scholarly journals Life After SIRI—Where Next?

Radiocarbon ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (5) ◽  
pp. 1159-1168 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Marian Scott ◽  
Philip Naysmith ◽  
Gordon Cook
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Reference Materials ◽  
Interlaboratory Comparisons ◽  
User Communities

ABSTRACTRadiocarbon (14C) dating is routinely used, yet occasionally, issues still arise surrounding laboratory offsets, and unexpected and unexplained variability. Quality assurance and quality control have long been recognized as important in addressing the two issues of comparability (or bias, accuracy) and uncertainty or variability (or precision) of measurements both within and between laboratories (Long and Kalin 1990). The 14C community and the wider user communities have supported interlaboratory comparisons as one of several strands to ensure the quality of measurements (Scott et al. 2018). The nature of the intercomparisons has evolved as the laboratory characteristics have changed s. The next intercomparison is currently being planned to take place in 2019–2020. The focus of our work in designing intercomparisons is to (1) assist laboratories by contributing to their QA/QC processes, (2) supplement and enhance our suite of reference materials that are available to laboratories, (3) provide consensus 14C values with associated (small) uncertainties for performance checking, and (4) provide estimates of laboratory offsets and error multipliers which can inform subsequent modeling and laboratory improvements.

Analysis of Contractor Pay Adjustment Schedule Using Simulation

1996 ◽  
Vol 1544 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-115
Author(s):  
Robert P. Elliott ◽  
Yanjun Qiu
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Quality Control ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Direct Analysis ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Construction Contracts ◽  
Simulation Process ◽  
Control Quality

A common provision in quality control/quality assurance construction contracts is the adjustment of the contractor's pay on the basis of the quality of the construction. The expected impact of the provision on the pay should be examined to ensure that the adjustments are neither unduly severe nor excessively lenient. Most pay adjustment plans have been developed around a quality index by using a percent defective approach. Analyses of these plans are complex but reasonably well defined. Other plans, however, are more complex and do not lend themselves to direct analysis. These plans can be examined by computer simulation. The use of computer simulation to examine a complex pay adjustment provision is demonstrated. The analyses show that simulation can reveal that a pay adjustment schedule behaves differently than it appears on the surface. For example, the schedule examined bases pay solely on averages and appears to ignore construction variability. The analyses, however, demonstrate that the pay adjustments are at least as sensitive to construction variability as they are to construction averages. It is also shown that the simulation process can provide a better, more detailed examination of the pay schedule than is possible by simply determining the expected pay. In particular, the simulation process can provide an indication of the variability of pay at various quality levels and can identify the factors most responsible for pay adjustments.

scholarly journals Monitoring the quality of sewer renewal using polymeric systems in Sweden

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 605-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parastou Kharazmi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Infrastructure Investment ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Polymeric Systems ◽  
Water And Wastewater ◽  
Pipe Replacement ◽  
Different Parts

Abstract Water and wastewater pipes require some of the highest levels of infrastructure investment; they also deteriorate faster than they can be repaired. The use of alternative rehabilitation technologies, which are quicker and less expensive than pipe replacement, has therefore increased significantly in recent years, worldwide. Field studies on relined wastewater pipes removed from buildings in different parts of Sweden revealed the existence of a variety of common defects, most of which could have been prevented by better installation. Increased quality-focused monitoring could help to ensure that relined pipes reach their expected service life, while comprehensive documentation could assist in providing sufficient information to facilitate progress in the field. This paper includes a brief overview of the technologies used in Sweden, current quality control practices, repeated observed defects related to installation, crucial steps that affect final quality, and recommendations to be considered in the contexts of detailed quality control and quality assurance procedures.

scholarly journals Production and Use of BCR Reference Materials for Quality Assurance in Environmental Analysis: An Update

2001 ◽  
Vol 84 (6) ◽  
pp. 1786-1792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Quevauviller
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Reference Materials ◽  
Environmental Analysis ◽  
Control Charts ◽  
Certified Reference Materials ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Analytical Quality Control ◽  
Analytical Quality ◽  
Invaluable Tool

