Eurachem and CITAC welcome analysts interested in the evaluation of chemical analysis uncertainty and in how to use this information in results interpretation. The Eurachem Week 2026 will begin with a training course on “Evaluation of the measurement uncertainty from in-house precision and recovery data” scheduled for Sunday, 10 May 2026. A two-days workshop on “Quality in Analytical Measurements: Uncertainty Evaluation and Results Interpretation” open to all interested participants will take place from 11 to 12 May 2026. On 13 May 2026, the Eurachem Working Groups will convene, followed by the Eurachem General Assembly, which will bring together the Executive and national delegates on 14 and 15 May. Both Working Group Meetings and the General Assembly are restricted to their members.The results of qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses should have an acceptable uncertainty, which should ideally be reported and considered in results interpretation.For many analytical applications, simplified uncertainty evaluations can determine uncertainty values that meet the defined requirements for this parameter. The workshop will focus on the key technical challenges involved in practical evaluations of measurement uncertainty based on precision and recovery data gathered during in-house method validation and quality control. There will be a discussion of how to model the variation of the measurement uncertainty within the analytical range and how to handle divergent recovery values from the analysis of various reference materials. A session on the use of measurement uncertainty in conformity assessment will explore how the risk of false conformity decisions can be managed.<blockquote><h5>New Eurachem guidance on using in-house precision and recovery data will be discussed at the workshop.</h5></blockquote>Topics will also include the validation and uncertainty evaluation for qualitative analyses with particular attention to current accreditation requirements for these types of analysis. The last session of the workshop will be dedicated to the evaluation of measurement uncertainty arising from sampling and using it to judge the fitness for purpose, and hence validation, of measurement procedures that include sampling. Four sessions of the workshop will include engaging breakout sessions where participants will have the chance to share their views about challenging aspects of the analytical work. Participants are invited to propose posters and oral communications on session topics or any other relevant topic for analytical chemists or stakeholders of the analytical work.<h3>Registration</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://conferences.chemistry.pt/register/eurachem2026">Register here for the workshop</a></blockquote><h4>Registration Fees</h4><h5>Early bird (EUR) - Until April 15th</h5><ul><li>Workshop: Regular participant (11 &amp; 12 May 2026): 400 EUR</li><li>Workshop: Student (11 &amp; 12 May 2026): 250 EUR</li><li>Eurachem Working Group1 (13 May 2026): 75</li><li>General Assembly2 (14 &amp; 15 May 2026): 250</li><li>Training On Uncertainty Evaluation3 (10 May 2026): 150</li></ul><h5>After April 15th</h5><ul><li>Workshop: Regular participant (11 &amp; 12 May 2026): 450 EUR</li><li>Workshop: Student (11 &amp; 12 May 2026): 300 EUR</li><li>Eurachem Working Group1 (13 May 2026): 100</li><li>General Assembly2 (14 &amp; 15 May 2026): 300</li><li>Training On Uncertainty Evaluation3 (10 May 2026): 200</li></ul><blockquote>§ - 50 EUR reduction for members of Eurachem, CITAC, SPQ, RELACRE, ForMEQ and SPMet at the workshop.10% reduction for organisations that registered more than one participant.1 - Working group members2 - Eurachem members3 - 50% reduction for workshop participants</blockquote><h3>Workshop</h3><h4>Eurachem/CITAC Workshop on Quality in Analytical Measurements:</h4><h5>Uncertainty Evaluation and Results Interpretation</h5>The results of qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses should have an acceptable uncertainty, which should ideally be reported and considered in results interpretation. For many analytical applications, simplified uncertainty evaluations can determine uncertainty values meeting defined requirements for this parameter. The workshop will focus on the key technical challenges involved in practical evaluations of measurement uncertainty based on precision and recovery data gathered during in-house method validation. It will be discussed how to model the variation of the measurement uncertainty within the analytical range and how to handle divergent recovery values from the analysis of various reference materials. A session on the use of measurement uncertainty in conformity assessment will explore how the risk of false conformity decisions can be managed.Topics will also include the validation and uncertainty evaluation of qualitative analyses with particular attention to current accreditation requirements for these types of analysis. The last session of the workshop will be dedicated to the evaluation of measurement uncertainty arising from sampling and using it to judge the fitness for purpose, and hence validation, of measurement procedures that include sampling.Four sessions of the workshop will include engaging breakout sessions where participants will have the chance to share their views about challenging aspects of the analytical work. Participants are invited to propose posters and oral communications on session topics or any other relevant topic for analytical chemists or stakeholders of the analytical work.<h3>Training Course</h3><h4>Evaluation of the measurement uncertainty from in-house precision and recovery data</h4><ul><li>10 May 2026</li></ul>A course on the fundamentals of the evaluation of the measurement uncertainty from in-house precision and recovery data will be held on Sunday, 10 May 2026. This training is targeted for analysts with a basic understanding of the measurement uncertainty concept, how uncertainty components propagate, and how the combined uncertainty is expanded. Following the morning presentation of the theory of uncertainty evaluation, the afternoon will be dedicated to applying the theory to real-world cases. Trainees should have basic skills in using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and bring a laptop with Microsoft Excel to complete the exercises. The interaction between trainers and trainees will be promoted to guarantee learning efficiency.<h5>Trainers:</h5><ul><li>Ricardo Bettencourt da Silva, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal (rjsilva@ciencias.ulisboa.pt)</li><li>Stephen L. R. Ellison - UK National Measurement Laboratory (NML) hosted at LGC, United Kingdom</li><li>Vicki Barwick - UK National Measurement Laboratory (NML) hosted at LGC, United Kingdom</li></ul><h4>Agenda</h4><h5>8:00 Registration</h5><h5>9:00 Opening</h5><h5>9:05 Identifying, combining, and expanding uncertainty components: Theory and examples</h5><h5>9:45 Precision uncertainty: Theory and examples</h5><h5>10:30 Coffee break</h5><h5>10:50 Trueness-related uncertainty: Theory and examples</h5><h5>12:00 Additional questions and discussion</h5><h5>12:30 Lunch</h5><h5>13:30 Application example 1</h5><h5>15:30 Coffee break</h5><h5>15:50 Application example 2</h5><h5>17:00 Additional questions and discussion</h5><h5>17:30 Closing</h5><h3>Venue</h3>The series of Eurachem events will be held in:<ul><li>Meliã Lisboa Aeroporto ****</li><li>Rua C,2 1749-125 Lisboa, Portugal&nbsp;</li></ul>

