Ensure Quality Assurance Research Articles

Editorial policy and procedure

The Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training (JOVACET) recognises the need for critical engagement through studies in TVET and Adult and Continuing Education and Training, and for encouraging critical scrutiny of this expansive knowledge area on the African continent. The voices and experiences of practitioners, reflecting on all aspects of teaching and learning within vocational education and adult education settings, should be heard through publication of empirical and robust research. While the journal clearly wishes to take forward academic scholarship, it also seeks to strengthen opportunities for reflective practice that makes a scholarly contribution to the field. New knowledge emerging out of complex developmental contexts has significant value and needs to be showcased beyond existing geographical and political boundaries. The journal is therefore committed to also supporting the development of emerging researchers by providing them with a space to present and defend their research among a network of global scholars. Within the field of vocational and continuing education there is substantive ‘grey literature’ that remains in project report form. The journal is potentially a vehicle for the translation of this important work into an academic contribution to a wider community of practice and thereby enhancing its value. The JOVACET will appear at least once a year. Unsolicited articles are welcome for consideration and should be uploaded onto the JOVACET’s website online journal or else emailed to the journal’s managing editor. The editors are accountable for everything published in the journal and should therefore:• work towards improving the contents of the journal;• adopt peer-review methods best suited for the journal and the research communityit serves;• ensure that all manuscripts have been reviewed by appropriate reviewers;• ensure quality assurance processes are in place for the material that is published; and• uphold the highest standards of integrity, intellectual rigour and ethics. The editors will not disclose any information about the submitted manuscripts or their authors to anyone other than the author(s) and reviewer(s), as appropriate. Submitted articles will be reviewed by two anonymous external referees in a ‘blind’ peer-review process. Appropriate papers will be reviewed according to their significance and soundness. Articles that have been submitted must not have been published or accepted for publication elsewhere. The editors are responsible for deciding which of the manuscripts submitted to the journal will be published. The editors’ decision to accept or reject a manuscript should be based on the importance of the manuscript, its originality and clarity, the validity of the study and its relevance to the journal’s scope. Considerations will also include current legal requirements regarding libel, copyright infringement and plagiarism. Submissions may not exceed the 8 000-word limit and must contain a title, abstract of not more than 200 words and be correctly and completely referenced according to the Harvard system of referencing. Footnotes should be kept to a minimum. Tables should be positioned where they are referred to and not be submitted separately. Authors are requested to consult the author’s guidelines on the website. The article should not contain any identification of the author and should be anonymised as far as possible. The name(s) and affiliations of the author(s), as well as their email address, should appear on a separate page. The Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training (JOVACET) is an open access, peer-reviewed journal committed to disseminating the latest research in post-school education to the global community as widely as possible. The journal content is freely and openly available after publication on the website, www.jovacet.ac.za, and can be read, downloaded, copied, distributed and printed without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author.

The golden batch-driven root cause analysis for anomalies in bioreactor fermentation process

Bioreactors are essential for the production of biopharmaceuticals and bioproducts, requiring continuous monitoring to ensure quality assurance. Manual processes in manufacturing plants often lead to anomalies such as out-of-trend and out-of-spec incidents, necessitating extensive root cause analysis that typically takes 2–8 weeks. This paper introduces an innovative methodology that uses the golden batch profile as a benchmark to identify deviations and root causes in subsequent industrial batches. The methodology involves normalizing the data and calculating the variances of a specified batch from the golden batch profile. By examining the contribution of each critical process parameter to these variances, the study highlights their importance in root cause analysis. The application of this methodology to the IndPenSim dataset demonstrated its effectiveness by significantly reducing false positives and negatives compared to traditional PCA-based methods. Emphasis on the deviations of critical quality attributes and critical process parameters from the specified batch compared to the golden batch profile offers valuable insights into industrial process analysis. This approach not only enhances anomaly detection accuracy but also improves the efficiency and reliability of biopharmaceutical and bioproduct manufacturing processes.

Accuracy of pelvic bone segmentation for 3d printing: a study of segmentation accuracy based on anatomic landmarks to evaluate the influence of the observer.

