Quality Control Program Research Articles

Multistage quality control in manufacturing process using blockchain with machine learning technique

Information security has more demand for digital technology. Every industry transfers its data through computer networks for legal communication. The Internet of Things (IoT), sensor-based, is one of the most current advanced tools that can handle appropriate measures to control data operations across manufacturing industries. The demand for predictive machine reliability and quality drives the development of intelligent manufacturing technologies. To this goal, a variety of machine learning algorithms are being studied. Data protection and monitoring is also another concern that is a critical component of the organization. To overcome these issues, the proposed method uses Blockchain Technology (BCT) and Machine Learning to secure the information operations and manage a dataset. Significant data approaches were employed to organize and evaluate the obtained dataset. BCT allows collecting sensor user access data, whereas ML classifiers distinguish between normal and malicious behavior to detect attacks. DoS, DDoS, intrusion, a man in the middle (MitM), brute force, cross-site scripting (XSS), and searching are the attacks detected by BCT. Furthermore, the hybrid prediction technique assessed the fault detection prediction component. The program's quality control was set using non-linear machine learning techniques that represented the complicated world and determined the actual positive rate of the standard control methodology used by the platform. The experimental result shows that the proposed method outperforms empirical metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and response time. The proposed method efficiently provides security between innovative manufacturing transactions.

A spreadsheet tool for designing statistical quality control programs based on patient risk parameters

BackgroundQuality control (QC) in the laboratory aims to reduce the risk of harm to a patient due to erroneous results, as highlighted by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidance for Statistical Quality Control (SQC) (C24-Ed4). To effectively reduce patient risk, a convenient spreadsheet tool was developed to assist laboratories in SQC design based on patient risk parameters. MethodsIn accordance with Parvin's patient risk model and the mathematical formula for calculating the expected number of unreliable final patient results [E(Nuf)], the function is edited using Excel software, and the maximum E(Nuf) [MaxE(Nuf)] value and other risk parameters based on the current QC strategy are calculated to assess the risk of the QC strategy. ResultsA convenient spreadsheet tool is proposed in this study. After the quality requirements, performance parameters, practical run size, QC rules and the number of QC results of test items are input, the laboratory is enabled to quickly obtain MaxE(Nuf) value, maximum run size and other data based on the strategy. The QC strategy conforming to the risk requirements can be developed by changing the QC rules or the quantity of run size. Moreover, the Power Function Graph of the QC strategy and two risk diagrams are presented simultaneously. ConclusionsConvenient spreadsheet tools can be adopted by laboratories to assess the risks of QC strategies and design appropriate risk-based SQC strategies to reduce patient risk to acceptable levels.

