Strengthening Quality Assurance Research Articles

ADVANCEMENTS AND INNOVATIONS IN PM2.5 MONITORING: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

This comprehensive review examines the evolving landscape of PM2.5 monitoring, emphasizing its critical role in environmental chemistry, public health and electrical/electronic engineering. Traditional methods, including manual sampling, gravimetric analysis, and the Federal Reference Method (FRM), have long been relied upon for PM2.5 measurement but are hindered by limitations in spatial coverage, temporal resolution, and cost. In response, emerging technologies such as wireless sensor networks, low-cost sensor technologies, remote sensing techniques, and machine learning algorithms offer promising solutions to overcome these challenges. Through an analysis of case studies and applications in various environmental settings, including urban areas, industrial zones, and indoor environments, the review highlights the effectiveness of monitoring networks in enhancing spatial and temporal resolution, as well as the need for community engagement and real-time monitoring solutions. Furthermore, technological innovations such as sensor fusion, data analytics, and artificial intelligence hold great promise for improving the accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of PM2.5 monitoring data. Regulatory agencies and policymakers play a crucial role in advancing PM2.5 monitoring by harmonizing monitoring standards, strengthening quality assurance measures, and developing evidence-based regulations to mitigate air pollution and protect public health. In conclusion, international cooperation and collaboration are essential for addressing transboundary air pollution and global environmental challenges. Regional monitoring networks and international agreements provide frameworks for data sharing, standardization of monitoring practices, and collaborative research efforts. To this end, stakeholders can leverage PM2.5 monitoring by adopting new technologies, improving data quality, and supporting evidence-based actions to safeguard public health, the environment, and sustainability

Insider perspectives on systematic provision of quality technical vocational education and training in Zimbabwean tertiary institutions

Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is defined as an educational process that focuses on the acquisition of practical skills, and an understanding of technologies and related sciences necessary for employment in a particular occupation or trade. The implementation of TVET is on the premise that students develop the requisite skills necessary to increase their employability and for the development of the economy through entrepreneurship. The study sought to ascertain the challenges and proffered strategies of attaining TVET programmes in Zimbabwean tertiary institutions. A qualitative approach was used, and a case study design employed. Two research questions guided the study. The data collection instruments were interviews, document analysis and focus group discussions. The participants were selected through purposive sampling. The study revealed the following challenges: lack of TVET training facilities, poor teaching methods, poor funding, deplorable facilities, and routine assessment of students' competencies. The following strategies were proffered: deliberate continual professional development of TVET lecturers, provision of adequate training facilities, and mobilisation of the requisite financial resources. It was recommended that central government, policymakers, and all TVET providers should deliberately focus on strengthening quality assurance in all the TVET tertiary institutions.

Central Government Schemes in Indian Higher Education: A Comprehensive Analysis of Impact, Quality, and Assessment Methodologies

This comprehensive analysis examines the impact of central government schemes on Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in Indian higher education, focusing on initiatives such as Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), and the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Act. Through a meticulous review of literature, survey data analysis, and discussion of outcomes, this research delves into the complexities of GER trends, scheme effectiveness, and socio-economic factors influencing enrolment rates. Findings reveal nuances in scheme outcomes, highlighting variations across population segments and geographic regions. While schemes like RUSA and PMKVY show potential in bridging enrolment gaps and preparing a skilled workforce, reforms are necessary to optimize their impact. Moreover, the Higher Education Funding Agency (HEFA), under the HECI Act, plays a significant role in infrastructure development but needs to balance this with broader educational quality considerations. Contrary to initial hypotheses, the study finds no statistically significant association between scheme implementation and sustainable GER growth, emphasizing the need for evidence-based reforms. Recommendations include enhancing awareness campaigns, aligning training programs with industry needs, and strengthening quality assurance mechanisms. This research contributes valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders striving to enhance accessibility, quality, and inclusivity in Indian higher education.

Using administrative data from adult protective services: opportunities and considerations

ABSTRACT As federal agencies support the development of data systems for adult protective services (APS), researchers and practitioners are increasingly using administrative data to study types of adult maltreatment, including self-neglect, and the systems that respond to them. To date, however, APS has worked with little guidance about how best to use these data. This situation has contributed to inconsistent findings and uneven quality of research. Based on the authors’ experience in multiple states and using examples from research and practice, this paper reviews practical considerations related to organizing and analyzing APS administrative data. We address concerns related to time-limited, erroneous, and missing data, as well as defining metrics and accounting for the multilevel structure of data with repeated observations. Reviewing these methodological details can help APS practitioners strengthen quality assurance processes and improve research in this important area.

