Explore the vast range of titles available.

The development of the international standards for life cycle assessment (ISO 14040:1997, ISO 14041:1999, ISO 14042:2000, ISO 14043:2000) was an important step to consolidate procedures and methods of LCA. Their contribution to the general acceptance of LCA by all stakeholders and by the international community was crucial. Currently, the process of the revision of this first generation of LCA standards is close to completion. The paper explains the outline as well as formal and technical changes of the coming new international standards of LCA, i.e. the new ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. The paper refers to life cycle assessment based on the international standards for LCA (ISO 14040:1997, ISO 14041:1999, ISO 14042:2000, ISO 14043:2000). The content relates to the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) versions of the new ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. With the publication of the two new standards, ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, the existing four standards ISO 14040:1997, ISO 14041:1999, ISO 14042:2000 and ISO 14043:2000 are technically revised, cancelled and replaced. According to the scope of the revision, the core part of the technical contents remains unchanged. Improved readability and the removal of errors and inconsistencies was the focus of the revision. However, despite the fact that the main technical content was confirmed to be still valid, some relevant formal and technical changes were made. On the technical side these include e.g. the addition of principles for LCA, the addition of an annex about applications, the addition of several definitions (e.g. product, process, etc.), clarifications concerning LCA intended to be used in comparative assertions intended to be disclosed to the public, clarifications concerning the critical review panel, clarifications concerning system boundary, etc. On the formal side, changes include the reduced number of standards, a reduced number of annexes, a reduced number of pages that contain requirements, alignment of definitions and clarification of compliance with the standards. The two new standards, ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, reconfirm the validity of the main technical content of the previous standards. Errors and inconsistencies were removed and the readability was improved. The added technical content is in line with the previous requirements and serves mainly as a clarification of the technical content. The unanimous vote on the Draft International Standard versions proved that this was achieved on the basis of the broadest possible international consensus. Currently the national member bodies undertake the final voting on the FDIS-versions of the standards. Based on the voting results at the previous stages of the documents, a positive result is expected. The publication of the new international standards for life cycle assessment (ISO 14040 and ISO 14044) is expected around mid-2006. For the sake of the international and stakeholder acceptance of LCA, it is recommended that the new standards serve as core reference documents for the users and practitioners of LCA.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

CNNM2 is associated with the regulation of serum Mg concentration, and when mutated, with severe familial hypomagnesemia. The function and cellular localization of CNNM2 and its isomorphs (Iso) remain controversial. The objective of this work was to examine the following: (1) the transcription-responsiveness of CNNM2 to Mg starvation, (2) the cellular localization of Iso1 and Iso2, (3) the ability of Iso1 and Iso2 to transport Mg super(2+), and (4) the complex-forming ability and spectra of potential interactors of Iso1 and Iso2. The five main findings are as follows. (1) Mg-starvation induces CNNM2 overexpression that is markedly higher in JVM-13 cells (lymphoblasts) compared with Jurkat cells (T-lymphocytes). (2) Iso1 and Iso2 localize throughout various subcellular compartments in transgenic HEK293 cells overexpressing Iso1 or Iso2. (3) Iso1 and Iso2 do not transport Mg super(2+) in an electrogenic or electroneutral mode in transgenic HEK293 cells overexpressing Iso1 or Iso2. (4) Both Iso1 and Iso2 form complexes of a higher molecular order. (5) The spectrum of potential interactors of Iso1 is ten times smaller than that of Iso2. We conclude that sensitivity of CNNM2 expression to extracellular Mg super(2+) depletion depends on cell type. Iso1 and Iso2 exhibit a dispersed pattern of cellular distribution; thus, they are not exclusively integral to the cytoplasmic membrane. Iso1 and Iso2 are not Mg super(2+) transporters per se. Both isomorphs form protein complexes, and divergent spectra of potential interactors of Iso1 and Iso2 indicate that each isomorph has a distinctive function. CNNM2 is therefore the first ever identified Mg super(2+) homeostatic factor without being a Mg super(2+) transporter per se.

IntroductionLactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein secreted in milk with anti-oxydant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. The aim of this work was to assess the neuroprotective effect of Lf in P3 rat pup brain exposed to Lypopolysaccharide (LPS) using high-field (9.4 T) 1H-MR Spectroscopy.Materials and methodsAt birth, dams received either a Lf-enriched food (1 g/kg/day) or a diet isocaloric (iso) to the Lf during lactation. Rat pups received Lf through breastfeeding. P3 pups were then divided in 4 groups: sham-iso, LPS-iso, sham-Lf and LPS-Lf (n = 10/group). P3 pups from LPS groups were injected in the subcortical white matter with 0.5 mu L saline containing LPS (10 mu g) and the sham groups with vehicle. Metabolic profile was measured by 1H-MRS in the Hippocampus (Hp) and Striatum (St), 24 h (P4) and 21 days (P24) after LPS. A Mann-Whitney test was used to compare values between the different groups (significance: p < 0.05).ResultsAt 24h, no evidence for ventriculomegaly was observed. At P24 LPS-Iso and LPS-Lf presented significant ventriculomegaly, but ventricle volumes of the LPS-Lf rats (25 plus or minus 2 mm3) tended to be lower than the one of the LPS-Iso group (34 plus or minus 3 mm3) (mean plus or minus SEM) At 24 h, LPS groups (i.e. -Lf and -Iso) exhibited altered metabolism compared to sham groups involving modification of [Glc]-energy source, [Glu+Gln]-neurotransmission and [GPC+PCho]-components of cell membranes. In addition, LPS-Iso group presented also changes in [Mac]-tissue integrity marker, [GABA]-neurotransmitter, [NAA+NAAG]-neuronal marker and [PCr]/[Cr]-energy metabolism compared to sham groups. Interestingly LPS-Iso group presented also differences with the LPS-Lf group: [Mac], [PE]-cell membranes and [Cr+PCr]-energetic metabolism. At P24 the brain metabolism of LPS-exposed rats continued to be disturbed but in a lesser extent for LPS-Lf rats. Further MRI derived data (volumetry and diffusion MRI) are under investigation.Discussion and conclusionSupplemented in the food during the lactation, Lf appears to have a neuroprotective effect: this result could be of high interest for preterm's brain neuroprotection.

Nowadays, innovation and standardization are very important issues. The aim of this paper was to review the relationship between the components of the Summary Innovation Index (SII) according to the European Innovation Scoreboard and the features that determine the innovation level in 35 countries (taking into account the number of the following certificates: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 50001, ISO 22000, ISO 13485) in 2017. The innovation ranking was created for these countries, considering the fact of certification for compliance with the ISO requirements. In this paper, an attempt was made to determine whether countries with very low innovation activity (performance) are at the same time characterized by a very low level of saturation with globally recognized ISO certificates, which confirm the implementation, functioning and improvement of selected types of management systems. The conclusions from the study are as follows: 1) standardization can be seen as an innovation tool; 2) as the number of ISO 9001 certificates increases, the number of ISO 14001 certificates (per the population of 100,000 people) also increases; 3) as the number of ISO 13485 certificates increases, the value of the SII also becomes higher. The features are modelled at 70%; 4) the weakest relationship can be observed between the SII and the ISO 9001 certification; 5) Switzerland obtained the highest mean value set for the innovation index proposed in the study, suggesting that the country can be considered the innovation leader of 2017 from among the countries investigated. The last (35th) place in the ranking was occupied by Ukraine. Acknowledgement(s)The authors are thankful to The Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland for financial support to carry out this research.

PurposeAfter 15 years of research, this paper aims to present a review of the academic literature on the ISO/IEC 27001, the most renowned standard for information security and the third most widespread ISO certification. Emerging issues are reframed through the lenses of social systems thinking, deriving a theory-based research agenda to inspire interdisciplinary studies in the field.Design/methodology/approachThe study is structured as a systematic literature review.FindingsResearch themes and sub-themes are identified on five broad research foci: relation with other standards, motivations, issues in the implementation, possible outcomes and contextual factors.Originality/valueThe study presents a structured overview of the academic body of knowledge on ISO/IEC 27001, providing solid foundations for future research on the topic. A set of research opportunities is outlined, with the aim to inspire future interdisciplinary studies at the crossroad between information security and quality management. Managers interested in the implementation of the standard and policymakers can find an overview of academic knowledge useful to inform their decisions related to implementation and regulatory activities.

