Fault Coverage Research Articles

Analisis Biaya Operasional, Harga dan Kualitas Produk Terhadap Peningkatan Pendapatan Pada UMKM Kuliner di Sidoarjo

Background – Currently, many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the culinary sector are seeking to capitalize on the widespread appreciation for regional products that are embedded in the cultural fabric of Indonesian society. Likewise, in the Sidoarjo area, a multitude of culinary MSME owners are trying to attract consumers by offering products that offer typical flavors native to their respective regions. Aim – The aim of this research is to determine operational cost tests, price tests and product quality tests to increase the income of MSMEs Design / methodology / approach – This research method is quantitative research with SEM-PLS as a data analysis method with the Smart PLS 3.0 program. Data was collected through a questionnaire distributed to 100 research sample respondents, namely culinary MSMEs in Sidoarjo, with each variable measured using certain statement items. Findings – The findings of this research indicate that culinary MSMEs in Sidoarjo need to focus more on pricing strategies and improving product quality to increase their income. Operational cost efficiency does not necessarily contribute significantly to increasing revenue, possibly because human resources are an obstacle. This research provides important insights for MSME players and stakeholders in formulating effective business strategies, by emphasizing the importance of price and product quality in influencing income. Conclusion - The three variables studied were Operational Costs (X1), Price (X2), and Product Quality (X3), only the Price and Product Quality variables showed a positive and significant impact on Income Increase (Y) among culinary MSME actors in Sidoarjo. Research Implication – This research was carried out to determine whether operational costs incurred could be more effective and have a positive impact on productivity and income. Limitations – Limitations This research only involved the Sidoarjo area

The Influence of "Dear Me Beauty" Product Quality and Innovation on Consumer Satisfaction in the Greater Jakarta Region

This research aims to determine the influence of Dear Me Beauty product quality and innovation on consumer satisfaction in the Greater Jakarta Area. This research used 100 samples with the criteria of consumers who had used Dear Me Beauty products and were domiciled in Greater Jakarta. The data analysis used SPSS version 25 and the data analysis methods used, namely the data quality test, classical assumption test, multiple linear regression test, hypothesis test, and determination coefficient (R2) test. The results of this study show that product quality has a positive and partially significant effect on consumer satisfaction, which shows the results of the t-test with a significance value of 0.000 < 0.05. Product innovation has a positive and partially significant effect on consumer satisfaction, which is shown by the product quality t-test value with a significance value of 0.000 < 0.05. Product quality and innovation have a positive and significant effect simultaneously on consumer satisfaction, which shows the results of the F test of 102,961 and a significance value of 0.000 < 0.05.

Frequency selection method with support vector machine to minimize the impact of individual differences on the electrical impedance spectra of fruits

Individual differences in electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) parameters is a technical bottleneck in fruit quality detection. To achieve non-destructive fruit quality testing and minimize the impact of individual differences, this paper proposes a frequency selection + support vector machine strategy based on the frequency response characteristics of biological tissues and the path of current flow. This study found obvious differences in the EIS parameters of different samples. The measurement stability was affected by the electrode type and frequency. The destructive needle electrode was much less affected by individual differences than the non-destructive patch electrode. The effect of low frequencies was greater than that of high frequencies. The heterogeneity of the fruit peel and pulp and the contact area between the electrode and peel were the main reasons for individual differences. When detecting banana maturity, the highest precision of the models was 98.9% by proposed methods; however, the generalizability of the model and its application for other fruit quality tests still require further verification and optimization. The results promote the practical application of EIS in the field of fruit quality assessment and provide new insights for the quality evaluation of other agricultural products.

