Integration of the ferromagnetic insulator EuO onto graphene.

PubMed

Swartz, Adrian G; Odenthal, Patrick M; Hao, Yufeng; Ruoff, Rodney S; Kawakami, Roland K

2012-11-27

We have demonstrated the deposition of EuO films on graphene by reactive molecular beam epitaxy in a special adsorption-controlled and oxygen-limited regime, which is a critical advance toward the realization of the exchange proximity interaction (EPI). It has been predicted that when the ferromagnetic insulator (FMI) EuO is brought into contact with graphene, an overlap of electronic wave functions at the FMI/graphene interface can induce a large spin splitting inside the graphene. Experimental realization of this effect could lead to new routes for spin manipulation, which is a necessary requirement for a functional spin transistor. Furthermore, EPI could lead to novel spintronic behavior such as controllable magnetoresistance, gate tunable exchange bias, and quantized anomalous Hall effect. However, experimentally, EuO has not yet been integrated onto graphene. Here we report the successful growth of high-quality crystalline EuO on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and single-layer graphene. The epitaxial EuO layers have (001) orientation and do not induce an observable D peak (defect) in the Raman spectra. Magneto-optic measurements indicate ferromagnetism with a Curie temperature of 69 K, which is the value for bulk EuO. Transport measurements on exfoliated graphene before and after EuO deposition indicate only a slight decrease in mobility.

XPS and 31P NMR inquiry of Eu3+-induced structural modification in SnO-containing phosphate glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez, José A.; Fachini, Esteban Rosim; Zhao, Chunqing

2018-07-01

The influence of Eu3+ doping on the structural properties of SnO-containing phosphate glass has been investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Oxygen 1s XPS data indicates that the Eu3+ doping results in a higher concentration of non-bridging oxygens in the glass matrix, whereas 31P NMR shows an increase in the terminal phosphate chain tetrahedral units, i.e. the amount of Q1 sites with only one bridging oxygen. Accordingly, both techniques agree with a depolymerization effect induced by the Eu3+ ions. Further, XPS reveals that together with the Eu3+ doping, the presence of Sn4+ is supported while the presence of Eu2+ is also indicated. The structural changes are then indicated to be a consequence of redox chemistry between Sn2+ and Eu3+ promoting a transition of tin from Sn2+ with a role as network former to Sn4+ acting as network modifier in the glass system.

Improved measurement of the half-life of the J π = 8 - nuclear isomer 152m2 Eu

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Humby, Peter; Simon, Anna; Beausang, C. W.

2015-02-23

The standard γ-ray energy calibration source 152Eu is well known based on the 13.5 y decay of its ground state. Nevertheless, in addition to this decay 152Eu also has two relatively long-lived isomeric states: a 9 h J π=0 - state at E *=46 keV and a 96 min J π=8 - state at E *=148 keV. Here we report a new measurement of the half-lives of both of these isomeric states. Excited states in 152Eu were populated following the 154Sm (p,3n) reaction using a 25 MeV proton beam from the K-150 cyclotron at the Cyclotron Institute of Texas A&Mmore » University. Post irradiation, γ rays from the de-excitation of the long lived isomeric states were measured using the six BGO shielded high-purity germanium (HPGe) clover detectors that are part of the STARLiTeR array. The half-life of the J π=8 - isomer 152m2Eu was obtained by measuring the decrease in intensity of the 90 keV γ ray from the cascade to the ground state. The half-life of this state was measured to be 95.8(4) min which is in agreement with and significantly more precise than the previously measured value of 96(1) min. In a manner similar to the ground state the second long-lived isomer 151m1Eu, the J π=0 - state at 46 keV, β decays to excited states in 152Gd and 152Sm. Also, the half-life of this state was measured to be 9.39(7) h using five γ-ray transitions.« less

Fungicide control of Phytophthora ramorum on rhododendron

Treesearch

Kurt Heungens; Isabelle De Dobbelaere; Martine Maes

2006-01-01

Commercial rhododendron plants have been the most important hosts of Phytophthora ramorum in Europe. As part of the European Union (EU) emergency phytosanitary measures 2002/757/EU and 2004/426/EU all commercial rhododendron-growing premises are surveyed for P. ramorum. Detection of P. ramorum leads to quarantine...

The surprisingly small but increasing role of international agricultural trade on the European Union’s dependence on mineral phosphorus fertiliser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nesme, Thomas; Roques, Solène; Metson, Geneviève S.; Bennett, Elena M.

2016-02-01

Phosphorus (P) is subject to global management challenges due to its importance to both food security and water quality. The European Union (EU) has promoted policies to limit fertiliser over-application and protect water quality for more than 20 years, helping to reduce European P use. Over this time period, the EU has, however, become more reliant on imported agricultural products. These imported products require fertiliser to be used in distant countries to grow crops that will ultimately feed European people and livestock. As such, these imports represent a displacement of European P demand, possibly allowing Europe to decrease its apparent P footprint by moving P use to locations outside the EU. We investigated the effect of EU imports on the European P fertiliser footprint to better understand whether the EU’s decrease in fertiliser use over time resulted from P demand being ‘outsourced’ to other countries or whether it truly represented a decline in P demand. To do this, we quantified the ‘virtual P flow’ defined as the amount of mineral P fertiliser applied to agricultural soils in non-EU countries to support agricultural product imports to the EU. We found that the EU imported a virtual P flow of 0.55 Tg P/yr in 1995 that, surprisingly, decreased to 0.50 Tg P/yr in 2009. These results were contrary to our hypothesis that trade increases would be used to help the EU reduce its domestic P fertiliser use by outsourcing its P footprint abroad. Still, the contribution of virtual P flows to the total P footprint of the EU has increased by 40% from 1995 to 2009 due to a dramatic decrease in domestic P fertiliser use in Europe: in 1995, virtual P was equivalent to 32% of the P used as fertiliser domestically to support domestic consumption but jumped to 53% in 2009. Soybean and palm tree products from South America and South East Asia contributed most to the virtual P flow. These results demonstrate that, although policies in the EU have successfully decreased the domestic dependence on mineral P fertiliser, in order to continue to limit global potential mineral P supply depletion and consequences of P losses to waterways the EU may have to think about its trading partners.

Performance evaluation of newly developed SrI2(Eu) scintillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takabe, M.; Kishimoto, A.; Kataoka, J.; Sakuragi, S.; Yamasaki, Y.

2016-09-01

The development of europium-doped strontium iodide (SrI2(Eu)) has attracted considerable attention, because of its excellent material properties as regards gamma-ray scintillator applications. These include its excellent energy resolution, high light output (> 80 , 000 ph / MeV), and high effective atomic number (Z=49). Here we report on the performance of ϕ 1 in×1 in SrI2(Eu) cylindrical crystals newly fabricated by Union Materials Inc. In this study, we measured the energy resolution and light output at 10 °C temperature intervals between -40 and 40 °C, using an optically coupled 2-in photomultiplier tube (PMT) (Super Bialkali, Hamamatsu). The SrI2(Eu) light output increased by 0.12%/°C as the temperature decreased. At -40 °C, we obtained the optimal energy resolution recording 2.91±0.02% full width at half maximum (FWHM) for 662 keV gamma rays measured with 137Cs. For comparison, we also measured the same crystal using both a large-area (19×19 mm2) avalanche photodiode detector (APD) and 8×8 multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC) arrays of 3×3 mm2 pixels. The energy resolutions of 2.94±0.02%, 3.14±0.06% and 3.99±0.01% were obtained using PMT, APD, and MPPC, respectively, as measured at -20 °C. We also measured the inherent background of SrI2(Eu) in a cave composed of Cu-Pb blocks with their thickness of 5-10 cm confirming that SrI2(Eu) has an extremely low inherent background radiation. In this study, we have shown that SrI2(Eu) is a promising scintillator that can be utilized for radiation measurements incorporating low-energy X-rays to high-energy gamma rays, and can thus be applied in various medical, industrial, and environmental treatment fields in the near future.

First-principles studies of Ce and Eu doped inorganic scintillator gamma ray detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canning, Andrew; Chaudhry, Anurag; Boutchko, Rostyslav; Derenzo, Stephen

2011-03-01

We have performed DFT based band structure calculations for new Ce and Eu doped wide band gap inorganic materials to determine their potential as candidates for gamma ray scintillator detectors. These calculations are based on determining the 4f ground state level of the Ce and Eu relative to the valence band of the host as well as the position of the Ce and Eu 5d excited state relative to the conduction band of the host. Host hole and electron traps as well as STEs (self trapped excitons) can also limit the transfer of energy from the host to the Ce or Eu site and therefore limit the light output. We also present calculations for host hole traps and STEs to compare the energies to the Ce and Eu excited states. The work was supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and carried out at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory under U.S. Department of Energy Contract No. DE-AC02- 05CH11231.

Novel tunable green-red-emitting oxynitride phosphors co-activated with Ce3+, Tb3+, and Eu3+: photoluminescence and energy transfer.

PubMed

Huo, Jiansheng; Dong, Langping; Lü, Wei; Shao, Baiqi; You, Hongpeng

2017-07-14

A series of novel Ce 3+ , Tb 3+ and Eu 3+ ion doped Y 4 SiAlO 8 N-based oxynitride phosphors were synthesized by the solid-state method and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence, lifetimes and thermo-luminescence. The excitation of the Ce 3+ /Tb 3+ co-doped and Ce 3+ /Tb 3+ /Eu 3+ tri-doped phosphor with near-UV radiation results in strong linear Tb 3+ green and Eu 3+ red emission. The occurrence of Ce 3+ -Tb 3+ and Ce 3+ -Tb 3+ -Eu 3+ energy transfer processes is responsible for the bright green or red luminescence. The Tb 3+ ion acting as an energy transfer bridge can alleviate MMCT quenching between the Ce 3+ -Eu 3+ ion pairs. The lifetime measurements demonstrated that the energy-transfer mechanisms of Ce 3+ → Tb 3+ and Tb 3+ → Eu 3+ are dipole-quadrupole and quadrupole-quadrupole interactions, respectively. The temperature dependent luminescence measurements showed that as-prepared green/red phosphors have good thermal stability against temperature quenching. The obtained results indicate that these phosphors might serve as promising candidates for n-UV LEDs.

Best of enemies: Using social network analysis to explore a policy network in European smoke-free policy.

PubMed

Weishaar, Heide; Amos, Amanda; Collin, Jeff

2015-05-01

Networks and coalitions of stakeholders play a crucial role in the development and implementation of policies, with previous research highlighting that networks in tobacco control are characterised by an antagonism between supporters and opponents of comprehensive tobacco control policies. This UK-based study used quantitative and qualitative network analysis (drawing on 176 policy submissions and 32 interviews) to systematically map and analyse a network of actors involved in the development of European Union (EU) smoke-free policy. Policy debates were dominated by two coalitions of stakeholders with starkly opposing positions on the issue. One coalition, consisting primarily of health-related organisations, supported comprehensive EU smoke-free policy, whereas the other, led by tobacco manufacturers' organisations, opposed the policy initiative. The data suggest that, aided by strong political commitment of EU decision makers to develop smoke-free policy, advocates supporting comprehensive EU policy were able to frame policy debates in ways which challenged the tobacco industry's legitimacy. They then benefited from the stark polarisation between the two coalitions. The paper provides empirical evidence of the division between two distinct coalitions in tobacco policy debates and draws attention to the complex processes of consensus-seeking, alliance-building and strategic action which are integral to the development of EU policy. Highlighting network polarisation and industry isolation as factors which seemed to increase tobacco control success, the study demonstrates the potential significance and value of FCTC article 5.3 for tobacco control policy-making. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New ternary phosphides and arsenides. Syntheses, crystal structures, physical properties of Eu{sub 2}ZnP{sub 2}, Eu{sub 2}Zn{sub 2}P{sub 3} and Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Jian; Xia, Sheng-Qing, E-mail: shqxia@sdu.edu.cn; Tao, Xu-Tang

2013-09-15

Three new europium pnictides Eu{sub 2}ZnP{sub 2}, Eu{sub 2}Zn{sub 2}P{sub 3} and Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3} have been synthesized and their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Eu{sub 2}ZnP{sub 2} is isotypic with Yb{sub 2}CdSb{sub 2} (Cmc2{sub 1} (No. 36); cell parameters a=4.1777(7) Å, b=15.925(3) Å, c=7.3008(12) Å), while the latter two compounds crystallize with the Ba{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}Sb{sub 3} structure type (C2/m (No. 12); cell parameters a=15.653(5)/16.402(1) Å, b=4.127(1)/4.445(4) Å, c=11.552(4)/12.311(1) Å and β=126.647(4)/126.515(7)° for Eu{sub 2}Zn{sub 2}P{sub 3} and Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3}, respectively). Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the interval 5–300 K confirm paramagnetic behavior and effectivemore » magnetic moments characteristic of Eu{sup 2+} ([Xe] 4f{sup 7}) ground states. Temperature-dependent electrical conductivity measurements also prove that Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3} is a semiconducting compound with a narrow band gap of 0.059 eV below 100 K. According to TG/DSC analyses, Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3} starts to decompose at about 950 K. - Graphical abstract: A polyhedral view of the crystal structure of new pnictides Eu{sub 2}T{sub 2}Pn{sub 3} (T=Zn or Cd; Pn=P or As). Display Omitted - Highlights: • Three new ternary pnictide Zintl compounds, Eu{sub 2}ZnP{sub 2}, Eu{sub 2}Zn{sub 2}P{sub 3} and Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3}, have been synthesized and characterized. • The europium cations are divalent and ferromagnetically coupled in both Eu{sub 2}Zn{sub 2}P{sub 3} and Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3}. • Eu{sub 2}Cd{sub 2}As{sub 3} has a very small band gap of 0.06 eV and starts to decompose over 950 K.« less

Photoluminescence and electrical properties of Eu-doped (Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3 ferroelectric single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haiwu; Zhao, Xiangyong; Deng, Hao; Chen, Chao; Lin, Di; Li, Xiaobing; Yan, Jun; Luo, Haosu

2014-02-01

Eu3+-doped Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (Eu:NBT) single crystals were grown by a top-seeded solution growth method. Photoluminescence emission and excitation spectra of Eu:NBT were investigated. The two transitions in 7F0 → 5D0 excitation spectra reveal that Eu3+ ions were incorporated into two adjacent crystallographic sites in NBT, i.e., Bi3+ and Na+ sites. The former has a symmetrical surrounding, while the later has a disordered environment, which was confirmed by decay curve measurements. The dielectric dispersion behavior was depressed and the piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties were improved after Eu doping.

Revealing the magnetic proximity effect in EuS/Al bilayers through superconducting tunneling spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strambini, E.; Golovach, V. N.; De Simoni, G.; Moodera, J. S.; Bergeret, F. S.; Giazotto, F.

2017-10-01

A ferromagnetic insulator in contact with a superconductor is known to induce an exchange splitting of the singularity in the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) density of states (DoS). The magnitude of the splitting is proportional to the exchange field that penetrates into the superconductor to a depth comparable with the superconducting coherence length and which ranges in magnitude from a few to a few tens of tesla. We study this magnetic proximity effect in EuS/Al bilayers and show that the domain structure of the EuS affects the positions and the line shapes of the exchange-split BCS peaks. Remarkably, a clear exchange splitting is observed even in the unmagnetized state of the EuS layer, suggesting that the domain size of the EuS is comparable with the superconducting coherence length. Upon magnetizing the EuS layer, the splitting increases while the peaks change shape. Conductance measurements as a function of bias voltage at the lowest temperatures allowed us to relate the line shape of the split BCS DoS to the characteristic domain structure in the ultrathin EuS layer. These results pave the way to engineering triplet superconducting correlations at domain walls in EuS/Al bilayers. Furthermore, the hard gap and large splitting observed in our tunneling spectroscopy measurements make EuS/Al an excellent candidate for substituting strong magnetic fields in experiments studying Majorana bound states.

Synthesis of Compositionally Defined Single-Crystalline Eu 3+ -Activated Molybdate–Tungstate Solid-Solution Composite Nanowires and Observation of Charge Transfer in a Novel Class of 1D CaMoO 4 –CaWO 4 :Eu 3+ –0D CdS/CdSe QD Nanoscale Heterostructures

DOE PAGES

Han, Jinkyu; McBean, Coray; Wang, Lei; ...

2015-02-10

As a first step, we have synthesized and optically characterized a systematic series of one-dimensional (1D) single-crystalline Eu³⁺-activated alkaline-earth metal tungstate/molybdate solid solution composite CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄ (0 ≤ ‘x’ ≤ 1) nanowires of controllable chemical composition using a modified template-directed methodology under ambient room-temperature conditions. Extensive characterization of the resulting nanowires has been performed using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and optical spectroscopy. The crystallite size and single crystallinity of as-prepared 1D CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄: Eu³⁺ (0 ≤ ‘x’ ≤ 1) solid solution composite nanowires increase with increasing Mo component (‘x’). We note a clear dependence of luminescence output uponmore » nanowire chemical composition with our 1D CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄: Eu³⁺ (0 ≤ ‘x’ ≤ 1) evincing the highest photoluminescence (PL) output at ‘x’ = 0.8, amongst samples tested. Subsequently, coupled with either zero-dimensional (0D) CdS or CdSe quantum dots (QDs), we successfully synthesized and observed charge transfer processes in 1D CaW1-xMoxO4: Eu3+ (‘x’ = 0.8) – 0D QD composite nanoscale heterostructures. Our results show that CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄: Eu³⁺ (‘x’ = 0.8) nanowires give rise to PL quenching when CdSe QDs and CdS QDs are anchored onto the surfaces of 1D CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄: Eu³⁺ nanowires. The observed PL quenching is especially pronounced in CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄: Eu³⁺ (‘x’ = 0.8) – 0D CdSe QD heterostructures. Conversely, the PL output and lifetimes of CdSe and CdS QDs within these heterostructures are not noticeably altered as compared with unbound CdSe and CdS QDs. The difference in optical behavior between 1D Eu³⁺ activated tungstate and molybdate solid solution nanowires and the semiconducting 0D QDs within our heterostructures can be correlated with the relative positions of their conduction and valence energy band levels. We propose that the PL quenching can be attributed to a photo-induced electron transfer process from CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄: Eu³⁺ (‘x’ = 0.8) to both CdSe and CdS QDs, an assertion supported by complementary NEXAFS measurements.« less

An Ever Closer Union . . . of Linguistic Diversity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tomozeiu, Daniel

2017-01-01

The analysis carried out between October 2014 and February 2015 by a team of researchers from the University of Westminster with support from colleagues from across the EU identified the linguistic communities across the 28 EU member states as recognized (or not) by the country's legislation and the linguistic rights of these communities in…

Structural and photoluminescence properties of stannate based displaced pyrochlore-type red phosphors: Ca(3-x)Sn₃Nb₂O₁₄:xEu³⁺.

PubMed

Sreena, T S; Prabhakar Rao, P; Francis, T Linda; Raj, Athira K V; Babu, Parvathi S

2015-05-14

New stannate based displaced pyrochlore-type red phosphors, Ca(3-x)Sn3Nb2O14:xEu(3+), were prepared via a conventional solid state method. The influence of partial occupancy of Sn in both A and B sites of the pyrochlore-type oxides on the photoluminescence properties was studied using powder X-ray diffraction, FT-Raman, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra with lifetime measurements. The structural analysis establishes that these oxides belong to a cubic displaced pyrochlore type structure with a space group Fd3̄m. These phosphors exhibit strong absorptions at near UV and blue wavelength regions and emit intense multiband emissions due to Eu(3+ 5)D0-(7)F(0, 1, 2) transitions. The absence of characteristic MD transition splitting points out that local cation disorder exists in this type of displaced pyrochlores, reducing the D(3d) inversion symmetry, which is not evidenced by such disorder in the X-ray diffraction analysis. The unusual forbidden intense sharp (5)D0-(7)F0 transition indicates single site occupancy of Eu(3+) with a narrower range of bonding environment, preventing the cluster formation. This is supported by the stable (5)D0 lifetime with Eu(3+) concentration. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameter assessment corroborates these results. The CIE color coordinates of these phosphors were found to be (0.60, 0.40), which are close to the NTSC standard values (0.67, 0.33) for a potential red phosphor.

Performance of KCl:Eu2+ storage phosphor dosimeters for low dose measurements

PubMed Central

Li, H. Harold; Hansel, Rachael; Knutson, Nels; Yang, Deshan

2013-01-01

Recent research has demonstrated that europium doped potassium chloride (KCl:Eu2+) storage phosphor material has the potential to become the physical foundation of a novel and reusable dosimetry system using either film-like devices or devices similar to thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) chips. The purposes of this work are to quantify the performance of KCl:Eu2+ prototype dosimeters for low dose measurements and to demonstrate how it can be incorporated into clinical application for in vivo peripheral dose measurements. Pellet-style KCl:Eu2+ dosimeters, 6 mm in diameter, and 1 mm thick, were fabricated in-house for this study. The dosimeters were read using a laboratory photostimulated luminescence detection system. KCl:Eu2+ prototype storage phosphor dosimeter was capable of measuring a dose-to-water as low as 0.01 cGy from a 6 MV photon beam with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 6. A pre-readout thermal annealing procedure enabled the dosimeter to be read within an hour post irradiation. After receiving large accumulated doses (~10 kGy), the dosimeters retained linear response in the low dose region with only a 20 percent loss of sensitivity comparing to a fresh sample (zero Gy history). The energy-dependence encountered during low dose peripheral measurements could be accounted for via a single point outside-field calibration per each beam quality. With further development the KCl:Eu2+− based dosimeter could become a versatile and durable dosimetry tool with large dynamic range (sub-cGy to 100 Gy). PMID:23735856

Blue emission of Eu 2+-doped translucent alumina

DOE PAGES

Yang, Yan; Zhang, Lihua; Kisslinger, Kim; ...

2015-08-21

Inorganic scintillators are very important in medical and industrial measuring systems in the detection and measurement of ionizing radiation. In addition to Ce 3+, a widely used dopant ion in oxide scintillators, divalent Europium (Eu 2+) has shown promise as a high-luminescence, fast-response luminescence center useful in the detection of ionizing radiation. In this research, aluminum oxide (Al 2O 3) was studied as a host material for the divalent europium ion. Polycrystalline samples of Eu 2+-doped translucent Al 2O 3 were fabricated, and room temperature luminescence behavior was observed. Al 2O 3 ceramics doped with 0.1 at% Eu 2+ weremore » fabricated with a relative density of 99.75% theoretical density and in-line transmittance of 22% at a wavelength of 800 nm. The ceramics were processed by a gel-casting method, followed by sintering under high vacuum. The gelling agent, a copolymer of isobutylene and maleic anhydride, is marketed under the commercial name ISOBAM, and has the advantage of simultaneously acting as both a gelling agent and as a dispersant. The microstructure and composition of the vacuum-sintered Eu 2+:Al 2O 3 were characterized by Scanning Electric Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The phase composition was determined by X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD) combined with Rietveld analysis. The photoluminescence behavior of the Eu 2+:Al 2O 3 was characterized using UV light as the excitation source, which emitted blue emission at 440 nm. The radio-luminescence of Eu 2+:Al 2O 3 was investigated by illumination with X-ray radiation, showing three emission bands at 376 nm, 575 nm and 698 nm. Furthermore, multiple level traps at different depths were detected in the Eu 2+:Al 2O 3 by employing thermoluminescence measurements.« less

WE-AB-BRB-05: Toward a 2D Water-Equivalent Dosimetry Panel Using KCl:Eu2+

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mazur, T; Wang, Y; Li, H

Purpose: KCl:Eu2+ storage phosphor shows promise for radiation therapy dosimetry. The purpose of this work is to investigate several important aspects of this material for potential commercial use. Methods: KCl:Eu2+ chips were fabricated and a conformal coating using Parylene was applied. Material’s dose response in a 6 MV beam was investigated using Monte-Carlo simulations. We attempted to micronize the materials using a spiral jet mill. As we did not have a water-free glovebox, we used commercially available non-hygroscopic BaFBr0.85I0.15:Eu2+ computed radiography material to test if a homogeneous panel can be made using micron-sized phosphors. Results: Dosimeters remained intact and showedmore » no change in PSL intensity after eight hrs of submersion in water. We then optically bleached the samples for reuse, irradiated and immersed for another 24 hrs. We observed marginal worsening of the PSL signal for both the soaked and un-soaked chips. By contrast, we were unable to measure PSL intensity of the un-coated pellets due to these pellets dissolving within minutes of being immersed in water. MC data indicate that the micron-sized KCl:Eu2+ is predicted to have a nearly water-equivalent response. KCl:Eu2+ particles with a median size of 3 microns can be produced using a jet mill, which could be reduced further if necessary. While the particles tend to agglomerate over time when stored in a desiccator, they still possess favorable d50’s and d99’s even after 100 minutes, providing an adequate time window for making a panel via tape casting. A panel cast using optimized methods exhibits nearly perfect particle arrangement. Conclusions: Data shown here support ongoing efforts in fabricating a reusable, high resolution dosimetry panel in a water-free glovebox using micron-sized KCl:Eu2+ particles separated by water-equivalent polymers. The conformal coating thereafter will provide good humidity resistance. HL is the founder of DoseImaging, LLC that is exclusively dedicated to commercializing this technology.« less

Sensitized luminescence from water-soluble LaF3:Eu nanocrystals via partially-capped 1,10-phenanthroline: time-gated emission and multiple lifetimes.

PubMed

Irfanullah, Mir; Bhardwaj, Navneet; Chowdhury, Arindam

2016-08-02

Water dispersible citrate-capped LaF3:Eu(5%) nanocrystals (NCs) have been partially surface-functionalized by 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) via a ligand exchange method to produce novel water dispersed citrate/phen-capped LaF3:Eu(5%) NCs in which citrate ligands preserve the water dispersibility of the NCs and phen ligands act as sensitizers of surface Eu(3+)-dopant sites. The partial ligand exchange and the formation of water dispersed NCs have been monitored by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, as well as luminescence measurements at different time intervals during the reaction. These NCs display a distinct phen-sensitized Eu(3+)-emission profile with enhanced intensity in water as compared to the emission profile and intensity obtained upon direct excitation. Time-resolved (or time-gated) emission spectroscopy (TRES) has been used to probe PL dynamics of Eu(3+)-sites of LaF3:Eu(5%) NCs by taking advantage of selectively sensitizing surface Eu(3+)-dopant sites by phen ligands as well as by exciting all the Eu(3+)-sites in the NCs upon direct excitation. TRES upon direct excitation of the citrate-capped LaF3:Eu(5%) NCs reveals that Eu(3+)-dopants occupy at least three different sites, each with a different emission profile and lifetime, and emission from purely interior Eu(3+)-sites has been resolved due to their long lifetime as compared to the lifetime of purely surface and near surface Eu(3+)-sites. In contrast, the phen-sensitized emission from citrate/phen-capped LaF3:Eu(5%) NCs displays similar emission profiles and lifetimes in TRES measurements, which reveal that phen truly sensitizes purely surface dopant sites of the NCs in water, all of which have nearly the same local environment. The phen-sensitized Eu(3+)-emission of the NCs in water remains stable even upon addition of various buffer solutions at physiological pH, as well as upon addition of water-miscible organic solvents. Furthermore, the two-photon excitation (λex. = 720 nm) of these water-soluble phen-capped NCs produces bright red Eu(3+) emission, which reveals that these NCs are promising for potential applications in biological imaging.

Complementing, competing, or co-operating? Exploring newspapers' portrayals of the European Parliament and national parliaments in EU affairs.

PubMed

Eisele, Olga

2017-06-07

The paper explores newspapers' portrayals of the European Parliament and national parliaments (NPs) in European Union (EU) affairs. To understand underlying perceptions of journalists, it takes public parliamentary activities and looks at their influence on parliaments' news visibility in Finland, Germany and the UK in routine periods in 2011 and 2012. This is done against the background that parliaments, regarded as ultimate legitimisers of state power, depend on the mass media to reach their citizenry. However, journalists follow their own agenda in publishing parliamentary news. In this regard, they may highlight the complementarity, competition or cooperation of parliaments in the EU's unique multi-tier environment. Overall, our results suggest that NPs correspond stronger with newsmakers' anticipation of readership interest. In addition, findings seem to support the assumption that parliaments in the EU are mostly perceived as complementary, separate legislative branches in EU decision-making.

Facile synthesis and luminescence characteristics of high-quality CdS: Eu/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals with biocompatibility.

PubMed

Zhang, Kexin; Zhang, Rui; Yu, Yaxin; Sun, Shuqing

2012-04-01

In this paper, we report a facile method to synthesize high quality CdS: Eu nanocrystals (NCs) and CdS: Eu/ZnS NCs with strong photoluminescence (PL). The influence of various experimental variables including the concentration of Eu3+ ions, the reaction time and the reaction temperature were investigated systematically. In addition, the PL properties of CdS: Eu NCs exhibited pH sensitive. Under the acid condition, pH value of the CdS: Eu NCs solution played an important role in determining PL emission intensity. However, under the alkaline condition, the obtained CdS: Eu NCs exhibited a tunable PL emission wavelength (from 490 nm to 610 nm) when pH value was adjusted from pH 7 to 10. After coating with ZnS shell, the CdS: Eu/ZnS NCs showed enhanced PL intensity compare with one of the CdS: Eu NCs. The CdS: Eu NCs and CdS: Eu/ZnS NCs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). In addition, the biocompatibility of these NCs was measured by hemolytic test, which indicated that CdS: Eu/ZnS NCs were more biocompatible than CdS: Eu NCs at the same conditions. It can be expected that CdS: Eu/ZnS NCs are promising biolabeling materials.

A gamma and neutron phoswich read out with SiPM for SPRD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Tuchen; Fu, Qibin; Yuan, Cenxi; Lin, Shaopeng

2018-02-01

A gamma and neutron phoswich was developed for spectroscopic personal radiation detectors (SPRDs). It consisted of a Φ25 × 25 mm NaI(Tl) crystal for gamma detection and a Φ25 × 3 mm LiI(Eu) crystal for neutron detection. The phoswich was read out by 8 × 8 ch SiPM array (24 × 24 mm2). Radiations in NaI(Tl) and LiI(Eu) were discriminated by pulse shape, while gammas and neutrons in LiI(Eu) were separated by pulse amplitude. For the LiI(Eu), the gamma equivalent energy for thermal neutrons was measured as 3.6 ± 0.1 MeV, providing satisfactory gamma rejection. For NaI(Tl), the response of SiPM array was well linear in the energy range up to 1408 keV, at which a deviation less than 2% was measured. Digital pulse shape discrimination (PSD) was implemented with an 8-bit digitizer running at 50 MSPS sampling rate and offline analysis. The signal pulses from NaI(Tl) and LiI(Eu) showed significant difference in falling edge allowing effective PSD. The best figure of merit (FOM) was measured as 4.4 ± 0.2 with optimized parameters, providing excellent PSD performance. The energy resolutions for 661.6 keV gamma rays in NaI(Tl) and thermal neutrons in LiI(Eu) were measured as 7.0 ± 0.2% and 11.2 ± 0.2% respectively, with selected PSD threshold.

Deconstructing European Poverty Measures: What Relative and Absolute Scales Measure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burkhauser, Richard V.

2009-01-01

Forster and d'Ercole (2009) outline the dominant method of conceptualization and operationalization of European poverty measures that informed the EU in its development of the questionnaire for the European Union--Survey of Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC). They do so in the context of their explanation of how the Organization for Economic…

Evolution of Eu valence and superconductivity in layered Eu0.5La0.5FBiS2 -xSex system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizuguchi, Y.; Paris, E.; Wakita, T.; Jinno, G.; Puri, A.; Terashima, K.; Joseph, B.; Miura, O.; Yokoya, T.; Saini, N. L.

2017-02-01

We have studied the effect of Se substitution on Eu valence in a layered Eu0.5La0.5FBiS2 -xSex superconductor using a combined analysis of x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Eu L3-edge XANES spectra reveal that Eu is in the mixed valence state with coexisting Eu2 + and Eu3 +. The average Eu valence decreases sharply from ˜2.3 for x =0.0 to ˜2.1 for x =0.4 . Consistently, Eu 3 d XPS shows a clear decrease in the average valence by Se substitution. Bi 4 f XPS indicates that effective charge carriers in the BiCh2 (Ch = S, Se) layers are slightly increased by Se substitution. On the basis of the present results it has been discussed that the metallic character induced by Se substitution in Eu0.5La0.5FBiS2 -xSex is likely to be due to increased in-plane orbital overlap driven by reduced in-plane disorder that affects the carrier mobility.

Progress of the European Assistive Technology Information Network.

PubMed

Gower, Valerio; Andrich, Renzo

2015-01-01

The European Assistive Technology Information Network (EASTIN), launched in 2005 as the result of a collaborative EU project, provides information on Assistive Technology products and related material through the website www.eastin.eu. In the past few years several advancements have been implemented on the EASTIN website thanks to the contribution of EU funded projects, including a multilingual query processing component for supporting non expert users, a user rating and comment facility, and a detailed taxonomy for the description of ICT based assistive products. Recently, within the framework of the EU funded project Cloud4All, the EASTIN information system has also been federated with the Unified Listing of assistive products, one of the building blocks of the Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure initiative.

All EU hands to the EU pumps: the Science Academies of Europe (EASAC) recommend strong support of research to tackle antibacterial resistance.

PubMed

Gyssens, I C

2008-10-01

Despite many European Union (EU) conferences on fighting microbial resistance, rates of resistance in Europe continue to increase. Although research is catching up with discovery, the development of new antimicrobials is threatened by economic factors, in particular the need for a return of investment via high-volume sales. The EU should invest in independent research into the economic and business aspects of antibiotic development. Multidisciplinary input from the fields of finance, law, marketing, sociology and psychology will inform a broad agenda for change at the regulatory, academic and commercial levels and identify new options for novel anti-infective research and development, as recently recommended by the Science Academies of Europe (EASAC).

Structural, morphological and electronic properties of pulsed laser grown Eu2O3 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Sandeep; Prakash, Ram; Choudhary, R. J.; Phase, D. M.

2018-05-01

Herein, we report the growth, structural, morphological and electronic properties of Europium sesquioxide (Eu2O3) thin films on Si [1 0 0] substrate using pulsed laser deposition technique. The films were deposited at ˜750 °C substrate temperature while the oxygen partial pressure (OPP) was varied (vacuum,˜1 mTorr, ˜10 mTorr and ˜300 mTorr). X-ray diffraction results confirm the single phase cubic structure of the film grown at ˜300 mTorr. The XRD results are also supported by the Raman's spectroscopy results. Eu-3d XPS core level spectra confirms the dominant contributions from the "3+" states of Eu in the film.

The Commission White Paper on a Strategy for a Future EU Chemicals Policy: the view of European companies of American parentage.

PubMed

Montfort, Jean-Philippe

2003-04-01

After years of good service, EU legislation on chemicals is currently subject to a major review. This process, initiated by the Council of Ministers at Chester in April 1998, will soon lead to new legislative proposals. In the meantime, a review of the Commission's White Paper on "Strategy for a Future Chemicals Policy," published in February 2001, clearly shows that the regulatory landscape in this area will be significantly reshaped and that a new burden will be imposed on industry to demonstrate that the production and use of chemicals indeed conform to high standards of protection of human health and the environment. In the view of industry, on both sides of the Atlantic, while the objectives of the proposed reform can be supported, the measures proposed in the White Paper to implement these objectives are not properly balanced and will lead to substantial societal and economic drawbacks, unless significant adjustments are made. The purpose of this article is to present the pitfalls and difficulties of the reform as they are perceived by the EU Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Brussels, an organization that regroups about 150 European companies of American parentage, belonging to a broad range of European business sectors, including producers and users of chemicals. In view of the transatlantic and cross-business character of its membership, the EU Committee offers a different perspective on the debate.

Proposed re-evaluation of the 154Eu thermal ( n, γ) capture cross-section based on spent fuel benchmarking studies

DOE PAGES

Skutnik, Steven E.

2016-09-22

154Eu is a nuclide of considerable importance to both non-destructive measurements of used nuclear fuel assembly burnup as well as for calculating the radiation source term for used fuel storage and transportation. But, recent evidence from code validation studies of spent fuel benchmarks have revealed evidence of a systemic bias in predicted 154Eu inventories when using ENDF/B-VII.0 and ENDF/B-VII.1 nuclear data libraries, wherein Eu-154 is consistently over-predicted on the order of 10% or more. Further, this bias is found to correlate with sample burnup, resulting in a larger departure from experimental measurements for higher sample burnups. Here, the bias in Eu-154 is characterized across eleven spent fuel destructive assay benchmarks from five different assemblies. Based on these studies, possible amendments to the ENDF/B-VII.0 and VII.1 evaluations of the 154Eu (n,γ) 155Eu are explored. By amending the location of the first resolved resonance for the 154Eu radiative capture cross-section (centered at 0.195 eV in ENDF/B-VII.0 and VII.1) to 0.188 eV and adjusting the neutron capture width proportional tomore » $$\\sqrt1/E$$, the amended cross-section evaluation was found to reduce the bias in predicted 154Eu inventories by approximately 5–7%. And while the amended capture cross-section still results in a residual over-prediction of 154Eu (ranging from 2% to 9%), the effect is substantially attenuated compared with the nominal ENDF/B-VII.0 and VII.1 evaluations.« less

Proposed re-evaluation of the 154Eu thermal ( n, γ) capture cross-section based on spent fuel benchmarking studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Skutnik, Steven E.

154Eu is a nuclide of considerable importance to both non-destructive measurements of used nuclear fuel assembly burnup as well as for calculating the radiation source term for used fuel storage and transportation. But, recent evidence from code validation studies of spent fuel benchmarks have revealed evidence of a systemic bias in predicted 154Eu inventories when using ENDF/B-VII.0 and ENDF/B-VII.1 nuclear data libraries, wherein Eu-154 is consistently over-predicted on the order of 10% or more. Further, this bias is found to correlate with sample burnup, resulting in a larger departure from experimental measurements for higher sample burnups. Here, the bias in Eu-154 is characterized across eleven spent fuel destructive assay benchmarks from five different assemblies. Based on these studies, possible amendments to the ENDF/B-VII.0 and VII.1 evaluations of the 154Eu (n,γ) 155Eu are explored. By amending the location of the first resolved resonance for the 154Eu radiative capture cross-section (centered at 0.195 eV in ENDF/B-VII.0 and VII.1) to 0.188 eV and adjusting the neutron capture width proportional tomore » $$\\sqrt1/E$$, the amended cross-section evaluation was found to reduce the bias in predicted 154Eu inventories by approximately 5–7%. And while the amended capture cross-section still results in a residual over-prediction of 154Eu (ranging from 2% to 9%), the effect is substantially attenuated compared with the nominal ENDF/B-VII.0 and VII.1 evaluations.« less

Ternary complex formation of Eu(III) with o-phthalate in aqueous solutions.

PubMed

Park, K K; Jung, E C; Cho, H-R; Kim, W H

2009-08-15

Ternary hydroxo complex formation of Eu(III) with o-phthalate was investigated by potentiometry and fluorescence spectrophotometry. Curves of the equilibrium pH versus the amount of NaOH added showed that the pH value starting to form a Eu(III) precipitate was decreased due to the formation of a ternary hydroxo complex, EuOHL(s) (L = phthalate). The formation of EuOHL(s) was qualitatively confirmed by the enhancement of the fluorescence intensity of Eu(III) in the precipitate with the light absorbed by phthalate, and was quantitatively confirmed by the measurement of the amounts of Eu(III), OH(-) and phthalate included in the precipitate. The solubility product of EuOHL(s) was determined as pK(sp)(0) = 15.6+/-0.4. Characteristic features in the fluorescence spectra and the solubility product of the Eu(III)-phthalate complex were compared with those of the Eu(III)-PDA (PDA = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate) complex. The fluorescence intensity of the EuL(+) complex of L = PDA was about 11 times stronger than that of L = phthalate. The origin of the difference in the fluorescence intensity is discussed based on the intramolecular energy transfer effect from the lowest triplet energy level of the ligand to the resonance energy level of Eu(III).

Structural, luminescence, thermodynamic and theoretical studies on mononuclear complexes of Eu(III) with pyridine monocarboxylate-N-oxides in aqueous solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dumpala, Rama Mohana Rao; Rawat, Neetika; Boda, Anil; Ali, Sk. Musharaf; Tomar, B. S.

2018-02-01

The mononuclear complexes formed by Eu(III) with three isomeric pyridine monocarboxylate-N-oxides namely picolinic acid-N-oxide (PANO), nicotinic acid-N-oxide (NANO) and isonicotinic acid-N-oxide (IANO) in aqueous solutions were studied by potentiometry, luminescence spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to determine the speciation, coordination, luminescence properties and thermodynamic parameters of the complexes formed during the course of the reaction. More stable six membered chelate complexes with stoichiometry (MLi, i = 1-4) are formed by Eu(III) with PANO while non chelating ML and ML2 complexes are formed by NANO and IANO. The stability of Eu(III) complexes follow the order PANO > IANO > NANO. The ITC studies inferred an endothermic and innersphere complex formation of Eu(III)-PANO and Eu(III)-IANO whereas an exothermic and outer-sphere complex formation for Eu(III)-NANO. The luminescence life time data further supported the ITC results. Density functional theoretical calculations were carried out to optimize geometries of the complexes and to estimate the energies, structural parameters (bond distances, bond angles) and charges on individual atoms of the same. Theoretical approximations are found to be in good agreement with the experimental observations.

European Crew Personal Active Dosimeter (EuCPAD), a novel dosimetry system utilizing operational and scientific synergies for the benefit of humans in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Straube, Ulrich; Berger, Thomas

A significant expansion of Human presence in space can be recognized over the last decade. Not only the frequency of human space mission did rise, but also time in space, mission duration with extended flights lasting half a year or more are becoming "standard". Despite the challenges to human health and well-being are still significant, or may even increase with mission length and work density. Also radiation exposure in space remains one of the inevitable and dominating factors relevant to crew- health, -safety and therefore mission success. The radiation environment that the space crews are exposed to differs significantly as compared to earth. Exposure in flight exceed doses that are usually received by terrestrial radiation workers on ground. Expanding "medical" demands are not a solely characteristics of current and current and upcoming mission scenarios. Likewise the margins for what is understood as "efficient utilization" for the fully operational science platform ISS, are immense. Understanding, accepting and approaching these challenges ESA-HSO did choose a particular pass of implementation for one of their current developments. Exploiting synergies of research, science and medical operational aspects, the "European Crew Personal Active Dosimeter for Astronauts (EuCPAD)" development exactly addresses these circumstances. It becomes novel part of ESA Radiation Protection Initiative for astronauts. The EuCPAD project aims at the development and manufacturing of an active (powered) dosimeter system to measure astronaut's exposures, support risk assessment dose management by providing a differentiated data set. Final goal is the verification of the system capabilities for medical monitoring at highest standards. The EuCPAD consists of several small portable Personal Active Dosimeters (MU = Mobile Unitas) and a rack mounted docking station “Personal Storage Device (PSD)” for MU storage, data read out and telemetry. The PSD furthermore contains a Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (TEPC) and an internal MU(iMU) to enable complex environmental measurements and cross calibrations. This presentation will give an introduction to the dosimetry system and of the current status. The EuCPAD project is carried out under ESA Contract No. 4200023059/09/NL/CP,

Energy Transfer Efficiency from ZnO-Nanocrystals to Eu3+ Ions Embedded in SiO₂ Film for Emission at 614 nm.

PubMed

Mangalam, Vivek; Pita, Kantisara

2017-08-10

In this work, we study the energy transfer mechanism from ZnO nanocrystals (ZnO-nc) to Eu 3+ ions by fabricating thin-film samples of ZnO-nc and Eu 3+ ions embedded in a SiO₂ matrix using the low-cost sol-gel technique. The time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements from the samples were analyzed to understand the contribution of energy transfer from the various ZnO-nc emission centers to Eu 3+ ions. The decay time obtained from the TRPL measurements was used to calculate the energy transfer efficiencies from the ZnO-nc emission centers, and these results were compared with the energy transfer efficiencies calculated from steady-state photoluminescence emission results. The results in this work show that high transfer efficiencies from the excitonic and Zn defect emission centers is mostly due to the energy transfer from ZnO-nc to Eu 3+ ions which results in the radiative emission from the Eu 3+ ions at 614 nm, while the energy transfer from the oxygen defect emissions is most probably due to the energy transfer from ZnO-nc to the new defects created due to the incorporation of the Eu 3+ ions.

Agricultural Extension Services and Market Regulation: Learning from a Comparison of Six EU Countries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laurent, Catherine; Cerf, Marianne; Labarthe, Pierre

2006-01-01

If farmers are to meet the new challenges facing agriculture (environment, rural development, etc.), appropriate knowledge has to be produced. But observations in six EU countries (France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK) show that unexpected problems arise when technical support for agriculture is linked to market regulation,…

Inorganic scintillation detectors based on Eu-activated phosphors for 192Ir brachytherapy

PubMed Central

Kertzscher, Gustavo; Beddar, Sam

2017-01-01

The availability of real-time treatment verification during high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is currently limited. Therefore, we studied the luminescence properties of the widely commercially available scintillators using the inorganic materials Eu-activated phosphors Y2O3:Eu, YVO4:Eu, Y2O2S:Eu, and Gd2O2S:Eu to determine whether they could be used to accurately and precisely verify HDR brachytherapy doses in real time. The suitability for HDR brachytherapy of inorganic scintillation detectors (ISDs) based on the 4 Eu-activated phosphors in powder form was determined based on experiments with a 192Ir HDR brachytherapy source. The scintillation intensities of the phosphors were 16 to 134 times greater than that of the commonly used organic plastic scintillator BCF-12. High signal intensities were achieved with an optimized packing density of the phosphor mixture and with a shortened fiber-optic cable. The influence of contaminating Cerenkov and fluorescence light induced in the fiber-optic cable (stem signal) was adequately suppressed by inserting between the fiber-optic cable and the photodetector a 25-nm band-pass filter centered at the emission peak. The spurious photoluminescence signal induced by the stem signal was suppressed by placing a long-pass filter between the scintillation detector volume and the fiber-optic cable. The time-dependent luminescence properties of the phosphors were quantified by measuring the non-constant scintillation during irradiation and the afterglow after the brachytherapy source had retracted. We demonstrated that a mixture of Y2O3:Eu and YVO4:Eu suppressed the time-dependence of the ISDs and that the time-dependence of Y2O2S:Eu and Gd2O2S:Eu introduced large measurement inaccuracies. We conclude that ISDs based on a mixture of Y2O3:Eu and YVO4:Eu are promising candidates for accurate and precise real-time verification technology for HDR BT that is cost effective and straightforward to manufacture. Widespread dissemination of this technology could lead to an improved understanding of error types and frequencies during BT and to improved patient safety during treatment. PMID:28475494

Inorganic scintillation detectors based on Eu-activated phosphors for 192Ir brachytherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kertzscher, Gustavo; Beddar, Sam

2017-06-01

The availability of real-time treatment verification during high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is currently limited. Therefore, we studied the luminescence properties of the widely commercially available scintillators using the inorganic materials Eu-activated phosphors Y2O3:Eu, YVO4:Eu, Y2O2S:Eu, and Gd2O2S:Eu to determine whether they could be used to accurately and precisely verify HDR brachytherapy doses in real time. The suitability for HDR brachytherapy of inorganic scintillation detectors (ISDs) based on the 4 Eu-activated phosphors in powder form was determined based on experiments with a 192Ir HDR brachytherapy source. The scintillation intensities of the phosphors were 16-134 times greater than that of the commonly used organic plastic scintillator BCF-12. High signal intensities were achieved with an optimized packing density of the phosphor mixture and with a shortened fiber-optic cable. The influence of contaminating Cerenkov and fluorescence light induced in the fiber-optic cable (stem signal) was adequately suppressed by inserting between the fiber-optic cable and the photodetector a 25 nm band-pass filter centered at the emission peak. The spurious photoluminescence signal induced by the stem signal was suppressed by placing a long-pass filter between the scintillation detector volume and the fiber-optic cable. The time-dependent luminescence properties of the phosphors were quantified by measuring the non-constant scintillation during irradiation and the afterglow after the brachytherapy source had retracted. We demonstrated that a mixture of Y2O3:Eu and YVO4:Eu suppressed the time-dependence of the ISDs and that the time-dependence of Y2O2S:Eu and Gd2O2S:Eu introduced large measurement inaccuracies. We conclude that ISDs based on a mixture of Y2O3:Eu and YVO4:Eu are promising candidates for accurate and precise real-time verification technology for HDR BT that is cost effective and straightforward to manufacture. Widespread dissemination of this technology could lead to an improved understanding of error types and frequencies during BT and to improved patient safety during treatment.

Metallic behavior induced by potassium doping of the trigonal antiferromagnetic insulator EuMn 2 As 2

DOE PAGES

Anand, V. K.; Johnston, D. C.

2016-07-22

Here, we report magnetic susceptibility χ, isothermal magnetization M, heat capacity C p, and electrical resistivity ρ measurements on undoped EuMn 2As 2 and K-doped Eu 0.96K 0.04Mn 2As 2 and Eu 0.93K 0.07Mn 2As 2 single crystals with the trigonal CaAl 2Si 2-type structure as a function of temperature T and magnetic field H. EuMn 2As 2 has an insulating ground state with an activation energy of 52 meV and exhibits antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering of the Eu +2 spins S=7/2 at T N1=15 K from C p(T) and χ(T) data with a likely spin-reorientation transition at T N2=5.0 K.more » The Mn +2 3d 5 spins-5/2 exhibit AFM ordering at T N=142 K from all three types of measurements. The M(H) isotherm and χ(T) data indicate that the Eu AFM structure is both noncollinear and noncoplanar. The AFM structure of the Mn spins is also unclear. A 4% substitution of K for Eu in Eu 0.96K 0.04Mn 2As 2 is sufficient to induce a metallic ground state. We found evidence for a difference in the AFM structure of the Eu moments in the metallic crystals from that of undoped EuMn 2As 2 versus both T and H. For metallic Eu 0.96K 0.04Mn 2As 2 and Eu 0.93K 0.07Mn 2As 2, an anomalous S-shape T dependence of ρ related to the Mn magnetism is found. Upon cooling from 200 K, ρ exhibits a strong negative curvature, reaches maximum positive slope at the Mn T N≈150 K, and then continues to decrease but more slowly below T N. Finally, this suggests that dynamic short-range AFM order of the Mn spins above the Mn T N strongly suppresses the resistivity, contrary to the conventional decrease of ρ that is only observed upon cooling below T N of an antiferromagnet.« less

Liquid-liquid extraction and flat sheet supported liquid membrane studies on Am(III) and Eu(III) separation using 2,6-bis(5,6-dipropyl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)pyridine as the extractant.

PubMed

Bhattacharyya, A; Mohapatra, P K; Gadly, T; Raut, D R; Ghosh, S K; Manchanda, V K

2011-11-15

Solvent extraction and supported liquid membrane transport studies for the preferential removal of Am(3+) from feeds containing a mixture of Am(3+) and Eu(3+) was carried out using 2,6-bis(5,6-dipropyl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)pyridine (n-Pr-BTP) as the extractant. Diluent plays an important role in these studies. It was observed that the distribution coefficients deteriorate significantly for both Am(3+) and Eu(3+) though the separation factors were affected only marginally. The transport studies were carried out at pH 2.0 in the presence of NaNO(3) to result in the preferential Am(3+) transport with high separation factors. Effect of different experimental parameters, viz. feed composition, stripping agents, diluents of the organic liquid membrane and membrane pore size was studied on the transport and separation behaviour of Am(3+) and Eu(3+). The supported liquid membrane studies indicated about 85% Am(3+) and 6% Eu(3+) transport in 6h using 0.03 M n-Pr-BTP in n-dodecane/1-octanol (7:3) diluent mixture for a feed containing 1M NaNO(3) at pH 2 and a receiver phase containing pH 2 solution as the strippant. Consequently, a permeability coefficient of (1.75 ± 0.21) × 10(-4)cms(-1) was determined for the Am(3+) transport. Stability of the n-Pr-BTP and its SLM was also studied by carrying out the distribution and transport experiment after different time intervals. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhancing Photovoltaic Performance Using Broadband Luminescent Down-Shifting by Combining Multiple Species of Eu-Doped Silicate Phosphors.

PubMed

Ho, Wen-Jeng; Shen, Yu-Tang; Liu, Jheng-Jie; You, Bang-Jin; Ho, Chun-Hung

2017-10-21

This paper demonstrates the application of a broadband luminescent downshifting (LDS) layer with multiple species of europium (Eu)-doped silicate phosphors using spin-on film technique to enhance the photovoltaic efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells. The surface morphology of the deposited layer was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical composition of the Eu-doped silicate phosphors was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The fluorescence emission of the Eu-doped silicate phosphors was characterized using photoluminescence (PL) measurements at room temperature. We also compared the optical reflectance and external quantum efficiency (EQE) response of cells with combinations of various Eu-doped phosphors species. The cell coated with two species of Eu-doped phosphors achieved a conversion efficiency enhancement (∆ η ) of 19.39%, far exceeding the ∆ η = 15.08% of the cell with one species of Eu-doped phosphors and the ∆ η = 8.51% of the reference cell with the same silicate layer without Eu-doped phosphors.

Formation of nanostructures in Eu3+ doped glass-ceramics: an XAS study.

PubMed

Pellicer-Porres, J; Segura, A; Martínez-Criado, G; Rodríguez-Mendoza, U R; Lavín, V

2013-01-16

We describe the results of x-ray absorption experiments carried out to deduce structural and chemical information in Eu(3+) doped, transparent, oxyfluoride glass and nanostructured glass-ceramic samples. The spectra were measured at the Pb and Eu-L(III) edges. The Eu environment in the glass samples is observed to be similar to that of EuF(3). Complementary x-ray diffraction experiments show that thermal annealing creates β-PbF(2) type nanocrystals. X-ray absorption indicates that Eu ions act as seeds in the nanocrystal formation. There is evidence of interstitial fluorine atoms around Eu ions as well as Eu dimers. X-ray absorption at the Pb-L(III) edge shows that after the thermal treatment most lead atoms form a PbO amorphous phase and that only 10% of the lead atoms remain available to form β-PbF(2) type nanocrystals. Both x-ray diffraction and absorption point to a high Eu content in the nanocrystals. Our study suggests new approaches to the oxyfluoride glass-ceramic synthesis in order to further improve their properties.

