Trends in trace element determinations in environmental and food matrices: Conclusions of the workshop

The improvement and development of analytical techniques for the determination of trace elements in environmental and food matrices are one of the main challenges of analytical chemists nowadays. The need for a good quality control of these determinations has led the Measurements and Testing Programme (BCR) to organize series of intercomparisons and to produce certified reference materials (CRM's) for improving the quality of environmental and food matrices. At this stage, it was deemed necessary to discuss the research which should be undertaken to further improve the state of the art of trace element determinations and to develop new methodologies. A workshop on Trends in Trace Element Determinations in Environmental and Food Matrices has therefore been held in Thessaloniki in October 1994 which allowed to identify the research needs and make some recommendations based on round-table discussions. This paper gives a summary of the conclusions of the discussions. An outline of the programme along with the panel of experts participating in this workshop is given in the appendix.     

Quality management in analytical R&D in the pharmaceutical industry: Building quality from GLP

 The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most regulated activity sectors. The regulation includes specific quality systems such as good laboratory practice (GLP), good clinical practice (GCP) and good manufacture practice (GMP). The principles of GLP mainly cover the formal quality aspects of a procedure and do not evaluate the technical aspects in depth. On the other hand, EN 45001 accreditation covers technical performance and is not suitable for pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) as it is almost impossible to comply with the requirements of the European standard in the pharmaceutical environment. The challenge to the pharmaceutical industry is, therefore, to develop quality systems, compatible with GLP principles, that not only cover formal quality items but also ensure good scientific and technical performance. An implementation process focused on real quality improvement is the best way to achieve this objective, culminating in formal recognition of the quality system by third-party assessment. In the case of analytical R&D, the EURACHEM/CITAC Guide CG2 is a very good tool that can help in the definition, analysis and selection of the non GLP quality elements that will be useful. Received: 30 June 1999 / Accepted: 18 October 1999     

Approach to Quality System in Research and Development

 There is growing interest in developing a general strategy and quality standards for possible accreditation or certification of R&D laboratories. This article discusses the scope and limitations of Quality Systems in R&D activities. The extension of QA to R&D centres in general requires emphasis on project management and scientific competence in addition to quality management and technical competence. Received: 11 September 1996 Accepted: 13 November 1996     

Conclusions of the workshop

The development of analytical techniques for the determination of chemical species has been one of the fastest growing features of the 90's in analytical chemistry. The need for good quality control of these determinations has led the Measurements and Testing Programme (BCR) to organize several series of interlaboratory studies in the field of speciation analysis over the last five years. The state of the art of speciation analysis was discussed at a first workshop in 1990 (Arcachon, F) and, at this stage, it was deemed necessary to discuss the progress achieved and the trends which should be developed in the near future. A workshop on Trends in Speciation Analysis was therefore held in Rome in February 1994, which allowed recommendations to be made based on round-table discussions. This paper gives a summary of these recommendations in the field of inorganic speciation. Projects currently undertaken in the field of inorganic speciation within the Measurements and Testing Programme are also described. An outline of the programme along with the panel of experts participating in this workshop is given in the appendix.     

Conclusions of the workshop

The development of analytical techniques for the determination of chemical species has been one of the fastest growing features of the 90's in analytical chemistry. The need for good quality control of these determinations has led the Measurements and Testing Programme (BCR) to organize several series of interlaboratory studies in the field of speciation analysis over the last five years. The state of the art of speciation analysis was discussed at a first workshop in 1990 (Arcachon, F) and, at this stage, it was deemed necessary to discuss the progress achieved and the trends which should be developed in the near future. A workshop on Trends in Speciation Analysis was therefore held in Rome in February 1994, which allowed recommendations to be made based on round-table discussions. This paper gives a summary of these recommendations in the field of inorganic speciation. Projects currently undertaken in the field of inorganic speciation within the Measurements and Testing Programme are also described. An outline of the programme along with the panel of experts participating in this workshop is given in the appendix.     

Advancing cellulose-based nanotechnology

Nanotechnology has applications across most economic sectors and allows the development of new enabling science with broad commercial potential. Cellulose and lignocellulose have great potential as nanomaterials because they are abundant, renewable, have a nanofibrillar structure, can be made multifunctional, and self-assemble into well-defined architectures. To exploit their potential, R&D investments must be made in the science and engineering that will fully determine the properties and characteristics of cellulose and lignocellulose at the nanoscale, develop the technologies to manipulate self-assembly and multifunctionallity, and develop these new technologies to the point where industry can produce advanced and cost-competitive cellulose and lignocellulose-based products. Because many of the findings on nanostructues and nanoprocesses are not yet fully measurable, replicable, or understood, it will take substantial R&D investments. To most effectively and efficiently move forward, increased cooperation must occur among the cellulose/lignocellulose R&D community, the federal departments and agencies having interests and ongoing programs in nanotechnology, and industry. Cooperation is critical to capturing synergies, enhancing accomplishments, and avoiding unwarranted duplication of facilities and efforts.     