Rapid Lactic Acid Content Detection in Secondary Fermentation of Maize Silage Using Colorimetric Sensor Array Combined with Hyperspectral Imaging

Lactic acid content is a crucial indicator for evaluating maize silage quality, and its accurate detection is essential for ensuring product quality. In this study, a quantitative prediction model for the change of lactic acid content during the secondary fermentation of maize silage was constructed based on a colorimetric sensor array (CSA) combined with hyperspectral imaging. Volatile odor information from maize silage samples with different days of aerobic exposure was obtained using CSA and recorded by a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system. Subsequently, the acquired spectral data were subjected to preprocessing through five distinct methods before being modeled using partial least squares regression (PLSR). The coronavirus herd immunity optimizer (CHIO) algorithm was introduced to screen three color-sensitive dyes that are more sensitive to changes in lactic acid content of maize silage. To minimize model redundancy, three algorithms, such as competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), were used to extract the characteristic wavelengths of the three dyes, and the combination of the characteristic wavelengths obtained by each algorithm was used as an input variable to build an analytical model for quantitative prediction of the lactic acid content by support vector regression (SVR). Moreover, two optimization algorithms, namely grid search (GS) and crested porcupine optimizer (CPO), were compared to determine their effectiveness in optimizing the parameters of the SVR model. The results showed that the prediction accuracy of the model can be significantly improved by choosing appropriate pretreatment methods for different color-sensitive dyes. The CARS-CPO-SVR model had better prediction, with a prediction set determination coefficient (RP2), root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), and a ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of 0.9617, 2.0057, and 5.1997, respectively. These comprehensive findings confirm the viability of integrating CSA with hyperspectral imaging to accurately quantify the lactic acid content in silage, providing a scientific and novel method for maize silage quality testing.

Work Environment, Employee Motivation, and Discipline as Drivers of Employee Performance in Local Government-Owned Bank

The objective of this research is to investigate the impact of the work environment, motivation, and discipline on employee performance in Local Government-owned bank. The study was conducted at Bank Daerah Lamongan, using a sample of 69 employees out of a total of 218. The sample size was determined using the Slovin formula, and data collection was carried out through random sampling. A quantitative method was applied, with data processed using SPSS to conduct data quality tests, classical assumption tests, and to assess the partial and simultaneous effects of these work factors on employee performance. Several hypotheses were tested regarding the relationships between the work environment, employee motivation, and work discipline. It was anticipated that the work environment would significantly influence employee performance. The analysis yielded the following results: Based on the t-test, the work environment showed a significant impact on employee performance. Similarly, the results indicated that both motivation and discipline also had significant effects on performance. The f-test results further confirmed that the work environment, motivation, and discipline had a combined and individual influence on employee performance at Bank Daerah Lamongan. Among these factors, the work environment was found to have the most dominant impact on performance.

Bimetallic complexation for significant fluorescence enhancement of faecal pigment towards water quality testing

Systematic spectroscopic investigations revealed bimetallic complexation of faecal pigments (FP) in waterthrough their multiple binding sites. FP-Zn(II)/Gd(III) complexes showed narrow emission (FWHM ∼ 26 nm) with maximum intensity compared to different bimetallic complexes in water. The fluorescence intensity of bimetallic Zn(II)/Gd(III) complexes of FP increased ∼3–5 fold in aqueous media compared to the FP-Zn(II) complexes, i.e. well-known as Schlesinger’s test. The optimum Zn(II): Gd(III) stoichiometry was observed at 3:2 for maximum FP fluorescence enhancement. The bimetallic FP-Zn(II)/Gd(III) complexes also exhibited higher fluorescence lifetimes and quantum yield than FP-Zn(II) complexes. The photophysical investigations demonstrated that bimetallic Zn(II)/Gd(III) complexation increased the rigidity of chromophores present in FP. Consequently, a decrease in non-radiative decay rate constants (knr) by ∼ 1.5 times was observed for bimetallic complexes compared to FP-Zn(II) in water. Hence, a detection limit of the nanomolar concentration range of FP could be achieved in the aqueous media. The effect of diverse interfering factors (humic acid, water hardness, pH) on the fluorescence behaviour of FP-Zn(II)/Gd(III) complexes was also investigated with an approach mimicking real water samples. Finally, a simple non-extraction analytical approach for sensitive detection of FP in water was demonstrated while also considering the fluorescence matrix interference problem.

