Bracketing Approach Research Articles

The role of enterprise risk management in enabling organisational resilience: a case study of the Swedish mining industry

This study empirically examines the role of enterprise risk management (ERM) in developing and maintaining resilience resources and capabilities that are necessary for an organisation’s strategic transformation towards sustainability. Data was collected through 25 semi-structured interviews, one non-participant observation, and secondary sources in the context of a Swedish mining company undergoing a high-risk strategic transformation towards full decarbonisation. Following the temporal bracketing approach (Langley in Academy of Management Review 24:691–70, 1999) and employing thematic analysis (Gioia in Organizational Research Methods 16:15–31), the data was structured and analysed according to three phases from 2012 to 2023. The findings show: first, different ERM practices, such as risk governance frameworks, risk culture, risk artefacts, and risk awareness, influence resilience resources and capabilities. Second, the evolution of risk management practices from traditional risk management to ERM is an ongoing developmental process to ensure that risk management continues to be aligned with the company’s strategy. Third, in tandem with strategic changes, resilience in terms of resources and capabilities emerges over time and develops through a series of events, gradually enhancing the company’s ability to manage risks and uncertainties associated with multidimensional sustainability challenges. These results contribute to the ERM literature that follows the dynamic capability approach and also focuses on the relationship between ERM and strategy by adding more detailed empirical evidence from the risk management literature in relation to resilience resources and capabilities. Additionally, the results contribute to the resilience literature that follows a developmental perspective.

Femora from an exceptionally large population of coeval ornithomimosaurs yield evidence of sexual dimorphism in extinct theropod dinosaurs.

Sexual dimorphism is challenging to detect among fossils due to a lack of statistical representativeness. The Angeac-Charente Lagerstätte (France) represents a remarkable 'snapshot' from a Berriasian (Early Cretaceous) ecosystem and offers a unique opportunity to study intraspecific variation among a herd of at least 61 coeval ornithomimosaurs. Herein, we investigated the hindlimb variation across the best-preserved specimens from the herd through 3D Geometric Morphometrics and Gaussian Mixture Modeling. Our results based on complete and fragmented femora evidenced a dimorphism characterized by variations in the shaft curvature and the distal epiphysis width. Since the same features vary between sexes among modern avian dinosaurs, crocodilians, and more distant amniotes, we attributed this bimodal variation to sexual dimorphism based on the extant phylogenetic bracketing approach. Documenting sexual dimorphism in fossil dinosaurs allows a better characterization and accounting of intraspecific variations, which is particularly relevant to address ongoing taxonomical and ecological questions relative to dinosaur evolution.

A Global Convergent Method for Strength Capacity Evaluation of Composite Sections Subjected to Fire

AbstractThe paper presents a new advanced computational method for ultimate and nominal strength analysis of composite steel‐concrete cross‐sections with arbitrary shape subjected to elevated temperatures. The capacity diagrams are evaluated for a given bending‐moments ratio, generating plane and smooth distribution points on interaction diagrams. The ultimate (maximum) strength capacity is formulated as a problem of constrained mathematical optimization of the total bending moment, whereas the proposed approach evaluates the nominal strength capacity by means of enforcing the nonlinear equilibrium equations in conjunction with a total strain field tangent at the ultimate strain surface. Both methods are unified within the same strain‐driven algorithm used to solve the resulted nonlinear coupled equations. This algorithm coupled with a bracketing approach by means of combining Bisection and Newton method represents the main computational framework to ensure global convergence of the developed methods. An adaptive effective plastic centroid has been introduced ensuring that the origin of the reference axes is within the iso‐load contour circumventing in this way any potential convergence issues. The computational examples prove the effectiveness and the reliability of the proposed method.

