Six-sigma and quality planning of TORCH tests in the Peruvian population: a single-center cross-sectional study

Objective To ensure the health of newborns, it is necessary to perform high-quality diagnostic tests. The TORCH panel is a set of tests that identifies infectious pathogens such as Toxoplasma (Toxo) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) that are common in low-setting populations. We performed TORCH panel quality planning using six sigma in a reference laboratory at Peru. Results This was a cross-sectional study. TORCH tests include Toxo, Rubella, CMV, and Herpes. We processed all samples by fourth-generation ELISA on the GEMINI XCR200 analyzer (Diatron, Budapest, Hungary). We obtained the imprecision from the annual data of the external quality assessment plan and we used the CLSI EP12-A3 guideline. In a total of 44,788 analyses, the average imprecision was 3.69 ± 1.47%, and CMV had lower imprecision (2.3 and 2.6% for IgM and IgG, respectively). Quality planning of the TORCH panel allowed estimating the sigma value that ranged from 4 to 10 (average 7 ± 2 sigma), where rubella had the highest values (10 for IgM and 8 for IgG) while HSV2 had the lowest values (4 for IgM and 5 for IgG). Our results suggest the optimal performance of half of the markers including Toxoplasma, Rubella, and CMV in the Peruvian population.

Application of the QFD-fuzzy-SERVQUAL methodology as a quality planning tool at the surgical centre of a public teaching hospital

Background In Brazil, many public hospitals face constant problems related to high demand vis-à-vis an overall scarcity of resources, which hinders the operations of different sectors such as the surgical centre, as it is considered one of the most relevant pillars for the proper hospital functioning, due to its complexity, criticality as well as economic and social importance. Proper asset management based on well-founded decisions is, therefore, a sine-qua-non condition for addressing such demands. However, subjectivity and other difficulties present in decisions make the management of hospital resources a constant challenge. Methods Thus, the present work proposes the application of a hybrid approach, formed by the QFD tools, fuzzy logic and SERVQUAL as a decision support tool for the quality planning of the surgical centre of the Onofre Lopes Teaching Hospital (Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes—HUOL). To accomplish such objective, it was necessary to discover and analyse the main needs of the medical team working in the operating room, through the application of the SERVQUAL questionnaire, associated with fuzzy logic. Results Then, the most relevant deficiencies were transformed into entries for the QFD-fuzzy, where they were translated into project requirements. Soon after, the analysis of the existing relationships between the inputs and these requirements was carried out, generating the ranking of actions with the greatest impact on the improvement of the surgical centre overall quality. Conclusions As a result, it was found that the proposed methodology can optimize the decision process to which hospital managers are submitted, improving the surgical centre operation efficiency.

Utilização simultânea das metodologias APQP e DFLSS no processo do desenvolvimento de produto em uma empresa do setor automotivo

A presente pesquisa apresenta uma análise das diversas abordagens de metodologia de desenvolvimento de produtos, delineando suas dimensões básicas em relação à integração com as empresas. Propõe-se a utilização simultânea de duas metodologias consagradas, o Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) e o Design For Lean Six Sigma (DFLSS), para o gerenciamento de desenvolvimento de produtos, proporcionando para uma empresa automotiva menos retrabalhos e diminuição na produção de refugos de matéria-prima. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi traçar uma metodologia para suprir as necessidades dos engenheiros da área de desenvolvimento de produtos de gerenciar as atividades envolvidas no processo de desenvolvimento de produtos. O artigo consiste em um estudo de caso qualitativo, com suas conclusões apoiadas em dados, iniciando com uma ampla pesquisa bibliográfica das metodologias e a apresentação de um estudo de caso em uma empresa automotiva de cintos de segurança. Com o conhecimento adquirido por meio do estado da arte e o resultado obtido mediante o estudo de caso, concluiu-se que a união de duas metodologias contribuiu para tornar o gerenciamento de produtos mais acessível, permitindo para toda a equipe envolvida tomadas de decisões mais assertivas e desenvolvimento de produtos de maior qualidade.

