In situ digital testing method for quality assessment of soft soil improvement with polyurethane

This study purposes an in situ testing method on quality assessment of soil improvement.Factual drilling data includes the spatial distribution and in situ strength of untreated and treated soil along three different drillholes measured by on-site drilling monitoring method.These factual drilling data can characterize the degree of soil improvement by penetration injection with permeable polyurethane.Result from on-site drilling monitoring shows that the linear zones represent constant drilling speeds shown in the plot of drill bit advancement vs.net drilling time,which indicates the spatial distributions of soil profile.The soil profile at the study site is composed of four layers,which includes fill,untreated silty clay,treated silty clay,and mucky soil.The results of soil profile are verified by the parallel site loggings.The constant drilling speeds profile the coring-resistant strength of drilled soils.By comparing with the untreated silty clay,the constant drilling speeds of the treated silty clay have been decreased by 13.0-62.8%.Two drilling-speed-based indices of 61.2%and 65.6%are proposed to assess the decreased average drilling speed and the increased in situ strength of treated silty clay.Laboratory tests,i.e.uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)test,have been performed with core sample to investigate and characterize in situ strength by comparing that with drilling speeds.Results show that the average predicted strengths of treated silty clay are 2.4-6.9 times higher than the average measured strength of untreated silty clay.The UCS-based indices of 374.5%and 344.2%verified the quality assessment(QA)results by this new in situ method.This method provides a cost-effective tool for quality assessment of soil improvement by utilizing the digital drilling data.

Enhancing Private Healthcare Effectiveness in Lagos State, Nigeria: An Overview of the Effect of Quality Improvement Initiatives and Implications for Sustainable Healthcare Delivery

Background: Nigeria, a nation grappling with rapid population growth, economic intricacies, and complex healthcare challenges, particularly in Lagos State, the economic hub and most populous state, faces the challenge of ensuring quality healthcare access. The overview of the effect of quality improvement initiatives in this paper focuses on private healthcare providers in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study assesses the impact of donor-funded quality improvement projects on these private healthcare facilities. It explores the level of participation, perceived support, and tangible effects of the initiatives on healthcare delivery within private healthcare facilities. It also examines how these initiatives influence patient inflow and facility ratings, and bring about additional benefits and improvements, provides insights into the challenges faced by private healthcare providers in implementing quality improvement projects and elicits recommendations for improving the effectiveness of such initiatives. Methods: Qualitative research design was employed for in-depth exploration, utilizing semi-structured interviews. Private healthcare providers in Lagos involved in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project were purposively sampled for diversity. Face-to-face interviews elicited insights into participation, perceived support, and project effects. Questions covered participation levels, support perception, changes observed, challenges faced, and recommendations. Thematic analysis identified recurring themes from interview transcripts. Adherence to ethical guidelines ensured participant confidentiality and informed consent. Results: Respondents affirmed active involvement in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project, echoing literature emphasizing private-sector collaboration with the public sector. While acknowledging positive influences on facility ratings, respondents highlighted challenges within the broader Nigerian healthcare landscape affecting patient numbers. Respondents cited tangible improvements, particularly in staff management and patient care processes, validating the positive influence of quality improvement projects. Financial constraints emerged as a significant challenge, aligning with existing literature emphasizing the pragmatic difficulties faced by private healthcare providers. Conclusions: This study illuminates the complex landscape of private healthcare provision in Lagos State, emphasizing the positive impact of donor-funded quality improvement projects. The findings provide nuanced insights, guiding policymakers, healthcare managers, and practitioners toward collaborative, sustainable improvements. As Nigeria progresses, these lessons will be crucial in shaping healthcare policies prioritizing population well-being.

