Readiness Factors Research Articles

Meta-competences in complex environments: An interdisciplinary perspective

In today's increasingly complex, uncertain environments, disciplinary knowledge alone is no longer sufficient to cope with new societal challenges and real-world problems. Meta-competences, which include advanced thinking skills and creativity, go beyond these domain-specific competences. Along those lines, a methodological question arises regarding how such a complex phenomenon can be investigated and adequately described.In our research, we applied proposition-based expert round tables, a method developed to analyze complex real-world problems. In a two-year project, eight experts from the University for Continuing Education Krems collaborated in an interdisciplinary approach including system and innovation research, management science, engineering, the arts and humanities, and higher education. Each expert proposed what meta-competences entail from their own perspective, and the different knowledge was subsequently reviewed, analyzed, and integrated following a collaborative approach over the course of several iterative discourses.As a result, the experts produced an integrative model with four interdependent factors of readiness: (1) iterative learning to continuously expand one's competences, (2) resilient improvisation to deal with unexpected events, (3) dynamic viability to cope effectively with volatile environments, and (4) sustainable innovation to co-creatively innovate. Those factors interact and reinforce each other and should ultimately enhance one's readiness to continually apply knowledge gained in new contexts and communicate that application accordingly.Meta-competences have, thus far, been discussed only in certain scientific disciplines. In our study we conducted expert round tables to continuously generate in-depth interdisciplinary knowledge that can be applied to other complex, real-world phenomena. The result is an initial interdisciplinary model that offers a relatively comprehensive view on the meta-competences required in today's increasingly complex environments.

Clinical Outreach Training and Supportive Supervision Quality-of-Care Analysis: Impact of Readiness Factors on Health Worker Competencies in Malaria Case Management in Cameroon, Mali, and Niger.

Improving the quality of malaria clinical case management in health facilities is key to improving health outcomes in patients. The U.S. President's Malaria Initiative Impact Malaria Project has supported implementation of the Outreach Training and Supportive Supervision (OTSS) approach in 11 African countries to improve the quality of malaria care in health facilities through the collection and analysis of observation-based data on health facility readiness and health provider competency in malaria case management. We conducted a secondary analysis of longitudinal data collected during routine supervision in Cameroon (April 2021-March 2022), Mali (October 2020-December 2021), and Niger (November 2020-September 2021) using digitized checklists to assess how service readiness affects health worker competencies in managing patients with fever correctly and providing those with confirmed uncomplicated malaria cases with appropriate treatment and referral. Linear or logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the effect of facility readiness and its components on observed health worker competencies. All countries demonstrated significant associations between health facility readiness and malaria case management competencies. Data from three rounds of OTSS visits in Cameroon, Mali, and Niger showed a statistically significant positive association between greater facility readiness scores (including the availability of commodities, materials, and trained staff) and health worker competency in case management. These findings provide evidence that health worker performance is likely affected by the tools and training available to them. These results reinforce the need for necessary tools and properly trained staff if high-quality malaria case management services are to be delivered at health facilities.

A Conceptual Development of Digital Trade Adoption among Manufacturing Companies in China: A Technology Acceptance Model Approach

The proliferation of digital technologies has brought about transformative changes in various sectors, including manufacturing. In the context of China, a prominent manufacturing hub, the adoption of digital trade practices has emerged as a critical determinant of competitiveness and sustainability for manufacturing companies. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for understanding the factors influencing the adoption of digital trade among manufacturing firms in China, employing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical lens. Drawing upon extant literature and empirical insights, this conceptual paper identifies key constructs within the TAM framework, such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward digital trade, and behavioral intention, and adapts them to the specific context of digital trade adoption in the Chinese manufacturing sector. It explores how factors such as organizational readiness, technological infrastructure, government policies, and cultural factors influence the perceived usefulness and ease of use of digital trade platforms among manufacturing companies in China. Moreover, this paper extends the traditional TAM model by incorporating additional constructs such as trust in technology, perceived risk, and organizational innovativeness, which are deemed essential in understanding the complexities of digital trade adoption in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. It underscores the significance of trust-building mechanisms, risk mitigation strategies, and organizational culture in facilitating the successful implementation of digital trade initiatives within manufacturing enterprises in China. The proposed conceptual framework contributes to both theoretical and practical understandings of digital trade adoption by elucidating the interplay between technological factors, organizational dynamics, and contextual influences within the Chinese manufacturing context. By offering insights into the determinants of digital trade adoption and the mechanisms for enhancing acceptance and utilization of digital trade platforms, this paper aims to inform policymakers, industry practitioners, and scholars engaged in the promotion and facilitation of digital transformation within the manufacturing sector in China and beyond.

