Quality Control Program Research Articles

Validation Parameters of the Magnetic Stirrer Method for Pooled Sample Digestion for Trichinella spp. in Horse Meat Based on Proficiency Tests Results.

Meat of horses may be infested with nematodes of the genus Trichinella spp. and can cause serious disease in humans. Rules for the carcasses sampling of species susceptible to Trichinella spp. infection and examination are laid down in Commission Regulation 1375/2015, where the magnetic stirrer method for pooled-sample digestion is recommended (Commission Regulation 1478/2020). All personnel involved in the examination should be properly trained and participate in quality control programs. Proficiency tests (PTs) play a key role in the quality verification process. This paper presents the results of PTs organized for 68 Polish laboratories in 2014-2019. Results were assessed qualitatively at three levels of sample contamination (0, 3, 5 larvae) and quantitatively at one level (5 larvae). The laboratories have achieved the average correct qualitative results 100%, 96.2% and 96.8% for the samples contaminated with 0, 3 and 5 larvae, respectively. In the quantitative evaluation, an average 94.1% of the reported results were correct. The data from PTs enabled us to define, for the first time, validation parameters of the digestion method for the horse meat matrix in a large-scale experiment including: specificity (100%), sensitivity (95.6%), accuracy (97.1%), the limit of detection (LOD) (1.14 ≈ 1) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) (3.42 ≈ 3).

Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) Practices in India: Need for a National AST Forum.

Background Accurate interpretation of antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) is one of the most crucial functions of the microbiology laboratory. However, its performance depends on a number of critical factors. We conducted a status survey to understand the existing practices in Indian laboratories that have a potential to influence performance of AST. Method We developed a 22-point online survey questionnaire on information about respondent's specifications, use of AST consumables, existing quality control protocols, and matters of contention in AST practices, and sent it by Google forms to 362 clinical microbiologists (holding MD or DNB certification). Participation was voluntary. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Among 362, a total of 103 returned the questionnaire. The first 100 responses that were complete (all 22 questions answered) were analyzed. Respondents were from medical colleges (61%), private hospitals (26%), and stand-alone laboratories (13%). Analysis revealed that the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines were followed by all. Overall, 54% used disc diffusion as the primary method for performing AST. For the internal quality control testing of media and AST, 24% and 16% had adequate testing components and frequency, respectively. For performing AST of colistin, broth microdilution was used by 19%. Also, 86% participated in external quality control programs, and 54% respondents were dissatisfied or unsure about the development of competencies in AST methodology during their postgraduate training. Conclusion This survey reveals that potential gaps exist in the performance parameters and internal quality control of AST. There is an urgent need for harmonization in AST performance and postgraduate training in clinical microbiology in India.

Prospective Peer Review for Hypo-Fractionated Treatments During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose/Objective(s)One of the measures taken in our department to minimize the risk of infection during the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic was to reduce the number of treatment fractions for appropriate disease sites. In this work we sought to assess peer-review grades for such hypofractionated cases during daily pre-dosimetric treatment planning multidisciplinary reviews as part of our ongoing quality control program.Materials/MethodsIn our multi-center radiation medicine department, prospective video-conferenced reviews are conducted daily on all cases requiring a new treatment plan by a multidisciplinary team using an in-house electronic whiteboard linked with our oncology-information systems. Each case is allocated a grade of A, B or C on the treatment directive and contours to respectively proceed with, suggest minor revisions, or to require major revisions prior to dosimetric treatment planning. The database was queried for the years 2017 through 2021 to assess trends of grades assigned for hypofractionated plans for comparison with those for conventional and SBRT plans for the same anatomic sites, for both pre-COVID (2017-2019) and COVID (2020-2021) years.ResultsOf the 7179 plans generated during this period for 11 anatomic sites, 980 were hypofractionated, 4823 were conventionally fractionated, and 1376 were SBRT plans with overall grade breakdown as follows: A: 69.9%, B: 30.0%, C: 0.1%. The fraction of B grades for conventional, hypofractionated and SBRT cases respectively were: Bladder (51.4%, 34.3%, -), Bone (10.5%, 13.0%, 35.7%), Brain (29.3%, 28.1%, 30.2%), Breast (20.9%, 19.8%, 100.0%), Endometrium (45.6%, 0.0%, -), Lung (30.1%, 26.7%, 34.3%), Pancreas (44.0%, 16.7%, 41.6%), Pelvis (29.0%, 100.0%, -), Prostate (33.5%, 24.5%, 36.4%), Rectum (40.9%, 21.9%, -), Skin (34.9%, 33.3%, -). For most sites, hypofractionated cases had lower fractions of B-grades and higher fractions of A grades compared with conventional or SBRT cases. The differences overall were not statistically significant (Mann-Whitney non-parametric test, p-value>0.05). Differences in grade fractions were minor in COVID versus non-COVID years. The only statistically significant differences noted in time trends were between hypofractionated cases versus SBRT cases for the bone sites (p-value 0.04).ConclusionReducing the fractionation regimens for appropriate anatomic sites during the COVID-19 pandemic yielded no major differences in prospective peer-review assessments compared with conventional or SBRT assessments. Peer review enabled continued resilience during the pandemic ensuring continuity of the quality of care.

