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The purpose of this paper is to test the applicability and benefits of benchmarking as a tool for quality analysis in Brazilian laboratory medical services.

A primary observational study is performed in eight hospital laboratories by tracking the receipt, analysis and return to participants of monitoring reports relating to several quality indicators for the years 2005 and 2006. Whenever possible, the paper applies 6σ criteria as an independent assessment of process quality.

Data obtained for the eight laboratories showed a monthly average (±SD) of 178,579 (±153,670) tests performed per laboratory, with 40,256 (±44,858) requisitions and 4.77 (±1.33) tests per requisition. Overall, productivity was 7.35 (±2.46) tests per man‐hour of work (MHW), increasing to 15.36 (±6.00) when considering only the analytical sector staff. An average of 1.63 (±1.14) lost hours per hundred MHW were reported (level 3.6σ), with 3.86 (±5.10) accidents at work reported (AWR) per hundred thousand MHW (level 5.5σ) and 4.22 (±2.61) redraws per thousand requisitions attended (level 4.1σ). The turn‐around‐times were 2.25 (±0.98), 3.29 (±2.12) and 8.54 (±3.25) hours for glucose level, haemogram and human immunodeficiency virus serology, respectively.

Benchmarking proved to be a useful and feasible tool for quality management in Brazilian clinical laboratories, particularly when associated with independent tools for evaluating the quality of laboratorial processes.

This is the first Brazilian study reporting that benchmarking provides useful information on the performance of different clinical laboratory processes and, therefore, could become an important tool for laboratory management.

This paper compares three different radial basis function neural networks, as well as the diffuse element method, according to their ability of approximation. This is very useful for the optimization of electromagnetic devices. Tests are done on several analytical functions and on the TEAM workshop problem 25.

This study aims to investigate the influence of the interrelationship between the deployment of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies and the application of lean production (LP) practices on the degree of organizational sustainability performance (SP) enhancement of the Bangladeshi ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

Previously, researchers have applied the resource-based view (RBV) or dynamic capability view (DCV) to describe the interaction of resources and capacities (technologies, management practices, SP) to analyze their effectiveness. However, in light of several contemporary academic discussions, this study contends that these organizational views are inappropriate for explicating SP. Hence, as the foundation of this study’s theoretical framework, the authors used the practice-based view (PBV), which is recommended as a useful window to evaluate the function of practices that are common and simple to emulate in execution. To test the theoretical framework and research hypothesis, this study used partial least square (PLS) analysis. For that, the authors carried out a systematic survey to collect data from 80 Bangladeshi RMG factories.

The results of this research imply that LP is a crucial factor in enhancing organizational SP. Moreover, the results also indicate that the adoption of I4.0 technologies along with LP can assist in delivering the lean objectives more efficiently and, therefore, the combined application of LP practices and I4.0 technologies play a significant role in enhancing organizational SP.

Though the present literature indicates the probable significant association between LP and SP or I4.0 technologies and SP, no study, with the best of the authors’ knowledge, has empirically examined the combined impacts of correlation between LP and I4.0 on SP. This is also a unique study to apply the PBV theory to explain the organizational SP through the combination of common resources and technologies.

The objective of this research is to know the degree of influence that strategic planning (SP) exerts on the tangible and intangible results of business microenterprises in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico.

The methodological design was quantitative, explanatory, observational and cross-sectional, where a sample of 407 young leaders of microenterprises from the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, was obtained. To evaluate hypotheses, a structural equation model (SEM) was developed. Regarding the goodness and adjustment indices of the SEM, they were absolutely acceptable.

The results obtained through Pearson’s correlation show that there is a positive and significant relationship between SP and the tangible and intangible results of microenterprises. In addition, through the results obtained with the SEM model, it is statistically demonstrated that SP positively and significantly influences the tangible and intangible results of microenterprises in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico.

In this research, only SP was valued as a variable that intervenes in the process of achieving tangible and intangible results to achieve the business objectives of entrepreneurial microenterprises in the state of Guanajuato. It is essential to point out that other variables that intervene in the process must be considered to generate tangible and intangible results. It is recommended to carry out further research under these variables to identify strategies for improving entrepreneurial microenterprises for their growth, sustainability and rapid positioning in a highly competitive market.

SP represents one of the tools to achieve the success of microenterprises through tangible and intangible results. However, microenterprises show a need to involve the use and application of SP to define clear indicators that contribute to obtaining satisfactory tangible and intangible results.

The findings are relevant and of great value, because there is currently not enough research that focuses on the variables analyzed, in this sense, SP and the tangible and intangible results of young entrepreneurial leaders of microenterprises in the Mexican context. The limitations of this study lie in the low participation and interest of young microenterprise entrepreneurs in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico.

El objetivo de esta investigación es conocer el grado de influencia que ejerce la planificación estratégica sobre los resultados tangibles e intangibles de las microempresas empresariales en el estado de Guanajuato, México.

