Quality Performance Evaluation Research Articles

Discussion about Testing Scheme of Intelligent Medical Devices

Intelligent medical devices are flourishing with the deep integration of modern information and artificial intelligence technologies into healthcare. Testing is an important means of performance evaluation and quality control for intelligent medical devices. Compared with traditional medical devices, the testing methods and technologies of intelligent medical devices are still immature, and need active research to promote the progress in this area. Intelligent medical devices are classified according to their characteristics as artificial intelligence medical devices in the form of software and medical robots based on a general discussion of their development. The medical-device Internet of Things (IoT) system has also been included due to its close relation to the construction of smart hospitals. For each type of intelligent medical device, testing indexes and testing plans are discussed. It is suggested that specific test rules should be further developed for various specific devices. Besides, the evaluation method of complex intelligent systems should be introduced and real-world data should be used for evaluation. This paper aims to accelerate the development of intelligent medical device testing, laying the foundation for quality control and performance evaluation of intelligent medical devices.

Evaluation of physiological performance and fruit quality of citrus trees under colored shade nets and open field conditions: A comparative study

Shade nets are frequently used to protect fruit-bearing trees from unfavorable weather conditions. However, the impact of colored shade nets on plant growth and fruit quality of horticultural crops remains poorly understood. This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of colored shade nets on photosystem II efficiency (Fv/Fm), vegetative growth, and fruit quality of tangerine cultivar known as Murcott (Citrus reticulata, 'Murcott'). The experimental design consisted of a randomized complete block with six replications and five different shade net treatments: red 60%, red 40%, green 60%, green 40%, and an open field as the control. The nets were placed on steel rectangular structures, which had a height of 4.5 meters, for a period of three months during the summer season. The results indicated that all shade net treatments led to an increase in relative humidity and a decrease in temperature, as compared to the control group. The green 60% had the highest Fv/Fm value, even though it had low rates of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and light intensity (LUX). On the other hand, the open field had the lowest rate, despite having a high rate of PAR and LUX. Trees under green 60% had the highest leaf chlorophyll content, while those under red 40% had the lowest. The open field and green 60% had the highest shoot growth rate, whereas the lowest rates were observed in trees under red 60% and green 40%. There was no significant impact of any of the shade net treatments on leaf area and total yield compared to the control. Compared to the open field, all shade net treatments resulted in a decrease in sunburn incidence. The highest levels of total soluble solids (TSS) were observed under green shade nets and the control group, whereas the lowest levels were detected under the red nets. Furthermore, it was observed that the green 60% resulted in a significant increase in several parameters including titratable acidity (TA), antioxidant capacity, total phenols, total carotenoids, and color index (Lab*). Given these positive attributes, the green 60% option is considered to be a viable choice for covering citrus trees.

Evaluation of the Galileo high-accuracy service SSR product quality and PPP performance

The Galileo navigation satellite system (Galileo) High-Accuracy Service (HAS) is a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) augmentation service proposed by the European Union that providing free of charge orbit, clock and pseudo-range biases corrections to users around the world through E6 signals and by terrestrial means (Internet). However, there has been limited research on the performance of the HAS State Space Representation (SSR) products broadcast by the Galileo Service Centre (GSC). However, there has been limited research on the performance of the HAS SSR products broadcast by the GSC. This study uses BNC software to receive HAS SSR products and compares them with SSR products from three analysis centers with relatively high accuracy: Wuhan University (WHU), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), and analyzes them in terms of orbit, clock error, and positioning performance. In addition, Galileo HAS as a satellite-based augmentation service, this study chooses BDS PPP B2b, which is also a satellite-based augmentation service, as a comparison to analyze the performance of the HAS augmentation service. The results indicate that the signal-in-space ranging error (SISRE) values for Global Positioning System (GPS) and Galileo corrected by HAS are 7.26 cm and 5.79 cm, respectively. The average convergence times for the GPS + Galileo combination in the static and kinematic modes are 9.4 min and 14.1 min, respectively. Moreover, in kinematic mode, single-system positioning achieved an accuracy of better than 12 cm in the E direction and better than 17 cm in the U direction. In comparison with BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS) PPP-B2b, the average convergence time of HAS under static mode is 16 min, while that of B2b requires 19 min. Meanwhile, the positioning accuracy of B2b products in the three directions is improved by more than 1 cm compared with that of HAS. The convergence time of HAS in kinematic mode is 12 min shorter than that of B2b.

