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Development of theranostic concepts that include inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) imaging can be hindered by the lack of a direct comparison to more standardly used methods for in vitro and in vivo evaluation; e.g. fluorescence or nuclear medicine. In this study a bimodal (or rather, hybrid) tracer that contains both a fluorescent dye and a chelate was used to evaluate the existence of a direct link between mass spectrometry (MS) and in vitro and in vivo molecular imaging findings using fluorescence and radioisotopes. At the same time, the hybrid label was used to determine whether the use of a single isotope label would allow for MS-based diagnostics.
Almost 500 municipal solid waste incineration plants in the EU, Norway and Switzerland generate about 17.6 Mt/a of incinerator bottom ash (IBA). IBA contains minerals and metals. Metals are mostly separated and sold to the scrap market and minerals are either disposed of in landfills or utilised in the construction sector. Since there is no uniform regulation for IBA utilisation at EU level, countries developed own rules with varying requirements for utilisation. As a result from a cooperation network between European experts an up-to-date overview of documents regulating IBA utilisation is presented. Furthermore, this work highlights the different requirements that have to be considered. Overall, 51 different parameters for the total content and 36 different parameters for the emission by leaching are defined. An analysis of the defined parameter reveals that leaching parameters are significantly more to be considered compared to total content parameters. In order to assess the leaching behaviour nine different leaching tests, including batch tests, up-flow percolation tests and one diffusion test (monolithic materials) are in place.
A further discussion of leaching parameters showed that certain countries took over limit values initially defined for landfills for inert waste and adopted them for IBA utilisation. The overall utilisation rate of IBA in construction works is approximately 54 wt%. It is revealed that the rate of utilisation does not necessarily depend on how well regulated IBA utilisation is, but rather seems to be a result of political commitment for IBA recycling and economically interesting circumstances.
This key comparison was performed to demonstrate the capability of NMIs to analyse the purity of methane for use as a source gas in the preparation of standard gas mixtures. This capability is an essential requirement for the preparation of accurate standards of natural gas and some other fuels.
Since it is difficult to carry out a comparison with individual samples of pure gas, the sample for this comparison was a synthetic mixture of high purity methane with selected added impurities of nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide and ethane. These mixtures were prepared by a gas company as a batch of 10 cylinders and their homogeneity and stability were evaluated by NMIJ.
The KCRVs for the four different analytes in this key comparison are based on a consensus of values reported by participants. The uncertainties in the degrees of equivalence were calculated by combining the reported uncertainties with the homogeneity of the samples and the uncertainty of the KCRV. The results submitted are generally consistent with the KCRV within the estimated uncertainties.
Finally, this comparison demonstrates that the analysis of nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide and ethane in methane at amount fractions of 1 µmol/mol to 5 µmol/mol is generally possible with an uncertainty of 5% to 10%.
Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).
DatesIssue 1A (Technical Supplement 2012)
The requirement for a metrological infrastructure to ensure the interchangability of 'nonconventional’ energy gases within existing European infrastructure1 was the driving force behind the work undertaken in the three-year EMRP Characterisation of energy gases project EMRP ENG01 (June 2010 - May 2013).
As part of work package one of the project, Standards and methods were used to perform composition and impurity measurements on samples of real energy gases collected from around Europe. The aim of this study was to compare the results obtained from different labs, and thereby provide an evaluation of the labs’ capabilities and provide insight into the feasibility of different analytical methodologies for use with future measurements.
This project concerns the purity analysis of nitrogen as used in reference gas mixture preparation. This project was carried out without adding impurities to the gas used for this comparison, and is therefore more representative to evaluate the analysis of CO, CO2, CH4, O2, Ar and H2O impurities in high purity nitrogen. The analysis of the amount–of–substance fraction water was optional.
Two 50 litre high purity nitrogen cylinders were purchased from a well-qualified supplier of specialty gases. The listed components were expected to be present in the pure nitrogen at the target levels as a result of the purification of the nitrogen. From the start of this comparison it was clear that the comparison may not lead to reference values for the constituents analysed.
The results indicate that analyses of high purity gases are often limited by the limits of detection of analytical equipment used. The reports of the participating laboratories also indicate that there is no agreed method of determination of the uncertainty on a detection Limit value. The results provide useful information on the Performance of participants. For all analysed components there is reasonable agreement in results for LNE, VSL, Metas and NPL.
For BAM only the Argon result is in agreement.
Solutions of organic analytes of known mass fraction are typically used to calibrate the measurement processes used to determine these compounds in matrix samples. Appropriate value assignments and uncertainty calculations for calibration solutions are critical for accurate measurements. Evidence of successful participation in formal, relevant international comparisons is needed to document measurement capability claims (CMCs) made by national metrology institutes (NMIs) and designated institutes (DIs). To enable NMIs and DIs to update or establish their claims, in 2015 the Organic Analysis Working Group (OAWG) sponsored CCQM-K131 "Low-Polarity Analytes in a Multicomponent Organic Solution: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Acetonitrile".
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) result from combustion sources and are ubiquitous in environmental samples. The PAH congeners, benz[a]anthracene (BaA), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), and naphthalene (Nap) were selected as the target analytes for CCQM-K131. These targets span the volatility range of PAHs found in environmental samples and include potentially problematic chromatographic separations. Nineteen NMIs participated in CCQM-K131. The consensus summary mass fractions for the three PAHs are in the range of (5 to 25) μg/g with relative standard deviations of (2.5 to 3.5) %.
Successful participation in CCQM-K131 demonstrates the following measurement capabilities in determining mass fraction of organic compounds of moderate to insignificant volatility, molar mass of 100 g/mol up to 500 g/mol, and polarity pKow < −2 in a multicomponent organic solution ranging in mass fraction from 100 ng/g to 100 μg/g: (1) value assignment of primary reference standards (if in-house purity assessment carried out), (2) value assignment of single and/or multi-component organic solutions, and (3) separation and quantification using gas chromatography or liquid chromatography.
This key comparison aims to assess the core capabilities of the participants in gas analysis. Such competences include, among others, the capabilities to prepare Primary Standard gas Mixtures (PSMs), perform the necessary purity analysis on the materials used in the gas mixture preparation, the verification of the composition of newly prepared PSMs against existing ones, and the capability of calibrating the composition of a gas mixture. According to the Strategy for Key Comparisons of the Gas Analysis Working Group, this key comparison is classified as an RMO track A key comparison.
The artefacts were binary mixtures of propane in nitrogen at a nominal amount-of-substance fraction level of 1000 μmol/mol. The values and uncertainties from the gravimetric gas mixture preparation were used as key comparison reference values (KCRVs). Each transfer standard had its own KCRV. The results are generally good. All results are within ± 1 % of the KCRV.
This key comparison aims to assess the capabilities of the participants to determine the amount-of-substance fraction oxygen in nitrogen. The GAWG has classified this as a track B comparison, due to the unexpected 50 μmol/mol argon mole fraction content of the transfer standards, which effects the achievable performance of some measurement techniques such a GC-TCD. The separation of oxygen and argon is challenging, and not all systems in use are equally well designed for it. As this analytical challenge due to a substantial fraction of argon in the transfer standards became a reality, the Gas Analysis Working Group (GAWG) decided to qualify this key comparison as a regular key comparison and not as a core comparison, which may be used to support calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs) for oxygen in nitrogen, or for oxygen in nitrogen mixtures containing argon only (see also the section on support to CMCs).
Objectives: Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.) is discussed to be involved in triggering self-reactive immune responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the autocitrullinated prokaryotic peptidylarginine deiminase (PPAD) from P.g. CH2007 (RACH2007-PPAD) from a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient and a synthetic citrullinated PPAD peptide (CPP) containing the main autocitrullination site as potential targets for antibody reactivity in RA and to analyse the possibility of citrullinating native human proteins by PPAD in the context of RA.
Methods: Recombinant RACH2007-PPAD was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Purified RACH2007-PPAD and its enzymatic activity was analysed using two-dimensional electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, immunoblot and ELISA. Autoantibody response to different modified proteins and peptides was recorded and bioinformatically evaluated.