El diseño metodológico fue cuantitativo, explicativo, observacional y transversal, donde se obtuvo una muestra de 407 jóvenes líderes de microempresas del estado de Guanajuato, México. Para evaluar hipótesis, se desarrolló un modelo de ecuación estructural (SEM). En cuanto a los índices de bondad y ajuste del SEM resultaron absolutamente aceptables.

Los resultados obtenidos mediante la correlación de Pearson muestran que existe una relación positiva y significativa entre la planificación estratégica y los resultados tangibles e intangibles de las microempresas. Además, a través de los resultados obtenidos a través del modelo SEM, se demuestra estadísticamente que la planificación estratégica influye positiva y significativamente en los resultados tangibles e intangibles de las microempresas del estado. de Guanajuato, México.

La planeación estratégica representa una de las herramientas para lograr el éxito de las microempresas a través de los resultados tangibles e intangibles. Sin embargo, las microempresas muestran necesidad en el involucramiento del uso y aplicación de la planeación estratégica para la definición de indicadores claros que contribuyan a obtener resultados tangibles e intangibles satisfactorios. En base a lo anterior, resulta ser motivante para los académicos, empresarios y legisladores para motivar el uso de la planificación estratégica en las microempresas debido a las bondades que atrae en garantizar el éxito de la microempresa como lo ha sugerido el Instituto del fracaso, así como también el Desarrollo de la Competitividad Empresarial. Asimismo, la planeación estratégica identifica y analiza los factores relevantes que pueden servir como apoyo a las microempresas así como a los diferentes modelos de emprendimiento que se desarrollan a través de la literatura, ofreciendo una alternativa en el enfoque de su estudio, mismos que se van ajustando a las nuevas tendencias que van surgiendo desde ámbitos nacionales como internacionales, y en particular, en el estado de Guanajuato (México) que representa uno de los estados importantes debido a su actividad económica en los sectores de agroindustria, manufactura (especialmente automotriz) y de servicios del país.

Los hallazgos son relevantes y de gran valor, pues actualmente no existe suficiente investigación que se enfoque en las variables analizadas, en este sentido, la planificación estratégica y los resultados tangibles e intangibles de jóvenes líderes emprendedores de microempresas en el contexto mexicano. Las limitaciones de este estudio radican en la baja participación e interés de los jóvenes emprendedores de microempresas del estado de Guanajuato. México

o objetivo desta pesquisa é conhecer o grau de influência que o planejamento estratégico exerce sobre os resultados tangíveis e intangíveis das microempresas empresariais do estado de Guanajuato, México.

O desenho metodológico foi quantitativo, explicativo, observacional e transversal, onde foi obtida uma amostra de 407 jovens líderes de microempresas do estado de Guanajuato, México. Para avaliar as hipóteses, foi desenvolvido um modelo de equações estruturais (SEM). Com relação aos índices de bondade e ajuste do SEM, eles foram absolutamente aceitáveis.

Os resultados obtidos por meio da correlação de Pearson mostram que existe uma relação positiva e significativa entre o planejamento estratégico e os resultados tangíveis e intangíveis das microempresas. Além disso, pelos resultados obtidos por meio do modelo SEM, é estatisticamente demonstrado que o planejamento estratégico influencia positiva e significativamente os resultados tangíveis e intangíveis das microempresas no estado. de Guanajuato, México.

O planejamento estratégico representa uma das ferramentas para alcançar o sucesso das microempresas por meio de resultados tangíveis e intangíveis. No entanto, as microempresas mostram a necessidade de envolver o uso e a aplicação do planejamento estratégico para definir indicadores claros que contribuam para a obtenção de resultados tangíveis e intangíveis satisfatórios. Com base no exposto, acaba sendo motivador para acadêmicos, empresários e legisladores motivar a utilização do planejamento estratégico nas microempresas pelos benefícios que atrai para garantir o sucesso da microempresa sugeridos pelo Instituto do Fracasso, também bem como o Desenvolvimento da Competitividade Empresarial. Da mesma forma, o planejamento estratégico identifica e analisa os fatores relevantes que podem servir de suporte às microempresas, bem como os diferentes modelos de empreendedorismo que se desenvolvem na literatura, oferecendo uma alternativa no foco de seu estudo, que são ajustando-se às novas tendências que estão surgindo nas esferas nacional e internacional, e em particular, no estado de Guanajuato (México) que representa um dos estados importantes pela sua atividade econômica no agronegócio, manufatura (especialmente automotiva) serviços do país.

Os achados são relevantes e de grande valor, uma vez que atualmente não há pesquisas suficientes que enfoquem as variáveisanalisadas, neste sentido, o planejamento estratégico e os resultados tangíveis e intangíveis de jovens líderes empreendedores de microempresas no contexto mexicano . As limitações deste estudo residem na baixa participação e interesse dos jovens empreendedores da microempresa no estado de Guanajuato. México

Almond oil is a gourmet product with functional food characteristics owing to its high almond oil content and high nutritional quality. One of the primary constraints on its production is the lack of information regarding oil extraction from an industrial perspective, including by-products generation.

