Technical Quality Research Articles

Optimisation of trace mineral supplementation in diets for Atlantic salmon smolt with reference to holistic fish performance in terms of growth, health, welfare, and potential environmental impacts.

The aquafeed ingredient inventory is ever changing, from marine to plant based, and recently evolving to incorporate increasing amounts of low trophic, side stream and circular economy based raw materials, each one contributing with variable amounts and qualities of macro- and micronutrients. Meeting the micronutrient requirement of farmed fish for healthy and efficient growth under normal and challenging conditions is of paramount importance. In this study we run a trial based on a 2 × 4 factorial design with three replications for each dietary treatment, where Atlantic salmon smolt were fed one of 8 experimental diets supplemented with either organic or inorganic mineral premixes (copper, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc) at four dietary inclusion levels. We saw a trend for higher growth rate in the organic mineral groups irrespective of the dietary mineral levels. Mineral digestibility was negatively correlated with increasing mineral supplementation levels for all tested minerals but Se which increased with the increasing supplementation in the inorganic and up to the 2nd inclusion level in the organic mineral groups. Increasing mineral supplementation affected retention efficiency of Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe while mineral source affected only the retention of Se which was higher in the organic mineral groups. Moreover, fish obtained higher EPA and DHA in their body and increased slaughter yield in the organic as compared to the inorganic mineral groups and corroborated that trace mineral inclusion levels play a key role on salmon fillet's technical quality. More effects from different origin and dietary inclusion levels of trace minerals were seen on fillet yield, fillet technical and nutritional quality, bone strength, skin morphology, organ mineralization and midgut transcriptome.

Strategic Capabilities and Performance of Insurance Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya

The insurance sector has witnessed growth in both the corporate and private sectors driven by increased insurance uptake among corporations and individuals. However, despite the dynamic nature of the sector, some insurance firms face significant challenges in keeping up with their counterparts. To address the performance variations in the insurance sector, it is crucial to examine strategic capabilities such as technical knowledge, innovation, learning culture and service quality and their impact on performance of NSE listed firms in Kenya. This study aims to investigate how strategic capabilities influence the performance of these firms. The specific objectives of the study were: to examine the effect of innovation capability on the performance of NSE-listed insurance companies in Kenya; to determine the effect of service quality capability on the performance of NSE-listed insurance companies in Kenya; to investigate the effect of technical knowledge capability on the performance of NSE-listed insurance companies in Kenya and to examine the effect of learning culture capability on the performance of NSE-listed insurance companies in Kenya. The study was anchored on the Resource based view theory, Knowledge based view and Dynamic capabilities theories. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted targeting 258 senior staff members of six listed insurance firms on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. A sample size of 156 respondents was determined by Yamane formula and stratified random sampling technique used for sample selection. Structured questionnaire was used for primary data collection with a pilot test involving 16 respondents to ensure the validity and reliability of the research instrument. Data analysis was performed with an aid of statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) software employing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression models. The findings revealed that innovation strategic capability, service quality strategic capability, technical knowledge strategic capability and learning culture strategic capability all had a positive significant relationship with performance of NSE-listed insurance companies in Kenya. The study therefore recommended that insurance firms listed at the NSE should invest in innovation, service quality, technical knowledge and learning culture to enhance their performance.

Covid-19 Pandemi Sürecinde Uzaktan Eğitim Sistemine Yönelik Algıların Bilgi Sistemleri Başarı Modeli ile İncelenmesi

During the Covid-19 pandemic process, the evaluation of distance education technologies, which have an important place in educational activities, and the examination of their usage level has become more and more important for higher education institutions. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of distance education system on students within the framework of the Information Systems Success Model during the Covid-19 pandemic process. For this reason, an expanded Information Systems Success Model including perceived education quality, technical service quality, information quality, fear of Covid-19 was used in the study. In this context, 1011 undergraduate students studying at Necmettin Erbakan University in Türkiye were asked questions to determine the factors affecting the use of the distance education system with the method of questionnaire. The data obtained were tested with the Structural Equation Model (SEM). As a result of the analysis, it was found that the fear of Covid-19 positively affected the quality perception associated with the distance education system. It has been understood that the quality of technical service, training and information associated with distance education has a significant effect on satisfaction and intention to use. The results of the study also showed that satisfaction and intention to use have a positive effect on actual usage behavior.

