Evaluation of the quality of randomized controlled trials on exercise for cervical radiculopathy

Objective:To review and evaluate the quality of the randomized controlled trials of exercise for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy with the present internationally recognized CONSORT statement, which provides reference and basis for the improvement of clinical research on exercise for intervening cervical radiculopathy in the future.Methods: A computer-based search of large domestic databases, including CNKI, Wanfang database and VIP database screened out literature that meet the requirements and used CONSORT statement for quality assessment.Results: According to the prescribed inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 articles were retrieved in accordance with the standard. No literature was referred to the randomized controlled trial, 2 documents clearly defined the type of test design, 1 documents carried out the calculation of sample size, 13 documents clearly randomly assigned, 1 literature implemented the blind method, in the 7 literature, baseline information was shown in tabular form, and no reference was made to trial registration, trial protocol and funding.Conclusion:There are some aspects of randomized controlled trials on exercise for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy. However, there are some aspects that need to be improved. In the future randomized controlled trial report, the CONSORT statement should be highly valued and carefully considered to improve the accuracy and credibility of the research.

A Quality Evaluation System for Dissertation Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process

A dissertation is a research report or scientific paper written by an author to obtain a certain degree. It reflects postgraduates’ research achievements and the educational quality of an institute, even a country. To construct an optimized quality evaluation system for postgraduate dissertation (QESPD), we summarized the influencing factors and invited 10 experienced specialists to rate and prioritize them based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. Four primary indicators (innovation, integrity, scientificity and normativity) and 16 sub-indicators were selected to form the evaluation system. The order of primary indicators by weight, was innovation (0.4269), scientificity (0.2807), integrity (0.1728) and normativity (0.1196). The top five sub-dimensions were theoretical originality, scientific value, data reliability, design rationality and evidence credibility. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system, a case study was performed. In the case study, it was demonstrated that the established two-index-hierarchy QESPD in this study was a more scientific and reasonable evaluation system worthy of promotion and application.

Entropy method for determination of weight of evaluating indicators in fuzzy synthetic evaluation for water quality assessment

Considering the difficulty of fuzzy synthetic evaluation method in calculation of the multiple factors and ignorance of the relationship among evaluating objects, a new weight evaluation process using entropy method was introduced. This improved method for determination of weight of the evaluating indicators was applied in water quality assessment of the Three Gorges reservoir area. The results showed that this method was favorable for fuzzy synthetic evaluation when there were more than one evaluating objects. One calculation was enough for calculating every monitoring point. Compared with the original evaluation method, the method predigested the fuzzy synthetic evaluation process greatly and the evaluation results are more reasonable.

Comparative Study of Evaluation Indicators for Learning Cities and the Implications

With the development of society,more and more cities are participating in the initiative to build learning cities.Constructing an evaluation indicator system for learning cities to monitor the progress and promote their growth has become increasingly important.This paper analyzes the preliminary framework of the UNESCO Global Learning City Index and R3L+Quality Framework.The comparison is made from the aspects of design philosophy,criteria of indicator,and the cycle of evaluation process.The findings suggest that the construction of an evaluation indicator system should be focused more on the diversity of learning city development,the construction of an evaluation process cycle,and the significance of building cooperative networks.

Novel method for the evaluation of data quality based on fuzzy control

One of the goals of data collection is preparing for decision-making, so high quality requirement must be satisfied. Rational evaluation of data quality is an effective way to identify data problem in time, and the quality of data after this evaluation is satisfactory with the requirement of decision maker. A fuzzy neural network based research method of data quality evaluation is proposed. First, the criteria for the evaluation of data quality are selected to construct the fuzzy sets of evaluating grades, and then by using the learning ability of NN, the objective evaluation of membership is carried out, which can be used for the effective evaluation of data quality. This research has been used in the platform of ＇data report of national compulsory education outlay guarantee＇ from the Chinese Ministry of Education. This method can be used for the effective evaluation of data quality worldwide, and the data quality situation can be found out more completely, objectively, and in better time by using the method.

Evaluation of Laboratory Performance with Quality Indicators in Infectious Disease Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Background: In January 2010, the implementation of quality management systems toward WHO-AFRO laboratory accreditation commenced in the Antiretroviral Treatment Laboratory of the Infectious Disease Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Quality improvement projects were instituted in 2011 in line with ISO 15189 requirements for accreditation of medical laboratory. In this study we evaluated the performance of the laboratory through some set of quality indicators (QI). Methodology: This was a retrospective study to evaluate laboratory QIs monitored from January 2011 to December 2013. The QIs were specimen rejection rate (SSR), turnaround time (TAT), proficiency testing performance (PTP) and client satisfaction survey (CSS). Data was collected into an excel file for analysis and percentage performance compared among years. SSR & TAT were evaluated with the Sigma scale. Results: A total of 7920 (2194 in 2011, 2715 in 2012, 3011 in 2013) specimens were received for testing. 22 (0.28%) specimens were rejected and 81 (1.02%) specimens’ results were reported after the acceptable TAT, giving a Sigma level of 4.27 and 3.82 for SSR and TAT respectively. There was steady improvement in PTP: CD4+ from 67% in 2011 to 90% in 2013, hematology from 81% in 2012 to 83% in 2013, blood film reading 79% in 2011 to 83% in 2013 and chemistry from 90% in 2011 to 93% in 2013. HIV serology recorded 100% throughout. CSS increased from 59% in 2012 to 78% in 2013. However, there was no statistically significance difference reported for PTP and CSS over the years (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights the need to continuously evaluate QIs and calls for more effort to improve on PTP and focuses on understanding and improving on clients concerns.

The Main Evaluation Indicators for the Quality of Fruit Radish

The aim of this study was to establish a scientific evaluation system for fruit radish quality. 8 quality indicators were measured for23 varieties,such as Meinong,Qiaotouqing and Chunbulao. The indicators included root weight,root shape index,water content,crispness,soluble solids,crude fiber,isothiocyanate and vitamin C. These data were analyzed by variation correlation analysis,principal component analysis and system cluster analysis. 23 varieties of fruit radish were analyzed by variation correlation; 8 indicators were compressed into 6 integrated variables using principal component analysis. Finally,the main evaluation indicators of fruit radish were determined by using cluster analysis and correlation analysis. The results indicated that the range of variation coefficient was from 1. 64%-89. 99%. Water content,crispness,soluble solids,crude fiber,isothiocyanate were the important components of fruit radish quality,playing a major role in the quality. These 8indicators were closely related and relatively independent. Water content was significantly and positively correlated with crispness; soluble solids and crude fiber were significantly and negatively related to vitamin C; crispness was significantly and positively correlated with crude fiber and vitamin C. Based on the above results,4 representative indicators were used for evaluating fruit radish quality,that is water content,crispness,soluble solids,crude fiber,which could reflect the most information of fruit radish quality.

Reliable evaluation method of quality control for compressive strength of concrete

Concrete in reinforced concrete structure (RC) is generally under significant compressive stress load. To guarantee required quality and ductility, various tests have to be conducted to measure the concrete’s compressive strength based on ACI (American Concrete Institute) code. Investigations of recent devastating collapses of structures around the world showed that some of the collapses directly resulted from the poor quality of the concrete. The lesson learned from these tragedies is that guaranteeing high quality of concrete is one of the most important factors ensuring the safety of the reinforced concrete structure. In order to ensure high quality of concrete, a new method for analyzing and evaluating the concrete production process is called for. In this paper, the indices of fit and stable degree are proposed as basis to evaluate the fitness and stability of concrete’s compressive strength. These two indices are combined to define and evaluate the quality index of the compressive strength of concrete. Prin-ciples of statistics are used to derive the best estimators of these indices. Based on the outcome of the study, a concrete compres-sive strength quality control chart is proposed as a tool to help the evaluation process. Finally, a new evaluation procedure to assess the quality control capability of the individual concrete manufacturer is also proposed.

