Standards Committee Research Articles

Influence of Feedstock Particle Size on the Certain Determination of Chlorine and Bromine in Pyrolysis Oils from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Plastics.

Rejected streams emerging from waste sorting and recycling plants are still capable of being valorized by unconventional recycling routes. This is the case of the plastic-rich fraction generated after the treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). However, the material complexity of this stream supposes a handicap when it comes to obtaining repetitive results in laboratory-scale recycling processes. This work aims to highlight the influence that the pretreatment (mainly particle size reduction) of a real WEEE plastic-rich stream has on the variability of the concentration of halogens (representative pollutants) in the oils obtained from its recycling via pyrolysis. The pretreatment steps were based on the standards of the European Committee for Standardization (ECN) for the analysis of waste samples. Four samples were studied: the WEEE plastics as received; two milled samples (2 and 1 mm particle size) derived from the original one; and a simulated sample composed of virgin polymers. All the samples were treated under the same conditions: 500 °C reaction temperature, 15 °C min-1 heating rate, 30 min dwell time, and a 1 L min-1 nitrogen purge flow. The oils obtained in, at least, two pyrolysis tests performed on the same sample were deeply characterized, and the results were compared. The oils derived from the "as-received" sample showed an unacceptable relative standard deviation (RSD, ∼42%) in the chlorine concentration. The sample milled to 2 mm reduced the RSD on the concentration of chlorine in the oils down to 8%, while no enhancement in the results was observed for the further milled sample. The other two major pyrolysis fractions were also characterized, showing an overall enhancement in the RSD of the analysis of the main components of the gases, while no improvement in the solids pollutants' characterization was achieved.

Unravelling the spectrum of von Willebrand factor variants in quantitative von Willebrand disease: results from a German cohort study

BackgroundVon Willebrand disease (VWD), the most prevalent hereditary bleeding disorder, results from deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF). ObjectivesThis large cohort study aims to offer a comprehensive exploration of mutation spectra and laboratory features in quantitative VWF deficiencies, shedding light on genetic underpinnings and genotype-phenotype associations. MethodsOur cohort consisted of 221 Caucasian index patients with quantitative VWD, along with 47 individuals whose plasma VWF levels fell within the lower normal boundaries (50-70 IU/dL). We conducted comprehensive VWF assays and genetic analyses, encompassing VWF gene sequencing, copy number variation investigations, and bioinformatic assessments. ResultsFollowing International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis-Scientific and Standardization Committee VWF guidelines, 77 index patients were characterized as having type 1 VWD (VWF antigen [VWF:Ag] < 30 IU/dL), 111 as having type 1 VWD (VWF:Ag, 30-50 IU/dL), and 33 as having type 3 VWD. Mutation detection rates were 88%, 65%, and 92%, respectively. Notably, blood group O overrepresentation was evident in type 1 with VWF:Ag of 30 to 50 IU/dL, particularly among mutation-negative patients, suggesting a potential causal role of blood group O. A total of 223 VWF variants, comprising 147 distinct variations, were identified in quantitative VWD patients, of which 57 were novel variants (39%). Additionally, approximately 70% of individuals with VWF levels within the lower normal boundaries (50-70 IU/dL) displayed VWF variants. ConclusionOur data advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying quantitative VWD, offering valuable insights for future research and clinical management. Distinct mutation patterns were observed among subgroups, particularly the contrast between type 1 VWD (VWF:Ag < 30 IU/dL) and type 1 VWD (VWF:Ag, 30-50 IU/dL), an area with limited prior investigation.

Active Full‐Color Generation Based on a Liquid Crystal‐Integrated Plasmonic Metasurface

Structural colors based on metasurfaces outperform traditional pigments and dyes in terms of nonfading, high spatial resolution, and high stability, usually incorporating active materials for tunability. Liquid crystals (LCs) are suitable for tunable structural color design due to their large birefringence and fast modulation by external stimuli. However, most LC‐integrated structural colors focus on tailoring the polarization angle of incident light to generate two colors and their mixing. Herein, a scheme of full‐color generation based on a plasmonic metasurface integrated with LCs utilizing the combination of the polarization angle rotation effect of the twisted‐nematic LCs and the refractive index modulation through the realignment of the LCs near the metasurface is demonstrated. Based on the proposed structural color method, full‐color generation of a record color gamut of 60.7% standard Red Green Blue region, equivalent to 43% National Television Standards Committee area, in the LC‐integrated metasurface, has been numerically realized by tuning the bias voltage of the LCs in reflection. The achieved color gamut is nearly 4 times wider than the previously reported result. The proposed active full‐color generation metasurface shows great potential in applications for low‐power reflective color display, anticounterfeiting, and optical encoding.

