Terms Of Quality Assessment Research Articles

POSSIBLE SCENARIOS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN TERMS OF THE EDUCATION QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Specialists capable of complex multidimensional assessment are in demand in the education system. The authors of the paper explore the potential of Master’s degree programmes in terms of the education quality assessment. The research methods are: deduction and comparative logical analysis. The paper presents the empirical data on the current state of the designated profile of Master’s programmes in the context of their content specifics and goal-setting. The sample consisted of 12 Master’s degree programmes from 10 universities of the Russian Federation. The costs of the target components of Master’s degree programmes in the field of quality assessment are identified; the ways of updating the target components are indicated taking into account professional standards. The intersections in the disciplines of “pedagogical” and “non-pedagogical” Master’s programmes in terms of quality assessment are identified and interpreted. Arguments are put forward for adjusting the content of programmes taking into account the labour functions established by professional standards in the field of education. Three scenarios for the development of Master’s degree programmes in terms of quality assessment are proposed in the interests of general education: the scenario of the applied Master’s degree, the scenario of the academic Master’s degree, and the scenario of convergence.

Quality Assessment and Modulating Factors on Self-Regulatory Behavior in Peer-Assisted Medical Learning.

Standardized extracurricular skills labs courses have been developed in recent decades and are important approaches in peer-assisted medical learning (PAL). To provide high quality training and achieve effective learning strategies, continuous evaluations and quality assessments are essential. This research aims to evaluate quality data from medical students participating in extracurricular skills labs courses at Ruhr-University Bochum to prospectively optimize concepts and didactical training and standardize processes. Additionally, we set out to assess and quantify drivers that are influencing factors of the self-reflection of competencies. The analysis was based on a routine assessment of n = 503 attendees of the PAL courses in the skills labs in three consecutive semesters, who voluntarily participated in the evaluation. We analyzed the effects of age, semester and their interaction on the self-reflection of competencies in technical skills courses using moderated regression and simple slope analyses, as previously published. A univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tukey HSD testing was used to analyze group means in estimated competencies using IBM SPSS Statistics V.28. An analysis of variance revealed a significant increase in self-assessed competencies when comparing pre- vs. post-course evaluation data in all 35 depicted items (all p < 0.001). A total of 65.5% of the items were adjusted significantly differently, revealing modified self-reflected pre-course levels compared to those stated before. A moderated regression analysis revealed that age (R2 = 0.001, F(1;2347) = 1.88, p < 0.665), semester of study (∆R2 = 0.001, ∆F (1;2346) = 0.012, p < 0.912) and their interaction (∆R2 = 0.001, ∆F (1;2345) = 10.72, p < 0.227) did not explain a significant amount of the variance in self-reflection variance. A simple slope analysis of earlier (b = 0.07, t = 0.29, p < 0.773) and later semesters of study (b = 0.06, t = 0.07, p < 0.941) did not differentiate from zero. The presented evaluation paradigm proved to be a useful tool to encourage students to initiate self-regulatory and self-reflective behavior. The cohesive evaluation of the large cohort of attendees in extracurricular, facultative skills labs courses was helpful in terms of quality assessments and future adaptations. Further evaluation paradigms should be implemented to assess other influencing factors, such as gender, on self-reflection, since age and semester did not explain significant differences in the model.

Audio description and interpreting training: a comparison of assessment criteria from the perspective of learners

ABSTRACT In recent years, researchers have noticed similarities between audio description (AD) and interpreting in training and quality assessment. Drawing on an AD training programme for interpreting students at a university in Hong Kong, this study explored the similarities and differences between AD and interpreting in terms of quality assessment and learner perception. Macrocriteria and microcriteria in AD and interpreting training were compared. It was found that AD and interpreting shared three macrocriteria: accuracy, language, and delivery. Meanwhile, a number of microcriteria and a macrocriterion were identified as exclusive either to interpreting or AD. The differences may be partly explained by the interlingual nature of interpreting, the intersemiotic nature of AD, and the relevant training arrangements. A survey was also conducted among 42 students to investigate learners’ perceptions of assessment criteria in AD and interpreting. The results show that the students identified some criteria as more difficult to achieve separately in AD and in interpreting, and they ranked some criteria as more important in AD and others as more important in interpreting. The findings of this study may help trainers better understand the needs of learners and develop more diverse and refined approaches to AD and interpreting training.

