Quality Certification Research Articles

Experience in voluntary certification of quality and safety of medical activities of a multidisciplinary medical organization

The article presents the experience of obtaining a certificate of quality and safety of medical activities. The stages of implementation of this project and the basic requirements for documentation are presented. The author also provides recommendations on the implementation of the project for the heads of medical organizations.

Exploring the communication strategies in baby food supply: Differences between online and retail sales of baby milk

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to evaluate the variety and depth of the infant formula of milk products (IMP) assortment within the category of baby food comparing two different distribution channels. The marketing mix variables and communication strategies of 3066 references of IMP portfolio were collected directly in-store of large retail chain in the North-West of Italy and on the websites of the major baby food producers. Differences in the assortment composition were determined by considering two product lines, powdered and reconstituted milk (liquid), as well as considering milk categories according to their specialties, origin, packaging, and claims communicated on the product packaging. The results show heterogeneity in the assortment composition of IMP between the two considered channels, which differ in terms of product types and prices. The online channel focuses mainly on satisfying specific consumer needs through the offer of high value-added products. The IMP’ assortment planning is oriented to the exaltation of product nutritional value and safety, to the detriment of quality certifications and product’s origin communication. This research provides concrete tools to managers to improve the IMP planning and communication strategies for a successful sales policy.

The Influence of Work Facilities on Employee Performance at the UPT Office of the Goods Quality Testing and Certification Center (BPSMB) of the Industry and Trade Department of South Sulawesi Province

This study aims to determine the Effect of Work Facilities on Employee Performance at the UPT Office of the Goods Quality Testing and Certification Center (BPSMB) Disperindag South Sulawesi Province. The type of research used in this study is quantitative research. The sample in this study was 35 respondents. This study used a simple linear regression analysis and used data sourced from respondents and documentation from the UPT Office of the Goods Quality Testing and Certification Center (BPSMB) Disperindag South Sulawesi Province. Regression test results based on the significant value test (sig) provided that if the sig value <0.05 is obtained the sig value = 0.25 which means <0.05. Thus, it can be concluded that the linear regression equation from the study obtained that work facilities affect employee performance at the UPT Office of the Goods Quality Testing and Certification Center (BPSMB) Disperindag South.

THE USE OF WEB SERVICES TO OPTIMIZE THE LOGISTICS PROCESS IN THE ENGINEERING INDUSTRY

One of the important sectors in the economy is the metallurgical industry, which supplies raw materials and semi-finished products to other strategically important industries. The issue of quality control in this area is very relevant. Since the quality of the metal depends on the quality of subsequent products, products that must withstand all prescribed loads and regulations, as well as ensure safe operation for many years. Accordingly, all products of the metallurgical industry are subject to mandatory certification. The quality certificate is an official document and confirms the declared characteristics of the metal. All information from the quality certificate should be recorded in the information system in such a way that it is possible to track each specific batch of metal with the characteristics declared according to the certificate from purchase to release of finished products. The article discusses new possibilities of using web services for the exchange of information on quality certificates between contractors with various information systems. The essence of this innovative method is that the metal supplier transmits the data according to the quality certificate together with the electronic printed form, and the buyer accepts this data and writes it to the integration bus using web services for subsequent transmission to the necessary information systems. Thus, the risk of errors that are present during manual input will be eliminated, the time for entering and processing information will be reduced to ensure the full operation of technical control in the organization. Purpose. Optimization of the process of material and technical support by metal rolling for enterprises of the machine-building industry. Methodology: the article used survey, analysis, comparison, modeling. Results: a new method of transmitting information on quality certificates using web services, which allows you to avoid errors during manual entry, as well as optimize the registration process of admission. Practical implications it is advisable to apply the obtained results for enterprises of the machine-building industry engaged in the purchase of rolled metal.

