Quality Index Method Research Articles

Dried fish production and trade in Negombo, Sri Lanka

A well-established year-around dried fish production process is practiced at Negombo, the west coast of Sri Lanka, and this study evaluates the present status of this industry using the data collected from February to December 2017. There are forty-two dried fish processing centres at Negombo sea street area, providing livelihood opportunities for ~320 employees. Eighteen fish species belonging to 9 families are used in dried fish production and species belonging to the family Carangidae made the highest percentage contribution (21.6%), followed by the Clupeidae (21.4%), and Scombridae (21.4%). The results of the Quality Index (QI)Method revealed that both high-quality and very low-quality fish are used in dried fish production, and the overall QI of Katsuwonus pelamis, Euthynnus affinis, Decapterus macarellus, and Elagatis bipinnulata ranged from 15–16. Effects of drying on proximate composition were assessed, and significantly higher crude protein, content was recorded in dried fish than in fresh fish (p<0.05, t-test). Drying has also resulted in a significant increase in crude fat content in all these species except for Canthidermis maculatus (p<0.05; t test). De-heading and gutting, washing, salting, rewashing, drying, and packing were the major steps in the dried fish production process. Although the total coliform was reported in water samples used in the dried fish processing centres, it was not encountered in any of the dried fish samples. The dried fish value chain mainly consisted of fishermen, buyers, processors, sellers, and consumers, and upgrading of products, processes, and functions along the value chain was suggested to produce better quality dried fish and increase the profit margins of value chain actors.

Succession law and model of reconstructed soil quality in an open-pit coal mine dump of the loess area, China

Studying the change laws of reconstructed soil quality and constructing succession models are the main components and tools of reconstructed soil quality evaluation for the supervision and management of reconstructed soil. However, the evaluation and management system of reconstructed soil quality suitable for the loess area needs to be improved. This paper aimed to clarify the succession law of reconstructed soil in an open-pit coal dump in the loess area on the temporal scale and to construct a succession model of reconstructed soil quality to evaluate and manage reconstructed soil. The Pingshuo coal mine, a representative open-pit coal mine in the loess area, is the study area. Field investigation and sampling, time-space substitution, and the combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. The reconstructed soil quality succession model was constructed based on the soil quality index method. Results: (1) As the reclamation period increased, the physical and chemical properties of reconstructed soil significantly improved, and reconstructed soil quality generally reached the quality of the original landform after approximately 15 years of reclamation. However, after long-term reclamation, soil physical properties still limited the improvement of reconstructed soil quality to a certain extent. (2) After long-term reclamation, the difference in reconstructed soil quality between layers gradually decreased, and the reconstructed soil condition of the 0–10 cm soil layer was obviously better than that of the other layers. (3) We quantitatively constructed and verified the reconstructed soil quality succession model that is suitable for the loess area, which can be used in conjunction with adaptive management for the evaluation and management of reconstructed soil in the loess area. In conclusion, this study is of great significance to meet the real needs of dynamic evaluation and management of reconstructed soil quality in the loess area and to enrich the soil evaluation and management system at home and abroad.

Review DebrIeF: a collaborative distributed leadership approach to “hot debrief” after cardiac arrest in the emergency department – a quality improvement project