Results: RACH2007-PPAD was capable to citrullinate major RA autoantigens, such as fibrinogen, vimentin, hnRNP-A2/B1, histone H1 and multiple peptides, which identify a common RG/RGG consensus motif. 33% of RA patients (n=30) revealed increased reactivity for α-cit-RACH2007-PPAD before RA onset. 77% of RA patients (n=99) presented α-cit-specific signals to CPP amino acids 57-71 which were positively correlated to α-CCP2 antibody levels. Interestingly, 48% of the α-CPP-positives were rheumatoidfactor IgM/anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibodies (ACPA)-negative. Anti-CPP and α-RACH2007-PPAD antibody levels increase with age. Protein macroarrays that were citrullinated by RACH2007-PPAD and screened with RA patient sera (n=6) and controls (n=4) uncovered 16 RACH2007-PPAD citrullinated RA autoantigens and 9 autoantigens associated with lung diseases. We showed that the α-CPP response could be an important determinant in parenchymal changes in the lung at the time of RA diagnosis (n=106; p=0.018).
Conclusions: RACH2007-PPAD induced internal citrullination of major RA autoantigens. Anti-RACH2007-PPAD correlates with ACPA levels and interstitial lung disease autoantigen reactivity, supporting an infection-based concept for induction of ACPAs via enzymatic mimicry.
Flexible joint transition systems in the form of bituminous joint transitions, type 4.1a according to RTD1007-1, have been used in the Netherlands with varying success. The lifespan in practice was found to vary greatly: between 1 and 5 years. This is too short a lifespan in relation to the lifespan of the layers of asphalt pavement. Ideally, the replacement of these bituminous joint transitions should take place simultaneously as the maintenance of the asphalt layers.
In the meantime, research has been carried out nationally and internationally into improving the life span of bituminous joint transitions. In Germany and Switzerland, the regulations have been shown to lead to a life span of more than 10 years. On this basis, ETAG032-3 was established in the context of EOTA in 2013.
In a competition "Silent sustainable joint transitions" held by the Dutch Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management in the period 2007-2012, three flexible bituminous joint transitions have already been tested, two of which were ultimately found to be suitable. These have been included in the multi-choice matrix (RTD 1007-1) as concept 4.1b (anchored bituminous joint transition) and 4.1c (unanchored bituminous joint transition with stretch-spreading inlay and poured asphalt edge beams). Monitoring these joint transitions in practice over the past 8 years has shown that the desired life span is achievable with these improved joint transitions.
It is expected that the improvement in life span achieved abroad can also be realised in the Netherlands if several aspects specific to the Netherlands are taken into account:
For large parts of the Dutch main road network, the traffic intensity of 500,000 heavy vehicles per year assumed in the ETAG032-3 is insufficient. This is a factor 4 to 5 higher on the busiest main roads in the Netherlands.
On 90% of the Dutch main road network, in contrast to countries such as Germany and Switzerland, an open layer (ZOAB (zeer open asfaltbeton [very open asphalt concrete])) is used.
In the Netherlands, in contrast to countries such as Germany and Switzerland, bridges and viaducts are made on a large scale of prefabricated beams and 'floating' support systems that consist entirely of rubber supports that can be deformed all-round. Such constructions have a less favourable, high-frequency deformation behaviour under traffic load.
In Germany and Switzerland, a minimum joint mass temperature of -20 °C is assumed to test bituminous joint transitions. For the Netherlands, -15 °C is assumed, which has a favourable effect.
The present second version of RTD 1007-4 is a guideline for the development and realisation of a new generation of more durable flexible joint transitions with a minimum design life of 10-15 years and is a guideline for contractors to demonstrate that a flexible joint transition system meets the requirements as set out in the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management guideline RTD 1007-2.
The publicly available document encapsulates the first version of the Catalogue of Services of the future EC4Safenano Centre (CoS 2019).
The CoS 2019 is structured in 12 Service Categories and 27 Service Topics, for each of the 12 categories considered. This architecture configures a 12 x 27 matrix that allows ordering the potential EC4Safenano offer in 324 types of services/groups of services.
Each type of service/group of services is described, in a simple and friendly way, by means of a specific service sheet: the EC4Safenano - Service Data Sheet (EC4-SDS). These EC4-SDSs allow structuring and summarizing the information of each service, providing the customer with a concise view of characteristics of the service and also the contact details with the service provider.
The CoS 2019 deploys a map of services consisting of a set of 100 EC4-SDSs, covering 7 of the 12 Service Categories and 17 of the 27 Service Topics.
The harmonization of services is visualized as a future necessary step in EC4Safenano, in order to strengthen the offer and provide added value to customers with a growing offer of harmonized services in future versions of the CoS.
The information contained in this document is structured in 3 main sections, as follows:
• Catalogue structure. This section describes in short the main characteristics of the CoS 2019.
• Catalogue content. This section represents the core part of the document and encapsulates the set of 100 SDSs displaying the offer proposed by the CoS 2019.
• Online Catalogue. This section describes the resources implemented by EC4Safenano to facilitate the on-line consultation of the CoS 2019 by customers and other interested parties.
Metaproteomics has matured into a powerful tool to assess functional interactions in microbial communities. While many metaproteomic workflows are available, the impact of method choice on results remains unclear. Here, we carry out a community-driven, multi-laboratory comparison in metaproteomics: the critical assessment of metaproteome investigation study (CAMPI). Based on well-established workflows, we evaluate the effect of sample preparation, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatic analysis using two samples: a simplified, laboratory-assembled human intestinal model and a human fecal sample. We observe that variability at the peptide level is predominantly due to sample processing workflows, with a smaller contribution of bioinformatic pipelines. These peptide-level differences largely disappear at the protein group level. While differences are observed for predicted community composition, similar functional profiles are obtained across workflows. CAMPI demonstrates the robustness of present-day metaproteomics research, serves as a template for multi-laboratory studies in metaproteomics, and provides publicly available data sets for benchmarking future developments.
Recent DNA-based studies have shown that the built environment is surprisingly rich in fungi. These indoor fungi – whether transient visitors or more persistent residents – may hold clues to the rising levels of human allergies and other medical and building-related health problems observed globally. The taxo¬nomic identity of these fungi is crucial in such pursuits. Molecular identification of the built mycobiome is no trivial undertaking, however, given the large number of unidentified, misidentified, and technically compromised fungal sequences in public sequence databases. In addition, the sequence metadata required to make informed taxonomic decisions – such as country and host/substrate of collection – are often lacking even from reference and ex-type sequences. Here we report on a taxonomic annotation workshop (April 10–11, 2017) organized at the James Hutton Institute/University of Aberdeen (UK) to facilitate reproducible studies of the built mycobiome. The 32 participants went through public fungal ITS bar¬code sequences related to the built mycobiome for taxonomic and nomenclatural correctness, technical quality, and metadata availability. A total of 19,508 changes – including 4,783 name changes, 14,121 metadata annotations, and the removal of 99 technically compromised sequences – were implemented in the UNITE database for molecular identification of fungi (https://unite.ut.ee/) and shared with a range of other databases and downstream resources. Among the genera that saw the largest number of changes were Penicillium, Talaromyces, Cladosporium, Acremonium, and Alternaria, all of them of significant importance in both culture-based and culture-independent surveys of the built environment.
Unity in defence: honeybee workers exhibit conserved molecular responses to diverse pathogens
(2017)
Background: Organisms typically face infection by diverse pathogens, and hosts are thought to have developed specific responses to each type of pathogen they encounter. The advent of transcriptomics now makes it possible to test this hypothesis and compare host gene expression responses to multiple pathogens at a genome-wide scale. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of multiple published and new transcriptomes using a newly developed bioinformatics approach that filters genes based on their expression profile across datasets. Thereby, we identified common and unique molecular responses of a model host species, the honey bee (Apis mellifera), to its major pathogens and parasites: the Microsporidia Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae, RNA viruses, and the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, which transmits viruses.
Results: We identified a common suite of genes and conserved molecular pathways that respond to all investigated pathogens, a result that suggests a commonality in response mechanisms to diverse pathogens. We found that genes differentially expressed after infection exhibit a higher evolutionary rate than non-differentially expressed genes. Using our new bioinformatics approach, we unveiled additional pathogen-specific responses of honey bees; we found that apoptosis appeared to be an important response following microsporidian infection, while genes from the immune signalling pathways, Toll and Imd, were differentially expressed after Varroa/virus infection. Finally, we applied our bioinformatics approach and generated a gene co-expression network to identify highly connected (hub) genes that may represent important mediators and regulators of anti-pathogen responses.
Conclusions: Our meta-analysis generated a comprehensive overview of the host metabolic and other biological processes that mediate interactions between insects and their pathogens. We identified key host genes and pathways that respond to phylogenetically diverse pathogens, representing an important source for future functional studies as well as offering new routes to identify or generate pathogen resilient honey bee stocks. The statistical and bioinformatics approaches that were developed for this study are broadly applicable to synthesize information across transcriptomic datasets. These approaches will likely have utility in addressing a variety of biological questions.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa MPAO1 is the parental strain of the widely utilized transposon mutant collection for this important clinical pathogen. Here, we validate a model system to identify genes involved in biofilm growth and biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance. Our model employs a genomics-driven workflow to assemble the complete MPAO1 genome, identify unique and conserved genes by comparative genomics with the PAO1 reference strain and genes missed within existing assemblies by proteogenomics. Among over 200 unique MPAO1 genes, we identified six general essential genes that were overlooked when mapping public Tn-seq data sets against PAO1, including an antitoxin. Genomic data were integrated with phenotypic data from an experimental workflow using a user-friendly, soft lithography-based microfluidic flow chamber for biofilm growth and a screen with the Tn-mutant library in microtiter plates. The screen identified hitherto unknown genes involved in biofilm growth and antibiotic resistance. Experiments conducted with the flow chamber across three laboratories delivered reproducible data on P. aeruginosa biofilms and validated the function of both known genes and genes identified in the Tn-mutant screens. Differential Protein abundance data from planktonic cells versus biofilm confirmed the upregulation of candidates known to affect biofilm formation, of structural and secreted proteins of type VI secretion systems, and provided proteogenomic evidence for some missed MPAO1 genes. This integrated, broadly applicable model promises to improve the mechanistic understanding of biofilm formation, antimicrobial tolerance, and resistance evolution in biofilms.
Der Frequenzbereich der Terahertzwellen liegt im elektromagnetischen Spektrum zwischen den Mikrowellen und dem infraroten Licht – also etwa im Bereich von 0,1 bis 10 Terahertz (THz). Der VDI-Statusreport „Terahertzsysteme und Anwendungen“ stellt die unterschiedlichen Konzepte für Terahertzsysteme vor und zeigt Anwendungsbeispiele, bei denen die Terahertztechnik erfolgreich eingesetzt wird. Umfangreiche Literaturangaben ermöglichen eine intensivere Beschäftigung mit allen Themen des VDI-Statusreports.
Through connecting genomic and metabolic information, metaproteomics is an essential approach for understanding how microbiomes function in space and time. The international metaproteomics community is delighted to announce the launch of the Metaproteomics Initiative (www.metaproteomics.org), the goal of which is to promote dissemination of metaproteomics fundamentals, advancements, and applications through collaborative networking in microbiome research. The Initiative aims to be the central information hub and open meeting place where newcomers and experts interact to communicate, standardize, and accelerate experimental and bioinformatic methodologies in this feld. We invite the entire microbiome community to join and discuss potential synergies at the interfaces with other disciplines, and to collectively promote innovative approaches to gain deeper insights into microbiome functions and dynamics.
Diese Richtlinie definiert Kenngrößen und Messverfahren, um Terahertzsysteme für die Zeitbereichsspektroskopie (TDS)zu spezifizieren. So können Hersteller ihre Systeme übereinstimmend beschreiben und Anwender einfach Systeme vergleichen. Systeme für die Terahertz-Zeitbereichsspektroskopie sind aktive Systeme und nutzen verschiedene Techniken sowohl zur Erzeugung als auch zur zeitaufgelösten Messung von breitbandigen Terahertzimpulsen. Die dazugehörigen Terahertzspektren und -Phasen werden nach einer zeitlichen Abtastung über eine Fourier-Transformation berechnet. In dieser Richtlinie wird ein Überblick über die Funktionsweisen von Zeitbereichsspektrometern gegeben, die eingesetzten Messverfahren näher erläutert sowie die benötigten Begriffe und Kenngrößen definiert. Die Richtlinie konzentriert sich dabei auf Systeme, die auf sogenannten Abtastmessverfahren (Sampling-Messverfahren) basieren.
Silicon isotopes have considerable potential as proxy for (near-) surface processes and environmental conditions. However, unambiguous interpretations of isotope signatures in natural silica deposits are often hampered by a lack of independent quantitative information on isotopic fractionations operating under the environmental conditions of interest. We performed seeded silica precipitation experiments using flow-through reactors in the 10–60 °C temperature range to alleviate this problem. The principal objective was to quantify the silicon isotope fractionations during controlled precipitation of amorphous silica from a flowing aqueous solution. The experiments were designed to simulate silica deposition induced by a temperature drop, with particular relevance for (near-) surface hydrothermal systems associated with steep temperature gradients.
Monitored differences in silicon isotope ratios (30Si/28Si and 29Si/28Si) between input and output solutions demonstrated a systematic sequence in behavior. During an initial time interval, that is, before the reaction system reached steady state, the observed isotope shifts were influenced by dissolution of the seed material, the saturation state of the solution and the specific surface area of the seeds. After reaching steady state, the selective incorporation of silicon isotopes by the solid phase exhibited an explicit temperature dependency: the lighter isotopes were preferentially incorporated, and apparent fractionation magnitudes increased with decreasing temperature.
Calculated magnitudes of silicon isotope fractionations between precipitated and dissolved silica (Δ30Si = δ30Siprecipitate (calculated) – δ30Siinput solution) were –2.1 at 10 °C, –1.2 at 20 °C, –1.0 at 30 °C, –0.5 at 40 °C, 0.1 at 50 °C, and 0.2 at 60 °C (s.d. ≤ 0.6, based on replicate experiments). Hence, fractionation was nearly insignificant at temperatures ≥50 °C. Apart from this relationship with temperature, our results indicate that the effective Si isotope fractionation during precipitation from a solution is subject to changes in the saturation state, reactive surface area and flow regime. We therefore infer that, to a significant extent, solidfluid fractionation in natural (near-) surface environments is system dependent.
An assessment of the elastic-plastic buckling limit state for multi-strake wind turbine support towers poses a particular challenge for the modern finite element analyst, who must competently navigate numerous modelling choices related to the tug-of-war between meshing and computational cost, the use of solvers that are robust to highly nonlinear behaviour, the potential for multiple near-simultaneously critical failure locations, the complex issue of imperfection sensitivity and finally the interpretation of the data into a safe and economic design.
This paper reports on an international ‘round-robin’ exercise conducted in 2022 aiming to take stock of the computational shell buckling expertise around the world which attracted 29 submissions. Participants were asked to perform analyses of increasing complexity on a standardised benchmark of an 8-MW multi-strake steel wind turbine support tower segment, from a linear elastic stress analysis to a linear bifurcation analysis to a geometrically and materially nonlinear buckling analysis with imperfections. The results are a showcase of the significant shell buckling expertise now available in both industry and academia.
This paper is the first of a pair. The second paper presents a detailed reference solution to the benchmark, including an illustration of the Eurocode-compliant calibration of two important imperfection forms.
A metrological approach to improve accuracy and reliability of ammonia measurements in ambient air
(2016)
The environmental impacts of ammonia (NH3) in ambient air have become more evident in the recent decades, leading to intensifying research in this field. A number of novel analytical techniques and monitoring instruments have been developed, and the quality and availability of reference gas mixtures used for the calibration of measuring instruments has also increased significantly. However, recent inter-comparison measurements show significant discrepancies, indicating that the majority of the newly developed devices and reference materials require further thorough validation. There is a clear need for more intensive metrological research focusing on quality assurance, intercomparability and validations. MetNH3 (Metrology for ammonia in ambient air) is a three-year project within the framework of the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP), which aims to bring metrological traceability to ambient ammonia measurements in the 0.5–500 nmol mol−1 amount fraction range. This is addressed by working in three areas: (1) improving accuracy and stability of static and dynamic reference gas mixtures, (2) developing an optical transfer standard and (3) establishing the link between high-accuracy metrological standards and field measurements. In this article we describe the concept, aims and first results of the project.
The growth rate of single bacterial cells is continuously disturbed by random fluctuations in biosynthesis rates and by deterministic cell-cycle events, such as division, genome duplication, and septum formation.
It is not understood whether, and how, bacteria reject these growth-rate disturbances. Here, we quantified growth and constitutive protein expression dynamics of single Bacillus subtilis cells as a function of cell-cycle progression. We found that, even though growth at the population level is exponential, close inspection of the cell cycle of thousands of single Bacillus subtilis cells reveals systematic deviations from exponential growth.
Newborn cells display varying growth rates that depend on their size. When they divide, growth-rate Variation has decreased, and growth rates have become birth size independent. Thus, cells indeed compensate for growth-rate disturbances and achieve growth-rate homeostasis. Protein synthesis and growth of single cells displayed correlated, biphasic dynamics from cell birth to division. During a first phase of variable duration, the absolute rates were approximately constant and cells behaved as sizers. In the second phase, rates increased, and growth behavior exhibited characteristics of a timer strategy. These findings demonstrate that, just like size homeostasis, growth-rate homeostasis is an inherent property of single cells that is achieved by cell-cycle-dependent rate adjustments of biosynthesis and growth.
CCQM-K118 was an international key comparison on natural gas composition with two types of gases, i.e., a low calorific hydrogen-enriched natural gas and a high calorific LNG type of gas. There were 14 participating laboratories. The traveling standards (i.e., 14 mixtures each) were obtained from an external source and checked for homogeneity and stability before and after the participants' measurements at the two coordinating laboratories. The data evaluation was performed using a consensus value and a laboratory effect model. The results of the participants were benchmarked against a key comparison reference value computed from the largest consistent subset (LCS) of the submitted results, adjusted for the differences between the travelling standards. For the first time in a key comparison in gas analysis, the model included a term to account for excess variability in the LCS. Most of the participants reported one or a few (slightly) discrepant results. Partly this is due to the heterogeneity and heteroscedasticity of the datasets. In all, the results in this key comparison demonstrate the good comparability of the national measurement standards for natural gas composition maintained by the participating NMIs.
Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).
To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
The coming years are expected to bring rapid changes in the nanotechnology regulatory landscape, with the establishment of a new framework for nano-risk governance, in silico approaches for characterisation and Risk assessment of nanomaterials, and novel procedures for the early identification and management of nanomaterial risks. In this context, Safe(r)-by-Design (SbD) emerges as a powerful preventive approach to support the development of safe and sustainable (SSbD) nanotechnology-based products and processes throughout the life cycle. This paper summarises the work undertaken to develop a blueprint for the deployment and operation of a permanent European Centre of collaborating laboratories and research organisations supporting safe Innovation in nanotechnologies. The proposed entity, referred to as “the Centre”, will establish a ‘one-stop shop’ for nanosafety-related services and a central contact point for addressing stakeholder questions about nanosafety. Its operation will rely on significant business, legal and market knowledge, as well as other tools developed and acquired through the EU-funded EC4SafeNano project and subsequent ongoing activities. The proposed blueprint adopts a demand-driven service update scheme to allow the necessary vigilance and flexibility to identify opportunities and adjust its activities and services in the rapidly evolving regulatory and nano risk governance landscape.
The proposed Centre will play a major role as a conduit to transfer scientific knowledge between the Research and commercial laboratories or consultants able to provide high quality nanosafety services, and the end-users of such services (e.g., industry, SMEs, consultancy firms, and regulatory authorities). The Centre will harmonise service provision, and bring novel risk assessment and management approaches, e.g. in silico methodologies, closer to practice, notably through SbD/SSbD, and decisively support safe and sustainable innovation of industrial production in the nanotechnology industry according to the European Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
This paper reports the results of an international interlaboratory study sponsored by the Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS) and led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on the measurement of water vapor sorption isotherms at 25 °C on a pelletized nanoporous carbon (BAM-P109, a certified reference material). Thirteen laboratories participated in the study and contributed nine pure water vapor isotherms and four relative humidity isotherms, using nitrogen as the carrier gas. From these data, reference isotherms, along with the 95% uncertainty interval (Uk=2), were determined and are reported in a tabular format.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms exhibit an intrinsic resistance to antibiotics and constitute a considerable clinical threat. In cystic fibrosis, a common feature of biofilms formed by P. aeruginosa in the airway is the occurrence of mutants deficient in flagellar motility. This study investigates the impact of flagellum deletion on the structure and antibiotic tolerance of P. aeruginosa biofilms, and highlights a role for the flagellum in adaptation and cell survival during biofilm development. Mutations in the flagellar hook protein FlgE influence greatly P. aeruginosa biofilm structuring and antibiotic tolerance. Phenotypic analysis of the flgE knockout mutant compared to the wild type (WT) reveal increased fitness under planktonic conditions, reduced initial adhesion but enhanced formation of microcolony aggregates in a microfluidic environment, and decreased expression of genes involved in exopolysaccharide formation. Biofilm cells of the flgE knock-out mutant display enhanced tolerance towards multiple antibiotics, whereas its planktonic cells show similar resistance to the WT. Confocal microscopy of biofilms demonstrates that gentamicin does not affect the viability of cells located in the inner part of the flgE knock-out mutant biofilms due to reduced penetration. These findings suggest that deficiency in flagellar proteins like FlgE in biofilms and in cystic fibrosis infections represent phenotypic and evolutionary adaptations that alter the structure of P. aeruginosa biofilms conferring increased antibiotic tolerance.
Hepcidin-25 concentrations measured by various methods differ considerably, complicating interpretation. Here, a previously identified plasma-based candidate secondary reference material (csRM) was modified into a serum-based two-leveled sRM. We validated its functionality to increase the equivalence between methods for international standardization. We applied technical procedures developed by the International Consortium for Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Results. The sRM, consisting of lyophilized serum with cryolyoprotectant, appeared commutable among nine different measurement procedures using 16 native human serum samples in a first round robin (RR1). Harmonization potential of the sRM was simulated in RR1 and evaluated in practice in RR2 among 11 measurement procedures using three native human plasma samples. Comprehensive purity analysis of a candidate primary RM (cpRM) was performed by state-of-the-art procedures. The sRM was value assigned with an isotope dilution mass spectrometry-based candidate reference method calibrated using the certified pRM. The inter-assay CV without harmonization was 42.1% and 52.8% in RR1 and RR2, respectively. In RR1, simulation of harmonization with sRM resulted in an inter-assay CV of 11.0%, whereas in RR2 calibration with the material resulted in an inter-assay CV of 19.1%. Both the sRM and pRM passed international homogeneity criteria and showed long-term stability. We assigned values to the low (0.95 ± 0.11 nmol/L) and middle concentration (3.75 ± 0.17 nmol/L) calibrators of the sRM. Standardization of hepcidin is possible with our sRM, which value is assigned by a pRM. We propose the implementation of this material as an international calibrator for hepcidin-25.
Die nicht ionisierende elektromagnetische Strahlung im Bereich von Terahertz-Frequenzen ermöglicht berührungslose und zerstörungsfreie Mess- und Prüftechnik in zahlreichen Bereichen. Nach ersten Anwendungen in der Astronomie und der Atmosphärenforschung wurden in letzter Zeit Anwendungsfelder in der Sicherheitstechnik, der Medizintechnik, der Nachrichtentechnik und der zerstörungsfreien Prozess- und Qualitätskontrolle erschlossen. Dielektrische Materialien wie Kunststoffe und Keramiken können von Terahertz-Wellen durchdrungen werden. Das ermöglicht Untersuchungen des Objektinneren ohne spezielle Schutzmaßnahmen, wie sie z.B. beim Röntgen notwendig sind. Die Richtlinie erleichtert die Verständigung zwischen Nutzern, Herstellern und dem Vertrieb von Terahertz-Systemen. In der Richtlinie werden bekannte Einsatzgebiete sowie die eingesetzten Verfahren und Funktionsprinzipien aufgeführt, um den Leser bei der Auswahlentscheidung zu unterstützen. Nach einer kurzen Einführung in die physikalischen Grundlagen und Hinweisen zur elektromagnetischen Verträglichkeit, zum Strahlenschutz und zur regulierten Frequenzvergabe werden die verschiedenen Geräteklassen von Terahertz-Systemen ausführlich vorgestellt. Die Richtlinie gibt Hinweise zur messtechnischen Charakterisierung von Terahertz-Wellen. Einsatzgebiete von Terahertz-Systemen, wie die zerstörungsfreie Prüfung, die Dicken- und Abstandsmessung, die Tomografie und die chemische Analytik, werden mit ihren spezifischen Eigenschaften im Detail beschrieben. Umfangreiche Literaturverweise vereinfachen eine vertiefte Beschäftigung mit den Themen der Richtlinie. Eine tabellarische Übersicht mit einer Zusammenfassung, welche Terahertz-Systeme für welche Anwendungsfelder eingesetzt werden können, vervollständigt die Richtlinie.
