Since each rock joint is unique by nature,the utilization of replicas in direct shear testing is required to carry out experimental parameter studies.However,information about the ability of the replicas to simulate t...Since each rock joint is unique by nature,the utilization of replicas in direct shear testing is required to carry out experimental parameter studies.However,information about the ability of the replicas to simulate the shear mechanical behavior of the rock joint and their dispersion in direct shear testing is lacking.With the aim to facilitate generation of high-quality direct shear test data from replicas,a novel component in the testing procedure is introduced by presenting two parameters for geometric quality assurance.The parameters are derived from surface comparisons of three-dimensional(3D)scanning data of the rock joint and its replicas.The first parameter,smf,captures morphological deviations between the replica and the rock joint surfaces.smf is derived as the standard deviation of the deviations between the coordinate points of the replica and the rock joint.Four sources of errors introduced in the replica manufacturing process employed in this study could be identified.These errors could be minimized,yielding replicas with smf0.06 mm.The second parameter is a vector,VHp100,which describes deviations with respect to the shear direction.It is the projection of the 100 mm long normal vector of the best-fit plane of the replica joint surface to the corresponding plane of the rock joint.VHp100was found to be less than or equal to 0.36 mm in this study.Application of these two geometric quality assurance parameters demonstrates that it is possible to manufacture replicas with high geometric similarity to the rock joint.In a subsequent paper(part 2),smf and VHp100 are incorporated in a novel quality assurance method,in which the parameters shall be evaluated prior to direct shear testing.Replicas having parameter values below established thresholds shall have a known and narrow dispersion and imitate the shear mechanical behavior of the rock joint.展开更多
Each rock joint is unique by nature which means that utilization of replicas in direct shear tests is required in experimental parameter studies.However,a method to acquire knowledge about the ability of the replicas ...Each rock joint is unique by nature which means that utilization of replicas in direct shear tests is required in experimental parameter studies.However,a method to acquire knowledge about the ability of the replicas to imitate the shear mechanical behavior of the rock joint and their dispersion in direct shear testing is lacking.In this study,a novel method is presented for geometric quality assurance of replicas.The aim is to facilitate generation of high-quality direct shear testing data as a prerequisite for reliable subsequent analyses of the results.In Part 1 of this study,two quality assurance parameters,smf and V_(Hp100),are derived and their usefulness for evaluation of geometric deviations,i.e.geometric reproducibility,is shown.In Part 2,the parameters are validated by showing a correlation between the parameters and the shear mechanical behavior,which qualifies the parameters for usage in the quality assurance method.Unique results from direct shear tests presenting comparisons between replicas and the rock joint show that replicas fulfilling proposed threshold values of σ_(mf)<0.06 mm and|V_(Hp100)|<0.2 mm have a narrow dispersion and imitate the shear mechanical behavior of the rock joint in all aspects apart from having a slightly lower peak shear strength.The wear in these replicas,which have similar morphology as the rock joint,is in the same areas as in the rock joint.The wear is slightly larger in the rock joint and therefore the discrepancy in peak shear strength derives from differences in material properties,possibly from differences in toughness.It is shown by application of the suggested method that the quality assured replicas manufactured following the process employed in this study phenomenologically capture the shear strength characteristics,which makes them useful in parameter studies.展开更多
Huaiyin Institute of Technology is taken as the research object.The content of horticulture curriculum system under the background of new agricultural science is constructed and elaborated,including theoretical curric...Huaiyin Institute of Technology is taken as the research object.The content of horticulture curriculum system under the background of new agricultural science is constructed and elaborated,including theoretical curriculum system of"three platforms and seven curriculum groups"and practice system of"two platforms,three levels and four modules".Moreover,the quality assurance strategy of the curriculum system is discussed from three angles of enhancing professional emotion,enhancing professional practice and strengthening innovation ability,to reach the training objective of outstanding applied horticultural talents under the background of new agricultural science.展开更多
Purpose: Patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) requires manual operation of different workstations, which is time-consuming and error-prone. Therefore, developing automated solutions to improve efficiency and accu...Purpose: Patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) requires manual operation of different workstations, which is time-consuming and error-prone. Therefore, developing automated solutions to improve efficiency and accuracy is a priority. The purpose of this study was to develop a general software interface with scripting on a human interactive device (HID) for improving the efficiency and accuracy of manual quality assurance (QA) procedures. Methods: As an initial application, we aimed to automate our PSQA workflow that involves Varian Eclipse treatment planning system, Elekta MOSAIQ oncology information system and PTW Verisoft application. A general platform, the AutoFrame interface with two imbedded subsystems—the AutoFlow and the PyFlow, was developed with a scripting language for automating human operations of aforementioned systems. The interface included three functional modules: GUI module, UDF script interpreter and TCP/IP communication module. All workstations in the PSQA process were connected, and most manual operations were automated by AutoFrame sequentially or in parallel. Results: More than 20 PSQA tasks were performed both manually and using the developed AutoFrame interface. On average, 175 (±12) manual operations of the PSQA procedure were eliminated and performed by the automated process. The time to complete a PSQA task was 8.23 (±0.78) minutes for the automated workflow, in comparison to 13.91 (±3.01) minutes needed for manual operations. Conclusion: We have developed the AutoFrame interface framework that successfully automated our PSQA procedure, and significantly reduced the time, human (control/clicking/typing) errors, and operators’ stress. Future work will focus on improving the system’s flexibility and stability and extending its operations to other QA procedures.展开更多
Continuously improving the internal quality assurance system and promoting the innovative development of higher vocational education is a challenge that every higher vocational institution must solve on the road of di...Continuously improving the internal quality assurance system and promoting the innovative development of higher vocational education is a challenge that every higher vocational institution must solve on the road of diagnosis and improvement.To address the current dilemma of building internal quality assurance systems in higher education institutions,this study utilizes a case study approach.This study takes Jingzhou Vocational and Technical College as the research object for research.Conclusion:The excellent diagnosis and reform model and the effectiveness of diagnosis and reform in this school can provide new strategic ideas for the practice of diagnosis and reform for the high-quality development of higher education in Hubei.展开更多
Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are fundamental aspects of any laboratory measurement. However, in comparison with other medical disciplines, the need for QA and QC in laboratory andrology has been...Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are fundamental aspects of any laboratory measurement. However, in comparison with other medical disciplines, the need for QA and QC in laboratory andrology has been recognized only recently. Furthermore, there is evidence that the effort required to undertake QA and QC has not been wholly welcomed by some clinicians. Nevertheless, accrediting bodies and regulatory authorities increasingly require evidence that laboratories have effective QA and QC measures in place because both are central to the quality management processes. Following the publication of the 5th edition of the World Health Organization Laboratory Manual, existing QA and QC systems will need to be updated to take into account some of the methodological changes recommended by the manual. Three of these are discussed in this commentary; they relate to: (i) the move to infer semen volume from its weight; (ii) the re-classification of sperm motility grades from four to three; and (iii) the publication of a lower reference limit for morphology of 4% (with a corresponding 95% confidence interval of 3%-4%). The importance of QA and QC in all laboratory tests, including up and coming new tests to assess sperm DNA integrity, is discussed. The need for adequate initial training and continuing professional development programmes to support laboratory scientists performing andrology is also described.展开更多
A mobile C-band dual polarimetric weather radar J type (PCDJ), which adopts simultaneous transmission and simultaneous reception (STSR) of horizontally and vertically polarized signals, was first developed in Chin...A mobile C-band dual polarimetric weather radar J type (PCDJ), which adopts simultaneous transmission and simultaneous reception (STSR) of horizontally and vertically polarized signals, was first developed in China in 2008. It was deployed in the radar observation plan in the South China Heavy Rainfall Experiment (SCHeREX) in the summer of 2008 and 2009, as well as in Tropical Western Pacific Ocean Observation Experiments and Research on the Predictability of High Impact Weather Events from 2008 to 2010 in China (TWPOR). Using the observation data collected in these experiments, the radar systematic error and its sources were analyzed in depth. Meanwhile an algorithm that can smooth differential propagation phase (~Dp) for estimating the high-resolution specific differential phase (KDP) was developed. After attenuation correction of reflectivity in horizontal polarization (ZH) and differential reflectivity (ZDR) of PCDJ radar by means of KDP, the data quality was improved significantly. Using quality-controlled radar data, quantitative rainfall estimation was performed, and the resutls were compared with rain-gauge measurements. A synthetic ZH /KDp-based method was analyzed. The results the traditional ZH-based method when the rain suggest that the synthetic method has the advantage over rate is 〉5 mm h^-1. The more intensive the rain rates, the higher accuracy of the estimation.展开更多
Aerospace manufacturing SMEs are continuously facing the challenge on managing their supply chain and complying with the aerospace manufacturing quality standard requirement due to their lack of resources and the natu...Aerospace manufacturing SMEs are continuously facing the challenge on managing their supply chain and complying with the aerospace manufacturing quality standard requirement due to their lack of resources and the nature of business. In this paper, the ERP system based approach is presented to quality control and assurance work in light of seamless integration of in-process production data and information internally and therefore managing suppliers more effectively and efficiently. The Aerospace Manufacturing Quality Assurance Standard (BS/EN9100) is one of the most recognised and essential protocols for developing the industry-operated-and-driven quality assurance systems. The research investigates using the ERP based system as an enabler to implement BS/EN9100 quality management system at manufacturing SMEs and the associated implementation and application perspectives. An application case study on a manufacturing SME is presented by using the SAP based implementation, which helps fiarther evaluate and validate the approach and application system development.展开更多
Objectives: To classify community pharmacies (CPs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in terms of the quality of medicines sold by them, using?the lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) technique with a predefined threshold. Met...Objectives: To classify community pharmacies (CPs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in terms of the quality of medicines sold by them, using?the lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) technique with a predefined threshold. Methods: Riyadh CPs were divided into 2 categories (“lots” for the purpose of LQAS), i.e., chain and independent CPs. Upper and lower rate thresholds for CPs that sell low-quality medicines were predefined as 20% and 5%, respectively. Consumer and provider risks were predefined as 0.05 and 0.10, respectively. The calculated number of randomly selected CPs required in each lot was 36;then, sale of low-quality medicines in >3 CPs implies a prevalence of >20% of such CPs according to LQAS. A randomly selected brand of amoxicillin (selected as a quality indicator of medicines because it is both widely counterfeited and heat-sensitive) was purchased from each pharmacy by a “mystery shopper”, checked for authenticity, and analyzed for drug content and content uniformity using a validated HPLC method. Results: Substandard amoxicillin was purchased in 9 pharmacies (4 chains and 5 independent). Both lots were thus rejected as unacceptable, which may indicate that consumers in Riyadh are at risk of purchasing substandard medicines at CPs. Conclusions: The quality of medicines sold in CPs in Riyadh did not meet our acceptability criterion, and appropriate intervention by decision makers is recommended. LQAS proved to be a practical, economical, and statistically valid sampling method for surveying the quality of medicines. It should enable decision makers to allocate resources for improvement more efficiently.展开更多
