Quality Assurance Applications Research Articles

Applying Quality Assurance Standards in Newly Established Universities: Issues and challenges

Applying Quality Assurance Standards in Newly Established Universities: Issues and challenges

Artificial Intelligence in Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy.

Artificial Intelligence in Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy.

Modeling linear accelerator (Linac) beam data by implicit neural representation learning for commissioning and quality assurance applications.

Linear accelerator (Linac) beam data commissioning and quality assurance (QA) play a vital role in accurate radiation treatment delivery and entail a large number of measurements using a variety of field sizes. How to optimize the effort in data acquisition while maintaining high quality of medical physics practice has been sought after. We propose to model Linac beam data through implicit neural representation (NeRP) learning. The potential of the beam model in predicting beam data from sparse measurements and detecting data collection errors was evaluated, with the goal of using the beam model to verify beam data collection accuracy and simplify the commissioning and QA process. NeRP models with continuous and differentiable functions parameterized by multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) were used to represent various beam data including percentage depth dose (PDD) and profiles of 6 MV beams with and without flattening filter. Prior knowledge of the beam data was embedded into the MLP network by learning the NeRP of a vendor-provided "golden" beam dataset. The prior-embedded network was then trained to fit clinical beam data collected at one field size and used to predict beam data at other field sizes. We evaluated the prediction accuracy by comparing network-predicted beam data to water tank measurements collected from 14 clinical Linacs. Beam datasets with intentionally introduced errors were used to investigate the potential use of the NeRP model for beam data verification, by evaluating the model performance when trained with erroneous beam data samples. Linac beam data predicted by the model agreed well with water tank measurements, with averaged Gamma passing rates (1%/1mm passing criteria) higher than 95% and averaged mean absolute errors less than 0.6%. Beam data samples with measurement errors were revealed by inconsistent beam predictions between networks trained with correct versus erroneous data samples, characterized by a Gamma passing rate lower than 90%. A NeRP beam data modeling technique has been established for predicting beam characteristics from sparse measurements. The model provides a valuable tool to verify beam data collection accuracy and promises to simplify commissioning/QA processes by reducing the number of measurements without compromising the quality of medical physics service.

New Possibility Soft Sets with Quality Assurance Application in Distance Education

The probability fuzzy soft set is an approach that is obtained by adding a probability degree to each approximate element of the fuzzy soft set and is formed by combining Fuzzy Set Theory and Soft Set Theory. This idea was later studied in different sets, such as intuitionistic fuzzy sets, neutrosophic fuzzy sets, Pythagorean fuzzy sets, etc. In this paper, a new Possibility Set is defined in the Fermatean Fuzzy environment and the essential features of new sets have been examined. The set-theoretic operations of new possibility sets, such as subset, soft equal, complement, union, intersection, AND, and OR, have been characterized with the help of elaborated examples. Their fundamental laws and properties are also discussed. A practical example concerning quality assurance in distance education is studied to demonstrate the applicability of new similarity measures in decision-making situations. Thus, it has been shown that the newly given similarity measure can be successfully applied to real-world decision problems. Finally, a comparison of the similarity of the proposed model is made with some existing models.

Towards a Deep Learning-based Online Quality Prediction System for Welding Processes

The digitization of manufacturing processes enables promising applications for machine learning-assisted quality assurance. A widely used manufacturing process that can strongly benefit from data-driven solutions is gas metal arc welding (GMAW). The welding process is characterized by complex cause-effect relationships between material properties, process conditions and weld quality. In non-laboratory environments with frequently changing process parameters, accurate determination of weld quality by destructive testing is economically unfeasible. Deep learning offers the potential to identify the relationships in available process data and predict the weld quality from process observations. In this paper, we present a concept for a deep learning based predictive quality system in GMAW. At its core, the concept involves a pipeline consisting of four major phases: collection and management of multi-sensor data (e.g. current and voltage), real-time processing and feature engineering of the time series data by means of autoencoders, training and deployment of suitable recurrent deep learning models for quality predictions, and model evolutions under changing process conditions using continual learning. The concept provides the foundation for future research activities in which we will realize an online predictive quality system for running production.

Main challenges in radiation protection with emerging radionuclide therapies.

