Mercury flows in a cement plant adopting circular economy policies.

Microbiological safety and quality consistency are critical challenges in the production of traditional Indian fried snacks, particularly in small-scale food enterprises. With growing export demand, maintaining strict quality control measures is essential. This study assessed the microbiological and physicochemical quality of five traditional Indian fried snacks—Kerala Murukku, Kerala Mixture, Banana Chips, Tapioca Chips, and Achappam—produced in a Food Safety Management System (FSMS)-certified facility over a four-year period (2020–2023). Products were evaluated for moisture, pH, salt content, acid value, and Total Plate Count (TPC). The number of ingredients for each product was recorded from standardized product formulation documents. TPC levels remained within acceptable limits (below 50,000 CFU/g) across all products. Among them, Kerala Mixture consistently showed the highest microbial counts (up to 4.61 log CFU/g) and Achappam the lowest, with no detectable variance (1.00 log CFU/g). Statistically significant year-wise differences (p < 0.05) were observed in all quality parameters. Kerala Mixture showed variation in salt and microbial load; Kerala Murukku varied in moisture, pH, and salt; while Tapioca Chips varied in moisture and salt. PCA identified that TPC, salt content, number of ingredients, and pH were key contributors to product variability. Cluster analysis confirmed Kerala Mixture as the most susceptible product to contamination risk. These findings provide valuable insights into the quality trends within an FSMS-certified environment and highlight the importance of strict post-processing controls.

Piper kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi: A comprehensive review of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control.

Dissolving microneedles in transdermal drug delivery: A critical analysis of limitations and translation challenges.

The difference of composition between polygoni Multiflori Radix and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma revealed their primary hepatotoxicity components.

This study aimed to reveal the lipid composition and distribution and characterize the lipid metabolism profile in the three distinct parts of four guava varieties with varying textures and colors using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. The four varieties, collected from a guava cultivation base in Danzhou City, Hainan Province, were "Zhenzhu" (white-fleshed hard-crispy guava, YBSL), "Bendi" (white-fleshed soft-waxy guava, RBSL), "Xiguahong" (red-fleshed hard-crispy guava, YHSL), and "Hongxin" (red-fleshed soft-waxy guava, RHSL). A total of 8242 lipids were detected, which were classified into four categories and 20 subcategories. Glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids are the most abundant types of lipids in guava. The lipid composition showed significant differences between hard-crispy and soft-waxy guavas. The red-fleshed guava varieties had 98, 57, and 96 differential lipid metabolites, whereas white-fleshed varieties had 68, 108, and 41 lipid metabolites in the epicarp, mesocarp, and endocarp, respectively. Moreover, comparative analysis of hard-crispy versus soft-waxy guavas with different colors revealed common differential lipids in the epicarp (29), mesocarp (21), and endocarp (18). The common differential lipids, including phosphatidylcholine (PC) (16:0/18:1), PC (18:1/18:1), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (18:1/18:2), were found to be upregulated across all fruit parts, with greater abundance in soft-waxy guavas. They were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways associated with glycerophosphocholine and glycerophosphoethanolamine. These differential lipids may serve as potential biomarkers for evaluating guava quality. This study unveiled the lipid distribution and metabolic variations among different guava varieties. It also established a scientific foundation for improving guava varieties and implementing quality control measures.

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a significant protozoal disease impacting the health and productivity of sheep and other livestock species. Host resistance to coccidiosis exhibits considerable individual variation, suggesting a genetic basis for susceptibility and resilience. This study aimed to identify genomic regions associated with oocyst load of Eimeria spp. in sheep using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach. A total of 226 sheep were phenotyped for oocyst counts using a standardized flotation technique. Genotyping was performed using a 50 K high-density SNP array. Quality control measures included filtering for minor allele frequency, call rate, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. GWAS analysis was conducted using a mixed linear model accounting for relatedness among individuals. Significant associations were identified on chromosomes 1, 8 and 20. Candidate genes mapped to these regions included PARK2, PACRG, QKI, PDE10A, RAB44, and CDKN1A, which are involved in mitochondrial quality control, cellular stress response, immune modulation, and epithelial integrity maintenance. These biological functions are critical for host defence mechanisms against protozoal infections such as coccidiosis. This study reveals novel candidate genes and biological pathways potentially influencing coccidial oocyst load in sheep. These findings contribute to the understanding of host genetic resistance to Eimeria infections and may inform future breeding strategies in sheep.