Post-operative morbidity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and resection for gallbladder cancer: A national surgical quality improvement program analysis

BACKGROUND Gallbladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract.Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy(NACT)has improved overall survival by enabling R0 resection.Currently,there is no consensus of guidelines for neoadjuvant therapy in gallbladder cancer.As investigations continue to analyze the regimen and benefit of NACT for ongoing care of gallbladder cancer patients,we examined American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program(NSQIP)database to determine if there was higher morbidity among the neo-adjuvant group within the 30-day post-operative period.We hypothesized patients who underwent NACT were more likely to have higher post-operative morbidity.AIM To investigate the 30-day post-operative morbidity outcomes between patients who received NACT and underwent surgery and patients who only had surgery.METHODS A retrospective analysis of the targeted hepatectomy NSQIP data between 2015 and 2019 was performed to determine if NACT in gallbladder cancer increased the risk for post-operative morbidity(bile leak,infection rate,rate of converting to open surgery,etc.)compared to the group who only had surgery.To calculate the odds ratio for the primary and secondary outcomes,a crude logistic regression was performed.RESULTS Of the 452 patients,52 patients received NACT prior to surgery.There were no statistically significant differences in the odds of morbidity between the two groups,including bile leak[odds ratio(OR),0.69;95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.16-2.10;P=0.55],superficial wound infection(OR,0.58;95%CI:0.03-3.02;P=0.61),and organ space wound infection(OR,0.63;95%CI:0.18-1.63;P=0.61).CONCLUSION There was no significant difference in the risk of 30-day post-operative morbidity between the NACT and surgery group and the surgery only group.

Analysis of the Ideological and Political Concepts and Teaching Strategies for Quality Improvement in Physical Education Courses in Colleges and Universities

In today’s higher education system,the physical education program is not only for teaching sports skills and exercising physical fitness but also an important position for cultivating students’character,emotions,and values.With the in-depth development of the concept of ideological education,the ideology of college physical education courses has become an important direction of educational reform.In this paper,we will discuss the connotation of the concept of ideology and politics in college physical education courses,analyze the methods to effectively integrate the ideology and politics elements while guaranteeing the quality of teaching,and put forward the corresponding strategies to improve the quality,with a view to providing new ideas and methods for the construction of ideology and politics in college physical education courses.

Quality Improvement of Granular Wastes-The Effective Way to Recycle Secondary Raw Building Materials

Granular wastes have negative effects on the environment due to contamination. On the other hand, stony components in granular wastes have a potential good perspectives for utilization in civil engineering works as secondary raw building materials. To reuse such materials without environmental risks, all contaminants must be removed or reduced to an acceptable level. Therefore liberation of materials is an important step in waste treatment. For this purpose, separation and cleansing techniques are suitable. Based on the analysis of contaminants in wastes, it is discussed how to select suitable techniques. The rules for technique selection and processes for quality improvement are set up. To evaluate the environmental quality and technical quality of output products, it is necessary to check leaching behaviours and physical properties.

Comparison of Soil Quality Improvement under Different Fallow Types on Dystric Nitosols Derived from Sand Stone in South Western Nigeria

The project was carried out to determine the effects of different fallow types on soil derived from sand stone of low nutrient status in south western Nigeria. The different fallow types include Leu-caena, elephant grass, guinea grass and secondary forest. Cultivated farm land was used to serve as control for comparison of soil quality improvement. Soil samples were collected in four replicates on each land cover type and analyzed for major physical and chemical parameters. The results show little fertility improvement for base saturation with 1.42 cmol/kg in Leucaena, 1.99 cmol/kg in secondary forest, 1.60 cmol/kg in guinea grass and in Elephant grass. Leucaena resulted to better soil quality than secondary forest especially in surface properties though not significantly different. Elephant grass and guinea grass also resulted to better Nitrogen content. Nitrogen content recorded in Leucaena was high with 0.20% - 0.25%. Guinea grass and elephant grass resulted to better soil quality in terms of nitrogen content [0.20% - 0.25%] than cultivated and secondary forest [0.07% - 0.11%] due to their yearly incorporation in to the soil by ploughing. The values of phosphorus were higher in Leucaena though not significant [6.46 mg/kg]. Low soil properties improvement is attributed to nutrient exploitation in Leucaena and secondary forest after a long period of fallow [20 years] while, nitrogen enrichment in the grasses is attributed to yearly tillage. Over all low to medium soil variability indicates that the soils could be managed as a unit for crop production.