Experimental Study of Rubber Composite Quality Assessment in Terms of Electrical Conductivity and Accelerated Thermal Ageing

Belt conveyors represent efficient transport systems that are used for transportation of bulk materials across all industries. Their basic structural component is a conveyor belt. During storage and deployment, conveyor belts undergo an inevitable process of ageing which leads to deterioration of their properties. A challenge associated with the use of conveyor belts is to ensure the required electrical conductivity. This challenge has prompted the research into conveyor belts that was aimed at identifying their electrical conductivity, considering primarily the effects of ageing. Identification of electrical conductivity of newly manufactured conveyor belts is important for manufacturers in order to comply with relevant standards, and for conveyor belt users in order to eliminate potential hazards.

Satellite Image Based Spatio-Temporal Variation Assessment in Captive Limestone Mines for Long-Term Viability

Land use and Land cover mapping are crucial applications for planning and disaster mitigation as well as prevention. Such mapping is possible via satellite imagery. Every pixel in the training set must be labelled in order to employ machine learning techniques combined with image analysis for such land cover mapping. This paper mainly concentrates on the mining sector for assessing sustainable land environmental management plans. Google Earth mapping is one of the most efficient, economical, and reliable methods for better understanding of spatial and temporal changes of limestone mining area with less human efforts. High-resolution Google Earth images are used in assessing the temporal changes of the Limestone mine area in Kadapa district from 2011 to 2020. Google Earth Pro open-source software was used to extract images of captive limestone mines, which were then clipped using a polygon tool to aid in the creation of a land-use region occupied by the active mining area. It was found that the active mining area variation rate is in the Dalmia Cement Limestone mine is 308.49% which is the highest compared to Bharathi Cement Limestone Mine mining area variation rate (240%), which is second, and the lowest mining area variation rate is found in the Niduzuvvi Limestone Block-1 area, which is 11.67%. Based on the overall impact of limestone mining in the study area, it is recommended that all stakeholders especially mine and cement plant owners; pay close attention to the area’s land environmental issues. The proposed technique is used for quality assessment in terms of prediction accuracy. The system so developed is observed to outperform existing systems implemented with the benchmarks counterparts.

M8. Electrocardiogram findings as predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence after intervention: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence rate still stands between 40% and 50%, causing complications. Therefore, early diagnosis of AF recurrence is needed for prompt treatment, thus morbidity and mortality could be reduced and quality of life could be improved. Aim Determine predictive value of electrocardiogram and its findings towards AF recurrence in population who have underwent intervention. Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA statement. Six reviewers searched studies from PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO from inception to June 2021 with primary outcome of AF recurrence. Data was appraised and processed using random effects or fixed effects model with the outcome of mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) with 95%-confidence interval (95% CI). Results Thirty included studies involving 5,490 subjects were found good in terms of quality assessment. AF recurrence on patients underwent cardioversion was more likely found in patients with larger P-wave duration (OR = 2.90; 95% CI [1.47, 5.74]; p = 0.01) and P-wave dispersion (MD = 12.67 ms; 95% CI [10.73, 14.62]; p &amp;lt; 0.00001). AF recurrence on patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was highly associated with larger P-wave duration (MD = 13.92 ms; 95% CI [11.54, 16.30]; p &amp;lt; 0.00001) and P-wave dispersion (MD = 11.53 ms; 95% CI [8.41, 14.65]; p &amp;lt; 0.00001). However, the relation between P-wave duration and AF recurrence on cathether ablation yet to be determined (MD = 6.34 ms; 95% CI [-0.77, 13.44]; p &amp;lt; 0.00001). Conclusion P-wave and P-wave dispersion were considered as predictive factor for AF recurrence in patients underwent cardioversion and PVI.

Dosimetric characterization of medical linear accelerator Photon and Electron beams for the treatment accuracy of cancer patients

In radiotherapy treatment planning process, quality assessment (QA) is indispensable for achieving accuracy and avoidance of treatment errors. In this perspective, present study focused on the Photon and Electron beams characterization of a medical linear accelerator (LINAC) to ascertain dosimetric QA in Absolute and Reference dosimetry. In this connection, the beam outputs were investigated in terms of Dmax and Dw,max (dose at depth dmax) in absolute dosimetry for Photon and Electron beams, respectively. In accordance with the measured Dmax and Dw,max parameters, Photon and Electron beam outputs were standardized to ensure standard output of 1 cGy/MU. In reference dosimetry, the parametric evaluation was performed for dosimetric QA in terms of percent depth dose (PDD), beam profile flatness and symmetry, output factors: Scp, Sc, Sp with varying field size (FS) ranging from 4´4 cm2 to 40´40 cm2 normalized at FS 10´10 cm2 for the 6 MV and 10 MV Photon beams. The measured PDDs at 10 cm depth (D10) were found to be 66.8% and 73.6% for 6 MV and 10 MV Photon beams, respectively, with significantly small deviation of 1% and 0.8% in comparison with an international PDD protocol of British Journal of Radiology-25 (BJR -25). In the case of Electron beams characterization, PDD was verified with 10´10 cm2 cone/applicator, beam profile flatness and symmetry were analyzed at the field sizes ranging from 6´6 cm2 to 25´25 cm2 normalized at 10´10 cm2 cone/applicator, and Electron cone ratios were investigated for a given cone/applicator relative to the 15´15 cm2 one for the 6, 9, 12, 15 MeV Electron energies. The PDDs of all the Electron beams revealed reasonable consistency with manufacturer’s estimations of 90%, 80%, and 50% PDDs at various depths of ionization.

Design, Implementation and Assessment of a Web-Based Ethnomathematics Instructional Content Repository for Mathematics Teachers in Benue State, Nigeria

This study developed and assessed a web-based ethnomathematics instructional content repository for pre-service and in-service mathematics teachers in Benue State, Nigeria. The study adopted a developmental research design to systematically build and evaluate the educational intervention as a solution to complex problems in mathematics education practice. The development was achieved using WordPress Version 5.4, hosted online at https://villagemath.net on Linux OS server running with cPanel v80.p (Build 20), Apache Version 2.4.39, PHP Version 5.6.40 and MySQL Version 5.7.26. The study was guided by seven research questions posed around common web metrics, key performance indices, and quality assessment in terms of content, navigation, structure, appearance and uniqueness of the designed web tool. Five hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance using t-test. The sample for the study comprises 341 pre-service and in-service mathematics teachers drawn from a population of 2981 using purposive sampling. The main instrument of the study is the researcher-developed Web-based Ethnomathematics Instructional Content Repository Assessment Questionnaire – WEICRAQ (Cronbach Alpha Coefficient = 0.98, indicating a high level of internal consistency of the instrument). Additional data collection was handled using WP Statistics, Pingdom Tools, Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix and WebPage Test. The research questions were answered using charts, graphs, mean and standard deviation. Analysis of the results of the study yielded a positive pattern of common web metrics for the designed web tool, indicating that the platform appeals to a wide range of users, with key performance indicators such as speed index, page size, and last painted hero affirming that the platform is robust, elegantly designed and fast. The results also showed that pre-service and in-service mathematics teachers in Benue State, Nigeria unanimously rated the Web-based Ethnomathematics Instructional Content Repository high in terms of content, navigation, structure, appearance and uniqueness. The outcomes of this study has demonstrated that culture can indeed become an integral part of every aspect of instructional design, making it important to consider social and cultural peculiarities in planning and delivering mathematics instruction. The Web-based Ethnomathematics Instructional Content Repository has humanized Mathematics for users and provided a reservoir of resources for training students in conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning and productive disposition. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that Mathematics teachers should continue to use the Web-based Ethnomathematics Instructional Content Repository as a worthy companion tailored to their specific professional needs, and that students across all levels of education should seek deeper and more enriched learning experience by continuously leveraging on instructional resources available on the web tool to enhance their individualized learning, enrich their cultural rediscovery, and add aesthetic value to their learning of Mathematics as a school subject. It was also recommended that Mathematics educators in colleges of education and universities should deploy the instructional environment as a veritable tool for re-directing narratives across the field of Mathematics Education, and that Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government agencies in the educational and cultural sectors should make use of the ethnomathematics platform to drive their initiatives in grassroots development.