3D printing has a wide range of applications and has brought significant change to many medical fields. However, ensuring quality assurance (QA) is essential for patient safety and requires a QA program that encompasses the entire production process. This process begins with imaging and continues on with segmentation, which is the conversion of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data into virtual 3D-models. Since segmentation is highly influenced by manual intervention the influence of the users background on segmentation accuracy should be thoroughly investigated. Seventeen computed tomography (CT) scans of the pelvis with physiological bony structures were identified, anonymized, exported as DICOM data sets, and pelvic bones were segmented by four observers with different backgrounds. Landmarks were measured on DICOM images and in the segmentations. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess inter-observer agreement, and the trueness of the segmentation results was analyzed by comparing the DICOM landmark measurements with the measurements of the segmentation results. The correlation between segmentation trueness and segmentation time was analyzed. The lower limits of the 95% confidence intervals of the ICCs for the seven landmarks analyzed ranged from 0.511 to 0.986. The distance between the iliac crests showed the highest agreement between observers, while the distance between the ischial tuberosities showed the lowest. The distance between the upper edge of the symphysis and the promontory showed the lowest deviation between DICOM measurements and segmentation measurements (mean deviations < 1mm), while the intertuberous distance showed the highest deviation (mean deviations 14.5-18.2mm). Investigators with diverse backgrounds in segmentation and varying experience with slice images achieved pelvic bone segmentations with landmark measurements of mostly high agreement in a setup with high realism. In contrast, high variability was observed in the segmentation of the coccyx. In general, interobserver agreement was high, but due to measurement inaccuracies, landmark-based approaches cannot conclusively show that segmentation accuracy is within a clinically tolerable range of 2mm for the pelvis. If the segmentation is performed by a very inexperienced user, the result should be reviewed critically by the clinician in charge.

Integrating Culture in Primary Education’s Quality Assurance: Demography Perspective

Purpose: It has been argued in literature that culture has significant influence on the education implementation. While it is undeniable that education quality is the most important in the education implementation, many attempt to ensure quality assurance at all levels of education. Hence this Study investigates the culture approach in Quality assurance in Elementary School. Design: A Qualitative approach was applied in this study. Using explorative research with a naturalistic phenomenon exposure in Elementary school in Bangkalan city, Madura Island, East Java Province, Indonesia. Data collection using in depth interview while data analysis using descriptive with deductive methods. Findings: Teachers showed a strategic approach with an integrated culture in quality assurance as the students’ good grade is the focus of the teaching. Support system in developing a more cultural, independent, self-reliant approach in teaching to achieve good quality in education is needed. Teachers perceive themselves doing well in their job, however teachers need close guidance and support when undertaking quality assurance assessment.

An Analytical Study of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices regarding NEXT among the Medical Students of G.S. Medical College, Hapur, U.P., India

The National Exit Test (NEXT) is a newly introduced licensing examination in India, aiming to standardize medical education and ensure quality assurance. There is no clarity regarding NEXT among MBBS students. To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students regarding NEXT and identify areas for improvement. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 medical students of different batches using a pretested questionnaire, with a response rate of 100% (200 respondents). The study revealed significant gaps in knowledge (36% aware of NEXT resources) and preparedness (32% joined preparatory classes), with students expressing uncertainty and negativity towards NEXT. The study highlights the need of clear guidelines , targeted interventions, including orientation programs and standardized preparation resource material to support students in navigating the challenges of NEXT

Three Decades of Transformation: The Evolving Landscape of UK Private Higher Education

The landscape of private higher education in the UK has undergone significant transformation over the past three decades, aimed at expanding access, increasing student choices, enhancing quality, shaped by evolving government policies and reforms. The higher education (HE) landscape in the United Kingdom has experienced significant transformations over the past few decades, aimed at expanding access, increasing student choices, enhancing quality, and fostering innovation. This paper investigates the complex dynamics of this evolution, focusing on key research questions that explore the influence of governmental policies since the 1990s, the initiatives and reforms introduced during this period, and the factors driving the proliferation of private higher education institutions (PrHEIs). During the second decade, PrHEIs rapidly expanded and recruited a large number of students, with many being labelled as bogus colleges. The study examines the measures implemented to ensure quality assurance and regulatory oversight in this rapidly growing sector, addressing educational standards and transparency concerns. In the 2010s, the government’s crackdown on non-compliant institutions led to the suspension or revocation of Tier 4 licenses, highlighting the tension between expansion and regulation. The sector has expanded from the singular existence of the University of Buckingham to encompass over ten reputable PrHEIs with awarding powers. The paper also explores the shift in business models, particularly the adoption of franchising, which aims to widen participation and access to higher education for non-traditional and mature students, moving away from a predominant focus on international students. Furthermore, the paper discusses emerging trends and potential future developments within the UK’s private higher education landscape, providing a comprehensive overview of the sector’s trajectory and its implications for the broader higher education ecosystem. This research offers valuable insights into the complexities and prospects of private higher education in the UK, contributing to a nuanced understanding of its past, present, and future. Keywords: UK Government, UK Higher Education (HE), Private Higher Education Institutions (PrHEIs), International Students, Growth and Transformation, Three decades