Eurachem/CITAC Workshop on Quality in Analytical Measurements 2026

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 9th February 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies, Metrohm, Shimadzu and Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Black Pepper Origin Differentiation Using Large ICP-MS Datasets and Chemometric Tools</h3>Elemental profiling using an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=7850+ICP-MS">Agilent 7850 ICP-MS</a> and Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=Mass+Profiler+Professional+software">Mass Profiler Professional (MPP) software</a><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_black_pepper_origin_7850_icp_ms_5994_8741en_agilent_7c190968ef.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Black pepper’s high value and global demand are drivers for economically motivated adulteration, a fraudulent practice that can pose public health risks. Because black pepper is most often sold in ground, crushed, or mixed forms, its supply chain is difficult to monitor and manage. Also, consumer campaigns against deforestation and the European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free (EUDR) products have increased calls for greater sourcing transparency. Products with a known geographical indication can demand a higher price. Companies do not want to become implicated in false claims about the sourcing of products, and many are keen to have full visibility of their products’ origin. To address this need, the European Commission has established the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) system to protect regional specific products, thereby promoting their unique characteristics based on geographical origin and traditional competence of production. The PGI scheme has increased the demand for detailed information regarding the geographical source of food products, a trend that is likely to continue as EUDR is implemented across the EU and associated markets. Verifying the geographical origin of black pepper using elemental fingerprints is highly relevant to protecting value chain stakeholders, ensuring both quality and traceability while upholding the principles of food integrity.&nbsp;Several analytical methods can be used for profiling certain elements in foods. However, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is unique because of its rapid throughput, multi-element capability, ultratrace sensitivity, isotopic analysis, versatility across sample types, low sample volume requirements, compliance with regulatory requirements, and low cost.3&nbsp;The Agilent 7850 ICP-MS is equipped with an Octopole Reaction System (ORS4 ), a collision/reaction cell (CRC) that uses helium (He) gas and Kinetic Energy Discrimination (KED) to remove polyatomic interferences on key analytes.4 If left unchecked, these interferences can affect data accuracy in complex food products. The integration of the 7850 with Agilent ICP-MS MassHunter software streamlines data analysis. When integrated with chemometric analysis, ICP-MS demonstrates high precision in multi-elemental profiling of diverse food matrices, effectively distinguishing their geographical origin.5&nbsp;In this study, 150 black pepper samples from five countries (Brazil, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Vietnam) were analyzed using the 7850 ICP-MS to obtain elemental fingerprints of the samples. Agilent Mass Profiler Professional (MPP) software was used to process the ICP-MS elemental data and to construct chemometric models for distinguishing the geographical origin of the samples, as adapted from Chilaka et al.5<h4>Experimental&nbsp;</h4><h5>Instrumentation&nbsp;</h5>An <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=7850+ICP-MS">Agilent 7850 single-quadrupole ICP-MS</a> was used for the analysis of 38 elements in the black pepper samples. Sample introduction was performed via a peristaltic pump connected to an Agilent MicroMist nebulizer and an Agilent SPS 4 autosampler. All elements were measured using helium collision (He KED) mode, except for boron (B), which was analyzed in no gas mode. Instrument control was performed using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=MassHunter">Agilent ICP-MS MassHunter 5.1 software</a>, and data processing was conducted using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=Mass+Profiler+Professional+software">Agilent MPP software</a>, version 15.1. Instrument operating conditions as shown in Table 1.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>This study investigated the potential of ICP-MS elemental profiling coupled with chemometric analysis for geographical origin discrimination of black pepper samples from five countries, including Brazil, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. A total of 38 elements was measured in 150 black pepper samples using the Agilent 7850 ICP-MS. Chemometric analysis was performed on the ICP-MS elemental data using Agilent Mass Profiler Professional (MPP) software. The PCA analysis exhibited satisfactory reliability and classification rates and demonstrated potential for the authentication of the geographical origin of black pepper. However, the separation of the Cambodian and Vietnamese samples was less distinct than the other groups, revealing potential similarities in elemental profiling between the bordering countries, which share similar climatic, geological, and agricultural conditions. Using LDA and RF classification models on the black pepper test set, we achieved a high overall accuracy in determining the geographical origin of the samples. These findings provide empirical support for the combined use of elementomics and chemometric techniques in black pepper authentication, contributing to fraud prevention. The study also demonstrates the potential of the method for application to other food types.<h3>2. Metrohm: Milk powder analysis by near-infrared spectroscopy</h3>Determination of moisture, fat, lactose, and protein content<ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_nir_128_download_867321cfb0.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>For milk powder producers, final product control is essential to meet strict regulatory standards, guarantee comprehensive quality assurance, ensure consistent nutritional quality, and extend shelf life. These are all especially important for infant formula and dairy ingredients used in sensitive applications. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast, reagentfree method for measuring key quality parameters such as moisture, protein, lactose, and fat content directly in milk powder. The NIRS solution requires no sample preparation, enabling real-time monitoring either in the lab or directly on the production line. This allows producers to react quickly to process variations, minimize waste, and maintain product integrity batch after batch.<h4>EXPERIMENTAL EQUIPMENT&nbsp;</h4>More than 600 samples of powdered milk from different suppliers were analyzed on an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=56&amp;search=OMNIS+NIR">OMNIS NIR Analyzer</a> (Figure 1). The different milk powders were placed into an OMNIS sample cup and analyzed in diffuse reflection mode. To include sample variety, the sample rotated during measurement to collect spectra from different locations. The automatically averaged spectra were used for model development. Reference values were obtained by official methods, e.g., AOAC 927.05 (moisture), AOAC 939.02 (protein), and AOAC 932.06 (fat). For the lactose content determination, a phenol-sulfuric acid method was used.