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The purpose of this study is to examine the incidence, location, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) and spinal subdural hematoma (SSH) in post-traumatic ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. A total of 2256 consecutive referrals for urgent and emergency MRI scans of the spine over a period of eight years and nine months were manually reviewed for any mentions indicating axial ankylosis and post-traumatic spinal hematoma. We found 164 patients with ankylosed spines complicated by spinal fracture, of whom 32 had AS. Of the 132 excluded patients, 80 had diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). The primary outcome was the presence of spinal hematoma, and the secondary outcome was spinal canal narrowing and spinal cord impingement. Two musculoskeletal radiologists and one fellow in musculoskeletal radiology reviewed the images for the presence of spinal hematoma and related signal characteristics, blinded to one another and initial reports. Of 28 post-traumatic AS patients, 19 had SEHs and five had spinal SSHs. There was a statistically significant difference between Frankel grades before and after surgery in respect of neurological improvement (p = 0.008). Patients who had radiologically proven spinal cord impingement showed more severe neurological deficits (p = 0.012). Hematomas with T1 heterogeneity showed a significantly increased delay (p = 0.047) between injury and imaging, while other signal characteristics were only approximate. Both SEH and SSH are common complications in post-traumatic AS patients. Patients benefit from surgery, but the relevance of spinal hematoma as a separate factor causing neurological deficit remains unclear.

Proftest SYKE carried out the proficiency test (PT) in cooperation with the Finnish Radiation and Nu-clear Safety Authority (STUK) for laboratories conducting radon measurements in ground water in May 2021. In total, 25 participants took part in the PT and three of them provided two sets of results. Two ground water samples were provided, of which one contained lower (GRn1; < 1000 Bq/l) and the other contained higher radon concentration (GRn2; 1000-8000 Bq/l). The median of the participant results was used as the assigned value for radon concentration. The evaluation of the results was based on z scores. In total 88 % of the results were satisfactory when total deviations of 20 % from the assigned value was accepted. Warm thanks to all the participants of this proficiency test!

Proftest SYKE järjesti maalis-huhtikuussa 2021 pätevyyskokeen jätevesiä analysoiville laboratorioille. Pätevyyskokeessa määritettiin BOD7, CODCr, CODMn, Ca, K, Mg, Na, kiintoaine (SS) ja TOC synteettisestä näytteestä ja jätevesistä. Lisäksi testattiin BOD7-, CODMn- ja kiintoainemääritykset luonnonvedestä. Pätevyyskokeeseen osallistui yhteensä 53 laboratoriota. Testisuureiden vertailuarvoina käytettiin joko laskennallista pitoisuutta tai osallistujien tulosten robustia keskiarvoa, keskiarvoa tai mediaania. Osallistujien pätevyyden arviointi tehtiin z-arvojen avulla. Koko tulosaineistossa oli 91 % hyväksyttäviä tuloksia, kun tulosten sallittiin vaihdella 10–25 % vertailuarvosta. Kiitos pätevyyskokeen osallistujille!

Proftest SYKE carried out the proficiency test (PT) for analysis of metals in natural and drinking waters in April-May 2021. The measurands for synthetic sample and drinking as well as natural water samples were: Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Ti, V, and Zn. In total, there were 15 participants in the PT. Either metrologically traceable concentration, the calculated concentration or the mean or the median of the results reported by the participants was used as the assigned value for the measurands. The overall performance of the participants was evaluated by using z and En scores. In this PT 90 % of the results were satisfactory when total deviation of 10–20 % for the measurands was accepted from the assigned value. The titanium results of the drinking water sample D2M were evaluated by using En scores and 80 % of those were satisfactory. Warm thanks to all participants in this proficiency test!