DAHEAN: A Danish nationwide study ensuring quality assurance through real-world data for suspected hereditary anemia patients

BackgroundHereditary anemias are a group of genetic diseases prevalent worldwide and pose a significant health burden on patients and societies. The clinical phenotype of hereditary anemias varies from compensated hemolysis to life-threatening anemia. They can be roughly categorized into three broad categories: hemoglobinopathies, membranopathies, and enzymopathies. Traditional therapeutic approaches like blood transfusions, iron chelation, and splenectomy are witnessing a paradigm shift with the advent of targeted treatments. However, access to these treatments remains limited due to lacking or imprecise diagnoses. The primary objective of the study is to establish accurate diagnoses for patients with hereditary anemias, enabling optimal management. As a secondary objective, the study aims to enhance our diagnostic capabilities.ResultsThe DAHEAN study is a nationwide cohort study that collects advanced phenotypic and genotypic data from patients suspected of having hereditary anemias from all pediatric and hematological departments in Denmark. The study deliberates monthly by a multidisciplinary anemia board involving experts from across Denmark. So far, fifty-seven patients have been thoroughly evaluated, and several have been given diagnoses not before seen in Denmark.ConclusionsThe DAHEAN study and infrastructure harness recent advancements in diagnostic tools to offer precise diagnoses and improved management strategies for patients with hereditary anemias.

Cannabinoid Content and Label Accuracy of Various Hemp-Derived Haircare, Cosmetic, and Edible Products Available at Retail Stores and Online in the United States.

Aim: To evaluate the label accuracy and content of various hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products (cannabinoid products with ≤0.3% Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]), as well as evaluate advertised claims on product labels. Methods: Hemp haircare, cosmetics, and food/drink products that were advertised to contain CBD were purchased from retail stores in the Baltimore, Maryland area (purchased in July 2020) and online (purchased in August 2020). Cannabinoid concentrations were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Percent deviations between labeled and actual CBD concentrations were determined. Label information such as references to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), external testing claims, and other claims (i.e., cosmetic or beauty, therapeutic, health halo effect, or "other") were quantified. Results: Ninety-seven products were purchased (35 in-store, 62 online). Of the 71 products with a specific total CBD amount on the label, 35 (49%) were underlabeled (>10% more CBD than advertised), 27 (38%) were overlabeled (>10% less CBD than advertised), and 9 (12.7%) were accurately labeled (within ±10% of labeled CBD). The median (range) percentage deviations were -53% (-100%-76%) for haircare products, +18% (-100%-1076%) for cosmetics, and -1% (-100%-4468%) for food/drinks. CBD label accuracy did not differ significantly between products with external testing claims versus those without (t40 = 0.23, p = 0.82). Overall, 24% of the 97 (total) products made a cosmetic or beauty claim (e.g., "skin looks more youthful"), 40% made a therapeutic claim (e.g., "pain relief"), and 86% made a health halo effect claim (e.g., "paraben-free," "dye-free," etc.). Most products (63%) did not include a disclaimer that claims had not been evaluated by the FDA. Conclusions: Most of the products included in this sample were inaccurately labeled for CBD content, including those claiming to have been tested by third party laboratories. A notable finding was that 10 products did not contain any CBD. Many products made therapeutic claims or used marketing tactics to seemingly convey they were safe/healthy, but only about one-third included disclaimers that these statements had not been evaluated by the FDA. These findings highlight the need for proper regulatory oversight of cannabinoid-containing products to ensure quality assurance and deter misleading or unfounded health claims in product marketing.