Environmental Risk Assessment of Treated Timber in Service - the Environment Focus Group Approach
(2000)
In the context of the Biocidal Products Directive (98/8/EC), and of the OECD work on wood preservatives, the Environment Focus Group (EFG), comprising 8 institutes and the European Wood Preservative Manufacturers Group, has been working on the environmental risk assessment of treated timber in service. A literature review of emissions from treated timber has revealed that very little existing data is usable for environmental risk assessment; the most relevant data are kinetic curves of emissions over time, which show clearly the non-linear emissions behaviour of treated wood over time. The EFG has suggested real exposure conditions for treated timber in the environment, and listed typical exposure scenarios. Five representative scenarios are characterised in detail, for use in the calculation of Predicted Environmental Concentrations (PECs). The existing methods to determine emissions from treated wood have been reviewed. Most existing experimental models cannot be used to predict environmental emissions. Monitoring of commodities in service has its specific constraints. Chemical analysis and ecotoxicity testing have also been reviewed and their relationship has been discussed. Principles for the design of experimental models, for the determination of emission fluxes from treated wood to the environment, have been established.
Waste sludge, a solid recovered from wastewater of photovoltaic-industries, composes of agglomerates of nano-particles like SiO2 and CaCO3. This sludge deflocculates in aqueous solutions into nano-particles smaller than 1 µm. Thus, this sludge constitutes a potentially hazardous waste when it is improperly disposed. Due to its high content of amorphous SiO2, this sludge has a potential use as supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in concrete. In this study the main properties of three different samples of photovoltaic's silica-rich waste sludge (nSS) were physically and chemically characterized. The characterization techniques included: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen physical adsorption isotherm (BET method), density by Helium pycnometry, particle size distribution determined by laser light scattering (LLS) and zeta-potential measurements by dynamic light scattering (DLS). In addition, a dispersability study was performed to design stable slurries to be used as liquid additives for the concrete production on site. The effects on the hydration kinetics of cement pastes by the incorporation of nSS in the designed slurries were determined using an isothermal calorimeter. A compressive strength test of standard mortars with 7% of cement replacement was performed to determine the pozzolanic activity of the waste nano-silica sludge. Finally, the hardened system was fully characterized to determine the phase composition. The results demonstrate that the nSS can be utilized as SCM to replace portion of cement in mortars, thereby decreasing the CO2 footprint and the environmental impact of concrete.
Research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) frequently incorporates organofluorine measurements, particularly because they could support a class-based approach to regulation. However, standardized methods for organofluorine analysis in a broad suite of matrices are currently unavailable, including a method for extractable organofluorine (EOF) measured using combustion ion chromatography (CIC). Here, we report the results of an international interlaboratory comparison. Seven laboratories representing academia, government, and the private sector measured paired EOF and PFAS concentrations in groundwater and eel (Anguilla rostrata) from a site contaminated by aqueous film-forming foam. Among all laboratories, targeted PFAS could not explain all EOF in groundwater but accounted for most EOF in eel. EOF results from all laboratories for at least one replicate extract fell within one standard deviation of the interlaboratory mean for groundwater and five out of seven laboratories for eel. PFAS spike mixture recoveries for EOF measurements in groundwater and eel were close to the criterion (±30%) for standardized targeted PFAS methods. Instrumental operation of the CIC such as replicate sample injections was a major source of measurement uncertainty. Blank contamination and incomplete inorganic fluorine removal may introduce additional uncertainties. To elucidate the presence of unknown organofluorine using paired EOF and PFAS measurements, we recommend that analysts carefully consider confounding methodological uncertainties such as differences in precision between measurements, data processing steps such as blank subtraction and replicate analyses, and the relative recoveries of PFAS and other fluorine compounds.
The spatial distribution and concentration of lanthanide activator and sensitizer dopant ions are of key importance for the luminescence color and efficiency of upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs). Quantifying dopant ion distributions and intermixing, and correlating them with synthesis methods require suitable analytical techniques. Here, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth-profiling with tender X-rays (2000–6000 eV), providing probe depths ideally matched to UCNP sizes, is used to measure the depth-dependent concentration ratios of Er3+ to Yb3+, [Er3+]/[Yb3+], in three types of UCNPs prepared using different reagents and synthesis methods. This is combined with data simulations and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) measurements of the lanthanide ion concentrations to construct models of the UCNPs’ dopant ion distributions. The UCNP sizes and architectures are chosen to demonstrate the potential of this approach. Core-only UCNPs synthesized with XCl3·6H2O precursors (β-phase) exhibit a homogeneous distribution of lanthanide ions, but a slightly surface-enhanced [Er3+]/[Yb3+] is observed for UCNPs prepared with trifluroacetate precursors (α-phase). Examination of Yb-core@Er-shell UCNPs reveals a co-doped, intermixed region between the single-doped core and shell. The impact of these different dopant ion distributions on the UCNP's optical properties is discussed to highlight their importance for UCNP functionality and the design of efficient UCNPs.
Kunststoff- und Kunststoffrasenflächen kommt bei intensiv genutzten Flächen als Allwetterbeläge eine große Bedeutung zu. Sie leisten einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Absicherung eines ganzjähriger Sportangebote.
Gerade Kunststoffrasen ist aber in den letzten Jahren häufig in die Kritik geraten, insbesondere durch gefährliche Inhaltsstoffe und andere negative Einflüsse auf die Umwelt. Dies hat bei Bauherren zu einer Verunsicherung geführt und Fragen aufgeworfen, die erst teilweise beantwortet sind. Die Diskussionen rund um diesen Allwetterbelag haben bereits dazu geführt, dass von Seiten der Industrie viel verändert wurde und neue innovative Lösungen gefunden werden.
Der Fachbericht stellt eine Handreichung für Fachleute und interessierte Laien dar, um mehr Klarheit besonders hinsichtlich der Umweltanforderungen zu erzielen.
Here we report on the accumulation of ground-state NH molecules in a static magnetic trap. A pulsed supersonic beam of NH (a1Δ) radicals is produced and brought to a near standstill at the center of a quadrupole magnetic trap using a Stark decelerator. There, optical pumping of the metastable NH radicals to the X3Σ- ground state is performed by driving the spin-forbidden A3Π ← a1Δ transition, followed by spontaneous A → X emission. The resulting population in the various rotational levels of the ground state is monitored via laser induced fluorescence detection. A substantial fraction of the groundstate NH molecules stays confined in the several milliKelvin deep magnetic trap. The loading scheme allows one to increase the phase-space density of trapped molecules by accumulating packets from consecutive deceleration cycles in the trap. In the present experiment, accumulation of six packets is demonstrated to result in an overall increase of only slightly over a factor of two, limited by the trap-loss and reloading rates.
Crack and fatigue resistance are relevant evaluation criteria for welded joints and are decreased by tensile residual
stresses resulting from the welding and cooling process, while compressive residual stresses can have a positive
influence on the characteristics mentioned. In order to generate compressive residual stresses, a set of post weld
treatment procedures is available, like shot peening, hammering, etc. These procedures have the disadvantage that
they are time and cost extensive and have to be applied after welding. As another point, such technologies can only
produce compressive stresses at the top surface, i.e. can only contribute to the reduction of the risk of cracks initiated
at the surface, like fatigue cracks. A chance to generate compressive stresses over the complete weld joint during the
welding procedure is offered by the so-called Low Transformation Temperature (LTT -) filler wires. Compared to
conventional wires, these materials show lower phase transformation temperatures, which can work against coolingrelated
tensile stresses, resulting from respective shrinkage restraint. In consequence, distinct compressive residual
stresses can be observed within the weld and adjacent areas. The strength of these fillers makes them potentially
applicable to high-strength steel welding. Welds produced with different LTT filler wires have shown different levels
and distributions of the resulting residual stresses depending on the specific transformation temperature. The
transformation temperatures are determined by temperature measurement. Classical X-ray diffraction as well as
diffraction methods using high energy synchrotron radiation have been used for residual stress analysis. By means of
high energy synchrotron diffraction in reflection mode residual stress depth gradients can be determined nondestructively.
The phase selective nature of the diffraction measurements enables the simultaneous determination of
the phase specific residual stresses of all contributing crystalline phases within one experiment. The application of
white beam diffraction implies recording of a multitude of diffraction lines within the energy range of the provided
energy spectrum of the white beam. By this means phase specific residual stress depth distributions up to distances of
150 ìm below the surface can be analysed for steel using the energy dispersive set-up of the HMI-beamline EDDI at
the Bessy site, Berlin, providing an energy range between 20-150 keV. As a side effect quantitative phase analysis can
be carried out using white energy dispersive diffraction e.g. the determination of the content of retained austenite in the
weld.
Large-language models (LLMs) such as GPT-4 caught the interest of many scientists. Recent studies suggested that these models could be useful in chemistry and materials science. To explore these possibilities, we organized a hackathon. This article chronicles the projects built as part of this hackathon. Participants employed LLMs for various applications, including predicting properties of molecules and materials, designing novel interfaces for tools, extracting knowledge from unstructured data, and developing new educational applications. The diverse topics and the fact that working prototypes could be generated in less than two days highlight that LLMs will profoundly impact the future of our fields. The rich collection of ideas and projects also indicates that the applications of LLMs are not limited to materials science and chemistry but offer potential benefits to a wide range of scientific disciplines.
Guidance on the European Biocidal Products Regulation concerning Efficacy of Wood Preservatives
(2017)
In Europe wood preservatives belong to Product Type 8 (PT8) of the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, EU n. 528/2012), which regulates the authorisation of biocidal active substances and products in the European market.
The applicant, who aims to obtain authorization to place a product onto the European market, needs to submit data to substantiate the label claims for the intended uses. Label claims are a central issue in the assessment of efficacy.
The aim of this paper is to raise awareness of the recently issued “Guidance on the Biocidal Products Regulation” concerning the evaluation of efficacy of wood preservatives. This guidance document is addressed to the applicants as well as to the competent authorities of the member states of Europe in charge of assessing efficacy data, and has been in the public domain, in its latest version, since February 2017.
The CEN/Technical Committee 38 “Durability of wood and wood based products” / WG 22 "Performance, assessment and specification” decided to bring the Guidance to a wider audience with the aim of disseminating the information and to trigger discussion among the experts of IRGWP.
An excerpt of the Guidance that is relevant to wood preservative products is presented in an Annex to this paper.
Keywords: Biocidal Products Regulation, BPR, authorisation, Guidance, PT8, curative wood preservatives, preventive wood preservatives.
CaSO4 minerals (i.e., gypsum, anhydrite, and bassanite) are widespread in natural and industrial environments. During the last several years, a number of studies have revealed that nucleation in the CaSO4–H2O system is nonclassical, where the formation of crystalline phases involves several steps. Based on these recent insights, we have formulated a tentative general model for calcium sulfate precipitation from solution. This model involves primary species that are formed through the assembly of multiple Ca2+ and SO42– ions into nanoclusters. These nanoclusters assemble into poorly ordered (i.e., amorphous) hydrated aggregates, which in turn undergo ordering into coherent crystalline units. The thermodynamic (meta)stability of any of the three CaSO4 phases is regulated by temperature, pressure, and ionic strength, with gypsum being the stable form at low temperatures and low-to-medium ionic strengths and anhydrite being the stable phase at high temperatures and at lower temperature for high salinities. Bassanite is metastable across the entire phase diagram but readily forms as the primary phase at high ionic strengths across a wide range of temperatures and can persist up to several months. Although the physicochemical conditions leading to bassanite formation in aqueous systems are relatively well established, nanoscale insights into the nucleation mechanisms and pathways are still lacking. To fill this gap and to further improve our general model for calcium sulfate precipitation, we conducted in situ scattering measurements at small-angle X-ray scattering and wide-angle X-ray scattering and complemented these with in situ Raman spectroscopic characterization. Based on these experiments, we show that the process of formation of bassanite from aqueous solutions is very similar to the formation of gypsum: it involves the aggregation of small primary species into larger disordered aggregates, only from which the crystalline phase develops. These data thus confirm our general model of CaSO4 nucleation and provide clues to explain the abundant occurrence of bassanite on the surface of Mars (and not on the surface of Earth).
The adsorption behavior of Platinum nanoparticles was studied for the as-received catalyst (under inert gas), under hydrogen and CO atmosphere using our newly designed in-situ cell. X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) and Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) experiments were performed simultaneously with high data quality. Structural information and the type of adsorbate could be revealed via Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) analysis, Dl X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure analysis (Dl XANES) and in-situ DRIFTS. The as-received catalyst showed sub-surface oxygen and O(n-fold). Under CO atmosphere only CO(atop) was found. Reversible adsorbate induced changes of the Pt nanoparticle structure were derived from changes in the PtAPt coordination number and the corresponding bond distance. Under reducing conditions (H2, CO) a significant increase in both values occurred. Temperature dependent desorption of CO revealed a gradual shift from PtACO to PtAO. Reoxidation was clearly assigned to strong metal support interaction from the SiO2 support.
Fluorescence lamps contain considerable amounts of rare earth elements (REE). Several recycling procedures for REE recovery from spent lamps have been established. However, despite their economic importance, the respective recycling is scarce so far, with an REE recovery rate of less than 1%. A reliable analysis of REE and other relevant metals like Yttrium is crucial for a thorough and complete recovery process. This applies both to the solid matter and aqueous phase, since most of the recycling processes include wet-chemical steps. We tested seven different reagent mixtures for microwave-assisted digestion of fluorescent lamp shredder, including hydrofluoric acid, perchloric acid, and hydrogen peroxide. We determined the concentrations of 25 of the most relevant rare earth and other trace elements (Al, P, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Ga, Ge, As, Y, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, La, Ce, Eu, Gd, Tb, W, Au, Hg, and Pb) in the respective dilutions. Two independent digestions, one a mixture of perchlorid/nitric/hydrofluoric acid and the other aqua regia, showed the highest concentrations of 23 of these elements, excluding only Sn and Tb. The REE concentrations in the tested lamp shredder sample (stated in g/kg) were 10.2 (Y), 12.1 (La), 7.77 (Ce), 6.91 (Eu), 1.90 (Gd), and 4.11 (Tb).
Self-ignition of coal dust deposits poses a higher risk of fires in oxygen-enriched oxy-fuel combustion systems. In this work, we develop a numerical method, using the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics, to investigate self-ignition behaviour of coal dust accumulations with a main emphasis on the roles of oxygen, diluent gas and dust volume. A one-step 2nd-order reaction kinetic model considering both coal density and oxygen density is used to estimate reaction rate using the kinetic parameters from previously conducted hot-oven tests. This model is validated to predict the transient temperature and concentration profiles of South African coal dusts until ignition. The computed self-ignition temperatures of dust volumes show a good agreement with experimental results. In addition, it is found that the inhibiting effect of carbon dioxide is comparatively small and oxygen consumption increases dramatically after ignition. Parameter analysis shows that the heating value and kinetic parameters have a comparatively pronounced effect on self-ignition temperature. The model provides a satisfactory explanation for the dependence of self-ignition behaviour on gas atmospheres, thus helping to further understand the fire risk of self-ignition in oxy-fuel combustion systems.
Recovery of rare earth elements - optimized elemental analysis of fluorescent lamp shredder waste
(2016)
Rare earth elements (REE) are a crucial component of fluorescence lamps. Several procedures have been developed to recovery these technological important elements. Nevertheless, actual REE recycling from fluorescence lamps is scarce so far (recovery rate of less than 1 %), with current recycling approaches concentrating on glass recovery. Since most recycling processes include several, also wet-chemical steps, a complete knowledge of the actual elemental composition of the respective mass flows is necessary for an efficient REE recovery. We tested seven different reagent mixtures for microwave-assisted digestion of fluorescent lamp shredder, including HF, HClO4, and H2O2. We determined the concentrations of 25 of the most relevant rare earth and other trace elements in the respective dilutions. Two independent digestions, one a mixture of perchlorid/nitric/hydrofluoric acid and the other aqua regia, showed the highest concentrations of 23 of these elements, excluding only Sn and Tb. The REE concentrations in the tested lamp shredder sample (stated in g/kg) were 10.2 (Y), 12.1 (La), 7.77 (Ce), 6.91 (Eu), 1.90 (Gd), and 4.11 (Tb).
The adsorption behavior of Platinum nanoparticles was studied for the as-received catalyst (under inert gas), under hydrogen and CO atmosphere using our newly designed in-situ cell. X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) and Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) experiments were performed simultaneously with high data quality. Structural information and the type of adsorbate could be revealed via Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) analysis, Δμ X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure analysis (Δμ XANES) and in-situ DRIFTS. The as-received catalyst showed sub-surface oxygen and O(n-fold). Under CO atmosphere only CO(atop) was found. Reversible adsorbate induced changes of the Pt nanoparticle structure were derived from changes in the Pt-Pt coordination number and the corresponding bond distance. Under reducing conditions (H2, CO) a significant increase in both values occurred. Temperature dependent desorption of CO revealed a gradual shift from Pt-CO to Pt-O. Reoxidation was clearly assigned to strong metal support interaction from the SiO2 support.
This study focuses on the question whether heat treated sewage sludge ashes are more favourable as fertilizers than untreated sewage sludge ashes (USSA) and whether their fertilization effects are comparable with commercial triple superphosphate (TSP). In a pot experiment, maize was fertilized either with one of three heat treated and Na-, Ca- and Si-compounds amended sewage sludge ashes (two glown phosphates, steel mill slag + sewage sludge ash) or USSA or TSP as control. Fertilization with USSA did not increase the biomass yield and the P uptake of maize in comparison to the P0 treatment (7.25 resp. 8.35 g dry matter/pot). Fertilization with heat treated sewage sludge ashes and TSP resulted in significantly higher yields and plant P uptakes which are on average eight times higher than treatment with USSA and P0 control. Biomass yields and P uptake of maize after fertilization with heat treated sewage sludge ashes are not significantly different from those after TSP fertilization. The main P compound in USSA is Ca3(PO4)2. By heat treatment and amendment with different sodium, calcium, sulphur and silicon containing additives or steel mill converter slag, Ca3(PO4)2 is converted to Ca- and Na-silico-phosphates, which have a higher water solubility than Ca3(PO4)2. This increased solubility is responsible for the high plant availability of this phosphates.
An approach is presented to model elastic waveguides of arbitrary cross-section coupled to infinite solid media. The formulation is based on the scaled boundary-finite element method. The surrounding medium is approximately accounted for by a dashpot boundary condition derived from the acoustic impedances of the infinite medium. It is discussed under which circumstances this approximation leads to sufficiently accurate results. Computational costs are very low, since the surrounding medium does not require discretization and the number of degrees of freedom on the cross-section is significantly reduced by utilizing higher-order spectral elements.
The objective of the FATWELDHSS project was to study post-weld treatment techniques and their effect on the fatigue life of MAG welded attachments in High Strength Steel (HSS). Fatigue cracks in steel structures often occur at welded joints, where stress concentrations due to the joint geometry and tensile residual stresses are relatively high. Fatigue life improvement techniques, which rely on improving the stress field and/or the surface geometry around the welded joints, are generally known to be beneficial. Therefore, within the framework of this project, the following were examined: diode laser weld toe re-melting; High Frequency Mechanical Impact (HFMI) treatment; Low Transformation Temperature (LTT) filler wires Laser diode re-melting was used to improve the surface profile at the weld toe and thus reduce stress concentrations. HFMI treatment involving high frequency hammering of the weld toe is another technique that can produce a smooth weld toe profile but, more significantly, which also can introduce compressive residual stresses. Lastly, two new LTT filler wires were developed within the project as these can decrease or even remove tensile residual stresses resulting from weld zone shrinkage. An extensive fatigue testing programme was set up to establish the levels of improvement in the fatigue lives of the welded attachments achieved by application of the selected improvement techniques. Furthermore, two industrial demonstrators were selected that could show the project achievements in terms of facilitating the introduction of high strength steels by overcoming the limitations posed by the fatigue properties of the welded joints. In addition, modelling tools were developed to predict the residual stresses at the welded joint. Finally, practical guidelines were developed for enhancing the fatigue strength of HSS welded structures
This study compares the mercury distribution in the vapor phase, the phosphor powder and the glass matrix of new and spent fluorescent lamps. The spent fluorescent lamps were obtained at the collection yards of a public waste management company in Hamburg, Germany. An innovative systematic sampling method is utilized to collect six spent and eight corresponding new, off-the-shelf fluorescent lamp samples. The efficiency of several acid digestion methods for the determination of the elemental composition was studied and elemental mass fractions of K, Na, Y, Ca, Ba, Eu, Al, Pb, Mg, Hg, and P were measured. The study also finds aqua regia to be the best reagent for acid digestion. However, no significant difference in mercury distribution was found in the different phases of the new and spent fluorescent lamps.
Refinery gas is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and non-combustible gases (e.g., carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium). It is obtained as part of the refining and conversion of crude oil. This key comparison aims to evaluate the measurement capabilities for these types of mixtures. The results of the key comparison indicate that the analysis of a refinery-type gas mixture is for some laboratories a challenge. Overall, four laboratories (VSL, NIM, NPL and VNIIM) have satisfactory results. The results of some participants highlight some non-trivial issues, such as appropriate separation between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, and issues with the measurement of nitrogen, hydrogen and helium.
Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).
DatesIssue 1A (Technical Supplement 2012)
The precipitation of struvite, a magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate (MgNH₄PO₄ · 6H₂O) mineral, from wastewater is a promising method for recovering phosphorous. While this process is commonly used in engineered environments, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for the formation of struvite crystals remains limited. Specifically, indirect evidence suggests the involvement of an amorphous precursor and the occurrence of multi-step processes in struvite formation, which would indicate non-classical paths of nucleation and crystallization. In this study, we use synchrotron-based in situ x-ray scattering complemented by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy to obtain new insights from the earliest stages of struvite formation. The holistic scattering data captured the structure of an entire assembly in a time-resolved manner. The structural features comprise the aqueous medium, the growing struvite crystals, and any potential heterogeneities or complex entities. By analysing the scattering data, we found that the onset of crystallization causes a perturbation in the structure of the surrounding aqueous medium. This perturbation is characterized by the occurrence and evolution of Ornstein-Zernike fluctuations on a scale of about 1 nm, suggesting a non-classical nature of the system. We interpret this phenomenon as a liquid-liquid phase separation, which gives rise to the formation of the amorphous precursor phase preceding actual crystal growth of struvite. Our microscopy results confirm that the formation of Mg-struvite includes a short-lived amorphous phase, lasting >10 s.
The analysis of the current state of fire statistics and data collection in Europe and other countries is needed to increase awareness of how fire incidents affect buildings and to support pan-European fire prevention and fire mitigation measures.
The terminology and data collected regarding fire incidents in buildings in the EU Member States were mapped to obtain meaningful datasets to determine common terminology, collection methodology, and data interpretation system. An extensive literature review showed that fire data collection systems have been instrumental in informing firefighting strategies, evidence-based planning, prevention, and educational programmes. Differences and similarities between fire data collection systems were also investigated. The amount and quality of the information in fire statistical recording systems appear to be influenced by the complexity and structure with which the data are collected. The analysis also examined the existing fire statistics in the EU Member States and a few other countries. Finally, a detailed investigation of the number of fires, fire deaths, and injuries from 2009 to 2018 in several countries was examined based on data from a report by CTIF. The trends showed differences attributable to the existing fire statistical practices in terms of terminology and data
collection, and interpretation. Part II proposes a common terminology for selected fire statistical variables. The results provide relevant information regarding fire safety at the European level and should be used to guide the development of more uniform fire statistics across Europe.