Energy transfer driven tunable emission of Tb/Eu co-doped lanthanum molybdate nanophosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Kukku; Alexander, Dinu; Sisira, S.; Gopi, Subash; Biju, P. R.; Unnikrishnan, N. V.; Joseph, Cyriac

2018-06-01

Tb3+/Eu3+ co-doped lanthanum molybdate nanophosphors were synthesized by conventional co-precipitation method. The Powder X-ray diffractogram revealed the formation of highly crystalline tetragonal nanocrystals with space group I41/a and the detailed analysis of the small variation of lattice parameters with Tb/Eu co-doping on the host lattice were carried out based on the ionic radii of the dopants. The FTIR spectra is employed to identify the fundamental vibrational modes in La2-x-y (MoO4)3:xTb, yEu nanocrystals. The formation of nanocrystals by oriented attachment was recognized from the HR TEM images and the d-spacing calculated was in accordance with that corresponding to highest intensity diffraction peak in the XRD patterns. The constituent elements present in the samples were identified with the aid of EDAX and elemental mapping analysis. The broad Mo6+- O2- CTB and the sharp excitation peaks of Tb and Eu identified from the UV-Vis absorption spectra facilitates the suitability of exciting the phosphors effectively over NUV and visible region of the spectra. The possibility of energy transfer from host to Tb3+/Eu3+ ions and from Tb3+ to Eu3+ ions were confirmed from the PL excitation spectra monitoring 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+ ions around 615 nm. The correlated analysis of PL emission spectra, life time measurements and CIE diagram, upon different excitation channels elucidate the excellent luminescent properties of La2-x-y (MoO4)3:xTb, yEu nanophosphors with tunable emission colours in a wide range varying from yellow green region to reddish orange region and the efficient energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+ ions in lanthanum molybdate host lattice. The Tb→Eu energy transfer efficiency and probability were calculated from the decay measurements and the values were found to be satisfactory for exploiting the prepared nanophosphors for the development of multifunctional luminescent nanophosphors.

Tuning of "antenna effect" of Eu(III) in ternary systems in aqueous medium through binding with protein.

PubMed

Ghorai, Shyamal Kr; Samanta, Swarna Kamal; Mukherjee, Manini; Saha Sardar, Pinki; Ghosh, Sanjib

2013-02-04

A simple ternary system containing a protein [human serum albumin (HSA)/bovine serum albumin (BSA)], tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), and Eu(III) in suitable aqueous buffer medium at physiological pH (= 7.2) has been shown to exhibit highly efficient "antenna effect" compared to the binary complex of TC with Eu(III) (Eu(3)TC). The ternary system containing E. coli alkaline phosphatase (AP), TC, and Eu(III), however, shows a slight enhancement of Eu(III) emission, although the binding constant of AP with TC is 2 orders of magnitude greater than with BSA/HSA. The enhanced emission of bound TC in the binary systems containing proteins and TC gets quenched in the ternary systems containing HSA/BSA, showing the efficient energy transfer (ET) from TC to Eu(III). Steady state and time-resolved emission studies of each component in all the ternary systems in H(2)O and in D(2)O medium reveal that Eu(III) is very well protected from the O-H oscillator in the ternary system containing HSA/BSA compared to that containing AP. The docking studies locating the binding site of TC in the proteins suggest that TC binds near the surface of AP. In the case of HSA/BSA, TC resides in the interior of the protein resulting in a large shielding effect of Eu(III). The rotational correlation time (θ(c)) determined from the anisotropy decay of bound TC in the complexes and the accessible surface area (ASA) of the ligand in the complexes obtained from the docking studies also support the contention that Eu(3)TC is more exposed to solvent in the case of the ternary system consisting of AP, TC, and Eu(III). The calculated radiative lifetime and the sensitization efficiency ratio of Eu(III) in all the systems clearly demonstrate the protein mediated tuning of "antenna effect" in Eu(III).

Pesticide authorization in the EU-environment unprotected?

PubMed

Stehle, Sebastian; Schulz, Ralf

2015-12-01

Pesticides constitute an integral part of high-intensity European agriculture. Prior to their authorization, a highly elaborated environmental risk assessment is mandatory according to EU pesticide legislation, i.e., Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009. However, no field data-based evaluation of the risk assessment outcome, i.e., the regulatory acceptable concentrations (RACs), and therefore of the overall protectiveness of EU pesticide regulations exists. We conducted here a comprehensive meta-analysis using peer-reviewed literature on agricultural insecticide concentrations in EU surface waters and evaluated associated risks using the RACs derived from official European pesticide registration documents. As a result, 44.7 % of the 1566 cases of measured insecticide concentrations (MICs) in EU surface waters exceeded their respective RACs. It follows that current EU pesticide regulations do not protect the aquatic environment and that insecticides threaten aquatic biodiversity. RAC exceedances were significantly higher for insecticides authorized using conservative tier-I RACs and for more recently developed insecticide classes, i.e., pyrethroids. In addition, we identified higher risks, e.g., for smaller surface waters that are specifically considered in the regulatory risk assessment schemes. We illustrate the shortcomings of the EU regulatory risk assessment using two case studies that contextualize the respective risk assessment outcomes to field exposure. Overall, our meta-analysis challenges the field relevance and protectiveness of the regulatory environmental risk assessment conducted for pesticide authorization in the EU and indicates that critical revisions of related pesticide regulations and effective mitigation measures are urgently needed to substantially reduce the environmental risks arising from agricultural insecticide use.

Eu3 + amidst ionic copper in glass: Enhancement through energy transfer from Cu+, or quenching by Cu2 +?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez, José A.

2017-02-01

A barium-phosphate glass system doped with europium(III) and containing a high concentration of copper(I) together with a copper(II) remnant has been studied spectroscopically. The main object is to elucidate whether the orange-red emission of Eu3 + ions succeeds through sensitization via luminescent Cu+ ions or else is preferentially quenched by non-radiative transfer to Cu2 +. A characterization of the melt-quenched glass was first performed by UV/Vis optical absorption, 31P nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared absorption spectroscopy. A photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and emission decay dynamics assessment was subsequently performed. Despite the concentration of Cu+ being estimated to be much higher than that of Cu2 +, the data shows that quenching of Eu3 + PL by Cu2 + dominates. The lifetime analysis of emitting centers Cu+ and Eu3 + points to the origin of the manifestation being that the Eu3 + → Cu2 + non-radiative transfer rate responsible for the quenching is almost two times higher than that for the Cu+ → Eu3 + transfer accountable for the enhancement. Finally, an effort was made for the determination of Cu2 + in the glass containing Cu+, Cu2 + and Eu3 + ions based on the Eu3 + (5D0) emission decay rates. It was found to be in excellent agreement with the UV/Vis spectrophotometric approach, thus supporting the utility of Eu3 + ions for optical sensing of copper(II) in the solid state.

Biosensor of endotoxin and sepsis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Yang; Wang, Xiang; Wu, Xi; Gao, Wei; He, Qing-hua; Cai, Shaoxi

2001-09-01

To investigate the relation between biosensor of endotoxin and endotoxin of plasma in sepsis. Method: biosensor of endotoxin was designed with technology of quartz crystal microbalance bioaffinity sensor ligand of endotoxin were immobilized by protein A conjugate. When a sample soliton of plasma containing endotoxin 0.01, 0.03, 0.06, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0Eu, treated with perchloric acid and injected into slot of quartz crystal surface respectively, the ligand was released from the surface of quartz crystal to form a more stable complex with endotoxin in solution. The endotoxin concentration corresponded to the weight change on the crystal surface, and caused change of frequency that occurred when desorbed. The result was biosensor of endotoxin might detect endotoxin of plasma in sepsis, measurements range between 0.05Eu and 0.5Eu in the stop flow mode, measurement range between 0.1Eu and 1Eu in the flow mode. The sensor of endotoxin could detect the endotoxin of plasm rapidly, and use for detection sepsis in clinically.

Second Wave of Biometric ID-documents in Europe: The Residence Permit for non-EU/EEA Nationals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houdeau, Detlef

The first implementation of biometric documents, called biometric passports, based on a regulation is running, the second implementation since end of CY 2008 is coming to Europe. The focus is on persons staying for business, study or leisure for more than 3 months in Europe and coming from a state outside Europe and not being a member of the Visa-Waiver-Program of the EU. This second wave increases the demand for the security industry for certified security microcontroller chips, secure smart cards, readers and supporting infrastructure on top of the biometric Passport business. It underlines the continuing advance of contactless identification technology in the public sector. The article gives an overview on the application, the technology, the EU regulation, the EU roadmap and the implementations.

Basic and clinical proteomics from the EU Health Research perspective.

PubMed

Dyląg, Tomasz; Jehenson, Philippe; van de Loo, Jan-Willem; Sanne, Jean-Luc

2010-12-01

The European Union (EU) is one of the main public funders of research in Europe and its major instrument for funding is the Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development (FP7). The bulk of funding in FP7 goes to collaborative research, with the objective of establishing excellent research projects and networks. Understanding the functions of proteins is essential for the rational development of disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment, therefore the EU has largely invested in proteomics, in particular for technology development, data standardisation and sharing efforts, and the application of proteomics in the clinic. The scientific community, including both academia and industry, is encouraged to apply for FP7 funding so that the EU can even more efficiently support innovative health research and ultimately, bring better healthcare to patients.

Social Support in Two Cultures: Everyday Transactions in the U.S. and Empathic Assurance in Japan

PubMed Central

Morling, Beth; Uchida, Yukiko; Frentrup, Sandra

2015-01-01

We studied received social support using the cross-cultural method of situation sampling. College students from the US and Japan described and rated recent examples of received social support, both everyday support as well as support in response to stress. Middle class, European-American (EuA) students’ situations fit a model in which support is frequent and offered freely in interactions, even for relatively minor issues. Even when it’s unrequested, EuA support makes recipients feel in control, and support-givers are perceived to have acted by free choice. In contrast, results suggest that middle-class Japanese (Jpn) contexts favor support that is empathic and responsive to the recipients’ degree of need. Japanese support was experienced positively when it was emotional support, when it was in more serious situations and when the support was rated as needed by the recipient. In Japan, although problem-based support is most common, it is not particularly positive, apparently because it is less likely to be perceived as needed. PMID:26107165

Single crystal growth and physical properties of BiS2-layered compound Eu3Bi2S4F4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higashinaka, Ryuji; Endo, Hideaki; Kajitani, Joe; Matsuda, Tatsuma D.; Aoki, Yuji

2018-05-01

We have for the first time succeeded in growing single crystals of Eu3Bi2S4F4 by CsCl-flux method and performed magnetic property measurements. Magnetization measurements ascertained that the antiferromagnetic transition appears at TN = 2.2 K. The effective moment estimated from a Curie-Weiss (CW) fitting above 150 K is smaller than the free ion value for Eu2+, indicating that the average valence of Eu ions deviates from divalent. Weak magnetic anisotropy develops below 20 K. From CW fitting at low temperatures, we found the difference in Curie Weiss temperature between H∥ [001] and H ⊥ [ 100 ] , indicating the anisotropy of magnetic interaction between Eu ions. In the magnetization curve at 2 K (below TN), a metamagnetic anomaly appears only for the [001] direction around 0.7 T. Since this anomaly disappears above TN, this transition originates from the spin flip of Eu magnetic moments by applying magnetic field. This finding indicates that the ordered moments in the antiferromagnetic state are parallel to the [001] direction, being consistent with the anisotropic Weiss temperature, which is 20% larger for this direction.

Integration of research advances in modelling and monitoring in support of WFD river basin management planning in the context of climate change.

PubMed

Quevauviller, Philippe; Barceló, Damia; Beniston, Martin; Djordjevic, Slobodan; Harding, Richard J; Iglesias, Ana; Ludwig, Ralf; Navarra, Antonio; Navarro Ortega, Alícia; Mark, Ole; Roson, Roberto; Sempere, Daniel; Stoffel, Markus; van Lanen, Henny A J; Werner, Micha

2012-12-01

The integration of scientific knowledge about possible climate change impacts on water resources has a direct implication on the way water policies are being implemented and evolving. This is particularly true regarding various technical steps embedded into the EU Water Framework Directive river basin management planning, such as risk characterisation, monitoring, design and implementation of action programmes and evaluation of the "good status" objective achievements (in 2015). The need to incorporate climate change considerations into the implementation of EU water policy is currently discussed with a wide range of experts and stakeholders at EU level. Research trends are also on-going, striving to support policy developments and examining how scientific findings and recommendations could be best taken on board by policy-makers and water managers within the forthcoming years. This paper provides a snapshot of policy discussions about climate change in the context of the WFD river basin management planning and specific advancements of related EU-funded research projects. Perspectives for strengthening links among the scientific and policy-making communities in this area are also highlighted. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tunable Yellow-Red Photoluminescence and Persistent Afterglow in Phosphors Ca4LaO(BO3)3:Eu3+ and Ca4EuO(BO3)3.

PubMed

Chen, Zhen; Pan, Yuexiao; Xi, Luqing; Pang, Ran; Huang, Shaoming; Liu, Guokui

2016-11-07

In most Eu 3+ activated phosphors, only red luminescence from the 5 D 0 is obtainable, and efficiency is limited by concentration quenching. Herein we report a new phosphor of Ca 4 LaO(BO 3 ) 3 :Eu 3+ (CLBO:Eu) with advanced photoluminescence properties. The yellow luminescence emitted from the 5 D 1,2 states is not thermally quenched at room temperature. The relative intensities of the yellow and red emission bands depend strongly on the Eu 3+ doping concentration. More importantly, concentration quenching of Eu 3+ photoluminescence is absent in this phosphor, and the stoichiometric compound of Ca 4 EuO(BO 3 ) 3 emits stronger luminescence than the Eu 3+ doped compounds of CLBO:Eu; it is three times stronger than that of a commercial red phosphor of Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ . Another beneficial phenomenon is that ligand-to-metal charge transfer (CT) transitions occur in the long UV region with the lowest charge transfer band (CTB) stretched down to about 3.67 eV (∼330 nm). The CT transitions significantly enhance Eu 3+ excitation, and thus result in stronger photoluminescence and promote trapping of excitons for persistent afterglow emission. Along with structure characterization, optical spectra and luminescence dynamics measured under various conditions as a function of Eu 3+ doping, temperature, and excitation wavelength are analyzed for a fundamental understanding of electronic interactions and for potential applications.

A Eu/Tb-mixed MOF for luminescent high-temperature sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Huizhen; Zhao, Dian; Cui, Yuangjing; Yang, Yu; Qian, Guodong

2017-02-01

Temperature measurements and thermal mapping using luminescent MOF operating in the high-temperature range are of great interest in the micro-electronic diagnosis. In this paper, we report a thermostable Eu/Tb-mixed MOF Eu0.37Tb0.63-BTC-a exhibiting strong luminescence at elevated temperature, which can serve as a ratiometric luminescent thermometer for high-temperature range. The high-temperature operating range (313-473 K), high relative sensitivity and accurate temperature resolution, make such a Eu/Tb-mixed MOF useful for micro-electronic diagnosis.

The luminescence of nanoscale Y2Si2O7:Eu3+ materials.

PubMed

Lu, Shaozhe; Zhang, Jishen; Zhang, Jiahua

2010-03-01

The Y2Si2O7:Eu3+ sample was prepared with the sol-gel method. The Y2O3:EU3 was dispersed in SiO2, and the complex Y2Si2O7:Eu3+ particles were synthesized at high annealing temperature. The sample consisted of nearly spherical particles with an average size about 60 nm. The ultraviolet excitation spectra and emission spectra were measured. The sample excited by short ultraviolet light showed strongly red luminescence and fine monochromaticity. The luminescence was strongest from the 5D0 --> 7F2 electric dipole transition located at 611 nm. The excitation spectra of Y2Si2O7:Eu3+ excited with ultraviolet lights showed that the peak of the Eu(3+)-O2- charge transition band located at about 240 nm. During monitoring of different emission peaks of 5D0 --> 7F2, the charge transition band in the excitation spectra shifted, and the relative intensity of emission spectra changed obviously under the excitation of different ultraviolet wavelengths. These results confirmed that the Eu3+ could be excited with ultraviolet radiation of different wavelengths. At low temperature, using Eu3+ ions as fluorescence probes, we monitored the emission peaks of 5D0 --> 7F1 and 5D0 --> 7F2 transitions and measured the excitation spectra of 7F0 --> 5D0, 5D0 --> 7F1, and 5D0 --> 7F2 site-selective excitation spectra. These results indicated that Eu3+ ions are located in different local environments in the Y2Si2O7 host.

The luminescence properties of nanocrystalline phosphors Mg2SiO4:Eu3+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolomytsev, A. Y.; Mamonova, D. V.; Manshina, A. A.; Kolesnikov, I. E.

2017-11-01

Nanocrystalline Eu3+-doped Mg2SiO4 powders were prepared with combined Pechini-solid phase synthesis. The structural properties were investigated with XRD, SEM and Raman spectroscopy. XRD pattern indicated that Mg2SiO4:Eu3+ were obtained with formation of other phase: MgO. Raman spectrum revealed good homogeneity and crystallinity of synthesized nanopowders. The luminescence properties were studied with measurement of excitation and emission spectra and decay curves. The effect of Eu3+ concentration on 5D0 level lifetime was studied. Most probably, the observed shortening of 5D0 level lifetime with Eu3+ concentration is caused by increase of nonradiative process probability.

EU-funded malaria research under the 6th and 7th Framework Programmes for research and technological development.

PubMed

Holtel, Andreas; Troye-Blomberg, Marita; Penas-Jimenez, Inmaculada

2011-01-14

While malaria research has traditionally been strong in Europe, targeted and sustained support for cooperative malaria research at EU level, namely through the EU's 6th and 7th Framework Programmes for research and technological development, FP6 (2002-2006) and FP7 (2007-2013), has boosted both impact and visibility of European malaria research. Most of the European malaria research community is now organized under a number of comprehensive and complementary research networks and projects, assembled around four key areas: (1) fundamental research on the malaria parasite and the disease, (2) development of new malaria drugs, (3) research and development of a malaria vaccine, and (4) research to control the malaria-transmitting mosquito vector. Considerable efforts were undertaken to ensure adequate participation of research groups from disease-endemic countries, in particular from Africa, with the long-term aim to strengthen cooperative links and research capacities in these countries. The concept of organizing European research through major strategic projects to form a "European Research Area" (ERA) was originally developed in the preparation of FP6, and ERA formation has now turned into a major EU policy objective explicitly inscribed into the Lisbon Treaty. EU-funded malaria research may serve as a showcase to demonstrate how ERA formation can successfully be implemented in a given area of science when several surrounding parameters converge to support implementation of this strategic concept: timely coincidence of political stimuli, responsive programming, a clearly defined--and well confined--area of research, and the readiness of the targeted research community who is well familiar with transnational cooperation at EU level. Major EU-funded malaria projects have evolved into thematic and organizational platforms that can collaborate with other global players. Europe may thus contribute more, and better, to addressing the global research agenda for malaria.

Design of a Facility to Test the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator Engineering Unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewandowski, Edward J.; Schreiber, Jeffrey G.; Oriti, Salvatore M.; Meer, David W.; Brace, Michael H.; Dugala, Gina

2009-01-01

The Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) is being considered to power deep space missions. An engineering unit, the ASRG-EU, was designed and fabricated by Lockheed Martin under contract to the Department of Energy. This unit is currently on an extended operation test at NASA Glenn Research Center to generate performance data and validate the life and reliability predictions for the generator and the Stirling convertors. A special test facility was designed and built for testing the ASRG-EU. Details of the test facility design are discussed. The facility can operate the convertors under AC bus control or with the ASRG-EU controller. It can regulate input thermal power in either a fixed temperature or fixed power mode. An enclosure circulates cooled air around the ASRG-EU to remove heat rejected from the ASRG-EU by convection. A custom monitoring and data acquisition system supports the test. Various safety features, which allow 2417 unattended operation, are discussed.

Multilevel Governance and Shared Sovereignty: European Union, Member States, and the FCTC

PubMed Central

MAMUDU, HADII M.; STUDLAR, DONLEY T.

2010-01-01

The Westphalian idea of sovereignty in international relations has undergone recent transformation. “Shared sovereignty” through multilevel governance describes the responsibility of the European Union (EU) and its Member States in tobacco control policy. We examine how this has occurred on the EU level through directives and recommendations, accession rules for new members, tobacco control campaigns, and financial support for antitobacco nongovernmental organizations. In particular, the negotiation and ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the participation in the FCTC Conference of the Parties illustrates shared sovereignty. The EU Commission was the lead negotiator for Member States on issues over which it had jurisdiction, while individual Member States, through the EU presidency, could negotiate on issues on which authority was divided or remained with them. Shared sovereignty through multilevel governance has become the norm in the tobacco control policy area for EU members, including having one international organization negotiate within the context of another. PMID:20622934

Status, quality and specific needs of Zika virus (ZIKV) diagnostic capacity and capability in National Reference Laboratories for arboviruses in 30 EU/EEA countries, May 2016

PubMed Central

Mögling, Ramona; Zeller, Hervé; Revez, Joana; Koopmans, Marion; Reusken, Chantal

2017-01-01

With international travel, Zika virus (ZIKV) is introduced to Europe regularly. A country's ability to robustly detect ZIKV introduction and local transmission is important to minimise the risk for a ZIKV outbreak. Therefore, sufficient expertise and diagnostic capacity and capability are required in European laboratories. To assess the capacity, quality, operational specifics (guidelines and algorithms), technical and interpretation issues and other possible difficulties that were related to ZIKV diagnostics in European countries, a questionnaire was conducted among national reference laboratories in 30 countries in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) in May 2016. While the coverage and capacity of ZIKV diagnostics in the EU/EEA national reference laboratories were found to be adequate, the assessment of the quality and needs indicated several crucial points of improvement that will need support at national and EU/EEA level to improve ZIKV preparedness, response and EU/EEA ZIKV surveillance activities. PMID:28920574

Measurement of the 3 s 1 / 2 - 3 p 3 / 2 resonance line of sodiumlike Eu 52 +

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Träbert, E.; Beiersdorfer, P.; Hell, N.

2015-08-01

We have measured the 3 s 1 / 2 - 3 p 3 / 2 transition in sodiumlike Eu 52 + situated at 41.232 Å with an uncertainty of 73 ppm. Our measurement extends previous high-precision measurements into the 56 < Z < 78 range of atomic numbers. We also present measurements of 3 s 1 / 2 - 3 p 3 / 2 and 3 p 1 / 2 - 3 d 3 / 2 transitions in the neighboring magnesiumlike, aluminumlike, and siliconlike europium ions.

Measurement of the 3 s 1 / 2 - 3 p 3 / 2 resonance line of sodiumlike Eu 52 +

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Träbert, E.; Beiersdorfer, P.; Hell, N.

2015-08-20

We have measured the 3s 1/2-3p 3/2 transition in sodiumlike Eu 52+ situated at 41.232 Å with an uncertainty of 73 ppm. Our measurement extends previous high-precision measurements into the 56< Z< 78 range of atomic numbers. We also present measurements of 3s 1/2-3p 3/2 and 3p 1/2-3d 3/2 transitions in the neighboring magnesiumlike, aluminumlike, and siliconlike europium ions.

Magnetocaloric behavior in ternary europium indides EuT 5In: Probing the design capability of first-principles-based methods on the multifaceted magnetic materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bigun, Inna; Steinberg, Simon; Smetana, Volodymyr

The most favorable structures and the types of magnetic ordering predicted from first-principles-based methods in a family of closely related transition-metal-rich indides EuT 5In (T = Cu, Ag, Au) are gauged against relevant experiments. The EuT5In compounds adopt a different structure for each different coinage metal—EuCu 5In ( hR42; Rmore » $$\\overline{3}$$m, a = 5.0933(7), c = 30.557(6) Å), EuAg 5In ( oP28; Pnma, a = 9.121(2), b = 5.645(1), c = 11.437(3) Å), and EuAu 5In ( tI14; I4/ mmm, a = 7.1740(3), c = 5.4425(3) Å)—and crystallize with the Sr 5Al 9, CeCu 6, and YbMo 2Al 4 structure types, respectively. EuCu 5In and EuAg 5In order antiferromagnetically at T N = 12 and 6 K, respectively, whereas EuAu 5In is ferromagnetic below T C = 13 K. EuCu 5In exhibits complex magnetism: after the initial drop at T N, the magnetization rises again below 8 K, and a weak metamagnetic-like transition occurs at 2 K in μ 0H = 1.8 T. The electronic heat capacity of EuCu 5In, γ = ~400 mJ/(mol K 2), points to strong electronic correlations. Spin-polarized densities of states suggest that the magnetic interactions in the three materials studied are supported via mixing 4 f and 5 d states of Eu. As a result, a chemical bonding analysis based on the Crystal Orbital Hamilton populations reveals the tendency to maximize overall bonding as a driving force to adopt a particular type of crystal structure.« less

Magnetocaloric behavior in ternary europium indides EuT 5In: Probing the design capability of first-principles-based methods on the multifaceted magnetic materials

DOE PAGES

Bigun, Inna; Steinberg, Simon; Smetana, Volodymyr; ...

2017-01-27

The most favorable structures and the types of magnetic ordering predicted from first-principles-based methods in a family of closely related transition-metal-rich indides EuT 5In (T = Cu, Ag, Au) are gauged against relevant experiments. The EuT5In compounds adopt a different structure for each different coinage metal—EuCu 5In ( hR42; Rmore » $$\\overline{3}$$m, a = 5.0933(7), c = 30.557(6) Å), EuAg 5In ( oP28; Pnma, a = 9.121(2), b = 5.645(1), c = 11.437(3) Å), and EuAu 5In ( tI14; I4/ mmm, a = 7.1740(3), c = 5.4425(3) Å)—and crystallize with the Sr 5Al 9, CeCu 6, and YbMo 2Al 4 structure types, respectively. EuCu 5In and EuAg 5In order antiferromagnetically at T N = 12 and 6 K, respectively, whereas EuAu 5In is ferromagnetic below T C = 13 K. EuCu 5In exhibits complex magnetism: after the initial drop at T N, the magnetization rises again below 8 K, and a weak metamagnetic-like transition occurs at 2 K in μ 0H = 1.8 T. The electronic heat capacity of EuCu 5In, γ = ~400 mJ/(mol K 2), points to strong electronic correlations. Spin-polarized densities of states suggest that the magnetic interactions in the three materials studied are supported via mixing 4 f and 5 d states of Eu. As a result, a chemical bonding analysis based on the Crystal Orbital Hamilton populations reveals the tendency to maximize overall bonding as a driving force to adopt a particular type of crystal structure.« less

Can Croatia Join Europe as Competitive Knowledge-based Society by 2010?

PubMed Central

Petrovečki, Mladen; Paar, Vladimir; Primorac, Dragan

2006-01-01

The 21st century has brought important changes in the paradigms of economic development, one of them being a shift toward recognizing knowledge and information as the most important factors of today. The European Union (EU) has been working hard to become the most competitive knowledge-based society in the world, and Croatia, an EU candidate country, has been faced with a similar task. To establish itself as one of the best knowledge-based country in the Eastern European region over the next four years, Croatia realized it has to create an education and science system correspondent with European standards and sensitive to labor market needs. For that purpose, the Croatian Ministry of Science, Education, and Sports (MSES) has created and started implementing a complex strategy, consisting of the following key components: the reform of education system in accordance with the Bologna Declaration; stimulation of scientific production by supporting national and international research projects; reversing the “brain drain” into “brain gain” and strengthening the links between science and technology; and informatization of the whole education and science system. In this comprehensive report, we describe the implementation of these measures, whose coordination with the EU goals presents a challenge, as well as an opportunity for Croatia to become a knowledge-based society by 2010. PMID:17167853

Day-to-day management of EU projects: Implementation of a local manager network to secure knowledge transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffmann, Friederike; Meyer, Stefanie; de Vareilles, Mahaut

2017-04-01

In the past years there has been a strong push in Norway for increasing participation in the EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation. EU projects coordinated by the University of Bergen (UiB) usually receive management support from the central administration (mostly financial) in collaboration with a full- or part-time scientific project manager working on a fixed-term contract at the same institute as the project's principal scientist. With an increasing amount of granted EU projects, the number of scientific project managers employed across the whole university has also increased, and a need for coordination and professionalization of this service became obvious. Until recently, UiB had no unified structures and routines for training of newly recruited project managers, or for archiving and transferring routines and skills after the end of the project and the manager's employment contract. To overcome this administrative knowledge gap, the "Forum for scientific EU project managers at UiB" was founded in spring 2016 as an informal communication platform. Its purpose is to bring together current and previous scientific EU project managers from different disciplines to share their experiences. The main aim of the forum is to transfer and improve knowledge, skills and routines on effective management of EU funded projects, but also to function as a discussion forum where issues arising from handling international consortia can be reviewed. The group meets monthly and discusses current challenges from on-going EU projects as well as routines for specific project operation tasks. These routines are archived in an online best-practise guide which the group currently develops. The regular personal meetings are supplemented with an intense communication via a group mailing list and several individual mail- and phone-meetings. Since lessons learned during project implementation may improve future proposals, UiB research advisors for proposal support frequently interact with the members of the forum. The forum is also used to spread relevant information received from other sources. We already realize that the forum and its products lead to increased competence of scientific EU project managers and research advisors at UiB. To further harvest these synergy effects, we aim to increase our interaction with similar groups, networks, and online platforms in and beyond Europe.

Stimulating translational research: several European life science institutions put their heads together.

PubMed

Bentires-Alj, Mohamed; Rajan, Abinaya; van Harten, Wim; van Luenen, Henri G A M; Kubicek, Stefan; Andersen, Jesper B; Saarela, Janna; Cook, Simon J; Van Minnebruggen, Geert; Roman-Roman, Sergio; Maurer, Cornelia; Erler, Janine T; Bertero, Michela G

2015-09-01

Translational research leaves no-one indifferent and everyone expects a particular benefit. We as EU-LIFE (www.eu-life.eu), an alliance of 13 research institutes in European life sciences, would like to share our experience in an attempt to identify measures to promote translational research without undermining basic exploratory research and academic freedom. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Growth and characterization of SrI2:Eu2+ single crystal for gamma ray detector applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raja, A.; Daniel, D. Joseph; Ramasamy, P.; Singh, S. G.; Sen, S.; Gadkari, S. C.

2018-04-01

Europium activated Strontium Iodide single crystal was grown by vertical Bridgman-stockbarger technique. The melting point and freezing point of SrI2:Eu2+ crystal was analyzed by TG/DTA. The Radioluminescence emission was recorded. The scintillation measurement was carried out for the grown SrI2:Eu2+ crystal under 137Cs gamma energy source.

Studying CaSO4:Eu as an OSL phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guckan, Veysi; Altunal, Volkan; Nur, Necmettin; Depci, Tolga; Ozdemir, Adnan; Kurt, Kasim; Yu, Yan; Yegingil, Ihami; Yegingil, Zehra

2017-09-01

This study was carried out to investigate the properties of the OSL signal from Eu-doped calcium sulfate (CaSO4:Eu) phosphor and study on its thermal behavior as a function of temperature under a series of luminescence experiments. The suitability of its usage as an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeter was also checked. CaSO4:Eu was synthesized using the precipitation method and prepared in pellet form. The dopant concentration value was performed as 0.1 mol%. The synthesized CaSO4:Eu was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) method to confirm the product. To have an idea about the crystallography and microstructure morphology of the material, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis were carried out. It was found that the OSL signal is a resultant signal having three components and exhibits thermal quenching above 150 °C. The excitation spectrum of CaSO4:Eu showed different peaks in the region 220-360 nm with the highest one at 269 nm. Thermoluminescence (TL) signals of CaSO4:Eu pellets were obtained and compared with the TL signals obtained after OSL measurements of the same pellets by blue light stimulation. The low temperature peak near 180 °C did not show any significant change in TL after OSL measurement whereas the high temperature peak at 240 °C was bleached with the blue light illumination and might be responsible for the observed OSL signal. The dosimetric properties such as dose response, minimum detectable dose, energy response, reusability, fading properties, thermal stability and effect of reading temperatures on OSL signals were examined. OSL signals of CaSO4:Eu pellets were decreased by approximately 8% at the end of the 24 h and by about 7% at the end of 28 days when compared with the first readout. The thermal stability of the ∼240 °C TL peak and OSL signal using isothermal decay measurements were used to determine the trap parameters. The CaSO4:Eu OSL dosimeter in accordance with the presented study allows a high-sensitivity OSL phosphor whose host material was previously known as conventional synthetic CaSO4 TLD material.

Transport thermal properties of LiTaO 3 pyroelectric sensor from 15 K to 400 K and its application to the study of critical behavior in EuCo 2As 2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oleaga, A.; Shvalya, V.; Sefat, Athena Safa

2016-01-04

ac photopyroelectric calorimeters in the standard back configuration, where LiTaO 3 is one of the most popular materials to be used as a detector, are commonly used to study phase transitions in solids and liquids. In order to extract the specific heat of a studied sample, a good knowledge of the thermal effusivity of the sensor as a function of temperature is needed. This function has been obtained for the first time in the range 15 K to 400 K by independently measuring LiTaO 3 thermal diffusivity and specific heat and combining both of them to give thermal effusivity. Usingmore » this photopyroelectric setup and LiTaO 3 as sensor, we have carried out the study of the critical behavior of the antiferromagnetic ordering of the Eu 2+ spins in EuCo 2As 2 (a compound with similar structure as EuFe 2As 2, from which superconductors have been developed) at low temperature by measuring its specific heat. Furthermore, the critical parameters found for EuCo 2As 2 (α=–0.017,A +/A –=1.06) agree with the 3D-XY universality class, indicating that the spins present an in-plane arrangement for Eu 2+, in agreement with magnetic measurements in the literature.« less

Isopiestic Determination of the Osmotic Coefficients of NaNO3 + Eu(NO3)3 + H2O at 298.15 K and Representation with an Extended Ion-Interaction (Pitzer) Model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peter R. Zalupski; Rocklan McDowell; Simon L. Clegg

Isopiestic vapor pressures were measured at 298.15 K for aqueous NaNO3 + Eu(NO3)3 solutions, using NaCl(aq) as the reference standard. Measurements were made for both binary (single salt) solutions and for ternary solutions of the following NaNO3 ionic strength fractions: 0.05995, 0.08749, 0.16084, 0.27709, and 0.36313 over the water activity range 0.8951 = aw = 0.9832. (These ionic strength fractions correspond to NaNO3 molality fractions 0.27675, 0.36519, 0.53489, 0.69695, and 0.77381, respectively.) The results, and those of other studies for the two pure aqueous solutions, were used to determine the Pitzer model parameters for aqueous Eu(NO3)3 for molalities up tomore » 3 mol kg–1 and the two ternary (mixture) parameters ?Eu,Na = 0.367 ± 0.0035 and ?Eu,Na,NO3 = -0.0743 ± 0.0014. Some deviations of the measurements from the fitted model, of the order of +0.0075 in the osmotic coefficient, were noted for mixtures containing less than about 1 mol kg–1 total NO3–. The use of the mixture parameters in the Pitzer model yields predicted trace activity coefficients of Eu3+ in 1 mol kg–1 aqueous NaNO3 almost a factor of 2 greater than if they are omitted.« less

Key features of an EU health information system: a concept mapping study.

PubMed

Rosenkötter, Nicole; Achterberg, Peter W; van Bon-Martens, Marja J H; Michelsen, Kai; van Oers, Hans A M; Brand, Helmut

2016-02-01

Despite the acknowledged value of an EU health information system (EU-HISys) and the many achievements in this field, the landscape is still heavily fragmented and incomplete. Through a systematic analysis of the opinions and valuations of public health stakeholders, this study aims to conceptualize key features of an EU-HISys. Public health professionals and policymakers were invited to participate in a concept mapping procedure. First, participants (N = 34) formulated statements that reflected their vision of an EU-HISys. Second, participants (N = 28) rated the relative importance of each statement and grouped conceptually similar ones. Principal Component and cluster analyses were used to condense these results to EU-HISys key features in a concept map. The number of key features and the labelling of the concept map were determined by expert consensus. The concept map contains 10 key features that summarize 93 statements. The map consists of a horizontal axis that represents the relevance of an 'organizational strategy', which deals with the 'efforts' to design and develop an EU-HISys and the 'achievements' gained by a functioning EU-HISys. The vertical axis represents the 'professional orientation' of the EU-HISys, ranging from the 'scientific' through to the 'policy' perspective. The top ranking statement expressed the need to establish a system that is permanent and sustainable. The top ranking key feature focuses on data and information quality. This study provides insights into key features of an EU-HISys. The results can be used to guide future planning and to support the development of a health information system for Europe. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.

Mixed valence and metamagnetism in a metal flux grown compound Eu{sub 2}Pt{sub 3}Si{sub 5}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sarkar, Sumanta; Subbarao, Udumula; Joseph, Boby

A new compound Eu{sub 2}Pt{sub 3}Si{sub 5} with plate shaped morphology has been grown from excess In flux. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic U{sub 2}Co{sub 3}Si{sub 5} structure type, Ibam space group and the lattice parameters are a=10.007(2) Å, b=11.666(2) Å and c=6.0011(12) Å. The crystal structure of this compound can be conceived as inter-twinned chains of [Pt{sub 2}Si{sub 2}] and [PtSi{sub 3}] tetrahedra connected along [100] direction to give rise to a complex three dimensional [Pt{sub 3}Si{sub 5}] network. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility data suggests that Eu{sub 2}Pt{sub 3}Si{sub 5} undergoes a strong antiferromagnetic ordering (T{sub N}=19 K)more » followed by a weak ferromagnetic transition (T{sub C}=5.5 K). The effective magnetic moment/Eu obtained from susceptibility data is 6.78 μ{sub B} accounts mixed valent Eu with almost 85% divalent Eu, which is supported by X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy. The compound undergoes a metamagnetic transition under applied magnetic field through a probable spin flop mechanism. - Graphical abstract: Eu{sub 2}Pt{sub 3}Si{sub 5}, a new member in the U{sub 2}Co{sub 3}Si{sub 5} (Ibam) family undergoes metamagnetic transition at high magnetic field and Eu is in mixed valence state. - Highlights: • A new compound Eu{sub 2}Pt{sub 3}Si{sub 5} has been synthesized using indium as an inactive metal flux. • The compound undergoes metamagnetic transition at higher field. • Eu in this compound resides in a mixed valence state.« less

Large negative magnetoresistance of a nearly Dirac material: Layered antimonide EuMnS b2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Changjiang; Yang, Shuai; Yang, Meng; Wang, Le; Matsushita, Yoshitaka; Miao, Shanshan; Jiao, Yuanyuan; Cheng, Jinguang; Li, Yongqing; Yamaura, Kazunari; Shi, Youguo; Luo, Jianlin

2017-11-01

Single crystals of EuMnS b2 were successfully grown and their structural and electronic properties were investigated systematically. The material crystallizes in an orthorhombic-layered structure (space group: Pnma, No. 62) comprising a periodic sequence of -MnSb/Eu/Sb/Eu/- layers (˜1 nm in thickness), and massless fermions are expected to emerge in the Sb layer, by analogy of the candidate Dirac materials EuMnB i2 and A Mn P n2 (A =Ca or Sr or Ba, P n =Sb or Bi). The magnetic and specific heat measurements of EuMnS b2 suggest an antiferromagnetic ordering of Eu moments near 20 K. A characteristic hump appears in the temperature-dependent electrical resistivity curve at ˜25 K . A spin-flop transition of Eu moments with an onset magnetic field of ˜15 kOe (at 2 K) was observed. Interestingly, EuMnS b2 shows a negative magnetoresistance (up to -95 % ) in contrast to the positive magnetoresistances observed for EuMnB i2 and A Mn P n2 (A =Ca or Sr or Ba, P n =Sb or Bi), providing a unique opportunity to study the correlation between electronic and magnetic properties in this class of materials.

Relationship between Eu{sup 3+} reduction and glass polymeric structure in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-modified borate glasses under air atmosphere

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiao, Qing; Yu, Xue; Xu, Xuhui

2013-06-15

The reduction of Eu{sup 3+} to Eu{sup 2+} is realized efficiently in Eu{sub 2}O{sub 3}-doped borate glasses prepared under air condition by melting-quenching method. Luminescent spectra show an increasing tendency of Eu{sup 2+} emission with increasing Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} concentration in B{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Na{sub 2}O glasses. It is interesting that significant enhancement appeared of Eu{sup 2+} luminescence in the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-rich sample comparing to the samples of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} less than 6 mol%. FTIR and Raman scattering measurements indicated that some new vibration modes assigned to the low-polymerized structure groups decomposed from the slight Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} dopantmore » samples. These results demonstrated that the polymerization of the glass structure decreased with increasing incorporation of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} into the borate glasses, linking to the efficiency of Eu{sup 3+} self-reduction in air at high temperature. - graphical abstract: A novel europium valence reduction phenomenon occurred in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} modified borate glasses, FTIR and Raman measurements revealed that high polymeric groups were destroyed to low polymery structures with Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} addition. - Highlights: • The efficient reduction of Eu{sup 3+} to Eu{sup 2+} is observed in the B{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Na{sub 2}O glasses. • Eu{sup 2+} luminescence is significant enhanced in the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-rich glasses. • The introduction of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} changed the network structure of the borate glasses. • High polymeric borate groups in the glass matrix may be destroyed to the lower ones.« less

Efficient multicolor tunability of ultrasmall ternary-doped LaF3 nanoparticles: energy conversion and magnetic behavior.

PubMed

Shrivastava, Navadeep; Khan, L U; Vargas, J M; Ospina, Carlos; Coaquira, J A Q; Zoppellaro, Giorgio; Brito, H F; Javed, Yasir; Shukla, D K; Felinto, M C F C; Sharma, Surender K

2017-07-19

Luminescence-tunable multicolored LaF 3 :xCe 3+ ,xGd 3+ ,yEu 3+ (x = 5; y = 1, 5, 10, and 15 mol%) nanoparticles have been synthesized via a low cost polyol method. Powder X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy studies confirm the hexagonal phase of the LaF 3 :xCe 3+ ,xGd 3+ ,yEu 3+ nanophosphors with average sizes (oval shape) ranging from 5 to 7 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses show the uniform distribution of Ce 3+ , Gd 3+ , and Eu 3+ dopants in the LaF 3 host matrix. The photoluminescence spectra and electron paramagnetic resonance measurements guarantee the presence of Eu 2+ , corroborated through DC susceptibility measurements of the samples displaying paramagnetic behavior at 300 K, whereas weak ferromagnetic ordering is shown at 2 K. The non-radiative energy transfer processes from the 4f( 2 F 5/2 ) → 5d state (Ce 3+ ) to the intraconfigurational 4f excited levels of rare earth ions and simultaneous emissions in the visible region from the 4f 6 5d 1 (Eu 2+ ) and 5 D 0 (Eu 3+ ) emitting levels, leading to overlapped broad and narrow emission bands, have been proclaimed. The energy transfer mechanism proposes involvement of the Gd 3+ ion sub-lattice as the bridge and finally trapping by Eu 2+/3+ , upon excitation of the Ce 3+ ion. The calculation of experimental intensity parameters (Ω 2,4 ) has been discussed and the highest emission quantum efficiency (η = 85%) of the Eu 3+ ion for the y = 10 mol% sample is reported. The advantageous existence of the Eu 2+ /Eu 3+ ratio along with variously doped nanomaterials described in this work, results in tunable emission color in the blue-white-red regions, highlighting the potential application of the samples in solid-state lighting devices, scintillation devices, and multiplex detection.

EuCo 2P 2: A Model Molecular-Field Helical Heisenberg Antiferromagnet

DOE PAGES

Sangeetha, N. S.; Cuervo-Reyes, Eduardo; Pandey, Abhishek; ...

2016-07-19

The metallic compound EuCo 2P 2 with the body-centered tetragonal ThCr 2Si 2 structure containing Eu spins-7/2 was previously shown from single-crystal neutron diffraction measurements to exhibit a helical antiferromagnetic (AFM) structure below T N=66.5 K with the helix axis along the c axis and with the ordered moments aligned within the ab plane. Here we report crystallography, electrical resistivity, heat capacity, magnetization, and magnetic susceptibility measurements on single crystals of this compound. We demonstrate that EuCo 2P 2 is a model molecular-field helical Heisenberg antiferromagnet from comparisons of the anisotropic magnetic susceptibility χ, high-field magnetization, and magnetic heat capacitymore » of EuCo 2P 2 single crystals at temperature T≤TN with the predictions of our recent formulation of molecular-field theory. Values of the Heisenberg exchange interactions between the Eu spins are derived from the data. The low-T magnetic heat capacity ~T 3 arising from spin-wave excitations with no anisotropy gap is calculated and found to be comparable to the lattice heat capacity. The density of states at the Fermi energy of EuCo 2P 2 and the related compound BaCo 2P 2 are found from the heat capacity data to be large, 10 and 16 states/eV per formula unit for EuCo 2P 2 and BaCo 2P 2, respectively. These values are enhanced by a factor of ~2.5 above those found from DFT electronic structure calculations for the two compounds. Additionally, the calculations also find ferromagnetic Eu–Eu exchange interactions within the ab plane and AFM interactions between Eu spins in nearest- and next-nearest planes, in agreement with the MFT analysis of χ ab(T≤TN).« less

EuCo 2P 2: A Model Molecular-Field Helical Heisenberg Antiferromagnet

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sangeetha, N. S.; Cuervo-Reyes, Eduardo; Pandey, Abhishek

The metallic compound EuCo 2P 2 with the body-centered tetragonal ThCr 2Si 2 structure containing Eu spins-7/2 was previously shown from single-crystal neutron diffraction measurements to exhibit a helical antiferromagnetic (AFM) structure below T N=66.5 K with the helix axis along the c axis and with the ordered moments aligned within the ab plane. Here we report crystallography, electrical resistivity, heat capacity, magnetization, and magnetic susceptibility measurements on single crystals of this compound. We demonstrate that EuCo 2P 2 is a model molecular-field helical Heisenberg antiferromagnet from comparisons of the anisotropic magnetic susceptibility χ, high-field magnetization, and magnetic heat capacitymore » of EuCo 2P 2 single crystals at temperature T≤TN with the predictions of our recent formulation of molecular-field theory. Values of the Heisenberg exchange interactions between the Eu spins are derived from the data. The low-T magnetic heat capacity ~T 3 arising from spin-wave excitations with no anisotropy gap is calculated and found to be comparable to the lattice heat capacity. The density of states at the Fermi energy of EuCo 2P 2 and the related compound BaCo 2P 2 are found from the heat capacity data to be large, 10 and 16 states/eV per formula unit for EuCo 2P 2 and BaCo 2P 2, respectively. These values are enhanced by a factor of ~2.5 above those found from DFT electronic structure calculations for the two compounds. Additionally, the calculations also find ferromagnetic Eu–Eu exchange interactions within the ab plane and AFM interactions between Eu spins in nearest- and next-nearest planes, in agreement with the MFT analysis of χ ab(T≤TN).« less

Success and failure in narrowing the disability employment gap: comparing levels and trends across Europe 2002-2014.

PubMed

Geiger, Ben Baumberg; van der Wel, Kjetil A; Tøge, Anne Grete

2017-12-02

International comparisons of the disability employment gap are an important driver of policy change. However, previous comparisons have used the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC), despite known comparability issues. We present new results from the higher-quality European Social Survey (ESS), compare these to EU-SILC and the EU Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS), and also examine trends in the disability employment gap in Europe over the financial crisis for the first time. For cross-sectional comparisons of 25 countries, we use micro-data for ESS and EU-SILC for 2012 and compare these to published EU-LFS 2011 estimates. For trend analyses, we use seven biannual waves of ESS (2002-2014) with a total sample size of 182,195, and annual waves of EU-SILC (2004-2014) with a total sample size of 2,412,791. (i) Cross-sectional: countries that have smaller disability employment gaps in one survey tend to have smaller gaps in the other surveys. Nevertheless, there are some countries that perform badly on the lower-quality surveys but better in the higher-quality ESS. (ii) Trends: the disability employment gap appears to have declined in ESS by 4.9%, while no trend is observed in EU-SILC - but this has come alongside a rise in disability in ESS. There is a need for investment in disability measures that are more comparable over time/space. Nevertheless, it is clear to policymakers there are some countries that do consistently well across surveys and measures (Switzerland), and others that do badly (Hungary).

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Huizhen; Zhao, Dian; Cui, Yuangjing, E-mail: cuiyj@zju.edu.cn

Temperature measurements and thermal mapping using luminescent MOF operating in the high-temperature range are of great interest in the micro-electronic diagnosis. In this paper, we report a thermostable Eu/Tb-mixed MOF Eu{sub 0.37}Tb{sub 0.63}-BTC-a exhibiting strong luminescence at elevated temperature, which can serve as a ratiometric luminescent thermometer for high-temperature range. The high-temperature operating range (313–473 K), high relative sensitivity and accurate temperature resolution, make such a Eu/Tb-mixed MOF useful for micro-electronic diagnosis. - Graphical abstract: A thermostable Eu/Tb-mixed MOF Eu{sub 0.37}Tb{sub 0.63}-BTC-a was developed as a ratiometric luminescent thermometers in the high-temperature range of 313–473 K. - Highlights: • Amore » thermostable Eu/Tb-codoped MOF exhibiting strong luminescent at elevated temperature is reported. • The high-temperature operating range of Eu{sub 0.37}Tb{sub 0.63}-BTC-a is 313–473 K. • The mechanism of Eu{sub 0.37}Tb{sub 0.63}-BTC-a used as thermometers are also discussed.« less

Enhancing Photovoltaic Performance Using Broadband Luminescent Down-Shifting by Combining Multiple Species of Eu-Doped Silicate Phosphors

PubMed Central

Shen, Yu-Tang; Liu, Jheng-Jie; You, Bang-Jin; Ho, Chun-Hung

2017-01-01

This paper demonstrates the application of a broadband luminescent downshifting (LDS) layer with multiple species of europium (Eu)-doped silicate phosphors using spin-on film technique to enhance the photovoltaic efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells. The surface morphology of the deposited layer was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical composition of the Eu-doped silicate phosphors was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The fluorescence emission of the Eu-doped silicate phosphors was characterized using photoluminescence (PL) measurements at room temperature. We also compared the optical reflectance and external quantum efficiency (EQE) response of cells with combinations of various Eu-doped phosphors species. The cell coated with two species of Eu-doped phosphors achieved a conversion efficiency enhancement (∆η) of 19.39%, far exceeding the ∆η = 15.08% of the cell with one species of Eu-doped phosphors and the ∆η = 8.51% of the reference cell with the same silicate layer without Eu-doped phosphors. PMID:29065487

Eu(III) sorption to TiO2 (anatase and rutile): batch, XPS, and EXAFS studies.

PubMed

Tan, Xiaoli; Fan, Qiaohui; Wang, Xiangke; Grambow, Bernd

2009-05-01

The sorption of Eu(III) on anatase and rutile was studied as a function of ionic strength, humic acid (HA, 7.5 mg/L), and electrolyte anions over a large range of pH (2-12). The presence of HA significantly affected Eu(III) sorption to anatase and rutile. The sorption of Eu(III) on anatase and rutile was independent of ionic strength. Results of an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that Eu(III) was chemically present within the near-surface of TiO2 due to the formation of triple bond SOEu and triple bond SOHAEu complexes. An extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) technique was applied to characterize the local structural environment of the adsorbed Eu(III), and the results indicated that Eu(III) was bound to about seven or eight O atoms at a distance of about 2.40 A. The functional groups of surface-bound HA were expected to be involved in the sorption process. The measured Eu-Ti distance confirmed the formation of inner-sphere sorption complexes on a TiO2 surface.

Development and testing of a European Union-wide farm-level carbon calculator.

PubMed

Tuomisto, Hanna L; De Camillis, Camillo; Leip, Adrian; Nisini, Luigi; Pelletier, Nathan; Haastrup, Palle

2015-07-01

Direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture accounted for approximately 10% of total European Union (EU) emissions in 2010. To reduce farming-related GHG emissions, appropriate policy measures and supporting tools for promoting low-C farming practices may be efficacious. This article presents the methodology and testing results of a new EU-wide, farm-level C footprint calculator. The Carbon Calculator quantifies GHG emissions based on international standards and technical specifications on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and C footprinting. The tool delivers its results both at the farm level and as allocated to up to 5 main products of the farm. In addition to the quantification of GHG emissions, the calculator proposes mitigation options and sequestration actions that may be suitable for individual farms. The results obtained during a survey made on 54 farms from 8 EU Member States are presented. These farms were selected in view of representing the diversity of farm types across different environmental zones in the EU. The results of the C footprint of products in the data set show wide range of variation between minimum and maximum values. The results of the mitigation actions showed that the tool can help identify practices that can lead to substantial emission reductions. To avoid burden-shifting from climate change to other environmental issues, the future improvements of the tool should include incorporation of other environmental impact categories in place of solely focusing on GHG emissions. © 2015 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

A photoluminescence, thermoluminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance study of EFG grown europium doped lithium fluoride (LiF) crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seth, Pooja; Swati, G.; Haranath, D.; Rao, S. M. D.; Aggarwal, Shruti

2018-07-01

Europium (Eu) doped LiF crystals have been grown by the Edge-defined film fed growth (EFG) technique. The designing and installation of the furnace used for the growth of the crystals have been discussed in detail. In the present study, Eu (Eu2O3) has been doped in LiF in different concentration (0.02-0.2 wt %). X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy confirms the incorporation of Eu in LiF. The influence of Eu on LiF has been investigated through photoluminescence (PL), thermoluminescence (TL) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in as-grown and annealed crystals. PL emission spectra shows the presence of both Eu3+ and Eu2+ form in the as-grown crystals which is confirmed by EPR results. Whereas, in annealed crystals, Eu is present predominantly as Eu2+ form. This suggests that growing crystals at high temperature (∼900 °C) in argon gas atmosphere through EFG technique favours the reduction of Eu3+ → Eu2+. This reduction phenomenon has been explained on the basis of charge compensation model. TL study of the LiF: Eu (0.02-0.2 wt %) crystals has been done after irradiation with Co60 gamma rays. In this study, it has been observed that the TL intensity as well as glow curve structure of LiF: Eu crystals are a strong function of Eu concentration. The maximum TL is observed at Eu concentration of 0.05 wt% at which a well defined glow curve structure with a prominent peak at 185 °C and a small peak at 253 °C. Beyond this concentration (0.05 wt %), TL intensity decreases due to aggregation of defects in the host. The peak at 185 °C in LiF: Eu (0.05 wt %) is certainly due to the presence of Eu2+ associated defects which is also supported by the PL spectra. It has been observed that Eu doping have a key role in creation of more defect levels which lead to the increased number of electron and hole traps. Further, trapping parameters are analysed using glow curve deconvolution method to have an insight study of TL phenomena. Further, TL glow curve structure of as-grown and annealed crystal are distinct which may be attributed to the nature of defect traps formed inside the LiF.

