Press forming of paperboard – advancement of converting tools and process control

Press forming is nowadays one of the most common industrial methods in use for producing deeper trays from paperboard. Demands for material properties like recyclability and sustainability have increased also in the packaging industry, but there are still limitations related to the formability of paperboard. A majority of recent studies have focused on material development, but the potential of the package manufacturing process can also be improved by the development of tooling and process control. In this study, advanced converting tools (die cutting tools and the press forming mould) are created for production scale paperboard tray manufacturing. Also monitoring methods that enable the production of paperboard trays with enhanced quality, and can be utilized in process control are developed. The principles for tray blank preparation, including creasing pattern and die cutting tool design are introduced. The mould heating arrangement and determination of mould clearance are investigated to improve the quality of the press formed trays. The effect of the spring back of the tray walls on the tray dimensions can be managed by adjusting the heat-related process parameters and estimating it at the mould design stage. This enables production speed optimization as the process parameters can be adjusted more freely. Real-time monitoring of pressing force by using multiple force sensors embedded in the mould structure can be utilized in the evaluation of material characteristics on a modified production machinery. Comprehensive process control can be achieved with a combination of measurement of the outer dimensions of the trays and pressing force monitoring. The control method enables detection of defects and tracking changes in the material properties. The optimized converting tools provide a basis for effective operation of the control system.

Production Quality Analysis of Special Elevator Cars Based on Six Sigma Approach

Project scope is to utilize Six Sigma DMAIC approach and lean principles to improve production quality of the case company. Six Sigma tools and techniques are explored through a literature review and later used in the quality control phase. The focus is set on the Pareto analysis to demonstrate the most evident development areas in the production. Materials that are not delivered to the customer or materials that damaged during transportation comprise the biggest share of all feedbacks. The goal is set to reduce these feedbacks by 50 %. Production observation pointed out that not only material shortages but also over-production is a daily situation. As a result, an initial picking list where the purchased and own production components can be seen, is created, reduction of over- and underproduction and material marking improvement are seen the most competitive options so that the goal can be reached. The picking list development should still continue to make sure that the list can be used not only in the case study but also in the industrial scale. The reduction of material missing category can be evaluated reliably not sooner than in few years because it takes time to gather the needed statistical information.

Cohesion Metrics for Improving Software Quality

Abstract Software product metrics aim at measuring the quality of software. Modu- larity is an essential factor in software quality. In this work, metrics related to modularity and especially cohesion of the modules, are considered. The existing metrics are evaluated, and several new alternatives are proposed. The idea of cohesion of modules is that a module or a class should consist of related parts. The closely related principle of coupling says that the relationships between modules should be minimized. First, internal cohesion metrics are considered. The relations that are internal to classes are shown to be useless for quality measurement. Second, we consider external relationships for cohesion. A detailed analysis using design patterns and refactorings confirms that external cohesion is a better quality indicator than internal. Third, motivated by the successes (and problems) of external cohesion metrics, another kind of metric is proposed that represents the quality of modularity of software. This metric can be applied to refactorings related to classes, resulting in a refactoring suggestion system. To describe the metrics formally, a notation for programs is developed. Because of the recursive nature of programming languages, the properties of programs are most compactly represented using grammars and formal lan- guages. Also the tools that were used for metrics calculation are described.

Development of a New Welding Product Quality Control and Management System Model for China

The Chinese welding industry is growing every year due to rapid development of the Chinese economy. Increasingly, companies around the world are looking to use Chinese enterprises as their cooperation partners. However, the Chinese welding industry also has its weaknesses, such as relatively low quality and weak management. A modern, advanced welding management system appropriate for local socio-economic conditions is required to enable Chinese enterprises to enhance further their business development. The thesis researches the design and implementation of a new welding quality management system for China. This new system is called ‗welding production quality control management model in China‘ (WQMC). Constructed on the basis of analysis of a survey and in-company interviews, the welding management system comprises the following different elements and perspectives: a ‗Localized congenital existing problem resolution strategies‘ (LCEPRS) database, a ‗human factor designed training system‘ (HFDT) training strategy, the theory of modular design, ISO 3834 requirements, total welding management (TWM), and lean manufacturing (LEAN) theory. The methods used in the research are literature review, questionnaires, interviews, and the author‘s model design experiences and observations, i.e. the approach is primarily qualitative and phenomenological. The thesis describes the design and implementation of a HFDT strategy in Chinese welding companies. Such training is an effective way to increase employees‘ awareness of quality and issues associated with quality assurance. The study identified widely existing problems in the Chinese welding industry and constructed a LCEPRS database that can be used in efforts to mitigate and avoid common problems. The work uses the theory of modular design, TWM and LEAN as tools for the implementation of the WQMC system.

