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The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of different nitrogen fertilizer types on alfalfa growth traits and quality traits in southern Xinjiang. In this study, two alfalfa varieties (WL366 and Bai mu 401) were used as materials, and different nitrogen fertilizer treatment groups were set up, namely control group (CK), urea group (UR), urea ammonium nitrate solution group (UAN), and 40 polymorphic nitrogen fertilizer group (40). The performance and quality characters of alfalfa after different nitrogen fertilizer application were determined. The application effect of different nitrogen fertilizer types was comprehensively evaluated by membership function analysis. The results showed that fertilization had a certain effect on yield and plant height of alfalfa, and could increase the relative feeding value of alfalfa. The comprehensive performance of alfalfa quality was UAN >4()> UR > CK, and 40 polymorphic nitrogen fertilization could significantly increase the yield and plant height of alfalfa. The study indicates that 4() polymorphic nitrogen fertilizer has the best effect on the comprehensive improvement of alfalfa yield and quality in southern Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The necessity to help farmers improve yields has resulted in many years of agricultural research focused on productivity and disease resistance, neglecting other areas of fruit quality such as flavor, health benefits, and external appearance. Nitrogen is required for several biochemical processes. However, reducing N fertilization can increase the synthesis of antioxidants and volatile aroma compounds. Four‐N rates (0 (N0), 45 (N1), 90 (N2), 179 (N3), and 269 (N4) kg ha−1) were tested each year from 2011 to 2017 in two peach varieties melting flesh (MF) 'TropicBeauty' (TB), a soft texture peach, and non‐melting flesh (NMF) 'UFSharp' (UFS), a crispy texture peach, to determine the effect of N on nutritional value and flavor. Results: The phytochemical composition of the NMF 'UFSharp' (UFS) and MF variety 'TropicBeauty' (TB) were not cleared affected by N rates. Volatile synthesis was little affected by N. The sensory evaluation showed that consumers preferred MF peaches compared with NMF, because of its juiciness. Conclusions: Nitrogen fertilization had minor effects on peach fruit phytochemical composition, volatile aroma compounds, and consumer acceptability. The N effect could had been influence by pruning practices, training of the orchard, and the delay of fruit developmental period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Breast self-examination (BSE) is very important to early detect breast cancer in women in addition to imaging methods. The easiest way to access information concerning how to perform this examination is undoubtedly the internet, and the most popular platform is YouTube. However, the most important disadvantage of this massive platform is the risk of spreading false information since it cannot be audited. This study aimed to evaluate Turkish videos on BSE on YouTube in terms of quality and content. Methods: On January 17, 2022, a search was conducted on YouTube using the keyword "breast self-examination", and the first 210 videos presented on the first five pages were obtained. After applying the study criteria, 156 were included in the sample and evaluated by two general surgeons in terms of educational value, content, and upload source. Results: Of the 156 videos, 23 were categorized as useful (14.7%) and 133 as misleading (85.3%). When examined according to the upload source group, universities/professional organizations/non-profit physicians/physicians had the highest rate of misleading videos (96.9%), while stand-alone health information websites had the highest rate of useful videos (24%). There was no significant difference between the upload sources in terms of video length, number of views, content score, or quality score. Conclusions: The number of useful Turkish videos on BSE is very low. Our results indicate the need for more educational and useful videos to be produced, especially by healthcare professionals who use the YouTube platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about restaurant professionals' views on wine sustainability and how these beliefs are embedded in cultural norms of wine quality. Using wine spaces as an entry point, this ethnographic study sought to explore the norms and practices that guide restaurant professionals in their assessment of wine quality and sustainability. The article depicts wine spaces as emblems mediating a particular wine culture with its own norms which guide such assessment. These spaces provide professionals with a setting to accumulate culinary capital as curators, and so wine spaces can be understood as the realm of experts. The results show that incorporating sustainability in wine assessment is challenging for restaurant professionals. First, there are inherent conflicts between environmental and sociocultural sustainability. Second, some norms and practices ingrained in heritage and tradition act as barriers to the adoption of, for example, more sustainable packaging. Third, the perceived sensory attributes of more sustainable wines are sometimes considered detrimental to wine quality. However, we argue that in their role as curators and intermediaries, restaurant professionals can use their expert status to challenge norms and give sustainability the same importance as other parameters such as acidity, tannins, and overall balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers of early childhood educators' practice have noted the usefulness of applying various conceptual and methodological resources to create accounts of complexity. This article contributes to an under-researched area, providing evidence of multi-tasking and task rotation as aspects of the complexity of early childhood educators' practice. The data regarding these aspects were generated in 46 focus groups conducted with 111 directors, teachers and assistants working in Australian early childhood education and care services. Findings of the thematic analysis of focus group data suggest that for participants, multi-tasking and task rotation were considered an integral and regular aspect of practice. Participants also described a range of ways services had to make these sometimes-challenging aspects of practice work for themselves, children and families. This article concludes with suggestions for making multi-tasking and task rotation more manageable through shared understandings and the creation of enabling conditions within early childhood work environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aquatic products are delicious and rich in high‐quality proteins, and thus have high‐food value and are popular among consumers; however, deterioration of their quality can easily occur when being stored and processed. Proteins, the main components of the muscle tissue of aquatic products, are closely related to the quality of aquatic products, and protein oxidation has become a research hotspot for studying the regulatory mechanisms of aquatic product quality changes. Protein oxidation is one of the main causes of quality deterioration of aquatic products, mainly because of protein cross‐linking and protein degradation caused by oxidation. Related studies have also shown that the changes in the electrostatic charge of proteins owing to oxidation are associated with the muscle water‐holding capacity (WHC). This article introduces the induction mechanism of protein oxidation in aquatic products, focusing on its effects on the quality, such as colour, texture, WHC and summarises the current research progress of aquatic products quality control on this basis to provide theoretical reference for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study was to produce high‐quality dried chicken meat slices by a low‐temperature vacuum drying system. Chicken meat slices were cut in 2 and 4 mm thicknesses and then dried at the temperatures of 10 and 20 °C and the pressures of 1, 0.85 and 0.70 atm. The mean moisture content, water activity (aw) and pH values of the low‐temperature vacuum dried chicken slices were 41%, 0.90% and 6.23%, respectively. Depending on the temperature increase, the non‐protein nitrogen (NPN) (P < 0.01) value increased from 5.49 g per 100 g to 6.13 g per 100 g, and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (P < 0.01) value increased from 13.33 to 17.89 μmol MDA kg−1. The colour of samples changed from a lighter and yellow to a darker and brownish as the drying temperature, pressure and thickness increased. The cutting force was higher at 2 mm thickness (18.42 N) (P < 0.01) and 0.70 atm pressure (17.12 N) (P < 0.05) conditions. The samples dried at 10 °C, 0.70 atm and 2 mm had higher microbiological quality and the highest overall acceptability score (7.57). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, the effects of root bacteria and chemical fertilizer applications that promote plant growth in greenhouse tomato cultivation on some yield and quality characteristics of tomato were investigated. Bacteria in the study were applied as two different groups, bacteria I (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain BY-44, Bacillus licheniformis strain HK-13 and Pseudomonas putida strain NK-12) and bacteria II (Pseudomonas fluorescens strain FC-42, Bacillus subtilis strain SK-26 and Rhizobium radiobacter strain SK-63). Parallel to the chemical fertilizer program, NK-12 and SK-26 strains, which have the ability to fix nitrogen when nitrogen-containing (NPK) fertilizers were applied to the plants, and BY-44 and SK-26 strains, which have positive phosphorus dissolving properties when phosphorus-containing (NPK) and pure fertilizers were applied, HK-13 and FC-42 strains, which can dissolve potassium when NPK fertilizers with high potassium content were applied were inoculated individually, without mixing. The experiment was established in a plastic greenhouse located in Hasyurt (Finike-Antalya) in 2017, according to the randomized plots trial design and was conducted out with 3 replications. In the study the number of tomato cluster, cumulative fruits, fruit size, fruit diameter, fruit hardness, average fruit weight, early yield, cumulative yield, fruit dry weight, total water-soluble dry matter, pH value of fruit juice and titrable acid amount were evaluated. As a result of the applications, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the applications of bacteria I and bacteria II with chemical fertilizer application in terms of average fruit weight, fruit diameter, total water-soluble dry matter, pH value of fruit juice, fruit dry weight and fruit hardness. It was found that the effect of bacteria II application on fruit length was the same as chemical fertilizer application. In addition, it was observed that the effect of bacteria II application on the amount of titratable acid was statistically in the same group as chemical fertilizer application. It was determined that the highest values in cumulative fruit number, fruit size, early yield and cumulative yield parameters were obtained from chemical fertilizer application. In addition, plant growth promoting mechanisms (IAA, siderophore, ACC-deaminase and catalase) of bacterial stains used in applications were investigated. The highest IAA was found in Bacillus licheniformis strain HK-13 (61.24µg ml-1), the highest siderophore production was found in Pseudomonas putida strain NK-12 (36 mm). It has been determined that all of the strains have ACC-deaminase and catalase enzymes. The results showed that including bacterial applications in tomato cultivation would be effective in reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The silage corn (SC) production and yield per area in Turkey have increased over the last decade owing to their high economic importance. The first objective of the current study was to determine the agronomic and nutritive profiles of SC hybrids in the Central Anatolian region of Ankara, Turkey. The other objective was to determine the relationship between silage maturity and corn heat unit (CHU) and growing degree day (GDD) ratings. The current study was set up as a randomized complete block design with three replications. Certified seeds of five dissimilar SC hybrids (cv PL 712, cv TORRO, cv CHAMP, cv MACHA, cv RANGER) (n=5) were established in the field. SC hybrids showed variation among themselves. Differences were also detected in all parameters, except dry matter (DM) content and crude protein (CP) yield. Cv "MACHA" had the highest nutritive profile [CP: 9.60%; acid detergent fiber (ADF): 30.02%; neutral detergent fiber (NDF): 51.62%; acid detergent lignin (ADL): 3.72%; total digestible nutrient (TDN): 62.60%; metabolic energy (ME): 2.34 Mcal kg-1 DM; net energy production (NEp): 1.50 Mcal kg-1 DM]. One of the other hybrids, Cv "CHAMP" had the highest yield components [silage yield: 104.20 t ha-1; dry matter yield: 35.4 t ha-1; TDN yield: 21.10 t ha-1; ME yield: 77880.00 Mcal ha-1; NEp yield: 49914.00 Mcal ha-1]. There was a significant correlation between silage maturity and CHU and GDD ratings [CHUseed (r = 0.84, P= 0.001), CHUsilk (r = 0.90, P<0.001), and GDD (r = 0.89, P<0.001). Based on these results, it was determined that the low-CHU SC hybrid had higher yield values and nutrient profiles in Ankara. In addition to this, SC hybrids; "cv CHAMP" and "cv MACHA" could be recommended for their agronomic profile, nutritive profile, and yield components in the Central Anatolian regions, Ankara, Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant genotype by environment interaction is a major matter for wheat breeding research. The study was carried out for seven growing season (between 2010-2011 and 2016-2017) in the Edirne location in the Trakya region, Türkiye. Each year was considered as a single environment. In the study, a regional yield trial of 25 genotypes, 5 of which were standard cultivars were evaluated across seven environments. The experiments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The characters such as yield, days to heading, plant height, thousand kernel weight, hectoliter weight, protein ratio, wet gluten content, gluten index, grain hardness and sedimentation value were investigated in the study. The result of the variance analysis (ANOVA) demonstrated considerable differences (p<0.01 and p<0.05) among environments for the characters and among genotypes except for test weight and grain hardness. The highest grain yielding cultivar was Gelibolu with 7234 kg ha-1. According to the results, the yield was affected by the environment by 70.90%, genotypes by 3.46% and their interaction by 11.35%. Environmental impact was responsible for much of the change. Mean grain yield over seven environments varied with the lowest being 4454 kg ha-1 in E6 and the highest being 8158 kg ha-1 in environment E4. The fact that there was an 83.2% yield difference between the environments in the study showed the importance of the environmental impact. The highest grain hardness, sedimentation value, gluten content and protein ratio were determined in E1. The biplot analysis results explained that Selimiye is an ideal cultivar and E1 is an ideal environment. In the study, E7 and E2 were the most discriminative environments, while E4 was the least discriminating. Among the varieties, Aldane had high values in terms of sedimentation, protein ratio and gluten value, while Pehlivan variety had high values in terms of test weight, 1000 grain weight and grain hardness. As a result of the research, the importance of genotype and environmental effects on yield and quality was also seen in this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma registries and their quality improvement programs only collect data from the acute hospital admission, and no additional information is captured once the patient is discharged. This lack of long-term data limits these programs' ability to affect change. The goal of this study was to create a longitudinal patient record by linking trauma registry data with third party payer claims data to allow the tracking of these patients after discharge. Trauma quality collaborative data (2018-2019) was utilized. Inclusion criteria were patients age ≥18, ISS ≥5 and a length of stay ≥1 d. In-hospital deaths were excluded. A deterministic match was performed with insurance claims records based on the hospital name, date of birth, sex, and dates of service (±1 d). The effect of payer type, ZIP code, International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis specificity and exact dates of service on the match rate was analyzed. The overall match rate between these two patient record sources was 27.5%. There was a significantly higher match rate (42.8% versus 6.1%, P < 0.001) for patients with a payer that was contained in the insurance collaborative. In a subanalysis, exact dates of service did not substantially affect this match rate; however, specific International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes (i.e., all 7 characters) reduced this rate by almost half. We demonstrated the successful linkage of patient records in a trauma registry with their insurance claims. This will allow us to the collect longitudinal information so that we can follow these patients' long-term outcomes and subsequently improve their care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to compare medium-term outcomes between robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (RC) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) using validated quality of life (QoL) and pain assessments. Patients who underwent RC or LC between 2012 and 2017 at a single academic institution were examined. Cases converted to open were excluded. Patients were contacted by telephone in 2019 and completed two standardized surveys to rate their QoL and pain. Of those screened, 122 (35.8%) completed both surveys. Ninety three (76.2%) underwent RC and 29 (23.8%) underwent LC. The groups (RC versus LC) were similar based on mean age (47.9 versus 45.5 y, P = 0.48), gender (66.7% versus 72.4% female, P = 0.56), race (86.0% White/5.4% Black versus 72.4% White/13.8% Black, P = 0.2), insurance status (98.9% versus 100.0% insured, P = 0.58), median body mass index (31.8 versus 31.3, P = 0.43), and median Charlson Comorbidity Index (1 versus 0, P = 0.14). Fewer RC patients had a history of steroid use compared to LC (16.1% versus 34.5%, P = 0.03). No overall significant difference in QoL was demonstrated. LC group had higher severity of "tiring-exhausting pain" (P = 0.04), "electric-shock pain" (P = 0.003), and "shooting pain" (P = 0.05). The "overall intensity" of pain in the "gallbladder region" between the groups was similar at the time of follow-up (P = 0.31). QoL over 2-7 y following time of surgery is comparable for robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomies. The