Regional Aspects of Land Management Policy and Self-governance Opportunities

One of the most important foundations of sustainable economic development is a prudent land management policy, which in turn is complex and addresses the nature of socio-demographic problems. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the importance of self-sufficient agricultural development and food security has become one of the modern challenges, with land as the spatial basis of the economy. The new legislative norms and rules enacted in the country from 2020 require active actions by both the central government and local self-governments. UN studies and recommendations emphasize the importance of complex, multisectoral cooperation and separate the responsibilities of all three levels (center, region, self-government), where elements of duplication must be eliminated and actions taken in full coordination. The axis of the main strategic vision is the central government, its cooperation and activation of the regional factor in terms of assigning coordinating, concentrating functions is extremely interesting, which is unconditionally expressed in terms of efficiency and flexibility of the case. Action in time and space is much more effective than the process of self-regulation. In determining the main directions of the land policy, it is important to outline hierarchically and functionally correctly the responsibilities and obligations of the law enforcers. Morover, the paper outlines the principles of cooperation and coordination, but at the same time emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the exclusive, statutory functions of self-government in terms of targeted and effective use of agricultural land in the country. Determining the market value of land, introducing differentiated taxes and creating a qualitative classification in modern conditions is one of the important challenges. To address these issues, an action software model is presented on the example of Bolnisi Municipality, based on sustainable development, economic Principles of optimization and rationalism, therefore accurately and objectively reflects the real situation. It is noteworthy that the mechanisms for determining the market value of land are created by a system and not an expert opinion brought to the air, the incorrect examples of which have accumulated quite a lot in the country. The approaches and action model proposed in the paper require the introduction of scientific thought and modern innovative systems in terms of quality assessment on the one hand, and on the other hand in terms of objective differentiated tax, because the precise definition of the real picture is the basis for a well-organized systemic-structural reform, which the field unconditionally needs even today. Keywords: Land management policy, market price, local government, agriculture, land balance, soil, optimization.

Water quality assessment in terms of water quality index (WQI): A case study of the Tigris River, Baghdad, Iraq

This work deals with the monitoring and assessment of water quality of the Tigris River within Baghdad. Samples were taken monthly from September 2018 till August 2019 for a year, from eleven sites in Baghdad city. The National Sanitation Foundation Index (NSF-WQI) values of river water deteriorated from “medium” to “bad” to “very bad” in almost all the eleven sampling sites. The water quality is found to be most deteriorate during the summer season with an average NSF-WQI value of 34.9 as compared to spring, winter and autumn seasons, having an average NSF-WQI value of 40.8, 43.1 and 44, respectively. Out of the eleven sampling sites, Al-Wathba site (S7) and Al-Rasheed site (S11) is observed to be the most polluted sites. The metal pollution index (MI) model is categorized the water quality of the Tigris as seriously affected where the Iron (Fe) and Lead (Pb), are prominent parameters and most deteriorated in this model. Based on these indices, it is concluded that industrial facilities, city wastewater and intensives communities that living along the river bank are negatively affecting the water quality of the Tigris River.