Quality 4.0 social and strategic readiness factors: sufficient and Necessary Condition Analysis

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has given rise to a new stream of research on the future of quality management called Quality 4.0 (Q4.0). In this context, the study analyses the social and strategic readiness factors that act as sufficient and necessary conditions for implementing Q4.0. The methodology used combines (1) the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique to estimate sufficient conditions; (2) the Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) technique to identify the necessary causality; (3) and the Generalized Analytic Induction (GAI) to identify the combination of conditions that explain the presence of a result. The reference sample used in the study is 107 Spanish organisations with EFQM recognition of excellence. The results confirm that Leadership and top management commitment, Q4.0 vision and strategy, Human resource management for Q4.0, Organisational culture and Customer readiness have significant effects on the readiness of an organisation to implement Q4.0. These factors represent sufficient conditions. On the other hand, the factors necessary for implementing Q4.0 would be Q4.0 vision and strategy and Supplier readiness. Finally, GAI shows how two conditions, among both social and strategic factors, are widely shared by organisations to explain a high Q4.0 readiness value.

National training and development curriculum training program impact on placement, permanency, and stability

BackgroundResource parent trainings are an important factor in caregiver readiness and retention, which can improve placement stability and permanency achievement for children and youth, especially those who are marginalized. ObjectiveResource parents need access to evidence-based training programs attentive to caring for children and youth from a variety of diverse backgrounds. This study evaluates placement, permanency, and stability outcomes of children whose resource parents were trained in one such program: the National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC). Participants and settingParticipants include adults who completed a resource parent training program (N = 3822) and children in their care (N = 2565) in the U.S. states of Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and Missouri. MethodsThis quasi-experimental study involved statistical testing of caregivers and children using AFCARS data. Propensity-score matching was used to control for differences in the child permanency analysis. ResultsWith a better understanding of the realities of fostering, NTDC participants were slightly less likely to foster after training (OR = 0.6; p < .001), self-selecting out before taking a child into the home. Those who did foster were more likely to foster a child who is a teen (OR = 1.4; p = .004), Asian/Asian American (OR = 3.8; p = .02), Black/African American (OR = 1.6; p < .001), or Hispanic/Latinx (OR = 1.7; p = .002). Children of NTDC caregivers entered legal adoptions (OR = 2.0; p = .003) and guardianships (OR = 2.9; p = .03) at higher rates than children of comparison caregivers, while rates of reunification (OR = 1.3; p = .11) were not statistically different. ConclusionsEvidence points to the effectiveness of NTDC in preparing resource parents to provide care for a diverse range of children by age, race, and ethnicity, and for those children to achieve permanency.

Readiness for green transformation process in healthcare organizations

PurposeGreen transformation is more than simply a trend; it is a way of life, a set of habits, a field of knowledge and a dedication to resource conservation. Going green is surely a creative and transformative process for both individuals and organizations. This paper aims to “identify,” “analyse” and “categorise” the readiness factors for green transformation process in health care using total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) and neutrosophic-MICMAC.Design/methodology/approachTo address the study objectives, the study used TISM and neutrosophic-MICMAC analysis. To identify the readiness factors, a literature study was conducted, and the factors were face-validated by the healthcare experts. The factors influence on one another were captured by using a scheduled interview with a closed ended questionnaire. The TISM addressed the identification and analysing of factors and the categorization and ranking the readiness factors is addressed by using neutrosophic-MICMAC analysis.FindingsThis study identified 11 green transformation process readiness factors for healthcare organizations. The study states that the key factors or driving factors are awareness of green governance principle, environment leadership and management, green gap analysis, information and communication technology and innovation dynamics.Research limitations/implicationsThe factor ranking is sensitive to the respondents’ ratings. The study relied on the past literature and experts’ opinion may result in the subjective biases. The complex nature of healthcare ecosystem challenges to capture all the factors. The study focussed on Indian hospitals.Practical implicationsStudy significantly impacts the healthcare practitioners, academicians and policymakers by providing critical insights into the readiness factors required for the healthcare green transformation process. The study offers a better understanding of the crucial or key or driving factors that aid in embracing green and sustainable practices.Originality/valueIdentifying a gap in conceptual and theoretical frameworks for green transformation readiness factors in healthcare organizations and in Indian context. The study addresses this gap by aiming to create a thorough theoretical framework and highlighted by its focus on Indian hospitals.

