Research on Optimal Delivery Days and Customer Satisfaction Based on Quality Costs

Customer satisfaction is an important index to evaluate the competitiveness and efficiency of an enterprise. Every enterprise is confront with the subject of supplying with the customer satisfactory products at the lowest costs and the highest manufacturing speed. Regarding the delivery days of a coach company as a design variable, this paper builds up an optimization model of customer satisfaction, and suggests an effective method to reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction based on analysis and research.

Research on goal-setting method of rock drivage based on the balance among period, cost and quality

On the basis of the analysis on the disadvantages of the original goal-setting about rock drivage, this paper defined the ＂life cycle quality＂. With project management theory and the Cobb-Douglas function, ＂quality-cost and quality-price curve model＂ and the ＂total cost-period prediction model＂ were built. Then the goal-setting method of the balance among quality, cost and period of rock drivage was constructed by finding ＂life cycle cost＂ through ＂life cycle quality＂ using ＂quality-cost and quality-price curve model＂ and ensuring period through ＂life cycle cost＂ using ＂total cost-period prediction model＂ （hereinafter referred to as the ＂three goals balance method＂）. ＂Value contribution＂ which is the value of the contribution to a mine because of rock drivage, was found in the process of constructing the ＂quality-cost and quality-price curve model＂. An industrial test was done in coal mine A with the research results, staff footage efficiency improved by 24.24%, the period shortened by 14.3%, the ＂life cycle cost＂ dropped by 2.09%, the ＂life cycle quality price＂ improved by 3.29%, and value contribution increased by 25.3%. The result shows that the new goal method setting on the basis of coal mine profit maximization can ensure construc- tion period. At the same time, it can realize cost and quality objectives and the optimization and balance of relationship among them; rewarding excavation teams by ＂value contribution＂ can combine organizational goal with personal goal, it significantly raise the employee＇s work efficiency.

Quality-Oriented Facade Systems： Initial Investments vs. Global Cost Approach

An analysis applied to an existing building considering the whole service life, regulated or, if any, measured, of energy/technological upgrading action does not only require initial investments to be taken into account. Of course, such investments are significant and will have to be considered at a first stage, but it is not the only aspect to be considered. Provisions of Construction Procurement Guidance, No.7 Whole Life Costs state： ＂All procurement must be made solely on the basis of value for money in terms of the optimum combination of global costs--and not only initial investment costs--and quality to meet the user＇s requirements＂.

Pancreatic function,quality of life and costs at long-term follow-up after acute pancreatitis

AIM:To evaluate long-term endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function,quality of life and health care costs after mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS:Patients prospectively included in 2001-2005 were followed-up after 42(36-53)mo.Pancreatic function was evaluated with laboratory tests,the oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT),fecal elastase-1 and a questionnaire.Short Form(SF)-36,was completed.RESULTS:Fourteen patients with a history of SAP and 26 with mild acute pancreatitis were included.Plasma glucose after OGTT was higher after SAP(9.2 mmol/L vs 7.0 mmol/L,P=0.044).Diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance in fasting plasma glucose and/or 120 min plasma glucose were more common in SAP patients(11/14 vs 11/25,P=0.037).Sick leave,time until the patients could take up recreational activities and time until they had recovered were all longer after SAP(P <0.001).No significant differences in SF-36 were seen between the groups,or when comparing with age and gender matched reference groups.Total hospital costs,including primary care,follow-up and treatment of complications,were higher after SAP(median€16572 vs €5000,P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Endocrine pancreatic function was affected,especially after severe disease.SAP requires greater resource use with long recovery,but most patients regained a good quality of life.

VPLS Based Quality and Cost Control for Tennessee Eastman Process

Product quality and operation cost control obtain increasing emphases in modern chemical system engineering. To improve the fault detection power of the partial least square (PLS) method for quality control, a new QRPV statistic is proposed in terms of the VP (variable importance in projection) indices of monitored process variables, which is significantly advanced over and different from the conventional Q statistic. QRPV is calculated only by the residuals of the remarkable process variables (RPVs). Therefore, it is the dominant relation between quality and RPV not all process variables (as in the case of the conventional PLS) that is monitored by this new VP-PLS (VPLS) method. The combination of QRPV and T2 statistics is applied to the quality and cost control of the Tennessee Eastman (TE) process, and weak faults can be detected as quickly as possible. Consequently, the product quality of TE process is guaranteed and operation costs are reduced.