Product Quality Planning in Laser Metal Processing Based on Open Innovation Using Quality Function Deployment

The results of the development of a modified quality function deployment (QFD) method, obtained for the first time to improve the product quality planning process in the metal cutting of laser technologies confirming the dynamics of open innovation, are presented. When using new marketing technologies, the requirements of consumers are established; a factorial model of customer satisfaction was determined with after an assessment by expert methods, their wishes were transformed into indicators of product quality, and its concept was developed. Product quality is enhanced by optimizing project specifications. The method of functional cost analysis (FCA) was applied for the manufacturing processes, which made it possible to reduce the costs of their implementation. New methods of product quality control were applied. The developed planning process is described by a sequence diagram, an algorithm, and a responsibility matrix. The research used search methods including Internet resources required for open innovation, namely functional modeling methods (IDEF) and the method of advanced product quality planning (APQP). The results of the achieved advantages of open innovation (reduction in research and development costs, implementation of the principles of total quality management (TQM), customer orientation, process approach, improvement) are recommended for further application both at the enterprise and in the metalworking of mechanical engineering. The practical significance of the results of this work is the reduction in internal and external failures by 12%; reduction in time for new product development by 9%; reduction in costs for online resources by 11% and quality control during production by 7%; reduction in labor costs for process management by 25%; and the stability of the process, which improved by 25%.

Application of The QFD-fuzzy-SERVQUAL Methodology as a Quality Planning Tool at the Surgical Centre of a Public Teaching Hospital

Background: In Brazil, many public hospitals face constant problems related to high demand vis-à-vis an overall scarcity of resources, which hinders the operations of different sectors such as the surgical centre, as it is considered one of the most relevant pillars for the proper hospital functioning, due to its complexity, criticality as well as economic and social importance. Proper asset management based on well-founded decisions is, therefore, a sine-qua-non condition for addressing such demands. However, subjectivity and other difficulties present in decisions make the management of hospital resources a constant challenge.Methods: Thus, the present work proposes the application of a hybrid approach, formed by the QFD tools, fuzzy logic and SERVQUAL as a decision support tool for the quality planning of the surgical centre of the Onofre Lopes Teaching Hospital (Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes - HUOL). To accomplish such objective, it was necessary to discover and analyse the main needs of the medical team working in the operating room, through the application of the SERVQUAL questionnaire, associated with fuzzy logic. Results: Then, the most relevant deficiencies were transformed into entries for the QFD-fuzzy, where they were translated into project requirements. Soon after, the analysis of the existing relationships between the inputs and these requirements was carried out, generating the ranking of actions with the greatest impact on the improvement of the surgical centre overall quality. Conclusions: As a result, it was found that the proposed methodology can optimize the decision process to which hospital managers are submitted, improving the surgical centre operation efficiency.

Produce Informative Research Videos

Researchers can usefully produce a spectrum of videos, from simple ones created with a smartphone, to professional-quality video news releases. To be effective, technical videos should be brief, often including links to further information. They should still, however, adhere to high production standards. News videos also have specific length and technical requirements, whether a finished video news release or B roll. Video releases should observe ethical requirements to avoid the appearance of being infomercials. Lecture videos should only be considered if they offer more than a talking head but include engaging and informative visuals. Field research makes a useful subject for both lay and technical videos. All videos should observe basic principles of production quality, planning, scripting, shooting, and editing. Videos can also be syndicated widely to numerous free websites.

MODEL INTEGRATED TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT DI SEKOLAH BERBASIS PESANTREN

Artikel ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan bagaimana model Integrated Total Quality Management (ITQM) di Sekolah Berbasis Pesantren. Dengan menggunakan model penelitian Research and Development (R&D) dalam kerangka pendekatan kualitatif. Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu model Integrated Total Quality Management di Sekolah Berbasis Pesantren hanya dapat dibangun atas dasar komitmen antara sistem manajemen Pesantren,Yayasan dan sekolah memiliki keselarasan visi,misi dan tujuan.ketiga manajerial tersebut tetap menjalankan proses quality planning, quality organizing, quality actuating dan quaity controlling dalam setiap proses manajemen dan saling terkoordinasi dengan baik sehingga tidak terjadi overlapping kebijakan dan program. Komitmen ketiga manajemen selalu berusaha mencari peluang untuk integrasi manajemen yang lebih efisien dan efektif dalam meningkatan mutu pendidikan dan berfokus pada kepuasan pelanggan dan perbaikan berkelanjutan.