A Study on the Color Prediction of Ancient Chinese Architecture Paintings Based on a Digital Color Camera and the Color Design System

Color paintings such as painted facades and interiors are important decoration elements of ancient Chinese architectures. The color of the paintings usually fades over time due to exposure to strong light, high humidity, high temperatures, and other environmental factors. In order to restore or reproduce the color appearance of ancient architecture paintings correctly, it was necessary to study the color degradation process of such paintings. To meet the needs of on-site colorimetric measurement of the paintings on ancient Chinese architectures, we propose using a digital color camera and the CDS (Color Design System) to measure and evaluate the colors of such paintings. The CDS is a color order system recommended by the Chinese national technical committee for color standardization (SAC/TC 120) in 2017 (GB/Z 35473-2017). The current version of the CDS atlas contains about 2740 samples which were uniformly distributed on the whole color space, and can be used to set up the colorimetric characterization model for the digital camera. Particularly, the digital CDS lookup table contains over 400 thousand samples, and it can be used to express the color of paintings on ancient Chinese architectures. In the experiment, a digital color camera was used to capture the colors of the paintings on the ancient Chinese architectures of different years based on the CDS and polynomial transform method. Moreover, a linear interpolation method was proposed for calculating and predicting the color degradation of such paintings. The experimental results show that with the increase in years, the color hue of the paintings changes slowly, while the lightness and the chroma of them fade obviously. In the future, more ancient architectures of different years and from different places should be selected as experimental samples to improve the method and the results of the paper.

Clinical Application of ISO and CEN/TS Standards for Liquid Biopsies-Information Everybody Wants but Nobody Wants to Pay For.

Liquid biopsies are emerging as valuable clinical biomarkers for cancer monitoring. Although International Organization for Standards (ISO) and Technical Specifications from the European Committee for Standardization (CEN/TS) standardized workflows exist, their implementation in clinical practice is underdeveloped. We aimed to assess the applicability of ISO and CEN/TS standards in a real-world clinical setting, with a particular focus on evaluating the impact of preanalytical parameters and hemolysis on liquid biopsy analysis. We evaluated 659 peripheral blood samples from advanced prostate cancer patients against ISO and CEN/TS standards and documented all essential criteria, including tube draw order, filling level, temperature, and time tracking from blood draw to storage. We assessed hemolysis and its effect on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis. Our results demonstrated a high compliance rate, with 96.2% (634/659) of samples meeting essential ISO and CEN/TS criteria. We did not observe a significant impact on ctDNA or CTC detection rates between hemolytic and nonhemolytic samples. Hemolysis was identified in 12.9% (40/311) of plasma samples from our advanced prostate cancer cohort, and within the draw order of 5 blood collection tubes, hemolysis did not significantly increase from tube 1 to 5. In total, 83.8% (552/659) of blood collection tubes had high fill levels above 80% of nominal filling level. Our study demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of adhering to ISO and CEN/TS standards in a clinical liquid biopsy study. The standards revealed that hemolysis occurred frequently but did not impair downstream ctDNA and CTC analysis in our cohort of advanced prostate cancer patients.

497 Fast-Tracking Varicose Vein Treatment: A Post COVID Pathway for Effective Care

Abstract Aim Standard treatment pathways for varicose veins (VV) consist of a referral, first clinic appointment, vascular ultrasound (VUS) and a follow-up appointment to determine eligibility for intervention. Multiple appointments cause delays in treatment. Publication of the ‘NHS 10-year long-term plan’ and post-COVID waiting lists motivated this quality improvement project combining One-Stop Venous Clinics (OSVCs) and office-based truncal venous radiofrequency ablation/sclerotherapy (OBRFA/ST). The OSVCs aim to reduce waiting time from first appointment to treatment. Method All VV referrals (2021-2022) were prospectively assessed and seen in a combined VUS and vascular surgeon appointment: OSVC. Suitable patients underwent OBRFA/ST. Time from referral to surgery was compared to routine practice pre-pilot, and patient satisfaction questionnaires (PSQ), assessing the five Care-Quality commission standards, were conducted. Results Of 639 pilot patients, 175 (27.4%) underwent OBRFA/ST. 201 (31.5%) were discharged, 204 (31.9%) did not attend (DNA’d) appointment, 24 (3.8%) were unsuitable for OBRFA/ST, and 35 (5.5%) had other outcomes. Mean age was 52.1yrs; 53.8% female, 46.2% male. Mean time to intervention fell from 315 days to 61.6 days comparing routine practice to combined approach. PSQ’s demonstrated: 98% patients felt well-informed, 98% felt safe, 96% had adequate pain management, 97% felt it was a responsive service and the overall satisfaction was 91%. Conclusions This project demonstrated a substantial reduction in time to treatment with this combined approach and may positively influence a new pathway standard for VV patients.

