Standards Committee Research Articles

Current Progress in Standardization of Shielding Concrete Composition for Japanese Facility Design

The working group on shielding materials under the Standards Committee of the Atomic Energy Society of Japan has been studying the standard composition of shielding concrete that has a clear basis for use in the design of Japanese facilities. The policy for determining the composition, the procedure of study, the results obtained to date, and future tasks are described. Concrete is broadly classified into silicon type and calcium type depending on the aggregate. The reference mix design and composition were selected from the Japanese recommendation, and minor elements in the composition were replaced with silicon and calcium while preserving their weight in order to reduce regional differences. However, the penetration dose calculation for 235U thermal fission neutrons indicated that iron and carbon should be retained. The penetration dose calculations for photons from 235U prompt fission and radioisotopes showed that the attenuation ratios of silicon-type and calcium-type concretes differ in the energy region where electron pair production becomes dominant. The water content of concrete was found to vary with thickness as a result of moisture migration analysis over time. Finally, a draft composition of silicon-type concrete by thickness was determined using the residual water content at 60 years after placement. A method for correcting the elemental content under different mix conditions was also proposed.

Heavy metals content in fresh tuna and swordfish caught from Hindian and Pacific Oceans: Health risk assessment of dietary exposure.

Yellowfin tuna and swordfish are seafood commodities commonly caught from deep oceans worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the levels of three heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in yellowfin tuna and swordfish. The results are expected to provide consumers with information on the safety of consuming or exporting these fishes caught in the Hindian and Pacific Oceans. Fresh yellowfin and swordfish were obtained from fishermen's catches in FAO Fishing Zone 57 (Indian Ocean) and 71 (Pacific Ocean) and then collected at Benoa Harbor, Bali Province. The comparative method was to evaluate the levels of heavy metals in each fish. Furthermore, heavy metal concentrations, including Pb, Cd, and Hg, were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis. These results were then used to assess the safety of these fishes by calculating the estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotients-total target hazard quotients (THQs-TTHQs). The analysis showed that none of the samples exceeded the threshold levels for the three heavy metals, which was specified by the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) and European Commission Regulation (CR) No. 1881/2006. The EDI and provisional tolerable weekly index (PTWI) obtained in this study were still in the safe range. However, the PTWI values for Pb in yellowfin tuna product from the Indian Ocean were higher (0.0038 mg/kg) compared to the recommended standard for the adult population. The THQ-TTHQ values of fish caught from these oceans were also within the acceptable range specified by the two agencies, indicating that they are safe for consumption by people with various age groups and for export purposes. The average levels of three heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Hg) in muscle samples of yellowfin tuna and swordfish caught from the Pacific and Hindian Oceans were within the acceptable range as specified by the SNI and CR No. 1881/2006. Furthermore, the EDI and THQs values indicated that fishes caught from the Pacific and Hindian Oceans were safe for consumption. This research is still limited to assessing two capture fisheries commodities. Further research is needed on the assessment of heavy metal levels in other capture fisheries commodities in this capture zone.

Crystallographic, morphological and photoluminescent investigations of Tb3+ -doped YAlO3 perovskites for lighting applications.

Terbium(III)-doped yttrium aluminate perovskite (YAP:xTb3+ ) (x = 0.01-0.08 mol) was synthesized using a simple gel-combustion method. Structural elucidations were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld analysis. Fourier-transform infrared spectral studies validated the efficient synthesis of designed doped samples. Transmission electron microscopic images showed the agglomerated irregular dimensions of the synthesized nanocrystalline materials. When excited at 251 nm, a strong emissive line attributed to 5 D4 → 7 F5 electronic transition was observed at 545 nm (green emission). The maximum luminescence was found at the optimized concentration (0.05 mol) of Tb3+ ions; this emission was quenched by dipolar-dipolar (d-d) interactions. Chromaticity (x and y) and correlated colour temperature parameters were obtained by analysing the emission profiles. Finally, the colour coordinates of nanophosphors were closer to the National Television Standards Committee green coordinates, which replicates their potency in the design and architecture of R-G-B-based white LEDs.