Metastable austenitic stainless steel (304L) samples with a rectangular cross-section were plastically deformed in torsion during which they experienced multiaxial stresses that led to a complex martensitic phase distribution owing to the transformation induced plasticity effect. A three-dimensional characterization of the phase distributions in these cm-sized samples was carried out by wavelength-selective neutron tomography. It was found that quantitatively correct results are obtained as long as the samples do not exhibit any considerable preferential grain orientation. Optical microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and finite element modeling were used to verify and explain the results obtained by neutron tomography. Altogether, neutron tomography was shown to extend the range of microstructure characterization methods towards the meso- and macroscale.
We present an approach towards the in situ solid state NMR monitoring of mechanochemical reactions in a ball mill. A miniaturized vibration ball mill is integrated into the measuring coil of a home-built solid state NMR probe, allowing for static solid state NMR measurements during the mechanochemical reaction within the vessel. The setup allows to quantitatively follow the product evolution of a prototypical mechanochemical reaction, the formation of zinc phenylphosphonate from zinc acetate and phenylphosphonic acid. MAS NMR investigations on the final reaction mixture confirmed a reaction yield of 89% in a typical example. Thus, NMR spectroscopy may in the future provide complementary information about reaction mechanisms of mechanochemical reactions and team up with other analytical methods which have been employed to follow reactions in situ, such as Raman spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction.
Geothermal energy is an interesting alternative to polluting fossil energy sources. Therefore, in Belgium, two wells have been drilled for a deep geothermal power plant. However, the environment to which the installations are exposed is challenging. The geothermal brine has 165 g/l total dissolved solids (of which 90% are sodium and chlorine) and the production temperature can be up to 130 °C. To assess their suitability to be used in a geothermal power plant, the corrosivity of the artificial brine to three common construction materials was investigated with exposure and electrochemical tests. The metals under consideration are a low-alloyed carbon steel (S235JR), an austenitic stainless steel (UNS S31603) and a duplex stainless steel (UNS S31803). The carbon steel, that was found to corrode uniformly, could be considered as a constructional material if a sufficient wall thickness is chosen. The austenitic stainless steel and the duplex stainless steel demonstrate very low uniform
corrosion rates. They are however susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion. To guarantee safe operation of the geothermal power plant, the susceptibility of the alloys to stress corrosion cracking should be tested and in situ experiments should be performed.
The aim of RILEM TC 247-DTA ‘Durability Testing of Alkali-Activated Materials’ is to identify and validate methodologies for testing the durability of alkali-activated concretes. To underpin the durability testing work of this committee, five alkali-activated concrete mixes were developed based on blast furnace slag, fly ash, and flash-calcined metakaolin. The concretes were designed with different intended performance levels, aiming to assess the capability of test methods to discriminate between concretes on this basis. A total of fifteen laboratories worldwide participated in this round robin test programme, where all concretes were produced with the same mix designs, from single-source aluminosilicate precursors and locally available aggregates. This paper reports the mix designs tested, and the compressive strength results obtained, including critical insight into reasons for the observed variability in strength within and between laboratories.
An international interlaboratory comparison of the measurement capabilities of four National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and one Designated Institute (DI) in the determination of the chemical composition of thin Fe-Ni alloy films was conducted via a key comparison (K-67) of the Surface Analysis Working Group of the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance. This comparison was made using XPS (four laboratories) and AES (one laboratory) measurements. The uncertainty budget of the measured chemical composition of a thin alloy film was dominated by the uncertainty of the certified composition of a reference specimen which had been determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using the isotope dilution method. Pilot study P-98 showed that the quantification using relative sensitivity factors (RSFs) of Fe and Ni derived from an alloy reference sample results in much more accurate result in comparison to an approach using RSFs derived from pure Fe and Ni films. The individual expanded uncertainties of the participants in the K-67 comparison were found to be between 2.88 and 3.40 atomic %. The uncertainty of the key comparison reference value (KCRV) calculated from individual standard deviations and a coverage factor (k) of 2 was 1.23 atomic %.
Silicon isotopes of chemical sediments have received growing attention, given their applicability in the search for properties of ancient seawater. An important target is the reconstruction of secular changes in surface temperature of the Precambrian Earth, but interpretations are problematic since controls of the isotopic signals are potentially manifold. Here we report the existence of significant silicon isotope variability in chemically precipitated chert layers covering a continuous stratigraphic section across the ~ 3.42 Ga Buck Reef Chert (BRC) in the Barberton Greenstone Belt (South Africa). Black chert bands are variably but consistently higher in δ30Si (up to ca. 0.9) than co-existing translucent counterparts at the same stratigraphic level, which is interpreted as a primary feature acquired during deposition upon interaction between submarine discharging hydrothermal water and a stratified water body. Averaged δ30Si values range from + 0.3 (maximum + 0.5) for shallow-marine sediments in the lower part of the section to – 0.5 (minimum – 1.3) for deeper water deposits in the upper part when results from translucent and black cherts are taken together. An average shift of ca. 0.8 (maximum 1.8) thus accompanied the formation of chemical cherts in a single Archean basin. Cherts at the base of the section represent silicified felsic volcanics and volcaniclastics and have exclusively positive δ30Si values between + 0.1 and + 0.7.
Rare-earth-elements-and-yttrium patterns confirm the marine origin of the cherts and support the presumed basin evolution. From the combined evidence we infer that the δ30Si variations in the BRC reflect changes in the predominant origin of the silica, with terrigenous input supplying positive δ30Si to shallow waters and seafloor hydrothermal sources negative δ30Si to deeper levels. Our findings demonstrate the viability of silicon isotopes in cherts for reconstructing the evolution of ancient marine basins.
The International Measurement Evaluation Program (IMEP) organized the IMEP-24 interlaboratory comparison after reports in the media about high levels of lead in toys. The aim of this comparison was to verify the laboratories' capacity to evaluate trace-element levels in a possible toy-like material according to the European Standard EN 71-3:1994. As test material, it used a former certified reference material containing levels of antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead and selenium around the limits set in the standard.
Four expert laboratories confirmed the reference values (Xref) for all elements but Hg, and established a reference value for Hg. The scatter of the results reported by the participants was large, as expected, but showed a close to normal distribution around the reference values for five of the eight trace elements. The spread of results was mainly attributed to sampling and sample preparation.
One major issue observed in this exercise was the lack of legislative rules about how to report the result, or, more specifically, the use of the analytical correction, which was introduced in EN 71-3:1994 to achieve consistent interpretation of results and which is to be applied when values are equal to or above the maximum limits set in the standard. Its application by the participants was very inconsistent and led to problems in their evaluation. There is clearly a need for clarification and for more formal regulations with regard to result reporting in order to minimize the risk of confusion.
Participants were also asked to give their opinion with regard to the acceptability of the test material for the market. The majority correctly considered the material as non-compliant. However, almost one-third incorrectly assessed the material as compliant.
Concomitant species that appear at the same or very similar times in a mass-spectral analysis can clutter a spectrum because of the coexistence of many analyte-related ions (e.g., molecular ions, adducts, fragments). One method to extract ions stemming from the same origin is to exploit the chemical information encoded in the time domain, where the individual temporal appearances inside the complex structures of chronograms or chromatograms differ with respect to analytes. By grouping ions with very similar or identical time-domain structures, single-component mass spectra can be reconstructed, which are much easier to interpret and are library-searchable. While many other approaches address similar objectives through the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, we explore an alternative method based on a modified cross-correlation algorithm to compute a metric that describes the degree of similarity between features inside any two ion chronograms. Furthermore, an automatic workflow was devised to be capable of categorizing thousands of mass-spectral peaks into different groups within a few seconds. This approach was tested with direct mass-spectrometric analyses as well as with a simple, fast, and poorly resolved LC–MS analysis. Single-component mass spectra were extracted in both cases and were identified based on accurate mass and a mass-spectral library search.