Comments of the Auditing Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association on the PCAOB’s Proposal on Firm and Engagement Metrics

SUMMARY On April 9, 2024, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the Board or PCAOB) issued a request for comment on its proposal Firm and Engagement Metrics (PCAOB 2024a). This comment letter summarizes the views of the participating members of the Auditing Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association. We commend the PCAOB for its efforts to promote audit quality by emphasizing firm and engagement metrics. Based on our evaluation of the proposal, we offer some overall observations, key takeaways from academic research, and perspectives on the PCAOB’s economic analysis.

Enrollment Appraisal Using Rule-Based Decision Support System

This study explores the development and evaluation of a web-based enrollment appraisal system utilizing a rule-based decision support system for universities and colleges. Designed for the context of Antique, Philippines, the system leverages a two-tier architecture for efficient processing and secure data management. A user-friendly interface guides applicants through the enrollment process, while a secure server and rule-based engine analyze data against pre-defined eligibility criteria. The Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology ensured a user-centered design with iterative development cycles incorporating user feedback. Evaluations using McCall's Software Quality Standard and the International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) 25010 standard revealed the system's strengths in technical aspects (security, usability) and overall functionality. User feedback highlighted areas for improvement in interface design, clarity, and user perceptions of data security. The study concludes that the system offers a promising approach for more efficient and transparent enrollment processes. By addressing the feedback received, the system can be further enhanced to improve the user experience and build trust among applicants.

Pencucian Crude Palm Oil (CPO) untuk Mitigasi Penurunan 3-MCPDE dan GE pada Pemurnian Minyak Sawit

Crude palm oil (CPO) purification aims to remove or degrade unwanted components such as free fatty acids (FFA), phospholipids, impurities, color pigments, metals, and odors. The CPO purification generally consists of degumming, bleaching, and deodorization process. During the stages, some undesirable compounds are formed, including 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol ester (3-MCPDE) and glycidyl ester (GE). The main precursors responsible for formation of the two compounds are chlorides and acyl glycerol fractions, especially diacylglycerol (DAG) and this occurs high temperatures in the deodorization process. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce their precursors in order to supress the contaminants. To cope with the problem, a washing process of CPO was proposed as an extra process before a purification stage. The washing process was carried out in two ways, namely wet washing by using water, and dry washing by using bleaching earth (BE) by 2 types of commercial BE (natural and acid activated). Washing processes using wet and dry washing (natural and activated BE) showed comparable effectiveness in reducing 3-MCPDE and GE levels in refined palm oil. As a result, the process successfully reduced 3-MCPDE content to comply with a standard Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/1332, but GE content did not conform to standard.

A Comprehensive Study on Safety and Working Gloves Used in Indian Aviation

This study aims to learn about Indian aviation’s safety norms, the world’s fastest-growing aviation market. In this, we will understand the different types of safety measures regarding safety and working gloves implemented by DGCA, Operators of Civil Aviation and Governing bodies of Defence Aviation during the operation, servicing and rectifying aircraft and its subsidiary systems. The author explains the current methods and conditions technicians and operators adopt regarding gloves. We will understand and analyse the advantages and limitations of these guidelines circulated by the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) and Governing agencies. We are studying different standards as per European Committee for Standardization (CEN), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and cross-compare them with each other and understanding their pictograms. The author tries to compare these requirements in the aviation field and implement them in every guideline of aviation governing bodies regarding safety/working gloves used in aircraft maintenance and operations.

Biofilms, mobile genetic elements and the persistence of pathogens on environmental surfaces in healthcare and food processing environments.

Biofilms are the natural state for bacterial and fungal species. To achieve surface hygiene in commercial facilities, the presence of biofilms must be adequately considered. However, standard disinfectant and sanitizer efficacy tests required by the US-EPA and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) do not currently consider the role of environmental biofilms. This selective review will discuss what biofilms are and why they are important. We will also cover where they are commonly found in healthcare and food processing facilities and explore how current antimicrobial test methods required for product registration do not test for the presence of biofilms. Additionally, we will explore how a lack of efficacy against biofilms may play a role in the development of antimicrobial resistance in healthcare facilities due to the exchange of mobile genetic elements that occur readily in a biofilm matrix.