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to re-conceptualise the hot debrief process after cardiac arrest as a collaborative and distributed process across the multi-disciplinary team. There are multiple benefits to hot debriefs but there are also barriers to its implementation. Facilitating the hot debrief discussion usually falls within the remit of the physician; however, the American Heart Association suggests “a facilitator, typically a health-care professional, leads a discussion focused on identifying ways to improve performance”. Empowering nurses through a distributed leadership approach supports the wider health-care team involvement and facilitation of the hot debrief process, while reducing the cognitive burden of the lead physician.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method approach was taken to evaluate the experiences of staff in the Emergency Department (ED) to identify their experiences of hot debrief after cardiac arrest. There had been some staff dissatisfaction with the process with reports of negative experiences of unresolved issues after cardiac arrest. An audit identified zero hot debriefs occurring in 2019. A quality Improvement project (Model for Healthcare Improvement) used four plan do study act cycles from March 2020 to September 2021, using two questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to engage the team in the design and implementation of a hot debrief tool, using a distributed leadership approach.FindingsThe first survey (n = 78) provided a consensus to develop a hot debrief in the ED (84% in the ED; 85% in intensive care unit (ICU); and 92% from Acute Medicine). Three months after implementation of the hot debrief tool, 5 out of 12 cardiac arrests had a hot debrief, an increase of 42% in hot debriefs from a baseline of 0%. The hot debrief started to become embedded in the ED; however, six months on, there were still inconsistencies with implementation and barriers remained. Findings from the second survey (n = 58) suggest that doctors may not be convinced of the benefits of the hot debrief process, particularly its benefits to improve team performance and nurses appear more invested in hot debriefs when compared to doctors.Research limitations/implicationsThere are existing hot debrief tools; for example, STOP 5 and Take STOCK; however, creating a specific tool with QI methods, tailored to the specific ED context, is likely to produce higher levels of multi-disciplinary team engagement and result in distributed roles and responsibilities. Change is accepted when people are involved in the decisions that affect them and when they have the opportunity to influence that change. This approach is more likely to be achieved through distributed leadership rather than from more traditional top-down hierarchical leadership approaches.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to integrate Royal College Quality Improvement requirements with a collaborative and distributed medical leadership approach, to steer a change project in the implementation of a hot debrief in the ED. EDs need to create a continuous quality improvement culture to support this integration of leadership and QI methods combined, to drive and sustain successful change in distributed leadership to support the implementation of clinical protocols across the multi-disciplinary team in the ED.

Evaluation of groundwater quality and hydrochemical characteristics in the shallow aquifer of El-Oued region (Algerian Sahara)

The water quality of the aquifer of the El-Oued region (Algerian Sahara) is deteriorating in water quality due to anthropogenic effects and over exploitation of the groundwater resources. This study assesses the quality of groundwater in the El-Oued shallow aquifer for domestic and irrigation purposes and highlights the various geochemical processes that contribute to the mineralization of this water. Twenty-five water samples were collected. The measured and analyzed parameters are: pH, EC, TDS, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42−, NO3− and HCO3−. The assessment of water potability using the Water Quality Index (WQI) method shows two classes of water quality, namely, the very poor class (8%) and the unsuitable for drinking class (92%). Agricultural water quality was assessed using the parameters; electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na %), Kelly ratio (KR), permeability index (PI), magnesium hazard (MH), residual sodium carbonate (RSC) and chloride content. The results showed that the water of this shallow aquifer is unsuitable for irrigation based on EC, Cl− and USSL diagram. This aquifer discloses three facies of water: Cl–Na–Ca (12%), SO4–Na (36%) and SO4–Ca–Mg (52%). In addition, an analysis of physicochemical data obtained from water samples was conducted using correlation matrices, PCA, bivariate plots, and Gibbs diagrams; the saturation indices of the main minerals was also calculated. These analyses have shown that the main reactions responsible for the evolution of water types in the El-Oued shallow aquifer fall into four categories: (1) a mixing process in the waters of deep aquifers (the Complexe Terminal aquifer and the Continental Intercalaire aquifer); (2) the dissolution of salts (in particular, gypsum and halite); (3) cation exchange processes affecting the concentration of Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+; and (4) anthropogenic influences from domestic sewerage and agricultural activities.