Research on the Perceived Quality of Virtual Reality Headsets in Human-Computer Interaction.

The progress of commercial VR headsets largely depends on the progress of sensor technology, the iteration of which often means longer research and development cycles, and also higher costs. With the continuous maturity and increasing competition of VR headsets, designers need to create a balance among user needs, technologies, and costs to achieve commercial competition advantages. To make accurate judgments, consumer feedback and opinions are particularly important. Due to the increasing maturity in the technology of commercial VR headsets in recent years, the cost has been continuously decreasing, and potential consumers have gradually increased. With the increase in consumer demand for virtual reality headsets, it is particularly important to establish a perceptual quality evaluation system. The relationship between consumer perception and product quality determined by evaluations of experience is improving. Using the research method implemented in this work, through semi-structured interviews and big data analysis of VR headset consumption, the perceptual quality elements of VR headsets are proposed, and the order of importance of perceptual quality attributes is determined by questionnaire surveys, quantitative analysis, and verification. In this study, the perceptual quality elements, including technical perceptual quality (TPQ) and value perceptual quality (VPQ), of 14 types of VR headsets were obtained, and the importance ranking of the VR headsets' perceptual quality attributes was constructed. In theory, this study enriches the research on VR headsets. In practice, this study provides better guidance and suggestions for designing and producing VR headsets so that producers can better understand which sensor technology has met the needs of consumers, and which sensor technology still has room for improvement.

EXPLORING A TRICOMPONENT ATTITUDE MODEL FOR THE APPLICATION OF “FORCED” ONLINE LEARNING IN THE POST-COVID ERA

Purpose – The present study explores a tricomponent attitude model for “forced” online learning applied in the post-Covid era following the online learning transition. The study aims to provide a reference for future practitioners in the event a similar crisis results in the mandatory transition towards this study mode again. Methodology – Following the guideline for judgmental sampling, a total of 156 valid responses were collected from Malaysian undergraduate students via an online questionnaire from Google Forms. The respondents’ profiles were computed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0, while Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to validate the measurement model, structural model, and mediation model for hypothesis testing. Findings – The findings demonstrate that perceived usefulness (PU) is insignificant when online learning is the only feasiblelearning strategy. Technical system quality (TSQ) was found to be positively related to perceived ease of use (PEU), attitude (ATT),and student satisfaction, while quality of content (QC) was found to be positively related to PEU and student satisfaction. The remaining hypotheses were rejected. These findings are expected to transform various student attitude, leading to the cognitive components of PEU and PU and ultimately contributing to student satisfaction. In line with the government’s desire to transform digital education in higher education, TSQ and QC constitute a framework for shaping the affective components of students’ attitude. Attitude, in turn, drives students’ PEU and PU, which are two critical factors of the Technology Acceptance Model that serve as the main determinants of student satisfaction. Significance – The study demonstrates that instructors can use a variety of strategies to increase student satisfaction with onlineeducation, which can be beneficial even in the post-Covid era. The findings can aid education providers in implementing necessarychanges to improve online learning for their students in the future. In addition, the study reveals that through the pandemic, studentshave become more resilient and have begun to value online learning, highlighting the importance of considering the long-term effects of online learning on student satisfaction.

Innovation in Early Reading Instruction: The Development of e-Learning Materials in Mother Tongue

