• Title/Summary/Keyword: Quality assessment procedures

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Cost-effective Investigation on Contaminated Land and Assessment of Measurement Uncertainty (오염토양의 효율적 조사기법과 측정불확도의 평가방법)

  • 이종천
    • Economic and Environmental Geology
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    • v.37 no.1
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    • pp.49-59
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    • 2004
  • The concectration and distribution of contaminants obtained from a contaminated land investigation or an environmental geochemistry survey constitutes the basis of a decision-making process on environmental policies or of scientific researches. As the quality of data determines the reliability of the result, the investigation plan should be adjusted according to the purpose of the investigation. In general, the effort to improve the data quality had been focused mainly on the QA/QC procedures in laboratories. The rapid progress of analytical instrument has also contributed toward improving the analytical precision to a sacrificable degree. Nevertheless, in many cases, it is not the analytical precision that needs improvement for the better precision of overall measurement process: it is rather during the sampling process in the field that is responsible for the poor precision. To assess the data quality on a measured value, ISO recommends to provide information on "measurement uncertainty" along with the measured value. The measurement uncertainty in an environmental measurement context can be explained as the statistical number that expresses the degree of the uncertainty stemming from the sampling and analytical procedures. There is a cost involved in order to improve the precision of sampling and analytical methods so as to decrease the degree of measurement uncertainty. The economical point of compromise in an investigation planning can be achieved when the allowable degree of uncertainty has been set before-hand. The investigation can then be planned accordingly not to exceed the uncertainty limit. Furthermore, if the measurement uncertainty estimated from the preliminary investigation can be separated into sampling and analytical uncertainties, it can be used as a criterion where the resources for the investigation should be allotted cost-effectively to reinforce the weakest link of the whole investigation process. This paper aims to present a method of estimating the level of measurement uncertainty of a measured contamination concentration at a site used as an example and to show how the estimated uncertainty can be applied to serve the particular purpose of an investigation.

The Primary Process and Key Concepts of Economic Evaluation in Healthcare

  • Kim, Younhee;Kim, Yunjung;Lee, Hyeon-Jeong;Lee, Seulki;Park, Sun-Young;Oh, Sung-Hee;Jang, Suhyun;Lee, Taejin;Ahn, Jeonghoon;Shin, Sangjin
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.55 no.5
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    • pp.415-423
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    • 2022
  • Economic evaluations in the healthcare are used to assess economic efficiency of pharmaceuticals and medical interventions such as diagnoses and medical procedures. This study introduces the main concepts of economic evaluation across its key steps: planning, outcome and cost calculation, modeling, cost-effectiveness results, uncertainty analysis, and decision-making. When planning an economic evaluation, we determine the study population, intervention, comparators, perspectives, time horizon, discount rates, and type of economic evaluation. In healthcare economic evaluations, outcomes include changes in mortality, the survival rate, life years, and quality-adjusted life years, while costs include medical, non-medical, and productivity costs. Model-based economic evaluations, including decision tree and Markov models, are mainly used to calculate the total costs and total effects. In cost-effectiveness or costutility analyses, cost-effectiveness is evaluated using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, which is the additional cost per one additional unit of effectiveness gained by an intervention compared with a comparator. All outcomes have uncertainties owing to limited evidence, diverse methodologies, and unexplained variation. Thus, researchers should review these uncertainties and confirm their robustness. We hope to contribute to the establishment and dissemination of economic evaluation methodologies that reflect Korean clinical and research environment and ultimately improve the rationality of healthcare policies.