Political favouritism and inefficient management: Policy-makers’ birth town bias in EU quality certifications

In the current era of EU-driven strategies for sustainable local development, the EU Commission has designated the geographical indication (GI) policy as a flagship initiative in 2024. The certification procedure has been simplified, with increased involvement from national and local authorities. This study explores the potential impact of reforms on GIs in Italy, focusing on whether the birthplaces of regional council members receive preferential acknowledgment. Analysing municipal-level data, we employ a Difference in Differences approach and machine learning for counterfactual analysis. Results indicate a higher likelihood of GIs for councillors' birth municipalities, particularly in areas with lower ex-ante institutional quality. These findings underscore the potential consequences of EU reform, warning against political favouritism and inefficient policy management.

ISOTRIZ: an approach to support SMEs in implementing ISO 9001:2015 using the TRIZ methodology

Quality and innovation are increasingly closer due to the pressures faced by organisations in the management of operational excellence. Currently, companies around the world are facing the consequences of the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In the context of SMEs, investments in quality and innovation contribute to increased productivity and competitive capacity. One of the factors to increase the competitive capacity of SMEs is to encourage quality and compliance certification through the ISO 9001. SME managers in general have difficulty with the certification process because there are several barriers faced during this process. Considering the importance of SMEs to the economy, this paper proposes an approach to implement the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 standard in SMEs using the TRIZ methodology. This research is exploratory and qualitative. A case study was carried out in two Brazilian enterprises. As a result, the main critical factors of ISO 9001:2015 and the most appropriate inventive principles to assist in the implementation of these critical factors are presented. This study is innovative for the literature and provides important conclusions for SME managers in the implementation of ISO 9001:2015 requirements.

Quality Analysis of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Images Using a Resolution Target

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry is an emerging means of acquiring high-precision rapid spatial information and data because it is cost-effective and highly efficient. However, securing uniform quality in the results of UAV photogrammetry is difficult due to the use of low-cost navigation devices, non-surveying cameras, and rapid changes in shooting locations depending on the aircraft’s behavior. In addition, no specific procedures or guidelines exist for performing quantitative quality tests or certification methods on UAV images. Additionally, test tools for UAV image quality assessment only use the ground sample distance (GSD), often resulting in a reduced image quality compared with that of manned aircraft images. In this study, we performed a modulation transfer function (MTF) analysis using a slanted edge target and a GSD analysis to confirm the necessity of MTF analysis in UAV image quality assessments. In this study, we aimed to address this issue by conducting a modulation transfer function (MTF) analysis using a slanted edge target and a ground sample distance (GSD) analysis. This was carried out to confirm the necessity of MTF analysis in evaluating UAV image quality. Furthermore, we analyzed the impact of flight height and mounted sensors on image quality at different study sites.

Does Quality Certification or Product Diversification Improve the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises?

This study utilizes a Cobb–Douglas production function and an instrumental variables regression approach to analyze the impact of quality certification and product diversification on asset productivity at the firm level. Analyzing a panel dataset of approximately 2500 firms from 2011, 2013, and 2015 showed that regional norms significantly influence adoption behaviors, which vary across industries and business types. The study reveals that firms employing computers and those with a larger scale are more inclined to adopt these strategies. The results showed that quality certification enhances asset productivity by approximately 26%, highlighting its positive role. In contrast, firms with diversified products exhibit about 18% lower asset productivity than mono-product firms, suggesting a trade-off inherent in diversification. The study concludes with policy recommendations emphasizing the promotion of quality certification while carefully considering the complexities and potential inefficiencies arising from product diversification strategies.

Carbon Dots: A Bright Future as Anticounterfeiting Encoding Agents.