Mother Tongue-Based-Multilingual Education has been shown to improve the academic performance of early-grade learners. However, challenges such as inaccessibility and lack of contextualized materials in the mother tongue (MT) have hindered students' full engagement in learning. To address this, a quasi-experimental study was conducted with struggling first-grade learners (n=60) to investigate the effectiveness of researcher-developed e-learning materials for early reading in MT. Instruments used in this study included a researcher-created storyboard for video creation, with its dialogue and storyline; the test questionnaires, adapted from the MT-based Curriculum Guide of the Department of Education in the Philippines, for measuring participants’ reading performance in phonic and word recognition. The pre-test and post-test data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and a t-test at a 5% significance level. Qualitative data extracted through interviews were analyzed thematically, while a four-point Likert scale was used to interpret the overall rating of the e-learning materials. The content and ICT experts measured the e-learning materials’ validity and effectiveness. The results illustrated e-learning materials like video stories and PowerPoint presentations, developed using the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) model, improved learners' letter-sound and word-blending abilities. Experts rated the materials excellent for technical standards, content quality, and effectiveness. The e-learning materials as a pedagogical intervention in early reading are innovative, interactive, and engaging and can potentially enhance early graders' reading performance. Future research can explore design or layout modification of the materials creatively to enhance learner engagement in early-grade MT instruction.

The significant value of educated nurse in ECG Holter monitoring interpretation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction ECG Holter monitoring is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that continuously records electrocardiography during 24 hours daily routine. The primary role of the nurse is to secure that the electrodes are placed correctly, and to advise the patient. Purpose The aim of our study is to emphasize the great importance of nurses by involving them into the interpretation of ECG Holter monitoring. Materials and Methods Senior nurses in our hospital, R. Macedonia were educated, by cardiologists, in electrocardiography interpretation. The nurses proactively ensured the technical quality of the monitoring and the data processing. We analyzed the time from the setting up the 24 hours ECG Holter monitoring to the time when the results were issued to the patient in the period from January 2020 to December 2022. All data used for the study were taken from the Hospital Information System. Our Hospital Information System records the date and exact time (hours and minutes) of the opening and closing of the report. Only the referred cardiologist is authorized to close the report. Results Three thousand twenty-three 24 hours ECG Holter monitoring reports were processed. The average time of closing the report was 1680 minutes or 28 hours. If we exclude in average the first 22 hours of wearing the device, then we can conclude that the time from when the device is disconnected from the patient to the completion of the report, including the physician examination is in average 6 hours. Conclusion ECG educated nurses can be actively involved in the interpretation of ECG Holter monitoring which reduces the time for obtaining the results to less than 24 hours and enables rapid diagnosis and treatment by a cardiologist/electrophysiologist.

The Association Between Patient Satisfaction and other Related Factors at the Outpatient Department

Improving the quality of health in Malaysia contributes to improving national development. Patient satisfaction in public healthcare is the yardstick for healthcare quality to provide healthcare services effectively and accurately. The study aimed to define the relationship between patient satisfaction and other related factors in the outpatient department in a public clinic. Related factors investigated in this study were waiting time, staff interpersonal and technical quality, services, facility, and overall. The questionnaires were distributed to the patients visiting the outpatient department at a public clinic in Johor. A quantitative approach was used in this study. Although 500 questionnaires were distributed, only 447 were identified as complete questionnaires. The collected data on patient satisfaction from the questionnaire were analysed by SPSS Software using descriptive statistics (frequency (%), mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent t-test and ANOVA). The questionnaire analysed using SPSS software showed patient demographic information, disease characteristics, treatment, and other related factors. The level of patient satisfaction for waiting time, staff interpersonal and technical quality, service, and overall was tested using an independent t-test to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference between genders. The other is a one-way ANOVA, which examines whether status, the highest income, and frequency of hospital visits significantly affect patient satisfaction with waiting time.

Proposed Improvement of Subcontractor Selection Process at PT Bangun Beton

In construction, the main responsibility of PT Bangun Beton as the main contractor is to complete the project on time and with good quality according to the expectations of the project owner. However, companies often face late projects and results that do not meet targets. Therefore, the author wants to provide a solution to overcome this problem. After conducting a situation analysis using Kepner Tregoe, it was found that one of the causes of delays was continuous work. If one job is not completed, then other work cannot be started so that the whole project is late. Subcontractors can be a contributing factor to this problem. Therefore, the authors use decision analysis as a plan of action. This study uses the analysis of Risk Management and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Data collection methods used were questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGD). Data analysis was carried out qualitatively by considering the relevant criteria. The newly developed criteria are evaluated to determine which criteria need attention. AHP is used to sort these criteria. The results showed that the criteria with the highest weight were Technical Ability, Quality, Performance History, Interpersonal Relations, HSE, Resources, Technological Innovation, and Financial Capability. These criteria can assist companies in prioritizing the selection of the right subcontractors. These criteria can also be used in the tender process and subcontractor evaluation. By implementing this solution, it is expected that PT Bangun Beton can improve the timeliness and quality of project results. An effective subcontractor selection process will help address ongoing work issues and improve project execution efficiency.

