MADE IN HONG KONG: A CULTURAL PEARL PURSUING FOR QUALITY

Managing quality has become a serious endeavor for many Hong Kong companies. Many forward looking chief executives recognize that effective quality management is of strategic importance to competing, winning and retaining markets. In this respect, they have established their quality culture in order to unify the workforce and the management for better quality performance. This paper is to study the styles of quality culture in some best companies in Hong Kong.

On the Whole-Process People’s Democracy and the Construction of Citizens’ Cultural Quality

The Whole-Process People’s Democracy has become an important proposition of the socialist modernization democratic theory with Chinese characteristics,and has important value for the development of the new form of human civilization.The Whole-Process People’s Democracy is not only a“democracy”system,its focus is to achieve“people’s democracy”,its unique feature is to surpass“non process”democracy with the“Whole-Process”,and create a new governance path of a new form of human civilization.Of course,the emphasis of people’s democracy on the consciousness of people’s subjective participation in the whole process also puts forward corresponding requirements for the cultural quality construction of Chinese social citizens in the new era,so it is also of great significance to pay attention to the cultivation of citizens’public spirit.

A Study on the Path of Promoting External Dissemination of Regional Culture with Translation Technology under the Background of New Quality Productivity

With the introduction of the concept of new quality productivity characterized by high technology,efficiency,and quality,various industries in China have ignited a high spirit of innovation and development.Against this background,this article analyzes the significance and current situation of the external dissemination of regional culture and combines the application of translation technology empowered by new quality productivity to explore a path suitable for the wider,more effective,and higher-quality external dissemination of regional culture.The aim is to provide practical experience for promoting the effective dissemination of regional culture in China to the world and better build a cultural power.

Effect of exogenous GA3 on flowering quality, endogenous hormones, and hormone-and flowering-associated gene expression in forcing-cultured tree peony（Paeonia suffruticosa）

Gibberellins(GAs)promote flowering in the forcing-cultured tree peony(Paeonia suffruticosa),however,the mechanism of regulating flowering is not fully understood.In this study,exogenous GA3 was applied to five-year-old Luoyang Hong plants to explore responses in terms of endogenous hormones,flowering quality,and the hormone-and flowering-associated gene expression.Exogenous GA3 application significantly promoted flower bud development and new branch growth,as well as improved flowering quality.Exogenous GA3 application also stimulated the synthesis of endogenous GA3 and indole-3-acetic acid(IAA)but reduced abscisic acid(ABA)levels.To further elucidate the regulatory mechanism,eight genes for GA biosynthesis and signaling,including PsCPS,PsKS,PsGA3ox,PsGA2ox,PsGID1b,PsGID1c,PsDELLA,and PsGID2 were cloned for the first time,and sequence analysis was also performed.The results suggested that all the cloned genes have conserved structure as each homologous gene reported in the other species.Phylogenetic trees constructed by the each cloned gene showed that the phylogenetic evolutionary relationship of P.suffruticosa was closely related to Vitis vinifera.The expression patterns of the above genes,and genes for ABA and IAA biosynthetic and signaling,and the flowering time were also investigated.Most of the above genes showed higher expression in the control buds than those in the GA3 treated buds at six developmental stages,whereas the expression levels of PsSOC1 and PsSPL9 were up-regulated by GA3 treatment.The results also showed that the GA-biosynthetic and signaling pathways are conserved in tree peony,and the PsCPS,PsGA3ox,PsGA2ox,PsGID1,PsDELLA,and PsGID2 genes are necessary for feedback regulation of GAs.Furthermore,hormone changes promoted PsSOC1 and PsSPL9 expression,and repressed PsSVP expression,which contributed to the improvement flowering quality in tree peony of forcing culture.

A Comparison Study on Flesh Quality of Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys croceus) Cultured with Three Different Modes

To compare the flesh quality of large yellow croaker cultured with three different modes, enclosure culture(EC), cage culture with feeding trash fish(CCF) and cage culture with feeding formula diet(CCD), thirty six fish individuals of EC(484.6 ± 79.8 g), CCF(432.7 ± 87.9 g) and CCD(416.9 ± 49.5 g) were sampled to measure body color, flesh water holding capacity, flesh proximate composition, amino acids and fatty acids composition, and collagen and inosinic acid contents. The analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the yellowness of skin and the contents of crude protein and inosinic acid between CCD and EC(P > 0.05), and the two modes showed higher values than CCF(P < 0.05). Most of the amino acids(AA) in flesh were higher in EC than in CCF(P < 0.05), but CCD showed no difference in AA composition from the other two modes(P > 0.05). EC and CCD had higher contents of collagen, free AA and lower drip loss than CC(P < 0.05). In polyunsaturated fatty acids, EC showed significantly higher levels of C20:5 n-3 and C22:6 n-3 than CCF and CCD(P < 0.05), but CCD had significantly higher C18:2 n-6 than CCF and EC(P < 0.05). In conclusion, the flesh quality of CCD fish is similar to EC fish, and these two modes have better flesh quality than CCF.

A healthcare quality management system underpinning the 3-E model and its application in a new tertiary hospital in Australia

Objectives: Engaging, enhancing and embedding clinical audit improvement activities into everyday practice to develop capacity, capability and culture in continuous improvement.Method: Through the implementation of an electronic quality management system called Governance, Evidence, Knowledge and Outcome (GEKO), the key aspects of governance, evidence knowledge and outcomes were able to be applied to quality initiatives. Implementation of the GEKO system incorporated the principles of total quality control and management to include strategic management control and marketing in parallel with leadership strategies. The vision was to motivate staff to enable ownership of the quality cycle of continuous improvement of patient care to incorporate underlying systems and processes that impact on patient care. Results: A continuous improvement pathway was successfully established 4 months post hospital commissioning. Over 890 (approximately 16% workforce) multidisciplinary and multi-professional staff received training and support for QIs in 12 months;over 535 quality proposals were received on GEKO. Submissions by profession: nursing and midwifery 46% (246), medical 33%(177), allied health 9% (48), pharmacy 5%(27), and non-clinical staff 7%(37). Average new submissions per month were 42. Reviews demonstrated the application of a rapid cycle approach to develop, test, modify and refine improvements and enhanced clinical care. Conclusion: Appropriate governance structure, processes, extensive education and training together with collaborative relationships are the keys to embed clinical audit improvement into everyday practice. The availability of a quality management system like GEKO is very useful to make QI accessible to all staff.

Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeast Starter Cultures on the Soaking Time and Quality of “Ofada” Rice

Freshly harvested paddy rice was randomly obtained from three different farms in “Ofada” town, Ogun State, Nigeria and processed according to the traditional parboiling method. The rice was inoculated singly with cultures of Lactobacillus amylophilus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Saccharomyces uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae which were isolated from the soak-water. In order to assess the effect of starter cultures on the soaking time of the rice, the pH and titratable acidity were determined at 12 h interval. The chemical composition and the sensory quality of the rice were also determined at the end of the soaking period while uninoculated rice served as control. The chemical composition of the rice as well as the pH and TTA of the soak-water were significantly (p < 0.05) different from the control while the processing time was shortened to 48 h. The rice inoculated with Saccharomyces uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisae had the highest protein content and best sensory attributes.

Evaluation of Spatial-Temporal Variations of Water Quality and Plankton Assemblages and Its Relationship to Water Use in Kulekhani Multipurpose Reservoir, Nepal

Spatial and temporal variation in planktons and water quality parameters were investigated in order to determine the effects of seasonal water use on reservoir water quality and planktons’ diversity in Kulekhani Multipurpose Reservoir, Nepal. This study also focuses on interactions among various water quality parameters with planktons and how such interactions can affect the second major utility, the fish farming in the reservoir. The analyses of seasonal water samples collected from three different sampling locations in the reservoir showed that select water quality parameters varied significantly (P < 0.05) with sampling seasons (transparency: 30 - 250 cm, pH: 7 - 7.5, alkalinity: 30 - 120 mg/L, DO: 6 - 11.5 mg/L, CO2: 0.1 - 1.1 mg/L) and sampling locations (phosphate: 0.1 - 0.25 mg/L, nitrate 0.01 - 0.19 mg/L) in the reservoir. Three groups of zooplankton and four classes of phytoplankton, respectively with eleven and twelve genera, were identified and quantified in the reservoir. Among them, Cyclops, Asplanchana, and Keratella were most dominant zooplanktons while Synedra, Melosira and Peridinum were the most dominant phytoplankton in the reservoir water. The abundance of select zooplanktons (Cyclops, Keratella, Polyanthra), and phytoplankton (Navicula, Melosira, Amphora, Chroococcus, Staurastrum, Scendesmus) showed significant interaction between sampling sites and sampling seasons, while the other varied only with sampling seasons and/or sites. These results showed that seasonal water level fluctuations, along with the variation of water quality parameters, change the abundance and diversity of planktons’ in the reservoir. Such changes can negatively impact the fish in cage culture, affecting the livelihood of people extensively relying on these fish farming.