laparoscopic approach may be associated with a higher severity of subset categories of pain, but overall pain between the two approaches is comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global trade in kiwifruit started in the 1960s and was built on the good postharvest performance of a single cultivar, Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa 'Hayward', even though alternative cultivars were available. Even now 'Hayward' is still the dominant traded cultivar. So why is it that the 'Hayward' fruit has maintained its dominant position in the market? One key trait of 'Hayward' fruit is the ability to be successfully stored for long periods. In this study the storage performance of 'Hayward' fruit was compared with fruit of two other A. chinensis var. deliciosa cultivars, 'Bruno' and 'Allison', which were available at the start of the global kiwifruit industry. There are two key aspects for kiwifruit storage performance; firmness maintenance and resistance to chilling damage. Studies coupled investigations of the fruit structure (tissue zones) and maturation with softening and chilling expression in storage. Data showed that the good storage performance of 'Hayward' kiwifruit is linked to its softening pattern, whereby it does not soften too fast to a too low firmness. This may be associated with fruit structure. In addition, at an equivalent maturity, 'Hayward' fruit had a greater tolerance of low storage temperatures without developing chilling damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this colloquium, the authors of Beyond Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care, which was published 25 years ago, reflect on the book's core arguments about the 'problem with quality', the neoliberal origins of 'the age of quality' and the book's impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few years, the world has experienced the impacts of climate change, such as elevated mean annual temperature, extreme weather events, drought, etc. Among living organisms, perennial plant species are the ones mostly exposed to climate change impacts, as they may experience different extreme events within the same year, such as flooding during some periods and drought in summer months, extremely low temperatures in winter but excessively high temperatures in summer, etc. Climate change affects a range of physiological functions of temperate fruit and nut tree species, such as their phenophases, bud dormancy release and vernalization, pollination and fruit set, fruit growth and quality, as well as bud sprouting and growth initiation. Besides these, the impact of climate change on pests, diseases, and weeds may generate significant negative interactions with tree physiology, threatening food production, food safety, and human welfare. In the present manuscript, a general aspect of climate change impacts on fruits' and nut trees' physiological functions is described and commented on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate silage quality, in vitro digestibility, and energy content of headless confectionary sunflower (HCS) ensiled with different additives. HCS was shredded as silage material and mixed with 5% molasses or 4% crushed barley, and these groups were supplemented with 0 or 5 g/ton bacterial inoculant+enzyme mixture (BI+E). Thus, 6 groups were ensiled in 1-liter glass jars in 5 replicates. At the end of the 70-day incubation period, pH values, NH3-N, and VFA concentrations of silage liquids were measured. Crude nutrient analysis, in vitro digestibility, energy content, and Fleig scores of silage specimens were determined. As a result, considering the analysis values of the silages, quality silages were obtained from molasses, barley and BI+E mixtures and the additives used increased the silage quality. Especially, the silage supplemented with 4% barley and 5 g/ton BI+E had better results than the other silage groups regarding DM, LA, pH, Fleig score, DMD, OMD, DE, ME, and NEL values. Similar results were achieved in the group, where only 5% molasses was added to the sunflower crop. Furthermore, the addition of bacterial inoculant also positively improved the silage quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of the data received from the research experiment conducted with bird's-foot-trefoil, red clover and sainfoin, fertilized with humate fertilizers on the territory of the experimental field of Research Institute of Mountain Stockbreeding and Agriculture -- Troyan during the period 2013-2015, correlation dependencies and regression equations were constructed. A positive correlation dependence was established between: the phosphorus content and the height of fertilizer meadows with legumes (r = 0.90); the content of nitrogen-free extractable substances and the relative share of the stems (r = 0.86); and the crude protein and the percentage share of leaves (r = 0.80). This proves the positive effect of fertilizing with boron and molybdenum humate on growth and development of legumes, the accumulation of nutrients in the forage. The regression equations derived prove the possibility of predicting the crude protein content from the share of leaves in the grass stand (R² = 0.64), the phosphorus content from the height of the stems (R² = 0.81) and of the nitrogen-free extractable substances from the relative share of the stems (R² = 0.75), in the grass stands. Two-factor analysis of variance showed the high impact of the conditions of the year (η = 68.69) on the dry matter yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, starch‐lipid complexes with different crystalline forms (type I and type II) are prepared by twin‐screw extruder and their effects on quality and in vitro starch digestibility of wheat noodles are investigated. The substitution of wheat flour by type I and type II complexes increases and decreases the lightness of wheat noodles, respectively. The cooking loss of noodles increases with increasing addition of complexes, which is due to the destruction of gluten networks. Textural analysis shows that type I complexes, and to a lesser extent type II complexes, reduced the hardness and increased the elasticity of cooked noodles. Noodles made with type II complex are more resistant to amylolysis than those made with type I complexes, probably due to the less susceptibility of more crystalline type II complexes to amylolysis. From this study, it is concluded that starch‐lipid complex, as a new kind of clean‐label starch with promising functionality, can be used to improve the quality and nutrition of starchy foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial research has aimed to characterise and measure early childhood education and care (ECEC) quality. However, heterogeneity in measures, methods and contexts across studies has made it difficult to reconcile the inconsistent associations reported between quality dimensions and child outcomes. While there is broad consensus that early interactions and experiences may be most strongly and directly influential to children’s developmental progress, attempts to identify aspects of quality interactions that relate most highly to child outcomes have tended to focus on particular measures and/or contexts. The aim of this systematical review was to reconcile the available evidence on associations of dimensions of quality interactions in formal ECEC settings (adult–child interactions and associated context and content) with the outcomes of children aged 3–5 years. Uniquely, this review examined how rates of significance differed by measure, country and study characteristics (e.g. sample, study design, risk of bias) – providing nuanced insights on quality indicators that most reliably account for children’s developmental progress. Seven databases were searched for the years 2000–2022, yielding 90 studies reporting 870 associations of interaction quality with various child development and educational outcomes. Results indicated little evidence for global ECEC quality indices (e.g. those integrating process quality indicators with structural elements) relating to child outcomes. The consistency in patterns of association improved for some dimensions of interaction quality (e.g. supporting play), with other dimensions showing low support even when they aligned with the outcome (e.g. instructional support with cognitive-academic outcomes). By providing an overview and reconciliation of evidence on the child-level associations in ECEC quality, across diverse measures and contexts, this review raises important questions of current ECEC quality assumptions and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of nursing evidence within hemodialysis is challenged by the vast numbers of specialized tasks clinicians undertake. Developing an evidence base is complex and multi-faceted, requiring a collaborative and well-defined process. Commonly, a process of quality improvement is initially undertaken, whereby nurses develop a plan, undertake action, study outcomes, and review results. However, when reviewing current processes to identify and develop evidence-based practices across various health services, a more detailed and planned methodology is required. This article provides nurses with knowledge to apply a well-defined framework (the Iowa Model-Revised of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Excellence in Health Care) to transform a quality improvement project into the development of evidence-based practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify suitable potassium fertilizers for grape (Vitis vinifera L.) production and study their mechanism of action, the effects of four potassium-containing fertilizers (complex fertilizer, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate) on sugar and organic acid metabolism in grape fruits were investigated. Potassium-containing fertilizers increased the activity of sugar and organic acid metabolism-related enzymes at all stages of grape fruit development. During the later stages of fruit development, potassium-containing fertilizers increased the total soluble solid content and the sugar content of the different sugar fractions and decreased the titratable acid content and organic acid content of the different organic acid fractions. At the ripening stage of grape fruit, compared with the control, complex fertilizer, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate increased the total soluble solid content by 1.5, 1.2, 3.5, and 3.4 percentage points, decreased the titratable acid content by 0.09, 0.06, 0.18, and 0.17 percentage points, respectively, and also increased the total potassium content in grape fruits to a certain degree. Transcriptome analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the berries showed that applying potassium-containing fertilizers enriched the genes in pathways involved in fruit quality, namely, carbon metabolism, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, and fructose and mannose metabolism. Potassium-containing fertilizers affected the expression levels of genes regulating sugar metabolism and potassium ion uptake and transport. Overall, potassium-containing fertilizers can promote sugar accumulation and reduce acid accumulation in grape fruits, and potassium sulfate and potassium dihydrogen phosphate had the best effects among the fertilizers tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explored the influence of defatted flaxseed gum powder (DFGP) on the stability and quality of sesame paste by measuring and analyzing its composition, color, texture, particle size, centrifugal oil separation rate, rheological properties, and microstructure. The results showed that the moisture and polysaccharide content of sesame paste was increased as the DFGP increased. Additionally, the hardness, gumminess, and chewiness of the sesame paste was improved, while the presence of particles with small particle size (1-100 µm) was decreased. The rate of oil precipitation was reduced by 28.99% when the amount of DFGP was 6%. The sesame paste samples exhibited pseudoplastic behavior, demonstrating shear thinning. As the shear rate increased, the apparent viscosity of sesame paste gradually decreased. Both the storage modulus (G') and the loss modulus (G") increased as the shear frequency increased. The microstructure observation revealed that protein and oil were evenly distributed in the sesame paste system, and the addition of DFGP enhanced the bonding between oil and protein. This study can provide valuable references for high-quality sesame paste products in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Veterans Administration (VA) is transforming its historically male-dominated health care system to better serve women veterans, few of whom, nevertheless, use VA health care. We describe the factors affecting women veterans' use of VA-provided health care. Methods: We conducted in-person interviews with 22 women veterans in Los Angeles, California, from 2013 to 2015 who received some non-VA health care. Using grounded theory, we inductively identified the major themes and selected illustrative quotations. Results: Why women veterans do not use VA health care is shaped by factors related to the safety, quality, and value of health care, including poor linkage to VA services during and after military service, limited knowledge and inaccurate beliefs regarding eligibility for VA services, bureaucratic barriers impeding receipt of VA care, VA environments triggering memories of negative military experiences, negative interpersonal experiences with VA staff, and perceiving VA settings as unsafe, ill-equipped to address addiction, and insensitive to women-specific needs and preferences. Women are attracted to VA health care for its whole health care capacity, peer social support, and proactive clinicians. Conclusion: Findings can inform improvements to VA health care design and delivery, thereby bolstering those aspects of VA care that women veterans value while reducing health care utilization barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment comprising of 50 genotypes of forage sorghum was laid out in CRBD. Enough variability was observed among the genotypes under study as revealed by ANOVA. Genetic divergence analysis grouped the genotypes into six clusters based on quantitative and qualitative traits. Cluster I had the maximum number of genotypes, followed by clusters III and V with ten genotypes each; cluster IV had nine genotypes; cluster II had seven genotypes and cluster VI had only one genotype. The maximum intra cluster distance was observed in clusters I followed by cluster V and cluster III. Intra-cluster distance is measure of the amount of variability present within cluster. The highest inter-cluster distance was found between the clusters I and III followed by the clusters I and V which confirms that genotypes in these clusters are more diverse. Use of genetically diverse genotypes of clusters VI and III in hybridization program would help to evolve the genotypes with high fodder yield and good quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted at the instructional cum research farm of the Department of Plantation Crops and Processing of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, India during rabi season for consecutive two years (October-2019 to March-2020 and October-2020 to march-2021) to investigate the "Effect of Different Plant Growth Regulators on Quality attributes of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)" with various growth regulators (GA3 @ 50 ppm, GA3 @ 100 ppm, GA3 @ 150 ppm, NAA @ 50 ppm, NAA @ 100 ppm, NAA @ 200 ppm, Kinetin @ 10 ppm, Kinetin @ 20 ppm, Kinetin @ 40 ppm and Control (Distilled water). In view of, effect of different plant growth regulators on quality attributes has observed significant variation. Results pertaining to total soluble solids, significantly highest TSS recorded under GA3 @100 ppm treated plots (32.10 °Brix), however, dry matter content of bulb was highest at GA3 @ 50 ppm (33.63%). Interestingly, highest oleoresin content of the bulb was also reported from the GA3 @ 50 ppm treated plots (0.24 g) with lowest physiological loss of bulb weight (7.04%). The control plots treated with distilled water was produced qualitatively inferior bulbs. The aim of the study provided valuable results to determine the potential growth regulator for enhancing post-harvest quality attribute of garlic by employing methodology of Randomized Block Design comprising of three replications with ten treatments. Based on the current experimental results, it may be concluded that foliar application of GA3 @ 50 ppm proved the best over other plant growth regulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted at Dry Land Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Rangreth, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India aimed to comprehensively assess 40 genotypes, alongside 5 checks, for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) characterization. Employing an Augmented Block Design in the field in kharif season of April-August, 2022 and a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in the laboratory from September-March 2023, the genotypes underwent evaluation for 21 DUS traits and 43 morphological, maturity, yield and quality traits. The evaluation followed descriptors specific to rajmash genotypes, utilizing frequency distribution based on "state" and "code" for each trait. The results indicated that majority of genotypes exhibited early flowering (<50 days), with 91% displaying an absence of anthocyanin coloration. Erect plant types were prevalent (51.11%), with 51% and 60% being viny and determinate, respectively. Most genotypes featured medium-sized, light green, ovate leaves (46.66%, 53%, and 22%, respectively). White-colored flowers (48.88%) with striped petal surfaces (57.77%) and medium curvature (40.00%) were predominant. Seed-related traits, such as cordate pod shapes (51%) and concave pod sutures (50%), along with acute pod distal shapes (69%), were observed. Pale green pods (57.77%) and 76% of genotypes exhibiting pod stringiness were noted. Seed shapes were mainly kidney-shaped (60%), and absent pigmentation in pod shells (73%) was observed. Large-sized seeds (40%) with dark red testa color (44%) were common, and seed testa variegation was "absent" in 75.55% of genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was measurement of the color properties as Hue degree, Saturation value, and Brightness value (HSB). Three samples of Sesame oil was exposure by laser )diod laser with wavelength 450 nm) with three times (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 h) and three samples of sesame oil were irradiated by Gamma Rays with three dosses (2, 4, 8 kGy) and one sample without any treatment (control). The processing of an image starts with the transfer of the image to the Personal Computer, where the image analysis process is applied. After that, it is performed