Implementation Of Quality Assurance Research Articles

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Identifies Crucial Genes Influencing the Polarization of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Liver Cancer

Background. In the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are pivotal for the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). This investigation delves into the functional transformations of TAMs within the TME by leveraging single-cell transcriptomics to pinpoint critical genes influencing TAM subset polarization. Methods. We procured single-cell and bulk transcriptomic data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), implementing quality assurance, dimensional reduction, clustering, and annotation on the single-cell sequencing data. To examine cellular interactions, CellChat was utilized, while single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering (SCENIC) was applied to deduce transcription factors (TFs) and their associated targets. Through gene enrichment, survival, and immune infiltration correlation analyses, we sought to pinpoint and validate influential genes. A TAM model under HCC conditions was then established to confirm the expression levels of these key genes. Results. Our analysis encompassed 74,742 cells and 23,110 genes. Through postdimensional reduction and clustering, we identified seven distinct cell types and nine TAM subtypes. Analysis via CellChat highlighted a predominance of M2-phenotype-inclined TAM subsets within the tumor’s core. SCENIC pinpointed the transcription factor PRDM1 and its target genes as pivotal in this region. Further analysis indicated these genes’ involvement in macrophage polarization. Employing trajectory analysis, survival analysis, and immune infiltration correlation, we scrutinized and validated genes likely directing M2 polarization. Experimental validation confirmed PRDM1’s heightened expression in TAMs conditioned by HCC. Conclusions. Our findings suggest the PRDM1 gene is a key regulator of M2 macrophage polarization, contributing to the immunosuppressive TME in HCC.

Predicting the PSQA results of volumetric modulated arc therapy based on dosiomics features: a multi-center study

Backgroud and objectivesThe implementation of patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) has become a crucial aspect of the radiation therapy process. Machine learning models have demonstrated their potential as virtual QA tools, accurately predicting the gamma passing rate (GPR) of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)plans, thereby ensuring safe and efficient treatment for patients. However, there is limited multi-center research dedicated to predicting the GPR. In this study, a dosiomics-based machine learning approach was employed to construct a prediction model for classifying GPR in multiple radiotherapy institutions. Additionally, the model’s performance was compared by evaluating the impact of two distinct feature selection methods.MethodsA retrospective data collection was conducted on 572 VMAT patients across three radiotherapy institutions. Utilizing a three-dimensional dose verification technique grounded in real-time measurements, γ analysis was conducted according to the criteria of 3%/2 mm and 2%/2 mm, employing a dose threshold of 10% along with absolute dose and global normalization mode. Dosiomics features were extracted from the dose files, and distinct subsets of features were selected as inputs for the model using the random forest (RF) and RF combined with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) methods. The data underwent training using the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm, and the model’s classification performance was assessed through F1-score and area under the curve (AUC) values.ResultsThe model exhibited optimal performance under the 3%/2 mm criteria, utilizing a subset of 20 features and attaining an AUC value of 0.88 and an F1-score of 0.89. Similarly, under the 2%/2 mm criteria, the model demonstrated superior performance with a subset of 10 features, resulting in an AUC value of 0.91 and an F1-score of 0.89. The feature selection methods of RF and RF + SHAP have achieved good model performance by selecting as few features as possible.ConclusionBased on the multi-center PSQA results, it is possible to utilize dosiomics features extracted from dose files to construct a machine learning predictive model. This model demonstrates excellent discriminative abilities, thus promoting the progress of gamma passing rate prognostic models in clinical application and implementation. Furthermore, it holds potential in providing patients with secure and efficient personalized QA management, while also reducing the workload of medical physicists.

Implementing quality assurance in tertiary-level colleges in Bangladesh: readiness and leadership support

Bangladesh’s college sector is in crisis. Poor governance and leadership, staff and student quality, inadequate resources and a weak accountability and monitoring system are among the many challenges. In 2017, the Government of Bangladesh established large-scale Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training for leaders, teachers and policymakers from the National University affiliated colleges to build capacity and improve the overall quality of teaching and learning. This mixed-method study uses Holt’s Readiness Instrument and Focus Group Discussions to identify participant readiness and leadership support in implementing quality assurance activities in these colleges. The study shows that CPD participants are generally more ready to implement quality assurance activities than non-participants. However, the study indicates a lack of leadership support for implementing quality assurance activities in the colleges. The article concludes that, irrespective of participant readiness, committed senior leaders are critical for success and improving institutional readiness to implement quality assurance activities.

The effect of lean tool on research culture and research performance in Indonesia’s higher education institutions

Quality Assurance in higher education is a lean tool to improve the quality and performance of HEIs, including lecturer research performance. This study examines the effect of implementing Quality Assurance in higher education as a lean tool on the research culture and research performance of lecturers at Indonesia’s private HEIs. The data represent respondents’ perceptions of the research variable indicators. 184 questionnaires were suitable for processing. Data were collected from 184 lecturers from approximately 25 private HEIs in Jakarta, Indonesia. A 5-point Likert scale was used to measure indicators of research variables. Statistical data analysis was carried out using Structural Equation Modeling with the Smart-PLS ™ program. The results show that Quality Assurance as a lean tool has a significant impact on research performance (β = 0.643; p = 0.000) and research culture (β = 0.361; p = 0.000). Research culture affected research performance significantly (β = 0.281; p = 0.000), and research culture significantly mediates the effect of Quality Assurance as a lean tool on the research performance (β = 0.102; p = 0.010), and the effect is strong (Ѵ = 0.181). Research findings reveal that the successful implementation of Quality Assurance as a lean tool is determined more by organizational readiness than individual readiness; this is reflected in the existence of effective research centers. An effective research center will support the standardization of research processes through continuous improvement so that lecturers behave more actively in scientific activities and perform research more productively.

Implementation of Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Construction and Management for Project Effectiveness

Implementation of Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Construction and Management for Project Effectiveness

THREE OBSTACLES OF INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM OF PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION IN INDONESIA

Objective: The implementation of internal quality assurance in higher education faces many obstacles. This research is focused on the obstacles of implementing the internal quality assurance system in Private higher education. Internal quality assurance system is a system carried out by universities independently. Method: The approach used in this research is qualitative with case study method. The case studied is the obstacle to the implementation of internal quality assurance system. Data collection uses combining an internal document review with semi-structured interviews. The qualitative interview data were subject to thematic analysis, a method for systematically identifying, organizing, and offering insight into patterns of meaning across a dataset. Result: In terms of administrative obstacles, it was found that the internal quality assurance agency at Puangrimaggalatung University only had 62.5% of standard documents. The organizational constraints found include 1) Limited understanding of internal quality assurance system only for structural officials, not for all but not for all stake holders in tertiary institutions. 2) Difficulties in determining measurable indicators of successful implementation of the internal quality assurance system, and 3) Unclear responsibilities among various structural positions resulting in overlapping of authority, which complicates internal quality assurance system implementation. In terms of psychological constraints, data is obtained in the form of neglect, disdain or cynical attitude towards quality assurance systems and processes. Conclusion: Based on an in-depth study of the data that has been collected, it is concluded that the implementation of the internal quality assurance system at private universities is going well however. there are obstacles in 3 areas, namely 1) Administrative obstacles 2) organizational obstacles and 3) psychological obstacles.

The Importance of Customer Focus on the Institutional Performance of Private Universities in Kenya

Institutions of higher learning (universities) have gradually adopted the total quality management (TQM) system to ensure quality product offerings and achieve competitive advantage. Universities in sub-Sahara Africa are vehicles of economic and human development through the provision of a trained labour force and research output. These organisations face elevated environmental dynamism in the provision of quality education. Due to conceptual gaps in the application of TQM in universities in SSA, the study assessed the critical importance of customer focus on the institutional performance of private universities in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design and targeted seventeen (17) privately chartered universities founded by religious-based institutions in Kenya. The study used a census sampling technique and randomly sampled 17 heads of administrative sections, functional departments and academic sections. Questionnaires were used as a primary tool for data collection, with the instrument being piloted at Carlile College, Kenya. Cronbach's Alpha reliability testing indicated that the instrument achieved scale reliability. The study employed both descriptive and inferential analysis. Institutional performance significantly and positively correlates with the customer focus (r = 0.580, p < 0.05) and explains 33.61 % of variations in institutional performance with an effect size of β1 = 0.5132 (t = 10.04, p< 0.05). The findings showed that customer focus as an element of TQM significantly influences the institutional performance of these universities. The study recommends that these universities inculcate and institutionalise customer-focused practices during the implementation of quality assurance. This study is of significance to the stakeholders in privately – chartered universities in Kenya and related contexts, as it will offer more enriching information on total quality management

Exploring the internal quality assurance management practices at the University of Ghana

There is a dearth in literature on how quality assurance actors perceive the effectiveness of their own approaches to internal quality assurance practices in Ghana’s tertiary education system. This study, with the systems model as an analytical construct, used a constructivist-interpretivist approach to explore the internal quality assurance management practices at the University of Ghana. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used to gather data from the University of Ghana (UG). The themes that emerged from the data indicated that UG has a comprehensive quality assurance policy, policy implementation structure and quality assurance management system. The results show that there is lack of well–resourced quality assurance offices at the policy implementation staircases, inadequate quality assurance stakeholders’ involvement and neglect of quality assurance measures for educational outcome sub-system. The results imply that for UG to improve on its internal quality assurance management there is a need to establish well-resourced quality assurance offices at the policy implementation staircases. In addition, quality assurance actors should involve all stakeholders stipulated in the quality assurance policy documents.