Rice-duck co-culture benefits grain 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline accumulation and quality and yield enhancement of fragrant rice

Rice-duck co-culture is an integrated farming technology that benefits rice production, grain quality, and ecological sustainability in paddy fields. However, little is known about the effects of rice-duck co-culture on enzyme activity involved in the biosynthesis of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP), the volatile that gives fragrant rice its' distinctive and sought-after aroma. The present study aimed to examine the influence of rice-duck co-culture on the photosynthesis, yield, grain quality, rice aroma, and the enzymes involved in 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline biosynthesis in the cultivar Meixiangzhan 2 during the early and late rice growing seasons of 2016 in Guangzhou, China. We compared the rice grown in paddy fields with and without ducks. We found that rice-duck co-culture not only improved the yield and quality of fragrant rice grain, but also promoted the precursors of 2-AP biosynthesis formation and 2-AP accumulation in the grain. Grain 2-AP content in rice-duck co-culture was noticeably increased with 9.60% and 20.81% in early and late seasons, respectively. Proline and pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid (P5C) (precursors of 2-AP biosynthesis) and the activity of enzymes such as proline dehydrogenase (ProDH), ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) and Δ1 pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid synthetase (P5CS) were all improved by 10.15%–12.99%, 32.91%–47.75%, 17.81%–26.71%, 6.25%–21.78%, and 10.58%–38.87% under rice-duck co-culture in both seasons, respectively. Overall, our results suggest that rice-duck co-culture is an environmentally-friendly and sustainable approach to improving rice aroma and grain quality of fragrant rice.

How can leadership influence the quality ofcare in a health-care organization?

Objective:This study focuses on how leadership could influence the quality of care in a health-care organization.Methods:The concept of leadership and quality are analyzed.In addition,issues concerning how leadership can influence quality of care through the effect on the organizational culture and the engagement of both nurses and patients are discussed.Results:Leadership is the pivotal factor in the improvement of quality through the effect on the organizational culture and the engagement of both nurses and patients.Conclusions:Leadership can influence the quality of care directly and indirectly.The organization and the leaders should know the importance of effective leadership to a better work environment,facilitate the implementation of the new mode of nursing,and provide best services to the patients.

APPLICATION OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN A CHINESE BASED SOCIETY——HONG KONG

Hong Kong′s current quality management philosophy can best be described as imported and experimental. This is because Hong Kong is at the interface of Eastern and Western culture, and modern quality management philosophies are at first imported from the West and implanted into the Hong Kong Subsidiaries of American and European controlled companies. Local experience in quality management is usually obtained via trial and error, and through progressive modifications. The influence of Chinese culture on quality management in Hong Kong has formed the main subject of this study. This study is to initiate the interest to develop modern quality management concepts based on Chinese culture. Some initial results suggest that Hong Kong managers have great interest in applying Chinese working principle to quality management.

AN ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE FOR QUALITY THROUGH EMPOWERMENT MANAGEMENT

Total quality management (TQM) is of strategic significance in winning the required edge for manufacturers in Hong Kong to survive in the ever increasingly competitive market. Mere capitalization on the cheap availability of labour and land in the China's Mainland for competitiveness is no longer viable because of the emergence of new competitors in particular those in Asia countries. TQM aiming for continuous improvements is the key for profitability growth and long run competitiveness. Over emphasis in the “hardware” for quality improvement without the complementation of it with the cultivation of the “software” for its implementation will not only delay the real implementation of real TQM but may also result in catastrophic failure of the organization in the face of rapid changes in demand and expectations of customers. An organizational culture for quality improvement through management empowerment is believed to be fruitful in helping the Hong Kong manufacturers to win the uphill battle for their well being and even survival in the world competition.

Evaluation of Nutrient Components and Nutritive Quality of Larimichthys crocea(Big Yellow Croaker)in Different Aquaculture Models

To ascertain the nutrient components and nutritive quality of the flesh of big yellow croaker in three culture conditions （ traditional cage, offshore cage and cage-free）, basic nutritional components,amino acid,fatty acid and mineral elements were determined. The results indicated that crude protein in flesh of the big yellow croaker in cage-free culture was higher than that in offshore cage and much higher than that in traditional cage （ P 〈0.05）. Crude fat of the croaker cul- tured in the traditional cage was twice as high as that in cage-free culture, while that in the offshore cage was in the middle. Proline content in the cage-free culture was much higher than that in the offshore cage, and also than that in the traditional cage （P 〈 0.05 ）. There was no significant difference in the content of alanine, methionine and tryptophan （ P 〈 0.05）. Contents of other amino acids had no significant difference between the cage-free culture and offshore cage, but were much lower in the traditional cage （P 〈 0.05 ）. Top six fatty acids were 9-Hexadecenoic acid, palmitic acid,9-Octadecenoic acid, Octadecauoic acid, DHA and EPA. The palmitic acid content was the highest in cage-free culture and in traditional cage, 9-Octadeeenoic acid content was the highest in offshore cage. Content of unsaturat- ed fatty acids in cage-free culture, offshore cage and traditional cage was 63.60,66.32,57.67, respectively, and polyunsaturated fatty acid was 29.10, 28.57, and 24.40. Content of DHA in cage-free culture was significantly higher than that in the offshore and traditional cage. Content of zinc had no significant difference in three culture models. Content of phosphorus had no significant difference between that in cage-free culture and offshore cage, was lower in the traditional cage. The cage-free cultured croakers had the highest content of calcium and phosphorus. Content of selenium was about the same between the offshore cage and the traditional cage stocking, higher in the cage-free culture. This research has considerable application value for identifying quality and sources of the big yellow croakers.

Replacing liquid fyrite with digital to improve <i>in vitro</i>fertilization laboratory quality control procedures

In clinical in vitro fertilization (IVF), optimal culture conditions are required for production of high quality embryos and for achieving high pregnancy rates. Cell culture systems require vigilant attention to quality control and quality assurance, and upgrades to equipment and procedures require strenuous deliberation. During a 2-week maintenance period, we undertook an extensive analysis of incubator carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring and the effect on culture media pH by comparing our traditional liquid Fyrite instruments to a certified and calibrated digital CO2 analyzer. The digital analyzer produced consistently lower CO2 readings and significantly greater precision than the liquid Fyrite. Media pH measurements showed significant variation depending on CO2 calibration device;however pH remained within manufacturers’ specifications. After superior performance by the digital analyzer, we incorporated this device into the incubator calibration and daily quality control procedures. A retrospective comparison of overall lab performance before and after this equipment switch demonstrated improved clinical pregnancy and implantation rates. This report illustrates the necessary caution when altering established laboratory procedures and equipment while highlighting the benefits of judiciously updating techniques and equipment in a laboratory setting that is often stubborn to change pre-existing, ingrained methodology.

Assessment of Water Quality in Shrimp Culture Areas of the Mekong Delta

Water quality was investigated in shrimp culture areas in Cau Ngang, Tra Vinh where three culture systems were found in the same area to assess the impact of intensification of shrimp culture on the surrounding environment. Three culture systems were selected including intensive, semi-intensive and rice-shrimp alternated culture for the study. Monthly assessment of physical and chemical parameters of water and biotic parameters were done for a period of one year from March, 2009 to February, 2010 in the canals surrounding the culture systems. The physical chemical parameters of water recorded include temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand （COD）, total suspended solids （TSS）, total ammonium （TAN）, nitrite （N-NO2）, nitrate （N-NO3） and total nitrogen （TN）, total phosphorus （TP） in both water and sediment. Zooplankton and zoobenthos were determined quantitatively and qualitatively using zooplankton nets and Petersen grabs, respectively. The results indicated that most of water parameters were not significantly different between culture systems and were in suitable ranges for aquatic life within the national standard criteria except DO, TSS and TP at some periods. DO concentration in rice-shrimp system was significantly lower than that in other systems. TSS and TP concentrations both in water and sediment were high exceeding the limit ranges （〉 100 mg/L）. The occurrence of some zooplankton and zoobenthos species indicated that all systems were polluted at 13 level （mesosaprobic） in which the rice-shrimp alternated culture system subjected to more environmental fluctuation not only by shrimp culture but also rice cultivation and salinity variation between dry and rainy seasons.