Abstract P6-04-02: Ki67 Assessment Protocol: Companion Diagnostic Biomarker for LUMINA Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract Introduction: Luminal A breast cancer is associated with low proliferation, indolent disease biology and limited benefit from chemotherapy. The LUMINA prospective study recently demonstrated a very low 5 year local recurrence rate (2.3%) in women ≥55 years with grade I-II, T1N0 luminal A breast cancer (defined as ER ≥ 1%, PR>20%, HER2 negative and Ki67 index ≤ 13.25%) treated with breast conservation surgery and endocrine therapy without radiation, supporting the safe omission of radiation in this molecularly defined low risk group. Here, we report the protocol for multicentre Ki67 scoring, the embedded integral companion diagnostic employed in LUMINA. Methodology: Ki67 immunohistochemistry was performed on full-face sections at one of the 3 labs and scored by pathologists using an adaptation of the International Ki67 Working Group (IKWG) method. Prior to the start of the study, quality assurance and quality control programs were set up to standardize staining and scoring protocols. All pathologists completed the IKWG training and calibration exercise using a tissue microarray-based series of 18 breast cancers. Inter-laboratory variability was assessed annually during the study period on a set of 9 breast cancer cases with a range of Ki67 scores that purposely over-represented the 13.25% threshold. Stained slides were scanned and images annotated to demarcate invasive carcinoma. Next, 5 random, non-overlapping, 1 mm virtual cores were generated via software and 100 nuclei assessed per core using a keyboard-based counting aid. Ki67 index was derived as the percentage of all counted tumor nuclei that are positively stained. For cases with high Ki67 heterogeneity, additional virtual cores were generated and scored and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of Ki67 index was estimated. The goal was to confidently assign a case as luminal A (≤13.25%) or B (> 13.5%). If the 95% CI crossed 13.25% a recount was performed by an additional pathologist. Results: Quality Assurance Programs: Mean Ki67 index across all cases, labs and years was 13% with high concordance across specimens and score ranges. Observed intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were ≥ 0.9, showing near perfect agreement in quantitative Ki67 evaluation. About the 13.25% cutpoint, the observed Kappa statistics were ≥ 0.7 indicating excellent agreement for assignment of luminal A vs. B status. A sub-study was conducted to compare the method of randomly selected virtual fields with the IKWG ‘global weighted score’ method for visual assessment of full-face sections. For this purpose, the 9 quality control cases were reassessed by the same pathologist using the updated IKWG method. Results showed an ICC of 0.96 (0.95% CI: 0.91-0.98) indicating that the Ki67 score generated by the methodology employed in LUMINA trial is highly concordant with the IKWG scoring methodology validated for use on full face sections. Ki67 index summary statistics across LUMINA: Of the 724 eligible cases, 69% (n=500) were assigned as luminal A (median Ki67=7.5%; IQR 5.2-9.8%) and 31% (n=224) as luminal B (median Ki67=19%; IQR 17-23%). Median pathologist scoring time was 4 minutes/case; 45% of cases required scoring of > 5 virtual cores. Per protocol, 39% cases where the initial CI crossed 13.25% were rescored by additional pathologist for final luminal A consensus assignment. Conclusions: Ki67 is a practical biomarker for identifying molecularly defined low-risk luminal A cancers. Our structured quality assurance approach for the trial led to excellent reproducibility and concordance among decentralized labs, supporting applicability of a distributed, inexpensive methodology beyond clinical trial settings and in resource restricted environments. Citation Format: Torsten Nielson, Samuel Leung, Nazia Riaz, Zuzana Kos, Anita Bane, Timothy J. Whelan. Ki67 Assessment Protocol: Companion Diagnostic Biomarker for LUMINA Prospective Cohort Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-04-02.

HPLC-DAD Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant, Anticholinesterase, Antidiabetic and Anti-quorum Sensing Properties of Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola) and Kolanut (Cola acuminata)

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,2,373-383.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.2.040Published:February 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Sameh Boudiba, Selcuk Kucukaydin, Alfred Ngenge Tamfu, Kom Blaise, Aristide Mfifen Munvera, Yasmine Arab, Ozgur Ceylan, and Rodica Mihaela Dinica Author(s) affiliations:Sameh Boudiba1, Selcuk Kucukaydin2, Alfred Ngenge Tamfu3,4,*, Kom Blaise5, Aristide Mfifen Munvera6, Yasmine Arab7, Ozgur Ceylan4, Rodica Mihaela Dinica8 1Department of Matter Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Natural and Life Sciences, Larbi Tebessi University, Tebessa, ALGERIA. 2Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Koycegiz Vocational School of Health Services, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, TURKEY. 3Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Mineral Industries, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, CAMEROON. 4Food Quality Control and Analysis Program, Ula Ali Kocman Vocational School, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, TURKEY. 5Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, CAMEROON. 6Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, CAMEROON. 7Laboratory of Biomolecules and Plant Breeding, Life Science and Nature Department, Faculty of Exact Science and Life Science and Nature, University of Larbi Ben Mhidi Oum El Bouaghi, ALGERIA. 8Dunarea de Jos University, Faculty of Sciences and Environment, Department of Chemistry, Physics and Environment, Galati, ROMANIA. Abstract:Background: Eating Cola acuminata and Garcinia cola nuts in African societies symbolizes in socio-cultural hospitality. They stimulate the nervous system, reduce fatigue and sleep. Objectives: To determine the phenolic composition and bioactivities of G. kola and C. acuminata. Materials and Methods: Hydro-ethanol extracts of the nuts were prepared and their phenolic profiles determined using HPLC-DAD. Antioxidant, anticholinesterase, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing properties were determined. Results: The most abundant phenolic compound was caffeic acid (105.4±0.75 mg/g) in C. acuminata and myricetin (277.2±0.90 mg/g) in G. kola. The extracts showed good antioxidant activity in five complementary assays and G. kola was more active than both α-tocopherol and BHA standards in the DPPH•, CUPRAC and ABTS•+ assays while C. acuminata was more active than only the α-tocopherol standard in the same assays. Activities were close to those of standards in the β-Carotene-linoleic acid and metal chelation assays. Both extracts had good inhibition of Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with IC50 values 63.27±0.98 μg/mL and 94.15±1.05 μg/mL for C. acuminata and G. kola respectively compared to 5.50±0.25 μg/mL for galantamine in the AChE assay. In the BChE assay, the inhibitory activity was higher for G. kola (IC50 = 38.66±0.80 μg/ mL) that the standard galantamine (IC50 = 42.20±0.48 μg/mL) while that for C. acuminata (IC50 = 87.31±0.77 μg/mL) was moderate. The extracts inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase with G. kola (IC50=18.43±0.74 μg/mL) being more active than standard acarbose (IC50=20.52±0.84 μg/mL in the α-glucosidase assay. The nuts could inhibit expression of virulence factors in Chomobacterium violaceum CV12472 by disrupting violacein production and flagellated Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 by disrupting swarming motility. Conclusion: The results indicate good nutraceutical potential of both nuts. Keywords:Anticholinesterase, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Cola acuminata, Garcinia kola, Quorum-sensing inhibition.View:PDF (380.01 KB)

Organ-specific learning curves of sonographers performing first-trimester anatomical screening and impact of score-based evaluation on ultrasound image quality.

First-trimester anatomical screening (FTAS) by ultrasound has been introduced in many countries as screening for aneuploidies, but also as early screening for fetal structural abnormalities. While a lot of emphasis has been put on the detection rates of FTAS, little is known about the performance of quality control programs and the sonographers' learning curve for FTAS. The aims of the study were to evaluate the performance of a score-based quality control system for the FTAS and to assess the learning curves of sonographers by evaluating the images of the anatomical planes that were part of the FTAS protocol. Between 2012-2015, pregnant women opting for the combined test in the North-Netherlands were also invited to participate in a prospective cohort study extending the ultrasound investigation to include a first-trimester ultrasound performed according to a protocol. All anatomical planes included in the protocol were documented by pictures stored for each examination in logbooks. The logbooks of six sonographers were independently assessed by two fetal medicine experts. For each sonographer, logbooks of examination 25-50-75 and 100 plus four additional randomly selected logbooks were scored for correct visualization of 12 organ-system planes. A plane specific score of at least 70% was considered sufficient. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), was used to measure inter-assessor agreement for the cut-off scores. Organ-specific learning curves were defined by single-cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. Sixty-four logbooks were assessed. Mean duration of the scan was 22 ± 6 minutes and mean gestational age was 12+6 weeks. In total 57% of the logbooks graded as sufficient. Most sufficient scores were obtained for the fetal skull (88%) and brain (70%), while the lowest scores were for the face (29%) and spine (38%). Five sonographers showed a learning curve for the skull and the stomach, four for the brain and limbs, three for the bladder and kidneys, two for the diaphragm and abdominal wall and one for the heart and spine and none for the face and neck. Learning curves for FTAS differ per organ system and per sonographer. Although score-based evaluation can validly assess image quality, more dynamic approaches may better reflect clinical performance.

SMPTE in Radiology: The Forgotten Quality Control Test − A Pictorial Essay

All of us saw those colored images on Television (TV) with buzzing sound and especially in old public TVs see (Figs. 1, 2, and 3). These screens are called SMPTE screen which are used to tone the image and the sound for the people watching the TV before the TV shows started. There are three designs of TV SMPTE, the new ones are presented in see (Fig. 1 and 2) and the older one is presented in see (Fig. 3). The letters SMPTE stands for the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. However, SMPTE is used in radiology, not only in TVs. SMPTE is used as a quality control (QC) test for monitor display to tests its performance for The American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation process. It is a standard test for screen QC program in hospitals which mean it must be done by specialized personnel, not like quality assurance (QA) where anyone can do it and be proactive. This paper will focus on image quality of monitors in radiology departments by testing those monitors by using the SMPTE pattern.

AIUM Official Statement: Guidelines for Cleaning and Preparing External- and Internal-Use Ultrasound Transducers and Equipment Between Patients as Well as Safe Handling and Use of Ultrasound Coupling Gel.