DNA markers serve as indispensable tools in molecular biology, enabling precise identification of genetic traits, assessment of genetic diversity, and implementation of marker-assisted selection across a wide range of organisms. This review presents a comprehensive, practice-oriented framework for DNA marker development and assay execution, encompassing primer design, PCR optimization, validation, and downstream data analysis. Emphasis is placed on the selection of informative genomic regions, evaluation of polymorphism through gel and capillary electrophoresis, and standardization of assay conditions to ensure reproducibility. The workflow integrates troubleshooting protocols and quality control measures to enhance genotyping accuracy and reliability. Applications of DNA markers in crop improvement, functional genomics, and biodiversity conservation are highlighted, demonstrating their versatility in plant breeding, phylogenetic analysis, and conservation of genetic resources.

Abstract Background: The use of herbal medicine (HM) is common worldwide. Although some HMs have promising potential and are used widely, many of them remain untested and their use also not monitored. Objectives: This study assesses the perception, usage, knowledge, and effects of HM among outpatients in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of outpatients of a Nigerian tertiary hospital, carried out using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire majorly, and some were self-administered. Data were entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26, and descriptive (univariate and bivariate) analysis was performed. Results: A total of 182 questionnaires out of 185 were returned. There were 62 males (34.1%) and 120 females (65.9%). The majority of respondents, 41.2% were within the age bracket (20–29) years. A large majority, 98.9% have knowledge of HM, and 72.5% have used HM previously. Majority, 73.4% of those who used it previously used it without specified dosing, and 64.8% used it for treatment purposes (malaria = 54.7%, typhoid = 35.9%, abdominal pain = 25.0%, sexual wellness = 21.1%, and infertility = 19.7%). A significant relationship exists between respondents and their family/friends as major influencers of their usage (P = 0.030). Minority, 38 (28.8%) of the respondents have ever had any adverse effects/reactions from usage of HM in their lifetime. The most common adverse effect experienced was diarrhea (24/38, 63.2%). Conclusion: The prevalence of HM use in the study population is high. Healthcare workers should regularly educate the patients on the safety concerns of HM. Government should institute regulation of HM, and quality control measures should be put in place.

Objective: In the Radiology Department of Mzuzu Central Hospital (MCH), daily training for radiographers now includes content on Computed Tomography (CT) image quality control and equipment maintenance to ensure the normal, continuous, and stable operation of the 16-slice spiral CT scanner.Methods: Through comprehensive analysis of relevant equipment, we have identified key parameters that significantly impact CT image quality. Innovative optimization strategies and solutions targeting these parameters have been developed and integrated into daily training programs. Furthermore, starting from an examination of prevalent failure modes observed in CT equipment, we delve into essential maintenance and preservation techniques that CT technologists must master to ensure optimal system performance.Results: (1) Crucial factors affecting CT image quality include artifacts, noise, partial volume effects, and surrounding gap phenomena, alongside spatial and density resolutions, CT dose, reconstruction algorithms, and human factors during the scanning process. In the daily training for radiographers, emphasis is placed on strictly implementing image quality control measures at every stage of the CT scanning process and skillfully applying advanced scanning and image processing techniques. By doing so, we can provide clinicians with accurate and reliable imaging references for diagnosis and treatment. (2) Strategies for CT equipment maintenance: ① Environmental inspection of the CT room to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. ② Rational and accurate operation, including calibration software proficiency. ③ Regular maintenance and servicing for minimizing machine downtime. ④ Maintenance of the CT X-ray tube. CT technicians can become proficient in equipment maintenance and upkeep techniques through training, which can significantly extend the service life of CT systems and reduce the occurrence of malfunctions.Conclusion: Through the regular implementation of rigorous CT image quality control training for radiology technicians, coupled with diligent and proactive CT equipment maintenance, we have observed profound and beneficial impacts on improving image quality. The accuracy and fidelity of radiological data ultimately leads to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