Sediments quality assessment in terms of single and integrated indices from Romanian MONITOX network (2019 – 2020)

The assessment of sediments quality from Romanian part of MONITOX Network was performed using both single indices - Single Ecological Risk Index (ErMe), Contamination Factor (CF Me), Enrichment Factor (EF Me), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo Me) - and integrated indices - Ecological Risk Index (RI), Global Pollution Index (PLI), Nemerow Pollution Index (PI N), Degree of Contamination (mCd), Probability of Toxicity (MERMQ), Contamination Security Index (CSI) - considering the heavy metals concentrations. The sediments were collected in 2019 and 2020 from 32 sampling points in the system of Danube river – Danube Delta - Black Sea, as follows: Lower Danube RO-BG (1), Lower Danube RO (10), Lower Prut RO-MD border (2), Danube Delta RO-UA border (7), Danube Delta –RO (2), Black-Sea area-RO (10). The selected heavy metals investigated in this work by ICP-MS technique are: Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn. For the evaluation of defined indices, the standard quality levels and background concentrations corresponding to the selected heavy metals were used. At the individual and integrated levels, it was observed an annual decreasing trend. The sediments from the Black Sea area are much less contaminated with heavy metals than those from the Lower Danube (Romania), attributed to the historical pollution resulting from anthropogenic activities. CSI – an index that includes the biological effects – shows values indicating that in 2019 and 2020 the sediments were unpolluted with heavy metals; however, the CSI value for both years (0.402 for 2019 and 0.398 for 2020) is very close to 0.5, the limit which separates the two quality classes/risk levels for heavy metals in sediments - uncontaminated and very low contaminated.

Water Quality Assessment in Terms of Water Quality Index

Water quality index (WQI) is valuable and unique rating to depict the overall water quality status in a single term that is helpful for the selection of appropriate treatment technique to meet the concerned issues. However, WQI depicts the composite influence of different water quality parameters and communicates water quality information to the public and legislative decision makers. In spite of absence of a globally accepted composite index of water quality, some countries have used and are using aggregated water quality data in the development of water quality indices. Attempts have been made to review the WQI criteria for the appropriateness of drinking water sources. Besides, the present article also highlights and draws attention towards the development of a new and globally accepted “Water Quality Index” in a simplified format, which may be used at large and could represent the reliable picture of water quality.

Respiratory motion compensation using data binning in dynamic contrast enhanced golden-angle radial MRI

GRASP (Golden-Angle Radial Sparse Parallel MRI) is a data acquisition and reconstruction technique that combines parallel imaging and golden-angle radial sampling. The continuously acquired free breathing Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) golden-angle radial MRI data of liver and abdomen has artifacts due to respiratory motion, resulting in low vessel-tissue contrast that makes GRASP reconstructed images less suitable for diagnosis. In this paper, DCE golden-angle radial MRI data of abdomen and liver perfusion is sorted into different motion states using the self-gating property of radial acquisition and then reconstructed using GRASP. Three methods of amplitude-based data binning namely uniform binning, adaptive binning and optimal binning are applied on the DCE golden-angle radial data to extract different motion states and a comparison is performed with the conventional GRASP reconstruction. Also, a comparison among the amplitude-based data binning techniques is performed and benefits of each of these binning techniques are discussed from a clinical perspective. The image quality assessment in terms of hepatic vessel clarity, liver edge sharpness, contrast enhancement clarity and streaking artifacts is performed by a certified radiologist. The results show that DCE golden-angle radial trajectories benefit from all the three types of amplitude-based data binning methods providing improved reconstruction results. The choice of binning technique depends upon the clinical application e.g. uniform and adaptive binning are helpful for a detailed analysis of lesion characteristic and contrast enhancement in different motion states while optimal binning can be used when clinical analysis requires a single image per contrast enhancement phase with no motion blurring artifacts.