INSTITUTIONS AND MANDATES FOR CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN BULGARIAN RURAL AREAS

Climate change is undeniably the leading challenge in the 21st century (IPCC 2022). Agriculture is simultaneously a major driver of climate change and is seriously affected by it (EEA, 2019). The adaptation efforts and the level of readiness to adapt to climate change vary between regions, countries and sectors (e.g. agriculture and environment). The overall goal of the research is to assess the level of readiness for climate change adaptation of the agricultural and environmental institutions in Bulgaria. The specific objective of the paper is to analyse their institutional setups and mandates for adapting to climate change in the Bulgarian rural areas. The research findings and results will support the identification of enabling conditions and key barriers to stronger institutional adaptation capacities of the main agricultural and environmental institutions in the country. The assessment is based on documentary analysis of the national climate adaptation strategy and the legal acts, regulating the institutions’ mandates and functions. The methodological approach is motivated by the conceptual model developed by Ford and King (2015) for assessing the climate adaptation readiness by governments at various scales. The focus is on three of their adaptation readiness factors – political leadership on adaptation, institutional organisation for adaptation and adaptation decision making. The results indicate a reactive rather than proactive political leadership on climate adaptation in Bulgaria. The institutional organisation for adaptation suffers serious understaffing in the Ministry of Environment and Water and in the relevance sectoral ministries. The Strategy on Climate Change and Adaptation stated the need for increased capacities and training in sectoral institutions and stakeholders in 2019. In 2023, there is only one environmental institution with an official mandate on climate change – the Climate Policy Department in the Ministry of Environment and Water. Its mandate is on policy development at the global, European and national level addressing both mitigation and adaptation needs; and it is the smallest unit in the ministry in terms of staff numbers. The other environmental institution with a mandate on climate change is the Executive Environmental Agency which monitors the greenhouse gas emissions and the related permits and registers, with no explicit mandate on climate adaptation. As regards the agriculture and rural development institutions, the Rural Development Directorate in the Ministry of Agriculture has a mandate to propose measures addressing climate change needs during the programming of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The identified needs (i.e. introduce climate adapted breeds and plant species) relate to the farming sector and not to the rural areas. Overall, the key weakness of the Bulgarian climate adaptation approach in rural areas is its reactive and ad-hoc basis. It either is driven by EU regulations and requirements or is implemented when project opportunities arise, without systemic planning and ownership of responsibility in the agriculture or environmental institutions. Key words: climate change governance, adaptation readiness, agriculture JEL code: Q54, Q58, Q18

The Intention to Use of a New Mobile Apps: A Case from Customers of an Indonesian Electrity Company

Mobile apps are now an integral part of our daily life which brought quite significant changes in consumer behavior. Therefore, the development of electronic service quality becomes a crucial factor to consider in determining whether digital transformation affects customer satisfaction. PT PLN (Persero), the Indonesian Electricity Company launched their new mobile apps in 2022 with the objective to provide better customer engagement and service. New PLN Mobile is an application used by PT PLN (Persero) to facilitate customers in enjoying every service provided by the company. This study integrates constructs from the mobile-technology acceptance model (M-TAM) and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model (UTAUT) into a new theoretical model and tests them to a one of rural regions in Indonesia. The study was conducted by using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 566 respondens of customers of PT PLN (Persero) PLN ULP Jeneponto. The research model was assessed using the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) methodology, facilitated by the Smart PLS software to provide insights into the factors that determine the acceptance of technology, which can explain user behavior. The analysis results are expected to identify the factors of customer readiness in adopting the New PLN Mobile electronic service in Jeneponto Regency. The results revealed significant relationships for all of the hypotheses. Mobile Usefulness to Intention to Use (H1), Mobile Ease of Use to Intention to Use (H2), Social Influence to Intention to Use (H3), Facilitating Condition to Intention to Use (H4) and Intention to Use to Actual Use (H5) showed t-stat values respectively, surpassing the standard test value. In the results, it can also be observed that the most significant factor influencing Intention to Use is Facilitating Condition.