Proftest SYKE järjesti syyskuussa 2021 pätevyyskokeen talous- ja raakavesimäärityksiä tekeville laboratorioille. Pätevyyskokeessa oli 39 osallistujaa. Testisuureen vertailuarvona käytettiin teoreettista (laskennallista) pitoisuutta tai osallistujien tulosten robustia keskiarvoa tai keskiarvoa. Osallistujien pätevyyden arviointi tehtiin z-arvojen avulla. Tulosaineistossa oli 89 % hyväksyttäviä tuloksia, kun vertailuarvosta sallittiin pH-määrityksissä 0,2 pH-yksikön ja muissa määrityksissä 5–40 %:n poikkeama. Menetelmävertailuissa todettiin tilastollisesti merkitseviä eroja alkaliniteetin, nitriitin ja pH:n eri määritysmenetelmien välillä. Kiitos pätevyyskokeen osallistujille!

Proftest SYKE carried out the interlaboratory comparison in cooperation with Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) for VOC thermodesorption measurements (ISO 16000-6) from native indoor air samples in Tenax TA thermodesorption tubes in September-October 2020 (IAVOC 11/2020). Further, the measurements of alpha-pinene, 1-butanol, 2-butoxyethanol, decane, ethylbenzene, 2EH (2-ethyl-1-hexanol), naphthalene, styrene, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, and TXIB (2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate were tested from the synthetic sample. In total eight participants took part in the comparison. In total 71 % of the results reported by the participants were satisfactory when deviation of 15–35 % from the assigned value was accepted. The calculated values were used as the assigned values for the results of the synthetic sample reported as compound specific responses. For the other measurands and samples the mean of the results of the homogeneity measurements and the test results of the expert laboratory was used as the assigned value. The performance evaluation was based on the z scores. Warm thanks to all the participants in this interlaboratory comparison!

Proftest SYKE carried out the proficiency test (PT) for analysis of chlorine, KMnO4, NO3, pH, turbidity, and urea in swimming pool waters in January-February 2021. In total, there were 26 participants in the PT. Either the calculated concentration or the robust mean, the mean or the median of the reported results was used as the assigned values for the measurands. The overall performance of the participants was evaluated by using z scores and 89 % of the results were satisfactory when deviation of 0.2 pH units for pH values and 10–25 % for the other measurands was accepted from the assigned value. The urea results measured with the Koroleff’s method were evaluated by using En scores and 83 % of the results were satisfactory. Warm thanks to all participants in this proficiency test!

Proftest SYKE carried out the proficiency test (PT) for determination of volatile organic compounds from water and soil in November 2020. The provided samples in this PT included synthetic, surface water as well as soil samples. In total, there were 10 participants in the PT. Either the calculated concentration or the median of the reported results was used as the assigned value for the measurands. The performance of the participants was evaluated by using z and En scores. In this PT 82 % of the results evaluated with z scores were satisfactory when deviation of 15–35 % from the assigned value was accepted. Further, 80 % of the results evaluated with En scores were satisfactory. Warm thanks to all the participants in this proficiency test!

Terveyden- ja hyvinvoinnin laitoksen (THL) Ympäristömikrobiologian yksikkö järjesti yhteistyössä Proftest SYKE pätevyyskoetoiminnan kanssa pätevyyskokeen asumisterveystutkimuksia tekeville laboratorioille tammikuussa 2021. Pätevyyskokeeseen osallistui yhteensä 15 laboratoriota. Pätevyyskokeessa oli rakennusmateriaali- ja suspensionäytteet laimennossarjaviljelyyn sekä kasvatusalustanäytteet puhdaskantojen tunnistukseen. Kierroksella myös tulkittiin rakennusmateriaalinäytteiden suoramikroskopointivalokuvia sekä rakennusmateriaalin suoraviljelynäyte. Ensimmäistä kertaa mukana oli rakennusmateriaalinäytteitä mikrobikasvuston osoittamiseen qPCR-menetelmällä. Laimennossarjaviljelytulokset arvioitiin z-arvoilla ja hyväksyttäviä tuloksia oli 95 %, kun vertailuarvosta sallittiin 5–20 %:n poikkeama. qPCR-tulokset arvioitiin D%-arvoilla. Tunnistuskantanäytteistä kaikki osallistujat saivat hyväksytyn tuloksen tunnistamalla vähintään 2/3 kannasta vaaditulle tunnistustasolle. Kiitos pätevyyskokeen osallistujille!

