Quality Assurance Process Research Articles

Ethiopia's Potato Seed System: Regulatory Challenges, Quality Assurance Issues, and Pathways for Improvement ─ A mini review

Background Ethiopia’s potato seed system is currently hindered by a disjointed regulatory framework, insufficient quality assurance processes, and a lack of collaboration among stakeholders, which collectively impede agricultural productivity and food security. The regulatory environment is characterized by inconsistent seed certification practices and a dependence on informal seed sources, negatively affecting the quality of potato seeds available to farmers. Although potatoes play a crucial role in global food security by providing high yields compared to other staple crops, the sector grapples with significant challenges due to bureaucratic inefficiencies, limited technical expertise, and the widespread presence of counterfeit seeds throughout the value chain. Methods To tackle these challenges, this mini-review outlines potential improvements, stressing the necessity for a unified regulatory framework tailored to the unique issues of vegetatively propagated crops. For this reason, we have used different literature source from web of science, Pubmed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and other scientific websites. We have documented the most relevant information focusing on potato seed system, regulatory frameworks, quality assurance bottlenecks and pathways for improvement across the seed value chain. Results our paper highlights key recommendations that includes enhancing training for regulatory staff, investing in research for disease-resistant varieties, and bolstering public-private partnerships to encourage innovation and resource sharing. Furthermore, improving traceability in the seed supply chain is essential for maintaining seed quality and integrity. Conclusions This review calls for a comprehensive strategy that fosters stakeholder engagement and promotes sustainable practices to rejuvenate Ethiopia’s potato seed system, thereby supporting the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers and strengthening national food security through integrated seed sector development and capacity improvement of the seed regulatory body as well as smallholder farmers.

System-Wide, Electronic Health Record-Based Medication Alerts for Appropriate Prescribing of Direct Oral Anticoagulants: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

While direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have improved oral anticoagulation management, inappropriate prescribing remains prevalent and leads to adverse drug events. Antithrombotic stewardship programs seek to enhance DOAC prescribing but require scalable and sustainable strategies. We present a pilot, prescriber-level randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of electronic health record (EHR)-based medication alerts in a large health system. The pilot assessed prescriber responses to alerts for initial DOAC prescription errors (apixaban and rivaroxaban). A user-centered, multistage design process informed alert development, emphasizing clear indication, appropriate dosing based on renal function, and drug-drug interactions. Alerts appeared whenever a DOAC was being prescribed in a way that did not follow package label instructions. Clinician responses measured acceptability, accuracy, feasibility, and utilization of the alerts. The study ran from August 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023. Only 1 prescriber requested trial exclusion, demonstrating acceptability. The error rate for false alerts due to incomplete data was 6.6% (16/243). Two scenarios with alert design and/or execution errors occurred but were quickly identified and resolved, underlining the importance of a responsive quality assurance process in EHR-based interventions. Trial feasibility issues related to alert-data capture were identified and resolved. Trial feasibility was also assessed with balanced randomization of prescribers and the inclusion of various alerts across both medications. Assessing utilization, 34.2% (83/243) of the encounters (with 134 prescribers) led to a prescription change. The pilot implementation study demonstrated the acceptability, accuracy, feasibility, and estimates of the utilization of EHR-based medication alerts for DOAC prescriptions and successfully established just-in-time randomization of prescribing clinicians. This pilot study sets the stage for large-scale, randomized implementation evaluations of EHR-based alerts to improve medication safety. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05351749; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05351749.

Undergraduate dental curricula in Middle Eastern and Arabic-speaking African Nations − A cross-sectional study

PurposeTo evaluate the design of undergraduate curricula, teaching and learning practices, assessments, admission criteria and quality assurance in dental schools across Middle Eastern and Arab-speaking African nations. MethodologyA cross-sectional survey was sent to 40 dental colleges in the Middle East and African Arabic-speaking countries. A purposefully designed proforma consisting of 21 items divided into five sections based on admission criteria, curriculum delivery, teaching and learning practices, assessment methods, and quality assurance was used for data collection on Google forms. Participation in the survey was voluntary and all participants were consented before data collection. The data was analysed for descriptive statistics. ResultsA total of 28 dental institutions participated in the study yielding a response rate of 70 %. The data showed variations in the admission criteria, curricula, and assessment methods. The reliability statistics were satisfactory (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89). ANOVA showed significant differences were noted in the clinical experience of students by country and curriculum design (p ≤ 0.001). Gaps were also identified in the quality assurance processes at some of the participating institutions. ConclusionThis study provides a snapshot of undergraduate dental education in the Middle East and Arabic speaking African countries. Although a majority of the institutions follow a student-centered approach, some in institutions still follow the traditional teacher-centered approach which is not consistent with the contemporary strategies in healthcare education. The admission criteria are based on high school grades albeit with some variations. The duration of dental programs is five years at most institutions with or without an additional foundation year. Variations were also noted in the assessment weightings, clinical targets and quality assurance procedures. Further collaboration is required to facilitate harmonization of dental curricula in the region, solicit international recognition and to better support their graduates in pursuing postgraduate studies and employment options.

WEB BASED INTERNAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM A DESIGN AND PROTOTYPING

Improving the quality of education in higher education institutions is crucial to support the development of human resources and the progress of the nation. Utpadaka Swastika University, as one of the higher education institutions in Indonesia, is committed to producing high-quality and competitive graduates. To ensure this quality, an effective and efficient internal quality assurance system (SPMI) is necessary. This research aims to design and build an internal quality assurance system based on the web using PHP and MySQL at Utpadaka Swastika University with the prototyping method. Software testing is conducted through Black Box Testing. This internal quality assurance system aims to ensure the quality of higher education provided by universities through the implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education, in order to realize the vision and meet the needs of stakeholders. The achievement of quality assurance goals through the internal quality assurance system will be accredited through external quality assurance systems. This system can assist in presenting document information accessible to program heads, leaders, auditors, administrators, and quality assurance body (LPM) leaders. It facilitates program heads in the process of collecting and submitting documents for evaluation and audit instruments, allowing the LPM to directly identify issues and quality standards in the internal quality assurance process. This system is expected to be used as a reference for further development of an Internal Quality Assurance System so that the system can have better features.

Editorial policy and procedure

The Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training (JOVACET) recognises the need for critical engagement through studies in TVET and Adult and Continuing Education and Training, and for encouraging critical scrutiny of this expansive knowledge area on the African continent. The voices and experiences of practitioners, reflecting on all aspects of teaching and learning within vocational education and adult education settings, should be heard through publication of empirical and robust research. While the journal clearly wishes to take forward academic scholarship, it also seeks to strengthen opportunities for reflective practice that makes a scholarly contribution to the field. New knowledge emerging out of complex developmental contexts has significant value and needs to be showcased beyond existing geographical and political boundaries. The journal is therefore committed to also supporting the development of emerging researchers by providing them with a space to present and defend their research among a network of global scholars. Within the field of vocational and continuing education there is substantive ‘grey literature’ that remains in project report form. The journal is potentially a vehicle for the translation of this important work into an academic contribution to a wider community of practice and thereby enhancing its value. The JOVACET will appear at least once a year. Unsolicited articles are welcome for consideration and should be uploaded onto the JOVACET’s website online journal or else emailed to the journal’s managing editor. The editors are accountable for everything published in the journal and should therefore:• work towards improving the contents of the journal;• adopt peer-review methods best suited for the journal and the research communityit serves;• ensure that all manuscripts have been reviewed by appropriate reviewers;• ensure quality assurance processes are in place for the material that is published; and• uphold the highest standards of integrity, intellectual rigour and ethics. The editors will not disclose any information about the submitted manuscripts or their authors to anyone other than the author(s) and reviewer(s), as appropriate. Submitted articles will be reviewed by two anonymous external referees in a ‘blind’ peer-review process. Appropriate papers will be reviewed according to their significance and soundness. Articles that have been submitted must not have been published or accepted for publication elsewhere. The editors are responsible for deciding which of the manuscripts submitted to the journal will be published. The editors’ decision to accept or reject a manuscript should be based on the importance of the manuscript, its originality and clarity, the validity of the study and its relevance to the journal’s scope. Considerations will also include current legal requirements regarding libel, copyright infringement and plagiarism. Submissions may not exceed the 8 000-word limit and must contain a title, abstract of not more than 200 words and be correctly and completely referenced according to the Harvard system of referencing. Footnotes should be kept to a minimum. Tables should be positioned where they are referred to and not be submitted separately. Authors are requested to consult the author’s guidelines on the website. The article should not contain any identification of the author and should be anonymised as far as possible. The name(s) and affiliations of the author(s), as well as their email address, should appear on a separate page. The Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training (JOVACET) is an open access, peer-reviewed journal committed to disseminating the latest research in post-school education to the global community as widely as possible. The journal content is freely and openly available after publication on the website, www.jovacet.ac.za, and can be read, downloaded, copied, distributed and printed without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author.