AIUM Official Statement: Guidelines for Cleaning and Preparing External- and Internal-Use Ultrasound Transducers and Equipment Between Patients as Well as Safe Handling and Use of Ultrasound Coupling Gel.

Quality Control in Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory-A Glance

Quality Control (QC) is a process, designed to ensure reliable test results. It is a part of overall quality management of the laboratory in terms of accuracy, reliability and timeliness of reported test results. Two types of quality control are exercised in clinical biochemistry: Internal quality control and external quality assurance. Internal Quality Control (IQC), are the methods, which are performed every day by the laboratory personnel with the laboratory’s materials and equipment. It checks primarily the precision (repeatability or reproducibility) of the method. External Quality Assurance Service (EQAS) which are performed periodically (i.e. every month, every two months, twice a year) by the laboratory personnel, It checks primarily the accuracy of the laboratory’s analytical methods. Consequences of inaccurate results could be unnecessary treatment, treatment complications, failure to provide the proper treatment, delay in correct diagnosis, additional and unnecessary diagnostic testing leading to result in increased cost, in time and personnel effort and often in poor patient outcomes. By running quality control, a laboratory self-monitors its testing process and substantiate that the results produced are accurate and precise. Quality management system, looking at every aspect of the laboratory from sample collection to result dispatch is very important for achieving good laboratory performance. A QC programme allows the laboratory to differentiate between normal variation and error. This review article outlines indispensable role of quality control in clinical biochemistry laboratory which ensures patient satisfaction, the credibility of laboratory, generate confidence in laboratory results and reduce unnecessary financial burden.

RISK-BASED QUALITY CONTROL IN THE SURGICAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY; BRIEF REVIEW AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN INDIVIDUALIZED QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

One of the most important tools for reducing or preventing diagnostic errors in the surgical pathology laboratory is the establishment of a quality management system. Risk analysis and quality assurance are important components to ensure the sustainability of the quality management system. Quality assurance ensures the integrity of program design and includes interrelated activities quality control and quality monitoring-evaluation programs. Risk-based thinking is expressed as the planning of risks and how they should be managed by determining the possible dangers and risks in achieving the determined goals and objectives, using the available information systematically. Laboratories must identify and carry out a large number of interrelated activities to maintain their functions effectively. To achieve its goals, it must demonstrate the ability to measure and evaluate process performance, as well as to demonstrate the effectiveness of past decisions, along with improving operational effectiveness and efficiency. With a successful quality management process, the reliability of laboratory results can be increased. In this study, our objective was to develop a roadmap for the detection, monitoring and minimization of diagnostic errors in the surgical pathology laboratory, in line with the views of international regulatory organizations, to develop a quality plan based on risk management that covers the entire analytical cycle. It is not possible to discuss the quality control of laboratories without accepting the possibility of error in surgical pathology. Investing in continuing medical education and patient safety, as well as the training of new pathologists with a critical view to reducing errors is an imperative way to improve the practice of pathology.

ВИКОРИСТАННЯ КОНТРОЛЬНИХ ПРОБ ДЛЯ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ І КОНТРОЛЮ ЯКОСТІ (QA/QC)

Іn geological exploration, the quality of the data underlying of resource and reserve estimation is critically important. According to various international regulations and current world best practices, Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) programs are a necessary part of geological exploration. Quality Assurance (QA) is used to avoid the problems with quality, Quality Control (QC) is aimed at detecting them in case of their occurrence, and together they form the overall Quality System – QA/QC. The article considers the main stages of the history of QA/QC development, which begins in the Middle Ages and continues in our time. Control samples used to control analytical tests have different types and purposes / functions: standards, preparation blanks, coarse blanks, analytical blanks, field duplicates, coarse duplicates, pulp duplicates and umpire laboratory control. Their amount and ratio is the main topic of the research. According to the published data of nine different authors, the recommended control sample amount of each type is different. On average, the amount of control samples of all types is about 20% of the total number of routine samples. In order to highlight the current state of the issue, the authors of the article have analyzed 111 QA/QC programs for 87 ore projects according to the public reports disclosed by the issuers of the Toronto Stock Exchange. So, in practice, the control sample amount does not necessarily reach the recommended 20 % and is slightly more than 16 %. The main conclusions regarding the amount and ratio of control samples can be presented as follows: (1) the general increasing trend in the amount and variety of control samples is observed; (2) among the control sample types, the so-called standards are most often used, and the least used are coarse blanks; (3) the control sample amount and variety also depends on the mineral type; (4) at more advanced exploration stages of the project, the control sample relative number usually increases, but in some cases it may decrease if the results of the previous stages are satisfactory, and the methodology and laboratory are not changed.