Analysis of local government accounting disclosure based on international public sector accounting standards (IPSAS)

Research aims: This study aims to test and analyze whether there is an effect of government openness, government financing, economic growth, audit opinion, and prior experience with IFRS in the public sector on the level of local government accounting disclosure based on IPSAS.Design/Methodology/Approach: The population in this study was all local governments in Indonesia in 2016-2020. The samples selected for use in this study were 64 local governments, following the sample criteria. The data type was secondary, which was then analyzed using multiple regression analysis.Research Findings: The results of this study exposed that government openness, prior experience with IFRS in the public sector, and audit opinion affected the level of local government accounting disclosure based on international public sector accounting standards (IPSAS). In contrast, government financing and economic growth did not support disclosing financial statements based on IPSAS.Implication: This research can potentially be relevant to the Government Accounting Standards Committee, the central government, local governments, and the community. By assessing the factors influencing the disclosure of local government accounting based on IPSAS, this research can be used as a consideration for Government Accounting Standards Committee in improving related standard regulations and encouraging local governments to implement an accrual-based IPSAS Public Accountant Standard Implementation Strategy.Originality/Value: Research on analyzing factors affecting local government accounting disclosure based on IPSAS, in particular, has not been widely studied in Indonesia, especially using local government objects. Hence, this research in Indonesia is an interesting thing to study further.

Ultrastable and highly efficient CsPbBr3 composites achieved by dual‐matrix encapsulation for display devices

AbstractPerovskite nanocrystals (NCs) with high stabilities and excellent optical performances are crucial for display applications. However, to date, perovskite emitters with both high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (PLQY) and high stabilities under harsh synergistic humidity–heat–light aging conditions have not been reported. The promising high‐temperature solid‐state sintering with single oxide matrices cannot ensure high PLQY and synergistic aging stabilities of perovskites. Herein, both the PLQY and overall (thermal, moisture, and photo) stabilities of all‐inorganic perovskite (CsPbBr3) NCs are improved by dual‐matrix encapsulation, which is accomplished by in situ crystallization of CsPbBr3@Cs4PbBr6 nanocomposites in silica molecular sieve (MS) templates via advanced solid‐state synthesis a using precisely controlled molar ratio of precursor components and cooling rates. The Cs4PbBr6 matrix effectively passivates the surfaces of CsPbBr3 NCs, and the MS matrix insulates CsPbBr3@Cs4PbBr6 from the external environment. The resulting CsPbBr3@Cs4PbBr6/MS composites exhibit the highest PLQY (>90%) among those of the solid‐state perovskite NCs and significant stabilities against water, heat, and blue light irradiation, maintaining more than 80% of their initial PL intensities after being aged for 1000 h under synergistic high‐humidity (85%), high‐temperature (85°C), and strong blue light irradiation (350 mW cm−2) conditions. To the best of our knowledge, these CsPbBr3@Cs4PbBr6/MS composites represent the most stable perovskite emitters under synergistic humidity–heat–light aging conditions. The liquid crystal display backlight module fabricated using these stable composites demonstrates a wide color gamut of 131% of the National Television Standards Committee standard. We speculate that this dual‐matrix encapsulation can be used for industrial mass production.image

International Interlaboratory Comparison of Thermogravimetric Analysis of Graphene-Related Two-Dimensional Materials

Research on graphene-related two-dimensional (2D) materials (GR2Ms) in recent years is strongly moving from academia to industrial sectors with many new developed products and devices on the market. Characterization and quality control of the GR2Ms and their properties are critical for growing industrial translation, which requires the development of appropriate and reliable analytical methods. These challenges are recognized by International Organization for Standardization (ISO 229) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC 113) committees to facilitate the development of these methods and standards which are currently in progress. Toward these efforts, the aim of this study was to perform an international interlaboratory comparison (ILC), conducted under Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS) Technical Working Area (TWA) 41 "Graphene and Related 2D Materials" to evaluate the performance (reproducibility and confidence) of the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method as a potential new method for chemical characterization of GR2Ms. Three different types of representative and industrially manufactured GR2Ms samples, namely, pristine few-layer graphene (FLG), graphene oxide (GO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), were used and supplied to ILC participants to complete the study. The TGA method performance was evaluated by a series of measurements of selected parameters of the chemical and physical properties of these GR2Ms including the number of mass loss steps, thermal stability, temperature of maximum mass change rate (Tp) for each decomposition step, and the mass contents (%) of moisture, oxygen groups, carbon, and impurities (organic and non-combustible residue). TGA measurements determining these parameters were performed using the provided optimized TGA protocol on the same GR2Ms by 12 participants across academia, industry stakeholders, and national metrology institutes. This paper presents these results with corresponding statistical analysis showing low standard deviation and statistical conformity across all participants that confirm that the TGA method can be satisfactorily used for characterization of these parameters and the chemical characterization and quality control of GR2Ms. The common measurement uncertainty for each parameter, key contribution factors were identified with explanations and recommendations for their elimination and improvements toward their implementation for the development of the ISO/IEC standard for chemical characterization of GR2Ms.