Translation, Cultural Adaption and Validation of Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture in Kosovo

Background: An essential condition to improve patient safety is considered to ensure a supportive patient safety culture. Measuring the culture of patient safety in all health care institutions may be a first step to target improvements. Creating a culture of safety requires eliminating the culture of blame. In order to formulate actions for improvement, it is important for hospitals to assess their baseline scores for the existing safety culture and to determine the areas of priority. Aim: The aim of this study was first to measure the use, translation in Albanian and adaptation of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) assessment as a tool for improving patient safety in Kosovo Hospitals. The second aim was to measure the level of patient safety culture in Kosovo, in seven hospitals and one University Clinical Center (hospitals with over 50 beds, including psychiatric hospitals). Method: The questionnaire (HSOPSC) was translated into Albanian for use in the Kosovo. It was used forward-backward translation: the questions were translated into Albanian by one translator and then translated back into English by an independent translator who was blinded to the original questionnaire. Results: In the eight-factor model, the internal consistency of the factors and the construct validity of the HSOPSC questionnaire were mostly satisfactory. The construct validity was sufficient for all subscales, except for the 4 other subscale regarding intention to report incidents which correlated poorly with other subscales. In total, HSOPSC has 12 dimensions. Cronbach’s α showed that in Kosovarian society, we could use only 8 dimensions model. Conclusion: The hypothesis that HSOPSC would be a suitable instrument to provide important indicators for the improvement of patient safety culture was tested and it was confirmed, that HSOPSC could be used as 8 dimension model. HSOPSC is suitable to improve patient safety culture and provide each hospital with a basic profile on patient safety culture and recommendations for an oriented intervention plan.

Study on the Relationship between Wine Culture and People s Quality of Life

Taking wine culture and quality of life as the research object,this paper analyzes the relationship between wine culture and quality of life.The research data were collected by questionnaire survey online,and a total of 315 valid questionnaires were collected.And then the software SPSS 21.0 is used for descriptive analysis and regression analysis.The results show that among the 12 hypotheses of the three dimensions of wine culture to the four dimensions of quality of life,9 hypotheses are valid and 3 hypotheses are not.This study is helpful for people to clearly understand the influence and mechanism of wine culture on the quality of life.

Assuring Quality in Higher Education in a Confucian Collectivist Culture: The Vietnamese Experience

Quality assurance(QA)has been introduced and developed into Vietnam for almost 15 years.The importation of such a concept from other countries with different cultures may result in resistance in some ways.This study explores QA arrangements at three institutions of higher education(HE)in Vietnam,a Confucian heritage country,as perceived by academic leaders,QA practitioners,and academics to respond to QA policies from the government.The methodological approach taken in this research is a multiple case study.A qualitative approach was used to explore QA practices at three institutions.Data collected from documentation and in-depth interviews were analyzed for patterns and themes.It was found that centralism and large power distance of a Confucian collectivist country such as Vietnam significantly influenced the government’s attempts to reform HE for quality improvement.Culturally appropriate measures from the bottom level with long-term strategies should be considered to assure and improve quality,including the shift to decentralization in HE.

Practical significance research of elegant campus culture improving the quality of cultivating university students

We should adhere to the socialist orientation construction of elegant campus culture and socialistic common ideal with Chinese characteristics. Whether a country is prosperous or not lies in if it can adhere to correct development direction. Socialistic common ideal with Chinese characteristics is our dream and pursuit for the nation＇ s glorious development prospects. University campus construction is a basic work for teaching and developing, in the mean time, it is also a systematic creative work. Campus construction set the systematic goal of being in favor of cultivating university students. It should not only have a good using function to meet material needs in the working and living aspects of teachers and students, but also to create a high level and high style campus environment, reflecting the university spirit and culture, improving university elegant taste. Strengthening campus culture construction has vital theoretical and practical significance for improving the quality of personnel training, building elegant campus culture and enhancing core competitiveness of universities.

Practical significance research of elegant campus culture improving the quality of cultivating university students

We should adhere to the socialist orientation construction of elegant campus culture and socialistic common ideal with Chinese characteristics. Whether a country is prosperous or not lies in if it can adhere to correct development direction. Socialistic common ideal with Chinese characteristics is our dream and pursuit for the nation＇ s glorious development prospects. University campus construction is a basic work for teaching and developing, in the mean time, it is also a systematic creative work. Campus construction set the systematic goal of being in favor of cultivating university students. It should not only have a good using function to meet material needs in the working and living aspects of teachers and students, hut also to create a high level and high style campus environment, reflecting the university spirit and culture, improving university elegant taste. Strengthening campus culture construction has vital theoretical and practical significance for improving the quality of personnel training, building, elegant camt^us culture and enhancing core competitiveness of universities.