Abstract Reference materials represent an invaluable tool for analytical quality control. Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) are used for the validation of methods, whereas various types of (uncertified) Reference Materials (RMs) are used for routine quality control (establishment of control charts) and interlaboratory testing (e.g., proficiency testing). This paper provides background information on the production and use of environmental RMs and describes recent CRMs produced by the BCR (European Commission) for quality assurance in environmental analysis.

scholarly journals Quality Assurance of Analytical Measurements—A Vital Element in Safety Performance in the Nuclear Field

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Elena Neacsu
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Reference Materials ◽  
Certified Reference Materials ◽  
Analytical Data ◽  
Physical Principle ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Nuclear Domain ◽  
Analyte Detection ◽  
Harmful Effects

The (International Atomic Energy Agency) IAEA’s fundamental safety objective is to protect people and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation. The safety principles apply to all facilities and all activities to reduce existing radiation risks. Analytical quality assurance has gained in importance in many scientific areas, including the analysis of radioactive specimens that require a thorough investigation and regulations for safety and ecological reasons. The use of certified reference materials is an essential pillar for the assessment of the quality of analytical data. Still, such matrix-matched certified reference materials are unfortunately not available for most investigations relevant to the nuclear domain. Therefore, other strategies have to be established, i.e., to compare the analytical results obtained for a particular instrumental technique, with data from another methodology whose analyte detection is based on a different physical principle.

scholarly journals Quality assurance strategy of pharmacy compounded drugs

2019 ◽  
pp. 66-72
Author(s):  
O. A. Zdoryk
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Quality Management System ◽  
General Scheme ◽  
General Strategy ◽  
Preparation Process ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Preparation Conditions

Formulations and in-pharmacy preparation process of compounded drugs were being created for centuries, and seem to have no concerns regarding the quality, compatibility and stability during storage or usage. Taking in mind modern trends for quality assurance and standardization of drugs, quality of preparation process of compounded drugs can be proved by using of a systematic approach that is based on pharmaceutical quality systems. Variability of preparation conditions, preparation equipment from pharmacy to pharmacy, personal professional skills require the development of defined standards, rules and summarized the strategy of quality assurance of compounded drugs. The aim of this paper was determination of critical factors and development of the design for quality assurance of compounded drugs. The materials of this study were the regulative base of Ukraine, international documents, guidances and own investigations concerning the requirements for the preparation process and quality control of compounded drugs. The methods used were data systematical analysis, bibliosemantic and summary. The achievement of good quality of compounded drugs can be present as a step-by-step process, that cover adherence to necessary preparation procedure and knowledge of peculiarities of drugs, process understanding, identification of risks and its evaluation, minimization and implementation of the quality management system for documentation, equipment and personnel. As a result of preparation schemes analysis, the critical factors were determined and the Fishbone diagram was proposed. The factors contributing to the general strategy of compounded drugs quality assurance, such as prescription analysis, personnel, regulative base, conditions of preparation process and equipment, documentation, dispensing, characteristics of active ingredients and additives, compounding design, preparation technology, containers and package, quality control, stability and labelling were determined. The proposed diagram of causes and effects can be used as a template for the identification and quantification of risks during preparation and quality control of compounded drugs. The proposed general scheme for quality assurance is necessary for organization and optimization of monitoring preparation and quality control, implementation of remedial and preventive measures, tracking of causes, nonconformities, and prevention of its repetition, management of variables, determination of improvement possibilities and audit conducting.