New horizons in prediction modelling using machine learning in older people's healthcare research.

Machine learning (ML) and prediction modelling have become increasingly influential in healthcare, providing critical insights and supporting clinical decisions, particularly in the age of big data. This paper serves as an introductory guide for health researchers and readers interested in prediction modelling and explores how these technologies support clinical decisions, particularly with big data, and covers all aspects of the development, assessment and reporting of a model using ML. The paper starts with the importance of prediction modelling for precision medicine. It outlines different types of prediction and machine learning approaches, including supervised, unsupervised and semi-supervised learning, and provides an overview of popular algorithms for various outcomes and settings. It also introduces key theoretical ML concepts. The importance of data quality, preprocessing and unbiased model performance evaluation is highlighted. Concepts of apparent, internal and external validation will be introduced along with metrics for discrimination and calibration for different types of outcomes. Additionally, the paper addresses model interpretation, fairness and implementation in clinical practice. Finally, the paper provides recommendations for reporting and identifies common pitfalls in prediction modelling and machine learning. The aim of the paper is to help readers understand and critically evaluate research papers that present ML models and to serve as a first guide for developing, assessing and implementing their own.

Biological features and quality comprehensive analysis of twelve germplasm resources of the genus Allium from Tibet.

Allium is important vegetables and seasonings in China, Tibet is rich in unique resources of the genus Allium, but lacks development and utilization. We compared the biological features and comprehensively evaluating the quality of twelve germplasm resources of the genus Allium collected from Tibet. The results revealed that nine germplasm resources were bolting and bloom normally except for SC015, SC019, and SC048, all twelve germplasm resources were able to vegetative growth. The individual differences in moisture, soluble sugar, and protein content among the twelve germplasm resources were relatively small, with pyruvic acid content ranging from 0.11 to 1.12 mg/g and a large variation coefficient. A total of 8 categories and 97 volatile compounds were detected in twelve germplasm resources, the majority possessed the highest proportions of aldehydes and organosulfur compounds, but there were certain differences between the different Allium species. Additionally, 11 to 16 types of free amino acids were present in all germplasm resources, proline exhibited the highest content. The total content of essential and non-essential amino acids in SC009 was the highest. Carbon (C) accounted for the largest proportion of all elements, and the contents of other mineral elements varied greatly among the different plants. In conclusion, combined with biological performance and comprehensive evaluation of quality, SC009 is the excellent germplasm resource suitable for growth and capable of reproduction with good quality. These results improved the exploitation and utilization of the genus Allium in Tibet, as well as provided germplasm resources for high-quality breeding of the genus Allium.

Exploring the effects of faults on the performance of a biological wastewater treatment process

ABSTRACT To prioritise which faults should be detected in a biological wastewater treatment process, and with what level of urgency, it is necessary to understand the effect that they have on the process. Using the Benchmark Simulation Model No. 1 and 2. (BSM1 and BSM2), several process and sensor faults were considered and their impacts on various cost, quality, and controller performance evaluation metrics analysed. Both the cost of treating the wastewater and the quality of the effluent were impacted in varying degrees of severity by the faults tested. The most influential faults in both models were decreases to autotrophic and heterotrophic growth rates, decreases to the heterotrophic death rate, and the inhabitation fault. It was shown that only larger fault sizes were significant, and the required speed of detection is dependent on the fault profile. Prioritising detection of the most influential faults was shown to have significant effects on monitoring requirements for fault detection and the subsequent complexity required of a fault detection system. A valuable takeaway was the similarity of results from BSM1 and BSM2; the consistency of the influential process faults suggests that systems that can be described by these models are likely affected by the same faults.