Enhancing Software Testing Practices in Tanzanian Software Development Companies: A Case Study Approach

Purposes: The primary objective of this conducted research is to investigate and propose strategies for improving software testing practices in Tanzanian software development companies. Specifically, the study identify the current state of software testing practices, understand challenges faced by software development companies in Tanzania, propose effective solutions, and evaluate their impact. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach employed to achieve the research objectives. Qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, including surveys, interviews, observations, documentation analysis, and experimentation, utilized to gather comprehensive insights into software testing practices. Purposive sampling employed to select diverse software development companies across different regions in Tanzania. Thematic analysis and statistical analysis applied to analyze qualitative and quantitative data, respectively, ensuring a robust examination of software testing practices. Findings: The research findings reveal the prevailing software testing practices in Tanzanian software development companies. Challenges such as resource constraints, inadequate test coverage, and limited collaboration between developers and testers are identified. Additionally, the study identifies best practices and proposes context-specific solutions to enhance software testing practices in Tanzanian companies. Statistical analysis provides quantitative insights into the effectiveness of proposed solutions. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practices and Policy: The study contributes to bridging the gap between academic research and industrial practices in software testing. Through addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in the Tanzanian context, the research provides actionable recommendations for improving software testing practices. The findings underscore the importance of tailored strategies and collaboration between academia and industry to enhance software quality and reliability in Tanzanian software development companies.

Assessing biosocial vectors in water contamination, the incidence of water-borne illnesses, and insecurity in Kathmandu, Nepal

ABSTRACT In this study, we use water quality tests, epidemiological data, and ethnographic interviews gathered in Kathmandu in 2017 to provide an interdisciplinary analysis of water insecurity, illness, and targeted responses. Our findings fit the pattern of the past 20 years: the concentration of coliform bacteria across water sources remains unsafe. Our epidemiological data documents high rates of water-borne infectious diseases consistent with fecal contamination of water sources. Our ethnographic interviews suggest that social marginalization, poverty, and dislocation are major drivers in the incidence of illness. Evaluating some of the collective responses to water insecurity and contamination, we argue that effectively addressing water pollution, scarcity, and health outcomes in Kathmandu requires redirecting the focus of programs and the primary methods of implementation. Instead of large-scale top-down infrastructural interventions such as the Melamchi Water Supply Project, programs should target women's leadership in and subsidize funding for small-scale, community-managed interventions.

Prevalence and correlates of prenatal HIV testing among female sex workers in Nigeria.

Female sex workers (FSWs) face a significant and persistent risk of contracting HIV. While evidence indicates high rates of pregnancy among FSWs in sub-Saharan Africa, studies on the coverage of HIV testing during pregnancy among them are sparse. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of prenatal HIV testing and determine the associated factors among FSWs in Nigeria. This study was a secondary data analysis of the 2020 Integrated Biological & Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) among key populations in Nigeria. We performed weighted descriptive statistics and multivariable binary logistic regression to assess the associations between prenatal HIV testing and sociodemographic characteristics, risk behaviours, HIV knowledge and risk awareness, stigma, and access to healthcare. Of the 1598 FSWs included in the study, 71.0% (95%CI = 68.7%-73.1%) had HIV testing during their last pregnancy. In the regression model, tertiary education (aOR = 2.98, 95%CI = 1.48-6.01), consistent condom use (aOR = 1.95, 95%CI = 1.39-2.75), and receipt of antenatal care (aOR = 35.52, 95%CI = 23.40-53.92) were associated with higher odds of prenatal HIV testing. Compared with the South South geopolitical zone, FSW residing in South East (aOR = 3.38, 95%CI = 1.80-6.35), South West (aOR = 2.97, 95%CI = 1.88-4.68), North Central (aOR = 4.43, 95%CI = 2.80-7.01), North East (aOR = 4.22, 95%CI = 1.64-10.34), North West (aOR = 4.40, 95%CI = 2.59-7.48) had higher odds of reporting prenatal HIV testing. However, being a non-brothel-based FSW (aOR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.47-0.92), and engaging in sex work during pregnancy (aOR = 0.45, 95%CI = 0.31-0.66) were significantly associated with lower odds of prenatal HIV testing. The prenatal HIV testing among FSWs in this study was suboptimal. The results highlight the need to improve access to antenatal care and implement regional and typology-specific interventions to bridge the gap in prenatal HIV testing among FSWs.

