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“Thin films of Ce/Cu mixed oxide with molar ratios of 1 and 2 were prepared from inorganic precursors using the sol-gel route. Various electrochemical SC79 and spectroscopic techniques were used for characterization of the films and investigation of their optical and electrochemical properties. It was found that the redox behaviour significantly depends on the Ce/Cu ratio and on the concentration of Li(+) ions. Slow kinetics of the charge transfer reactions was evident from cyclic voltammetry measurements of both types of films only at low scan rates ( < 20 mV/s). Measurement of X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) indicated that the local structure of Ce and Cu ions is not affected by the Ce/Cu molar
ratio. CD 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Objective: To describe a respiratory disease prevention program in a US heavy-construction company. Methods: The program uses periodic spirometry and questionnaires and is integrated into a worksite wellness program involving individualized intervention. Spirometry Longitudinal Data Analysis (SPIROLA) technology is used to assist the physician with (i) management and evaluation of
longitudinal spirometry and questionnaire data; (ii) designing, recoding, and implementing intervention; and (iii) evaluation of impact of the intervention. Preintervention data provide benchmark results. Results: Preintervention check details results on 1224 workers with 5 or more years of follow-up showed that the mean rate of FEV(1) decline was 47 mL/year. Age-stratified prevalence of moderate airflow obstruction was
higher than that for the US population. Conclusion: Preintervention results indicate the need for respiratory disease prevention in this construction workforce and provide a benchmark for future evaluation of the intervention.”
“This paper deals with systematic study of (MMWO6)-M-I-W-II (M-I = Co and M-II = Fe) mixed oxide catalysts for carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation. The catalysts were prepared by polymer based citrate sol-gel method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, infrared selleck inhibitor spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The average particle size calculated using TEM studies were found to be in the range 20-40 rim. DC electrical conductivity showed phase transition from extrinsic to intrinsic behaviour. The ammonia and carbon dioxide adsorption over these catalysts surfaces were used as a probe to confirm the acidic and basic sites. The acidic and basic sites ascertained by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) studies carried out using thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry technique. The presence of acidic and basic sites in equal ratio on the catalyst surface exhibited better CO oxidation activity as compared to unequal number of sites. The equal affinity for CO adsorption over acidic and O-2 on basic sites were found to be essential criteria for catalytic CO oxidation reaction. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.