Recommended Best Practices for Lyophilization Validation 2021 Part II: Process Qualification and Continued Process Verification

This work describes the lyophilization process validation and consists of two parts. Part one (Part I: Process Design and Modeling) focuses on the process design and is described in the previous paper, while the current paper is devoted to process qualification and continued process verification. The goal of the study is to show the cutting edge of lyophilization validation based on the integrated community-based opinion and the industrial perspective. This study presents best practices for batch size determination and includes the effect of batch size on drying time, process parameters selection strategies, and batch size overage to compensate for losses during production. It also includes sampling strategies to demonstrate batch uniformity as well as the use of statistical models to ensure adequate sampling. Based on the LyoHUB member organizations survey, the best practices in determining the number of PPQ runs are developed including the bracketing approach with minimum and maximum loads. Standard practice around CQA and CPP selection is outlined and shows the advantages of using control charts and run charts for process trending and quality control. The case studies demonstrating the validation strategy for monoclonal antibody and the impact of the loading process on the lyophilization cycle and product quality as well as the special case of lyophilization for dual-chamber cartridge system are chosen to illustrate the process validation. The standard practices in the validation of the lyophilization process, special lyophilization processes, and their impact on the validation strategy are discussed.Graphical

Stability of high concentrated triple intrathecal therapy for pediatrics and mitigation strategies

Stringent formulation requirements are defined to intrathecally administer drug substances, avoiding neurological complications. In case of pediatric patients, these are further complicated due to the limited volumes of the celebrospinal fluid and, therefore, high concentrated solutions of methotrexate (MTX), cytarabine and corticosteroids (i.e., methylprednisolone or hydrocortisone) are prepared based on the patient's age. This work aims to assess the chemical and physical stability of triple intrathecal mixtures differing in volume and composition by a bracketing approach and to identify possible stress causes and mitigation strategies.Low solubility of MTX was the main factor limiting the physical stability of triple mixtures. Regarding solutions containing methylprednisolone, the amount of MTX remaining was about 95% in the solution at highest concentrations with the concomitant formation of a visible particulate sizing bigger than 1 µm after 24 h of storage at 25 °C. This behavior was mainly driven by the pH reduction due to the pH value of the cytarabine solution used; the shear stress also induced drug precipitation. In the case of the hydrocortisone based mixtures, the precipitate formation occurred at a slow rate. To improve the physical stability, a better control of the mixture pH (optimal value ≈ 7) is required or, as an alternative, the addition of the cytarabine solution to a pre-mixed binary mixture containing MTX and a corticosteroid should be preferred.

VALIDATION RESEARCHES OF THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF THE GLUCOSE MEDICINE INFUSION SOLUTION

The purpose of the work is to carry out validation researches of the technological process of production of glucose solution for infusions using the bracketing approach for batches of different volumes and fullness the filling of containers. The object of the research is the manufacturing process for the manufacture of glucose infusion solution 50 mg / ml. Data collection was carried out on the basis of series production protocols, protocols for analysis of of raw materials and supplies, intermediate and finished products, series packaging protocols, other protocol and registration documentation of the drug production process. Validation studies were carried out at all stages of the technological process with the determination of critical parameters, confirming the quality of the product under the investigated parameters and the reproducibility of the results when the initial parameters were changed, such asy: preparation of raw materials, solution preparation, filtration of solution, filling and capping of vials, sterilization, inspection, packaging. The technological scheme for the production of the drug Glucose solution for infusion of 50 mg / ml was determined. Validation studies and data collection were carried out on 3 industrial series, determined by the bracketing method: 2000 l with a dosage of 200 ml of medicine per bottle (min. series size, min. dosage), 5000 l and a filling volume of 400 ml (min. series size for bottles of 400 ml), 10000 l with packaging in bottles of 500 ml (max. series size, max. dosage). The obtained research results indicate the reproducibility and normativity of the quality indicators of intermediate and finished products in accordance with the regulatory documentation and declared acceptance criteria for all investigated release forms of 200 ml, 400 ml and 500 ml in glass bottles. The results of validation examinations of the technological process for preparing a solution for glucose infusion solution of 50 mg / ml is representative of the intermediate parameters of drug production and are determined to be satisfactory to ensure stable quality indicators. The results of validation researches were obtained using a scientifically based approach to the selection of limit values, risk analysis and determination of critical parameters. The results of the study are of practical importance for organizing the validation of the technological process for the production of medicines with several dosages, volumes of production series, various sizes of container filling, in order to reduce the number of tests to save resources and time.

