Internal Quality Assessment Research Articles

From reconstruction to function : Hands-on training in tympanoplasty using real-time feedback

HintergrundIn der Mittelohrchirurgie bedarf es ausgezeichneter feinmotorischer Fertigkeiten. Aufgrund des hohen Komplikationspotenzials im Mittelohr ist die Ausbildung dieser Fertigkeiten am Modell anzustreben.FragestellungWie gut ist die Ausbildungsmöglichkeit an geeigneten Modellen? Können die am Modell erlernten Fertigkeiten in die intraoperative Situation übertragen werden? Beeinflusst das Modell und die Ausbildung daran die zukünftige Ohrchirurgie?Material und MethodeVorliegende Publikationen und eigene Erfahrungen am Dresdener Tympanoplastikmodell (DTM) wurden analysiert und diskutiert.ErgebnisseObwohl die Mittelohrchirurgie hohe Anforderungen an den Ausführenden stellt und am Sinnesorgan Ohr schwerwiegende Komplikationen drohen, gibt es bisher nur wenige Trainingsmöglichkeiten dafür. Das DTM ist ein validiertes Übungsmodell, das diese Lücke schließen kann. Durch eine Real-Time-Feedback-Variante des Modells kann auch das Verständnis für Rekonstruktionsqualität und intraoperative akustische Noxen verbessert werden. Die Übertragung des Real-Time-Feedback-Gedankens in die reale Mittelohrchirurgie kann die Rekonstruktionsqualität zukünftig verbessern.SchlussfolgerungenDas Training an geeigneten Modellen ist speziell beim Erlernen der Mittelohrchirurgie anzustreben. Mit dem Real-Time-Feedback kann beim Lernen und Operieren eine weitere Sinneswahrnehmung in die eigene und fremde Qualitätskontrolle der Tympanoplastik sehr wirksam einbezogen werden.

Internal and External QA in HE: LA Tools and Self-Evaluation Report Preparation

Learning Analytics (LA) and tools for intelligent analysis of data accumulat-ed in the information systems used in higher education institutions (HEIs) al-low quality experts to increase the effectiveness of processes for monitoring, quality assurance and evaluation of training. The paper presents LA model and a correspondent software tool designed for the needs of quality experts in Bulgarian higher education institutions. The tool allows them to monitor and improve the learning process. However, the experiments presented here show that the tool can also significantly assist in the preparation of self-assessment reports for internal and external quality assessment in HE. Re-search and experiments with the model and the LA tool under consideration are conducted on the basis of the information infrastructure of a typical Bul-garian university – University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”.

Hyperspectral imaging technology for quality and safety evaluation of horticultural products: A review and celebration of the past 20-year progress

• Reflectance, Transmittance, Fluorescence, Raman and integrated imaging is covered. • Instrumentation is discussed with special attention for real-time imaging. • The major steps in hyperspectral data analysis are discussed. • Overview of applications in external and internal quality evaluation. • Review of applications in food safety detection. In the past 20 years, hyperspectral imaging has been widely investigated as an emerging, promising technology for evaluating quality and safety of horticultural products. This technology has originated from remote sensing and joins the domains of machine vision and point spectroscopy to provide superior image segmentation for the detection of defects and contaminations, and to map the chemical composition. Thanks to the advancements in instrumentation and data analysis in the past two decades, hyperspectral imaging technology has evolved into a powerful nondestructive inspection tool and the scope of applications in postharvest quality and safety evaluation has expanded tremendously. In this article, different imaging modes (reflectance, transmittance, fluorescence and Raman) and their combinations, and the potential for real-time acquisition of hyperspectral images at industry relevant speeds are first discussed in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. Next reviewed are different data processing/analysis methods and associated steps from data pre-processing over the spectral and spatial domains to the actual model building and performance evaluation. An overview is then given of hyperspectral imaging applications for external quality and defect evaluation, internal quality and maturity assessment, and food safety detection of horticultural products. Finally, a brief discussion is presented on the challenges and opportunities in future development and application of hyperspectral imaging technology in food quality and safety evaluation of horticultural products.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines compliance of a sarcoma service: A retrospective review.

BACKGROUNDClinical workup and treatment guidelines have been published by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) to ensure patients are treated uniformly and appropriately. This study sought to retrospectively review patients with a new diagnosis of sarcoma who were treated in a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated center and determine compliance rates with guidelines for sarcoma.AIMTo evaluate our compliance of NCCN sarcoma guidelines at a major NCI designated center and to report instances of deviation that could be used for future studies to improve patient care.METHODSData was collected retrospectively as an internal review and quality assessment of 35 newly diagnosed and treated patients. Demographic data were recorded and information concerning whether patients had appropriate imaging, biopsy and management. Variables of interest were expressed as raw numbers and percentages.RESULTSPrimary site imaging was obtained in 100% of cases. Chest and full-body imaging were obtained in 97% and 100% of indicated cases, respectively. Tissue was obtained preoperatively in 97% of cases. Imaging was reviewed at multidisciplinary Treatment Planning Conference (TPC) in 97% of cases. Pathology was reviewed in 94% of cases in TPC. Both tumor, node, metastasis staging and plan of care were reviewed in 100% of cases in TPC. Treatment guidelines were followed in 94% of cases reviewed.CONCLUSIONThis study evaluated the workup and treatment provided by a single NCI designated sarcoma service to a series of patients with pathologies defined with the NCCN sarcoma treatment guidelines. Although adherence to NCCN was reported to be very high future prospective studies are required to investigate whether NCCN guidelines impact patient outcomes.

Abstract GS3-08: Multiplatform analysis of matched primary and metastatic breast tumors from the AURORA US Network

Abstract Background: It has become increasingly clear that effective treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) requires an in-depth understanding of the molecular differences between primary tumors and metastases. The AURORA US Network was established to collect primary breast cancer-metastasis pairs for multi-platform genomic profiling in order to identify the molecular drivers of metastatic disease. AURORA US has both a retrospective and prospective phase. This is the first report of the retrospective phase. Methods: Archived tissue samples from the primary tumor and at least one distant metastasis were retrospectively collected from 83 MBC patients. Following internal quality assessment, samples from 55 pts, including 105 distinct metastatic lesions, were subject to DNA low pass whole genome and exome sequencing, DNA methylation arrays, and RNA sequencing. Early analyses of these multi-platform data include: DNA methylation, tumor gene expression and microenvironmental signatures, somatic and germline variants, DNA copy number changes, and structural variants between breast primaries and matched metastases. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 49 years (25-76); 32 (58%) were Stage I or II at presentation, 27 (49%) had a family history of breast cancer, and 20 (36%) had a second breast primary. Median disease-free interval before developing MBC was 2 years (range 0-36, 5 patients presented with Stage IV). Median overall survival from initial presentation was 4 years (range 0-37). Median survival after developing MBC was 1 year (range 0-13), with a median of three treatments. Primary tissue samples were banked from 1977-2017 and metastases were banked from 1999-2017. Clinical phenotypes of the primaries included 27 HR+ (49%), 15 triple negative (TNBC, 27%), and 11 HER2+ (20%, 12 missing HER2 status). Intrinsic subtype distribution of the primaries included 17 Basal-like (31%), 17 Luminal A (31%), 7 Normal-like (13%), 5 HER2-enriched (9%), and 1 Luminal B, with 8 pending. All metastases from the Basal-like cases remained Basal-like, while metastases from luminal primaries tended to gain HER2-Enriched subtype features (5/18, p = 0.01). Overall, we identified significant metastasis-enriched alterations in metabolism pathways, an increase in proliferation, and the loss of differentiation signatures and immune infiltrates with progression; the latter being the most pronounced in brain metastases. The most frequent somatic mutations in this cohort were in TP53, NCOR1, and RUNX1. Interestingly, ERBB2, EGFR, and ATM were also mutated in ≥10% of the tumors sequenced. In almost all cases, CpG island hypermethylation was clonally present in the primary tumor and persisted stably in the majority of metastatic lesions. Promoter CpG island hypermethylation was also identified in some metastatic lesions at JAM3, an important cellular adhesion molecule,and this was accompanied by reduced mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: Collection of banked primary and metastatic tissue pairs identified a young MBC cohort with a high frequency of breast cancer family history and second breast primaries. Molecular characterization of luminal tumor pairs highlighted acquisition of aggressive traits including increased proliferation and loss of differentiation in the metastases. In contrast, basal-like pairs remained relatively unchanged, except for the loss of immune activation. Ongoing analyses to be presented include clonal heterogeneity and phylogeny, novel metastasis signature discovery, gene fusion, and endogenous retrovirus detection. Citation Format: Tari A King, Minetta C Liu, Marni B McClure, Toshinori Hinoue, Benjamin J Kelly, Chad J Creighton, Jay Bowen, Kristen Leraas, Robyn T Burns, Sara Coppens, Salma Rezk, Amy L Garrett, Justin M Balko, Joel S Parker, Ben H Park, Ian Krop, Carey Anders, Katherine A Hoadley, Julie Gastier-Foster, Mothaffar F Rimawi, Rita Nanda, Nancy U Lin, Claudine Isaacs, P. Kelly Marcom, Anna Maria Storniolo, Fergus J Couch, Elaine R Mardis, Adrian V Lee, Uma Chandran, Peter W Laird, Susan G Hilsenbeck, Larry Norton, Andrea L Richardson, W. Fraser Symmans, Lisa A Carey, Antonio C Wolff, Nancy E Davidson, Charles M Perou, the AURORA US Network. Multiplatform analysis of matched primary and metastatic breast tumors from the AURORA US Network [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr GS3-08.