Introduction to the Special Issue: Leveraging Global Value Chains for innovation and industrialization in Africa

The global nature of innovation has led to the emergence of Global Innovation Networks (GINs) and Global Value Chains (GVCs), facilitating knowledge exchange and economic activities across borders. GVCs offer platforms for accessing external knowledge and fostering innovation. They have evolved through three eras of innovation models: the Linear and Closed Model (LCM), the Interactive and Closed Model (ICM), and the Interactive and Open Model (IOM). The IOM emphasizes open innovation principles, intersecting with GINs and GVCs. Lessons from East Asian and Latin American countries highlight strategic practices for GVC integration, focusing on export-oriented industrialization, education, technology policies, infrastructure, and SME support. In Africa, GVC engagement spans agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors, driving economic growth, job creation, and technological advancements. To advance GVC participation in Africa, a research agenda, policy directions, and action plans are proposed. The research agenda emphasizes GVC governance, value addition, sustainability, innovation, and regional integration. Policy directions focus on infrastructure development, trade facilitation, SME support, human capital development, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. African businesses are encouraged to conduct value chain mapping, form strategic partnerships, embrace technology, ensure quality assurance, invest in capacity building, and diversify markets to leverage the potential of GVCs for economic transformation and global competitiveness.

Rapid and portable microfluidic chip-based qPCR for quality assurance of commercial seaweeds (lavers) in the supply chain

Lavers, an important type of seaweed rich in health-promoting substances, have seen a surge in global demand. However, their similar morphological characteristics among different species make them vulnerable to food fraud. To address this issue and ensure quality assurance, we developed a portable microfluidic quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method to monitor six laver species, comparing its effectiveness with conventional qPCR. Our portable microfluidic qPCR system used a plate-shaped heat block for rapid heat transfer, combined with a microfluidic-based biochip for quick detection. The primers were specifically designed to target the chloroplast genes rbcL and rbcS. Specificity using 17 seaweed species showed no cross-reactivity, and the sensitivity of the assay was 1 × 10−4 ng. Furthermore, we enhanced the portable microfluidic qPCR for field applications by integrating it with a simple DNA extraction method. To validate the on-site rapid identification of laver species, we evaluated 79 laver samples collected from fish farms in Korea and commercially available laver products. We discovered instances where products were adulterated with cheaper species or replaced with others that resemble them. This method proves to be rapid, sensitive, reliable, and applicable for effectively managing and monitoring lavers in the supply chain.

Geopolymer Implemented in Primary Casing Cementing

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 32218, “First Global Implementation of Geopolymer in Primary Casing Cementing,” by Mark Meade, SPE, Yeukayi Nenjerama, SPE, and Chris Parton, SPE, SLB, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2023 Offshore Technology Conference. _ Portland cements are integral components in the oilfield well-construction process; however, the confluence of various business drivers have created the need to find sustainable alternative materials. The complete paper presents the evaluation of geopolymer cementing for use in oil and gas wells, specifically the primary cementing of liner strings in the Permian Basin. Geopolymer cementing offers a unique opportunity for the oilfield industry to decrease CO2 emissions related to well construction and reduce dependence on the constrained supply of Portland cements. Introduction Manufacturing Portland cement emits approximately 1 ton of CO2 for every ton of cement produced. Additionally, the manufacturing of Portland cement is a complex process requiring specialized equipment. Thus, during spikes in demand of Portland cement, the supply of cement cannot be rapidly increased to meet demand. Geopolymers are slurries that set to become a hard, durable solid that can withstand stresses and strains and are resistant to corrosion. Moreover, geopolymers can be made from a broad range of aluminosilicate raw materials sourced from waste products from other industries, mined materials, and biowaste. The low manufacturing and processing requirements reduce the carbon footprint of geopolymers to a fraction of that of manufacturing Portland cement. Whereas Portland cement chemistry is driven by hydration of calcium aluminates and calcium silicates, geopolymer chemistry is based on the polymerization of aluminosilicates initiated by activators. The creation of geopolymers starts with dissolution of the aluminosilicate raw material into monomers by an increase in the pH of the fluid from the activator. Then, the activator provides a site for covalently bonded chains to form, and these chains undergo polycondensation to form the set 3D network of polymers. Implementation of this new material with such a different chemistry into the complex oilfield-construction process presents challenges that must be overcome. Challenges Existing geopolymer formulations typically are characterized as either two-step or one-step geopolymers. In two-step geopolymers, the activators are added into the mix fluid, whereas, in one-step geopolymers, the activators are dry blended with the aluminosilicate source. Implementation of two-step geopolymers would come with operational and logistical constraints impairing their scalability, along with increased service quality and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) risks. On the other hand, common existing one-step geopolymers are formulated with activator types that dissolve rapidly and disperse in the slurry. Therefore, development of novel chemistries for one-step geopolymers are required to introduce geopolymers into oilfield well construction. Such applications expose geopolymers to temperatures and pressures significantly above ambient for extended periods of time during slurry placement within the wellbore. To ensure quality assurance of job placement, hydraulic simulators should be reliable predictors of the top of the placement, and geopolymers set within the wellbore must be detectable using established sonic logging tools.