Multi-elemental Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd isotope ratio measurements by stop-flow isotachophoresis coupled to MC-ICPMS

In this study, a new analytical procedure based on isotachophoresis (ITP) coupled to a multi collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer named Stop-Flow-ITP-MC-ICPMS is developed for exhaustive and high-precision multi-elemental isotopic characterization. We demonstrate that Stop-Flow-ITP makes it possible to stop the analytes migration several times for a duration compatible with the detector configuration changes without losing the separation performance. With this procedure, isotope ratio measurements of four lanthanides of interest for nuclear applications (Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd) were obtained with a reproducibility better than 0.4% in a single analysis with only 20ng of each element. A nebulization interface between ITP and MC-ICPMS composed of a dual inlet spray chamber and a multiple flow stream valve made it possible to perform isotopic reference standard injections for on-line mass bias correction by the sample standard bracketing approach. The flexibility of the Stop-Flow-ITP-MC-ICPMS procedure opens the way to online determination of isotope ratio measurements of multiple analytes present in a sample in a single analysis.

A critical survey of vestigial structures in the postcranial skeletons of extant mammals.

In the Mammalia, vestigial skeletal structures abound but have not previously been the focus of study, with a few exceptions (e.g., whale pelves). Here we use a phylogenetic bracketing approach to identify vestigial structures in mammalian postcranial skeletons and present a descriptive survey of such structures in the Mammalia. We also correct previous misidentifications, including the previous misidentification of vestigial caviid metatarsals as sesamoids. We also examine the phylogenetic distribution of vestigiality and loss. This distribution indicates multiple vestigialization and loss events in mammalian skeletal structures, especially in the hand and foot, and reveals no correlation in such events between mammalian fore and hind limbs.

An in-depth evaluation of accuracy and precision in Hg isotopic analysis via pneumatic nebulization and cold vapor generation multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry

Mercury (Hg) isotopic analysis via multi-collector inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) can provide relevant biogeochemical information by revealing sources, pathways, and sinks of this highly toxic metal. In this work, the capabilities and limitations of two different sample introduction systems, based on pneumatic nebulization (PN) and cold vapor generation (CVG), respectively, were evaluated in the context of Hg isotopic analysis via MC-ICP-MS. The effect of (i) instrument settings and acquisition parameters, (ii) concentration of analyte element (Hg), and internal standard (Tl)-used for mass discrimination correction purposes-and (iii) different mass bias correction approaches on the accuracy and precision of Hg isotope ratio results was evaluated. The extent and stability of mass bias were assessed in a long-term study (18 months, n = 250), demonstrating a precision ≤0.006% relative standard deviation (RSD). CVG-MC-ICP-MS showed an approximately 20-fold enhancement in Hg signal intensity compared with PN-MC-ICP-MS. For CVG-MC-ICP-MS, the mass bias induced by instrumental mass discrimination was accurately corrected for by using either external correction in a sample-standard bracketing approach (SSB) or double correction, consisting of the use of Tl as internal standard in a revised version of the Russell law (Baxter approach), followed by SSB. Concomitant matrix elements did not affect CVG-ICP-MS results. Neither with PN, nor with CVG, any evidence for mass-independent discrimination effects in the instrument was observed within the experimental precision obtained. CVG-MC-ICP-MS was finally used for Hg isotopic analysis of reference materials (RMs) of relevant environmental origin. The isotopic composition of Hg in RMs of marine biological origin testified of mass-independent fractionation that affected the odd-numbered Hg isotopes. While older RMs were used for validation purposes, novel Hg isotopic data are provided for the latest generations of some biological RMs.

Bromine isotope ratio measurements in seawater by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry with a conventional sample introduction system.

A simple and accurate methodology for Br isotope ratio measurements in seawater by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) with pneumatic nebulization for sample introduction was developed. The Br(+) signals could be measured interference-free at high mass resolution. Memory effects for Br were counteracted using 5 mmol L(-1) of NH4OH in sample, standard, and wash solutions. The major cation load of seawater was removed via cation exchange chromatography using Dowex 50WX8 resin. Subsequent Br preconcentration was accomplished via evaporation of the sample solution at 90 °C, which did not induce Br losses or isotope fractionation. Mass discrimination was corrected for by external correction using a Cl-matched standard measured in a sample-standard bracketing approach, although Sr, Ge, and Se were also tested as potential internal standards for internal correction for mass discrimination. The δ(81)Br (versus standard mean ocean bromide (SMOB)) values thus obtained for the NaBr isotopic reference material NIST SRM 977 and for IRMM BCR-403 seawater certified reference material are in agreement with literature values. For NIST SRM 977, the (81)Br/(79)Br ratio (0.97291) was determined with a precision ≤0.08‰ relative standard deviation (RSD).

