Sensitive label-free detection of adulteration in sesame oil using mode-mismatched dual-beam thermal lens technique.

Thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) as a proteomic biomarker in cancer.

A sensitive LC-MS/MS method was developed for detecting Magnolia officinalis extracts, targeting magnolol, honokiol, magnoflorine and magnocurarine in complex cosmetic matrices, meeting the growing industry demand for reliable quality control solutions amidst the expanding applications of the extracts. Method optimization systematically addressed matrix effects and sample preparation, supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which provided molecular-level insights into the analyte behavior. Validation confirmed a high extraction recovery of 90.7-106.2%, a low detection limit of 0.15 mg kg-1, excellent linearity with R2 ≥ 0.9994 over 0.5-10 mg kg-1, and precise and accurate intra- and inter-day results with an RSD ≤ 4.15% and accuracies of 90.6-106.3%. This method demonstrated reliability for quality control through its application in spiked creams, aqueous solutions, masks, and oils, concurrently verifying label claims for functional phenolics regarding content and composition and screening for prohibited/restricted alkaloid-substances, demonstrating its dual utility in quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

Purpose This study aims to examine the alignment between Geographic Information Systems (GIS) education and vocational qualifications within the framework of quality assurance (QA) in higher education. It investigates how academic programmes meet competency requirements of GIS Specialist (Level 6) National Qualification, aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), and develops a validated scale that can serve as a QA tool for monitoring curriculum–qualification alignment. Design/methodology/approach A scale was developed based on the learning outcomes and performance criteria. Data was collected from 174 graduates of GIS-related programmes. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to ensure the validity and reliability of the scale, while Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability coefficients were used to test internal consistency. Findings The results indicate that developed scale has a four-factor structure with strong validity and reliability, capturing self-efficacy perceptions in technical organisation, quality management and work organisation, occupational health and safety and information security. Findings also highlight a gap between academic curricula and certain vocational qualification standards, especially in workplace safety and information security, underscoring the need for continuous alignment of higher education with industry requirements. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to self-reported perceptions of graduates in Türkiye and may not fully generalise to other contexts. Future research should include comparative analyses across countries and integrate certification exam results for a more comprehensive assessment. However, this study is limited by its modest sample size (n = 174), regional focus (two universities) and reliance on self-reported perceptions, which may affect generalisability. Nevertheless, the proposed scale is a valuable instrument for planning curriculum modifications, carrying out evidence-based evaluations in accreditation procedures and comparing programme results with EQF/Turkish Qualifications Framework (TQF) certifications in higher education institutions’ quality assurance processes. Practical implications The validated scale can be used by universities, accreditation bodies and policymakers as a QA instrument to monitor the alignment of GIS curricula with national and European qualification frameworks. It provides actionable evidence for programme reviews, curriculum revisions and external quality evaluations, supporting the PDCA cycle in institutional QA systems. Social implications By promoting transparency, accountability and international comparability, this study contributes to enhancing employability, labour market mobility and quality culture in higher education. Aligning education with vocational qualifications also fosters lifelong learning and continuous professional development among GIS professionals. Originality/value From a quality assurance standpoint, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study presents one of the first scales to link professional competency criteria with GIS educational outcomes. Despite sample and regional constraints, the scale is a valuable instrument for curriculum reform, accreditation evaluations and EQF/TQF compliance studies.

Personal radiation protective equipment (PRPE) play a critical role in minimising occupational exposure to ionising radiation in medical imaging, nuclear medicine, interventional procedures and related fields. Over time, repeated use, mechanical stress, and improper handling can degrade their protective performance, making regular inspection essential to ensure continued radiation safety. This study aimed to compare the performance of multiple imaging modalities in evaluating the integrity and lead equivalence of PRPE, to identify the most accurate and practical methods for quality assurance programmes. Over a four-year period, 1063 PRPE items from 20 manufacturers were evaluated. Each item underwent visual and tactile inspection, followed by imaging using radiography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), and a dedicated PRPE testing system (FLOWD 8020). Lead equivalence was determined by comparison with certified reference lead foils using both x-ray quality assurance dosimeter and image-based methods. Integrity was categorised on a four-level scale according to defect size and location, and attenuation performance was assessed relative to manufacturers' nominal specifications. Of all PRPE items tested, 88.8% were defect-free, while 11.2% showed cracks or tears cracks or tears of varying extent. Lead equivalence results revealed that 74.3% met specifications within ±5%, 13.8% deviated by 5%-10%, and 11.9% by more than 10%. All imaging modalities demonstrated comparable accuracy, though the dedicated screening system offered clear advantages in workflow efficiency, full-apron coverage, automated reporting, and low stray dose (<0.3μSv h-1at 1 m). Routine PRPE inspection is essential for maintaining occupational radiation safety. Standardised testing protocols and inspection intervals are recommended to ensure consistent and traceable quality assurance practices across institutions.

