Quality Tools Research Articles

Retracted: Forecasting the Applied Deep Learning Tools in Enhancing Food Quality for Heart Related Diseases Effectively: A Study Using Structural Equation Model Analysis

Retracted: Forecasting the Applied Deep Learning Tools in Enhancing Food Quality for Heart Related Diseases Effectively: A Study Using Structural Equation Model Analysis

Evaluation of Quality and Equality in Education Using the European Foundation for Quality Management Excellence Model—A Literature Review

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model on education and its contribution to ensuring high-quality education equality. Design/Methodology/Approach: A systematic literature review was conducted based on data from three academic publishers (Taylor & Francis, Emerald, and Elsevier Science Direct). Of the 69 journal articles, 61 were published between 2003 and 2023 and documented the results of the EFQM quality tool, and 8 articles were removed. Findings: The study highlights the results of applying the EFQM Excellence Model in the educational sector. Based on the bibliographic review, the feasibility of using the model in primary, secondary, and tertiary education is identified. We examine the findings related to using the model to ensure equality in high-quality education and the challenges faced by educational systems, with the ultimate goal of meeting student expectations. Research limitations/Implications: An important limitation is that the data were only drawn from three major publishers and the authors did not have access to all the relevant databases, since the search for articles was carried out in English only. The search for articles was limited by the keywords, as the EFQM Excellence Model was originally designed for the private sector. Practical implications: The results and limitations recorded in the study and the presentation of the 88 articles motivate academic researchers to conduct further study and fill the gap left by the limited number of publications on the application of the EFQM Excellence Model in the educational sector. Originality/Value: The EFQM Excellence Model has not been widely implemented in the high-quality educational sector and the existing literature reviews are limited. More research in the field of education is needed to determine the contribution of the excellence model to the evaluation of high-quality education.

Implementation of Quality Tools in Mechanical Engineering Piece Production

The world is undergoing dynamic changes. For businesses, it brings positives, but also negatives. The positive is the global market for business. The downside of the global market is the increasing competitive pressure. Large enterprises with serial production who are setting production for a longer period ahead are not so noticeable. Small companies are the most vulnerable. There are various tools or overall approaches to business management that allow them to increase work efficiency or production productivity or eliminate waste. In recent years, one can see an increase in the popularity of Lean or Six Sigma. Their contribution to businesses cannot be disputed. Most of the tools and approaches to support business management are oriented or based on the conditions of serial production. Small businesses with piece production are at a disadvantage here. It was this fact that motivated us to focus on piece production and to find space for the implementation of supporting tools that could be helpful. Our research has shown that there are tools that can be applied in the conditions of piece production. The application of the identified tools proved that the results achieved in reducing production times or increasing productivity are unmistakable.

Chronologie de la certification ISO 9001:2015 et enquête de satisfaction au sein du centre d’investigations cliniques plurithématique (CIC-P) de l’historique hôpital Saint-Louis en période de pandémie du COVID-19

The main objectives of multidisciplinary clinical investigation center (CIC-P) are to facilitate the availability of new drugs for patients, to enhance the visibility and attractiveness of French clinical research, to improve the quality of early phase trials, and to enhance the value of academic research by evaluating molecules in rare diseases. Since 2017, the CIC-P has been committed to a quality approach process, launching in 2018 its first satisfaction survey on patient care and clinical trial management of all its employees. A second satisfaction survey targeted by profession type was to be launched in 2020, in view of the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard, but the process was interrupted following the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The successful reorganization of the CIC-P activity during the first containment of the COVID-19 pandemic was driven by the implementation of a quality management system that promotes continuous improvement through the organization and involvement of all the staff. This voluntary and participative approach motivated the CIC-P to apply for the organizational sesame. The ISO 9001:2015 certification of CIC-P aims at increasing its performance, to satisfying its customers and to fully integrate its activities in a continuous improvement process, according to the requirements of this international standard, through the deployment of quality tools such as The Deming wheel (PDCA), an indispensable tool for transformation and reorganization; the analysis of the environment by the strengths, weakness, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis tool; the analysis and management of risks by the FMEA method, and all with performance indicators (SMART) and precise objectives at each stage of a project/process. The implementation of satisfaction questionnaires remains the essential tool for evaluating the expectations and needs of interested parties, but also for improving the quality of CIC-P activities and services. All these tools put in place have allowed us to continuously improve the means of production and to constantly improve our organization.