the segmentation to watermark determine if each pixel belongs to bottom, skin or color. The parameters obtained from each Sesame oil sample (in each image are the pixel number of lighter oil (Stage 1), of darker or sesame oil profile (Stage 2). Taking image of each Sesame oil samples, a total number of 6 parameters can be obtained.Color properties {Hue, Saturation and brightness (HSB)}, color component {Red, Green and Blue (RGB)} of sesame oil. The obtained results were showed that by increasing Gamma radiation doses and exposure time of Laser, Hue degree was increased, that mean the color of sesame oil may be improved to be less quality. While, Hue degree was decreased by increasing storage period. Also, by increasing Gamma radiation doses and exposure time of Laser, the value of saturation was decreasing, that means that the color of sesame oil may be improved to be high quality. Meanwhile, the value of saturation was decreased by increasing storage period. As well as, by increasing Gamma radiation doses, exposure time of Laser and by increasing storage period the value of brightness was decreasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound assisted thawing (UAT) is an emerging thawing method in recent years, which can shorten thawing time and improve product quality. However, the application of UAT in aquatic products is less and there is no systematic study on the effect of frequency and power. The effect of frequency, used alone or in combination; combined with different power (180 or 220 W) during ultrasound assisted thawing on the thawing time, water-holding capacity (WHC), quality, and myofibrillar protein (MP) structure of sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) were evaluated in this experiment. UAT was found to improve the quality of thawed sea bass. Compared to flowing water thawing (FWT), UAT resulted in a lower thawing time. Samples treated with multi-frequency UAT (MUAT) at 180 W (MUAT-180-20/28/40) had a lower thawing time (44.92 min), higher hardness, higher chewiness, lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value, and more stable tertiary structure of MP compared with the single-frequency UAT (SUAT) and dual-frequency UAT (DUAT) treated samples. At the same time, MUAT at 220 W (MUAT-220-20/28/40) had a lower thawing time (47.50 min), a more suitable pH value, and lower total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) value. In addition, DUAT at 220 W at 20 and 28 kHz (DUAT-220-20/28) had higher WHC, more stable sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and lower TBARS value. In consequence, UAT can improve the quality of thawed sea bass, especially at specific power and frequency, and better quality can be obtained, which can be studied in depth in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Selçuk district of Izmir is one of the most essential regions in terms of olive oil production. In this study, 60 olive oil samples were obtained from five different locations (ES: Eski Şirince Yolu, KK: Kınalı Köprü, AU: Abu Hayat Üst, AA: Abu Hayat Alt, and DB: Değirmen Boğazı) in the Selçuk region of Izmir during two (2019–2020 and 2020–2021) consecutive cropping seasons. Quality indices (free acidity, peroxide value, p-Anisidine value, TOTOX, and spectral absorption at 232 and 270 nm) and the fatty acid, phenolic, and sterol profiles of the samples were determined to analyze the changes in the composition of Selcuk olive oils according to their growing areas. When the quality criteria were analyzed, it was observed that KK had the lowest FFA (0.11% oleic acid, PV (6.66 meq O2/kg), p-ANV (11.95 mmol/kg), TOTOX (25.28), and K232 (1.99) values and K270 had the highest value. During the assessment of phenolic profiles, the ES group exhibited the highest concentration of the phenolic compound p-HPEA-EDA (oleocanthal), with a content of 93.58 mg/kg, equivalent to tyrosol. Upon analyzing the fatty acid and sterol composition, it was noted that AU displayed the highest concentration of oleic acid (71.98%) and β-sitosterol (87.65%). PCA analysis illustrated the distinct separation of the samples, revealing significant variations in both sterol and fatty acid methyl ester distributions among oils from different regions. Consequently, it was determined that VOOs originating from the Selçuk region exhibit distinct characteristics based on their geographical locations. Hence, this study holds great promise for the region to realize geographically labeled VOOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to provide a comprehensive description and analysis of Total Quality Management (TQM) implemented by Sekolah Murid Merdeka (SMM) to improve the quality of services to meet the needs of students requiring effective and quality learning using the blended learning method. The blended learning approach is a model of education that combines traditional classroom instruction with elements of online learning. This study highlights the implementation of TQM in the context of blended learning to improve the quality of educational services continuously. In the current era of information and technology, the need for 4C skills (critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity) is crucial to face the fourth industrial revolution. Implementing TQM at SMM is one of the appropriate alternatives to meet these challenges. By implementing TQM, SMM seeks to improve output, reduce production costs, and increase production. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable insights that not only influence practices at Sekolah Murid Merdeka but also guide other educational institutions in optimizing their blended learning initiatives. By understanding best practices in implementing TQM in the context of blended learning, educational institutions can improve the quality of their services to meet the needs and expectations of students in the modern education era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on transforming Sajor-caju mushrooms into snack foods through frying and flavoring. The main objective is to examine how different packaging formats impact the quality of seasoned fried mushroom products. The process involves steaming and drying the mushrooms until the moisture content is below 6 %. Subsequently, the mushrooms are fried in a vacuum fryer at 115 °C under a vacuum pressure of 620 mm Hg for 5 min. The mushrooms obtained were developed into herb-flavored fried mushrooms according to the recipe and method from the model farm project, Than To District, Yala Province of Thailand. The products were packed in 3 different packaging formats; in PP bags (control sample), in polypropylene plastic bags containing oxygen absorber (PP+O2 absorber), and in aluminum foil bags (AL), stored at room temperature, 29±2 °C for 90 days. The study revealed that different packaging formats resulted in the seasoned fried mushroom product in the color value (L* a* b*), aw value, moisture content, TBA value, total microbial and fungal counts, and sensory acceptance score (p < 0.05) with statistical significance. From the results, it could be concluded that packing in polypropylene plastic bags could store the product for 30 days, and products packed in PP+O2 absorber could maintain an acceptable sensory quality similar to the one newly prepared for up to 45 days. Packing in aluminum foil bags was the most suitable packing format. It could maintain the product quality in physical, chemical, microbial, and sensory properties for up to 75 days while the product still conformed to the Community Product Standard (303/2004). Moreover, the results from this study can be applied to other snack products and further commercialized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to analyze the influence of information quality, information quantity, information credibility, information task-fit, information needs and attitudes towards information on purchasing behavior for women's clothing products directly or through the mediation of purchase intentions. This research was applied to social media users such as Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook. The sample was determined using a purposive sampling technique so that 140 respondents were obtained. Research data was collected using a research questionnaire and carried out statistical analysis using partial least squares. The research results show that information quality, information quantity, information credibility, information task-fit, information needs and attitudes towards information partially have a positive and significant effect on purchase intentions, then purchase intentions have a positive and significant effect on purchasing behavior for women's clothing products. The purchase intention variable plays its role well as a mediating variable [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】High-quality flue-cured tobacco varieties are important guarantees for showcasing the quality characteristics of tobacco producing areas. Exploring the differences in nitrogen metabolism and carotenoid metabolism characteristics between high-quality flue-cured tobacco varieties and conventional main varieties during the field growth period in Jiangxi tobacco region, and analyzing the common physiological metabolism characteristics of high-quality fluecured tobacco varieties can provide theoretical and technical support for in-depth exploration of variety characteristics and optimization of variety matching cultivation techniques. 