Are peer comparison statistics obtained from Internal Quality Control and External Quality Assurance programs comparable?- An analytical study

Background Internal quality control IQC samples are used to monitor and evaluate the day to day analytical performance of parameters in a laboratory. While IQC is more useful in evaluating analytical precision External quality assessment EQA can evaluate both precision and agreement with peers. With the introduction of newer software IQC results can also be compared with peers to give an estimate of agreement in values.Aims This study was undertaken to evaluate the agreement between the peer comparison scores obtained from EQA and IQC. The Z-score from EQA was compared with the Standard Deviation Index SDI from IQC peer comparison data using two common chemistry analytes glucose and urea on Siemenrsquos Dimension.Methodology The monthly IQC Data from Unity Real Time URT software and the monthly EQA report of glucose and urea over a period one year was used for obtaining the two scores. The monthly Z score from EQA reports was compared with the corresponding monthly SDI calculated from IQC peer comparison data for the two parameters. Glucose and urea were analyzed on Siemenrsquos Dimension ExL fully automated Chemistry analyzer.Result Our study showed similar trends in the performance of the parameters in the peer comparison scores between IQC and EQA. However there was no statistically significant agreement between the two absolute scores.Conclusion This study shows that although the peer comparison scores in performance of an analyte can be obtained from both IQC and EQA it may not be appropriate to extrapolate the analyte performance observed in IQC to EQA in terms of absolute value in the scores.

Sigma Metrics as a Valuable Tool for Effective Analytical Performance and Quality Control Planning in Clinical Laboratory: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: For the release of precise and accurate reports of routine tests, its necessary to follow a proper quality management system in the clinical laboratory. One of the most popular quality management system tools, for process improvement, six sigma has been accepted widely in the laboratory testing process. It gives an objective assessment of analytical methods and instrumentation. Six sigma measures the outcome of a process, on a scale of 0 to 6. The poor outcomes are measured in terms of defects per million opportunities (DPMO). Aim: To do the performance assessment of each analyte by six sigma analysis and to plan and chart out a better, customised, quality control plan for each analyte, according to its own sigma value. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study, conducted from January 2022 to June 2022, in the Department of Central Laboratory, KMCT Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India. The precision and accuracy of 26 parameters in both haematology and biochemistry were assessed via Internal Quality Control (IQC) and External Quality Assurance (EQAS) Programme, analysis, and their performance was assessed by sigma analysis. Results: Clinical chemistry parameters showed an average percentage of Coefficient of Variation (CV%) of 2.65% and 2.3% for all the parameters in L2 (normal level) and L3 (abnormal levels) respectively. In haematology, the average CV% came out as, 1.3% (high level),1.82% (low level), and 1.35% (normal level). These values indicate excellent precision for all parameters in both clinical chemistry and haematology; with CV% below 3%. It was observed in the month of May, due to reconstitution errors, bias% showed a setback in a few chemistry parameters, due to which the sigma was lowered. Parameters with <3 sigma metrics (poor performance) occupy 37%, 3-6 sigma metrics (good performance) occupy 29% and >6 sigma metrics (world-class performance) occupy 34% of all the 26 parameters of clinical chemistry and haematology. Mean, Standard Deviation (SD) for biochemistry parameters were calculated using the daily IQC data. Conclusion: With the present study, sigma metric analysis provides a benchmark for the laboratory to design a protocol for IQC, address poor assay performance, and assess the efficiency of the existing laboratory processes. It is on the basis of strict quality control measures and sigma analysis, the present Institute, was able to achieve world-class performance in many analytes of clinical chemistry and haematology disciplines. However, a few analytes like alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and total protein needed more stringent external quality assurance monitoring and modified quality control measures.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control Programmes of Research Reactor Operation and Utilization at GHARR-1 Facility

Quality Assurance and Quality Control Programmes of Research Reactor Operation and Utilization at GHARR-1 Facility

