TY - JOUR A1 - Isleyen, Alper A1 - Can, Suleyman Z. A1 - Cankur, Oktay A1 - Tunc, Murat A1 - Vogl, Jochen A1 - Koenig, Maren A1 - Horvat, Milena A1 - Jacimovic, Radojko A1 - Zuliani, Tea A1 - Fajon, Vesna A1 - Jotanovic, Aida A1 - Gaževic, Luka A1 - Milosevic, Milena A1 - Ochsenkuehn–Petropoulou, Maria A1 - Tsopelas, Fotis A1 - Lymberopoulou, Theopisti A1 - Tsakanika, Lamprini-Areti A1 - Serifi, Olga A1 - Ochsenkuehn, Klaus M. A1 - Bulska, Ewa A1 - Tomiak, Anna A1 - Kurek, Eliza A1 - Cakılbahçe, Zehra A1 - Aktas, Gokhan A1 - Altuntas, Hatice A1 - Basaran, Elif A1 - Kısacık, Barıs A1 - Gumus, Zeynep T1 - Certification of the total element mass fractions in UME EnvCRM 03 soil sample via a joint research project JF - Accreditation and Quality Assurance N2 - Soil certified reference material (CRM), UME EnvCRM 03 was produced by a collaborative approach among national metrology institutes, designated institutes and university research laboratories within the scope of the EMPIR project: Matrix Reference Materials for Environmental Analysis. This paper presents the sampling and processing methodology, homogeneity, stability, characterization campaign, the assignment of property values and their associated uncertainties in compliance with ISO 17034:2016. The material processing methodology involves blending a natural soil sample with a contaminated soil sample obtained by spiking elemental solutions for 8 elements (Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn) to reach the level of warning risk monitoring values specified for metals and metalloids of soils in Europe. Comparative homogeneity and stability test data were obtained by two different institutes, ensuring the reliability and back up of the data. The certified values and associated expanded uncertainties for the total mass fractions of thirteen elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, V and Zn) are established. The developed CRM can be used for the development and validation of measurement procedures for the determination of the total mass fractions of elements in soil and also for quality control/assurance purposes. The developed CRM is the first example of a soil material originating from Türkiye. KW - Total element content KW - Soil KW - CRM KW - Certification KW - Environmental pollution monitoring PY - 2024 DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-024-01597-8 SN - 1432-0517 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - Springer Science and Business Media LLC AN - OPUS4-59954 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Ladu, Luana A1 - Koch, Claudia A1 - Ashari, Parsa Asna A1 - Blind, K. A1 - Castka, P. T1 - Digitalization in conformity assessment in Africa T2 - Digitalization in conformity assessment in Africa N2 - This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Africa. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2023. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends. This study is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de). KW - Testing KW - COVID-19 KW - Calibration KW - Certification KW - Conformity assessment KW - Conformity assessment body KW - Digital transformation KW - Digitalization KW - Laboratory KW - TIC KW - Quality infrastructure PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-588625 UR - https://www.qi-fokus.de SP - 1 EP - 45 PB - Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-58862 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Resch-Genger, Ute A1 - Pauli, J. A1 - Güttler, Arne A1 - Richter, Maria A1 - Fiedler, Saskia A1 - Frenzel, Florian A1 - Wegner, Karl David A1 - Würth, Christian T1 - Photoluminescence Quantum Yields of Luminescent Nanocrystals and Particles in the UV/vis/NIR/SWIR N2 - The rational design of functional luminescent materials such as semiconductor quantum dots and lanthanide-based upconversion nanoparticles, all photophysical and mechanistic studies, and the comparison of different emitters require accurate and quantitative photoluminescence measurements. Particularly the reliable determination of the key performance parameter photoluminescence quantum yield (f), the number of emitted per absorbed photons, and the brightness are of special importance for luminescence applications in the life and material sciences and nano(bio)photonics.[1] In this context, examples for absolute measurements of the photoluminescence quantum yields of UV/vis/NIR/SWIR emissive semiconductor quantum dots and rods, made from different materials, and spectrally shifting lanthanide upconversion nanocrystals with different surface chemistries in transparent matrices are presented including excitation wavelength and power density dependent studies utilizing integration sphere spectroscopy.[2,3] In addition, procedures for the absolute determination of the photoluminescence quantum yields of scattering dispersions of larger size quantum rods and differently sized inorganic particles have been developed as well as procedures for the characterization of solid luminescent nanomaterials such as different perovskites and YAG:Cer converter materials.[4] Thereby, challenges and pitfalls of f measurements in different wavelength regions including the SWIR and material-specific effects related to certain emitter classes are addressed, achievable uncertainties are quantified, and relative and absolute measurements of photoluminescence quantum yield measurements are compared to underline limitations of the former approach. Finally, a set of novel UV/vis/NIR quantum yield standards is presented including their certification with a complete uncertainty budget.