【Method】The Minyan 312, Minyan 12 with good sensory quality and the conventional variety of Yunyan 87 (CK) were used as materials. The changes in the contents of related substances and gene expression levels in middle leaves of different varieties during key growth periods were analyzed. 【Result】In terms of carotenoid metabolism, the contents of lutein and β-carotene in Minyan 312 and Minyan 12 were 3.27-6.14 mg/g and 0.67-1.59 mg/g respectively during the budding stage to foot leaf mature period, which were significantly lower than those in Yunyan 87. However, the contents of lutein in the middle leaf maturity of the two varieties were 2.31 mg/g and 2.58 mg/g, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in Yunyan 87 (0.17 mg/g and 0.44 mg/g). The peak expression of carotenoid synthesis-related genes mainly occurred in the vigorous growing period to budding stage. The relative expression of PSY and other carotenoid synthesis-related genes in Minyan 312 and Minyan 12 were higher than those in Yunyan 87 before the maturity of waist leaf, with a maximum difference of 2.53. In terms of nitrogen metabolism, the total nitrogen content (1.58%-3.36%) and protein content (7.14%-14.81%) in Minyan 312 and Minyan 12 were significantly lower than those in Yunyan 87 during the budding stage to foot leaf mature period. The expression levels of NR, NIR1 and GS1-5 genes in Minyan 312 and Minyan 12 were higher than those in Yunyan 87 during the vigorous growing period to foot leaf mature period, while the expression levels of GS1-5 genes were lower during the waist leaf mature period. In terms of correlation analysis, there was a significant or extremely significant positive correlation between NIRI, GS1-5, PSY, CRTISO and other genes, lutein and β-carotene.【Conclusion】There was a significant correlation between nitrogen metabolism and carotenoid metabolism. Compared with Yunyan 87, the middle leaves of high-quality flue-cured tobaccos Minyan 312 and Minyan 12 exhibited stronger activity of carotenoid synthesis related genes before maturity and higher lutein content during maturity in terms of carotenoid metabolism. In addition, the Minyan 312 and Minyan 12 had higher nitrogen absorption and assimilation ability before maturity, and had lower nitrogen utilization ability at maturity in terms of nitrogen metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysorbate 80 is one of the most commonly used surfactants in the formulation of biotherapeutics, particularly those administered intravenously. It comprises a mixture of fatty acids but is not a precisely defined chemical entity. Hence, there are a range of different grades available in the market, all meeting compendial specifications. Polysorbate 80 is known to undergo auto degradation producing protein-damaging by-products, and to contain residual impurities that can have an impact on the stability and integrity of the active ingredients in the formulation. Given the variety of chemical compositions that polysorbate 80 can comprise, the degradation pathway and extent could vary depending on the grade used in the formulation. This study compared the physical and chemical properties of four commercially available polysorbate 80 grades with different degrees of purity and oleic acid content and investigated their degradation profiles. This study did not find any significant differences between the properties or degradation profiles of the four grades investigated. Further studies are underway to understand the formation of other reactive impurities and their impact on the model protein formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt was made to assess the quality of the International Data Centre (IDC) Reviewed Event Bulletin (REB) by comparing it with the Reviewed bulletin of the International Seismological Centre (ISC). To accomplish the task of comparison, the ISC Reviewed Bulletin events as downloaded from the ISC Web page for the month of October 2020 were used. The corresponding REB events as listed in the ISC bulletin were considered. During this period, a total of 3431 and 2652 (excluding 39 Infrasound events) events were considered for ISC and IDC bulletins, respectively. The comparison was performed using the information given in the header lines of the ISC bulletin from which matched and unmatched events could be extracted. The results showed that a total of 2315 events could be matched between the two bulletins. The percentage of matched events with relative location difference (D) < 1° was about 95.3% while the percentage of events with D ≥ 5o was about 0.35%. There were two potential events with IDC magnitude (mb) ≥ 4.0 and D ≥ 5°. The percentage of matched events with intersecting error ellipses was about 75.5%. Some results obtained from earlier studies which were produced by using similar approaches were also used in this study. In general, the results obtained in this study show that there was a slight difference when compared to the earlier comparison results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laurus nobilis L. is an aromatic shrub or tree, Mediterranean element. The leaves are employed as a spice and for medicinal purposes. It is known by various names in Turkey, such as "defne, har and tehnel." In this study, 15 different laurel leaf samples were purchased from 6 different cities in Turkey, diagnosed, and evaluated in terms of quality. The conditions of use and sale of these samples were evaluated. The essential oils obtained from the leaf samples were analyzed, and their physical properties such as density, refractive index, and optical rotation were determined. In the chemical composition of the oils, 1,8-cineole (41.2–64.4%), sabinene (1.5–15.9%), and α-terpinyl acetate (1.5–15%) have been found to be the major components. However, in one station, the presence of 1,8-cineole was not be determined. Laurel leaf drugs offered for sale in some provinces of Turkey were purchased from the market and their morphological characteristics and essential oil profiles were examined and evaluated in terms of public health. It was determined that these samples should be standardized and quality-controlled before being released to the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated how an intangible component of consumer welfare can derive from the presence of store brands in durable-product categories. The objective was to explore the degree to which consumers can more reliably depend on price as an accurate indicator of quality in those product categories in which store brands are present. When a strong price-quality relationship exists, consumers may confidently choose a given level of quality chiefly on the basis of price. The focal measure was the correlation between price and quality, computed separately for those categories in which only national brands were present and for those categories in which both store brands and national brands were present. Examination of the price and quality of 14,234 individual brands from the U.S. and other countries tested by Consumer Reports revealed that when store brands were present the strength of the relationship between price and quality exceeded the strength of the respective relationship when store brands were absent. Counterfactual simulations confirmed the relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to adopt appropriate regulation strategies of supplementary light for the cultivation of high-yield and high-quality basil (Ocimun basilicum) plants in greenhouse. In this experiment, white (W), blue (B), and red plus blue (RB) LED were used as supplementary light for basil in greenhouse with same daily light integral, and the basil grown without supplementary light was used as the control(CK) to explore the influences of different light qualities on the growth and quality of basil plants and conduct comprehensive evaluation. The results showed that the total chlorophyll content and shoot dry and fresh weight of basil plants in treatment RB were increased by 45.1%, 274.3%, and 232.7% compared with CK, respectively, and the soluble sugar content and vitamin C content of basil leaves were increased by 357.1% and 52.9%, respectively. Compared with CK, chlorophyll a content and vitamin C content of basil leaves in treatment B were increased by 51.2% and 76.5%, respectively. In addition, the methods of principal component analysis and comprehensive evaluation showed that the comprehensive scores of basil plants treated by RB were the highest and ranked the first. In summary, the growth and quality of basil plants treated with supplementary light were superior to those treated without supplementary light, and the addition of red plus blue LED was beneficial to the growth of basil plants. Therefore, the red plus blue LED light source was a suitable supplementary strategy for basil cultivation in greenhouse during the weak light seasons such as autumn, winter, and early spring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of the health services offered are very important to guarantee access to quality health and promote well-being for all, at all ages, as recommended in the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. This study aims to assess the degree of satisfaction of users of the Occupational Health Service of the Tete Provincial Hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted. The data was collected between September 15th and December 20th, 2022, for 335 participants through a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the