Quality assurance in daily practice

 A report based on the workshop on "Quality Assurance in Daily Practice", organised by the study group "Quality Assurance and Accreditation" from the Division of Analytical Chemistry of the Federation of European Chemical Societies (SGQAA/DAC/FECS) held at the EUROANALYSIS-10 conference in Basle, 6–11 September 1998.     

Quality assurance in research and development: an insoluble dilemma?

The implementation of quality elements in research and development is a hot issue, still under discussion and development. In recent years much progress has been made in the development of effective proposals. However there are still problems and misunderstandings on how to apply quality assurance in research and development. This work clarifies these issues, mainly caused by the application of formal standards for quality assurance in R&D. It lists reasons for, and demonstrates benefits of, implementing quality elements in R&D and then offers detailed suggestions for addressing the most important issues without hampering the flexibility and creativity of R&D.     

Materials issues and recent developments in molten carbonate fuel cells

Molten carbonate fuel cell is one of the most promising high efficiency and sustainable power generation technologies, as demonstrated by the availability of several commercial units nowadays. Despite the significant progress made over the past few decades, the issues like component stability in carbonate melts and lower power density as compared to other high-temperature fuel cell systems need to be overcome to meet cost and lifetime targets. An improvement in the catalysts and system design for in situ reforming of fuel is critical to make molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) compatible with real world fuels with minimal preprocessing requirements. Thus a significant opportunity exists for materials R&D in the MCFC area. In the present review, the key issues with MCFC component materials: cathode, anode, matrix, current collectors and bipolar plates, are discussed. The alternative materials and strategies adapted by the MCFC R&D community to mitigate these issues are discussed with emphasis on research trends and developments over the past decade.     

Challenges in the valorisation of chitinous biomass within the biorefinery concept

The sustainable production and use of biomass for food, structural material and packaging has become part of global development strategies. Efforts have increased in research and development (R&D) of greener energy, agriculture and manufacturing, aiming toward zero waste. However, waste is often unavoidable and needs to be considered as a new opportunity within the context of a biorefinery. Our focus is on the valorisation of chitinous biomass, in particular chitin and chitosan which is considered as the second most abundant biopolymer on earth after cellulose. Biomass and food waste that can serve as a rich source of chitin comes from diverse origins. Chitin can also be considered as a source of platform chemicals enabled by novel green catalysts. In our opinion, a more holistic evaluation of the chitinous biomass waste supply chains are required. The economics of scale will determine the future trends in R&D of chitin derived products.     

Thermal Plasma Technology: Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Going?

In this overview, an attempt is made to assess the present and future research and development in thermal plasma processing of materials restricted to (1) thermal plasma coating technologies, (2) thermal plasma synthesis of fine powders, (3) thermal plasma waste destruction, and (4) thermal plasma spheroidization and densification. Since thermal plasma processing is, in general, governed by a large number of parameters, implementation of controls becomes mandatory. The lack of sufficient controls combined with economic drawbacks in some cases has been the main obstacle for the growth of thermal plasma technology. Present R&D efforts, however, address these problems.     

The quality approach and fundamental research: Working towards a constructive alliance (Part II)

 An appropriate Quality approach in fundamental research should have its roots in the very principles of the "scientific method". Quality and fundamental research could thus reconcile at the condition, on the one hand, that Quality practioners understand and take into account the reality of the "science in action" and, on the other hand, that scientists improve their awareness of the new deal which is being made between science, technology and society as well as of the actual issues of Quality. A modern Quality approach, well adapted to this specific activity, should help both scientists, decision-makers and the public face the issues concerning the role of science in society in the future. In this context, I specify a number of practical proposals concerning, in particular, the adaptation of the requirements of the quality approach to the type of research, the distinction between the three major steps of a research programme (i.e. quality of the objective, the process and the results) and the encouragement of experience feedback. Received: 8 March 1998 / Accepted: 8 December 1998     

Implementation of a quality management system in university test laboratories: a brief review and new proposals

Quality management systems are difficult to implement in university laboratories involved in teaching activities, R&D and provision of testing services, because of their peculiar characteristics. Testing services are not a priority, the performance of professionals is measured based on their teaching activities and publications, and the laboratories are shared with research and teaching activities. Hard efforts were made all around the world to overcome some of these difficulties. This paper analyzes the process of implementing a quality management system according to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard at two laboratories of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, in Brazil. Some new solutions to solve the main problems typically originated on this type of environment are presented and compared with reports from the literature. It was concluded that it is perfectly possible for university laboratories to have their tests accredited according to standard ISO/IEC 17025, respecting their peculiarities and adopting creative solutions that meet the characteristics and the needs of each institution.     