Assessment of Turnaround Time (TAT) for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Biopsies: A Single-Institution Experience.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. A delay in the diagnosis of OSCC can have a drastic impact on management and patient outcomes. One of the most crucial elements in oral management is the timely histopathological final diagnosis. Turnaround time (TAT) is regarded as the most important component of the quality performance evaluation. Many labs have struggled to improve their TATs despite advancements in computerization, transport systems, and analytical technologies. Aim: This study aimed to assess the TAT of OSCC cases, assess the mean TAT period, evaluate any TAT delays, and explore the reasons behind the TAT delays. Materials and methods: OSCC reports in Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, for one year from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, were retrieved from the Dental Information Archival Software (DIAS), and the mean TAT was noted. Further, the number of cases with delay in TAT was also observed, and the reason for their delay was listed. Descriptive statisticsand graphical representation were performed utilizing IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, V. 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). One-way ANOVA was performed with a significance set at a p-value less than 0.05. 230 OSCC cases were retrieved and included in the TAT evaluation for this study. Among 230 cases, 161 (70%) were incisional and 69 (30%) were excisional biopsies. Only seven (4%) incisional cases and seven (10%) excisional biopsies showed a delay in TAT. The most common reason for the delay in TAT was the requirement for deeper sections and decalcification of bone specimens. Out of 161 incisional cases, only 48 (29%) have undergone excision and further treatment. Twenty-one out of 69 (30%) excisional cases were found to be referral cases from other private institutions. The overall average TAT for 12 months was 3.24 ± 0.41 days for incisional biopsies and 11.88 ± 2.07 days for excisional biopsies. One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.00001. Our study sheds light on specific challenges in TAT delay and opportunities for the improvement of TAT. This can result in faster TAT of OSCC reports, further improve patient care, and enable prompt treatment. This study quantified the TAT for OSCC cases and identified critical areas for process improvement. The findings can inform strategies to streamline diagnostic workflows, reduce delays, and ultimately improve the timely delivery of care to patients with OSCC.

Analyzing Test Performance of BSIT Students and Question Quality: A Study on Item Difficulty Index and Item Discrimination Index for Test Question Improvement

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the test performance of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) students in the System Integration and Architecture (SIA) course, coupled with a meticulous examination of the quality of test questions, aiming to lay the groundwork for enhancing the assessment tool. Employing a cross-sectional research design, the study involved 200 fourth-year students enrolled in the course. The results illuminated a significant discrepancy in scores between upper and lower student cohorts, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions, curriculum enhancements, and assessment refinements, particularly for those in the lower-performing group. Further examination of the item difficulty index of the assessment tool unveiled the need to fine-tune certain items to better suit a broader spectrum of students. Nevertheless, the majority of items were deemed adequately aligned with their respective difficulty levels. Additionally, an analysis of the item discrimination index identified 25 items suitable for retention, while 27 items warranted revision, and 3 items were suitable for removal, as per the analysis outcomes. These insights provide a valuable foundation for improving the assessment tool, thereby optimizing its capacity to evaluate students' acquired knowledge effectively. The study's novel contribution lies in its integration of both student performance assessment and evaluation of assessment tool quality within the BSIT program, offering actionable insights for improving educational outcomes. By identifying challenges faced by BSIT students and proposing targeted interventions, curriculum enhancements, and assessment refinements, the research advances our understanding of effective assessment practices. Furthermore, the detailed analysis of item difficulty and discrimination indices offers practical guidance for enhancing the reliability and validity of assessment tools in the BSIT program. Overall, this research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence and actionable recommendations tailored to the needs of BSIT students, promoting educational quality and student success in Information Technology.