data. Overall satisfaction was 87.5% (293/335). Participants age, gender, marital status, and level of education were associated with overall satisfaction (p < 0.001). The factors that influence the satisfaction of users of the Occupational Health Service were the cleanliness of the hospital, opening hours, ease of care, speed and waiting time. The satisfaction of users of the Occupational Health Service of the Tete Provincial Hospital was high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Data Sources and Study Setting Study Design Data Collection/Extraction Methods Principal Findings Conclusions To assess the effects of the Medicare Care Choices Model (MCCM) on disparities in hospice use and quality of end‐of‐life care for Medicare beneficiaries from underserved groups—those from racial and ethnic minority groups, dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, or living in rural areas.Medicare enrollment and claims data from 2013 to 2021 for terminally ill Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries nationwide.Through MCCM, terminally ill enrolled Medicare beneficiaries received supportive and palliative care services from hospice providers concurrently with curative treatments. Using a matched comparison group, we estimated subgroup‐specific effects on hospice use, days at home, and aggressive treatment and multiple emergency department visits in the last 30 days of life.The sample included decedent Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in MCCM and a matched comparison group from the same geographic areas who met model eligibility criteria at time of enrollment: having a diagnosis of cancer, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or HIV/AIDS; living in the community; not enrolled in the Medicare hospice benefit in the previous 30 days; and having at least one hospital stay and three office visits in the previous 12 months.Eligible beneficiaries from underserved groups were underrepresented in MCCM. MCCM increased enrollees' hospice use and the number of days at home and reduced aggressive treatment among all subgroups analyzed. MCCM also reduced disparities in hospice use by race and ethnicity and dual eligibility by 4.1 (90% credible interval [CI]: 1.3–6.1) and 2.4 (90% CI: 0.6–4.4) percentage points, respectively. It also reduced disparities in having multiple emergency department visits for rural enrollees by 1.3 (90% CI: 0.1–2.7) percentage points.MCCM increased hospice use and quality of end‐of‐life care for model enrollees from underserved groups and reduced disparities in hospice use and having multiple emergency department visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexually transmitted infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) remain significant global health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently conducted a multi-faceted, multi-country validation study (ProSPeRo), which included an evaluation of the Xpert CT/NG and Xpert TV assays on the GeneXpert system (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, Ca., USA) in clinic-based settings across eight countries. To support the study, a training and quality management system was implemented and evaluated. Methods: A comprehensive training program for the study was developed. Quality control (QC) and external quality assessment (EQA) samples were provided by an accredited quality assurance provider. QC testing was conducted at 14 point-of-care testing (POCT) clinics, while EQA samples were tested by the POCT sites and a reference laboratory supporting each clinic. Results: For QC testing, concordance with the expected results for CT and NG was > 99% and rates of unsuccessful tests were < 4%. For TV testing, concordance was similar (97%), but rates of unsuccessful tests were high (18%), particularly in the 'TV negative' sample. For EQA testing initially conducted in 2018, concordance was 100% for CT and NG, and 90% for TV for the reference laboratory group (which used non-GeneXpert systems). Concordance for the POCT group was also high (> 94%) for all analytes, but this cohort (which used GeneXpert systems) exhibited a high rate of unsuccessful TV tests. All but one of these unsuccessful tests was subcategorised as 'invalid'. Conclusions: The high level of concordance for QC and EQA testing confirm that the trained operators at the POC clinical sites were competent to conduct POC testing and that the training and quality systems implemented for the ProSPeRo study were effective. The quality materials used were satisfactory for CT and NG but exhibited poor performance for TV testing on the GeneXpert system. The WHO should continue to work with industry and EQA providers to provide improved materials that are reliable, stable and cost effective for quality management, as it seeks to rollout molecular-based STI POCT in non-laboratory-based settings. Trial registration: Ethics approval to conduct the ProSPeRo study was granted by the WHO Ethics Review Committee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Primary care provides an important context to engage adolescents and their families in healthy lifestyles with the goal of reducing future behaviour-related health problems. Developing a valid tool to assess health professionals’ skills in behavioural change counselling is integral to improving the quality of clinical care provided to adolescents in Indonesia. Methods This work was nested within a project to develop a training program to enhance the behaviour-change counselling of adolescents and their parents by Indonesian primary care professionals. Initial item development was based on the content of the training module and the domain structure of the Behavioral Change Counselling Index (BECCI), a commonly used tool to assess counselling quality in healthcare settings. Expert panels were used to test content validity, while face validity was assessed by a group of trained psychologists. Inter-rater agreement was calculated prior to tests of construct validity and reliability, which involved psychologists rating 125 audio-taped counselling sessions between the health professional and adolescent patients, together with a parent. Results An initial 13-item tool was developed using a 1–5 Likert scale. Validity and reliability testing resulted in the decision to use a 14-item tool with a 0–3 Likert scale. The scale was found to have a Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.839 (internal consistency), and there was strong inter-rater agreement (0.931). Conclusion The assessment tool known as the Adolescent Behavioural Change Counselling Assessment Tool, is a valid and reliable instrument to measure Indonesian health professionals’ behavioural-change counselling skills with adolescent patients. The tool provides an evaluation framework for future interventions that aim to improve health professionals’ skills in addressing adolescent behaviour-related health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Several clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been produced to optimize the diagnosis and management of pediatric foreign body aspiration and ingestion. However, to date there have been no critical evaluations of their methodological rigor or quality. Herein, we address this need via the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument. Methods: A literature search of Embase, MEDLINE via PubMed, and Scopus was performed up until February 25, 2021. Identified CPGs were then assessed by four independent reviewers trained in AGREE II. A scaled domain score of >60% was indicated as satisfactory quality. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to assess inter-reviewer agreement. Results: 11 guidelines were assessed with only one being classified as high quality and others being either average (two) or low quality (eight). Domain 4 (clarity of presentation) achieved the highest mean score (66.41 ± 13.33%), while domain 5 (applicability) achieved the lowest score (10.80 ± 10.37%). ICC analysis revealed generally strong agreement between reviewers with a range of 0.60–0.98. Conclusion: Quality appraisal using the AGREE II instrument suggests that the methodologic rigor and quality of current guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pediatric foreign body aspiration and ingestion need significant improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation process of Fructus choerospondiatis-Nutmeg tablets was discussed and its quality was investigated. Based on the requirements of tablets in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition), the appearance, hardness, disintegration time, weight difference and brittleness of the tablets were investigated, and the contents of four antioxidant components in Fructus choerospondiatis-Nutmeg tablets were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The results show that the tablets are smooth in appearance, uniform in color, with hardness values in the range of 30 ~ 40 N, disintegration time controlled within 10 min, and the degree of brittleness less than 1% . Quercetin, protocatechuic acid, methyl eugenol, and myristyl ether show good linear relationships within 0. 16 ~ 0. 8 μg / mL (r = 0. 999), 4 ~ 20 μg / mL (r = 0. 999), 8 ~ 40 μg / mL (r = 0. 999), and 100 ~ 500 μg / mL (r = 0. 999), with average recoveries of 99. 3%, 101. 6%, 100. 3%, and 99. 