Geographical traceability of flavor compounds in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis): Implications for quality differentiation, authenticity assessment, and mechanism research

Geographical traceability plays a crucial role in ensuring quality assurance, brand establishment, and the sustainable development of the crab industry. In this study, we examined the possibility of using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry with multivariate statistical authenticity analysis to identify the origin of crabs from five sites downstream of the Yangtze River. Significant variations were observed in the levels of alcoholic flavor compounds in the hepatopancreas and muscles of crabs from different geographical locations, and a support vector machine exhibited discriminant ability with 100% accuracy. These flavor variations exhibited significant correlations with the types and concentrations of elements within the crabs, as well as with free amino acids. This study offers a practical approach for determining the geographical traceability of Chinese mitten crabs and elucidates the role of elements in flavor modulation, thereby providing innovative strategies to enhance the efficiency of crab farming.

Model of Quality Assurance and Audit Quality Based on International Standards for Internal Auditing

Purpose — This study aimed to address the concept of internal audit quality and how to enhance and improve the quality of internal audit units in hospitals by identifying and designing a proposed new model based on the International Auditing Standard 1300 to ensure quality assurance and improve transparency and accountability. Design/methodology/approach — This study aims to achieve these objectives. Qualitative methods and semi-structured interviews using an inductive approach were adopted to cover the theoretical aspect of research and the deductive approach to develop a new model for a quality assurance and transparency program in hospitals in Iraq Mosul City. Findings —The findings of this internal audit division do not cover all hospital activities. In addition, it is not possible to apply standardized audit programs to the various units. Rather, the type of activities carried out by these units should be considered, whether service, economic, commercial, or agricultural. Thus, many factors improve the quality of internal auditing related to work procedures in the unit. Among the most important recommendations is implementing a quality assurance and transparency program in these hospitals to raise the quality of internal auditing and carry out its activities efficiently and effectively. Practical implications —This proposal can serve as a guide for later use by those authorities as they evaluate and determine the strength of the internal audit of any establishment, company, or governmental institution. Therefore, hospitals must apply the paragraphs that are not included in the program, and there should be greater interest in the paragraphs that are applied in a weak way to reach real integration of the quality assurance and improvement program, which enhances the quality of internal auditing on all hospital activities. Originality/value —This paper describes a quality assurance and transparency program in these hospitals to improve internal audits and efficiency.

Acidic Derivatization of Thiols Using Diethyl 2-Methylenemalonate: Thiol-Michael Addition Click Reaction for Simultaneous Analysis of Cysteine and Cystine in Culture Media Using LC-MS/MS.

Cysteine (Cys) and its oxidized form, cystine (Cys2), play crucial roles in biological systems and have considerable applications in cell culture. However, Cys in cell culture media is easily oxidized to Cys2, leading to solubility issues. Traditional analytical methods struggle to maintain the oxidation states of Cys and Cys2 during analysis, posing a significant challenge to accurately measuring and controlling these compounds. To effectively control the Cys and Cys2 levels, a rapid and accurate analytical method is required. Here, we screened derivatizing reagents that can react with Cys even under acidic conditions to realize a novel analytical method for simultaneously determining Cys and Cys2 levels. Diethyl 2-methylenemalonate (EMM) was found to possess the desired traits. EMM, characterized by its dual electron-withdrawing attributes, allowed for a rapid reaction with Cys under acidic conditions, preserving intact information for understanding the functions of target compounds. Combined with LC-MS/MS and an internal standard, this method provided high analytical accuracy in a short analytical time of 9 min. Using the developed method, the rapid oxidation of Cys in cell culture media was observed with the headspace of the storage container considerably influencing Cys oxidation and Cys2 precipitation rates. The developed method enabled the direct and simplified analysis of Cys behavior in practical media samples and could be used in formulating new media compositions, ensuring quality assurance, and real-time analysis of Cys and Cys2 in cell culture supernatants. This novel approach holds the potential to further enhance the media performance by enabling the timely optimal addition of Cys.

