Articles tagged with Quality Control
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers found large language models susceptible to malicious input manipulation, leading to potentially hazardous health recommendations. The study highlights the need for robustness testing and regulatory oversight before clinical deployment of these AI tools.
Wiley has expanded its spectral libraries with major updates to IR, Raman, and LC-MS collections, delivering researchers enhanced capabilities for faster and more confident compound identification. The expansion brings over 9.5 million high-quality spectra, including 1 million IR spectra and 161,000 Raman spectra.
Hospital accreditation in Brazil has a positive impact on patient safety culture, with accredited hospitals showing stronger openness to communication and incident reporting. However, non-punitive responses to errors and underreporting of incidents remain significant challenges.
A national survey of over 47,000 healthcare professionals found that engaging care teams remains the biggest challenge for concrete improvements in quality of care. The study highlights the importance of valuing teams and promoting a good experience for both patients and healthcare workers.
Researchers have developed a system to selectively switch off the key molecule of NMD, allowing them to observe its function in human cells with unprecedented precision. The study reveals that NMD not only prevents errors but also acts as an important regulator of gene activity.
Research highlights preventable harms of intensive diabetes and hypertension treatment in frail older adults, calling for personalized care approaches that prioritize patient safety. Guidelines recommend cautious individualized care, but complications remain alarmingly common.
Researchers propose a quality management system for quantum technologies to ensure security, interoperability, transparency and accountability. International standards can facilitate cooperation among countries like China, the US, and Europe, creating trust in new technologies.
A research team developed an innovative unsupervised model for industrial anomaly detection using paired well-lit and low-light images. The model leverages feature maps, Low-pass Feature Enhancement, and Illumination-aware Feature Enhancement to detect anomalies while remaining lightweight and memory-efficient.
A recent study by JAMA Network Open reveals racial differences in care quality among men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Black men had lower odds of overtreatment, suggesting better care, while having lower odds of confirmatory testing on active surveillance, indicating worse care.
A large study of Danish children found that COVID-19 mitigation policies affected BMI across all weight categories, not just those with obesity. The findings suggest that age and BMI class differences were present, warranting policies targeting all BMI groups in children.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found serious quality defects in a significant number of cancer medications from sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers evaluated 251 samples and discovered that one in six medications contained the incorrect quantity of active pharmaceutical ingredient, posing patient safety risks.
A new end-to-end framework, DarkAD, enhances anomaly detection in low-light environments by introducing a feature adapter that reduces noise and amplifies critical features. The model outperforms other state-of-the-art models in detecting subtle anomalies with high accuracy and speed.
Researchers will use sensors and software to predict AM part lifespan, enabling cost savings and extending part life. The project aims to improve Darwin software to provide detailed insights into manufacturing processes.
Two molecular control factors, GPATCH1 and DHX35, ensure accurate splicing by recognizing and rejecting defective pre-mRNAs. This process prevents the production of incorrectly synthesized proteins.
Researchers develop a new approach combining Phase Measuring Deflectometry and Shape from Polarization to accurately image specular surfaces without prior knowledge or assumptions. The single-shot method enables motion-robust measurements, pushing the limits for next-generation 3D sensors.
Researchers at Heidelberg University have successfully depicted a faultily 'blocked' spliceosome and reconstructed its recognition and elimination process. This breakthrough provides new insights into the quality control mechanism of the complex molecular machine, shedding light on how cells ensure accurate mRNA production.
The Southwest Research Institute is recruiting residents and visitors from around the world to participate in an international oil sampling program. Participants will be paid for purchasing prequalified oil samples and shipping them to SwRI's headquarters, with payment amounts varying by location and type of sample.
Researchers at the Buck Institute found that ketone bodies interact directly with misfolded proteins, altering their solubility and structure to be cleared through autophagy. This discovery suggests a new form of metabolic regulation of protein quality control in the brain, with potential therapeutic applications.
A new mechanism has been found by which tumor cells escape the immune system, involving a protein called IRGQ. Studies have shown that suppressing IRGQ can trigger a stronger immune response against cancer cells, leading to improved survival rates in liver cancer patients.