The recent development of radionuclide therapy and radioligand therapy has raised a call for achieving the highest quality standards, for either radiopharmacy or radiation protection. Novel radionuclides are now being used, either under the form of in-house production radiopharmaceuticals or available from companies. Over the last 20 years, they include radiolabeled microspheres for selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT), the introduction of the first commercially available alpha emitter radiopharmaceutical, 223Ra, and the radiosynoviorthesis which is highly variable across Europe. More important is the development of radioligand therapy, often called theranostics. In this concept, a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical can determine the chance of success of a therapeutic one. Typically, diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals for positron emission tomography, are labeled with 18F or 68Ga, such as the PSMA ligands or somatostatin analogs, and the therapeutic radiopharmaceutical is labeled with 177Lu. This has revolutionized the world of Nuclear Medicine, but also all concepts that shall be applied to properly apply quality assurance and radiation protection in the field. This article will follow the example of 131I as the main used radionuclide for therapy during the last 80 years. Proposals can be general, and in parallel expert's articles will give specific guidance on issues with particular radionuclides, i.e., alpha emitters and 177Lu. This article will also give insight in the radiation protection issues related to the use of microspheres radiolabeled with either 90Y or 166Ho.

School Quality Assurance Applications for Basic Education Schools

This study aims to recommend applications of quality assurance for schools of basic education by analysing the school quality assurance applications of some countries which were successful at international tests and by interviewing university lecturers. This current study first analyses the quality assurance applications used in schools in some countries which achieved success at international tests. Thus, the school quality assurance applications in Estonia, Hong Kong and New Zealand were described. In addition to that ten university lecturers were also interviewed within the scope of this study. The data for the countries were collected by the document analysis method, and the views of the faculty members were collected by the interview method. The data were analysed in sub-themes such as the quality assurance applications used in schools in some countries which achieved success at international tests, the stake holders in the applications, how often the applications were used and in what processes they were used. As a result of the interviews, similar themes were classified. It may be recommended in the light of the results obtained that external evaluation should be made for self-evaluation and that national beside international tests should be used as data for school quality assurance applications. In addition, it is revealed how self-evaluation and external evaluation practices can be shaped.

Developing a digital application for quality assurance of assessment programmes in higher education

PurposeThis study aims to report the design, development and evaluation of a digital quality assurance application aimed at improving and ensuring the quality of assessment programmes in higher education.Design/methodology/approachThe application was developed using a design-based research (DBR) methodology. The application’s design was informed by a literature search and needs assessment of quality assurance stakeholders to ensure compliance with daily practices and accreditation requirements. Stakeholders from three study programmes evaluated the application.FindingsAs part of the development of the application, module- and programme-level dashboards were created to provide an overview of the programme’s outcomes, assessment methods, assessment metrics, self-evaluated quality indicators and assessment documents. The application was evaluated by stakeholders at the module and programme levels. Overall, the results indicated that the dashboards aided them in gaining insight into the assessment programme and its alignment with underlying assessments.Practical implicationsVisualisation of the assessment programme’s structure and content identifies gaps and opportunities for improvement, which can be used to initiate a dialogue and further actions to improve assessment quality.Originality/valueThe application developed facilitates a cyclical and transparent assessment quality assurance procedure that is continuously available to various stakeholders in quality assurance.

Quality assurance in the polytechnic of health, ministry of health

This research aims to see the strengths and weaknesses, differences and similarities of SPME standards, and build a hypothetical integration of quality assurance systems. This research type is evaluative research with a qualitative approach. The instrument is an interview guide, observation guide, and documentation. The data analysis used is a SWOT analysis, Mind Mapping, and CIPP. The results are the weaknesses are seen from multiple assignments, different assessment indicators, teamwork, implementation of the MOU has not been optimal, and the assessment period and data are not yet integrated. The threats are inconsistent regulations, different standards, and global competition. This is the first study that evaluated five accreditation quality assurance systems, ISO 9001: 2015, PDDikti, SAKIP, and ZI. The formulation of a hypothetical model provides SPMI data for the requirement of the SPME. The recommendation from this study is to coordinate the quality assurance center to synchronize the data and integrate data audit instruments in a quality assurance application.

Lessons From ITER Magnet Experience on the Need for an Improved Nuclear Quality Approach for Magnets in Future Fusion Reactors

Now that ITER magnets are nearing procurement completion, with many of them on site and being installed, there is growing interest in the next step to a tokamak fusion reactor. A big question in this next step will be the safety and reliability of the magnet system. Even before operation we have many lessons to be applied in the next step. ITER magnets are not largely safety-important components and have been produced without the appointment of an Authorised Notified Body(ANB), by the Safety Regulator. In future fusion reactors, reliability and reparability will have a higher importance than pure functionality, and construction cannot be approached with an R&D mentality. Methods and techniques for implementing quality assurance in ITER superconducting magnets started with design control, then extended to manufacturing quality control in procurement including control verification and methods for acceptance tests. Use of on-line tools such as a manufacturing database to provide the quality traceability during procurement control and non-conformities database applied to ensure conformity to fulfil the requirements over the ITER international suppliers. As a staged project, currently ITER is facing the installation process control including component identification and tracing, tool proofing, qualification of installation, inspection and test. Next will be the control of commissioning activities and verification functions until the hand over of superconducting magnets for operation. There has been remarkable progress from the ITER programme on developing and applying quality assurance, with many lessons learned. However, the examples given by incidents such as occurred in LHC, JT60-SA and ITER CS module test would not be acceptable for a nuclear reactor. We need now to review our approach to give a firm footing for DEMO QA/QC.