7th GCC Insights: incurred samples use; fit-for-purpose validation, solution stability, electronic laboratory notebook and hyperlipidemic matrix testing.

The Global CRO Council for Bioanalysis (GCC), a global independent consortium bringing together many senior level CRO representatives, was created in 2010 in order to openly discuss and share opinions on scientific and regulatory issues specific to the bioanalytical field [1]. Since its formation, the GCC members have met on a regular basis to discuss various topics and challenges faced by bioanalytical CRO companies. Several conference reports of past GCC meetings were published to share the discussions held during these events [2–4]. In addition, the GCC also published several influential White Papers on topics of widespread interest in bioanalysis [5–9]. These White Papers provide unified GCC recommendations that are helpful to the global bioanalytical community. The 7th GCC Closed Forum for Bioanalysis took place in Long Beach, CA, USA on 8 April 2013, one day before the start of the 7th Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (WRIB). In attendance were 46 senior-level participants from six countries, representing 37 bioanalytical CRO companies/sites. This event represented a good opportunity for bioanalytical experts from CROs to share and discuss these issues of concern for the outsourcing industry. The 7th GCC Closed Forum was chaired by Mario Rocci, who started the meeting by communicating the official admonition statement, as has been done in all previous editions [1]. Prior to initiating discussions, participants introduced themselves. As in previous GCC meetings, multiple topics of 7th GCC Insights: incurred samples use; fitfor-purpose validation, solution stability, electronic laboratory notebook and hyperlipidemic matrix testing

Sound Advice for ABR Analysis

Sound Advice for ABR Analysis

Common analyte internal standardization as a tool for correction for mass discrimination in multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

It is well known that to achieve accurate isotope ratio data using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), mass discrimination needs to be adequately corrected for. In this work, the capabilities and limitations of common analyte internal standardization (CAIS) as a method for correction for mass discrimination were assessed for two target elements, one in the low mass region (boron) and another in the medium mass region (antimony). CAIS has already been used in the context of element determination and, more recently, also in isotope ratio measurements with quadrupole-based ICP-MS, but it has, to the best of the authors' knowledge, never been applied to isotope ratio determination via MC-ICP-MS so far. Results obtained relying on CAIS were compared with those obtained via more established correction models, i.e. external correction in a standard-sample bracketing approach (SSB) and internal correction based on both the Russell's law (original and empirical) and the revised Russell's law. To the best of the authors' knowledge, such comparison has not been done before, especially not for low mass elements. Also the robustness of these approaches with respect to concomitant matrix elements was assessed using synthetic solutions, containing various concentrations of the matrix elements Be, Cs, Be+Cs or Fe. Whereas for B, the isotope ratio result did not seem to be significantly affected by the matrix, thus suggesting that complete separation of B from a matrix might not be necessary, at least in the cases studied, the mass discrimination observed for Sb was influenced by the presence of Cs. The experiments carried out demonstrate that the CAIS technique can be successfully applied for mass bias correction in MC-ICP-MS, providing data of the same quality as the revised Russell's law, while being more transparent and accessible. While for B, all mass bias correction approaches tested provided similar data quality (external correction with SSB gives slightly better precision), for Sb, CAIS and the revised Russell's law provide better precision and accuracy.

Safety data for herbal medicinal products: Assessment of genotoxicity

The safety of herbal medicnal products (HMP) is usually supposed to be high, as it is documented by their long-standing therapeutic use. This view is generally accepted as far as it is based on endpoints which can be causally assigned to the product during clinical use. In the case of genotoxic effects this is not the case, as the manifestation of their consequences, as e.g. an enhanced incidence of cancer, would occur too late to allow an assessment of causality. Therefore, within the EU, an assessment of genotoxicity is a precondition for registration or approval of a HMP. The committee responsible for HMPs at the European regulatory agency EMA, HMPC, has therefore published guidelines [1,2] which support the assessment of the whole range of preparations available from a herbal drug by means of a bracketing and matrixing approach. With the aim of providing such data for the most important herbal drugs used in Europe, Kooperation Phytopharmaka, a scientific society in the field of HMPs, is conducting a cooperation project [3].

