Improve Quality Control Research Articles

Flexible and integrated dual carbon sensor for multiplexed detection of nonylphenol and paroxetine in tap water samples

Multiplex detection of emerging pollutants is essential to improve quality control of water treatment plants, which requires portable systems capable of real-time monitoring. In this paper we describe a flexible, dual electrochemical sensing device that detects nonylphenol and paroxetine in tap water samples. The platform contains two voltammetric sensors, with different working electrodes that were either pretreated or functionalized. Each working electrode was judiciously tailored to cover the concentration range of interest for nonylphenol and paroxetine, and square wave voltammetry was used fordetection. An electrochemical pretreatment with sulfuric acid on the printed electrode enabled a selective detection of nonylphenol in 1.0-10 × 10-6mol L-1 range with a limit of detection of8.0 × 10-7mol L-1. Paroxetine was detected in the same range with a limit of detection of6.7 × 10-7mol L-1 using the printed electrode coated with a layer of carbon spherical shells. Simultaneous detection of the two analytes was achieved in tap water samples within 1min, with no fouling and no interference effects. The long-term monitoring capability of the dual sensor was demonstrated in phosphate buffer for 45days. This performance is statistically equivalent to that of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for water analysis. The dual-sensor platform is generic and may be extended to other water pollutants and clinical biomarkers in real-time monitoring of the environment and health conditions. Silver pseudo-reference electrodes for paroxetine (REP) and nonylphenol (REN), working electrodes for paroxetine (WP) and nonylphenol (WN), and auxiliary electrode (AE). USP refers to the University of Sao Paulo. "Red" is reduced form and "Oxi" is oxidized form of analytes.

Label-free characterization of an extracellular vesicle-based therapeutic.

Interest in mesenchymal stem cell derived extracellular vesicles (MSC‐EVs) as therapeutic agents has dramatically increased over the last decade. Current approaches to the characterization and quality control of EV‐based therapeutics include particle tracking techniques, Western blotting, and advanced cytometry, but standardized methods are lacking. In this study, we established and verified quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as highly sensitive label‐free immunosensing technique for characterizing clinically approved umbilical cord MSC‐EVs enriched by tangential flow filtration and ultracentrifugation. Using QCM in conjunction with common characterization methods, we were able to specifically detect EVs via EV (CD9, CD63, CD81) and MSC (CD44, CD49e, CD73) markers. Furthermore, analysis of QCM dissipation versus frequency allowed us to quantitatively determine the ratio of marker‐specific EVs versus non‐vesicular particles (NVPs) – a parameter that cannot be obtained by any other technique so far. Additionally, we characterized the topography and elasticity of these EVs by atomic force microscopy (AFM), enabling us to distinguish between EVs and NVPs in our EV preparations. This measurement modality makes it possible to identify EV sub‐fractions, discriminate between EVs and NVPs, and to characterize EV surface proteins, all with minimal sample preparation and using label‐free measurement devices with low barriers of entry for labs looking to widen their spectrum of characterization techniques. Our combination of QCM with impedance measurement (QCM‐I) and AFM measurements provides a robust multi‐marker approach to the characterization of clinically approved EV therapeutics and opens the door to improved quality control.

Microbiological Safety and Presence of Major Mycotoxins in Animal Feed for Laboratory Animals in a Developing Country: The Case of Costa Rica.