Improving the quality assurance (QA) processes and acquiring accreditation are top priorities for academic programs. The learning outcomes (LOs)assessment and continuous quality improvement represent core components ...Improving the quality assurance (QA) processes and acquiring accreditation are top priorities for academic programs. The learning outcomes (LOs)assessment and continuous quality improvement represent core components ofthe quality assurance system (QAS). Current assessment methods suffer deficiencies related to accuracy and reliability, and they lack well-organized processes forcontinuous improvement planning. Moreover, the absence of automation, andintegration in QA processes forms a major obstacle towards developing efficientquality system. There is a pressing need to adopt security protocols that providerequired security services to safeguard the valuable information processed byQAS as well. This research proposes an effective methodology for LOs assessment and continuous improvement processes. The proposed approach ensuresmore accurate and reliable LOs assessment results and provides systematic wayfor utilizing those results in the continuous quality improvement. This systematicand well-specified QA processes were then utilized to model and implement automated and secure QAS that efficiently performs quality-related processes. Theproposed system adopts two security protocols that provide confidentiality, integrity, and authentication for quality data and reports. The security protocols avoidthe source repudiation, which is important in the quality reporting system. This isachieved through implementing powerful cryptographic algorithms. The QASenables efficient data collection and processing required for analysis and interpretation. It also prepares for the development of datasets that can be used in futureartificial intelligence (AI) researches to support decision making and improve thequality of academic programs. The proposed approach is implemented in a successful real case study for a computer science program. The current study servesscientific programs struggling to achieve academic accreditation, and gives rise tofully automating and integrating the QA processes and adopting modern AI andsecurity technologies to develop effective QAS.展开更多
This paper describes the development and challenge of HIV/AIDS testing laboratory network and quality assurance system in China. At present,the HIV/AIDS testing laboratories includes three classes,the National AIDS Re...This paper describes the development and challenge of HIV/AIDS testing laboratory network and quality assurance system in China. At present,the HIV/AIDS testing laboratories includes three classes,the National AIDS Reference Laboratory,HIV/AIDS confirmatory laboratories and HIV/AIDS screening laboratories. All of them are accredited by the health authorities,and each class of laboratories take charge of their function strictly according to the "National Management of HIV/AIDS Detection (2006)". A complete quality assurance and quality control system for HIV/AIDS testing has been developed,which includes technical training,strict laboratory monitoring and approval,examination or proficiency testing on HIV/AIDS detection,and quality evaluation and supervision of HIV/AIDS diagnostic kits. Besides conduct the routine anti-HIV antibody test,more and more laboratories began to conduct other tests,such as CD4+ T lymphocyte cell counting,HIV viral load,HIV DNA PCR,genotyping,drug resistance,and HIV-1 recent infection test. The primary challenges faced by the HIV/AIDS testing laboratory network are in the areas of laboratory management and quality control. For example,the provincial PT program is inefficient,the internal quality control is conducted perfunctorily,personnel training can not met the needs of the workplace,which need to be improved.展开更多
Introduction: The ring vortex phantom is a novel, cost-effective prototype which generates complex and well-characterised reference flows in the form of the ring vortex. Although its reproducibility has been demonstra...Introduction: The ring vortex phantom is a novel, cost-effective prototype which generates complex and well-characterised reference flows in the form of the ring vortex. Although its reproducibility has been demonstrated, with ring speeds routinely behaving within 10% tolerances at speeds of approximately 10 - 70 cm/s, a form of real-time QA of the device at the time of imaging is needed to confirm correct function on demand in any environment. Methods: The technology described here achieves real-time QA, comprising a linear encoder, laser-photodiode array, and Doppler probe, measuring piston motion, ring speed and intra-ring velocity respectively. This instrumentation does not interfere with imaging system QA, but allows QA to be performed on both the ring vortex and the device in real-time. Results: The encoder reports the reliability of the piston velocity profile, whilst ring speed is measured by laser behaviour. Incorporation of a calibrated Doppler probe offers a consistency check that confirms behaviour of the central axial flow. For purposes of gold-standard measurement, all elements can be related to previous Laser PIV acquisitions with the same device settings. Conclusion: Consequently, ring vortex production within tolerances is confirmed by this instrumentation, delivering accurate QA in real-time. This implementation offers a phantom QA procedure that exceeds anything seen in the literature, providing the technology to enhance quantitative assessment of flow imaging modalities.展开更多
As big data becomes an apparent challenge to handle when building a business intelligence(BI)system,there is a motivation to handle this challenging issue in higher education institutions(HEIs).Monitoring quality in H...As big data becomes an apparent challenge to handle when building a business intelligence(BI)system,there is a motivation to handle this challenging issue in higher education institutions(HEIs).Monitoring quality in HEIs encompasses handling huge amounts of data coming from different sources.This paper reviews big data and analyses the cases from the literature regarding quality assurance(QA)in HEIs.It also outlines a framework that can address the big data challenge in HEIs to handle QA monitoring using BI dashboards and a prototype dashboard is presented in this paper.The dashboard was developed using a utilisation tool to monitor QA in HEIs to provide visual representations of big data.The prototype dashboard enables stakeholders to monitor compliance with QA standards while addressing the big data challenge associated with the substantial volume of data managed by HEIs’QA systems.This paper also outlines how the developed system integrates big data from social media into the monitoring dashboard.展开更多
To be a worldwide competitor, enterprise needs to e va luate and select its supplier carefully. Generally, to evaluate a supplier, the evaluating effort is focused on the purchase price, delivery time, product quali t...To be a worldwide competitor, enterprise needs to e va luate and select its supplier carefully. Generally, to evaluate a supplier, the evaluating effort is focused on the purchase price, delivery time, product quali ty, etc. The vendors’ quality assurance is seldom considered. However, it reflec ts the ability that a vendor can provide high quality but low cost products cont inuously and stably. In this paper, with the study on evaluation of supplier’s q uality assurance system, a set of methods and indices to supplier’s quality assu rance evaluation is introduced. The indices construct an index system, which is based on the ISO9000 series standards. According to the problem’s character and the requirement of evaluation, all the evaluation indices are set off to three k inds: general index, functional index and protective index. And the evaluation m ethod combines quantitative analysis with qualitative analysis. Firstly, a sensi tive factor model is constructed to estimate the contribution of factors that ha ve key effect on synthetic evaluation in supplier’s quality system. Then, those suppliers having low evaluating value are rejected. Secondly, fuzzy logic is int roduced to evaluate other suppliers synthetically. The rest suppliers are compar able. So, supplier’s quality assurance system can be evaluated in quantity. Afte r unification works, the evaluated suppliers can be ranked. And the best vendor can be selected out intuitively.展开更多