Fostering Graduate Employability: Rethinking Tanzania’s University Practices

Globalization, partly spurred by technological innovation such as artificial intelligence and robotics, continues to disrupt not only economic trajectories and business models, especially in the developed world, but also the knowledge and skill requirements for graduates entering the labor market. A growing corpus of literature on graduates’ employability has identified barriers to employment ranging from skills mismatch to a lack of soft skills. Although the literature on graduate employability is informative and illuminating, the role of university practices in fostering graduate employability in sub-Saharan Africa, and Tanzania in particular, has been less studied. Drawing on the broader employability literature, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of the best university practices in an effort to address the unemployment problems of university graduates in sub-Saharan Africa and Tanzania in particular. Four critical university best practices for fostering graduate employability are of interest—developing effective university—industry partnerships, aligning university education with a country’s development plans, regular university curriculum reviews, and strengthening quality assurance systems. Therefore, this article contributes to the higher education literature on the role of university practices in fostering graduate employability.

Strengthening quality assurance by implementing an evidence-based revision of a ward accreditation programme

Ward accreditation is fundamental in contemporary healthcare delivery. One NHS trust in southwest England that had been placed in special measures introduced a ward accreditation programme - known as the ASPIRE programme - but the trust's senior nursing leadership team raised concerns about the level of quality assurance provided. Therefore, the trust revised its newly created ward accreditation programme, referring to the evidence base to re-evaluate the metrics used for assessment. Five new elements, including direct registered nurse care time and ward climate, were introduced in the accreditation process. The revision improved confidence in the quality assurance provided by the programme, which became central to the trust's overall improvement plans.

Colombian higher education institutions evaluation

Over the last twenty years, access to higher education has grown extraordinarily in Latin America. Higher education systems have been challenged to improve their efficiency while strengthening quality assurance processes. In Colombia, the government and the researchers developed models to assess the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Nevertheless, the current scholarship does not have a model that allows the system to measure multiple efficiencies in a diverse environment. In this study, we address the challenge of evaluating the efficiency of HEIs taking into account different goals of the Colombian education system. To this aim, we extend a cross-efficiency data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to evaluate the efficiency of Colombian HEIs in the presence of flexible measures. While some HEIs are efficient in terms of teaching or employment, others are efficient in terms of research. Therefore, the model suggests broader policies to achieve the efficiency of the institutions under multiple goals.

Quality assurance of health management information system in Kayunga district, Uganda

Background: An efficient health management information system (HMIS) improves health care delivery and outcomes. However, in most rural settings in Uganda, paper-based HMIS are widely used to monitor public health care services. Moreover, there are limited capabilities and capacity for quality HMIS in remote settings such as Kayunga district.Objectives: The quality assurance practices of HMIS in health centres (HCs) in Kayunga district were evaluated.Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used to assess the quality of HMIS at 21 HCs in Kayunga district. Data were collected through in-depth interviews of HMIS focal persons as well as document analysis of HMIS records and guidelines between 15 June 2010 and 15 July 2010. The main outcomes were quality assurance practices, the HMIS programmatic challenges and opportunities. The practice of HMIS was assessed against a scale for good quality assurance practices. Qualitative data were coded and thematically analysed, whereas quantitative data were analysed by descriptive statistics using SPSS v22 software.Results: All the 21 HCs had manual paper-based HMIS. Less than 25% of HCs practised quality assurance measures during collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of HMIS data. More than 50% of HCs were not practising any type of quality assurance during analysis and dissemination of data. The main challenges of the HMIS were the laborious and tedious manual system, the difficulty to archive and retrieve records, insufficient HMIS forms and difficulty in delivering hard copies of reports to relevant stakeholders influenced quality of data. Human resource challenges included understaffing where 43% of participating HCs did not have a designated HMIS staff.Conclusion: The HMIS quality assurance practices in Kayunga were suboptimal. Training and support supervision of HMIS focal persons is required to strengthen quality assurance of HMIS. Implementation of electronic HMIS dashboards with data quality checks should be integrated alongside the manual system.

Examining the Quality of Medicines at Kenyan Healthcare Facilities: A Validation of an Alternative Post-Market Surveillance Model That Uses Standardized Patients.

BackgroundPromoting access to medicines requires concurrent efforts to strengthen quality assurance for sustained impact. Although problems of substandard and falsified medicines have been documented in low- and middle-income countries, reliable information on quality is rarely available.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to validate an alternative post-market surveillance model to complement existing models.MethodsThe study used standardized patients or mystery clients (people recruited from the local community and trained to pose as real patients) to collect medicine samples after presenting a pre-specified condition. The patients presented four standardized conditions to 42 blinded facilities in Nairobi, Kenya, resulting in 166 patient–clinician interactions and dispensing of 300 medicines at facilities or nearby retail pharmacies. The medicine samples obtained thus resemble those that would be given to real patients.ResultsSixty samples were selected from the 300, and sent for analysis at the Kenya National Quality Control Laboratory. Of these, ten (17%) did not comply with monograph specifications (three ibuprofen, two cetirizine, two amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combinations, and one each for prednisone, salbutamol and zinc). Five of the ten samples that failed had been inappropriately prescribed to patients who had presented symptoms of unstable angina. There was no association between medicine quality and ownership, size or location of the facilities.ConclusionThe study shows that the standardized patient model can provide insights into multiple dimensions of care, thus helping to link primary care encounters with medicine quality. Furthermore, it makes it possible to obtain medicines from blinded sellers, thus minimizing the risk of obtaining biased samples.