The performance, quality and composition characteristics were analyzed, both from the physical-chemical and organoleptic point of view, of the almond oils obtained through two pressure systems: screw press (SP) and hydraulic press (HP). To ensure the success of almond oil production at a commercial scale, in this work, an economic study of the costs of the process was carried out as a complementary part of optimizing the production of virgin almond oil.

Physicochemical analysis showed little difference, just in total sterols (HP 2069, SP 2153) and some quality indexes (K232: HP 1.63, SP 2.13; peroxide index: HP 1.74, SP 0.95), in contrast to sensory analysis. Consumer judges valued roasted almond oil extracted using a HP the best. The production cost of the oil extracted with the SP was €23.05/l. With the HP it was €25.13/l, owing to the lower oil yield in the extraction. The most expensive treatment was for the HP with toasted almonds (€27.76/l), owing to the greater need for processing.

Production costs derived from the method used have received little attention. This paper presents data that allow for the transference between academic and industrial ambit and their economic viability.

The purpose of this research is to establish a conceptual model to understand the impact of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) on the transition of a Circular Economy (CE). Also, the paper explores the combined impact of TPM, I4.0 and CE on the sustainability performance (SP) of manufacturing firms.

The conceptual model is proposed using the dynamic capability view (DCV) and empirically validated by partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) using 304 responses from Indian manufacturing firms.

The results suggest that I4.0 positively impacts TPM, CE and SP, also showing TPM's positive impact on CE and SP. In addition, CE has a positive influence on the SP of manufacturing firms. Furthermore, CE partially mediates the relationship between I4.0 and SP with TPM and SP. The study also identifies TPM, I4.0 and CE as a new bundle of dynamic capabilities to deliver SP in manufacturing firms.

The present research adds to the knowledge and literature on DCV by identifying the importance of CE in the settings of I4.0 and TPM, especially in the context of sustainability. Also, the current study offers a new set of dynamic capabilities and provides some significant future recommendations for researchers and practitioners.

The goal of this paper is to detect helminth eggs in treated wastewater for sanitary control, using them as biological indicators of wastewater quality.

Samples were taken from the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Metropolitan Area. To concentrate the samples, centrifugation‐flotation on 33 percent zinc sulphate was applied.

The study revealed the constant presence of helminth eggs as Ascaris sp., Enterobius sp., Hymenolepis sp., and Strongyloides sp.

The results indicate that helminth eggs can be used as bioindicators for sanitary control of treated wastewater to be reused in urban areas.

The purpose of the present research was to examine the effects of content, spatial, temporal and social presences stimulated by augmented reality (AR) technology on game enjoyment and continuing behavioral intention.

A total of 355 mobile AR game players participated in an online survey posted via the nationwide crowdsourcing web service in the US. A structural equation modeling was conducted using a maximum-likelihood estimation procedure to test the relationships among the variables.

Results of structural equation modeling revealed the mechanism through which multiple dimensions of presence on the mobile AR game generated positive effects on consumer responses and showed the effects of four dimensions of presence stimulated by the AR technology on game enjoyment, performance and behavioral intention. Content, spatial, temporal and social presences are integrated to create a sense of realness. These dimensions of presence simultaneously increased game enjoyment that influenced the perceived game performance, commitment to it and ultimately the intention to play other mobile AR games.

Although AR technology brings a unique experience to the game player, research on the effects of its use in mobile games on consumer responses is currently limited. The results of this study add value to the existing mobile game literature and provide practical insights for mobile game service providers on how to enhance players’ game enjoyment and continuing behavior.

The unequal distribution of economic activities, transposed in economic, social and territorial disparities is the general characteristic of the European economy. Gaps increased in the context of European Union (EU) enlargement towards Eastern and Central Europe and of the economic crisis, thus bringing new differentiations among member states’ economies. The main aim of the chapter is to emphasise the centre-periphery differentiations in the European economy, by using a composite index of peripherality, in order to better understand the determinants of growth and convergence in Central and Eastern European countries and to reach normative conclusions for increasing Cohesion Policy (CP) effectiveness. The first part of the chapter provides a short overview of the main theories and models of the peripherality analysis and the relationships between the centre and the periphery, in order to find out how this analysis relates to the research in the field. The second part provides a comparative analysis of the evolution of European economies during 2003–2014, in order to find out whether the EU enlargement process stabilised the EU core-periphery pattern or, on the contrary, the process of core-periphery structural convergence occurred. The third part includes the suggested model of analysis (methodology, data, and main results) from a multidisciplinary perspective, underlining the centre-periphery differentiations on the two axes, North–South and West–East. The results have been interpreted in conclusions, with a focus on their relevance for the European CP challenges.