<h4>CONCLUSION</h4>This Application Note presented the analysis of milk powder using NIR spectroscopy. Models for several quality parameters (fat, protein, lactose, and moisture content) were created. Independent validation samples confirmed the robustness and reliability of the models, with high correlation coefficients and low prediction errors achieved across all parameters. Notably, the dataset included samples from diverse global origins, capturing a broad range of product variability. This study shows that NIRS can be successfully integrated into the quality control workflow for dairy powder analysis.<h3>3. Shimadzu: Analysis of Electrolyte and Electrode in LIB Degraded by Overcharge and High Temperature</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01064_en_b4f9f4330a.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>User Benefits</h4><ul><li>ICP-AES enables accurate quantification of cathode material dissolved in electrolytes.</li><li>GC-MS assesses degradation from components in electrolytes with unknown usage.</li><li>EDXRF easily evaluates transition metals, phosphorus, fluorine, and other elements deposited on electrodes</li></ul>When lithium-ion batteries are used in EVs or ESS applications, numerous cells are connected in series and parallel to form modules, and multiple modules are further connected to construct a pack. In such configurations—where many cells are connected in series—the state of charge of individual cells varies, as shown in Figure 1. Moreover, because the cells are densely packed to reduce volume, the ambient temperature experienced by each cell also varies. In this application, we conducted cycle tests under overcharged or high-temperature conditions, disassembled the degraded pouch cells, and analyzed both the electrolytes and the electrodes.<h4>Analysis of electrolyte and electrode</h4>Electrolytes and electrodes were extracted from the batteries degraded through the cycle tests (hereafter referred to as “degraded cells”) and analyzed using the instruments shown in Figures 3–5. It is known that electrolytesin degraded cells contain transition metals (Ni, Co, Mn) dissolved from the cathode active material1). In addition, electrolyte solvents are known to generate characteristic degradation products as deterioration progresses2). By analyzing these degradation-related elements and compounds, the degradation state of the battery can be assessed. In this article, we propose a multifaceted evaluation of electrolytes using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=ICPE-9820">ICP-AES</a> and GC-MS. On both the cathode and anode, insulating layers known as CEI/SEI form on the electrode surfaces. Under improper charging conditions, excessive formation of these layers can lead to capacity loss. Furthermore, the dissolved metals from the cathode deposit and precipitate on the anode. These deposits can cause internal short circuits, posing risks such as fire hazards. While such electrode conditions are typically evaluated by ICP-AES or XPS to examine elemental content or surface chemical states, this article introduces a simpler evaluation method using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=EDX-8100">EDXRF</a>.<h4>Summary</h4>Analysis of the electrolytesfrom degraded batteries using ICP-AES and GC-MS revealed dissolution of transition metals as well as the formation of degradation products. Furthermore, EDXRF analysis of the electrodes enabled straightforward detection of changesin elemental composition, including transition metals, fluorine, and phosphorus. These analytical techniques allow for a multifaceted evaluation of battery degradation. In real-world battery operation, fluctuations in charging conditions and ambient temperature introduce variability in degradation states. By assessing degradation mechanisms individually, as demonstrated in thisreport, it is possible to obtain insights that contribute not only to improving intrinsic battery performance but also to optimizing implementation methods and control conditions.<h3>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Analyzing Spinel refractory MgO-Al2O3 premix using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=2&amp;search=ARL%E2%84%A2+X%E2%80%99TRA+Companion">ARL X’TRA Companion XRD</a></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/spinel_refractory_xrd_an41525_en_75f2527e78.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Spinel refractories—primarily magnesia–alumina (MgAl₂O₄)— are the workhorses of high-temperature linings in steel ladles, cement rotary kilns, glass tanks, and non-ferrous smelters. Their appeal lies in a combination of shock resistance, chemical stability against basic slags, and an expansion behavior that mitigates cracking. Depending on the duty, they are used as bricks, castables, or gunned repairs, sometimes with engineered microstructures that blend spinel with periclase, corundum, or zirconia to tune creep, corrosion, and spalling performance.&nbsp;X-ray diffraction (XRD) underpins manufacturing control from raw mix to fired product. During synthesis, XRD tracks the solid-state reaction of MgO and Al₂O₃ into spinel, verifying the disappearance of periclase and alumina and quantifying the spinel fraction by Rietveld analysis. Lattice parameters reveal cation stoichiometry and solid-solution effects; peak breadth trends indicate crystallite growth and microstrain, proxies for sintering progress. In finished components, XRD detects secondary phases such as calcium aluminates introduced by binders, slags, impurities, and it provides fingerprinting for batch-to-batch consistency after thermal exposure. Embedded into routine QA/QC, XRD shortens feedback loops, stabilizes recipes, and links processing conditions to the microstructure that governs refractory life.<h4>Instrument &amp; software&nbsp;</h4>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=2&amp;search=ARL%E2%84%A2+X%E2%80%99TRA+Companion">Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ X’TRA Companion</a> X-Ray Diffractometer (c.f. Figure 1) is a simple, easy-to-use benchtop instrument for routine phase analysis as well as more advanced applications. The ARL X’TRA Companion uses a θ/θ goniometer (160 mm radius) in Bragg-Brentano geometry coupled with a 600 W X-ray source (Cu or Co). The radial and axial collimation of the beam is controlled by divergence and Soller slits, while air scattering is reduced by a variable beam knife. An integrated water chiller is available as an option. Thanks to the state-of-the art solid state pixel detector (55x55 μm pitch), the ARL X’TRA Companion provides very fast data collection and comes with single-click Rietveld quantification capabilities and automated result transmission to a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) seamless integrated into Thermo Scientific™ SolstiX™ Pronto instrument control software.<h4>Your benefits&nbsp;</h4>The ARL X’TRA Companion XRD workflow delivers answers in minutes, quantifying MgO, α-Al₂O₃, and MgAl₂O₄ while resolving Ca–Si silicates and trace Fe-spinels. Subtle differences between corundum and spinel are cleanly separated, and LOI drivers—carbonates, brucite, and Mg-sulfates—are identified and trended. These insights let you compute spinel potential, anticipate pore-closing expansion, and set the right pre-dry / prefire schedule to avoid spalling. You can clearly distinguish mid-grade, ore-derived feeds from premium low-silica materials, tighten incoming QA, and optimize formulations for cement/lime kilns, tundish linings, and other carbon-free basic applications.