Perceptual Identification of Polish Vowels Due to F0 Changes

The paper investigates the interdependence between the perceptual identification of the vocalic quality of six isolated Polish vowels traditionally defined by the spectral envelope and the fundamental frequency F0. The stimuli used in the listening experiments were natural female and male voices, which were modified by changing the F0 values in the ±1 octave range. The results were then compared with the outcome of the experiments on fully synthetic voices. Despite the differences in the generation of the investigated stimuli and their technical quality, consistent results were obtained. They confirmed the findings that in the perceptual identification of vowels of key importance is not only the position of the formants on the F1 × F2 plane but also their relationship to F0, the connection between the formants and the harmonics and other factors. The paper presents, in quantitative terms, all possible kinds of perceptual shifts of Polish vowels from one phonetic category to another in the function of voice pitch. An additional perceptual experiment was also conducted to check a broader range of F0 changes and their impact on the identification of vowels in CVC (consonant, vowel, consonant) structures. A mismatch between the formants and the glottal tone value can lead to a change in phonetic category.

Development of A Web-Based Independent Learning Platform using SECI Model

The limitation of time, cost, and manpower have been the main problems in facilitating post-training learning. Based on this issue, the research aims to develop a web-based learning platform based on knowledge management system as a learning supplement for independent post-training learning. The development of the application adopted the SECI model which stands for Socialization, Externalization, Combination, and Internalization. The system will record data used as an indicator for making decisions on the material and giving automatic recommendations for each participant. The methodology used in this study is a model proposed by Davidson-Shiver, Rasmussen, dan Lowenthal that consists of Analysis; Evaluation Planning; Concurrent Design which includes design, development, initial implementation, and formative evaluation; Full Implementation; and Summative Evaluation and Research. There are 2 data analysis techniques, qualitative data analysis to measure the accuracy of utilization procedures; and quantitative data analysis to measure technical quality in the form of media validity and learning outcomes. Based on the material expert validation, the material obtained a percentage of 98.75% which is very feasible; media expert validation gained a percentage of 81.25% with a very feasible category; small group trials obtained a percentage of 81.5% in the very feasible category; and product testing obtained a percentage of 87.125%. The results of pre-test and post-test data processing showed an average increase in learning outcomes of 41.53%, with a completeness level of learning outcomes at 90% in the very effective category. As a result, the data inferred that the media is very decent and effective to be used as a supplement for independent post-training learning.

Optimization of colonoscopy quality: Comprehensive review of the literature and future perspectives.

Colonoscopy is crucial in preventing colorectal cancer (CRC) and reducing associated mortality. This comprehensive review examines the importance of high-quality colonoscopy and associated quality indicators, including bowel preparation, cecal intubation rate, withdrawal time, adenoma detection rate (ADR), complete resection, specimen retrieval, complication rates, and patient satisfaction, while also discussing other ADR-related metrics. Additionally, the review draws attention to often overlooked quality aspects, such as nonpolypoid lesion detection, as well as insertion and withdrawal skills. Moreover, it explores the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing colonoscopy quality and highlights specific considerations for organized screening programs. The review also emphasizes the implications of organized screening programs and the need for continuous quality improvement. A high-quality colonoscopy is crucial for preventing postcolonoscopy CRC- and CRC-related deaths. Health-care professionals must develop a thorough understanding of colonoscopy quality components, including technical quality, patient safety, and patient experience. By prioritizing ongoing evaluation and refinement of these quality indicators, health-care providers can contribute to improved patient outcomes and develop more effective CRC screening programs.