Numerical and experimental study of underwater friction stir welding of 1Cr11Ni2W2MoV heat-resistant stainless steel

Due to the benefits of solid-state joining, friction stir welding (FSW) has seen an increase in applications in the aircraft and automotive industries. However, short tool life and heat-affected zone (HAZ) softening are the two main issues with the FSW of advanced high-strength steel. In this study, the underwater friction stir welding (UFSW) of 1Cr11Ni2W2MoV steel was investigated and compared to the Normal friction stir welding (NFSW). Besides, a 3-D thermo-mechanical finite element model was developed to understand the effect of the different cooling mediums and tool rotation rates on the thermal cycles, plastic deformation, tool wear, and microstructure evolution. The simulation results revealed that the stir zone (SZ) of the UFSW exhibits lower peak temperatures and smaller plastic strain compared to the NFSW. The experimental results showed that a high tool rotation rate can be used during UFSW without causing overheating of the workpiece and tool materials resulting in high joint quality and low tool wear. The M23C6 and Fe3C carbide fractions in the HAZ at UFSW are lower than that at NFSW. The UFSW reduces the soft HAZ's width and increases its hardness. The ultimate tensile strength was increased by 17 %, and the HAZ width was decreased by 35 % at UFSW compared to that at NFSW.

Effect of psychosocial interventions for depression in adults with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPeople with chronic kidney disease (CKD) treated with dialysis are frequently affected by depression. Psychotherapy has been reported to decrease depressive symptoms in various chronic diseases and is a potential treatment option for depression. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of psychotherapy on depression in adults with CKD.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane for published studies up to October 31, 2023. Two investigators independently reviewed the included studies and extracted relevant data. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of interventions that provide psychological, emotional, or social support without the use of pharmacological substances on depressive symptoms in people with CKD were included and summarized. Scores on different tools for depressive assessment and quality of life were pooled.ResultsA total of 19 RCTs published between 2004 and 2023 were included and analyzed. The weighted mean difference (WMD) for all included studies with regard to depression was − 2.32 (95%CI=-3.83, -0.80, P = 0.003). The WMD for Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score of depression was − 3.27 (95%CI=-7.81, 1.27, P = 0.158) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 95.1%). Significant WMD was detected for the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) tool: WMD=-1.90, 95%CI=-2.91, -0.90, P < 0.001. The WMD for all included studies regarding quality of life was 1.21 (95%CI=-0.51, 2.93, P = 0.168). The WMD for Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) score was 4.55 (95%CI = 0.50, 8.60, P = 0.028). The WMD for SF-36 score was 0.02 (95%CI=-10.33, 10.36, P = 0.998). Significant difference on outcomes of S-PRT scale was observed (WMD = 2.42, 95%CI = 1.07, 3.76, P < 0.001).ConclusionsPsychosocial interventions probably reduce the depression level among CKD patients. Preliminary evidence suggests that psychosocial interventions might be beneficial for the quality of life in CKD patients. Our results provide medical facilities with an evidence-based basis for establishing psychosocial interventions in kidney care settings.