The Effectiveness of Learning Portfolios: A Study of Quality Assurance Programs of Selected Health Regulatory Colleges in Ontario

Health regulatory colleges promote quality practice and continued competence through Quality Assurance (QA) programs. For many colleges, a QA program includes the use of portfolios that incorporate self-directed learning. The purpose of this study was to determine some of the issues surrounding the effectiveness of QA portfolio programs. The literature review revealed that portfolios are valuable tools, but gaps in knowledge include a comparative analysis of QA programs and the perspective of regulatory college administrators. Data were collected through interviews with 6 administrators and a review of 14 portfolio models described on college websites. The results from the two data sources were applied to Robert Stake's responsive evaluation framework to identify issues related to the portfolio's effectiveness (Stake, 1967). The learning components of portfolios were analyzed through the humanist and constructivist lenses. All 14 portfolio models were found to have 3 main components: self-diagnosis, learning plan and activities, and self-evaluation. However, differences were uncovered in learners' autonomy in selecting learning activities, methods of portfolio evaluation, and the relationship between the portfolio and other QA components. The results revealed a dual philosophy of learning in portfolio models and an apparent contradiction between the needs of the individual learner and the organization. Paths for future research include the tenuous relationship between competence and learning, and the impact of technical approaches on selfdirected learning initiatives. A key recommendation is to acknowledge the unique identity of each profession so that health regulatory colleges can address legislative demands and learner needs.

The influence of primary care clinic characteristics on the quality of care for depression in patients with different comorbidity profiles

Dans les services de première ligne, la majorité des personnes atteintes de dépression souffrent également d’autres maladies chroniques comorbides. Offrir des soins de haute qualité à ces patients représente un défi important pour les intervenants en première ligne ainsi que pour le système de santé. Il y a des raisons de croire que les contextes organisationnels dans lesquels les intervenants pratiquent ont une influence importante sur les soins. Cependant, peu d’études ont examiné directement la façon dont les caractéristiques des cliniques facilitent ou entravent les soins offerts aux patients atteints de dépression et de différents types de maladies chroniques comorbides. L’objectif général de ce projet de recherche était donc de mieux comprendre comment différentes caractéristiques des cliniques de première ligne influencent la qualité des soins pour la dépression chez des patients ayant différents profils de comorbidité. La thèse comporte deux études. Tout d'abord, nous avons effectué une revue systématique examinant les relations entre la comorbidité physique chronique et la qualité des soins pour la dépression dans les services de première ligne afin de clarifier la nature de ces relations et d’identifier les facteurs qui pourraient influer sur ces relations. Ensuite, nous avons effectué une étude aux méthodes mixtes ayant deux volets : (a) un volet quantitatif examinant les relations entre la qualité des soins pour la dépression, les profils de comorbidité des patients, et les caractéristiques des cliniques de première ligne par le biais d’analyses de régression multiniveaux de données issues de deux enquêtes, et (b) un volet qualitatif basé sur une étude de cas explorant les perceptions des professionnels des services de première ligne sur les facteurs organisationnels pouvant influencer la qualité des soins offerts aux patients souffrant de dépression et d’autres maladies chroniques comorbides. Les résultats de ces études ont montré que, bien que la qualité des soins de la dépression en soins primaires soit sous-optimale, certains sous-groupes de patients dépressifs sont plus à risque que d’autres de recevoir des soins pour la dépression inadéquats, notamment des patients ayant uniquement des comorbidités chroniques physiques. Cependant, plusieurs caractéristiques des cliniques de première ligne semblent faciliter l’offre de soins de qualité aux patients atteints de dépression et de maladies chroniques comorbides : les normes et les valeurs liées au travail d'équipe et le soutien mutuel, l'accès au soutien des professionnels ayant une expertise en santé mentale, l’utilisation des algorithmes de traitement et d’autres outils d’aide à la décision pour la dépression, et l’absence d’obstacles liés aux modèles de rémunération inadéquats. Une des façons dont ces caractéristiques favorisent la qualité est en facilitant la circulation des connaissances dans les cliniques de première ligne. Nos résultats suggèrent que des interventions organisationnelles ciblées sont nécessaires pour améliorer la qualité des soins pour la dépression que reçoivent les patients ayant des maladies chroniques comorbides. Ces interventions peuvent viser différents domaines organisationnels (ex : caractéristiques structurelles/stratégiques, sociales, technologies et épistémiques) mais doivent aussi prendre en compte comment les éléments de chaque domaine interagissent et comment ils pourraient influencer les soins pour des patients ayant des profils de comorbidité différents.