Abnormal Eu behavior at formation of H2O- and Cl-bearing fluids during degassing of granite magmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lukanin, Oleg

2010-05-01

One of the important features of REE behavior in the process of decompression degassing of granite melts is the presence of europium anomalies in REE spectrum of forming fluid phase. Negative Eu anomaly in REE spectrum of fluids enriched by chlorine that were formed under high pressures at early stages of degassing relative to REE spectrum of granite melts may take place. Negative Eu anomaly in fluid is replaced by positive one with pressure decrease and decline of Cl concentration in fluid [1, 2]. Observable unique features of europium redistribution between fluid and melt find an explanation in such a fact that Eu in contrast to the other REE under oxidation-reduction conditions, being typical for magmatic process, is present in acidic silica-alumina melts in two valency forms Eu3+ and Eu2+ whereas the dominant form for the other REE in such a melts is (REE)3+ [3, 4]. From the analysis of melt-fluid exchange reactions with participation of two valency forms of europium Eu3+ and Eu2+ follows that the total distribution coefficient of Eu between fluid and melt D(Eu)f-m is equal as a first approximation to [5, 6]: D(Eu)f-m = a1α [C(Cl)f]3 + a2 (1 - α)[C(Cl)f]2, where C(Cl)f - the concentration of Cl in fluid, α = Eu3+/(Eu3+ + Eu2+), i.e. fraction of Eu3+ from the general amount of europium in the melt, and, a1anda2- constants that can be approximately estimated from empirical data upon Eu fluid/melt distribution. The equation given allows to estimate the influence of oxidizing condition of europium on sign and size of Eu anomaly, which is expressed by Eu/Eu# ratio, where Eu is real concentration of europium in fluid being in equilibrium with melt with constant Eu3+/(Eu3+ + Eu2+) ratio, and Eu# is possible "virtual" concentration of europium that could be in the same fluid provided that all europium as other REE as well were exclusively present in trivalent form. The sign and size of Eu anomaly in fluid depends upon Cl concentration in fluid and Eu3+/Eu2+ ratio in melt. The abnormal behavior of Eu shows itself the stronger, the lower fO2and, accordingly, the more fraction of Eu2+is present in melt. The work is supported of the Geosciences Department of the Russian Academy of Science (the program 2- 2010) and RFBR (grant 08-05-00022). References [1] Reed M.J., Candela Ph.A., Piccoli Ph.M. Contrib. Mineral. Petrol. 2000. V. 140. P. 251-262. [2] Lukanin O.A., Dernov-Pegarev V.F. Vestnik Otd. Nauk Zemle RAN, No 1(25)'2007 URL: http://www.scgis.ru/russian/cp1251/h_dgggms/1-2007/informbul-1_2007/term-30e.pdf [3] Drake M.J. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta. 1975. V. 39. P. 55-64. [4] Wilke M. Behrens H. Contrib. Mineral. Petrol. 1999. V. 137. P. 102-114. [5] Lukanin O.A. Vestnik Otd. Nauk o Zemle RAN, No 1(26)'2008. URL: http://www.scgis.ru/russian/cp1251/h_dgggms/1-2008/informbul-1_2008/magm-20e.pdf [6] Lukanin O.A., Dernov-Pegarev V.F. Geochemistry International, 2010 (in press)

An investigation into drug products withdrawn from the EU market between 2002 and 2011 for safety reasons and the evidence used to support the decision-making.

PubMed

McNaughton, Rhian; Huet, Gwenaël; Shakir, Saad

2014-01-15

The objective of this study was to determine the nature of evidence used to support the withdrawal of marketing authorisations of drug products for safety reasons throughout the European Union (EU) between 2002 and 2011. Products withdrawn, either by a medicines agency or a marketing authorisation holder, during the period 2002-2011 were identified by conducting detailed searches of the WHO, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and national medicines agency websites throughout the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The scientific evidence used to support the decision was identified from a search within PubMed, the EMA and national medicines agencies websites. Information about spontaneous case reports entered into EudraVigilance and unavailable on the EMA website was received by email from the EMA. 19 drugs were withdrawn from the market, throughout the EU, for safety reasons from 2002 to 2011. Case reports were cited in 95% of withdrawals (18/19) and case-control studies (4/19), cohort studies (4/19), randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (12/19) or meta-analysis (5/19) were cited in 63% of withdrawals (12/19). Cardiovascular events or disorders were the main reason for withdrawal (9/19), followed by hepatic disorders (4/19) and neurological or psychiatric disorders (4/19). This study has shown that the level of evidence used to support drug withdrawal has improved during the past 10 years, with an increased use of case-control studies, cohort studies, RCTs and meta-analyses. This research has demonstrated that such studies have contributed to decision-making in almost two-thirds of cases.

Fluorescence and room temperature activity of Y₂O₃:(Eu³⁺,Au³⁺)/palygorskite nanocomposite.

PubMed

He, Xi; Yang, Huaming

2015-01-28

The fluorescence and room temperature activity of a palygorskite supported Y2O3:(Eu(3+),Au(3+)) nanocomposite were investigated to design a fluorescence-indicated catalyst. The effects of Au(3+) doping on the structure and surface properties of the host material were systematically characterized. The fluorescence intensity of Y2O3:Eu(3+) was affected by Au(3+) doping, which was related to the crystallinity of Y2O3. Excess Au(3+) ions were segregated to the host surface and reduced to metallic Au. The local symmetry of Eu(3+) was reduced by Au(3+) doping, which benefited the energy transfer between Eu(3+) and Au(3+). Energy absorbed by Eu(3+) was transferred from Au(3+) to metallic Au, where electrons were produced. These electrons were absorbed by O2 to change into O2(-), which acted as the oxidant for ortho-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB). The variation of fluorescence intensity during the catalytic reaction was observed. The room temperature catalytic activity of the nanocomposite under UV irradiation was revealed. The as-synthesized nanocomposite might have potential applications in environmental fields.

European union standards for tuberculosis care.

PubMed

Migliori, G B; Zellweger, J P; Abubakar, I; Ibraim, E; Caminero, J A; De Vries, G; D'Ambrosio, L; Centis, R; Sotgiu, G; Menegale, O; Kliiman, K; Aksamit, T; Cirillo, D M; Danilovits, M; Dara, M; Dheda, K; Dinh-Xuan, A T; Kluge, H; Lange, C; Leimane, V; Loddenkemper, R; Nicod, L P; Raviglione, M C; Spanevello, A; Thomsen, V Ø; Villar, M; Wanlin, M; Wedzicha, J A; Zumla, A; Blasi, F; Huitric, E; Sandgren, A; Manissero, D

2012-04-01

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) jointly developed European Union Standards for Tuberculosis Care (ESTC) aimed at providing European Union (EU)-tailored standards for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis (TB). The International Standards for TB Care (ISTC) were developed in the global context and are not always adapted to the EU setting and practices. The majority of EU countries have the resources and capacity to implement higher standards to further secure quality TB diagnosis, treatment and prevention. On this basis, the ESTC were developed as standards specifically tailored to the EU setting. A panel of 30 international experts, led by a writing group and the ERS and ECDC, identified and developed the 21 ESTC in the areas of diagnosis, treatment, HIV and comorbid conditions, and public health and prevention. The ISTCs formed the basis for the 21 standards, upon which additional EU adaptations and supplements were developed. These patient-centred standards are targeted to clinicians and public health workers, providing an easy-to-use resource, guiding through all required activities to ensure optimal diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB. These will support EU health programmes to identify and develop optimal procedures for TB care, control and elimination.

Cultural circumcision in EU public hospitals--an ethical discussion.

PubMed

Brusa, Margherita; Barilan, Y Michael

2009-10-01

The paper explores the ethical aspects of introducing cultural circumcision of children into the EU public health system. We reject commonplace arguments against circumcision: considerations of good medical practice, justice, bodily integrity, autonomy and the analogy from female genital mutilation. From the unique structure of patient-medicine interaction, we argue that the incorporation of cultural circumcision into EU public health services is a kind of medicalization, which does not fit the ethos of universal healthcare. However, we support a utilitarian argument that finds hospital based circumcision safer than non-medicalized alternatives. The argument concerning medicalization and the utilitarian argument both rely on preliminary empirical data, which depend on future validation

Comparative study on Climate Change Policies in the EU and China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bray, M.; Han, D.

2012-04-01

Both the EU and China are among the largest CO2 emitters in the world; their climate actions and policies have profound impacts on global climate change and may influence the activities in other countries. Evidence of climate change has been observed across Europe and China. Despite the many differences between the two regions, the European Commission and Chinese government support climate change actions. The EU has three priority areas in climate change: 1) understanding, monitoring and predicting climate change and its impact; 2) providing tools to analyse the effectiveness, cost and benefits of different policy options for mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts; 3) improving, demonstrating and deploying existing climate friendly technologies and developing the technologies of the future. China is very vulnerable to climate change, because of its vast population, fast economic development, and fragile ecological environment. The priority policies in China are: 1) Carbon Trading Policy; 2) Financing Loan Policy (Special Funds for Renewable Energy Development); 3) Energy Efficiency Labelling Policy; 4) Subsidy Policy. In addition, China has formulated the "Energy Conservation Law", "Renewable Energy Law", "Cleaner Production Promotion Law" and "Circular Economy Promotion Law". Under the present EU Framework Programme FP7 there is a large number of funded research activities linked to climate change research. Current climate change research projects concentrate on the carbon cycle, water quality and availability, climate change predictors, predicting future climate and understanding past climates. Climate change-related scientific and technological projects in China are mostly carried out through national scientific and technological research programs. Areas under investigation include projections and impact of global climate change, the future trends of living environment change in China, countermeasures and supporting technologies of global environment change, formation mechanism and prediction theory of major climate and weather disasters in China, technologies of efficient use of clean energy, energy conservation and improvement of energy efficiency, development and utilisation technology of renewable energy and new energy. The EU recognises that developing countries, such as China and India, need to strengthen their economies through industrialisation. However this needs to be achieved at the same time as protecting the environment and sustainable use of energy. The EU has committed itself to assisting developing countries to achieve their goals in four priority areas: 1) raising the policy profile of climate change; 2) support for adaption to climate change; 3) support for mitigation of climate change; and 4) capacity development. This comparative study is part of the EU funded SPRING project which seeks to understand and assess Chinese and European competencies, with the aim of facilitating greater cooperation in future climate and environment research.

Divalent europium doped CaF 2 and BaF 2 nanocrystals from ionic liquids

DOE PAGES

Anghel, Sergiu; Golbert, Sebastian; Meijerink, Andries; ...

2016-10-11

A new, facile and quick synthesis method for Eu 2+ doped the alkaline earth fluorides was developed using ionic liquids as solvent, precursor and capping agent. Reductive atmosphere and very high temperatures were avoided, while still attaining the desired structure, small particle sizes and divalent oxidation state of the lanthanide. Here, this opens the door for the development of new Ln 2+ doped nanomaterials. Here, the successful Eu 2+ incorporation was proven by optical spectroscopic measurements which showed the spin and parity allowed f-d transitions of Eu 2+ in CaF 2:Eu 2+/BaF 2:Eu 2+. 4f 7-4f 7 transitions could bemore » observed at low temperatures (7 K).« less

EPR measurement of the effect of glass composition on the oxidation states of europium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, R. V.; Haskin, L. A.

1974-01-01

An investigation was conducted concerning the dependence of the concentration ratio of Eu(2+) to Eu(3+) on composition for silicate liquids whose compositional end members are CaAl2Si2O8 and MgSiO3, MG2SiO4, CaMgSi2O6, CaMgSiO4, CaSiO3, or Ca2SiO4. The liquids were quenched to produce glasses. An electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer was used to determine the concentration ratios of Eu(2+) to Eu(3+) in the glasses.

Tuberculosis treatment outcome monitoring in European Union countries: systematic review

PubMed Central

van Hest, Rob; Ködmön, Csaba; Verver, Suzanne; Erkens, Connie G.M.; Straetemans, Masja; Manissero, Davide; de Vries, Gerard

2013-01-01

Treatment success measured by treatment outcome monitoring (TOM) is a key programmatic output of tuberculosis (TB) control programmes. We performed a systematic literature review on national-level TOM in the 30 European Union (EU)/European Economic Areas (EEA) countries to summarise methods used to collect and report data on TOM. Online reference bibliographic databases PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to identify relevant indexed and non-indexed literature published between January 2000 and August 2010. The search strategy resulted in 615 potentially relevant indexed citations, of which 27 full-text national studies (79 data sets) were included for final analysis. The selected studies were performed in 10 EU/EEA countries and gave a fragmented impression of TOM in the EU/EEA. Publication year, study period, sample size, databases, definitions, variables, patient and outcome categories, and population subgroups varied widely, portraying a very heterogeneous picture. This review confirmed previous reports of considerable heterogeneity in publications of TOM results across EU/EEA countries. PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE indexed studies are not a suitable instrument to measure representative TOM results for the 30 EU/EEA countries. Uniform and complete reporting to the centralised European Surveillance System will produce the most timely and reliable results of TB treatment outcomes in the EU/EEA. PMID:22790913

Photoluminescent properties of spider silk coated with Eu-doped nanoceria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dmitrović, Svetlana; Nikolić, Marko G.; Jelenković, Branislav; Prekajski, Marija; Rabasović, Mihailo; Zarubica, Aleksandra; Branković, Goran; Matović, Branko

2017-02-01

Spider dragline silk was coated with pure as well as Eu-doped ceria nanopowders at the room temperature. The treatment was done by immersion of the spider silk mesh into aqueous solutions of cerium nitrate (Ce(NO3)3) and ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH). Depending on the relationship between Ce3+ ion and ammonium hydroxide concentration, coated fibers exhibited a different thickness. Obtained materials were studied by means of FESEM. It was found that ceria nanoparticles of average size of 3 nm were coated along spider thread. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) confirmed crystal nature of nanoparticle coating of spider silk. By using Williamson-Hall plots, crystallite size and strain were estimated. EDS measurement confirmed the presence of Eu in spider-Eu-doped ceria composite, and according to FTIR analysis, the interaction between CeO2 and spider silk was proposed. The morphology of obtained composite was observed by TEM. The photoluminescence emission spectra of spider silk coated with Eu-doped ceria were measured with two different excitations of 385 and 466 nm. The two-photon excited auto-fluorescence of spider silk coated with Eu-doped ceria was detected using a nonlinear laser scanning microscope. Obtained composite has a potential as a fluorescent labeling material in diverse applications.

Validating the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire in people with type 2 diabetes: Latent trait analyses applying multidimensional Rasch modelling and confirmatory factor analysis.

PubMed

Finbråten, Hanne Søberg; Pettersen, Kjell Sverre; Wilde-Larsson, Bodil; Nordström, Gun; Trollvik, Anne; Guttersrud, Øystein

2017-11-01

To validate the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47) in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The HLS-EU-Q47 latent variable is outlined in a framework with four cognitive domains integrated in three health domains, implying 12 theoretically defined subscales. Valid and reliable health literacy measurers are crucial to effectively adapt health communication and education to individuals and groups of patients. Cross-sectional study applying confirmatory latent trait analyses. Using a paper-and-pencil self-administered approach, 388 adults responded in March 2015. The data were analysed using the Rasch methodology and confirmatory factor analysis. Response violation (response dependency) and trait violation (multidimensionality) of local independence were identified. Fitting the "multidimensional random coefficients multinomial logit" model, 1-, 3- and 12-dimensional Rasch models were applied and compared. Poor model fit and differential item functioning were present in some items, and several subscales suffered from poor targeting and low reliability. Despite multidimensional data, we did not observe any unordered response categories. Interpreting the domains as distinct but related latent dimensions, the data fit a 12-dimensional Rasch model and a 12-factor confirmatory factor model best. Therefore, the analyses did not support the estimation of one overall "health literacy score." To support the plausibility of claims based on the HLS-EU score(s), we suggest: removing the health care aspect to reduce the magnitude of multidimensionality; rejecting redundant items to avoid response dependency; adding "harder" items and applying a six-point rating scale to improve subscale targeting and reliability; and revising items to improve model fit and avoid bias owing to person factors. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Enhanced NIR downconversion luminescence by precipitating nano Ca5(PO4)3F crystals in Eu2+-Yb3+ co-doped glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chen; Song, Zhiguo; Li, Yongjin; Lou, Kai; Qiu, Jianbei; Yang, Zhengwen; Yin, Zhaoyi; Wang, Xue; Wang, Qi; Wan, Ronghua

2013-10-01

Eu2+-Yb3+ co-doped transparent glass-ceramic containing nano-Ca5(PO4)3F (FAP) was prepared in reducing atmosphere. XRD and TEM analysis indicated that nano-FAP about 40 nm precipitated homogeneously in glass matrix after heat treatment. Confirmed by spectroscopy measurements, the crystal-like absorption and emission of Eu2+ indicated the partition of Eu2+ into FAP nanocrystals in glass ceramic. NIR emission due to the transition 2F→2F of Yb3+ ions (about 980-1100 nm) was observed from glasses under ultraviolet excitation, ascribed to downconversion from Eu2+ to Yb3+, which can be enhanced by precipitating nano-FAP crystals. The results indicated that Eu2+-Yb3+ co-doped glass-ceramic embedding with nano-FAP is a promising candidate as downconversion materials for enhancing conversion efficiency of solar cells.

The Effect of Steps to Promote Higher Levels of Farm Animal Welfare across the EU. Societal versus Animal Scientists’ Perceptions of Animal Welfare

PubMed Central

Averós, Xavier; Aparicio, Miguel A.; Ferrari, Paolo; Guy, Jonathan H.; Hubbard, Carmen; Schmid, Otto; Ilieski, Vlatko; Spoolder, Hans A. M.

2013-01-01

Simple Summary We studied different EU production standards and initiatives to determine whether there is still room or not for further animal welfare improvement, and which should be the best way to achieve it. Many of the adopted measures in these standards and initiatives are scientifically supported, but other aspects that are equally important for animal welfare are not included in any of them. Animal welfare improvement should consider, for each country, those aspects actually benefiting animals, but also the social expectations within each country. Economic constraints might explain the gap between what society demands, and what farm animals actually need. Abstract Information about animal welfare standards and initiatives from eight European countries was collected, grouped, and compared to EU welfare standards to detect those aspects beyond minimum welfare levels demanded by EU welfare legislation. Literature was reviewed to determine the scientific relevance of standards and initiatives, and those aspects going beyond minimum EU standards. Standards and initiatives were assessed to determine their strengths and weaknesses regarding animal welfare. Attitudes of stakeholders in the improvement of animal welfare were determined through a Policy Delphi exercise. Social perception of animal welfare, economic implications of upraising welfare levels, and differences between countries were considered. Literature review revealed that on-farm space allowance, climate control, and environmental enrichment are relevant for all animal categories. Experts’ assessment revealed that on-farm prevention of thermal stress, air quality, and races and passageways’ design were not sufficiently included. Stakeholders considered that housing conditions are particularly relevant regarding animal welfare, and that animal-based and farm-level indicators are fundamental to monitor the progress of animal welfare. The most notable differences between what society offers and what farm animals are likely to need are related to transportation and space availability, with economic constraints being the most plausible explanation. PMID:26479534

Experiences of foreign European nurses in The Netherlands.

PubMed

de Veer, Anke; den Ouden, Dirk-Jan; Francke, Anneke

2004-04-01

As a result of the shortage of nurses, Dutch health care organizations want to recruit nurses from outside Europe (e.g. Indonesia, South Africa). The Dutch government, however, is not encouraging this policy and prefers to recruit within the European Union. In order to better support such nurses, it is important to know the problems European nurses encounter in The Netherlands. This study is about the experience of nurses from other European countries in The Netherlands. This paper addresses itself to three principal questions. First, how many nurses qualified in other EU or EU candidate states are starting to work in The Netherlands. Second, why do they come to The Netherlands. And finally what problems do they encounter when working in The Netherlands. A questionnaire has been send to all registered nurses trained in another EU or EU candidate state. The response has been 987 or 67%. Thus, far approximately 1500 nurses from other EU/candidate states have come to The Netherlands. Personal reasons, including marriage, are the most important reasons for their coming here. Half of the nurses took one or more courses before starting work in nursing in The Netherlands. These were often Dutch language courses. The nurses had to make a number of adjustments. Major difficulties were unfamiliarity with Dutch laws and the fiscal and social security systems, recognition of their qualifications and application for permits. Some basic issues, such as how to write a letter of application, caused problems. The language and unfamiliarity with the Dutch health care system made it difficult to find a job. When they had gained employment in nursing these problems remained the most serious. The conclusion is that international employment mobility in nursing is rather low in the case of The Netherlands. If the Dutch government decides to encourage the employment of nurses from abroad, several measures can be taken to make working in The Netherlands more attractive.

Radioactivity in atomic-bomb samples from exposure to environmental neutrons.

PubMed

Endo, S; Shizuma, K; Tanaka, K; Ishikawa, M; Rühm, W; Egbert, S D; Hoshi, M

2007-12-01

For about one decade, activation measurements performed on environmental samples from a distance larger than 1 km from the hypocenter of the atomic-bomb explosion over Hiroshima suggested much higher thermal neutron fluences to the survivors than predicted. This caused concern among the radiation protection community and prompted a complete re-evaluation of all aspects of survivor dosimetry. While it was shown recently that secondary neutrons from cosmic radiation and other sources have probably been the reason for the high measured concentrations of the long-lived radioisotope 36Cl in these samples, the source for high measured concentrations of the short-lived radionuclides 152Eu and 60Co has not yet been investigated in detail. In order to quantify the production of 152Eu and 60Co in environmental samples by secondary neutrons from cosmic radiation, thermal neutron fluxes were measured by means of a He gas proportional counter in various buildings where these samples had been and still are being stored. Because a 252Cf neutron source has been operated occasionally close to one of the sample storage rooms, additional neutron flux measurements were carried out when the neutron source was in operation. The thermal neutron fluxes measured ranged from 0.00017 to 0.00093 n cm(-2) s(-1) and depended on the floor number of the investigated building. Based on the measured neutron fluxes, the specific activities from the reactions 151Eu(n,gamma)152Eu and 59Co(n,gamma)60Co in the atomic-bomb samples were estimated to be 7.9 mBq g(-1) Eu and 0.27 mBq g(-1) Co, respectively, in saturation. These activities are much lower than those recently measured in samples that had been exposed to atomic-bomb neutrons. It is therefore concluded that environmental and moderated 252Cf neutrons are not the source for the high activities that had been measured in these samples.

Measuring health literacy in populations: illuminating the design and development process of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q)

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Several measurement tools have been developed to measure health literacy. The tools vary in their approach and design, but few have focused on comprehensive health literacy in populations. This paper describes the design and development of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q), an innovative, comprehensive tool to measure health literacy in populations. Methods Based on a conceptual model and definition, the process involved item development, pre-testing, field-testing, external consultation, plain language check, and translation from English to Bulgarian, Dutch, German, Greek, Polish, and Spanish. Results The development process resulted in the HLS-EU-Q, which entailed two sections, a core health literacy section and a section on determinants and outcomes associated to health literacy. The health literacy section included 47 items addressing self-reported difficulties in accessing, understanding, appraising and applying information in tasks concerning decisions making in healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion. The second section included items related to, health behaviour, health status, health service use, community participation, socio-demographic and socio-economic factors. Conclusions By illuminating the detailed steps in the design and development process of the HLS-EU-Q, it is the aim to provide a deeper understanding of its purpose, its capability and its limitations for others using the tool. By stimulating a wide application it is the vision that HLS-EU-Q will be validated in more countries to enhance the understanding of health literacy in different populations. PMID:24112855

Radiation protection aspects of EMITEL Encyclopaedia of Medical Physics.

PubMed

Stoeva, M; Tabakov, S; Lewis, C; Tabakova, V; Thurston, J; Smith, P

2015-07-01

The Encyclopaedia of Medical Physics EMITEL was developed under the EU pilot project European Medical Imaging Technology e-Encyclopaedia for Lifelong Learning. This large reference material includes 3400 articles on 2100 pages supported by thousands of illustrations. All materials are available free at the website, www.emitel2.eu. The articles are grouped in seven categories--physics of: X-ray diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, radiation protection and general terms. The radiation protection part of EMITEL includes 450 articles. These were organised in several sub-groups including: nuclear and atomic physics; ionizing radiation interactions and biological effects; radiation detection and measurement; dosimetric quantities and units; and general radiation protection and international bodies. EMITEL project was developed over 3 y and attracted as contributors 250+ senior specialists from 35 countries. After its successful launching, EMITEL is actively used by thousands of professionals around the world. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Simple method for determining binding energies of fullerene and complex atomic negative ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Felfli, Zineb; Msezane, Alfred

2017-04-01

A robust potential which embeds fully the vital core polarization interaction has been used in the Regge pole method to explore low-energy electron scattering from C60, Eu and Nb through the total cross sections (TCSs) calculations. From the characteristic dramatically sharp resonances in the TCSs manifesting negative ion formation in these systems, we extracted the binding energies for the C60, Euand Nbanions they are found to be in outstanding agreement with the measured electron affinities of C60, Eu and Nb. Common among these considered systems, including the standard atomic Au is the formation of their ground state negative ions at the second Ramsauer-Townsend (R-T) minima of their TCSs. Indeed, this is a signature of all the fullerenes and complex atoms considered thus far. Shape resonances, R-T minima and binding energies of the resultant anions are presented. This work was supported by U.S. DOE, Basic Energy Sciences, Office of Energy Research.

Excitation-dependent local symmetry reversal in single host lattice Ba2A(BO3)2:Eu3+ [A = Mg and Ca] phosphors with tunable emission colours.

PubMed

Jayakiruba, S; Chandrasekaran, S Selva; Murugan, P; Lakshminarasimhan, N

2017-07-05

Eu 3+ activated phosphors are widely used as red emitters in various display devices and light emitting diodes (LEDs). The emission characteristics of Eu 3+ depend on the local site symmetry. The present study demonstrates the role of excitation-dependent local symmetry changes due to the structural reorganization on the emission colour tuning of Eu 3+ from orange-red to orange in single host lattices, Ba 2 Mg(BO 3 ) 2 and Ba 2 Ca(BO 3 ) 2 . The choice of these lattices was based on the difference in the extent of strain experienced by the oxygen atoms. The samples with Eu 3+ at Ba or Mg (Ca) sites were synthesized using the conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction method. The samples were characterized using powder XRD, 11 B MAS-NMR, FT-IR, and diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques. The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) recorded using different excitation wavelengths revealed a clear difference in the PL emission features due to symmetry reversal from non-inversion to inversion symmetry around Eu 3+ . The reorganization of highly strained oxygen atoms leads to such symmetry reversal. First-principles calculations were used to deduce the optimized structures of the two borate host lattices, and local geometries and their distortions upon Eu 3+ substitution. The outcomes of these calculations support the experimental findings.

World Trade Organization Seattle Ministerial: Outcomes and Lessons Learned

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-02-10

abandon its reliance on export subsidies. Export subsidies, however, are a key mechanism in the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy . The Common... Agricultural Policy is intended to preserve farm incomes and rural economies by supporting high domestic prices for a wide variety of agricultural commodities...and products. EU member states have taken a very strong position on maintaining the Common Agricultural Policy , which is a central element in the

CDRA-4EU Testing to Assess Increased Number of ISS Crew

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, Warren T.; Knox, James C.

2017-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) program is investigating methods to increase carbon dioxide (CO2) removal on ISS in order to support an increased number of astronauts at a future date. The Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly - Engineering Unit (CDRA-4EU) system at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was tested at maximum fan settings to evaluate CO2 removal rate and power consumption at those settings.

E-Learning and Training in Europe: A Survey into the Use of e-Learning in Training and Professional Development in the European Union. CEDEFOP Reference Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Thessaloniki (Greece).

A study investigated the extent of e-learning learning supported by information and communication technologies (ICT) methods in vocational education and training (VET) in the European Union (EU). The survey conducted via the Internet received 653 replies from organizations in the EU. Just over 80 percent of respondents were suppliers or users of…

Effect of Eu-doping on optical, structural and morphological properties of BaI2·nH2O powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salamakha, T.; Buryi, M.; Tratsiak, Y.

2018-04-01

The two-step approach to the Eu2+ doped BaI2·nH2O powders synthesis in Ar atmosphere from precursors containing different concentration of Eu3+ ions is reported. According to X-ray diffraction analysis the powders mainly consist of BaI2·2H2O phase. Their morphological, structural and luminescent properties depend on the Eu-ions concentration. The luminescence spectra are composed of broad and strong emission band peaking at 420 nm, which was related to the Eu2+ 5d-4f transition. Its intensity reaches maximum in the 2 at. % Eu2+ doped sample. Detailed analysis of the measured electron paramagnetic resonance spectra in the samples with different doping level confirms them belong to the Eu2+ ions substituting for the regular Ba2+ site in the BaI2 lattice. A sample exposed to the 330 nm UV irradiation exhibited an increase of the Eu2+ spectral intensity occurred exclusively due to the Eu3+ to Eu2+ transformation. No other signals either prior to or after the irradiation which might be attributed to the ions resided in e.g., interstitial positions or in any secondary phases were observed. Possible mechanisms of the Eu3+ stabilization in the host lattice with only divalent cation sites during the synthesis without additional treatment in reducing atmosphere are discussed as well.

Analysis of beta-decay rates for Ag 108, Ba 133, Eu 152, Eu 154, Kr 85, Ra 226, and Sr 90, measured at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt from 1990 to 1996

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sturrock, P. A.; Fischbach, E.; Jenkins, J.

2014-10-10

We present the results of an analysis of measurements of the beta-decay rates of Ag 108, Ba 133, Eu 152, Eu 154, Kr 85, Ra 226, and Sr 90 acquired at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt from 1990 through 1995. Although the decay rates vary over a range of 165 to 1 and the measured detector current varies over a range of 19 to 1, the detrended and normalized count rate measurements exhibit a sinusoidal annual variation with amplitude in the small range 0.068%-0.088% (mean 0.081%, standard deviation 0.0072%, a rejection of the zero-amplitude hypothesis) and phase-of-maximum in the small range 0.062-0.083more » (January 23 to January 30). In comparing these results with those of other related experiments that yield different results, it may be significant that this experiment, at a standards laboratory, seems to be unique in using a 4π detector. These results are compatible with a solar influence, and do not appear to be compatible with an experimental or environmental influence. It is possible that Ba 133 measurements are also subject to a non-solar (possibly cosmic) influence.« less

Crossing borders: a critical review of the role of the European Court of Justice in EU health policy.

PubMed

Brooks, Eleanor

2012-04-01

Over the last two decades, the European Union (EU) has steadily increased its involvement in the health policies of its member states, with considerable support from the European Court of Justice (ECJ). However, much of the literature examining the Court's role has focused upon the intersection between internal market law and the health services sector; the majority of studies have failed to examine the potential role for the Court in public health policy. Observers such as Greer have seen the development of healthcare as a clear case of neofunctional spillover, a view supported but qualified by Wasserfallen and others, who present a more detailed account of the mechanics of the process. Alternative analyses have focused upon the new modes of governance, soft law and other factors - this article reviews the current state of research in the field and the extent to which it should concern health policy actors and non-specialists in EU policy alike. It concludes that the Court has played and continues to play a crucial role in the development of EU public health policy, as well as in health services and broader social policy, where its influence has already been well documented. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of Upconversion, downshifting and quantum –cutting behavior of Eu3+, Yb3+, Bi3+ co-doped LaNbO4 phosphor as a spectral conversion material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dwivedi, A.; Mishra, K.; Rai, S. B.

2018-06-01

This work presents the spectral conversion characteristics [upconversion (UC), downshifting (DS) and quantum–cutting (QC) optical processes] of Eu3+, Yb3+ and Bi3+ co-doped LaNbO4 (LBO) phosphor samples synthesized by solid state reaction technique. The crystal structure and the pure phase formation have been confirmed by x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The surface morphology and particle size are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The rarely observed intense red UC emission from Eu3+ ion has been successfully obtained in Eu3+/Yb3+ co-doped LaNbO4 phosphor (on excitation with 980 nm) by optimizing the concentrations of Eu3+ and Yb3+ ions. The downshifting (DS) behavior has been studied by photoluminescence (PL) measurements on excitation with 265 nm wavelength from a Xe lamp source. A broad blue emission in the region 300–550 nm with its maximum ∼415 nm due to charge transfer band (CTB) of the host and large number of sharp peaks due to f-f transitions of Eu3+ ion have been observed. The energy transfer has been observed from (NbO4)3‑ to Eu3+ ion and the fluorescence emission has been optimized by varying the concentration of Eu3+ ion. An intense red emission has also been observed corresponding to 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+ ion at 611 nm in LBO: 0.09Eu3+ phosphor on excitation with 394 nm. The luminescence properties of Eu3+ ion are enhanced further through the sensitization effect of Bi3+ ion. The near infra-red (NIR) quantum cutting (QC) behavior due to Yb3+ ion has been monitored on excitation with 265 as well as 394 nm. The NIR QC is observed due to 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 transition of Yb3+ ion via co-operative energy transfer (CET) process from (NbO4)3‑ as well as Eu3+ ions to Yb3+ ion. This multimodal behavior (UC, DS and QC) makes this a promising phosphor material for multi-purpose spectral converter.

TIME-RESOLVED SPECTROSCOPY OF THE POLAR EU CANCRI IN THE OPEN CLUSTER MESSIER 67

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, Kurtis A.; Howell, Steve B.; Liebert, James

2013-05-15

We present time-resolved spectroscopic and polarimetric observations of the AM Her system EU Cnc. EU Cnc is located near the core of the old open cluster Messier 67; new proper motion measurements indicate that EU Cnc is indeed a member of the star cluster, and this system therefore is useful to constrain the formation and evolution of magnetic cataclysmic variables. The spectra exhibit two-component emission features with independent radial velocity variations as well as time-variable cyclotron emission indicating a magnetic field strength of 41 MG. The period of the radial velocity and cyclotron hump variations are consistent with the previouslymore » known photometric period, and the spectroscopic flux variations are consistent in amplitude with previous photometric amplitude measurements. The secondary star is also detected in the spectrum. We also present polarimetric imaging measurements of EU Cnc that show a clear detection of polarization, and the degree of polarization drops below our detection threshold at phases when the cyclotron emission features are fading or not evident. The combined data are all consistent with the interpretation that EU Cnc is a low-state polar in the cluster Messier 67. The mass function of the system gives an estimate of the accretor mass of M{sub WD} {>=} 0.68 M{sub Sun} with M{sub WD} Almost-Equal-To 0.83 M{sub Sun} for an average inclination. We are thus able to place a lower limit on the progenitor mass of the accreting white dwarf of {>=}1.43 M{sub Sun }.« less

Isomer-delayed γ -ray spectroscopy of A =159 -164 midshell nuclei and the variation of K -forbidden E 1 transition hindrance factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Z.; Walker, P. M.; Podolyák, Zs.; Regan, P. H.; Berry, T. A.; Söderström, P.-A.; Watanabe, H.; Ideguchi, E.; Simpson, G. S.; Nishimura, S.; Wu, Q.; Xu, F. R.; Browne, F.; Doornenbal, P.; Lorusso, G.; Rice, S.; Sinclair, L.; Sumikama, T.; Wu, J.; Xu, Z. Y.; Aoi, N.; Baba, H.; Bello Garrote, F. L.; Benzoni, G.; Daido, R.; Dombrádi, Zs.; Fang, Y.; Fukuda, N.; Gey, G.; Go, S.; Gottardo, A.; Inabe, N.; Isobe, T.; Kameda, D.; Kobayashi, K.; Kobayashi, M.; Komatsubara, T.; Kojouharov, I.; Kubo, T.; Kurz, N.; Kuti, I.; Li, Z.; Matsushita, M.; Michimasa, S.; Moon, C.-B.; Nishibata, H.; Nishizuka, I.; Odahara, A.; Şahin, E.; Sakurai, H.; Schaffner, H.; Suzuki, H.; Takeda, H.; Tanaka, M.; Taprogge, J.; Vajta, Zs.; Yagi, A.; Yokoyama, R.

2017-09-01

Excited states have been studied in 159Sm, 161Sm, 162Sm (Z =62 ), 163Eu (Z =63 ), and 164Gd (Z =64 ), populated by isomeric decay following 238U projectile fission at RIBF, RIKEN. The isomer half-lives range from 50 ns to 2.6 μ s . In comparison with other published data, revised interpretations are proposed for 159Sm and 163Eu. The first data for excited states in 161Sm are presented, where a 2.6-μ s isomer is assigned a three-quasiparticle, Kπ=17 /2- structure. The interpretation is supported by multi-quasiparticle Nilsson-BCS calculations, including the blocking of pairing correlations. A consistent set of reduced E 1 hindrance factors is obtained. Limited evidence is also reported for isomeric decay in 163Sm, 164Eu, and 165Eu.

First-principles calculation on electronic structure and optical property of BaSi{sub 2}O{sub 2}N{sub 2}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tong, Zhi-Fang, E-mail: tongzhifang1998@126.com; Wei, Zhan-Long; Xiao, Cheng

The crystal structure, electronic structure and optical properties of BaSi{sub 2}O{sub 2}N{sub 2}:Eu{sup 2+} with varying Eu doping concentrations are computed by the density functional theory (DFT) and compared with experimental results. The results show that the lattice parameters of primitive cells of Ba{sub 1−x}Si{sub 2}O{sub 2}N{sub 2}:Eu{sub x} become smaller and Eu–N bond length shortens as Eu concentration increases. The band structure of Ba{sub 1−x}Si{sub 2}O{sub 2}N{sub 2}:Eu{sub x} exhibits a direct optical band gap and it's propitious to luminescence. The energy differences from the lowest Eu 5d state to the lowest Eu 4f state decrease with increasing Eumore » concentrations. The analysis of simulative absorption spectra indicates that the electron transition from Eu 4f states to 5d states of both Eu and Ba atoms contributes to the absorption of Ba{sub 1−x}Si{sub 2}O{sub 2}N{sub 2}:Eu{sub x}. Under the coupling effect between Eu and Ba, Ba in BaSi{sub 2}O{sub 2}N{sub 2} exhibits longer wavelength absorption and increases absorption efficiency. The emission wavelength is deduced by measuring energy differences from the lowest Eu 5d state to the lowest Eu 4f state, and the result is in good agreement with experimental value within experimental Eu{sup 2+} doping range. - Graphical abstract: The structure and optical property of BaSi{sub 2}O{sub 2}N{sub 2}:Eu{sup 2+} are computed by DFT and its absorption mechanism is analysed. Results show that absorption peak α is from the host lattice absorption. The absorption peaks β, γ and δ are from Eu 4f to Eu 5d and Ba 6s 5d states. The absorption is attributed to the coupling effect of Eu and Ba atom. - Highlights: • The crystal, electronic structure and optical properties of BaSi{sub 2}O{sub 2}N{sub 2}:Eu{sup 2+} are computed by DFT. • The lattice parameters of primitive cells reduces and Eu–N bond length shortens as Eu{sup 2+} increases. • The energy gap from Eu 5d state to Eu 4f state decrease with increasing Eu concentrations. • Both Eu and Ba atoms contributes to the absorption of Ba{sub 1−x}Si{sub 2}O{sub 2}N{sub 2}:Eu{sub x}. • The deduced emission wavelength is in good agreement with experimental value.« less

NMR studies of the helical antiferromagnetic compound EuCo2P2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higa, N.; Ding, Q.-P.; Kubota, F.; Uehara, H.; Yogi, M.; Furukawa, Y.; Sangeetha, N. S.; Johnston, D. C.; Nakamura, A.; Hedo, M.; Nakama, T.; Ōnuki, Y.

2018-05-01

In EuCo2P2, 4f electron spins of Eu2+ ions order antiferromagnetically below a Néel temperature TN = 66.5 K . The magnetic structure below TN was reported to be helical with the helix axis along the c-axis from the neutron diffraction study. We report the results of 153Eu, 59Co and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements on EuCo2P2 using a single crystal and a powdered sample. In the antiferromagnetic (AFM) state, we succeeded in observing 153Eu, 59Co and 31P NMR spectra in zero magnetic field. The sharp 153Eu zero field NMR (ZF NMR) lines indicate homogeneous Eu ordered moment. The 59Co and 31P ZF NMR spectra showed an asymmetric spectral shape, indicating a distribution of the internal magnetic induction at each nuclear position. The AFM propagation vector k characterizing the helical AFM state can be determined from the internal magnetic induction at Co site. We have determined the model-independent value of the AFM propagation vector k distributed from (0, 0, 0.86)2π/c to (0, 0, 0.73)2π/c, where c is the lattice parameter.

75 FR 49482 - Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-13

... replace with ``Incident Report Records.'' System location: Delete entry and replace with ``Command Support... may be accessed only by the Commander, Deputy Commander, Chief, Command Support Division, or other... and replace with ``Command Support Division, EU1, Defense Information Systems Agency-Europe, APO AE...

Assessment of air quality microsensors versus reference methods: The EuNetAir joint exercise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borrego, C.; Costa, A. M.; Ginja, J.; Amorim, M.; Coutinho, M.; Karatzas, K.; Sioumis, Th.; Katsifarakis, N.; Konstantinidis, K.; De Vito, S.; Esposito, E.; Smith, P.; André, N.; Gérard, P.; Francis, L. A.; Castell, N.; Schneider, P.; Viana, M.; Minguillón, M. C.; Reimringer, W.; Otjes, R. P.; von Sicard, O.; Pohle, R.; Elen, B.; Suriano, D.; Pfister, V.; Prato, M.; Dipinto, S.; Penza, M.

2016-12-01

The 1st EuNetAir Air Quality Joint Intercomparison Exercise organized in Aveiro (Portugal) from 13th-27th October 2014, focused on the evaluation and assessment of environmental gas, particulate matter (PM) and meteorological microsensors, versus standard air quality reference methods through an experimental urban air quality monitoring campaign. The IDAD-Institute of Environment and Development Air Quality Mobile Laboratory was placed at an urban traffic location in the city centre of Aveiro to conduct continuous measurements with standard equipment and reference analysers for CO, NOx, O3, SO2, PM10, PM2.5, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, solar radiation and precipitation. The comparison of the sensor data generated by different microsensor-systems installed side-by-side with reference analysers, contributes to the assessment of the performance and the accuracy of microsensor-systems in a real-world context, and supports their calibration and further development. The overall performance of the sensors in terms of their statistical metrics and measurement profile indicates significant differences in the results depending on the platform and on the sensors considered. In terms of pollutants, some promising results were observed for O3 (r2: 0.12-0.77), CO (r2: 0.53-0.87), and NO2 (r2: 0.02-0.89). For PM (r2: 0.07-0.36) and SO2 (r2: 0.09-0.20) the results show a poor performance with low correlation coefficients between the reference and microsensor measurements. These field observations under specific environmental conditions suggest that the relevant microsensor platforms, if supported by the proper post processing and data modelling tools, have enormous potential for new strategies in air quality control.

The role of network bridging organisations in compensation payments for agri-environmental services under the EU Common Agricultural Policy.

PubMed

Dedeurwaerdere, Tom; Polard, Audrey; Melindi-Ghidi, Paolo

2015-11-01

Compensation payments to farmers for the provision of agri-environmental services are a well-established policy scheme under the EU Common Agricultural Policy. However, in spite of the success in most EU countries in the uptake of the programme by farmers, the impact of the scheme on the long term commitment of farmers to change their practices remains poorly documented. To explore this issue, this paper presents the results of structured field interviews and a quantitative survey in the Walloon Region of Belgium. The main finding of this study is that farmers who have periodic contacts with network bridging organisations that foster cooperation and social learning in the agri-environmental landscapes show a higher commitment to change. This effect is observed both for farmers with high and low concern for biodiversity depletion. Support for network bridging organisations is foreseen under the EU Leader programme and the EU regulation 1306/2013, which could open-up interesting opportunities for enhancing the effectiveness of the current payment scheme for agri-environmental services.

Flexible graphene composites for removal of methylene blue dye-contaminant from water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliva, J.; Martinez, A. I.; Oliva, A. I.; Garcia, C. R.; Martinez-Luevanos, A.; Garcia-Lobato, M.; Ochoa-Valiente, R.; Berlanga, A.

2018-04-01

This work presents the use of flexible graphene composites (FGCs) fabricated by a casting method for the removal of Methylene blue (MB) dye from water. Those FGCs with elastic modulus of 15 MPa had enough mechanical resistance to support the Al2O3:Eu3+ and SrAl2O4:Bi3+ photocatalytic powders. After the incorporation of those powders in the FGCs, their photocatalytic activity was evaluated by monitoring the degradation of MB dye under solar irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images demonstrate that the surface of FGCs with catalysts powders presents pores with sizes in the range of 15-40 μm, which favored the sunlight absorption by scattering effects. Moreover, X-Ray diffraction measurements confirmed the formation of the composites by displacements of their diffraction peaks. The MB dye was completely removed (by photocatalysis and by physical adsorption) from the water after 180 min and 270 min by using the FGCs with Al2O3:Eu3+ and SrAl2O4:Bi3+ catalysts respectively. Hence, the results of photocatalytic activity suggest that our FGCs could be used as an effective support of catalyst powders for the easy removal of dye contaminants in wastewater treatment plants.

A System of Systems Approach to the EU Energy System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jess, Tom; Madani, Kaveh; Mahlooji, Maral; Ristic, Bora

2016-04-01

Around the world, measures to prevent dangerous climate change are being adopted and may change energy systems fundamentally. The European Union (EU) is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emission by 20% by 2020 and by 80-95% by 2050. In order to achieve this, EU member states aim to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix to 20% by 2020. This commitment comes as part of a series of other aims, principles, and policies to reform the EU's energy system. Cost-efficiency in the emissions reductions measures as well as strategic goals under the Resource Efficient Europe flagship initiative which would include a more prudent approach to other natural resources such as water and land. Using the "System of Systems Approach", as from Hadian and Madani (2015), energy sources' Relative Aggregate Footprints (RAF) in the EU are evaluated. RAF aggregates across four criteria: carbon footprint, water footprint, land footprint, and economic cost. The four criteria are weighted by resource availability across the EU and for each Member State. This provides an evaluation of the overall resource use efficiency of the EU's energy portfolio and gives insight into the differences in the desirability of energy sources across Member States. Broadly, nuclear, onshore wind, and geothermal are most desirable under equal criteria weights and EU average weighting introduces only small changes in the relative performance of only few technologies. The member state specific weightings show that most countries have similar energy technology preferences. However, the UK deviates most strongly from the average, with an even stronger preference for nuclear and coal. Sweden, Malta and Finland also deviate from the typical preferences indicating the complexity in play in reforming the EU energy system. Reference Hadian S, Madani K (2015) A System of Systems Approach to Energy Sustainability Assessment: Are All Renewables Really Green? Ecological Indicators, 52, 194-206.

Cost-effectiveness of trastuzumab in metastatic breast cancer: mainly a matter of price in the EU?

PubMed

Garattini, Livio; van de Vooren, Katelijne; Curto, Alessandro

2015-02-01

Trastuzumab (TR), a monoclonal antibody approved by EMA in 2000 and one of the first examples of "targeted therapy", is indicated to treat human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer. TR, whose patent will expire in 2015 in Europe, has been judged positively for reimbursement by most public authorities in the EU. Here we critically review the existing evidence on TR in metastatic breast cancer (MBC), in line with the multidisciplinary health technology assessment (HTA) approach, to assess whether the existing evidence supports TR positive reimbursement decisions taken in MBC by EU health authorities. We did a literature search for the main HTA topics (efficacy, quality of life and ethics) on the PubMed international database (2000-2013). Then, we did a specific literature search to select the full economic evaluations (FEEs) conducted in EU countries focused on TR as first-line innovative therapy in MBC. We retrieved scant evidence in the literature to support TR reimbursement in MBC. We found only two clinical trials and their results were unclear because of the large proportion of patients who crossed over. Moreover, the quality of methods was poor in all four European FEEs selected. This example of HTA exercise on a mature monoclonal antibody in a specific indication casts doubts on how often the reimbursement decisions taken by EU health authorities in emotional pathologies like cancer are rational. These decisions should at least be reconsidered periodically on the basis of the latest evidence. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Carbon Cloth Supported Nano-Mg(OH)2 for the Enrichment and Recovery of Rare Earth Element Eu(III) From Aqueous Solution.

PubMed

Li, Yinong; Tian, Chen; Liu, Weizhen; Xu, Si; Xu, Yunyun; Cui, Rongxin; Lin, Zhang

2018-01-01

Nano-Mg(OH) 2 is attracting great attention as adsorbent for pre-concentration and recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from low-concentration solution, due to its superior removal efficiency for REEs and environmental friendliness. However, the nanoparticles also cause some severe problems during application, including aggregation, blockage in fixed-bed column, as well as the difficulties in separation and reuse. Herein, in order to avoid the mentioned problems, a carbon cloth (CC) supported nano-Mg(OH) 2 (nano-Mg(OH) 2 @CC) was synthesized by electrodeposition. The X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that the interlaced nano-sheet of Mg(OH) 2 grew firmly and uniformly on the surface of carbon cloth fibers. Batch adsorption experiments of Eu(III) indicated that the nano-Mg(OH) 2 @CC composite maintained the excellent adsorption performance of nano-Mg(OH) 2 toward Eu(III). After adsorption, the Eu containing composite was calcined under nitrogen atmosphere. The content of Eu 2 O 3 in the calcined material was as high as 99.66%. Fixed-bed column experiments indicated that no blockage for Mg(OH) 2 @CC composite was observed during the treatment, while the complete blockage of occurred to nano-Mg(OH) 2 at an effluent volume of 240 mL. Moreover, the removal efficiency of Mg(OH) 2 @CC was still higher than 90% until 4,200 mL of effluent volume. This work provides a promising method for feasible application of nanoadsorbents in fixed-bed process to recycle low-concentration REEs from wastewater.

Carbon Cloth Supported Nano-Mg(OH)2 for the Enrichment and Recovery of Rare Earth Element Eu(III) from Aqueous Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yinong; Tian, Chen; Liu, Weizhen; Xu, Si; Xu, Yunyun; Cui, Rongxin; Lin, Zhang

2018-04-01

Nano-Mg(OH)2 is attracting great attention as adsorbent for pre-concentration and recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from low-concentration solution, due to its superior removal efficiency for REEs and environmental friendliness. However, the nanoparticles also cause some severe problems during application, including aggregation, blockage in fixed-bed column, as well as the difficulties in separation and reuse. Herein, in order to avoid the mentioned problems, a carbon cloth (CC) supported nano-Mg(OH)2 (nano-Mg(OH)2@CC) was synthesized by electrodeposition. The X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that the interlaced nano-sheet of Mg(OH)2 grew firmly and uniformly on the surface of carbon cloth fibers. Batch adsorption experiments of Eu(III) indicated that the nano-Mg(OH)2@CC composite maintained the excellent adsorption performance of nano-Mg(OH)2 toward Eu(III). After adsorption, the Eu containing composite was calcined under nitrogen atmosphere. The content of Eu2O3 in the calcined material was as high as 99.66%. Fixed-bed column experiments indicated that no blockage for Mg(OH)2@CC composite was observed during the treatment, while the complete blockage of occurred to nano-Mg(OH)2 at an effluent volume of 240 mL. Moreover, the removal efficiency of Mg(OH)2@CC was still higher than 90% until 4200 mL of effluent volume. This work provides a promising method for feasible application of nanoadsorbents in fixed-bed process to recycle low-concentration REEs from wastewater.

Carbon Cloth Supported Nano-Mg(OH)2 for the Enrichment and Recovery of Rare Earth Element Eu(III) From Aqueous Solution

PubMed Central

Li, Yinong; Tian, Chen; Liu, Weizhen; Xu, Si; Xu, Yunyun; Cui, Rongxin; Lin, Zhang

2018-01-01

Nano-Mg(OH)2 is attracting great attention as adsorbent for pre-concentration and recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from low-concentration solution, due to its superior removal efficiency for REEs and environmental friendliness. However, the nanoparticles also cause some severe problems during application, including aggregation, blockage in fixed-bed column, as well as the difficulties in separation and reuse. Herein, in order to avoid the mentioned problems, a carbon cloth (CC) supported nano-Mg(OH)2 (nano-Mg(OH)2@CC) was synthesized by electrodeposition. The X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that the interlaced nano-sheet of Mg(OH)2 grew firmly and uniformly on the surface of carbon cloth fibers. Batch adsorption experiments of Eu(III) indicated that the nano-Mg(OH)2@CC composite maintained the excellent adsorption performance of nano-Mg(OH)2 toward Eu(III). After adsorption, the Eu containing composite was calcined under nitrogen atmosphere. The content of Eu2O3 in the calcined material was as high as 99.66%. Fixed-bed column experiments indicated that no blockage for Mg(OH)2@CC composite was observed during the treatment, while the complete blockage of occurred to nano-Mg(OH)2 at an effluent volume of 240 mL. Moreover, the removal efficiency of Mg(OH)2@CC was still higher than 90% until 4,200 mL of effluent volume. This work provides a promising method for feasible application of nanoadsorbents in fixed-bed process to recycle low-concentration REEs from wastewater. PMID:29721492

Enhancing the effectiveness of diabetes self-management education: the diabetes literacy project.

PubMed

Van den Broucke, S; Van der Zanden, G; Chang, P; Doyle, G; Levin, D; Pelikan, J; Schillinger, D; Schwarz, P; Sørensen, K; Yardley, L; Riemenschneider, H

2014-12-01

Patient empowerment through self-management education is central to improving the quality of diabetes care and preventing Type 2 Diabetes. Although national programs exist, there is no EU-wide strategy for diabetes self-management education, and patients with limited literacy face barriers to effective self-management. The Diabetes Literacy project, initiated with the support of the European Commission, aims to fill this gap. The project investigates the effectiveness of diabetes self-management education, targeting people with or at risk of Type 2 Diabetes in the 28 EU Member States, as part of a comprehensive EU-wide diabetes strategy. National diabetes strategies in the EU, US, Taiwan, and Israel are compared, and diabetes self-management programs inventorized. The costs of the diabetes care pathway are assessed on a per person basis at national level. A comparison is made of the (cost)-effectiveness of different methods for diabetes self-management support, and the moderating role of health literacy, organization of the health services, and implementation fidelity of education programs are considered. Web-based materials are developed and evaluated by randomized trials to evaluate if interactive internet delivery can enhance self-management support for people with lower levels of health literacy. The 3-year project started in December 2012. Several literature reviews have been produced and protocol development and research design are in the final stages. Primary and secondary data collection and analysis take place in 2014. The results will inform policy decisions on improving the prevention, treatment, and care for persons with diabetes across literacy levels. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Photoluminescence properties of Eu3+ doped HfO2 coatings formed by plasma electrolytic oxidation of hafnium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stojadinović, Stevan; Tadić, Nenad; Ćirić, Aleksandar; Vasilić, Rastko

2018-03-01

Plasma electrolytic oxidation was used for synthesis of Eu3+ doped monoclinic HfO2 coatings on hafnium substrate. Results of photoluminescence (PL) measurements show the existence of two distinct regions: one that is related to the blue emission originating from oxygen vacancy defects in HfO2 and the other one characterized with a series of sharp orange-red emission peaks related to f-f transitions of Eu3+ from excited level 5D0 to lower levels 7FJ (J = 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4). PL peaks appearing in excitation spectra of obtained coatings are attributed either to charge transfer state of Eu3+ or to direct excitation of the Eu3+ ground state 7F0 into higher levels of the 4f-manifold. PL of formed coatings increases with PEO time due to an increase of oxygen vacancy defects and the content of Eu3+. Acquired experimental data suggest that hypersensitive electrical dipole transition is much more intense than the magnetic dipole transition, indicating that Eu3+ ions occupy a non-inversion symmetry sites.

Evolution of European Union legislation on emergency research.

PubMed

Mentzelopoulos, Spyros D; Mantzanas, Michail; van Belle, Gerald; Nichol, Graham

2015-06-01

Emergency research is necessary to prevent exposure of patients to unvalidated clinical practice (nonmaleficence), and to improve the dismal prognosis of disorders requiring emergent treatment such as cardiac arrest (beneficence). Regulations that govern clinical research should conform to bioethical principles of respect for nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and justice. Our objectives are to review the evolution of European Union (EU) legislation on emergency research, and to identify potentially remaining problems. EU legislative sources on clinical research and medical literature describing the impact of EU Regulations on emergency research. Article 5 of EU Directive 2001/20/EC required consent before enrolment in a research study to ensure the autonomy of potentially incapacitated research subjects. However, obtaining such consent is often impossible in emergency situations. Directive 2001/20/EC was criticized for potentially preventing emergency research. Several EU Member States addressed this problem by permitting deferred consent. International ethical guidelines supporting deferred consent were also cited by Good Clinical Practice Directive 2005/28/EC. However, Directive 2001/20/EC was not revised to achieve harmonization of EU emergency research, thus resulting in ongoing "ambiguity" as regards to emergency research legitimacy. This will be definitively addressed by applying EU Regulation No. 536/2014 and repealing Directive 2001/20/EC. The new EU Regulation permits using deferred consent under clearly specified conditions, and may foster emergency research that evaluates interventions posing minimal risk relative to standard practice. Legislation related to emergency research in Europe has evolved to increase concordance with bioethical principles so as to increase evidence-based improvements in emergency care. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Depleted and enriched uranium exposure quantified in former factory workers and local residents of NL Industries, Colonie, NY USA.

PubMed

Arnason, John G; Pellegri, Christine N; Moore, June L; Lewis-Michl, Elizabeth L; Parsons, Patrick J

2016-10-01

Between 1958 and 1982, NL Industries manufactured components of enriched (EU) and depleted uranium (DU) at a factory in Colonie NY, USA. More than 5 metric tons of DU was deposited as microscopic DU oxide particles on the plant site and surrounding residential community. A prior study involving a small number of individuals (n=23) indicated some residents were exposed to DU and former workers to both DU and EU, most probably through inhalation of aerosol particles. Our aim was to measure total uranium [U] and the uranium isotope ratios: (234)U/(238)U; (235)U/(238)U; and (236)U/(238)U, in the urine of a cohort of former workers and nearby residents of the NLI factory, to characterize individual exposure to natural uranium (NU), DU, and EU more than 3 decades after production ceased. We conducted a biomonitoring study in a larger cohort of 32 former workers and 99 residents, who may have been exposed during its period of operation, by measuring Total U, NU, DU, and EU in urine using Sector Field Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS). Among workers, 84% were exposed to DU, 9% to EU and DU, and 6% to natural uranium (NU) only. For those exposed to DU, urinary isotopic and [U] compositions result from binary mixing of NU and the DU plant feedstock. Among residents, 8% show evidence of DU exposure, whereas none shows evidence of EU exposure. For residents, the [U] geometric mean is significantly below the value reported for NHANES. There is no significant difference in [U] between exposed and unexposed residents, suggesting that [U] alone is not a reliable indicator of exposure to DU in this group. Ninety four percent of workers tested showed evidence of exposure to DU, EU or both, and were still excreting DU and EU decades after leaving the workforce. The study demonstrates the advantage of measuring multiple isotopic ratios (e.g., (236)U/(238)U and (235)U/(238)U) over a single ratio ((235)U/(238)U) in determining sources of uranium exposure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the pharmacokinetics and safety of three formulations of infliximab (CT-P13, EU-approved reference infliximab and the US-licensed reference infliximab) in healthy subjects: a randomized, double-blind, three-arm, parallel-group, single-dose, Phase I study.

PubMed

Park, Won; Lee, Sang Joon; Yun, Jihye; Yoo, Dae Hyun

2015-01-01

To compare the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and tolerability of biosimilar infliximab (CT-P13 [Remsima(®), Inflectra(®)]) with two formulations of the reference medicinal product (RMP) (Remicade(®)) from either Europe (EU-RMP) or the USA (US-RMP). This was a double-blind, three-arm, parallel-group study (EudraCT number: 2013-003173-10). Healthy subjects received single doses (5 mg/kg) of CT-P13 (n = 71), EU-RMP (n = 71) or US-RMP (n = 71). The primary objective was to compare the PK profiles for the three formulations. Assessments of comparative safety and tolerability were secondary objectives. Baseline demographics were well balanced across the three groups. Primary end points (Cmax, AUClast and AUCinf) were equivalent between all formulations (CT-P13 vs EU-RMP; CT-P13 vs US-RMP; EU-RMP vs US-RMP). All other PK end points supported the high similarity of the three treatments. Tolerability profiles of the formulations were similar. The PK profile of CT-P13 is highly similar to EU-RMP and US-RMP. All three formulations were equally well tolerated.

European Union Standards for Tuberculosis Care

PubMed Central

Migliori, G.B.; Zellweger, J.P.; Abubakar, I.; Ibraim, E.; Caminero, J.A.; De Vries, G.; D'Ambrosio, L.; Centis, R.; Sotgiu, G.; Menegale, O.; Kliiman, K.; Aksamit, T.; Cirillo, D.M.; Danilovits, M.; Dara, M.; Dheda, K.; Dinh-Xuan, A.T.; Kluge, H.; Lange, C.; Leimane, V.; Loddenkemper, R.; Nicod, L.P.; Raviglione, M.C.; Spanevello, A.; Thomsen, V.Ø.; Villar, M.; Wanlin, M.; Wedzicha, J.A.; Zumla, A.; Blasi, F.; Huitric, E.; Sandgren, A.; Manissero, D.

2012-01-01

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) jointly developed European Union Standards for Tuberculosis Care (ESTC) aimed at providing European Union (EU)-tailored standards for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis (TB). The International Standards for TB Care (ISTC) were developed in the global context and are not always adapted to the EU setting and practices. The majority of EU countries have the resources and capacity to implement higher standards to further secure quality TB diagnosis, treatment and prevention. On this basis, the ESTC were developed as standards specifically tailored to the EU setting. A panel of 30 international experts, led by a writing group and the ERS and ECDC, identified and developed the 21 ESTC in the areas of diagnosis, treatment, HIV and comorbid conditions, and public health and prevention. The ISTCs formed the basis for the 21 standards, upon which additional EU adaptations and supplements were developed. These patient-centred standards are targeted to clinicians and public health workers, providing an easy-to-use resource, guiding through all required activities to ensure optimal diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB. These will support EU health programmes to identify and develop optimal procedures for TB care, control and elimination. PMID:22467723

Unique photoluminescence degradation/recovery phenomena in trivalent ion-activated phosphors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sawada, Kenji; Adachi, Sadao, E-mail: adachi@el.gunma-u.ac.jp

Photo-induced luminescence intensity degradation in red-emitting Tb{sub 3}Ga{sub 5}O{sub 12}:Eu{sup 3+} (TGG:Eu{sup 3+}) phosphor is observed and studied using x-ray diffraction measurement, photoluminescence (PL) analysis, PL excitation spectroscopy, and PL decay analysis. The red-emitting TGG:Eu{sup 3+} phosphor exhibits remarkable degradation in the PL intensity under weak UV light (λ < 350 nm) exposure in the seconds time scale. The PL degradation characteristics can be well expressed by the exponential formulation with respect to exposure time. Interestingly, the PL intensity recovers after a few minutes when the phosphor is stored in a dark room or exposed to the long-wavelength (λ > 350 nm) light. The luminescence decaymore » dynamics measured by excitation at λ{sub ex} = 355 and 266 nm suggest that the present degradation/recovery processes are caused by the electron traps formed in the TGG:Eu{sup 3+} phosphor. The Tb{sup 3+} emission in TGG shows the essentially same degradation characteristics as those observed in the TGG:Eu{sup 3+} phosphor. The present luminescence degradation/recovery phenomena of the trivalent ions (4f → 4f transitions) may universally occur in various oxide phosphors such as TGG (Tb{sup 3+} emission) and CaTiO{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+}.« less

Structural evaluations and temperature dependent photoluminescence characterizations of Eu3+-activated SrZrO3 hollow spheres for luminescence thermometry applications

PubMed Central

Das, Subrata; Som, Sudipta; Yang, Che-Yuan; Chavhan, Sudam; Lu, Chung-Hsin

2016-01-01

This research is focused on the temperature sensing ability of perovskite SrZrO3:Eu3+ hollow spheres synthesized via the sol-gel method followed by heating. The Rietveld refinement indicated that the precursors annealed at 1100 °C were crystallized to form orthorhombic SrZrO3. SrZrO3 particles exhibited non-agglomerated hollow spherical morphology with an average particle size of 300 nm. The UV-excited photoluminescence spectrum of SrZrO3:Eu3+ consisted of two regions. One region was associated with SrZrO3 trap emission, and the other one was related to the emission of Eu3+ ions. The intensity ratio of the emission of Eu3+ ions to the host emission (FIR) and the emission lifetime of Eu3+ ions were measured in the temperature range of 300–550 K. The sensitivity obtained via the lifetime method was 7.3× lower than that measured via the FIR. Within the optimum temperature range of 300–460 K, the as-estimated sensor sensitivity was increased from 0.0013 to 0.028 K−1. With a further increase in temperatures, the sensitivity started to decline. A maximum relative sensitivity was estimated to be 2.22%K−1 at 460 K. The resolutions in both methods were below 1K in the above temperature range. The results indicated the suitability of SrZrO3:Eu3+ for the distinct high temperature sensing applications. PMID:27189117

Observation of unusual critical region behavior in the magnetic susceptibility of EuSe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bykovetz, N.; Klein, J.; Lin, C. L.

2018-05-01

The Europium Chalcogenides (EuCh: EuO, EuS, EuSe, and EuTe) have been regarded as model examples of simple, cubic, Heisenberg exchange coupled magnetic systems, with a ferromagnetic nearest-neighbor exchange constant J1 and an antiferromagnetic next-nearest-neighbor constant J2. Unlike the other EuCh, EuSe exhibits a range of complex magnetic behaviors, the latter being attributed to EuSe being near the point where J2=-J1, where its magnetism appears to consist of nearly de-coupled 2D ferromagnetic sheets. Analysis of precision SQUID measurements of the magnetic susceptibility χ in EuSe showed that in the region from ˜Tc to ˜2Tc, a fit of the data to the critical equation χ = χ2Tc(T/Tc-1)-γ gives γ=2.0, an exponent not predicted by any current theory. Additionally, this fit predicts that Tc should be ˜0K. We tentatively interpret this by saying that in the paramagnetic region the system "thinks" EuSe should not order above T=0. Tc=0K is predicted by the Mermin-Wagner theorem (MW) for Heisenberg-coupled 2D magnetic systems, and we can show that when J2=-J1, MW can also be applied to the J1, J2 exchange model of the EuCh to give a rigorous Tc=0 prediction. Under 10 kbar applied pressure EuSe exhibits a different γ and fitted Tc. An additional, and rather strange, critical-region effect was discovered. The EuSe sample was found to exhibit a relaxation effect in a small range of temperatures, just above and just below the actual Tc of 4.7K, with time constants of up to 5 minutes. We cannot yet fully explain this observed macroscopic effect.

Green infrastructure development at European Union's eastern border: Effects of road infrastructure and forest habitat loss.

PubMed

Angelstam, Per; Khaulyak, Olha; Yamelynets, Taras; Mozgeris, Gintautas; Naumov, Vladimir; Chmielewski, Tadeusz J; Elbakidze, Marine; Manton, Michael; Prots, Bohdan; Valasiuk, Sviataslau

2017-05-15

The functionality of forest patches and networks as green infrastructure may be affected negatively both by expanding road networks and forestry intensification. We assessed the effects of (1) the current and planned road infrastructure, and (2) forest loss and gain, on the remaining large forest landscape massifs as green infrastructure at the EU's eastern border region in post-socialistic transition. First, habitat patch and network functionality in 1996-98 was assessed using habitat suitability index modelling. Second, we made expert interviews about road development with planners in 10 administrative regions in Poland, Belarus and Ukraine. Third, forest loss and gain inside the forest massifs, and gain outside them during the period 2001-14 were measured. This EU cross-border region hosts four remaining forest massifs as regional green infrastructure hotspots. While Poland's road network is developing fast in terms of new freeways, city bypasses and upgrades of road quality, in Belarus and Ukraine the focus is on maintenance of existing roads, and no new corridors. We conclude that economic support from the EU, and thus rapid development of roads in Poland, is likely to reduce the permeability for wildlife of the urban and agricultural matrix around existing forest massifs. However, the four identified forest massifs themselves, forming the forest landscape green infrastructure at the EU's east border, were little affected by road development plans. In contrast, forest loss inside massifs was high, especially in Ukraine. Only in Poland forest loss was balanced by gain. Forest gain outside forest massifs was low. To conclude, pro-active and collaborative spatial planning across different sectors and countries is needed to secure functional forest green infrastructure as base for biodiversity conservation and human well-being. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Toward the application of ecological concepts in EU coastal water management.

PubMed

de Jonge, Victor N

2007-01-01

The EU Water Framework Directive demands the protection of the functioning and the structure of our aquatic ecosystems. The defined means to realize this goal are: (1) optimization of the habitat providing conditions and (2) optimizing the water quality. The effects of the measures on the structure and functioning of the aquatic ecosystems then has to be assessed and judged. The available tool to do this is 'monitoring'. The present monitoring activities in The Netherlands cover target monitoring and trend monitoring. This is insufficient to meet the requirements of the EU. It is, given the EU demands, the ongoing budget reductions in The Netherlands and an increasing flow of unused new ecological concepts and theories (e.g. new theoretical insights related to resource competition theory, intermediate disturbance hypothesis and tools to judge the system quality like ecological network analysis) suggested to reconsider the present monitoring tasks among governmental services (final responsibility for the program and logistic support) and the academia (data analyses, data interpretation and development of concepts suitable for ecosystem modelling and tools to judge the quality of our ecosystems). This will lead to intensified co-operation between both arena's and consequently increased exchange of knowledge and ideas. Suggestions are done to extend the Dutch monitoring by surveillance monitoring and to change the focus from 'station oriented' to 'area oriented' without changing the operational aspects and its costs. The extended data sets will allow proper calibration and validation of developed dynamic ecosystem models which is not possible now. The described 'cost-effective' change in the environmental monitoring will also let biological and ecological theories play the pivotal role they should play in future integrated environmental management.

Antiferromagnetism in EuCu 2As 2 and EuCu 1.82Sb 2 single crystals

DOE PAGES

Anand, V. K.; Johnston, D. C.

2015-05-07

Single crystals of EuCu 2As 2 and EuCu 2Sb 2 were grown from CuAs and CuSb self-flux, respectively. The crystallographic, magnetic, thermal, and electronic transport properties of the single crystals were investigated by room-temperature x-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic susceptibility χ versus temperature T, isothermal magnetization M versus magnetic field H, specific heat C p(T), and electrical resistivity ρ(T) measurements. EuCu 2As 2 crystallizes in the body-centered tetragonal ThCr 2Si 2-type structure (space group I4/mmm), whereas EuCu 2Sb 2 crystallizes in the related primitive tetragonal CaBe 2Ge 2-type structure (space group P4/nmm). The energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and XRD data for themore » EuCu 2Sb 2 crystals showed the presence of vacancies on the Cu sites, yielding the actual composition EuCu 1.82Sb 2. The ρ(T) and C p(T) data reveal metallic character for both EuCu 2As 2 and EuCu 1.82Sb 2. Antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering is indicated from the χ(T),C p(T), and ρ(T) data for both EuCu 2As 2 (T N = 17.5 K) and EuCu 1.82Sb 2 (T N = 5.1 K). In EuCu 1.82Sb 2, the ordered-state χ(T) and M(H) data suggest either a collinear A-type AFM ordering of Eu +2 spins S = 7/2 or a planar noncollinear AFM structure, with the ordered moments oriented in the tetragonal ab plane in either case. This ordered-moment orientation for the A-type AFM is consistent with calculations with magnetic dipole interactions. As a result, the anisotropic χ(T) and isothermal M(H) data for EuCu 2As 2, also containing Eu +2 spins S = 7/2, strongly deviate from the predictions of molecular field theory for collinear AFM ordering and the AFM structure appears to be both noncollinear and noncoplanar.« less

A project-based system for including farmers in the EU ETS.

PubMed

Brandt, Urs Steiner; Svendsen, Gert Tinggaard

2011-04-01

Farmers in the EU do not trade greenhouse gases under the Kyoto agreement. This is an empirical puzzle because agriculture is a significant contributor of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the EU and may harvest private net gains from trade. Furthermore, the US has strongly advocated land-use practices as 'the missing link' in past climate negotiations. We argue that farmers have relatively low marginal reduction costs and that consequences in terms of the effect on permit price and technology are overall positive in the EU Emission Trading System (ETS). Thus, we propose a project-based system for including the farming practices in the EU ETS that reduces the uncertainty from measuring emission reduction in this sector. The system encourages GHG reduction either by introducing a new and less polluting practice or by reducing the polluting activity. When doing so, farmers will receive GHG permits corresponding to the amount of reduction which can be stored for later use or sold in the EU ETS. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

NIR emitting K2SrCl4:Eu2+, Nd3+ phosphor as a spectral converter for CIGS solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tawalare, P. K.; Bhatkar, V. B.; Omanwar, S. K.; Moharil, S. V.

2018-05-01

Intense near-infrared emitting phosphor K2SrCl4:Eu2+,Nd3+ with various concentrations of Nd3+ were synthesized. These are characterized with X-ray diffraction, reflectance, photoluminescence emission and photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy, PL lifetime measurements. The emission can be excited by a broad band in near ultra violet region as a consequence of Eu2+→Nd3+ energy transfer. The efficiency of Eu2+→Nd3+ energy transfer is as high as 95%. Fluorescence decay curves for Eu2+ doped samples are almost exponential and described by τ = 500 ns. Eu2+ lifetimes are shortened after Nd3+ doping. Near infrared Emission intensity is limited by Nd3+→Nd3+ energy transfer and the consequent concentration quenching. Nd3+ emission matches well with the spectral response of CIGS and CIS solar cells. Absorption of near ultra violet radiations followed by conversion to near infrared indicates the potential application in solar photovoltaics.

Magnetic properties and effect of pressure on the electronic state of EuCo2Ge2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashitomi, Y.; Kakihana, M.; Honda, F.; Nakamura, A.; Aoki, D.; Uwatoko, Y.; Nakashima, M.; Amako, Y.; Takeuchi, T.; Kida, T.; Tahara, T.; Hagiwara, M.; Haga, Y.; Hedo, M.; Nakama, T.; Ōnuki, Y.

2018-05-01

EuCo2Ge2 with the tetragonal structure is a Eu-divalent antiferromagnet with the Néel temperature TN = 23 K. The magnetic easy-axis corresponds to the [100] direction (a-axis), while the [001] direction (c-axis) is a hard-axis. The magnetization for H∥ [ 100 ] indicates a metamagnetic transition at 25 kOe and saturates above 75 kOe. On the other hand, the hard-axis magnetization increases approximately linearly and saturates above 110 kOe. The magnetic phase diagram was constructed. A characteristic feature in EuCo2Ge2 is known as a valence transition under pressure, from Eu 2+δ to Eu 3 - δ ‧(δ, δ ‧ < 1). We also clarified the valence transition by measuring the electrical resistivity under pressure. The valence transition occurs at 3 GPa, with a hysteresis, and terminates at about 4.5 GPa. Further increasing pressure, the electronic state is changed into a moderate heavy fermion state and approaches the nearly trivalent electronic state.

The implementation of the Strategy Europe 2020 objectives in European Union countries: the concept analysis and statistical evaluation.

PubMed

Stec, Małgorzata; Grzebyk, Mariola

2018-01-01

The European Union (EU), striving to create economic dominance on the global market, has prepared a comprehensive development programme, which initially was the Lisbon Strategy and then the Strategy Europe 2020. The attainment of the strategic goals included in the prospective development programmes shall transform the EU into the most competitive economy in the world based on knowledge. This paper presents a statistical evaluation of progress being made by EU member states in meeting Europe 2020. For the basis of the assessment, the authors proposed a general synthetic measure in dynamic terms, which allows to objectively compare EU member states by 10 major statistical indicators. The results indicate that most of EU countries show average progress in realisation of Europe's development programme which may suggest that the goals may not be achieved in the prescribed time. It is particularly important to monitor the implementation of Europe 2020 to arrive at the right decisions which will guarantee the accomplishment of the EU's development strategy.

Emotional Understanding in School-Aged Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A Promising Target for Intervention

PubMed Central

Petrenko, Christie L. M.; Pandolfino, Mary E.; Quamma, Julie; Olson, Heather Carmichael

2017-01-01

Background Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are at high risk for secondary conditions, including mental health difficulties. Data on both children with typical development and other clinical conditions suggest that limited emotional understanding (EU) raises risk for psychopathology, but little is known about EU in FASD. Objective Determine if EU is a reasonable treatment target for children with FASD. Methods 56 children (6–13 years) with FASD completed the Kusche Affective Interview-Revised, a verbal interview measure of EU. Results Children showed striking delays in EU (2–5 years delay) relative to published normative data, despite mean IQ (IQ=94.56) within normal limits. Individual variability was considerable even after accounting for age and verbal IQ. Conclusions Despite variability in individual differences, treatments targeting EU may benefit children with FASD as components within a comprehensive, tailored intervention focused on child self-regulation and caregiver behavior management. PMID:28594481

Synthesis and luminescence properties of blue-emitting phosphor Ca12 Al14 O32 F2 :Eu2+ for white light-emitting diode.

PubMed

Chen, Wanping; Zhang, Xinzhu; Wang, Liping

2017-09-01

A blue-emitting phosphor Ca 12 Al 14 O 32 F 2 :Eu 2+ was synthesized using a high-temperature solid-state reaction under a reductive atmosphere. The X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that a pure phase Ca 12 Al 14 O 32 F 2 :Eu 2+ can be obtained for low doping concentration of Eu 2+ . The phosphor has a strong absorption in the range 270-420 nm with a maximum at ~340 nm and blue emission in the range 400-500 nm with chromatic coordination of (0.152, 0.045). The optimal doping concentration is ~0.24. In addition, the luminescence properties of the as-synthesized phosphor were evaluated by comparison with those of Ca 12 Al 14 O 32 Cl 2 :Eu 2+ and the commercially available phosphor BaMgAl 10 O 17 :Eu 2+ . The emission intensity of Ca 12 Al 14 O 32 F 2 :Eu 2+ was ~72% that of BaMgAl 10 O 17 :Eu 2+ under excitation at λ = 375 nm. The results indicate that Ca 12 Al 14 O 32 F 2 :Eu 2+ has potential application as a near-UV-convertible blue phosphor for white light-emitting diodes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Magnetism of the 35 K superconductor CsEuFe4As4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albedah, Mohammed A.; Nejadsattari, Farshad; Stadnik, Zbigniew M.; Liu, Yi; Cao, Guang-Han

2018-04-01

The results of ab initio hyperfine-interaction parameters calculations, and of x-ray diffraction and 57Fe and 151Eu Mössbauer spectroscopy study of the new 35 K superconductor CsEuFe4As4 are reported. The superconductor crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/mmm with the lattice parameters a = 3.8956(1) Å and c = 13.6628(5) Å. It is demonstrated unequivocally that there is no magnetic order of the Fe magnetic moments down to 2.1 K and that the ferromagnetic order is associated with the Eu magnetic moments. The Curie temperature TC = 15.97(8) K determined from the temperature dependence of the hyperfine magnetic field at 151Eu nuclei is shown to be compatible with the temperature dependence of the transferred hyperfine magnetic field at 57Fe nuclei that is induced by the ferromagnetically ordered Eu sublattice. The Eu magnetic moments are shown to be perpendicular to the crystallographic c-axis. The temperature dependence of the principal component of the electric field gradient tensor, both at Fe and Eu sites, is well described by a T 3/2 power-law relation. Good agreement between the calculated and measured hyperfine-interaction parameters is observed. The Debye temperature of CsEuFe4As4 is found to be 295(3) K.

Andreev bound states in a semiconducting nanowire Josephson junction, Part II: Quantum jumps and Fermion parity switching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hays, M.; de Lange, G.; Serniak, K.; van Woerkom, D. J.; Väyrynen, J. I.; van Heck, B.; Vool, U.; Krogstrup, P.; Nygård, J.; Frunzio, L.; Geresdi, A.; Glazman, L. I.; Devoret, M. H.

Proximitized semiconducting nanowires subject to magnetic field should display topological superconductivity and support Majorana zero modes which have non-Abelian braiding statistics. The conventional Andreev levels formed in such wires in the absence of field are a precursor to these exotic zero modes. The fermion-parity switching time of Andreev levels sets a lower bound on the bandwidth required for experiments aimed at harnessing non-Abelian braiding statistics. We demonstrate the observation of quantum jumps between even and odd-parity states of an individual Andreev bound state in a non-topological junction, providing a direct measurement of the state populations and the parity lifetime. Work supported by: ARO, ONR, AFOSR, EU Marie Curie and YINQE.

Local structure and structural rigidity of the green phosphor β -SiAlON:Eu 2+

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brgoch, J.; Gaultois, M. W.; Balasubramanian, M.

Eu2+ inserted in beta-Si3-xAlxOxN4-x is a material that shows exceptional promise as a green-emitting phosphor. Synchrotron X-ray and neutron scattering, in conjunction with first-principles calculations and Eu L-3 X-ray absorption measurements, yield a consistent picture of the composition, and the favorable position for Eu2+ substitution in the crystal structure. The Debye temperature Theta(D), which is a proxy for structural rigidity relating to effectiveness as a phosphor, is very high for the starting beta-Si3N4 framework and is determined to decrease only slightly for the small amounts of Al3+ and O2- co-substitution that are required for charge balance associated with Eu2+ insertion.more » (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.« less

Neutron Capture Experiments on Unstable Nuclei

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schwantes, Jon M.; Sudowe, Ralf; Folden, Charles M., III

2005-01-15

The overall objective of this project is the measurement of neutron capture cross sections of importance to stewardship science and astrophysical modeling of nucleosynthesis, while at the same time helping to train the next generation of scientists with expertise relevant to U.S. national nuclear security missions and to stewardship science. A primary objective of this project is to study neutron capture cross sections for various stable and unstable isotopes that will contribute to the Science Based Stockpile Stewardship (SBSS) program by providing improved data for modeling and interpretation of nuclear device performance. Much of the information obtained will also bemore » important in astrophysical modeling of nucleosynthesis. Measurements of these neutron capture cross sections are being conducted in collaboration with researchers at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) facility using the unique Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE). In our early discussions with the DANCE group, decisions were made on the first cross sections to be measured and how our expertise in target preparation, radiochemical separations chemistry, and data analysis could best be applied. The initial emphasis of the project was on preparing suitable targets of both natural and separated stable europium isotopes in preparation for the ultimate goal of preparing a sufficiently large target of radioactive 155Eu (t1/2 = 4.7 years) and other radioactive and stable species for neutron cross-section measurements at DANCE. Our Annual Report, ''Neutron Capture Experiments on Unstable Nuclei'' by J. M. Schwantes, R. Sudowe, C. M. Folden III, H. Nitsche, and D. C. Hoffman, submitted to NNSA in December 2003, gives details about the initial considerations and scope of the project. During the current reporting period, electroplated targets of natural Eu together with valuable, stable, and isotopically pure 151Eu and 153Eu, and isotopically separated 154Sm were measured for the first time at the DANCE facility in early 2004. The Eu targets, suitable blanks, Be backing foils, and standards had been sent to the DANCE group in early fall 2003. Some preliminary data analysis was performed and more sophisticated analysis has begun. We developed plans for a suitable computer system for data analysis within our group at Berkeley and had meetings with counterparts at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and LANL concerning analysis of these data. Our major emphasis in 2004 has been to develop the separations and processes ultimately required to prepare radioactive targets of 4.7-year 155Eu. Efforts continued to devise an optimum multiprocess procedure suitable for use in separating radioactive 155Eu already produced by irradiation of stable 154Sm in a high neutron flux reactor at the Institut Laue-Langevin in France and shipped to LANL (the 22-min 155Sm neutron-capture product decays to 155Eu). This separation is extremely demanding because the highly radioactive 155Eu must be isolated from about 20 times as much mass of samarium before a target can be prepared for DANCE measurements. After all the procedures have been fully tested the radioactive 155Eu will be separated. The same electroplating methods already used successfully to prepare stable Eu isotope targets will be used to prepare the 155Eu target for DANCE. Discussions were held with LANL radiochemists in the Chemistry (C) Division about appropriate facilities at LANL for conducting the full-scale separation and purification of the radioactive targets. Three more multiprocess separations were developed that generated less chemical and radioactive waste, but they must still be adapted for processing hundred-milligram quantities. Until these separations can be successfully implemented at this scale, standard HPLC procedures will be used for separating and preparing radioactive 155Eu, 2.6-year 147Pm, and 1.9-year 171Tm target materials. Future directions beyond the preparation of radioactive lanthanide targets include closer collaboration with both LLNL and LANL to prepare actinide targets such as plutonium, americium, and curium. Also, the applicability of established and novel techniques will be evaluated for rapid separations of Am and Cm required in the irradiation of 241Am. Lastly, we will conduct a series of experiments aimed at enhancing current methods used to electrodeposit lanthanide and actinide targets on thin Ti and Be backings.« less

European Code against Cancer 4th Edition: Environment, occupation and cancer.

PubMed

Espina, Carolina; Straif, Kurt; Friis, Søren; Kogevinas, Manolis; Saracci, Rodolfo; Vainio, Harri; Schüz, Joachim

2015-12-01

People are exposed throughout life to a wide range of environmental and occupational pollutants from different sources at home, in the workplace or in the general environment - exposures that normally cannot be directly controlled by the individual. Several chemicals, metals, dusts, fibres, and occupations have been established to be causally associated with an increased risk of specific cancers, such as cancers of the lung, skin and urinary bladder, and mesothelioma. Significant amounts of air pollutants - mainly from road transport and industry - continue to be emitted in the European Union (EU); an increased occurrence of lung cancer has been attributed to air pollution even in areas below the EU limits for daily air pollution. Additionally, a wide range of pesticides as well as industrial and household chemicals may lead to widespread human exposure, mainly through food and water. For most environmental pollutants, the most effective measures are regulations and community actions aimed at reducing and eliminating the exposures. Thus, it is imperative to raise awareness about environmental and occupational carcinogens in order to motivate individuals to be proactive in advocating protection and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing pollution. Regulations are not homogeneous across EU countries, and protective measures in the workplace are not used consistently by all workers all the time; compliance with regulations needs to be continuously monitored and enforced. Therefore, the recommendation on Environment and Occupation of the 4th edition of the European Code against Cancer, focusing on what individuals can do to reduce their cancer risk, reads: "In the workplace, protect yourself against cancer-causing substances by following health and safety instructions." Copyright © 2015 International Agency for Research on Cancer. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Regulatory approaches to obesity prevention: A systematic overview of current laws addressing diet-related risk factors in the European Union and the United States.

PubMed

Sisnowski, Jana; Handsley, Elizabeth; Street, Jackie M

2015-06-01

High prevalence of overweight and obesity remains a significant international public health problem. Law has been identified as a tool for obesity prevention and selected high-profile measures have been reported. However, the nature and extent of enacted legislation internationally are unclear. This research provides an overview of regulatory approaches enacted in the United States, the European Union, and EU Member States since 2004. To this end, relevant databases of primary and secondary legislation were systematically searched to identify and explore laws addressing dietary risk factors for obesity. Across jurisdictions, current regulatory approaches to obesity prevention are limited in reach and scope. Target groups are rarely the general population, but instead sub-populations in government-supported settings. Consumer information provision is preferred over taxation and marketing restrictions other than the regulation of health and nutrition claims. In the EU in particular, product reformulation with industry consent has also emerged as a popular small-scale measure. While consistent and widespread use of law is lacking, governments have employed a range of regulatory measures in the name of obesity prevention, indicating that there is, in principle, political will. Results from this study may serve as a starting point for future research and policy development. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced electric dipole transition in lanthanide complex with organometallic ruthenocene units.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Yasuchika; Sato, Nao; Hirai, Yuichi; Nakanishi, Takayuki; Kitagawa, Yuichi; Kobayashi, Atsushi; Kato, Masako; Seki, Tomohiro; Ito, Hajime; Fushimi, Koji

2015-05-21

Enhanced luminescence of a lanthanide complex with dynamic polarization of the excited state and molecular motion is introduced. The luminescent lanthanide complex is composed of one Eu(hfa)3 (hfa, hexafluoroacetylacetonate) and two phosphine oxide ligands with ruthenocenyl units Rc, [Eu(hfa)3(RcPO)2] (RcPO = diphenylphosphorylruthenocene). The ruthenocenyl units in the phosphine oxide ligands play an important role of switching for dynamic molecular polarization and motion in liquid media. The oxidation states of the ruthenocenyl unit (Rc(1+)/Rc(1+)) are controlled by potentiostatic polarization. Eu(III) complexes attached with bidentate phosphine oxide ligands containing ruthenocenyl units, [Eu(hfa)3(RcBPO)] (RcBPO = 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)ruthenocene), and with bidentate phosphine oxide ligands, [Eu(hfa)3(BIPHEPO)] (BIPHEPO =1,1'-biphenyl-2,2'-diylbis(diphenylphosphine oxide), were also prepared as references. The coordination structures and electrochemical properties were analyzed using single crystal X-ray analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and absorption spectroscopy measurements. The luminescence properties were estimated using an optoelectrochemical cell. Under potentiostatic polarization, a significant enhancement of luminescence was successfully observed for [Eu(hfa)3(RcPO)2], while no spectral change was observed for [Eu(hfa)3(RcBPO)]. In this study, the remarkable enhanced luminescence phenomena of Eu(III) complex based on the dynamic molecular motion under potentiostatic polarization have been performed.

NMR studies of the helical antiferromagnetic compound EuCo 2P 2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Higa, N.; Ding, Q. -P.; Johnston, D. C.

In EuCo 2P 2, 4 f electron spins of Eu 2+ ions order antiferromagnetically below a Neel temperature T N = 66.5K. The magnetic structure below T N was reported to be helical with the helix axis along the c-axis from the neutron diffraction study. We report the results of 153Eu, 59Co and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements on EuCo 2P 2 using a single crystal and a powdered sample. In the antiferromagnetic (AFM) state, we succeeded in observing 153Eu, 59Co and 31P NMR spectra in zero magnetic field. The sharp 153Eu zero field NMR (ZF NMR) lines indicatemore » homogeneous Eu ordered moment. The 59Co and 31P ZF NMR spectra showed an asymmetric spectral shape, indicating a distribution of the internal magnetic induction at each nuclear position. The AFM propagation vector k characterizing the helical AFM state can be determined from the internal magnetic induction at Co site. In conclusion, we have determined the model-independent value of the AFM propagation vector k distributed from (0, 0, 0.86)2π/c to (0, 0, 0.73)2π/c, where c is the lattice parameter.« less

NMR studies of the helical antiferromagnetic compound EuCo 2P 2

DOE PAGES

Higa, N.; Ding, Q. -P.; Johnston, D. C.; ...

2017-09-18

In EuCo 2P 2, 4 f electron spins of Eu 2+ ions order antiferromagnetically below a Neel temperature T N = 66.5K. The magnetic structure below T N was reported to be helical with the helix axis along the c-axis from the neutron diffraction study. We report the results of 153Eu, 59Co and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements on EuCo 2P 2 using a single crystal and a powdered sample. In the antiferromagnetic (AFM) state, we succeeded in observing 153Eu, 59Co and 31P NMR spectra in zero magnetic field. The sharp 153Eu zero field NMR (ZF NMR) lines indicatemore » homogeneous Eu ordered moment. The 59Co and 31P ZF NMR spectra showed an asymmetric spectral shape, indicating a distribution of the internal magnetic induction at each nuclear position. The AFM propagation vector k characterizing the helical AFM state can be determined from the internal magnetic induction at Co site. In conclusion, we have determined the model-independent value of the AFM propagation vector k distributed from (0, 0, 0.86)2π/c to (0, 0, 0.73)2π/c, where c is the lattice parameter.« less

Optical properties of Eu2+ ions in BaY2F8 for completely-solid-state cw UV laser emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toncelli, Alessandra; Moglia, Francesca; Tonelli, Mauro

2010-11-01

Eu-doped BaYF single crystals have been grown with two different Eu ion concentrations: 0.5%, 1% Eu doping levels. It was found that part of the Eu ions added in the melt were reduced during the growth process and the ratio between the Eu and Eu content in the crystal depends on the duration of the growth process. A complete room-temperature polarized spectroscopic characterization of the divalent Eu ions in this host crystal is presented with particular insights in the laser potentialities of the compound in the UV region. Polarized absorption, emission and excitation spectra are presented together with the lifetime measurement of the emitting level. It was found that due to the weak nephelauxetic effect the 4f7→4f65d1 band is located at higher energy than the 4f→4f(8S→6P) transition. As a result, when pumped in the 200- 300 nm range, this crystal shows an interesting emission that extends from 351 to 366 nm and has a decay-time as long as τ=(1.5±0.1) ms. This opens the possibility to obtain completely-solid-state laser emission in the UV region with potentialities for cw or mode-locked emission.

Bulk Superconductivity Induced by In-Plane Chemical Pressure Effect in Eu0.5La0.5FBiS2-xSex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jinno, Gen; Jha, Rajveer; Yamada, Akira; Higashinaka, Ryuji; Matsuda, Tatsuma D.; Aoki, Yuji; Nagao, Masanori; Miura, Osuke; Mizuguchi, Yoshikazu

2016-12-01

We have investigated the Se substitution effect on the superconductivity of optimally doped BiS2-based superconductor Eu0.5La0.5FBiS2. Eu0.5La0.5FBiS2-xSex samples with x = 0-1 were synthesized. With increasing x, in-plane chemical pressure is enhanced. For x ≥ 0.6, superconducting transitions with a large shielding volume fraction are observed in magnetic susceptibility measurements, and the highest Tc is 3.8 K for x = 0.8. From low-temperature electrical resistivity measurements, a zero-resistivity state is observed for all the samples, and the highest Tc is observed for x = 0.8. With increasing Se concentration, the characteristic electrical resistivity changes from semiconducting-like to metallic, suggesting that the emergence of bulk superconductivity is linked with the enhanced metallicity. A superconductivity phase diagram of the Eu0.5La0.5FBiS2-xSex superconductor is established.

Gamma-radiation effects on luminescence properties of Eu3+ activated LaPO4 phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vujčić, Ivica; Gavrilović, Tamara; Sekulić, Milica; Mašić, Slobodan; Putić, Slaviša; Papan, Jelena; Dramićanin, Miroslav D.

2018-05-01

Eu3+ activated LaPO4 phosphors were prepared by a high-temperature solid-state method and irradiated to different high-doses gamma-radiation in the 0-4 MGy range. No effects of high-doses of high-energy radiation on phosphor's morphology and structure were observed, as documented by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements. On the other hand, photoluminescence measurements showed that emission properties of phosphor were affected by gamma-radiation; changes in radiative properties being prominent for absorbed radiation doses up to 250 kGy after which no additional changes are observed. Judd-Ofelt analysis of emission spectra is performed to thoroughly investigate radiative properties of phosphors. Analysis showed that radiative transition probability of Eu3+ emission decreases while non-radiative probability increases upon gamma-irradiation. Quantum efficiency of emission is decreased from about 46% to 35% when Eu3+ doped LaPO4 powders are exposed to gamma-radiation of 250 kGy dose, showing no additional decrease for higher gamma-radiation doses.

Implementation of direct LSC method for diesel samples on the fuel market.

PubMed

Krištof, Romana; Hirsch, Marko; Kožar Logar, Jasmina

2014-11-01

The European Union develops common EU policy and strategy on biofuels and sustainable bio-economy through several documents. The encouragement of biofuel's consumption is therefore the obligation of each EU member state. The situation in Slovenian fuel market is presented and compared with other EU countries in the frame of prescribed values from EU directives. Diesel is the most common fuel for transportation needs in Slovenia. The study was therefore performed on diesel. The sampling net was determined in accordance with the fuel consumption statistics of the country. 75 Sampling points were located on different types of roads. The quantity of bio-component in diesel samples was determined by direct LSC method through measurement of C-14 content. The measured values were in the range from 0 up to nearly 6 mass percentage of bio-component in fuel. The method has proved to be appropriate, suitable and effective for studies on the real fuel market. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

REE and actinide microdistribution in Sahara 97072 and ALHA77295 EH3 chondrites: A combined cosmochemical and petrologic investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gannoun, A.; Boyet, M.; El Goresy, A.; Devouard, B.

2011-06-01

We report the results of rare earth elements (REEs) and U-Th inventory of individual minerals (oldhamite, enstatite and niningerite) in two of the most unequilibrated and primitive EH3 known so far, ALHA77295 and Sahara 97072. Under the highly reducing condition that prevailed during the formation of enstatite chondrites, REEs are mainly chalcophile and concentrated in oldhamite. The study is guided by detailed petrographic investigations of the individual minerals in chondrules, complex sulfide-metal clasts and enstatite-dominated matrices. We developed two textural parameters in order to resolve the evolution of oldhamite condensates and their residence in the solar gas prior to their accretion in the individual objects or in matrices and relate these textural features to the measured REE patterns of the individual oldhamite crystals. These textural parameters are the crystal habit of oldhamite grains (idiomorphic or anhedral) and their host assemblages. REE concentrations were measured by SIMS and LA-ICPMS. Oldhamite grains display REE enrichments (10-100 × CI). Four types of REE patterns are encountered in oldhamite in ALHA77295. In general the REE distributions cannot be assigned to a specific oldhamite-bearing assemblage. The most represented REE pattern is characterized by both slight to large positive Eu and Yb anomalies and is enriched in light REEs relative to heavy REEs. This pattern is present in 97% of oldhamite in Sahara 97072, suggesting a different source region in the reduced part of the nebula or different parental EH asteroids for the two EH3 chondrites. Different parental asteroids are also supported by MgS-FeS zoning profiles in niningerite grains adjacent to troilite revealing both normal and reverse zoning trends and different MnS contents. The observed homogeneity of REE distribution in oldhamite grains in Sahara 97072 is not related to the mild metamorphic event identified in this meteorite that caused breakdown of the major K- and Rb-bearing sulfide (djerfisherite). REE concentrations in enstatite range between 0.2 and 8 × CI. Hence, enstatite is an important REE host next to oldhamite. Most patterns are characterized by negative Eu and Yb anomalies. Niningerites are negligible contributors to bulk EH3 REE inventory. Average positive Eu and Yb anomalies observed in most oldhamite are complimentary to the negative ones in enstatite thus explaining the flat patterns of the bulk meteorites. The condensation calculations based on cosmic abundances predict that the first oldhamite condensates should have flat REE patterns with Eu and Yb depletions since Eu and Yb condense at lower temperature than other REE. However, this pattern is seen in enstatite. Our findings are at odds with the predicted negative Eu and Yb anomalies in oldhamite earliest condensates from a closed system in a reduced solar source. Our petrographic, mineral chemistry and REE abundances of oldhamite, enstatite and niningerite discards an origin of oldhamite by impact melting ( Rubin et al., 2009). Our results do not support in first order the scenario of the incorporation of REE in the Earth's core to explain 142Nd excess in terrestrial samples relative to chondrites because oldhamite is the major REE carrier phase and has super-chondritic Sm/Nd ratios.

Frequency upconversion and fluorescence intensity ratio method in Yb3+-ion-sensitized Gd2O3:Er3+-Eu3+ phosphors for display and temperature sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranjan, Sushil Kumar; Soni, Abhishek Kumar; Rai, Vineet Kumar

2017-09-01

Near infrared (NIR) to visible frequency upconversion emission studies in Er3+-Eu3+/Er3+-Eu3+-Yb3+ co-doped/tri-doped Gd2O3 phosphors prepared by the co-precipitation technique have been explored under 980 nm laser diode radiation. The developed phosphors were characterized with the help of XRD, FE-SEM and FTIR analysis. No upconversion (UC) emission was found in the Eu3+-doped Gd2O3 phosphor. UC emission from Eu3+ ions along with Er3+ ions was observed in Er3+-Eu3+ and Er3+-Eu3+-Yb3+ co-doped/tri-doped phosphors. The UC emission arising from the Er3+ and Eu3+ ions was enhanced several times due to the incorporation of Yb3+ ions. The processes involved in the UC emission were obtained on the basis of the effect of energy transfer/sensitization through the Yb3+ → Er3+ → Eu3+ process. The red/green intensity ratio was improved from 0.16 to 1.50 and 1.01 to 1.50 for Er3+-Eu3+-Yb3+ tri-doped phosphors as compared to the Er3+-doped and Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped phosphors, respectively, at a fixed pump power density. A UC fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR)-based temperature sensing study was performed in the prepared Er3+-Eu3+-Yb3+ tri-doped Gd2O3 phosphors for green upconversion emission bands in the 300 K-443 K temperature range. A maximum sensor sensitivity of about ˜0.0043 K-1 at 300 K was achieved for the synthesized tri-doped phosphors upon excitation with a 980 nm laser diode. The colour coordinates lying in the green-yellow region are invariant, with variation in pump power density and temperature. The observed results support the utility of the prepared tri-doped phosphors in optical temperature sensing, display devices and NIR to visible upconverters.

Measurement of Eu and Yb in aqueous solutions by underwater laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Bhatt, Chet R.; Jain, Jinesh C.; Goueguel, Christian L.; ...

2017-09-13

In this paper, we report the use of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to detect dissolved Eu and Yb in bulk aqueous solutions. Ten strong emission lines of Eu and one strong emission line of Yb were identified in the underwater LIBS spectra obtained by using Czerny–Turner spectrometer within the wavelength range of 375–515 nm. Temporal evolution of plasma and the effect of laser pulse energy on the spectral emission were studied. Finally, calibration curves using the concentration range from 500 to 10,000 ppm were developed and limits of detection for Eu and Yb were estimated to be 209 andmore » 156 ppm, respectively.« less

Measurement of Eu and Yb in aqueous solutions by underwater laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bhatt, Chet R.; Jain, Jinesh C.; Goueguel, Christian L.

In this paper, we report the use of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to detect dissolved Eu and Yb in bulk aqueous solutions. Ten strong emission lines of Eu and one strong emission line of Yb were identified in the underwater LIBS spectra obtained by using Czerny–Turner spectrometer within the wavelength range of 375–515 nm. Temporal evolution of plasma and the effect of laser pulse energy on the spectral emission were studied. Finally, calibration curves using the concentration range from 500 to 10,000 ppm were developed and limits of detection for Eu and Yb were estimated to be 209 andmore » 156 ppm, respectively.« less

Effect of policies on pellet production and forests in the U.S. South: a technical document supporting the Forest Service update of the 2010 RPA Assessment

Treesearch

Karen L. Abt; Robert C. Abt; Christopher S. Galik; Kenneth E. Skog

2014-01-01

Current policies in the European Union (EU) requiring renewable and low greenhouse gas-emitting energy are affecting wood products manufacturing and forests in the United States. These policies have led to increased U.S. pellet production and export to the EU, which has in turn affected U.S. forests and other wood products manufacturing. At this time, the primary...

The Transformation from Defence Procurement to Defence Acquisition - Opportunities for New Forms of Analytical Support

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

Exchanges of Services ( ATARES ); Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (SALIS); Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC); the European Air Transport Fleet (EATF... ATARES is a TA, established in order to facilitate the exchange of military capabilities based on equivalent flying hours with Lockheed C-130 Hercules...initiatives such as NATO PfP, EU BG, MNE, NAMSA, MCCE, ATARES , SALIS, and SAC. The participation in the EU BG concept was as one of the contributors

Practical Aspects of Designing and Conducting Validation Studies Involving Multi-study Trials.

PubMed

Coecke, Sandra; Bernasconi, Camilla; Bowe, Gerard; Bostroem, Ann-Charlotte; Burton, Julien; Cole, Thomas; Fortaner, Salvador; Gouliarmou, Varvara; Gray, Andrew; Griesinger, Claudius; Louhimies, Susanna; Gyves, Emilio Mendoza-de; Joossens, Elisabeth; Prinz, Maurits-Jan; Milcamps, Anne; Parissis, Nicholaos; Wilk-Zasadna, Iwona; Barroso, João; Desprez, Bertrand; Langezaal, Ingrid; Liska, Roman; Morath, Siegfried; Reina, Vittorio; Zorzoli, Chiara; Zuang, Valérie

This chapter focuses on practical aspects of conducting prospective in vitro validation studies, and in particular, by laboratories that are members of the European Union Network of Laboratories for the Validation of Alternative Methods (EU-NETVAL) that is coordinated by the EU Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM). Prospective validation studies involving EU-NETVAL, comprising a multi-study trial involving several laboratories or "test facilities", typically consist of two main steps: (1) the design of the validation study by EURL ECVAM and (2) the execution of the multi-study trial by a number of qualified laboratories within EU-NETVAL, coordinated and supported by EURL ECVAM. The approach adopted in the conduct of these validation studies adheres to the principles described in the OECD Guidance Document on the Validation and International Acceptance of new or updated test methods for Hazard Assessment No. 34 (OECD 2005). The context and scope of conducting prospective in vitro validation studies is dealt with in Chap. 4 . Here we focus mainly on the processes followed to carry out a prospective validation of in vitro methods involving different laboratories with the ultimate aim of generating a dataset that can support a decision in relation to the possible development of an international test guideline (e.g. by the OECD) or the establishment of performance standards.

The Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing - Europe (CAAT-EU): a transatlantic bridge for the paradigm shift in toxicology.

PubMed

Daneshian, Mardas; Leist, Marcel; Hartung, Thomas

2010-01-01

The Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing - Europe (CAAT-EU) was founded based collaboration between the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of Konstanz. CAAT-EU, housed at the University of Konstanz, will coordinate transatlantic activities to promote humane science in research and education, and participate, as partner or coordinator, in publicly and privately funded European projects. Thomas Hartung will serve as program liaison representing Johns Hopkins University and Marcel Leist as the University of Konstanz liaison. CAAT-EU aims to: 1) Set up transatlantic consortia for international research projects on alternative methods. 2) Establish a CAAT Europe faculty and advisory board composed of sponsor representatives and prominent academics from Europe . 3) Participate in the Transatlantic Think Tank for Toxicology (t4) devoted to conceptual work for the paradigm shift in toxicology. 4) Coordinate a series of information days in Europe on relevant developments in the US, similar to the 2009 series CAAT held in the US on EU issues (one on the 7th Amendment to the EU Cosmetics Directive and one on EU and US chemical regulation). 5) Support ALTEX as the official journal of CAAT and CAAT-EU. 6) Develop strategic projects with sponsors to promote humane science and new toxicology, especially with CAAT faculty members. 7) Develop a joint education program between Johns Hopkins and the University of Konstanz, such as e-courses and the existing Humane Science Certificate program developed by CAAT, a student exchange program, and collaboration with the International Graduate School "Cell-based Characterization of De- and Regeneration" in Konstanz.

Searching for solutions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by agricultural policy decisions--Application of system dynamics modeling for the case of Latvia.