Medical Physics Challenges for the Implementation of Quality Assurance Programmes in Radiation Oncology

The importance of quality assurance in radiation therapy, as well as its positive consequences on patient treatment outcome, is well known to radiation therapy professionals. In low- and middle-income countries, the implementation of quality assurance in radiation therapy is especially challenging, due to a lack of staff training, a lack of national guidelines, a lack of quality assurance equipment and high patient daily throughput. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Directory of Radiotherapy Centres, the proportion of linear accelerators compared with Co-60 machines has increased significantly in recent years in low- and middle-income countries. However, this increase in the proportion of relatively more demanding technology is not always accompanied with the necessary investment in staff training and quality assurance. The IAEA provides supports to low- and middle-income countries to develop and strengthen quality assurance programmes at institutional and national level. It also provides guidance, through its publications, on quality assurance and supports implementation of comprehensive clinical audits to identify gaps and makes recommendations for quality improvement in radiation therapy. The new AAPM TG100 report suggests a new approach to quality management in radiation therapy. If implemented, it will lead to improved cost-effectiveness of radiation therapy in all income settings. Low- and middle-income countries could greatly benefit from this new approach as it will help direct their scarce resources to areas where they can produce the optimum impact on patient care, without compromising patient safety.

Internationalization, Deregulation and the Expansion of Higher Education in Korea: An Historical Overview

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of internationalization policies in Korean higher education since 1993. Deregulation was a key strategy of Korean governments, but this strategy has led to an increasing oversupply of enrolment capacity. In response, the current government is implementing a system of reregulation to reduce the number of institutions and control admission quotas. Although cross-national comparisons put Korea’s schooling system among the world’s highest performing, deep structural and cultural challenges exist in higher education. The article recommends that future policy development and implementation should focus on three broad areas: 1) strengthening quality assurance; 2) increasing engagement with international bodies and networks; and 3) enforcing regulatory compliance.

Strengthening Quality Assurance: The Role of University Administrators

Modern-day university administrators, in Ghana, seem to have found themselves in a changed environment, with increased and increasing challenges, to operate and achieve success. Several calls have been made on university administrators as important stakeholders in the effective and efficient management of the system in that regard. Roles of administrators are often overlooked when discussing the quality assurance issues in higher education. Administrators have pivotal influence on university policies, faculty morale and general functioning of the system. Considering the role of the university administrator, in the management of the higher education systems in Ghana, this study examines university administrators’ role in ensuring quality of administration in the universities.

Development and application of highly specific PCR for detection of chicken (Gallus gallus) meat adulteration

In order to prevent fraud in the sale and strengthen quality assurance, authentic identification of chicken meat is essential. In the present investigation, a chicken (Gallus gallus)-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed for the unambiguous identification of chicken meat. The PCR assay employs pair of primers designed against chicken nuclear 5-aminolevulinate (ALA) synthase gene. Highly chicken-specific diagnostic amplicon of 288 bp was established upon PCR and was evident in all the nine breeds/strains of chicken species. Sensitivity of PCR in detecting chicken meat adulteration was established to be at 0.1 % in the foreign meat matrix, while limit of detection (LOD) of chicken DNA was 10 pg. Suitability of the developed chicken-specific PCR was validated and confirmed in raw, cooked/heat treated (60, 80, 100, and 121 °C), and micro-oven cooked meat samples. Possibility of cross-amplification of adulterating DNA was excluded by cross-checking the developed PCR assay with several animal and avian species. The PCR assay developed in this study is highly promising for applications involving circumstances that require authentic identification of chicken meat.