Evaluation of Quality Performance in Paper Pulp vs. Polyethylene Nursery Pots for Green Sustainability

The use of biodegradable paper pulp pots has been gaining traction, especially among environmentally conscious consumers and horticultural practitioners who prioritize sustainability. The choice between paper pulp and polyethylene nursery pots in horticultural practices is a complex decision, involving considerations such as environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, durability, and overall sustainability. This study aims to provide practical insights into the comparative performance of paper pulp and polyethylene pots, specifically in terms of plant health, degradation, and techno-economic considerations. The study involved the growth performance assessment of four plant species, Cannonball Tomato, Celebrity Tomato, Parris Island Lettuce, and French Marigold, in a greenhouse experiment setup. Additionally, a degradation analysis was conducted to determine the average degradation rate and pattern. Finally, a techno-economic analysis compared the value of plant health and degradation with the market price. By evaluating the quality performance aspects of paper pulp pots, this study not only provides valuable insights but also identifies potential areas of improvement for other biodegradable pots, thereby contributing to the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable horticultural practices.

A Multi-institutional Analysis of a Textbook Outcome Among Patients Undergoing Microvascular Breast Reconstruction.

Individual outcomes may not accurately reflect the quality of perioperative care. Textbook outcomes (TOs) are composite metrics that provide a comprehensive evaluation of hospital performance and surgical quality. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of TOs in a multi-institutional cohort of patients who underwent breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps. For autologous reconstruction, a TO was previously defined as a procedure without intraoperative complications, reoperation, infection requiring intravenous antibiotics, readmission, mortality, systemic complications, operative duration ≤12 hours for bilateral and ≤10 hours for unilateral/stacked reconstruction, and length of stay (LOS) ≤5 days. We investigated associations between patient-level factors and achieving a TO using multivariable regression analysis. Of 1000 patients, most (73.2%) met a TO. The most common reasons for deviation from a TO were reoperation (9.6%), prolonged operative time (9.5%), and prolonged LOS (9.2%). On univariate analysis, tobacco use, obesity, widowed/divorced marital status, and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy or bilateral reconstruction were associated with a lower likelihood of TOs (P < 0.05). After adjustment, bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (odds ratio [OR], 5.71; P = 0.029) and hormonal therapy (OR, 1.53; P = 0.050) were associated with a higher likelihood of TOs; higher body mass index (OR, 0.91; P = <0.001) was associated with a lower likelihood. Approximately 30% of patients did not achieve a TO, and the likelihood of achieving a TO was influenced by patient and procedural factors. Future studies should investigate how this metric may be used to evaluate patient and hospital-level performance to improve the quality of care in reconstructive surgery.

Automated Web-based Software for CT Quality Control Testing of Low-contrast Detectability using Model Observers.

The Channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) is well correlated with human observer performance in many CT detection/classification tasks but has not been widely adopted in routine CT quality control and performance evaluation, mainly because of the lack of an easily available, efficient, and validated software tool. We developed a highly automated solution - CT image quality evaluation and Protocol Optimization (CTPro), a web-based software platform that includes CHO and other traditional image quality assessment tools such as modulation transfer function and noise power spectrum. This tool can allow easy access to the CHO for both the research and clinical community and enable efficient, accurate image quality evaluation without the need of installing additional software. Its application was demonstrated by comparing the low-contrast detectability on a clinical photon-counting-detector (PCD)-CT with a traditional energy-integrating-detector (EID)-CT, which showed UHR-T3D had 6.2% higher d' than EID-CT with IR (p = 0.047) and 4.1% lower d' without IR (p = 0.122).