Establishing a quality indicator format for endoscopic ultrasound

AIM: To perform a quality control(QC) review of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) with emphasis on current consensus established quality indicators. METHODS: A national quality control study of EUS was performed with expanded international comparison. Ten different healthcare institutions in Israel participated in coordination with University of Chicago Medical Center. Each Israeli center provided ten patient reports, compared with twenty reports from University of Chicago Medical Center. Quality indicator forms were prepared with sections to be completed before, during, and after EUS. Physician compliance to all listed indicators wasevaluated. Quality indicators were evaluated prior to, during, and after performing EUS. RESULTS: One hundred different EUS procedural reports were analyzed. The mean patient age was 59 years old. Indications for referral were mostly for pancreatic or biliary reasons. QC showed several strongly reported areas, including indications for EUS(97%), anesthesia given(94%), periprocedural pancreatic evaluation(87%), and an overall summary of the EUS examination(82%). Intermediately reported areas included patients' pertinent past medical history(71.7%), evaluation of the biliary tree(63%), and providing medical guidance about potential procedural adverse events, including pancreatitis and bleeding(52%). Half of the reports(50%) did not include a systemic organ evaluation. Other areas, including systematic reporting of screened organs(36%), description of fine needle aspiration(15%), tumor description via tumor-nodemetastasis(5%), and listing of adverse events(0%) were largely lacking from procedural documentation. CONCLUSION: Documenting specific EUS quality indicators including listing post-procedural recommendations may improve the quality and efficiency of future EUS examinations and subsequent patient follow-up.

Comprehensive evaluation of water quality parameters in Tianjin Dagu Dainage Canal

In this paper, some indices of sulfide, organic carbon, oil and heavy metals （copper, lead, zinc, cadmium, mercury, arsenic and chromium） in the sediments from Dagu Dainage Canal at the Bohai Bay during four seasons in 2012 - 2013 are selected, and Water Quality Pollution Index （API） is applied to evaluate water quality indices, aiming for the systematic evaluation of the water quality of Dagu Dainage Canal. The results showed that four stations of D3, D6, D7and D9 for S2 had the type Ⅱand Ⅲ of water; others had the type Ⅰ ; the total level of TOC, TPH, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg, As and Cr were type Ⅰ, Ⅳ, Ⅱ, Ⅴ, Ⅱ, Ⅴ, Ⅲ, Vand Ⅴ. Water Quality Pollution Index （API） was 3.28, which illustrated Dagu Dainage Canal was in the state of contamination and the degree of pollution exceeded the standard functional areas.

Top-down法评定EDTA络合滴定法测定海洋沉积物中碳酸钙含量的不确定度

依据Top-down技术中的质控图法对EDTA络合滴定法测定海洋沉积物中碳酸钙含量的不确定度进行评定。利用2021年质控样标准物质GBW 07333、GBW 07314和GBW 07316中CaCO_(3)测定值的时序数据进行评定,3组时序数据正态统计量A^(2*)(s)和独立性统计量A^(2*)(RM)均小于1,CaCO_(3)测定值、A_(EWMi)和移动极差控制图没有失控点,3组时序数据处于受控状态。当CaCO_(3)质量分数分别为2.05%、6.20%和38.56%时,计算得其扩展不确定度分别为0.08%、0.07%和0.20%。将测量不确定度与对应含量值进行线性拟合建立了不确定度预测模型,GBW 07309和GBW 07334中CaCO_(3)的测量不确定度预测值分别为0.09%和0.18%,预测值与Top-down技术获取的评定结果较为吻合。

A strategy for population pharmaceutical quality assessment based on quality by design

From a regulatory perspective,drug quality consistency evaluation must concern different processes used for the same drug.In this study,an assessment strategy based on quality by design(QbD)was developed for population pharmaceutical quality evaluation.A descriptive analysis method based on QbD concept was first established to characterize the process by critical evaluation attributes(CEAs).Then quantitative analysis method based on an improved statistical process control(SPC)method was established to investigate the process indicators(PIs)in the process population,such as mean distribution,batch-to-batch difference and abnormal quality probability.After that rules for risk assessment were established based on the SPC limitations and parameters.Both the SPC parameters of the CEAs and the risk of PIs were visualized according to the interaction test results to obtain a better understanding of the population pharmaceutical quality.Finally,an assessment strategy was built and applied to generic drug consistency assessment,process risk assessment and quality trend tracking.The strategy demonstrated in this study could help reveal quality consistency from the perspective of process control and process risk,and further show the recent development status of domestic pharmaceutical production processes.In addition,a process risk assessment and population quality trend tracking provide databased information for approval.Not only can this information serve as a further basis for decisionmaking by the regulatory authority regarding early warnings,but it can also reduce some avoidable adverse reactions.With continuous addition of data,dynamic population pharmaceutical quality is meaningful for emergencies and decision-making regarding drug regulation.