Legal regime of quality control in goods

It has long been said that market itself is the ideal regulator of all evils that may come up among traders. Free and fair competition among manufacturers in the market will adequately ensure a fair dealing to the consumers. However, these are pious hopes. that markets anywhere in the world could not accomplish so far. Consumers are being sought to be lured by advertisements issued by manufacturers and sellers that are found often false and misleading. Untrue statements and claims about quality and performance of the products virtually deceive them. The plight of the consumers remains as an unheard cry in the wildemess. In this sorry state of affairs, it is quite natural that the consumers look to the governments for a helping hand. It is seen that the governmental endeavours to ensure quality in goods are diversified. Different tools are formulated and put to use, depending upon the requirements necessitated by the facts and circumstances. This thesis is an enquiry into these measures

ICT Tools for Teaching & Learning

Page 1. ICT Tools for Teaching & Learning G Santhosh Kumar Cochin University Page 2. Agenda • What is ICT? • Why integrate ICT in Education? • What are the Challenges? • What are the good resources? Page 3. Questions # “Despite the increasing use of ICT, the need for teachers is as great as ever” # “Placing ICT in schools will automatically improve the quality of education that children receive” #”The Internet is unsafe for children to use because there is so much dangerous material available on it” Page 4. What is ICT? • ICT is short for ..

Impact of Quality on Ethics and Social Responsibility in Marketing, in Industries in Kerala in the present Indian Scenario

The paper ‘Impact of Quality on Ethics and Social Responsibility in Marketing in Industries in Kerala in the present Indian scenario’ highlights the observations, based on a descriptive research carried out in five leading industries in Kerala, in the private and public sector. Ethics and social responsibilities, practiced in these industries, are reflected in the results of the survey conducted on specific queries like awareness of products/services provided by them, total understanding of the requirements of the customer, open discussion on technical matters, accountability of employees to the society and social needs, consumer ethics vis a vis business ethics etc. Team working goes a long way, in building relations, which in turn, results in a progressive and effective marketing strategy. This assumes paramount importance, considering the severe competition we are facing in the light of liberalization, privatization and globalization, which encompasses the globe. The prediction of India becoming a lead nation, along with USA, China and Japan, in this decade, can get fructified only if we follow a very high standards of ethics and social responsibility, in all domains including marketing. Organizations like TRW.Rane, Sundaram Fasteners, TVS Motors, in Chennai are a few among others in India, who have achieved the highest distinction in quality viz Deming Prize, and these demonstrate their commitment to quality, society and humanity at large. Cost effectiveness, without jeopardizing quality has become the need of the hour and MRTP has become history. This trait is being brought out through the survey and the results speak for themselves. Unethical practices like switch and bait, not only brings shame to the organization, and country but also results in the company getting wiped out from the market. Adherence to standards like ISO 14000 helps to maintain the minimum level of social responsibility and environmental friendliness. Like quality audit, safety audit etc, social audit is being insisted in all progressive countries to ensure that the organization comply with the minimum statutory requirements. The paper also touches upon Corporate Social Responsibility practiced in the industries and this becomes crystal clear through their commitment to improve the community. Green Marketing lays a lot of importance on the three Rs of environmentalism viz Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The objective of any business is to achieve optimal profit and this is possible only by reducing the cost as well as waste. In this context, management tools like brainstorming, suggestion schemes, benchmarking etc becomes helpful. These characteristics are brought out through the analysis of survey results. The conclusions drawn throw a lot of information on the desirable practices with respect to Ethics and Social Responsibility in Marketing

Organizational excellence through quality governance

This paper provides an overview of an Enterprise Engineering method called IEM (Integrated Enterprise Modeling) and it describes the usage of SIX SIGMA approach for performance measurement of an enterprise. Based on these two instruments a methodology including procedure and tools is developed, which allows enterprises to define their adequate quality criteria for performance, to measure performance and quality and to derive reasonable actions to take for optimization. Determination of adequate quality and performance criteria and reasonable measures for the enterprise organization means “Quality Governance”.

Diagnostic Related Groups (drgs): Resourceful tools for financial crisis times?

This document is intended to be read by the Colombian Ministry of Social Protection (former MoH) and includes some recommendations that could be implemented on the aim to increase allocative efficiency, thus improving macroeconomic performance of the Colombian Health System (CHS). It will be conducted as follows: first it will briefly review the background and actual context of the CHS, after this, will mention some related issues that justify a policy intervention on strategic purchasing to promote long run sustainability and hopefully the future attainment of major goals such as universal coverage and quality improvement. After prioritizing the main financial threats to the system, based on findings from literature review from countries that have successfully implemented similar policies, this paper will make some policy recommendations on regards especially to inpatient health care services in Colombia.