Pengaruh Lingkungan Kerja dan Kepuasan Kerja terhadap Kinerja Karyawan pada PT Bandar Bakau Jaya Jakarta Utara

A comfortable and good work environment is a collection of processes that encourage employee behavior and encourage the achievement of company goals. The work environment is things related to the workplace itself and can influence the way he does his work. This research aims to analyze the influence of the work environment on job satisfaction and employee performance at PT Bandar Bakau Jaya. This research used a questionnaire method with a Likert scale which was distributed to 37 respondents. The variables studied include work environment (X1), job satisfaction (X2), and employee performance (Y). Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and data quality testing through validity and reliability tests. The research results show that a good work environment, such as adequate lighting, appropriate temperature, and good ventilation, has a positive influence on job satisfaction and employee performance. Most respondents agree that the conditions of their work environment affect productivity and the quality of work results. This research suggests that companies continue to improve working environmental conditions to increase employee satisfaction and performance.

Development of air purifying curtain using activated charcoal embedded multilayer fabric for effective indoor air filtration

Air pollution poses a significant threat to global health, necessitating effective solutions to mitigate its impact. In this study, we propose an innovative approach to combat indoor air pollution through the development of a multilayer fabric-based air purifying curtain. The curtain comprises inner and outer layers of cotton fabric sandwiched around a middle layer of activated charcoal-treated polyester and cotton blend (PC blend) fabric. Fabrication involved a pad-dry-cure process with activated charcoal particles applied to the fabric surface. To test the efficacy of the developed fabric in filtering hazardous substances such as particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), particulate matter 10 (PM10), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), filter quality testing equipment is being designed and fabricated. Comparative analysis with a market-available air purifying curtain (MAPC) revealed comparable air permeability and filtration efficiency for PM2.5, PM10, and TVOCs. Notably, the developed air purifying curtain exhibited a lower contact angle (86°) than MAPC (117°), indicating a hydrophilic nature contributing to enhanced filtration. Our findings suggest that the proposed curtain offers a sustainable and effective solution for indoor air quality improvement.

Barriers to Successful Beekeeping: Insights from the Jammu Region of Jammu and Kashmir, India

This study focused on the constraints faced by the beekeepers of Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir, evaluating constraints perceived by the beekeepers identified from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) who have been involved in beekeeping for the last five years at least and the list contained eight beekeepers. By using the sampling method with replacement, the sample size of eight beekeepers were interviewed two times and comparison made for three time periods or years viz; 2019-20, 2021-22 and 2023-24, which made the ultimate sample size of twenty four (24) beekeepers. For analyzing the data collected for three time periods, Henry Garrett’s ranking and Chi-square test were used. Findings indicated that major production constraints were the disease of honey bees (78.60), death of the colony (70.00), and heavy rainfall (61.00). Marketing constraints included the fluctuating price of raw honey (69.20), unorganized and unregulated markets (63.20) and lack of government concern or support for the marketing of honey (55.80). Economic constraints featured the huge cost of investment is ranked first with an average score of 71.00, followed by no insurance facilities for the beehives with an average score of 53.67 and lack of credit supply for costly implements used in processing, packaging and quality testing (50.67). Chi-square test revealed that only two constraints under production problems such as, the lack of beehive equipments and materials in the local market (14.77) and pesticide poisoning (7.88) were significant and were showing dependency over the years. By addressing all these constraints through targeted interventions could significantly enhance the viability of beekeeping.