With the acceleration of urbanization and increase of points in power systems,complaints about power grids have increased.In the actual on-site measurement process,although the actual measurement results can meet the ...With the acceleration of urbanization and increase of points in power systems,complaints about power grids have increased.In the actual on-site measurement process,although the actual measurement results can meet the relevant standards,some people are still concerned that the electromagnetic environment may change drastically outside the measurement period,which will have an impact on human health.In this study,the situation of electromagnetic online monitoring systems at home and abroad was introduced firstly,and then some practical requirements for establishing monitoring stations were analyzed.According to existing technologies and related writings,the methods and steps for establishing a quality assurance system were introduced,including the identification of quality assurance system activities and their corresponding structure of quality assurance system documents,the preparation and principles of the documents,and the operation of the quality assurance system.It intends to provide reference for the relevant organizations and personnel conducting electromagnetic environment monitoring when establishing a quality assurance system.Through the establishment of the online monitoring system and the later data publicity,the public have an intuitive understanding of the electromagnetic environment attenuation around power transmission and transformation projects,which can not only make China's electric power industry develop better,but also monitor the unexpected situation in time,maintain public safety and reduce people's fear of electromagnetic radiation in substations.展开更多
The World Bank estimates that 21% of all communicable diseases in India are related to unsafe water with diarrhoea alone causing more than 0.1 million deaths annually. The WHO drinking water surveillance parameters of...The World Bank estimates that 21% of all communicable diseases in India are related to unsafe water with diarrhoea alone causing more than 0.1 million deaths annually. The WHO drinking water surveillance parameters of quality, quantity, accessibility, affordability and continuity were assessed in one vulnerable ward of Ahmedabad—a fast growing city in Western India. Interviews with key informants of the ward office, health centre and water supply department, secondary analysis and mapping of field test reports and a questionnaire-based survey of different household types were conducted. We found that Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) supplies water to the ward intermittently for two hours during the day. Housing society clusters supplement their AMC water supply with untested bore-well water. The water quality surveillance system is designed for a twenty-four-hour piped distribution of treated surface water. However, in order to maintain surveillance over an intermittent supply that includes ground water, the sampling process should include periodic surveys of water actually consumed by the citizens. The laboratory capacity of the Central Water Testing Laboratory should expand to include more refined tests for microbial and chemical contamination.展开更多
Purpose: Respiratory-gated radiation therapy (RT) using the real-time tumor-tracking radiotherapy (RTRT) system is an effective technique for managing tumor motion. High dosimetric and geometric accuracy is needed;how...Purpose: Respiratory-gated radiation therapy (RT) using the real-time tumor-tracking radiotherapy (RTRT) system is an effective technique for managing tumor motion. High dosimetric and geometric accuracy is needed;however, quality assurance (QA) for respiratory-gated RT using the RTRT system has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to perform QA for respiratorygated RT using the RTRT system. Materials and Methods: The RTRT system detected the position of the fiducial marker and radiation delivery gated to the motion of the marker was performed. The dynamic anthropomorphic thorax phantom was positioned at the isocenter using the fiducial marker in the phantom. The phantom was irradiated only when the fiducial marker was within a three-dimensional gating window of ±2 mm from the planned position. First, the absolute doses were measured using anionization chamber inserted in the phantom under the stationary, gating and non-gating state for sinusoidal (nadir-to-peak amplitude [A]: 20 - 40 mm, breathing period [T]: 2 - 4 s) and the basic respiratory patterns. Second, the dose profiles were measured using Gafchromic films in the phantom under the same conditions. Differences between dose profiles were calculated to evaluate the dosimetric and geometric accuracy. Finally, differences between the actual and measured position of the fiducial marker were calculated to evaluate the tracking accuracy for sinusoidal and basic respiratory patterns. Results: For the sinusoidal patterns, the relative doses were 0.93 for non-gating and 0.99 for gating (A = 20 mm, T = 2 s), 0.94 for non-gating and 1.00 for gating (A = 20 mm, T = 4 s), 0.55 for non-gating and 1.00 for gating (A = 40 mm, T = 4 s), respectively. For the basic respiratory pattern, the relative doses were 1.00 for non-gating and 1.00 for gating, respectively. Compared to the stationary conditions, the differences in lateral distance between the 90% dose of dose profiles were 6.23 mm for non-gating and 0.36 mm for gating (A = 20 mm, T = 2 s), 8.79 mm for non-gating and 1.73 mm for gating (A = 20 mm, T = 4 s), 18.37 mm for non-gating and 0.67 mm for gating (A = 40 mm, T = 4 s), respectively. For the basic respiratory pattern, those were 5.23 mm for non-gating and 0.35 mm for gating. The root mean square (RMS) values of the tracking error were 0.18 mm (A = 20 mm, T = 2 s), 0.14 mm (A = 20 mm, T = 4 s), and 0.21 mm (A = 40 mm, T = 4 s) for sinusoidal and 0.79 mm for the basic respiratory pattern, respectively. Conclusion: We conducted QA for respiratory-gated RT using the RTRT system. The respiratory-gated RT using the RTRT system reduced the blurring effects on dose distribution with high dosimetric and geometric accuracy.展开更多
Purpose: With usually a millimeter-level PTV margin, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) pose a stringent requirement on the isocentricity of the Linac. This requirement is p...Purpose: With usually a millimeter-level PTV margin, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) pose a stringent requirement on the isocentricity of the Linac. This requirement is partly fulfilled by routine isocenter quality assurance (QA) test to verify the size and location of the isocenter. The current common QA methods such as spoke shot were developed before SBRT/SRS became popular and when IGRT was largely absent and hence have their limitations. In this work, we describe an isocenter QA approach based on portal imaging to provide the community with a superior alternative. Methods: The proposed approach utilizes a BrainLab ball bearing (BB) phantom in conjunction with an electronic portal imaging devices (EPID) imager. The BB phantom was first aligned with a calibrated room laser system. Portal images were then acquired using 6 MV beam with a 2 × 2 cm2 open field and a 15 mm cone on a Varian TrueBeam STx machine. The gantry, collimator, and table were rotated separately at selected angles to acquire a series of portal images in order to determine the isocenter of each rotating system. The location and diameter of these isocenters were determined by calculating the relative displacement of either BB or open field edge between the acquired EPID images. The demonstration of the reproducibility and robustness of this EPID-based approach was carried out by repeating measurements 10 times independently for each rotating system and simulating clinical scenarios of asymmetric jaws and misalignment of BB phantom, respectively. Results: For our TrueBeam STx machine, the isocenter diameter derived from open-field EPID images was roughly 0.15 mm, 0.18 mm, 0.49 mm for the collimator, table, and gantry, respectively. For the collimator and gantry, images taken with the cone gave considerably smaller isocenter diameter. Results remained almost unchanged despite the presence of simulated BB misalignment and asymmetric jaws error, and between independent measurements. Isocenter location and diameter derived from images obtained at a limited number of angles (≤11) were adequately accurate to represent those derived from images of densely sampled angles. Conclusions: An EPID-based isocenter QA approach is described and demonstrated to be accurate, robust, and reproducible. This approach provides a superior alternative to conventional isocenter QA methods with no additional cost. It can be implemented with convenience for any linear accelerator with an EPID imager.展开更多
