Quality Assurance Practices Research Articles

Data quality assurance practices in research data repositories—A systematic literature review

AbstractData quality issues can significantly hinder research reproducibility, data sharing, and reuse. At the forefront of addressing data quality issues are research data repositories (RDRs). This study conducted a systematic analysis of data quality assurance (DQA) practices in RDRs, guided by activity theory and data quality literature, resulting in conceptualizing a data quality assurance model (DQAM) for RDRs. DQAM outlines a DQA process comprising evaluation, intervention, and communication activities and categorizes 17 quality dimensions into intrinsic and product‐level data quality. It also details specific improvement actions for data products and identifies the essential roles, skills, standards, and tools for DQA in RDRs. By comparing DQAM with existing DQA models, the study highlights its potential to improve these models by adding a specific DQA activity structure. The theoretical implication of the study is a systematic conceptualization of DQA work in RDRs that is grounded in a comprehensive analysis of the literature and offers a refined conceptualization of DQA integration into broader frameworks of RDR evaluation. In practice, DQAM can inform the design and development of DQA workflows and tools. As a future research direction, the study suggests applying and evaluating DQAM across various domains to validate and refine this model further.

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease: points to be considered for quality assurance in clinical practice

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease: points to be considered for quality assurance in clinical practice

Radiation safety of dentomaxillofacial radiology in Finland: Reported abnormal irradiation-related incidents during 2012–2022

IntroductionThis study evaluates adverse events (AEs) in dentomaxillofacial radiology (DMFR) in Finland, including their quantity, nature, and outcomes. It also compares reporting activity between public and private healthcare organizations, as they share same legal obligations to report AEs. Two-thirds of dental images are taken in public, the rest in private healthcare. MethodsIn Finland, radiation-related AEs are reported to the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK). We categorized DMFR-related AEs by nature, outcome, and imaging modality. We also submitted a questionnaire to STUK to gather information on their observations and remarks made during inspections of establishments providing dental imaging services. ResultsDuring 2012–2022, STUK received reports of 1343 DMFR-related AEs, mostly causing patient harm (92.9%) leading almost always to excessive radiation doses (99.7%). Private healthcare reported most AEs (65.2%), with municipal institutions reporting the remainder (34.8%). Intraoral-related AEs (20.0%) slightly outnumbered panoramic-related ones (18.7%), but the majority (56.7%) didn't specify the imaging modality. CBCT-related incidents were least reported (4.5%). During STUK's inspections, remarks mostly concerned deficiencies in practical quality assurance (31.3%) or technical quality assurance (32.9%). ConclusionDMFR-related AEs may be underreported despite legal obligations, with most stemming from human error, highlighting the need to enhance patient safety culture. There's a notable reporting gap between private and public healthcare providers relative to the number of dental radiographs conducted. Organizational deficiencies in practical and technical quality assurance underscore the importance of ongoing education, as well as monitoring by STUK. Implications for practiceEnhancing patient safety culture in dentistry, including dentomaxillofacial radiology, demands customized multiprofessional development, as unaltered patient safety procedures from medicine and secondary care may not align with dentistry's requirements.

Microbiota of black tea at different manufacturing stages

AbstractIn recent decades, the consumption of tea has increased due to its various associated health benefits, prompting growing concerns regarding the safety and quality of tea products. Nevertheless, there has been a significant dearth of scientific information regarding the microbiological status of black tea leaves. This study sought to bridge this knowledge gap by investigating the microflora present in tea leaves at various processing stages of black tea production. Samples were meticulously collected during distinct processing steps, and their culturable microorganisms were identified through sequence‐based methods. The results revealed that the predominant bacterial genus throughout the tea manufacturing process was Bacillus, constituting a substantial 77% of the identified bacterial population. Other leading genera included Klebsiella (8%), Lysinibacillus (4%), Escherichia (2%) with the remaining 9% comprising various other genera. Among the fungal community, Aspergillus and Penicillium species exhibited a significantly higher relative abundance, each comprising 24%. Furthermore, yeast communities included Debaryomyces, Candida, Hyphopichia, Rhodosporidiobolus, and Wickerhamomyces species. Lactobacillus fermentum was identified in the fermented tea leaves, highlighting its role in the fermentation process. Yeasts and molds were also present in the final tea product, indicating potential post‐processing contamination. The study did not detect any mycotoxins in any of the samples. These findings had indicated that presence of some microorganisms is extremely common in different processing stages while alien microorganisms are being introduced during manufacturing. Thus, emphasizing the need for stringent regulations and quality assurance practices within the tea industry to ensure the safety and quality.

Clinical application of a GPU-accelerated monte carlo dose verification for cyberknife M6 with Iris collimator

PurposeTo apply an independent GPU-accelerated Monte Carlo (MC) dose verification for CyberKnife M6 with Iris collimator and evaluate the dose calculation accuracy of RayTracing (TPS-RT) algorithm and Monte Carlo (TPS-MC) algorithm in the Precision treatment planning system (TPS).MethodsGPU-accelerated MC algorithm (ArcherQA-CK) was integrated into a commercial dose verification system, ArcherQA, to implement the patient-specific quality assurance in the CyberKnife M6 system. 30 clinical cases (10 cases in head, and 10 cases in chest, and 10 cases in abdomen) were collected in this study. For each case, three different dose calculation methods (TPS-MC, TPS-RT and ArcherQA-CK) were implemented based on the same treatment plan and compared with each other. For evaluation, the 3D global gamma analysis and dose parameters of the target volume and organs at risk (OARs) were analyzed comparatively.ResultsFor gamma pass rates at the criterion of 2%/2 mm, the results were over 98.0% for TPS-MC vs.TPS-RT, TPS-MC vs. ArcherQA-CK and TPS-RT vs. ArcherQA-CK in head cases, 84.9% for TPS-MC vs.TPS-RT, 98.0% for TPS-MC vs. ArcherQA-CK and 83.3% for TPS-RT vs. ArcherQA-CK in chest cases, 98.2% for TPS-MC vs.TPS-RT, 99.4% for TPS-MC vs. ArcherQA-CK and 94.5% for TPS-RT vs. ArcherQA-CK in abdomen cases. For dose parameters of planning target volume (PTV) in chest cases, the deviations of TPS-RT vs. TPS-MC and ArcherQA-CK vs. TPS-MC had significant difference (P < 0.01), and the deviations of TPS-RT vs. TPS-MC and TPS-RT vs. ArcherQA-CK were similar (P > 0.05). ArcherQA-CK had less calculation time compared with TPS-MC (1.66 min vs. 65.11 min).ConclusionsOur proposed MC dose engine (ArcherQA-CK) has a high degree of consistency with the Precision TPS-MC algorithm, which can quickly identify the calculation errors of TPS-RT algorithm for some chest cases. ArcherQA-CK can provide accurate patient-specific quality assurance in clinical practice.

The Influence of Plagiarism Policy Implementation on the Quality of Academic Writing Among Postgraduate Students at the University of Dar es Salaam

Plagiarism policies have become an important feature of quality assurance practices in higher education institutions around the world, with a focus on improving the quality of academic writing and other research products. The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) purchased Turnitin software in 2015 to detect plagiarism in academic writing, including postgraduate theses, dissertations, term papers and assignments. This article examines the implementation of the university’s plagiarism policy using the case of postgraduate students’ theses and dissertations in selected academic unit (SAU). A sample of 556 postgraduate theses and dissertations submitted to SAU for plagiarism testing between January 2016 and December 2021 was collected, tested using Turnitin, and analysed to establish the trend and extent of plagiarism following policy adoption. Moreover, the study aimed to identify the limitations of using Turnitin to detect academic cheating among postgraduate students. The findings indicated that although the adoption of Turnitin software has reduced the trend in plagiarism in theses and dissertation writing, its effectiveness is limited because it fails to detect plagiarism levels within individual chapters of theses or dissertations. It is recommended that the plagiarism policy be reviewed to take into account new strategies that focus on individual chapters as well as the tolerance level of 30%, which seems high. Policies that address plagiarism content in postgraduate curricula should also be considered.

The Nexus Between Quality Assurance Practices and Customer Service Satisfaction of Hotels in the Upper West Region of Ghana

The Nexus Between Quality Assurance Practices and Customer Service Satisfaction of Hotels in the Upper West Region of Ghana

Bug Tracker User Guide

ABSTRACT___ The Bug Tracking Tool project addresses the pressing need for efficient bug tracking and management in contemporary software development. By leveraging modern web technologies and agile methodologies, the project aims to develop a comprehensive solution that streamlines bug identification, tracking, and resolution processes. Through a literature survey, key observations and shortcomings in existing bug tracking tools were identified, guiding the proposed work. The project’s methodology encompasses requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and deployment, focusing on user-centric design and functionality. Preliminary results demonstrate progress towards achieving project objectives, highlighting the tool’s potential to enhance software quality assurance practices and user satisfaction. Despite encountering challenges such as technical complexity and resource constraints, the project lays a solid foundation for future enhancements and optimizations. Overall, the Bug Tracking Tool project represents a significant step towards improving bug tracking practices and delivering higher-quality software products to end-users INDEX TEARMS – HTML, CSS , JavaScript, Python, Django Framework, SQLlite.