Since large efforts have been done in recent years to promote the standardization of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis, the current status of its laboratory practices in clinical settings has become a topic worthy of inquiry. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive survey on the clinical laboratory practices of NGS-based ctDNA analysis. Between May and June 2024, an online questionnaire consisting of 62 questions was distributedto laboratories that had previously participated in the proficiency testing schemes for NGS-based ctDNA analysis in China. Information on the laboratory characteristics, detailed analytical workflows, and quality assurance measures were collected. Out of 137 initial responses, 106 laboratories (77.4%) reported performing NGS-based ctDNA analysis for clinical purposes. While there was considerable variability in methodologies and workflows among these laboratories, 96.2% (102/106) of laboratories adhered to standardized pre-analytical workflows and more than 84.9% (90/106) implemented diverse quality assurance approaches to maintain testing quality. Nevertheless, critical gaps in laboratory practices were still identified, including a lack of specific criteria for sample collection timing and sample rejection, inadequate filtration measures, absence of orthogonal confirmations, incomplete validation plans, insufficient quality control metrics, and infrequent internal quality control assessments. The data revealed both strengths and critical gaps in the currently clinical laboratory practices of NGS-based ctDNA analysis in China. Albeit former efforts, future care must still be taken in establishing standardized workflows, implementing robust validation, and enforcing robust quality control measures.

To show compliance to structural engineering codes and implement quality control measures, it is critical to obtain reliable mechanical properties of the materials in question. For conventional cast and precast concrete, the experimental procedures and relationships between mechanical properties, the material composition, and the production methods are globally known, but for 3D concrete printing (3DCP), these relations have not yet been established. Previous studies have shown little consistency in results, and the underlying experimental methods have not been established broadly. There is an urgent need to address these issues as the application of 3DCP in practice projects is growing rapidly. Therefore, RILEM TC 304-ADC: Assessment of Additively Manufactured Concrete Materials and Structures has set up a large interlaboratory study into the mechanical properties of 3D printed concrete. This paper presents key elements of the experimental approach detailed in the Study Plan and the supporting considerations. Furthermore, it reports on the response, consisting of 34 contributions from 30 laboratories, detailing global coverage, properties of the applied mixture designs and characteristics of the printing facilities that have been used. Subsequently, some fundamental results from compression, flexural, and E-modulus testing are presented and—considering cast specimens as a reference—discussed. On average, a reduction in strength was found in compression and E-modulus (all tested orientations). For flexure, on the other hand, an increase was found in two testing orientations, while a decrease was observed in the third orientation. Importantly, even though the applied experimental methods were found to be reasonably appropriate to obtain the required data, the differences found between individual contributions are significant and sometimes non-consistent, suggesting that testing on specific material-facility combinations is necessary to reliably determine the mechanical properties of objects produced from them. Furthermore, a theoretical framework needs to be developed to further explain the variations that were observed. Extensive analyses of all acquired data are out of the scope of this contribution, but presented in two associated papers, whereas a third presents the data management approach used to process the approximately 5,000 test results.

Aims: Rice bran a by-product of rice milling holds significant nutritional and health value to humans and livestock. However it can accumulate both nutritionally important and toxic metal elements and therefore realization of the nutritional benefits while minimizing potential toxic effects is important. To shed light on this, profiling of metal elements was done. Study Design: A comparative research design was adopted for this study. Place and Duration of Study: Rice samples were collected and milled at Lungalunga, Mwea and Ahero in Kenya and analyzed at the Analytical Chemistry laboratory of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) between July 2023 and January 2024. Methodology: A total of 18 rice bran samples, six from each of these study regions were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP- OES). Results: Rice bran from Lungalunga had the highest amount of Potassium (15148.94mg/Kg), Manganese (290.26mg/Kg), Zinc (76.56mg/Kg), Copper (11.76mg/Kg), Arsenic (0.77mg/Kg) and, the only samples in which Cadmium (0.01mg/Kg) was detected. On the other hand, rice bran from Mwea had the highest amounts of Magnesium (6628.62mg/Kg) and Selenium (2.23mg/Kg) while that from Ahero had the highest amounts of Iron (269.64mg/Kg) and Chromium (2.41mg/Kg). Other than the levels of Magnesium and Zinc from Ahero which were significantly lower than that from the other two regions and; Chromium from Ahero which was significantly higher than that from Mwea, all the others did not vary significantly (p=0.05). Mercury and Lead were not detected in any sample. Conclusion: Kenyan rice bran contains high amounts of nutritionally important metal elements that can be used to enrich food and feeds. However, levels of Arsenic which is toxic were higher than the Codex limit for husked and polished rice and; for cereal foods. This calls for quality control and surveillance measures that guarantee health benefits and food safety.