Reverse-total shoulder arthroplasty cost-effectiveness:A quality-adjusted life years comparison with total hip arthroplasty

AIM:To compare reverse-total shoulder arthroplasty(RSA)cost-effectiveness with total hip arthroplasty cost-effectiveness.METHODS:This study used a stochastic model and decision-making algorithm to compare the costeffectiveness of RSA and total hip arthroplasty.Fifteen patients underwent pre-operative,and 3,6,and 12 mo post-operative clinical examinations and Short Form-36 Health Survey completion.Short form-36 Health Survey subscale scores were converted to EuroQ ual Group Five Dimension Health Outcome scores and compared with historical data from age-matched patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty.Quality-adjusted life year(QALY)improvements based on life expectancies were calculated.RESULTS:The cost/QALY was $3900 for total hip arthroplasty and $11100 for RSA.After adjusting the model to only include shoulder-specific physical function subscale items,the RSA QALY improved to 2.8years,and its cost/QALY decreased to $8100.CONCLUSION:Based on industry accepted standards,cost/QALY estimates supported both RSA and total hip arthroplasty cost-effectiveness.Although total hip arthroplasty remains the quality of life improvement "gold standard" among arthroplasty procedures,cost/QALY estimates identified in this study support the growing use of RSA to improve patient quality of life.

Quality of life and cost-effectiveness of combined therapy for reflux esophagitis

Objectiv e: To evaluate clinical,Quality of Life (QoL) and medical cost outcomes in pati ents with symptomatic reflux esophagitis (RE) receiving different ″triple c ombin ation therapy″ . Methods: A multicenter medical effectiveness trial conducte d in 10 hospitals of 5 regions in Zhejiang Province. 248 patient-volunteers were ass ig ned to 8 weeks of ″ triple combination therapy″ with Lansoprazole plus Cisapri de and Sucralfate or Ranitidine plus Cisapride and Sucralfate. Main outcomes asses sment included symptoms scale scores,RE severity,QoL at baseline and 8 weeks. Medical cost data were collected with cost analysis questionnaire. Results: (1)M ore Lansoprazole group patients noted RE symptoms resolution than Ranitidine gro up(92.3% vs 78.4%,P<0.01). There was no striking difference between two gro ups in RE healing rate (90.8% vs 82.9%, P>0.05). (2)RE significantly impaire d QoL of patients(P<0.001).Compared with Ranitidine group,QoL in Lansoprazole group had significant improvement (rate of ″good″ QoL 64.5% vs 45.6%,P<0.01). (3)T here w as close correlation between symptomic effectiveness and QoL rating scale in bot h the Lansoprazole and Ranitidine group(P<0.01,r=0.235 and 0.353 respec tively). There were no statistical difference of medical cost between the two groups ( P> 0.05). Conclusion: RE significantly impaired QoL of patients. ″Triple combinati o n therapies″ can significantly improve RE symptoms and QoL. Lansoprazole combin ation therapy was more cost-effective than Ranitidine combination group.

pharmacognostical study and establishment of quality parameters of aerial parts of Costus speciosus-a well known tropical folklore medicine

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic pharmacognostical characters of Costus speciosus(aerial parts)along with their physico-chemical parameters and fluorosence analysis.Method:The pharmacognostical characters were determined in terms of macroscopy,microscopy,powder microscopy,leaf constant,fluorescence analysis and preliminary phytochemical investigation.Results:The findings of macroscopy revealed that leaves elliptic to oblong or oblong-lancoelate,thick,spirally arranged,with stem clasping sheaths up to 4 cm,flowers large,white,conelike terminal spikes,with bright red bracts.Transverse section of leaflet showed the presence of cuticularised epidermis with polygonal cells on adaxial surface and bluntly angled cells on abaxial surface of lamina,mesophyll cells differentiated in to single layered palisade cells on each surface and 2-3 layered spongy parenchyma,unicellular and uniseriate multicellular covering trichomes,paracytic stomata and vascular bundles surrounded by sclerenchymatous multicellular sheath.Preliminary phytochemical screening exhibited the presence of various phytochemical groups like alkaloids,glycosides,steroids,phenolic constituents.Further,the leaf constants,powder microscopy and fluorescence characteristics indicated outstanding results from this investigation Conclusions:Various pharmacognostical and physico-chemical parameters have pivotal roles in identification,authentication and establishment of quality parameters of the species.