Proton 3D dose measurement with a multi-layer strip ionization chamber (MLSIC) device

Objective. In current clinical practice for quality assurance (QA), intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) fields are verified by measuring planar dose distributions at one or a few selected depths in a phantom. A QA device that measures full 3D dose distributions at high spatiotemporal resolution would be highly beneficial for existing as well as emerging proton therapy techniques such as FLASH radiotherapy. Our objective is to demonstrate feasibility of 3D dose measurement for IMPT fields using a dedicated multi-layer strip ionization chamber (MLSIC) device. Approach. Our developed MLSIC comprises a total of 66 layers of strip ion chamber (IC) plates arranged, alternatively, in the x and y direction. The first two layers each has 128 channels in 2 mm spacing, and the following 64 layers each has 32/33 IC strips in 8 mm spacing which are interconnected every eight channels. A total of 768-channel IC signals are integrated and sampled at a speed of 6 kfps. The MLSIC has a total of 19.2 cm water equivalent thickness and is capable of measurement over a 25 × 25 cm2 field size. A reconstruction algorithm is developed to reconstruct 3D dose distribution for each spot at all depths by considering a double-Gaussian–Cauchy–Lorentz model. The 3D dose distribution of each beam is obtained by summing all spots. The performance of our MLSIC is evaluated for a clinical pencil beam scanning (PBS) plan. Main results. The dose distributions for each proton spot can be successfully reconstructed from the ionization current measurement of the strip ICs at different depths, which can be further summed up to a 3D dose distribution for the beam. 3D Gamma Index analysis indicates acceptable agreement between the measured and expected dose distributions from simulation, Zebra and MatriXX. Significance. The dedicated MLSIC is the first pseudo-3D QA device that can measure 3D dose distribution in PBS proton fields spot-by-spot.

A New Combination of Teaching and Learning Elements in and out of Class: The PDCA Iterative Improvement Pedagogy and Its Empirical Evidence

In order to address the issues of abundant learning resources under the Internet plus condition, but college students do not invest enough time in learning out of class, and some teachers and students are still accustomed to one-way teaching, a new combination of teaching and learning elements in and out of class, the PDCA Iterative Improvement Pedagogy, is designed. And educational experiments were conducted in two public elective courses. The investigation indicates that after engaging in collaborative learning both inside and outside the classroom, students not only acquire professional knowledge but also experience comprehensive growth in transferable abilities and non-intellectual factors. This holds universal significance for reforming the traditional classroom teaching system, effectively utilizing online learning resources, increasing student engagement in self-study outside of class, enhancing the learning efficiency of the “research-teaching-study nexus,” considering both individual growth and social skills training, integrating professional education with holistic education, and implementing quality assurance practices into the daily teaching process.

Enhancing Radiological Diagnosis: A Comprehensive Review of Image Quality Assessment and Optimization Strategies.

Image quality plays a pivotal role in the accurate diagnosis and effective management of diseases in radiology. This review explores the principles, methodologies, and strategies for assessing and optimizing image quality across various imaging modalities, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. We discuss key factors influencing image quality, such as spatial resolution, noise, contrast, and artifacts, and highlight techniques for quality assurance, image optimization, and dose reduction in clinical practice.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor for outcomes in patients with short-term emergency department revisits.

Analysis of short-term emergency department (ED) revisits is a common emergency care quality assurance practice. Previous studies have explored various risk factors of ED revisits; however, laboratory data were usually omitted. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in predicting outcomes of patients revisiting the ED. This retrospective observational cohort study investigated short-term ED revisit patients. The primary outcome measure was high-risk ED revisit, a composite of in-hospital mortality or intensive care unit (ICU) admission after 72-hour ED revisit. The NLR, PLR, and SII were investigated as potential prognostic predictors of ED revisit outcomes. A total of 1916 encounters with short-term ED revisit patients were included in the study; among these, 132 (6.9%) encounters, comprising 57 in-hospital mortalities and 95 ICU admissions, were high-risk revisits. High-risk revisit patients had significantly higher NLR, PLR, and SII (11.6 vs 6.6, p < 0.001; 26.2 vs 18.9, p = 0.004; 2209 vs 1486, p = 0.002, respectively). Multiple regression analysis revealed revisit-NLR as an independent factor for predicting poor outcomes post-ED revisits (odds ratio: 1.031, 95% CI: 1.017-1.045, p < 0.001); an optimal cut-off value of 7.9 was proven for predicting high-risk ED revisit. The intensity of the inflammatory response expressed by NLR was an independent predictor for poor outcomes of ED revisits and should be considered when ED revisits occur. Future prediction models for ED revisit outcomes can include revisit-NLR as a potential predictor to reflect the progressive conditions in ED patients.

