insect consumption dynamics.

Current Issues on the Transition to a Sustainable Economy in the European, Italian and Middle East Framework: Green Bonds Standards and Greenwashing

The Italian Constitutional amendments (artt.9 and 41) represent an implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda in the European framework. The package of measures adopted by the EU in this context, outlines the importance of sustainable finance strategy, aimed at financing the transition towards a sustainable economy. A tool to enable the pursuit of this transition is Green Bond. The EU Commission launched a taxonomy proposal aimed at creating Green Bonds quality standards and certifications, because the existing industry standards are still based on definitions of green projects that are not sufficiently uniform, rigorous or comprehensive. The adoption of uniform universal standards for the definition of green projects could also contribute to stop “greenwashing”(the practice of falsely attributing green qualities to an investment which in reality does not possess them). For example a recent Italian decision (Alcantara vs Miko) stated that the rules for communication on sustainability are different from those on traditional advertising because sustainability should be real and not a façade. This study examines the possibility of a uniform adoption of standards at EU level and compares the European Green Bond standards with other similar initiatives, such as the Shari’ah-compliant Green Sukuk. Italian Constitution, UN Sustainable Development, ESG Principles, Sustainable Finance, Green Bond, EU Taxonomy Regulation, Green Bond Standards, Greenwashing, Shari’ah, Green Sukuk

The Performance of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Punjab: A Moderating Role of Corporate Image

The main purpose of this study is to check the factors affecting the performance of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Punjab. These factors include quality certification, open innovation, organizational culture and corporate philanthropy. Moreover, to check the moderating effect of corporate image between corporate philanthropy and SMEs’ performance. Quantitative research approach is used in this study because it is based on primary quantitative data which is collected by adapted questionnaire. Managerial level employees of SMEs located in Lahore were selected as population. Simple Random Sampling technique was used to collect data. Reliability and validity of model was checked and hypotheses were tested by using SMART PLS-SEM. The results of this study revealed that quality certification, open innovation, organizational culture and corporate philanthropy positively and significantly related to SMEs’ performance. Moreover, moderating variable, corporate image significantly moderates the relationship between corporate philanthropy and SMEs’ performance. Above mentioned practices play key role in boosting the performance of SMEs in Punjab, Pakistan. The results of this study are significant for the strategists, policy makers, managers and owners of SMEs located in Punjab, Pakistan or elsewhere. Results suggested them to incorporate such practices for enhancing their businesses’ performance. It will ultimately enhance the contribution of SMEs in the growth of economy.

민간위탁사업 특성을 고려한 인증평가 모델 적용 방안 연구

The aim of this study is to benchmark the employment service quality management model developed in 2017 and the private consignment employment service quality management model implemented in 2019. This bench marking is to develop detailed evaluation criteria and indicators for the application of quality certification in private consignment organizations, particularly focusing on the characteristics of group counseling programs. To assess the feasibility of applying the certification evaluation model to group counseling programs, we analyzed the results of a 2018 satisfaction survey, convened a meeting with employment center managers across 6 regions, and surveyed ambassadors responsible for 57 national employment centers. Our findings indicate inherent limitations in applying the certification evaluation model to the unique dynamics of group counseling programs.&#x0D; However, to develop certification evaluation areas and detailed indicators that consider the specific nature of these programs, we employed the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. This approach incorporated feedback from employees of private consignment agencies, managers of employment welfare+ centers, and experts in employment services.&#x0D; Subsequently, we refined our evaluation indicators based on expert opinions to ensure their validity and acceptability. This process included a pilot on-site evaluation conducted at 4 private consignment agencies, followed by a final revision. The study revealed that the quality certification evaluation, while focusing on verifying minimum competencies, also highlighted the need for an evaluation index that can be objectively assessed in practice. Before its actual field application, a more detailed review is suggested.&#x0D; This research lays the groundwork for expanding and applying quality certification evaluations to other private consignment projects akin to group counseling programs.

