Standards Committee Research Articles

Involving lead users in firm’s standardization strategy within action groups: evidence from smart robotics

PurposeThis research explores how firms manage the complex technologies standardization in action groups. It considers the strategic issues that technology producers face when involving lead users in architecture design. Drawing on the multi-mode standardization literature, this study addresses two dilemmas regarding value creation and appropriation by technology producers within coalitions. The first dilemma is how to create value by developing solutions in compliance with industry standards. The second one is how to appropriate value while ensuring the technology sharing with action groups. The answers to these two dilemmas contribute to filling the research gap on value creation and appropriation in multi-mode standardization.Design/methodology/approachThe research focuses on technology producers participating in action groups where lead users play a crucial role. We conducted a qualitative analysis based on the standardization experience of a Japanese company specializing in smart robotics. Data are collected through semi-structured interviews with key actors. Action groups are defined operationally as a set of stakeholders including competitors of the technology producers, component suppliers, end users, services providers, research centers and academia. The case study is suitable for highlighting specific aspects of the standardization process during its manifestation. It reveals how firms create and appropriate value, providing details about its standardization strategy.FindingsOur findings show that smart robotics standardization is drivn by collaborative models, where the two dilemmas of value creation and appropriation are evident. Firstly, the case revealed that standardization is lead users oriented. Secondly, lead users’ involvement is crucial to customize technologies. Thirdly, the firm’s position is to share a part of the value with the members. The IPR policy is a matter of interest within action groups, since the collaboration is based on open innovation models to share patents and licenses related knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThis research has some limitations attributable to the limited generalizability of the results due to the qualitative analysis. In addition, this study considers the perspective of technology producers, but should also take into account the perspective of both collective actions itself and the lead users. Findings have some implications in the strategy negotiation. Participating in action groups is not enough to ensure a competitive advantage. Involving lead users is of strategic importance to acquire a competitive advantage. Lead users contribute to the producers’ technology design, helping firms to differentiate solutions from the industry standard and create value from customized technologies.Practical implicationsThis study helps practitioners understand the competitive side of collective actions, clarifying the value capture and appropriability in standardization. The research provides insights to policymakers and standard development organizations committees when they are called to harmonize standards considering the fallouts on the sector’s competitiveness. Findings suggest appropriate property rights policies to manage the issues related to the value appropriability and technology sharing, recognizing action groups members for their contribution in value creation.Originality/valueThis study shows how firms deal within action groups with the two dilemmas of variety versus technology conformity and property rights versus technology sharing. It fills the research gap in collective actions, emphasizing the perspective of the individual firm in the group rather than the coalition strategy itself. This topic highlights the crucial role of lead users within action groups in managing the two dilemmas, offering a new perspective for understanding critical issues of multi-mode standardization. Reflecting on mechanisms and tools to manage the two dilemmas allows firms to protect their competitive advantage in coalitions.

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

SUMMARY On April 9, 2024, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the Board or PCAOB) issued a request for comment on its proposal Firm Reporting (PCAOB 2024). 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 firm transparency. Our comments include overall observations and perspectives on the Board’s economic analysis.

Comments of the Auditing Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association on the PCAOB’s Proposed Auditing Standard—Designing and Performing Substantive Analytical Procedures and Amendments to Other PCAOB Standards

Comments of the Auditing Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association on the PCAOB’s <i>Proposed Auditing Standard—Designing and Performing Substantive Analytical Procedures and Amendments to Other PCAOB Standards</i>

In Situ Synthesis of Br‐Rich CsPbBr3 Nanoplatelets: Enhanced Stability and High PLQY for Wide Color Gamut Displays

AbstractThis study presents the Br‐rich in situ synthesis of blue‐emitting 2D CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets (NPLs) with various Br/Pb ratios using ZnBr2 as a Br precursor to enhance Br ion adsorption significantly. This leads to effective passivation of surface defects, particularly Pb−Br bonds, by increasing the positive charge density around Pb atoms, thus creating a stable bonding environment and reducing defect formation. Consequently, the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) improves from 31.15% for a Br/Pb ratio of 2 to 87.2% for a ratio of 6. NPLs with a Br/Pb ratio of 6 also exhibit longer lifetimes (16.69 ns) and slower bleach recovery dynamics, indicating fewer non‐radiative recombination pathways and effective exciton dynamics. Additionally, NPLs with the Br/Pb ratio of 6 demonstrated better thermal stability, with an activation energy of 124.3 meV, indicating stronger exciton binding. These NPLs also exhibited enhanced stability, with UV tolerance at 43.9% and water resistance at 23.8%, making them suitable for displays and lighting. Furthermore, Br‐passivated CsPbBr3 NPLs are used as blue emitters in prototype white LEDs, achieving a wide color gamut, 126.6% of the National Television Standards Committee and 94.5% of Rec. 2020, demonstrating their potential for high‐quality lighting and advanced display technologies.