Methods of Extracting and Analyzing Metadata for Evidentiary Purposes

This paper examines methods for extracting and analyzing metadata for evidentiary purposes in civil proceedings. Through a comprehensive review of current literature, legal cases, and forensic techniques, it explores the diverse approaches to metadata analysis across various digital domains, including file systems, emails, documents, web browsers, mobile devices, cloud storage, social media, and emerging technologies. The study highlights the critical role of metadata in establishing the authenticity, reliability, and chronology of digital evidence. It also addresses the challenges posed by encrypted data, large-scale analysis, and the need for robust quality assurance processes. The findings underscore the importance of adapting forensic methodologies to evolving digital landscapes while maintaining legal and ethical standards. This research contributes to the ongoing development of best practices in digital forensics and their application in civil litigation.

Innovative approaches in complex data forensics: error rate assessment and its impact on cybersecurity

In the realm of cybersecurity, the integrity of forensic investigations is paramount, especially as the volume and complexity of data continue to escalate. This paper explores innovative approaches to complex data forensics, focusing on the methodologies used to assess error rates in data retrieval and analysis. High error rates in forensic processes can compromise the reliability of findings, leading to erroneous conclusions that may impact security measures and legal proceedings. This research examines various techniques for error rate assessment, including statistical methods and data validation protocols, which serve to quantify the accuracy of forensic analysis. Furthermore, the paper discusses the profound implications that high error rates can have on the integrity of forensic findings, emphasizing the need for meticulous attention to detail in data handling and processing. To counter these challenges, we present strategies aimed at enhancing data reliability, such as implementing rigorous quality assurance processes, leveraging machine learning algorithms for anomaly detection, and utilizing advanced encryption methods to protect data integrity throughout the forensic lifecycle. By addressing the critical role of error rate assessment in data forensics, this research contributes to the broader discourse on cybersecurity and underscores the necessity of adopting robust methodologies to ensure accurate and reliable forensic outcomes in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Clinical adoption of deep learning target auto-segmentation for radiation therapy: challenges, clinical risks, and mitigation strategies

Abstract Radiation therapy is a localized cancer treatment that relies on precise delineation of the target to be treated and healthy tissues to guarantee optimal treatment effect. This step, known as contouring or segmentation, involves identifying both target volumes and organs at risk on imaging modalities like CT, PET, and MRI to guide radiation delivery. Manual segmentation, however, is time-consuming and highly subjective, despite the presence of contouring guidelines. In recent years, automated segmentation methods, particularly deep learning models, have shown promise in addressing this task. However, challenges persist in their clinical use, including the need for robust quality assurance (QA) processes and addressing clinical risks associated with the use of the models. This review examines the challenges and considerations of the clinical adoption of deep learning target auto-segmentation in radiotherapy, focused on the target volume. We discuss potential clinical risks (e.g. over- and under-segmentation, automation bias, and appropriate trust), mitigation strategies (e.g. human oversight, uncertainty quantification, and education of clinical professionals), and we highlight the importance of expanding QA to include geometric, dose-volume, and outcome-based performance monitoring. While deep learning target auto-segmentation offers significant potential benefits, careful attention to clinical risks and rigorous QA measures are essential for its successful integration in clinical practice.