Human and Organization Errors in Reliability of Offshore Structures

1997 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. Bea
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Offshore Structures ◽  
Quality Characteristics ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Environmental Considerations ◽  
Generic Process

This paper addresses human and organization errors (HOE) in the context of quantitative reliability analyses (QRA) that are intended to help improve the quality of offshore structures. A classification of HOE is proposed that addresses individual, organization, equipment/hardware, procedures/software, and environmental considerations. A generic process to address the life-cycle quality characteristics of offshore structures incorporating HOE is discussed. Based on these developments, a probability-based risk analysis is developed that addresses HOE in addition to the structure system aspects. Alternatives for improved management of HOE are discussed including quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), and design of error-tolerant or “robust” structures. Application of the HOE classification, generic assessment process, QRA formulation, and QA/QC measures are illustrated.

scholarly journals Recommendations on Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Cervical Cytology

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 361-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margherita Branca ◽  
Adhemar Longatto-Filho
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Uterine Cervix ◽  
Screening Programme ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Routine Work ◽  
Cytology Study

Objective: We aimed to critically evaluate the importance of quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) strategies in the routine work of uterine cervix cytology. Study Design: We revised all the main principles of QC and QA that are already being implemented worldwide and then discussed the positive aspects and limitations of these as well as proposing alternatives when pertinent. Results: A literature review was introduced after highlighting the main historical revisions, and then a critical evaluation of the principal innovations in screening programmes was conducted, with recommendations being postulated. Conclusions: Based on the analysed data, QC and QA are two essential arms that support the quality of a screening programme.

scholarly journals New requirements for technical acceptability of construction products as a component of the construction quality assurance system

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (47) ◽  
pp. 108-118
Author(s):  
O. Lytvynenko
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Quality System ◽  
Cloud Services ◽  
Quality Assurance System ◽  
Construction Quality ◽  
Assurance System ◽  
Construction Products

The analysis and generalization of theoretical approaches to the formation of the construction quality system, the generalization of the legislative and regulatory framework for quality control in construction. Analysis of the theoretical prerequisites for the formation of quality control of construction revealed that the digital transformation of construction is an integral part of the development of modern society, a prerequisite for changing the system of construction, including control, quality assurance and evaluation of construction processes, works, materials, products and structures. It was found that the quality in construction is directly affected by the following factors: quality and completeness of design documentation; the possibility and obligation to comply with legal requirements; quality of construction processes and works, strict compliance with the requirements of technology and construction organization; quality of construction products and structures; technical ability to provide a given level of quality with the help of machines, mechanisms, means of small mechanization, etc .; the level of qualification of management staff, workers and line ITP. The quality system itself can be presented in the format of a "black box", where the factor will be named at the entrance, and at the exit - buildings and structures that meet a given level of quality throughout the life cycle of the object. It is proposed to consider the construction quality management system in the form of a multicomponent formation and at the same time a dynamic environment, which is constantly changing under the influence of external and internal factors and has a high degree of scholasticism and uncertainty. With the introduction of digital technologies in the organization of construction, including VIM modeling, use of artificial intelligence, cloud services for information storage, quality control tools that can be performed without human intervention, such as drones, robotic elements, surveillance cameras and others, the construction quality assurance system has to change, taking into account the realities of time. Therefore, the system of quality formation in the article is proposed to be considered throughout the life cycle of the object - from pre-project research to liquidation. This will, in contrast to existing approaches, not only combine into a single system all the components of assurance, evaluation and quality control, which are used at the level of all participants in the construction, but also to ensure integrated process management.

scholarly journals Different views on assuring the quality of honours programmes

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Pierre van Eijl ◽  
Henmar Moesker ◽  
Marleen Eyckmans
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
The United States ◽  
Internal Quality Control ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Internal Quality ◽  
Internal Quality Assurance ◽  
Formal Procedures

Can we match formal procedures for quality assurance with the creativity and individuality that defines honours? In a session at the Utrecht Honours Conference 2016: Honours Futures we discussed experiences in quality assurance of honours programmes in the United States of America, the Netherlands and Belgium. To illustrate the possibilities, a case study of using an external audit for honours education and two case studies of the use of internal quality assurance tools in an honours programme were presented. It is concluded that a form of quality assurance is needed to continuously improve. So honours educators must at least care for internal quality control. Student involvement is stimulating for the engagement of all participants in the process of quality control. Internal quality control may result in an annual report. Annual reports can be used both internally and in external quality control.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document