High-performance manufacturing (HPM) is a solution to meet the challenges of loading, transmission, conduction, energy conversion and stealth requirements in critical sectors. HPM advocates for a design and manufacturing approach based on scientific modeling and precise control.
Researchers at Pusan National University developed a fast-responding colorimetric sensor with an expanded color gamut, capable of detecting humidity and other environmental changes in real-time. The sensor outperforms previous designs with a wide color representation and rapid responsiveness.
A research project, ACCELERATE, aims to significantly reduce operational qualification time and cost in additive manufacturing by improving validation through detailed tasks and documentation. The project will tackle various aspects of AM operations, including facility controls, operator training, software configuration, and process mo...
Despite overall improvement, US children's diets remain suboptimal, with total dietary quality scores below the 5-point threshold. The study analyzed data from 2005-2020 and found that the increase remained lower than expected.
Researchers found significant discrepancies between actual and labelled amounts of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Urolithin A (UA) in anti-ageing supplements. The discrepancies ranged from none to 28% more than stated amounts, highlighting a critical issue in the supplement industry.
Researchers found significant variation in surgical outcomes within each hospital star rating group, despite CMS star ratings being associated with mortality, complications, and readmissions. This study emphasizes the need for continued improvement of publicly reported hospital grade measures to accurately reflect surgical quality.
A cross-sectional study found that COVID-19 surges are associated with declines in hospital quality, emphasizing the importance of maintaining care standards during periods of high hospital use. The study highlights the need for effective strategies to mitigate these declines and ensure continued high-quality care.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that AI chatbots can generate empathetic and readable responses to cancer patient questions, comparable to those from physicians. The research also highlights the need for further investigation into the scope, process integration, and patient outcomes of chatbot-facilitated interactions.
A cohort study found that high levels of telehealth use were associated with more clinician encounters, ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs. COVID-19 cases still remained high during the study period, suggesting that HSAs with higher telehealth intensity may have better capacity for health services.
A quasi-experimental study of 35 health care facilities found chlorhexidine bathing and nasal decolonization to be effective in reducing multidrug-resistant organism prevalence. The interventions also led to decreased infection-related hospitalizations, costs, and deaths among nursing home residents.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have identified a biochemical pathway that continually surveils mitosis timing and eliminates potentially problematic cells. The 'stopwatch' mechanism uses protein p53 to track cell division time, labeling sequentially delayed divisions as risky.
Researchers developed a new triplex real-time PCR test to detect the emerging Powassan virus in deer ticks, improving sensitivity and accuracy. The method reduced false negative results, providing assurance that negative test results are true negatives.
The study analyzed over 1 million stroke patients and found that the Target: Stroke quality initiative led to increased thrombolysis frequency, timeliness, and improved outcomes across all racial and ethnic groups. However, disparities persisted, highlighting the need for further interventions.
Undergraduate researcher Nguyen Vo-Bui's study reveals that residual stresses and dehydration are key factors behind carrot curling. The findings suggest that handling carrots in cold, moist environments can increase their edible life span.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
A new mechanism of protein quality control has been identified in C. elegans pharyngeal muscles, which acts as a 'safety net' to prevent toxic protein build-up and restore function to the organ. This tissue-specific protection may help explain why some brain areas are more resistant to protein aggregation.
A team at Sandia National Laboratories has created a new way of testing personal protective equipment (PPE) that is faster and more comprehensive. They developed two human models: one for the face and another for the entire head, allowing for more realistic testing of mask performance. The new method also includes automated donning and...
Researchers propose lab-on-a-chip platforms to continuously monitor stored RBC quality and match units to patient needs. This technology aims to improve transfusion safety and efficacy, particularly for critically ill patients and those on chronic transfusion regimens.
Exposure to plastic particles from microwaved baby food containers can be deadly, with up to 75% of cultured kidney cells dying after two days. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln study found that polypropylene containers release 1,000 times more nanoplastics than microplastics.
A team of researchers has developed a new LED technology that can detect spoiled food by emitting light in two different wavelength ranges. The modified LEDs use perovskite materials to capture and convert light, allowing for non-invasive imaging of food freshness.
Researchers developed a fast and affordable test to predict cement durability using computer vision, which can analyze water droplet absorption on surfaces. The new test is less tedious than current methods and could help the cement industry improve quality control.
