Quality methods in Australian small and medium sized enterprises: a research framework

Quality methods in Australian industry gained much attention in the late 1980s and for most of the 1990s. In particular, quality methods such as quality systems and quality system certification had prominence, as Governments and large private sector firms attempted to improve their supply-chains. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate a rigorous and holistic approach to investigating the applicability of quality methods in Australian small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). It describes the research framework developed to further investigate the impact of quality methods on Australian SMEs, and illustrates how the framework leads to a broader exploratory study

ANALOG-DIGITAL DEVICES FOR PARAMATER ESTIMATION OF THE TRANSFER FUNCTION

In this paper comparatively simple method is presented for identifying linear and nonlinear dynamic units. It is based on the analysis of steady-state response and makes use of the sequential integrating procedure. Analog-digital devices needed for realizing this method are described. It is shown that use of the microprocessor made it possible to continuously contol the elements in the function control systems

Understanding and Managing Discolouration Risk in Trunk Mains

There is currently no accepted concept or approach for understanding and controlling discolouration risk associated with trunk mains. This paper assesses the applicability of cohesive layer theories to manage discolouration and a modelling tool that describes the process of particulate material accumulation. Results are presented from independent field experiments across the UK and internationally that evidence hydraulically induced mobilisation, or effectively cleaning, once imposed system shear stress exceeds normal conditions. Model calibration to measured data validates the cohesive layer concept with transferability in empirically derived parameters demonstrating a viable operational planning tool. The experiments highlight the accumulation of material layers as a continuous and ubiquitous process, such that fully clean pipes can never exist and helping explain how discolouration risk changes over time. A major practical implication of the novel understanding demonstrated in this paper is that discolouration risk in trunk mains can be simply managed by pro-active strategies that regularly vary the hydraulic conditions. This avoids the need for disruptive and expensive out of service invasive interventions yet offers operators a cost-effective long-term strategy to safeguard water quality

Geophysical characterization of derelict coalmine workings and mineshaft detection: a case study from Shrewsbury, United Kingdom

A study site of derelict coalmine workings near Shrewsbury, United Kingdom was the focus for multi‐phase, near‐surface geophysical investigations. Investigation objectives were: 1) site characterization for remaining relict infrastructure foundations, 2) locate an abandoned coalmine shaft, 3) determine if the shaft was open, filled or partially filled and 4) determine if the shaft was capped (and if possible characterize the capping material). Phase one included a desktop study and 3D microgravity modelling of the relict coalmine shaft thought to be on site. In phase two, electrical and electromagnetic surveys to determine site resistivity and conductivity were acquired together with fluxgate gradiometry and an initial microgravity survey. Phase three targeted the phase two geophysical anomalies and acquired high‐resolution self potential and ground penetrating radar datasets. The phased‐survey approach minimised site activity and survey costs. Geophysical results were compared and interpreted to characterize the site, the microgravity models were used to validate interpretations. Relict buildings, railway track remains with associated gravel and a partially filled coalmine shaft were located. Microgravity proved optimal to locate the mineshaft with radar profiles showing ‘side‐swipe’ effects from the mineshaft that did not directly underlie survey lines. Geophysical interpretations were then verified with subsequent geotechnical intrusive investigations. Comparisons of historical map records with intrusive geotechnical site investigations show care must be taken using map data alone, as the latter mineshaft locations was found to be inaccurate

Brexit and the Implications of Food Safety Cultural Compliance in the Food Manufacturing Sector

In theory food safety is a critical measurement, not just for economic and legal reasons but also for the moral integrity of the organisation. However, in reality, the number of accidents or incidents particularly in the food manufacturing sector is a serious cause for concern. The problem is further compounded with the onset of Brexit. Given the UK government’s floundering negotiation talks and the pending conservative leadership challenge, it has resulted in a climate of uncertainty, a devaluation of currency and economic instability. Food manufacturers along with other commercial businesses are reluctant to further invest until the economic future is more transparent. In consequence, food manufacturers are seeking efficiency savings, whilst aiming not to compromise food safety compliance. Whilst there are areas of best practice, sadly there are an increasing number of examples in which failure to comply to food safety is resulting in lost of business, serious injury and in certain cases fatalities. This paper addresses Food Safety Cultural Compliance within UK Food Manufacturers and identifies core issues that hinder the establishment of a proactive food safety culture. The research study adopts a mixed methods approach in which five UK food manufacturers were consulted via 15 semi-structured interviews with management and three focused groups. The data collected clearly indicates a commitment to food safety compliance. However, the majority of organisations struggled to maintain consistent levels of food safety compliance despite implementing costly training and development initiatives. Their strategic and operational drive to both enhance and maintain a positive food safety culture was also undermined with the uncertainty of economic pressures and the quagmire of Brexit. The paper concludes with a series of commercially viable recommendations within the context of the Brexit divorce and provides a clear contribution to the community of practice