Imaging different bone sites for medical education requires the formation of bone-equivalent materials that mimic bone density. We investigated an economic imaging composition that characterizes bone density in imagin...Imaging different bone sites for medical education requires the formation of bone-equivalent materials that mimic bone density. We investigated an economic imaging composition that characterizes bone density in imaging for quality assurance and educational purposes. Four different compositions were tested to reveal the best composition in simulating bone density in X-ray imaging. Hydrated lime was discovered to be the most suitable because it is durable (stiff and does not crumble), easy to source and process, and attenuates imaging X-rays enough to resemble real bone. Hydrated lime provides a significantly better phantom than the other combinations used.展开更多
文摘Since each rock joint is unique by nature,the utilization of replicas in direct shear testing is required to carry out experimental parameter studies.However,information about the ability of the replicas to simulate the shear mechanical behavior of the rock joint and their dispersion in direct shear testing is lacking.With the aim to facilitate generation of high-quality direct shear test data from replicas,a novel component in the testing procedure is introduced by presenting two parameters for geometric quality assurance.The parameters are derived from surface comparisons of three-dimensional(3D)scanning data of the rock joint and its replicas.The first parameter,smf,captures morphological deviations between the replica and the rock joint surfaces.smf is derived as the standard deviation of the deviations between the coordinate points of the replica and the rock joint.Four sources of errors introduced in the replica manufacturing process employed in this study could be identified.These errors could be minimized,yielding replicas with smf0.06 mm.The second parameter is a vector,VHp100,which describes deviations with respect to the shear direction.It is the projection of the 100 mm long normal vector of the best-fit plane of the replica joint surface to the corresponding plane of the rock joint.VHp100was found to be less than or equal to 0.36 mm in this study.Application of these two geometric quality assurance parameters demonstrates that it is possible to manufacture replicas with high geometric similarity to the rock joint.In a subsequent paper(part 2),smf and VHp100 are incorporated in a novel quality assurance method,in which the parameters shall be evaluated prior to direct shear testing.Replicas having parameter values below established thresholds shall have a known and narrow dispersion and imitate the shear mechanical behavior of the rock joint.
文摘Each rock joint is unique by nature which means that utilization of replicas in direct shear tests is required in experimental parameter studies.However,a method to acquire knowledge about the ability of the replicas to imitate the shear mechanical behavior of the rock joint and their dispersion in direct shear testing is lacking.In this study,a novel method is presented for geometric quality assurance of replicas.The aim is to facilitate generation of high-quality direct shear testing data as a prerequisite for reliable subsequent analyses of the results.In Part 1 of this study,two quality assurance parameters,smf and V_(Hp100),are derived and their usefulness for evaluation of geometric deviations,i.e.geometric reproducibility,is shown.In Part 2,the parameters are validated by showing a correlation between the parameters and the shear mechanical behavior,which qualifies the parameters for usage in the quality assurance method.Unique results from direct shear tests presenting comparisons between replicas and the rock joint show that replicas fulfilling proposed threshold values of σ_(mf)<0.06 mm and|V_(Hp100)|<0.2 mm have a narrow dispersion and imitate the shear mechanical behavior of the rock joint in all aspects apart from having a slightly lower peak shear strength.The wear in these replicas,which have similar morphology as the rock joint,is in the same areas as in the rock joint.The wear is slightly larger in the rock joint and therefore the discrepancy in peak shear strength derives from differences in material properties,possibly from differences in toughness.It is shown by application of the suggested method that the quality assured replicas manufactured following the process employed in this study phenomenologically capture the shear strength characteristics,which makes them useful in parameter studies.
基金Supported by Higher Education Research Project of Huaiyin Institute of Technology(2019GJ12).
文摘Huaiyin Institute of Technology is taken as the research object.The content of horticulture curriculum system under the background of new agricultural science is constructed and elaborated,including theoretical curriculum system of"three platforms and seven curriculum groups"and practice system of"two platforms,three levels and four modules".Moreover,the quality assurance strategy of the curriculum system is discussed from three angles of enhancing professional emotion,enhancing professional practice and strengthening innovation ability,to reach the training objective of outstanding applied horticultural talents under the background of new agricultural science.
文摘Purpose: Patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) requires manual operation of different workstations, which is time-consuming and error-prone. Therefore, developing automated solutions to improve efficiency and accuracy is a priority. The purpose of this study was to develop a general software interface with scripting on a human interactive device (HID) for improving the efficiency and accuracy of manual quality assurance (QA) procedures. Methods: As an initial application, we aimed to automate our PSQA workflow that involves Varian Eclipse treatment planning system, Elekta MOSAIQ oncology information system and PTW Verisoft application. A general platform, the AutoFrame interface with two imbedded subsystems—the AutoFlow and the PyFlow, was developed with a scripting language for automating human operations of aforementioned systems. The interface included three functional modules: GUI module, UDF script interpreter and TCP/IP communication module. All workstations in the PSQA process were connected, and most manual operations were automated by AutoFrame sequentially or in parallel. Results: More than 20 PSQA tasks were performed both manually and using the developed AutoFrame interface. On average, 175 (±12) manual operations of the PSQA procedure were eliminated and performed by the automated process. The time to complete a PSQA task was 8.23 (±0.78) minutes for the automated workflow, in comparison to 13.91 (±3.01) minutes needed for manual operations. Conclusion: We have developed the AutoFrame interface framework that successfully automated our PSQA procedure, and significantly reduced the time, human (control/clicking/typing) errors, and operators’ stress. Future work will focus on improving the system’s flexibility and stability and extending its operations to other QA procedures.