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 07, 2026

Although modern agriculture needs to be based on accurate real-time data on soil, plant, and environmental conditions, affordable, sufficiently sensitive, and robust monitoring devices for this purpose are currently missing. According to scientists, low-cost sensors based on new smart materials and printing technologies offer a suitable solution. The results of multidisciplinary research thus far and proposals for the development of these devices have been presented by researchers from Czechia, Great Britain, Spain, and the USA in a review article in the prestigious journal <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-68778-6#Abs1">Nature Communications</a>.“Sensor technologies for monitoring plant health are still in their infancy. Only simple sensors capable of monitoring basic parameters such as pH, soil moisture, or temperature are commonly available on the market. However, if farmers are to face current challenges, including climate change, and ensure sufficient food for humanity, they need much more effective tools that will enable them to monitor, for example, various pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. In our opinion, a suitable solution is a combination of new smart materials and printing for the production of inexpensive, durable, and scalable materials,” said the article’s first author, David Panáček from CATRIN, who worked on the study during his internship at Imperial College London.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Soucasne_senzory_nestaci_Vedci_navrhuji_novou_cestu_ke_sledovani_zdravi_rostlin_b4014952a3.jpg" alt="CATRIN: David Panáček" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Soucasne_senzory_nestaci_Vedci_navrhuji_novou_cestu_ke_sledovani_zdravi_rostlin_b4014952a3.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1536" height="1152">Sensors for monitoring plant health, for example, lag behind similar devices used in human medicine. According to the authors, advances in materials science, which will enable the development of scalable sensor technologies, play a key role in this potential shift. “Printing techniques, including inkjet printing, screen printing, aerosol printing, 3D printing, and direct laser writing, offer flexible ways to produce flexible sensors, large-area sensors, and sensors integrated directly into plants. The review article summarizes recent advances in printable low-dimensional materials for agricultural sensors, analyzes their physico-chemical properties in relation to sensor performance, and discusses key challenges and future opportunities requiring interdisciplinary integration,” said one of the corresponding authors, Michal Otyepka.The research brought together materials scientists, chemists, biologists, sensing experts, and printing technology specialists. Materials research and the use of graphene-based smart materials were led by scientists from CATRIN at Palacký University and VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava. Plant biologists from CATRIN contributed their knowledge of plant development, their responses to stress conditions, and the monitoring of their properties. Researchers from Imperial College London took care of the electronics, while representatives from<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/36"> CEITEC – VUT</a> focused on printing technologies. The team also included leading experts in sensing from the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Barcelona, and Joseph Wang of the University of California San Diego, the “father of sensing and electrochemistry,” also contributed his extensive knowledge.“This is a groundbreaking study on this topic, which has managed to attract some truly big names in their respective fields. Last but not least, the study demonstrates that interdisciplinarity at CATRIN gives rise to completely new and promising research topics, such as plant sensing and its use for studying plant-environment interactions and smart agriculture,” added another corresponding author, Nuria De Diego.

Current sensors are not good enough. Scientists propose a new way to monitor plant health

Article

Events

Application

Scientific article

Science and research

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University is a cutting-edge scientific hub dedicated to advancing research in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. At its core, CATRIN boasts outstanding scientific teams, featuring international researchers. We emphasize interdisciplinarity, foster global collaborations, and work to translate our research findings into practical applications.

CATRIN

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

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Agilent Technologies

Shimadzu Corporation

In this webinar, our panel of experts will discuss the market for alcohol-based hand sanitizers, the current regulatory environment, as well as analytical solutions including gas chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy to ensure the purity, potency, and safety of alcohols and hand sanitizers.
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Presenter: Nicole Zhang (Senior Product Specialist, Shimadzu Asia Pacific)
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Nicole studies in UK in Microbiology and Immunology, prior joining Shimadzu, she worked in different companies in analytical instrument industry for more than 10 years, from Chemist to marketing and in charge of different technologies from LC, MS to Spectro products. She joined Shimadzu at the year of 2018 as spectroscopy product specialist and in charge of food quality and safety market.
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Presenter: Jackie (Product Specialist (GC &amp; GCMS), Shimadzu Asia Pacific)
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After graduating from the National University of Singapore, Jackie has garnered over 6 years of research, training and facilitation experience. Jackie meets scientists from various industries to share technical knowledge and collect feedback, understanding their problems and helping them find well-suited solutions in GC-related analyses.
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Shimadzu: Stay Safe! Comprehensive Analysis of Alcohols and Hand Sanitizers

Stay Safe! Comprehensive Analysis of Alcohols and Hand Sanitizers

The market for alcohol-based hand sanitizers, the current regulatory environment, as well as analytical solutions including gas chromatography.

Comprehensive Analysis of Alcohols and Hand Sanitizers

This webcast will consist of two parts. Part 1 will start off with a basic introduction to luminescence terminology and electronic theory.
Particular attention will be given to photoluminescence, both fluorescence and phosphorescence. The webcast will then look at how molecular structure relates to spectral properties. Since all types of photoluminescence are sensitive to environmental conditions, we will consider how solvent properties, such as concentration, pH, and polarity, impact the photoluminescence spectrum. Part one will conclude with a summary on how fluorescence instruments function.
Part 2 will discuss several important materials characterization applications.
Under consideration first is correcting for the “instrumental artifact” inherent in all fluorescence instrumentation. Spectral correction is critical for accurate quantum yield measurements. The webcast will discuss both relative and absolute quantum yield measurement methods and their applications. To conclude the webcast the techniques of three-dimensional data acquisition and synchronous scanning will be discussed. Particular attention will be given to how these two different techniques relate to each other and how they can be properly employed and interpreted.
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Presenter: Jeffrey L. Taylor, Ph.D. (Molecular Spectroscopy Guru, Industry Expert With Over 35 Years of Experience)
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Dr. Jeffrey L. Taylor received his Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia College and State University with dual majors in Physiology and Organic Chemistry. He obtained a Master of Science degree from the University of Georgia in Toxicology and later a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the same school in Biochemistry and Spectroscopy.
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He has spent his career of over 35 years with major spectroscopy instruments manufacturers, mainly working as Field Product Specialist and Senior Staff Scientist. Areas of expertise include technical support of sales, customer support/training, applications design and development, software specification/evaluation, and instrumental design and evaluation. He is the author of numerous application notes, conference presentations and webcasts, and holder of several patents.
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Dr. Taylor, although retired, maintains his desire to contribute to the field. He is currently a consultant for Shimadzu Scientific Instruments to assist with sales support, application support and development of web-based educational resources.
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Presenter: Sudhir Dahal, Ph.D. (Product Manager - Molecular Spectroscopy, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
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Sudhir Dahal is Product Manager of Molecular Spectroscopy group at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, USA. He joined the company after obtaining his PhD from University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), where he researched and collaborated on developing novel spectroscopy-based technique for brain tumor cell detection. At Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, he and his group are responsible for overall sales support of molecular spectroscopy products in North America, Central America and parts of South America. The products include UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR, Fluorescence spectrophotometers and accessories.
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His everyday responsibilities include, but are not limited to, teaching classes to sales/technical support engineers and customers, producing scientific literatures, researching new products and applications, representing Shimadzu at conferences and promoting the products through various marketing campaigns.
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Shimadzu: An Introduction to Light Emission Spectroscopy, with a focus on Fluorescence: Theory and Materials Characterization Applications

An Introduction to Light Emission Spectroscopy, with a focus on Fluorescence: Theory and Materials Characterization Applications

How molecular structure relates to spectral properties. Relative and absolute quantum yield measurement methods and their applications.

An Introduction to Light Emission Spectroscopy

Simple good practices for quality data including:
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<li>Sample prep and key accessories
</li>
<li>Attenuated Reflectance Accessory (ATR)
<ul>
<li>Overview
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<li>Pros and Cons
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<li>Tips for ATR analysis
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</ul>
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<li>Environmental effects - CO2 and H2O
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<li>Library search and precautions
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<li>Micro analysis
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<li>Application examples</li>
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</ul>

FTIR Tips and Tricks Webinar

AA or ICP-OES/MS is often viewed as the golden standard to analyze elements during the pharmaceutical manufacturing process, from drug discovery to the QA/QC of final formulations.
While extremely accurate, these techniques have the downside of requiring the sample to be in liquid form when analyzing, resulting in a very arduous sample-preparation process and long analysis time.
In this seminar, we would introduce Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluoroscopy (EDX) as an alternative technique to perform elemental analysis that requires little sample preparation, is easy to use and can provide results quickly; and how it could be used in various areas of the pharmaceutical industry.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Understanding how EDX can be used to perform elemental analysis
</li>
<li>Understanding how EDX can be used in the Pharma Industry
</li>
<li>Advantages of using EDX for elemental analysis
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Tan Teck Beng (Senior Product Specialist, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Tan Teck Beng has been providing application support for XRF, XRD, EPMA, SPM and ESCA for the past 19 years in Shimadzu (Asia Pacific). He has conducted numerous Application Seminars and Workshops on Materials Characterization/Failure Analysis/Restriction of Hazardous Substances in many countries in the region, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam and Singapore.
</blockquote>
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He is currently providing Application and Technical Support for Shimadzu&#39;s Scientific Instruments for more than 200 companies in Asia Pacific Region.
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Presenter: Mizuno Motohisa (Deputy General Manager, Scientific Sales, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mizuno-san has worked for Sales for the past 20 years in Shimadzu Japan. He has worked at Shimadzu’s Tokyo and Kyushu and Kansai branch offices and has extensive experience in catering to customers belonging to pharma, academia, food and chemical, among others. Before moving to Shimadzu (Asia Pacific), he served as a Sales Manager in the Kansai branch for the past 3 years, where he was in-charge of pharma customers as part of the Analytical &amp; Measuring Instruments Division.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: EDX: A Fast & Simple Technique for Pharmaceutical Elemental Analysis

EDX: A Fast & Simple Technique for Pharmaceutical Elemental Analysis

Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluoroscopy (EDX) as an alternative technique to perform elemental analysis that requires little sample preparation.

EDX: A Fast & Simple Technique

Complying with the European Union (EU) or India&#39;s directive on Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is an ongoing challenge for many companies.
Too often, their compliance activities are unnecessarily complicated by a lack of understanding about what the regulation requires, and how to stay compliant when new restricted substances are introduced. Here in this webinar, our expert team will try to explain about the latest regulation, its implications, along with easy testing solutions to stay compliant to avoid any enforcement action.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Basic introduction &amp; history of RoHS
</li>
<li>Latest update on RoHS, RoHS2 regulation
</li>
<li>RoHS : Indian Scenario
</li>
<li>Solutions : Various testing methods
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Abhinandan Sharma (Asst. Manager - Sales, Shimadzu Analytical India Pvt Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mr. Abhinandan Sharma has more than 15 years long experience of technical sales of analytical instruments and currently he is working for Shimadzu Analytical India Pvt Ltd since 2013 and looking after ED-XRF business for last 7 years.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Pravin Tyagi (Manager - Sales, Shimadzu Analytical India Pvt Ltd)
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<blockquote>
Mr Pravin Tyagi is currently working as sales manager at Shimadzu Analytical India Pvt Ltd &amp; heading Indian business of scientific instrument division which includes EDX, XPS, EPMA, OES. He has been associated with Shimadzu since 2009 &amp; keep on organizing various application oriented seminars/workshops specifically designed to cater the requirement of various industries/institutes.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: RoHS : Regulatory compliance and it's solutions

RoHS : Regulatory compliance and it's solutions

The latest regulation, its implications, along with easy testing solutions to stay compliant to avoid any enforcement action.