Advances in imaging technologies for soybean seed analysis

Abstract: Among grain-producing species, soybean is one of the most important commodities, with increasing demand for production in coming years. Evaluation of soybean seed quality is fundamental for ensuring maximum germination and yield potential. Therefore, effective methods are necessary for examining different properties associated with physical-chemical, physiological, and seed-health changes that affect seed quality. This review focuses on the fundamental principles and on the application of techniques of radiographic imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, multispectral imagining, chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, and infrared thermography to evaluate changes related to loss of soybean seed quality, such as mechanical injury, injury caused by insects, embryonic malformation, and incomplete maturation. Computerized seedling image analysis is also presented for evaluation of seed lot vigor. The examples presented here show the potential of these image analysis techniques for identifying different types of injuries and increasing the efficiency of in-house quality control programs in soybean seed production companies.

Analytical validation and quality control/quality assurance practices for improved rigor and reproducibility of biochemical assays in orthopaedic research.

Orthopaedic research, and biomedical research in general, has made enormous strides to develop treatments for conditions long thought to be inevitable or untreatable; however, there is growing concern about the quality of published research. Considerable efforts have been made to improve overall research quality, integrity, and rigor, including meaningful proposals focused on transparency of reporting, appropriate use of statistics, and reporting of negative results. However, we believe that there is another key component to rigor and reproducibility that is not discussed sufficiently-analytical validation and quality control (QC). In this commentary, we discuss QC and method validation principles and practices that are systematically applied in the clinical laboratory setting to verify and monitor the analytical performance of quantitative assays, and the utility of applying similar practices to biochemical assays in the orthopaedic research setting. This commentary includes (1) recommendations for validation and QC practices, including examples of assay performance limitations uncovered by validation experiments performed in our laboratory, and (2) a description of an ongoing QC program developed to monitor the ongoing performance of commonly used assays in our lab. We hope that this commentary and the examples presented here will be thought-provoking and inspire further discussion and adaptation of analytical validation and QC procedures to advance our shared pursuit of high-quality, rigorous, and reproducible orthopaedic research.

Francisco Guilhien Gomes‐Junior, Agide Gimenez Marassi, Lívia Araújo Rohr, Silvio Moure Cícero, Infrared thermographic assessment to discriminate soybean seed vigor, 2022, (https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.21151)

The identification of differences in vigor among seed lots and individual seeds are important for research, seed industry and market. This study investigates the infrared thermographic assessment of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] seeds to discriminate seed lots based on their vigor levels. Seeds of five commercial lots were imbibed in moistened paper towel rolls (25°C for 6 h) and thermographic measurements of average temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and thermal amplitude were performed after removing the seeds from the paper towel rolls and thermal stabilization in a controlled environment (25°C and 70% relative humidity) for 15 minutes. The results indicated higher temperature levels from seeds in the lots with lower vigor than in those with higher vigor. The Pearson's correlations from traditional tests and thermo measurements were higher for the average temperature on the seed surface. The infrared thermographic assessment is a promising protocol to discriminate seed lot vigor of soybean crops. This technique can be useful as a fast and non-invasive test in plant breeding and quality control programs of seed companies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis of the Effective Implementation of Water Quality Improvement Programs for Citarum River, West Java, Indonesia

Pollution of rivers is a challenge for many countries. In the Citarum watershed, Indonesia, where pollution has been an emerging issue nationwide, many programs and policies have been set up. However, implementation of all the planned programs and the significance of their contributions toward water quality improvement of the Citarum River have not been analyzed. In this paper, we present original research on evaluating water quality programs planned to achieve outputs by using uncertainty and sensitivity analysis for a river. The essential inputs included: (1) key parameters, (2) priority planned programs, and (3) interrelationships between programs, parameters, and the level of successfulness of water quality control programs. The first and second inputs were prepared simultaneously using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The latter was obtained using the Delphi method to obtain the related stakeholders’ opinions. Finally, we explore Monte Carlo simulation to analyze parameter uncertainty and sensitivity contributing to the program’s effectiveness. By implementing all the water quality control programs, the results showed that cadmium, BOD, and fecal coliform were the most affected parameters. In addition, the most effective programs to improve the pollution index were domestic waste, farming, solid waste, and water resource programs. If those programs were implemented collectively, the probability of reducing the pollution index was within a range 2.01–36.22% from the base case.