PubMed

Dace, Elina; Muizniece, Indra; Blumberga, Andra; Kaczala, Fabio

2015-09-15

European Union (EU) Member States have agreed to limit their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sectors not covered by the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (non-ETS). That includes also emissions from agricultural sector. Although the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has established a methodology for assessment of GHG emissions from agriculture, the forecasting options are limited, especially when policies and their interaction with the agricultural system are tested. Therefore, an advanced tool, a system dynamics model, was developed that enables assessment of effects various decisions and measures have on agricultural GHG emissions. The model is based on the IPCC guidelines and includes the main elements of an agricultural system, i.e. land management, livestock farming, soil fertilization and crop production, as well as feedback mechanisms between the elements. The case of Latvia is selected for simulations, as agriculture generates 22% of the total anthropogenic GHG emissions in the country. The results demonstrate that there are very limited options for GHG mitigation in the agricultural sector. Thereby, reaching the non-ETS GHG emission targets will be very challenging for Latvia, as the level of agricultural GHG emissions will be exceeded considerably above the target levels. Thus, other non-ETS sectors will have to reduce their emissions drastically to "neutralize" the agricultural sector's emissions for reaching the EU's common ambition to move towards low-carbon economy. The developed model may serve as a decision support tool for impact assessment of various measures and decisions on the agricultural system's GHG emissions. Although the model is applied to the case of Latvia, the elements and structure of the model developed are similar to agricultural systems in many countries. By changing numeric values of certain parameters, the model can be applied to analyze decisions and measures in other countries. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

From stable divalent to valence-fluctuating behaviour in Eu(Rh1-xIrx)2Si2 single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seiro, Silvia; Geibel, Christoph

2011-09-01

We have succeeded in growing high-quality single crystals of the valence-fluctuating system EuIr2Si2, the divalent Eu system EuRh2Si2 and the substitutional alloy Eu(Rh1-xIrx)2Si2 across the range 0 < x < 1, which we characterized by means of x-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, specific heat, magnetization and resistivity measurements. On increasing x, the divalent Eu ground state subsists up to x = 0.25 with a slight increase in Néel temperature, while for 0.3≤x < 0.7 a sharp hysteretic change in susceptibility and resistivity marks the first-order valence transition. For x≳0.7 the broad feature observed in the physical properties is characteristic of the continuous valence evolution beyond the critical end point of the valence transition line, and the resistivity is reminiscent of Kondo-like behaviour while the Sommerfeld coefficient indicates a mass renormalization of at least a factor of 8. The resulting phase diagram is similar to those reported for polycrystalline Eu(Pd1-xAux)2Si2 and EuNi2(Si1-xGex)2, confirming its generic character for Eu systems, and markedly different to those of homologue Ce and Yb systems, which present a continuous suppression of the antiferromagnetism accompanied by a very smooth evolution of the valence. We discuss these differences and suggest them to be related to the large polarization energy of the Eu half-filled 4f shell. We further argue that the changes in the rare earth valence between RRh2Si2 and RIr2Si2 (R = Ce, Eu, Yb) are governed by a purely electronic effect and not by a volume effect.

Host composition dependent tunable multicolor emission in the single-phase Ba2(Ln(1-z)Tb(z))(BO3)2Cl:Eu phosphors.

PubMed

Xia, Zhiguo; Zhuang, Jiaqing; Meijerink, Andries; Jing, Xiping

2013-05-14

A new strategy based on the host composition design has been adopted to obtain efficient color-tunable emission from Ba2Ln(0.97-z)Tb(z)(BO3)2Cl:0.03Eu (Ln = Y, Gd and Lu, z = 0-0.97) phosphors. This study reveals that the single-phase Ba2Ln(1-z)Tb(z)(BO3)2Cl compounds can be applied to use allowed Eu(2+) absorption transitions to sensitize Eu(3+) emission via the energy transfer Eu(2+) → (Tb(3+))n → Eu(3+). The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement analysis shows single-phase Ba2Ln(1-z)Tb(z)(BO3)2Cl. As-prepared Ba2Ln(0.97-z)Tb(z)(BO3)2Cl:0.03Eu phosphors show intense green, yellow, orange and red emission under 377 nm near ultraviolet (n-UV) excitation due to a variation in the relative intensities of the Eu(2+), Tb(3+) and Eu(3+) emission depending on the Tb content (z) in the host composition, allowing color tuning. The variation in emission color is explained by energy transfer and has been investigated by photoluminescence and lifetime measurements and is further characterized by the Commission Internationale de l'éclairage (CIE) chromaticity indexes. The quantum efficiencies of the phosphors are high, up to 74%, and show good thermal stabilities up to 150 °C. This investigation demonstrates the possibility to sensitize Eu(3+) line emission by Eu(2+)via energy migration over Tb(3+) resulting in efficient color tunable phosphors which are promising for use in solid-state white light-emitting diodes (w-LEDs).

Low-lying electronic structure of EuH, EuOH, and EuO neutrals and anions determined by anion photoelectron spectroscopy and DFT calculations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kafader, Jared O.; Ray, Manisha; Jarrold, Caroline Chick, E-mail: cjarrold@indiana.edu

2015-07-21

The anion photoelectron (PE) spectra of EuH{sup −} and the PE spectrum of overlapping EuOH{sup −} and EuO{sup −} anions are presented and analyzed with supporting results from density functional theory calculations on the various anions and neutrals. Results point to ionically bound, high-spin species. EuH and EuOH anions and neutrals exhibit analogous electronic structures: Transitions from {sup 8}Σ{sup −} anion ground states arising from the 4f{sup 7}σ{sub 6s}{sup 2} superconfiguration to the close-lying neutral {sup 9}Σ{sup −} and {sup 7}Σ{sup −} states arising from the 4f{sup 7}σ{sub 6s} superconfiguration are observed spaced by an energy interval similar to themore » free Eu{sup +} [4f{sup 7}6s] {sup 9}S - {sup 7}S splitting. The electron affinities (EAs) of EuH and EuOH are determined to be 0.771 ± 0.009 eV and 0.700 ± 0.011 eV, respectively. Analysis of spectroscopic features attributed to EuO{sup −} photodetachment is complicated by the likely presence of two energetically competitive electronic states of EuO{sup −} populating the ion beam. However, based on the calculated relative energies of the close-lying anion states arising from the 4f{sup 7}σ{sub 6s} and 4f{sup 6}σ{sub 6s}{sup 2} configurations and the relative energies of the one-electron accessible 4f{sup 7} and 4f{sup 6}σ{sub 6s} neutral states based on ligand-field theory [M. Dulick, E. Murad, and R. F. Barrow, J. Chem. Phys. 85, 385 (1986)], the remaining features are consistent with the 4f{sup 6}σ{sub 6s}{sup 2}  {sup 7}Σ{sup −} and 4f{sup 7}σ{sub 6s}{sup 7}Σ{sup −} anion states lying very close in energy (the former was calculated to be 0.15 eV lower in energy than the latter), though the true anion ground state and neutral EA could not be established unambiguously. Calculations on the various EuO anion and neutral states suggest 4f-orbital overlap with 2p orbitals in species with 4f{sup 6} occupancy.« less

Synthesis of novel Eu(III) luminescent probe based on 9- acridinecarboxylic acid skelton for sensing of ds-DNA.

PubMed

Azab, Hassan A; Hussein, Belal H M; El-Falouji, Abdullah I

2012-03-01

Eu(III)-9-acridinecarboxylate (9-ACA) complex was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurement, IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, mass spectroscopy, (1)H-NMR, fluorescence and ultraviolet spectra. The results indicated that the composition of this complex is [Eu(III)-(9-ACA)(2)(NCS)(C(2)H(5)OH)(2)] 2.5 H(2)O and the oxygen of the carbonyl group coordinated to Eu(III). The interaction between the complex with nucleotides guanosine 5'- monophosphate (5'-GMP), adenosine 5'-diphosphates (5'-ADP), inosine (5'-IMP) and CT-DNA was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescence intensity of Eu(III)-9-acridinecarboxylate complex was enhanced with the addition of CT-DNA. The effect of pH values on the fluorescence intensity of Eu(III) complex was investigated. Under experimental conditions, the linear range was 9-50 ng mL(-1) for calf thymus DNA (CT- DNA) and the corresponding detection limit was 5 ng mL(-1). The results showed that Eu(III)-(9-ACA)(2) complex binds to CT-DNA with stability constant of 2.41 × 10(4) M.

High efficiency microcolumnar Lu2O3:Eu scintillator thin film for hard X-ray microtomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marton, Z.; Bhandari, H. B.; Brecher, C.; Miller, S. R.; Singh, B.; Nagarkar, V. V.

2013-03-01

We have developed microstructured Lu2O3:Eu scintillator films capable of providing spatial resolution on the order of micrometers for hard X-ray imaging. In addition to their extraordinary resolution, Lu2O3:Eu films simultaneously provide high absorption efficiency for 20 to 100 keV X-rays, and bright 610 nm emission, with intensity rivalling that of the brightest known scintillators. At present, high spatial resolution of such a magnitude is achieved using ultra-thin scintillators measuring only about 1 to 5 μm in thickness, which limits absorption efficiency to ~3% for 12 keV X-rays and less than 0.1% for 20 to 100 keV X-rays, resulting in excessive measurement time and exposure to the specimen. Lu2O3:Eu would significantly improve that (99.9% @12 keV and 30% @ 70 keV). Important properties and features of our Lu2O3:Eu scintillator material, fabricated by our electron-beam physical vapour deposition (EB-PVD) process, combines superior density of 9.5 g/cm3, microcolumnar structure emitting 48000 photons/MeV whose wavelength is an ideal match for the underlying CCD detector array. We grew thin films measuring 5-50μm in thickness as well as covering areas up to 5 × 5 cm2 which can be a suitable basis for microtomography, digital radiography as well as CT and hard X-ray Micro-Tomography (XMT).

European Antibiotic Awareness Day, 2008 - the first Europe-wide public information campaign on prudent antibiotic use: methods and survey of activities in participating countries.

PubMed

Earnshaw, S; Monnet, D L; Duncan, B; O'Toole, J; Ekdahl, K; Goossens, H

2009-07-30

Antibiotic resistance is a major European and global public health problem and is, for a large part, driven by misuse of antibiotics. Hence, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, particularly for the treatment of certain respiratory tract infections where they are not needed, is a public health priority. The success of national awareness campaigns to educate the public and primary care prescribers about appropriate antibiotic use in Belgium and France stimulated a European initiative coordinated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and named European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD), to take place each year on 18 November. Specific campaign materials, including key messages, logos, slogans and a media toolkit, were developed and made available for use in European countries. The focus of the first EAAD campaign was about not taking antibiotics for viral infections such as colds and flu. A post-campaign survey was conducted in January 2009. Thirty-two European countries participated in the first EAAD, producing information materials and implementing activities to mark EAAD. Media coverage peaked on 18 and 19 November. At EU level, EAAD was launched at a scientific meeting in the European Parliament, Strasbourg. The event received EU political engagement through support from the EU Commissioner for Health, the Slovenian and French EU Presidencies, and Members of the European Parliament. Critical factors that led to the success of the first EAAD were good cooperation and process for building the campaign, strong political and stakeholder support and development of campaign materials based on scientific evidence. Countries indicated wide support for another EAAD in 2009. For this purpose, ECDC is developing several TV spots as well as a second set of EAAD campaign materials targeting primary care prescribers.

Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence properties of Eu{sup 3+} ions activated AMoO{sub 4} (A = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) phosphors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Du, Peng; Yu, Jae Su, E-mail: jsyu@khu.ac.kr

2015-10-15

Highlights: • Under 393 nm excitation, strong red emission located at 615 nm was observed in all the samples. • The Eu{sup 3+}-activated CaMoO{sub 4} phosphor exhibited the strongest PL properties. • The CIE chromaticity coordinate of Eu{sup 3+}-activated CaMoO{sub 4} phosphor was (0.647,0.352). • The color purity of Eu{sup 3+}-activated CaMoO{sub 4} phosphor was 92.8%. • Strong CL properties were observed in the Eu{sup 3+}-activated CaMoO{sub 4} phosphor. - Abstract: Eu{sup 3+}-activated AMoO{sub 4} (A = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) phosphors were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method. Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra as well as X-ray diffraction patternsmore » were measured to characterize the fabricated samples. Under 393 nm excitation, strong red emissions located at ∼615 nm corresponding to the {sup 5}D{sub 0} → {sup 7}F{sub 2} transition of Eu{sup 3+} ions were observed in all the samples. Compared with other Eu{sup 3+} ions activated AMoO{sub 4} (A = Mg, Sr, Ba) phosphors, Eu{sup 3+}-activated CaMoO{sub 4} phosphor exhibited the strongest red emission intensity with better Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage chromaticity coordinate and higher color purity. Furthermore, the CL results indicated that the Eu{sup 3+}-activated CaMoO{sub 4} phosphor had excellent luminescence properties.« less

Eu(2+)-Activated Alkaline-Earth Halophosphates, M5(PO4)3X:Eu(2+) (M = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = F, Cl, Br) for NUV-LEDs: Site-Selective Crystal Field Effect.

PubMed

Kim, Donghyeon; Kim, Sung-Chul; Bae, Jong-Seong; Kim, Sungyun; Kim, Seung-Joo; Park, Jung-Chul

2016-09-06

Eu(2+)-activated M5(PO4)3X (M = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = F, Cl, Br) compounds providing different alkaline-earth metal and halide ions were successfully synthesized and characterized. The emission peak maxima of the M5(PO4)3Cl:Eu(2+) (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) compounds were blue-shifted from Ca to Ba (454 nm for Ca, 444 nm for Sr, and 434 nm for Ba), and those of the Sr5(PO4)3X:Eu(2+) (X = F, Cl, Br) compounds were red-shifted along the series of halides, F → Cl → Br (437 nm for F, 444 nm for Cl, and 448 nm for Br). The site selectivity and occupancy of the activator ions (Eu(2+)) in the M5(PO4)3X:Eu(2+) (M = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = F, Cl, Br) crystal lattices were estimated based on theoretical calculation of the 5d → 4f transition energies of Eu(2+) using LCAO. In combination with the photoluminescence measurements and theoretical calculation, it was elucidated that the Eu(2+) ions preferably enter the fully oxygen-coordinated sites in the M5(PO4)3X:Eu(2+) (M = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = F, Cl, Br) compounds. This trend can be well explained by "Pauling's rules". These compounds may provide a platform for modeling a new phosphor and application in the solid-state lighting field.

Activation cross section and isomeric cross section ratios for the (n ,2 n ) reaction on 153Eu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Junhua; Jiang, Li; Li, Suyuan

2017-10-01

The 153Eu(n ,2 n ) m1,m2,g152Eu cross section was measured by means of the activation technique at three neutron energies in the range 13-15 MeV. The quasimonoenergetic neutron beam was formed via the 3H(d ,n ) 4He reaction, in the Pd-300 Neutron Generator at the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP). The activities induced in the reaction products were measured using high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy. The cross section of the population of the second high-spin (8-) isomeric state was measured along with the reaction cross section populating both the ground (3-) and the first isomeric state (0-). Cross sections were also evaluated theoretically using the numerical code TALYS-1.8, with different level density options at neutron energies varying from the reaction threshold to 20 MeV. Results are discussed and compared with the corresponding literature.

EuCARD2: enhanced accelerator research and development in Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romaniuk, Ryszard S.

2013-10-01

Accelerator science and technology is one of a key enablers of the developments in the particle physic, photon physics and also applications in medicine and industry. EuCARD2 is an European research project which will be realized during 2013-2017 inside the EC FP7 framework. The project concerns the development and coordination of European Accelerator Research and Development. The project is particularly important, to a number of domestic laboratories, due to some plans to build large accelerator infrastructure in Poland. Large accelerator infrastructure of fundamental and applied research character stimulates around it the development and industrial applications as well as biomedical of advanced accelerators, material research and engineering, cryo-technology, mechatronics, robotics, and in particular electronics - like networked measurement and control systems, sensors, computer systems, automation and control systems. The paper presents a digest of the European project EuCARD2 which is Enhanced European Coordination for Accelerator Research and Development. The paper presents a digest of the research results and assumptions in the domain of accelerator science and technology in Europe, shown during the final fourth annual meeting of the EuCARD - European Coordination of Accelerator R&D, and the kick-off meeting of the EuCARD2. There are debated a few basic groups of accelerator systems components like: measurement - control networks of large geometrical extent, multichannel systems for large amounts of metrological data acquisition, precision photonic networks of reference time, frequency and phase distribution, high field magnets, superconducting cavities, novel beam collimators, etc. The paper bases on the following materials: Internet and Intranet documents combined with EuCARD2, Description of Work FP7 EuCARD-2 DoW-312453, 2013-02-13, and discussions and preparatory materials worked on by Eucard-2 initiators.

Biodiversity funds and conservation needs in the EU under climate change

PubMed Central

Lung, Tobias; Meller, Laura; van Teeffelen, Astrid J.A.; Thuiller, Wilfried; Cabeza, Mar

2014-01-01

Despite ambitious biodiversity policy goals, less than a fifth of the European Union’s (EU) legally protected species and habitats show a favorable conservation status. The recent EU biodiversity strategy recognizes that climate change adds to the challenge of halting biodiversity loss, and that an optimal distribution of financial resources is needed. Here, we analyze recent EU biodiversity funding from a climate change perspective. We compare the allocation of funds to the distribution of both current conservation priorities (within and beyond Natura 2000) and future conservation needs at the level of NUTS-2 regions, using modelled bird distributions as indicators of conservation value. We find that funding is reasonably well aligned with current conservation efforts but poorly fit with future needs under climate change, indicating obstacles for implementing adaptation measures. We suggest revising EU biodiversity funding instruments for the 2014-2020 budget period to better account for potential climate change impacts on biodiversity. PMID:25264456

Densification, Microstructural Evolution, Mechanical Properties and Oxidation Study of CrB2 + EuB6 Composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raju, K.; Sonber, J. K.; Murthy, T. S. R. Ch.; Sairam, K.; Majumdar, S.; Kain, V.; Nageswar Rao, G. V. S.

2018-05-01

This paper reports the results of investigation on densification, microstructural evolution, mechanical properties and oxidation study of CrB2 + EuB6 composite. CrB2 + EuB6 (10 and 20 wt.%) composites have been fabricated by hot pressing at a temperature of 1700 °C and 35 MPa pressure. The hardness and flexural strength were measured in the range of 21.25-24.48 GPa and 171-199 MPa, respectively. The fracture toughness increased from 3.3 to 4.01 MPa m1/2 by the addition of 20% EuB6. Microstructural evolution revealed the uniform distribution of EuB6 and absence of any reaction product. Fracture surface analysis confirmed the presence of transgranular mode of fracture. Oxidation study at 1200 °C revealed that the developed composites have good oxidation resistance and followed the parabolic rate of oxidation.

Biodiversity funds and conservation needs in the EU under climate change.

PubMed

Lung, Tobias; Meller, Laura; van Teeffelen, Astrid J A; Thuiller, Wilfried; Cabeza, Mar

2014-07-01

Despite ambitious biodiversity policy goals, less than a fifth of the European Union's (EU) legally protected species and habitats show a favorable conservation status. The recent EU biodiversity strategy recognizes that climate change adds to the challenge of halting biodiversity loss, and that an optimal distribution of financial resources is needed. Here, we analyze recent EU biodiversity funding from a climate change perspective. We compare the allocation of funds to the distribution of both current conservation priorities (within and beyond Natura 2000) and future conservation needs at the level of NUTS-2 regions, using modelled bird distributions as indicators of conservation value. We find that funding is reasonably well aligned with current conservation efforts but poorly fit with future needs under climate change, indicating obstacles for implementing adaptation measures. We suggest revising EU biodiversity funding instruments for the 2014-2020 budget period to better account for potential climate change impacts on biodiversity.

Redox equilibria of multivalent ions in silicate glasses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lauer, H. V., Jr.; Morris, R. V.

1977-01-01

Experimental studies were made on the compositional dependence of the redox equilibrium of Eu in synthetic silicate liquids, together with an empirical model describing the observed compositional dependence. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was used to measure the concentration ratio of Eu(2+) to Eu(3+) in various glasses formed by rapidly quenching silicate liquids. The compositional field studied comprised mixtures of SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, CaO, MgO, and Na2O. The proposed model describes the Eu(2+)/Eu(3+) ratio over the entire compositional field in terms of parameters easily related to each glass composition. The general applicability and utility of the model is further demonstrated by its application to the Fe(2+)-Fe(3+), Ce(3+)-Ce(4+), and Cr(3+)-Cr(6+) redox reactions in binary alkali oxide silicate glasses of Li, Na, and K.

Local structure and structural rigidity of the green phosphor β-SiAlON:Eu{sup 2+}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brgoch, J., E-mail: jbrgoch@uh.edu; Gaultois, M. W., E-mail: mgaultois@mrl.ucsb.edu; Seshadri, R.

Eu{sup 2+} inserted in β-Si{sub 3−x}Al{sub x}O{sub x}N{sub 4−x} is a material that shows exceptional promise as a green-emitting phosphor. Synchrotron X-ray and neutron scattering, in conjunction with first-principles calculations and Eu L{sub 3} X-ray absorption measurements, yield a consistent picture of the composition, and the favorable position for Eu{sup 2+} substitution in the crystal structure. The Debye temperature Θ{sub D}, which is a proxy for structural rigidity relating to effectiveness as a phosphor, is very high for the starting β-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} framework and is determined to decrease only slightly for the small amounts of Al{sup 3+} and O{supmore » 2−} co-substitution that are required for charge balance associated with Eu{sup 2+} insertion.« less

Synthesis of the complex fluoride LiBaF 3 and optical spectroscopy properties of LiBaF 3: M( M=Eu,Ce) through a solvothermal process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hua, Ruinian; Lei, Bingfu; Xie, Demin; Shi, Chunshan

2003-11-01

The complex fluoride LiBaF 3 and LiBaF 3: M( M=Eu, Ce) is solvothermally synthesized at 180°C and characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy. In the solvothermal process, the solvents, molar ratios of initial mixtures and reaction temperature play important roles in the formation of products. The excitation and emission spectra of the LiBaF 3: M( M=Eu,Ce) have been measured by fluorescence spectrophotometer. In the LiBaF 3:Eu emission spectra, there is one sharp line emission located at 360 nm arising from f→ f transition of Eu 2+ in the host lattice, and typical doublet 5 d-4 f emission of Ce 3+ in LiBaF 3 powder is shown.

Site Occupation of Eu2+ in Ba2- xSr xSiO4 ( x = 0-1.9) and Origin of Improved Luminescence Thermal Stability in the Intermediate Composition.

PubMed

Lin, Litian; Ning, Lixin; Zhou, Rongfu; Jiang, Chunyan; Peng, Mingying; Huang, Yucheng; Chen, Jun; Huang, Yan; Tao, Ye; Liang, Hongbin

2018-06-18

Knowledge of site occupation of activators in phosphors is of essential importance for understanding and tailoring their luminescence properties by modifying the host composition. Relative site preference of Eu 2+ for the two distinct types of alkaline earth (AE) sites in Ba 1.9995- x Sr x Eu 0.0005 SiO 4 ( x = 0-1.9) is investigated based on photoluminescence measurements at low temperature. We found that Eu 2+ prefers to be at the 9-coordinated AE2 site at x = 0, 0.5, and 1.0, while at x = 1.5 and 1.9, it also occupies the 10-coordinated AE1 site with comparable preference, which is verified by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Moreover, by combining low-temperature measurements of the heat capacity, the host band gap, and the Eu 2+ 4f 7 ground level position, the improved thermal stability of Eu 2+ luminescence in the intermediate composition ( x = 1.0) is interpreted as due to an enlarged energy gap between the emitting 5d level and the bottom of the host conduction band (CB), which results in a decreased nonradiative probability of thermal ionization of the 5d electron into the host CB. Radioluminescence properties of the samples under X-ray excitation are finally evaluated, suggesting a great potential scintillator application of the compound in the intermediate composition.

Exploring growth conditions and Eu2+ concentration effects for KSr2I5:Eu scintillator crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stand, L.; Zhuravleva, M.; Camarda, G.; Lindsey, A.; Johnson, J.; Hobbs, C.; Melcher, C. L.

2016-04-01

Our current research is focused on understanding dopant optimization, growth rate, homogeneity and their impact on the overall performance of KSr2I5:Eu2+ single crystal scintillators. In this work we have investigated the effects of Eu2+ concentration in the potassium strontium iodide matrix, and we found that the concentration needed to maximize the light yield was 4 mol%. In order to assess the effects of the pulling rate, we grew single crystals at 12, 24 and 120 mm/day via the vertical Bridgman technique. For the sample sizes measured (5×5×5 mm3), we found that the crystal grown at the fastest rate of 120 mm/day showed a light yield within ~7% of the more slowly grown boules, and no significant change was observed in the energy resolution. Therefore, light yields from 88,000 to 96,000 ph/MeV and energy resolutions from 2.4 to 3.0% (at 662 keV) were measured for KSr2I5:Eu 4% over a relatively wide range of growth conditions. In order to assess the homogeneity of KSr2I5:Eu 4%, a newly developed micro-resolution X-ray technique was used to map the light yield as a function of excitation position. In the crystals that we studied, we did not observe any significant inhomogeneity other than a smooth gradient due to light collection and self absorption effects.

Public health economic evaluation of different European Union-level policy options aimed at reducing population dietary trans fat intake.

PubMed

Martin-Saborido, Carlos; Mouratidou, Theodora; Livaniou, Anastasia; Caldeira, Sandra; Wollgast, Jan

2016-11-01

The adverse relation between dietary trans fatty acid (TFA) intake and coronary artery disease risk is well established. Many countries in the European Union (EU) and worldwide have implemented different policies to reduce the TFA intake of their populations. The aim of this study was to assess the added value of EU-level action by estimating the cost-effectiveness of 3 possible EU-level policy measures to reduce population dietary TFA intake. This was calculated against a reference situation of not implementing any EU-level policy (i.e., by assuming only national or self-regulatory measures). We developed a mathematical model to compare different policy options at the EU level: 1) to do nothing beyond the current state (reference situation), 2) to impose mandatory TFA labeling of prepackaged foods, 3) to seek voluntary agreements toward further reducing industrially produced TFA (iTFA) content in foods, and 4) to impose a legislative limit for iTFA content in foods. The model indicated that to impose an EU-level legal limit or to make voluntary agreements may, over the course of a lifetime (85 y), avoid the loss of 3.73 and 2.19 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), respectively, and save >51 and 23 billion euros when compared with the reference situation. Implementing mandatory TFA labeling can also avoid the loss of 0.98 million DALYs, but this option incurs more costs than it saves compared with the reference option. The model indicates that there is added value of an EU-level action, either via a legal limit or through voluntary agreements, with the legal limit option producing the highest additional health benefits. Introducing mandatory TFA labeling for the EU common market may provide some additional health benefits; however, this would likely not be a cost-effective strategy.

Public health economic evaluation of different European Union–level policy options aimed at reducing population dietary trans fat intake12

PubMed Central

Mouratidou, Theodora; Livaniou, Anastasia

2016-01-01

Background: The adverse relation between dietary trans fatty acid (TFA) intake and coronary artery disease risk is well established. Many countries in the European Union (EU) and worldwide have implemented different policies to reduce the TFA intake of their populations. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the added value of EU-level action by estimating the cost-effectiveness of 3 possible EU-level policy measures to reduce population dietary TFA intake. This was calculated against a reference situation of not implementing any EU-level policy (i.e., by assuming only national or self-regulatory measures). Design: We developed a mathematical model to compare different policy options at the EU level: 1) to do nothing beyond the current state (reference situation), 2) to impose mandatory TFA labeling of prepackaged foods, 3) to seek voluntary agreements toward further reducing industrially produced TFA (iTFA) content in foods, and 4) to impose a legislative limit for iTFA content in foods. Results: The model indicated that to impose an EU-level legal limit or to make voluntary agreements may, over the course of a lifetime (85 y), avoid the loss of 3.73 and 2.19 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), respectively, and save >51 and 23 billion euros when compared with the reference situation. Implementing mandatory TFA labeling can also avoid the loss of 0.98 million DALYs, but this option incurs more costs than it saves compared with the reference option. Conclusions: The model indicates that there is added value of an EU-level action, either via a legal limit or through voluntary agreements, with the legal limit option producing the highest additional health benefits. Introducing mandatory TFA labeling for the EU common market may provide some additional health benefits; however, this would likely not be a cost-effective strategy. PMID:27680991

The impact of the Nitrates Directive on nitrogen emissions from agriculture in the EU-27 during 2000-2008.

PubMed

Velthof, G L; Lesschen, J P; Webb, J; Pietrzak, S; Miatkowski, Z; Pinto, M; Kros, J; Oenema, O

2014-01-15

A series of environmental policies have been implemented in the European Union (EU) to decrease nitrogen (N) emissions from agriculture. The Nitrates Directive (ND) is one of the main policies; it aims to reduce nitrate leaching from agriculture through a number of measures. A study was carried out to quantify the effects of the ND in the EU-27 on the leaching and runoff of nitrate (NO3(-)) to groundwater and surface waters, and on the emissions of ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O), nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) and dinitrogen (N2) to the atmosphere. We formulated a scenario with and a scenario without implementation of the ND. The model MITERRA-Europe was used to calculate N emissions on a regional level in the EU-27 for the period 2000-2008. The calculated total N loss from agriculture in the EU-27 was 13 Mton N in 2008, with 53% as N2, 22% as NO3, 21% as NH3, 3% as N2O, and 1% as NO(x). The N emissions and leaching in the EU-27 slightly decreased in the period 2000-2008. Total emissions in the EU in 2008 were smaller with implementation of the ND than without the ND, by 3% for NH3, 6% for N2O, 9% for NO(x), and 16% for N leaching and runoff in 2008. However, regional differences were large. The lower emissions with ND were mainly due to the lower N inputs by fertilizers and manures. In conclusion, implementation of the ND decreased both N leaching losses to ground and surface waters, and gaseous emissions to the atmosphere. It is expected that the ND will result in a further decrease in N emissions in EU-27 in the near future, because the implementation of the measures for the ND is expected to become more strict. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Impact of cigarette price differences across the entire European Union on cross-border purchase of tobacco products among adult cigarette smokers.

PubMed

Agaku, Israel T; Blecher, Evan; Filippidis, Filippos T; Omaduvie, Uyoyo T; Vozikis, Athanassios; Vardavas, Constantine I

2016-05-01

We investigated the impact of cigarette price differences across the European Union (EU) on cross-border tobacco purchasing because of cheaper price among current cigarette smokers. Individual-level tobacco-related data (including cross-border tobacco purchasing behavior) were from the Special Eurobarometer 385 (V.77.1), a cross-sectional survey of persons aged ≥15 years from 27 EU Member States during 2012. Country-specific weighted average prices (WAP) per 1000 cigarettes (as of 1 July 2012) were obtained from the European Commission, and divided by 50 to yield WAP per cigarette pack. The dispersion in EU cigarette prices was measured with the coefficient of variation. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to measure the relationship between EU-wide cigarette price differential and cross-border tobacco purchasing because of cheaper price among current cigarette smokers (n=6896). The coefficient of variation for cigarette WAP within the EU was 0.39 (mean price=€3.99/pack). Of all current cigarette smokers in the EU, 26.2% (27.5 million persons) engaged in a cross-border tobacco purchase within the past 12 months, of which 56.3% did so because of cheaper price in another country. EU-wide cigarette price differential was significantly associated with making a cross-border tobacco purchase because of cheaper price (adjusted OR=1.34; 95% CI 1.22 to 1.47). Reducing differences in cigarette tax and price within the EU, coupled with a stricter limitation on the quantity of cigarettes that it is possible to carry from one Member State to another, may help reduce cross-border tax avoidance strategies. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Twentieth anniversary of the European Union health mandate: taking stock of perceived achievements, failures and missed opportunities - a qualitative study.

PubMed

Rosenkötter, Nicole; Clemens, Timo; Sørensen, Kristine; Brand, Helmut

2013-11-14

The European Union (EU) health mandate was initially defined in the Maastricht Treaty in 1992. The twentieth anniversary of the Treaty offers a unique opportunity to take stock of EU health actions by giving an overview of influential public health related EU-level policy outputs and a summary of policy outputs or actions perceived as an achievement, a failure or a missed opportunity. Semi-structured expert interviews (N = 20) were conducted focusing on EU-level actions that were relevant for health. Respondents were asked to name EU policies or actions that they perceived as an achievement, a failure or a missed opportunity. A directed content analysis approach was used to identify expert perceptions on achievements, failures and missed opportunities in the interviews. Additionally, a nominal group technique was applied to identify influential and public health relevant EU-level policy outputs. The ranking of influential policy outputs resulted in top positions of adjudications and legislations, agencies, European Commission (EC) programmes and strategies, official networks, cooperative structures and exchange efforts, the work on health determinants and uptake of scientific knowledge. The assessment of EU health policies as being an achievement, a failure or a missed opportunity was often characterized by diverging respondent views. Recurring topics that emerged were the Directorate General for Health and Consumers (DG SANCO), EU agencies, life style factors, internal market provisions as well as the EU Directive on patients' rights in cross-border healthcare. Among these recurring topics, expert perceptions on the establishment of DG SANCO, EU public health agencies, and successes in tobacco control were dominated by aspects of achievements. The implementation status of the Health in All Policy approach was perceived as a missed opportunity. When comparing the emerging themes from the interviews conducted with the responsibilities defined in the EU health mandate, one can identify that these responsibilities were only partly fulfilled or acknowledged by the respondents. In general, the EU is a recognized public health player in Europe which over the past two decades, has begun to develop competencies in supporting, coordinating and supplementing member state health actions. However, the assurance of health protection in other European policies seems to require further development.

Twentieth anniversary of the European Union health mandate: taking stock of perceived achievements, failures and missed opportunities – a qualitative study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The European Union (EU) health mandate was initially defined in the Maastricht Treaty in 1992. The twentieth anniversary of the Treaty offers a unique opportunity to take stock of EU health actions by giving an overview of influential public health related EU-level policy outputs and a summary of policy outputs or actions perceived as an achievement, a failure or a missed opportunity. Methods Semi-structured expert interviews (N = 20) were conducted focusing on EU-level actions that were relevant for health. Respondents were asked to name EU policies or actions that they perceived as an achievement, a failure or a missed opportunity. A directed content analysis approach was used to identify expert perceptions on achievements, failures and missed opportunities in the interviews. Additionally, a nominal group technique was applied to identify influential and public health relevant EU-level policy outputs. Results The ranking of influential policy outputs resulted in top positions of adjudications and legislations, agencies, European Commission (EC) programmes and strategies, official networks, cooperative structures and exchange efforts, the work on health determinants and uptake of scientific knowledge. The assessment of EU health policies as being an achievement, a failure or a missed opportunity was often characterized by diverging respondent views. Recurring topics that emerged were the Directorate General for Health and Consumers (DG SANCO), EU agencies, life style factors, internal market provisions as well as the EU Directive on patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare. Among these recurring topics, expert perceptions on the establishment of DG SANCO, EU public health agencies, and successes in tobacco control were dominated by aspects of achievements. The implementation status of the Health in All Policy approach was perceived as a missed opportunity. Conclusions When comparing the emerging themes from the interviews conducted with the responsibilities defined in the EU health mandate, one can identify that these responsibilities were only partly fulfilled or acknowledged by the respondents. In general, the EU is a recognized public health player in Europe which over the past two decades, has begun to develop competencies in supporting, coordinating and supplementing member state health actions. However, the assurance of health protection in other European policies seems to require further development. PMID:24225055

European regulation model for herbal medicine: The assessment of the EU monograph and the safety and efficacy evaluation in marketing authorization or registration in Member States.

PubMed

Qu, Liping; Zou, Wenjun; Wang, YiTao; Wang, Mei

2018-03-15

The European Union (EU) has created a regulatory framework for herbal medicinal products (HMPs) since the enforcement of Directive 2004/24/EC. Substantial achievements have been made, with 1719 traditional use marketing registrations (TURs) and 859 well-established use marketing authorizations (WEU-MAs) for HMPs granted by the end of 2016. Apparently, the European regulation model has worked out well and in that the essential feature is the use of EU herbal monographs into those granted WEU-MAs and TURs. A systematic analysis of the European regulation model for HMPs and the EU herbal monograph's part of this model are undertaken to assist understanding of the EU legislation particularly for interested parties those from outside EU area, and afterwards, to help in decision-making in the HMPs registration in European market for pharmaceutical companies, as well as in the establishment of legislation in countries with strong traditional use of herbal remedies. A search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, the European Medicines Agency website and the Heads of Medicines Agencies website was conducted (up to December 2017), and the available information on regulation of HMPs in the EU was collected. The evaluation of applications by National Competent Authorities (NCAs) at a national level together with the assessment of EU monographs by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) at the European level constitute the European regulation framework for HMPs. As the scientific opinion about the safety and efficacy of HMPs from HMPC, the EU herbal monographs have been given a constitutional-based meaning to the TURs and WEU-MAs of HMPs and play a supportive function in the marketing procedure in Member States. The European framework has provided a powerful regulation model for harmonization of scientific assessment and facilitation of product marketing. For the pharmaceutical industries particularly those outside the EU, optimal use of the EU herbal monograph in their marketing procedure in Europe could be of great benefit. Furthermore, this model is well worth learning from for other countries and regions outside the EU to help the establishment of legislation in countries with strong traditional use of herbal remedies and contribute to the safe use of traditional herbal medicine. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Scintillation properties of Eu 2+-doped KBa 2I 5 and K 2BaI 4

DOE PAGES

Stand, L.; Zhuravleva, M.; Chakoumakos, Bryan C.; ...

2015-09-25

We report two new ternary metal halide scintillators, KBa 2I 5 and K 2BaI 4, activated with divalent europium. Single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed that KBa 2I 5 has a monoclinic structure (P2 1/c) and that K 2BaI 4 has a rhombohedral structure (R3c). Differential scanning calorimetry showed singular melting and crystallization points, making these compounds viable candidates for melt growth. We grew 13 mm diameter single crystals of KBa 2I 5:Eu 2+ and K 2BaI 4:Eu2+ in evacuated quartz ampoules via the vertical Bridgman technique. The optimal Eu 2+ concentration was 4% for KBa 2I 5 and 7%more » for K 2BaI 4. The X-ray excited emissions at 444 nm for KBa 2I 5:Eu 4% and 448 nm for K 2BaI 4:Eu 7% arise from the 5d-4f radiative transition in Eu 2+. KBa 2I 5:Eu 4% has a light yield of 90,000 photons/MeV, with an energy resolution of 2.4% and K 2BaI 4:Eu 7% has a light yield of 63,000 ph/MeV, with an energy resolution of 2.9% at 662 keV. Both crystals have an excellent proportional response to a wide range of gamma-ray energies.« less

Luminescence properties of ZrW{sub 2}O{sub 8}:Eu{sup 3+} nanophosphors for white light emitting diodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liao, Jinsheng, E-mail: jsliao1209@126.com; Liu, Shaohua; Wen, He-Rui

2015-10-15

Highlights: • Eu{sup 3+} ions occupy C{sub 1} point group of the Zr{sup 4+} site in ZrW{sub 2}O{sub 8} crystals. • The optimum doping concentration of Eu{sup 3+} was determined for the red emission. • ZrW{sub 2}O{sub 8}:Eu possess high quantum efficiency and suitable chromaticity coordinates. - Abstract: ZrW{sub 2}O{sub 8}:Eu{sup 3+} nanophosphors (ca. 60 nm) with different Eu{sup 3+} doping concentrations were obtained using hydrothermal syntheses. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra as well as decay curve measurements were used for the characterization. Under 466 nm excitation, strong redmore » emission at 616 nm corresponding to {sup 5}D{sub 0}–{sup 7}F{sub 2} transition of Eu{sup 3+} was observed for ZrW{sub 2}O{sub 8}:Eu{sup 3+} (9 mol%) phosphors. The values of intensity parameter Ω{sub 2} and Ω{sub 4} are 17.82 × 10{sup −20} cm{sup 2} and 1.092 × 10{sup −20} cm{sup 2}, respectively. The high quantum efficiency of 83.5% of the ZrW{sub 2}O{sub 8}:Eu{sup 3+} (9 mol%) suggests this material could be promising red phosphor for generating white light in phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (LED)« less

An update on Phytophthora ramorum in European nurseries

Treesearch

David Slawson; Jennie Blackburn; Lynne Bennett

2008-01-01

Emergency phytosanitary measures to prevent the introduction into and spread within the European Union (EU) of Phytophthora ramorum Werres, De Cock & Man in 't Veld. have been in place since 2002. Surveillance across the EU, has confirmed the presence of P. ramorum on nurseries and retailers in 15 member states. ...

Efficient high-resolution hard x-ray imaging with transparent Lu2O3:Eu scintillator thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marton, Zsolt; Miller, Stuart R.; Brecher, Charles; Kenesei, Peter; Moore, Matthew D.; Woods, Russell; Almer, Jonathan D.; Miceli, Antonino; Nagarkar, Vivek V.

2015-09-01

We have developed microstructured Lu2O3:Eu scintillator films that provide spatial resolution on the order of micrometers for hard X-ray imaging. In addition to their outstanding resolution, Lu2O3:Eu films also exhibits both high absorption efficiency for 20 to 100 keV X-rays, and bright 610 nm emission whose intensity rivals that of the brightest known scintillators. At present, high spatial resolution of such a magnitude is achieved using ultra-thin scintillators measuring only about 1 to 5 μm in thickness, which limits absorption efficiency to ~3% for 12 keV X-rays and less than 0.1% for 20 to 100 keV X-rays; this results in excessive measurement time and exposure to the specimen. But the absorption efficiency of Lu2O3:Eu (99.9% @12 keV and 30% @ 70 keV) is much greater, significantly decreasing measurement time and radiation exposure. Our Lu2O3:Eu scintillator material, fabricated by our electron-beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) process, combines superior density of 9.5 g/cm3, a microcolumnar structure for higher spatial resolution, and a bright emission (48000 photons/MeV) whose wavelength is an ideal match for the underlying CCD detector array. We grew thin films of this material on a variety of matching substrates, measuring some 5-10μm in thickness and covering areas up to 1 x 1 cm2, which can be a suitable basis for microtomography, digital radiography as well as CT and hard X-ray Micro-Tomography (XMT). The microstructure and optical transparency of such screens was optimized, and their imaging performance was evaluated in the Argonne National Laboratory's Advanced Photon Source. Spatial resolution and efficiency were also characterized.

Europe’s Preferential Trade Agreements: Status, Content, and Implications

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-22

Access to the EU, HNMINT, February 4, 2010. 56 Business Standard, “India, EU to resume FTA talks next week,” January 22, 2010. 57 Factiva, Accord Fintech ...much in value terms ($3.4 trillion versus $0.52 trillion) than U.S. PTAs. These numbers can be used to support the argument that U.S. firms may face...multilateral trade liberalization.3 If PTAs, on balance, create more trade (by allowing production to shift to the more competitive producers in the

Origin of fine dust in urban environmental zones--Evidence from element patterns received by dichotomous collection and INAA.

PubMed

Weckwerth, G

2010-10-01

In order to fulfil the EU-limitations of fine dust and traffic-produced gases Cologne installed 2008 one of the first German environmental zones, from which stepwise vehicles with too high emissions will be locked out. Verification of effectiveness and the research on further strategies to reduce fine dust are studied as promising applications of a method on discrimination of aerosol components from different origins (Weckwerth, 2001). New measurements in Cologne gave several implications on supports, especially in connection with traffic abrasion from brakes, tires and rails. Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

EU FP7 project 'CAMbrella' to build European research network for complementary and alternative medicine.

PubMed

Weidenhammer, Wolfgang; Lewith, George; Falkenberg, Torkel; Fønnebø, Vinjar; Johannessen, Helle; Reiter, Bettina; Uehleke, Bernhard; von Ammon, Klaus; Baumhöfener, Franziska; Brinkhaus, Benno

2011-01-01

The status of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the EU needs clarification. The definition and terminology of CAM is heterogeneous. The therapies, legal status, regulations and approaches used vary from country to country but there is widespread use by EU citizens. A coordination project funded by the EU has been launched to improve the knowledge about CAM in Europe. The project aims to evaluate the conditions surrounding CAM use and provision in Europe and to develop a roadmap for European CAM research. Specific objectives are to establish an EU network involving centres of research excellence for collaborative projects, to develop consensus-based terminology to describe CAM interventions, to create a knowledge base that facilitates the understanding of patient demand for CAM and its prevalence, to review the current legal status and policies governing CAM provision, and to explore the needs and attitudes of EU citizens with respect to CAM. Based on this information a roadmap will be created that will enable sustainable and prioritised future European research in CAM. CAMbrella encompasses 16 academic research groups from 12 European countries and will run for 36 months starting from January 2010. The project will be delivered in 9 work packages coordinated by a Management Board and directed by a Scientific Steering Committee with support of an Advisory Board. The outcomes generated will be disseminated through the project's website, peer review open access publications and a final conference, with emphasis on current and future EU policies, addressing different target audiences. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Elastico-mechanoluminescence in CaZr(PO4)2:Eu2+ with multiple trap levels.

PubMed

Zhang, Jun-Cheng; Xu, Chao-Nan; Long, Yun-Ze

2013-06-03

We report on a novel elastico-mechanoluminescence (EML) phosphor of CaZr(PO4)2:Eu2+ for simultaneous luminescent sensing and imaging to mechanical load by the light-emitting of Eu2+ ions. The EML properties of CaZr(PO4)2:Eu2+ show an intense luminance (above 15 mcd m(-2)), a low load threshold (below 5 N), a broad measurement range for the dynamic load (up to 2000 N), and an accurate linear relationship of EML intensity against the applied load. The excellent EML characteristics are considered to originate from the piezoelectric crystal structure and the multiple trap levels with appropriate depths. An EML mechanism based on the electrons as the main charge carriers is proposed.

[Internship-test reveals increased knowledge gaps].

PubMed

Östgren, Carl-Johan; Krook-Brandt, Margareta; Carlborg, Andreas

2016-04-08

We present the results of the medical knowledge test after fulfilled internship for Swedish medical authorization during the years 2009 to the spring of 2015. A total of 7,613 tests were analyzed. Interns graduated from Swedish universities failed in 2.7% to 3.8% of the test moments. Interns who graduated from countries within the European Union (EU) failed in 21.2% and interns graduated from a non-EU country failed in 41.6%. The results from those who graduated from EU and non-EU countries have worsened compared to an earlier study in 2009. Proper measures have now to be implemented for doctors graduated from a non-Swedish university to improve the outcome and introduction to the Swedish health care system.

Effect of Mg codoping on Eu3+ luminescence in GaN grown by ammonia molecular beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, Yasufumi; Suwa, Takanobu; Sekiguchi, Hiroto; Okada, Hiroshi; Wakahara, Akihiro

2011-10-01

The effect of Mg codoping on the Eu3+ luminescence in GaN was investigated by photoluminescence measurements. Two notable emission peaks associated with the 5D0→7F2 transition in the Eu3+ ions were governed by Mg codopants, which corresponded to the change of the dominant peak wavelength from 622.3 to 620.3 nm with an increase in Mg concentration. An optimal amount of Mg also led to enhancement of approximately 20 times of the Eu3+ luminescence. These results indicated that the Mg codopants selectively activated the optical site of 620.3 nm emission due to the elimination of nonradiative deexcitation paths from the 5D0 state.

High-pressure x-ray diffraction study of YBO{sub 3}/Eu{sup 3+}, GdBO{sub 3}, and EuBO{sub 3}: Pressure-induced amorphization in GdBO{sub 3}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Pei; Xu, Chao; Ren, Xiangting

2014-01-28

Angle-dispersive synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements were performed on vaterite-type YBO{sub 3}/Eu{sup 3+}, GdBO{sub 3}, and EuBO{sub 3}, respectively, up to 41 GPa at room temperature using a diamond-anvil cell. Pressure-induced amorphization was observed in hexagonal GdBO{sub 3} with a significant compression along the c-axis. Compared to the ions of the distorted GdBO{sub 3} phase, its anions may lose their long-range order prior to the cations at high pressures. Based on the experimental pressure-volume data, the obtained bulk moduli of YBO{sub 3}/Eu{sup 3+} and GdBO{sub 3} are 329 and 321 GPa, respectively, which are more than 90% larger than that of EuBO{sub 3}more » (167 GPa) and are presumably attributed to Gd{sup 3+} and Y{sup 3+} with a high density of d valence electrons.« less

Photoluminescence varied by selective excitation in BiGdWO6:Eu3+ phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavani, K.; Graça, M. P. F.; Kumar, J. Suresh; Neves, A. J.

2017-12-01

Eu3+ doped bismuth gadolinium tungstate (BGW), a simplest member of Aurivillius family of layered perovskites, was synthesized by solid-state reaction method. Structural characterisation has been performed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Band gap of the host matrix has been calculated using reflectance and absorption spectra. Three different mechanisms were found to explain the excitation of Eu3+ ions and are described in detail. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the BGW phosphor doped with Eu3+ ions consist of major emission lines associated with 5D0 → 7FJ (J = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4) of Eu3+ ion. Site selective PL excitation and emission indicates that Eu3+ ions doped in BiGdWO6 are sensitive to the excitation wavelength without change in the structure. Change in emission spectra were observed when the excitation wavelength was changed. Judd-Ofelt (J-O) parameters were determined from the indirect method to interpret the interactions between the host and dopant ions along with detailed analysis of lifetime measurements.

CTAB-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of YVO 4:Eu 3+ powders in a wide pH range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Juan; Hojamberdiev, Mirabbos; Xu, Yunhua

2012-01-01

Rhombus-, rod-, soya bean- and aggregated soya bean-like YVO 4:Eu 3+ micro- and nanostructures were synthesized by a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-assisted hydrothermal method at 180 °C for 24 h in a wide pH range. The as-synthesized powders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The XRD results confirmed the formation of phase-pure YVO 4:Eu 3+ powders with tetragonal structure under hydrothermal process in a wide pH range. Electron microscopic observations evidenced the morphological transformation of YVO 4:Eu 3+ powders from rhombus-like microstructure to rod-, soya bean, and aggregated soya bean-like nanostructures with an increase in the pH of the synthesis solution. The results from the PL measurements revealed that the intensities of PL emission peaks were significantly affected by the morphologies and crystallinity of samples due to the absence of an inversion symmetry at the Eu 3+ lattice site, and the highest luminescence intensity was observed for rod-like YVO 4:Eu 3+ powders.

Interplay between magnetism and relativistic fermions in Eu doped (Sr/Ba)MnSb2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jinyu; Hu, Jin; Zhu, Yanglin; Chuang, Alyssa; Graf, David; Jaime, Marcelo; Balakirev, Fedor; Weickert, Franziska; Zhang, Qiang; Ditusa, John; Wu, Yan; Cao, Huibo; Mao, Zhiqiang

Layered compounds AMnBi2 (A =Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu, and Yb) have been established as Dirac materials with fascinating properties. In our previous work, we have demonstrated that Sr1-y Mn1-z Sb2 (y, z <0.1), isostructural to AMnBi2, not only host relativistic fermions, but also exhibit ferromagnetic properties, with its ferromagnetism being coupled to the relativistic fermions' transport. To gain further insight into the relativistic fermion-magnetism coupling, we have synthesized a series of Eu doped (Sr/Ba)MnSb2 single crystals and found Eu moments order antiferromagnetically. Through neutron scattering experiments, we determined the magnetic structures for Sr1-xEuxMnSb2 with x = 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8. From magnetotransport measurements, we find the Eu antiferromagnetism is also coupled to relativistic fermion transport. More importantly, we observed a novel quantum phase with saturated magnetoresistivity near the quantum limit for the 10% Eu doped BaMnSb2 sample. We will discuss possible mechanisms for this novel phase.

Nanophosphor CaSO4:Eu2+ for photoluminescence liquid crystal display (PLLCD)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patle, Anita; Patil, R. R.; Moharil, S. V.

2018-05-01

In this work PL enhancement of CaSO4:Eu2+ nanophosphor which was synthesized with 0.01M molarity by co-precipitation method is presented. Synthesized phosphor was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and PL measurements. Average particle size is found to be in the range 80-100nm with Hexagonal morphology and PL studies showed emission peaks at 380nm, when samples were excited by 254nm. The observed PL emission is characteristic emission of Eu2+ similar to that observed in bulk CaSO4:Eu2. However under identical condition it is observed that intensity of emission get enhanced for 0.01M size which is doubled to that of 0.1M with similar emission at 380nm. A phosphor with narrow emission band around 390 nm is desirable, since at this wavelength the transmission of standard glass, polarizing plastic, other coating and LCD material is at acceptable level. Strong Eu2+ emission is observed in CaSO4:Eu nanophosphor which finds applications for PLLCD (photoluminescent liquid crystal display).

Luminescence variations in hydroxyapatites doped with Eu2+ and Eu3+ ions.

PubMed

Graeve, Olivia A; Kanakala, Raghunath; Madadi, Abhiram; Williams, Brandon C; Glass, Katelyn C

2010-05-01

We present a detailed analysis of the luminescence behavior of europium-doped hydroxyapatite (HAp) and calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (Ca-D HAp) nanopowders. The results show that, while both powders are similar in crystallite size, particle size, and morphology, the luminescence behavior differs significantly. For the HAp:Eu powders, the emission is clearly from Eu(3+) ions and corresponds to typical (5)D(0) --> (7)F(J) emissions, whereas for the Ca-D HAp:Eu powders, we also see a broad emission with two peaks at 420 and 445 nm, corresponding to the 4f(6)5d(1) --> 4f(7) ((8)S(7/2)) transition of Eu(2+). The powders are weakly luminescent in the as-synthesized state, as expected for combustion-synthesized materials and have higher emission intensities as the heat treatment temperature is increased. Luminescence spectra obtained using an excitation wavelength of 254 nm are weak for all samples. Excitation wavelengths of 305, 337, and 359 nm, are better at promoting the Eu(3+) and Eu(2+) emissions in hydroxyapatites. We propose that fluorescence measurements are an excellent way of qualitatively determining the phase composition of europium-doped hydroxyapatite powders, since powders that exhibit a blue emission contain substantial amounts of Ca-D HAp, allowing the determination of the presence of this phase in mixed-phase hydroxyapatites. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evidence of nodes in the order parameter of the superconducting doped topological insulator NbxBi2Se3 via penetration depth measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smylie, M. P.; Claus, H.; Welp, U.; Kwok, W.-K.; Qiu, Y.; Hor, Y. S.; Snezhko, A.

The low-temperature variation of the London penetration depth λ(T) in the candidate topological superconductor NbxBi2Se3 (x =0.25) is reported for several crystals. The measurements were carried out by means of a tunnel-diode oscillator technique in both field orientations (Hrf // c and Hrf // ab planes). All samples exhibited quadratic temperature dependence at low temperatures clearly indicating the presence of point nodes in the superconducting order parameter. The results presented here are not consistent with a complete superconducting gap. We interpret our data on NbxBi2Se3 in terms of a nematic odd-parity spin-triplet pairing state with Eu symmetry. This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division, Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357. MPS thanks ND Energy for supporting his research and professional development through the ND Energy Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. YSH acknowledges support from National Science Foundation Grant Number DMR-1255607.

Optical properties of rare earth doped transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendez-Ramos, J.; Lavin, V.; Martin, I. R.; Rodriguez-Mendoza, U. R.; Rodriguez, V. D.; Lozano-Gorrin, A. D.; Nunez, P.

2003-01-01

Optical properties of Eu3+ ions in oxyfluoride glasses and glass ceramics doped with low concentration (0.1 mol%) have been analysed and compared with previous results for high concentrated samples (2.5 mol%). The Eu3+ ions in the low dopant concentration glass ceramics are diluted into like crystalline environments with higher symmetry and lower coupled phonons energy than in the precursor glasses. Fluorescence line narrowing measurements indicate the presence of two main fluoride site distributions for the Eu3+ ions in these low concentrated glass ceramics.

Electrostatic dust collectors compared to inhalable samplers for measuring endotoxin concentrations in farm homes

PubMed Central

Kilburg-Basnyat, Brita; Peters, Thomas M.; Perry, Sarah S.; Thorne, Peter S.

2016-01-01

Paired electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs) and daily, inhalable button samplers (BS) were used concurrently to sample endotoxin in 10 farm homes during 7-day periods in summer and winter. Winter sampling included an optical particle counter (OPC) to measure PM2.5 and PM2.5-10. Electrostatic dust collectors and BS filters were analyzed for endotoxin using the kinetic chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Optical particle counter particulate matter (PM) data were divided into two PM categories. In summer, geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) endotoxin concentrations were 0.82 EU/m3 (2.7) measured with the BS and 737 EU/m2 (1.9) measured with the EDC. Winter values were 0.52 EU/m3 (3.1) for BS and 538 EU/m2 (3.0) for EDCs. Seven day endotoxin values of EDCs were highly correlated with the 7-day BS sampling averages (r=0.70; p<0.001). Analysis of variance indicated a 2.4-fold increase in EDC endotoxin concentrations for each unit increase of the ratio of PM2.5 to PM2.5-10. There was also a significant correlation between BS and EDCs endotoxin concentrations for winter (r=0.67; p<0.05) and summer(r=0.75; p<0.05). Thus, EDCs sample comparable endotoxin concentrations to BS, making EDCs a feasible, easy to use alternative to BS for endotoxin sampling. PMID:26296624

Retrenched Welfare Regimes Still Lessen Social Class Inequalities in Health: A Longitudinal Analysis of the 2003-2010 EU-SILC in 23 European Countries.

PubMed

Muntaner, C; Davis, O; McIsaack, K; Kokkinen, L; Shankardass, K; O'Campo, P

2017-07-01

This article builds on recent work that has explored how welfare regimes moderate social class inequalities in health. It extends research to date by using longitudinal data from the EU-SILC (2003-2010) and examines how the relationship between social class and self-reported health and chronic conditions varies across 23 countries, which are split into five welfare regimes (Nordic, Anglo-Saxon, Eastern, Southern, and Continental). Our analysis finds that health across all classes was only worse in Eastern Europe (compared with the Nordic countries). In contrast, we find evidence that the social class gradient in both measures of health was significantly wider in the Anglo-Saxon and Southern regimes. We suggest that this evidence supports the notion that welfare regimes continue to explain differences in health according to social class location. We therefore argue that although downward pressures from globalization and neoliberalism have blurred welfare regime typologies, the Nordic model may continue to have an important mediating effect on class-based inequalities in health.

Identifying hotspots of coastal risk and evaluating DRR measures: results from the RISC-KIT project.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Dongeren, A.; Ciavola, P.; Viavattene, C.; Dekleermaeker, S.; Martinez, G.; Ferreira, O.; Costa, C.

2016-02-01

High-impact storm events have demonstrated the vulnerability of coastal zones in Europe and beyond. These impacts are likely to increase due to predicted climate change and ongoing coastal development. In order to reduce impacts, disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures need to be taken, which prevent or mitigate the effects of storm events. To drive the DRR agenda, the UNISDR formulated the Sendai Framework for Action, and the EU has issued the Floods Directive. However, neither is specific about the methods to be used to develop actionable DRR measures in the coastal zone. Therefore, there is a need to develop methods, tools and approaches which make it possible to: identify and prioritize the coastal zones which are most at risk through a Coastal Risk Assessment Framework, evaluate the effectiveness of DRR options for these coastal areas, using an Early Warning/Decision Support System, which can be used both in the planning and event-phase. This paper gives an overview of the products and results obtained in the FP7-funded project RISC-KIT, which aims to develop and apply a set of tools with which highly-vulnerable coastal areas (so-called "hotspots") can be identified. The identification is done using the Coastal Risk Assessment Framework, or CRAF, which computes the intensity from multi-hazards, the exposure and the vulnerability, all components of risk, including network and cascading effects. Based on this analysis hot spots of risk which warrant coastal protection investments are selected. For these hotspot areas, high-resolution Early Warning and Decision Support Tools are developed with which it is possible to compute in detail the effectiveness of Disaster Risk Reduction measures in storm event scenarios, which helps decide which measures to implement in the planning phase. The same systems, but now driven with real time data, can also be used for early warning systems. All tools are tested on eleven case study areas, at least one on each EU Regional Sea, and one international case in Bangladesh. Promising DRR measures and experiences are collected in a web-based Management Guide, and information on storm impacts is stored in a Coastal Risk Database.

Measurement and analysis of electronic energy transfer between Tb 3+ and Eu 3+ ions in Cs 2NaY 1-x-y Tb xEu yCl 6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moran, Diane M.; May, P. Stanley; Richardson, F. S.

1994-08-01

Electronic energy-transfer processes between Tb 3+5D 4) and Eu 3+ ( 7F 0, 7F 1) ions in crystalline Cs 2NaY 1-x-yTb xEu yCl 6 compounds are examined over a wide range of relative Tb 3+ and Eu 3+ concentrations (at sample temperature of 77 and 295 K). In these systems, the Tb 3+ and Eu 3+ ions are located at centrosymmetric (O h) sites surrounded by six Cl - ions, and the minimum distance between these sites is ≈ 7.6 Å. The host lattice has a cubic structure (space group O h5-Fm3m), and the phonon spectrum of this lattice has a cut-off frequency of ≈ 300 cm -1. The optical spectra of Tb 3+ and Eu 3+ in Cs 2NaYCl 6 exhibit relatively sparse line structures, consisting almost entirely of magnetic-dipole origin lines and one-phonon-assisted electric-dipole vibronic lines that reflect O h selection rules and have relatively low oscillator strenghts. Overlap between Tb 3+ ( 5D 4) emission and Eu 3+ ( 7F 0, 7F 1) absorption spectra occurs only within the Tb 3+ ( 5D 4 → 7 F 4 and Eu 3+ ( 7F 0, 7F 1 → 5D 0 transition regions, and resonances between individual lines in these regions are used to identify possible pathways for Tb 3+ ( 5D 4)-to-Eu 3+ ( 7F 0, 7F 1) energy transfer. Rates of energy transfer are determined from time-resolved Tb 3+ ( 5D 4) luminescence intersity measurements, analyzed in terms of two different models for representing donor (Tb 3+)-acceptor (Eu 3+) site distributions in Cs 2NaY 1-x-yTb xEu yCl 6 systems. In one model, donor-accepator site distances are represented by a continuous radial distribution function, whereas in the second model, these distances are represented by a discrete distribution function. Both models are used to analyze donor luminescence decay data in terms of rate parameters that reflect specific mechanistic contributions to electronic energy transfer. Both electron-exchange and multipole-multipole mechanisms are considered in the analyses. Results from these analyses, combined with spectral overlap considerations and comparisons of 77 versus 295 K rate data, suggest an electric-quadrupole/electric-dipole mechanism in which a 5D 4(T 1g → 7F 4(T 1g) electric-quadrupole transition on Tb 3+ excites a 7F 0(A 1g) + v4(t 1u → 5D 0(A 1g) electric-dipole (vibronic) transition on Eu 3+. Rate data obtained on systems of stoichiometric formulae Cs 2NaY 0.95-xTb xEu 0.05Cl 6 show that Tb 3+( 5D 4)- to-Eu 3+ ( 7F 0, 7F 1) energy-transfer rates a Tb 3+-Tb 3+ energy-migration processes when tx > 0.05. Direct calculations of Tb 3+ ( 5D 4)-Eu 3+ ( 7F 0, 7F 1) and Tb 3+ ( 5D 4-Tb 3+ ( 7F 6) multipole-multipole interaction parameters are performed, and the parameters obtained from these calculations are compared to those derived from parametric fits of experimentally observed rate data. Discrepancies between calculated and ovserved rate parameters are large, and possible explanations for these discrepancies are discussed.

Chemical Complexity in the Eu-enhanced Monometallic Globular NGC 5986

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Christian I.; Caldwell, Nelson; Rich, R. Michael; Mateo, Mario; Bailey, John I., III; Olszewski, Edward W.; Walker, Matthew G.

2017-06-01

NGC 5986 is a poorly studied but relatively massive Galactic globular cluster that shares several physical and morphological characteristics with “iron-complex” clusters known to exhibit significant metallicity and heavy-element dispersions. In order to determine whether NGC 5986 joins the iron-complex cluster class, we investigated the chemical composition of 25 red giant branch and asymptotic giant branch cluster stars using high-resolution spectra obtained with the Magellan-M2FS instrument. Cluster membership was verified using a combination of radial velocity and [Fe/H] measurements, and we found the cluster to have a mean heliocentric radial velocity of +99.76 km s-1 (σ = 7.44 km s-1). We derived a mean metallicity of [Fe/H] = -1.54 dex (σ = 0.08 dex), but the cluster’s small dispersion in [Fe/H] and low [La/Eu] abundance preclude it from being an iron-complex cluster. NGC 5986 has < [{Eu}/{Fe}]> =+0.76 {dex} (σ = 0.08 dex), which is among the highest ratios detected in a Galactic cluster, but the small [Eu/Fe] dispersion is puzzling because such high values near [Fe/H] ˜ -1.5 are typically only found in dwarf galaxies exhibiting large [Eu/Fe] variations. NGC 5986 exhibits classical globular cluster characteristics, such as uniformly enhanced [α/Fe] ratios, a small dispersion in Fe-peak abundances, and (anti)correlated light-element variations. Similar to NGC 2808, we find evidence that NGC 5986 may host at least four to five populations with distinct light-element compositions, and the presence of a clear Mg-Al anticorrelation along with an Al-Si correlation suggests that the cluster gas experienced processing at temperatures ≳65-70 MK. However, the current data do not support burning temperatures exceeding ˜100 MK. We find some evidence that the first- and second-generation stars in NGC 5986 may be fully spatially mixed, which could indicate that the cluster has lost a significant fraction of its original mass. This paper includes data gathered with the 6.5 m Magellan Telescopes located at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile.

Support for EU fundraising in the field of Environment & Energy - BayFOR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ammerl, Thomas; Baumann, Cornelia; Reiter, Andrea; Blume, Andreas; Just, Jana; Franke, Jan

2013-04-01

The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR, http://www.bayfor.org) is a private company for the support of Bavaria (Free State in the South East of Germany) as a centre for science and innovation within the European Research Area. It was set up on the initiative of the Bavarian universities to strengthen their networking at regional, national and international level while helping them to prepare to meet the requirements for European research funding. The focus is directed at the current EU Framework Programme (FP7) and the forthcoming Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020", but also comprises the wide range of European programmes (e.g. FP7, LIFE+, Interreg, COST, EUREKA, ERA-Nets, IEE (CIP), LLP, Calls for tender). BayFOR is also a partner institution in the Bavarian "Haus der Forschung" (www.hausderforschung.bayern.de/en). BayFORs overall aim is to strengthen and permanently anchor the science and innovation location of Bavaria in the European Research Area through: a) Initiation of national and in particular European innovation and science partnerships from academia and business b) Improvement of innovation potential of Bavarian universities and SME c) Support in acquisition, management and dissemination of results of European and international projects in the field of research and technological development The service portfolio of the EU Funding Advisory Service reaches from the first project idea to project implementation. The minimum condition for BayFOR support is at least one partner from Bavaria (Germany) must be part of the applying consortium: a) Recommendation of funding programmes/instruments (incl. integration of relevant EU policies & directives) b) Partner search c) Project development and proposal elaboration (Online platform, Creation of consortium, Attendance at meetings, Preparation of documents, Proposal structure elaboration, Provision of templates, Editorial support: Gantt, PERT, Impact, EU added value) d) Support in the Contract negotiations with the European Commission e) Project implementation (Project management, dissemination, Science-Policy-Interface) BayFOR staff has profound R&D background, as well as knowledge and experience in disseminating project outcomes, in particular with regard to the adaptation of results to the needs of relevant target groups like science, industry/SMEs, policy makers and the public. Furthermore, BayFOR can draw on distinct experience in the management of European research projects (e.g. CLIMB, Largecells, AlpBC, GeoMol, WE-EEN, WINALP). As a partner in the network for SMEs "Enterprise Europe Network" (EEN), BayFOR offers advice and support on topics such as funding, research programs, public procurement, market penetration and the promotion of innovation at European level. Beyond, BayFOR will make use of its regional networks to promote uptake and exploitation of project results. BayFOR is also commissioned by Bavaria's State Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts to look after the Bavarian University Funding Programme for the Initiation of International Projects (BayIntAn). Our efforts are aimed at initiating or strengthening transnational collaborative research involving Bavarian universities and universities of applied sciences.

Advertising of medical devices: foreign experience and Ukrainian practice.

PubMed

Pashkov, Vitalii; Harkusha, Andrii; Bytiak, Oleksii

Chosen European foreign policy vector for Ukraine establishes its obligation to enforce the process of adaptation of the EU law regulations in the internal legal policy. The approximation of Ukrainian law to the European Union (EU) "acquis communautaire" is not only the instrument for deepening our economic cooperation with the European Union, but also the important measure to enhance further development of Ukraine in general. National legislation, which regulate advertising and promotion of medical devices (MD), is not an exception. Some key points on legal regulation of abovementioned sphere is a base of this study. Ukrainian legislation, European Union`s Law Acts, EU's member-states law, WHO Acts and Recommendations, European Medical Technology Industry Association (EUCOMED) Acts. Article is based on dialectical, comparative, analytic, synthetic and comprehensive research methods. In accordance with Ukrainian legislation, there is no special law that concerns advertising on MD in Ukraine, this sphere is regulated by general law that named ≪About advertisement≫, but it doesn't take into account even main characteristics of such a special object as medical devices (MD). Moreover, the law ≪About advertisement≫ contain discrepancies in terms that are used, these contradictions, in our opinion, must be eliminated by appropriate law reforms. The advertising and promotion of MD in EU is regulated by a combination of EU and national legislation of EU Member States, national advertising and promotion of MD are not harmonized with the EU MDD for now, resulting in a fragmented legal landscape that differs from one EU Member State to the other. Practice of adopting different codes and guides that regulate advertising, including advertising of MD, is widespread in EU and EU Member States and thus must be used in Ukraine with appropriate reformation of national law.

European initiatives to develop information systems in oceanography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Grand, P.

2009-04-01

Various initiatives are currently in preparation or ongoing at the European level to improve information systems in Earth Sciences and oceanographic systems are at the forefront of these efforts. Europe is playing a leading role in the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) that aims to implement the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). The GEO Architecture and Data Committee, oversees the development of the GEOSS Common Infrastructure (GCI) which consists of a web-based portal, a clearinghouse for searching data, information and services, registries containing information about GEOSS components and associated standards and best practices. This development is detailed in the various tasks of the GEO Work Plan . Several European projects in the marine domain funded under the research framework program participate in the development of the GEOSS. EMODNET is another initiative to develop a system that will allow a better identification and access to marine data that are being collected, that will permit the identification of data gaps and that will shape a data collection and monitoring infrastructure directly suited to multiple applications. A number of measures have already been taken at EU level - the INSPIRE Directive obliges Member States to facilitate discovery of data holdings, the Environmental Information Directive requires them to release the data when asked, the Public Sector Information Directive facilitates the re-use of public data and the revised Data Collection Regulation has improved the availability of fisheries data. Moreover, prototype marine data catalogues and quality procedures for measurement laboratories have been developed through successive EU research programmes. EMODNET is complementary to other EU initiatives in the marine domain. Parameters made available through EMODNET will facilitate the GMES marine core service which aims to deliver both short term and seasonal forecasts, hindcasts, nowcasts, and time series and climate change scenario simulations. EMODNET will provide the access to raw and processed data necessary to calculate the indicators that Member States are obliged to provide through WISE-Marine to meet the requirements of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Moving to the definitive EMODNET will require significant funding. Given that EMODNET is very much focused on a sea-basin scale and given the impetus accorded to territorial cohesion by the EU maritime policy, discussions will begin to determine whether cohesion funding could support the initiative. At the same time moves will begin to integrate EMODNET with initiatives under the EU's research infrastructure programmes and the Common Fisheries Policy Data Collection Regulation. The objective is to achieve by 2014 an operational and sustainable EMODNET with earmarked funding and an agreed governance structure.

Phase transition and multicolor luminescence of Eu{sup 2+}/Mn{sup 2+}-activated Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Kai; Chen, Daqin, E-mail: dqchen@fjirsm.ac.cn; Xu, Ju

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: We have synthesized Eu{sup 2+} doped and Eu{sup 2+}/Mn{sup 2+} co-doped Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphors. The emitting color varies from blue to green with increasing of Eu{sup 2+} content for the Eu{sup 2+}-doped phosphor, and the quantum yield of the 0.05Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 2.95}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} sample reaches 56.7%. Interestingly, Mn{sup 2+} co-doping into Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} leads to its phase transition from orthorhombic to rhombohedral, and subsequently generates tunable multi-color luminescence from green to red via Eu{sup 2+} → Mn{sup 2+} energy transfer. - Highlights: • A series of novel Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{submore » 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphors were successfully synthesized. • Phase transition of Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} from orthorhombic to rhombohedral occurred when Mn{sup 2+} ions were doped. • The phosphors exhibited tunable multi-color luminescence. • The quantum yield of 0.05Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 2.95}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphor can reach 56.7%. • The analyses of phosphors were carried out by many measurements. - Abstract: Intense blue-green-emitting Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} and tunable multicolor-emitting Eu{sup 2+}/Mn{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphors are prepared via a solid-state reaction route. Eu{sup 2+}-doped orthorhombic Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphor exhibits a broad emission band in the wavelength range of 400–700 nm with a maximum quantum yield of 56.7%, and the emission peak red-shifts gradually from 479 to 520 nm with increase of Eu{sup 2+} doping content. Broad excitation spectrum (250–420 nm) of Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} matches well with the near-ultraviolet LED chip, indicating its potential applications as tri-color phosphors in white LEDs. Interestingly, Mn{sup 2+} co-doping into Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} leads to its phase transition from orthorhombic to rhombohedral, and subsequently generates tunable multi-color luminescence from green to red via Eu{sup 2+} → Mn{sup 2+} energy transfer, under 365 nm UV lamp excitation.« less

Enhancing the role of science in the decision-making of the European Union.

PubMed

Allio, Lorenzo; Ballantine, Bruce; Meads, Richard

2006-02-01

Used well, science provides effective ways of identifying potential risks, protecting citizens, and using resources wisely. It enables government decisions to be based on evidence and provides a foundation for a rule-based framework that supports global trade. To ensure that the best available science becomes a key input in the decisions made by EU institutions, this abridged version of a working paper produced for the European Policy Centre, a leading, independent think tank, considers how science is currently used in the policy and decision-making processes of the EU, what the limitations of scientific evidence are, and how a risk assessment process based on scientific 'good practices' can be advantageous. Finally, the paper makes recommendations on how to improve the use of science by EU institutions.

Decision Support Systems (DSSs) For Contaminated Land Management - Gaps And Challenges

EPA Science Inventory

A plethora of information is available when considering decision support systems for risk-based management of contaminated land. Broad issues of what is contaminated land, what is a brownfield, and what is remediation are discussed in EU countries and the U.S. Making decisions ...

Estimation of incidence and social cost of colon cancer due to nitrate in drinking water in the EU: a tentative cost-benefit assessment.

PubMed

van Grinsven, Hans J M; Rabl, Ari; de Kok, Theo M

2010-10-06

Presently, health costs associated with nitrate in drinking water are uncertain and not quantified. This limits proper evaluation of current policies and measures for solving or preventing nitrate pollution of drinking water resources. The cost for society associated with nitrate is also relevant for integrated assessment of EU nitrogen policies taking a perspective of welfare optimization. The overarching question is at which nitrogen mitigation level the social cost of measures, including their consequence for availability of food and energy, matches the social benefit of these measures for human health and biodiversity. Epidemiological studies suggest colon cancer to be possibly associated with nitrate in drinking water. In this study risk increase for colon cancer is based on a case-control study for Iowa, which is extrapolated to assess the social cost for 11 EU member states by using data on cancer incidence, nitrogen leaching and drinking water supply in the EU. Health costs are provisionally compared with nitrate mitigation costs and social benefits of fertilizer use. For above median meat consumption the risk of colon cancer doubles when exposed to drinking water exceeding 25 mg/L of nitrate (NO3) for more than ten years. We estimate the associated increase of incidence of colon cancer from nitrate contamination of groundwater based drinking water in EU11 at 3%. This corresponds to a population-averaged health loss of 2.9 euro per capita or 0.7 euro per kg of nitrate-N leaching from fertilizer. Our cost estimates indicate that current measures to prevent exceedance of 50 mg/L NO3 are probably beneficial for society and that a stricter nitrate limit and additional measures may be justified. The present assessment of social cost is uncertain because it considers only one type of cancer, it is based on one epidemiological study in Iowa, and involves various assumptions regarding exposure. Our results highlight the need for improved epidemiological studies.

Assessing the Impacts of Revising the Tobacco Products Directive

PubMed Central

Tiessen, Jan; Hunt, Priscillia; Celia, Claire; Fazekas, Mihaly; de Vries, Han; Staetsky, Laura; Diepeveen, Stephanie; Rabinovich, Lila; Ridsdale, Helen; Ling, Tom

2011-01-01

Abstract Tobacco use is one of the largest avoidable causes of morbidity and premature death in the EU. Whilst smoking prevalence in the EU has been declining over the past 30 years, smoking has remained more prevalent among men than women in the EU-27, with some of the new Member States reporting the widest gaps between male and female smokers. For young smokers (13 to 15 years old) this situation is somewhat reversed, with slightly more girls than boys smoking. Against this background, the European Commission Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection (DG SANCO) considered a revision of the Tobacco Products Directive 2001/37/EC across five general areas: scope of the directive, labelling requirements, registration and market control fees, ingredients, and sales arrangements. More specifically, the types of policy options under consideration included (but were not limited to): an increase of warning label sizes on the back of packaging to 100%, a restriction for the display of products at retail outlets and an introduction of additional measurement method for TNCO (the modified ISO method) with maximum limits set accordingly. DG SANCO commissioned RAND Europe to provide support in assessing the potential health, macroeconomic, and compliance cost and administrative burden impacts of revising the Tobacco Products Directive. In addition to assessing impacts, the study provides an up-to-date overview of the evidence and basis for current tobacco product regulation that may be of interest to a wider audience interested in tobacco control policies. PMID:28083169

Latvia Country Analysis Brief

EIA Publications

2014-01-01

Latvia, which regained its independence from Soviet Union in 1991 and joined the European Union (EU) in 2004, is not a notable energy producer or consumer. The country produced 30 trillion British thermal units (Btus) and consumed 163 trillion Btus of total energy in 2011, which places it in the bottom five among the EU countries on both measures.

Thermodynamic, spectroscopic, and computational studies of lanthanide complexation with Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acide: temperature effect and coordination modes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guoxin Tian; Leigh R. Martin; Zhiyong Zhang

2011-04-01

Stability constants of two DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) complexes with lanthanides (ML2- and MHL-, where M stands for Nd and Eu and L stands for diethylenetriaminepentaacetate) at 10, 25, 40, 55, and 70 degrees C were determined by potentiometry, absorption spectrophotometry, and luminescence spectroscopy. The enthalpies of complexation at 25 degrees C were determined by microcalorimetry. Thermodynamic data show that the complexation of Nd3þ and Eu3þ with DTPA is weakened at higher temperatures, a 10-fold decrease in the stability constants of ML2- and MHL- as the temperature is increased from 10 to 70 degrees C. The effect of temperature is consistentmore » with the exothermic enthalpy of complexation directly measured by microcalorimetry. Results by luminescence spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that DTPA is octa-dentate in both the EuL2- and EuHL- complexes and, for the first time, the coordination mode in the EuHL- complex was clarified by integration of the experimental data and DFT calculations. In the EuHL- complex, the Eu is coordinated by an octa-dentate H(DTPA) ligand and a water molecule, and the protonation occurs on the oxygen of a carboxylate group.« less

Comparative Photoluminescence Properties and Judd-Ofelt Analysis of Eu3+ Ion-Activated Metal Molybdate Phosphors A2MoO6:Eu3+ (A = La, Y, Gd and Bi)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Bing; Liu, Bingkun; Zhang, Jie; Li, Pengju; Shi, Hengzhen

2017-07-01

A class of red-emitting Eu3+ ion-activated metal molybdate A2MoO6:Eu3+ (A = La, Y, Gd and Bi) phosphors were synthesized by a conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction method. The x-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscope images, Fourier transform infrared spectra, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectra as well as photoluminescence properties were measured to characterize the as-prepared samples. The photoluminescence properties including excitation/emission spectra, decay curves, Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates and quantum efficiency were comparatively investigated in detail. The Judd-Ofelt theory was also applied to understand the radiative properties of f-f transitions of Eu3+ ions in this system for the first time. The as-prepared phosphors can be effectively excited with near-ultraviolet and/or blue light, and exhibit red emission belonging to the prevailing 5D0 → 7F2 transitions of Eu3+ with short decay time (millisecond level). The results demonstrated that A2MoO6:Eu3+ (A = La, Y, Gd and Bi) phosphors could have potential application as red-emitting phosphors in white light-emitting diodes based on near-ultraviolet and/or blue light-emitting diode chips.

[Recent developments on the European ban on animal experiments for cosmetics].

PubMed

Ruhdel, I W

2001-01-01

For the second time the European Commission has postponed the sales ban on cosmetics products that have been developed and tested in animal experiments now until 2002. In the meantime the Commission wants to adopt the Seventh Amendment of the EU Cosmetics Directive. In its draft the Commission proposes to scrap the sales ban and replace it with an animal testing ban. This change would avoid possible conflicts with the WTO, however, from the animal welfare point of view would result in animal testing moving into third countries instead of avoiding them. This is because cosmetics products tested on animals outside the EU could be sold in the EU without any restrictions. As a consequence this measure would take the pressure from authorities and industry to further develop and adopt alternative methods. Other proposed measures are not acceptable from the animal welfare point of view, e.g. because they contradict Directive 86/609 and would result in a delay of the application of validated alternative methods. The Deutscher Tierschutzbund therefore still demands an immediate and complete sales ban in connection with an animal testing ban within the EU.

Implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive: Opportunities and Challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zīgurs, A.; Sarma, U.

2015-12-01

Discussions in Latvia are ongoing regarding the optimum solution to implementing Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, amending Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC (Directive 2012/27/EU). Without a doubt, increased energy efficiency contributes significantly to energy supply security, competitive performance, increased quality of life, reduced energy dependence and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, Directive 2012/27/EU should be implemented with careful planning, evaluating every aspect of the process. This study analyses a scenario, where a significant fraction of target energy efficiency is achieved by obliging energy utilities to implement user-end energy efficiency measures. With implementation of this scheme towards energy end-use savings, user payments for energy should be reduced; on the other hand, these measures will require considerable investment. The energy efficiency obligation scheme stipulates that these investments must be paid by energy utilities; however, they will actually be covered by users, because the source of energy utilities' income is user payments for energy. Thus, expenses on such measures will be included in energy prices and service tariffs. The authors analyse the ways to achieve a balance between user gains from energy end-use savings and increased energy prices and tariffs as a result of obligations imposed upon energy utilities. Similarly, the suitability of the current regulatory regime for effective implementation of Directive 2012/27/EU is analysed in the energy supply sectors, where supply tariffs are regulated.

Synthesis, crystal structures, and physical properties of the new Zintl phases A{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Pn{sub 18} (A=Ca, Eu; Pn=As, Sb)—Versatile arrangements of [ZnPn{sub 4}] tetrahedra

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Suen, Nian-Tzu; Wang, Yi; Bobev, Svilen, E-mail: bobev@udel.edu

Four new Zintl phases, Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18}, Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18}, Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18} and Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} have been synthesized by metal flux reactions. Their structures have been established from single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Despite the similar chemical makeup and the identical formulae, the structures of the four compounds are not the same—Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18}, Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} and Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18} crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/m (No. 12, Z=4) with the β-Ca{sub 21}Mn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} structure type, while Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} adopts the Ba{sub 21}Cd{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} structure type withmore » the orthorhombic space group Cmce (No. 64, Z=8). Both structures are based on ZnAs{sub 4} or ZnSb{sub 4} tetrahedra, linked in slightly different ways, and Ca{sup 2+} and Eu{sup 2+} cations that fill the space between them. The structural relationships between the title compounds and other known ternary phases with intricate structures are discussed. Electrical resistivity measurement on single-crystalline Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} suggests an intrinsic semiconductor behavior with a band gap of ca. 0.2 eV. The temperature dependent DC magnetization measurement on the same material indicates Curie–Weiss paramagnetism in the high-temperature regime, and a spontaneous antiferromagnetic ordering below 8 K. The calculated effective moments of Eu confirm the divalent Eu{sup 2+} ground state, as expected from the Zintl–Klemm concept. - Graphical abstract: The four new Zintl phases—Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18}, Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18}, Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18}, and Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18}—crystallize in two structure types, showing the versatility in the arrangements of ZnAs{sub 4} and ZnSb{sub 4} tetrahedra. - Highlights: • Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18}, Ca{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18}, Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}As{sub 18}, and Eu{sub 21}Zn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} are new compounds in the respective ternary phase diagrams. • They form with structure types, showing the versatility in the arrangements of ZnAs{sub 4} and ZnSb{sub 4} tetrahedra. • For both structures, the valence electron count follows the Zintl–Klemm rules.« less

Hydrogen analysis for granite using proton-proton elastic recoil coincidence spectrometry.

PubMed

Komatsubara, T; Sasa, K; Ohshima, H; Kimura, H; Tajima, Y; Takahashi, T; Ishii, S; Yamato, Y; Kurosawa, M

2008-07-01

In an effort to develop DS02, a new radiation dosimetry system for the atomic bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, measurements of neutron-induced activities have provided valuable information to reconstruct the radiation situation at the time of the bombings. In Hiroshima, the depth profile of (152)Eu activity measured in a granite pillar of the Motoyasu Bridge (128 m from the hypocenter) was compared with that calculated using the DS02 methodology. For calculation of the (152)Eu production due to the thermal-neutron activation reaction, (151)Eu(n,gamma)(152)Eu, information on the hydrogen content in granite is important because the transport and slowing-down process of neutrons penetrating into the pillar is strongly affected by collisions with the protons of hydrogen. In this study, proton-proton elastic recoil coincidence spectrometry has been used to deduce the proton density in the Motoyasu pillar granite. Slices of granite samples were irradiated by a 20 MeV proton beam, and the energies of scattered and recoil protons were measured with a coincidence method. The water concentration in the pillar granite was evaluated to be 0.30 +/- 0.07%wt. This result is consistent with earlier data on adsorptive water (II) and bound water obtained by the Karl Fisher method.

Europeanisation of health systems: a qualitative study of domestic actors in a small state.

PubMed

Azzopardi-Muscat, Natasha; Sorensen, Kristine; Aluttis, Christoph; Pace, Roderick; Brand, Helmut

2016-04-14

Health systems are not considered to be significantly influenced by European Union (EU) policies given the subsidiarity principle. Yet, recent developments including the patients' rights and cross-border directive (2011/24 EU), as well as measures taken following the financial crisis, appear to be increasing the EU's influence on health systems. The aim of this study is to explore how health system Europeanisation is perceived by domestic stakeholders within a small state. A qualitative study was conducted in the Maltese health system using 33 semi-structured interviews. Inductive analysis was carried out with codes and themes being generated from the data. EU membership brought significant public health reforms, transformation in the regulation of medicines and development of specialised training for doctors. Health services financing and delivery were primarily unaffected. Stakeholders positively perceived improvements to the policy-making process, networking opportunities and capacity building as important benefits. However, the administrative burden and the EU's tendency to adopt a 'one size fits all' approach posed considerable challenges. The lack of power and visibility for health policy at the EU level is a major disappointment. A strong desire exists for the EU to exercise a more effective role in ensuring access to affordable medicines and preventing non-communicable diseases. However, the EU's interference with core health system values is strongly resisted. Overall domestic stakeholders have a positive outlook regarding their health system Europeanisation experience. Whilst welcoming further policy developments at the EU level, they believe that improved consideration must be given to the specificities of small health systems.

Combustion synthesis and luminescence properties of yellow-emitting phosphors Ca{sub 2}BO{sub 3}Cl:Eu{sup 2+}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xia, Zhiguo, E-mail: xiazg426@yahoo.com.cn; Liao, Libing, E-mail: lbliao@cugb.edu.cn; Zhang, Zepeng

2012-02-15

Graphical abstract: A yellow-emitting phosphor Ca{sub 2}BO{sub 3}Cl:Eu{sup 2+} was firstly synthesized by the solution-combustion method. The photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, temperature dependence of luminescence intensity, and luminescence lifetime of the phosphor were investigated. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ca{sub 2}BO{sub 3}Cl:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor was synthesized by a solution-combustion method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ca{sub 2}BO{sub 3}Cl:Eu{sup 2+} showed an intense yellow emission band centered at 569 nm with the CIE coordinate of (0.453, 0.526). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The temperature dependent luminescence property and mechanism of Ca{sub 2}BO{sub 3}Cl:Eu{sup 2+} were studied. -- Abstract: Yellow-emitting phosphor Ca{sub 2}BO{sub 3}Cl:Eu{sup 2+} was synthesized by a solution-combustion method. Themore » phase structure and microstructure were determined by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, respectively. The as-prepared Ca{sub 2}BO{sub 3}Cl:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor absorbed near ultraviolet and blue light of 320-500 nm, and showed an intense yellow emission band centered at 569 nm with the CIE coordinate of (0.453, 0.526). The lifetime of Eu{sup 2+} ions in Ca{sub 2}BO{sub 3}Cl:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor was measured, furthermore the temperature dependent luminescence property and mechanism were studied, which also testified that the present phosphor had a promising potential for white light-emitting diodes.« less

India-EU relations in health services: prospects and challenges

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background India and the EU are currently negotiating a Trade and Investment Agreement which also covers services. This paper examines the opportunities for and constraints to India-EU relations in health services in the context of this agreement, focusing on the EU as a market for India's health services exports and collaboration. The paper provides an overview of key features of health services in the EU and India and their bearing on bilateral relations in this sector. Methods Twenty six semi-structured, in-person, and telephonic interviews were conducted in 2007-2008 in four Indian cities. The respondents included management and practitioners in a variety of healthcare establishments, health sector representatives in Indian industry associations, health sector officials in the Indian government, and official representatives of selected EU countries and the European Commission based in New Delhi. Secondary sources were used to supplement and corroborate these findings. Results The interviews revealed that India-EU relations in health services are currently very limited. However, several opportunity segments exist, namely: (i) Telemedicine; (ii) Clinical trials and research in India for EU-based pharmaceutical companies; (iii) Medical transcriptions and back office support; (iv) Medical value travel; and (v) Collaborative ventures in medical education, research, training, staff deployment, and product development. However, various factors constrain India's exports to the EU. These include data protection regulations; recognition requirements; insurance portability restrictions; discriminatory conditions; and cultural, social, and perception-related barriers. The interviews also revealed several constraints in the Indian health care sector, including disparity in domestic standards and training, absence of clear guidelines and procedures, and inadequate infrastructure. Conclusions The paper concludes that although there are several promising areas for India-EU relations in health services, it will be difficult to realize these opportunities given the pre-dominance of public healthcare delivery in the EU and sensitivities associated with commercializing healthcare. Hence, a gradual approach based on pilot initiatives and selective collaboration would be advisable initially, which could be expanded once there is demonstrated evidence on outcomes. Overall, the paper makes a contribution to the social science and health literature by adding to the limited primary evidence base on globalization and health, especially from a developing-developed country and regional perspective. PMID:21310041

Direct access and patient/client self-referral to physiotherapy: a review of contemporary practice within the European Union.

PubMed

Bury, T J; Stokes, E K

2013-12-01

Direct access refers to service users being able to refer themselves to physiotherapy without a third-party referral. It represents a model of practice supported globally by the profession, growing research evidence and health policy in some health systems. To the authors' knowledge, no research has been reported to ascertain the extent to which direct access is available within the physiotherapy profession within the European Union (EU). To survey member organisations of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT); establish the number of member states within the EU where it is possible for individuals seeking physiotherapy services to self-refer; describe the legislative/regulatory and reimbursement contexts in which physiotherapy services are delivered; examine if physiotherapy practice is different in member states where direct access is permitted compared with member states where direct access is not permitted; and to describe the barriers and facilitators to direct access perceived by member organisations of the WCPT. Cross-sectional, online survey using a purposive sample. Member organisations of the WCPT in the EU. Direct access is not available in all member states of the EU, despite the majority having legislation to regulate the profession, and entry-level education programmes that produce graduates with the requisite competencies. Key barriers perceived are those that can influence policy development, including the views of the medical profession and politicians. Support of service users and politicians, as well as professional autonomy, are seen as key facilitators. These results represent the first report of a comprehensive mapping of direct access to physiotherapy and contexts within the EU. In over half of member states, service users can self-refer to physiotherapists. These results provide insights to further individuals' understanding about the similarities and differences in working practices and service delivery factors, such as reimbursement across and within EU member states. The synergies between barriers and facilitators indicate the importance of targeted advocacy strategies in the introduction of direct access/self-referral to physiotherapy. Copyright © 2013 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Remarkable changes in the photoluminescent properties of Y2Ce2O7:Eu(3+) red phosphors through modification of the cerium oxidation states and oxygen vacancy ordering.

PubMed

Raj, Athira K V; Prabhakar Rao, P; Sreena, T S; Sameera, S; James, Vineetha; Renju, U A

2014-11-21

A new series of red phosphors based on Eu(3+)-doped yttrium cerate [Y1.9Ce2O7:0.1Eu(3+), Y2Ce1.9O7:0.1Eu(3+) and Y2Ce2-xO7:xEu(3+) (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.50)] was prepared via a conventional solid-state method. The influence of the substitution of Eu(3+) at the aliovalent site on the photoluminescent properties was determined by powder X-ray diffraction, FT Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and lifetime measurements. The substitution of Eu(3+) at the Ce(4+) site induces a structural transition from a defect fluorite to a C-type structure, which increases the oxygen vacancy ordering and the distortion of the Eu(3+) environment, and decreases the formation of Ce(3+) states. In contrast, phosphors with isovalent substitution at the Y(3+) site exhibit the biphasic nature of defect fluorite and a C-type structure, thereby increasing the number of Ce(3+) oxidation states. These modifications resulted in remarkable changes in the photoluminescent properties of Y2Ce1.9O7:0.1Eu(3+) red phosphors, with emission intensities 3.8 times greater than those of the Ce0.9O2:0.1Eu(3+) and Y1.9Ce2O7:0.1Eu(3+). The photoluminescent properties of Y2Ce2-xO7:xEu(3+) were studied at different Eu(3+) concentrations under excitation with blue light. These phosphors emit intense red light due to the (5)D0-(7)F2 transition under excitation at 466 nm and no concentration quenching is observed with up to 50 mol% Eu(3+). They show increased lifetimes in the range 0.62-0.72 ms at Eu(3+) concentrations. The cation ordering linked to the oxygen vacancy ordering led to the uniform distribution of Eu(3+) ions in the lattice, thus allowing higher doping concentrations without quenching and consequently increasing the lifetime of the (5)D0 states. Our results demonstrate that significant improvements in the photoluminescence properties can be achieved by the structural alteration of a fluorite CeO2 to a C-type lattice.

Structural, XPS and magnetic studies of pulsed laser deposited Fe doped Eu{sub 2}O{sub 3} thin film

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, Sandeep; Prakash, Ram, E-mail: rpgiuc@gmail.com; Choudhary, R.J.

2015-10-15

Highlights: • Growth of Fe doped Eu{sub 2}O{sub 3} thin films by PLD. • XRD and Raman’s spectroscopy used for structure confirmation. • The electronic states of Eu and Fe are confirmed by XPS. • Magnetic properties reveals room temperature magnetic ordering in deposited film. - Abstract: Fe (4 at.%) doped europium (III) oxide thin film was deposited on silicon (1 0 0) substrate by pulsed laser deposition technique. Structural, spectral and magnetic properties were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and magnetization measurements. XRD and Raman spectroscopy reveal that the grown film is singlemore » phased and belongs to the cubic structure of Eu{sub 2}O{sub 3}. XPS study of the Eu{sub 1.92}Fe{sub 0.08}O{sub 3} film shows that Fe exists in Fe{sup 3+} ionic state in the film. The film exhibits magnetic ordering at room temperature.« less

Eu 3Ir 2In 15: A mixed-valent and vacancy-filled variant of the Sc 5Co 4Si 10 structure type with anomalous magnetic properties

DOE PAGES

Sarkar, Sumanta; Jana, Rajkumar; Siva, Ramesh; ...

2015-10-27

Here, a new compound, Eu 3Ir 2In 15 has been synthesized using indium as an active metal flux. The compound crystallizes in tetragonal P4/mbm space group with lattice parameters, a = 14.8580(4) Å, b = 14.8580(4) Å, c = 4.3901(2) Å. It was further characterized by SEM-EDX studies. The temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility suggests that Eu in this compound is exclusively in divalent state. The effective magnetic moment (μ eff) of this compound is 7.35 μ B/Eu ion with paramagnetic Curie temperature (θ p) of -28 K suggesting antiferromagnetic interaction. The mixed valent nature of Eu observed in magnetic measurementsmore » was confirmed by XANES measurements. The compound undergoes demagnetization at a low magnetic field (10 Oe), which is quite unusual for Eu based intermetallic compounds. Temperature dependent resistivity studies reveal that the compound is metallic in nature. A comparative study was made between Eu 3Ir 2In 15 and hypothetical vacancy variant Eu 5Ir 4In 10 which also crystallizes in the same crystal structure However our computational studies along with control experiments suggest that the latter is thermodynamically less feasible compared to the former and hence we proposed that it is highly unlikely that a RE 5T 4X 10 would exist with X as a group 13 elements.« less

A qualitative case study of evaluation use in the context of a collaborative program evaluation strategy in Burkina Faso.

PubMed

D'Ostie-Racine, Léna; Dagenais, Christian; Ridde, Valéry

2016-05-26

Program evaluation is widely recognized in the international humanitarian sector as a means to make interventions and policies more evidence based, equitable, and accountable. Yet, little is known about the way humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) actually use evaluations. The current qualitative evaluation employed an instrumental case study design to examine evaluation use (EU) by a humanitarian NGO based in Burkina Faso. This organization developed an evaluation strategy in 2008 to document the implementation and effects of its maternal and child healthcare user fee exemption program. Program evaluations have been undertaken ever since, and the present study examined the discourses of evaluation partners in 2009 (n = 15) and 2011 (n = 17). Semi-structured individual interviews and one group interview were conducted to identify instances of EU over time. Alkin and Taut's (Stud Educ Eval 29:1-12, 2003) conceptualization of EU was used as the basis for thematic qualitative analyses of the different forms of EU identified by stakeholders of the exemption program in the two data collection periods. Results demonstrated that stakeholders began to understand and value the utility of program evaluations once they were exposed to evaluation findings and then progressively used evaluations over time. EU was manifested in a variety of ways, including instrumental and conceptual use of evaluation processes and findings, as well as the persuasive use of findings. Such EU supported planning, decision-making, program practices, evaluation capacity, and advocacy. The study sheds light on the many ways evaluations can be used by different actors in the humanitarian sector. Conceptualizations of EU are also critically discussed.

Structural and luminescent study of TeO2-BaO-Bi2O3-Ag glass system doped with Eu3+ and Dy3+ for possible color-tunable phosphor application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewandowski, Tomasz; Seweryński, Cezary; Walas, Michalina; Łapiński, Marcin; Synak, Anna; Sadowski, Wojciech; Kościelska, Barbara

2018-05-01

Tellurite glass systems of 73TeO2-4BaO-3Bi2O3-1Ag:xEu2O3-(2-x)Dy2O3 (where x = 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 in molar ratio) composition have been successfully synthesized. In order to acquire Ag nanoparticles, materials have been heat treated at 350 °C in the air atmosphere. Structural properties of obtained samples were evaluated with various techniques. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements indicated that obtained materials are amorphous in nature. UV-vis results presented transitions characteristic to Dy3+ and Eu3+ ions. Additionally, X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated the presence of silver in metallic form. Photoluminescence measurements shown influence of Ag nanoparticles on emission characteristics. Simultaneous emission of Dy3+ and Eu3+ has been observed when samples were excited with λexc = 390 nm. Change of the emission color induced by heat treatment has been observed and described in case of x = 1 glass series. According to CIE results emission color changes as Eu/Dy ratio and heat treatment time are changed. Emission shifts from reddish-orange to yellowish white color. Obtained photoluminescence results confirm that synthesized materials are good candidates for color tunable phosphors.

Is Expenditure on Higher Education Per Student Converging across EU-15 Countries?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Agasisti, Tommaso; Perez-Esparrells, Carmen; Catalano, Giuseppe; Morales, Susana

2012-01-01

This article examines the trend in expenditure per student at higher education institutions in the EU-15 countries, during the period 1998-2006. The results show that there was a tendency towards convergence (as measured by sigma and beta convergence analysis). The ratio of convergence is higher after 2001, suggesting that the implementation of…

The EU sustainable energy policy indicators framework.

PubMed

Streimikiene, Dalia; Sivickas, Gintautas

2008-11-01

The article deals with indicators framework to monitor implementation of the main EU (European Union) directives and other policy documents targeting sustainable energy development. The main EU directives which have impact on sustainable energy development are directives promoting energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources, directives implementing greenhouse gas mitigation and atmospheric pollution reduction policies and other policy documents and strategies targeting energy sector. Promotion of use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency improvements are among priorities of EU energy policy because the use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency improvements has positive impact on energy security and climate change mitigation. The framework of indicators can be developed to establish the main targets set by EU energy and environmental policies allowing to connect indicators via chain of mutual impacts and to define policies and measures necessary to achieve established targets based on assessment of their impact on the targeted indicators representing sustainable energy development aims. The article discusses the application of indicators framework for EU sustainable energy policy analysis and presents the case study of this policy tool application for Baltic States. The article also discusses the use of biomass in Baltic States and future considerations in this field.

NMR studies of the incommensurate helical antiferromagnet EuCo 2 P 2 : Determination of antiferromagnetic propagation vector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Higa, Nonoka; Ding, Qing -Ping; Yogi, Mamoru

Recently, Q.-P. Ding et al. reported that their nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study on EuCo 2As 2 successfully characterized the antiferromagnetic (AFM) propagation vector of the incommensurate helix AFM state, showing that NMR is a unique tool for determination of the spin structures in incommensurate helical AFMs. Motivated by this work, we have carried out 153Eu, 31P, and 59Co NMR measurements on the helical antiferromagnet EuCo 2P 2 with an AFM ordering temperature T N = 66.5 K. An incommensurate helical AFM structure was clearly confirmed by 153Eu and 31P NMR spectra on single-crystalline EuCo 2P 2 in zero magneticmore » field at 1.6 K and its external magnetic field dependence. Furthermore, based on 59Co NMR data in both the paramagnetic and incommensurate AFM states, we have determined the model-independent value of the AFM propagation vector k = (0,0,0.73±0.09)2π/c, where c is the c-axis lattice parameter. As a result, the temperature dependence of k is also discussed.« less

NMR studies of the incommensurate helical antiferromagnet EuCo 2 P 2 : Determination of antiferromagnetic propagation vector

DOE PAGES

Higa, Nonoka; Ding, Qing -Ping; Yogi, Mamoru; ...

2017-07-06

Recently, Q.-P. Ding et al. reported that their nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study on EuCo 2As 2 successfully characterized the antiferromagnetic (AFM) propagation vector of the incommensurate helix AFM state, showing that NMR is a unique tool for determination of the spin structures in incommensurate helical AFMs. Motivated by this work, we have carried out 153Eu, 31P, and 59Co NMR measurements on the helical antiferromagnet EuCo 2P 2 with an AFM ordering temperature T N = 66.5 K. An incommensurate helical AFM structure was clearly confirmed by 153Eu and 31P NMR spectra on single-crystalline EuCo 2P 2 in zero magneticmore » field at 1.6 K and its external magnetic field dependence. Furthermore, based on 59Co NMR data in both the paramagnetic and incommensurate AFM states, we have determined the model-independent value of the AFM propagation vector k = (0,0,0.73±0.09)2π/c, where c is the c-axis lattice parameter. As a result, the temperature dependence of k is also discussed.« less

Synthesis and luminescent properties of Gd3Ga2Al3O12 phosphors doped with Eu3+ or Ce3+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, M. J.; Kim, H. J.

2016-09-01

Eu3+-or Ce3+-doped gadolinium gallium aluminum garnet (GGAG), Gd3Ga2Al3O12, phosphors are fabricated using solid-state reactions with Gd2O3, Ga2O3, Al2O3, CeO2 and Eu2O3 powders. The Eu3+-or Ce3+-doped Gd3Ga2Al3O12 phosphors are sintered at 1300 °C or 1600 °C for 5 hours by using an electric furnace under normal atmosphere. X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy studies are carried out in order to analyze the physical properties of these materials, and their luminescence properties are also measured by using UV and X-ray sources. The Eu3+-or Ce3+-doped Gd3Ga2Al3O12 phosphors show higher light yields in comparison to commercial phosphors such as Gd2O2S:Tb (gadox). This indicates that Gd3Ga2Al3O12:Eu3+ phosphors are promising materials for use in X-ray imaging and dose monitoring at proton beamlines.

Worldwide Emerging Environmental Issues Affecting the U.S. Military. September 2008 Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

Anticipation and Response System…………………………………………..1 Item 3. First EU-Central Asia Security Forum Included Environmental Security………….2 Item 4. Indonesian ...back seat at EU-Central Asia talks http://euobserver.com/9/26778/?rk=1 Item 4. Indonesian Navy to Tighten Security in Sea Border Areas The... Indonesian Navy announced that it will tighten security in its eastern and western sea border areas to support law enforcement efforts at sea for

The application of carbon monoxide in meat packaging needs to be re-evaluated within the EU: An overview.

PubMed

Van Rooyen, Lauren Anne; Allen, Paul; O'Connor, David I

2017-10-01

Carbon monoxide (CO) has many value-added benefits in meat packaging due to its colour stabilising effects and enhancement of meat quality attributes. The regulation of CO within meat packaging varies worldwide and remains a topical and controversial issue. CO is prohibited in the EU for use in meat packaging mainly due to fears it may mask spoilage therefore misleading consumers. The issue of consumer acceptance of CO was not considered. This article reviews the most pertinent literature to assess if the problems associated with the prohibition have been addressed. Applying CO pretreatments prior to vacuum packaging enhances colour while allowing discolouration to occur by the use-by-date, thereby addressing concerns about safety. Recent work showing European consumer acceptance of CO in meat packaging demonstrates its future potential within the EU. The information provided may support framing future policies intended to assure consumer protection, safety, choice and interest. Re-evaluation of permitting CO as a packaging gas within the EU may be warranted. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cardioprotective effect of hyperthyroidism on the stunned rat heart during ischaemia-reperfusion: energetics and role of mitochondria.

PubMed

Ragone, María Inés; Bonazzola, Patricia; Colareda, Germán A; Consolini, Alicia E

2015-06-01

What is the central question of this study? Hyperthyroidism is a cardiac risk factor, but thyroid therapy is used on myocardial stunning. What is the consequence of hyperthyroidism for mitochondrial metabolism and Ca(2+) handling of the postischaemic stunned heart? What is the main finding and its importance? Hyperthyroidism reduced stunning and improved muscle economy of the postischaemic rat heart. The activities of the mitochondrial sodium-calcium exchanger and mitochondrial K(+) channel in hyperthyroid rat hearts were different from those in the euthyroid rat hearts. These findings contribute to the understanding of mitochondrial bioenergetics in pathology and support thyroid therapy in the stunning induced by ischaemia. Transient ischaemia and hyperthyroidism are cardiovascular risk factors. Nevertheless, 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine/thyroxine therapy has been used to revert myocardial stunning. We studied the influence of hyperthyroidism on the role played by mitochondria in myocardial stunning consequent to ischaemia-reperfusion. Rats were injected s.c. daily with 20 μg kg(-1) triiodothyronine for 15 days (HpT group). Isolated ventricles from either HpT or euthyroid (EuT) rats were perfused in a calorimeter, and left intraventricular pressure (in millimetres of mercury) and heat release (Ht; in milliwatts per gram) were measured. Stunning was evoked by 20 min of no-flow ischaemia and 45 min reperfusion. The HpT hearts developed higher postischaemic contractile recovery (PICR) and improved total muscle economy (P/Ht) with lower diastolic contracture (ΔLVEDP) than EuT hearts. Release of Ca(2+) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum during reperfusion with 10 mm caffeine in low-[Na(+) ] Krebs solution evoked a higher contracture in EuT than in HpT hearts. Blockade of the mitochondrial sodium-calcium exchanger with clonazepam increased ΔLVEDP and reduced P/Ht and PICR in HpT but not in EuT hearts. The clonazepam-induced dysfunction in HpT hearts was reduced by ciclosporin, suggesting a dependance on activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Blockade of the mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter with Ru360 reduced P/Ht and PICR to ∼10% in both HpT and EuT hearts. Blockade of mitochondrial K(+) channels with 5-hydroxydecanoate increased LVEDP and reduced PICR and P/Ht in HpT hearts, while it only increased LVEDP in EuT hearts. The results suggest that hyperthyroidism prevents the stunning with high dependence on the mitochondrial sodium-calcium exchanger and mitochondrial K(+) channels. Both HpT and EuT hearts showed a similar and critical role of the uniporter. The HpT hearts have a slow sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) loss and low mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake. © 2015 The Authors. Experimental Physiology © 2015 The Physiological Society.

