Актуальные проблемы или «национальные особенности» радиационного контроля питьевой воды

International Standards and Reference Materials for Quantitative Molecular Infectious Disease Testing

In Jordan’s banking sector, organizations face the dual challenge of stability and innovation. Achieving this balance requires a deep grasp of leveraging capabilities for existing opportunities and exploring new ones. The key lies at the intersection of business intelligence and organizational ambidexterity. Therefore, this study has investigated the relationship between business intelligence and organizational ambidexterity within the Jordanian banking sector. It examined the impact of managerial, technical, and cultural competencies of business intelligence on organizational ambidexterity in Jordanian commercial banks listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. The quantitative study involved 449 bank employees. The data were gathered via a questionnaire, and the responses were analyzed using R language version 4.2.2. The results indicated that managerial competencies (z = 8.26, p = 0.000) and technical competencies (z = 4.09, p = 0.000) exhibit statistically significant positive direct effects on organizational ambidexterity. Additionally, cultural competencies were found to have a statistically significant direct effect on organizational ambidexterity (z = 2.083, p = 0.037). Managerial, technical, and cultural business intelligence competencies play crucial roles in the adoption of organizational ambidexterity among Jordanian commercial banks. Achieving organizational ambidexterity necessitates integrating these competencies with organizational capabilities.

The article thoroughly considers the algorithm of substantiation of tariff changes for completed cases paid at the expense of obligatory health insurance by diagnostic-related groups on the level of Russian regions. The analysis is performed on the example of patients, who need fast recovery of neuromuscular conductivity after administration of muscle relaxants during abdominal surgical operations including cholecystectomy. The data from the official statistical report forms on the number of abdominal surgical interventions for 2005–2017 were used. The results on the frequency of the use of muscle relaxants were based on the data obtained from medical organizations in different regions of Russia. The analysis of the procurement of muscle relaxants was performed using the data from the analytical system for monitoring of such procurement.

The determination of lead isotope ratios in environmental samples using a batch quality control protocol is described. Isotope ratios are computed with respect to 204Pb and are corrected for mass discrimination by the addition of thallium to all solutions. The batch quality control protocol entails measurements of two separate control samples, namely National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Material (SRM) 981 Common Lead and a galena sample independently analysed by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. The present study demonstrates results of these two control samples for 43 sample batches analysed over a two-year period of time. Modified Youden-type plots of the two-sample sums and differences are constructed in order to estimate over-all accuracy for individual batches and collectively for the entire dataset. This statistical treatment indicated that 95% of the batches have estimated over-all relative uncertainties for the ratios 206Pb:204Pb, 207Pb:204Pb and 208Pb:204Pb of less than 1.23, 1.45 and 1.77%, respectively.

A very efficient analytical method using an automated fusion machine as sample preparation tool and a wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometer for the determination of all the elements of interest for the iron ore industry has been optimized from the ISO 9516-1 standard method. This updated method allows for the simplification of both laboratory and spectrometry processes and so, in comparison with the original International Organization for Standardization (ISO) method, becomes less restrictive in practice. This method was used to prepare a large variety of iron ores and exploration samples from all over the world. Results of the prevailing XRF application based on pure oxide standards as described in the ISO standard method are compared to the results of a unique XRF calibration application based on certified reference materials (CRMs) for iron ores and iron ores exploration materials. The universal sample preparation fusion method for iron ores and exploration samples developed during the first phase of this project was used to select and evaluate a set of CRMs. Selected throughout the world from well-recognized sources, the chosen set of CRMs allows a wide coverage for all the elements of interest of the iron ore industry, excluding tin oxide. This fusion method allows a matrix match for materials from different origins. A critical evaluation of precision and accuracy has been performed against the ISO standard method. Reference materials not included in the calibration (control samples) was also investigated for accuracy evaluation. Furthermore, comparisons will be made between the data collected from this fusion method implemented in combination with a Bruker S4 Explorer WDXRF Spectrometer, and the analytical requirements of ISO. All deviations from the prevailing standard method parameters (calibration, standards, flux, Fluxer, etc.) will also be pointed out and discussed.

A new assembly dedicated for the low-level ψ-ray spectrometric measurements of environmental samples have been installed recently at the International Atomic Energy Agency's Laboratories, Seibersdorf. Calibration of the detection efficiency was performed by a set of 14 IAEA Certified Reference Materials, a standardized solution of134Cs, solutions of 2 pure potassium salts, and 2 mixed radionuclide gamma reference standard solutions. These materials, in 1.3 liter Marinelli beakers, were measured by a large HPGe detector. The high precision and accuracy of the calibration procedure is shown by the high significance achieved in the linear fits of the efficiency results, which are traceable to certified and standard reference materials. Small biases between some calibrands were detected. A new corrected result is the 1.37±0.05 Bq/kg activity concentration of137Cs in IAEA-A-14 Milk Powder.