Regulatory requirement for Medical Devices

The safety and regulatory compliance of a widely used medical device have become a growing concern among a significant population. This has raised questions about the assessment of risks, monitoring of adverse drug reactions (ADR), and overall product safety. The efficacy and safety of such medical devices heavily rely on the regulations and guidelines set forth by regulatory agencies (RAs).&#x0D; In the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory affairs (RA) professionals play a crucial role in overseeing the lifecycle of healthcare products. They provide strategic, tactical, and operational guidance to ensure compliance with regulations, facilitating the efficient development and delivery of safe and effective healthcare products worldwide. Evaluating adherence to regulations requires a combination of expertise from the business, legal, and pharmaceutical domains.&#x0D; Regulatory authorities must thoroughly monitor medical device design, development, and manufacturing processes to guarantee that the products reaching the market are safe and effective. The certification process is intricate, involving multiple steps and the assessment of materials by competent authorities. In the United States, manufacturers must seek marketing authorization from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) through two primary application types: 510(k) and Pre-Market Application (PMA). In the European Union (EU), national authorities grant permission for the sale of medical devices, employing a third-party compliance system where notified bodies ensure quality assurance pre- and post-approval. In India, the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) licenses devices for sale and import under the CLAA framework.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Pharmaceutical regulatory affairs experts play a critical role in ensuring compliance with industry requirements for all pharmaceutical products. This review provides an overview of how medical devices are regulated and monitored in the EU, India, and the USA, emphasizing the importance of regulatory affairs in maintaining the safety and efficacy of healthcare products.

The Implementation Moonshot Project for Alternative Chemical Testing (IMPACT) toward a Human Exposome Project.

The Human Exposome Project aims to revolutionize our understanding of how environmental exposures affect human health by systematically cataloging and analyzing the myriad exposures individuals encounter throughout their lives. This initiative draws a parallel with the Human Genome Project, expanding the focus from genetic factors to the dynamic and complex nature of environ-mental interactions. The project leverages advanced methodologies such as omics technologies, biomonitoring, microphysiological systems (MPS), and artificial intelligence (AI), forming the foun-dation of exposome intelligence (EI) to integrate and interpret vast datasets. Key objectives include identifying exposure-disease links, prioritizing hazardous chemicals, enhancing public health and regulatory policies, and reducing reliance on animal testing. The Implementation Moonshot Project for Alternative Chemical Testing (IMPACT), spearheaded by the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), is a new element in this endeavor, driving the creation of a public-private part-nership toward a Human Exposome Project with a stakeholder forum in 2025. Establishing robust infrastructure, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and ensuring quality assurance through sys-tematic reviews and evidence-based frameworks are crucial for the project's success. The expected outcomes promise transformative advancements in precision public health, disease prevention, and a more ethical approach to toxicology. This paper outlines the strategic imperatives, challenges, and opportunities that lie ahead, calling on stakeholders to support and participate in this landmark initiative for a healthier, more sustainable future.

The Implementation Moonshot Project for Alternative Chemical Testing (IMPACT) toward a Human Exposome Project.

The Human Exposome Project aims to revolutionize our understanding of how environmental exposures affect human health by systematically cataloging and analyzing the myriad exposures individuals encounter throughout their lives. This initiative draws a parallel with the Human Genome Project, expanding the focus from genetic factors to the dynamic and complex nature of environ-mental interactions. The project leverages advanced methodologies such as omics technologies, biomonitoring, microphysiological systems (MPS), and artificial intelligence (AI), forming the foun-dation of exposome intelligence (EI) to integrate and interpret vast datasets. Key objectives include identifying exposure-disease links, prioritizing hazardous chemicals, enhancing public health and regulatory policies, and reducing reliance on animal testing. The Implementation Moonshot Project for Alternative Chemical Testing (IMPACT), spearheaded by the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), is a new element in this endeavor, driving the creation of a public-private part-nership toward a Human Exposome Project with a stakeholder forum in 2025. Establishing robust infrastructure, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and ensuring quality assurance through sys-tematic reviews and evidence-based frameworks are crucial for the project's success. The expected outcomes promise transformative advancements in precision public health, disease prevention, and a more ethical approach to toxicology. This paper outlines the strategic imperatives, challenges, and opportunities that lie ahead, calling on stakeholders to support and participate in this landmark initiative for a healthier, more sustainable future.