Diabetes and Instagram: Analysis of Information in Brazilian Publications

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a heterogeneous metabolic disorder, characterized by hyperglycemia. It is a vast disease, involving different classifications, signs, symptoms, and treatment approaches, especially pharmacological. With digital technologies, social media, and the Internet have become disseminating agents of health information, which is often incomplete and incorrect. This study aimed to evaluate the information about pharmacological treatments for DM on Brazilian publications’ Instagram social media platforms. Data from around 300 publications were collected for this study, which was conducted between 2021 and 2022. The characteristics, engagement, and quality of the information were analyzed using the Discern Questionnaire tool. Content evaluation was applied to categories not included in the quality tool. The type of information presented was classified as information disorder. Data were described using descriptive statistics, and inter-examiner agreement was calculated using the kappa coefficient. It was observed that the profiles publishing the information had an average of 6,263.3 followers. Type 2 DM was mentioned in 46.3% of the publications, and the most cited drugs were metformin (10.3%) and NPH insulin (7%). The quality of the information was classified as very poor in 68.8% of the publications. Regarding analysis of the content and type of information, indication, forms of administration, and non-pharmacological treatment presented misinformation and/or disinformation. It is, therefore, important to reinforce digital literacy, so that people can discern the content they are absorbing. Likewise, public policies aimed at regulating the content circulating in the media, are fundamental tools to ensure better information about DM through the Internet.

DEVELOPMENT OF TRADITIONAL GAME BOOK AS A MEANS OF IMPROVING THE INTEGRITY CHARACTER OF 10-12 YEARS OLD CHILDREN

Character education in schools is an important concern due to the moral crisis, especially integrity. The purpose of this research is to develop a traditional game book that can improve the character of integrity in children aged 10-12 years. The research method used is Research and Development with ADDIE type approach. The research participants involved 10 teachers and validators, as well as 8 children in that age range. The results of the guidebook development research were able to prove, 1) the development of guidebook research based on the ADDIE stage, 2) the quality of the product was assessed with a score 0f 3.37 which indicated the quality of “Very Good” and the recommendation “No Need for revision”, 3) the product had a positive impact on the integrity character of children in that age range. The data showed a significant difference between the pretest mean (M = 2.2625, SE = 0.10846) lower than the posttest mean (M = 3.575, SE = 0.03239). significance test t(7) = 0.906 and p = 0,000 (p&lt;0.05). Pearson correlation analysis illustrates the influence of “Lage Effect”, and N-Gain score test showed high effectiveness. Therefore, the developed traditional game book is classified as a very good quality tool and has a positive impact on the integrity character of children aged 10-12 years.

The application of quality improvement concepts, strategies, and tools to enhance participation in clinical trials among Latino families.

Underrepresentation of people from racial and ethnic minoritized groups in clinical trials threatens external validity of clinical and translational science, diminishes uptake of innovations into practice, and restricts access to the potential benefits of participation. Despite efforts to increase diversity in clinical trials, children and adults from Latino backgrounds remain underrepresented. Quality improvement concepts, strategies, and tools demonstrate promise in enhancing recruitment and enrollment in clinical trials. To demonstrate this promise, we draw upon our team's experience conducting a randomized clinical trial that tests three behavioral interventions designed to promote equity in language and social-emotional skill acquisition among Latino parent-infant dyads from under-resourced communities. The recruitment activities took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which intensified the need for responsive strategies and procedures. We used the Model for Improvement to achieve our recruitment goals. Across study stages, we engaged strategies such as (1) intentional team formation, (2) participatory approaches to setting goals, monitoring achievement, selecting change strategies, and (3) small iterative tests that informed additional efforts. These strategies helped our team overcome several barriers. These strategies may help other researchers apply quality improvement tools to increase participation in clinical and translational research among people from minoritized groups.