Does Green Food Certification promote agri-food export quality? Evidence from China

The construction of a food certification system plays a vital role in upgrading export quality, which previous studies have largely overlooked. We match China's industry-level data of Green Food Certification with its HS6-digit export data of agri-food products to quantify the impact of Green Food Certification on export quality. We identify the significant and positive effect of Green Food Certification on export quality. The 2SLS estimation based on instrumental variables and a range of robustness checks confirm the validity and robustness of the benchmark conclusions. Further analysis discloses that Green Food Certification improves export quality by raising agricultural production efficiency and brand premiums. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the effect of Green Food Certification varies across regions, notably improving the quality of agri-food products exported to developed regions and regions with high levels of import supervision. Furthermore, among various product types, Green Food Certification significantly improves the export quality of primary products and products vulnerable to non-tariff measures. The above findings could guide the future development of agri-food quality certification systems, potentially leading to a transformation and promotion of the agri-food trade.

Cross Sectional Analysis of Agri-enterprises in Bihar: An Empirical Study

"Agripreneurship creates value in the production and consumption activities of agriculture. There are so many areas and sub-areas in agriculture. Within each area, enormous numbers of commodities are available. The study, is conducted in four districts of Bihar, namely Patna, Purnea, Nalanda and Bhagalpur. Twenty respondents were selected by snowball sampling method from each district. Hence the sample size is eighty. The data was collected by survey method and then recorded and compiled. From the study it can be concluded that most of the respondents belonged to young category and they had completed intermediate education level. Although (46.25%) of the respondents belonged to backward caste category as backward caste is more prevalent in Bihar. Majority (40%) of the respondent’s family income belonged to (1-50 lakhs in `) and in case of annual enterprise income (56.25%) it was (1-10 lakhs in `). Most of the respondents, chosen their products for maintaining their economic condition whereas (23.12%) of the respondents were chosen for their marketability criteria Most (73.75%) of the respondents have brand name of their product whereas (26.25%) of the respondents don’t have brand name. Although, (48.75%) of the respondents do not having quality certificate for their products because most of them are in progressive stage of their enterprise. The major source of finance to do business was friends and family whereas only (3.48%) of the respondents got the finance from money lenders. Findings shows that (26.58%) of the respondents have five and more loan instalments received whereas (13.92%) of respondents received only two instalments. It is noted that 91.25% of the respondents don’t require any collateral offered to get loan. About, 58.67% of the respondents repay their loan up-to one year. Majority (25.14%) of agripreneur adopted self-mode of channels of distribution of their products and participated in exhibition for promotion of their product sale."

Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing the National Patient Safety Implementation Framework in Public Health Facilities in Tamil Nadu: A Qualitative Study.

In 2017, the National Patient Safety Implementation Framework (NPSIF) was introduced in India to ensure patient safety at different levels of the health care delivery system by 2025. Evaluating the implementation status, feasibility, and challenges and obtaining suggestions for improvement are key to the successful and sustainable implementation of any national health framework. Hence, we explored the facilitators and challenges in implementing the NPSIF and sought suggestions to address the challenges. We adopted a descriptive qualitative approach to inquire about NPSIF implementation. Health care workers were selected using maximum variability sampling from 18 secondary- and tertiary-level public health care facilities in Tamil Nadu, India. From August to October 2021, we conducted a total of 80 key informant interviews and in-depth interviews with the relevant officers in-charge and HCWs of varied cadres. Facilitating factors reported were facilities obtaining/working toward quality certification; availability of standard protocols and checklists; and government rewards for the best-performing hospitals, doctors, and staff. Major implementation challenges reported were staff shortages; lack of infrastructure, facilities, and equipment; lack of awareness about patient safety, noncompliance to standard guidelines, and lack of patient cooperation. Recommendations suggested to overcome these challenges included providing educational materials to patients, offering regular continuing medical education and training, improving record maintenance, having a dedicated staff/team and surveillance system setup for patient safety and dedicated staff for data entry, filling existing staff vacancies, and using a carryover option for funding. Based on the current situation of patient safety practices in public health facilities in Tamil Nadu, it will be difficult to achieve full-scale implementation of the NPSIF by 2025. However, as a first step, a core patient safety committee can be formed at the state level to develop a Gantt chart for implementation based on the priorities over the next 2 years.