Phase-transition properties of glycerol-monopalmitate lipid bilayers investigated by molecular dynamics simulation: influence of the system size and force-field parameters

Phase-transition properties of glycerol-1-monopalmitate (GMP) bilayers are investigated using explicit-solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, initiated from structures appropriate for the gel (GL) or liquid crystal (LC) phases, and carried out at different hydration levels and temperatures. Building up on a previous study and based on 600 ns simulations, the influence of the system size and of the force field on the equilibrium thermodynamic and dynamic parameters of the bilayers in the GL and LC phases, as well as on the temperature Tm and properties of the GL ↔ LC phase transition, are analysed. Qualitatively speaking, the results agree with the available experimental data for the area per lipid in the two phases and for the phase-transition temperatures at the three hydration levels irrespective of the selected model parameters. They also suggest that the total number of hydrogen bonds formed between a lipid headgroup and its environment is essentially constant, amounting to about four in both the LC and the GL phases. Quantitatively speaking, the dependence of Tm on the hydration level is found to be non-systematic across the different combinations of model parameters. This results in part from a sensitivity of the results on the system size and force-field parameters but also from the limited accuracy of the bracketing approach employed here to estimate Tm. Finally, a simple kinetic model is proposed to account for the timescales of the transitions. This model involves enthalpy and entropy increases of about 26 kJ mol− 1 and 83 J mol− 1 K− 1 per lipid, upon going from the GL to the LC phase. The transition state is associated with activation parameters corresponding to 13% and 11%, respectively, of these values along the GL → LC transition, resulting in an activation free energy of about 0.3 kJ mol− 1 per lipid at Tm.

Isotopic analysis of antimony using multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry for provenance determination of Roman glass

Based on promising results obtained in earlier work on antimony ores, we have investigated the use of natural variation in the isotopic composition of Sb as determined using multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) for provenancing Roman glasses. In antiquity, Sb was used either as a decolourizer or as an opacifier and thus, colourless and opaque coloured glasses from different regions and periods were selected for investigation. Both, the sample digestion and isolation of Sb preceeding isotopic analysis via MC-ICP-MS have been optimized and validated for this type of materials. For this purpose, NIST SRM 610 glass reference material and an in-house standard were employed. Isotope ratio determinations were carried out by MC-ICP-MS, relying on In as an internal standard for correction for instrumental mass discrimination. The merits of external calibration in a sample-standard bracketing approach and the so-called “revised Russell's law” for mass bias correction were compared, with the latter providing higher precision and better reproducibility. The 123Sb/121Sb isotope ratio in glass could be determined with a reproducibility (or external precision) of ca. 0.4ε, while in Roman colourless and Hellenistic opaque glass samples, a variation of 3 to 4ε units was found. The results seem to suggest the use of similar Sb sources for both types of glasses, and the existence of at least two different Sb sources for glass production in the Roman era.

Assessment of genotoxicity of herbal medicinal products: A co-ordinated approach

The submission of data on genotoxicity is a precondition for marketing authorisation respectively registration of herbal medicinal products (HMPs) with well established or traditional use in some countries. In European regulatory guidelines prepared by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) of the European drug regulatory agency EMA, a test strategy is defined giving a pragmatic framework adapted to the assessment of the potential genotoxicity of HMPs. It describes a stepwise approach, including the possibility to reduce the number of extracts of a herbal drug to be tested by the use of a bracketing and matrixing approach. According to this strategy, Kooperation Phytopharmaka, a scientific society in the field of HMPs, has so far coordinated the conduction of genotoxicity tests for 30 herbal drugs within the frame of a joint project of several manufacturers of HMPs. Results are delivered to the cooperation partners for use in regulatory applications.