The use of computer-based learning tools for teaching and clinical purposes: Interactive computing strategy for Iraq

Medical universities and teaching hospitals in Iraq are facing a lack of professional staff due to the ongoing violence that forces them to flee the country. The professionals are now distributed outside the country which reduces the chances for the staff and students to be physically in one place to continue the teaching and limits the efficiency of the consultations in hospitals. A survey was done among students and professional staff in Iraq to find the problems in the learning and clinical systems and how Information and Communication Technology could improve it. The survey has shown that 86% of the participants use the Internet as a learning resource and 25% for clinical purposes while less than 11% of them uses it for collaboration between different institutions. A web-based collaborative tool is proposed to improve the teaching and clinical system. The tool helps the users to collaborate remotely to increase the quality of the learning system as well as it can be used for remote medical consultation in hospitals.

Predicting feed quality - chemical analysis and in vitro evaluation

As the ideal method of assessing the nutritive value of a feedstuff, namely offering it to the appropriate class of animal and recording the production response obtained, is neither practical nor cost effective a range of feed evaluation techniques have been developed. Each of these balances some degree of compromise with the practical situation against data generation. However, due to the impact of animal-feed interactions over and above that of feed composition, the target animal remains the ultimate arbitrator of nutritional value. In this review current in vitro feed evaluation techniques are examined according to the degree of animal-feed interaction. Chemical analysis provides absolute values and therefore differs from the majority of in vitro methods that simply rank feeds. However, with no host animal involvement, estimates of nutritional value are inferred by statistical association. In addition given the costs involved, the practical value of many analyses conducted should be reviewed. The in sacco technique has made a substantial contribution to both understanding rumen microbial degradative processes and the rapid evaluation of feeds, especially in developing countries. However, the numerous shortfalls of the technique, common to many in vitro methods, the desire to eliminate the use of surgically modified animals for routine feed evaluation, paralleled with improvements in in vitro techniques, will see this technique increasingly replaced. The majority of in vitro systems use substrate disappearance to assess degradation, however, this provides no information regarding the quantity of derived end-products available to the host animal. As measurement of volatile fatty acids or microbial biomass production greatly increases analytical costs, fermentation gas release, a simple and non-destructive measurement, has been used as an alternative. However, as gas release alone is of little use, gas-based systems, where both degradation and fermentation gas release are measured simultaneously, are attracting considerable interest. Alternative microbial inocula are being considered, as is the potential of using multi-enzyme systems to examine degradation dynamics. It is concluded that while chemical analysis will continue to form an indispensable part of feed evaluation, enhanced use will be made of increasingly complex in vitro systems. It is vital, however, the function and limitations of each methodology are fully understood and that the temptation to over-interpret the data is avoided so as to draw the appropriate conclusions. With careful selection and correct application in vitro systems offer powerful research tools with which to evaluate feedstuffs. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improving sequence-based fold recognition by using 3D model quality assessment

Motivation: The ability of a simple method (MODCHECK) to determine the sequence–structure compatibility of a set of structural models generated by fold recognition is tested in a thorough benchmark analysis. Four Model Quality Assessment Programs (MQAPs) were tested on 188 targets from the latest LiveBench-9 automated structure evaluation experiment. We systematically test and evaluate whether the MQAP methods can successfully detect native-likemodels. Results: We show that compared with the other three methods tested MODCHECK is the most reliable method for consistently performing the best top model selection and for ranking the models. In addition, we show that the choice of model similarity score used to assess a model's similarity to the experimental structure can influence the overall performance of these tools. Although these MQAP methods fail to improve the model selection performance for methods that already incorporate protein three dimension (3D) structural information, an improvement is observed for methods that are purely sequence-based, including the best profile–profile methods. This suggests that even the best sequence-based fold recognition methods can still be improved by taking into account the 3D structural information.

MEGAPOLI: concept of multi-scale modelling of megacity impact on air quality and climate

The EU FP7 Project MEGAPOLI: "Megacities: Emissions, urban, regional and Global Atmospheric POLlution and climate effects, and Integrated tools for assessment and mitigation" (http://megapoli.info) brings together leading European research groups, state-of-the-art scientific tools and key players from non-European countries to investigate the interactions among megacities, air quality and climate. MEGAPOLI bridges the spatial and temporal scales that connect local emissions, air quality and weather with global atmospheric chemistry and climate. The suggested concept of multi-scale integrated modelling of megacity impact on air quality and climate and vice versa is discussed in the paper. It requires considering different spatial and temporal dimensions: time scales from seconds and hours (to understand the interaction mechanisms) up to years and decades (to consider the climate effects); spatial resolutions: with model down- and up-scaling from street- to global-scale; and two-way interactions between meteorological and chemical processes.