Sustainable biocomposites from pyrolyzed lignin and recycled nylon 6 with enhanced flame retardant behavior: Studies on manufacturing and quality performance evaluation

AbstractThe recycled nylon (RN)‐based biocomposites were fabricated by adding 25% lignin biocarbon. Lignin was pyrolyzed at 300, 600, and 900°C to produce Lig300, Lig600, and Lig900 biocarbon (BioC) samples, respectively. Higher functionality of Lig600 (unlike Lig900) allowed for improved interfacial interaction with the polar nylon matrix. Mechanical properties were further enhanced for RN_Lig600 composite with enhanced flexural and tensile strength by 18% and 8%, respectively, compared to neat polymer (RN). RN_Lig900 composite showed enhancement in tensile and flexural modulus by 32.6% and 51.1%, respectively, compared to RN. Incorporation of Lig900 in RN matrix resulted in 77.9% reduction in burning rate compared to RN. These results show the potential of lignin BioC as a filler in RN composites for flame retardant applications and mechanical enhancement, such as in the automotive industry.Highlights Effect of pyrolysis temperatures (300, 600, and 900°C) on lignin biomass. Composites prepared from recycled polyamide 6 from carpet waste and biocarbon. Improved interfacial adhesion of 600°C biocarbon with recycled nylon matrix. Enhanced thermal, mechanical properties, reduced flammability of biocomposites. Sustainable biocomposites with 900°C biocarbon reduced burning rate by 78%.

The Path to Continuous Development in Higher Education: Interplay between Quality Service, Student Satisfaction, and Performance Evaluation

This study explores the mutual interaction among quality services, student satisfaction, and performance evaluation in higher education and their impact on sustainable development. Through literature review and case analysis, it discusses how these elements collectively drive progress in higher education and enhance educational quality. The research findings indicate that effective quality services, satisfactory student experiences, and scientific performance evaluation are key factors in achieving sustained development in higher education.

Performance Evaluation of Power Quality in Shipboard Microgrid Under Different Working Conditions

Performance Evaluation of Power Quality in Shipboard Microgrid Under Different Working Conditions

Comparative Power Quality Performance Evaluation of Grid-Connected Solar PV System

Comparative Power Quality Performance Evaluation of Grid-Connected Solar PV System

Channelized hotelling observer-based low-contrast detectability on the ACR CT accreditation phantom: Part II. Repeatability study.

Objective and quantitative evaluation for low-contrast detectability that correlates with human observer performance is lacking for routine CT quality control testing. Channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) is considered a strong candidate to fill the need but has long been deemed impractical to implement due to its requirement of a large number of repeated scans in order to provide accurate and precise estimates of index of detectability (d'). In our previous work, we optimized a CHO model observer on the American College of Radiology (ACR) CT accreditation phantom and achieved accurate measurement of d' with only 1-3 repeat scans. In this work, we aim to validate the repeatability of the proposed CHO-based low-contrast evaluation on four scanner models using the ACR CT accreditation phantom. The repeatability test was performed on four different scanners from two major CT manufacturers: Siemens Force and Alpha; Canon Prism and Prime SP. An ACR CT phantom was scanned 10 times, each time after repositioning of the phantom. For each repositioning, 3 repeated scans were acquired at 24, 12, and 6 mGy on all four scanner models. CHO was applied at the measured dose levels for different low-contrast object sizes (4-6mm). The CHO was also applied to images created using deep learning-based reconstructions on Canon Prism and to four different scan/reconstruction modes on the Siemens Alpha, a photon-counting-detector (PCD)-CT. The repeatability was evaluated by the probability that a measurement would fall within the±15% tolerance (P<15% ). With the CHO setting optimized for the ACR phantom and the use of 3 repeated scans and 9 non-overlapping slices per scan, the CHO measurement could provide high repeatability with P<15% of 98.8%-99.9% at 12 mGy with IR reconstruction on all four scanners. On scanner A, P<15% were 91.5%-99.9% at the three dose levels and for all three object sizes while the numbers were 93.6%-99.998% on scanner B. P<15% were 96.5%-97.2% for the two deep learning reconstructions and 97.0%-99.97% for the four scan/reconstruction modes on the PCD-CT. The CHO provided highly repeatable measurements with over 95% probability that a CHO measurement would lie within the±15% tolerance for most of the dose levels and object sizes on the ACR phantom. The repeatability was maintained when the CHO was applied to images created with a commercial deep learning-based reconstruction and various scan/reconstruction modes on a PCD-CT. This study demonstrates that practical implementation of CHO for routine quality control and performance evaluation is feasible.