Ethical Marketing Practices and Customer Loyalty Towards Petrol Stations in Calabar Metropolis

This study examined ethical marketing practices and customer loyalty towards petrol stations. It specifically sought to unravel the relationship between marketing transparency, quality assurance, environmental responsibility and customer loyalty towards petrol stations. To that end, the study adopted cross-sectional survey research design. This enabled the collection of primary data from 168 motorists in Calabar Metropolis using a structured questionnaire. The data obtained were descriptively analyzed, while the hypotheses of the study were tested using Pearson’s product moment correlation method. The findings of the study revealed that marketing transparency, quality assurance and environmental responsibility had significant positive relationships with customer loyalty towards petrol stations in Calabar Metropolis. On the basis of these findings, we recommended that petrol stations should adopt transparent marketing, maintain honesty in advertisements, ensure trustworthy employees, prevent deceptive pricing, guarantee accurate dispensing pumps, implement quality assurance measures for safety and durability, and exhibit a consistent commitment to environmental sustainability to foster positive perception and encourage repeat customer patronage. From the limitations of the present study, we offered potential suggestions to guide future research efforts.

Real-time evaluation of signal accuracy in wastewater surveillance of pathogens with high rates of mutation

Wastewater surveillance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) commonly applies reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to quantify severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA concentrations in wastewater over time. In most applications worldwide, maximal sensitivity and specificity of RT-qPCR has been achieved, in part, by monitoring two or more genomic loci of SARS-CoV-2. In Ontario, Canada, the provincial Wastewater Surveillance Initiative reports the average copies of the CDC N1 and N2 loci normalized to the fecal biomarker pepper mild mottle virus. In November 2021, the emergence of the Omicron variant of concern, harboring a C28311T mutation within the CDC N1 probe region, challenged the accuracy of the consensus between the RT-qPCR measurements of the N1 and N2 loci of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we developed and applied a novel real-time dual loci quality assurance and control framework based on the relative difference between the loci measurements to the City of Ottawa dataset to identify a loss of sensitivity of the N1 assay in the period from July 10, 2022 to January 31, 2023. Further analysis via sequencing and allele-specific RT-qPCR revealed a high proportion of mutations C28312T and A28330G during the study period, both in the City of Ottawa and across the province. It is hypothesized that nucleotide mutations in the probe region, especially A28330G, led to inefficient annealing, resulting in reduction in sensitivity and accuracy of the N1 assay. This study highlights the importance of implementing quality assurance and control criteria to continually evaluate, in near real-time, the accuracy of the signal produced in wastewater surveillance applications that rely on detection of pathogens whose genomes undergo high rates of mutation.

Provosts’ Quality Assurance Strategies and Lecturers’ Job Performance in Colleges of Education in Kwara State, Nigeria

The continuous decline in lecturer performance, especially at Colleges of Education, has raised significant concern among education stakeholders. This research aims to analyze the relationship between the chancellor's quality assurance strategy and the work performance of lecturers in universities of education. This research uses a descriptive survey with a correlational type. The research sample consisted of 285 lecturers. A proportional random sampling technique was used to select the number of respondents. The instrument for data collection is the Chancellor's Quality Assurance Strategy and Lecturer Work Performance Questionnaire (PQASLJPQ). The questionnaire was divided into three sections: section A for demographic data collection; Part B contains matters regarding the chancellor's quality assurance strategy; and Part C has items regarding lecturer work performance on a modified 4-point Likert rating scale. The data collected was analyzed using the mean rating to answer the research questions. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the research hypothesis at a significance level 0.05. The research results show a significant relationship between the chancellor's quality assurance strategy and lecturers' work performance. This study shows adequate supervision, staff development programs, and stress management can improve teacher performance and school effectiveness. It is recommended that the rector maintain a high professional spirit and moral standards to effectively implement quality assurance strategies and maintain favorable working conditions for lecturers.