Counterfeit products and data vulnerability present significant challenges in contemporary society. Hence, various methods and technologies are explored for anticounterfeiting encoding, with luminescent tracers, particularly luminescent carbon dots (CDs), emerging as a notable solution. CDs offer promising contributions to product security, environmental sustainability, and the circular economy. This critical review aims to highlight the luminescence responsiveness of CDs to physical and chemical stimuli, achieved through nanoengineering their chemical structure. The discussion will delve into the various tunable luminescence mechanisms and decay times of CDs, investigating preferential excitations such as up-conversion, delayed fluorescence, fluorescence, room temperature phosphorescence, persistent luminescence, energy and charge transfer, as well as photo-chemical interactions. These insights are crucial for advancing anticounterfeiting solutions. Following this exploration, a systematic review will focus on the research of luminescent CDs' smart encoding applications, encompassing anticounterfeiting, product tracing, quality certification, and information encryption. Finally, the review will address key challenges in implementing CDs-based technology, providing specific insights into strategies aimed at maximizing their stability and efficacy in anticounterfeiting encoding applications.

Total factor productivity in Kenyan manufacturing firms: The role of ISO certification and direct vs indirect export intensity

AbstractUsing the World Bank panel enterprise data for Kenya for the period 2007–2013–2018, we examined the role of ISO certification and export intensity in explaining the total factor productivity (TFP) of Kenyan manufacturing firms. Contrary to previous studies that largely focus on export propensity, this paper distinguished between the effects of direct and indirect export intensity. To address the endogeneity problem, we instrumented both direct and indirect export intensity variables with imported input supplies dummy. Further, we controlled for heterogeneity in our models by incorporating the year and industry fixed effects as well as the unobserved time‐varying firm characteristics. We found opposite effects of exporting on TFP. While direct export intensity significantly increased TFP, indirect export intensity significantly curtailed TFP. This suggested that direct exporters vis‐à‐vis indirect exporters were more likely to efficiently exploit the productive capacity of foreign technology and knowledge spillover effects that accrue from learning‐by‐exporting. Second, ISO certification significantly increased TFP for indirect exporting firms only denoting a stronger compensating effect for these intermediary‐dependent exporting enterprises. It also affirmed the need by manufacturing firms to attain Internationally Recognized Quality Certification standards. This will increase the competitiveness of their products, hence boosting their chances of breaking into the international markets.

Auto parts quality certification and manufacturer regulation: An evolutionary game theory perspective

AbstractThis paper explores a two‐population evolutionary game that models the role of manufacturer regulation as a motivation to auto parts quality certification. In particular, we assume that auto parts suppliers can choose whether or not to obtain the certification, ensuring a relatively high quality of the products, and manufactures can choose whether or not to engage in regulation for certification facilitation, influencing the suppliers' incentive to avoid punishment of uncertificated products. We study the Nash equilibria of this game and conduct static and dynamic evolutionary analyses. The research shows that reducing the auto parts suppliers' certification cost, increasing the penalty cost of the supplier who provides the auto parts that are not certified, and distributing the risk‐loss proportion of manufacturer and supplier properly can encourage auto parts suppliers to obtain the quality certification.

Detection of six potato viruses using double antibody sandwich ELISA from in vitro, screen house and field grown potato crops in Ethiopia

Virus infection in seed potato reduces yield, and the problem is exacerbated when an early-generation seed is affected. The prevalence of six key potato viruses, PVY, PVX, PLRV, PVA, PVS, and PVM, was assessed among decentralized seed multipliers such as individuals, farmer seed group cooperatives, private companies, and agricultural research centers that produce early generation seed in six major potato growing districts in Ethiopia. A total of 262 leaf samples were randomly collected from potato plants and analyzed using a double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) for six major potato viruses. Potato virus prevalence was calculated as the proportion of samples that tested positive for the viruses against the total number of samples tested. The prevalence of infection with at least one of the six viruses was 98.2%. Among the samples analyzed, 17.2% had a single viral infection with one of the six viruses while the majority had multiple infections. The ELISA tests confirmed presence of latent virus infection in early generation seeds from the three EGS producers and in different seed classes. This result indicates that virus infection is widespread in the country, limiting potato production. To address this issue, it is critical to develop a robust system that prevents viral infection build-up and spread in the seed system through regular seed quality assurance and certification, particularly for early generation seed.