Clinical application of a new method for determination of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate using the BC-720 automated hematology analyzer.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a nonspecific inflammatory indicator and is widely used in clinical diagnosis. Westergren is the gold standard method recommended by the International Committee for Standardization of Hematology (ICSH), but it is time-consuming and inconvenient and has biosafety risks. A new alternate method for ESR (Easy-W ESR) measurement was designed and integrated into the Mindray BC-720 series automated hematology analyzer to meet the clinical needs of hematology laboratories for efficiency, safety, and automation. In this study, the performance of the new ESR method was evaluated based on the ICSH recommendations on modified and alternate ESR methods. Methodological comparisons using the BC-720 analyzer, TEST 1, and the Westergren method were performed to assess repeatability, carryover, sample stability, reference range validation, factors influencing the ESR, and clinical applicability in rheumatology and orthopedics. The correlation between the BC-720 analyzer and the Westergren method was good (Y=2.082 + 0.9869X, r=0.9657, P > 0.0001, n=342), carryover was <1%, the repeatability standard deviation was ≤1 mm/h, and the coefficient of variation (CV) was ≤5%. The reference range meets the manufacturer's claim. For rheumatology patients, the BC-720 analyzer showed a good correlation with the Westergren method (Y=1.021X-1.941, r=0.9467, n=149). For orthopedic patients, the BC-720 analyzer also showed a good correlation with the Westergren method (Y=1.037X + 0.981, r=0.978, n=97). This study verified the clinical and analytical performance of the new ESR method, indicating that the results are very similar to those obtained using the Westergren method.

Rapid spilled oil analysis using direct analysis in real time time-of-flight mass spectrometry

BackgroundThe biomarker diagnostic ratio analysis outlined by the European Committee for Standardization is considered the current gold standard in oil forensic analysis. However, it has a major limitation as an emergency response procedure in the case of a large scale oil spill due to the high number of samples collected, long GC/MS instrument run time, and the time-consuming data processing required. This current study utilized direct analysis in real time time-of-flight mass spectrometry to develop a rapid spilled oil screening method. An exploratory search of biomarkers and synthetic additives was conducted on reference oil samples of various types. To build a robust yet swift procedure for oil typing, specific heat maps were built with extensive reference sample modelling. These heat maps were then used to select relevant ions from which principal component analysis and discriminant analysis of principal component models were constructed to result in defensible oil classifications.ResultsThe initial exploratory search of biomarkers and additives in the various reference oil samples resulted in promising preliminary matches. The heat map and multivariate statistical analysis oil typing method was applied to three unknown samples, all of which were classified accurately.ConclusionThe merit of direct analysis in real time time-of-flight mass spectrometry on oil forensic was confirmed with the detected biomarkers compound class starting members and lubricating additives along with the successful application of heat maps and multivariate statistical analysis, providing a swift yet reliable screening tool for oil spill environmental monitoring and impact surveying.

Optical investigation of sol–gel-synthesized and spin-coated SiO2/TiO2 multilayers

In this work, silicon dioxide (SiO2)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) multilayer films were deposited on silicon substrates through the sol–gel spin-coating technique using the precursors titanium butoxide and tetraethyl orthosilicate. After the preparation, the various optical and morphological properties of the films were studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The XRD patterns showed intense diffraction peaks, which were found to correspond to anatase titanium dioxide and it matched well the standard Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards file. The crystallite sizes of the prepared samples were calculated as 24 nm for three stacks of silicon dioxide/titanium dioxide thin films and 30 nm for five stacks of silicon dioxide/titanium dioxide thin films using Debye–Scherrer’s formula. The FTIR transmittance spectra confirmed Si–O–Ti vibrational modes at 800 and 960 cm−1 with related functional groups. A reflectance of 86% was measured by using UV–Vis spectroscopy. These dielectric multipliers will be useful in solar cells as backside reflectors for an improved light-harvesting mechanism.