Policy analysis: User monitoring of in-vitro diagnostic medical devices used for near-patient testing of infectious diseases

Abstract Background All individuals should have equitable access to accurate and timely testing for infectious diseases, which underpins diagnosis and treatment, safeguards blood supplies, and is used to determine disease prevalence. Disadvantaged populations have limited access to laboratory-based testing, so near-patient or point-of-care testing (PoCT) has been developed and implemented. Unlike laboratory-based testing, PoCT is often performed by non-laboratory staff and outside regulatory frameworks. Quality assurance (QA) of PoCT is often lacking or inappropriate, meaning inaccurate testing can go undetected, leading to poor patient outcomes. Objective To review the application of QA of PoCT use to detect infectious diseases and propose fit-for-purpose alternatives. Method A review of the current QA of PoCT was undertaken by experienced QA providers by mapping the points of failure. Barriers to providing PoCT QA include inappropriate and unstable sample types; expensive shipping to remote sites, including dry ice shipment; cost of international QA programmes; regulatory costs; fixed test events; and a lack of technology for simple, centralized data collection facilitating rapid analysis and reporting of test results. Based on these findings, a novel, fit-for-purpose model of QA for PoCT for infectious diseases is described. Results The new model for QA for PoCT identifies and describes novel sample types, including dry tube samples, dried swabs, or liquid-stable clinical samples that are inactivated and stable at ambient temperature; modified distribution channels; and a method for data collection and analysis using mobile phone technology. Conclusion The findings of this paper seek to describe a fit-for-purpose process, which aims to improve the quality of testing for infectious diseases at PoCT, globally.

Quality of raw meat

Numerous ante mortem and post mortem factors affect on the quality of raw meat. Through previous scientific research, we have learned about the type of factors and their effects on the overall quality of raw meat. Participants in the meat supply chain, especially livestock and slaughterhouses, work together to provide the raw meat for the needs of the population and the meat processing industry. The requirements of consumers and processors of raw meat are clear. Raw meat producers should provide safe meat at an affordable price. During production, they need to apply methods that respect the principles of animal welfare and have a minimal impact on the environment. Precise definition of raw meat quality characteristics, application of quality assurance and food safety management systems and determination of quality parameters during raw meat assessment (in carcasses, halves, pieces of meat) contribute to strengthening supply chain links, increasing trust of stakeholders (for example, livestock farmers, slaughterhouses, meat processing industry, wholesalers and retailers) and consumers of raw meat.

Power of mzRAPP-Based Performance Assessments in MS1-Based Nontargeted Feature Detection.

When performing chromatography-mass spectrometry-based nontargeted metabolomics, or exposomics, one of the key steps in the analysis is to obtain MS1-based feature tables. Inapt parameter settings in feature detection will result in missing or wrong quantitative values and might ultimately lead to downstream incorrect biological interpretations. However, until recently, no strategies to assess the completeness and abundance accuracy of feature tables were available. Here, we show that mzRAPP enables the generation of benchmark peak lists by using an internal set of known molecules in the analyzed data set. Using the benchmark, the completeness and abundance accuracy of feature tables can be assessed in an automated pipeline. We demonstrate that our approach adds to other commonly applied quality assurance methods such as manual or automatized parameter optimization techniques or removal of false-positive signals. Moreover, we show that as few as 10 benchmark molecules can already allow for representative performance metrics to further improve quantitative biological understanding.