Our 7 Standards Committees

Our 7 Standards Committees

Taxable Business Income in Palestine: Tax Treatment in Palestine for Depreciation Expense for Assets vs. Accounting Treatment According to International Accounting Standards

Accounting is the source of information that any facility's relevant body requires in order to make economic judgments because it arranges the facility's financial reports regularly. The administration, for example, benefits from financial accounting findings because it uses them to plan, direct, and supervise financial operations. Additionally, it oversees and decides on the affairs of lenders, investors, governmental organizations, and scientific research institutions [3] There is a need for unified accounting standards to govern measuring and releasing information whenever financial reports are made in the age of globalization, the expansion of global marketplaces, and the beginning of the industrial revolution. Beneficiaries will be able to quickly compare them to assess and evaluate financial reports and make the most accurate decisions. In 1973, the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) issued the first international standards, the International Accounting Standards (IAS). They also wanted to make global business comparisons easier, increase transparency, and restore faith in financial reports. Later, the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) replaced the International Accounting Standards (IAS) [9]. Moreover, the primary goals of commercial accounting and taxation are not the same. The former requires a straightforward representation of the actual data because it involves gathering information to monitor and make decisions; the latter—even though its primary goal is to increase revenue is frequently employed as a tool for the state's economic and social objectives [16]. The taxation reconciliation process often begins with the financial report's 'net income before taxation', unless there are special purpose financial reports that directly result in 'net [taxable] income'. Subsequently, this value is modified by a range of factors to provide 'net income' [6]. Net profit prepared according to international accounting standards, amending reports based on the approved income tax act to account for any liabilities in Palestine. The purpose of the research is to identify issues in the computation of taxable income in Palestine about which assessors and taxpayers have different opinions in Calculating the issue of depreciation assets and what is tax-recognized and what is not tax-accepted.

One‐step Synthesis of UV‐Curable CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) Nanocrystal Inks for Printing

AbstractMetal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have garnered significant attention due to their captivating optoelectronic properties. One promising application for these materials is their use as color‐conversion layers (CCLs) in blue micro‐LED technology, enabling the realization of full‐color displays. Nonetheless, a pivotal challenge revolves around producing efficient luminescent perovskite inks and subsequently employing them for inkjet printing finely patterned CCLs. In this study, a straightforward single‐step hot‐injection method is introduced for synthesizing inks comprising CsPbX3 NCs, where X represents Cl, Br, and I, or mixed halide systems such as Cl/Br and Br/I. Through precise composition control, the emission spectra can be effortlessly adjusted across the entire visible spectrum, spanning from 410 to 710 nm. The resulting CsPbX3 NCs exhibit narrow emission line‐widths, ranging from 21 to 39 nm, an expansive color gamut encompassing up to 130% of the National Television Standards Committee color standard, and exceptional quantum yields reaching up to 100%. With their superb optical performance, facile synthesis procedure, and robust stability, these CsPbX3 NCs emerge as highly suitable candidates for their use as CCLs with blue light‐emitting devices deployed as backlights.

Case commentary: a ‘merciful approach’ to discipline for a New Zealand lawyer’s misconduct

A recent decision reveals how a New Zealand’s disciplinary tribunal promoted justice for an unwell lawyer in a case of professional misconduct. In 2023, the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal (LCDT) applied a ‘merciful approach’ when assessing the lawyer’s misconduct and health issues. In Auckland Standards Committee 3 v Ms W [2023], the LCDT discussed the impacts of reproductive treatment in relation to the practitioner’s conduct. This decision is the foundation to compare the disciplinary regime for legal and health practitioners in New Zealand. The article outlines New Zealand’s framework for discipline of lawyers, noting the absence of a health pathway. The article discusses opportunities to resolve cases involving impaired lawyers outside the disciplinary system, including benefits and disadvantages of mandatory reporting. While focusing on the legal profession, the discussion is relevant to other professions and examines health-promoting regulatory strategies from other jurisdictions.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Lupus Anticoagulant: Where do we stand today ?

Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Lupus Anticoagulant: Where do we stand today ?