Contextual and individual-level predictors of abused children's reentry into out-of-home care: A multilevel mixture survival analysis

Objectives This study examined the effects of individual and contextual factors on reentry into out-of-home care among children who were discharged from child protective services in fiscal year 2004–2005. The objectives were to: (1) examine individual and contextual factors associated with reentry, (2) explore whether there are meaningful groups of youth who differ in terms of risk for reentry, and (3) determine whether relatively homogeneous clusters of child welfare agencies, based on contextual characteristics, differ significantly in terms of the reentry rates of the children whom they serve. Method The study design involved a multilevel longitudinal analysis of administrative data based on an exit cohort. Two Cox proportional hazards multilevel mixture models were tested. The first model included multiple individual level predictors and no agency level predictors. The second model included both levels of predictors. Results The results of multilevel Cox regression mixture modeling indicated that at the individual level, younger age, being placed in out-of-home care because of neglect and having physical, health problems corresponded to a decreased likelihood for reentry. At the agency level, lower average expenditures per child and contracting out case management services were associated with faster reentry into out-of-home care. Conclusions This study demonstrates that children who reenter out-of-home care appear to be a homogeneous population and that reentry is associated with both contextual factors and individual characteristics. Practice implications The most important implication that can be drawn from the study findings is that reentry may be most effectively prevented by focusing on such factors at the organizational level as contracting out case management services and funding allocation. Child welfare agencies that are responsible for an array of services and decide to contract out case management should consider the use of performance-based contracts and emphasize and strengthen quality assurance approaches for contracted services. In addition, to compensate for lower funding allocated for children served in out-of-home care, child welfare workers should become more familiar with community resources and help connect families to these supports.

Why a Coordinated Accreditation System Benefits School Health Education Programs: A Response to Clark's Commentary

Concerns about a coordinated accreditation system for professional preparation programs in school health education were raised by Clark in a commentary published in the October 2009 issue of the Journal of School Health. The purpose of this article is to clarify information presented by Clark as well as offer alternative views to some of his opinions. To provide context, an overview is provided about efforts to strengthen quality assurance systems for school and community health education. Additional topics address the Dallas II conference, generic competencies, unification of the profession, National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education/Teacher Education Accreditation Council, competency-based vs settings approach, and CUP implications. In the discussion, the authors address several key points raised by Clark and note areas of agreement, alternative views, and clarification of facts. The conclusion summarizes the benefits of accreditation for school health education and the health education profession.

Sustainable Assessment And Evaluation Strategies For Open And Distance Learning

This paper first presents an overview of the concepts of assessment and evaluation in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environment. The large numbers of students and numerous courses make assessment and evaluation very difficult and administrative nightmare at Distance Learning (DL) institutions. These challenges informed exploring issues relating to assessment and evaluation like the development and use of question bank and deployment of technology in assessment with emphasis on strategies for sustainability. Assessment in ODL, unlike in the Conventional system where students have a range of opportunities to demonstrate their learning periodically, depends on formal assessment tasks only. Thus, for validity to be high in ODL assessment, assessment must provide the appropriate situation possible for measuring the specific abilities being measured. Reliability is maximized when the assessment items are many; the items are not too easy or too difficult for the candidates; and the marking consistent. Evaluation depends on Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and End of Semester Examination (ESE) in ODL system. Large question/item bank (with reliable and valid questions) from which items are picked to constitute test are needed. Attempts are made to provide argument for the use of computer as a viable option for sustainable assessment based on its sustainable features especially for ODL institutions with a large number of students’ population. It is hoped that these strategies if adopted have the potentials to eliminate some of the challenges that ODL institutions are currently facing in assessment. It will also strengthen quality assurance mechanism in ODL institutions.

Strengthening Quality Assurance in Health Education: Recent Milestones and Future Directions

The health education profession has a lengthy history of efforts to assure the quality of health education professional preparation and practice. These initiatives to improve the value and accountability of health education are not only beneficial to current practitioners and faculty but also to consumers, students, employers, other professional colleagues, and numerous other stakeholders. This article describes the movement during the last decade to further strengthen quality assurance in health education, including current credentialing mechanisms for individuals and academic programs, the efforts of three national accreditation task forces, and the 2006 Third National Congress for Institutions Preparing Health Educators (Dallas II). Post-Dallas II activities related to program accreditation and approval and individual certification are presented as well as future directions for the health education workforce.

Membrane and Flashing Defects in Low-Slope Roofing: Causes and Effects on Performance

Good roof performance requires proper design and specification, quality materials, professional workmanship, and proactive maintenance. Shortcomings in any phase of roof asset management will compromise performance and shorten service life. The objective of this study was to identify relationships between roof asset management processes and performance problems identified in an inventory of United States Army low-slope membrane roofs. First a review of literature pertaining to roof asset management was conducted. Next, a large Army roof inspection database was analyzed to identify the types and relative frequencies of common defects, and their impacts on performance. The writers and experienced inspectors then applied both engineering and field experience to provide expert analysis of the data. Approximately 75% of the performance problems in the sampled inventory were attributable to deficiencies caused by factors other than natural degradation. The writers conclude that roof performance can be significantly improved by strengthening quality assurance processes during installation, particularly by ensuring that installers comply with contract specifications and utilize industry-accepted construction practices.