Quality assessment and mechanical characterization of preservative-treated Moso bamboo (P. edulis)

Bamboo has been in the focus of attention as a re-discovery of an old and available material to solve environmental problems in the construction industry. The use of full-culm bamboo in the built environment, however, depends on proper quality control/assurance of its mechanical and physical properties. In this work, a quality assessment in terms of treatment control and mechanical properties of a small production of Phyllostachys edulis bamboo poles treated with disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) was performed. A comparison between two commercial preservatives used for exterior and interior applications, chromated copper borate (CCB) and DOT respectively, in terms of the effect on the mechanical properties and treatability behaviour was also investigated. Penetration and retention analyses showed satisfactory results for the samples treated with CCB, with retention of 7.2 kg/m3, while lower values of retention for the samples treated with DOT by the immersion method (2.2 kg/m3) was observed. Microstructural and EDS analyses revealed a much higher concentration of chromium and copper from the CCB solution in the bamboo large vessels. The mechanical characterization performed by compression, shear, tension, coupon three-point bending, and flat ring flexure tests showed that the difference between the two treatment conditions was small and, in most cases, not statistically relevant. Low coefficients of variation were observed in all the investigated mechanical tests, suggesting a uniform distribution of mechanical properties within the batch of P. edulis bamboo used in this study. The full characterization schedule combined with digital image correlation analyses enabled the calculation of the characteristic values of the mechanical properties, useful for structural design, complementing the treatability and quality assessment.

Research of settings of forced action mixer with changing angle blades

Analysis and evaluation of structural and technological parameters of forced action mixer was carried out on the basis twin-shaft forced action mixer. Theoretical methods of moving material into the twinshaft mixer chamber, using a stochastic approach were proposed in this article. The process of moving material was researched by the theory of Markov chains. Based on the proposed method of improving system of quality assessment in terms the variation coefficient of mixture. And was predicted that the main parameter that affects the direction of movement particles of material and quality of mixing - is the rotation angle of the blade. It was the main option of the research. To test the theoretical foundations of the movement of substances and improve the quality of the mixture, experimental stand was developed &ndash; Laboratory twin-shaft forced action mixer with changing angle blades. The conducted experiments have confirmed the validity of theoretical research. The Algorithm of design of new constructions of twins-shaft concrete mixers was proposed, based on conducted researches. The working hypothesis that the movement of material between the mixing zones depends on the &quot;transition probabilities&quot;, which is defined by angle blade was confirmed as a result of mathematical modeling of moving material and performed experimental studies. On the basis of theoretical research the method of calculation of basic parameters of advanced laboratory twin-shaft concrete mixers was crated. The laboratory twin-shaft concrete mixers with rotary blades was created. The investigations can improve the efficiency of the mixer by reducing cycle time and energy consumption.

Comprehensive Quality Assessment in Clinical Ethics

Scholars and professional organizations in bioethics describe various approaches to "quality assessment" in clinical ethics. Although much of this work represents significant contributions to the literature, it is not clear that there is a robust and shared understanding of what constitutes "quality" in clinical ethics, what activities should be measured when tracking clinical ethics work, and what metrics should be used when measuring those activities. Further, even the most robust quality assessment efforts to date are idiosyncratic, in that they represent evaluation of single activities or domains of clinical ethics activities, or a range of activities at a single hospital or healthcare system. Countering this trend, iin this article we propose a framework for moving beyond our current ways of understanding clinical ethics quality, toward comprehensive quality assessment. We first describe a way to conceptualize quality assessment as a process of measuring disparate, isolated work activities; then, we describe quality assessment in terms of tracking interconnected work activities holistically, across different levels of assessment. We conclude by inviting future efforts in quality improvement to adopt a comprehensive approach to quality assessment into their improvement practices, and offer recommendations for how the field might move in this direction.

Quality Assessment of Oven Dried and Traditional Sun Dried &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Channa Punctatus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