Direct analysis of copper-base alloys using laser ablation techniques is an increasingly common procedure in cultural heritage studies. However, main discussions remain focused on the possibility of using non-matrix matched external reference materials. To evaluate the occurrence of matrix effects during in situ microanalysis of copper-base materials, using near infrared femtosecond laser ablation techniques (NIR fs-LA-ICP-MS), two bronzes, i.e., (Sn-Zn)-ternary and (Sn)-binary copper-matrix reference materials, as well as a reference synthetic glass (NIST-SRM-610) have been analyzed. The results have been compared to data obtained on a sulfide-matrix reference material. Similar values in relative sensitivity averages of 63Cu, 118Sn and 66Zn, as well as in 118Sn/63Cu and 66Zn/63Cu ratios were obtained, for all analyzed matrix types, i.e., copper-base-, silicate-, and sulfide-reference materials. Consequently, it is possible to determinate major and minor element concentrations in copper alloys, i.e., Cu, Sn and Zn, using silicate and sulfide reference materials as external calibrators, without any matrix effect and over a wide range of concentrations (from wt.% to ppm). Equally, Cu, Sn and Zn concentrations can be precisely determined in sulfides using homogeneous alloys (reference) materials as an external calibrator. Thus, it is possible to determine Cu, Sn and Zn in copper-base materials and their ore minerals, mostly sulfides, in a single analytical session, without requiring specific external calibrators for each matrix type. In contrast, immiscible elements in copper matrix, such as Pb and Fe show notable differences in their relative sensitivity values and ratios for different matrix-materials analyzed, implying that matrix-matched external calibrations remain to be applied for their trace quantification.

Capabilities: Their Origins and Ancestry

The JRC as Community Reference Laboratory for GM Food and Feed (CRL-GMFF) (see Regulation EC No 1829/2003), has carried out an in-house verification study to assess the performance of the MON810 method to detect and quantify the MON810 transformation event in maize DNA (unique identifier MON-∅∅810-6). The method has previously undergone a full validation on samples represented by certified reference material. The present verification was conducted in order to verify the performance of the validated method on the control samples provided by the applicant as requested by Annex I.2.C.2 to Regulation (EC) No 641/2004 stating that “The method shall be applicable to samples of the food or feed, to the control samples and to the reference material, which is referred to in Articles 5(3)(j) and 17(3)(j) of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003.” The study was conducted according to internationally accepted guidelines . In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed and to Regulation (EC) No 641/2004 of 6 April 2004 on detailed rules for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, the CRL-GMFF carried out a verification of the event-specific detection method previously validated by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in collaboration with the American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACC), Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission (EC), Institute for Reference Material and Measurement (IRMM), the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP) and GeneScan, Berlin; Monsanto Company provided the control samples (MON810 maize seeds and conventional maize seeds) used in the verification. The JRC prepared the in-house verification samples (calibration samples and blind samples at different GM percentages). The results of the in-house verification study were evaluated with reference to ENGL method performance requirements (http://gmo-crl.jrc.ec.europa.eu/guidancedocs.htm) and to the results of the full validation (http://gmo-crl.jrc.ec.europa.eu/statusofdoss.htm). The results of CRL-GMFF in-house verification study are made publicly available at http://gmo- crl.jrc.ec.europa.eu/statusofdoss.htm). How to obtain EU publications Our priced publications are available from EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu), where you can place an order with the sales agent of your choice. The Publications Office has a worldwide network of sales agents. You can obtain their contact details by sending a fax to (352) 29 29-42758. The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national. LB -N A -2437-EN -C

Quality of electron probe X-ray microanalysis determinations obtained from laboratory reference materials of the coppery alloys and basaltic glasses

The present paper describes the status of a number of studies involving NPL which are directed towards development of internationally accepted reference materials to serve different requirements. These include: (1) thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity measurements on candidate molten metal reference materials; (2) co-operative flash diffusivity measurements on glassy carbon, a dense fine grain alumina, and other ceramics; (3) inter-European studies, one using different steady-state and transient methods to evaluate the properties of a high temperature ceramic and the other using the guarded hot plate method to produce a high temperature thermal insulation reference; (4) a six-laboratory European program to certify a replacement European thermal insulation reference material for use at room temperature; and (5) an intercomparison between standards organizations in five countries on the current reference materials supplied in each country or geographical area. Brief mention is made concerning other on-going and planned work together with recommendations for materials to address additional needs.