From Code to Care: The Impact of Software Engineering and QA on Healthcare Delivery Systems

The rapid digitalization of healthcare has led to an unprecedented reliance on software systems to improve patient care, streamline operations, and ensure regulatory compliance. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the critical role that software engineering and quality assurance (QA) play in three key areas of modern healthcare: Electronic Health Records (EHRs), telemedicine platforms, and medical device software. Through an examination of current practices, challenges, and case studies, we demonstrate how robust software engineering methodologies and rigorous QA processes contribute to the development of reliable, secure, and efficient healthcare applications. Our findings highlight the importance of data integrity, interoperability, user experience, and regulatory compliance in healthcare software development. Furthermore, we explore emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), discussing their implications for future software engineering and QA practices in healthcare. This article provides valuable insights for healthcare organizations, software developers, and policymakers, offering recommendations to enhance the quality and safety of software-driven healthcare solutions.

Photodiode-based focus monitoring in ultrashort-pulsed laser structuring of graphite anodes for lithium-ion batteries

In recent years, there has been an increased demand for elaborate monitoring techniques in laser material processing. This has been driven by the need for fast and cost-efficient quality assurance processes. At the same time, ultrashort-pulsed (USP) laser radiation has emerged as a promising technology for creating intricate microstructures in lithium-ion battery graphite anodes due to its high precision and negligible thermal impact. However, the integration of process monitoring in USP laser applications for graphite anode structuring is still unexplored. There is a lack of clarity on suitable sensors, observable parameters, and extractable process-relevant insights. The presented study addressed this gap by demonstrating the capability of state-of-the-art photodiode-based monitoring systems in collecting process-relevant data and deriving valuable insights. A sensor equipped with three photodiodes was employed to address these challenges. Exploratory data analysis and machine learning methodologies were leveraged to develop a data pipeline for processing the acquired information. The data were used to train convolutional neural networks that could accurately predict the focal position. At the same time, the limitations of traditional regression approaches could be shown. The findings advanced the understanding of the possibilities of process monitoring in USP laser applications and emphasized the significance of data-driven approaches in optimizing manufacturing processes.

Clinical assessment strategies for competency-based education in prosthetic dentistry.

Reflective practice is viewed as a theoretical and pedagogical concept in higher education having several diverse approaches and interpretations. The most important aspect of reflective practice is that it is a necessary quality assurance aspect of higher education which should occur recurrently and at different stages of the program. It usually entails an evaluation of advanced instructions which has become the norm in an educational setting, in order to improve the learning outcomes. Reflective practice must therefore be seen as a tool which allows continuous improvement, modifications, and changes to educational approaches, which include theoretical and clinical assessment strategies. Academics in prosthetic dentistry at a research-led university reflected on their current assessment strategies used in the senior undergraduate dental program as part of a quality assurance process and its global comparability. This paper aims to share and explain the importance of reviewing assessment strategies in higher education, especially in such a clinical program using reflective practice as a framework. Different assessment strategies used over a 5-year period are explored and their different structures, expectations, and appropriateness for a clinical program are reported from the literature. The concerns were addressed in a cyclical manner within this framework, and Blooms and blueprinting implemented where appropriate. We conclude that without a validated definition and framework for regular reflective practices, and guidelines to modify the included assessment strategies, the quality assurance within a competency-based dental program may be compromised.

Innovation in Teacher Training: Curricular and Operational Keys in Pedagogy Programs

This study addresses the curricular components and operational conditions required for the success of curricular innovations in teacher education programs. This quantitative study analyzed components related to epistemic meanings, organization, design, and curricular policies, as well as operational conditions for the development of curricular innovations in teacher training. A Likert-scale survey was administered to academics from public universities in Chile that train teachers. The method of analysis used SPSSv28 software, establishing a descriptive and inferential analysis through descriptive statistics of sex, age, gender, and position in the organization. The results show that operational conditions, academic teams, organizational aspects, updating of regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and curricular policies are essential for the success of curricular innovations. We conclude that curricular innovations at the institutional level require the generation of curricular policies that contemplate the design, monitoring, and evaluation of the curriculum to favor the processes of curriculum review and quality assurance.