文摘Continuously improving the internal quality assurance system and promoting the innovative development of higher vocational education is a challenge that every higher vocational institution must solve on the road of diagnosis and improvement.To address the current dilemma of building internal quality assurance systems in higher education institutions,this study utilizes a case study approach.This study takes Jingzhou Vocational and Technical College as the research object for research.Conclusion:The excellent diagnosis and reform model and the effectiveness of diagnosis and reform in this school can provide new strategic ideas for the practice of diagnosis and reform for the high-quality development of higher education in Hubei.
文摘Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are fundamental aspects of any laboratory measurement. However, in comparison with other medical disciplines, the need for QA and QC in laboratory andrology has been recognized only recently. Furthermore, there is evidence that the effort required to undertake QA and QC has not been wholly welcomed by some clinicians. Nevertheless, accrediting bodies and regulatory authorities increasingly require evidence that laboratories have effective QA and QC measures in place because both are central to the quality management processes. Following the publication of the 5th edition of the World Health Organization Laboratory Manual, existing QA and QC systems will need to be updated to take into account some of the methodological changes recommended by the manual. Three of these are discussed in this commentary; they relate to: (i) the move to infer semen volume from its weight; (ii) the re-classification of sperm motility grades from four to three; and (iii) the publication of a lower reference limit for morphology of 4% (with a corresponding 95% confidence interval of 3%-4%). The importance of QA and QC in all laboratory tests, including up and coming new tests to assess sperm DNA integrity, is discussed. The need for adequate initial training and continuing professional development programmes to support laboratory scientists performing andrology is also described.
基金funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 40975013 and 40975014)Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences (CAMS) basic scientific and operational project:Observation and retrieval methods of microphysics and dynamic parameters of cloud and precipitation with multi-wavelength Remote Sensing,SCHeREX and TWPOR
文摘A mobile C-band dual polarimetric weather radar J type (PCDJ), which adopts simultaneous transmission and simultaneous reception (STSR) of horizontally and vertically polarized signals, was first developed in China in 2008. It was deployed in the radar observation plan in the South China Heavy Rainfall Experiment (SCHeREX) in the summer of 2008 and 2009, as well as in Tropical Western Pacific Ocean Observation Experiments and Research on the Predictability of High Impact Weather Events from 2008 to 2010 in China (TWPOR). Using the observation data collected in these experiments, the radar systematic error and its sources were analyzed in depth. Meanwhile an algorithm that can smooth differential propagation phase (~Dp) for estimating the high-resolution specific differential phase (KDP) was developed. After attenuation correction of reflectivity in horizontal polarization (ZH) and differential reflectivity (ZDR) of PCDJ radar by means of KDP, the data quality was improved significantly. Using quality-controlled radar data, quantitative rainfall estimation was performed, and the resutls were compared with rain-gauge measurements. A synthetic ZH /KDp-based method was analyzed. The results the traditional ZH-based method when the rain suggest that the synthetic method has the advantage over rate is 〉5 mm h^-1. The more intensive the rain rates, the higher accuracy of the estimation.
基金support for this research (R85169) from Mollart Engineering Ltd
文摘Aerospace manufacturing SMEs are continuously facing the challenge on managing their supply chain and complying with the aerospace manufacturing quality standard requirement due to their lack of resources and the nature of business. In this paper, the ERP system based approach is presented to quality control and assurance work in light of seamless integration of in-process production data and information internally and therefore managing suppliers more effectively and efficiently. The Aerospace Manufacturing Quality Assurance Standard (BS/EN9100) is one of the most recognised and essential protocols for developing the industry-operated-and-driven quality assurance systems. The research investigates using the ERP based system as an enabler to implement BS/EN9100 quality management system at manufacturing SMEs and the associated implementation and application perspectives. An application case study on a manufacturing SME is presented by using the SAP based implementation, which helps fiarther evaluate and validate the approach and application system development.
文摘Objectives: To classify community pharmacies (CPs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in terms of the quality of medicines sold by them, using?the lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) technique with a predefined threshold. Methods: Riyadh CPs were divided into 2 categories (“lots” for the purpose of LQAS), i.e., chain and independent CPs. Upper and lower rate thresholds for CPs that sell low-quality medicines were predefined as 20% and 5%, respectively. Consumer and provider risks were predefined as 0.05 and 0.10, respectively. The calculated number of randomly selected CPs required in each lot was 36;then, sale of low-quality medicines in >3 CPs implies a prevalence of >20% of such CPs according to LQAS. A randomly selected brand of amoxicillin (selected as a quality indicator of medicines because it is both widely counterfeited and heat-sensitive) was purchased from each pharmacy by a “mystery shopper”, checked for authenticity, and analyzed for drug content and content uniformity using a validated HPLC method. Results: Substandard amoxicillin was purchased in 9 pharmacies (4 chains and 5 independent). Both lots were thus rejected as unacceptable, which may indicate that consumers in Riyadh are at risk of purchasing substandard medicines at CPs. Conclusions: The quality of medicines sold in CPs in Riyadh did not meet our acceptability criterion, and appropriate intervention by decision makers is recommended. LQAS proved to be a practical, economical, and statistically valid sampling method for surveying the quality of medicines. It should enable decision makers to allocate resources for improvement more efficiently.
基金Author extends his appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University for funding and supporting this work through Graduate Student Research Support Program.
文摘Improving the quality assurance (QA) processes and acquiring accreditation are top priorities for academic programs. The learning outcomes (LOs)assessment and continuous quality improvement represent core components ofthe quality assurance system (QAS). Current assessment methods suffer deficiencies related to accuracy and reliability, and they lack well-organized processes forcontinuous improvement planning. Moreover, the absence of automation, andintegration in QA processes forms a major obstacle towards developing efficientquality system. There is a pressing need to adopt security protocols that providerequired security services to safeguard the valuable information processed byQAS as well. This research proposes an effective methodology for LOs assessment and continuous improvement processes. The proposed approach ensuresmore accurate and reliable LOs assessment results and provides systematic wayfor utilizing those results in the continuous quality improvement. This systematicand well-specified QA processes were then utilized to model and implement automated and secure QAS that efficiently performs quality-related processes. Theproposed system adopts two security protocols that provide confidentiality, integrity, and authentication for quality data and reports. The security protocols avoidthe source repudiation, which is important in the quality reporting system. This isachieved through implementing powerful cryptographic algorithms. The QASenables efficient data collection and processing required for analysis and interpretation. It also prepares for the development of datasets that can be used in futureartificial intelligence (AI) researches to support decision making and improve thequality of academic programs. The proposed approach is implemented in a successful real case study for a computer science program. The current study servesscientific programs struggling to achieve academic accreditation, and gives rise tofully automating and integrating the QA processes and adopting modern AI andsecurity technologies to develop effective QAS.