Confidence Levels, Sensitivity, and the Role of Bathymetry in Coral Reef Remote Sensing

Remote sensing is playing an increasingly important role in the monitoring and management of coastal regions, coral reefs, inland lakes, waterways, and other shallow aquatic environments. Ongoing advances in algorithm development, sensor technology, computing capabilities, and data availability are continuing to improve our ability to accurately derive information on water properties, water depth, benthic habitat composition, and ecosystem health. However, given the physical complexity and inherent variability of the aquatic environment, most of the remote sensing models used to address these challenges require localized input parameters to be effective and are thereby limited in geographic scope. Additionally, since the parameters in these models are interconnected, particularly with respect to bathymetry, errors in deriving one parameter can significantly impact the accuracy of other derived parameters and products. This study utilizes hyperspectral data acquired in Hawaii in 2000–2001 and 2017–2018 using NASA’s Classic Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer to evaluate performance and sensitivity of a well-established semi-analytical inversion model used in the assessment of coral reefs. Analysis is performed at several modeled spatial resolutions to emulate characteristics of different feasible moderate resolution hyperspectral satellites, and data processing is approached with the objective of developing a generalized, scalable, automated workflow. Accuracy of derived water depth is evaluated using bathymetric lidar data, which serves to both validate model performance and underscore the importance of image quality on achieving optimal model output. Data are then used to perform a sensitivity analysis and develop confidence levels for model validity and accuracy. Analysis indicates that derived benthic reflectance is most sensitive to errors in bathymetry at shallower depths, yet remains significant at all depths. The confidence levels provide a first-order method for internal quality assessment to determine the physical extent of where and to what degree model output is considered valid. Consistent results were found across different study sites and different spatial resolutions, confirming the suitability of the model for deriving water depth in complex coral reef environments, and expanding our ability to achieve automated widespread mapping and monitoring of global coral reefs.

Sigma Metrics used to Evaluate the Performance of Internal Quality Control in a Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory.

The performance of 17 routine chemical detection methods was evaluated by the Sigma (σ) index, and separate quality control standards were established according to the sigma values of different detection methods. The internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assessment (EQA) data of 17 assays in the biochemical laboratory of our hospital were collected from January to June 2019. Referring to the total allowed error (TEa) standards established in the Health Industry Standards of the People's Republic of China (WS/T 403-2012), the sigma metric of each assay was calculated, the performance level for inspection was evaluated, the quality goal index (QGI) was calculated for items with analysis performance < 5 sigma, and the main causes of poor performance were determined to guide quality improvement. For level 1 internal quality control (IQC), five assays (AMY, Crea, UA, TP, and Na) showed a performance of ≥ 6 sigma levels. Five assays (GGT, LDH, ALP, K, and Ca) had a performance lower than 3 sigma. For level 2 IQC, nine assays (ALT, AST, CK, AMY, Crea, UA, TP, Na, and Mg) achieved 6 sigma, and four assays (GGT, LDH, ALP, and K) achieved less than 3 sigma. Among the 12 assays with a sigma value < 5, the precision of 1 assay should be improved first, the accuracy of 6 assays should be improved next, and both the precision and the accuracy of 5 assays should be improved. The sigma metric is the best tool for evaluating the performance of different test methods. Assays with high sigma values can be evaluated with single-rule quality control, while assays with low values should be evaluated with strict quality control rules.

Preparation of In-House Quality Control Human Serum for Urea and its Use in Clinical Chemistry.

Quality control materials play a vital role in the laboratory internal and external quality assessment program. However, Ethiopia and other developing countries are challenged by the unavailability and high cost of commercial control material. Therefore, preparing in-house quality control human serum will be a cost-effective way to obtain QC material for use in poor settings in a country like Ethiopia. To prepare urea in-house control human serum and scientifically evaluate it with commercially available sera already in use in the clinical chemistry laboratory of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. The urea in-house quality control human serum was prepared as per ISO Guide 80, a guideline document protocol from 57 participants' normal serum specimens at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute clinical chemistry laboratory. The quality control material was analyzed on a fully automated chemistry analyzer (Cobas 6000). The initial 20 values were used for calculation of means, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV). Results were compared with those of commercially available lyophilized human sera. The average concentrations of urea were found to be near the middle of the physiological range of healthy subjects and the in-house serum could be a good substitute for the commercial serum of normal range. The prepared in-house quality control human serum is stable for about three months without any alterations in the concentration of urea. Well prepared in-house quality control human serum is a good substitute for commercially available control serum of normal range, especially in a developing country like Ethiopia.

СВІТОВИЙ ДОСВІД ОЦІНКИ ЯКОСТІ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ ВІДПОВІДНО ДО СТАНДАРТІВ І РЕКОМЕНДАЦІЙ ЩОДО ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ЯКОСТІ В ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОМУ ПРОСТОРІ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ (ESG)

The article examines the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) and their implementation for external quality assessment of higher education. An analysis of the activities of agencies to assess the quality of education, the main forms and tools of its implementation are carried out. It is established that the ESG were adopted in 2005 by the Ministers responsible for higher education. The ESG have been constantly revised and improved, and the version adopted in 2015 is currently in force. They consist of three parts: standards and recommendations for internal quality assurance (10 items); standards and recommendations for external quality assurance (7 items); standards and recommendations for quality assurance agencies (7 items). In the framework of the Bologna Process, since 2003 it has been determined that the main responsibility for the quality of higher education services lies with the HEIs themselves, which conduct the internal quality assessment, i.e. they implement a set of measures and procedures to ensure the quality of proposed educational programs and services. Certain criteria, which are determined both by the HEI itself and by the agencies for assessing the quality of education are used. The main function of external assessment of the quality of education is to provide feedback and recommendations to the HEIs and objective and unbiased information to stakeholders. The principles, procedures and criteria for assessing the quality of education should apply to all methods of providing educational services and teaching. It should be noted that the ESG are not quality standards as such, they do not define quantitative criteria or regulate the implementation process, they are guidelines that define the main areas that need special attention to ensure quality services and create a favorable educational environment.

Practical application of Six Sigma management in analytical biochemistry processes in clinical settings.

BackgroundSix Sigma methodology with a zero‐defect goal has long been applied in commercial settings and was utilized in this study to assure/improve the quality of various analytes.MethodsDaily internal quality control (QC) and external quality assessment data were collected and analyzed by calculating the sigma (σ) values for 19 analytes based on the coefficient of variation, bias, and total error allowable. Standardized QC sigma charts were established with these parameters. Quality goal index (QGI) analysis and root cause analysis (RCA) were used to discover potential problems for the analytes.ResultsFive analytes with σ ≥ 6 achieved world‐class performance, and only the Westgard rule (13s) with one control measurement at two QC material levels (N2) per QC event and a run size of 1000 patient samples between QC events (R1000) was needed for QC. In contrast, more control rules (22s/R4s/41s) along with high N values and low R values were needed for quality assurance for five analytes with 4 ≤ σ < 6. However, the sigma levels of nine analytes were σ < 4 at one or more QC levels, and a more rigorous QC procedure (13s/22s/R4s/41s/8x with N4 and R45) was implemented. The combination of QGI analysis and RCA further revealed inaccuracy or imprecision problems for these analytes with σ < 4 and discovered five aspects of potential causes considered for quality improvement.ConclusionsSix Sigma methodology is an effective tool for evaluating the performance of biochemical analytes and is conducive to quality assurance and improvement.

Potential uses of LF‐NMR and MRI in the study of water dynamics and quality measurement of fruits and vegetables

This paper provides an overview of nondestructive imaging techniques for evaluating internal and external quality characteristics of fruits and vegetables and the future prospects of those technologies within the food industry. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are viable technologies in assessing water status, which can significantly impact the quality of fruits and vegetables' texture, tenderness, and microstructure. This review examined some of the most widely studied agricultural fruits and vegetables, described NMR/MRI techniques, and explained the benefits of their implementation in the assessment of internal quality attributes such as internal defects, water content, nutrition content, maturity, fruit firmness, and seed detection, as well as physicochemical and microbiological quality in both commercial and industrial applications. In spite of considerable developments in the quality measurement of fruits and vegetables and their products, the implementation of these techniques at an industrial level has been unsatisfactory. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This paper aimed to present a magnificent knowledge about fruit/vegetable processing and preservation techniques pertaining to quality evaluation. If the appropriate skills and the introduced tools are combined and utilized in an innovative and suitable way, a high quality of fruit/vegetable products with a high nutritional value can be achieved. This will be beneficial for both producers and customers.

Sulfate and hydroxychloride trace minerals in poultry diets – comparative effects on egg production and quality in laying hens, and growth performance and oxidative stress response in broilers

ABSTRACTTwo experiments investigated the effect of sulfate and hydroxychloride trace minerals (TM), Zn, Cu, and Mn, in laying hens and broiler chickens. In Expt. 1, Lohmann Brown pullets (total of 1,344) at 21 wk of age were used for a 24-wk experiment. Each of the two treatments had 32 replicates with 21 hens per replicate. At 45 wk of age, three eggs per cage were randomly selected and used for internal quality assessment. In Expt. 2, Ross 308 broilers (total of 1,080) were allocated to two treatments. Each treatment had 30 replicates with 15 chicks per replicate. On day 28, after weighing, three birds were randomly selected from 15 randomly selected pens per treatment. The birds were euthanized and blood was collected for analysis for uric acid, C-reactive protein and methylmalonic acid. Samples were also taken from pectoralis muscle of each chicken and analyzed for mRNA expression of protein synthesis or hydrolysis genes. On day 35, 7 birds per pen were used for carcass evaluation. In Expt. 1, egg weight was greater (P < 0.01) in birds receiving sulfate TM from week 16 (of experiment) onwards whereas the percentage of cracked eggs was lower (P < 0.01) in hens receiving hydroxychloride TM. Percentage hen-day production tended to be greater (P < 0.10) in hens receiving hydroxychloride TM in weeks 4 to 8 only. In Expt. 2, birds receiving hydroxychloride TM had greater (P < 0.05) weight gain and tended to have greater (P < 0.10) feed intake on day 35. Expression of the gene, PSMA1, was lower (P < 0.05) whereas plasma level of uric acid and methyl malonic acid tended to be lower (P < 0.10) in birds receiving hydroxychloride TM. It was concluded that hydroxychloride TM reduced egg loss in hens at peak production and that improved growth performance response in broilers can be partly explained by reduction in proteolytic activities in the pectoralis muscle and greater resilience to oxidative stress.

Practical approach to method verification in plasma and validation in cerebrospinal fluid under accreditation using a flexible scope in molecular virology: setting up the HIV, HBV and HCV Aptima™ Quant Dx assays.

Background Our laboratory obtained the ISO 15189 accreditation for the plasmatic HIV-1, HBV and HCV viral load (VL) using the m2000 RealTime™ system, which was recently changed for the platform Panther®. Here, we discuss a strategy for performing method validation/verification very quickly. Methods We performed the mandatory (repeatability, internal quality assessment [IQA], measurement uncertainty [MU]) and optional technical verifications for CE/IVD assays using the flexible scope range A. We also performed the mandatory assays for the validation of HIV-1 VL in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using the flexible scope range B. The change was checked by following up on the turnaround time (TAT). Results The coefficient of variation (CV%) for repeatability and IQA complied with the limit of 0.25 log. The MU results ranged from 0.04 to 0.25 log copies or IU/mL. The comparisons of methods showed excellent correlations (R2 = 0.96 for the three parameters) but a delayed centrifugation on HCV VL showed variations of up to 2 log IU/mL. An excellent linearity for HIV-1 in the CSF was obtained from 1.5 to 5 log copies/mL with R2 = 0.99. The TAT increased (84%-98%) in routine usage. Conclusions The three Aptima assays are well suited for routine laboratory use and can be integrated within less than 2 weeks in accordance with flexible scope range A. Our data allows us to confidently perform HIV-1 VL in CSF following flexible scope range B. Finally, we provide an organizational guide for flexible scope management in molecular virology within a short time frame.

Optimization of soluble solids content prediction models in ‘Hami’ melons by means of Vis-NIR spectroscopy and chemometric tools

Nondestructive assessment of internal quality in fruit with thick rind and large size was always a challenge in terms of the fruit quality automatic grading application. This study compared different spectral measurement positions and prediction models for determining soluble solids content (SSC) of ‘Hami’ melon. Visible and short wavelength near-infrared with the spectral range of 550–950 nm was used and three local positions (calyx, equator and stem regions) in each sample were selected for spectral collection, respectively. The partial least squares (PLS) was employed to establish three local calibration models (calyx-model, equator-model and stem-model) and calyx-model was proved to be optimal one for SSC prediction of ‘Hami’ melon. In order to optimize the calyx-model, four algorithms including successive projections algorithm (SPA), Monte Carlo-uninformative variable elimination (MC-UVE), competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and combination algorithm MC-UVE-SPA were applied to select effective variables from full spectra, respectively. And, the non-linear least square support vector machine (LSSVM), linear multiple linear regression (MLR) and PLS models were also developed based on those selected effective variables, respectively. The results indicated that MC-UVE-SPA was the optimal method for selecting the effective variable. Based on 18 variables selected by MC-UVE-SPA, all established models including MC-UVE-SPA-PLS, MC-UVE-SPA-LSSVM and MC-UVE-SPA-MLR can successfully predict the SSC of all ‘Hami’ melon fruit samples with the prediction accuracy of RMSEP = 0.95–0.99 °Brix.

Understanding the relation between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and adverse fetal, infant and child outcomes: a protocol for a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of longitudinal studies of pregnant women and their infants and children

IntroductionZika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy is a known cause of microcephaly and other congenital and developmental anomalies. In the absence of a ZIKV vaccine or prophylactics, principal investigators (PIs)...

Optimizing genetic algorithm-partial least squares model of soluble solids content in Fukumoto navel orange based on visible-near-infrared transmittance spectroscopy using discrete wavelet transform.

The thick rind of Fukumoto navel orange is a great barrier to light penetration, which makes it difficult to evaluate the internal quality of Fukumoto navel orange accurately by visible-near-infrared (Vis-NIR) transmittance spectroscopy. The information carried by the transmission spectrum is limited. Thus, the application of genetic algorithm (GA) for variable selection may not reach the expected results, and selected variables may contain redundancy. In this paper, we present the use of discrete wavelet transforms for optimizing a GA-partial least squares (PLS) model based on Vis-NIR transmission spectra of Fukumoto navel orange. Haar, Db, Sym, Coif and Bior wavelets were used to compress the spectral data selected by GA. Then a PLS model was established based on the variables compressed by each wavelet function. The use of Db4, Sym4, Coif2 and Bior3.5 succeeded in further simplification of the GA-PLS model by reducing the number of variables by 40-44% without decreasing the prediction accuracy. The application of Bior3.5 not only could reduce the number of variables in the GA-PLS model by 40%, but also increase the value of correlation coefficient of prediction by 1% and decrease the value of root mean square error of prediction by 3%. The results indicated that the combination of GA and discrete wavelet transforms for variable selection in the internal quality assessment of Fukumoto navel orange by Vis-NIR transmittance spectroscopy was feasible. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Methodological and statistical issues in developing an External Quality Assessment scheme in laboratory medicine: Focus on biomarker research

External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes are well-established tools with which to evaluate, monitor and improve the output quality of clinical laboratories, recognising that high quality laboratory medicine is essential for patient care. EQA programs involve the testing of multiple laboratories and the statistical comparison of their results, according to a multistep workflow. New clinical laboratory activities, such as biomarker research, require new EQA schemes. Critical elements in designing EQA programs are choosing the statistical methods and defining reference values and control limits. This article summarizes the key features of an EQA scheme, including designing the study, identifying reference values and control limits for qualitative and quantitative data, and graphically reporting laboratory performance statistics. These steps are illustrated with examples taken from the authors’ experience in national and international quality assessment schemes for biomarker research.

Teachers’ perception on quality assurance in teacher education programmes in Nigerian Universitiies

The expectation of the labour market on the quality of graduates produced by Faculties of Education in Nigeria universities has become burning issues that many stakeholders in the education sectorfelt unsatisfactory. It becomes imperative to assessthe challenges of quality assurance in teacher education.This study therefore assessedquality assurance in teacher education in Nigerian universities: challenges and way forward. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was all university teachers in Faculties of Education in universities in Kwara State, Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 240 university teachers. A researcher-design questionnaire was used for data collection for the study. The data collected were analysed using means ranking and standard deviation. The findings of the study showed thatthe provision of teachers with adequate academic and professional formativeexperience for teaching and control of examination system with clear procedures as well as ethics of confidentiality and impartiality are the most needed qualities to be assured in teacher education. Overcrowding that leads to poor classroom management and control; instability of academic calendar and adoption of outdated curriculum and inadequate exposure to practical teaching that ensure professionalism are the major challenges in the teacher education. As way out to the challenges, broadening the curriculum of research methodology to improve the student’s project writing skills and emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge in the teaching subject pedagogy, entrepreneurial studies, and computer literacy for functional education need to be considered. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that internal quality assessment in teacher education should be strengthened in the Faculties of Education that would allow for improved pre-service teacher quality products in Teacher Education in Nigerian universities.

Assessment of Coverage and Quality of Selected Clinical Chemistry Tests among Medical Laboratories of Health Facilities in Jimma Zone, South West Ethiopia.

Background Medical laboratories play essential roles in measurement of analyte in clinical sample for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. Thus, data generated from the laboratory have to be reliable for which strict quality assurance is maintained. Objective To assess the coverage and quality of selected clinical chemistry tests among medical laboratories of health facilities in, Jimma Zone, South West Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Jimma Zone on health facilities from August 15 to September 15, 2014. Eighty-six health facility laboratories were included in the study. We classified laboratories into laboratories with clinical chemistry service and those without clinical chemistry service clusters and those with clinical chemistry laboratory were again clustered according to their level. Data were collected by direct observation, interview, and proficiency testing (PT). The collected data were analyzed and compared with CLIA PT goal for TEa by considering total allowable error ± 20%, ±10%, ±15%, and ±20 for each analyte, ALT, glucose, creatinine, and total bilirubin, respectively. Result From total of 86 health facilities with laboratories, 23.3% (n=20) had clinical chemistry service, of which 77.2% results were reported outside of the allowable error limit. Conclusion According to this study the availability of clinical chemistry test service was very minimal and facilities giving the service do not fulfill the minimum standard for quality; thus clients were either getting wrong clinical decision or misdiagnosed. Therefore, the external and internal quality assessment programs should be reviewed very well. Those laboratories whose report was outside of the allowable error should have to report results with the appropriate reference range so that physicians consider that. Establishment of local clinical chemistry reference range can also minimize the problem.

A TRANSITION IN MONITORING OF EDUCATION IN LITHUANIA: BETWEEN VISION AND REALITY

The authors of the presentation aim to reveal the context of education monitoring in Lithuania. The system of education monitoring is firstly analysed on the basis of the content analysis of regulatory documents highlighting the provisions available in the society and educational system. The transitions in the system of education monitoring are disclosed in a chronological way: from the establishment of the national school (1989) to the construction of a better school (2015). At the end of the 20th century the Reform Movement of Lithuania was established in the Republic of Lithuania. The general meeting held on 3 June 1988 approved a steering committee, whose members mobilised their efforts to reform education. Dr. M. Lukšienė, one of the initiators, rallied like-minded people and put forward the framework of the national school, i.e. “The Concept of the National School” (1989). The vision of education constructed on the eve of independence was grounded on humanist philosophy. After the restoration of Independence on 11 March 1990, the need emerged to revise the vision of education. In 1992 the concept of Lithuanian education was adopted, which continued and enriched the principles of humanism in the paradigm of liberal education. Following the practice that prevailed prior the restoration of independence, the function of supervision of education was assigned to inspectorate. The quality assessment in education was carried out considering the conception of old supervision and traditional methods of activities (Ugdomasis inspektavimas, 1997). The approach that better education is predetermined by continuous control of education providers prevailed. In 1998 the Ministry of Education and Science declared the quality of education one of the priorities of education reform (Prakapas, 2010). While integrating into the European space through the system of education, the dimension of quality acquired high importance. The supervision and inspection of education consistently transformed into dual (external and internal) quality assessment. Implementing the EU and national documents (The Long-Term Development Strategy of the State, 2002; The State Education Strategy, 2003; The Programme of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, 2009; The Procedure of Education Monitoring, 2005), the models of quality management of education services were introduced and the culture of self-assessment and assessment was nurtured in Lithuania seen as an equivalent country in terms of education reform. Monitoring of education in the national documents is treated as one of the most important factors ensuring the quality of education. However, the system of education supervision (2012) functions as a hierarchical structure, which generates a conflict in itself. The remains of soviet ideology impose additional barriers on the real changes in the principles of educational reforms. Moreover, reforming the actions of society in the reality the prevailing neoliberal ideology and solutions based on this ideology are revealed. Thus, over the last three decades the reality of education monitoring has been drifting away from the projected vision. The implementation of education monitoring has been revised. The presenters raise the problematic issues that are important for a change in the system of education monitoring as quality assurance in schools of general education in Lithuania.