The Good Name Of The Corporate Taxpayer In Moderating The Influence Of Technical Knowledge, Moral Obligations, Quality Of Service And Taxpayer Compliance

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of mandatory compliance of the entity in carrying out tax obligations when it already has technical knowledge, moral obligations and quality of service as well as whether the Good Name of Taxpayers can improve taxpayer compliance. The research method was carried out quantitatively and analyzed using SMARTPLS 3.0 software. The results showed that all independent variables had a positive effect on taxpayer compliance, then the good name of taxpayers could only moderate the quality of service to taxpayer compliance.

Evaluación de la calidad del cuidado prenatal en Colombia durante la epidemia de Zika en el 2016 en regiones endémicas y no endémicas

Objetive: To evaluate the quality of prenatal care during the outbreak of Zika virus infection in endemic and non-endemic vector-borne regions in Colombia. Materials and methods: A descriptive study of prenatal care supplemented by interviews to explore personal experiences during the epidemic. A total of 40 pregnant women in endemic areas and 44 in nonendemic areas participated. Information collected included previous pregnancies, reasons for starting prenatal care, information about Zika, prenatal care (activities of doctors, nurses, laboratories, and images), and perceptions of quality. Then, 8 interviews were conducted with pregnant women diagnosed with Zika. Questioned about knowledge of Zika and the quality of medical care services. Results: Problems with laboratories and diagnostic images were found in both regions and dehumanizing treatment in the endemic region. Women from the endemic region received news and communications about the effects of Zika during pregnancy, causing anxiety and fear among some women. The quality of health care was not what the women expected and they thought they would receive more care from doctors and nurses. Discussion: Our findings show deficiencies in education provided in health institutions. The experience during prenatal control in the endemic regions was imprecise and the information came from other sources, different from the health sector. Adittionally, support and follow-up was deficient as well. It's possible that health professionals have few knowledge about information management, which generated confusion, fear and uncertainity among the pregnant women about the adverse effects on the newborns. Conclusions: Findings suggest deficiencies in the technical quality of the prenatal care provided, particularly in the region that was endemic for vector-borne diseases. Reproductive health services and the technical quality of prenatal care need to be strengthened, especially during a sanitary crisis.

Docu-Go: The Development and Assessment of a Web-Based Barangay Document Requesting System

A barangay plays a vital role in the development and progress of a country, requiring careful attention and improvement. In order to address the need for advancements in barangay processes, this study focused on designing, developing, and assessing a web-based barangay document requesting system called Docu-Go. The researchers employed a developmental research design, involving IT experts and residents from a barangay in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The researchers utilized a modified waterfall model for the system's development. To evaluate the technical features and quality of the system, an adapted survey questionnaire based on ISO 25010 was administered. The evaluation results indicated that both aspects were generally deemed acceptable by the two types of respondents. However, various recommendations were proposed to further enhance the system's functionality and user experience.

Evaluation of Student Satisfaction of the University of Labour and Social Affairs with the Quality of Online Training

The study uses qualitative and quantitative research methods to clarify the relationship between Functional Quality and Technical Quality affecting the Image factor. With a research sample size of 142 valid questionnaires of students participating in online learning along with methods of reliability coefficient analysis, exploratory factor analysis and multivariate regression, the research team has determined to determine the positive relationship of these factors. However, the research objective of the article is to assess the satisfaction of university students of social work with the quality of online training, so we continue to explore the second relationship which is the relationship between factor Image and student satisfaction. The univariate regression analysis method was used, and the results showed that Image and learner's satisfaction have a positive relationship with each other. Finally, based on the research results, we believe that in order to increase the satisfaction of learners, we need to emphasize the group of solutions that increase the evaluation level for the Technical Quality factor.

Improvement of the legal technique of formalization of court acts in Ukraine

In the work, the author revealed the relevance of the scientific study of the legal technique of formalization of court acts, taking into account the peculiarities of the development of the domestic judiciary. It is noted that the issue of the legal and technical structure of judicial acts in Ukraine is not new in the legal science of Ukraine, but remains extremely relevant in the context of improving the rules, techniques, methods and means of the legal technique of formalizing such acts. Therefore, the topic of this scientific work is relevant, first of all, from the point of view of strengthening the practice of preparing court documents, countering legal and technical errors in their formalization. Attention is focused on the fact that the relevance of the study of the legal technique of judicial acts is also proven by its important law enforcement and human rights protection significance. It is concluded that the legal and technical quality of court decisions depends on many factors, in particular, on the legislative provision of requirements for the legal technique of preparing court decisions and the mechanism of their use, the responsible attitude of the subjects of the judicial process to the preparation of court acts, the formulation of legal requirements by the subjects of appeals to the court , as well as the legal positions of other participants in the proceedings, etc. For the adoption and formalization of a high-quality judicial act, it is important not to make mistakes at the stage of its preparation and adoption: in particular, not to make a mistake in the very qualification of the subject of the trial, the formal description of the practical situation, the formalization of the motivational component of the court decision, the legal fixation of the legal consequences for the participants of the trial affairs. Based on the analysis of the state of formalization of judicial acts, the author established and characterized the ways of improving the legal technique of formalizing judicial acts in Ukraine, which include: firstly, the coordination of means, methods, rules and methods of the legal technique of judicial acts with general principles of law and principles of judicial procedure; secondly, the structuring of the legal technique by determining the general requirements relating to any judicial acts, as well as highlighting the special requirements of the legal technique, which will reflect the type of legal proceedings and the place of the court in the instance system; thirdly, it is important to strengthen the practice of introducing new digital technologies, artificial intelligence, monitoring and control software to strengthen the formalization of judicial acts, etc.

PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA BERBASIS ARTICULATE STORYLINE PADA MATERI NILAI TEMPAT BILANGAN DUA ANGKA

Learning mathematics in elementary schools is a subject that is mandatory for students to learn. one of the direct objectives of mathematics lessons which also plays an important role in learning is the inculcation of concepts from mathematics itself. Several previous studies have identified learning difficulties for students in understanding the place value of numbers. Therefore, mathematics learning media on two-digit value material can be developed using interactive media which will be designed and developed with the help of Articulate Storyline. The method used in this research is Research and Development (R&D) using the Borg & Gall development procedure which has been modified into 10 stages, but in this study it was only limited to stage 4. The simplification and limitation of the 10 stages to 4 steps is due to the limited manpower and time factors. The first stage is needs analysis, the second stage is Planning, Product Design Engineering, Design Validation Stage. The results obtained from the validation of material experts. The quality of the content and the purpose of the developed media get a value of 36, 80% with a feasible category. The quality of learning from the developed media gets a score of 20, a percentage of 80% with the appropriate category, the learning media that is developed is in accordance with the context of the application of the place value material for two-digit numbers. While the results of the validation from media experts stated that the technical quality of the media developed received a total score of 56, a percentage of 80% with a feasible category, the learning media developed was declared appropriate and valid for the feasibility test.

Analysis of Determinants of Satisfaction Using E-Learning in Elementary School Students

The COVID-19 pandemic, a global health crisis, has made many sectors carry out their activities in new ways, including the education sector. Teaching and learning activities should not be conducted face-to-face during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, all learning activities are diverted through e-learning. Therefore, an evaluation of the use of e-learning needs to be carried out to ensure its practical use and a positive impact. This study evaluates the factors that affect the satisfaction of e-learning users. Data were collected by surveying 205 elementary school students in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, then analyzed using the structural equation model technique. The results showed that Technical System Quality, Information Quality, Learner Quality, and Perceived Usefulness affected the satisfaction of e-learning users. These results can be suggestions for schools to fix and improve e-learning performance so that students and teachers no longer have difficulties when an event requires online teaching and learning activities.

End-of-Waste Criteria of the Bauxite Red Mud

The main objective of this document is to present the End-of-Waste (EoW) criteria for the bauxite red mud. EoW criteria are based on the different EoW approaches and criteria existing around the European Union (EU), especially for Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) and the results obtained in the CINDERELA project (EU contr. No. 776751). This EoW criteria protocol could facilitate the recycling process of bauxite red mud thus guiding Republic of Montenegro to implement EoW criteria for this waste, which is landfilled in huge quantity (8 million tonnes) near Podgorica. This document will define the product status, its technical quality and applicability as well as its environmental and human health issues.