Quality Assurance in the Dummy Run of a Multicenter Randomized Trial of POstmastectomy radioThErapy in Node-posiTive breast cancer with or without Internal mAmmary nodaL irradiation (POTENTIAL)

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> To present the results of the dummy run of POTENTIAL (Clinical trials.gov identifier NCT04320979), a multicenter phase III randomized study, investigating the compliance to the protocol guidelines of participating institutes and evaluating the effect of quality control programs in improving interinstitutional consistency. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Prior to protocol activation, all the participating institutes were asked to make a treatment plan for a breast patient with Internal mammary nodal (IMN) irradiation according to the protocol of the trial. CT images and outlines of the target volumes and the organs at risk (OAR) are provided by sponsor in Dicom-RT. The plan quality was evaluated by trail QA committee based on dose distribution, dose volume histogram (DVH) and field parameters, etc. After evaluation, recommendations for improvement of the plan quality would be forwarded to participants if a plan revision was required. Thereafter, dose verifications were completed to ensure the accuracy of treatment delivery. <h3>Results</h3> A number of deviations from trail protocol were observed by plan review. The average D95% of the CW and the IMN target volume were approximately 10% lower than prescribed dose for the conventional fractionation group (50 Gy in 25 fractions) and 3% for the hypofractionation group (43.5 Gy in 15 fractions). After revision, the dose coverage of the targets was significantly improved. The average D95% of the CW and the IMN target volume reached higher than 49 Gy and 43 Gy for the conventional fractionation group and the hypofractionation group, respectively. The revised plans also provided better OAR dose sparing. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The QA program in the dummy run had a positive effect in improving interinstitutional consistency, since the deviations from trail protocol were significantly decreased by plan review and revision.

Producing high quality LTCC sensors for ITER in-vessel magnetic diagnostics

Inductive magnetic sensors inside the vacuum vessel of ITER tokamak are crucial for plasma operation, plasma control and physics studies. This set of sensors was designed based on the LTCC (Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic) technology in order to survive the hostile environment inside ITER vacuum vessel with restricted space, high vacuum, high heat load, and high radiation level. Some features were also integrated into the sensor design to address specific service loads, for instance, accidental superheated steam intrusion. As per ITERs diagnostics design, in total 300 LTCC magnetic sensors have been successfully produced according to the manufacture design and following the specifically developed fabrication process. Extensive quality control program and rigorous factory acceptance tests had been implemented throughout mass production (final 300 sensors). These practices ensured that the sensors were produced to the desired quality and with high reliability.

Application of information-intelligence technologies in pharmacy intravenous admixture services in a Chinese third-class a hospital

BackgroundPharmacy intravenous admixture service (PIVAS) center has emerged as an important department of hospital as it can improve occupational protection and ensure the safety and effectiveness of intravenous infusions. However, medication errors were considered to be a significant challenge in PIVAS, so information-intelligence technologies were introduced to optimize the management of PIVAS. Our article summarized the application of information-intelligence technologies in PIVAS of a large third-class A hospital in China, and provided an example for PIVAS in other hospitals at home and abroad.MethodsPrescription-reviewing rules containing intravenous medications and infusion solution guideline were recorded in the database of prescription-cheking system. Drugs information were recorded in the PIVAS management system with special identification and warning labels to reduce intravenous infusion errors. Automatic labeling device was used to label the infusion bags, and the quality control program database of intelligent compounding robot for cytotoxic drugs was established ingeniously. Automatic sorting devices were applied for the third batch of finished infusion admixtures, and intelligent logistics robots were used to transport the infusion to the ward.ResultsAfter establishing and implementing of prescription-reviewing rules in the prescription-cheking system database, the number of prescriptions checked by pharmacists increased from 18 to 43 per minute. The success rate of intervention with irrational medical orders increased from 85.89% to 99.06% (P < 0.05). By introducing various intelligent devices, automatic labeling significantly enhanced work efficiency and reduced the error rate (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the use of intelligent intravenous compounding robots significantly reduced the risk of errors (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe application of information-intelligence technologies in PIVAS can improve work efficiency and reduce error risk. However, some intelligent devices have failed to achieve the expected effect in practical use, and further improvements are needed to meet the demands of PIVAS in the future.

Guide for starting or optimizing a 3D printing clinical service.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has applications in many fields and has gained substantial traction in medicine as a modality to transform two-dimensional scans into three-dimensional renderings. Patient-specific 3D printed models have direct patient care uses in surgical and procedural specialties, allowing for increased precision and accuracy in developing treatment plans and guiding surgeries. Medical applications include surgical planning, surgical guides, patient and trainee education, and implant fabrication. 3D printing workflow for a laboratory or clinical service that produces anatomic models and guides includes optimizing imaging acquisition and post-processing, segmenting the imaging, and printing the model. Quality assurance considerations include supervising medical imaging expert radiologists' guidance and self-implementing in-house quality control programs. The purpose of this review is to provide a workflow and guide for starting or optimizing laboratories and clinical services that 3D-print anatomic models or guides for clinical use.

External quality control in laboratory medicine. Progresses and future.

An external quality control program distributes same control samples to various laboratories and evaluates results obtained with a common criterion. The aim of this work is to summarize the evolution of various types of external programs, to point out the progresses ant to preclude practical consequences of the participant laboratories. The material consists on a brief revision of the different types of external programs that have been used for the last forty years. The method is the critical analysis of the strong and weak points of each program model, from the light of our experience.External quality assessment (EQA) programs were initiated at half the XX century, evidencing big discrepancies among laboratory results. EQA were developed in various countries and some mechanisms to harmonize them were proposed: to establish common performance specifications derived from biological variation, to use EQS as educational tool. Since the 2000 important advances were seen: to focus EQA to assure the adequate clinical use of laboratory tests, to use commutable controls, to harmonize the different EQA models, to promote a forum for co-operation and exchange of knowledge on quality-related matters for EQA organizers. To participate in an EQA with commutable-reference method assigned values controls allows to know the real inaccuracy of results and their impact on patient' samples. To participate in a EQA with non commutable controls allows to know whether the individual laboratory performance agrees with that from other laboratories using same analytical method.

Results From a Proficiency Testing Pilot for Immunosuppressant Microsampling Assays.

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of immunosuppressive drugs is important for the prevention of allograft rejection in transplant patients. Several hospitals offer a microsampling service that provides patients the opportunity to sample a drop of blood from a fingerprick at home that can then be sent to the laboratory by mail. The aim of this study was to pilot an external quality control program. Fourteen laboratories from 7 countries participated (fully or partly) in 3 rounds of proficiency testing for the immunosuppressants tacrolimus, ciclosporin, everolimus, sirolimus, and mycophenolic acid. The microsampling devices included the following: Whatman 903 and DMPK-C, HemaXis, Mitra, and Capitainer-B. All assays were based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. In round 2, microsamples as well as liquid whole blood samples were sent, and 1 of these samples was a patient sample. Imprecision CV% values for the tacrolimus microsamples reported by individual laboratories ranged from 13.2% to 18.2%, 11.7%-16.3%, and 12.2%-18.6% for rounds 1, 2, and 3, respectively. For liquid whole blood (round 2), the imprecision CV% values ranged from 3.9%-4.9%. For the other immunosuppressants, the results were similar. A great variety in analytical procedures was observed, especially the extraction method. For the patient sample, the microsample results led to different clinical decisions compared with that of the whole blood sample. Immunosuppressant microsampling methods show great interlaboratory variation compared with whole blood methods. This variation can influence clinical decision-making. Thus, harmonization and standardization are needed. Proficiency testing should be performed regularly for laboratories that use immunosuppressant microsampling techniques in patient care.

Performance evaluation of two interventional fluoroscope suites for cardiovascular imaging.