Despite evidence of a positive relationship between information technology (IT) investments and firm performance, results still vary across firms and performance measures. We explore two organizational explanations for this variation: differences in firms' IT investment allocations and their IT capabilities. We develop a theoretical model of IT resources, defined as the combination of specific IT assets and organizational IT capabilities. We argue that investments into different IT assets are guided by firms' strategies (e.g., cost leadership or innovation) and deliver value along performance dimensions consistent with their strategic purpose. We hypothesize that firms derive additional value per IT dollar through a mutually reinforcing system of organizational IT capabilities built on complementary practices and competencies. Empirically, we test the impact of IT assets, IT capabilities, and their combination on four dimensions of firm performance: market valuation, profitability, cost, and innovation. Our results—based on data on IT investment allocations and IT capabilities in 147 U.S. firms from 1999 to 2002—demonstrate that IT investment allocations and organizational IT capabilities drive differences in firm performance. Firms' total IT investment is not associated with performance, but investments in specific IT assets explain performance differences along dimensions consistent with their strategic purpose. In addition, a system of organizational IT capabilities strengthens the performance effects of IT assets and broadens their impact beyond their intended purpose. The results help explain variance in returns to IT capital across firms and expand our understanding of alignment between IT and organizations. We illustrate our findings with examples from a case study of 7-Eleven Japan.

The need for inter-laboratory comparability is crucial to facilitate the globalisation of scientific networks and the development of international databases to support scientific and criminal investigations. This article considers what lessons can be learned from a series of inter-laboratory comparison exercises organised by the Forensic Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (FIRMS) network in terms of reference materials (RMs), the management of data quality, and technical limitations. The results showed that within-laboratory precision (repeatability) was generally good but between-laboratory accuracy (reproducibility) called for improvements. This review considers how stable isotope laboratories can establish a system of quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA), emphasising issues of repeatability and reproducibility. For results to be comparable between laboratories, measurements must be traceable to the international δ-scales and, because isotope ratio measurements are reported relative to standards, a key aspect is the correct selection, calibration, and use of international and in-house RMs. The authors identify four principles which promote good laboratory practice. The principle of identical treatment by which samples and RMs are processed in an identical manner and which incorporates three further principles; the principle of identical correction (by which necessary corrections are identified and evenly applied), the principle of identical scaling (by which data are shifted and stretched to the international δ-scales), and the principle of error detection by which QC and QA results are monitored and acted upon. To achieve both good repeatability and good reproducibility it is essential to obtain RMs with internationally agreed δ-values. These RMs will act as the basis for QC and can be used to calibrate further in-house QC RMs tailored to the activities of specific laboratories. In-house QA standards must also be developed to ensure that QC-based calibrations and corrections lead to accurate results for samples. The δ-values assigned to RMs must be recorded and reported with all data. Reference materials must be used to determine what corrections are necessary for measured data. Each analytical sequence of samples must include both QC and QA materials which are subject to identical treatment during measurement and data processing. Results for these materials must be plotted, monitored, and acted upon. Periodically international RMs should be analysed as an in-house proficiency test to demonstrate results are accurate.

The participation in proficiency testing (PT) is essential for testing laboratories to prove their technical competence. The aim of this study was to produce a quantitative reference material (RM) for PT containing Bacillus cereus in milk powder. A sterile solution of 10% skim milk containing 100 mM sucrose was contaminated with a B. cereus strain in a specific concentration. The homogenized matrix was distributed into vials and freeze-drying. The batch produced was considered sufficiently homogeneous assigning a target standard deviation of 0.25. The RM was stable at ≤ -70 ºC and (-20 ± 4) ºC for 1,058 and 60 days, respectively. In the evaluation of temperatures for the transport of material, the RM was stable at 4, 25 and 35 ºC during four days. It is concluded that the batch produced had all the necessary requirements to be used as items of PT.

Introduction. The article considers the problems of metrological support of catalytic activity measurements. The paper gives certain characteristics of the State Primary Special Measurement Standard for the unit of catalytic activity – KATAL and examines the role of reference materials (RMs) in ensuring the metrological traceability of measurement results.Materials and methods. A method for measuring the concentration of the recombinant protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis and the recombinant GP-protein of the Ebola virus, which means in using «sandwich» enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, was certified by FGUP «VNIIMS» as a measurement procedure. The following RMs tested by FGUP «VNIIMS» can be used for the development and production of appropriate control samples when performing measurements for comparisons: the RM for the mass concentration of the recombinant protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis in phosphate-saline solution, the RM for the mass concentration of the recombinant GP-protein of the Ebola virus, and the RM for the mass concentration of recombinant Clostridium Difficile toxin.Results. The paper presents the main reactions of the method for measuring the catalytic activity of catalysts for heterogeneous processes, which are also used to carry out exhaust gas cleaning processes.Discussion and conclusions. Thus, conditions have been created for building hierarchies of calibrations of in-demand objects established on the basis of the List of Critical Technologies of the Russian Federation, state programs for the development of industrial sectors.