Simple SummaryThe microbiological safety and quality of commercial animal feed for laboratory animals, produced in Costa Rica, was assessed. Analysis of the animal feed included general microbial markers (total coliforms and molds) and the behavior over time of two specific feed contaminants (Salmonella spp. and mycotoxins). Results from the study suggest that there is a low risk of contamination from viable microorganisms but the product contains important levels of mycotoxins. Current preventive measures (UV light disinfection) are not effective and additional handling protocols should be considered.Safety and quality of compound feed for experimental animals in Costa Rica is unknown. Some contaminants, such as Salmonella spp. and mycotoxins, could elicit confounding effects in laboratory animals used for biomedical research. In this study, different batches of extruded animal feed, intended for laboratory rodents in Costa Rica, were analyzed to determine mycotoxin and microbiological contamination (i.e., Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, total coliform bacteria, and total yeast and molds enumeration). Two methods for Salmonella decontamination (UV light and thermal treatment) were assessed. Only n = 2 of the samples were negative (representing 12.50%) for the 26 mycotoxins tested. Enniatins and fumonisins were among the most frequent toxins found (with n = 4+ hits), but the level of contamination and the type of mycotoxins depended on the supplier. None of the indicator microorganisms, nor Salmonella, were found in any of the tested batches, and no mold contamination, nor Salmonella growth, occurs during storage (i.e., 2–6 months under laboratory conditions). However, mycotoxins, such as enniatins and fumonisins tend to decrease after the fourth month of storage, and Salmonella exhibited a lifespan of 64 days at 17 °C even in the presence of UV light. The D-values for Salmonella were between 65.58 ± 2.95 (65 °C) and 6.21 ± 0.11 (80 °C) min, and the thermal destruction time (z-value) was calculated at 15.62 °C. Results from this study suggest that laboratory rodents may be at risk of contamination from animal feed that could significantly affect the outcomes of biomedical experiments. Thus, improved quality controls and handling protocols for the product are suggested.

QUAREP-LiMi: A community-driven initiative to establish guidelines for quality assessment and reproducibility for instruments and images in light microscopy.

A modern day light microscope has evolved from a tool devoted to making primarily empirical observations to what is now a sophisticated , quantitative device that is an integral part of both physical and life science research. Nowadays, microscopes are found in nearly every experimental laboratory. However, despite their prevalent use in capturing and quantifying scientific phenomena, neither a thorough understanding of the principles underlying quantitative imaging techniques nor appropriate knowledge of how to calibrate, operate and maintain microscopes can be taken for granted. This is clearly demonstrated by the well-documented and widespread difficulties that are routinely encountered in evaluating acquired data and reproducing scientific experiments. Indeed, studies have shown that more than 70% of researchers have tried and failed to repeat another scientist's experiments, while more than half have even failed to reproduce their own experiments. One factor behind the reproducibility crisis of experiments published in scientific journals is the frequent underreporting of imaging methods caused by a lack of awareness and/or a lack of knowledge of the applied technique. Whereas quality control procedures for some methods used in biomedical research, such as genomics (e.g. DNA sequencing, RNA-seq) or cytometry, have been introduced (e.g. ENCODE), this issue has not been tackled for optical microscopy instrumentation and images. Although many calibration standards and protocols have been published, there is a lack of awareness and agreement on common standards and guidelines for quality assessment and reproducibility. In April 2020, the QUality Assessment and REProducibility for instruments and images in Light Microscopy (QUAREP-LiMi) initiative was formed. This initiative comprises imaging scientists from academia and industry who share a common interest in achieving a better understanding of the performance and limitations of microscopes and improved quality control (QC) in light microscopy. The ultimate goal of the QUAREP-LiMi initiative is to establish a set of common QC standards, guidelines, metadata models and tools, including detailed protocols, with the ultimate aim of improving reproducible advances in scientific research. This White Paper (1) summarizes the major obstacles identified in the field that motivated the launch of the QUAREP-LiMi initiative; (2) identifies the urgent need to address these obstacles in a grassroots manner, through a community of stakeholders including, researchers, imaging scientists, bioimage analysts, bioimage informatics developers, corporate partners, funding agencies, standards organizations, scientific publishers and observers of such; (3) outlines the current actions of the QUAREP-LiMi initiative and (4) proposes future steps that can be taken to improve the dissemination and acceptance of the proposed guidelines to manage QC. To summarize, the principal goal of the QUAREP-LiMi initiative is to improve the overall quality and reproducibility of light microscope image data by introducing broadly accepted standard practices and accurately captured image datametrics.

Measuring nonuniform web tension for roll-to-roll manufacturing of flexible and printed electronics

High-quality roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing for flexible and printed electronics often requires uniform web tension. Nonuniformity in web tension can lead to nonuniform performance of printed electronic devices across the width of the web, and excessive nonuniformity in web tension can lead to web wrinkling. Here we develop and test a noncontact resonance (NCR) method and a gentle contact stiffness mapping (GCSM) method for measuring the average web tension and its linear variation across the width of the web. The NCR method uses the lowest symmetric and anti-symmetric frequencies of a web with a closed-form expression to obtain its linearly varied tension. The closed-form expression includes the significant effects of air loading on web vibrations through accurate hydrodynamic functions. While the GCSM method is based on nonlinear regression of the contact stiffness on multiple locations of the web. Both methods are accurate, reliable, and inexpensive, and are compatible for a wide range of web properties, web path, web tension, measurement configurations, and environmental conditions. We cross-validate the two methods on a stationary test stand and in-line test the NCR method in two spans of a moving commercial R2R system. We measure up to 35.58% cross-span tension variation in that system, and both average tension and its linear variation can vary in different spans of the same R2R system. We expect the results presented in this article can improve quality control of R2R processes for flexible and printed electronics and maximize device yields.

High Oxygen Packaging of Atlantic Cod Fillets Inhibits Known Spoilage Organisms, but Sensory Quality Is Not Improved Due to the Growth of Carnobacterium/Carnobacteriaceae.

Improved quality control and prolonged shelf life are important actions in preventing food waste. To get an overview of the bacterial diversity of fillets from live stored mature Atlantic cod, bacterial isolates were identified before and after storage (air and vacuum) and freezing/thawing. Based on the load of dominating bacteria, the effect of different packaging methods and a short freezing/thawing process on prolonged shelf-life was evaluated (total viable counts, bacteriota, sensory attributes, and volatile components). Hand filleted (strict hygiene) cod fillets had a low initial bacterial load dominated by the spoilage organism Photobacterium, whereas industrially produced fillets had higher bacterial loads and diversity (Pseudomonas, Arthrobacter, Psychrobacter, Shewanella). The identified bacteria after storage in vacuum or air were similar to the initially identified bacteria. Bacteriota analysis showed that a short time freezing/thawing process reduced Photobacterium while modified atmosphere packaging (MAP; 60% CO2/40% O2 or 60% CO2/40% N2) inhibited the growth of important spoilage bacteria (Photobacterium, Shewanella, Pseudomonas) and allowed the growth of Carnobacterium/Carnobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter. Despite being dominated by Photobacterium, fresh fillets stored in MAP 60% CO2/40% N2 demonstrated better sensory quality after 13 days of storage than fillets stored in MAP 60% CO2/40% O2 (dominated by Carnobacterium/Carnobacteriaceae). Carnobacterium spp. or other members of Carnobacteriaceae may therefore be potential spoilage organisms in cod when other spoilage bacteria are reduced or inhibited.

ART in Europe, 2017: results generated from European registries by ESHRE.

STUDY QUESTIONWhat are the data on ART and IUI cycles, and fertility preservation (FP) interventions reported in 2017 as compared to previous years, as well as the main trends over the years?SUMMARY ANSWERThe 21st ESHRE report on ART and IUI shows the continual increase in reported treatment cycle numbers in Europe, with a decrease in the proportion of transfers with more than one embryo causing an additional slight reduction of multiple delivery rates (DR) as well as higher pregnancy rates (PR) and DR after frozen embryo replacement (FER) compared to fresh IVF and ICSI cycles, while the number of IUI cycles increased and their outcomes remained stable.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYSince 1997, ART aggregated data generated by national registries, clinics or professional societies have been gathered and analyzed by the European IVF-monitoring Consortium (EIM) and communicated in a total of 20 manuscripts published in Human Reproduction and Human Reproduction Open.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONData on European medically assisted reproduction (MAR) are collected by EIM for ESHRE on a yearly basis. The data on treatments performed between 1 January and 31 December 2017 in 39 European countries were provided by either National Registries or registries based on personal initiatives of medical associations and scientific organizations.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSOverall, 1382 clinics offering ART services in 39 countries reported a total of 940 503 treatment cycles, including 165 379 with IVF, 391 379 with ICSI, 271 476 with FER, 37 303 with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), 69 378 with egg donation (ED), 378 with IVM of oocytes, and 5210 cycles with frozen oocyte replacement (FOR). A total of 1273 institutions reported data on 207 196 IUI cycles using either husband/partner’s semen (IUI-H; n = 155 794) or donor semen (IUI-D; n = 51 402) in 30 countries and 25 countries, respectively. Thirteen countries reported 18 888 interventions for FP, including oocyte, ovarian tissue, semen and testicular tissue banking in pre- and postpubertal patients.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEIn 21 countries (20 in 2016) in which all ART clinics reported to the registry, 473 733 treatment cycles were registered for a total population of approximately 330 million inhabitants, allowing a best-estimate of a mean of 1435 cycles performed per million inhabitants (range: 723–3286).Amongst the 39 reporting countries, the clinical PR per aspiration and per transfer in 2017 were similar to those observed in 2016 (26.8% and 34.6% vs 28.0% and 34.8%, respectively). After ICSI the corresponding rates were also similar to those achieved in 2016 (24% and 33.5% vs 25% and 33.2% in 2016). When freeze all cycles were removed, the clinical PRs per aspiration were 30.8% and 27.5% for IVF and ICSI, respectively.After FER with embryos originating from own eggs the PR per thawing was 30.2%, which is comparable to 30.9% in 2016, and with embryos originating from donated eggs it was 41.1% (41% in 2016). After ED the PR per fresh embryo transfer was 49.2% (49.4% in 2016) and per FOR 43.3% (43.6% in 2016).In IVF and ICSI together, the trend towards the transfer of fewer embryos continues with the transfer of 1, 2, 3 and ≥4 embryos in 46.0%, 49.2%, 4.5% and in 0.3% of all treatments, respectively (corresponding to 41.5%, 51.9%. 6.2% and 0.4% in 2016). This resulted in a reduced proportion of twin DRs of 14.2% (14.9% in 2016) and stable triplet DR of 0.3%. Treatments with FER in 2017 resulted in a twin and triplet DR of 11.2% and 0.2%, respectively (vs 11.9% and 0.2% in 2016).After IUI, the DRs remained similar at 8.7% after IUI-H (8.9% in 2016) and at 12.4% after IUI-D (12.4.0% in 2016). Twin and triplet DRs after IUI-H were 8.1% and 0.3%, respectively (in 2016: 8.8% and 0.3%) and 6.9% and 0.2% after IUI-D (in 2016: 7.7% and 0.4%). Amongst 18 888 FP interventions in 13 countries, cryopreservation of ejaculated sperm (n = 11 112 vs 7877 from 11 countries in 2016) and of oocytes (n = 6588 vs 4907 from eight countries in 2016) were the most frequently reported.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONAs the methods of data collection and levels of reporting vary amongst European countries, interpretation of results should remain cautious. Some countries were unable to deliver data about the number of initiated cycles and deliveries.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSThe 21st ESHRE report on ART, IUI and FP interventions shows a continuous increase of reported treatment numbers and MAR-derived livebirths in Europe. Being already the largest data collection on MAR in Europe, efforts should continue to optimize data collection and reporting with the perspective of improved quality control, transparency and vigilance in the field of reproductive medicine.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)The study has received no external funding and all costs are covered by ESHRE. There are no competing interests.

Advances in Lean Manufacturing: Improving Quality and Efficiency in Modern Production Systems

This research paper explores recent advancements in lean manufacturing, focusing on how these developments improve quality and efficiency within modern production systems. Lean manufacturing, originally developed by Toyota to minimize waste and optimize processes, has evolved significantly with technological integration and the demands of contemporary industrial environments. The paper begins with an overview of foundational lean principles, such as waste reduction, continuous improvement, and value maximization, followed by a discussion of widely used lean practices like 5S, Kaizen, Just-in-Time (JIT), and Kanban. Key advancements in lean manufacturing are examined, including the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies—automation, Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics—which allow real-time data monitoring and streamlined decision-making. The paper also investigates the integration of Lean Six Sigma and hybrid methodologies that combine lean principles with statistical tools to further improve quality control and efficiency. To illustrate the practical benefits of these advancements, several real-world case studies are presented, highlighting companies that have successfully implemented modern lean practices. Quantitative data from these case studies demonstrate improvements in production speed, waste reduction, and quality enhancement. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the impact of lean practices on key performance indicators, such as production lead time, defect rates, and overall cost savings. Challenges in adopting advanced lean manufacturing methods, such as initial implementation costs, resistance to change, and skill gaps, are also discussed. Finally, the paper provides insights into future trends, including the potential of artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and sustainable manufacturing within lean frameworks. This study concludes that the integration of lean manufacturing with emerging technologies continues to transform production processes, positioning lean as a crucial methodology for companies aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. Tables and graphs throughout the paper support these findings by showcasing data-driven results and visual comparisons of performance metrics before and after lean implementation.

Extended Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors Speed Range Based on the Active and Reactive Power Control of Inverters

The paper proposes a new speed control method to improve control quality and expand the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors speed range. The Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) speed range enlarging is based on the newly proposed power control principle between two voltage sources instead of winding current control as the conventional Field Oriented Control method. The power management between the inverter and PMSM motor allows the Flux-Weakening obstacle to be overcome entirely, leading to a significant extension of the motor speed to a constant power range. Based on motor power control, a new control method is proposed and allows for efficiently reducing current and torque ripple caused by the imbalance between the power supply of the inverter and the power required through the desired stator current. The proposed method permits for not only an enhanced PMSM speed range, but also a robust stability in PMSM speed control. The simulation results have demonstrated the efficiency and stability of the proposed control method.

Improved quality control criteria for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope measurements of ancient bone collagen

The carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopic compositions of bone and tooth collagen provide a powerful tool for studying past biological, environmental, and cultural phenomena. Collagen has a well-understood chemical composition that has enabled the development of invaluable quality control (QC) criteria for isotopic data – something that is extremely rare among biogeochemical research on ancient biomolecules as a whole. The most important of these collagen QC criteria is atomic C:N ratio (ratio of carbon to nitrogen atoms), which provides an indicator of the extent to which the amount of carbon and nitrogen present in a sample matches the known composition of pure collagen, thereby indicating whether contamination or diagenesis may be influencing a sample's isotopic compositions. We present a model describing the relationship between the carbon and nitrogen isotopic and elemental compositions that accounts for the isotopic composition of the endogenous collagen and exogenous contaminants as well as taxon-specific information about the collagen's amino acid composition. In some cases the traditional C:N QC parameters are applicable, while in others they can result in the inclusion of unreliable (altered) isotopic data primarily due to contamination from humic substances. Using new and previously published data on taxa commonly encountered in ancient studies, we further illustrate how using traditional C:N QC parameters may lead to the inclusion of altered isotopic compositions in real archaeological and paleontological scenarios. We argue that the traditional ‘one size fits all’ approach to the C:N QC criterion should be avoided and we outline new collagen QC criteria specific to certain taxa and environments on the basis of the results of our model. These revised criteria will help to improve the interpretation of isotopic data by more accurately identifying samples with isotopic compositions altered by contamination.

Methodological Lessons Learned From Conducting a Population-Based Phone Survey on Nutrition Practices in the Kyrgyz Republic

ObjectivesTo share lessons from a survey on nutrition practices, where the methodology shifted from in-person to phone interviews due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsThe USAID Advancing Nutrition Project is conducting an impact evaluation in Kyrgyz Republic to determine the effect of project interventions on nutrition behaviors. Municipalities in Batken and Jalalabad regions were randomly assigned to intervention or comparison areas.The stepped wedge design includes baseline, midpoint, and endline surveys, carried out at 12-month intervals. The baseline survey was completed in late 2020. Difference in differences analysis and analysis of project exposure variables will be used to determine impact. Due to COVID-19, all interviews were carried out using computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI). ResultsWe interviewed 2,091 women with children under two years of age, with phone numbers obtained from health facilities in survey areas. The response rate (11.6% completed interviews) was similar or higher than typical phone surveys. Interviews included complex questions related to 11 nutrition practices, including women’s and children’s dietary recall. Average interview length was 31 minutes. 4% of respondents dropped before completing the call. Advantages of phone interviews included reduced travel costs, improved quality control, and real-time data review. Disadvantages included high non-response, inability to observe items such as handwashing stations, and potential biases related to phone ownership. ConclusionsOur experience suggests that it is possible to carry out a complex, population-based nutrition survey using CATI. Response rates may be improved by building rapport at the start of the call. Interview length can be reduced using block randomization. Baseline levels of most indicators were similar to previous in-person surveys in Kyrgyzstan, suggesting CATI survey results can potentially provide accurate estimates of nutrition behaviors. Funding SourcesUnited States Agency for International Development.

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) of Graphene Materials: Effect of Particle Size of Graphene, Graphene Oxide and Graphite on Thermal Parameters

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has been recognized as a simple and reliable analytical tool for characterization of industrially manufactured graphene powders. Thermal properties of graphene are dependent on many parameters such as particle size, number of layers, defects and presence of oxygen groups to improve the reliability of this method for quality control of graphene materials, therefore it is important to explore the influence of these parameters. This paper presents a comprehensive TGA study to determine the influence of different particle size of the three key materials including graphene, graphene oxide and graphite on their thermal parameters such as carbon decomposition range and its temperature of maximum mass change rate (Tmax). Results showed that Tmax values derived from the TGA-DTG carbon combustion peaks of these materials increasing from GO (558–616 °C), to graphene (659–713 °C) and followed by graphite (841–949 °C) The Tmax values derived from their respective DTG carbon combustion peaks increased as their particle size increased (28.6–120.2 µm for GO, 7.6–73.4 for graphene and 24.2–148.8 µm for graphite). The linear relationship between the Tmax values and the particle size of graphene and their key impurities (graphite and GO) confirmed in this study endows the use of TGA technique with more confidence to evaluate bulk graphene-related materials (GRMs) at low-cost, rapid, reliable and simple diagnostic tool for improved quality control of industrially manufactured GRMs including detection of “fake” graphene.

Finite Element Method for Freezing and Thawing Industrial Food Processes.

Freezing is a well-established preservation method used to maintain the freshness of perishable food products during storage, transportation and retail distribution; however, food freezing is a complex process involving simultaneous heat and mass transfer and a progression of physical and chemical changes. This could affect the quality of the frozen product and increase the percentage of drip loss (loss in flavor and sensory properties) during thawing. Numerical modeling can be used to monitor and control quality changes during the freezing and thawing processes. This technique provides accurate predictions and visual information that could greatly improve quality control and be used to develop advanced cold storage and transport technologies. Finite element modeling (FEM) has become a widely applied numerical tool in industrial food applications, particularly in freezing and thawing processes. We review the recent studies on applying FEM in the food industry, emphasizing the freezing and thawing processes. Challenges and problems in these two main parts of the food industry are also discussed. To control ice crystallization and avoid cellular structure damage during freezing, including physicochemical and microbiological changes occurring during thawing, both traditional and novel technologies applied to freezing and thawing need to be optimized. Mere experimental designs cannot elucidate the optimum freezing, frozen storage, and thawing conditions. Moreover, these experimental procedures can be expensive and time-consuming. This review demonstrates that the FEM technique helps solve mass and heat transfer equations for any geometry and boundary conditions. This study offers promising insight into the use of FEM for the accurate prediction of key information pertaining to food processes.

Management and Quality Control of Large Neuroimaging Datasets: Developments From the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center.