Purpose Carbon footprinting and life cycle assessment (LCA) are moving from average secondary data towards supply chain specific primary data, which can be modelled via different chain of custody (CoC) models. Contrary to common LCA practice, there is a push towards CoC models that enable a separation of physical and accounted products: the mass balance–credit method and the book and claim model. This article deepens the understanding of CoC modelling options in LCA and identifies corresponding challenges. Methods A three-step research procedure is defined. First, the five different CoC models, as described in ISO 22095, are illustrated with the example of a hypothetical organization that uses both inputs with specified characteristics, such as biogenic materials, and conventional inputs, such as fossil materials. Second, the fundamental LCA standards—ISO 14040/44—are analyzed for specifications that are relevant for CoC modelling. The five CoC models are then analyzed for their conformity with these specifications. Furthermore, standards, such as ISO 14067 and the GHG Protocol, as well as the carbon footprint guidelines from Catena-X, Pathfinder, and Together for Sustainability (TfS), are analyzed for relevant specifications. Finally, challenges and potential requirements for the use of CoC models in LCA are identified and elaborated. Results and discussion The mass balance–credit method and the book and claim model can be interpreted as not adhering to the LCA approach of describing physical systems, as specified in ISO 14040. Further, the mass balance–credit method leads to co-products, while not applying the allocation hierarchy of ISO 14044. However, the market-based method for electricity accounting, which resembles the book and claim model, is allowed and even required by some standards, such as the GHG Protocol and the ISO 14067. This may set a precedent for a more general separation of physical and accounted products. Main challenges for CoC modelling in LCA are the avoidance of double counting, the definition of consistent allocation rules, and the definition and enforcement of adequate requirements. The decision on which CoC models are to be allowed in LCA and the corresponding requirements depend on value choices. Thus, stakeholder processes are required for consensus finding. Conclusion While CoC modelling may gain relevance in LCA, it is important for the LCA community to be aware of potential challenges and work towards adequate solutions and requirements. Further research and specification are necessary to harmonize the standards for CoC modelling and LCA.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to determine the similarities and differences between the benefits derived from implementing the ISO 9001 and the ISO 14001 standards. Methodology/Approach: The paper reviews the literature using an electronic search in the ScienceDirect, ABI/Inform, Emerald databases to identify papers focusing on the adoption of the ISO 9001 and 14001 standards and the benefits derived from implementing them. Findings: The paper identifies 82 articles about ISO 9001 and 29 about ISO 14001. Although some differences can be observed between the benefits considered by ISO 9001 and 14001, there is a great degree of coincidence in the benefits studied. The review suggests 13 benefits as the most usually analyzed (including environmental performance for the case of the ISO 14001 standard) by scholars. It is suggested that both standards have clear benefits on operational, people and customer results and that the effects on financial performance are inconclusive. Limitations/implications: One limitation of this paper is that the works identified are conditioned by the search strategy used. In addition, other key words could be included in future studies such as operational, market, quality, financial performance, and customer satisfaction in order to expand this search. Originality/Value: The main contribution is that the paper identifies the literature gap and future research proposals with regard to the benefits of the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.

Abstract In 2020 the ANSI/AAMI/ISO published Amendment 1 to the 81060–2 Standard. The purpose was to try to address issues relating to the distribution of subjects with respect to limb size ranges. It also required a new plot showing the limb circumferences on the x‐axis and the device minus reference errors on the y‐axis (Alpert plot). The study reported here showed inadequacies of the Amendment if significantly overlapping cuffs were to be tested. The innovative approach led to the testing of 135 subjects. Requirements for blood pressure (BP), arm circumference, and gender were fulfilled. The standard same arm sequential protocol was used. Criterion 1 calculations gave a mean ± standard deviation (SD) device minus manual BP values of 0.22 ± 7.90 mmHg for systolic BP and ‐0.68 ± 7.36 mmHg for diastolic BP. The maximum allowed mean value for either measurement is 5.0 mmHg. The SD values for Criterion 2 were 6.03 mmHg for systolic BP (maximum allowed 6.95) and 6.47 mmHg for diastolic BP (maximum allowed 6.90). All results passed the Standard requirements. This study demonstrated inadequacies of Amendment 1 and led to the development of an Amendment 2, still in the process of finalization. The new Amendment corrects the issues with significantly overlapping cuffs and “wide‐range” cuffs. The A&D UA‐651 Plus/UA‐651SL Plus BP monitors and the five cuffs not only passed the requirements of 81060–2:2018 and Amendment 1 but also a revised and more rigorous protocol with more subjects involved. These devices and cuffs can be used with confidence.

Purpose Demand for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) is already high and increasing in the construction and building sectors. The overall purpose of EPDs is comparability of product environmental performance, and they are thus developed in accordance with product category rules (PCRs): requirements and guidelines for how to make EPDs for one or more product groups. Since several organisations publish PCRs, there is a risk of creating conflicting rules leading to inconsistencies and jeopardising the objective of comparability. Methods This study analyses the causes for inconsistency and the consequences in terms of difference in the results across the life cycle assessment (LCA) models underlying the EPDs. Taking four EPD programmes and their actors as cases, first a document analysis was conducted to identify qualitative and quantitative differences in their guidelines. Further focusing on selected quantitative differences, a series of LCA models were designed for the same triple-glazed window product by adhering to the PCRs of each operator, to highlight the differences in results that occur when performing the same assessment via different but all formally selectable operators and compliant EPDs. Results and discussion Results show that the EPD of a specific product can return very different impact scores if one or the other guideline is followed. Results can vary more than 10% from the base scenarios, what we consider a significant variation. This is observed across all impact categories. Focusing specifically on the climate change impact, the results show that differences are due to the choice of energy mix, reference service life and other parameters. It is thus the combination of several modelling differences that leads to a overall divergence in results, rather than one single methodological choice. Conclusions Numerous different but at the same time compliant EPDs can be obtained for the same product, highlighting a serious harmonisation issue within the EPD system. EPDs are thus not necessarily accurate, and it remains doubtful whether EPD comparability can be achieved. This weakness of the EPD system can in the worst case be exploited by producers to obtain lower results and undermines the system. Recommendations Besides recommending using LCA for learning and process improvement rather than just for external communication and compliance, to increase harmonisation in the EPD system, we recommend limiting the number of product-specific PCRs (e.g. complementary PCRs), align default values, learn from verification, use just one background database, increase transparency and move towards one centralized operator.