Evaluation of Farmland Drainage Water Quality by Fuzzy–Gray Combination Method

The complex relationships between indicators and water conditions cause fuzzy and gray uncertainties in evaluation of water quality. Compared to conventional single-factor evaluation methods, the combination evaluation method can consider these two uncertainties to produce more objective and reasonable evaluation results. In this paper, we propose a combination evaluation method with two main parts:(1) the use of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and gray correlation analysis as submodels with which to consider the fuzzy and gray uncertainties and(2) the establishment of a combination model based on minimum bias squares. In addition, using this method, we evaluate the water quality of a ditch in a typical rice–wheat system of Yixing city in the Taihu Lake Basin during three rainfall events. The results show that the ditch water quality is not good and we found the chemical oxygen demand to be the key indicator that affects water quality most significantly. The proposed combination evaluation method is more accurate and practical than single-factor evaluation methods in that it considers the uncertainties of fuzziness and grayness.

基于Donabedian模型的三级公立医院日间医疗质量评价体系研究

目的:构建三级公立医院日间医疗质量评价指标体系,为客观评价日间医疗质量提供科学依据。方法:采用文献检索和半结构化访谈法确定初始指标,设计专家函询问卷,采用德尔菲法和层次分析法构建基于Donabedian模型的三级公立医院日间医疗质量评价指标体系并确定各指标权重。结果:两轮专家函询的问卷有效回收率分别为90.91%和100%,专家权威系数为0.892,专家协调系数为0.137~0.246(P<0.05),各级指标判断矩阵均通过一致性检验(CR<0.1),最终构建的日间医疗质量评价指标体系包含3个一级指标、11个二级指标和38个三级指标。结论:本研究构建的三级公立医院日间医疗质量评价体系具有较高的科学性和可靠性,能够客观、全面地评价日间医疗质量,促进日间医疗质量规范化管理和持续改进。

Gas Purification and Quality Control of the End Gas Product

One of the main problems in the flow-through gas purification technologies is related with continuous control of the outlet gas purity. The information concerning purity of the produced gas is on high demand, e.g., for processing systems integrated with gas purifiers. The positive solution of this problem has become possible only now due to the appearance of reactive getters (reactants) that serve as highly efficient sinks for gas impurities and our sorption model of the processes, which take place in gas purifiers with these reactants. According to the given model the appearance of a single valued functional connection between the purity of the gas product and the duration of the treatment of the gas flow by the sorbing powder is typical for any system Me -Y, where Me is a powder reactant and Y is an impurity gas. This strict correlation provides the mathematical justification to a simple method of determining the concentration of the impurity in the gas flow at the exit from the gas purifier. This method comes down to measuring of the quantity of the purified gas by a gas flow meter, the readings of which are graduated in the units of gas concentration.

A Survey on Network Operation and Maintenance Quality Evaluation Models

The evaluation of network operation and maintenance quality is an important reference for carriers to improve their service.However,the traditional evaluation methods involve so much human participation that it cannot cope with the explosive amount of data.Therefore,both the major carriers and researchers are trying to find solutions to evaluate the quality of network operation and maintenance more objectively and accurately.In this paper,we analyze the general process of quality evaluation models for network operation and maintenance.The process has four steps:1)selection of evaluation indicators;2)data process for chosen indicators;3)determination of indicator weights;4)establishment of evaluation models.We further describe the working principle of each step,especially the methods for indicator selection and weight determination.Finally,we review the recently proposed evaluation models and the international stan dards of network operation and maintenance quality evaluation.