Multivariate statistical analysis approach to assess groundwater quality in two selected mandals of Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, India

Groundwater quality is the major concern all over the world. Natural processes and manmade activities are the prime reasons for the contamination of available water resources. It is crucial to assess the quality of groundwater in areas surrounded by various industries. The present study was carried out to assess the groundwater quality during pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons of 2016, in two mandals of Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh via multivariate statistical analysis and water quality index method. The present work gains importance in light of the construction of proposed international airport at Bhohapuram and the existence of various industries in Pusapatirega mandal. A total of thirty-seven villages, eighteen from Bhogapuram mandal and seventeen from Pusapatirega mandal were selected for the present study. Factor analysis, linear regression analysis, correlation matrix analysis and cluster analysis tools were used to emphasize the parameters influencing quality of water in the chosen study area. From the analysis reports, it was found that the groundwater of the two mandals under investigation was strongly influenced by EC, TDS, total hardness(TH), Ca+2, Mg+2 and K+. During the two seasons under study, the water quality index value was found to be greater than 100 indicating that the water is unfit for human consumption. Concentration of Ca+2, Mg+2 and K+ were found to be beyond the permissible limits prescribed by BIS (2012). Dissolution of calcium and magnesium bearing minerals, mixing of industrial and household wastes may be the reasons for elevated concentration levels of these parameters.

Development of a predictive model for the shelf-life of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus).

Despite its commercial value, the shelflife of the Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) during refrigerated storage was poorly investigated. In this regard, the Quality Index Method (QIM) was proposed as a suitable scoring system for freshness and quality sensorial estimation of fishery products. This study aims to develop a deterministic mathematical model based on dynamic temperatures conditions and a successive statistical analysis of the results obtained. This model will be exploited to predict the shelf-life of the Atlantic mackerel based on specific storage temperatures. A total of 60 fresh fishes were subdivided into two groups and respectively stored in ice for 12 days at a constant temperature of 1±0.5°C (Group A) and a fluctuating temperature ranging between 1 and 7°C (Group B). Microbiological analysis and sensory evaluation through the QIM were performed on each fish at regular time intervals. A critical value of 6 Log cfu/g of spoilage bacteria (mainly psychotropic) associated with a significant decay of the sensorial characteristics was exceeded after 9 days of storage for Group A and 3 days for Group B. A reliable prediction of fish freshness was obtained by modelling the QIM as a function of the spoilage bacteria behaviour. A coefficient β of correlation was determined to convert the spoilage bacteria load into a Quality Index score. The adoption of mathematical predictive models to assess microbial behaviour under different environmental conditions is an interesting tool for food industries to maximize production and reduce waste.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality Using Water Quality Indices: A Case Study of Paliganj Distributary, Bihar, India

Groundwater quality evaluation in the command area of Paliganj distributary of the Sone irrigation scheme in India was carried out during two different seasons in the year 2020, namely pre-monsoon, i.e. during March, and post-monsoon, i.e. during October. Forty groundwater samples were obtained from hand pumps and dug wells in the study area during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The chemical characteristics of groundwater samples were determined according to American Public Health Association approved process. Twelve parameters, namely, pH, EC, TDS, Ca, Mg, Na, F, SO4, K, Cl, and HCO3 were used to compute the water quality based on the weighted arithmetic water quality index method. In the study area, Ca2+-Mg+-HCO3−, and Ca2+-Mg+-Na+-HCO3- were the dominant hydro-chemical facies. All the samples were found to belong to the excellent to good category for drinking purposes during the pre-monsoon period. However, during the post-monsoon season, only 75% of the samples fell into the excellent to good group, while the remaining 25% fell into the poor for drinking purposes category. By analyzing through the irrigation quality index, 80% of the samples are considered highly suitable for irrigation and the remaining 20% come under the medium category. Thus, it was seen that the majority of groundwater samples are suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes, although groundwater in some portions of the area had high salinity and the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), showing that it is unsuitable for irrigation and requires adequate drainage.

Development of a Quality Index Method Scheme for Sensory Assessment of Chilled Yellowfin Tuna

Background: Quality monitoring and/or assessment are parts of a freshness/quality control system, which is of utmost importance for fresh seafood, especially Scombridae fish. The quality index method (QIM) is a simple, convenient, unique, and reliable tool to determine the sensory status and estimate the remaining shelf life of aqua products. Objective: This study aimed to develop a QIM scheme for chilled stored yellowfin tuna and apply the protocol in the fish quality evaluation and storage time estimation. Method: Eight gutted yellowfin tuna of 20, 30, and 40 kg up were used in the study. Five panelists participated in the QIM development, training and application. Control and/or validation analyses were sensory assessment by a control sheet, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) quantification, and total viable count (TVC) determination. Chilled storage of tuna was performed in liquid ice and traditional crushed block ice. Partial least square regression (PLS-R) was conducted on quality index (QI) dataset over storage time to find the regression line and prediction accuracy. Results: The established QIM protocol for gutted yellowfin tuna comprised 6 attributes (namely, color of whole fish, odor of whole fish and flesh, eyes, appearance of whole fish, flesh color and flesh texture) and a maximal QI of 15. The PLS-R showed that QI could be used to estimate the remaining time with a precision of ± 2.0 and 1.4 days for fish stored in slurry ice and crushed ice, respectively. The TVB-N content in the fish flesh maintained below the acceptable level of 25 mg N/100 g throughout the storage period, which made the parameter impractical to detect the fish shelf life. The TVC overreached the allowable level of 107 CFU/g around the time of fish rejection by the sensory method. Conclusion: The developed QIM scheme for yellowfin tuna showed to be more advantageous in detecting fish quality changes compared to the control sensory method and could be used to estimate the fish's remaining shelf life.

GIS and Surfer Applications in Study of Water Quality

Water is the most important natural resource for living things which is employed for domestic and industrial activities and also for agricultural purposes. The recent flood has affected various regions of Kerala resulting in decrease of water quality and inadequate supply of safe potable water. The project aims to study the water quality of ‘Mayyil - Panchayath’ by incorporating modern water quality assessment tools. GIS based attempt has been employed to evaluate and characterize the quality of water. The water samples from the study area were analysed for physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters and compared to water quality standards (IS 10500-2012). Further Water Quality Index (WQI) method integrated with GIS is used to visualize the spatial pattern of the water quality.

Water Quality Index (WQI) of Shitalakshya River Near Haripur Power Station, Narayanganj, Bangladesh

The present investigation is aimed at understanding the water quality parameters and the findings of a water quality index (WQI) to assess the characteristics of the Shitalakshya River near Haripur power station, Narayanganj for five different years (2013-2018) considering monsoon, pre-monsoon, post-monsoon seasonal variations. In this study, three different methods were used to evaluate the WQI named as; Weighted Arithmetic Index Method, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) WQI Method and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Method. Essential parameters i.e. dissolved oxygen, pH, chloride, turbidity, color, biochemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, Silica, Iron, electrical conductivity, Phosphate were considered for calculating the WQI. According to Weighted Arithmetic Index Method, the WQI value varied from 80 to 286 for the last five years. From the National Sanitation Foundation Method, the WQI value was found within 36 to 56 for the study duration. The WQI value was varied from 3 to 16 according to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index Method. Based on WQI values, the Shitalakhya river water was being classified as poor water for the above-mentioned different years. Among the different parameters, mostly turbidity, electrical conductivity, TSS, Iron were the parameters that caused the situation worst. Journal of Engineering Science 12(3), 2021, 45-55

Priority Pollutants Monitoring and Water Quality Assessment in the Siret River Basin, Romania

The Integrated Water Resources Management regulations aim to ensure a good status of surface water quality and its sustainable use. Water quality monitoring of various water users supports the identification of pollution sources and their environmental impacts. The priority pollutants generated by wastewater discharges from municipal, industrial wastewater treatment plants or agricultural areas are of great interest due to their eco-toxicological effects and bio-accumulative properties. The aim of this study was to monitor the priority organic and inorganic pollutants from the Siret River basin, in Romania, with the purpose of assessing the surface water quality status and evaluating it by the Water Quality Index (WAWQI) method. The monitoring of inorganic priority pollutants (e.g., As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb) and organic priority pollutants (e.g., Naphthalene, Anthracene, Phenanthrene, Fluoranthene, Benzo(a)anthracene, Benzo(b)fluoranthene, Benzo(k)fluoranthene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Benzo(ghi)perylene, Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, α, β, and γ-Hexachlorocyclohexane, and Di-2-ethyl-hexyl-phthalate) was conducted within the Siret River basin, during the period 2015–2020. With this purpose, 21 sampling points (18 river sections and 3 lakes) were considered to assess the water quality. The results of this study proved that the water quality within the Siret River basin is generally classified in the 2nd or 3rd class. The spatial distribution of the water quality index values, using ARCGIS, also highlighted the fact that the water quality is mostly unsuitable for drinking water supplies, being influenced by the quality of its main tributaries, as well as by the effluent of wastewater treatment plants.

Application of Invigorating Qi and Moistening Intestines Method in Qi Deficiency Constipation

Application of Invigorating Qi and Moistening Intestines Method in Qi Deficiency Constipation

ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY USING WATER QUALITY INDEX (WQI) METHOD IN SOUTHERN IJAW LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

This study aims at using Water Quality Index (WQI) method for groundwater assessment in some communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A total of fifteen (15) communities within the LGA were selected and groundwater from hand-dug well (HDW-15 samples) and borehole (BH-15 samples) was sourced during the wet season (July) and dry season (March). The analyses for water quality index was carried out through laboratory APHA standard. The weighted arithmetic water quality method was applied to assess water suitability for drinking purposes. The Quality Index indicated that HDW (67%-good and 33%-poor) and BH (87%-excellent, 13%-very poor) quality during the wet season and HDW (80%- good to excellent, 20%-poor) and BH (100%- good to excellent) during dry season. Spatial variation of water quality index maps for HDW show most deteriorated groundwater quality is centered within hand dug well towards the western part of the area during both wet and dry seasons respectively. Continuous monitoring of the water quality, improvement of environmental quality and sanitation practices is advocated and advised.

Drinking Water Quality Assessment from the Source to End User, the Case of Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory, Ethiopia

The aim of the study was to evaluate the water quality status from the source to end user in Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory -1. In the study, both primary and secondary sources of data were used to conduct the research. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted to select the sample needed for bacteriological analysis of the water quality. Samples were collected in rainy season for three times started from July 22 2019 to September 26 2019. Thirteen samples were collected at all representative sampling points at each time. The physicochemical parameters namely, pH, Temperature, Total dissolved solid, Electrical conductivity, Turbidity, Nitrate, Phosphate, Sulfate, Chloride, Total hardness, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Fluoride, Total alkalinity, Iron and Cupper. Total coliform as Bacteriological parameter was analyzed. The water quality index (WQI) - calculation was done using weighted arithmetic water quality index method. The result of physiochemical parameters, temperature (28.22°C), electrical conductivity (1331.37mg/l) and fluoride (1.89mg/l) were above the maximum permissible limit set by WHO and Ethiopian for drinking water. The results of remaining physiochemical parameters are fall within the desirable permissible limit for human consumption. The computed WQI values ranged 51.4 (source) to 69.6 (village-1) and all sampling points are ranked to poor water quality. The results of bacteriological analyses have shown that 50% of samples in the distribution systems were at medium risk, 16.7% of samples were at low risk and 33% of samples including the source were at zero risk. The study can conclude that the quality of drinking water source can be deteriorated in the water distribution system. Therefore, the current quality of water and distribution system needs to be improved or to be developed new better quality source in order to come up with current quality problem.

Assessment of Groundwater Drinking Sources in Eku and Its Environs, in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria

This study assessed the quality of hand-dug drinking water sources in Eku and its environs at Eku I, Samagidi, Eku 2, and Okuechi, using the weighted arithmetic water quality index method. Water samples collected from hand-dug wells at these locations returned values for analyzed parameters. Temperature 26 – 30(⁰C), dissolved Oxygen (D.O) 5.2-8mg/l, biological oxygen demand (BOD) 5.2-8(mg/l), Electrical Conductivity (EC) 77-119(µS/cm), Total suspended solids were (TSS) 20000-120000(mg/l), pH 5.31-7.09, Phosphates 2-9.2(mg/l), Alkalinity 28-160(mg/l), Turbidity, 0.02 -0.19(NTU) Total coliform 2 -48 (cfu/ml) and fungal count 1-502. Variations in the values of these parameters were only significant for phosphate, alkalinity, and turbidity between Samagidi and Okuechi at a level of significance of p≤0.05. D.O, BOD, phosphates, total coliform and TSS levels, exceeded standards recommended by NSDWQ/WHO, rendering these water sources unsuitable for drinking purposes. Cluster analysis revealed three cluster groups; cluster 1(Eku2), cluster 2(Samagidi), and cluster 3(Eku1 and Okuechi), while factor analysis showed a strong correlation with pH, D.O, BOD, phosphate, conductivity, total coliform and fungal counts with water sources in the study stations. The calculated WQI for these water sources is 107.56, 95.18, 103.45, and 110.36 for Eku I, Samagidi, Eku 2, and Okuechi, respectively, classifying them as very poor water quality and unsuitable for drinking purposes. Indiscriminate waste disposal, surface runoff and poor sanitary facilities, and the exposed nature of these wells are major contributors to the deterioration of these wells.

Groundwater quality assessment for drinking and industrial purposes in transboundary aquifers of Gurdaspur district, Punjab, India

ABSTRACT The study of groundwater quality for drinking and industrial usage is critically important for the conservation and sustainable management of groundwater resources. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the drinking and industrial groundwater quality status of five blocks of Gurdaspur district, Punjab, India, falling along international boundary of India–Pakistan thus serving as transboundary aquifers, by investigating spatial distribution of drinking and industrial groundwater quality indices using GIS approach. To study the drinking water quality, Groundwater quality index (GWQI) method was applied. The spatial distribution map of GWQI showed that the groundwater quality was poor in the Dera Baba Nanak block as compared to the other blocks. Further, corrosion and scaling indices namely Langelier saturation index (LSI), Aggressive index (AI), Ryznar stability index (RSI), Puckorius index (PI) and Larson-Skold index (LS) were calculated with the help of water quality parameters of all the samples. LSI, AI and RSI indicated the scaling tendency of sampled groundwater while, the other two indices, PI and LS suggested the corrosive behaviour of majority of the sampled groundwater. The findings of GWQI and industrial indices indicated that the groundwater quality was by and large not suitable for drinking and industrial usage in some areas. Therefore, regular and appropriate monitoring of groundwater quality is suggested in the study area and particularly in the regions where groundwater quality issues are reported so as to sustainably manage the groundwater resources.

Water quality assessment and spatial–temporal variation analysis in Erhai lake, southwest China

Abstract For the implementation of lake ecological protection, understanding the water pollution status and spatio–temporal variation of water quality has become the most important thing for water safety in the basin. To analyze the water quality in recent years, water quality data in Erhai lake from 2013 to 2017 were first collected from typical nine monitoring stations. Based on the comprehensive water quality index (WQI) method, the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of water quality in Erhai lake were analyzed, and the main factors affecting water quality in Erhai lake were explored. The results indicated that the water quality of Erhai lake was worse than its target water quality, and total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) exceeded the Class Ⅱ standards (TN: 0.5 mg L−1, TP: 0.025 mg L−1) of China’s Environmental Quality Standard for Surface Water (GB3838-2002). In terms of changes across seasons, the overall lake water quality in the dry season was better than that in the wet season, and TN and TP reached the peak value in September. In terms of spatial distribution, water quality of the northern area was better than that of the southern area in the dry season, whereas water quality of the southern area was better than that of the northern area in the wet season. At present, Erhai lake is at a critical turning point of water eutrophication, and its nutrition status is mainly affected by both nitrogen and phosphorus. The pollution load from the land area is the main factor affecting the deterioration of Erhai lake. Our results can provide a scientific basis for the treatment of the water environment of Erhai lake.