Preparation and spectral properties of europium hydrogen squarate microcrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolev, T.; Danchova, N.; Shandurkov, D.; Gutzov, S.

2018-04-01

A simple scheme for preparation of europium hydrogen squarate octahydrate microcrystals, Eu(HSq)3·8H2O is demonstrated. The microcrystalline powders obtained have a potential application as non-centrosymmetric and UV radiation - protective hybrid optical material. The site-symmetry of the Eu - ion is C2V or lower, obtained from diffuse reflectance spectra. The formation of europium hydrogen squarate is supported by IR - spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction. A detailed analysis of the UV-vis and IR spectra of the micropowders prepared is presented. The reaction between europium oxide and squaric acid leads to formation of microcrystalline plate-like crystals of europium hydrogen squarate Eu(HSq)3·8H2O, a non-centrosymmetric hybrid optical material with a potential application as UV radiation - protective coatings.

Low temperature magnetic characterization of EuO1-x

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rimal, Gaurab; Tang, Jinke

EuO is a widely studied magnetic semiconductor. It is an ideal case of a Heisenberg ferromagnet as well as a model magnetic polaron system. The interesting aspect of this material is the existance of magnetic polarons in the low temperature region. We study the properties of oxygen deficient EuO prepared by pulsed laser deposition. Besides normal ferromagnetic transitions near 70K and 140K, we observe a different transition at 16K. We also observe a shift in the coercivity for field cooling versus zero field cooling. Possible mechanisms driving these behaviors will be discussed. This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering (DEFG02-10ER46728) and by the School of Energy Resources of the University of Wyoming.

Is PM(10) mass measurement a reliable index for air quality assessment? An environmental study in a geographical area of north-eastern Italy.

PubMed

Cozzi, F; Adami, G; Barbieri, P; Reisenhofer, E; Bovenzi, M

2008-09-01

The aim of this study was to measure the concentration of some metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Ti) in PM(10) samples collected in one urban and one industrial site and to assess that PM(10) total mass measurement may be not sufficient as air quality index due to its complex composition. Metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and differential pulsed anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). The measured concentrations were used to calculate the content of metals in the PM(10) total mass, and to estimate the enrichment factors and the correlations between PM(10), metal concentrations and meteorological data for the two sites. The mean PM10 concentration during the sampling period in the urban site exceeded the annual European Union (EU) standard (40 microg/m(3)) and, for some sampling days, the daily EU standard (50 microg/m(3)) was also exceeded. In opposite, both EU standards were never exceeded in the industrial site. The overall metal content was nearly double in the industrial site compared to the urban one, and the mean Ni concentration exceeded the EU annual limit value (10 ng/m(3)). The metals with the highest enrichment factor were Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb for both sites, suggesting a dominant anthropogenic source for these metals. Metal concentrations were very low and typical of rural background during Christmas holidays, when factories were closed. PM(10) total mass measurement is not a sufficient air quality index since the metal content of PM(10) is not related to its total mass, especially in sites with industrial activities. This measurement should be associated with the analysis of toxic metals.

Building the Synergy between Public Sector and Research Data Infrastructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craglia, Massimo; Friis-Christensen, Anders; Ostländer, Nicole; Perego, Andrea

2014-05-01

INSPIRE is a European Directive aiming to establish a EU-wide spatial data infrastructure to give cross-border access to information that can be used to support EU environmental policies, as well as other policies and activities having an impact on the environment. In order to ensure cross-border interoperability of data infrastructures operated by EU Member States, INSPIRE sets out a framework based on common specifications for metadata, data, network services, data and service sharing, monitoring and reporting. The implementation of INSPIRE has reached important milestones: the INSPIRE Geoportal was launched in 2011 providing a single access point for the discovery of INSPIRE data and services across EU Member States (currently, about 300K), while all the technical specifications for the interoperability of data across the 34 INSPIRE themes were adopted at the end of 2013. During this period a number of EU and international initiatives has been launched, concerning cross-domain interoperability and (Linked) Open Data. In particular, the EU Open Data Portal, launched in December 2012, made provisions to access government and scientific data from EU institutions and bodies, and the EU ISA Programme (Interoperability Solutions for European Public Administrations) promotes cross-sector interoperability by sharing and re-using EU-wide and national standards and components. Moreover, the Research Data Alliance (RDA), an initiative jointly funded by the European Commission, the US National Science Foundation and the Australian Research Council, was launched in March 2013 to promote scientific data sharing and interoperability. The Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC), besides being the technical coordinator of the implementation of INSPIRE, is also actively involved in the initiatives promoting cross-sector re-use in INSPIRE, and sustainable approaches to address the evolution of technologies - in particular, how to support Linked Data in INSPIRE and the use of global persistent identifiers. It is evident that government and scientific data infrastructures are currently facing a number of issues that have already been addressed in INSPIRE. Sharing experiences and competencies will avoid re-inventing the wheel, and help promoting the cross-domain adoption of consistent solutions. Actually, one of the lessons learnt from INSPIRE and the initiatives in which JRC is involved, is that government and research data are not two separate worlds. Government data are commonly used as a basis to create scientific data, and vice-versa. Consequently, it is fundamental to adopt a consistent approach to address interoperability and data management issues shared by both government and scientific data. The presentation illustrates some of the lessons learnt during the implementation of INSPIRE and in work on data and service interoperability coordinated with European and international initiatives. We describe a number of critical interoperability issues and barriers affecting both scientific and government data, concerning, e.g., data terminologies, quality and licensing, and propose how these problems could be effectively addressed by a closer collaboration of the government and scientific communities, and the sharing of experiences and practices.

Synthesis, structure, and photoluminescence properties of novel KBaSc2 (PO4 )3 :Ce(3+) /Eu(2+) /Tb(3+) phosphors for white-light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Jiao, Mengmeng; Lü, Wei; Shao, Baiqi; Zhao, Lingfei; You, Hongpeng

2015-08-24

A series of novel KBaSc2 (PO4 )3 :Ce(3+) /Eu(2+) /Tb(3+) phosphors are prepared using a solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction analysis and Rietveld structure refinement are used to check the phase purity and crystal structure of the prepared samples. Ce(3+) - and Eu(2+) -doped phosphors both have broad excitation and emission bands, owing to the spin- and orbital-allowed electron transition between the 4f and 5d energy levels. By co-doping the KBaSc2 (PO4 )3 :Eu(2+) and KBaSc2 (PO4 )3 :Ce(3+) phosphors with Tb(3+) ions, tunable colors from blue to green can be obtained. The critical distance between the Eu(2+) and Tb(3+) ions is calculated by a concentration quenching method and the energy-transfer mechanism for Eu(2+) →Tb(3+) is studied by utilizing the Inokuti-Hirayama model. In addition, the quantum efficiencies of the prepared samples are measured. The results indicate that KBaSc2 (PO4 )3 :Eu(2+) ,Tb(3+) and KBaSc2 (PO4 )3 :Ce(3+) ,Tb(3+) phosphors might have potential applications in UV-excited white-light-emitting diodes. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Exploring growth conditions and Eu2+ concentration effects for KSr2I5:Eu scintillator crystals II: Ø 25 mm crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stand, L.; Zhuravleva, M.; Johnson, J.; Koschan, M.; Wu, Y.; Donnald, S.; Vaigneur, K.; Lukosi, E.; Melcher, C. L.

2018-02-01

Europium doped potassium strontium iodide is a very promising scintillator for national security applications due to its ease of growth and excellent scintillation properties. For this work the fast crystal growth and scintillation properties of 1-inch diameter single crystals of KSr2I5:Eu2+ (KSI:Eu) were investigated. We focused our efforts on optimizing the growth parameters required to produce one-inch diameter crystals without decreasing the previously reported fast pulling rate of 5 mm/h. Cracking was minimized by replacing the quartz ampoules with carbon coated quartz ampoules; thus, several crack free single crystals of KSI with varying Eu2+ concentrations were grown, including a Ø 1″ by 6″ long boule with 2.5% Eu. The maximum achievable performance of each crystal was measured using small 0.012 cm3 specimens. The volumetric dependencies of the light yield, energy resolution and decay time were evaluated using KSI:Eu 2% specimens with volumes ranging from 0.012 cm3 to 18 cm3. For large volumes (≥ 9 cm3), the performance was comparable to other high performing scintillators, with light yields up to 78,200 ph/MeV and energy resolutions as good as 3.2% at 662 keV. The initial version of a hermetic package has been developed, and the stability of the sealed crystal is promising.

One-pot synthesis and optical properties of Eu3+-doped nanocrystalline TiO2 and ZrO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Julián, Beatriz; Corberán, Rosa; Cordoncillo, Eloisa; Escribano, Purificación; Viana, Bruno; Sanchez, Clément

2005-11-01

A simple and versatile one-pot sol-gel synthesis of Eu3+-doped nanocrystalline TiO2 and ZrO2 nanomaterials is reported in this paper. It consists of the controlled crystallization of Eu3+-doped TiO2 or ZrO2 nanoparticles from an initial solution containing the metal alkoxide, the lanthanide precursor, a complexing agent and a non-complexing acid. The main interest is that it could be extended to different lanthanide ions and inorganic metal oxides to prepare other multifunctional nanomaterials. The characterization by XRD, HRTEM and SAED techniques showed that the TiO2 and ZrO2 crystallization takes place at very low temperatures (60 °C) and that the crystallite size can be tailored by modifying the synthetic conditions. The optical properties of the resulting materials were studied by emission spectra and decay measurements. Both Eu3+:TiO2 and Eu3+:ZrO2 samples exhibited long lifetime values after removing organic components (τ = 0.7 and 1.3 ms, respectively), but the Eu3+:ZrO2 system is specially promising for photonic applications since its τ value is longer than some reported for other inorganic or hybrid matrices in which Eu3+ ions are complexed. This behaviour has been explained through an effective dispersion of the lanthanide ions within the ZrO2 nanocrystals.

Effect of C6+ Ion Irradiation on structural and electrical properties of Yb and Eu doped Bi1.5 Zn0.92 Nb1.5 O6.92 pyrochlores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yumak, Mehmet; Mergen, Ayhan; Qureshi, Anjum; Singh, N. L.

2015-03-01

Pyrochlore general formula of A2B2X7 where A and B are cations and X is an anion Pyrochlore compounds exhibit semiconductor, metallic or ionic conduction properties, depending on the doping, compositions/ substituting variety of cations and oxygen partial pressure. Ion beam irradiation can induce the structural disordering by mixing the cation and anion sublattices, therefore we aim to inevestigate effects of irradiation in pyrochlore compounds. In this study, Eu and Yb-doped Bi1.5Zn0.92Nb1.5O6.92 (Eu-BZN, Yb-BZN) Doping effect and single phase formation of Eu-BZN, Yb-BZN was characterized by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). Radiation-induced effect of 85 MeV C6+ ions on Eu-BZN, Yb-BZN was studied by XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and temperature dependent dielectric measurements at different fluences. XRD results revealed that the ion beam-induced structural amorphization processes in Eu-BZN and Yb-BZN structures. Our results suggested that the ion beam irradiation induced the significant change in the temprature depndent dielectric properties of Eu-BZN and Yb-BZN pyrochlores due to the increased oxygen vacancies as a result of cation and anion disordering. Department of Metallurgical and Materials Eng., Marmara University, Istanbul-81040, Turkey.

Depression in Europe: does migrant integration have mental health payoffs? A cross-national comparison of 20 European countries.

PubMed

Levecque, Katia; Van Rossem, Ronan

2015-01-01

Objectives. Depression is a leading cause of ill health and disability. As migrants form an increasing group in Europe, already making up about 8.7% of the population in 2010, knowledge on migrant-related inequalities in depression is of main public health interest. In this study, we first assess whether migrants in Europe are at higher risk for depression compared to the native population. Second, we assess whether the association between migration and depression is dependent on different forms of migrant integration. Migrant integration is looked at both from the individual and from the national level. Design. Hierarchical linear regression analyses based on data for 20 countries in the European Social Survey 2006/2007 (N = 37,076 individuals aged 15 or more). Depression is measured using the center for Epidemiologic Depression Scale. We consider migrant integration over time (first- and second-generation migrants, differentiated according to European Union (EU) or non-EU origin), barriers to integration (low educational level, financial difficulties, being out of the labor market, ethnic minority status, discrimination), and the host country environment (national migrant integration policy). Controls are gender, age, partner relationship, social support, and welfare state regime. Results. Natives and second-generation migrants do not differ significantly in their risk profile for depression. First-generation migrants show higher levels of depression, with those born outside of Europe to be the worst off. This higher risk for depression is not attributable to ethnic minority status but is mainly due to experienced barriers to socioeconomic integration and processes of discrimination. A country's national policy on migrant integration shows not to soften the depressing effect of being a first-generation migrant nor does it have indirect beneficial health effects by reducing barriers to integration. Conclusion. In Europe, first-generation EU and non-EU migrants experience higher levels of depression. Second-generation migrants and natives show similar risk profiles.

Geochemical Evidence for Recent Hydrothermal Alteration of Marine Sediments in Mid-Okinawa Trough, Southwest Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, A.; Abe, G.; Yamaguchi, K. E.

2014-12-01

Recent studies have shown that submarine hydrothermal system supports diverse microbial life. Bio-essential metals supporting such microbial communities were released from basalts by high-temperature water-rock interaction in deeper part of the oceanic crust and carried by submarine fluid flow. Its total quantity in global hydrothermal settings has been estimated to be on the order of ~1019 g/yr, which is surprisingly on the same order of the total river flows (Urabe et al., 2011). Therefore, it is important to explore how submarine river system works, i.e., to understand mechanism and extent of elemental transport, which should lead to understanding of the roles of hydrothermal circulation in oceanic crust in controlling elemental budget in the global ocean and geochemical conditions to support deep hot biosphere. 　We performed REE analysis of marine sediments influenced by submarine hydrothermal activity in Mid-Okinawa Trough. The sediment samples used in this study are from IODP site at Iheya North region and JADE site at Izena region. The samples show alternation between volcanic and clastic sediments. Hydrothermal fluids of this area contain elevated concentrations of volatile components such as H2, CO2, CH4, NH4+, and H2S, supporting diverse chemoautotrophic microbial community (Nakagawa et al., 2005). The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of hydrothermal activity on the REE signature of the sediments. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns of the samples show relative enrichment of light over heavy REEs, weak positive Ce anomalies, and variable degrees of negative Eu anomalies. The REE patterns suggest the sediments source was mainly basalt, suggesting insignificant input of continental materials. Negative Eu anomalies found in the IODP site become more pronounced with increasing depth, suggesting progressive increase of hydrothermal alteration where Eu was reductively dissolved into fluids by decomposition of feldspars. Contrary, at the JADE site, magnitude of negative Eu anomalies was variable independent of the sediment depth. This suggests changes in the redox conditions, most likely due to occasional invasions of O2-bearing seawater into sediments. Different regimes of hydrothermal fluid flows govern the chemical environments of marine sediments in active hydrothermal areas.

Additional of polyethylene glycol on the preparation of LaPO4:Eu3+ phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panatarani, Camellia; Joni, I. Made

2013-09-01

Solution phase method was used to synthesis nanocrystal LaPO4:Eu3+. Polyethylene glycol with vary molecular weight (MW) was added to allow an exothermic reaction to get a high crystalinity of LaPO4:Eu3+. The x-ray pattern of as prepared LaPO4 was obtained by using an X'pert PANalytical diffractometer with CuKα radiation (λ = 1.5406 Å) and the photoluminescent measurement spectra is obtained by using Fluorescence Spectrometer LS55, Perkin Elmer. The additional of various MW of polyethylene glycol into the precursor solution of LaPO4:Eu3+ affected the crystal structure and luminescent properties. Higher MW of PEG depressing the luminescent spectra. The emission origin from 5D0-7F4 transition vanished by additional 500,000 and 2,000,000 MW of PEG.

LOCAL MAGNETIC BEHAVIOR OF 54Fe in EuFe2As2 AND Eu0.5K0.5Fe2As2: MICROSCOPIC STUDY USING TIME DIFFERENTIAL PERTURBED ANGULAR DISTRIBUTION (TDPAD) SPECTROSCOPY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohanta, S. K.; Mishra, S. N.; Davane, S. M.; Layek, S.; Hossain, Z.

2013-12-01

In this paper, we report the time differential perturbed angular distribution measurements of 54Fe on a polycrystalline EuFe2As2 and Eu0.5K0.5Fe2As2. The hyperfine field and nuclear spin-relaxation rate are strongly temperature dependent in the paramagnetic state suggesting strong spin fluctuation in the parent compound. The local susceptibility show Curie-Weiss-like temperature dependence and Korringa-like relaxation in the tetragonal phase indicating the presence of local moment. In the orthorhombic phase, the hyperfine field behavior suggesting quasi two-dimensional magnetic ordering. The experimental results are in a good agreement with first-principle calculations based on density functional theory.

Crystal growth and scintillation properties of potassium strontium bromide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stand, L.; Zhuravleva, M.; Wei, H.; Melcher, C. L.

2015-08-01

In this work, potassium strontium bromide activated with divalent europium, (KSr2Br5:Eu) has been studied. It has a monoclinic crystal structure and a density of 3.98 g/cm3. Two single crystals of KSr2Br5 doped with 5% Eu2+, with diameters of 13 mm and 22 mm, were grown in a two zone transparent furnace via the Bridgman technique. The X-ray excited emission spectrum consisted of a single peak at ∼427 nm due to the 5d-4f transition in Eu2+. The measured light yield and energy resolution at 662 keV was 75,000 ph/MeV and 3.5%. At low energies KSr2Br5:Eu 5% also displays good energy resolution, 6.7% at 122 keV and 7.9% at 59.5 keV.

Synthesis, Structure, and Complex Magnetism of MIr 2In 8 (M = Eu, Sr)

DOE PAGES

Calta, Nicholas P.; L. Bud’ko, Sergey; Rodriguez, Alexandra P.; ...

2016-03-07

In this paper, we report the synthesis, crystal structure, and physical properties of two new polar intermetallic compounds, EuIr 2In 8 and SrIr 2In 8. Both were synthesized in good yield using In metal as a reactive flux medium, enabling the growth of large crystals for physical property measurements. They crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbam with the CeFe 2Al 8 structure type, which is sometimes also referred to as the CaCo 2Al 8 structure type. The two analogues have unit cell parameters of a = 13.847(3) Å, b = 16.118(3) Å, and c = 4.3885(9) Å for Mmore » = Eu and a = 13.847(3) Å, b = 16.113(3) Å, and c = 4.3962(9) Å for M = Sr at room temperature. SrIr 2In 8 is a diamagnetic metal with no local magnetic moments on either the Sr or Ir sites, and the diamagnetic contribution from core electrons overwhelms the expected Pauli paramagnetism normally seen in intermetallic compounds. Magnetism in EuIr 2In 8 is dominated by the local Eu moments, which order antiferromagnetically at 5 K in low applied fields. Increasing the field strength depresses the magnetic ordering temperature and also induces a spin reorientation at lower temperature, indicating complex competing magnetic interactions. Finally, low-temperature heat capacity measurements show a significant enhancement of the Sommerfeld coefficient in EuIr 2In 8 relative to that in SrIr 2In 8, with estimated values of γ = 118(3) and 18.0(2) mJ mol –1 K –2, respectively.« less

An Optically Stimulated Luminescence Uranium Enrichment Monitor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miller, Steven D.; Tanner, Jennifer E.; Simmons, Kevin L.

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has pioneered the use of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) technology for use in personnel dosimetry and high dose radiation processing dosimetry. PNNL has developed and patented an alumina-based OSL dosimeter that is being used by the majority of medical X-ray and imaging technicians worldwide. PNNL has conceived of using OSL technology to passively measure the level of UF6 enrichment by attaching the prototype OSL monitor to pipes containing UF6 gas within an enrichment facility. The prototype OSL UF6 monitor utilizes a two-element approach with the first element open and unfiltered to measure both themore » low energy and high energy gammas from the UF6, while the second element utilizes a 3-mm thick tungsten filter to eliminate the low energy gammas and pass only the high energy gammas from the UF6. By placing a control monitor in the room away from the UF6 pipes and other ionizing radiation sources, the control readings can be subtracted from the UF6 pipe monitor measurements. The ratio of the shielded to the unshielded net measurements provides a means to estimate the level of uranium enrichment. PNNL has replaced the commercially available MicroStar alumina-based dosimeter elements with a composite of polyethylene plastic, high-Z glass powder, and BaFBr:Eu OSL phosphor powder at various concentrations. The high-Z glass was added in an attempt to raise the average “Z” of the composite dosimeter and increase the response. Additionally, since BaFBr:Eu OSL phosphor is optimally excited and emits light at different wavelengths compared to alumina, the commercially available MicroStar reader was modified for reading BaFBr:Eu in a parallel effort to increase reader sensitivity. PNNL will present the design and performance of our novel OSL uranium enrichment monitor based on a combination of laboratory and UF6 test loop measurements. PNNL will also report on the optimization effort to achieve the highest possible performance from both the OSL enrichment monitor and the new custom OSL reader modified for this application. This project has been supported by the US Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Dismantlement and Transparency (DOE/NNSA/NA-241).« less

Training and Support for Women's Entrepreneurship. ETF Working Paper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bekh, Olena

2014-01-01

This paper contributes to the wider efforts of policy makers, experts and practitioners to maximise the contribution of women into the national, regional and global economic growth and competitiveness in the countries neighbouring the European Union (EU). It focuses on actions that can support women's participation in entrepreneurship. The paper…

Mobile Distance Learning with PDAs: Development and Testing of Pedagogical and System Solutions Supporting Mobile Distance Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rekkedal, Torstein; Dye, Aleksander

2007-01-01

The article discusses basic teaching-learning philosophies and experiences from the development and testing of mobile learning integrated with the online distance education system at NKI (Norwegian Knowledge Institute) Distance Education. The article builds on experiences from three European Union (EU) supported "Leonardo da Vinci"…

Medication Errors: New EU Good Practice Guide on Risk Minimisation and Error Prevention.

PubMed

Goedecke, Thomas; Ord, Kathryn; Newbould, Victoria; Brosch, Sabine; Arlett, Peter

2016-06-01

A medication error is an unintended failure in the drug treatment process that leads to, or has the potential to lead to, harm to the patient. Reducing the risk of medication errors is a shared responsibility between patients, healthcare professionals, regulators and the pharmaceutical industry at all levels of healthcare delivery. In 2015, the EU regulatory network released a two-part good practice guide on medication errors to support both the pharmaceutical industry and regulators in the implementation of the changes introduced with the EU pharmacovigilance legislation. These changes included a modification of the 'adverse reaction' definition to include events associated with medication errors, and the requirement for national competent authorities responsible for pharmacovigilance in EU Member States to collaborate and exchange information on medication errors resulting in harm with national patient safety organisations. To facilitate reporting and learning from medication errors, a clear distinction has been made in the guidance between medication errors resulting in adverse reactions, medication errors without harm, intercepted medication errors and potential errors. This distinction is supported by an enhanced MedDRA(®) terminology that allows for coding all stages of the medication use process where the error occurred in addition to any clinical consequences. To better understand the causes and contributing factors, individual case safety reports involving an error should be followed-up with the primary reporter to gather information relevant for the conduct of root cause analysis where this may be appropriate. Such reports should also be summarised in periodic safety update reports and addressed in risk management plans. Any risk minimisation and prevention strategy for medication errors should consider all stages of a medicinal product's life-cycle, particularly the main sources and types of medication errors during product development. This article describes the key concepts of the EU good practice guidance for defining, classifying, coding, reporting, evaluating and preventing medication errors. This guidance should contribute to the safe and effective use of medicines for the benefit of patients and public health.

Benchmark studies of induced radioactivity produced in LHC materials, Part I: Specific activities.

PubMed

Brugger, M; Khater, H; Mayer, S; Prinz, A; Roesler, S; Ulrici, L; Vincke, H

2005-01-01

Samples of materials which will be used in the LHC machine for shielding and construction components were irradiated in the stray radiation field of the CERN-EU high-energy reference field facility. After irradiation, the specific activities induced in the various samples were analysed with a high-precision gamma spectrometer at various cooling times, allowing identification of isotopes with a wide range of half-lives. Furthermore, the irradiation experiment was simulated in detail with the FLUKA Monte Carlo code. A comparison of measured and calculated specific activities shows good agreement, supporting the use of FLUKA for estimating the level of induced activity in the LHC.

Synchrotron x-ray spectroscopy of EuHN O3 aqueous solutions at high temperatures and pressures and Nb-bearing silicate melt phases coexisting with hydrothermal fluids using a modified hydrothermal diamond anvil cell and rail assembly

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mayanovic, Robert A.; Anderson, Alan J.; Bassett, William A.; Chou, I.-Ming

2007-01-01

A modified hydrothermal diamond anvil cell (HDAC) rail assembly has been constructed for making synchrotron x-ray absorption spectroscopy, x-ray fluorescence, and x-ray mapping measurements on fluids or solid phases in contact with hydrothermal fluids up to ???900??C and 700 MPa. The diamond anvils of the HDAC are modified by laser milling grooves or holes, for the reduction of attenuation of incident and fluorescent x rays and sample cavities. The modified HDAC rail assembly has flexibility in design for measurement of light elements at low concentrations or heavy elements at trace levels in the sample and the capability to probe minute individual phases of a multiphase fluid-based system using focused x-ray microbeam. The supporting rail allows for uniform translation of the HDAC, rotation and tilt stages, and a focusing mirror, which is used to illuminate the sample for visual observation using a microscope, relative to the direction of the incident x-ray beam. A structure study of Eu(III) aqua ion behavior in high-temperature aqueous solutions and a study of Nb partitioning and coordination in a silicate melt in contact with a hydrothermal fluid are described as applications utilizing the modified HDAC rail assembly. ?? 2007 American Institute of Physics.

Fiscal Year 2008 Phased Construction Completion Report for EU Z2-33 in Zone 2, East Tennessee Technology Park, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bechtel Jacobs

The Record of Decision for Soil, Buried Waste, and Subsurface Structure Actions in Zone 2, East Tennessee Technology Park, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (DOE/OR/01-2161&D2) (Zone 2 ROD) acknowledged that most of the 800 acres in Zone 2 were contaminated, but that sufficient data to confirm the levels of contamination were lacking. The Zone 2 ROD further specified that a sampling strategy for filling the data gaps would be developed. The Remedial Design Report/Remedial Action Work Plan for Zone 2 Soils, Slabs, and Subsurface Structures, East Tennessee Technology Park, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (DOE/OR/01-2224&D3) (Zone 2 RDR/RAWP) defined the sampling strategy as themore » Dynamic Verification Strategy (DVS), generally following the approach used for characterization of the Zone 1 exposure units (EUs). The Zone 2 ROD divided the Zone 2 area into seven geographic areas and 44 EUs. To facilitate the data quality objectives (DQOs) of the DVS process, the Zone 2 RDR/RAWP regrouped the 44 EUs into 12 DQO scoping EU groups. These groups facilitated the DQO process by placing similar facilities and their support facilities together and allowing identification of data gaps. The EU groups were no longer pertinent after DQO planning was completed and characterization was conducted as areas became accessible. As the opportunity to complete characterization became available, the planned DVS program and remedial actions (RAs) were completed for EU Z2-33. Remedial action was also performed at two additional areas in adjacent EU Z2-42 because of their close proximity and similar nature to a small surface soil RA in EU Z2-33. Remedial actions for building slabs performed in EU Z2-33 during fiscal year (FY) 2007 were reported in the Fiscal Year 2007 Phased Construction Completion Report for the Zone 2 Soils, Slabs, and Subsurface Structures at East Tennessee Technology Park, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (DOE/OR/01-2723&D1). Recommended RAs for EU Z2-42 were described in the Fiscal Year 2006 Phased Construction Completion Report for the Zone 2 Soils, Slabs, and Subsurface Structures at East Tennessee Technology Park, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (DOE/OR/01-2317&D2). Remedial actions performed in the Balance of Site (BOS) Laboratory Area of EU Z2-33 and two small areas in EU Z2-42 are described in Sects. 5 through 10 of this Phased Construction Completion Report (PCCR). The purpose of this PCCR is to address the following: (1) Document DVS characterization results for EU Z2-33; (2) Describe and document the risk evaluation and determine if the EU meets the Zone 2 ROD requirements for unrestricted industrial use to 10 ft bgs; (3) Identify additional areas not defined in the Zone 2 ROD that require remediation based on the DVS evaluation results; and (4) Describe RAs performed in the EU Z2-33 BOS Laboratory Area and two small areas in EU Z2-42. Approximately 18 acres in EU Z2-33 are addressed in this PCCR. Based on the results of the DVS evaluation and RAs performed, all 18 acres are recommended for unrestricted industrial use to 10 ft bgs. Three Federal Facility Agreement sites are addressed and recommended for no further action within this acreage, including: (1) K-1004-L Recirculating Cooling Water Lines Leak Sites; (2) K-1044 Heavy Equipment Repair Shop; and (3) K-1015-A Laundry Pit. Remedial actions for EU Z2-33 were developed in response to DVS characterization results described in the EU Z2-33 Technical Memorandum (Appendix A) and to support reindustrialization of the East Tennessee Technology Park as a commercial industrial park. Remediation criteria were designed for the protection of a future industrial worker who normally would not have the potential for exposure to soil below 10ft bgs. Accordingly, the Zone 2 ROD required land use controls to prevent disturbance of soils below 10 ft deep and to restrict future land use to industrial/commercial activities. In response to stakeholder comments, the U.S. Department of Energy agreed to re-evaluate the need for such land use restrictions. This document includes a screening evaluation to determine the likelihood of land use controls in EU Z2-33 being modified to: (1) eliminate the restriction on disturbance of soils below 10 ft bgs where data indicate the absence of residual contamination at any depth that would result in an unacceptable risk to the future industrial worker, and (2) permit alternative land uses that would be protective of future site occupants. Results of this screening evaluation indicate a low probability that restrictions on disturbing soil below 10 ft bgs could be safely eliminated for EU Z2-33. A qualitative screening evaluation considered the likelihood of unrestricted land use being protective of future site occupants. Based on this qualitative assessment, all 18 acres addressed in this PCCR were assigned a low probability for consideration of release for unrestricted land use.« less

Review of Offshore Wind Farm Impact Monitoring and Mitigation with Regard to Marine Mammals.

PubMed

Verfuss, Ursula K; Sparling, Carol E; Arnot, Charlie; Judd, Adrian; Coyle, Michael

2016-01-01

Monitoring and mitigation reports from 19 UK and 9 other European Union (EU) offshore wind farm (OWF) developments were reviewed, providing a synthesis of the evidence associated with the observed environmental impact on marine mammals. UK licensing conditions were largely concerned with mitigation measures reducing the risk of physical and auditory injury from pile driving. At the other EU sites, impact monitoring was conducted along with mitigation measures. Noise-mitigation measures were developed and tested in UK and German waters in German government-financed projects. We highlight some of the review's findings and lessons learned with regard to noise impact on marine mammals.

Enhanced moments of Eu in single crystals of the metallic helical antiferromagnet EuCo2 -yAs2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sangeetha, N. S.; Anand, V. K.; Cuervo-Reyes, Eduardo; Smetana, V.; Mudring, A.-V.; Johnston, D. C.

2018-04-01

The compound EuCo2 -yAs2 with the tetragonal ThCr2Si2 structure is known to contain Eu+2 ions with spin S =7/2 that order below a temperature TN≈47 K into an antiferromagnetic (AFM) proper helical structure with the ordered moments aligned in the tetragonal a b plane, perpendicular to the helix axis along the c axis, with no contribution from the Co atoms. Here we carry out a detailed investigation of the properties of single crystals. We consistently find about 5% vacancies on the Co site from energy-dispersive x-ray analysis and x-ray diffraction refinements. Enhanced ordered and effective moments of the Eu spins are found in most of our crystals. Electronic structure calculations indicate that the enhanced moments arise from polarization of the d bands, as occurs in ferromagnetic Gd metal. Electrical resistivity measurements indicate metallic behavior. The low-field in-plane magnetic susceptibilities χa b(T

Gonorrhoea and gonococcal antimicrobial resistance surveillance networks in the WHO European Region, including the independent countries of the former Soviet Union.

PubMed

Unemo, Magnus; Ison, Catherine A; Cole, Michelle; Spiteri, Gianfranco; van de Laar, Marita; Khotenashvili, Lali

2013-12-01

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae has emerged for essentially all antimicrobials following their introduction into clinical practice. During the latest decade, susceptibility to the last remaining options for antimicrobial monotherapy, the extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC), has markedly decreased internationally and treatment failures with these ESCs have been verified. In response to this developing situation, WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have published global and region-specific response plans, respectively. One main component of these action/response plans is to enhance the surveillance of AMR and treatment failures. This paper describes the perspectives from the diverse WHO European Region (53 countries), including the independent countries of the former Soviet Union, regarding gonococcal AMR surveillance networks. The WHO European Region has a high prevalence of resistance to all previously recommended antimicrobials, and most of the first strictly verified treatment failures with cefixime and ceftriaxone were also reported from Europe. In the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), the European gonococcal antimicrobial surveillance programme (Euro-GASP) funded by the ECDC is running. In 2011, the Euro-GASP included 21/31 (68%) EU/EEA countries, and the programme is further strengthened annually. However, in the non-EU/EEA countries, internationally reported and quality assured gonococcal AMR data are lacking in 87% of the countries and, worryingly, appropriate support for establishment of a GASP is still lacking. Accordingly, national and international support, including political and financial commitment, for gonococcal AMR surveillance in the non-EU/EEA countries of the WHO European Region is essential.

Theory of Mind and Emotion Understanding Predict Moral Development in Early Childhood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lane, Jonathan D.; Wellman, Henry M.; Olson, Sheryl L.; LaBounty, Jennifer; Kerr, David C. R.

2010-01-01

The current study utilized longitudinal data to investigate how theory of mind (ToM) and emotion understanding (EU) concurrently and prospectively predicted young children's moral reasoning and decision making. One hundred twenty-eight children were assessed on measures of ToM and EU at 3.5 and 5.5 years of age. At 5.5 years, children were also…

Supranationalism Decision Making for Spanish Citizens and Its Relation to Personal Variables

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coromina, Lluis

2013-01-01

A crucial issue in the European Union (EU) is which policies should be regulated by EU and which ones by national governments. Given this situation it is interesting to study the citizens' preference for the level of political decision making. The interest of the paper is mainly empirical, which consists in the creation of a measure for…

Rare earth niobate coordination polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muniz, Collin N.; Patel, Hiral; Fast, Dylan B.; Rohwer, Lauren E. S.; Reinheimer, Eric W.; Dolgos, Michelle; Graham, Matt W.; Nyman, May

2018-03-01

Rare-earth (RE) coordination polymers are infinitely tailorable to yield luminescent materials for various applications. Here we described the synthesis of a heterometallic rare-earth coordination compound ((CH3)2SO)3(RE)NbO(C2O4)3((CH3)2SO) = dimethylsulfoxide, DMSO, (C2O2= oxalate), (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb). The structure was obtained from single crystal X-ray diffraction of the La analogue. The Nb˭O and DMSO terminal-bonding character guides assembly of an open framework structure with noncentrosymmetric RE-coordination geometry, and large spacing between the RE centers. A second structure was observed by PXRD for the smaller rare earths (Dy, Ho, Er, Yb); this structure has not yet been determined. The materials were further characterized using FTIR, and photoluminescence measurements. Characteristic excitation and emission transitions were observed for RE = Nd, Sm, Eu, and Tb. Quantum yield (QY) measurements were performed by exciting Eu and Tb analoges at 394 nm (QY 66%) and 464 nm (QY 71%) for Eu; and 370 nm (QY=40%) for Tb. We attribute the high QY and bright luminescence to two main structure-function properties of the system; namely the absence of water in the structure, and absence of concentration quenching.

Biosafety and Biosecurity in European Containment Level 3 Laboratories: Focus on French Recent Progress and Essential Requirements.

PubMed

Pastorino, Boris; de Lamballerie, Xavier; Charrel, Rémi

2017-01-01

Even if European Union (EU) Member States are obliged to implement EU Directives 2000/54/EC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work , national biosafety regulations and practices varied from country to country. In fact, EU legislation on biological agents and genetically modified microorganisms is often not specific enough to ensure harmonization leading to difficulties in implementation for most laboratories. In the same way, biosecurity is a relatively new concept and a few EU Member States are known to have introduced national laboratory biosecurity legislation. In France, recent regulations have reinforced biosafety/biosecurity in containment level 3 (CL-3) laboratories but they concern a specific list of pathogens with no correlation in other European Members States. The objective of this review was to summarize European biosafety/biosecurity measures concerning CL-3 facilities focusing on French specificities. Essential requirements needed to preserve efficient biosafety measures when manipulating risk group 3 biological agents are highlighted. In addition, International, European and French standards related to containment laboratory planning, operation or biosafety equipment are described to clarify optimal biosafety and biosecurity requirements.

Biosafety and Biosecurity in European Containment Level 3 Laboratories: Focus on French Recent Progress and Essential Requirements

PubMed Central

Pastorino, Boris; de Lamballerie, Xavier; Charrel, Rémi

2017-01-01

Even if European Union (EU) Member States are obliged to implement EU Directives 2000/54/EC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work, national biosafety regulations and practices varied from country to country. In fact, EU legislation on biological agents and genetically modified microorganisms is often not specific enough to ensure harmonization leading to difficulties in implementation for most laboratories. In the same way, biosecurity is a relatively new concept and a few EU Member States are known to have introduced national laboratory biosecurity legislation. In France, recent regulations have reinforced biosafety/biosecurity in containment level 3 (CL-3) laboratories but they concern a specific list of pathogens with no correlation in other European Members States. The objective of this review was to summarize European biosafety/biosecurity measures concerning CL-3 facilities focusing on French specificities. Essential requirements needed to preserve efficient biosafety measures when manipulating risk group 3 biological agents are highlighted. In addition, International, European and French standards related to containment laboratory planning, operation or biosafety equipment are described to clarify optimal biosafety and biosecurity requirements. PMID:28620600

Luminescence concentration quenching and site-occupancy of Eu2+ ions in Na2Ca2Si3O9 phosphors derived from 45S5 glass-ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yangguang; Tong, Chao; Xu, Chuanyan; Li, Yadong; Seo, Hyo Jin

2016-04-01

The phosphors of Na2Ca2-2xEu2xSi3O9 (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.09) were first synthesized by sol-gel method. The crystal phase formations of the phosphors were detected by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements and the structure refinement. The photoluminescence spectra, the concentration quenching, the luminescence decay curves and the luminescence color chromaticity were measured, respectively. The excitation spectra indicate that the phosphors can be effectively excited by near UV-LED chips. Two kinds of Eu2+ sites centered at 545 nm and 505 nm were discussed by analyzing the spectra, concentration-dependent luminescence intensity and lifetimes. This is a potential tool for monitoring the bioactivity of 45S5 glass-ceramics in situ.

Measuring lanthanide concentrations in molten salt using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).

PubMed

Weisberg, Arel; Lakis, Rollin E; Simpson, Michael F; Horowitz, Leo; Craparo, Joseph

2014-01-01

The versatility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as an analytical method for high-temperature applications was demonstrated through measurement of the concentrations of the lanthanide elements europium (Eu) and praseodymium (Pr) in molten eutectic lithium chloride-potassium chloride (LiCl-KCl) salts at a temperature of 500 °C. Laser pulses (1064 nm, 7 ns, 120 mJ/pulse) were focused on the top surface of the molten salt samples in a laboratory furnace under an argon atmosphere, and the resulting LIBS signals were collected using a broadband Echelle-type spectrometer. Partial least squares (PLS) regression using leave-one-sample-out cross-validation was used to quantify the concentrations of Eu and Pr in the samples. The root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) for Eu was 0.13% (absolute) over a concentration range of 0-3.01%, and for Pr was 0.13% (absolute) over a concentration range of 0-1.04%.

Nanotechnology publications and citations by leading countries and blocs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Youtie, Jan; Shapira, Philip; Porter, Alan L.

2008-08-01

This article examines the relative positions with respect to nanotechnology research publications of the European Union (EU), the United States (US), Japan, Germany, China, and three Asian Tiger nations (South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan). The analysis uses a dataset of nanotechnology publication records for the time period 1990 through 2006 (part year) extracted from the Science Citation Index obtained through the Web of Science and was developed through a two-stage modularized Boolean approach. The results show that although the EU and the US have the highest number of nanotechnology publications, China and other Asian countries are increasing their publications rapidly, taking an ever-larger proportion of the total. When viewed in terms of the quality-based measure of citations, Asian nanotechnology researchers also show growth in recent years. However, by such citation measures, the US still maintains a strongly dominant position, followed by the EU.

Optical third harmonic generation in the magnetic semiconductor EuSe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lafrentz, M.; Brunne, D.; Kaminski, B.; Pavlov, V. V.; Pisarev, R. V.; Henriques, A. B.; Yakovlev, D. R.; Springholz, G.; Bauer, G.; Bayer, M.

2012-01-01

Third harmonic generation (THG) has been studied in europium selenide EuSe in the vicinity of the band gap at 2.1-2.6 eV and at higher energies up to 3.7 eV. EuSe is a magnetic semiconductor crystalizing in centrosymmetric structure of rock-salt type with the point group m3m. For this symmetry the crystallographic and magnetic-field-induced THG nonlinearities are allowed in the electric-dipole approximation. Using temperature, magnetic field, and rotational anisotropy measurements, the crystallographic and magnetic-field-induced contributions to THG were unambiguously separated. Strong resonant magnetic-field-induced THG signals were measured at energies in the range of 2.1-2.6 eV and 3.1-3.6 eV for which we assign to transitions from 4f7 to 4f65d1 bands, namely involving 5d(t2g) and 5d(eg) states.

Optimization of Antibiotic Use in Hospitals – Antimicrobial Stewardship and the EU Project ABS International

PubMed Central

Allerberger, Franz; Lechner, Arno; Wechsler-Fördös, Agnes; Gareis, Roland

2008-01-01

Background The problem of antimicrobial resistance requires common strategies at the European level. Methods We report on an EU initiative fostering antibiotic (AB) stewardship (ABS) in hospitals. Results The project ‘ABS International: implementing antibiotic strategies for appropriate use of antibiotics in hospitals in member states of the EU’ started in September 2006 in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia. A training program for national ABS trainers was prepared and standard templates for ABS tools (AB list, guidelines for AB treatment and surgical prophylaxis, and AB-related organization) and valid process measures as well as quality indicators for AB use were developed. Specific ABS tools are being implemented in up to five health care facilities per country. Conclusion ABS International is the first EU-funded initiative focusing on the implementation of structural measures in hospitals to promote the prudent use of ABs. PMID:18667815

Investigation of the local environment of Eu3+ in a silicophosphate glass using site-selective spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ben Slimen, F.; Haouari, M.; Ben Ouada, H.; Guichaoua, D.; Raso, P.; Bidault, X.; Turlier, J.; Gaumer, N.; Chaussedent, S.

2017-02-01

Silicophosphate glasses (SiO2-P2O5) doped with Eu3+ ions were synthesized by the sol-gel process. Optical properties of these glasses were investigated by means of emission spectra and lifetime measurements. The Fluorescence Line Narrowing (FLN) technique was also used to explore the local structure around the Eu3+ ions in this host and to understand the role of phosphate as a codopant. As it is the case for aluminum, the ability of phosphate to avoid the rare earth clustering was investigated, and the role of this codopant in modifying the local order around the rare earth ion was evidenced. The analysis of the FLN spectra and lifetime measurements is consistent with this interpretation. Molecular Dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate and confirm these structural features. Two classes of europium sites were distinguished in agreement with the experimental characterization.

Policy challenges and reforms in small EU member state health systems: a narrative literature review.

PubMed

Azzopardi-Muscat, Natasha; Funk, Tjede; Buttigieg, Sandra C; Grech, Kenneth E; Brand, Helmut

2016-12-01

The EU directive on patients' rights and cross-border care is of particular interest to small states as it reinforces the concept of health system cooperation. An analysis of the challenges faced by small states, as well as a deep evaluation of their health system reform characteristics is timely and justified. This paper identifies areas in which EU level cooperation may bring added value to these countries' health systems. Literature search is based primarily on PUBMED and is limited to English-language papers published between January 2000 and September 2014. Results of 76 original research papers appearing in peer-reviewed journals are summarised in a literature map and narrative review. Primary care, health workforce and medicines emerge as the salient themes in the review. Lack of capacity and small market size are found to be the frequently encountered challenges in governance and delivery of services. These constraints appear to also impinge on the ability of small states to effectively implement health system reforms. The EU appears to play a marginal role in supporting small state health systems, albeit the stimulus for reform associated with EU accession. Small states face common health system challenges which could potentially be addressed through enhanced health system cooperation at EU level. The lessons learned from research on small states may be of relevance to health systems organized at regional level in larger European states. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.

An improved thermodynamic model for the complexation of trivalent actinides and lanthanide with oxalic acid valid to high ionic strength.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xiong, Yongliang; Thakur, Punam; Borkowski, Marian

The dissociation constants of oxalic acid (Ox), and the stability constants of Am 3+, Cm 3+ and Eu 3+ with Ox 2– have been determined at 25 °C, over a range of concentration varying from 0.1 to 6.60 m NaClO4 using potentiometric titration and extraction techniques, respectively. The experimental data support the formation of complexes, M(Ox) n 3 – 2n, where (M = Am 3+, Cm 3+ and Eu 3+ and n = 1 and 2). The dissociation constant and the stability constant values measured as a function of NaClO 4 concentration were used to estimate the Pitzer parameters formore » the respective interactions of Am 3+, Cm 3+ and Eu 3+ with Ox. Furthermore, the stability constants data of Am 3+ –Ox measured in NaClO 4 and in NaCl solutions from the literature were simultaneously fitted in order to refine the existing actinide–oxalate complexation model that can be used universally in the safety assessment of radioactive waste disposal. The thermodynamic stability constant: log β 0 101 = 6.30 ± 0.06 and log β 0 102 = 10.84 ± 0.06 for Am 3+ was obtained by simultaneously fitting data in NaCl and NaClO 4 media. Additionally, log β 0 101 = 6.72 ± 0.08 and log β 0 102 = 11.05 ± 0.09 for the Cm 3+ and log β 0 101 = 6.67 ± 0.08 and log β 0 102 = 11.15 ± 0.09 for the Eu 3+ were calculated by extrapolation of data to zero ionic strength in NaClO 4 medium only. For all stability constants, the Pitzer model gives an excellent representation of the data using interaction parameters β (0), β (1), and CΦ determined in this work. The thermodynamic model developed in this work will be useful in accurately modeling the potential solubility of trivalent actinides and early lanthanides to ionic strength of 6.60 m in low temperature environments in the presence of Ox. Furthermore, the work is also applicable to the accurate modeling transport of rare earth elements in various environments under the surface conditions.« less

An improved thermodynamic model for the complexation of trivalent actinides and lanthanide with oxalic acid valid to high ionic strength.

DOE PAGES

Xiong, Yongliang; Thakur, Punam; Borkowski, Marian

2015-07-30

The dissociation constants of oxalic acid (Ox), and the stability constants of Am 3+, Cm 3+ and Eu 3+ with Ox 2– have been determined at 25 °C, over a range of concentration varying from 0.1 to 6.60 m NaClO4 using potentiometric titration and extraction techniques, respectively. The experimental data support the formation of complexes, M(Ox) n 3 – 2n, where (M = Am 3+, Cm 3+ and Eu 3+ and n = 1 and 2). The dissociation constant and the stability constant values measured as a function of NaClO 4 concentration were used to estimate the Pitzer parameters formore » the respective interactions of Am 3+, Cm 3+ and Eu 3+ with Ox. Furthermore, the stability constants data of Am 3+ –Ox measured in NaClO 4 and in NaCl solutions from the literature were simultaneously fitted in order to refine the existing actinide–oxalate complexation model that can be used universally in the safety assessment of radioactive waste disposal. The thermodynamic stability constant: log β 0 101 = 6.30 ± 0.06 and log β 0 102 = 10.84 ± 0.06 for Am 3+ was obtained by simultaneously fitting data in NaCl and NaClO 4 media. Additionally, log β 0 101 = 6.72 ± 0.08 and log β 0 102 = 11.05 ± 0.09 for the Cm 3+ and log β 0 101 = 6.67 ± 0.08 and log β 0 102 = 11.15 ± 0.09 for the Eu 3+ were calculated by extrapolation of data to zero ionic strength in NaClO 4 medium only. For all stability constants, the Pitzer model gives an excellent representation of the data using interaction parameters β (0), β (1), and CΦ determined in this work. The thermodynamic model developed in this work will be useful in accurately modeling the potential solubility of trivalent actinides and early lanthanides to ionic strength of 6.60 m in low temperature environments in the presence of Ox. Furthermore, the work is also applicable to the accurate modeling transport of rare earth elements in various environments under the surface conditions.« less

Pressure and magnetic field effects on the valence transition of EuRh2Si2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitsuda, Akihiro; Kishaba, Eigo; Fujimoto, Takumi; Oyama, Kohei; Wada, Hirofumi; Mizumaki, Masaichiro; Kawamura, Naomi; Ishimatsu, Naoki

2018-05-01

We have measured the X-ray absorption spectra (XAS), electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility of EuRh2Si2, which undergoes a valence transition under high pressures. A sharp decrease in the Eu valence determined from the XAS was observed at around 70 K in the temperature dependence at P = 1.2-1.9 GPa. In the temperature dependence of electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility, we observed jumps associated with the temperature-induced valence transition under high pressures. The magnetoresistance detected a field-induced valence transition. The results are discussed from the thermodynamic point of view.

Single-layer MoS2 - electrical transport properties, devices and circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kis, Andras

2013-03-01

After quantum dots, nanotubes and nanowires, two-dimensional materials in the shape of sheets with atomic-scale thickness represent the newest addition to the diverse family of nanoscale materials. Single-layer molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) , a direct-gap semiconductor is a typical example of these new graphene-like materials that can be produced using the adhesive-tape based cleavage technique originally developed for graphene. The presence of a band gap in MoS2 allowed us to fabricate transistors that can be turned off and operate with negligible leakage currents. Furthermore, our transistors can be used to build simple integrated circuits capable of performing logic operations and amplifying small signals. I will report here on our latest 2D MoS2 transistors with improved performance due to enhanced electrostatic control, showing improved currents and transconductance as well as current saturation. We also record electrical breakdown of our devices and find that MoS2 can support very high current densities, exceeding the current carrying capacity of copper by a factor of fifty. Furthermore, I will show optoelectronic devices incorporating MoS2 with sensitivity that surpasses similar graphene devices by several orders of magnitude. Finally, I will present temperature-dependent electrical transport and mobility measurements that show clear mobility enhancement due to the suppression of the influence of charge impurities with the deposition of an HfO2 capping layer. Financially supported by grants from Swiss National Science Foundation, EU-FP7, EU-ERC and Swiss Nanoscience Institute.

Octahedral rotation patterns in strained EuFeO 3 and other Pbnm perovskite films: Implications for hybrid improper ferroelectricity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choquette, A. K.; Smith, C. R.; Sichel-Tissot, R. J.

2016-07-01

We report the relationship between epitaxial strain and the crystallographic orientation of the in-phase rotation axis and A-site displacements in Pbnm-type perovskite films. Synchrotron diffraction measurements of EuFeO3 films under strain states ranging from 2% compressive to 0.9% tensile on cubic or rhombohedral substrates exhibit a combination of a(-)a(+)c(-) and a(+)a(-)c(-) rotational patterns. We compare the EuFeO3 behavior with previously reported experimental and theoretical work on strained Pbnm-type films on nonorthorhombic substrates, as well as additional measurements from LaGaO3, LaFeO3, and Eu0.7Sr0.3MnO3 films on SrTiO3. Compiling the results from various material systems reveals a general strain dependence in which compressivemore » strain strongly favors a(-)a(+)c(-) and a(+)a(-)c(-) rotation patterns and tensile strain weakly favors a(-)a(-)c(+) structures. In contrast, EuFeO3 films grown on Pbnm-type GdScO3 under 2.3% tensile strain take on a uniform a(-)a(+)c(-) rotation pattern imprinted from the substrate, despite strain considerations that favor the a(-)a(-)c(+) pattern. These results point to the use of substrate imprinting as a more robust route than strain for tuning the crystallographic orientations of the octahedral rotations and A-site displacements needed to realize rotation-induced hybrid improper ferroelectricity in oxide heterostructures.« less

Spectroscopic, structural and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of luminescent, lanthanide doped core@shell nanomaterials GdVO4:Eu(3+)5%@SiO2@NH2.

PubMed

Szczeszak, Agata; Ekner-Grzyb, Anna; Runowski, Marcin; Szutkowski, Kosma; Mrówczyńska, Lucyna; Kaźmierczak, Zuzanna; Grzyb, Tomasz; Dąbrowska, Krystyna; Giersig, Michael; Lis, Stefan

2016-11-01

The luminescent GdVO4:Eu(3+)5%@SiO2@NH2 core@shell nanomaterials were obtained via co-precipitation method, followed by hydrolysis and co-condensation of silane derivatives: tetraethyl orthosilicate and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Their effect on human erythrocytes sedimentation and on proliferation of human lung microvascular endothelial cells was examined and discussed. The luminescent nanoparticles were synthesized in the presence of polyacrylic acid or glycerin in order to minimalize the agglomeration and excessive growth of nanostructures. Surface coating with amine functionalized silica shell improved their biocompatibility, facilitated further organic conjugation and protected the internal core. Magnetic measurements revealed an enhanced T1-relaxivity for the synthesized GdVO4:Eu(3+)5% nanostructures. Structure, morphology and average grain size of the obtained nanomaterials were determined by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis. The qualitative elemental composition of the nanomaterials was established using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The spectroscopic characteristic of red emitting core@shell nanophosphors was completed by measuring luminescence spectra and decays. The emission spectra revealed characteristic bands of Eu(3+) ions related to the transitions (5)D0-(7)F0,1,2,3,4 and (5)D1-(7)F1. The luminescence lifetimes consisted of two components, associated with the presence of Eu(3+) ions located at the surface of the crystallites and in the bulk. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Octahedral rotation patterns in strained EuFeO 3 and other Pbnm perovskite films: Implications for hybrid improper ferroelectricity

DOE PAGES

Choquette, A. K.; Smith, C. R.; Sichel-Tissot, R. J.; ...