A Non-Fungible Token and Blockchain-Based Cotton Lint Traceability Solution

As a critical raw material for the textile industry, cotton lint provides various types of cotton yarns, fabrics and finished products. However, due to the complexity of the supply chain and its many links, information records are often missing, inaccurate or lagging, resulting in low transparency and traceability. In the traditional cotton lint supply chain, the data of each link are stored in isolation; due to the lack of an effective sharing mechanism and the formation of “information silos”, complete traceability is challenging to achieve. In addition, the completeness and authenticity of documents such as lint quality reports and certificates of origin must be rapidly strengthened. Otherwise, quality problems may arise. To solve the above problems, this study proposes a cotton lint supply chain traceability system based on blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), covering the whole cotton lint production process from harvesting to selling. We use an NFT as an asset token to digitise seed cotton, cotton lint and quality inspection reports and allow participants to store and manage these assets on the blockchain. The system design includes architecture diagrams, sequence diagrams and Ethernet smart contract development based on the ERC721 standard. In addition, the integration of Interplanetary File System (IPFS) technology solves the problem of storing large files on the chain and ensures that the data are permanently preserved and cannot be tampered with. We provide a diagram of the interactions between the system components and the four core algorithms’ design, testing and verification process. We present an in-depth analysis of the solution regarding the transaction costs and smart contract security. We confirm the solution’s security, reliability and applicability through a cost evaluation and security analysis.

The American Heart Association at 100: A Century of Scientific Progress and the Future of Cardiovascular Science: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association.

In 1924, the founders of the American Heart Association (AHA) envisioned an international society focused on the heart and aimed at facilitating research, disseminating information, increasing public awareness, and developing public health policy related to heart disease. This presidential advisory provides a comprehensive review of the past century of cardiovascular and stroke science, with a focus on the AHA's contributions, as well as informed speculation about the future of cardiovascular science into the next century of the organization's history. The AHA is a leader in fundamental, translational, clinical, and population science, and it promotes the concept of the "learning health system," in which a continuous cycle of evidence-based practice leads to practice-based evidence, permitting an iterative refinement in clinical evidence and care. This advisory presents the AHA's journey over the past century from instituting professional membership to establishing extraordinary research funding programs; translating evidence to practice through clinical practice guidelines; affecting systems of care through quality programs, certification, and implementation; leading important advocacy efforts at the federal, state and local levels; and building global coalitions around cardiovascular and stroke science and public health. Recognizing an exciting potential future for science and medicine, the advisory offers a vision for even greater impact for the AHA's second century in its continued mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives.

The Challenges and Obstacles of Implementing Quality and Development Programs at Jordanian Business Companies (Field Study)

Purpose: The study aims to clarify the challenges and obstacles (C&O) of implementing Quality and Development (Q&D) programs at Jordanian business institutions. Quality programs are the major driver of today’s business environment to accomplish business goals. The Q&D programs affect customers, organizations, and society at large. Theoretical Framework: The study reviewed the literature in order to explain the concepts of quality, organization development and the relation between the two concepts. In addition, the study surveyed previous research for challenges and obstacles that hindered the implementation of quality and organization development programs. Design/Methodology/Approach: The researchers used a descriptive statistical analysis to analyze the randomly collected data from a sample of various businesses in Amman Governance Area. A survey was prepared, tested and distributed to collect needed data. A total of 1275 surveys were used to solve the study problem regarding the influence of C&O on implementing Q&D at Jordanian business companies. The study uses the frequency statistics to analyze the collected data. Findings: The analysis of the study found that the success of implementing quality programs depends heavily on recognizing the C&O that will hinder the implantation in order to overcome such difficulties. The study showed that the absence of motivation, commitment, concentration, communication, resources, information, and executive support are the major C&O hindering the success of implementing quality programs. Meanwhile, the study showed that companies who attained or seeking quality certification are in a better position to overcome the difficulties of implementing quality programs. Employees also play a major role in overcoming such difficulties depending on the training and development provided by their institutions. Research, Practical & Social Implications: The study emphasized that quality programs are essential to the success of businesses in satisfying their customers, improving labor abilities and skills, increase their market share, and eventually increase profits. The study also emphasized the importance of leadership role in adapting, practicing and supporting quality programs in business institutions in order for such programs to succeed. Originality/Value: The study originality as a first attempt to examine the difficulties of implementing quality programs at Jordanian business companies. The study contributes to better understand the challenges and obstacles that may hinder quality and development programs at Jordanian business companies.