Combination of recycled cellulose with nano-thick flower layered double hydroxides: Biomass water retention slow-release fertilizer for sustainable agriculture

The development of crop nutrient, water utilization and increasing the renewability of waste resources sustainable agriculture is essential for improving sustainable agriculture. In this study, a type of nanothick floral layered double hydroxides (nLDHs) for fast and effective pesticide adsorption was created using cyclodextrin (CD) induction. After that, it was composited with recycled cellulose (PCe) derived from waste biomass (pomelo peel). A novel slow-release hydrogel fertilizer (N@nLDHs/PCe-PAA) was synthesized through the graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA), which was then employed as a nutrient (urea) carrier in the nLDHs/PCe composite. The swelling, water retention and slow-release capabilities of slow-release fertilizer was evaluated. Additionally, crop cultivation tests were conducted on the material to ascertain its potential use in sustainable agriculture. The results shown that N@nLDHs/PCe-PAA had a swelling rate of 197.02 g/g at 600 min, the water retention rate reached 21.02 % in soil at 60 d, and a nutrient release of 68.78 % in soil at 60 d, which were in accordance with European Committee for Standardization (CEN) standards. Besides, the experiment of crop cultivation showed that N@nLDHs/ CPE-PAA had obvious promotion effect on plant growth, which could improve the root system, rhizomes, chlorophyll content, and relative water content in the leaves of the plants. Therefore, this novel slow-release hydrogel fertilizer (N@nLDHs/PCe-PAA) not only promotes resource reproducibility, but also has excellent soil water retention, slow-release nutrient properties and a function of promoting plant growth. It has great value in promoting the sustainable development of agriculture.

Development of 16N monitoring system for real-time detection of small leakage in reactor coolant systems

This paper introduces a16N monitoring system designed for the real-time detection of minor coolant leaks in nuclear reactors. Conventional coolant leak detection methods in nuclear power plants rely on observing changes in sump tank water levels, as guided by Nuclear Regulatory Commission standards. However, these methods are slow and often inaccurate, particularly for detecting small leakages of less than 0.5 gallons per minute (gpm). Such delays pose risks of corrosion from boric acid and potential safety hazards due to mechanical or thermal fatigue at critical junctions. To address these challenges, we have developed a Reactor Coolant System (RCS) leakage detection system that can swiftly identify small coolant leaks. This system employs beta-ray emissions from 16N, a nuclide predominantly produced during reactor operation and accounting for 90.4% of the total radioactivity in the APR1400 RCS coolant. High-energy beta-rays emitted by 16N are ideal for monitoring due to their significant energy levels, which distinguish them from other nuclides. This system is specifically designed for installation within the annulus zone of the reactor containment, where it captures air near reactor pipes to measure 16N beta-rays. Given the short half-life of 16N (7.13 s), direct measurement is challenging; hence, we use an indirect method to determine calibration factors between dose rate with count rate and estimate radioactivity concentrations based on simulation data and experimental measurements with a surrogate 90Sr/Y source. This system can enhance the safety protocols of nuclear plants by enabling early detection of leaks. Our findings demonstrate that this system can detect leaks as small as 0.01 gpm within seconds, significantly improving response times compared to conventional methods.

Comparison of Thrombophilia Assay Results for the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Scientific and Standardization Committee Plasma Standard from Different External Quality Assessment Providers-for the External Quality Assurance in Thrombosis and Haemostasis Group.