Researchers from Hebrew University developed a microscope-integrated ellipsometer that enables fast and precise measurements of thin-film thicknesses in small areas. The Spectroscopic Micro-Ellipsometer successfully maps the thicknesses of diverse 2D material flakes, determining their number of atomic layers.
A team of scientists has identified a key player in the coupling between early transcription termination and RNA degradation. The ARS2 protein recruits ZC3H4, which interacts with the NEXT complex to target nascent transcripts for degradation.
A study of 8,269 pediatric patients reveals persistent disparities in central line–associated bloodstream infection rates for Black patients and those who speak a language other than English. Stratifying outcomes to assess for disparities may inform targeted interventions to improve equity.
Researchers found that a mutation in RPL3L, expressed only in heart and skeletal muscle, leads to impaired cardiac contractility by causing ribosomal collisions and protein folding abnormalities. The study aims to develop new treatments for cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation.
The study revealed lower age-standardized rate of NENs incidence in China (1.14 per 100,000) compared to the USA (6.26 per 100,000). The most common sites for primary NEN tumors progressed were found to be the pancreas, stomach, lungs, and rectum.
A large-scale study found that diagnostic errors in neuroradiology were associated with longer interpretation times and higher shift volumes. The study also revealed a significant increase in diagnostic errors during weekend work, highlighting the need for targeted quality improvement interventions.
A secondary analysis of a randomized trial found that even a small reduction in sleep time per night can significantly affect health-related quality of life in children. The study suggests ensuring sufficient good-quality sleep is crucial for child health.
A study of 81,000 UK Biobank participants found that increased moderate to vigorous physical activity can reduce healthcare burdens and improve quality of life. Higher physical activity levels were associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for various health conditions.
Researchers developed a new method to quantify the structure and quality of messenger RNA (mRNA) medicines using liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and software analysis. The platform can analyze all three key components of mRNA medicines simultaneously, providing unparalleled efficiency in checking for quality.
A team of researchers has identified a molecular switch that regulates autophagy in plants, bridging two quality control pathways. The study reveals that this regulatory mechanism is conserved in eukaryotes and essential for preventing cells from 'eating' healthy cellular components.
Researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics have created a new climatological range-based automatic quality control system for ocean temperature profiles. The system, called CODC-QC, uses 14 distinct quality checks to identify outliers and aims to provide a quality-homogenous database.
A recent study found that telemedicine use did not compromise the quality of opioid use disorder treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical outcomes for patients treated by clinicians with high and low telemedicine use were similar, suggesting telemedicine as a comparable alternative to in-person care.
A quality improvement program implemented to reduce disparities in blood pressure control between Black and white patients resulted in improved outcomes. However, disparities were not eliminated, suggesting a need for further targeted interventions.
Texas A&M researchers have developed a method to embed hidden magnetic tags in metal parts, providing a new tool to combat counterfeited goods. The technique uses metal additive manufacturing to create unique identifiers that can be read using a magnetic sensor device.
Researchers have developed an edible plant-based ink derived from food waste to create cost-effective scaffolds for culturing meat. This innovation could significantly reduce the cost of large-scale cultured meat production, making it more affordable and environmentally friendly.
A quality improvement program assisted patients in overcoming video visit access barriers, leading to improved adherence rates. The study found a significant association with both increased video visit attendance and financial savings.
Researchers from University of Cologne and Technical University of Munich discovered that the signal peptidase complex plays a crucial role in quality control of membrane proteins. The complex cleaves faulty membrane proteins to initiate their degradation, maintaining cellular function. This discovery has important implications for und...
A study of 315 women found moderate physical activity to be associated with a 60% lower risk of death. Physical activity levels may play a crucial role in extending survival and improving quality of life for breast cancer survivors.
A study found that longer drive times are associated with reduced receipt of guideline-recommended health screenings and treatments across various care components. This suggests the importance of addressing travel burdens in healthcare to improve quality of care and patient outcomes.
Plant cells use a complex 'hub and spoke' system to recycle organelles, involving specialized vesicles and molecular mechanisms. The discovery sheds light on the role of autophagy in plant stress tolerance.