Breathing Room: Working Principles of Independent Art Spaces in African Cities

Breathing Room: Working Principles of Independent Art Spaces in African Cities

Enhancement of oil forensic methodology through the addition of polycyclic aromatic nitrogen heterocycle biomarkers for diagnostic ratios

Current oil spill forensic identification of source oils relies upon hydrocarbon biomarkers resistant to weathering. This international technique was developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), under EN 15522–2 Oil Spill Identification guidelines. The number of biomarkers have expanded at pace with technological advances, while distinguishing new biomarkers becomes more challenging due to interference of isobaric compounds, matrix effects, and high cost of weathering experiments. Application of high-resolution mass spectrometry enabled exploration of potential polycyclic aromatic nitrogen heterocycle (PANH) oil biomarkers. The instrumentation showed reduction in isobaric and matrix interferences, allowing for identification of low-level PANH and alkylated PANHs (APANHs). Weathered oil samples, obtained from a marine microcosm weathering experiment, enabled comparison with source oils to identify new, stable forensic biomarkers. This study highlighted eight new APANH diagnostic ratios that expanded the biomarker suite, increasing the confidence for identifying highly weathered oils back to their source oil.

Minimizing Energy Barrier in Intermediate Connection Layer for Monolithic Tandem WPeLEDs with Wide Color Gamut

AbstractPerovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) show promising prospects in the wide color gamut display owing to their ultra‐narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM). However, up to now, all perovskite white LEDs integrated by standard red, green, and blue perovskite emitters, namely, monolithic white PeLEDs (WPeLEDs), have been rarely reported, owing to facing some issues, e.g., solvent incompatibility in solution technique, ion exchange, and energy transfer between different emission centers. Herein, centered on these issues, an optimal intermediate connection layer (ICL) of Po‐T2T/LiF/Ag/HAT‐CN/MoO3 is adopted to successfully develop monolithic tandem multicolor PeLEDs and WPeLEDs for the first time. The multicolor PeLEDs can achieve the best external quantum efficiency of 1.8% and the highest luminance of 4844 cd m−2. Besides, the red/green/blue (R/G/B) monolithic tandem WPeLED shows a standard white International Commission on Illumination coordinate of (0.33, 0.33) and achieves an extremely wide color gamut reaching National Television Standards Committee of 130%. This study is the first to realize the standard R/G/B co‐electroluminescence in a monolithic perovskite device and offers a feasible strategy for developing wide‐color gamut perovskite displays.

Stable CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) Nanocrystal‐in‐Glass Composite (NGC) for Solid‐State Laser‐Driven White Light Generation

AbstractPerovskite CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals with advantages of high quantum yield, narrow emission peaks, and tunable fluorescence are considered as the next generation of light‐emitting sources. However, fluorescence degradation due to the poor stability of perovskite nanocrystals in moisture, high temperature, and illumination remains one of the greatest challenges in their further development. In this work, a fully dense coating strategy is proposed to improve the overall stability of perovskite nanocrystals, especially under high‐density laser irradiation. A mesoporous silica SiO2 layer is introduced to construct a stable coating for isolating the perovskite from external environment. To eliminate the pores of the CsPbX3@SiO2, an inorganic glass is also employed via solution‐combustion technique to generate a fully compact encapsulation for further stability promotion. The as‐prepared nanocrystal‐in‐glass composite exhibits efficient and stable fluorescence performance in luminous efficiency, chromaticity, and long‐term reliability in the conditions of thermal shock, humidity, and blue laser irradiation. With the integration of red/green/blue emitting nanocrystals, the color gamut of the white laser lighting source covers 134% of the National Television Standards Committee standard, providing exciting opportunity for high performance laser‐driven white light generation.

Special issue on all‐electric and hybrid‐electric flight

Special issue on all‐electric and hybrid‐electric flight

Quantification and Risk Assessment of Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic and Other Harmful Metals in Calcium Supplements in China

Harmful metals are easily enriched in the human body and damage our health. The aim of this study was to conduct risk assessment on commercially available calcium supplements in China by analyzing, the contents of 6 harmful metal elements, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum and mercury, and calcium according to Chinese National Standards and Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives. A total of 82 calcium supplements from China market was collected and analyzed for selected metal elements. The results showed the ranges of content of arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum, and mercury in calcium supplements were 0.01~15.34, 0.001~8.49, ND (not detected) ~1.104, 0.09~192.66, 3.32~761.11, and ND~0.036 mg/kg, respectively. Calcium supplements were more easily contaminated with lead, arsenic and chromium, but their contents were within the safe range. The exposure limits (MOE) of lead in calcium supplements for both children and adults was close to 1, which was close to the upper safe limit. Besides, the maximum daily exposure of chromium exceeded the maximum tolerable dose of chromium for children and adults, which should be taken seriously.