External beam irradiation angle measurement using a hybrid Cerenkov-scintillation detector

Objective. In this study, we propose a novel approach designed to take advantage of the Cerenkov light angular dependency to perform a direct measurement of an external beam irradiation angle. Approach. A Cerenkov probe composed of a 10 mm long filtered sensitive volume of clear PMMA optical fibre was built. Both filtered and raw Cerenkov signals from the transport fibre were collected through a single 1 mm diameter transport fibre. An independent plastic scintillation detector composed of 10 mm BCF12 scintillating fibre was also used for simultaneous dose measurements. A first series of measurements aimed at validating the ability to account for the Cerenkov electron energy spectrum dependency by simultaneously measuring the deposited dose, thus isolating signal variations resulting from the angular dependency. Angular calibration curve for fixed dose irradiations and incident angle measurements using electron and photon beams where also achieved. Main results. The beam nominal energy was found to have a significant impact on the shapes of the angular calibration curves. This can be linked to the electron energy spectrum dependency of the Cerenkov emission cone. Irradiation angle measurements exhibit an absolute mean error of 1.86° and 1.02° at 6 and 18 MV, respectively. Similar results were obtained with electron beams and the absolute mean error reaches 1.97°, 1.66°, 1.45° and 0.95° at 9, 12, 16 and 20 MeV, respectively. Reducing the numerical aperture of the Cerenkov probe leads to an increased angular dependency for the lowest energy while no major changes were observed at higher energy. This allowed irradiation angle measurements at 6 MeV with a mean absolute error of 4.82°. Significance. The detector offers promising perspectives as a potential tool for future quality assurance applications in radiotherapy, especially for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), magnetic resonance image-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) and brachytherapy applications.

Fabrication of 3D printed patient-derived anthropomorphic breast phantoms for mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis: Imaging assessment with clinical X-ray spectra

PurposeTo design, fabricate and characterize 3D printed, anatomically realistic, compressed breast phantoms for digital mammography (DM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) x-ray imaging. MaterialsWe realized 3D printed phantoms simulating healthy breasts, via fused deposition modeling (FDM), with a layer resolution of 0.1 mm and 100% infill density, using a dual extruder printer. The digital models were derived from a public dataset of segmented clinical breast computed tomography scans. Three physical phantoms were printed in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS), or in polylactic-acid (PLA) materials, using ABS as a substitute for adipose tissue, and PLA or PET filaments for replicating glandular and skin tissues. 3D printed phantoms were imaged at three clinical centers with DM and DBT scanners, using typical spectra. Anatomical noise of the manufactured phantoms was evaluated via the estimates of the β parameter both in DM images and in images acquired via a clinical computed tomography (CT) scanner. ResultsDM and DBT phantom images showed an inner texture qualitatively similar to the images of a clinical DM or DBT exam, suitably reproducing the glandular structure of their computational phantoms. β parameters evaluated in DM images of the manufactured phantoms ranged between 2.84 and 3.79; a lower β was calculated from the CT scan. ConclusionsFDM 3D printed compressed breast phantoms have been fabricated using ABS, PLA and PET filaments. DM and DBT images with clinical x-ray spectra showed realistic textures. These phantoms appear promising for clinical applications in quality assurance, image quality and dosimetry assessments.

Studi Penjaminan Mutu (Quality Assurance) Dalam Pelayanan Kefarmasian di Apotek

Low Quality Assurance in Pharmacy Award Ipilo Gorontalo include pharmaceutical, security, procurement, storage, and distribution or drug delivery, drug management, on a prescription drug services, drug information services, as well as drug development, medicinal materials and traditional medicine. The impact of the implementation of activities in the pharmacy pharmacy services Anugerah Ipilo errors may occur treatment (medication errors) in the service process. Quality Assurance (QA) is one dimension that is used in the measurement of quality of service, where the application of QA in pharmacies Ipilo Award aims to provide quality assurance of pharmaceutical products and the quality of services provided to patients. This research is descriptive, the source of primary data obtained from the questionnaires with QA standard indicator framework on pharmaceutical services in pharmacies Anugerah Ipilo. The assessment results then classified based on criteria appropriate, relatively appropriate and not appropriate. The results showed that the Quality Assurance (Quality Assurance) on the quality of the equipment and the safety assurance of Pharmaceutical Services in Pharmacy Award Ipilo there are seven questions (70%) had a very good criteria, three questions (30%) had a good criterion. Quality Assurance (Quality Assurance) on the Process of Pharmaceutical Services in Pharmacy Award Ipilo there are 4 questions (40%) had a very good criteria, one question (10%) had a pretty good and 5 questions (50%) had less good. Pharmacies merely focused on the administration and management of medication alone is not the overall pharmacy services, in addition because the pharmacy Anugerah Ipilo prefer the function of the economy (business) rather than its social function, which pharmacies are required to gain / profit in business.

Determination of the electronic portal imaging device pixel-sensitivity-map for quality assurance applications. Part 2: Photon beam dependence.