Engaging industry effectively and ethically in artificial intelligence from the Augmented Artificial Intelligence Committee Standards Workgroup

Engaging industry effectively and ethically in artificial intelligence from the Augmented Artificial Intelligence Committee Standards Workgroup

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) 2024 expert consensus document: Management of neonates and infants with Ebstein anomaly

ObjectivesSymptomatic neonates and infants with Ebstein anomaly (EA) require complex management. A group of experts was commissioned by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery to provide a framework on this topic focusing on risk stratification and management. MethodsThe EA Clinical Congenital Practice Standards Committee is a multinational and multidisciplinary group of surgeons and cardiologists with expertise in EA. A citation search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed using key words related to EA. The search was restricted to the English language and the year 2000 or later and yielded 455 results, of which 71 were related to neonates and infants. Expert consensus statements with class of recommendation and level of evidence were developed using a modified Delphi method, requiring 80% of members votes with at least 75% agreement on each statement. ResultsWhen evaluating fetuses with EA, those with severe cardiomegaly, retrograde or bidirectional shunt at the ductal level, pulmonary valve atresia, circular shunt, left ventricular dysfunction, or fetal hydrops should be considered high risk for intrauterine demise and postnatal morbidity and mortality. Neonates with EA and severe cardiomegaly, prematurity (<32 weeks), intrauterine growth restriction, pulmonary valve atresia, circular shunt, left ventricular dysfunction, or cardiogenic shock should be considered high risk for morbidity and mortality. Hemodynamically unstable neonates with a circular shunt should have emergent interruption of the circular shunt. Neonates in refractory cardiogenic shock may be palliated with the Starnes procedure. Children may be assessed for later biventricular repair after the Starnes procedure. Neonates without high-risk features of EA may be monitored for spontaneous closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Hemodynamically stable neonates with significant pulmonary regurgitation at risk for circular shunt with normal right ventricular systolic pressure should have an attempt at medical closure of the PDA. A medical trial of PDA closure in neonates with functional pulmonary atresia and normal right ventricular systolic pressure (>20-25 mm Hg) should be performed. Neonates who are hemodynamically stable without pulmonary regurgitation but inadequate antegrade pulmonary blood flow may be considered for a PDA stent or systemic to pulmonary artery shunt. ConclusionsRisk stratification is essential in neonates and infants with EA. Palliative comfort care may be reasonable in neonates with associated risk factors that may include prematurity, genetic syndromes, other major medical comorbidities, ventricular dysfunction, or sepsis. Neonates who are unstable with a circular shunt should have emergent interruption of the circular shunt. Neonates who are unstable are most commonly palliated with the Starnes procedure. Neonates who are stable should undergo ductal closure. Neonates who are stable with inadequate pulmonary flow may have ductal stenting or a systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt. Subsequent procedures after Starnes palliation include either single-ventricle palliation or biventricular repair strategies.

The Journey of the Asian Forensic Sciences Network (AFSN) through Fifteen Years

The Asian Forensic Sciences Network was formed in 2008 by a small group of six forensic institutes from six countries in Asia, with the vision to create a common platform for scientists in the region to come together to advance forensic science, raise quality standards, and foster collaboration. Since its inception, the network has experienced remarkable growth, now comprising 70 member institutes from 18 countries across Asia. An Annual Meeting & Symposium, hosted by a member institute each year, serves as a cornerstone event for the network. In addition, the network runs nine technical workgroups covering areas in Crime Scene Investigation, Digital Forensics, DNA, Fingerprint, Forensic Medicine, Illicit Drugs, Questioned Document, Toxicology, and Trace Evidence, alongside a dedicated Quality Assurance and Standards Committee. These workgroups and committee work in tandem with the AFSN Board to formulate strategies aligned with the network’s core objectives. This paper chronicles AFSN’s journey over the past fifteen years, highlighting the pivotal role of the Board and the Workgroups, as well as the dedicated passion and unwavering commitment of the members in shaping the network through numerous activities.

La scuola estimativa italiana, gli International Valuation Standard (IVS) e il Codice delle valutazioni immobiliari: i problemi di natura metodologica e applicativa

In some Anglo-Saxon countries, such as Australia and the United States, initiatives have already emerged to promote standardized evaluation practices. However, in Italy, this process is still evolving. Since 1994, the International Valuation Standards Committee (IVSC) has been working on various documents to establish uniform evaluation practices globally. These International Valuation Standards (IVS) are gradually gaining recognition in Italy. Through the efforts of organizations like ABI, Tecnoborsa, the Revenue Agency, and professional associations, IVS are being integrated into evaluation practices for credit approval and public administration requirements.