The aim of the present study was to compare the quality assessment in terms of freshness, chemical composition and bacterial load of sun dried fishes and oven dried <i>Channapunctatus</i> during July 2017 to December 2017. Traditionally dried and fresh raw <i>C. punctatus</i> were collected from the Singrabajar of Chalanbeel area, Bangladesh and brought into the laboratory of Department of Fisheries of University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Fresh species were processed and dried in the electric oven at 105°C. After the organoleptic analysis it was observed that the appearance, odor, color, texture and overall acceptability of traditionally sun dried fishes were 6.75±0.43, 7.00±0.00, 7.12±0.78, 6.62±0.51, 6.75±0.46 and oven dried fishes were 7.75±1.29, 6.87±0.92, 7.25±1.63, 7.5±1.30 and 7.50±1.30, respectively. Significant difference was found between the sun dried and oven dried <i>C. punctatus</i> for the mean values of all organoleptic characteristics. In case of proximate composition the lipid, protein, ash and moisture contents were 3.10±0.60%, 57.50±2.30%, 21.00±1.20% and 14.83±1.45% in sun dried fishes and 5.85±1.25%, 70.15±1.30%, 13.00±1.50% and 8.50±1.40% was observed in oven dried fish. Significant difference was found in proximate composition. The pH contents varied from 6.3±0.31 (oven dried) to 6.75±0.70 (sun dried). The lowest TVB-N content (3.85mg/100g) was found in oven dried fishes and the highest (4.02mg/100g) was found in sun dried fishes and the microbial load varied from 4.9×10² (oven dried) to 3.9×10³ (sun dried). Significant difference was found between the sun and oven dried <i>C. punctatus</i> for the aerobic plate count and TVB-N, but those are belongs in acceptable range.

Development of Potency Assays for Quality Assessment of an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product: Mitomycin C-Induced Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (MIC) Product

▪Introduction:Quality assessment in terms of product specificity and product potency is obligatory and strictly required by EMA and FDA to provide a platform for analysis of product comparability, stability and compatibility, and for clinical development to help predict product clinical efficacy. Mitomycin-treated donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MICs) could induce donor-specific tolerance via generation of recipient-derived tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs). To evaluate the immunomodulating capacity of the MIC product, we assessed the phenotype of tDCs, the immunosuppressive capacity of tDCs on allo-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as well as on CMV-specific CD8+ T cells.Methods:For standardization of the potency assay, third-party PBMCs positive for HLA-A2 and anti-CMV IgG were used. Immature DCs (iDCs) were generated 3 days before MIC production. MICs were generated under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions. Each batch of MICs was introduced to iDCs at different ratios (1:0, 1:1, 1:10, 1:20) for a two-hour interaction followed by adding a DC maturation cocktail for overnight co-culture. Thereafter tDCs were purified by magnetic negative separation. The morphology of tDCs was observed by microscopy. The expression of HLA-DR, CD80, CD83, CD86 and CD103 was analyzed by flow cytometry. The inhibitory capacity on allo-reactive T cells and virus specific T cells was determined by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay, by ELISpot assay and by Tetramer staining assay after one week of expansion in mixed lymphocyte peptide culture (MLPC).Results:In light microscopy (magnification: x 40), tDCs showed a relative smooth membrane surface. While the conventional mDCs were significantly larger in size with rough surface, richer ruffles on the cell membrane, and bigger, longer protrusions or pseudopodia. MIC products could inhibit the expression of costimulatory molecules on tDCs with an inhibition of 41% of CD80, 27% of CD83 and 23% of CD86. In parallel, the inhibitory marker CD103 was up-regulated about 65% on tDCs. Functionally, both tDCs and MICs could inhibit the IFN-γ secretion by CMV-specific CD8+ T cells, respectively. Moreover, the proliferation of allo-reactive T cells and CMV-specific T cells could be inhibited by tDCs and MICs.Conclusions:In summary, the potency assays, including the measurement of physicochemical parameters, the morphology and marker expression of tDCs, as well as the biologic characterization, the functionally immunosuppressive capacity of tDCs, comprise valuable parameters for the evaluation of clinically used advanced therapeutic cellular products. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Water Quality Assessment in Terms of Water Quality Index (WQI) Using GIS in Lower Bhavani River basin, Tamilnadu, India

Water Quality Assessment in Terms of Water Quality Index (WQI) Using GIS in Lower Bhavani River basin, Tamilnadu, India

Water Quality Assessment in Terms of Water Quality Index in Gudur Area, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh

Water Quality Assessment in Terms of Water Quality Index in Gudur Area, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh