70 research outputs found
Non-target screening with high-resolution mass spectrometry: critical review using a collaborative trial on water analysis
In this article, a dataset from a collaborative nontarget
screening trial organised by the NORMAN Association
is used to review the state-of-the-art and discuss future perspectives
of non-target screening using high-resolution mass
spectrometry in water analysis. A total of 18 institutes from
12 European countries analysed an extract of the same water
sample collected from the River Danube with either one or both
of liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detection. This article focuses mainly on the
use of high resolution screening techniques with target, suspect,
and non-target workflows to identify substances in environmental
samples. Specific examples are given to emphasise major
challenges including isobaric and co-eluting substances, dependence
on target and suspect lists, formula assignment, the
use of retention information, and the confidence of identification.
Approaches and methods applicable to unit resolution data
are also discussed. Although most substances were identified
using high resolution data with target and suspect-screening
approaches, some participants proposed tentative non-target
identifications. This comprehensive dataset revealed that nontarget
analytical techniques are already substantially
harmonised between the participants, but the data processing
remains time-consuming. Although the objective of a Bfullyautomated
identification workflow^ remains elusive in the
short term, important steps in this direction have been taken,
exemplified by the growing popularity of suspect screening
approaches. Major recommendations to improve non-target
screening include better integration and connection of desired
features into software packages, the exchange of target and
suspect lists, and the contribution of more spectra from standard
substances into (openly accessible) databases.This work was supported in part by the SOLUTIONS project, which received
funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for
research, technological development and demonstration under Grant
Agreement No. 603437
Integrating Data Science and Earth Science
This open access book presents the results of three years collaboration between earth scientists and data scientists, in developing and applying data science methods for scientific discovery. The book will be highly beneficial for other researchers at senior and graduate level, interested in applying visual data exploration, computational approaches and scientifc workflows
ARTEFACTS: How do we want to deal with the future of our one and only planet?
The European Commission’s Science and Knowledge Service, the Joint Research Centre (JRC), decided to try working hand-in-hand with leading European science centres and museums.
Behind this decision was the idea that the JRC could better support EU Institutions in engaging with the European public. The fact that European Union policies are firmly based on scientific evidence is a strong message which the JRC is uniquely able to illustrate. Such a collaboration would not only provide a platform to explain the benefits of EU policies to our daily lives but also provide an opportunity for European citizens to engage by taking a more active part in the EU policy making process for the future.
A PILOT PROGRAMME
To test the idea, the JRC launched an experimental programme to work with science museums: a perfect partner for three compelling reasons. Firstly, they attract a large and growing number of visitors. Leading science museums in Europe have typically 500 000 visitors per year. Furthermore, they are based in large European cities and attract local visitors as well as tourists from across Europe and beyond.
The second reason for working with museums is that they have mastered the art of how to communicate key elements of sophisticated arguments across to the public and making complex topics of public interest readily accessible. That is a high-value added skill and a crucial part of the valorisation of public-funded research, never to be underestimated.
Finally museums are, at present, undergoing something of a renaissance. Museums today are vibrant environments offering new techniques and technologies to both inform and entertain, and attract visitors of all demographics.JRC.H.2-Knowledge Management Methodologies, Communities and Disseminatio
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