Study Design. A case control study. Objective. The aim of this study was to identify the potential impact of cervical spine malalignment on muscle parameters. Summary of Background Data. Muscular factors are associated with cervical alignment. Nevertheless, only muscle dimensions or imaging changes have been evaluated, function of cervical muscles has scarcely been investigated. Methods. Thirty-four patients diagnosed as cervical spine degeneration associated with cervical malalignment and 32 control subjects were included in this case control study. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and the neck disability index (NDI) were used. The sagittal alignment parameters and cervical range of motion (ROM) were measured on cervical spine lateral radiographs, included C2-C7 lordosis, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-C7 SVA), cervical gravity-sagittal vertical axis (CG-SVA), T1-Slope, and spinal canal angle (SCA). Surface electromyography (SEMG)-based flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR) was measured. Results. The result showed VAS score of the neck significantly lower in controls (P<0.05), C2-C7 lordosis, C2-C7 SVA, CG-SVA, T1-Slope and ROM showed significantly different (P<0.001) between malalignment group and control group, FRR of splenius capitis (FRRSpl) and upper trapezius (FRRUTr) of the malalignment group were lower than in the control group, which correlated well with NDI (rSpl = −0.181 rUTr = −0.275), FRRSpl correlated well with VAS (rSpl = −0.177). FRRSpl correlated strongly with C2-C7 SVA (r = 0.30), CG-SVA (r = 0.32), T1-Slope (r = 0.17), ROM (r = 0.19), FRRUTr correlated with C2-C7 lordosis (r = −0.23), CG-SVA (r = 0.19), T1-Slope (r = 0.28), ROM (r = 0.23). Conclusion. Cervical malalignment patients had more tensional posterior cervical muscle and poor muscle functions. CG-SVA showed advantages in evaluating cervical malalignment. Level of Evidence: 3

Networked manufacturing is an advanced manufacturing pattern, born out of Internet technology and catering to an increasingly strong trend toward economic globalisation. In this paper the definition and basic features of networked manufacturing are presented, based on a review of state-of-the-art technology and an analysis of the requirements for enterprise collaboration. This paper will also give the architecture and the main functions of the networked manufacturing system, along with the related technologies. As a supportive platform for the implementation and operation of networked manufacturing systems, the Networked Manufacturing Integration Platform (NMIP) is discussed in detail. Since the NMIP must be able to support the collaboration between enterprises as well as to preserve the autonomy of each enterprise, the NMIP based on a multi-agent system control framework is put forward. This paper not only gives the system architecture and the main functions of the NMIP, but also discusses the mechanisms for the integration of applications under the NMIP environment from three aspects including integration technologies, topological structure, and realization strategies. Finally, the application of networked manufacturing in China is briefly presented.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to frame an empirical model with the priority of implementing soft critical successful factors (CSFs) of total quality management (TQM) in Chinese manufacturing companies. Design/methodology/approach In total, 23 hypotheses regarding the relationships among TQM factors and business results have been developed through literature review and are tested using the structural equation modelling (SEM). The data used in this study are collected from 228 manufacturing companies in the central area of China. Findings Of the 23 hypotheses, 11 were statistically significant, and according to the empirical results a conceptual framework complying to Chinese condition is constructed and discussed in the finding parts to group soft CSFs of TQM into different levels of importance. Research limitations/implications Researchers can use the framework to further study soft CSFs of TQM in detail, and extend it to explore their impact mechanism for a clearer and deeper understanding of the TQM. Practical implications The empirical framework for soft CSFs of TQM provides a new perspective for managers to implement the soft CSFs and optimise the quality management system of their manufacturing companies. Originality/value This research uses multiple, distinct indicators for each soft factor to test an elaborate SEM model of the relationships among them, according to the empirical results constructs a holistic framework classifying the importance level of soft CSFs of TQM, which is novel and subjected with Chinese condition and manufacturing characteristics.

No abstract

No abstract