Powder Detergent Packaging Line Improvement by Lean Six Sigma DMAIC Methodology

This investigation was a case of study in the powder detergent packaging line and aimed to reduce all those wastes that do not add value to the product, increasing the cost of production. Reducing or eliminating waste within the manufacturing industry becomes necessary for sustainable businesses over time and keeps generating development. To achieve it, the Lean Six Sigma DMAIC methodology was implemented in a detergent powder packaging line, to identify the problems that afflicted and made production more expensive. By using quality tools (such as Pareto and Ishikawa diagrams, 5S application, Poka-Yokes, SMED, training personnel, and standardizing processes) it was possible to reduce unproductive times. Energy consumption was reduced by up to 20 %, also efficiency and machine availability increased by 10.98 % and 7.32 %, respectively. The general performance of the line increased by 15.16 %, which translates into significant monthly savings of USD 71 442.05. By applying these improvement techniques, the most significant efficiency was registered in 1 kg packages, going from 47 % to 89 %, approximately. To maintain this productivity and even to perfect it, it is necessary to hire specialized personnel who know the production processes and industrial operations.

DEPLOYING BUILT-IN QUALITY TO REDUCE SCRAP IN AN AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENT MANUFACTURER

Automotive component manufacturers face global competitive challenges, and the paradigm has shifted from product price as the determining factor of competitiveness to the quality of the product. An automotive component manufacturer was struggling to manage the outflow of defects, and adding inspectors as quality gates to the rear-step bumper production line had severe cost implications. This study aimed to reduce the number of defects by deploying a strategic path of implementing built-in quality. Quality tools were used, and the study’s results included significant manpower reduction, improved quality capability, and reduced scrap rates and reworks.

Institutionalization of Quality Management Practices (QMPs): A Case Study of a Sri Lankan Entity

The main purpose of this study was to explore how can Quality Management Practices (QMPs) be institutionalized as a successful strategic performance improvement initiative in a manufacturing organization located in Sri Lanka. Institutional Theory was incorporated as a theoretical lens to make sense of institutionalization process of the organization. Institutionalization Framework of Tolbert and Zucker (1996) which takes into the account the pre-institutionalization, semi-institutionalization and full institutionalization stages of QMPs implementation within the case organization. The study adopted the single-site case study method under the qualitative methodology. Data has been mainly collected through interviews and documentary review. The findings of this study illustrated that implementation of QMPs in the case organization is successful, because quality management has become an institutionalized practice within the case organization. It was further evident that, institutionalization of QMPs is complete when they are both accepted and taken-for-granted as part of the way people feel and think and the way they usually do things. As a result of institutionalization, QMPs are coherently fitted with the main organizational strategy and they have become an integrated QMPs for the entire organization, without remained as isolated quality practices which are narrowly termed as quality tools and techniques.

Problem-solving practices in the automotive industry: an initial framework

This paper aims to contribute to both theory and practice by describing current problem-solving practices, proposed by various authors, as part of the quality management process of companies in the automotive industry. The paper, based on proposals from different authors, also includes a set of quality tools that can be used in the different steps of the problem-solving process. The results show that there is general agreement on best problem-solving practices, emphasizing root-cause analysis and the development and implementation of corrective actions, which are included in all the proposals analyzed. The analysis also shows that many quality tools can be used in the different steps of this process. In addition, the paper proposes an initial framework developed by the authors that can be used by organizations to improve their problem-solving practices.

Evaluating the validity and reliability of the Tswana adaptation of the MOS-HIV tool for health-related quality of life among HIV Sub-populations in Botswana: A study protocol.

The lack of culturally and contextually appropriate adaptations of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) tools hinders HIV patient outcomes. This study aims to assess the validity and reliability of a Tswana version of the Medical Outcome Survey-HIV (MOS-HIV) tool among diverse HIV sub-populations in Botswana. In terms of the methodology the study will comprise of several steps. Firstly, forward and back-translation of the original U.S. English MOS-HIV tool into Setswana, followed by the review of the translated tool. Phase 1 will evaluate content, construct validity, and reliability of the newly developed tool among HIV outpatients at Gaborone Infectious Diseases Clinics (IDCC). A Cronbach's alpha coefficient >0.7 across the 35 items and 11 dimensions of the MOS-HIV tool will indicate internal consistency reliability. Phase 2 will employ the use of logistic regression models to identify predictors of poor HRQoL among randomly selected IDCC sites, both in urban and rural centers. Phase 3 will investigate predictors of poor HRQoL among inpatients receiving treatment for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) using longitudinal data analysis methods. Ethical approval has been obtained from the University of Botswana, Walter Sisulu University, Human Research and Development Unit, Ministry of Health, and Princess Marina Hospital. Prospective participants will provide written informed consent, with proxy consent explored when feasible. Voluntary participation and confidentiality will be ensured during data collection and analysis. Data will be securely stored under lock-and-key. Dissemination of study findings will adhere to strict privacy protocols, avoiding the sharing of personal identifiers.

Applying Librarian-Created Evaluation Tools to Determine Quality and Credibility of Open Access Library Science Journals

abstract: This article explores the application of journal quality and credibility evaluation tools to library science publications. The researchers investigate quality and credibility attributes of forty-eight peer-reviewed library science journals with open access components using two evaluative tools developed and published by librarians. The results identify common positive and negative attributes of library science journals, compare the results of the two evaluation tools, and discuss their ease of use and limitations. Overall, the results show that while library science journals do not fall prey to the same concerning characteristics that librarians use to caution other researchers, there are several areas in which publishers can improve the quality and credibility of their journals.

Gap analysis of service quality and associated factors at the oncology center of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2022: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo measure the gap between expectations of patients with cancer for oncology services and their perceptions of the actual service and to identify associated factors at the oncology centre of...

Procena karakteristika obrade i habanja alata tokom bušenja ugljenika / aluminijum-aluminijum

In the past few decades, fibre metal laminate (FML) machining has been facing critical challenges in quality control and tool wear monitoring due to the material's intrinsic heterogeneity and abrasiveness. Different drill tools have been used to investigate the effect of process parameters on machining performances. Composite holes and tool wear was studied for drilling forces and surface roughness. An emphasis was made on examining the tool morphologies and wear processes that influence the drilling of CARALL composites. The drilling responses obtained from both the drill bits were optimized using a decision-making approach viz; Combined Compromise Solution Analysis (CoCoSo). The SEM investigation of the machined samples was used to examine the hole quality and surface finish. A lower point angle drill with a longer chip flute length produced the best results for drilling CARALL composites up to a specific point with minimum flank wear and chip adhesion.

Considerations for regulation and evaluation of digital mental health technologies.

Digital mental health technologies (DMHTs) are becoming well established within mental health services and through direct-to-consumer models. Due to their scalable nature, DMHTs may support services to bridge the gap between demand and the available workforce, particularly where existing pathways have long delays or restricted capacity. Challenges and risks associated with DMHTs also need consideration. Regulatory and health technology assessment (HTA) agencies play a key role in ensuring the potential of DMHTs is achieved and their risks are mitigated. However, the nature of DMHTs and advances in digital technology present challenges for regulation and evaluation. In this paper, we describe eight key considerations across the regulatory and HTA pathway for DMHTs. These relate to 1) intended purpose, 2) qualification and classification, 3) risk management, 4) clinical evidence, 5) resource requirements and economic evidence, 6) post-market surveillance and life cycle assessment, 7) replicability and equity, and 8) wider responsibilities. Ensuring clarity within these considerations and addressing outstanding uncertainties is necessary to ensure that the benefits of DMHTs are unlocked, while also ensuring that people have access to high quality and safe tools.

Opportunities and challenges in public–private partnerships to reduce social inequality in health in upper-middle-income and high-income countries: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

ObjectivesThere is a need for novel approaches to address the complexity of social inequality in health. Public–private partnerships (PPPs) have been proposed as a promising approach; however, knowledge on lessons...

Optimizing Quality Tool Selection with Cosine Similarity for Continuous Improvement

Optimizing Quality Tool Selection with Cosine Similarity for Continuous Improvement