External quality assessment (EQA) is used to evaluate laboratory performance in tests of hemostasis; however, some esoteric tests are performed by too few centers in any one EQA program to allow valid statistical assessment. To explore the feasibility of pooling data from several EQA providers, an exercise was carried out by the External Quality Assurance in Thrombosis and Haemostasis group, using the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Scientific and Standardization Committee (SSC) plasma standard for thrombophilia screening assays. Six EQA providers took part in this exercise, distributing the SSC plasma standard as a "blinded" sample to participants for thrombophilia tests between November 2020 and December 2021. Data were collected by each provider, anonymized, and pooled for analysis. Results were analyzed as overall results from each EQA provider, and by kit/method-specific comparisons of data from all providers pooled together. For each parameter, median results and range were determined. Over 1,250 sets of data were returned in the six EQA programs. The overall medians (all data pooled) were <4% of the assigned values for each parameter with the exception of protein C activity by clot-based assay. Method-related differences in median results were observed for free protein S antigen and protein S activity-a pattern seen across data from the different EQA providers. Antithrombin antigen results reported in mg/dL provided an example where small numbers of results for a single EQA provider may be supplemented by pooling data from multiple providers with good agreement seen among results reported by the different EQA providers. This study demonstrated that a multicenter EQA provider collaboration can be carried out and demonstrated benefit for assays with smaller number of participants. In addition, results showed good agreement with the assigned values of the SSC plasma standard. Further exercises for tests performed by only small numbers of laboratories can be planned.

Can edoxaban be used at extremes of bodyweight and in patients with a creatinine clearance ≥95 ml/min? – A population pharmacokinetic analysis

BackgroundClinical evidence surrounding edoxaban use in patients weighing <50 kg and >120 kg is lacking. The International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis Scientific and Standardisation Committee suggests avoiding edoxaban in patients >120 kg. Additionally, concerns exist regarding decreased efficacy in patients prescribed edoxaban for atrial fibrillation with a creatinine clearance (CrCl) >95 ml/min, a finding of the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial when edoxaban was compared to warfarin. ObjectiveTo derive a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model using clinical practice data, to understand the impact of bodyweight and renal function on edoxaban pharmacokinetics. MethodEdoxaban plasma concentrations and patient characteristics were collated from King's College Hospital anticoagulation clinics between 11/2016 and 08/2022. A PopPK model was developed using non-linear mixed effects modelling and used to simulate edoxaban concentrations at the extremes of bodyweight and with varying renal function. ResultsData from 409 patients (46 < 50 kg, 34 > 120 kg and 123 with a CrCl > 95 ml/min) provided 455 edoxaban plasma concentrations. A one-compartment model with between-subject variability on clearance with a proportional error model best described the data. The most significant covariates impacting on edoxaban exposure were CrCl and bodyweight. Our work suggests that edoxaban exposure in patients weighing up to 140 kg is comparable to those weighing 75 kg. Edoxaban exposure is reduced in patients weighing <50 kg due to the recommended dose reductions. There is also a reduction in AUCss when CrCl > 95 ml/min compared to CrCl 80 ml/min. ConclusionsOur population PK model for edoxaban suggests that renal function is a key driver for overall edoxaban exposure. Further clinical outcome data is required to understand clinical effectiveness and adverse outcomes.

Methods for three-dimensional characterization of the acetabulum prior to pelvic reorientation osteotomy: a scoping review.

Periacetabular osteotomy is the gold standard treatment for acetabular dysplasia. The great variability of acetabular dysplasia requires a personalized preoperative planning improved by 3D reconstruction and computer-assisted surgery. To plan the displacement of the acetabular fragment by a pelvic osteotomy, it is necessary to define a reference plane and a method to characterize 3D acetabular orientation. A scoping review was performed on PubMed to search for articles with a method to characterize the acetabulum of native hips in a 3D reference frame. Ninety-eight articles out of 3815 reports were included. Three reproducible reference planes were identified: the anterior pelvic plane, the Standardization and Terminology Committee plane used in gait analysis, and the sacral base plane. The different methods for 3D analysis of the acetabulum were divided in four groups: global orientation, triplanar measurements, segmentation, and surface coverage of the femoral head. Two methods were found appropriate for reorientation osteotomies: the global orientation by a vector method and the triplanar method. The global orientation method relies on the creation of a vector from the acetabular rim, from the acetabular surface or from successive planes. Normalization of the global acetabular vector would correct acetabular dysplasia by a single alignment maneuver on an ideal vector. The triplanar method, based on angle measurements at the center of the femoral head, would involve correction of anomalies by considering axial, frontal, and sagittal planes. Although not directly fit for reorientation, the two others would help to candidate patients and verify both planning and postoperative result.