The The Influence of Auditor Competence and Integrity on Audit Quality with the Implementation of Quality Assurance as a Moderating Variable (Study at the Audit Unit of the Regional Office of DJBC East Java I)

This research aims to test and analyze the influence of auditor competence and integrity on audit quality by applying quality assurance as a moderating variable, research at the audit unit of the East Java I Regional Office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. This type of research is quantitative research. The population of this study are functional auditors and executive examiners who are tasked with assisting the implementation of audits. The sampling technique uses a saturated sample, namely the entire population of 47 people as the research sample. The data analysis technique for testing hypotheses uses Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modeling with the SmartPLS program. The research results show that: 1) auditor competency has a significant and positive effect on audit quality, 2) auditor integrity has a significant and positive effect on audit quality, 3) the application of quality assurance has a significant and positive effect on audit quality, 4) the application of quality assurance does not moderate the effect auditor competency on audit quality, 5) implementation of quality assurance does not moderate the influence of auditor integrity on audit quality

Evaluasi Penjaminan Mutu Internal di Perguruan Tinggi

Evaluation of Internal Quality Assurance at the Faculty of Education, Surabaya State University and carried out by a research team from the Faculty of Education, UNESA. The aim of the research is to evaluate the internal quality assurance process at the faculty. Carried out for 1 year and funded by LPPM UNESA. Evaluation focuses on learning monev and curriculum audit. The results show that the implementation of learning monev and curriculum audits is in accordance with the schedule set by the Chancellor. This evaluation provides information that can be used for policy making regarding internal quality assurance within the scope of the study program. The research method used is the CIPP (Context, Input, Process and Product) evaluation model using a questionnaire as a research instrument. Even though there are several obstacles in its implementation, the general evaluation of the implementation of internal quality assurance at FIP ​​Unesa shows good results.

Kajian Literatur: Dampak Penerapan HACCP dan Sistem Mutu dalam Peningkatan Daya Saing pada Industri Pengolahan Ayam

<p><em>Trade competition in the era of globalization is getting tougher, but food processing businesses from both agricultural and animal raw materials still have a good chance to survive. Products that have good quality and food safety can compete in domestic and international markets. To maintain food safety, business owners can implement quality assurance systems such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point). HACCP needs to be implemented to further improve competitiveness and be able to run a business sustainably. The method used in this research is a systematic literature review. The result of this study is the application of HACCP is expected to improve quality and be able to increase sustainable competitiveness. Most of the chicken processing industry has implemented HACCP by the elements in the appropriate HACCP program. The application of HACCP ensures the quality of food quality and avoids health hazards in the final product. The implementation of HACCP requires continuous training and education on HACCP to ensure a more stable system is implemented and the need for the use of complete personal protective equipment (PPE) to maintain hygiene during the production process.</em></p>

Exploring The Two Decades Of Quality Assurance Advancement In Vocational Education And Training

Quality assurance in vocational education and training (VET) becoming a concern driven by evolving educational landscapes and the demand for skilled and job-ready individuals. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on VET quality assurance from the year 2003 to 2022. Data was visualized using VOSviewer and Tableau. This paper aims to provide insights into the quantitative distrubution, citation pattern, geographical dispersion, and emerging topics in this field. Results show an increasing volume of publications on quality assurance in VET. The citation pattern suggests that the depth of exploration and engagement with existing knowledge is not proportionally robust. Russian Federation emerges as a prominent contributor in terms of document output. A lack of international research collaboration among countries, signaling a need for increased global engagement. The identified trends in research can be categorized into three clusters. Cluster 1 focuses on aspects related to the implementation of quality assurance in VET, Cluster 2 delves into methodological approaches in this context, and Cluster 3 explores research contexts associated with the value, benefits, or objectives of implementing quality assurance in VET. This article also offers a reflection on the findings as research that necessitates further exploration. This article can serve as a valuable resource for empirical researchers seeking to examine the temporal evolution of study participants and the shifting research themes pertaining to quality assurance in vocational education.

Strategic Planning For Foreign Language Program Accreditation In Higher Education

In response to expanding demand for access to higher education globally, governments and private sectors have reacted through massification, both in terms of numbers and sizes of institutions. While this has generated quantity, many argue that a corresponding rise in quality is lacking. This increasingly consumer-driven marketplace is under pressure from stakeholders - students, parents, governments, funders - to demonstrate quality. This may occur through internally generated reports, or from external accrediting bodies. For many higher education institutions, particularly in developing countries, these are novel practices. The purpose of this study is to analyze the outcomes of a program-level accreditation process implementation, and through the lens of a relevant case study, propose a framework to guide programs pursuing accreditation. Frameworks such as Bolman and Deal's Four Frames as well as Spillane, Halverson, and Diamond's Distributed Leadership can offer those charged with planning and implementing quality assurance initiatives the tools to effectively diagnose the current readiness within their organization to undergo a quality assurance initiative.

IMPLEMENTASI MANAJEMEN BERORIENTASI MUTU PADA STAI TEBING TINGGI DELI

quality and quality of higher education. Higher Education Quality is carried out by implementing quality assurance activities with the PDCA model, namely: 1) Plan (Planning), 2) Do (Implementation), 3) Check (Examination) and 4) Action (Action). By applying the quality assurance model, the quality management of the High Quality Regulation can be monitored both planning, processes, outputs and outcomes. This type of research uses qualitative research, namely research that uses data analysis, which is information or information obtained based on informants, This is in line with the opinion of Bogdan and Taylor, that qualitative research is a research process that produces descriptive data in the form of written or oral words from people (informants) and observed behaviors (based on interviews, and documentation). Data collection techniques use techniques whose relevance is related to qualitative research (in terms of documentation, and interviews). Meanwhile, data analysis techniques are carried out to see the extent of the picture and facts that can be contained in the research results. Based on the results of the study, it was obtained that the implementation of quality-oriented management at STAI Tebing Tinggi Deli can be seen from the following aspects, curriculum aspects, special service aspects, facilities and infrastructure aspects, partnership aspects. Based on the conditions at STAI Tebing Tinggi Deli, an internal institution is needed that functions to carry out quality assurance for the implementation of activities. With the running of internal quality assurance, it is hoped that the quality majamen service process will be of high quality in the future.

Implementation of Quality Assurance in Smp With School Committees and Participatory Management: A Case Study in Junior High Schools in Indonesia

Purpose: This study aims to determine the influence of school committee, principal leadership, organizational culture, and teacher participation in the implementation of quality assurance in junior high schools. Theoretical framework: Providing educational services that improve student learning outcomes requires ensuring the quality of education in junior high schools. Furthermore, quality assurance equalizes opportunities across the country, protects customers, and plays an important role for students, parents, teachers, and education staff. Current conditions indicate that Quality assurance in junior high schools is currently rated unsatisfactory, with indications that only 46.7% of junior high schools have been accredited to excel, while the remaining 53.3% require improvement. Design/methodology/approach: This research is quantitative research using the Explanatory Survey Method. The population in this study was principals in Junior High Schools throughout two cities and four regencies The sampling technique used in this study is probability sampling technique, using proportionate random sampling. Determination of the number of samples used in this study using the Krejcie table. This study collected 211 data from the principals of various junior high schools in Semarang and surrounding areas using a Likert scale questionnaire. The data analysis technique used is path analysis. Research practical and social implications: The results of the study revealed that the principal's leadership role, organizational culture, and teacher participation had an effect on the implementation of quality assurance in junior high schools, while the school committee had no major effect on school quality assurance. Principals play an important role in increasing teacher participation and creating a positive organizational culture.

Comparison of Variant Index Score (VIS) of Homemade and Commercial Lyophilized Serum

Many laboratory installations have not implemented quality assurance periodically due to the high cost of purchasing control materials. This study aims to determine the difference in Variant Index Score value of homemade lyophilized serum with commercial parameters of SGOT, SGPT, creatinine, BUN, glucose, uric acid, triglycerides, and cholesterol. The research was conducted in January–May 2023 at the Surabaya Health Center laboratory, the reference laboratory, and the Ubaya Technobiology Faculty using descriptive comparative research with a quantitative approach. The test material used was homemade lyophilized serum, with the research variable being the VIS value of lyophilized serum. The results of the analysis showed a comparison of the VIS value of homemade and commercial serum based on the participant's target values of SGOT, SGPT, creatinine, BUN, glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol parameters obtained a significance value of 00,759; 0,983; 0,160; 0,994; 0,413; 0,797; 0,318; and 0,262, and based on the true value target values of SGOT, SGPT, creatinine, BUN, glucose, uric acid, triglycerides, and cholesterol parameters obtained a significance value of 0,70; 0,973; It is concluded that there is no significant difference in VIS value between homemade and commercial lyophilized serum, so homemade lyophilized serum can be used as an option for control material to replace commercial serum for laboratory quality assurance.

Anaesthesia provision challenges in public hospitals of Pakistan’s Punjab province: a qualitative study of expert perspectives

ObjectivesAnaesthesia delivery in Pakistan remains limited to conventional intraoperative procedures, with research showing ongoing challenges in quality and resourcing. We aimed to identify systemic challenges in the delivery of the...