Operators Need to Know Process Control Laboratory QA/QC

Understanding the importance of quality assurance and quality control practices in the process control laboratory is key for operators to produce reliable data and make informed treatment decisions.

Enhanced prediction of cement raw meal oxides by near-infrared spectroscopy using machine learning combined with chemometric techniques.

The component analysis of raw meal is critical to the quality of cement. In recent years, near-infrared (NIR) has been emerged as an innovative and efficient analytical method to determine the oxide content of cement raw meal. This study aims to utilize NIR spectroscopy combined with machine learning and chemometrics to improve the prediction of oxide content in cement raw meal. The Savitzky-Golay convolution smoothing method is applied to eliminate noise interference for the analysis of calcium carbonate ( ), silicon dioxide ( ), aluminum oxide ( ), and ferric oxide ( ) in cement raw materials. Different wavelength selection techniques are used to perform a comprehensive analysis of the model, comparing the performance of several wavelength selection techniques. The back-propagation neural network regression model based on particle swarm optimization algorithm was also applied to optimize the extracted and screened feature wavelengths, and the model prediction performance was checked and evaluated using and RMSE. In conclusion, the results indicate that NIR spectroscopy in combination with ML and chemometrics has great potential to effectively improve the prediction performance of oxide content in raw materials and highlight the importance of modeling and wavelength selection techniques. By enabling more accurate and efficient determination of oxide content in raw materials, NIR spectroscopy coupled with meta-modeling has the potential to revolutionize quality assurance practices in cement manufacturing.

An integrated system for measuring 3D dose distributions of carbon-ion pencil beams in regular QA practice

The accurate measurement of three-dimensional (3D) dose distribution of carbon-ion pencil beams in water is crucial for regular quality assurance (QA) practice. Although ionization chambers scanned in a water tank is conventionally used for this purpose, these measuring methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive. In addition, the beam of Heavy Ion Medical Machine (HIMM) changes continuously in each extracted duration, these methods cannot obtain the accurate 3D dose distribution. To solve these problems, an integrated system (PBDOSE) is conceived and established, which employs multi-strip ionization chambers (MSICs) to measure 2D lateral profile dose distributions. The lateral profile dose distribution in the context of various depths is measured by a mobile MSIC and normalized by the measurement of a reference MSIC to reduce the effect of beam instability. On this basis, a 3D dose distribution is created by stacking those profiles in depth direction. By conducting a single depth scan within 3 min at HIMM, information such as the 3D dose distribution, lateral contour images, the Bragg curve, beam spot size, beam position, incident direction, and energy of the beam can be obtained. The Bragg curve acquired from PBDOSE with statistical uncertainties of 1.5% was almost identical to those measured by a commercial water phantom. Besides that, the lateral profiles revealed a remarkable agreement with Gafchromic EBT3 film measurements within differences less than 0.1 mm. PBDOSE shows great prospects in the accurate and efficient measurement of 3D dose distribution for carbon-ion therapy, and the clinical application of this system will improve the efficiency of regular QA procedures to a great extent.

Development of a standardized peer review and oversight process in cases of suspected child physical abuse

Peer review of medical opinions provided in cases of suspected child physical abuse is generally considered to be best practice for pediatricians engaged in this field. However, there are no published standardized guidelines on how pediatricians should undertake physical abuse peer review including case selection and process. Due to the high-stakes nature in the field of child abuse pediatrics, rigorous quality assurance practices and oversight mechanisms are essential to safeguard children, families, health care providers, and intersecting systems. The Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect program at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada developed a structured peer review process for cases of suspected physical abuse. Included in the process is an approach for the evaluation of institutional complaints received related to a child abuse pediatrician's medical opinion. This quality assurance process is presented so that other child abuse pediatricians and programs may replicate or adapt the protocol for their own local context.