Proposal of Brazilian National Program for Quality Control in the small animal PET scanners

In Brazil, currently there are six preclinical molecular imaging centers and seven different small animal PET systems in use. However, there is still no national specific legislation for research laboratories focused on preclinical molecular images, unlike clinical nuclear medicine centers. A standardization of quality control protocols is needed to harmonize the use of small animal PET scanners in the research field. Thus, the aim of this work was to propose a National Program for Quality Control (NPQC) for the preclinical PET imaging systems in Brazil. This work was based on the quality control tests performed in Molecular Image Laboratory LIM/CDTN based on NEMA NU 4-2008 as described and presented in doctoral thesis of GONTIJO, 2019. The proposal of the NQCP was based on the CNEN NN 3.05 Publication (2013) and includes fundamental tests to be adopted, if possible, in laboratory practice to corroborate the experimental data. The Quality Control Program implemented in LIM/CDTN is an innovative and unprecedented proposal in the scope of preclinical molecular imaging services in Brazil. Therefore, the LIM/CDTN Program was carried out as a pilot to evidence the applicability and viability of the NQCP using small animal PET scanners. Summarizing, this work presents a viable set of Quality Control tests and their periodicities like a proposal for standardization to harmonize the use of this imaging technology in the field of research. Therefore, a National Quality Control Program (NQCP) applied to small animal PET scanners.

Application of failure mode and effects analysis to validate a novel hybrid Linac QC program that integrates automated and conventional QC testing

A hybrid quality control (QC) program was developed that integrates automated and conventional Linac QC, realizing the benefits of both automated and conventional QC, increasing efficiency and maintaining independent measurement methods. Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) was then applied in order to validate the program prior to clinical implementation. The hybrid QC program consists of automated QC with machine performance check and DailyQA3 array on the TrueBeam Linac, and Delta4 volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) standard plan measurements, alongside conventional monthly QC at a reduced frequency. The FMEA followed the method outlined in TG-100. Process maps were created for each treatment type at our center: VMAT, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), conformal, and palliative. Possible failure modes were established by evaluating each stage in the process map. The FMEA followed semiquantitative methods, using data from our QC records from eight Linacs over 3 years for the occurrence estimates, and simulation of failure modes in the treatment planning system, with scoring surveys for severity and detectability. The risk priority number (RPN) was calculated from the product of the occurrence, severity, and detectability scores and then normalized to the maximum and ranked to determine the most critical failure modes. The highest normalized RPN values (100, 90) were found to be for MLC position dynamic for both VMAT and SBRT treatments. The next highest score was 35 for beam position for SBRT, and the majority of scores were less than 20. Overall, these RPN scores for the hybrid Linac QC program indicated that it would be acceptable, but the high RPN score associated with the dynamic MLC failure mode indicates that it would be valuable to perform more rigorous testing of the MLC. The FMEA proved to be a useful tool in validating hybrid QC.

Harmonization of indirect reference intervals calculation by the Bhattacharya method.

The aim of this study was to harmonize the criteria for the Bhattacharya indirect method Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet for reference intervals calculation to reduce between-user variability and use these criteria to calculate and evaluate reference intervals for eight analytes in two different years. Anonymized laboratory test results from outpatients were extracted from January 1st 2018 to December 31st 2019. To assure data quality, we examined the monthly results from an external quality control program. Reference intervals were determined by the Bhattacharya method with the St Vincent's hospital Spreadsheet firstly using original criteria and then using additional harmonized criteria defined in this study. Consensus reference intervals using the additional harmonized criteria were calculated as the mean of four users' lower and upper reference interval results. To further test the operation criteria and robustness of the obtained reference intervals, an external user validated the Spreadsheet procedure. The extracted test results for all selected laboratory tests fulfilled the quality criteria and were included in the present study. Differences between users in calculated reference intervals were frequent when using the Spreadsheet. Therefore, additional criteria for the Spreadsheet were proposed and applied by independent users, such as: to set central bin as the mean of all the data, bin size as small as possible, at least three consecutive bins and a high proportion of bins within the curve. The proposed criteria contributed to the harmonization of reference interval calculation between users of the Bhattacharya indirect method Spreadsheet.