Implementation of an automated contour quality assurance tool within the TROG 18.01 NINJA trial.

Purpose Quality assurance (QA), once considered a means of evaluation and measurement, has become integral to reputational and managerial issues in universities. This paper aims to examine how four universities in Chile and Colombia internalize quality assurance in response to managerial and market needs. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a comparative qualitative case study design. The authors reviewed institutional documents and interviewed 33 senior managers from two Chilean and two Colombian universities. Findings The translation of quality assurance is increasingly constrained by shared managerial rules, assumptions and practices. The analysis shows that, despite discursive differences in public and private universities, operational practices converge around strategic planning, performance monitoring and indicator-based evaluation. Research limitations/implications The study focuses on the perspectives of senior managers and excludes the views of middle managers, faculty and students. Practical implications Introducing QA schemes with greater flexibility regarding the unique context of different universities, fostering frameworks that recognize institutional diversity and social missions, and creating spaces for open discussion of performance metrics. Social implications Development of QA as an instrument of reflexive governance that reconciles accountability with research and education as public goods that generate public benefits. Originality/value This paper shows how quality assurance has evolved from an evaluative tool into a mechanism of market-driven university governance. It explains this by drawing on academic capitalism, specifically the market and market-like behavior of universities to obtain external resources, as well as the concepts of organizational isomorphism and translation theory.

Comprehensive radiotherapy quality assurance analysis from individual DICOM data in the HypoG-01 phase 3 trial.

Prevalence of ghost scans in point-of-care ultrasound for trauma patients: A multicenter study.

Quality of colposcopy determines accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. India and low-middle income countries have varied resource settings offering colposcopy services; this group's objective was to develop defined standards for colposcopy with quality assurance in them to reach the goal of cervical cancer elimination. An expert group comprising colposcopists, gynecologists, and gynecologic oncologists collated existing literature and guidelines. A framework applicable to India and similar low-middle income countries with diverse resources for providing colposcopy services in a standardized manner, stratified according to basic and advanced colposcopy centers, was formulated and circulated among experts. The revised version was deliberated in a face-to-face meeting to finalize the standards. Public comments were incorporated in the final document. Basic and advanced colposcopy centers were defined; essential and desirable components at these centers were specified. Recommendations for quality assurance evaluation and audits of ongoing services at both types of centers were also defined. Guidelines and recommendations for advanced centers suited for training were made. These good clinical practice recommendations will guide the provision and assessment of colposcopy services and can be widely applicable to all low-middle income countries.

Applicability of MRI-only technique in external beam radiotherapy: Dosimetric evaluation, IGRT, and quality assurance - A systematic review.

Clustering of dosimetric profiles reveals distinct local control probabilities after SABR in oligometastatic head and neck cancer: insights from the OMET phase II trial quality assurance Process.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) plays a vital role in rapid diagnosis and management in emergency settings. We present a case of a 9-year-old male who presented after a high-speed motor vehicle collision with a negative focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST). However, the quality assurance (QA) review raised concerns for a splenic mass. Further imaging confirmed the finding, and the patient underwent elective splenectomy, revealing a rare benign littoral cell angioma. This case illustrates the importance of QA in identifying findings during POCUS exams, the limitations of POCUS compared with comprehensive imaging, and the value of a multidisciplinary approach to pediatric trauma care.