The New Brazilian Power Quality Standard and a Low Cost Device Meter

This paper presents an overview about the new Brazilian Power Quality Standard and provides a low cost device PQ meter, developed and implemented to assist the national campaign to assess the Brazilian power quality indices, unknown until now. This work contributes with the search of a low cost devices PQ meter for a cost sensitive market, and introduces the new Brazilian Power Quality Standard to the international community.

The Application of Quality Control Circles to Reduce the Cost of Non-priced Consumables in Department of Oncology

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of using quality control circle(QCC)techniques to reduce the cost of non-priced consumables in medical oncology.Methods:Analytic statistics were compiled on the performance appraisal form.Aiming at the key points of improvement with respect to the excess cost of non-valuable consumables,the reasons were analyzed,and corresponding measures were formulated to compare the cost before and after the improvement.Results:After the QCC activity,the cost of non-priced consumables decreased from RMB 6.57/bed day to RMB 3.96/bed day.Conclusion:QCC has effectively reduced the cost of non-priced consumables in the oncology department,and it is worthy of promotion.

Assessment of Agricultural Soil Quality Indices Using Mechanistic Models

Assessing soil quality is a critical strategy for diagnosing soil status and anticipating concerns in land use systems for agricultural sustainability. In this study, two soil quality assessment indices, the Integrated Quality Index (IQI) and Nemoro Quality Index (NQI), were employed using two indicator selection methods: Total Data Set (TDS) and Minimum Data Set (MDS), focusing on agricultural fields in Golestan province, Iran. A total of 89 soil samples were collected and analyzed for particle size distribution, organic carbon, calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and plant-essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, and iron. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract MDS from TDS, and geostatistical adaptation and correlation analyses were performed to determine the optimal soil quality evaluation index. Our results show that the exponential model better suits the spatial structure of soil quality indicators (IQIMDS: 0.955). Conformity and correlation analyses indicate that the IQI index outperformed the NQI index in estimating soil quality. The superiority of the TDS technique over the MDS technique in terms of accuracy (IQITDSs kappa: 0.155). Linear relationships between different methods showed a higher correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.43) through the application of IQI. This study suggests the use of IQIMDS to provide a reliable measurement that is particularly useful in assessing the quality of agricultural soil.

Quality assessment of the Topo-Iberia CGPS stations and data quality's effects on postfit ionosphere-free phase residuals

This paper analyzed GPS data from the Topo-Iberia network spanning almost 12 years(2008-2020).The data quality information for all 26 Topo-Iberia stations is provided for the first time,complementing the Spanish Geological Survey’s storage work.Data analyses based on quality indicators obtained using TEQC have been carried out.The guidelines and data quality information from the IGS stations have been considered as the quality references,with the stations ALJI,EPCU,and TIOU standing out as the worst stations,while on the contrary,FUEN,PALM,PILA,and TRIA meet the quality requirements to become an IGS station.The relationship between the GPS data quality and their GAMIT-and Gipsy X-derived postfit ionosphere-free phase residuals has also been investigated,and the results reveal an inversely proportional relationship.It has been found that the stations showing an increase in elevation of the horizon line,also show an increase in cycle slips and multipath,are among the poorest quality stations,and among those with the highest postfit RMS of phase residuals.Moreover,the evolution of the vegetation around the antenna should be considered as it could cause a progressive loss of quality,which is not complying with the IGS standards.The quality assessment shows that the Topo-Iberia stations are appropriate for geodetic purposes,but permanent monitoring would be necessary to avoid the least possible loss of data and quality.In addition,a method to characterize the GNSS data quality is proposed.

Investment pays off More competitive thanks to high quality and low production costs

The experience of the Brazilian spinning mill Sergipe of using the new fully automated rotor spinning machine R 66 has been nothing but positive. No wonder, as the R 66 meets the highest quality standards at low production costs.