Documenting urine output for pediatric urology patients in the post-anesthesia care unit: A quality improvement initiative

Close monitoring and documentation of urine output (UOP) after urologic surgery is a nursing standard of care in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). UOP is a critical piece of information for surgeons and anesthesiologists to provide safe quality patient care. The electronic medical record (EMR) is used to communicate this information between members of the care team. Initial review at our institution confirmed only 31.3% of children recovering in the PACU after urologic surgery had a numerical value for UOP documented in the EMR. The aim of this project was to improve compliance of UOP documentation in the EMR for pediatric urologic patients in the PACU from 31.3% to 80% by August 2021, using quality improvement methodology. Patients undergoing urologic surgery with planned post-operative hospital admission were identified in the EMR by admission status and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code. UOP documentation data during the patients' PACU stay was retrieved from the EMR. Traditional QI methods were used to develop a key driver diagram, identify barriers, and implement targeted interventions. Statistical process control charts tracked the outcome measure (percentage of patients with UOP documented in the PACU) and balancing measure (average PACU length of stay). The project began in July 2019, and four interventions started between July and October 2019. These interventions resulted in a centerline shift of our outcome measure, UOP documentation rate, from 31.3% to 76.2% (p<0.001). Patient volumes were stable with the exception of March, April, and May 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. An X-bar chart tracked PACU LOS, the balancing measure, in average minutes per patient without any trends. This quality improvement initiative sought to improve urine output (UOP) documentation for pediatric urologic patients during the immediate post-operative period. Targeted interventions leading to this improvement included educating nursing staff, establishing direct communication expectations for the surgical team, and improving the availability of UOP measurement tools. Limitations include reliance on education and behavioral change, only including urologic surgery patients, and our institution's robust focus on quality improvement work. This performance improvement initiative successfully increased the rate of UOP documentation by PACU nurses for pediatric urology patients through a combination of interventions. The next phase is to expand these interventions throughout the hospital to improve UOP documentation for all post-operative patients.

Evaluasi Aspek Desain Jalan Pada Jalur Pedestrian Di Jalan Lingkar Luar Kebun Raya Bogor

Bogor population density is 1.030.720 people, with the highest density district is Central Bogor (12.758 population/km2). Many centers of activity have resulted high population mobility. For that, adequate facilities and infrastructure is required to meet the needs of pedestrian mobility, as known as pedestrian way. To realize the effectiveness and avoidance of accident risk, good street design is a must in the pedestrian way design as public facility. Therefore, evaluation of street design aspect on pedestrian way at Bogor Botanical Garden ringroad is needed to study the quality of the walkability. Using the Pedestrian Environmental Quality Index (PEQI) method, the effectiveness of the pedestrian pathway will be assessed to create safe and appropriate pedestrian way. From the results of the evaluation of 46 subsegments, there are 10 subsegments classified as I (very high), 18 as class II (high), 8 as class III (average), and 10 as class IV (minimum). Overall, the pedestrian way of Bogor Botanical Garden Outer Ringroad has final score of 65.56 which categorized as class II (high). The design recommendations have the concept of active living with improving the public health through increased physical activity.

Chemical quality and water quality indices of Fiche drinking water, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract The problem of drinking water quality is common in developing countries. While a piped water supply is available in many parts of Fiche, Ethiopia, the water may be contaminated in the distribution system and thus continuous quality assessment is required to ensure safe drinking water for the community. Instrumental and spectrophotometric methods were used to analyze the chemical characteristics including dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, ammonia, iron and manganese. The weighted arithmetic water quality index method was applied to assess the water's quality rating. The chemical characteristics of the tap water's annual range was; temperature between 19.4 and 20.0°C, pH between 6.8 and 7.6, DO between 4.5 and 6.1 mg/L, ammonia between 0.01 and 0.2 mg-NH3/L, nitrate between 1.1 and 1.8 mg-NO3−/L, nitrite between 0.003 and 0.06 mg-NO2−/L, 2.0 and 19.1 mg-SO42−/L, chloride between 10.07 and 30.0 mg-Cl−/L, manganese between 0.003 and 0.003 mg-Mn/L, iron between 0.01 and 0.03 mg-Fe/L. The WQIs for the reservoir and tap water were 25.031 and 40.676, respectively, so the tap water is rated ‘good’ for drinking.