The development of soft electronics is critical to the realization of artificial intelligence that comes into direct contact with humans, such as wearable devices, and robotics. Furthermore, rapid prototyping and inexpensive processes are essential for the development of these applications. We demonstrate here an additive, low-cost method for fabricating polydimethylsiloxane based soft electronics by inkjet printing. Herein, a novel approach using a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol layer as the substrate, inexpensive, fully digital fabrication of capacitive pressure sensors is enabled by sandwiching mesh-like conductive layers and microstructured dielectric in a straightforward, convenient manner. These sensors exhibit improved sensitivity (4 MPa-1) at low pressures (< 1 kPa) in contrast to sensors with a flat elastomer dielectric and can still detect large pressures around 50 kPa, having excellent long-term repeatability over 2000 cycles, without significant hysteresis (≤ 8.5 %). The tactile sensing ability of the fabricated devices was demonstrated in a practical application. Moreover, sensor characteristics are easily adjustable, simply by changing printing parameters or tuning the ink solution. The proposed approach provides scalable solution for fabricating high-sensitivity printed sensors for e-skin and human-machine interfaces. publishedVersion

Proftest SYKE järjesti marras-joulukuussa 2020 pätevyyskokeen jätevesiä analysoiville laboratorioille. Pätevyyskokeessa määritettiin alkaliniteetti, ravinteet (NNH4, NNO2+NO3, Ntot, PPO4, Ptot), pH, sähkönjohtavuus ja väri synteettisestä näytteestä ja viemärilaitoksen sekä massa- ja paperiteollisuuden jätevedestä. Pätevyyskokeeseen osallistui yhteensä 53 laboratoriota. Testisuureen vertailuarvona käytettiin laskennallista pitoisuutta tai osallistujien tulosten robustia keskiarvoa, keskiarvoa tai mediaania. Osallistujien pätevyyden arviointi tehtiin z-arvojen ja osittain myös En-arvojen avulla. Koko tulosaineistossa oli z-arvoilla arvioituna 90 % hyväksyttäviä tuloksia, kun vertailuarvosta sallittiin pH-määrityksissä 0,2 pH-yksikön ja muissa määrityksissä 5–20 %:n poikkeama. Massa- ja paperiteollisuuden jätevesinäytteen spektrofotometrisesti määritetyt väritulokset (VäriSpectrophotometric) arvioitiin käyttäen En-arvoja ja näistä 100 % oli hyväksyttäviä. Kiitos pätevyyskokeen osallistujille!

Proftest SYKE järjesti yhteistyössä Työterveyslaitoksen (TTL) kanssa syksyllä 2020 kansallisen vertailumittauksen toimijoille, jotka tekevät materiaalinäytteiden asbestimäärityksiä. Vertailumittauksen osallistujille toimitettiin neljä rakennusmateriaalinäytettä, joista analysoitiin asbestin läsnäolo tai puuttuminen sekä tunnistetut asbestisilikaattimineraalit. Vertailumittaukseen osallistui yhteensä 14 toimijaa. Osallistujatulosten arviointi perustui testinäytteiden raportoituihin tuloksiin ja osallistujatuloksia verrattiin asiantuntijalaboratoriossa tehtyihin asbestianalyyseihin. Hyväksyttäviä asbesti-määritystuloksia oli tulosaineistossa 100 % ja hyväksyttäviä asbestitunnistustuloksia 99,9 %. Kiitos vertailumittauksen osallistujille! Tässä raportissa julkaistaan kooste keväällä 2020 toteutetusta asbestianalytiikkaa koskeneesta kyselystä. Kyselyssä kerättiin tietoa kotimaisten toimijoiden käytännöistä asbestimääritysten rutiini-analytiikassa sekä toimijoiden näkemyksiä asbestianalytiikan kehittämis- ja yhtenäistämistarpeista sekä kansallisesta vertailumittauksesta.

Proftest SYKE carried out the proficiency test (PT) for analysis of chlorophyll a, colour, conductivity, nutrients, pH and turbidity in natural waters in February-March 2021. In total, there were 34 participants in the PT. Either the calculated concentration or the robust mean, the mean or the median of the reported results was used as the assigned values for the measurands. The overall performance of the participants was evaluated by using z scores. In this PT 90 % of the results were satisfactory when total deviation of 0.2 pH units for pH values and 5–35 % for the other measurands was accepted from the assigned value. Warm thanks to all participants in this proficiency test!