FEATURES OF THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INVESTMENT AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UNDER CONDITIONS OF BALANCED DEVELOPMENT

The development and implementation of investment and construction projects on the basis of balanced development is critical for achieving sustainable growth. This article examines the key features and challenges associated with such projects, emphasizing the importance of integrating economic, environmental and social practices into construction activities. The study provides insights into best practices and strategies for effectively managing investment and construction projects to ensure long-term success and sustainability.The main goals of this article are the definition of the fundamental principles of balanced development in the context of investment and construction projects, the analysis of features that contribute to the achievement of balanced development.The article uses a comprehensive review of the literature and case studies, which allows for a holistic understanding of the multifaceted nature of investment and construction projects in conditions of balanced development. Emphasis is placed on the integration of sustainable development principles from the initial stages of design. This includes consideration of environmental impact assessment, efficient use of resources and use of sustainable materials and technologies. Also, the goal of project implementation is that the projects are economically feasible and provide long-term financial returns. This involves careful market analysis, cost-benefit analysis and risk management strategies to mitigate potential financial problems. The importance of involving all relevant stakeholders, including local communities, government bodies and investors, in the decision-making process is emphasized. Effective communication and collaboration are necessary to address diverse interests and reach consensus. Ensures compliance of projects with national and international rules and standards. This applies to environmental regulations, building regulations and labor legislation. Compliance minimizes legal risks and increases project credibility.Focused on optimizing the use of resources such as materials, labor and time, implementing lean construction methods and advanced project management practices can increase efficiency and reduce waste.The implementation of advanced technologies such as building information modeling (BIM), automation and renewable energy systems increase design accuracy, reduce costs and increase sustainability. Conformity of construction work to established quality standards, regular inspections, testing and adherence to best practices are critical to obtaining high quality results.Constant monitoring of project progress and effectiveness is emphasized. The use of key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular evaluations help to identify problems early and make the necessary adjustments.The development and implementation of investment and construction projects in conditions of balanced development requires a complex and integrated approach. By prioritizing sustainability, economic viability, stakeholder engagement and regulatory compliance, stakeholders can ensure these projects contribute positively to long-term growth and development. The paper provides a road map to navigate the complexities of such projects, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and sustainable human-made environment

Conformity Assessment of a Modernised Locomotive Bogie and Body Connection – Type Tests and Results

Referring to the lecture held on 16th Mini-Conference on Vehicle System Dynamics, Identification and Anomalies, Budapest, 5-7 November 2018, the accredited Notified Body started the conformity assessment process of the modernized bogie-locomotive body connection of MÁV-START Class V63 electric locomotives running with Ganz-MÁVAG UFC-type bogies, in 2017. Since the planned modification of the locomotives was delayed, the Conformity Assessment Body could perform the necessary riding quality and noise test in the summer of 2020 instead of September 2018. The study presents the modification carried out on the locomotives, the test procedures, and the test results. The aim and the novelty of the research was to apply the latest developments of the test procedures on a modified, existing rolling stock. The conformity for the new requirement makes challenges for the development of testing even if theoretically a well-known test method is applied. The article gives an example for the application of a classic test method combined with of the new possibilities, that makes unnecessary the use of additional railway test cars.

Distillation and gas stripping purification plants for the JUNO liquid scintillator

The optical and radiochemical purification of the scintillating liquid which will fill the detector of the JUNO experiment plays a crucial role in achieving its scientific goals. Given its gigantic mass and dimensions, and an unprecedented target value of about 3% at 1MeV in energy resolution, JUNO has set severe requirements on the parameters of its scintillator, such as attenuation length (Lat>20m at 430nm), light yield, and content of radioactive contaminants (238U,232Th<10-15g/g). To accomplish these needs, the scintillator will be processed using several purification methods, including distillation under vacuum and gas stripping, carried out in two large-scale plants installed at the JUNO site.In this paper, the layout, operating principles, and technical aspects which have driven the design and construction of the distillation and gas stripping plants are reviewed. The distillation is effective in enhancing the optical properties and removing high-boiling radioactive impurities (238U, 232Th, 40K), while the stripping process exploits pure water steam and high-purity nitrogen to extract gaseous contaminants (222Rn, 39Ar, 85Kr, O2) from the scintillator. The plant operating parameters have been tuned during the recent commissioning phase at the JUNO site and several quality control measurements and tests have been performed to evaluate the performances of the plants. Preliminary results on the efficiency of these purification processes will be shown.