Microbiological Quality Evaluation for Implementation of a HACCP System in Day-Care Center Foodservice Operations II. Focus on Non-Heating Process (보육시설급식소의 HACCP시스템 적용을 위한 미생물적 품질평가 II. 비가열조리 공정을 중심으로)

  • 민지혜;이연경
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.37 no.8
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    • pp.722-731
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    • 2004
  • The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of non-heat-processed foods for implementation of a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) system in day-care center foodservice operations. The evaluating points were microbial assessment of foods, utensils, and employee's hands during preparation, cooking, and serving. The temperature of non-heated food being served was also measured. Microbiological quality was assessed using 3 M Petrifilm/syp TM/ to measure total plate count and coliforms for food and utensils and Staphylococcus aureus for hands in five Gumi day-care centers. Results showed low microbiological quality of non-heated foods. This was probably due to contaminated raw ingredients and cross-contamination that occurred during preparation and cooking (e.g., unsatisfactory washing and disinfection of raw materials and utensils). These results suggest that it is essential to educate employees on good personal hygiene (hand washing) , prevention of cross-contamination through use of properly washed and sanitized utensils, and proper washing and disinfection of raw vegetables. Establishing Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) are an essential part of any RACCP system in day-care center foodservice operations.

Studies on Establishing an Effective System for the Management after Construction in the EIA Process (사후환경관리시스템을 통한 사후관리의 실효성 확보)

  • Maeng, Jun-Ho;Joo, Yong-Joon
    • Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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    • v.17 no.1
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    • pp.57-66
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    • 2008
  • Follow-up process consists of two steps. First, it monitors whether project proponents comply with reviews made by KEI. The second steps is to survey environmental impacts during and after implementation of the proposed action. The follow-up requires the proper participation of stakeholders: project proponents, compliance monitors, impact monitors, and environmental agencies approving and reviewing said projects. Currently, follow-up process does not work well because each stakeholder does not play his proper role for various reasons such as mutual distrust among stakeholders and problems associated with institutional settings. This study intends to improve effectiveness of follow-up process and, ultimately, to improve quality of EIA in Korea by devising a follow-up system that delineates clear roles and build a strong network among stakeholders. In order to do so, the study identifies current problems associated with follow-up process and examines basic concepts and procedures involved in it. Secondly, it analyzes relational dynamics among stakeholders to identify what's behind the current mutual distrust. Third, it proposes a way to delineate clear roles to each stakeholder so that follow-up process runs efficient as an organic network.

Ancillary Service Requirement Assessment Indices for the Load Frequency Control in a Restructured Power System with Redox Flow Batteries

  • Chandrasekar, K.;Paramasivam, B.;Chidambaram, I.A.
    • Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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    • v.11 no.6
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    • pp.1535-1547
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    • 2016
  • This paper proposes various design procedures for computing Power System Ancillary Service Requirement Assessment Indices (PSASRAI) for a Two-Area Thermal Reheat Interconnected Power System (TATRIPS) in a restructured environment. In an interconnected power system, a sudden load perturbation in any area causes the deviation of frequencies of all the areas and also in the tie-line powers. This has to be corrected to ensure the generation and distribution of electric power companies to ensure good quality. A simple Proportional and Integral (PI) controllers have wide usages in controlling the Load Frequency Control (LFC) problems. So the design of the PI controller gains for the restructured power system are obtained using Bacterial Foraging Optimization (BFO) algorithm. From the simulation results, the PSASRAI are calculated based on the settling time and peak over shoot concept of control input deviations of each area for different possible transactions. These Indices are useful for system operator to prepare the power system restoration plans. Moreover, the LFC loop coordinated with Redox Flow Batteries (RFB) has greatly improved the dynamic response and it reduces the control input requirements and to ensure improved PSASRAI, thereby improving the system reliability.

