3 research outputs found
Use Of Leucocyte-Esterase As A Means Of Testing Suitability Of Sputum Specimens For Laboratory Examination
The study has strived to compare the leucocyte-esterase stripe activity
on sputum samples with gram-stained direct smear microscopy. This is
for the demonstration of white blood cells (WBCs) and so to develop a
simple method for selecting suitable sputum samples for cultural
examination and laboratory diagnosis. A total of 17(34.0%) out of 50
samples studied were shown to be unsuitable for microbiological
examination and for identification of mycobacterial infection. Sputa of
patients between the ages of 20-29 years old were found to be more
positive by demonstrating more WBCs and squamous epithelial cells
(SECs). We believe this technique should offer an alternative to the
conventional direct smear microscopy used for examining patient's sputa
in our hospital laboratories
An Integrated View of the Use of Quality Cost Information, the Improvement of the Quality Management System and Effects on Performance: a Study in Portuguese Companies
The literature focusing on quality costs has placed great importance on issues related to identifying, measuring and reporting quality cost information. Less attention has been paid to how this information is used in the management process and how it can enhance internal capabilities and thereby improve company performance. In addition to addressing this question, we analyse how the extensive use of quality costs can boost organisational learning and innovation in organisations' internal processes, thus leading to an overall improvement in the quality management system that is reflected in financial and non-financial performance. The conceptual model developed involves these relationships and has been tested using the structural equation modelling technique. To this end, a questionnaire survey was conducted in Portuguese companies with the ISO 9000 certification. The results shed light on the causal links between the variables, and thus validate the conceptual model indicating that the use of quality cost information has a positive effect on both the development of quality management systems and performanc