Customer perceptions about traceable meat: research from Northern China

Food traceability and food safety, including quality assurance processes, are essential for ensuring the health of members of society and can prevent food-supply-related problems. Meat-related food safety issues are significant, especially in developing countries like China. The main aim of this paper was to explore customer perceptions and purchase behavior, including willingness to pay, related to traceable meat. A qualitative exploratory approach was applied. Five focus groups were implemented with interviewees from Northern China, and grounded theory methodology was used in their analysis. The results showed that participants were influenced by product characteristics, sales-related factors, and subjective norms when purchasing meat. Their level of trust in traceability information was variable; respondents preferred independent quality assurance associations and information obtainable by scanning QR codes. The findings of this study may contribute to the introduction and development of food traceability systems in the meat industry, reinvigorating consumer trust.

Empowering decentralized production: A distributed manufacturing system for additive manufacturing processes

This work presents a pilot distributed manufacturing system for decentralized additive manufacturing, focusing on the Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS) capabilities at Auburn University. The paper outlines the first phase of a multi-phase implementation plan and demonstrates the developed capabilities. The vision is to coordinate geographically separated manufacturing facilities as a cohesive unit. In our work, we prioritize instantaneous communication for file and information sharing. The Manufacturing Hub and Remote Cell, two facilities within driving distance, are coordinated in terms of part design, printing, and inspection procedures for a distributed Additive Manufacturing process. To enable coordination between the two facilities, ICAMS addresses three technological needs. These needs consider information sharing, process standardization, and data collection and monitoring. A network attached storage facilitates information sharing, a database-connected graphical user interface streamlines and standardizes the manufacturing process, and a data collection system facilitates process monitoring. The graphical user interface allows for order placement, progress monitoring, and communication updates. The developed phased plan, collaborative workflow, technological solutions, and production protocols demonstrate the potential for decentralized additive manufacturing. Successful integration of communication, design, printing, and quality assurance processes sets the foundation for future advancements in decentralized manufacturing systems.

Development of Risk-Based Methodologies for Highway Pavement Construction Inspection

Construction inspection plays a critical role in Portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP) and hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement projects. To ensure the quality of pavement projects, state departments of transportation (DOTs) in the U.S. typically conduct construction material tests and inspect workmanship processes using quality assurance (QA) programs. Given today’s reality of reduced QA inspection resources such as funding, staff ability, and availability, several state DOTs have used a risk-based inspection (RBI) approach to optimize their QA processes. A thorough review of existing literature revealed limited studies examining RBI methodologies in highway pavement construction projects. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of RBI for pavement construction projects. It employed a triangulation research methodology, including an extensive literature review, a survey questionnaire of 50 state DOTs, focus groups, and a vetting workshop. A list of 16 core items in field inspection for both PCCP and HMA pavement projects was developed and verified. A generic risk rating of these critical inspection activities was determined. Additionally, inspection frequency, documentation effort, and inspector experience associated with these critical inspection activities identified through focus groups and the vetting workshop served as a reference point when conducting RBI for PCCP and HMA pavement projects. This study contributes to the body of knowledge and the highway construction industry by identifying and prioritizing 16 core inspection items for PCCP and HMA pavement construction. Construction project managers and inspectors may benefit from this study by analyzing the risks of core inspection items and implementing appropriate risk mitigation plans.

