Sigma metrics in quality control- An innovative tool

The clinical laboratory in today’s world is a rapidly evolving field which faces a constant pressure to produce quick and reliable results. Sigma metric is a new tool which helps to reduce process variability, quantitate the approximate number of analytical errors, and evaluate and guide for better quality control (QC) practices.To analyze sigma metrics of 16 biochemistry analytes using ERBA XL 200 Biochemistry analyzer, interpret parameter performance, compare analyzer performance with other Middle East studies and modify existing QC practices.This study was undertaken at a clinical laboratory for a period of 12 months from January to December 2020 for the following analytes: albumin (ALB), alanine amino transferase (SGPT), aspartate amino transferase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), bilirubin total (BIL T), bilirubin direct (BIL D), calcium (CAL), cholesterol (CHOL), creatinine (CREAT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), glucose (GLUC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), total protein (PROT), uric acid (UA) and urea. The Coefficient of variance (CV%) and Bias % were calculated from internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assurance scheme (EQAS) records respectively. Total allowable error (TEa) was obtained using guidelines Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act guidelines (CLIA). Sigma metrics was calculated using CV%, Bias% and TEa for the above parameters. It was found that 5 analytes in level 1 and 8 analytes in level 2 had greater than 6 sigma performance indicating world class quality. Cholesterol, glucose (level 1 and 2) and creatinine level 1 showed >4 sigma performance i.e acceptable performance. Urea (both levels) and GGT (level 1) showed <3 sigma and were therefore identified as the problem analytes. Sigma metrics helps to assess analytic methodologies and can serve as an important self assessment tool for quality assurance in the clinical laboratory. Sigma metric evaluation in this study helped to evaluate the quality of several analytes and also categorize them from high performing to problematic analytes, indicating the utility of this tool. In conclusion, parameters showing lesser than 3 sigma need strict monitoring and modification of quality control procedure with change in method if necessary.

Doping Control in the Republic of Moldova: Specific Features

Recently, there has been a strong effort regarding all sports organizations in order to reduce the universality and frequency of doping in sport. However, the efficacy of current strategies to fight against doping might be improved by using anti-doping polices adjusted to the features of doping in each sport. Contemporary sports activity is regarded as a complex phenomenon that involves both physical components, as well as a variety of medical, legal or economic aspects. In recent times, sport worldwide is marked by severe discussions on doping and its effects. In this context, athletes and team members must know the facts that may empower violations of anti-doping legislation and regulations on the doping control procedure. The acquisition of these legal and medical rules will motivate the development of sports, with the effect of preventing risks represented by the doping phenomenon.

Design multivariate statistical process control procedure in the case of Ethio cement

PurposeThis study aims to design a multivariate control chart that improves the applicability of the traditional Hotelling T2 chart. This new type of multivariate control chart displays sufficient information about the states and relationships of the variables in the production process. It is used to make better quality control decisions during the production process.Design/methodology/approachMultivariate data are collected at an equal time interval and are represented by nodes of the graph. The edges connecting the nodes represent the sequence of operation. Each node is plotted on the control chart based on their Hotelling T2 statistical distance. The changing behavior of each pair of input and output nodes is studied by the neural network. A case study from the cement industry is conducted to validate the control chart.FindingsThe finding of this paper is that the points and lines in the classic Hotelling T2 chart are effectively substituted by nodes and edges of the graph respectively. Nodes and edges have dimension and color and represent several attributes. As a result, this control chart displays much more information than the traditional Hotelling T2 control chart. The pattern of the plot represents whether the process is normal or not. The effect of the sequence of operation is visible in the control chart. The frequency of the happening of nodes is recognized by the size of nodes. The decision to change the product feature is assisted by finding the shortest path between nodes. Moreover, consecutive nodes have different behaviors, and that behavior change is recognized by neural network.Originality/valueModifying the classical Hotelling T2 control chart by integrating with the concept of graph theory and neural network is new of its kind.

Attribute-Based Encryption for Access Control in Cloud Ecosystems

<p>We introduce a distributed, fine-granuled, policy-based resource access control protocol leveraging on Attribute-Based Encryption. The protocol secures the whole access control procedure from the authorization issuer to the resource server providing grant confidentiality, proof of possession, antiforgery and may be implemented through a common web token exchange flow plus a HTTP basic authentication. As such, it may easily map to Cloud computing SaaS paradigms, enabling services integration into a single authorization-centric ecosystem even across multiple identity domains. We also present the results of a performance evaluation on a first prototype implementation.</p>

Sequential Intravenous-Oral Therapy for Pediatric Streptococcus anginosus Intracranial Infections

Introduction Streptococcus anginosus group is a common cause of pediatric intracranial infections but treatment recommendations, including use of oral therapy, are poorly defined. Methods We performed a retrospective review from 2004-2019 of all patients with Streptococcus anginosus group pyogenic intracranial infections at Children’s Hospital Colorado, highlighting patients transitioned to oral therapy. The primary endpoint was worsening infection necessitating intravenous antibiotics or a source control procedure after transition to oral therapy. Results Of 107 patients with Streptococcus anginosus intracranial infections, 61 were transitioned to exclusive oral therapy after a median intravenous duration of 37 days, overwhelmingly with a levofloxacin-based regimen. Only one failure was noted in a patient who did not fill their prescription. Patients with epidural infections were more likely to be transitioned to oral therapy within the first 28 days of treatment (defined as “early”). Patients with parenchymal infections, bacteremia, co-pathogens, higher inflammatory markers, and requiring &gt;1 source control procedure were less likely to be transitioned early to oral therapy. Complications of a central catheter and/or intravenous medications contributed to 56% of oral transitions. Conclusions Levofloxacin-based oral regimens were effective and well-tolerated. Patients with less severe infections were more likely to be transitioned early to oral therapy. Criteria for transitioning patients to oral antibiotics for intracranial infections should be established to minimize risks inherent with central catheters.