A study on the method of developing achievement and assessment standards for the Subject of "Human Development", "Food and Nutrition" (가사ㆍ실업계 고등학교 전문교과에 대한 성취기준 및 평가기준 개발 방안 연구 -"인간발달"및 "식품과 영양"과목을 중심으로-)

  • Wang Seok-Soon
    • Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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    • v.16 no.3
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    • pp.81-98
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    • 2004
  • This study is to conduct the basic study for the achievement and assessment standards for the subject of 'Human Development' and 'Food and Nutrition', which are the curricula of Vocational Home Economics High Schools. These two subjects were newly adopted in the Vocational study Section of the 2005 College Entrance Examinations. In other words, this study is to provide the basic data for implementing the quality education based on the proper assessment of the curricula. For this purpose. this study analyzed the character & objective of 'Human Development' and 'Food and Nutrition'. Secondly. through the theoretical review for the concept & necessity of absolute evaluation standards. this study ensures the concept of achievement and assessment standards. and also designs the developing measures (including procedures). The achievement standards were developed by the following 5 step procedures. (1) Analyzing the objectives & contents of curricula. (2) Designating the development field of achievement standards (3) Developing the achievement standards. (4) The assessment of achievement standards. (5) Confirming the achievement standards. The assessment standards were developed by the following 5 step procedures. (1) Analyzing the achievement standards, (2) Designating the assessment field (3) Developing the assessment standards (4) Evaluating the assessment standards (5) Confirming the assessment standards Thirdly, this study suggested the exemplary achievement standards and assessment standards for the subject of Human Development, Food and Nutrition. Future study needs some critical review for the method of developing achievement and assessment standards for the subject of Human Development, Food and Nutrition. For example. the properness of 'Contents Element' which was designated as the developing field in the achievement standards, the discussion on validity of Contents Element abstract. the base of evaluating classification in terms of low, middle and high level, and other things should be considered through critical discussion. Especially the follow-up study should include the development of various evaluating methods to enable the clear communication for the achievement and assessment standards based on abstract concept and theory, thereby it could enable the actual interpretation and practical use.

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Uncertainty Analysis and Application to Risk Assessment (위해성평가의 불확실도 분석과 활용방안 고찰)

  • Jo, Areum;Kim, Taksoo;Seo, JungKwan;Yoon, Hyojung;Kim, Pilje;Choi, Kyunghee
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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    • v.41 no.6
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    • pp.425-437
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    • 2015
  • Objectives: Risk assessment is a tool for predicting and reducing uncertainty related to the effects of future activities. Probability approaches are the main elements in risk assessment, but confusion about the interpretation and use of assessment factors often undermines the message of the analyses. The aim of this study is to provide a guideline for systematic reduction plans regarding uncertainty in risk assessment. Methods: Articles and reports were collected online using the key words "uncertainty analysis" on risk assessment. Uncertainty analysis was conducted based on reports focusing on procedures for analysis methods by the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). In addition, case studies were performed in order to verify suggested methods qualitatively and quantitatively with exposure data, including measured data on toluene and styrene in residential spaces and multi-use facilities. Results: Based on an analysis of the data on uncertainty, three major factors including scenario, model, and parameters were identified as the main sources of uncertainty, and tiered approaches were determined. In the case study, the risk of toluene and styrene was evaluated and the most influential factors were also determined. Five reduction plans were presented: providing standard guidelines, using reliable exposure factors, possessing quality controls for analysis and scientific expertise, and introducing a peer review system. Conclusion: In this study, we established a method for reducing uncertainty by taking into account the major factors. Also, we showed a method for uncertainty analysis with tiered approaches. However, uncertainties are difficult to define because they are generated by many factors. Therefore, further studies are needed for the development of technical guidelines based on the representative scenario, model, and parameters developed in this study.

Building Transparency on the Total System Performance Assessment of Radioactive Repository through the Development of the Cyber R&D Platform; Application for Development of Scenario and Input of TSPA Data through QA Procedures (Cyber R&D Platform개발을 통한 방사성폐기물 처분종합성능평가(TSPA) 투명성 증진에 관한 연구; 시나리오 도출 과정과 TSPA 데이터 입력에서의 품질보증 적용 사례)