Empirical Research on Quality Improvement and Effect Increase of Rural Tourist Destination Under the Strategic Background of Rural Revitalization: A Case Study of Xishan District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province

As one of important channels in rural revitalization and development, rural tourism obtains a lot of remarkable achievements in rural development. However, relatively single product and homogenized development model make competition gradually intensify, and many once glorious rural tourist destinations gradually decline. Xishan District of Kunming City of Yunnan Province is taken as research object in this paper. Via literature research, field survey and depth interview, development process, status quo and existing problems of its rural tourism are deeply explored. Based on above research results, development idea, strategy and countermeasure for quality improvement and effect increase of traditional rural tourism destination are proposed, and cooperative development, mutual benefit and win-win are taken as the ultimate development goals.

Effects of Biochar on Tobacco-planting Soil Improvement and Tobacco Quality in Mudanjiang Area

This study was conducted to study the feasibility of biochar in soil im- provement and tobacco quality. The black soil in NinganCountry of Mudanjiang was used as the material in this study, and the effects of biochar on tobacco-planting soil C/N, soil microorganisms, the development of tobacco, and chemical compo- nents and neutral aroma components in flue-cured tobacco werestudied. The results showed that the application of biochar at a rate of 1 800 kg/hm2 could increase soil C/N by 31.79%, and the quantity of actinomycetes in the soil was 3.8 times as much as that in control. The growth wasobviously better after biochar application, plant height and effective leaf number were significantly higher than those ofcontrol, but total sugar and nicotine were not significantly different. The application of biochar at a rate of 1 200 kg/hm2 increased the potassium content by 11%, the application of biochar at a rate of 2 400 kg/hm2 improved total sugar content by 5.40%, and the application of biochar at a rate of 1 800 kg/hm2 made the tobacco solanone content 1.97 times as that of control. Comprehensive studies showed that the application of biochar 1 200-1 800 kg/hm2 could improvesoilenvironment, and promote tobacco growth and quality.

Rock mass quality prediction on tunnel faces with incomplete multi-source dataset via tree-augmented naive Bayesian network

Rock mass quality serves as a vital index for predicting the stability and safety status of rock tunnel faces.In tunneling practice,the rock mass quality is often assessed via a combination of qualitative and quantitative parameters.However,due to the harsh on-site construction conditions,it is rather difficult to obtain some of the evaluation parameters which are essential for the rock mass quality prediction.In this study,a novel improved Swin Transformer is proposed to detect,segment,and quantify rock mass characteristic parameters such as water leakage,fractures,weak interlayers.The site experiment results demonstrate that the improved Swin Transformer achieves optimal segmentation results and achieving accuracies of 92%,81%,and 86%for water leakage,fractures,and weak interlayers,respectively.A multisource rock tunnel face characteristic(RTFC)dataset includes 11 parameters for predicting rock mass quality is established.Considering the limitations in predictive performance of incomplete evaluation parameters exist in this dataset,a novel tree-augmented naive Bayesian network(BN)is proposed to address the challenge of the incomplete dataset and achieved a prediction accuracy of 88%.In comparison with other commonly used Machine Learning models the proposed BN-based approach proved an improved performance on predicting the rock mass quality with the incomplete dataset.By utilizing the established BN,a further sensitivity analysis is conducted to quantitatively evaluate the importance of the various parameters,results indicate that the rock strength and fractures parameter exert the most significant influence on rock mass quality.

Impact of pre- and peri-operative risk factors on length of stay and hospital readmission following minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy

Objective:We conducted an analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy cases reported with the goal to identify pre-and peri-operative variables associated with length of stay(LOS)greater than 3 days and readmission within 30 days.Methods:Records from 2008 to 2018 for“laparoscopy,surgical;partial nephrectomy”for prolonged LOS and readmission cohorts were compiled.Univariate analysis with Chi-square,t-tests,and multivariable logistic regression analysis with odds ratios(ORs),p-values,and 95%confidence intervals assessed statistical associations.Results:Totally,20306 records for LOS greater than 3 days and 15854 for readmission within 30 days were available.Univariate and multivariable analysis exhibited similar results.For LOS greater than 3 days,undergoing non-elective surgery(OR=5.247),transfusion of greater than four units within 72 h prior to surgery(OR=5.072),pre-operative renal failure or dialysis(OR=2.941),and poor pre-operative functional status(OR=2.540)exhibited the strongest statistically significant associations.For hospital readmission within 30 days,loss in body weight greater than 10%in 6 months prior to surgery(OR=2.227)and bleeding disorders(OR=2.081)exhibited strongest statistically significant associations.Conclusion:Multiple pre-and peri-operative risk factors are independently associated with prolonged LOS and hospital readmission within 30 days of surgery using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data.Recognizing the risks factors that can potentially be improved prior to minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy is crucial to informing patient selection,optimization strategies,and patient education.

Improving the Quality of Public Space in Old Residential Areas Based on Superposition and Intervention:A Case Study of Baihuazhou District of Nanchang City

With the development of cities,China has entered an era of stock planning.The functions of old residential areas in urban development can no longer meet the needs of residents in the new era for a better life,and new standards have been put forward for the quality of public spaces for living.This paper analyzes and sorts out the characteristics and problems of the public space in the old residential areas of Baihuazhou district.Combining superposition and intervention techniques,the spatial,historical,cultural and other characteristic elements of the residential areas are preserved to the greatest extent.The public space in the old residential areas of Baihuazhou District is updated and reconstructed in order to achieve the goal of improving the quality of its public space.

Quieting the neonatal intensive care unit:A quality improvement initiative

BACKGROUND The neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)is vital for preterm infants but is often plagued by harmful noise levels.Excessive noise,ranging from medical equipment to conversations,poses significant health risks,including hearing impairment and neurodevelopmental issues.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends strict sound limits to safeguard neonatal well-being.Strategies such as education,environmental modifications,and quiet hours have shown to reduce noise levels.However,up to 60%of the noises remain avoidable.High noise exposure exacerbates physiological disturbances,impacting vital functions and long-term neurological outcomes.Effective noise reduction in the NICU is crucial for promoting optimal neonatal development.AIM To measure the sound levels in a NICU and reduce ambient sound levels by at least 10%from baseline.METHODS A quasi-experimental quality improvement project was conducted over 4 mo in a 20-bed level 3 NICU in a tertiary care medical college.Baseline noise levels were recorded continuously using a sound level meter.The interventions included targeted education,environmental modifications,and organizational changes,and were implemented through three rapid Plan-Do-Study-Act(PDSA)cycles.Weekly feedback and monitoring were conducted,and statistical process control charts were used for analysis.The mean noise values were compared using the paired t-test.RESULTS The baseline mean ambient noise level in the NICU was 67.8 dB,which decreased to 50.5 dB after the first cycle,and further decreased to 47.4 dB and 51.2 dB after subsequent cycles.The reduction in noise levels was 21%during the day and 28%PDSA cycle(mean difference of−17.3 dB,P<0.01).Peak noise levels decreased from 110 dB to 88.24 dB after the intervention.CONCLUSION A multifaceted intervention strategy reduced noise in the NICU by 25%over 4 months.The success of this initiative emphasizes the significance of comprehensive interventions for noise reduction.

Phytosynthetic bacteria (PSB) as a water quality improvement mechanism in saline-alkali wetland ponds

The efficiency of phytosynthetic bacteria (PSB) to improve the water quality in saline alkali ponds was studied, the result showed that (1) PSB application could increase the content of DO, NO\+-\-3\|N and effective phosphorus (EP) in ponds; (2) the changes of COD were not evident, just effective in later period after PSB application; (3) PSB application could decrease the contents of NH\+-\-4\|N (NH\-3\|N), NO\+-\-2\|N ; (4) PSB application could improve the structure of the effective nitrogen (EN) and EP, stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, and increase primary productivity, and finally increase the commercial profits of ponds because of the increase of EP and the decrease of EN contents; (5) the effect exerting speed of PSB was slower, but the effect sustaining time was longer; (6) the appropriate concentration of PSB application in saline alkali wetland ponds was 10×10 -6 mg/L, one time effective period was more than 15 days. So PSB was an efficient water quality improver in saline alkali ponds.