Industrial Research as a "Corporate Counterculture"? The Development of the HPO Caprolactam Process at DSM, 1956–77

Abstract

This paper focuses on the development of the hydroxylamine phosphate oxime (HPO) process for the manufacture of caprolactam, an intermediate for nylon, by Central Laboratory, the R&D organisation of the Dutch chemical company DSM. The example of the HPO process shows that Central Laboratory was independent rather than isolated. This position enabled it to develop its own view of the interest of the company and start research projects regardless of the opinion of the production and marketing functions. The example of the HPO process shows the potency of such a position but also the problems involved. As a medium-sized chemical company, DSM is a company that may be more typical for the practice of R&D between 1945 and 1970 than the large companies that historians have typically chosen for analysis.     

Thermal explosion of nitrophenates of transition metals

The thermal decomposition studies on nitrophenates of copper, nickel and cobalt have been undertaken,-t curves show dehydration of these compounds at lower temperatures whereas dehydration cum decomposition seem to occur at higher temperatures leading to oxidative combustion of aromatic part. NO₂ gas is evolved during decomposition which seems to be responsible for oxidative reactions leading to detonation. The explosion temperature and velocity of detonation have been found to be linearly related with the number of nitro groups. The mechanism of thermal explosion has also been discussed.Thanks are due to Prof. S. Giri for providing laboratory facilities; and Aeronautics R&D Board, Ministry of Defence for financial assistance. Authors are also grateful to Shri I. P. S. Kapoor for helpful discussions.     

Method validation in analytical sciences: discussions on current practice and future challenges

Accreditation and Quality Assurance - Eurachem held a workshop on method validation in analytical sciences in Gent, Belgium, on 9–10 May 2016. A summary of the working group discussions is...     

几种值得注意的有机原料清洁工艺技术

本文综述了基本有机原料生产中的几种清洁生产工艺。这些工艺, 或是显著提高目的产物的选择性, 从而不排放或少排放有害污染物; 或在生产过程中不用有害的或有污染的原料、催化剂和溶剂。文章也介绍了中国石油化工总公司在该领域的研究开发工作。     

Nuclear forensics—metrological basis for legal defensibility

The admissibility of nuclear forensics measurements and opinions derived from them in US Federal and State courts are based on criteria established by the US Supreme Court in the case of Daubert v. Merrell Dow and the 2000 Amendment of Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence. These criteria are being addressed by new efforts that include the development of certified reference materials (CRMs) to provide the basis for analytical method development, optimization, calibration, validation, quality control, testing, readiness, and declaration of measurement uncertainties. Quality data is crucial for all stages of the program, from R&D, and database development, to actual casework. Weakness at any point in the program can propagate to reduce the confidence of final conclusions. The new certified reference materials will provide the necessary means to demonstrate a high level of metrological rigor for nuclear forensics evidence and will form a foundation for legally defensible nuclear chemical analysis. The CRMs will allow scientists to devise validated analytical methods, which can be corroborated by independent analytical laboratories. CRMs are required for ISO accreditation of many different analytical techniques which may be employed in the analysis of interdicted nuclear materials.     

MESURA 2000: a strategy to integrate a true communication network of metrology experts with process technology experts

 The Centro Nacional de Metrología (CENAM) has developed the MESURA Interinstitutional Network in collaboration with other research and development institutes in Mexico. This network has the aim of providing integral metrological services to industry throughout the country, with uniform standards of quality and consistency. The fulfillment of this aim has been possible because of a number of factors that have made the MESURA Program an attractor for the integration of metrological services. Among these factors are: an unswerving focus on the customer needs, an integral and logical problem solving approach to consultancy, adequate modular classification of the consultants functions, clear-cut definition of the functions of each member of interdisciplinary groups, and a uniform code of communication among the members of the network. The next stage of the strategy is to strengthen the link between metrology and its industrial applications forming a new type of consultant with the technical experts from R&D Centers. These will be consultants with general knowledge and experience in metrology, specialized in certain type of industrial processes and products. The strategy will be initiated in the year 2000 and with it the MESURA Network is expected to make a strong contribution to fostering the optimum use of metrology in industry and to act as a channel for the integration of other technologies in which the participating Centers have expertise.     

Scientometric assessment of the progress of innovative pharmacy in Russia

The importance and potential of scientometric assessment of the progress of innovative pharmacy is discussed. Scientometric publications analyzing and forecasting new domestic drug R&D in historical perspective and in contemporary Russia are considered. The role of systemic informational analysis of science as a new methodic tool for research metrics is described.