As drug and natural product libraries expand, assays for assessing mechanisms of action (MoA) are increasingly critical. Performing cytological profiling using the Cell Painting (CP) assay enables image-based profiling of cellular states upon treatment, yet many bioactive compounds remain uncharacterized due to undetectable cellular effects under standard conditions. To address this, we combined drug dosing with cell activation using the protein kinase C (PKC) agonist phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Profiling A549 lung cancer cells treated with 8,387 compounds at two concentrations (1 and 10 μM) in both resting and PMA-activated states allowed us to detect phenotypic effects for up to 40% of all screened compounds, effectively illuminating new phenotypic "dark space". Over 1,000 compounds exhibited phenotypes exclusively under PMA activation, establishing its advantage for MoA studies. We introduce novel quality control measures for CP screens and demonstrate that integrating phenotypic signatures enhances MoA discovery. Notably, 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde clustered with glucocorticoid receptor modulators and induced nuclear translocation, emphasizing the power of this approach in uncovering novel drug mechanisms and, therefore, aiding in improving therapeutic strategies.

The absence of a georeferenced database at a 1:1,000 scale for the Historic District of Panama City has hindered institutional cartographic integration and management, resulting in data duplication. This study applied Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) guidelines to basic cartography derived from photogrammetric restitutions, consolidating it into a standardized spatial database. The process involved analyzing CAD data, comprehensive database design, automated data migration using Model Builder in ArcGIS, and the evaluation of topological and thematic data quality. As a result, the BDE_CA_1K database was created, featuring 12 thematic layers, documented technical specifications, and orthophotomaps of the study area, along with a replicable methodology. The implementation of SDI and ISO standards improved data quality and interoperability, enhancing management and reuse. It is recommended to expand the database with new thematic layers and strengthen quality control measures for future initiatives in urban planning and the Panamanian Spatial Data Infrastructure.

Overall structure and functioning of economies around the globe have been drastically altered as a direct result of globalisation. In order to generate new information, ideas and innovations, the globalised market depend on the manpower with a high degree of expertise. To maintain a competitive advantage in the globalised market, several nations have made it their top goal to increase their investments in manpower that are capable of generating innovations, inventions, and creative ideas. Because of the increased demand for higher education in today's globalised society, the necessity of implementing quality control measures in educational institutions of higher learning has intensified.

Bovine mastitis is a significant disease affecting dairy cattle worldwide, impacting milk quality and farm profitability. Understanding pathogen distribution is crucial for effective disease management. This study analyzed 319,634 individual cow milk samples submitted to the UC Davis Milk Quality Laboratory between 2009 and 2023 to assess pathogen prevalence, seasonal variations, and long-term trends. Routine microbiological cultures identified major and minor mastitis pathogens, with additional testing for Mycoplasma spp. Statistical analyses evaluated annual and seasonal trends in bacterial isolation rates. Results indicated that environmental pathogens, particularly non-aureus staphylococci and coliforms, were most frequently isolated, while contagious pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Mycoplasma spp.) were less prevalent. Seasonal trends revealed higher contamination rates in Winter and increased no-growth samples in Summer. The study also observed a decline in sample submissions in recent years, possibly reflecting evolving dairy management practices. These findings provide a comprehensive perspective on mastitis pathogen dynamics in California's Central Valley, supporting improved milk quality control measures and tailored mastitis prevention strategies.

The primary objective of this study was to analyze the concentrations of essential nutrients and heavy metals in dairy products, specifically cow's milk and milk powder, to evaluate their nutritional quality and safety for consumers. The study aimed to compare the measured values with certified standards to identify any deviations that could pose health risks. Cow's milk and milk powder samples from various regions, including Mosul, were collected and analyzed for their elemental composition using analytical methods. The concentrations of essential macro and microelements, as well as heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, rubidium, and strontium, were measured. The findings were compared with certified values to assess the nutritional quality and safety of the dairy products. The analysis of cow's milk and milk powder samples revealed that essential macro and microelements were within acceptable limits, indicating good nutritional quality. However, certain heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and lead, were found to exceed standards in some samples, raising concerns about potential health risks associated with these contaminants. The study emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and quality control measures to ensure the safety and nutritional quality of dairy products, particularly in regions where heavy metal contamination levels were higher than expected. Further research is needed to understand the sources of contamination and implement strategies to mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal exposure in dairy products.

Objectives Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are a type of neglected tropical disease that are responsible for the majority of infections worldwide. The most common STHs are Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, S. stercoralis, and Trichuris trichiura.The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of STHs in the Agbeyangi community and its associated risk factors. Material and Methods The study is a cross-sectional, community-based descriptive study. Total sampling of consenting participants was done in the community. The research was carried out between June to August of 2023. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to capture information on socio-demographics. A fecal sample was collected in a test tube after obtaining consent from the parents/guardians, and samples were de-identified and coded. The coded samples were taken to the laboratory on the same day. Helminthes ova were quantitatively determined on slides per sample using the number of eggs per gram (epg) of feces. In order to calculate the amount of epg of feces, the number of helminth eggs was counted and multiplied by 24. Of these, 20% were chosen at random and read once more as a quality control measure and to verify the consistency of the outcome. Results Of the 500 respondents, those in the age range of 18-23 years had the highest response (161, 32.2%), followed by children between the ages 0-5 (137, 27.4%). Males were more prevalent (255, 51.0%) than females (245, 49.0%). The prevalence of STH was 13.2%. Hookworm (27, 40.91%) was the most prevalent species, followed by Entamoeba histolytica (19, 28.79%), the least being S. stercoralis (8, 12.12%). Risk factors for STH infection included the age range of 12-17 years, not wearing shoes, lack of awareness, lack of hand washing, and sources of drinking water (p<0.05). Conclusion Hookworm was the most common helminth infection in the community. However, STH was deemed to be low in the study area. Infection rates were considerably influenced by elements like age group, footwear use, awareness, and handwashing practices.

Gombe State, facing demographic shifts and growth challenges, partnered with UNICEF to undertake a Public Expenditure Tracking Survey (PETS). The “PETS” examined health budget allocations and funds flow, offering insights into delays, potential leakages, disparities in resource allocation, service delivery assessments, and analyzing staff incentives, behavior, and input quality. The “PETS” covered the entire state comprising 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 114 facilities with the participation of varied stakeholders. A mixed approach of quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect, analyze, and interpret data was used. Quality control measures, including real-time monitoring to enhance data accuracy, were observed. The survey results and data analysis show a worrying decline in Routine Immunization (RI) funding by 47% from the central level to local areas, signaling potential threats and compromise to the successful implementation of crucial immunization programs. A critical finding underscores 88.4% discrepancies between the funds disbursed by the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA) and the funds reported to be received at the LGA level. This inconsistency raises pertinent questions about reporting accuracy and the potential for paucity of documentation at the LGA level. In addition, “PETS” revealed the delays in funds transfers which ranged from four to thirty-five days. The study also found discrepancies in the reporting of RI visits, with 2588 numbers reported at the Local Government Area (LGA) compared to 1939 reported at the Primary Health Center (PHC) level. The report led to enhanced budgetary allocation for RI and improved documentation. In the long term, the findings will ensure a more transparent use of public health funds, reduce waste, pilferage of funds, and enhance healthcare quality and accessibility.