Training indicators and quantitative criteria for emergency nurse specialists

Objective： By constructing a training system of quality evaluation standards for emergency nurse specialist（ENS）, we can ensure smooth operations and quality training for ENS.Methods： First, the frame structure of indicators was designed on the basis of system theory and the balanced scorecard method. Meanwhile, corresponding quantitative standard indicators were compiled through literature analysis and a review of training characteristics. Next, screening indicators were collected through consultation with experts and statistical calculations. The indicators weight coefficient was calculated using the analytic hierarchy process（AHP）. Finally, indicators were validated in two groups of nurses in two different training courses.Results：（1） We created a three-level indicator system： level-Ⅰ dimensions have 4 indicators, while level-Ⅱ dimensions and level-Ⅲ dimensions have 13 and 34 indicators, respectively;（2） The coefficient of expert＇s judgment is 0.840, familiarity is 0.914 and authority is 0.877, and the three rounds of coordination coefficient are 0.456, 0.553 and 0.715, respectively;（3） There are at least 56 indicators in alternative quantitative standards; and（4） The alpha reliability value of the indicator system in the two training course had no significant difference（P 〉 0.05）. The same result was observed when examining two groups of nurses in one training course（P 〉 0.05）.Conclusions： This study established a training system of quality evaluation standards for emergency nurse specialists that is objective, reliable, easy to operate and representative according to scientific selection and verification. This system can therefore provide a basis for quality evaluation and targeted improvement for ENS training in addition to promoting health.

Importance-performance analysis: Revisiting a tool for the evaluation of clinical services

The importance-performance analysis method (IPA) is used in market research in order to measure the level of customer satisfaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate and highlight the use of IPA as a management tool to measure quality of dental services. We suggest that this method can be easily implemented in a dental educational setting, as a performance outcome measure that includes patient input. The study was conducted in a dental service through a valid questionnaire, SERVQUAL. This instrument explores levels of service quality perceived by patients. It was conducted in four companies in Brazil in 2011 (derived from different industry segments;two from textiles, one from hospital care and the other from the manufacturing industry) in two States (S?o Paulo and Minas Gerais). These companies were covered by the same dental managed care organization which contracted with independent dentists to provide care. The study was divided into two stages: the first, in which beneficiaries answered the questionnaire prior to receiving dental treatment, and the second when the same beneficiaries answered after completing their dental treatment. Data obtained from SERVQUAL generated graphs that were used to characterize the IPA matrix using several dimensions of care. The Assurance Dimension had the highest average in both expectation and perception. The Reliability dimension showed the value of the most negative GAP among the dimensions, and the best value occurred in the Responsiveness dimension. The IPA tool may be effective in Dental Medicine since it highlights the key points to be improved in the delivery of dental services in a clinical setting.

Canonical Correlation between the Leaf Quality Indicators of "Moderate Aroma" Flue-cured Tobacco

In order to find out the correlation between tobacco quality evaluation indicators in China's traditional " moderate aroma" tobaccoproducing areas and simplify the tobacco quality evaluation indicators,we evaluate the appearance quality and smoking quality of 143 flue-cured tobacco leaf samples in China's " moderate aroma" tobacco-producing areas,test the physical traits and chemical component,and analyze the canonical correlation between four quality evaluation indicators. The results show that there is significant or extremely significant canonical correlation between four evaluation indicators( tobacco smoking quality,chemical component,appearance quality and physical trait quality); the cumulative variance contribution rate of evaluation indicators is in the order of chemical component( 69. 17%) > appearance quality( 68. 76%) > physical traits( 64. 13%); appearance quality is most closely related to physical traits( 93. 84%). The individual indicators for tobacco quality evaluation make different contribution to the correlation between quality evaluation indicators. The chemical component evaluation indicators mainly include total sugar and ratio of total sugar to betaine; sensory taste indicators mainly include aroma volume,smoke concentration,irritation and softness degree; physical trait evaluation indicators mainly include leaf weight,leaf length and leaf density; appearance quality indicators mainly include leaf organizational structure,color,maturity and identity. Studies have shown that in the large-scale ecoregion,using canonical correlation analysis to simplify tobacco quality evaluation indicators is feasible.

Method of effective evaluation for examination of chloride ion in concrete

The chloride ion contained in reinforced concrete seriously corrodes the steel surface and damages concrete, resulting in inferior reinforced concrete that strength seriously compromises the entire structure’s safety. Consequently, the examination of chloride ions contained in reinforced concrete becomes an important part of a complete quality control procedure. To effectively check the concentration of chloride ions in concrete, the evaluation process should be accurate and precise. Laboratory data ob- tained using existing evaluation methods for the examination of chloride ion are not sufficiently objective to yield reliable results with accuracy and consistency for each sample. An evaluation algorithm with capability to define indices of precision degree (Ep) and accuracy degree (Ea) is presented in this paper. The authors established a statistically reliable index of unbiased estimators and equations to critically examine the laboratory methods’ precision, accuracy degrees and application value for measuring chlorine ion concentration in reinforced concrete.