The US EPA rule governing the testing of lead in surface wipes is lowering the limits for lead. Traditionally, flame AA was the technique of choice for speed of analysis and ease of method setup.
The NIOSH Procedure 7082 (Flame AA) is no longer the answer. For a wipe area of 10 cm x 10 cm and a final sample volume of 10 mL, the new quantitation limit for lead wipes from floors is 0.05 ug/mL. This requires an MDL of at least 0.025 ug/mL. These limits are well below the capability of Flame AA technique to accurately determine.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Chris Conklin (Atomic Spectroscopy Product Specialist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
With a degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, Chris worked in, and lead, a quality control lab testing fine chemicals ranging from reagent grade to high purity. Over the course of 12 years in that role, Chris has run a variety of atomic elemental instruments and techniques including AA, ICP-OES, and ICP-MS. As a result, he has seen most of the periodic table in its elemental form and overcome the associated interferences. In 2018, Chris brought that knowledge and experience to his current role with Agilent as the Product Specialist for Atomic Spectroscopy supporting AA, MP-AES, and ICP-OES for the Eastern US.
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Paul Krampitz (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Chemistry Bachelor of Science degree. Twenty – five years of Spectroscopy experience mainly Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectroscopy as well as ICP-MS and AAS. Experience also includes X-Ray Fluorescence (ED, WD), Laser Ablation, Inorganic Speciation and Microwave Plasma Spectroscopy. Market Segment expertise includes environmental, petrochemical, metallurgical applications.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Lower Limits for Lead in Surface Wipes Testing are Coming - Is your lab ready?

Lower Limits for Lead in Surface Wipes Testing are Coming - Is your lab ready?

The NIOSH Procedure 7082 (Flame AA) is no longer the answer.

Lower Limits for Lead in Surface Wipes Testing are Coming

To validate Single Cell (SC)-ICP-MS method, evaluations in three types of cells were performed and mass of analyte were in good agreement with conventional ICP-MS data.
Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ, equipped with MVX-7100 autosampler and single cell sample introduction system, provides total automated system that can be controlled by MassHunter software.
<blockquote>
Presenter: L. Craig Jones (ICP-MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Craig has been with Agilent for over 15 years as an ICP-MS applications scientist. He has been involved with multiple type of applications for ICP-MS, including environmental, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, semiconductor, geologic, and clinical analyses, to name a few. Previous to Agilent he worked in an environmental lab performing analysis and supervising both the inorganic and organic sections of the laboratory. In his spare time, Craig enjoys volunteering at the local marine science center, mountain biking, hiking and relaxing at the beach. Craig obtained a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Tetsuo Kubota (Application Chemist, ICP-MS Solution Unit, Agilent Technologies International Japan, Ltd.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Tetsuo received his Master degree in Agriculture and Life Science from The University of Tokyo in 2016. He joined Agilent as an Application Chemist in 2016, and has focused on application development in environment and life science fields (e.g. app development for REEs2+ interferences correction, single cell-ICP-MS, etc.). His main research interest is Metallomics, which helps us understand the roles of metals in our cells and bodies. As a member of the Solution Unit team in Japan, he works on application development, and helping customers understand their target samples better and improve/advance their measurements/studies.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Single-Cell-ICP-MS Evaluations in Yeast, Green Alga, and Red Blood Cell Using Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ

Single-Cell-ICP-MS Evaluations in Yeast, Green Alga, and Red Blood Cell Using Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ

To validate Single Cell (SC)-ICP-MS method, evaluations in three types of cells were performed and mass of analyte were in good agreement.

Single-Cell-ICP-MS Evaluations in Yeast,Green Alga,Red Blood

AOAC has recently adopted Agilent’s method for the Determination of Heavy Metals in a Variety of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products for &quot;first action” status.
We will share with the industry the efforts towards this goal, as well as other concenus methods we are working for the industry.
Agilent products and solutions are intended to be used for analytical testing of cannabis in laboratories where such use is permitted under state/country law.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jenny Nelson, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jenny Nelson received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati in 2007, and her MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2011. Currently, Jenny is an Application Chemist for the Life Science and Chemical Analysis team at Agilent Technologies, joining in 2012 (with a step away in 2019). Jenny is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at University of California, Davis since 2013. Jenny has been very active with AOAC and ASTM over the past 8 years, serving on expert review panels, chairing committees, and volunteering to develop new methods needed by the industry.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jenny has extensive experience in operating and method development for Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Jenny has broad knowledge and experience in different speciation analysis for many sample matrices using GC-ICPMS, LC-ICPMS. As well as vast experience with sp-ICP-MS, for many applications.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Developing Consensus Methods for the Cannabis Industry

Developing Consensus Methods for the Cannabis Industry

Agilent products and solutions are intended to be used for analytical testing of cannabis in laboratories where such use is permitted under state/country law.