Dissolved gas analysis comparison of electrically stressed methyl ester and mineral oil

Methyl ester is considered one of the alternative substitutes to mineral oil as an insulating liquid. This study investigates the dissolved gas analysis (DGA) of the methyl ester derived from palm oil, under low energy discharge faults. The aims are to understand the gas composition and evaluate the applicability of the well-established fault interpretation methods for mineral oil to the methyl ester. Experimental procedures were conducted based on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. It involved simulating electrical breakdowns in laboratory conditions as per IEC-156 standard and analyzing gas samples using gas chromatography based on IEC-567. Results show that methyl ester oils produce similar types of gases as mineral oils but at higher concentrations. The interpretation of DGA results using fault identification methods such as Duval Triangle, Duval Pentagon, and IEC ratio indicates an overestimation of fault severity in methyl ester oils, and categorizing the faults as high energy discharge. However, the key gas method correctly identifies the discharge in both methyl ester and mineral oils. These findings suggest the need for adjustments in existing DGA methods to account for the higher gas concentrations in methyl ester oils, for effective condition monitoring and maintenance of transformers if it was filled with methyl ester oil.

Tunable Narrowband to Wideband emission of Mn2+, Eu2+ Co-doped GdMgAl11O19 for multifunctional applications

As the widespread application of white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) in lighting field and liquid crystal display (LCD) backlight, the development of phosphors toward multifunctional applications is considered to be an inevitable tendency. In this work, multi-color light emissions have been realized in Eu2+ and Mn2+-activated magnetoplumbite-type GdMgAl11O19 (GMAO) along with adjustable photoluminescence properties. Significantly, a promising narrow-band green light emission can be achieved by Mn2+-activated GMAO with the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 27 nm, and such narrow emission band makes the as-prepared WLED device reach 121 % of National Television Standards Committee (NTSC), which can act as an ideal LCD backlight. On the other hand, the broad cyan light can be achieved in Eu2+-activated GMAO. Moreover, multi-color light emissions have been realized in Eu2+ and Mn2+ co-doped GMAO, and the energy transfer from Eu2+ to Mn2+ ions was established. Benefitting from the broad band cyan light emission of Eu2+ ion, a promising WLED device with high color rendering index (CRI) of 90 has been fabricated by using Eu2+ and Mn2+ co-doped sample. The result indicates the multifunctional applications of the GMAO modulated by Eu2+ and Mn2+ activators.

Determination of pesticide residues in five different corn-based products using a single and simple solid–liquid extraction without clean-up steps followed by comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

Pesticide residues in food products are a critical issue concerning food safety. Recent studies have increasingly focused on developing selective, rapid, innovative, and environmentally friendly analytical methods for detecting pesticides in foodstuffs. This study presents a novel analytical method utilizing comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of one hundred and thirteen multiclass pesticides in corn products. The method simplifies the process with a single-step solid–liquid extraction and benefits from two-dimensional separation to enhance resolution and minimize matrix effects. The methodology was validated according to European Commission DG-SANTE (SANTE/11312/2021) and European Committee for Standardization (EN 15662, 2018) guidelines, obtaining acceptable analytical parameters. Limits of detection ranged from 0.2 µg/L to 30.2 µg/L and limits of quantification from 0.3 to 91.6 μg/L, all bellow regulatory limits. Accuracy, ranged from 60 to 120 % and precision, estimated by relative standard deviation, was consistently below 15.1 % in all cases. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by analyzing pesticides in five representative corn products (tortilla, corn flakes, corn cake, starch, and polenta). Sixteen pesticides were detected, all within the regulatory residue limits. Three metric tools were applied to assess the analytical process. Environmental sustainability was evaluated using the AGREE metric, while analytical performance and method applicability were assessed with the Red-Green-Blue and Blue Applicability Grade Index models, respectively, yielding promising scores (0.5, ≥ 0.55, and 0.65). These findings and the comparison to previous methods indicated that this approach represents a promising, alternative and user-friendly strategy for pesticide determination, offering effective productivity and reliable analytical performance.

Oregon’s K-12 transformative social and emotional learning framework and standard development

In 2021, Oregon's legislature passed House Bill 2166, which mandated that the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in collaboration with the Early Learning Division and the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), develop K-12 Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) standards for students across the state. This manuscript highlights how Oregon used the Transformative SEL framework to guide their multi-phase process, which involved extensive input and collaboration from a diverse group of educators, policy makers, parents and students. This collaborative approach ensured that the standards reflected a wide range of perspectives and addressed the unique needs of various student populations. The manuscript discusses the challenges encountered in the process, such as resistance to change, resource allocation, and professional development needs. This work contributes to the growing body of research on SEL by providing a model for states and districts to develop and implement SEL standards that align with legislative mandates and educational equity goals.

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.