  • Seo, Eun-Jin;Hwang, Yong-Soo;Kang, Chul-Hyung
    • Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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    • v.4 no.1
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    • pp.65-75
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    • 2006
  • Transparency on the Total System Performance Assessment (TSPA) is the key issue to enhance the public acceptance for a radioactive repository. To approve it, all performances on TSPA through Quality Assurance is necessary. The integrated Cyber R&D Platform is developed by KAERI using the T2R3 principles applicable for five major steps : planning, research work, documentation, and internal & external audits in R&D's. The proposed system is implemented in the web-based system so that all participants in TSPA are able to access the system. It is composed of three sub-systems; FEAS (FEp to Assessment through Scenario development) showing systematic approach from the FEPs to Assessment methods flow chart, PAID (Performance Assessment Input Databases) being designed to easily search and review field data for TSPA and QA system containing the administrative system for QA on five key steps in R&D's in addition to approval and disapproval processes, corrective actions, and permanent record keeping. All information being recorded in QA system through T2R3 principles is integrated into Cyber R&D Platform so that every data in the system can be checked whenever necessary. Throughout the next phase R&D, Cyber R&D Platform will be connected with the assessment tool for TSPA so that it will be expected to search the whole information in one unified system.

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Reference values for pulp oxygen saturation as a diagnostic tool in endodontics: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Paula Lambert;Sergio Augusto Quevedo Miguens Jr;Caroline Solda;Juliana Tomaz Sganzerla;Leandro Azambuja Reichert;Carlos Estrela;Fernando Branco Barletta
    • Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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    • v.45 no.4
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    • pp.48.1-48.11
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    • 2020
  • Objectives: This systematic review aimed to identify mean oxygen saturation values (SpO2) using pulse oximetry in permanent maxillary anterior teeth. Materials and Methods: The MEDLINE, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and Literatura Latino Americana em Ciências da Saúde electronic databases were searched. Combinations and variations of "oximetry" AND "dental pulp test" were used as search terms. Studies reporting means and standard deviations of SpO2 values were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic, and all analyses were performed using R software. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results: Of the 251 studies identified, 19 met the eligibility criteria and were included (total sample, 4,541 teeth). In the meta-analysis, the mean SpO2 values were 84.94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84.85%-85.04%) for the central incisors, 89.29% (95% CI, 89.22%-89.35%) for the lateral incisors, and 89.20% (95% CI, 89.05%-89.34%) for the canines. The studies were predominantly low-quality due to the high risk of bias associated with the index test, unclear risk regarding patient selection, and concerns about outcome assessment. Conclusions: Although most studies were low-quality, the oxygen saturation levels in normal pulp could be established (minimum saturation, 77.52%). Despite the risk of bias of the included studies, the reference values reported herein are clinically relevant for assessments of changes in pulp status.

NIR DIODE ARRAY SPECTROMETERS ON AGRICULTURAL HARVEST MACHINES OVERVIEW AND OUTLOOK

  • Rode, Michael
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Conference
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    • 2001.06a
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    • pp.1172-1172
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    • 2001
  • Compact Near Infrared Diode Array Spectrometers offer new possibilities for on line quality assurance in the agricultural sector. Due to their speed and complete robustness towards temperature fluctuations and mechanical shock Diode Array Spectrometers are suitable for the use on Agricultural Harvest Machines. The growing consumer consciousness of food quality in combination with falling manufacturing prices demands procedures for an effective quality control system. The various conventional types of NIR instruments which have so far been used in laboratories are unsuitable for mobile applications under the rough conditions of field cropping not only because of their slow speed of measurement but also because of their shock sensitive filter wheels and monochromators necessary for fractionating polychromatic light. Another advantage of the on line use is the reduction of the sampling error because of the continuously measurement of the whole product. Considering the large economic importance of the dry matter content on agricultural products it is of particular advantage that water belongs to those constituents which are most easily assessed in the near infrared. While other constituents of economic importance such as starch, oil and protein in grains and seeds have a much lesser effect on NIR signals, their contents can nonetheless be assessed with high analytical precision on freshly harvested grains and seeds. In the last years several applications for on line quality assessment on harvesting machines were developed and tested. The talk will give an overview and outlook on existing and future possibilities of this new field of NIR applications.

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