Cross-border higher education in Europe and the role of quality assurance agencies

This article discusses the multiple challenges cross-border higher education (CBHE) in Europe faces nowadays, namely regarding the assurance of its quality. The views of a set of European quality assurance agencies are analysed to understand their role in assuring the quality of this type of educational provision. Empirically, the article is based on the material collected through interviews conducted with the responsible for quality assurance agencies from 10 European countries: Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. The results reveal that almost all quality assurance agencies have at least partial experience with CBHE provision, mainly related to the evaluation of joint-degree programmes offered by European higher education institutions. The cooperation between countries and agencies emerges as one of the main challenges to the development of a common tool to enhance CBHE, which could facilitate the quality assurance process for all stakeholders.

Synthesis of junction box quality assurance for KM3NeT-ARCA neutrino detector

The KM3NeT-ARCA neutrino detector is the largest underwater neutrino telescope operating in the Mediterranean Sea at a depth of 3500 m, 100 km off the coast of Portopalo di Capo Passero (Italy). It is composed of strings anchored in the deep sea and kept vertical using a buoy. Each string hosts 18 Digital Optical Modules (DOMs), containing 31 optical sensors. The entire telescope, once completed, will be composed of 230 identical strings named Detection Units (DUs) that will send data to shore in real time. A Junction Box (JB) and an electro-optical cable permit the connection to the shore and the powering of the entire system. Each JB connects to the shore, handling up to 12 strings. It is a critical element that requires strict quality assurance rules. This article will focus on the quality assurance process that has allowed the JB to be a robust and reliable element of the entire KM3NeT-ARCA background network.

‘It’s paradoxical, but it works' – Towards ambidexterity in external quality assurance: the case of Roman Catholic ecclesiastical higher education

ABSTRACT This article focuses on organizational responses to seemingly paradoxical mandates, in the context of external quality assurance in higher education. With the promulgation of the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium in 2018, Roman Catholic ecclesiastical higher education institutions have been required to be evaluated by a designated external quality assurance agency, the Holy See’s Agency for the Evaluation and Promotion of Quality in Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties (AVEPRO). Operating internationally, the Agency is tasked to both evaluate quality with an accountability mindset and promote quality with a continuous enhancement outlook. These two approaches to quality processes can be considered conflicting notions. Using the lens of paradox theory and organizational ambidexterity to observe the nature of and responses to tensions, this study considers how AVEPRO managed the challenge of reconciling both QA and QE imperatives. Although ambidexterity studies have mainly focused on the private sector, this analysis shows that this theoretical framework can provide a relevant lens in other contexts where paradoxes exist, such as external quality assurance agencies in higher education. Findings show that an innovative organizational structure and a creative mindset can reconcile quality assurance and quality enhancement processes through different channels.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Improve Data Validation

Artificial intelligence (AI) can assist with time‐series data corrections, relieving a bottleneck in a water utility's quality assurance processes. AI's speed and accuracy can help reduce water scarcity and ultimately improve the global water crisis.

Analyse de risques appliquée au suivi des concentrations des immunosuppresseurs chez les patients transplantés pulmonaire

Mastering and monitoring immunosuppressant concentrations is central to the care of lung transplant patients and involves multiple stakeholders. The objective is to conduct a risk analysis to evaluate the impact of various actions taken. The lung transplantation team was convened to carry out a failure mode effect analysis. The process was divided into stages where different risks were identified. The risk priority number (RPN) (severity, frequency, detectability) and risk level of criticality (frequency, severity) were established before implementation of actions (before 2009) and then after (in 2022) to classify risks according to four levels of criticality. The implemented actions included the establishment of a quality assurance process, computerization of monitoring, and double analysis by a physician/pharmacist pair. Thirty-two risks were identified during the four stages of the process: biological sampling (n=13), reception (n=3), analysis and treatment of levels (n=5), transmission of information/prescriptions to the patient (n=11). The total raw RPN (before 2009) was 839, with 12 major risks. The current total RPN (in 2022) was 452 (a decrease of 46.1%), with 7 major risks identified. The analysis enabled the objective evaluation of the effectiveness of the actions taken. The most secure stage of the process is the reception of residual level results. Efforts should focus on empowering and involving patients, as well as engaging local stakeholders in collaboration with the specialized transplantation team.