Identification of geographical origin is of great importance for protecting the authenticity of valuable food products.
China is the world’s largest producer of rice, which is a vital staple food for almost half of the world’s population. Given the huge global demand for rice, varieties with higher value are a target for food fraudsters, who routinely adulterate or mislabel expensive food items for financial gain. The price of rice in China depends greatly on where the plants are grown, so producers use Geographical Indication (GI) to differentiate their products in the marketplace. 
The elemental profiles of 90 rice samples from 5 different locations were collected directly from suppliers and determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Using a single helium cell gas mode for all analytes enabled the detection of 24 elements in rice sample digests. Data from 66 of the 90 rice samples was used to build prediction models for the characterization of the geographical origins of the remaining 24 samples. Agilent MPP statistical software was used to process the data set. PCA results showed that the elemental composition of rice was influenced by geographical origins. Prediction models using four different class prediction algorithms (partial least squares discriminant analysis, support vector machine, linear discriminant analysis, and soft independent modeling of class analogy) were built by following the simple steps in the MPP software. 
The models were trained using the ICP-MS data and tested using ‘unknown’ samples. The study showed that it was possible to correctly predict the origins of all the 24 ‘unknown’ samples using multiple prediction models, rather than a single prediction model. The multiple-model approach could lead to more accurate prediction results and better understanding of the element profiles of samples.The methodology described in this study has the potential to characterize the geographical origin of rice, and other high value foodstuffs enabling routine authenticity analysis of foods.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Shuofei Dong, Ph.D. (Senior Atomic Spectroscopy Application Development Scientist, Agilent Technologies (China) Co., Ltd.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After receiving his Ph.D. degree in isotope geochemistry from Imperial College London, UK in 2012, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, USA and at the Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques (CRPG) of CNRS, France. His main research interest is about learning the biogeochemical cycle of metal elements, and the distribution and transmission in the environment. He joined Agilent in 2017 as a senior application development scientist, mainly focusing on developing new analytical methods for ICP-MS in the form of cooperative research. His projects include developing separation and detection methods of metal nanoparticles and microplastics in complex matrices; applying element fingerprint method for food authenticity studies; and using isotope ratios and REE patterns for tracing the sources of atmospheric particles.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jenny Nelson, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jenny Nelson received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati in 2007, and her MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2011. Currently, Jenny is an Application Chemist for the Life Science and Chemical Analysis team at Agilent Technologies, joining in 2012 (with a step away in 2019). Jenny is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at University of California, Davis since 2013. Jenny has been very active with AOAC and ASTM over the past 8 years, serving on expert review panels, chairing committees, and volunteering to develop new methods needed by the industry.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jenny has extensive experience in operating and method development for Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Jenny has broad knowledge and experience in different speciation analysis for many sample matrices using GC-ICPMS, LC-ICPMS. As well as vast experience with sp-ICP-MS, for many applications.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Identifying the Geographical Origin of Rice Using Elemental Profiling and Multi-Modeling Approach

Identifying the Geographical Origin of Rice Using Elemental Profiling and Multi-Modeling Approach

The methodology described in this study has the potential to characterize the geographical origin of rice, and other high value foodstuffs.

Identifying the Geographical Origin of Rice

The food and beverage industries have been threatened by fraudulent activities, including counterfeiting, substitution, adulteration, and mislabeling.
Most of this fraud is committed to gain an economic advantage. Elemental profiling using ICP-MS has been proposed as an approach for geographic authentication of various foods and beverages. Using these approaches, we have demonstrated that the elemental profiles of a variety of foods across a range of geographic scales, i.e., across different countries and different regions within a country or state, can be differentiated. This workshop will explain how to use elemental profiles obtained using an ICP-MS coupled with statically software Mass Profiler Professional (MPP) to determine if the variance between samples is adequate to distinguish growing origin.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jenny Nelson, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jenny Nelson received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati in 2007, and her MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2011. Currently, Jenny is an Application Chemist for the Life Science and Chemical Analysis team at Agilent Technologies, joining in 2012 (with a step away in 2019). Jenny is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at University of California, Davis since 2013. Jenny has been very active with AOAC and ASTM over the past 8 years, serving on expert review panels, chairing committees, and volunteering to develop new methods needed by the industry.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Uses of profiling trace metals in food with ICP-MS and Mass Profiler Professional (MPP)

Uses of profiling trace metals in food with ICP-MS and Mass Profiler Professional (MPP)

How to use elemental profiles obtained using an ICP-MS coupled with statically software Mass Profiler Professional (MPP).