Circulation of COVID-19-Related Medicines on Japanese Websites during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Quality and Authenticity.

Substandard and falsified medical products for treating COVID-19 have spread worldwide. These medicines have entered Japan through personal importation of products purchased via the Internet. In this study, we investigated the circulation of 19 COVID-19-related medicines on the Internet in Japan and evaluated the pharmaceutical quality and authenticity of 2 medicines (dexamethasone tablets and ivermectin tablets) obtained online. We purchased 23 samples of 0.5-mg dexamethasone tablets and 13 samples of 3-mg ivermectin tablets from the Internet in December 2020 and July 2022. We investigated the quality and authenticity of the obtained samples through visual observation and tested their authenticity. We conducted pharmacopoeia compliance testing (quantitative assay, content uniformity tests, and dissolution tests) using the high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector method. No prescription was ever required at the time of purchase. Visual observation revealed that most samples lacked a package insert and some samples had packaging deficiencies. In terms of authenticity, eight ivermectin samples were genuine; the authenticity of the other samples remained uncertain. Four dexamethasone samples and three ivermectin samples failed quality testing based on pharmacopeia validation standards. Our findings illustrate that dexamethasone and ivermectin tablets of poor quality are available online. It is important to increase consumer awareness and provide information about these medicines to prevent the purchase of substandard medicines via the Internet.

The Effect of Working Capital, Sales, and Operating Expenses on Net Profit on Bengkel Sejahtera Motor Source Cirebon

. This study was driven by a decline in net profit at Bengkel Sejahtera Motor Sumber Cirebon during the 2019-2023 period. The reduction in net profit suggests that working capital has not been utilized optimally, and operational expenses have risen each year. Therefore, this research seeks to explore how workshop owners can maximize the use of their working capital and minimize operational costs effectively to boost net profit at Bengkel Sejahtera Motor Sumber Cirebon. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of working capital, sales, and operational expenses on the net profit of the workshop. This study employs a quantitative approach, with a population of 144 financial data entries, and uses random sampling as the sampling method. The data analysis techniques applied include descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression analysis, and a series of data quality tests, such as validity tests, reliability tests, and classical assumption tests (normality, multicollinearity, and heteroscedasticity tests). Hypothesis testing is conducted using the t-test (partial) and F-test (simultaneous). The findings of this research reveal that working capital has a significant negative impact on net profit, sales have a significant positive effect, and operational costs exert a significant negative influence on net profit. Furthermore, working capital, sales, and operational costs together significantly affect the net profit.

Implementing Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) Pipelines for Large-Scale iOS Applications

Continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines have become essential components of modern software development, particularly in creating large-scale iOS apps. The automation of procedures for creating, testing, and deploying is facilitated by them, which results in an increase in both the speed and reliability of the release process. The complexity and scope of the codebase, the need for rigorous testing across a broad range of devices and operating system versions, and the regular necessity of updates to address bugs or bring new features all contribute to the conclusion that continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines are an integral component of major iOS projects. The integration of continuous integration with continuous delivery provides developers with the assurance that code changes are automatically tested and delivered, hence lowering the need for human intervention, and reducing the chance of mistakes. In addition, this arrangement makes it possible to do parallel testing, which is useful when working with many test cases and device configurations. It is also possible to design continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines to do tests for code quality, security scans, or other automated checks, which will ensure that the codebase is not compromised.By increasing communication among development teams, continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines in big iOS projects provide yet another key advantage. It guarantees that every member of the team always has access to the most recent version of the code, which is essential in situations when many teams are working on various aspects or components of the application. In addition, continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines enhance software quality by accelerating feedback loops, which enables engineers to resolve problems more expediently. Nevertheless, the establishment of continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines for large-scale iOS apps involves several issues, such as the management of build times, the certification of compatibility with various devices, and the upkeep of the infrastructure. It is necessary to carefully design and optimize the CI/CD procedures to overcome these problems. This may be accomplished by choosing the appropriate tools and configurations adapted to the project's requirements.