基金MOH Program on Applied Research in the Prevention and Treatment of AIDS (WA 2003-17)
文摘This paper describes the development and challenge of HIV/AIDS testing laboratory network and quality assurance system in China. At present,the HIV/AIDS testing laboratories includes three classes,the National AIDS Reference Laboratory,HIV/AIDS confirmatory laboratories and HIV/AIDS screening laboratories. All of them are accredited by the health authorities,and each class of laboratories take charge of their function strictly according to the "National Management of HIV/AIDS Detection (2006)". A complete quality assurance and quality control system for HIV/AIDS testing has been developed,which includes technical training,strict laboratory monitoring and approval,examination or proficiency testing on HIV/AIDS detection,and quality evaluation and supervision of HIV/AIDS diagnostic kits. Besides conduct the routine anti-HIV antibody test,more and more laboratories began to conduct other tests,such as CD4+ T lymphocyte cell counting,HIV viral load,HIV DNA PCR,genotyping,drug resistance,and HIV-1 recent infection test. The primary challenges faced by the HIV/AIDS testing laboratory network are in the areas of laboratory management and quality control. For example,the provincial PT program is inefficient,the internal quality control is conducted perfunctorily,personnel training can not met the needs of the workplace,which need to be improved.
文摘Introduction: The ring vortex phantom is a novel, cost-effective prototype which generates complex and well-characterised reference flows in the form of the ring vortex. Although its reproducibility has been demonstrated, with ring speeds routinely behaving within 10% tolerances at speeds of approximately 10 - 70 cm/s, a form of real-time QA of the device at the time of imaging is needed to confirm correct function on demand in any environment. Methods: The technology described here achieves real-time QA, comprising a linear encoder, laser-photodiode array, and Doppler probe, measuring piston motion, ring speed and intra-ring velocity respectively. This instrumentation does not interfere with imaging system QA, but allows QA to be performed on both the ring vortex and the device in real-time. Results: The encoder reports the reliability of the piston velocity profile, whilst ring speed is measured by laser behaviour. Incorporation of a calibrated Doppler probe offers a consistency check that confirms behaviour of the central axial flow. For purposes of gold-standard measurement, all elements can be related to previous Laser PIV acquisitions with the same device settings. Conclusion: Consequently, ring vortex production within tolerances is confirmed by this instrumentation, delivering accurate QA in real-time. This implementation offers a phantom QA procedure that exceeds anything seen in the literature, providing the technology to enhance quantitative assessment of flow imaging modalities.
文摘As big data becomes an apparent challenge to handle when building a business intelligence(BI)system,there is a motivation to handle this challenging issue in higher education institutions(HEIs).Monitoring quality in HEIs encompasses handling huge amounts of data coming from different sources.This paper reviews big data and analyses the cases from the literature regarding quality assurance(QA)in HEIs.It also outlines a framework that can address the big data challenge in HEIs to handle QA monitoring using BI dashboards and a prototype dashboard is presented in this paper.The dashboard was developed using a utilisation tool to monitor QA in HEIs to provide visual representations of big data.The prototype dashboard enables stakeholders to monitor compliance with QA standards while addressing the big data challenge associated with the substantial volume of data managed by HEIs’QA systems.This paper also outlines how the developed system integrates big data from social media into the monitoring dashboard.
文摘To be a worldwide competitor, enterprise needs to e va luate and select its supplier carefully. Generally, to evaluate a supplier, the evaluating effort is focused on the purchase price, delivery time, product quali ty, etc. The vendors’ quality assurance is seldom considered. However, it reflec ts the ability that a vendor can provide high quality but low cost products cont inuously and stably. In this paper, with the study on evaluation of supplier’s q uality assurance system, a set of methods and indices to supplier’s quality assu rance evaluation is introduced. The indices construct an index system, which is based on the ISO9000 series standards. According to the problem’s character and the requirement of evaluation, all the evaluation indices are set off to three k inds: general index, functional index and protective index. And the evaluation m ethod combines quantitative analysis with qualitative analysis. Firstly, a sensi tive factor model is constructed to estimate the contribution of factors that ha ve key effect on synthetic evaluation in supplier’s quality system. Then, those suppliers having low evaluating value are rejected. Secondly, fuzzy logic is int roduced to evaluate other suppliers synthetically. The rest suppliers are compar able. So, supplier’s quality assurance system can be evaluated in quantity. Afte r unification works, the evaluated suppliers can be ranked. And the best vendor can be selected out intuitively.
基金Supported by the Open Project of Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering(ZX2017005)
文摘With the acceleration of urbanization and increase of points in power systems,complaints about power grids have increased.In the actual on-site measurement process,although the actual measurement results can meet the relevant standards,some people are still concerned that the electromagnetic environment may change drastically outside the measurement period,which will have an impact on human health.In this study,the situation of electromagnetic online monitoring systems at home and abroad was introduced firstly,and then some practical requirements for establishing monitoring stations were analyzed.According to existing technologies and related writings,the methods and steps for establishing a quality assurance system were introduced,including the identification of quality assurance system activities and their corresponding structure of quality assurance system documents,the preparation and principles of the documents,and the operation of the quality assurance system.It intends to provide reference for the relevant organizations and personnel conducting electromagnetic environment monitoring when establishing a quality assurance system.Through the establishment of the online monitoring system and the later data publicity,the public have an intuitive understanding of the electromagnetic environment attenuation around power transmission and transformation projects,which can not only make China's electric power industry develop better,but also monitor the unexpected situation in time,maintain public safety and reduce people's fear of electromagnetic radiation in substations.