Recent decades have witnessed an increasing number of large to very large imaging studies, prominently in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. The datasets collected during these studies form essential resources for the research aiming at new biomarkers. Collecting, hosting, managing, processing, or reviewing those datasets is typically achieved through a local neuroinformatics infrastructure. In particular for organizations with their own imaging equipment, setting up such a system is still a hard task, and relying on cloud-based solutions, albeit promising, is not always possible. This paper proposes a practical model guided by core principles including user involvement, lightweight footprint, modularity, reusability, and facilitated data sharing. This model is based on the experience from an 8-year-old research center managing cohort research programs on Alzheimer’s disease. Such a model gave rise to an ecosystem of tools aiming at improved quality control through seamless automatic processes combined with a variety of code libraries, command line tools, graphical user interfaces, and instant messaging applets. The present ecosystem was shaped around XNAT and is composed of independently reusable modules that are freely available on GitLab/GitHub. This paradigm is scalable to the general community of researchers working with large neuroimaging datasets.

Advances in Quality Control Methods for Bored Pile and Diaphragm Wall Foundations with Case Histories

Higher loads on deep foundations and more stringent deep foundation performance requirements have increased the need for improved quality control methods. To satisfy the design intent, the as-built shape, vertical alignment, base cleanliness, cage alignment, concrete cover, and concrete integrity are all important. Several new or improved quality control methods are available to check these considerations on bored pile and diaphragm wall foundations. This paper presents an overview of recent advances in quality control devices along with condensed case histories illustrating their use and project application.

A novel approach for lavender essential oil authentication and quality assessment

Currently, the quality of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) essential oil (LEO) is defined and regulated based on standards and methods established by regulatory authorities. Unfortunately, these existing standards and methods are not sufficient for LEO quality evaluation due to the complexity of LEO and adulteration encouraged by a burgeoning market. This study provides an efficient and reliable method for LEO quality assessment and adulteration detection. After a comprehensive investigation, involving a large set of LEO samples (n = 72) analyzed by multiple techniques (GC/MS, GC/Q-ToF, NMR, and chemometric analysis), a new approach named Q-Index was proposed. Fourteen marker compounds, along with trans-furano-linalool oxide acetate (an indicator of synthetic compound adulteration in LEO), were identified. These marker compounds played significant roles in discriminating the adulterated samples from the authentic LEOs. Calculation of the Q-Index value using the identified marker compounds permitted the detection of fraudulent samples. As demonstrated, all the authentic LEOs exhibited high Q-Index values (>100), whereas the adulterated or poor-quality samples displayed low Q-Index values (<100). The NMR-based chemometric analysis, which served as an independent and complementary approach to the GC/MS and Q-Index methods, was applied in order to assess the validity of the Q-Index method. Overall, the results obtained from different methods were in good agreement. Moreover, compared to the NMR method, the Q-Index approach possessed greater sensitivity in detecting LEO adulteration associated with the addition of synthetic compounds. Results of this study demonstrated that the Q-Index method could be successfully applied for LEO quality assessment and adulteration detection. This approach may have a significant potential to improve quality control for the LEO industry.

Resources and Practices to Improve Diatom Data Quality.

Environmental programs in the United States face technical challenges that inhibit the ability to use diatoms in water quality monitoring and assessment projects. Specifically, inconsistent taxonomy can obscure diatom responses to environmental variables. Problems are the result of (1) limited access to a common set of taxonomic references, especially those that are geographically relevant, (2) inefficient enumeration protocols, (3) lack of complete and transparent documentation of taxa, and (4) limited opportunities for continued education, training, and knowledge sharing. However, robust resources and practices are available to improve diatom data quality and interpretation. Several resources improve diatom data quality, including a publicly accessible taxonomic reference (diatoms.org) and recommended practices. These practices include adoption of the voucher floras, random sample assignment, replicate microscope slides, and improved quality control. Finally, the Society for Freshwater Science Diatom Taxonomic Certification Committee is developing educational materials and certification exams to support practitioner training and to increase the diatom research knowledge base. The resources and practices in this article are broadly applicable to improving basic and applied research on diatoms worldwide.

Waste Reduction by Improved Quality Control And Hadzad Analysis And Critical Control Point (HACCP) Implementation: A Case Study From Edfina Company For Presrved Foods, Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract Under the Under the project Support for Environmental Assessment and Management (SEAM), This project is being implemented by Reduction of Milk Losses at Miser Company for Dairy and Food, Mansoura, Egypt. It was implemented under the National Industrial Pollution Prevention Programmers (NIPPP). NIPPP focuses on the introduction and promotion of low-cost improvement measures, which can be easily and quickly implemented by factories. It also emphasizes the importance of economic benefits of any such intervention, particularly those with short pay-back periods. A summary of how these improvements were identified and the underlying problems solved, follows. Waste minimization through improved quality control procedures was implemented at Edfina Company for Preserved Foods, Alexandria, Egypt. A number of interventions costing LE 65,200 (Egyptian Pound) have yielded annual savings of LE 382,622. Quality control training and the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system will lead to improved product quality and further savings. Although it is difficult to quantify at this stage further savings of LE 550,000 could be expected in the short term.

Evaluation of risk quality control in construction company

Risk becomes one of the unexpected things that can happen and causes the project target not to be achieved according to the plan. Risk is a situation where there is uncertainty and the level of uncertainty can be measured quantitatively and can cause loss. This study aims to identify dominant (high) risk in the quality control process, especially in construction projects, which can result in not achieving the output indicators of the Project Quality Management Process according to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) 6th edition 2017 and steps to be taken to improve the existing Quality Management System against dominant (high) risk. The method used in this study are literature review and archive analysis, expert validation, pilot survey and respondent questionnaire. The results of this study found that there were 3 dominant (high) risks that affected the implementation stage of quality control, namely the error of contract document review, multiple interpretations of contractual material (equipment and material specifications) and the contents of contract documents (addendum). Steps taken to improve quality control related to the dominant risks found include developing procedures related to employee competencies in particular the project team and updating existing procedures related to Contract Administration.

Egg quality and production constraints in smallholder egg value chain of Greater Port Harcourt City, Nigeria

The study evaluated the quality of eggs and constraints facing smallholder egg producers (≤10,000 layers) in Greater Port Harcourt City, Nigeria. Desk study, survey of 47 farmers, Focused Group Discussion with eight farmers and weighing of eggs were done at Obio-Akpor, Oyigbo and Etche Municipal Councils out of the eight in Greater Port Harcourt City. Farmers were administered pre-structured questionnaires. Open questions from a checklist were used for in-depth interviews with 22 stakeholders. Thirty eggs per grade were weighed using a digital scale. Numerical data were evaluated using the SPSS statistical package, while qualitative information was assessed using matrices and content analysis. Results indicate that most farmers (56%) sort and grade their eggs for better prices but time constraint discourages others from doing so. The size was the only egg grading criterion used. A five-grade system (jumbo, extra-large, large, small, and bullet) was used. The most important quality parameters were size (41%), shell colour (29%), cleanliness (28%) and weight (2%). Customers prefer brown-shelled (82%) eggs to white (15%). Significant constraints faced by farmers were input-based (high cost and low quality feed, drug breeds, veterinary services, lack of loans); management (staff misbehaviour) and infrastructure (bad roads and poor electricity supply) related. Other stakeholders face quality challenges (small size, dirty eggs, rotting of eggs, no uniformity, low or no grading, high returns rate), financing, egg handling and marketing challenges. Proffered solutions include better chain coordination, local sourcing of eggs, improved quality control, establishment of egg aggregation centres, and introduction of machine-based grading, grade-based pricing and reduction in local production costs. Others include formation of cooperatives and bulk input purchases, improved staff motivation and better quality control. Smallholders’ access to the egg market can be improved by producing brown-shelled eggs of large, extra-large and jumbo sizes.