Quality assessment of common anti-malarial medicines marketed in Gambella, National Regional State, South Western-Ethiopia

BackgroundOver the past years, there has been a growing concern that a considerable amount of anti-malarial supply in the underdeveloped world particularly in the private sector, is of poor quality. The World Health Organization (WHO) has received about 1500 reports that mentions instances of substandard and falsified products since 2013. The majority of the reports concerned antibiotics and anti-malarials. The majority of reports (42%) originate from the WHO African region.ObjectiveThis study intends to assess the quality of the most widely used anti-malarial medications [artemether-lumefantrine tablets, chloroquine phosphate tablets, primaquine phosphate tablets, artesunate, and artemether injections] in Gambella, South-West, Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 52 samples were collected on June 2022 from Gambella National Regional State, Ethiopia. Half of the districts (six) located in the four zones of the region were chosen using simple random sampling technique. All drug retail outlets available in the selected districts (locally known as woredas) were included. The samples were subjected to visual inspection with a tool adopted from the joint WHO/FIP/ USP checklist. The pharmacopeial tests for identification, uniformity of dosage forms, assay, thickness, diameter, hardness, friability, disintegration test, dissolution, and sterility tests were carried out according to the USP 44-NF 39 and International Pharmacopoeia 11th edition, 2022 monographs.Results and DiscussionOnly 25% of the samples were registered on the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA’s) electronic regulatory/ registration system (ERIS). Besides, 88.8% of artemether injection products were presented in clear glass ampoules. This might expose the products to photochemical degradation that leads to in loss of anti-plasmodial activity. In addition, 50% of the artemether products assessed were not bioequivalent with the comparator product in the in vitro dissolution comparison tests. Overall, the study findings reveal a high prevalence (58.3%) of substandard anti-malarial drugs in the region. The stated percent of the samples had failed in one or more of the quality test parameters assessed in this study.ConclusionThe study findings reveal a high prevalence (58.3%) of substandard anti-malarial drugs in the region. Only a quarter were registered and 38% of the unregistered products failed the quality tests. Hence, the national, regional medicine regulatory bodies and other stake holders should perform the required roles to circumvent presence of Substandard and Falsified (SF) anti-malarial drugs in the study sites.

NIR spectroscopy for quality assessment and shelf-life prediction of kiwifruit

In this study, a non-destructive quality testing method along with shelf-life prediction of Xu Xiang ready-to-eat kiwifruit were developed using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) techniques. Several traditional quality indicators (hardness, soluble solids content, and dry matter) were evaluated. Partial least squares regression (PLS) was used to predict the intrinsic quality attributes of the samples. Competitive adaptive reweighted sampling algorithm (CARS) and uninformative variable elimination (UVE) algorithm were used to select the characteristic wavelengths. Prediction models for hardness, soluble solids content and dry matter were developed. The results showed that the prediction ability of the models could be improved by screening the characteristic wavelengths of CARS and UVE. Among them, the CARS-SNV-PLS model based on soluble solids had the best prediction ability (RMSEP of 0.430 and Rp2 of 0.958). Then, an NIR-based residual shelf-life prediction model was obtained by linking the measured quality indicators to the residual shelf-life, which was well validated with an RMSEP of 1.64 and an Rp2 of 0.939. Therefore, this study demonstrated the potential of combining CARS, SNV, and PLS for the non-destructive testing of ready-to-eat kiwifruit to provide technical support and solution.