Deprescribing in advanced illness

Patients with advanced illness such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Parkinson's disease experience acute symptoms and are usually prescribed medications to manage these, alongside drugs to treat other co-morbid, long-term conditions. As such, the pharmacotherapeutic burden for these patients is high and polypharmacy is common. Previous studies have revealed the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescribing within this group of patients, and identified the need for attention to ‘deprescribing’. Deprescribing can be defined as a process of optimization of medication regimens through cessation of potentially inappropriate or unnecessary medications. Patients usually have reservations about taking medications and may be willing to discontinue one or more medications considered ‘inappropriate’. Similarly, healthcare professionals experience some challenges discussing deprescribing approaches to patients with advanced illness. This article reviews research on prescribing medicines to patients with advanced illness, focusing on the identification of the prevalence of inappropriate or unnecessary medicines to the initiation of the deprescribing process. The review demonstrates the paramount importance of further research exploring the perspective of healthcare professionals and patients on the subject of deprescribing to facilitate its further acceptance in practice

Uncharted waters: the unintended impacts of residual chlorine on water quality and biofilms

Disinfection residuals in drinking water protect water quality and public heath by limiting planktonic microbial regrowth during distribution. However, we do not consider the consequences and selective pressures of such residuals on the ubiquitous biofilms that persist on the vast internal surface area of drinking water distribution systems. Using a full scale experimental facility, integrated analyses were applied to determine the physical, chemical and biological impacts of different free chlorine regimes on biofilm characteristics (composition, structure and microbiome) and water quality. Unexpectedly, higher free chlorine concentrations resulted in greater water quality degredation, observable as elevated inorganic loading and greater discolouration (a major cause of water quality complaints and a mask for other failures). High-chlorine concentrations also reduced biofilm cell concentrations but selected for a distinct biofilm bacterial community and inorganic composition, presenting unique risks. The results challenge the assumption that a measurable free chlorine residual necessarily assures drinking water safety

Quantity and Quality Benefits of in-Service Invasive Cleaning of Trunk Mains

Trunk mains are high risk critical infrastructure where poor performance can impact on large numbers of customers. Both quantity (e.g. hydraulic capacity) and quality (e.g. discolouration) of trunk main performance are affected by asset deterioration in the form of particle accumulation at the pipe wall. Trunk main cleaning techniques are therefore desirable to remove such material. However, little is quantified regarding the efficacy of different maintenance interventions or longer-term changes following such cleaning. This paper presents an assessment of quantity and quality performance of a trunk main system pre, post and for 12 months following cleaning using pigging with ice slurry. Hydraulic calibration showed a 7 times roughness height reduction after ice slurry pigging, evidencing substantially improved hydraulic capacity and reduced headloss. Turbidity response due to carefully imposed shear stress increase remained significant after the cleaning intervention, showing that relatively loose material had not been fully removed from the pipe wall. Overall the results demonstrate that cleaning by pigging with ice slurry can be beneficial for quantity performance, but care and further assessment may be necessary to realise the full quality benefits

Patients using antifungals following laryngectomy : a qualitative study of community pharmacists in the North of England

Objective: To explore community pharmacists’ understanding and opinions in relation to prevention of fungal colonisation of voice prostheses amongst laryngectomy patients. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted on a purposive sample of 12 community pharmacists from the North of England. Interviews were undertaken until data saturation was reached and responses were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach. Key findings: Six themes emerged from the data analysis. These were: terminology confusion about laryngectomy, stoma and voice prostheses; smoking as a risk factor for the development of laryngeal cancer; using nystatin to prevent biofilm formation; counselling information related to nystatin; prescription intervention and additional education in relation to laryngectomy. The theme of counselling information related to nystatin use and additional education was a key finding: our data show that when dispensing nystatin to patients with a voice prosthesis, community pharmacists would either give no advice related to medication use or would give incorrect advice that may lead to premature prosthesis failure amongst this patient group. Conclusion: This study highlights that community pharmacists lack understanding in relation to laryngectomy and are unaware of the off-label doses and administration methods of the drugs (specifically nystatin) used to prevent fungal colonisation on voice prostheses. Additional information sources – possibly obtained through the local Speech and Language Therapy Department – in the form of an educational leaflet would be perceived as a valuable resource to support community pharmacists who are required to manage these patients in the community

Decision-making tools to manage the microbiology of drinking water distribution systems

This paper uses a two-fold multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach applied for the first time to the field of microbial management of drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). Specifically, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) was applied removing the need for reliance on expert judgement, and analysed interdependencies among water quality parameters and microbiological characteristics of DWDS composed of different pipe materials. In addition, the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) ranked the most common bacteria identified during trials in a DWDS according to their relative abundance while managing vagueness affecting the measurements. The novel integrated approach presented and proven here for an initial real world data set provides new insights in the interdependence of environmental conditions and microbial populations. Specifically, the application shows as the bacteria having associated the most significant microbial impact may not be the most abundant. This offers the potential for integrated management strategies to promote favourable microbial conditions to help safeguard drinking water quality