PurposeThe EPID PSM is a useful EPID calibration method for QA applications. The dependence of the EPID PSM on the photon beam used to acquire it has been investigated in this study for the four available PSM methods. The aim is to inform upon the viability of applying a single PSM for all available photon beams to simplify PSM implementation and maintenance.MethodsFour methods of PSM determination were each measured once in a single session on a single TrueBeam ® STx linac using 6 MV, 10 MV, 6 MV Flattening‐Filter‐Free (FFF), and 10 MV FFF photon beams. The resultant PSM was assessed for both intra‐ and inter‐method beam dependence via comparison between PSM of the same method compared to the 6 MV PSM and via comparison between PSM of the same beam with the corresponding Monte Carlo PSM. Comparisons were performed via 2D percentage deviation plots with associated histograms, 1D crossplane profiles, and via mean, median, and standard deviation percentage deviation statistics. Generated beam‐response was compared qualitatively via 1D crossplane profile comparison and quantitatively via symmetry assessment with comparison to the IC profiler device.ResultsThe Varian method provided the most consistent PSM with varying photon beam, with median percent deviation from the 6 MV PSM within 0.14% for all other beams. Qualitatively, each method provided similar beam‐response profiles. The measured beam‐response symmetry agreed to within 0.2% between the Calvary Mater Newcastle (CMN) method and IC profiler, but agreement reduced to within 0.9% and 2.2% for the Varian and WashU methods. PSM percent deviation with Monte Carlo PSM was within 0.75% for all methods and beams.ConclusionResults suggest that the PSM may be independent of photon beam to clinically relevant levels. The Varian method of PSM determination introduces the least beam dependence into the measured PSM.

Determination of the electronic portal imaging device pixel-sensitivity-map for quality assurance applications. Part 1: Comparison of methods.

PurposeCalibration of a radiotherapy electronic portal imaging device (EPID) using the pixel‐sensitivity‐map (PSM) in place of the flood field correction improves the utility of the EPID for quality assurance applications. Multiple methods are available for determining the PSM and this study provides an evaluation to inform on which is superior.MethodsThree different empirical methods (“Calvary Mater Newcastle” [CMN], “Varian,” and “WashU”) and a Monte Carlo‐based method of PSM determination were investigated on a single Varian TrueBeam STx linear accelerator (linac) with an aS1200 EPID panel. PSM measurements were performed for each empirical method three successive times using the 6 MV beam. The resulting PSM from each method was compared to the Monte Carlo method as a reference using 2D percentage deviation maps and histograms plus crossplane profiles. The repeatability of generated PSMs was also assessed via 2D standard deviation (SD) maps and histograms. Additionally, the Beam‐Response generated by removal of the PSM from a raw EPID image for each method was visually contrasted. Finally, the practicality of each method was assessed qualitatively and via the measured time required to acquire and export the required images.ResultsThe median pixel‐by‐pixel percentage deviation between each of the empirical PSM methods and the Monte Carlo PSM was ‐0.36%, 0.24%, and 0.74% for the CMN, Varian, and WashU methods, respectively. Ninety‐five percent of pixels were found to be repeatable to within ‐0.21%, 0.08%, 0.19%, and 0.35% (1 SD) for the CMN, Monte Carlo, Varian, and WashU methods, respectively. The WashU method was found to be quickest for data acquisition and export and the CMN the slowest.ConclusionFor the first time four methods of generating the EPID PSM have been compared in detail and strengths and weaknesses of each method have been identified. All methods are considered likely to be clinically acceptable and with similar practical requirements.

A Survey of Quality Assurance Application in Technology Enhanced Learning

A Survey of Quality Assurance Application in Technology Enhanced Learning

Intelligent predetection of projected reference markers for robot-based inspection systems

Technical advancements in optical devices like sensors and projectors have led to tremendous innovations in manufacturing metrology, not least due to reductions in cost and the use of sophisticated image processing software. More recently, methods based on machine learning have demonstrated their high potential in meeting challenges that are difficult to overcome using conventional image processing techniques. In this context, we present an approach for the intelligent predetection of projected reference markers in robot-based inspection systems. These markers support the alignment of different sensor views and do not need to be physically attached to any parts. However, their robust detection is challenging under unfavorable lighting conditions. Hence, we introduce trained models of a cascade classifier based on both synthetic and real image data. Subsequently, we present the detection performance for different shapes and designs of markers projected onto real-world sheet metal parts as used in the automotive industry. The results demonstrate that properly trained classifiers can achieve a recall and precision of 90% and higher. The use of intelligent predetection promises more robust results in the subsequent detection of projected markers and, thus, benefits image processing in particular in geometric quality assurance applications.