Robotics in Food Manufacturing Industry in the Industry 4.0 Era

Robotics is used in food manufacturing in multiple processes. Prominent existing applications are: preparation of soil, seeding, water sprinklers, harvest controlling, cutting the harvests, food extractions, processing, packaging, loading/unloading, food warehouse operations, and food retail operations. Robots enhancements in Industry 4.0 framework have enabled cognitive and collaboration capabilities related to dynamics, kinematics, self-diagnostics, and self-control. Robots can identify and change their robotic hands as per process requirement. Robotics in food manufacturing is used to improve food quality and hygiene, increasing quality and its consistency, improving process performance, improving production rate and productivity, production reconfigurability, improving supply chain resilience and responsiveness, improving food traceability, reducing food loss and wastage, and improving workplace safety. Industry 4.0 allows robotic cyber physical systems (RCPS), HMI interfacing with robots through augmented reality thus ensuring remote real time precision monitoring and control of field robots. Robots with attached cameras with machine learning for image visualization analytics can ensure quality assurance and control of food products during all the stages of the food manufacturing logistics. The key drivers for adopting robotics in food manufacturing are cloud manufacturing, Internet of Things (attached with robotic controller cards), virtual reality simulations, augmented reality for HMI controls, additive manufacturing in food processing, integration of Industry 4.0 systems (IoT with blockchains, edge computing, big data analytics, and machine learning), and autonomous automation software. Robotics in food manufacturing using Industry 4.0 capabilities is a positive change. However, there are ethical and financial challenges. Increased usage of robotics can affect employment of food harvesting and manufacturing workers in developed as well as developing economies. Further, economics of using robotics in food manufacturing is not yet justified in developing nations given the high initial costs and prolonged time to break even. Overall, robotics in food manufacturing using Industry 4.0 has many technical and production advantages but ethical and financial viability is an ongoing research domain.

Rational quality and cost of critical care systems are more important than individual considerations: a view from India.

Critical or Intensive Care Units (CCU/ICUs) play a crucial role in treating critically ill patients, but they contribute significantly to healthcare costs. In India and many other resource-limited countries, private ICU treatment is largely unaffordable for the poor and even a section of the middle class, who are not substantially insured. It is essential for all stakeholders involved in critical care to prioritize quality and cost-effectiveness. To ensure quality assurance, legally binding quality standards must be developed collaboratively by the government, professional bodies, hospital administrators, and domain experts. Regulatory benchmarks relevant to different types of ICUs can enforce adherence and transparency. Telemedicine, referral systems, and interhospital transport need improvement. Addressing attrition rates among staff and greater empowerment of formally qualified registered intensivists in the private hospitals can enhance outcomes and cost control. Long-term post-ICU recovery care is often unaffordable or unavailable in many parts of the world. Engaging families in home care and providing training in basic caregiving tasks can improve outcomes and reduce costs. In areas with limited access to qualified professionals, training of lay community caregivers and practitioners can be beneficial. Multidisciplinary post-ICU clinics and necessary telephonic handholding can support home-based patients and their families. Standardizing prices of essential necessities and promoting rational practices are crucial. System-wide efforts and novel approaches like decentralization of critical care services are necessary to ensure holistic quality and cost-effectiveness, particularly in densely populated countries with resource limitations. These innovations will not only improve care but also enhance preparedness for future pandemics.

Programme Accreditation in Tertiary Education

Programme accreditation is crucial to tertiary institutions because of its ability to ensure quality assurance in the system. Programme accreditation is a mechanism designed in the tertiary institutions to ensure that academic programmes offered are of standard and meet various policies and quality of national and international standard. This paper discussed the barriers to effective programme accreditation in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Employing secondary data that were obtained from online publications and print resources. The paper concluded that inadequate funding, shortage of academic staff, inadequate infrastructural facilities, brain-drain and strike actions are the barriers to effective programme accreditation in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Based on these barriers identified, the paper recommended the following; increment in budgetary allocation to the tertiary institutions, employment of more adequate staff, provision of adequate infrastructural facilities, increment in salaries and welfare allowances of academic staff and implementation of agreement entered into with various unions in the tertiary institutions to prevent strike actions.