3%, respectively. The relative standard deviation(RSD) values of precision, stability and reproducibility tests under methodological validation do not exceed 2% . The content determination method is simple, proprietary, accurate and reliable, and can be used as a reference for the quality standard of the compound Mongolian medicine Fructus choerospondiatis-Nutmeg tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Staining tissue samples to visualise cellular detail and tissue structure is at the core of pathology diagnosis, but variations in staining can result in significantly different appearances of the tissue sample. While the human visual system is adept at compensating for stain variation, with the growth of digital imaging in pathology, the impact of this variation can be more profound. Despite the ubiquity of haematoxylin and eosin staining in clinical practice worldwide, objective quantification is not yet available. We propose a method for quantitative haematoxylin and eosin stain assessment to facilitate quality assurance of histopathology staining, enabling truly quantitative quality control and improved standardisation. Methods: The stain quantification method comprises conventional microscope slides with a stain-responsive biopolymer film affixed to one side, called stain assessment slides. The stain assessment slides were characterised with haematoxylin and eosin, and implemented in one clinical laboratory to quantify variation levels. Results: Stain assessment slide stain uptake increased linearly with duration of haematoxylin and eosin staining (r = 0.99), and demonstrated linearly comparable staining to samples of human liver tissue (r values 0.98–0.99). Laboratory implementation of this technique quantified intra- and inter-instrument variation of staining instruments at one point in time and across a five-day period. Conclusion: The proposed method has been shown to reliably quantify stain uptake, providing an effective laboratory quality control method for stain variation. This is especially important for whole slide imaging and the future development of artificial intelligence in digital pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrapartum care is a platform of comprehensive healthcare for pregnant women that is designed to improve birth outcomes for mother and child. However, complications during the intrapartum period continued to be the leading cause of death for women of reproductive age and newborns. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of quality of intrapartum care and its associated factors among mothers in Ethiopia. A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 4469 mothers who gave birth in the last 2 years. Quality of intrapartum care was analyzed based on the assessment of health facility delivery, skilled birth attendants and early initiations of breast-feeding. Stata version 14 software was used for data cleaning and analysis. A mixed effect multilevel logistic regression was conducted to determine factors associated with quality of intrapartum care. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and a P value of less than or equal to 0.05 was used for the identification of both individual and community level factors. Overall, the prevalence of quality intrapartum care in Ethiopia was 23.8% (95% CI 22.6, 25.13). Primary education (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.14, 1.88), rich household class (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.98), history of ANC (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI = 2.18, 3.86), perceived distance to the health facility as not a big issue (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.30, 2.05), urban residence (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.93, 5.09), Tigray region (AOR = 5.01, 95% CI = 1.25, 20.59), community level poverty (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.41, 0.97), and having 2–4 children (AOR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.56, 0.97) were significantly associated with quality of intrapartum care. The finding conclude that less than one in four mothers received good quality intrapartum care. In order to optimize the quality of intrapartum care, the government should empower women through extensive education. It is also recommended for the Ministry of Health to evaluate the health facilities and community health workers to increase coverage of ANC and provide financial assistance to rural residents and the poor household class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To explore the potassium chloride application measures suitable for Luzhou tobacco planting area and further improve the regulation technology of upper tobacco leaves in the field. [Method] A field experiment was conducted with Zhongchuan 208' as the test material. Four potassium chloride application rates of 30,60,90 and 0 kg/hm² were set. The ratio of base fertilizer to topdressing was 5: 5. The topdressing period was set at 30 and 50 d after transplanting, with a total of seven potassium chloride application methods. The changes of agronomic characters, SPAD value, economic characters, chemical composition and physical characters of upper tobacco leaves were analyzed. [Result] Compared with no application of potassium chloride, the application of potassium chloride increased the yield, output value, average price and the proportion of medium and high-grade tobacco by 3.11%-9.17%,6.12%-19.29%, 2.79%-12.92% and 4.01%-18.25% respectively. The color, maturity, body, oil content and chroma of flue-cured tobacco were improved, and the comprehensive score was increased by 1.15%8.30%. [Conclusion] Applying 30 kg/hm² potassium chloride as base fertilizer and applying 30 kg/hm² after transplanting for 50 days has the highest economic benefit. The appearance quality, chemical composition and physical properties of the upper tobacco leaves after baking get the highest score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to identify the correlations among quality traits of Leymus chinensis, the experiment conducted a detection and analysis of 22 quality traits in 42 samples of Leymus chinensis. General descriptive statistics, genetic variation, correlation, and principal component analysis were performed. The results showed that among the quality traits of the tested Leymus chinensis, crude protein, calcium, lignin, and sugar content had relatively large coefficients of variation, which were 13%, 25%, 27%, and 39%, respectively. Principal component analysis of the 22 quality traits revealed that the cumulative contribution rate of the first three principal components reached 90.196%, representing the forage value, trace elements, and crude protein components of Leymus chinensis, respectively. The study indicates that there is significant room for improvement in traits such as crude protein, calcium, lignin, and sugar content of Leymus chinensis in the process of genetic breeding of varieties. However, traits related to digestibility and energy quality are difficult to improve through genetic means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of sorting or categorizing objects or information about these objects into clusters according to certain criteria is a fundamental procedure in data analysis. Where it is feasible to determine the distance metric for any pair of objects, the significance and reliability of the separation can be evaluated by calculating the separation/segregation power (SP) index proposed herein. The latter index is the ratio of the average inter distance to the average intra distance, independent of the scale parameter. Here, the calculated SP value is compared to its statistical distribution obtained by a simulation study for a given partition under the homogeneity null hypothesis to draw a conclusion using standard statistical procedures. The proposed concept is illustrated using three examples representing different types of objects under study. Some general considerations are given regarding the nature of the SP distribution under the null hypothesis and its dependence on the number of divisions and the amount of data within them. A detailed modus operandi (working method) for analyzing a metric data partition is also offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advancement of quality and environmentally sustainable materials and products made from them has improved significantly over the last few years. However, a research gap is the lack of a developed model that allows for the simultaneous analysis of quality and environmental criteria in the life-cycle assessment (LCA) for the selection of materials in newly designed products. Therefore, the objective of the research was to develop a model that supports the prediction of the environmental impact and expected quality of materials and products made from them according to the design solution scenarios considering their LCA. The model implements the GRA method and environmental impact analysis according to the LCA based on ISO 14040. The model test was carried out for light passenger vehicles of BEV with a lithium-ion battery (LiFePO4) and for ICEV. The results indicated a relatively comparable level of quality, but in the case of the environmental impact throughout the life-cycle, the predominant amount of CO2 emissions in the use phase for combustion vehicles. The originality of the developed model to create scenarios of design solutions is created according to which the optimal direction of their development in terms of quality and environment throughout LCA can be predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]