Continuing education for teachers is a lifelong learning process that enables educators to improve their teaching, keep their knowledge and skills up to date, increase their self-confidence, and advance in their careers. It can be provided by formal or informal institutions. Officially, it may take the form of courses, seminars, workshops, and career programmes; informally, it can be delivered through webinars, online forums, educational blogs, and similar platforms. Professional development for teachers contributes to the professionalisation of teachers and school leaders. It develops and maintains the quality of teaching and schools. Professional development supports teachers throughout their careers and across the full range of their professional activities. It enables teachers and school leaders to work competently and collaboratively. The Pedagogical Centre PZ.BS (Pädagogisches Zentrum PZ.BS) strengthens schools so they can develop with a focus on the future. PZ.BS supports teachers, specialists, administrators, and other school staff. Continuing education &amp;amp; consulting for schools is designed for teachers, school principals, and other stakeholders in the education sector. Further training courses for school principals and staff; the course offerings of the school development and school leadership department focus on the competencies required by school leaders and staff involved in school development, within the context of their leadership and change management duties. Continuing education for professionals; further training opportunities for specialists contribute to professionalisation and quality assurance, offering the chance to expand skills and exchange ideas within one's professional field. With the online course programme, you can attend courses that strengthen your professional skills, exchange ideas with colleagues, and find practical solutions together for school-related challenges. There are many current courses on teaching, communication, didactics, leadership, and other topics to explore. The programme is also continually expanded with new courses; it is worth checking back regularly at https://kurse-pz.bs.ch.

Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has been shown to detect lung cancer at an earlier stage and to reduce mortality among high-risk populations, as demonstrated by major trials including I-ELCAP, NLST, and NELSON. These findings have led to the implementation of national screening programs worldwide. This article outlines the critical components required for the successful implementation of high-quality LCS programs, with a particular focus on quality assurance (QA) mechanisms and radiologist training. Structured radiologist training is essential to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of LDCT screening. As these requirements are universal, online initiatives such as the I-ELCAP Teaching File, ESTI Lung Cancer Certification Project, and the UK's PERFECTS EQA platform provide scalable models for enhancing radiologic performance in LCS. The success of lung cancer screening programs depends not only on access and infrastructure but also on rigorous training and quality oversight. International collaboration and the adoption of validated educational and QA tools are key to optimizing outcomes and maintaining diagnostic excellence in LDCT-based screening.

Impact of fibrin in high sensitivity cardiac troponin (Hs-cTn) detection: Implications for quality control.

ESTRO recommendations on preoperative radiation therapy in breast cancer: current and future perspectives - Endorsed by ASTRO.

Urodynamic studies (UDS) are essential diagnostic tools in urology, but their interpretation requires significant expertise and is subject to interobserver variability. Large language models (LLMs) have shown promise in various medical diagnostic applications, yet their utility in automated interpretation of urodynamic parameters remains unexplored. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of large language models in the automated interpretation of urodynamic parameters compared to urologists with different experience levels. We analyzed 320 urodynamic studies from patients with various lower urinary tract conditions. Two large language models (Deepseek-R1 and GPT-4) were employed to interpret the urodynamic data. Their diagnostic accuracy was compared with that of junior and senior urologists. Performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, area under the curve (AUC), diagnostic accuracy, and the QUEST framework (Quality of information, Understanding and reasoning, Expression style, Safety, and Trustworthiness). This study was designed and reported following the TRIPOD + AI statement for reporting prediction models using machine learning methods. Deepseek-R1 demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy (92.50%) among the automated systems, followed by GPT-4 (85.94%), comparable to junior urologists (83.75%) but lower than senior urologists (95.94%). The reference standard was established by consensus of three board-certified urodynamics experts with median 15 years of experience (range 12-22 years). ROC analysis revealed strong performance across different urological conditions, with AUC values ranging from 0.89 to 0.92 for Deepseek-R1, 0.84-0.88 for GPT-4, 0.81-0.84 for junior urologists, and 0.94-0.95 for senior urologists. The QUEST framework evaluation showed that Deepseek-R1 outperformed other systems in information quality, reasoning, expression style, safety, and trustworthiness. Both LLMs demonstrated high clinical utility, with Deepseek-R1 scoring higher in decision support (4.38/5), time efficiency (2.10/5), and educational value (4.20/5) compared to GPT-4. Large language models, particularly Deepseek-R1, demonstrate promising capabilities in the automated interpretation of urodynamic parameters, with performance exceeding that of junior urologists and approaching senior urologists. These findings suggest potential applications in clinical decision support, training, and quality assurance in urodynamic practice, which could enhance diagnostic consistency and accessibility of expert-level interpretation. This study is a retrospective analysis of deidentified patient data and did not involve any direct patient contact or intervention. Therefore, ethics approval was waived in accordance with institutional and national guidelines.

Blueberry anthocyanins-functionalized hydrogel labels for smartphone-assisted real-time visual freshness monitoring of perishable proteins.

Hepatocellular carcinoma ultrasound surveillance in the United Kingdom (UK): a national ultrasound workforce survey.