Quality indicators in respiratory therapy

Quality indicators in healthcare refer to measurable and quantifiable parameters used to assess and monitor the performance,effectiveness,and safety of healthcare services.These indicators provide a systematic way to evaluate the quality of care offered,and thereby to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that patient care meets established standards and best practices.Respiratory therapists play a vital role in areas of clinical administration such as infection control practices and quality improvement initiatives.Quality indicators serve as essential metrics for respiratory therapy departments to assess and enhance the overall quality of care.By systematically tracking and analyzing indicators related to infection control,treatment effectiveness,and adherence to protocols,respiratory care practitioners can identify areas to improve and implement evidence-based changes.This article reviewed how to identify,implement,and monitor quality indicators specific to the respiratory therapy departments to set benchmarks and enhance patient outcomes.

Effect of Storage Time on Main Quality Indicators of Cotton

The quality indicators of cotton will change during storage.Taking the 5.89 million t of Xinjiang cotton from 2016 to 2021 as a sample,this paper analyzed the main fiber quality indicator data of warehouse-in and warehouse-out cotton for storage of 1.5,3.0,4.0,5.0,6.0,and 7.0 years.It was found that the color grade of cotton decreased with the extension of storage time.The cotton with storage time of 5.0 years mainly changed from white cotton grade 2 and white cotton grade 3 to light yellow stained cotton grade 1 and yellow stained cotton grade 1.Among them,the increase of light yellow stained cotton grade 1 was the largest,and the change to yellow stained cotton grade 1 was the largest at the storage 6.0-7.0 years.In addition,there were no significant changes in moisture regain,Micronaire value,upper half mean length,length uniformity index and fiber strength.

Indicator Selection for Quality Measurement in Maternal Neonatal and Child Health Services: Application of Random Forest Classifier

Quality of Maternal, Neonatal and Child (MNCH) care is an important aspect in ensuring healthy outcomes and survival of mothers and children. To maintain quality in health services provided, organizations and other stakeholders in maternal and child health recommend regular quality measurement. Quality indicators are the key components in the quality measurement process. However, the literature shows neither an indicator selection process nor a set of quality indicators for quality measurement that is universally accepted. The lack of a universally accepted quality indicator selection process and set of quality indicators results in the establishment of a variety of quality indicator selection processes and several sets of quality indicators whenever the need for quality measurement arises. This adds extra processes that render quality measurement process. This study, therefore, aims to establish a set of quality indicators from a broad set of quality indicators recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The study deployed a machine learning technique, specifically a random forest classifier to select important indicators for quality measurement. Twenty-nine indicators were identified as important features and among those, eight indicators namely maternal mortality ratio, still-birth rate, delivery at a health facility, deliveries assisted by skilled attendants, proportional breach delivery, normal delivery rate, born before arrival rate and antenatal care visit coverage were identified to be the most important indicators for quality measurement.

Multivariate Approach to Characterizing Soil Quality of Gabonese’s Ferralitic Soils

Assessing soil quality is essential for crop management and soil temporal changes. The present study aims to evaluate soil quality in the Ferralitic soils context countrywide. This assessment was done using multivariate soil quality indice (SQI) models, such as additive quality index (AQI), weighted quality indexes (WQIadd and WQIcom) and Nemoro quality index (NQI), applied to two approaches of indicator selection: total data set (TDS) and minimum data set (MDS). Physical and chemical soil indicators were extracted from the ORSTOM’s reports resulting from a sampling campaign in different provinces of Gabon. The TDS approach shows soil quality status according to eleven soil indicators extracted from the analysis of 1,059 samples from arable soil layer (0 - 30 cm depth). The results indicated that 87% of all provinces presented a very low soil quality (Q5) whatever the model. Among soil indicators, exchangeable K+ and Mg2+, bulk density and C/N ratio were retained in MDS, using principal component analysis (PCA). In the MDS approach, 50 to 63% of provinces had low soil quality grades with AQI, WQIadd and NQI, whereas the total was observed with WQIcom. Only 25% of provinces had medium soil quality grades with AQI and NQI models, while 12.5% (NQI) and 25% (AQI) presented high quality grades. Robust statistical analyses confirmed the accuracy and validation (0.80 r P ≤ 0.016) of AQI, WQIadd and NQI into the TDS and MDS approaches. The same sensitivity index value (1.53) was obtained with AQI and WQIadd. However, WQIadd was chosen as the best SQI model, according to its high linear regression value (R2 = 0.82) between TDS and MDS. This study has important implications in decision-making on monitoring, evaluation and sustainable management of Gabonese soils in a pedoclimatic context unfavorable to plant growth.