A Cost-Benefit Evaluation of the Air Quality and Health Impacts in Sao Paulo,Brazil

The objective was to assess the impact on health due to the exposure to air pollution derived from the renewal of the urban bus fleet in S?o Paulo. The study analyzed the substitution of the bus fleet through the variation of the concentration of atmospheric pollutants such as PM10 in the municipality of S?o Paulo and its associated health’s benefits values compared to the investments performed in the bus fleet renewal. PM10 average annual reduction due to the bus improvement system resulted on 22.3%. A cost-benefit evaluation considered the renewal investments’ costs compared to the obtained valued health benefits and it resulted in 4.31. Although the result may suggest a not viable investment, it must be observed that air pollution reduction favors health impacts and that this relation could be improved if additional investments on sustainable transportation increase.

Evaluating Low Cost and Sustainable High Quality Cassava Drying Technologies among Small and Medium Processors in Uganda

Cassava regarded as a white gold of Africa is driving the agricultural commercialization and industrialization with small to medium technologies in Uganda. There is an over-whelming demand for high quality cassava flour （HQCF） by Bakeries, beverage industry, paper board and composite end markets. The end market for HQCF dictates on its quality attributes and rewards for its quality in terms of price offered within their minimum standards. However, obtaining sustainable amounts of HQCF for these markets calls for devoted efforts. Limited types of HQCF processing technologies exist and if they exist, their efficiency, costs and sustainability are not well understood. We evaluated high quality cassava drying technologies in Northern and Eastern Uganda in two years using naturally ventilated wooden screen solar drying structures and open air sun drying structures. Naturally ventilated wooden screen solar dryers produced clean dry high quality cassava chips free off insect and bird contamination and caused faster drying to less than 14.3% MC in 1.5 hours than open outside drying conditions. We recommend naturally ventilated wooden screen solar dryers for small and medium cassava processors during dry and rainy season. Halftone to one tone cassava chips dryers per day drying unit can cost one 2,258-4,338 USD to make it functional. Also open outside raised metallic racks with black surface can give good results on a good sunny day especially for starters on small scale basis. A small durable unit of 150 kilograms per day can be made with 500 USD.

Study on Generation Cost Prediction Based on Coal Quality and Generating Unit Performance

燃料变化条件下发电成本的预测是火电厂普遍关心的重要课题。分析了影响机组性能及发电电量成本的各种煤质指标，重点研究了基于结构参数及燃烧传热机理的锅炉稳态热力性能分析计算方法，讨论了制粉系统、风机、脱硫和脱硝装置性能随燃料等运行条件的变化关系，最终提出了基于煤质和机组性能分析计算的发电电量成本预测模型并研发了“煤炭选配与机组发电成本预测系统”。该系统在我国某600MW火电厂的实际应用经验表明：提出的电量成本分析预测模型合理，研发的软件系统有助于辅助火电厂的选煤和购煤决策，优化动力配煤方案，从而提高火电厂的运行经济性。

Assessment of the Indirect Cost of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment to Patients in a High Burden, Low Income Setting in Mozambique

Introduction: Tuberculosis is closely linked to poverty, with patients facing significant indirect treatment costs. Treating drug-resistant tuberculosis further increases these expenses. Notably, there is a lack of published data on the indirect costs incurred by patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis in Mozambique. Objective: To assess the indirect costs, income reduction, and work productivity incurred by patients undergoing diagnosis and treatment for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DRTB) in Mozambique during their TB treatment. Methods: As part of a comprehensive mixed-methods study conducted from January 2021 to April 2023, this research utilized a descriptive cross-sectional approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. The primary goal was to evaluate the costs incurred by the national health system due to drug-resistant TB. Additionally, to explore the indirect costs experienced by patients and their families during treatment, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 individuals who had been undergoing treatment for over six months. Results: All survey participants unanimously reported a significant decline in labour productivity, with 70.3% experiencing a reduction in their monthly income. Before falling ill, the majority of respondents (33.3%) earned up to $76.92 monthly, representing the minimum earnings range, while 29.2% had a monthly income above $230.77, the maximum earnings range. Among those who experienced income loss, the majority (22.2%) reported a decrease of up to $76.92 per month, and 18.5% cited a loss exceeding $230.77 per month. Notably, patients with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DRTB) have not incurred the direct costs of the disease, as these are covered by the government. Conclusion: The financial burden of treating Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DRTB), along with the income reduction it causes, is substantial. Implementing a patient-centred, multidisciplinary, and multisector approach, coupled with strong psychosocial support, can significantly reduce the catastrophic costs DRTB patients incur.