Perceptions of forest product businesses employees in Turkey regarding occupational health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably brought up the issue of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) for businesses in Turkey. In this global pandemic, strategies developed to effectively address OHS risks and eliminate them with reliable, high-quality data have gained importance. This study aimed to determine the perceptions of employees in the forest products industry in Turkey regarding the OHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample of the descriptive and analytical study consisted of a total of 371 employees in forest product businesses located in Turkey. The sample of the study was determined by the purpose-based sampling method. Data were collected both online and face-to-face from June 2022 to October 2022. The data were obtained using the Questionnaire of Employee and Business Characteristics and the Scale of Employees' Perceptions on the OHS (S-POHS) adapted by Özden (2022). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and calculated by descriptive analyses, pairwise comparison tests and multivariate regression analyses. 39.1% of the employees with a mean age of 34.12±8.78 years are high school graduates and 61.5% are workers. Significant differences were found in the S-POHS average scores of the employees in the businesses that produce paper-cardboard, have operated for less than 20 years, have a partnership structure with foreign capital and have an OHS Management System Quality Certificate (p < 0.05). While a positive OHS perception level has already been achieved in the forest products industry in business administrations and by employees, it is clear that this should not be lost and it should be prepared for the next crises by adding new applications.

부모와 중·고등학생의 어린이 기호식품 품질인증에 대한 인식 및 만족도 연구

This study aims to analyze the difference in perception and satisfaction between parents and middle and high school students about the quality certification of children's favorite foods through an online survey to derive measures to expand and revitalize the system. 46.7% of parents and 45.3% of middle-high school students have heard of the quality certification of children's favorite foods. The most important factors considered when purchasing children's favorite foods were raw materials and ingredients, nutrients, preferences, food period, and quality certification. Parents occasionally check the quality certification mark when purchasing or eating children's favorite foods, with 0.451 points, but middle and high school students do not check it often. It was found that parents showed significantly higher satisfaction than middle and high school students in all categories of utilization, necessity, effectiveness, influence, and delivery of children's favorite food satisfaction. In addition, neither group checks nor utilizes quality certification marks well when purchasing children's favorite foods, so policy supplementation such as promotion and education is needed. Based on this study's results, education and promotion of the system through more active and diverse channels are needed to manage children's dietary safety by expanding the quality certification of children's favorite foods in the future.

Essential Oils: Usage, Safety, and Efficacy during Pregnancy

Essential oils, while beneficial for various purposes, may pose risks to pregnant women and their fetuses, including hormonal imbalance, toxicity, and teratogenicity. Therefore, consultation with healthcare professionals is crucial before using these oils during pregnancy. Research is needed to determine which oils should be avoided and the safest methods of application. A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol published in 2022 aims to examine the effectiveness of aromatherapy, including essential oils, in preventing and treating various conditions. This study could provide valuable insights into the safe use of essential oils during pregnancy. Additionally, understanding the regulatory landscape and recognizing quality certifications is crucial for consumers to make informed decisions. The European Federation of Essential Oils (EFEO) and the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) have published guidance for characterizing essential oils. Despite the insights offered by clinical studies and professionals, there remains a gap in comprehensive research, particularly regarding specific oils and their effects on pregnancy-related conditions. This highlights the need for more rigorous scientific exploration.

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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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.