Identifying the Predictors of School Improvement Plan Implementation by School Administrators

This study aimed to identify the level of managerial capabilities, human resource management, and quality assurance practices of school administrators on the implementation of School Improvement Plan (SIP). The respondents of the study were the 489 public school administrators of Northern Mindanao, Philippines. The data were gathered through survey questionnaires and was treated through descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. School administrators exhibit remarkable managerial capabilities, earning high praise for their adept handling of operations, finances, and for fostering a conducive learning environment. Their strong human resource management skills are evident in nurturing collaborative communities, managing staff effectively, and conducting recruitment efficiently. Quality assurance practices are notably well-developed, indicating the school's ability to deliver top-notch education and support. Implementation of the SIP receives glowing reviews, showcasing the administrators' proficiency in enhancing learning environments, community engagement, resource allocation, curriculum, and staff management. Thus, the data highlights the school administrators outstanding performance and excellence across multiple crucial areas. The correlation analysis revealed significant relationships among managerial capabilities, human resource management, quality assurance practices, to the SIP implementation. Particularly, strong correlations were observed, indicating that schools excelling in one management area tend to perform well in others. Regression analysis highlighted five significant predictors of SIP implementation by administrators: school operation management, teacher and staff performance, leadership, processes, and partnerships/resources. These findings emphasize the significant role of effective management practices, especially in areas like staff performance, quality assurance, and resource allocation, in driving SIP implementation.

CIDER : ASSISTED AUTOMATION TOOL FOR C++ LIBRARIES TESTING

Software testing is one of the most important parts of a product development lifecycle (PDL). Companies face significant risks associated with program failures, including financial and reputational ones, having an interest in investing time and money in new testing and quality assurance practices. The programs written in C++ are known as high performant, but complex due to the language specifics. At the same time automated tools that are available mostly for GUI programs can't help with native modules regression testing. Thus, even partial automation of such processes can have a positive effect on PDL in terms of regression testing effectiveness. The article considers a testing technique of recording and playback of program execution on the component level. The proposed tool generates testing scenarios during the execution of a program, giving the ability to perform manual testing and extend the automated component tests execution database. The experiments showed that such scenarios' code coverage results are at a high level and tend to improve when applying optimization algorithms.

A cross-sectional observational study on quality assurance and radiation safety in interventional radiology

Background Interventional Radiology (IR) is anticipated to play an increasingly pivotal role in modern healthcare, providing vital minimally invasive procedures for diagnosis and treatment. As the frequency and complexity of IR procedures continue to evolve, maintaining impeccable standards in quality assurance (QA) and radiation safety becomes paramount. This study is designed to assess prevailing QA practices comprehensively, gauge adherence to forthcoming radiation safety guidelines, and proactively identify areas primed for advancement within diverse interventional radiology units. Methods Employing a prospective cross-sectional observational design on 48 health professionals, an array of healthcare facilities, each equipped with a state-of-the-art IR unit, will be purposefully selected. The study cohort will encompass diverse participants, including interventional radiologists, radiologic technologists, nurses, and medical physicists. The study will be conducted in the Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital’s facilities equipped with interventional radiology units. Analysis will be done by using R studio version 4.3.1 by using t-test and chi-square. Expected results The anticipated quantitative data analysis will undoubtedly yield nuanced insights into the participants’ multifaceted roles, experiences, and prospective perceptions concerning QA and radiation safety practices. In equal measure, the quantitative analysis is poised to uncover recurring thematic strands about the efficacy of current QA frameworks, radiation safety protocols, and the multifarious challenges envisaged in maintaining elevated standards. Study implication As this study unfolds, it will illuminate the evolving landscape of QA and radiation safety intrinsic to interventional radiology. This study is poised to guide future practice improvement, refine training paradigms, and shape forthcoming policies within this dynamic field by casting a discerning eye on potential gaps and imminent challenges. The conclusive insights are anticipated to underscore the enduring commitment required to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare professionals, concurrently fostering the pioneering trajectory of interventional radiology procedures.

3D Polymer Gel Dosimeters with iCBCT 3D Reading and polyGeVero-CT Software Package for Quality Assurance in Radiotherapy.

Dynamically evolving radiotherapy instruments require advancements in compatible 3D dosimetry systems. This paper reports on such tools for the coincidence test of the mechanical and radiation isocenter for a medical accelerator as part of the quality assurance in routine radiotherapy practice. Three-dimensional polymer gel dosimeters were used in combination with 3D reading by iterative cone beam computed tomography and 3D data processing using the polyGeVero-CT software package. Different polymer gel dosimeters were used with the following acronyms: VIP, PAGAT, MAGIC, and NIPAM. The same scheme was used for each dosimeter: (i) irradiation sensitivity test for the iterative cone beam computed tomography reading to determine the appropriate monitor unit for irradiation, and (ii) verification of the chosen irradiation conditions by a star-shot 2D irradiation of each 3D dosimeter in the direction of performing the test. This work concludes with the optimum monitor unit per beam for each selected 3D dosimeter, delivers schemes for quick and easy determination of the radiation isocenter and performing the coincidence test.