Readiness for hospital discharge and its association with post-discharge outcomes among oesophageal cancer patients after oesophagectomy: A prospective observational study.

To examine the level and influencing factors of discharge readiness among patients with oesophageal cancer following oesophagectomy and to explore its association with post-discharge outcomes (post-discharge coping difficulty and unplanned readmission). Oesophageal cancer is common and usually treated via oesophagectomy in China. The assessment of patient's discharge readiness gradually attracts attention as patients tend to be discharged more quickly. Prospective observational study. The STROBE statement was followed. In total, 154 participants with oesophageal cancer after oesophagectomy were recruited in a tertiary cancer centre in Southern China from July 2019 to January 2020. The participants completed a demographic and disease-related questionnaire, the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale and Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale before discharge. Post-discharge outcomes were investigated on the 21st day (post-discharge coping difficulty) and 30th day (unplanned readmission) after discharge separately. Multiple linear regressions were used for statistical analysis. The mean scores of discharge readiness and quality of discharge teaching were (154.02 ± 31.58) and (138.20 ± 24.20) respectively. The quality of discharge teaching, self-care ability, dysphagia and primary caregiver mainly influenced patient's discharge readiness and explained 63.0% of the variance. The low discharge readiness could predict more risk of post-discharge coping difficulty (r = -0.729, p < 0.01) and unplanned readmission (t = -2.721, p < 0.01). Discharge readiness among patients with oesophageal cancer following oesophagectomy is influenced by various factors, especially the quality of discharge teaching. A high discharge readiness corresponds to good post-discharge outcomes. Healthcare professionals should improve the discharge readiness by constructing high-quality discharge teaching, cultivating patients' self-care ability, mobilizing family participation and alleviating dysphagia to decrease adverse post-discharge outcomes among patients with oesophageal cancer. Patients with oesophageal cancer after oesophagectomy who met the inclusion criteria were recruited.

Current Status and Influencing Factors of Readiness for Hospital Discharge of Lung Cancer Patients Receiving ERAS-Guided Postoperative Management.

This study ascertained current status and influencing factors of readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) of lung cancer (LC) patients with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concept-guided postoperative management. This study prospectively and consecutively included 217 LC patients who underwent whole-course ERAS concept-guided postoperative management at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Guangzhou Institute of Cancer Research, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University from November 2023 to April 2024. RHD, quality of discharge teaching (QDT), and social support (SS) were evaluated using RHDS, QDTS, and SSRS, followed by correlation analyses of RHD with the other 2 factors. The clinical baseline and pathological data were compared between the high and low RHD groups, and the characteristics showing statistical significance were assigned as independent variables for regression analysis with RHD as the dependent variable. RHD, QDT, and SS were above average among LC patients with ERAS concept-guided postoperative management, and RHD was positively correlated with both QDT and SS. Age, education level, self-care ability, number of admissions, and presence of drainage tubes were independent influence factors for RHD of LC patients with ERAS concept-guided postoperative management. In LC patients with ERAS concept-guided postoperative management, RHD may be improved by increasing QDT and SS and intervened by factors such as age, education level, self-care ability, number of admissions, and presence of drainage tubes.

Assessing Circular Economy Readiness Factors: Empirical Insights from a Developing Nation

The Circular Economy concept has gained popularity among both researchers and practitioners. However, a comprehensive methodology for assessing a company's Circular Economy Readiness is lacking. Current assessment procedures often lack clarity in terms of metric and indicator selection. To bridge this gap, this paper introduces a novel model that integrates Circular Economy Readiness factors. To address Circular Economy Readiness in developing nations, this study amalgamates national, organizational, and individual readiness factors into a unified model, drawing from recent literature. Readiness for change models and frameworks from selected publications are synthesized to establish a comprehensive conceptual model for Circular Economy Readiness. Five Individual Readiness factors, twelve Organizational Readiness factors, and one factor under National Readiness are identified. These factors analyze CER readiness levels. The model is tested on Colombo Stock Exchange-listed companies, yielding practical insights for policymakers and practitioners to design and implement effective circular economy strategies. The study's findings can be transformed into metrics to gauge CER in developing countries and perhaps in other nations. By comprehensively investigating factors influencing CER across levels and sectors, this research empowers policymakers and practitioners to devise strategies that facilitate the transition to a circular economy.