[5] T2 - NANAX 10 CY - Klosterneuburg, Austria DA - 03.07.2023 KW - Fluorescence KW - Optical spectroscopy KW - Reference data KW - Traceability KW - NIR KW - Scattering KW - Reference material KW - Certification KW - Quality assurance KW - Dye KW - Reference product KW - SWIR KW - Nano KW - Particle KW - Perovskite KW - Integrating sphere spectroscopy KW - Quantum yield PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58238 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Abram, Sarah-Luise A1 - Mrkwitschka, Paul A1 - Thünemann, Andreas A1 - Radnik, Jörg A1 - Häusler, I. A1 - Bresch, Harald A1 - Hodoroaba, Vasile-Dan A1 - Resch-Genger, Ute T1 - Iron Oxide Nanocubes as a New Certified Reference Material for Nanoparticle Size Measurements JF - Analytical chemistry N2 - The rational design and increasing industrial use of nanomaterials require a reliable characterization of their physicochemical key properties like size, size distribution, shape, and surface chemistry. This calls for nanoscale reference materials (nanoRMs) for the validation and standardization of commonly used characterization methods closely matching real-world nonspherical nano-objects. This encouraged us to develop a nonspherical nanoRM of very small size consisting of 8 nm iron oxide nanocubes (BAM-N012) to complement spherical gold, silica, and polymer nanoRMs. In the following, the development and production of this nanoRM are highlighted including the characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) as complementary methods for size and shape parameters, homogeneity and stability studies, and calculation of a complete uncertainty budget of the size features. The determination of the nanocubes’ edge length by TEM and SAXS allows a method comparison. In addition, SAXS measurements can also provide the mean particle number density and the mass concentration. The certified size parameters, area equivalent circular diameter and square edge length, determined by TEM with a relative expanded uncertainty below 9%, are metrologically traceable to a natural constant for length, the very precisely known (111) lattice spacing of silicon. Cubic BAM-N012 qualifies as a certified nanoRM for estimating the precision and trueness, validation, and quality assurance of particle size and shape measurements with electron microscopy and SAXS as well as other sizing methods suitable for nanomaterials. The production of this new iron oxide nanocube RM presents an important achievement for the nanomaterial community, nanomaterial manufacturers, and regulators. KW - Certification KW - SAXS KW - Homogeneity KW - Nano KW - Particle KW - Iron oxide KW - Quality assurance KW - Reference material KW - Size KW - Electron microscopy KW - Stability KW - Shape PY - 2023 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.3c00749 SN - 0003-2700 VL - 95 IS - 33 SP - 12223 EP - 12231 PB - American Chemical Society CY - Columbus, Ohio AN - OPUS4-58176 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Pauli, J. A1 - Güttler, Arne A1 - Schneider, T. A1 - Würth, Christian A1 - Resch-Genger, Ute T1 - Fluorescence Quantum Yield Standards for the UV/Visible/NIR: Development, Traceable Characterization, and Certification JF - Analytical chemistry N2 - The rational design of next generation molecular and nanoscale reporters and the comparison of different emitter classes require the determination of the fluorometric key performance parameter fluorescence quantum yield (Φf), i.e., the number of emitted photons per number of absorbed photons. Main prerequisites for reliable Φf measurements, which are for transparent luminophore solutions commonly done relative to a reference, i.e., a fluorescence quantum yield standard of known Φf, are reliable and validated instrument calibration procedures to consider wavelength-, polarization-, and time-dependent instrument specific signal contributions, and sufficiently well characterized fluorescence quantum yield standards. As the standard’s Φf value directly contributes to the calculation of the sample’s Φf, its accuracy presents one of the main sources of uncertainty of relative Φf measurements. To close this gap, we developed a first set of 12 fluorescence quantum yield standards, which absorb and emit in the wavelength region of 330−1000 nm and absolutely determined their Φf values with two independently calibrated integrating sphere setups. Criteria for standard selection and the configuration of these novel fluorescence reference materials are given, and the certification procedure is presented including homogeneity and stability studies and the calculation of complete uncertainty budgets for the certified Φf values. The ultimate goal is to provide the community of fluorescence users with available reference materials as a basis for an improved comparability and reliability of quantum yield data since the measurement of this spectroscopic key property is an essential part of the characterization of any new emitter. KW - Optical spectroscopy KW - Traceability KW - Reference product KW - Dye KW - Fluorescence KW - Quantum yield KW - Reference material KW - Reference data KW - Certification KW - Quality assurance PY - 2023 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05530 VL - 95 SP - 5671 EP - 5677 PB - American Chemical Society AN - OPUS4-58151 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Resch-Genger, Ute T1 - Forschung in einer Bundesoberbehörde wie der BAM N2 - Die Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) ist eine forschende Bundesoberbehörde und Einrichtung der Ressortforschung der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Unter ihrer Leitlinie „Sicherheit in Technik und Chemie“ ist sie zuständig für die öffentliche technische Sicherheit und für metrologische Aufgaben in der Chemie. Das Aufgabenspektrum der BAM, das sich an aktuellen Fragestellungen aus Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft, Politik und Normung orientiert, bietet sehr viele interessante Tätigkeitsfelder für Naturwissenschaftler*Innen und Ingenieur*Innen. T2 - WIFO Leipzig 2023 CY - Leipzig, Germany DA - 05.09.2023 KW - Quality assurance KW - Optical spectroscopy KW - Certification KW - Reference product KW - Integrating sphere spectroscopy KW - Fluorescence KW - Quantum yield KW - Reference material KW - Reference data KW - Traceability KW - Nano KW - Particle KW - Analytical chemistry KW - Sensor KW - Safety PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58397 LA - mul AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Mirtsch, Mona T1 - Adoption of the information security management system standard ISO/IEC 27001 - A study among German organizations JF - International Journal for Quality Research N2 - Against the backdrop of numerous security breaches and cyber-attacks, organizations need to take measures to secure their data and information. However, the well-known management system standard ISO/IEC 27001 for information security has shown a lower adoption rate – in terms of annual ISO survey data – than was previously expected by scholars and practitioners. Through the lens of Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory, we consider the adoption of ISO/IEC 27001 as a 'preventive innovation' and aim to identify factors that help gain a better understanding of its adoption. Therefore, we conducted a survey among German organizations on the use and impact of management system standards, explicitly distinguishing between organizations that implement ISO/IEC 27001 and those that are additionally certified against this standard. This study provides insights and contributes to an advanced understanding of motives, impacts, barriers, and useful measures to increase adoption of ISO/IEC 27001. Our findings may be useful to organizations considering the adoption of this management system standard, to certification bodies providing certification services, and to policymakers seeking means to improve information security in organizations. KW - Management science and operations research KW - ISO/IEC 27001 KW - Management system standard KW - Information security KW - QI-FoKuS KW - Certification PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-594704 UR - http://ijqr.net/paper.php?id=1098 DO - https://doi.org/10.24874/ijqr17.03-08 SN - 1800-6450 SN - 1800-7473 VL - 17 IS - 3 SP - 747 EP - 768 PB - Center for Quality, University of Montenegro CY - Podgorica AN - OPUS4-59470 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Koch, Claudia A1 - Asna Ashari, Parsa A1 - Mirtsch, Mona A1 - Blind, K. A1 - Castka, P. T1 - Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on accredited conformity assessment bodies: insights from a multinational study JF - Accreditation and Quality Assurance N2 - The COVID-19 pandemic posed new and manifold challenges to organizations and their operations worldwide. Conformity assessment bodies (CABs), such as testing or medical laboratories, certification, and inspection bodies, were also affected by the associated disruptions. Their role in this crisis is highly relevant, as CABs are essential pillars of the quality infrastructure: their activities ensure that products and services meet requirements as defined in standards and regulations, thereby contributing to their safety and reliability. The question arises of how CABs and their operations were affected by the pandemic and how they responded. To this end, we present the results of an international survey of 986 CABs of all types in Germany, the UK, Italy, and New Zealand. Overall, CABs reported, on average, a reduction in demand for their services during the pandemic, facing restrictions in all countries. In addition, the pandemic had an overall negative impact on the CABs’ investment and innovation activities. However, investments in digital infrastructure were increased as a countermeasure, with CABs reporting a higher need for digitalization. The paper highlights and discusses results from in-depth analyses relevant to policymakers and industry alike. KW - Quality Infrastructure KW - Digitalization KW - Testing laboratories KW - Conformity assessment KW - Certification KW - Conformity assessment body KW - Corona KW - Covid-19 KW - Resilience PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-556396 DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-022-01514-x SP - 1 EP - 14 PB - Springer AN - OPUS4-55639 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Ladu, Luana A1 - Koch, Claudia A1 - Asna Ashari, Parsa A1 - Blind, K. A1 - Castka, P. T1 - Digitalization in conformity assessment in Mexico - A QI-FoKuS study T2 - Digitalization in conformity assessment worldwide N2 - This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Mexico. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends. This study is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de). KW - COVID-19 KW - Calibration KW - Certification KW - Conformity assessment KW - Conformity assessment body KW - Digital transformation KW - Digitalization KW - Laboratory KW - Quality infrastructure KW - TIC KW - Testing PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-563645 UR - https://www.qi-fokus.de SP - 1 EP - 44 PB - Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-56364 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Ladu, Luana A1 - Koch, Claudia A1 - Asna Ashari, Parsa A1 - Blind, K. A1 - Castka, P. T1 - Digitalization in conformity assessment in the United Kingdom - A QI-FoKuS study T2 - Digitalization in conformity assessment worldwide N2 - This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in the United Kingdom. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends. This study is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de). KW - COVID-19 KW - Calibration KW - Certification KW - Conformity assessment KW - Conformity assessment body KW - Digital transformation KW - Digitalization KW - Laboratory KW - Quality infrastructure KW - TIC KW - Testing PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-565346 UR - https://www.qi-fokus.de SP - 1 EP - 44 PB - Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-56534 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -