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Abstract: The use of radiocarbon in forensics is by now widespread, thanks to the so-called bomb peak, which makes it possible to perform high-precision dating. Since 1955, 14C concentration in the atmosphere had strongly increased due to nuclear explosions, reaching its maximum value in 1963–1965. After the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, 14C started to decrease as a consequence of the exchanges between atmosphere and the other natural carbon reservoirs. Nowadays, it is still slightly above the pre-bomb value. The work presented in this paper is based on the idea of exploiting the bomb peak to “precisely” date works of contemporary art, with the aim at identifying possible fakes. We analysed two kinds of materials from the 20th century: newspapers and painting canvases. Newspaper samples were taken because they might in principle be considered to represent dated samples (considering the date on the issues). Our data (28 samples) show a trend similar to atmospheric data in the literature, although with some differences; the paper peak is flatter and shifted towards more recent years (about five years) with respect to the atmospheric data. This can be explained by taking paper manufacturing processes into account. As to the canvas samples, the measured 14C concentrations were generally reasonably consistent with the expected concentrations (based on the year on the paintings). However, this does not indicate that the interpretation of the results is simpler and more straightforward. Obviously, we only measure the 14C concentration of the fibre used for the canvas, which does not necessarily measure the date the painting was manufactured. In this paper, sample preparation and experimental results will be discussed, in order to show the potential as well as the limitations of radiocarbon to date contemporary art. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This manuscript focuses on two areas: the review of the history and growth of the QC/sensory evaluation field, and the discussion of the new developments and the future opportunities of this field. This discussion applies to programs worldwide, for companies with established and sound programs, and for companies with either no program or one needing improvement. From this author''s point of view, the areas or growth and opportunities include: (1) awareness of the importance of and support for QC/sensory programs within an organization, (2) increased involvement of sensory scientists in in-plant QC/sensory programs, (3) establishment of new or improved QC/sensory training programs, (4) establishment of improved sensory specifications (in techniques and the integration of consumer/management input), (5) Quality Control/sensory evaluations focused on ingredients and in-process products, (6) understanding and use of the diverse applications of product variability studies, (7) use of new or improved sensory methods, (8) collaboration between R&D and QC functions to produce high and consistent quality, (9) continued use of instrumental measures: their establishment and validation, (10) assuring minimal requirements for QC/sensory programs, (11) global Quality Control, (12) development of QC/sensory programs in the personal care, pharmaceutical, household and paper industries, (13) use of multivariate QC/sensory data analyses and control charts, (14) Internet applications in the QC/sensory field, (15) the ultimate goal: a more effective approach to deliver consistent quality products [Copyright &y& Elsevier]