Application of PDCA in improving hand hygiene compliance and nosocomial infection quality in orthopedics

Objective:To explore the effect of the Plan-Do-Check-Action(PDCA)cycle on hand hygiene and nosocomial infection quality of or thopedic medical staff.Methods:The whole year of 2021 was selected to monitor the quality of hand hygiene and hospitalization.Follow-up monitoring and real-time recording during the period of morning shift and medical operation concentration time,and compare the compliance of hand hygiene before and after implementation,and evaluate the quality of nosocomial infection.Results:The hand hygiene compliance of doctors and nurses in stage P was 82%.The compliance of medical staff in stage D was 93%.The compliance of stage C was 94%and that of stage A was 95%.The quality score of hospital self-examination nosocomial infection was also significantly increased.Conclusions:The PDCA management cycle can effectively improve the compliance of hand hygiene and the nosocomial infection quality,which is wor thy of circulatory application in or thopedic nosocomial infection quality control,especially improving the quality of hand hygiene.

A practical soil management to improve soil quality by applying mineral organic fertilizer

Heavy use of chemical fertilizer causes increasing soil and environmental crisis, and the use of organic fertilizer increases obvious in recent years. In this study,mineral organic fertilizer(MOF) and compound fertilizer(CF) were applied in amaranth culture to explore the effects of these two kinds of fertilizers on soil quality and the potential function for CO_2 fixation. Some soil parameters were tested, e.g. p H value, organic carbon content, microbial biomass, urease activity, and available potassium content. In addition, some parameters of soil infiltration water were also determined, such as p H and HCO_3^- concentration. Experimental results showed that MOF improved soil quality and amaranth biomass and increased possible soil carbon sink.On the contrary, the utilization of CF worsened soil quality and made the soil acidize. These results suggested that MOF can partially replace CF to improve plant growth, soil quality and possible CO_2 sink.

Genetic Improvement of Japonica Rice Variety Wuyujing 3 for Stripe Disease Resistance and Eating Quality by Pyramiding Stv-b^i and Wx-mq

Japonica rice variety Kanto 194 as the donor of resistance gene Stv-b^i and Iow-amylose content gene Wx-mq was used to improve the resistance and eating quality of Wuyujing 3 by the breeding strategy of backcross. In continuous backcross and selfcross generations, the related molecular markers with Stvobi and Wx-mq genes were utilized for genotypic detection by associated with resistance identification of rice stripe disease and agronomic traits selection. Finally, 10 improved lines with homozygous genotype Stv-b^i Stv-b^iWx-mqWx-mq were obtained from BC3F4 generation. The results of comparative analysis indicated that most characters of these lines were consistent with those of recipient parent Wuyujing 3, except for the improved resistance, appearance and eating quality. By evaluation of the comprehensive performance of them, two excellent lines K01 and K04 were selected for further experiments.

Performance of a Horizontal Flow Constructed Reed Bed Filter for Municipal Wastewater Treatment: The Case Study of the Prototype Installed at Gaston Berger University, Saint-Louis, Senegal

In Saint-Louis, Senegal, a constructed wetland with horizontal flow reed beds (FHa and FHb) has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating municipal wastewater. Analyzing various treatment stages, the system showed only a slight temperature variation, from an influent average of 26.3°C to an effluent of 24.7°C. Electrical conductivity decreased from 1331 mS/cm to 974.5 mS/cm post-primary treatment, with suspended solids (SS) dramatically reduced from 718.9 mg/L to 5.7 mg/L in the final effluent. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) saw a notable decrease, from initial levels of 655.6 mg/L and 1240 mg/L to 2.3 mg/L and 71.3 mg/L, respectively. Nitrogenous compounds (N-TN) and phosphates () also decreased significantly, indicating the system’s nutrient removal capacity. Microbiological analysis revealed a reduction in fecal coliforms from 7.5 Ulog/100ml to 1.8 Ulog/100ml and a complete elimination of helminth eggs. The presence of Phragmites and Typha was instrumental in enhancing these reductions. The system’s compliance with the Senegalese standards for disposal into natural environments, WHO recommendations for unrestricted water reuse in irrigation, and the European legislation for water reuse was established. The effluent quality met the stringent criteria for various classes of agricultural reuse, illustrating the system’s potential for sustainable water management. This wetland model presents a robust solution for water-stressed regions, ensuring environmental protection while supporting agricultural needs. The study calls for ongoing research to further refine the system for optimal, reliable wastewater treatment and water resource sustainability.

A mixed method analysis of patients' complaints: Underpinnings of theory-guided strategies to improve quality of care

Purpose:Patients'complaints can be predictors of patient care quality and safety.Understanding patients'complaints could help healthcare organizations target the areas for improvements.The purpose of this study is to use a mixed method analysis to a)examine the characteristics and categories of patients'complaints,b)explore the relationships of patients'complaints with professions and units,and c)propose theory-based strategies to improve care quality.Methods:This is a descriptive mixed method study.Data examined are patients'complaints filed at a university-affiliated hospital in China from January 2016 to December 2017.A qualitative content analysis was conducted to categorize complaints.A TwoStep cluster analysis was performed to provide an overall profile of patients'complaints.Chi-Square tests were conducted to investigate the relationships among complaints,professions,and units.Results:838 complaints were filed,with 821 valid cases for analysis.Six categories surfaced from the qualitative analysis:uncaring attitudes,unsatisfactory quality of treatment or competence,communication problems,the process of care,fees and billing issues,and other miscellaneous causes.Physicians received most of the complaints(56.6%).The unit receiving the most complaints were outpatient clinics and medical support units(52.7%).The cluster analysis indicated four distinct clusters.Significant relationships existed between complaints and professions(x2(20)=178.82,P<0.01),and between complaints and units(x2(15)=42.72,P<0.01).Conclusions:Patients'complaints are valuable sources for quality improvements.Healthcare providers should be not only scientifically knowledgeable,but also humanistic caring.Caring-based theories may provide guidance in clinical practice.

Improved AHP method and its application in lake environmental comprehensive quality evaluation—a case study of Xuanwu Lake, Nanjing, China

The relative importance of each pollution factor in analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method comes from pooling expert opinions in general. Because expert opinions are based on information and judgment criteria, determining their weight may lead to uncertainty.. Therefore, an improved AHP method had been developed. The process of the improved AHP method involved four key procedures. The weights of pollution factors were completely related to the objective monitoring data through the standardization of these procedures. The environmental comprehensive quality of water and sediment of Xuanwu Lake, Nanjing, China had been evaluated. The environmental quality comprehensive indices (EQCI) of the water in 1991-1995 and 1996-2000 were 3.32 and 1.85, respectively, indicating that the water quality improved. The EQCI of the sediment in 1995 and 2000 indicates that the sediment contamination decreased from 1995 to 2000. Such results agreed with the fact that the lake had been under comprehensive control. However, with the classical AHP method, the EQCI of the sediment in the northwestern part of the lake may have indicated that sediment contamination increased from 1995 to 2000. The discrepancy may have resulted from the judgment difference of the experts. The improved AHP method can avoid arbitrariness of subjective judgment and can reflect the real influential factors of environment pollution in different periods or regions.

Rice Storage Proteins:Focus on Composition,Distribution,Genetic Improvement and Effects on Rice Quality

Rice storage proteins(RSPs)are plant proteins with high nutritional quality.As the second largest type of storage substance in rice,it is the main source of protein intake for people who consume rice as a staple food.The content and type of RSPs affect the appearance,processing quality and eating quality of rice.These effects involve the distribution of RSPs in rice grains as well as the interactions of RSPs with other components such as starch in rice grains.In the past two decades,some progress has been made in the genetic improvement of RSPs.However,the determination mechanism of protein content and composition in rice is still unclear,and the mechanism of the effect of RSPs on rice quality has not been elucidated.In this review,the composition,biosynthesis and distribution of RSPs,and quantitative trait loci mapping and cloning of RSP genes are summarized,the research progress of the influence of RSPs and their components on rice quality are reviewed,and the research directions in the future are proposed.