Stability Analysis of Pressure and Penetration Rate in Rotary Drilling System

The purpose of this paper is to stabilize the annular pressure profile throughout the wellbore continuously while drilling. A new nonlinear dynamical system is developed and a controller is designed to stabilize the annular pressure and achieve asymptotic tracking by applying feedback control of the main pumps. Hence, the paper studies the control design for the well known Managed Pressure Drilling system (MPD). MPD provides a closedloop drilling process in which pore pressure, formation fracture pressure, and bottomhole pressure are balanced and managed at the surface. Although, responses must provide a solution for critical downhole pressures to preserve drilling efficiency and safety. Our MPD scheme is elaborated in reference to a nontrivial backstepping control procedure and the effectiveness of the proposed control laws are shown by simulations.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adolescents

Background Metabolic diseases have been associated with childhood obesity no longer restricted to adults as previously known. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) have been reported in children with morbid obesity. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been used as a primary procedure for weight control among children and adolescents with acceptable records of effective weight loss together with evidence of improvement of associated co-morbidities. Results Thirty-two patients were diagnosed with morbid obesity and DM presented to obesity and nutrition clinic and were included in this study. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was the chosen operation to treat their obesity and associated co-morbidities. Fasting blood sugar and HbA1c were measured before the operation and 1 year after surgery. Twenty-seven patients had significant improvement of their glycemic profile and managed to stop the hypoglycemic medication. Conclusion LSG may play an important role as a metabolic control procedure rather than a bariatric restrictive procedure only.

Nonsingular Integral-Type Dynamic Finite-Time Synchronization for Hyper-Chaotic Systems

In this study, the synchronization problem of chaotic systems using integral-type sliding mode control for a category of hyper-chaotic systems is considered. The proposed control method can be used for an extensive range of identical/non-identical master-slave structures. Then, an integral-type dynamic sliding mode control scheme is planned to synchronize the hyper-chaotic systems. Using the Lyapunov stability theorem, the recommended control procedure guarantees that the master-slave hyper-chaotic systems are synchronized in the existence of uncertainty as quickly as possible. Next, in order to prove the new proposed controller, the master-slave synchronization goal is addressed by using a new six-dimensional hyper-chaotic system. It is exposed that the synchronization errors are completely compensated for by the new control scheme which has a better response compared to a similar controller. The analog electronic circuit of the new hyper-chaotic system using MultiSIM is provided. Finally, all simulation results are provided using MATLAB/Simulink software to confirm the success of the planned control method.

Risk-based internal control of key business processes as a mechanism of economic agent's sustainable development

Subject. The article discusses theoretical and practical principles of internal control from the building stage to maintaining its effectiveness at a high level. Objectives. The aim is to examine various interpretations of internal control and internal control procedure concepts, detect difficulties of economic entities in developing, implementing, and managing the internal control, offer a model, enabling to systematize these processes through focusing on risk management of key business processes and harmonization of internal control procedures. Methods. The study rests on general methods of research, like logical analysis, generalization, grouping, and modeling. Statutory instruments in the sphere of financial and fiscal accounting and works by domestic authors serve as a theoretical framework for the study. Results. I analyze the internal control, considering the industry affiliation of economic actors. The interpretation of internal control concept is supplemented by a new element, i.e. ‘identification of key business processes’. The paper presents a matrix of internal control management, which is intended to mitigate risks inherent in key business processes. Conclusions. The said matrix may be used by any economic entity as a theoretical and methodological basis for building internal controls. The offered model and matrix enable to cover risk areas and mitigate significant risks, ensure the accuracy of financial reporting, and, as a result, sustainable development of economic entity.

Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode Control Based on Adaptive Barrier Function for nth-Order Perturbed Nonlinear Systems

In this study, an adaptive nonsingular finite time control technique based on a barrier function terminal sliding mode controller is proposed for the robust stability of nth-order nonlinear dynamic systems with external disturbances. The barrier function adaptive terminal sliding mode control makes the convergence of tracking errors to a region near zero in the finite time. Moreover, the suggested method does not need the information of upper bounds of perturbations which are commonly applied to the sliding mode control procedure. The Lyapunov stability analysis proves that the errors converge to the determined region. Last of all, simulations and experimental results on a complex new chaotic system with a high Kaplan–Yorke dimension are provided to confirm the efficacy of the planned method. The results demonstrate that the suggested controller has a stronger tracking than the adaptive controller and the results are satisfactory with the application of the controller based on chaotic synchronization on the chaotic system.