Interventional cardiology involves catheter‐based treatment of heart disease, generally through fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures. Patients can be subject to considerable radiation dose due to prolonged fluoroscopy time and radiographic exposure, and therefore efforts to minimize patient dose should always be undertaken. Developing standardized, effective quality control programs for these systems is a difficult task owing to cross‐vendor differences and automated control of imaging protocols. Furthermore, analyses of radiation dose should be performed in the context of its associated effects on image quality.The aim of the study is to investigate radiation dose and image quality in two fluoroscopic systems used for interventional cardiology procedures. Image quality was assessed in terms of spatial resolution and modulation transfer function, signal‐to‐noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratios, and spatial–temporal resolution of fluoroscopy and cineradiography images with phantoms simulating various patient thicknesses under routine cardiology protocols. The entrance air kerma (or air kerma rate) was measured and used to estimate entrance surface dose (or dose rate) in the phantoms.

Characterization of Reference Materials for TPMT and NUDT15: A GeT-RM Collaborative Project

Pharmacogenetic testing is increasingly provided by clinical and research laboratories; however, only a limited number of quality control and reference materials are currently available for many of the TPMT and NUDT15 variants included in clinical tests. To address this need, the Division of Laboratory Systems, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-based Genetic Testing Reference Material (GeT-RM) coordination program, in collaboration with members of the pharmacogenetic testing and research communities and the Coriell Institute for Medical Research, has characterized 19 DNA samples derived from Coriell cell lines. DNA samples were distributed to four volunteer testing laboratories for genotyping using a variety of commercially available and laboratory developed tests and/or Sanger sequencing. Of the 12 samples characterized for TPMT, newly identified variants include TPMT∗2, ∗6, ∗12, ∗16, ∗21, ∗24, ∗32, ∗33, and ∗40; for the 7 NUDT15 reference material samples, newly identified variants are NUDT15∗2, ∗3, ∗4, ∗5, ∗6, and ∗9. In addition, a novel haplotype, TPMT∗46, was identified in this study. Preexisting data on an additional 11 Coriell samples, as well as some supplemental testing, were used to create comprehensive reference material panels for TPMT and NUDT15. These publicly available and well-characterized materials can be used to support the quality assurance and quality control programs of clinical laboratories performing clinical pharmacogenetic testing.

Effect of season, genetic line and temperature during transport on sperm motility of commercial insemination doses of pooled boar semen: A retrospective study.

Commercial pooled semen from boars of maternal and terminal genetic lines was analysed over two consecutive years, as part of an external quality control program. Semen doses were prepared for two total sperm counts (2.0 × 109 /75 ml [n=578] and 1.5 × 109 /34 ml [n=643]). Semen doses were evaluated for motility, morphology and bacterial contamination at days 1 and 4 after collection. Additionally, temperature during transport was tracked and correlated to sperm motility. Sperm motility and morphology were significantly affected by genetic line, but not by total sperm per doses. Total motility (TM) was affected (p < .05) by season. Progressive motility (PM) was lower (p < .05) in some winter months, and higher (p < .05) in summer for maternal-line doses. Normal sperm morphology was higher (p < .05) in some months of late fall and winter, with an apparent decrease in some summer months. In general, motility was significantly higher on day 1 than on day 4, and was also affected (p < .05) by temperature, especially for terminal-line doses. Semen doses exposed to >15°C had higher (p < .05) TM, VSL (straight-line velocity) and linearity than doses exposed to <15°C. Progressive motility and straightness increased (p < .05) proportionally with temperature. At day 1, motility, average path velocity (VAP) and VSL increased (p < .05) with temperature, and was higher than the corresponding group at day 4, except for VSL. Sperm motility and kinematics at day 4 were similar between temperature groups, except for doses exposed to >20°C that had higher (p < .05) VAP and VSL than doses exposed to <12°C. Microbiology evaluation revealed that less than 8.2% (15/184) of the semen doses had bacterial growth. Sphingobacterium lactis was the most prevalent bacterium identified. In conclusion, genetic line strongly influences sperm motility, while total sperm count does not have an impact. Transient reduced temperatures during shipping do not impair sperm quality after 4 days of storage. Seasonal and temperature effects on sperm motility of pooled boar semen are not overcome by pre-production ejaculate selection and semen pooling.