Effect of low-degree astigmatism on the objective visual quality

AIM:To evaluate the effect of low-degree astigmatism on objective visual quality through the Optical Quality Analysis System(OQAS).METHODS:This study enrolled 46 participants(aged 23 to 30y,90 eyes)with normal or corrected-to-normal vision.The cylindrical lenses(0,0.5,0.75,1.0,and 1.25 D)were placed at the axial direction(180°,45°,90°,and 135°)in front of the eyes with the best correction to form 16 types of regular low-degree astigmatism.OQAS was used to detect the objective visual quality,recorded as the objective scattering index(OSI),OQAS values at contrasts of 100%,20%,and 9%predictive visual acuity(OV100%,OV20%,and OV9%),modulation transfer function cut-off(MTFcut-off)and Strehl ratio(SR).The mixed effect linear model was used to compare objective visual quality differences between groups and examine associations between astigmatic magnitude and objective visual quality parameters.RESULTS:Apparent negative relationships between the magnitude of low astigmatism and objective visual quality were observed.The increase of OSI per degree of astigmatism at 180°,45°,90°,and 135°axis were 0.38(95%CI:0.35,0.42),0.50(95%CI:0.46,0.53),0.49(95%CI:0.45,0.54)and 0.37(95%CI:0.34,0.41),respectively.The decrease of MTFcut-off per degree of astigmatism at 180°,45°,90°,and 135°axis were-10.30(95%CI:-11.43,-9.16),-12.73(95%CI:-13.62,-11.86),-12.75(95%CI:-13.79,-11.70),and-9.97(95%CI:-10.92,-9.03),respectively.At the same astigmatism degree,OSI at 45°and 90°axis were higher than that at 0°and 135°axis,while MTFcut-off were lower.CONCLUSION:Low astigmatism of only 0.50 D can significantly reduce the objective visual quality.

Influence of broken kernels content on soybean quality during storage

Although it is recognized that the post-harvest system is most responsible for the loss of soybean quality,the real impact of this loss is still unknown.Brazilian regulation allows 15%and 30%of broken soybean for group I and group II(quality groups),respectively.However,the industry is not informed about the loss in the quality parameters of soybeans and its impacts during long-term storage.Therefore,the objective was to evaluate the effect of the breakage kernel percentage of soybean stored for 12 months.Content of 15% of breakage kernels did not affect soybean quality.However,content of 30% of breakage kernels affected significantly soybean quality,which was evidenced by the increase of up to 75% in moldy soybeans,72% in acidity,50% in leached solids,27% in electrical conductivity,and the decrease of up to 12% in soluble protein,6.4% in germination and 3.5% in thousand kernel weight after 8 months of storage.Although the legislation establishes a percentage limit,it is recommended to store soybeans with up to 15% breakage kernels.On the contrary,values higher than that can cause a significant reduction in soybean quality,resulting in commercial losses.

Sleep quality in middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients:Impact of a structured nursing intervention program

BACKGROUND Poor sleep quality is common among hemodialysis patients and can significantly impact their well-being.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured nursing intervention program in improving sleep quality in middleaged and elderly hemodialysis patients.AIM To evaluate the impact of nursing intervention on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients.METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital,the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University,in 2023.This study included 105 middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients aged≥45 years who underwent maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 mo,utilizing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)to identify poor sleepers.Those identified underwent a 12-wk nursing intervention program focusing on education,relaxation techniques,and counseling.Post-intervention,sleep quality was reassessed using the PSQI.RESULTS The study found that 68.6%of hemodialysis patients were poor sleepers.Following the 12-wk nursing intervention program,there was a significant decrease in the mean global PSQI score from 8.9±3.2 to 5.1±2.7(P<0.001),indicating improved sleep quality.This demonstrated the effectiveness of the structured nursing intervention in enhancing sleep quality for middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients.CONCLUSION The structured nursing intervention program focusing on sleep hygiene education,relaxation techniques,and counseling effectively improved sleep quality among middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients.The significant decrease in the mean global PSQI score post-intervention indicates the positive impact of tailored nursing interventions in addressing poor sleep quality in this patient population.These findings emphasize the importance of implementing targeted nursing interventions to enhance the quality of life for hemodialysis patients by addressing the prevalent issue of poor sleep quality.