Germanium isotopic systematics in Ge-rich coal from the Lincang Ge deposit, Yunnan, Southwestern China

Organic matter plays an important role in the transport and precipitation of germanium (Ge) in coal-hosted Ge deposits. In this paper, Ge isotopes of coal samples and their combustion products were analyzed in order to investigate the potential use of Ge isotopes as tracers of Ge sources and enrichment mechanisms in coal. Germanium isotopic composition of various samples (mainly Ge-rich lignite) from the Lincang Ge deposit, Yunnan, Southwest China was analyzed using a continuous flow hydride generation system coupled to a Multi Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) and the standard-sample bracketing approach. Variations of 74 Ge/ 70 Ge ratios are expressed as δ 74 Ge values relative to NIST SRM 3120a Ge standard solution. Ge-rich lignite samples show large Ge isotopic fractionation ( δ 74 Ge values range from − 2.59‰ to 4.72‰), and their δ 74 Ge values negatively correlate with Ge concentrations. Lignite samples with low Ge concentrations (< 500 ppm) tend to show positive δ 74 Ge values, while δ 74 Ge values of lignite samples with high Ge concentrations (> 1000 ppm) are close to zero or negative. Along stratigraphic sections, Ge is mainly concentrated in the top or the bottom of the coal seam, such that high values of δ 74 Ge are usually found in the middle part of the coal seam. Interlayered hydrothermal chert and limestone samples in Ge-rich coal seams also show moderate fractionation ( δ 74 Ge values range from − 0.14‰ to 2.89‰ and from 0.55‰ to 1.87‰, respectively). The overall variations of δ 74 Ge values of Ge-rich lignite and organic-rich chert samples can be well described by a Rayleigh fractionation model, indicating that preferential enrichment of light Ge isotopes in coal in an open system might be the main factor controlling Ge fractionation in Ge-rich lignite. The germanium isotopic composition of hydrothermal chert (and possibly limestone) might also record the competitive fractionation produced by precipitation of quartz and sorption of coal. Elevated Ge concentrations and/or δ 74 Ge values of some chert, limestone, sandstone, and claystone samples may be attributed to the mixing with Ge-rich organic matter. Furthermore, similar to the fractionation of Zn, Cd and Hg isotopes observed between refinery dust or gas and slag, high temperature coal combustion also fractionates Ge isotopes, with the Ge isotopic compositions of soot being distinctly lighter (up to 2.25 per mil) than those of cinder. The distinct enrichment of potential hazardous elements (i.e., Pb, Cd, and As) and Ge in soot after coal combustion, as well as the common enrichment of Ge in sulfide minerals (e.g. sphalerite), highlights the possibility of using Ge isotopes as useful tracers of sources of heavy metal pollution caused by high temperature industrial processes (coal combustion and Pb-Zn refining) in the environment.

Actors' balancing of criteria when translating an idea

PurposeTaking the model of association as a point of departure the research question asked in the paper is: what is the role of translators and their criteria for choices in the translation of clinical pathways in a psychiatric ward?Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on an explorative single case‐study. Data were collected through participative observation and document studies. A temporal bracketing approach to process studies were used where the chain of events were broken down into chronologically organized episodes and then submitted to rigorous analysis.FindingsThe case‐analysis demonstrates that the role of human translators is to construct meaningful narratives that mobilize and enrol human as well as non‐human actors. Different translation proposals and translation criteria are continuously constructed, negotiated, tested out and weighted or balanced against each other by humans through the use of narratives. The analysis also demonstrates that other actors than humans may act and influence the translation process.Originality/valueThe model of association has until now been less precise and needs development of its theorization of the role of human translators and their criteria for choices in local organizing processes. The paper contributes to this development by means of an explorative case‐study.

Improving the quality of 63Cu/65Cu ratio determination by ICP-QMS through a careful evaluation of instrumental performances

An alternative validated analytical protocol for the determination of 63Cu/65Cu isotopic ratios via ICP-QMS is here proposed. Preliminary experiments and a careful evaluation of the instrumental performances have led us to propose a markedly different protocol from methods reported in literature: a modified bracketing method was chosen over the utilization of a long-term standard bracketing approach or the utilization of internal standards. As a result, accurate ratios with relative standard deviations as low as 0.025% can be obtained within an overall machine time (samples, blanks and standards) of 1 h per sample. Noticeably, this precision is only 2–5 times higher than the one attainable for 63Cu/65Cu ratio determinations with sector-field multi-collector machines. The required machine time is markedly lower than the one necessary for typical standard bracketing protocols (1 h vs. 2–4 h per sample, respectively). In contrast with internal standard based methods, the required machine time is definitely lower, but with our protocol no time consuming sample purification pretreatments are needed. The protocol has been validated and used for the determination of 63Cu/65Cu isotopic ratios on various copper minerals coming from historical mines spread along the Italian Apennines and Alps.