Content Based Recommendation System on Netflix Data

After pandemic, OTT platforms are the most common platform to provide entertainment to users. Among all platforms, Netflix has become most the popular one. Data visualization of Netflix data can provide valuable insights and benefits in many ways like understanding viewer preferences, content optimization, personalized recommendation, quality and content performance evaluation, fraud detection to name a few. This research provides exploratory data visualization and provide a content based recommendation system on Netflix data as in real world applications, company uses these recommendation system algorithms to determine which system are better to improve users’ engagement of the platform.

Evaluation of Quality Performance and Social Effectiveness of Arts and Humanities Journals Indexed in the Web of Science Database

This study aimed to evaluate the qualitative and Altmetrics status of 147 journals indexed in the Arts and Humanities Citation Index (AHCI). This practical-analytical study used qualitative indicators of journals and quantitative Altmetrics. Data was collected from Web of Science, Journal Citation Reports, and Altmetrics Explorer. The results showed that most of the journals this database covers are from European countries, and only one is from Asian countries. More than half of the reviewed journals have a score lower than average regarding Journal Citation Indicator, Eigenfactor Score, and Article influence score. In addition, 63 % of journals cite articles published less than 19 years ago. Nearly 20 % of journals were not on social media. There is a significant relationship between Journal Citation Indicator indices with Citing Half-life, Article influence score with Eigenfactor Score, and between qualitative and Altmetrics indicators. Most of the reviewed journals showed low-quality performance. These journals needed high scientific impact to increase their credibility and quality and remain in the Web of Science database.

Inductive and Capacitive Hysteresis of Current-Voltage Curves: Unified Structural Dynamics in Solar Energy Devices, Memristors, Ionic Transistors, and Bioelectronics

Hysteresis observed in the current-voltage curves of both electronic and ionic devices is a phenomenon where the curve's shape is altered on the basis of the measurement speed. This effect is driven by internal processes that introduce a time delay in the response to an external stimulus, leading to measurements being dependent on the history of the past disturbances. This hysteresis effect has posed challenges, particularly in solution-processed photovoltaic devices such as halide perovskite solar cells, where it significantly complicates the evaluation of performance quality. In other devices, such as memristors and organic electrochemical transistors for neuromorphic applications, hysteresis is an inherent aspect of their functionality, facilitating transitions between different conductivity states. Natural and artificial ionically conducting channels also exhibit pronounced hysteresis, a crucial component for generating action potentials in neurons. In this study, we aim to categorize various forms of hysteresis by identifying shared elements among diverse physical, chemical, and biological conducting systems. Our method involves examining hysteresis from multiple angles, using simplified models that capture essential response types. We analyze system behavior using techniques such as linear sweep voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy and transient currents resulting from small voltage steps. Our investigation reveals two primary hysteresis types based on how current responds to rapid sweep rates: capacitive hysteresis and inductive hysteresis. These terms correspond to the dominant component in the equivalent circuit, determining the transient time response. Remarkably, these concepts provide insights into vastly different systems, spanning solar cells, capacitors, transistors, electrofluidic nanopores, and protein ion channels. The consistency in electrical responses across the different cases enables the identification of the primary cause of hysteresis. We also elucidate the frequency dependence of hysteresis and the stepwise responses of solar cells, illustrating how fundamental relaxations contribute to the overall surplus or deficit of current during extensive voltage sweeps that define the current-voltage curve. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Research On Quality Performance Evaluation Method of Nuclear Power Programconstruction

Nuclear power project construction adopts the general contracting model, which covers four aspects: design, procurement, construction and commissioning. The evaluation of project quality performance in the construction process affects the quality decision of the project. Project quality performance evaluation is to grasp the key factors affecting the quality in the complex management process, and carry on the quantitative analysis of the construction quality. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is a scientific method for quantitative analysis of qualitative problems. This paper puts forward an evaluation method for the quality performance of nuclear engineering projects.