PurposeThe purpose of this article is to address ways in which customer satisfaction could be improved.Design/methodology/approachIn this article it is shown how the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) can be of use in making a choice between a number of alternative quality improvement projects. A case study performed in a large information technology oriented company illustrates that the model can play an important role in reaching a consensus about the ranking of quality management projects.FindingsResults of the case study suggest that the AHP can strongly contribute to a more effective way of communicating and transforming knowledge between experts from different disciplines during quality improvement projects.Originality/valueBased on this case study, it can be concluded that by means of the AHP model a rather simple method of making a decision regarding pilot projects related to quality improvement is available to companies. One final advantage of the AHP approach as experienced in the case study relates to the possibility to explore inconsistent judgements.

The direct coupling of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with on-line electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) detection is demonstrated for monitoring separations of endohedral metallofullerenes (M a C2n). The HPLC-EPR approach readily permits detection of the paramagnetic species, such as Y @C82 and Sc3@C82, in the presence of the dominant empty-cage fullerenes (C, C70) and diamagnetic metallofullerenes (e.g., M2@Czn). The results indicate that on-line EPR provides a noninvasive, selective detector for HPLC metallofullerene separations that is readily adaptable to airsensitive and/or labile compounds. Specifically, the "EPRactive" metallofullerenes, Y @ c 8 2 and Sc3@ c82, are selectively monitored on-line for an initial separation of the metallofdlerene fraction from the dominant empty-cage fullerenes utilizing a combination of polystyrene columns. This preparative "cleanup" procedure is followed by HPLC-EPR separation and monitoring of Y @ c 8 2 and Sc3@ C82 species using a selective tripodal r-acidic-phase column (Trident-Tri-DNP) for the final stages of isolation. The recent discovery and macroscopic preparation of the endohedral metallofullerenes (M @ C2n),1,2-8 consisting of transition metals (M = Sc, Y, La, etc.) encapsulated in fullerene carbon cages (C2,,, n = 30-53), have generated considerable interest in these unusual molecules. Solid metallofullerenes would constitute a class of tunable materials with possible electronic or optical applications. However, investigation into the properties of metallofullerenes has been hindered by the difficulty in obtaining pure samples. Production yields for M@C2, species from the usual electric arc

Maternal reproductive investment can critically influence offspring phenotype, and thus these maternal effects are expected to be under strong natural selection. Knowledge on the extent of heritable variation in the physiological mechanisms underlying maternal effects is however limited. In birds, resource allocation to eggs is a key mechanism for mothers to affect their offspring and different components of the egg may or may not be independently adjusted. We studied the heritability of egg components and their genetic and phenotypic covariation in great tits (Parus major), using captive-bred full siblings of wild origin. Egg mass, testosterone (T) and androstenedione (A4) hormone concentrations showed moderate heritability, in agreement with earlier findings. Interestingly, yolk triiodothyronine hormone (T3), but not its precursor, thyroxine hormone (T4), concentration was heritable. An immune factor, albumen lysozyme, showed moderate heritability, but yolk immunoglobulins (IgY) did not. The genetic correlation estimates were moderate but statistically nonsignificant; a trend for a positive genetic correlation was found between A4 and egg mass, T and lysozyme and IgY and lysozyme, respectively. Interestingly, phenotypic correlations were found only between A4 and T, and T4 and T3, respectively. Given that these egg components are associated with fitness-related traits in the offspring (and mother), and that we show that some components are heritable, it opens the possibility that natural selection may shape the rate and direction of phenotypic change via egg composition.

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Non-technical summary The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets are an important achievement. They largely reflect the worldview of Modernity, with its emphasis on scientific and planning rationality and emancipatory ideals. This worldview is no longer evident and dominant, and it is time to systematically explore complementing worldviews. Explicit use of worldviews, as sets of values and beliefs, and ethics enriches the interpretation and implementation of the SDGs. This facilitates the engagement of citizens in their real-world diversity and the development of respect for and empathy and cooperation with people holding other values, beliefs and morals. Dialogue around ‘the middle road’ can give guidance to just, fair and sustainable development pathways.