BSG 2024 IBD guidelines protocol (standard operating procedures)

IntroductionIn the past 5 years, there have been several advances in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aim for a new guideline to update the most recent guideline...

Functional Safety Standards Committee: Results and Perspectives

The Functional Safety Standards Committee (FSSC) turned one year old. This article describes the FSSC results both in terms of sponsorship of IEEE Computer Society safety-related standards (for example, IEEE P2851) and of nurturing new initiatives.

ISUOG Practice Guidelines (updated): performance of fetal magnetic resonance imaging.

ISUOG Practice Guidelines (updated): performance of fetal magnetic resonance imaging.

What Makes a Quality Health App? Developing a Global Research-based Health App Quality Assessment Framework for CEN-ISO/TS 82304-2: A Delphi Study.

The lack of an international standard for assessing and communicating health app quality and even of consensus about what makes a high-quality health app negatively affects uptake of such apps. At the request of the European Commission, international Standard Development Organizations (SDOs) CEN-CENELEC, ISO, and IEC have joined forces to develop a Technical Specification (TS) for assessing the quality and reliability of health and wellness apps. This study aimed to create a useful, globally applicable, trustworthy, and usable framework to assess health app quality. A two-round Delphi technique with 83 experts from 6 continents (predominantly Europe) participating in one (n=42) or both (n=41) rounds was used to achieve consensus on a framework for assessing health app quality. Aims included identifying the at most 100 requirement questions for uptake of health apps that do or do not qualify as medical devices. The draft assessment framework was built on 26 existing frameworks, the principles of stringent legislation, and input from 20 core experts. A follow-up survey with 28 respondents informed a scoring mechanism for the questions. After subsequent alignment with related standards, the quality assessment framework was tested and fine-tuned with manufacturers of 11 COVID-19 symptom apps. National mirror committees from the 52 countries spanning 6 continents who participated in the SDO technical committees, were invited to comment on 4 working drafts and afterwards vote on the TS. The final quality assessment framework includes 81 questions, 67 of which impact the scores of 4 overarching quality aspects. After testing with people with low health literacy, these aspects were phrased as 'Healthy and safe', 'Easy to use', 'Secure data', and 'Robust build'. The scoring mechanism enables communication of the quality assessment results in a health app quality score and label, alongside a detailed report. Unstructured interviews with stakeholders revealed that evidence and third-party assessment are needed for health app uptake. The manufacturers considered the time needed to complete the assessment and gather evidence (2 to 4 days) acceptable. Publication of CEN-ISO/TS 82304-2:2021 Health software - Part 2: Health and wellness apps - Quality and reliability was approved in May 2021 in a nearly unanimous vote by 34 national SDOs from 6 continents. These included 6 of the 10 most populous countries worldwide (China, India, the US, Pakistan, Brazil, and Russian Federation). A useful and usable international standard for health app quality assessment was developed. Its quality, approval rate, and early use provide proof of its potential to become the trusted, commonly used global framework. The framework will help manufacturers to enhance and efficiently demonstrate the quality of health apps, consumers and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions on health apps, and insurers to make reimbursement decisions on health apps.

Providing a Clear Path to the Direct Admission Process.

The aim of this study was to increase patient safety during care transitions through the development of a new process and electronic screening tool. Direct hospital admissions that are not clinically triaged can put the patient at an increased safety risk. Utilizing the electronic medical record and mnemonic situation, background, assessment, and recommendation (SBAR), an admission module was created to intake direct admission requests by transfer center nurses to ensure clinical triage and accurate bed placement. One hundred eighty-nine direct admissions met inclusion criteria. Thirteen patients were clinically screened, deemed not stable for the acute care setting, and sent to the emergency department. One direct admission safety event occurred involving a hypoglycemic patient upon arrival. Results indicate the new clinical screening program offered a safer way to directly admit patients to the inpatient setting. Implementation of the electronic SBAR handoff tool meets the Joint Commission standard of care transitions compliance. The significant workflow changes increased patient safety and will be expanded in the future to all service lines.