Technology, Organization and Environment as Strategic Factors of Big Data Analytics Readiness and Acquisition Intention to Adopt Big Data Analytics in Malaysian Libraries

Technology, Organization and Environment as Strategic Factors of Big Data Analytics Readiness and Acquisition Intention to Adopt Big Data Analytics in Malaysian Libraries

An Updated Equitable Model of Readiness for Transition to Adult Care

Despite elevated health risks during young adulthood, many adolescents and young adults with serious health care needs face barriers during the transfer to an adult specialty practitioner, and health disparities may occur during the transition. To validate the content of an updated Social-Ecological Model of Adolescent and Young Adult Readiness for Transition to Promote Health Equity (SMART-E) in a group of adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their supports. Health equity framework components were reviewed. Systems of power (eg, institutional and practitioner bias) and environments or networks (eg, peer or school support) were added as SMART-E preexisting factors, and health literacy was included within readiness factors. Adolescents and young adults aged 16 to 29 years with SCD, caregivers, and practitioners participated in this convergent, mixed-methods study within Children's Hospital of Philadelphia between January and August 2022. Content validity was assessed through nominations of top 3 most important transition barriers prior to interviews and focus groups, ratings on importance of SMART-E factors (0-4 scale; ratings >2 support validity) after interviews and focus groups, nominations of 3 most important factors for transition and for health equity, and qualitative content analysis of interview transcripts. The study enrolled 10 pediatric adolescents and young adults (mean [SD] age, 18.6 [2.9] years; 4 female and 6 male), 10 transferred adolescents and young adults (mean [SD] age, 22.9 [2.1] years; 8 female and 2 male), 9 caregivers (mean [SD] age, 49.8 [8.7] years; 5 female and 4 male), and 9 practitioners (mean [SD] age, 45.6 [10.5] years; 8 female and 1 male). Quantitative ratings supported the content validity of SMART-E and met established criteria for validity. Systems of power was the most endorsed transition barrier (14 of 38 participants) reported prior to interviews and focus groups. After the interview, participants endorsed all SMART-E factors as important for transition, with new factors systems of power and environments and networks rated at a mean (SD) 2.8 (1.23) and 3.1 (0.90), respectively, on a 0 to 4 scale of importance. The most important factors for transition and equity varied by participant group, with all factors being endorsed, supporting the comprehensiveness of SMART-E. Qualitative data corroborated quantitative findings, further supporting validity, and minor modifications were made to definitions. SMART-E obtained initial content validation with inclusion of health equity factors for adolescents and young adults with SCD, caregivers, and practitioners. The model should be evaluated in other populations of adolescents and young adults with chronic disease.

Determinants of factors affecting readiness of academic institutions to conduct knowledge translation in low- and middle-income countries.

Capacity building strategies have been used to improve uptake of knowledge translation (KT) activities among academic institutions, but little is known about their effectiveness, contextual responsiveness, and adaptability. Many of these strategies target individuals while few address institutional gaps. This research describes the determinants for conducting KT (or readiness to conduct such activities) at the institutional level across diverse LMIC contexts to inform the development of capacity building strategies. We conducted a survey to assess organizational readiness to conduct KT to public health researchers and practitioners from six academic institutions in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, DRC, India, Indonesia and Nigeria and members of a global knowledge-to-action working group. We assessed the frequency of barriers and facilitators to KT and their relationship to age, gender, country, and KT experience. We then performed logistic regression to identify determinants of five underlying factors demonstrated to influence KT readiness in LMICs (Institutional Climate, Organization Change Efficacy, Prioritization and Cosmopolitanism, Self-Efficacy and Financial Resource) along with their composite score, which represented an overall readiness score to conduct KT. A total of 111 responses were included in the final analysis. Participants represented 10 LMICs; a majority were 30-49 years old (57%) and most were male (53%). Most participants had professional foci in research (84%), teaching (62%), and project coordination (36%) and 59% indicated they had experience with KT. Common facilitators included motivated faculty (57%) and dedicated personnel (40%). Funding (60%), training (37%), and time (37%) were the most frequently reported barriers. In the adjusted model, age, gender, country, and professional focus were significantly associated with at least one factor. Prior experience with KT was significantly and positively (OR = 9.07; CI: 1.60-51.58; p < 0.05) associated with the overall KT readiness to conduct KT. Different KT readiness factors are relevant for younger (institutional climate) vs. older (self-efficacy) academic professionals, suggesting value in cross-generational collaborations. Leadership and gender were both relevant for organizational change efficacy indicating a need to engage leaders and promote women to influence organizational change. Institutions in different countries may be at different stages of change; readiness assessments can be used to systematically identify needs and develop targeted strategies.

Are the Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Developing Countries Ready to Implement Circular Economy Practices? An Empirical Quest for Key Readiness Factors

While most of the circular economy (CE) research is engrossed in larger organizations and developed countries, there is hardly any research exploring the readiness of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries toward the implementation of CE practices. To fill this knowledge gap, in this article, we aim to identify and evaluate the key readiness factors (RFs) that are vital for CE implementation. Initially, 15 important RFs are identified via an extensive literature review and experts’ consultation, which are prioritized using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method. The proposed framework is validated with a real-world case study involving four India-based SMEs. The results reveal that “ <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">willingness of top management to implement CE practices”</i> is the most important RF. Six RFs are classified as causal: “ <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">availing financial assistance from government and external agencies,” “introducing new technology and its compatibility with existing technology,” “willingness of top management to implement CE practices,” “investment in infrastructural development,” “pressures from competitors, business partners, and regulatory bodies to implement CE practices,” and “awareness among the customers about CE benefits.”</i> The findings of this research may help managers assess CE readiness and prepare business strategies for effective implementation of CE practices.

Study on the effect factors of discharge readiness of total hip arthroplasty patients.

In order to explore the correlation between discharge readiness and Harris score or self-care ability of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) based on the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concept. We carried out this single center retrospective study. We enrolled 331 patients who underwent THA. These patients were divided into the higher score group and the lower score group according to median discharge readiness score. After the baseline data of these patients were compared, the effect factors of discharge readiness of these patients was analyzed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and mixed effects models. The results demonstrated that there was a correlation between discharge readiness and changes in Harris score 30 days after discharge (compared with that before surgery) in these patients. Besides, the Harris score and self-care ability 30 days after discharge were higher than those at the time of discharge. In addition, patients in the higher score group exhibited a higher Harris score compared with those in the lower score group. From the evaluation at different time points after discharge, there was a significant difference in the Harris score between both groups. It can be inferred that the discharge readiness of patients undergoing THA was correlated with the Harris score but not with the self-care ability. These results are expected to provide guidance for the physical and mental recovery of patients undergoing total hip replacement under the ERAS concept. Furthermore, these findings may contribute to higher diagnosis, treatment, and nursing levels of orthopedic medical staff.

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Seven different types of grain grinders were tested under production conditions. Grain grinders with vertical and horizontal cutting organs were selected for investment in mass and feed production. Their technical, economic parameters, and operational reliability were investigated. Based on the statistical evaluation of the operational reliability of grain grinders, the average statistical values of their readiness factor were calculated, which was Kp=0.8 for UHM-2.2, and 0.51 for HHUM-2.2. Meanwhile, it is established that the readiness factor of the machines and equipment used in animal husbandry and feed production should be no less than 0.94. All defects of nodes and machine parts were identified, also scientific and practical recommendations were made to eliminate and improve operational reliability. It has been established that in the case of identifying defects arising during the long-term operation of these grain grinders, eliminating them with appropriate methods, and finally improving their structure and function, it is possible to successfully organize their mass production and implementation in agriculture, particularly feed production.

Quality 4.0: results from a systematic literature review

PurposeQuality 4.0 is being presented as the new stage of quality development. However, its overlying concept and rationale are still hard to define. To better understand what different authors and studies advocate being Quality 4.0, a systematic literature review was undertaken on the topic. This paper presents the results of such review, providing some avenues for further research on quality management.Design/methodology/approachThe documents for the systematic literature review have been searched on the Scopus database, using the search equation: [TITLE-ABS-KEY (“Quality 4.0”) OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (Quality Management” AND (“Industry 4.0” OR “Fourth Industr*” OR i4.0))]. Documents were filtered by language and by type. Of the 367 documents identified, 146 were submitted to exploratory content analysis.FindingsThe analyzed documents essentially provide theoretical discussions on what Quality 4.0 is or should be. Five categories have emerged from the content analysis undertaken: Industry 4.0 and the Rise of a New Approach to Quality; Motivations, Readiness Factors and Barriers to a Quality 4.0 Approach; Digital Quality Management Systems; Combination of Quality Tools and Lean Methodologies and Quality 4.0 Professionals.Research limitations/implicationsIt was hard to find studies reporting how quality is actually being managed in organizations that already operate in the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Answers could not be found to questions regarding actual practices, methodologies and tools being used in Quality 4.0 approaches. However, the research undertaken allowed to identify in the literature different ways of conceptualizing and analyzing Quality 4.0, opening up avenues for further research on quality management in the Industry 4.0 era.Originality/valueThis paper offers a broad look at how quality management is changing in response to the affirmation of the Industry 4.0 paradigm.

Discharge Readiness and Associated Factors Among Patients with Coronary Heart Disease After Stent Implantation: A Cross-Sectional Single Center Study.

The aim of this study is to describe the readiness of hospital discharge of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) who have undergone coronary stent implantation and explore its influencing factors. This is a cross sectional single center study. Convenient sampling was used to select patients who underwent coronary stent implantation in the Cardiovascular Department of a tertiary hospital in Chengdu from October 2021 to April 2022 as the research subjects. Data were collected using the General Information Questionnaire, which included domains such as uncertainty in illness, the quality of discharge teaching, perceived social support, and health locus of control. The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) was used to assess readiness for hospital discharge. Multiple regression adjusted for relevant confounders was used to determine the associations. A total of 276 questionnaires were distributed, and 263 valid questionnaires were collected. The average item score of RHDS is 7.66 ± 1.13. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the influential factors of RHDS of patients who underwent coronary stent implantation included: deliver skill (β = 0.43), marital status (β = 0.12), living alone (β = -0.14), inconsistency (β = -0.22) and household income per capita (β = -0.12) (all P<0.05). The RHDS score of patients with CHD after coronary stent implantation were at a moderate level. Discharge readiness was significantly associated with delivery skill, marital status, living alone, inconsistency of information, and household income per capita. The present study highlights the need for improved educational interventions and tailored discharge planning.

Status quo and influencing factors of readiness for hospital discharge in patients with brain tumours after surgery.

This study aimed to investigate the status quo of readiness for hospital discharge in patients with brain tumours after surgery and to analyse its influencing factors. A total of 300 patients with brain tumours who were admitted to the neurosurgery ward of our hospital between September 2020 and December 2022 were selected as the study participants using the convenient sampling method. The readiness for hospital discharge in patients with brain tumours after surgery was investigated using a general information questionnaire, the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS), the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale (QDTS), the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL), and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and its influencing factors were analysed. The total RHDS score of patients with brain tumours was (155.02 ± 14.67), which was at a medium level. There was a positive correlation between readiness for hospital discharge in patients with brain tumours after surgery and the UW-QOL score (r = 0.459, p = 0.001), SSRS score (r = 0.322, p = 0.000), and QDTS score (r = 0.407, p = 0.001). The influencing factors of readiness for hospital discharge in patients with brain tumours included the content actually obtained by patients (health guidance) before discharge (p = 0.001), discharge teaching skills (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.006), swallowing status (p = 0.021), education level (p = 0.016), and objective support (p = 0.022). The readiness for hospital discharge in patients with brain tumours is at a medium level. Medical staff should give inpatients more targeted knowledge and implement personalised health education according to the patient's age, education level, swallowing status, and objective support to improve the patient's readiness for hospital discharge.