文摘The World Bank estimates that 21% of all communicable diseases in India are related to unsafe water with diarrhoea alone causing more than 0.1 million deaths annually. The WHO drinking water surveillance parameters of quality, quantity, accessibility, affordability and continuity were assessed in one vulnerable ward of Ahmedabad—a fast growing city in Western India. Interviews with key informants of the ward office, health centre and water supply department, secondary analysis and mapping of field test reports and a questionnaire-based survey of different household types were conducted. We found that Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) supplies water to the ward intermittently for two hours during the day. Housing society clusters supplement their AMC water supply with untested bore-well water. The water quality surveillance system is designed for a twenty-four-hour piped distribution of treated surface water. However, in order to maintain surveillance over an intermittent supply that includes ground water, the sampling process should include periodic surveys of water actually consumed by the citizens. The laboratory capacity of the Central Water Testing Laboratory should expand to include more refined tests for microbial and chemical contamination.
文摘Purpose: Respiratory-gated radiation therapy (RT) using the real-time tumor-tracking radiotherapy (RTRT) system is an effective technique for managing tumor motion. High dosimetric and geometric accuracy is needed;however, quality assurance (QA) for respiratory-gated RT using the RTRT system has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to perform QA for respiratorygated RT using the RTRT system. Materials and Methods: The RTRT system detected the position of the fiducial marker and radiation delivery gated to the motion of the marker was performed. The dynamic anthropomorphic thorax phantom was positioned at the isocenter using the fiducial marker in the phantom. The phantom was irradiated only when the fiducial marker was within a three-dimensional gating window of ±2 mm from the planned position. First, the absolute doses were measured using anionization chamber inserted in the phantom under the stationary, gating and non-gating state for sinusoidal (nadir-to-peak amplitude [A]: 20 - 40 mm, breathing period [T]: 2 - 4 s) and the basic respiratory patterns. Second, the dose profiles were measured using Gafchromic films in the phantom under the same conditions. Differences between dose profiles were calculated to evaluate the dosimetric and geometric accuracy. Finally, differences between the actual and measured position of the fiducial marker were calculated to evaluate the tracking accuracy for sinusoidal and basic respiratory patterns. Results: For the sinusoidal patterns, the relative doses were 0.93 for non-gating and 0.99 for gating (A = 20 mm, T = 2 s), 0.94 for non-gating and 1.00 for gating (A = 20 mm, T = 4 s), 0.55 for non-gating and 1.00 for gating (A = 40 mm, T = 4 s), respectively. For the basic respiratory pattern, the relative doses were 1.00 for non-gating and 1.00 for gating, respectively. Compared to the stationary conditions, the differences in lateral distance between the 90% dose of dose profiles were 6.23 mm for non-gating and 0.36 mm for gating (A = 20 mm, T = 2 s), 8.79 mm for non-gating and 1.73 mm for gating (A = 20 mm, T = 4 s), 18.37 mm for non-gating and 0.67 mm for gating (A = 40 mm, T = 4 s), respectively. For the basic respiratory pattern, those were 5.23 mm for non-gating and 0.35 mm for gating. The root mean square (RMS) values of the tracking error were 0.18 mm (A = 20 mm, T = 2 s), 0.14 mm (A = 20 mm, T = 4 s), and 0.21 mm (A = 40 mm, T = 4 s) for sinusoidal and 0.79 mm for the basic respiratory pattern, respectively. Conclusion: We conducted QA for respiratory-gated RT using the RTRT system. The respiratory-gated RT using the RTRT system reduced the blurring effects on dose distribution with high dosimetric and geometric accuracy.
文摘Purpose: With usually a millimeter-level PTV margin, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) pose a stringent requirement on the isocentricity of the Linac. This requirement is partly fulfilled by routine isocenter quality assurance (QA) test to verify the size and location of the isocenter. The current common QA methods such as spoke shot were developed before SBRT/SRS became popular and when IGRT was largely absent and hence have their limitations. In this work, we describe an isocenter QA approach based on portal imaging to provide the community with a superior alternative. Methods: The proposed approach utilizes a BrainLab ball bearing (BB) phantom in conjunction with an electronic portal imaging devices (EPID) imager. The BB phantom was first aligned with a calibrated room laser system. Portal images were then acquired using 6 MV beam with a 2 × 2 cm2 open field and a 15 mm cone on a Varian TrueBeam STx machine. The gantry, collimator, and table were rotated separately at selected angles to acquire a series of portal images in order to determine the isocenter of each rotating system. The location and diameter of these isocenters were determined by calculating the relative displacement of either BB or open field edge between the acquired EPID images. The demonstration of the reproducibility and robustness of this EPID-based approach was carried out by repeating measurements 10 times independently for each rotating system and simulating clinical scenarios of asymmetric jaws and misalignment of BB phantom, respectively. Results: For our TrueBeam STx machine, the isocenter diameter derived from open-field EPID images was roughly 0.15 mm, 0.18 mm, 0.49 mm for the collimator, table, and gantry, respectively. For the collimator and gantry, images taken with the cone gave considerably smaller isocenter diameter. Results remained almost unchanged despite the presence of simulated BB misalignment and asymmetric jaws error, and between independent measurements. Isocenter location and diameter derived from images obtained at a limited number of angles (≤11) were adequately accurate to represent those derived from images of densely sampled angles. Conclusions: An EPID-based isocenter QA approach is described and demonstrated to be accurate, robust, and reproducible. This approach provides a superior alternative to conventional isocenter QA methods with no additional cost. It can be implemented with convenience for any linear accelerator with an EPID imager.
文摘Imaging different bone sites for medical education requires the formation of bone-equivalent materials that mimic bone density. We investigated an economic imaging composition that characterizes bone density in imaging for quality assurance and educational purposes. Four different compositions were tested to reveal the best composition in simulating bone density in X-ray imaging. Hydrated lime was discovered to be the most suitable because it is durable (stiff and does not crumble), easy to source and process, and attenuates imaging X-rays enough to resemble real bone. Hydrated lime provides a significantly better phantom than the other combinations used.