Quality indicators for the care of older adults with disabilities in longterm care facilities based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Purpose:This study aimed to develop quality indicators for the care of older adults with disabilities in long-term care facilities(LTCFs)based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.Methods:The draft of the quality indicators was drawn up based on a literature review and research group discussion.The quality indicators were finalized by two rounds of expert consultation(involving 15 experts)using the Delphi method.The Analytic Hierarchy Process was applied to calculate the indicators’weight.Results:The response rates of the two rounds of consultation were 100%and 93%,and the expert authority coefficients were 0.86 and 0.87.After two rounds of consultation,the expert opinion coordination coefficients of the first-,second-and third-level indicators were 0.42,0.25,and 0.96,respectively(P<0.05),and the variation coefficient was0.25.The final quality indicators for the care of older adults with disabilities in LTCFs included 7 first-level,19 second-level,and 107 third-level indicators.Conclusion:The quality indicators for the care of older adults with disabilities in LTCFs are reliable,scientific,comprehensive,and practical and specify the content of person-centered care needs.This can provide a reference for evaluating and improving care quality in LTCFs.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer:It is time to consider the quality of its outcomes

Endoscopic resection,particularly endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),is widely used as a standard treatment modality for early gastric cancer(EGC)when the risk of lymph node metastasis is negligible.Compared with surgical gastrectomy,ESD is a minimally invasive procedure with additional advantages,such as preservation of the entire stomach and maintenance of the patient’s quality of life.However,not all patients achieve curative resection after ESD of EGC.Several patients require surgical gastrectomy after ESD to achieve a curative treatment.Additional surgery after ESD,owing to non-curative resection,places considerable emotional and financial burdens on patients.Recently,as the number of endoscopists performing ESD has increased,the rate of non-curative resection after ESD has increased correspondingly.In order to decrease the non-curative resection rate,as well as determine the ideal rate of non-curative resection after ESD,it is time to consider quality indicators for the outcomes of ESD for EGC.

Does financial development moderate the link between technological innovation and environmental indicators?An advanced panel analysis

This study analyzes the role of financial development(FD)on the impact of technologi-cal innovation(TI)on six environmental quality indicators for the 25 economies that are part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for the period from 2000 to 2019.We use a two-step dynamic generalized method of moments approach to understand this relationship.The results show that FD augments the posi-tive effects of TI on four of the six environmental indicators,namely ecological foot-print,adjusted net savings,pressure on nature,and environmental performance.However,no significant effects on environmental sustainability and environmental vulnerability indices were found.When considering all of the environmental quality indicators,TI appears to enhance environmental quality.We find evidence to support the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve in the context of each environmen-tal indicator and economic growth.Moreover,FD and energy consumption appear to accelerate environmental degradation.Based on these results,FD should be viewed as an important parameter in designing policies for innovation to achieve the goal of net-zero carbon emissions.Highlights.Technological innovation and environmental quality nexus is studied.The moderating role of financial development is analyzed.Six different environmental quality indicators are used for OECD countries.Financial development intensifies the environmental benefits of innovation.•The EKC hypothesis is confirmed for all six environmental indicators.

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.

Characteristics of soil quality attributes under different agroecosystems and its implications for agriculture in the Choke Mountain watershed in Ethiopia

Awareness of how soil properties vary over agroecosystems(AES) is essential for understanding soil potentials and improving site-specific agricultural management strategies for a sustainable ecosystem. This study examined the characteristics of soil quality attributes and implications for agriculture in the Choke Mountain watershed in Ethiopia. Forty-seven composite soil samples(0–20 cm deep) were collected from lowland and valley fragmented(AES 1),midland plain with black soil(AES 2), midland plain with brown soil(AES 3),sloppy midland land(AES 4), and hilly and mountainous highlands(AES 5).Ten of 15 soil quality properties were significant(P < 0.05 or 0.01), including silt, exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity, percent base saturation,p H, organic matter, total nitrogen and available phosphorous(P) across the five AES. However, all properties were variable with coefficients of variation from 7%(total porosity) to 169%(available P) across the AES. Although AES 2and 3 are affected by waterlogging and acidity, these two have better prospects for agriculture, but AES 1, 4, and 5 are unsuitable for agriculture because of soil erosion. Therefore, appropriate and applicable soil management strategies, particularly lime application and organic fertilizer, are fundamental to reversing soil acidity and improving soil fertility.

Diabetes mellitus and comorbidities in elderly people from the Lugu community:A critical-reflective analysis

Ageing has a close relationship with chronic non-communicable diseases,such as diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure.These pathologies are often associated with changes in eating habits and promote crucial physiological changes which act silently in the long term in the elderly population.Due to the speed of urban development and technological advances,there has been an increase in the population's life expectancy.However,it is essential to know the socio-demographic profile and prevalent comorbidities of the elderly population,which can provide a reliable and broad database to enable the outline of strategies and the promotion of efficient health policies.In this sense,the purpose of this editorial is to contribute to the debate surrounding the article that analysed epidemiological data from the Lugu community.Diabetes mellitus,hypertension and cardiovascular pathologies and their comorbidities were the most prevalent conditions in this community.Such data could contribute to develop public policies constructively and assertively,allowing investments in the prevention and treatment of these pathologies.

Assessment of groundwater suitability for different activities in Toshka district,south Egypt

Globally,groundwater has globally emerged as a crucial freshwater source for domestic,irrigation,and industrial needs.The evaluation of groundwater quality in the Toshka region is imperative to ensure its suitability for the extensive agricultural and industrial activities underway in this promising,groundwater-dependent development area.This is particularly significant as Egypt increasingly relies on groundwater reserves to address freshwater deficits and to implement mega-development projects in barren lands.In this study,fifty-two samples were collected from the recently drilled wells tapping into the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer(NSA)in the Toshka region.Groundwater quality was assessed through hydrochemical analysis,Piper diagram,and various indicators such as Na%,SAR,RSC,KR,MH and PI.The hydrochemical analysis revealed improved groundwater quality characteristics,attributed to continuous recharge from Lake Nasser.The Piper diagram categorised most of the water samples as"secondary salinity"water type.Almost all wells proved suitable for irrigation with only two wells unsuitable based on MH values and six wells based on KR values.Considering Total Hardness(TH)values,all samples were classified as"Soft",indicating their suitability for domestic and industrial purposes.Water Quality Index(WQI)results concluded that all samples met WHO and FAO guidelines for drinking and irrigation,respectively.Spatial distribution maps,constructed using GIS,facilitate the interpretation of the results.Regular monitoring of quality parameters is essential to detect any deviation from permissible limits.

Global trends in hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma mortality:A public database analysis(1999-2019)

BACKGROUND Hepatitis C is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and it significantly contributes to the burden of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,there are marked variations in the incidence and mortality rates of HCC across different geographical regions.With the advent of new widely available treatment modalities,such as direct-acting antivirals,it is becoming increasingly imperative to understand the temporal and geographical trends in HCC mortality associated with Hepatitis C.Furthermore,gender disparities in HCC mortality related to Hepatitis C are a crucial,yet underexplored aspect that adds to the disease's global impact.While some studies shed light on gender-specific trends,there is a lack of comprehensive data on global and regional mortality rates,particularly those highlighting gender disparities.This gap in knowledge hinders the development of targeted interventions and resource allocation strategies.DISCUSSION The results of our study show an overall decline in the mortality rates of patients with hepatitis C-related HCC over the last two decades.Notably,females exhibited a remarkable decrease in mortality compared to males.Regionally,East Asia and the Pacific displayed a significant decline in mortality,while Europe and Central Asia witnessed an upward trend.Latin America and the Caribbean also experienced an increase in mortality rates.However,no significant difference was observed in the Middle East and North Africa.North America exhibited a notable upward trend.South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa significantly declined throughout the study period.This raises the hope of identifying areas for implementing more targeted resources.Despite some progress,multiple challenges remain in meeting the WHO 2030 goal of eliminating viral hepatitis[24].

Quality assessment of Continuous Operating Reference Stations(CORS)-GPS stations in Mexico

The present analysis provided the quality assessment of 65 Continuous Operating Reference Stations(CORS) situated in and around Mexico using the data of about ten years(January 2010 to January 2020).To accomplish the assessment,we considered 4 quality indexes for performing the quality check,incluing the multipath effect on L1 and L2 bands,signal-to-noise ratio in both bands,cycle slips,and integrity.Meanwhile,a new reference parameter named regio nal values for Mexico(RVM) was calculated for the stations situated in Mexico.Additionally,an exhaustive analysis of the quality indicators in the worst and best cases was performed.The signal degradation was proved by a long-term time series and cru stal defo rmation analysis in GAMIT/GLOBK platform.The results showed a stro ng correlation between integrity,cycle slips and daily observations time,and the multipath effect is strong in the case of outdated systems.The study indicates that the estimated quality indexes and values could be the basis for establishing new CORS in Mexico,and the errors corrections which cannot be mitigated in the postprocessing stage would greatly help utilize the data for different scientific applications.The results were supported by deformation analysis in part of Baja California Peninsula in Mexico indicating northern and eastern velocity vector of -3.08±0.02 mm/yr,-7.85±0.02 mm/yr and-0.07±0.03 mm/yr,-9.33±0.02 mm/yr respectively at MPR1 and INEG stations.

Sustainable living neighbourhoods:Measuring public space quality and walking environment in Lisbon

Obesity and global warming are two major challengesthat affect communities’health and quality of life.Providing good walking environments,with appropriate pedestrian infrastructure,green areas and access to commercial retail and transport hubs favour liveable,healthy,and sustainable cities.The Lisbon City Hall has implemented an intervention program in the public space as a strategy to improve environmental quality and mitigate the effects of climate change.The program“A square in each neighbourhood”intends not only to reinforce the economic base of Lisbon,namely tourism,restaurants,commerce,and creative activities but also to promote physical activity and improve the quality of living of all citizens.For studying the impact of the public space quality on the walking environment,Campolide,a typical Lisbon neighbourhood,Portugal,which includes one of the requalified squares,was selected.A two-step methodology based on spatial modelling is proposed.In the first step,the public space quality was evaluated based on a set of 13 urban quality attributes.Attributes,intended for the street level,were collected from open data platforms and complemented with a field survey.Then,through spatial analysis,these attributes were used to build the Pedestrian Environment Quality Indicator and the Priority Intervention Indicator.Using these indicators,walking-friendly streets were mapped and the most critical sites that require priority intervention were identified to prepare for the requalification planning process.The street with the highest quality in the study area according to the dimensions evaluated-connectivity,convenience,comfort,cleanliness,and conviviality-has a great offer of trees,bus stops,commercial establishments,commercial diversity,crossings,paper bins/eco points and esplanades.On the opposite side of the rank,the street with the lowest quality has no trees or green areas,transport stops,benches and tables,or commercial activity.The urban quality indicators constitute a helpful tool for city planners and policymakers when planning sustainable living neighbourhoods.

Difference among the quality indices,chemical composition and frying performance of galangal flavored sunflower oil prepared by three methods

Flavored vegetable oils have attracted more and more attentions from consumers and researchers due to their high oxidative stability and sensory quality.In the present study,the quality indices,chemical composition and frying performance of galangal flavored sunflower oil prepared by infusion method(GFSO-I),combination pressing method(GFSO-C)and direct addition method(GFSO-A)were investigated.The results displayed that the preparation time,the levels for the acid value(AV),peroxide value(PV),p-anisidine value(AnV),total oxidation value(TOTOX),and the values for total polar compounds(TPC),thiobarbituric acid(TBA),K232 and K268 of GFSO-C were prominently low(P<0.05),compared with that of GFSO-I and GFSO-A,while the fatty acid composition of them were similar.In the frying of Chinese Maye(tradional Chinese food,fried dough stick)at 180°C for 30 h,the values for TPC,TBA,K232 and K268,polymer,viscosity and b*of GFSO-C were obviously low(P<0.05),while the value for L*was obviously high(P<0.05),compared with that of GFSO-I and GFSO-A.In the sensory evaluation,the flavor,taste,crispness and overall acceptance of Chinese Maye fried by GFSO-C were better than that of Chinese Maye fried by GFSO-I and GFSO-A.Consequently,GFSO-C is more suitable for cooking,and the combination pressing method is optimal for industrial production of GFSO.

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.

Cultivar,Nitrogen and Irrigation Influence on Grain Quality and Its Forecasting Methods by In situ Reflected Spectrum of Winter Wheat

Field experiments were conducted to examine the influence factors of cultivar, nitrogen application and irrigation on grain protein content, gluten content and grain hardness in three winter wheat cultivars under four levels of nitrogen and irrigation treatments. Firstly, the influence of cultivars and environment factors on grain quality were studied, the effective factors were cultivars, irrigation, fertilization, etc. Secondly, total nitrogen content around winter wheat anthesis stage was proved to be significantly correlative with grain protein content, and spectral vegetation index significantly correlated to total nitrogen content around anthesis stage were the potential indicators for grain protein content. Accumulation of total nitrogen content and its transfer to grain is the physical link to produce the final grain protein, and total nitrogen content at anthesis stage was proved to be an indicator of final grain protein content. The selected normalized photochemical reflectance index (NPRI) was proved to be able to predict grain protein content on the close correlation between the ratio of total carotenoid to chlorophyll a and total nitrogen content. The method contributes towards developing optimal procedures for predicting wheat grain quality through analysis of their canopy reflected spectrum at anthesis stage. Regression equations were established to forecast grain protein and dry gluten content by total nitrogen content at anthesis stage, so it is feasible for forecasting grain quality by establishing correlation equations between biochemical constitutes and canopy reflected spectrum.

An Adaptive Management Strategy of CQI Channel Allocation in IEEE 802.16 Systems

IEEE 802.16 systems adopt a "semi-dynamic" allocation mechanism of channel quality indicator (CQI) channels.However,low utilization ratio of CQI channels reduces the spectrum efficiency.So we propose an adaptive management strategy of CQI channels based on an analysis model named "toy brick model" to improve the efficiency.The simulation results validate the improvement.

Changes in the Regulating Ecosystem Service on the Contaminated Site Used for Energy Purposes

Soil cleaning, the ability of the soil to immobilize the risk elements, belongs to important agroecosystem services in terms of protection of the hydrosphere and plant production from contamination. Dynamic monitoring of selected indicators of soil quality was realized in a special network of site on soil used for planting fast growing willow (Salix viminalis). Monitoring of the study site Kuchyňa (Mollic Fluvisol) is running since 2010 year. The fast-growing willow was planted on an area of about 43 hectares. Study site Kuchyňa belonged to the degraded contaminated sites, at the time of planting (the total contents of the risk elements were as follows: Cd 1.016 mg∙kg−1, Zn 199.000 mg∙kg−1, Ni 51.500 mg∙kg−1) There were positive changes in the total content of cadmium, zinc and nickel (in 2018 year), the zinc content decreased by 27% compared to 2010, the nickel content was lower by 23% and the Cd content by 57% in comparison to 2010 year, these elements have a declining trend during the monitored period. The remediation ability of the willow in relation to the risk elements was manifested by the accumulation of these elements in the wood mass and by their decrease in the soil below the limit value. The regulatory ecosystem service, the potential for the immobilisation of the risk elements, was evaluated based on the sum of the assessment of the contamination potential and the sorption potential of soil. The decrease of the total content of risk elements in the soil below the limit value was manifested in the increase of the potential of the agroecosystem regulatory service, the potential of risk element immobilisation, from very low category to medium category. If willow cultivation continued in the next decade, the value of risk element Zn would most likely reach the value 73 mg∙kg−1, which is less than 50% of the limit value, based on the results of the predictive model. In the case of Cd, the soil would be completely cleaned and in the case of Ni, its total content in the soil would fall to 23 mg∙kg−1, which is less than 40% of the limit value. The overall potential for contamination would fall into the category—very low (forecast for 2021 year). The higher potential of immobilisation reduces the risk of contaminants transport and thus prevents contamination of the other ecosystem components such as biota.