Proftest SYKE carried out the proficiency test (PT) in cooperation with the KVVY Tutkimus Oy for the laboratories conducting leaching tests for solid waste samples in spring 2021. The results of the up-flow percolation test (EN 14405:2017) for samples of bottom ash from biofuel combustion were compared and evaluated. In total, there were 7 participants in the PT. For all the measurands which were evaluated, the median or the mean of the reported results was used as the assigned value. The overall performance of the participants was evaluated by using En scores and 72 % of the evaluated results were satisfactory. The participant results were also evaluated by means of D% scores and 51 % of those were ≤ |25 %|. The pH results were evaluated by means of z scores and 82 % of results were satisfactory. Warm thanks to all participants in this proficiency test!

Proftest SYKE järjesti syyskuussa 2020 pätevyyskokeen talous- ja raakavesimäärityksiä tekeville laboratorioille. Pätevyyskokeessa oli 37 osallistujaa. Testisuureen vertailuarvona käytettiin teoreettista (laskennallista) pitoisuutta tai osallistujien tulosten robustia keskiarvoa. Osallistujien pätevyyden arviointi tehtiin z-arvojen avulla. Tulosaineistossa oli 91 % hyväksyttäviä tuloksia, kun vertailuarvosta sallittiin pH-määrityksissä 0,2 pH-yksikön ja muissa määrityksissä 5–20 %:n poikkeama. Menetelmävertailuissa todettiin tilastollisesti merkitseviä eroja raudan ja nitriitin eri määritysmenetelmien välillä. Kiitos pätevyyskokeen osallistujille!

Proftest SYKE carried out the proficiency test (PT) for analysis of metals and mercury in waste waters and sludge in October-November 2020. In total, there were 24 participants in the PT. The measurands for the synthetic sample, industrial and municipal waste water samples as well as sludge sample were Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Ti, U, V and Zn. Also, dry weight (Drw), N and P were analysed for the sludge sample. In total, 91 % of the results evaluated with z scores were satisfactory when total deviation of 10–30 % from the assigned value was accepted. Of the results evaluated with En scores, 88 % were satisfactory. Basically, either the metrologically traceable concentration, the calculated concentration, the robust mean, the mean or the median of the results reported by the participants was used as the assigned value for measurands. Warm thanks to all the participants in this proficiency test!

The purpose of this study is to examine the incidence, location, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) and spinal subdural hematoma (SSH) in post-traumatic ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.A total of 2256 consecutive referrals for urgent and emergency MRI scans of the spine over a period of eight years and nine months were manually reviewed for any mentions indicating axial ankylosis and post-traumatic spinal hematoma. We found 164 patients with ankylosed spines complicated by spinal fracture, of whom 32 had AS. Of the 132 excluded patients, 80 had diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). The primary outcome was the presence of spinal hematoma, and the secondary outcome was spinal canal narrowing and spinal cord impingement. Two musculoskeletal radiologists and one fellow in musculoskeletal radiology reviewed the images for the presence of spinal hematoma and related signal characteristics, blinded to one another and initial reports.Of 28 post-traumatic AS patients, 19 had SEHs and five had spinal SSHs. There was a statistically significant difference between Frankel grades before and after surgery in respect of neurological improvement (p = 0.008). Patients who had radiologically proven spinal cord impingement showed more severe neurological deficits (p = 0.012). Hematomas with T1 heterogeneity showed a significantly increased delay (p = 0.047) between injury and imaging, while other signal characteristics were only approximate.Both SEH and SSH are common complications in post-traumatic AS patients. Patients benefit from surgery, but the relevance of spinal hematoma as a separate factor causing neurological deficit remains unclear.

BackgroundThere is substantial interest in blood biomarkers as fast and objective diagnostic tools for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the acute setting.MethodsAdult patients (≥18) with TBI of any severity and indications for CT scanning and orthopaedic injury controls were prospectively recruited during 2011–2013 at Turku University Hospital, Finland. The severity of TBI was classified with GCS: GCS 13–15 was classified as mild (mTBI); GCS 9–12 as moderate (moTBI) and GCS 3–8 as severe (sTBI). Serum samples were collected within 24 hours of admission and biomarker levels analysed with high-performance kits. The ability of biomarkers to distinguish between severity of TBI and CT-positive and CT-negative patients was assessed.ResultsAmong 189 patients recruited, neurofilament light (NF-L) was obtained from 175 patients with TBI and 40 controls. S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), heart fatty-acid binding protein (H-FABP) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were analysed for 184 patients with TBI and 39 controls. There were statistically significant differences between levels of all biomarkers between the severity classes, but none of the biomarkers distinguished patients with moTBI from patients with sTBI. Patients with mTBI discharged from the ED had lower levels of IL-10 (0.26, IQR=0.21, 0.39 pg/mL), H-FABP (4.15, IQR=2.72, 5.83 ng/mL) and NF-L (8.6, IQR=6.35, 15.98 pg/mL) compared with those admitted to the neurosurgical ward, IL-10 (0.55, IQR=0.31, 1.42 pg/mL), H-FABP (6.022, IQR=4.19, 20.72 ng/mL) and NF-L (13.95, IQR=8.33, 19.93 pg/mL). We observed higher levels of H-FABP and NF-L in older patients with mTBI. None of the biomarkers or their combinations was able to distinguish CT-positive (n=36) or CT-negative (n=58) patients with mTBI from controls.ConclusionsS100B, H-FABP, NF-L and IL-10 levels in patients with mTBI were significantly lower than in patients with moTBI and sTBI but alone or in combination, were unable to distinguish patients with mTBI from orthopaedic controls. This suggests these biomarkers cannot be used alone to diagnose mTBI in trauma patients in the acute setting.

Proftest SYKE järjesti maaliskuussa 2020 pätevyyskokeen jätevesiä analysoiville laboratorioille. Pätevyyskokeessa määritettiin BOD7, CODCr, CODMn, kiintoaine, Na ja TOC synteettisestä näytteestä ja viemärilaitoksen sekä massa- ja paperiteollisuuden jätevesistä. BOD7 ja CODMn määritettiin myös luonnonvedestä. Pätevyyskokeeseen osallistui yhteensä 58 laboratoriota. Testisuureen vertailuarvona käytettiin teoreettista (laskennallista) pitoisuutta tai osallistujien tulosten robustia keskiarvoa. Osallistujien pätevyyden arviointi tehtiin z-arvojen avulla. Koko tulosaineistossa oli 91 % hyväksyttäviä tuloksia, kun vertailuarvosta sallittiin 10–30 %:n poikkeama.

In this study, activity, selectivity and stability of vanadium catalysts supported on zirconia, hafnia, and alumina were examined in the oxidation of methanethiol and methanol to formaldehyde. The 3 wt-% vanadia–alumina catalyst with low VOx surface density showed the highest activity in the formaldehyde production. However, during the stability test, this catalyst deactivated due to the change in the oxidation state of vanadium from V5+ to V4+, decrease the amount of surface vanadium species and the formation of sulphates on the material surface. Zirconia and hafnia supported catalysts with high VOx surface density demonstrated better stability in the reaction conditions, but their activity in the formaldehyde production was lower. One reason for the lower activity might be the formation of metal-mixed oxide phases between vanadia and the support, which could also explain the decreased sulphur deposition on zirconia and hafnia after vanadium impregnation.

Proftest SYKE carried out the proficiency test (PT) for analysis of elements in waste waters in October-November 2019 (MET 11/19). The measurands for the synthetic and waste water samples were: Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn. In total 23 laboratories participated in the PT. In total, 89 % of the results evaluated with z scores were satisfactory when total deviation of 10–25 % from the assigned value was accepted. Of the results evaluated with En scores, 91 % were satisfactory. Basically, either the metrologically traceable concentration, the calculated concentration, the robust mean, the mean or the median of the results reported by the participants was used as the assigned value for measurands. Warm thanks to all the participants in this proficiency test

Proftest SYKE carried out the proficiency test in cooperation with KVVY Tutkimus Oy for the laboratories conducting leaching tests for solid waste material in May-June 2020. The results of the two stage batch leaching test (EN 12457-3) for samples of treated slag from waste combustion were compared and evaluated. The tested measurands were metals (As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, V, Zn), Cl-, F-, SO42-, DOC, pH, conductivity, and TDS. In total, 13 participants joined in the proficiency test. In this proficiency test either the robust mean or the median of the results reported by the participants was used as the assigned value. The results were evaluated both with z and En scores. When deviation of 10–35 % or 0.3-0.4 pH units was accepted from the assigned value, 85 % of the results evaluated with z scores were satisfactory. Of the results evaluated with En scores, 80 % were satisfactory. Warm thanks to all the participants of this proficiency test!

Proftest SYKE carried out the proficiency test (PT) for analysis of elements in natural waters in April–May 2020. The measurands for the synthetic, ground water and lake water samples were: Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Ti, U, V, and Zn. In total 16 participants joined in the PT. In this proficiency test 88 % of the results were satisfactory when deviation of 10–30 % from the assigned value was accepted. Basically, either the metrologically traceable concentration, the calculated concentration or the robust mean, the mean or the median of the results reported by the participants was used as the assigned value for the measurands. The evaluation of the performance of the participants was carried out using z scores. Warm thanks to all the participants in this proficiency test!

Proftest SYKE järjesti marraskuussa 2019 pätevyyskokeen jätevesiä analysoiville laboratorioille. Pätevyyskokeessa määritettiin ravinteet, kloridi, pH, sulfaatti, sähkönjohtavuus ja väri synteettisestä näytteestä ja viemärilaitoksen sekä massa- ja paperiteollisuuden jätevesistä. Pätevyyskokeeseen osallistui yhteensä 59 laboratoriota. Testisuureen vertailuarvona käytettiin laskennallista pitoisuutta tai osallistujien tulosten robustia keskiarvoa tai niiden mediaania. Osallistujien pätevyyden arviointi tehtiin z- ja osittain En-arvojen avulla. Koko tulosaineistossa oli z-arvoilla arvioituna 88 % hyväksyttäviä tuloksia, kun vertailu-arvosta sallittiin pH-määrityksissä 0,2 pH-yksikön ja muissa määrityksissä 5–20 %:n poikkeama. Tuloksista, jotka arvioitiin En-arvoilla, hyväksyttäviä oli 79 %. Kiitos pätevyyskokeen osallistujille!

Proftest SYKE carried out proficiency test (PT) for analysis of alkalinity, conductivity, nutrients and pH in natural waters in February 2020. In total, there were 31 participants in the PT. Either the calculated concentration or the robust mean or the median of the reported results was used as the assigned value for the measurands. The overall performance of the participants was evaluated by using z scores. In this proficiency test 89 % of the results evaluated with z scores were satisfactory when total deviation of 0.2 pH units for pH values and 5–25 % for the other determinations was accepted from the assigned value. Warm thanks to all the participants in this proficiency test!

Proftest SYKE carried out the proficiency test for the determination of chlorophyll a, oxygen, salinity, SiO2, TIC, and TOC in natural waters in May 2020 (NW 06/2020). In total, 27 participants joined in the proficiency test. Either the calculated concentration or the robust mean, the mean or the median of the results reported by the participants was chosen to be the assigned value for the measurands. For the synthetic sample of salinity the mean of the results measured by the salinometry was used as the assigned value. The performance of the participants was evaluated by using z scores. In this proficiency test 85 % of the results were satisfactory, when deviation 3.5–30 % from the assigned value was accepted. Warm thanks to all the participants in this proficiency test!

Proftest SYKE carried out the interlaboratory comparison in cooperation with Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) for VOC thermodesorption measurements (ISO 16000-6) from native indoor air samples in Tenax TA thermodesorption tubes in October 2019 (IAVOC 10/2019). Further, the measurements of alpha-pinene, 1-butanol, 2-butoxyethanol, 2EH (2-ethyl-1-hexanol), naphthalene, styrene, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, and TXIB (2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate) were tested from the synthetic sample. In total ten participants took part in the comparison. In total 77 % of the results reported by the participants were satisfactory when deviation of 20–40 % from the assigned value was accepted. The calculated values were used as the assigned values for the results of the synthetic sample reported as compound specific responses. For the other measurands and samples mainly the mean of the results of the homogeneity measurements and the test results of the expert laboratory was used as the assigned value. The performance evaluation was based on the z scores. Warm thanks to all the participants in this interlaboratory comparison!

Proftest SYKE organized in cooperation with Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) an interlaboratory comparison (ILC) for the analysis of PAH compounds of the indoor air collected into XAD adsorbent tubes (Orbo 43) in March 2020 (IAPAH 18/2020). The measurements of anthracene, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, fluoranthene, fluorene, 1-metylnaphthalene, 2-metylnaphthalene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene were tested from the synthetic sample. In total five participants took part in the comparison. The calculated values were used as the assigned values for the results of the synthetic samples. The performance evaluation was based on the z scores. In total 68 % of the results reported by the participants were satisfactory when deviation of 20–30 % from the assigned value was accepted.

Proftest SYKE järjesti yhteistyössä Työterveyslaitoksen (TTL) kanssa syksyllä 2019 kansallisen vertailumittauksen toimijoille, jotka tekevät materiaalinäytteiden asbestimäärityksiä (ABS 08/2019). Vertailumittauksen osallistujille toimitettiin neljä rakennusmateriaalinäytettä, joista analysoitiin asbestin läsnäolo tai puuttuminen sekä tunnistetut asbestisilikaattimineraalit. Vertailumittaukseen osallistui yhteensä 18 toimijaa. Osallistujatulosten arviointi perustui testinäytteiden raportoituihin tuloksiin ja osallistujatuloksia verrattiin asiantuntijalaboratoriossa tehtyihin asbestianalyyseihin. Hyväksyttäviä asbestimääritystuloksia oli tulosaineistossa 94 % ja hyväksyttäviä asbestitunnistustuloksia oli tulosaineistossa 100 %. Kiitos vertailumittauksen osallistujille!

Proftest SYKE carried out the proficiency test for the determination of chlorine, KMnO4, NO3, pH, turbidity, and urea in swimming pool waters in January-February 2020 (SPW 01/2020). In total, 26 participants joined in the proficiency test. In this proficiency test 88 % of the results evaluated with z scores were satisfactory when deviation of 0.2 pH units for pH determination and 10–25 % for the other determinations was accepted from the assigned value. The calculated value or the robust mean or the median of the results reported by the participants was chosen as the assigned value for the concentration of measurands. Warm thanks to all the participants in this proficiency test!

Proftest SYKE arranged the proficiency test (PT) for the measurements of the gross and net calorific value, the content of ash, carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, moisture, sulphur, and volatile matter in peat, wood pellet (not sulphur) and coal samples in September 2020. In total, there were 31 participants in the PT. The participants could also estimate the emission factor for the peat and coal samples. The robust mean or the median of the results reported by the participants was used as the assigned value for measurements. The performance evaluation was based on the z scores. In total, 89 % of the reported results were satisfactory, when the deviation of 1–30 % from the assigned value was accepted. For the gross calorific value measurements 79 % of the peat sample results, 80 % of the wood pellet sample results, and 90 % of the coal sample results were satisfactory. For the net calorific value measurements 83 % of the peat sample results, 76 % of the wood pellet results, and 82 % of the coal sample results were satisfactory. The performance evaluation was not done for the measurements of Mad in all samples, Nd in the wood pellet sample, and emission factor in peat sample.

Bioinspired, highly flexible, fast, and biodegradable heaters are fabricated based on Ag nanowires and leaf skeletons of different plant species. The leaf skeletons act as transparent substrates with a high surface-area-to-volume ratio and allow a uniform dispersion of the Ag nanowires through the surface. Ag nanowires adhered to the leaf skeletons display very good transmittance (up to ≈87%) and mechanical (flexibility) properties (curvature values >800 m−1) without any post-treatment. The flexible leaf skeleton-based heaters reach high temperatures very quickly, with very low voltages (