Establishment of combined diagnostic models of Alzheimer’s disease in a Chinese cohort: the Chongqing Ageing & Dementia Study (CADS)

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are essential for the accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), yet their measurement levels vary widely across centers and regions, leaving no uniform cutoff values to date. Diagnostic cutoff values of CSF biomarkers for AD are lacking for the Chinese population. As a member of the Alzheimer’s Association Quality Control program for CSF biomarkers, we aimed to establish diagnostic models based on CSF biomarkers and risk factors for AD in a Chinese cohort. A total of 64 AD dementia patients and 105 age- and sex-matched cognitively normal (CN) controls from the Chongqing Ageing & Dementia Study cohort were included. CSF Aβ42, P-tau181, and T-tau levels were measured by ELISA. Combined biomarker models and integrative models with demographic characteristics were established by logistic regression. The cutoff values to distinguish AD from CN were 933 pg/mL for Aβ42, 48.7 pg/mL for P-tau181 and 313 pg/mL for T-tau. The AN model, including Aβ42 and T-tau, had a higher diagnostic accuracy of 89.9%. Integrating age and APOE ε4 status to AN model (the ANA’E model) increased the diagnostic accuracy to 90.5% and improved the model performance. This study established cutoff values of CSF biomarkers and optimal combined models for AD diagnosis in a Chinese cohort.

Evaluation of Radiation Protection Status of Diagnostic Radiology Departments of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences Hospitals

Purpose: The concept of Quality Control (QC) is considered a regular method to control, stabilize, and inspect the function of the diagnostic imaging system. The objective of implementing the QC program is to produce high-quality images by applying a minimum dose of radiation based on the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the status of radiation protection in diagnostic radiology wards of educational hospitals affiliated with Hamadan University of Medical Sciences.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In order to implement the QC programs, standard QC tests were performed for 11 devices at educational hospitals affiliated with Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. A Sweden QC kit called Pirranha was used to carry out the QC tests of X-ray devices, and the dosimetry of controlled areas. Also, the measurement of ambient dose in different places was performed by Graetz dosimeter made in Germany.&#x0D; Results: Voltage Reproducibility, Exposure time reproducibility, tube outlet Linearity, and tube outlet reproducibility tests in all radiology departments which were in accordance with standard criteria were accepted; however, about 10% of the total filtration resulted in different centers needed to be corrected. In terms of radiation protection, 5% of the centers had problems related to warning signs, dimensions of radiology rooms were not standard at 7% of wards and also required protection was not sufficient at 9 percent. Moreover, there were problems with 12% of radiology centers in terms of dosimetry results and the efficiency of different parts of the radiology device.&#x0D; Conclusion: QC programs performed by authorized companies are costly. But if these programs are done by qualified physicists in addition to reducing costs, we will see a significant increase in the accuracy and precision of the obtained results.

Quality control test of fixed x-ray units at Bir hospital and National trauma center

One of the important goals of the use of X-rays is to diagnose a disease and its extent and minimizing the adverse effect. In diagnostic X-ray, there is an important issue concerning the quality of the image and the exposure of radiation to the patient. Regular practice of quality control in diagnostic X-ray is essential to provide good quality images, decrease hazard to patients, and enhance the appropriate diagnosis. Quality control tests were carried out at six fixed X-ray units at National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital and National Trauma Center. Parameters like kVp accuracy, timer accuracy, Reproducibility of kV, time and dose, variable mA and radiation output Linearity with the acceptance limits were checked. Radiation leakage, spatial resolution, contrast resolution and field alignment tests were also carried out. Quality control tests of kVp dose, dose rate, HVL, mAs, beam alignment and leakage radiation shows mixed results. The measured values were within limit in four X-ray units. Until now we do not have any regulations in Nepal on acceptance testing of x-ray units after installation. The need for quality assurance of X-ray needs to be taken to avert detrimental effects to patients and staff. Institutes must introduce a mandatory system for acceptance tests of X-ray when installed and alongside regular quality control programs.

Identifying risk characteristics using failure mode and effect analysis for risk management in online magnetic resonance-guided adaptive radiation therapy.

Online magnetic resonance-guided adaptive radiotherapy (MRgART) is a new technology of radiotherapy and requires a new quality control program in many aspects. This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of risks in online MRgART through the application of failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) for more enhanced and effective quality assurance (QA) programs. We present an FMEA conducted by a multidisciplinary team with more than two years of experience. A process map describing the whole process of online MRgART was developed and potential failure modes were identified. High-risk failure modes and their potential causes and corrective measures were also identified. Failure modes were classified into three categories, MRgRT, online ART, and conventional RT, to investigate their features. A comparison with previous studies was also conducted to gain a general perspective. In total, 153 failure modes and 49 high risks were identified. Among all failure modes, 51, 63, and 66 were related to MRgRT, online ART, and conventional RT, respectively. The hazardous processes were structure segmentation, treatment planning, and treatment beam delivery. Lists of failure modes identified in this study and previous studies were presented. Based on the results, characteristics and general aspects of the risks were discussed. Exploring the results of the FMEA enhanced our understanding of risk characteristics to improve QA program of online MRgART.

The VES-Matic 5 system: performance of a novel instrument for measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

The VES-Matic 5 is an automated analyzer that assesses erythrocyte sedimentation rate based on a modified Westergren sedimentation technique. Instrument performance was established by addressing the recommendations of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology. Comparison against the reference Westergren method was performed for all samples, and further for the low, middle, and upper third of the analytical range. Intra-run precision, inter-run precision, and interference studies were further assessed. This study included the evaluation of reference ranges. The comparison of methods by Passing-Bablok analysis has shown a good agreement without systematic or proportional differences. The regression equation was y=-0.646+0.979x. The mean bias of-0.542 was obtained by Bland-Altman analysis and the upper limit of 8.03 withthe lower limit of-9.11 can be considered clinically acceptable. Intra-run and inter-run precision were good for each parameter and interference studies did not show any significant bias with exception of anemia samples, which showed a proportional difference when comparing high erythrocyte sedimentation rate values. Using the local adult reference population, we verified the reference ranges in comparison to those available in the literature, and according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP28-A3C document. We determined the upper limit partitioned by gender and the following age groups: from 18 to 50, from 50 to 70, and over 70. The VES-Matic 5 analyzer presented good comparability with the reference method. As there are commercial quality control and suitable external quality assessment (EQA) material and programs, the VES-Matic 5 can be employed appropriately for routine purposes.

Factors Influencing Students' Selection to the Certificate In Food Processing and Quality Control Program at Sik Community College, Ministry Of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysia

Selection of field of study is an important matter for every student when furthering their studies in higher education. Each individual has different interests. In determining the success of one's life, the selection of the right course is important, especially in determining a career upon graduation and entering the industry. Individual talent and abilities towards courses offered by higher education institutions are also important to ensure that every individual who chooses a field of study at the Higher Education level achieves excellence in studies. This is a qualitative study that employs a semi-structured interview tool. The goal of this research was to identify the factors that influence students' decisions to enroll in the Certificate in Food Processing and Quality Control Certificate program at Sik Community College. The research was carried out at Sik Community College, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. Five informants were chosen at random for the interview session based on sampling. Based on the results of interviews with informants, the study's findings were recorded and reviewed. According to the study's findings, the factor of continuing their studies to a higher level is the main factor for students to choose to take this course, along with job opportunities and family influence factors that also play a role in course selection. As a result, some suggestions for improvement have been made in order to increase student enrollment and the institution may also define student interest to implement promotion for intake to College's Certificate in Food Processing and Quality Control program.

Image analysis for the evaluation of soybean seeds vigor

The search for time and human subjectivity reduction in the analysis of the physiologic potential of seeds has brought forward the use of computerized systems as an alternative. The goal of this research was to assess the effectiveness of the GroundEye equipment in the characterization of soybean seeds vigor by using the image analysis technique in comparison to the information provided by vigor tests recommended to soybean seeds. Sixteen lots of two soybean varieties were used — variety 98Y12 and P98Y70, characterized by the following tests: germination test, accelerated ageing test, cold test, tetrazolium test, and seedling emergence in the field. The image analysis was performed using the GroundEye software to obtain the vigor index and the average length of seedlings and roots for a later comparison with the results of the accelerated ageing test and the manual measurement of the average length of seedlings and roots. GroundEye has demonstrated efficiency in the determination of vigor of soybean seeds and has reduced the time needed to obtain the results in six days, being indicated in the quality control programs established by soybean seeds production companies.

Real-world visual outcomes of cataract surgery based on population-based studies: a systematic review

Background/aimsQuantity of cataract surgery has long been an important public health indicator to assess health accessibility, however the quality of care has been less investigated. We aimed to summarise the...