2016-07-07

Here, we report the relationship between epitaxial strain and the crystallographic orientation of the in-phase rotation axis and A -site displacements in Pbnm-type perovskite films. Synchrotron diffraction measurements of EuFeO 3 films under strain states ranging from 2% compressive to 0.9% tensile on cubic or rhombohedral substrates exhibit a combination of a - a + c - and a + a - c - rotational patterns. We compare the EuFeO 3 behavior with previously reported experimental and theoretical work on strained Pbnm-type films on nonorthorhombic substrates, as well as additional measurements from LaGaO 3 ,more » LaFeO 3 , and Eu 0.7Sr 0.3 MnO 3 films on SrTiO 3 . Compiling the results from various material systems reveals a general strain dependence in which compressive strain strongly favors a - a + c - and a + a - c - rotation patterns and tensile strain weakly favors a - a - c + structures. In contrast, EuFeO 3 films grown on Pbnm-type GdScO 3 under 2.3% tensile strain take on a uniform a - a + c - rotation pattern imprinted from the substrate, despite strain considerations that favor the a - a - c + pattern. Our results point to the use of substrate imprinting as a more robust route than strain for tuning the crystallographic orientations of the octahedral rotations and A -site displacements needed to realize rotation-induced hybrid improper ferroelectricity in oxide heterostructures.« less

Mid-Term Assessment of the EU Drugs Strategy 2013-2020 and Final Evaluation of the Action Plan on Drugs 2013-2016: Final report.

PubMed

Emilie, Balbirnie; Matthew, Davies; Emma, Disley; Cristina Gonzalez, Monsalve; Stephen, Hartka; Stijn, Hoorens; Kristy, Kruithof; Martin, Sacher; Jirka, Taylor

2018-01-01

The aim of the EU Drugs Strategy 2013-2020 is to contribute to a reduction in drug demand and drug supply within the EU. The Strategy has so far been implemented by an Action Plan covering the period 2013-2016. This article sets out the findings of an evaluation that assesses the degree of implementation of the Strategy and the Action Plan in terms of outputs and, where possible, impacts. It looks at the extent to which the objectives of the Strategy have been achieved. The evaluation aims to provide evidence to support the European Commission's decision about whether to propose a new Action Plan for the period 2017-2020 and, if so, what changes would be needed compared to the current plan. Through applying a mixed-methods approach, the evaluation examined the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and coherence of the actions undertaken on the basis of the EU Drugs Strategy and the Action Plan, as well as their EU added value. The evaluation makes 20 recommendations, addressed to the European Commission, Member States, the European Council and other stakeholders. The key recommendation for the Commission is that a new Action Plan should be implemented for the period 2017-2020. This should be an updated version of the current Action Plan, rather than taking a new approach or introducing more new actions.

Forty years of improvements in European air quality: the role of EU policy-industry interplay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crippa, M.; Janssens-Maenhout, G.; Dentener, F.; Guizzardi, D.; Sindelarova, K.; Muntean, M.; Van Dingenen, R.; Granier, C.

2015-07-01

The EDGAR (Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research) v4.3 global anthropogenic emissions inventory of several gaseous (SO2, NOx, CO, non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) and NH3) and particulate (PM10, PM2.5, black and organic carbon (BC and OC)) air pollutants for the period 1970-2010 is used to develop retrospective air pollution emission scenarios to quantify the roles and contributions of changes in fuels consumption, technology, end-of-pipe emission reduction measures and their resulting impact on health and crop yields. This database presents changes in activity data, fuels and air pollution abatement technology for the past 4 decades, using international statistics and following guidelines for bottom-up emission inventory at the Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels with region-specific default values. With two further retrospective scenarios we assess (1) the impact of the technology and end-of-pipe (EOP) reduction measures in the European Union (EU) by considering a stagnation of technology with constant emission factors from 1970 and with no further abatement measures and improvement in European emissions standards, but fuel consumption occurring at historical pace, and (2) the impact of increased fuel consumption by considering unchanged energy use with constant fuel consumption since 1970, but technological development and end-of-pipe reductions. Our scenario analysis focuses on the three most important and most regulated sectors (power generation, the manufacturing industry and road transport), which are subject of multi-pollutant EU Air Quality regulations. If technology and European EOP reduction measures had stagnated at 1970 levels, EU air quality in 2010 would have suffered from 129 % higher SO2, 71 % higher NOx and 69 % higher PM2.5 emissions, demonstrating the large role of technology in reducing emissions in 2010. However, if fuel consumption had remained constant starting in 1970, the EU would have benefited from current technology and emission control standards, with reductions in NOx by even 13 % more. Such further savings are not observed for SO2 and PM2.5. If the EU consumed the same amount of fuels as in 1970 but with the current technology and emission control standards, then the emissions of SO2 and PM2.5 would be 42 % respectively 10 % higher. This scenario shows the importance for air quality of abandoning heavy residual fuel oil and shifting fuel types (from, e.g., coal to gas) in the EU. A reduced-form TM5-FASST (Fast Screening Scenario Tool based on the global chemical Transport Model 5) is applied to calculate regional and global levels of aerosol and ozone concentrations and to assess the impact of air quality improvements on human health and crop yield loss, showing substantial impacts of export of EU technologies and standards to other world regions.

Tailoring the structure and thermoelectric properties of BaTiO3via Eu2+ substitution.

PubMed

Xiao, Xingxing; Widenmeyer, Marc; Xie, Wenjie; Zou, Tianhua; Yoon, Songhak; Scavini, Marco; Checchia, Stefano; Zhong, Zhicheng; Hansmann, Philipp; Kilper, Stefan; Kovalevsky, Andrei; Weidenkaff, Anke

2017-05-31

A series of Ba 1-x Eu x TiO 3-δ (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9) phases with ∼40 nm particle size were synthesized via a Pechini method followed by annealing and sintering under a reducing atmosphere. The effects of Eu 2+ substitution on the BaTiO 3 crystal structure and the thermoelectric transport properties were systematically investigated. According to synchrotron X-ray diffraction data only cubic perovskite structures were observed. On the local scale below about 20 Å (equal to ∼5 unit cells) deviations from the cubic structure model (Pm3[combining macron]m) were detected by evaluation of the pair distribution function (PDF). These deviations cannot be explained by a simple symmetry breaking model like in EuTiO 3-δ . The best fit was achieved in the space group Amm2 allowing for a movement of Ti and Ba/Eu along 〈110〉 of the parent unit cell as observed for BaTiO 3 . Density functional calculations delivered an insight into the electronic structure of Ba 1-x Eu x TiO 3-δ . From the obtained density of states a significant reduction of the band gap by the presence of filled Eu 2+ 4f states at the top of the valence band was observed. The physical property measurements revealed that barium-europium titanates exhibit n-type semiconducting behavior and at high temperature the electrical conductivity strongly depended on the Eu 2+ content. Activation energies calculated from the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient data indicate that at high temperatures (800 K < T < 1123 K) the conduction mechanism of Ba 1-x Eu x TiO 3-δ (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9) is a polaron hopping when 0 < x ≤ 0.6 and is a thermally activated process when 0.6 < x < 1. Besides, the thermal conductivity increases with increasing Eu 2+ concentration. Due to a remarkable improvement of the power factor, Ba 0.1 Eu 0.9 TiO 3-δ showed a ZT value of 0.24 at 1123 K.

Considerations of temperature in the context of the persistence classification in the EU.

PubMed

Matthies, Michael; Beulke, Sabine

2017-01-01

Simulation degradation studies for industrial chemicals, biocidal products and plant protection products are required in the EU to estimate half-lives in soil, water and sediment for the comparison to persistence criteria for hazard (P/vP) assessment, and for use in exposure assessments. There is a discrepancy between European regulatory approaches regarding the temperature at which degradation half-lives should be (1) measured in simulation degradation testing of environmental compartments, and (2) compared to the P/vP criteria. In this paper, an opinion is provided on the options for the experimental temperature and extrapolation to other conditions. A review of the historical development of persistence criteria did not give conclusive evidence of the temperature at which the half-lives that underpin the P-criteria were measured, but room temperature is likely. Half-lives measured at 20 °C are in line with the intentions of some international agreements, but in the EU there is a continued political debate regarding the relevant temperature for comparison with persistence criteria. Measuring degradation at 20 °C has the advantage that metabolites/transformation products can be identified with greater accuracy, and that kinetic fits to determine half-lives for parent compounds and metabolites carry less uncertainty. Extrapolation of half-lives to lower temperatures is possible for assessing environmental exposure, but the uncertainty of the persistence classification is smaller when measured half-lives are used for direct comparison with P/vP criteria, without extrapolation. Model simulations demonstrate the pattern of concentrations that can be expected for realistic worst case climate scenarios in the EU based on the half-life of 120 days in soil at 20 °C and of 40 days in water at 20 °C, and their temporal and spatial variability.

Food safety - the roles and responsibilities of different sectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karabasil, N.; Bošković, T.; Dimitrijević, M.; Vasilev, D.; Đorđević, V.; Lakićević, B.; Teodorović, V.

2017-09-01

Serbia is a relatively small country but with a long tradition in food production, especially meat and meat products. Serbia, as part of its open negotiation process as a candidate country with the European Union (EU), started to harmonise its legislation with the EU, and has published a set of laws and regulations relating to the hygiene of food production and food safety, the official control of production and the welfare of animals. Therefore, the food safety system in Serbia is based on principles established in the EU. There is a need for cooperation of different sectors (government, food business operators and consumers) in the management of food safety, and every sector has its role and responsibility. This paper aims to provide analytical support for the process of upgrading safety and quality in Serbia’s food sector and explains the roles and responsibilities of different sectors in the food chain.

Monitoring and sustainable management of oil polluting wrecks and chemical munitions dump sites in the Baltic Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassellöv, Ida-Maja; Tengberg, Anders

2017-04-01

The Baltic Sea region contains a dark legacy of about 100 000 tons of dumped chemical warfare agents. As time passes the gun shells corrode and the risks of release of contaminants increase. A major goal of the EU-flagship project Daimon is to support governmental organisations with case-to-case adapted methods for sustainable management of dumped toxic munitions. At the Chalmers University of Technology, a partner of Daimon, a unique ISO 31000 adapted method was developed to provide decision support regarding potentially oilpolluting shipwrecks. The method is called VRAKA and is based on probability calculations. It includes site-specific information as well as expert knowledge. VRAKA is now being adapted to dumped chemical munitions. To estimate corrosion potential of gun shells and ship wrecks along with sediment re-suspension and transport multiparameter instruments are deployed at dump sites. Parameters measured include Currents, Salinity, Temperature, Oxygen, Depth, Waves and Suspended particles. These measurements have revealed how trawling at dump sites seems to have large implications in spreading toxic substances (Arsenic) over larger areas. This presentation will shortly describe the decision support model, the used instrumentation and discuss some of the obtain results.

Setting nutrient thresholds to support an ecological assessment based on nutrient enrichment, potential primary production and undesirable disturbance.

PubMed

Devlin, Michelle; Painting, Suzanne; Best, Mike

2007-01-01

The EU Water Framework Directive recognises that ecological status is supported by the prevailing physico-chemical conditions in each water body. This paper describes an approach to providing guidance on setting thresholds for nutrients taking account of the biological response to nutrient enrichment evident in different types of water. Indices of pressure, state and impact are used to achieve a robust nutrient (nitrogen) threshold by considering each individual index relative to a defined standard, scale or threshold. These indices include winter nitrogen concentrations relative to a predetermined reference value; the potential of the waterbody to support phytoplankton growth (estimated as primary production); and detection of an undesirable disturbance (measured as dissolved oxygen). Proposed reference values are based on a combination of historical records, offshore (limited human influence) nutrient concentrations, literature values and modelled data. Statistical confidence is based on a number of attributes, including distance of confidence limits away from a reference threshold and how well the model is populated with real data. This evidence based approach ensures that nutrient thresholds are based on knowledge of real and measurable biological responses in transitional and coastal waters.

Estimation of incidence and social cost of colon cancer due to nitrate in drinking water in the EU: a tentative cost-benefit assessment

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Presently, health costs associated with nitrate in drinking water are uncertain and not quantified. This limits proper evaluation of current policies and measures for solving or preventing nitrate pollution of drinking water resources. The cost for society associated with nitrate is also relevant for integrated assessment of EU nitrogen policies taking a perspective of welfare optimization. The overarching question is at which nitrogen mitigation level the social cost of measures, including their consequence for availability of food and energy, matches the social benefit of these measures for human health and biodiversity. Methods Epidemiological studies suggest colon cancer to be possibly associated with nitrate in drinking water. In this study risk increase for colon cancer is based on a case-control study for Iowa, which is extrapolated to assess the social cost for 11 EU member states by using data on cancer incidence, nitrogen leaching and drinking water supply in the EU. Health costs are provisionally compared with nitrate mitigation costs and social benefits of fertilizer use. Results For above median meat consumption the risk of colon cancer doubles when exposed to drinking water exceeding 25 mg/L of nitrate (NO3) for more than ten years. We estimate the associated increase of incidence of colon cancer from nitrate contamination of groundwater based drinking water in EU11 at 3%. This corresponds to a population-averaged health loss of 2.9 euro per capita or 0.7 euro per kg of nitrate-N leaching from fertilizer. Conclusions Our cost estimates indicate that current measures to prevent exceedance of 50 mg/L NO3 are probably beneficial for society and that a stricter nitrate limit and additional measures may be justified. The present assessment of social cost is uncertain because it considers only one type of cancer, it is based on one epidemiological study in Iowa, and involves various assumptions regarding exposure. Our results highlight the need for improved epidemiological studies. PMID:20925911

Occupational hygiene in terms of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bioaerosols at two solid waste management plants in Finland

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lehtinen, Jenni, E-mail: jenni.k.lehtinen@jyu.fi; Tolvanen, Outi; Nivukoski, Ulla

Highlights: ► Odorous VOCs: acetic acid, 2,3-butanedione, ethyl acetate, alpha-pinene and limonene. ► VOC concentrations did not exceed occupational exposure limit concentrations. ► 2,3-Butanedione as the health effecting compound is discussed. ► Endotoxin concentrations may cause health problems in waste treatment. - Abstract: Factors affecting occupational hygiene were measured at the solid waste transferring plant at Hyvinkää and at the optic separation plant in Hämeenlinna. Measurements consisted of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bioaerosols including microbes, dust and endotoxins. The most abundant compounds in both of the plants were aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, esters of carboxylic acids, ketones and terpenes.more » In terms of odour generation, the most important emissions were acetic acid, 2,3-butanedione, ethyl acetate, alpha-pinene and limonene due to their low threshold odour concentrations. At the optic waste separation plant, limonene occurred at the highest concentration of all single compounds of identified VOCs. The concentration of any single volatile organic compound did not exceed the occupational exposure limit (OEL) concentration. However, 2,3-butanedione as a health risk compound is discussed based on recent scientific findings linking it to lung disease. Microbe and dust concentrations were low at the waste transferring plant. Only endotoxin concentrations may cause health problems; the average concentration inside the plant was 425 EU/m{sup 3} which clearly exceeded the threshold value of 90 EU/m{sup 3}. In the wheel loader cabin the endotoxin concentrations were below 1 EU/m{sup 3}. High microbial and endotoxin concentrations were measured in the processing hall at the optic waste separation plant. The average concentration of endotoxins was found to be 10,980 EU/m{sup 3}, a concentration which may cause health risks. Concentrations of viable fungi were quite high in few measurements in the control room. The most problematic factor was endotoxins whose average measured concentrations was 4853 EU/m{sup 3}.« less

Modelling forest carbon stock changes as affected by harvest and natural disturbances. II. EU-level analysis.

PubMed

Pilli, Roberto; Grassi, Giacomo; Kurz, Werner A; Moris, Jose V; Viñas, Raúl Abad

2016-12-01

Forests and the forest sector may play an important role in mitigating climate change. The Paris Agreement and the recent legislative proposal to include the land use sector in the EU 2030 climate targets reflect this expectation. However, greater confidence on estimates from national greenhouse gas inventories (GHGI) and more comprehensive analyses of mitigation options are needed to seize this mitigation potential. The aim of this paper is to provide a tool at EU level for verifying the EU GHGI and for simulating specific policy and forest management scenarios. Therefore, the Carbon Budget Model (CBM) was applied for an integrated assessment of the EU forest carbon (C) balance from 2000 to 2012, including: (i) estimates of the C stock and net CO 2 emissions for forest management (FM), afforestation/reforestation (AR) and deforestation (D), covering carbon in both the forest and the harvest wood product (HWP) pools; (ii) an overall analysis of the C dynamics associated with harvest and natural disturbances (mainly storms and fires); (iii) a comparison of our estimates with the data reported in the EU GHGI. Overall, the average annual FM sink (-365 Mt CO 2 year -1 ) estimated by the CBM in the period 2000-2012 corresponds to about 7 % of total GHG emissions at the EU level for the same period (excluding land use, land-use change and forestry). The HWP pool sink (-44 Mt CO 2 year -1 ) contributes an additional 1 %. Emissions from D (about 33 Mt CO 2 year -1 ) are more than compensated by the sink in AR (about 43 Mt CO 2 year -1 over the period). For FM, the estimates from the CBM were about 8 % lower than the EU GHGI, a value well within the typical uncertainty range of the EU forest sink estimates. For AR and D the match with the EU GHGI was nearly perfect (difference <±2 % in the period 2008-2012). Our analysis on harvest and natural disturbances shows that: (i) the impact of harvest is much greater than natural disturbances but, because of salvage logging (often very relevant), the impact of natural disturbances is often not easily distinguishable from the impact of harvest, and (ii) the impact of storms on the biomass C stock is 5-10 times greater than fires, but while storms cause only indirect emissions (i.e., a transfer of C from living biomass to dead organic matter), fires cause both direct and indirect emissions. This study presents the application of a consistent methodological approach, based on an inventory-based model, adapted to the forest management conditions of EU countries. The approach captures, with satisfactory detail, the C sink reported in the EU GHGI and the country-specific variability due to harvest, natural disturbances and land-use changes. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study of its kind at EU level, i.e., including all the forest pools, HWP and natural disturbances, and a comparison with the EU GHGI. The results provide the basis for possible future policy-relevant applications of this model, e.g., as a tool to support GHGIs (e.g., on accounting for natural disturbances) and to verify the EU GHGI, and for the simulation of specific scenarios at EU level.

Electrostatic dust collectors compared to inhalable samplers for measuring endotoxin concentrations in farm homes.

PubMed

Kilburg-Basnyat, B; Peters, T M; Perry, S S; Thorne, P S

2016-10-01

Paired electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs) and daily, inhalable button samplers (BS) were used concurrently to sample endotoxin in 10 farm homes during 7-day periods in summer and winter. Winter sampling included an optical particle counter (OPC) to measure PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 . Electrostatic dust collectors and BS filters were analyzed for endotoxin using the kinetic chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Optical particle counter particulate matter (PM) data were divided into two PM categories. In summer, geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) endotoxin concentrations were 0.82 EU/m(3) (2.7) measured with the BS and 737 EU/m(2) (1.9) measured with the EDC. Winter values were 0.52 EU/m(3) (3.1) for BS and 538 EU/m(2) (3.0) for EDCs. Seven-day endotoxin values of EDCs were highly correlated with the 7-day BS sampling averages (r = 0.70; P < 0.001). Analysis of variance indicated a 2.4-fold increase in EDC endotoxin concentrations for each unit increase of the ratio of PM2.5 to PM2.5-10 . There was also a significant correlation between BS and EDCs endotoxin concentrations for winter (r = 0.67; P < 0.05) and summer (r = 0.75; P < 0.05). Thus, EDCs sample comparable endotoxin concentrations to BS, making EDCs a feasible, easy to use alternative to BS for endotoxin sampling. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chemiluminescence of the reaction system Ce(IV)-non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs containing europium(III) ions and its application to the determination of naproxen in pharmaceutical preparations and urine.

PubMed

Kaczmarek, Małgorzata

2011-11-01

The chemiluminescence (CL) of oxidation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by Ce(IV) ions, was recorded in the presence and absence europium(III) ions, in solution of pH ~ 4 of solution. Kinetic curves and CL emission spectra of the all studied systems were discussed. CL of measurable intensity was observed in the Ce(IV)-NP-Eu(III) reaction system only in acidic solutions. The CL spectrum rcegistered for this system shows emission bands, typical of Eu(III) ions, with maximum at λ ~ 600 nm. The chemiluminescent method, based on Eu(III) emission in reaction system of NP-Ce(IV)-Eu(III) in acid solution was therefore used for the determination of naproxen in mixture of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Simultaneous Pressure-Induced Magnetic and Valence Transitions in Type-I Clathrate Eu8Ga16Ge30

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onimaru, Takahiro; Tsutsui, Satoshi; Mizumaki, Masaichiro; Kawamura, Naomi; Ishimatsu, Naoki; Avila, Marcos A.; Yamamoto, Shuhei; Yamane, Haruki; Suekuni, Koichiro; Umeo, Kazunori; Kume, Tetsuji; Nakano, Satoshi; Takabatake, Toshiro

2014-01-01

We have performed X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements at pressures up to 17 GPa for the clathrate Eu8Ga16Ge30 (Curie temperature TC = 36 K). The temperature dependence of the XMCD spectra agrees well with that of the DC magnetization at ambient pressure. The TC is gradually enhanced with increasing pressures up to 13.3 GPa, and the divalent state of the Eu ions with J = 7/2 remains stable, but at 17 GPa the XMCD intensity is strongly suppressed and a spectral weight corresponding to the trivalent state of Eu ions (with no magnetic moment) appears in the XAS spectrum. The concurrent change from the type-I clathrate structure to an amorphous phase has been observed by X-ray diffraction experiment. We conclude that the amorphization of this compound induces the mixed valence state, which collapses the ferromagnetism.

Photofunctional Eu3+/Tb3+ hybrids through sulfoxide linkages: coordination bonds construction, characterization and luminescence.

PubMed

Guo, Lei; Yan, Bing; Liu, Jin-Liang

2011-05-14

New kinds of organic-inorganic hybrid materials consisting of rare earth (Eu(3+), Tb(3+)) complexes covalently bonded to a silica-based network have been obtained by a sol-gel approach. Three novel versatile molecular building blocks containing sulfoxide organic units have been synthesized by methylene modification reaction, which are used as the ligands of rare earth ions and also as siloxane network precursors. The obtained hybrids are characterized by chemical analysis and spectroscopic methods such as FTIR and UV; XRD and SEM. Photoluminescence measurements on the prepared hybrids were performed showing the intra-4f(n) emission in the visible (Eu(3+), Tb(3+)) region and in all the cases being sensitized by the sulfoxide ligands. The emission quantum efficiency and the Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters of Eu(3+) hybrid materials were also investigated in detail.

Spectroscopy and energy transfer in lead borate glasses doubly doped with Dy(3)(+)-Tb(3+) and Tb(3)(+)-Eu(3+) ions.

PubMed

Pisarska, Joanna; Kos, Agnieszka; Pisarski, Wojciech A

2014-08-14

Lead borate glasses doubly doped with Dy(3)(+)-Tb(3+) and Tb(3+)-Eu(3+) were investigated using optical spectroscopy. Luminescence spectra of rare earths were detected under various excitation wavelengths. The main green emission band due to (5)D4→(7)F5 transition of Tb(3+) is observed under excitation of Dy(3+), whereas the main red emission band related to (5)D0→(7)F2 transition of Eu(3+) is successfully observed under direct excitation of Tb(3+). In both cases, the energy transfer processes from Dy(3+) to Tb(3+) and from Tb(3+) to Eu(3+) in lead borate glasses occur through a nonradiative processes with efficiencies up to 16% and 18%, respectively. The presence of energy transfer process was also confirmed by excitation spectra measurements. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Polymer-based lanthanide luminescent sensor for detection of the hydrolysis product of the nerve agent Soman in water.

PubMed

Jenkins, A L; Uy, O M; Murray, G M

1999-01-15

The techniques of molecular imprinting and sensitized lanthanide luminescence have been combined to create the basis for a sensor that can selectively measure the hydrolysis product of the nerve agent Soman in water. The sensor functions by selectively and reversibly binding the phosphonate hydrolysis product of this agent to a functionality-imprinted copolymer possessing a coordinatively bound luminescent lanthanide ion, Eu3+. Instrumental support for this device is designed to monitor the appearance of a narrow luminescence band in the 610-nm region of the Eu3+ spectrum that results when the analyte is coordinated to the copolymer. The ligand field shifted luminescence was excited using 1 mW of the 465.8-nm line of an argon ion laser and monitored via an optical fiber using a miniature spectrometer. For this configuration, the limit of detection for the hydrolysis product is 7 parts per trillion (ppt) in solution with a linear range from 10 ppt to 10 ppm. Chemical and spectroscopic selectivities have been combined to reduce the likelihood of false positive analyses. Chemically analogous organophosphorus pesticides tested against the sensor have been shown to not interfere with determination.

Protection, promotion and support of breast-feeding in Europe: current situation.

PubMed

Cattaneo, Adriano; Yngve, Agneta; Koletzko, Berthold; Guzman, Luis Ruiz

2005-02-01

To describe the current situation regarding protection, promotion and support of breast-feeding in Europe, as a first step towards the development of a blueprint for action. A questionnaire was completed by 29 key informants and 128 other informants in the EU, including member states, accession and candidate countries. EU countries do not fully comply with the policies and recommendations of the Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding that they endorsed during the 55th World Health Assembly in 2002. Some countries do not even comply with the targets of the Innocenti Declaration (1990). Pre-service training on breast-feeding practice is inadequate and in-service training achieves only low to medium coverage. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is well developed only in three countries; in 19 countries, less than 15% of births occur in baby-friendly hospitals. The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, endorsed in 1981 by all countries, is not fully applied and submitted to independent monitoring. The legislation for working mothers meets on average the International Labour Organization standards, but covers only women with full formal employment. Voluntary mother-to-mother support groups and trained peer counsellors are present in 27 and 13 countries, respectively. Breast-feeding rates span over a wide range; comparisons are difficult due to use of non-standard methods. The rate of exclusive breast-feeding at 6 months is low everywhere, even in countries with high initiation rates. EU countries need to revise their policies and practices to meet the principles inscribed in the Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding in order to better protect, promote and support breast-feeding.

Research and Grant Management: The Role of the Project Management Office (PMO) in a European Research Consortium Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wedekind, Gerben Kristian; Philbin, Simon Patrick

2018-01-01

This paper illustrates how a university-based project management office (PMO) can provide focused support across the entire grant project lifecycle within a European research context. In recent years, EU (European Union) research and innovation grant programs have increasingly shifted to support multidisciplinary consortia composed of industry,…

Images and Identity: Children Constructing a Sense of Belonging to Europe

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Healy, Mary; Richardson, Mary

2017-01-01

The European Framework for Key Competences (2006) promotes a shared European identity as a priority for assuring a cohesive future for the European Union (EU), yet the development of a discrete European identity remains acutely contentious, with critics claiming it is too shallow to support the bonds of solidarity needed to engender and support a…

Phase stabilization in transparent Lu2O3:Eu ceramics by lattice expansion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seeley, Z. M.; Dai, Z. R.; Kuntz, J. D.; Cherepy, N. J.; Payne, S. A.

2012-11-01

Gadolinium lutetium oxide transparent ceramics doped with europium (Gd,Lu)2O3:Eu were fabricated via vacuum sintering and hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Nano-scale starting powder with the composition GdxLu1.9-xEu0.1O3 (x = 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.0, and 1.1) were uniaxially pressed and sintered under high vacuum at 1625 °C to obtain ˜97% dense structures with closed porosity. Sintered compacts were then subjected to 200 MPa argon gas at temperatures between 1750 and 1900 °C to reach full density. It was observed that a small portion of the Eu3+ ions were exsolved from the Lu2O3 cubic crystal lattice and concentrated at the grain boundaries, where they precipitated into a secondary monoclinic phase creating optical scattering defects. Addition of Gd3+ ions into the Lu2O3 cubic lattice formed the solid solution (Gd,Lu)2O3:Eu and stretched the lattice parameter allowing the larger Eu3+ ions to stay in solid solution, reducing the secondary phase and improving the transparency of the ceramics. Excess gadolinium, however, resulted in a complete phase transformation to monoclinic at pressures and temperatures sufficient for densification. Light yield performance was measured and all samples show equal amounts of the characteristic Eu3+ luminescence, indicating gadolinium addition had no adverse effect. This material has potential to improve the performance of high energy radiography devices.

Optical spectroscopy and magnetic behaviour of Sm3+ and Eu3+ cations in Li6Eu1-xSmx(BO3)3 solid solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belhoucif, Rekia; Velázquez, Matias; Plantevin, Olivier; Aschehoug, Patrick; Goldner, Philippe; Christian, George

2017-11-01

A new borate solid solution series of powders, Li6Eu1-xSmx(BO3)3 (LSEBx, x = 0.35, 0.5, 0.6, 1), were synthesized by solid-state reaction, characterized and their luminescent properties were investigated. The absorption spectra indicate that absorption takes place mainly from the Sm3+6H5/2 ground state, with a strong band at 405 nm. The photoluminescence spectra reveal that the Eu3+ red emission intensity strongly depends on the Sm3+ content x. Judd-Ofelt theory was applied to experimental data for the quantitative determination of phenomenological parameters Ωi (i = 2, 4, 6) Judd Ofelt parameters, radiative transition rates and emission quantum efficiency. Owing to the energy transfer from Sm3+ to Eu3+ the intense red light detected at 613 nm at room temperature under UV or blue light excitation, was improved by ∼35% as compared with Sm3+-free samples. This energy transfer was confirmed by faster decay times of Sm3+ as energy donors. Moreover, the energy transfer between Sm3+ and Eu3+ is unidirectional and irreversible, implying that the energy transfer wastage between Sm3+ and Eu3+ is very low. Magnetic susceptibility (χ) measurements of LSEBx were carried out in the temperature range 2-320 K and are used to compare calculated and experimental energy levels.

Understanding the links between composition, polyhedral distortion, and luminescence properties in green-emitting β-Si 6–zAl zO zN 8–z:Eu 2+ phosphors

DOE PAGES

Cozzan, Clayton; Laurita, Geneva; Gaultois, Michael W.; ...

2017-09-21

Inorganic phosphor materials play a crucial role in the creation of white light from blue and near-UV solid-state light-emitting diodes. Understanding the intricacies of the phosphor structure is key for setting the stage for improved, more efficient functionality. Average structure and coordination environment analysis of the robust and efficient green-emitting phosphor, β-SiAlON:Eu 2+ (β-Si 6–zAl zO zN 8–zEu 0.009), is combined here with a range of property measurements to elucidate the role of Al content ( z) in luminescence properties, including the red shift of emission and the thermal quenching of luminescence as a function of increasing Al content z.more » Average structure techniques reveal changes in polyhedral distortion with increasing z for the 9-coordinate Eu site in β-SiAlON:Eu 2+. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) is used to confirm that the majority of the activator Eu is in the Eu 2+ state, exhibiting the symmetry-allowed and efficient 4f 75d 0 → 4f 65d 1 transitions. As a result, room temperature and temperature-dependent luminescence indicate a curious increase in thermal stability with increasing z over a small range due to an increasing barrier for thermal ionization, which is correlated to an increase in the quantum yield of the phosphor.« less

Understanding the links between composition, polyhedral distortion, and luminescence properties in green-emitting β-Si 6–zAl zO zN 8–z:Eu 2+ phosphors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cozzan, Clayton; Laurita, Geneva; Gaultois, Michael W.

Inorganic phosphor materials play a crucial role in the creation of white light from blue and near-UV solid-state light-emitting diodes. Understanding the intricacies of the phosphor structure is key for setting the stage for improved, more efficient functionality. Average structure and coordination environment analysis of the robust and efficient green-emitting phosphor, β-SiAlON:Eu 2+ (β-Si 6–zAl zO zN 8–zEu 0.009), is combined here with a range of property measurements to elucidate the role of Al content ( z) in luminescence properties, including the red shift of emission and the thermal quenching of luminescence as a function of increasing Al content z.more » Average structure techniques reveal changes in polyhedral distortion with increasing z for the 9-coordinate Eu site in β-SiAlON:Eu 2+. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) is used to confirm that the majority of the activator Eu is in the Eu 2+ state, exhibiting the symmetry-allowed and efficient 4f 75d 0 → 4f 65d 1 transitions. As a result, room temperature and temperature-dependent luminescence indicate a curious increase in thermal stability with increasing z over a small range due to an increasing barrier for thermal ionization, which is correlated to an increase in the quantum yield of the phosphor.« less

Measuring the Contribution of Higher Education to Innovation Capacity in the EU. Final Report: Revised Version

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

European Commission, 2017

2017-01-01

This current study is part of the actions taken aiming to analyse the links between the operations and effects of higher-education institutions on the capacity to innovate in the economies in Europe. Providing insights into the contribution of higher education to the innovative capacity of the EU economies is crucial for policy making and the…

Measuring the Contribution of Higher Education to Innovation Capacity in the EU. Executive Summary of the Final Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

European Commission, 2017

2017-01-01

This current study is part of the actions taken aiming to analyse the links between the operations and effects of higher-education institutions on the capacity to innovate in the economies in Europe. Providing insights into the contribution of higher education to the innovative capacity of the EU economies is crucial for policy making and the…

Influence of europium (Eu3+) ions on the optical properties of lithium zinc phosphate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shwetha, M.; Eraiah, B.

2018-02-01

Europium doped lithium zinc phosphate glasses with composition xEu2O3-(15-x) Li2O-45ZnO-40P2O5 (where x=0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mol %) named as EP0, EP1, EP3 and EP5 respectively, are prepared by melt-quenching method and the influence of Eu3+ ions on physical and optical properties of these glasses has been studied. Optical properties were studied using optical absorption spectra which was recorded at room temperature in the UV-Visible region. Optical direct band gap and indirect band gap energies were measured and their values range from 3.167 to 4.23eV and 2.08 to 3.02eV, respectively. Refractive indices have been measured with respect to different concentration of europium ions. Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements have been performed by excitation in the UV-Visible range, which resulted in the significant fluorescence peaks. The luminescence color of the glass system is characterized using Commission International de l’Eclairage de France 1931 standards.

Optical characterization of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions doped zinc lead borate glasses.

PubMed

Thulasiramudu, A; Buddhudu, S

2007-02-01

This paper reports on the spectral analysis of Eu3+ or Tb3+ ions (0.5 mol%) doped heavy metal oxide (HMO) based zinc lead borate glasses from the measurement of their absorption, emission spectra and also different physical properties. From the XRD, DSC profiles, the glass nature and glass thermal properties have been studied. The measured emission spectrum of Eu3+ glass has revealed five transitions (5D0-->7F0, 7F1, 7F2, 7F3 and 7F4) at 578, 591, 613, 654 and 702 nm, respectively, with lambdaexci=392 nm (7F0-->5L6). In the case of Tb3+:ZLB glass, four emission transitions such as (5D4-->7F6, 7F5, 7F4 and 7F3) that are located at 489, 542, 585 and 622 nm, respectively, have been measured with lambdaexci=374 nm. For all these emission bands decay curves have been plotted to evaluate their lifetimes and the emission processes that arise in the glasses have been explained in terms of energy level schemes.

The EuPA Biobank Initiative: Meeting the future challenges of biobanking in proteomics & systems medicine.

PubMed

Wheelock, Åsa M; Paulson, Linda; Litton, Jan-Eric

2015-09-08

In this News & Reviews Discussion, the recently launched EuPA (European Proteomics Association) Biobank Initiative is introduced in the context of current and future challenges in biobanking. The purpose of the initiative is to provide a forumand knowledge platform for integrating the extensive experiences collected by the EuPA community, and link it to the European and international biobanking communities at large. The specific impact of providing a forum and easy access to this type of information to the EuPA community is the potential of improving the quality of future sample collections and biobanks, the quality of the research produced from these sample collections, as well as the output and productivity from existing biobanks. The underutilization of biobanks has recently been identified as an emerging issue of biobankingworldwide. Measures to improve our ability to locate and access appropriate sample collections for a wide range of research purposes may enhance both the scientific quality and biobank sustainability, thereby contributing to the important task of moving our research beyond basic findings and mere publications, into clinical practice. This manuscript is intended as a Discussion piece, and represents a recollection of the presentation under the “EuPA Initiative” session at HUPO/EuPA 2014 in Madrid. The launch of the EuPA (European Proteomics Association) Biobank Initiative in the context of current and future challenges in biobanking is discussed. The purpose of the initiative is to provide a forum and knowledge base for integrating the extensive experiences collected by the EuPA community, and link it to the European and international biobanking communities at large. The specific impact of providing a forumand easy access to this type of information to the EuPA community is the potential of improving the quality of future sample collections and biobanks, the quality of the research produced from these sample collections, aswell as the output and productivity fromexisting biobanks. The underutilization of biobanks has recently been identified as a challenge to the well-being and economic sustainability of biobanking worldwide. Measures to improve our ability to localize and access appropriate sample collections for validation studies and other research purposes is thus of benefit bothto scientific quality and biobank sustainability, thereby contributing to the important task of moving our research beyond basic findings and mere publications, into clinical practice. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: HUPO 2014.

Red emission phosphor for real-time skin dosimeter for fluoroscopy and interventional radiology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nakamura, Masaaki, E-mail: QYJ05476@nifty.com; Chida, Koichi; Zuguchi, Masayuki

2014-10-15

Purpose: There are no effective real-time direct skin dosimeters for interventional radiology. Such a scintillation dosimeter would be available if there was a suitable red emission phosphor in the medical x-ray range, since the silicon photodiode is a highly efficient device for red light. However, it is unknown whether there is a suitable red emission phosphor. The purpose of this study is to find a suitable red emission phosphor that can be used in x-ray dosimeters. Methods: Five kinds of phosphors which emit red light when irradiated with electron beams or ultraviolet rays in practical devices were chosen. For themore » brightness measurement, phosphor was put into transparent plastic cells or coated onto plastic sheets. The phosphors were irradiated with medical range x-rays [60–120 kV(peak), maximum dose rate of 160 mGy min{sup −1}], and the emission was measured by a luminance meter. Several characteristics, such as brightness, dose rate dependence, tube voltage dependence, and brightness stability, were investigated. Results: The luminescence of Y V O{sub 4}:Eu, (Y,Gd,Eu) BO{sub 3}, and Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu significantly deteriorated by 5%–10% when irradiated with continuous 2 Gy x-rays. The 0.5MgF{sub 2}⋅3.5MgO⋅GeO{sub 2}:Mn phosphor did not emit enough. Only the Y{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Eu,Sm phosphor had hardly any brightness deterioration, and it had a linear relationship so that the x-ray dose rate could be determined from the brightness with sufficient accuracy. For the tube voltage dependence of the Y{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Eu,Sm phosphor, the brightness per unit dose rate with 120 kV(peak) x-rays was 30% higher than that with 60 kV(peak) x-rays. Conclusions: Five kinds of phosphors were chosen as an x-ray scintillator for a real-time direct skin dosimeter. The Y V O{sub 4}:Eu, (Y,Gd,Eu)BO{sub 3}, and Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu phosphors had brightness deterioration caused by the x-rays. Only the Y{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Eu,Sm phosphor had hardly any brightness deterioration, and it is a candidate for an x-ray scintillator for such a skin dosimeter.« less

Copernicus Earth observation programme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Žlebir, Silvo

European Earth observation program Copernicus is an EU-wide programme that integrates satellite data, in-situ data and modeling to provide user-focused information services to support policymakers, researchers, businesses and citizens. Land monitoring service and Emergency service are fully operational already, Atmosphere monitoring service and Marine environment monitoring service are preoperational and will become fully operational in the following year, while Climate change service and Security service are in an earlier development phase. New series of a number of dedicated satellite missions will be launched in the following years, operated by the European Space Agency and EUMETSAT, starting with Sentinel 1A satellite early this year. Ground based, air-borne and sea-borne in-situ data are provided by different international networks and organizations, EU member states networks etc. European Union is devoting a particular attention to secure a sustainable long-term operational provision of the services. Copernicus is also stated as a European Union’s most important contribution to Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). The status and the recent development of the Copernicus programme will be presented, together with its future perspective. As Copernicus services have already demonstrated their usability and effectiveness, some interesting cases of their deployment will be presented. Copernicus free and open data policy, supported by a recently adopted EU legislative act, will also be presented.

Thermoluminescence response of K{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3} nanophosphor Co-doped with Eu and Ce for gamma ray dosimetry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patil, B. J.; Bhadane, Mahesh S.; Dahiwale, S. S.

2015-06-24

K{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3} nanophosphors co-doped with Eu and Ce were synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method. These samples were further annealed at 700 °C structural reformation. The structural and morphological characteristics were studied using XRD and TEM techniques. The particle size calculated from XRD spectra was around 35 nm. The as synthesized sample shows cubic structure annealed at 700 °C. The as synthesized and annealed sample of K{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3}: EuCe were irradiated with Co{sup 60} gamma rays for the doses from 2Gy to 1kGy. The TL characteristic sample of co-doped were studied for the dosimetric applicationmore » by gamma radiation. The TL spectrum of annealed sample has single peaked at 160 °C. The Eu doped sample has a high TL sensitivity than Ce doped sample. But after co-doping with Eu and Ce, TL intensity observed to be decreased. The decrees in TL peak intensity of the phosphor on co-doping of Eu and Ce gives an insight into the emission mechanism of the phosphor which involves energy transfer from Eu to Ce. The TL response of all the samples were found to be linear for the dose from 2 Gy to 1 KGy. Therefore, K{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3}: EuCe nanophosphor can be used for the measurement of high dose of gamma radiation.« less

Multimodal Theranostic Nanoformulations Permit Magnetic Resonance Bioimaging of Antiretroviral Drug Particle Tissue-Cell Biodistribution

PubMed Central

Kevadiya, Bhavesh D.; Woldstad, Christopher; Ottemann, Brendan M.; Dash, Prasanta; Sajja, Balasrinivasa R.; Lamberty, Benjamin; Morsey, Brenda; Kocher, Ted; Dutta, Rinku; Bade, Aditya N.; Liu, Yutong; Callen, Shannon E.; Fox, Howard S.; Byrareddy, Siddappa N.; McMillan, JoEllyn M.; Bronich, Tatiana K.; Edagwa, Benson J.; Boska, Michael D.; Gendelman, Howard E.

2018-01-01

RATIONALE: Long-acting slow effective release antiretroviral therapy (LASER ART) was developed to improve patient regimen adherence, prevent new infections, and facilitate drug delivery to human immunodeficiency virus cell and tissue reservoirs. In an effort to facilitate LASER ART development, “multimodal imaging theranostic nanoprobes” were created. These allow combined bioimaging, drug pharmacokinetics and tissue biodistribution tests in animal models. METHODS: Europium (Eu3+)- doped cobalt ferrite (CF) dolutegravir (DTG)- loaded (EuCF-DTG) nanoparticles were synthesized then fully characterized based on their size, shape and stability. These were then used as platforms for nanoformulated drug biodistribution. RESULTS: Folic acid (FA) decoration of EuCF-DTG (FA-EuCF-DTG) nanoparticles facilitated macrophage targeting and sped drug entry across cell barriers. Macrophage uptake was higher for FA-EuCF-DTG than EuCF-DTG nanoparticles with relaxivities of r2 = 546 mM-1s-1 and r2 = 564 mM-1s-1 in saline, and r2 = 850 mM-1s-1 and r2 = 876 mM-1s-1 in cells, respectively. The values were ten or more times higher than what was observed for ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (r2 = 31.15 mM-1s-1 in saline) using identical iron concentrations. Drug particles were detected in macrophage Rab compartments by dual fluorescence labeling. Replicate particles elicited sustained antiretroviral responses. After parenteral injection of FA-EuCF-DTG and EuCF-DTG into rats and rhesus macaques, drug, iron and cobalt levels, measured by LC-MS/MS, magnetic resonance imaging, and ICP-MS were coordinate. CONCLUSION: We posit that these theranostic nanoprobes can assess LASER ART drug delivery and be used as part of a precision nanomedicine therapeutic strategy. PMID:29290806

Luminescent Eu3+ doped Al6Ge2O13 crystalline compounds obtained by the sol gel process for photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maia, Lauro J. Q.; Faria Filho, Fausto M.; Gonçalves, Rogéria R.; Ribeiro, Sidney J. L.

2018-01-01

We synthesized pure and Eu3+ doped Al6Ge2O13 samples by an easy and low-cost sol-gel route using the GeO2, Al(NO3)3·9H2O and Eu(NO3)3·6H2O as precursors, tetramethylammonium hydroxide and ethanol as solvents. The Al6Ge2O13 crystalline phase possesses orthorhombic structure and is a potential host for rare earth ions, especially due to high aluminum concentration. Homogeneous and transparent sols and gels were obtained. The samples containing 1 mol% of Eu3+ were heat-treated at 1000 °C to eliminate organic compounds, providing high optical quality and structural purity. All materials were characterized by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectra in the ultraviolet-visible-near infrared regions and photoluminescence measurements. High purity of Eu3+ doped Al6Ge2O13 orthorhombic phase and well crystallized grain dimensions of around 100 nm was obtained with high red photoluminescence emission. The decay lifetime of 5D0 level from Eu3+ (the emission at 612 nm) was determined, being between 0.97 and 2.12 ms, and an average quantum efficiency of 54% was determined (considering the average experimental lifetime of 1.77 ms). Moreover, it was calculated and analyzed some parameters of Judd-Ofelt theory applied to Eu3+ emissions from Al6Ge2O13 host. The results show that Eu3+ doped Al6Ge2O13 crystalline compounds have large potential to be used in displays and LED devices.

Eu2+-Doped Sr2B2-2xSi2+3xAl2-xN8+x: A Boron-Containing Orange-Emitting Nitridosilicate with Interesting Composition-Dependent Photoluminescence Properties.

PubMed

Ten Kate, Otmar M; Xie, Rong-Jun; Wang, Chun-Yun; Funahashi, Shiro; Hirosaki, Naoto

2016-11-07

Novel Sr 2-y Eu y B 2-2x Si 2+3x Al 2-x N 8+x phosphors were investigated as a function of the boron and aluminum over silicon ratio and as a function of the Eu 2+ concentration. Samples were prepared via solid-state reaction synthesis by carefully controlling the synthesis conditions and composition. At high boron and aluminum content, that is, x = 0, a Eu 2+ 5d-4f emission is observed of which the maximum shifts from 595 nm for low Eu concentrations (y = 0.005) toward 623 nm for high Eu concentrations (y = 0.5). The samples can be excited by UV or blue light up to ∼475 nm. Substitution of [B 2 Al] 9+ units by [Si 3 N] 9+ units, increasing x up to 0.15, greatly improves the luminescence efficiency up to 46% and shows a very large redshift of the excitation bands with ∼100 nm, while the emission band shifts with ∼10 nm. The shifts are attributed to the lowering of the 5d level as a result of the decreased Eu-N distance upon substitution. Temperature-dependent measurements show that the Eu 2+ 5d-4f emission is largely thermally quenched at room temperature for x = 0 due to thermal ionization toward the conduction band, explaining the low luminescence efficiency. The lowering of the 5d level at larger values of x reduces the thermal ionization and consequently increases the thermal stability and quantum efficiency, resulting in strongly luminescent blue-to-orange conversion phosphors that are interesting for light-emitting diode applications.

The use of monitoring data in EU chemicals management--experiences and considerations from the German environmental specimen bank.

PubMed

Koschorreck, Jan; Heiss, Christiane; Wellmitz, Jörg; Fliedner, Annette; Rüdel, Heinz

2015-02-01

Since the 1970s, environmental specimen banks (ESB) have emerged in many countries. Their highly standardised sampling and archiving strategies make them a valuable tool in tracing time trends and spatial distributions of chemicals in ecosystem compartments. The present article intends to highlight the potential of ESBs for regulatory agencies in the European Union (EU). The arguments are supported by examples of retrospective monitoring studies conducted under the programme of the German ESB. These studies have evaluated the success of regulatory and industry provisions for substances of concern (i.e. PCB, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, perfluorinated compounds, alkylphenol compounds, organotin compounds, triclosan/methyl-triclosan, musk fragrances). Time trend studies revealed for example that levels of organotin compounds in marine biota from German coastal waters decreased significantly after the EU had decided on a total ban of organotin-based antifoulings in 2003. Similarly, concentrations of commercially relevant congeners of polybrominated diphenyl ethers decreased in herring gull eggs from the North Sea only after an EU-wide ban in 2004. The data presented demonstrate the usefulness of ESB samples for (retrospective) time trend monitoring and underline the benefit of a more intensive cooperation between chemicals management and specimen banking.

Ebola: lessons learned and future challenges for Europe.

PubMed

Quaglio, GianLuca; Goerens, Charles; Putoto, Giovanni; Rübig, Paul; Lafaye, Pierre; Karapiperis, Theodoros; Dario, Claudio; Delaunois, Paul; Zachariah, Rony

2016-02-01

The Ebola virus epidemic has topped media and political agendas for months; several countries in west Africa have faced the worst Ebola epidemic in history. At the beginning of the disease outbreak, European Union (EU) policies were notably absent regarding how to respond to the crisis. Although the epidemic is now receding from public view, this crisis has undoubtedly changed the European public perception of Ebola virus disease, which is no longer regarded as a bizarre entity confined in some unknown corner in Africa. Policy makers and researchers in Europe now have an opportunity to consider the lessons learned. In this Personal View, we discuss the EU's response to the Ebola crisis in west Africa. Unfortunately, although ample resources and opportunities for humanitarian and medical action existed, the EU did not use them to promote a rapid and well coordinated response to the Ebola crisis. Lessons learned from this crisis should be used to improve the role of the EU in similar situations in the future, ensuring that European aid can be effectively deployed to set up an improved emergency response system, and supporting the establishment of sustainable health-care services in west Africa. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Depleted and enriched uranium exposure quantified in former factory workers and local residents of NL Industries, Colonie, NY USA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arnason, John G.

Background: Between 1958 and 1982, NL Industries manufactured components of enriched (EU) and depleted uranium (DU) at a factory in Colonie NY, USA. More than 5 metric tons of DU was deposited as microscopic DU oxide particles on the plant site and surrounding residential community. A prior study involving a small number of individuals (n=23) indicated some residents were exposed to DU and former workers to both DU and EU, most probably through inhalation of aerosol particles. Objectives: Our aim was to measure total uranium [U] and the uranium isotope ratios: {sup 234}U/{sup 238}U; {sup 235}U/{sup 238}U; and {sup 236}U/{supmore » 238}U, in the urine of a cohort of former workers and nearby residents of the NLI factory, to characterize individual exposure to natural uranium (NU), DU, and EU more than 3 decades after production ceased. Methods: We conducted a biomonitoring study in a larger cohort of 32 former workers and 99 residents, who may have been exposed during its period of operation, by measuring Total U, NU, DU, and EU in urine using Sector Field Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS). Results: Among workers, 84% were exposed to DU, 9% to EU and DU, and 6% to natural uranium (NU) only. For those exposed to DU, urinary isotopic and [U] compositions result from binary mixing of NU and the DU plant feedstock. Among residents, 8% show evidence of DU exposure, whereas none shows evidence of EU exposure. For residents, the [U] geometric mean is significantly below the value reported for NHANES. There is no significant difference in [U] between exposed and unexposed residents, suggesting that [U] alone is not a reliable indicator of exposure to DU in this group. Conclusions: Ninety four percent of workers tested showed evidence of exposure to DU, EU or both, and were still excreting DU and EU decades after leaving the workforce. The study demonstrates the advantage of measuring multiple isotopic ratios (e.g., {sup 236}U/{sup 238}U and {sup 235}U/{sup 238}U) over a single ratio ({sup 235}U/{sup 238}U) in determining sources of uranium exposure. - Highlights: • Biomonitoring study of residents and former workers exposed to DU in Colonie NY. • Urine (99 residents+32 former workers) analyzed for depleted uranium (DU). • DU detected in 84% of workers and 8% of residents >30 years after plant closed. • Enriched uranium detected in 6% of former workers based on isotope ratios.« less

New legal requirements for submission of product information to poisons centres in EU member states.

PubMed

de Groot, Ronald; Brekelmans, Pieter; Desel, Herbert; de Vries, Irma

2018-01-01

In the past eight years, the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT) has been intensively involved in a European Commission led process to develop EU legislation on the information of hazardous products that companies have to notify to EU Poisons Centres (or equivalent "appointed bodies"). As a result of this process, the Commission adopted Regulation (EU) No 2017/542, amending the CLP Regulation by adding an Annex on harmonised product submission requirements. Harmonised mixture information requirements: Detailed and consistent information on the composition of the hazardous product will become available to EU Poisons Centres (PC). The information will be submitted by companies to PCs (or equivalent "appointed bodies") using a web-based software application or in-house software. Two new important features are introduced. Firstly, to be able to rapidly identify the product formula, a Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) on the product label links to the submitted information. Secondly, for better comparability of reports on poisonings between EU member states, a harmonised Product Categorisation System will specify the intended use of a product. Rapid product identification and availability of detailed composition information will lead to timely and adequate medical intervention. This may lead to considerable reduction in healthcare costs. Additionally, for companies trading across the EU, costs of submission of this information will be reduced significantly. Next steps: From 2017, an implementation period has started, consisting of a three-year period for stakeholders to implement the new requirements, followed by a gradual applicability for consumer products (2020), professional products (2021) and industrial use-only products (2024). Technical tools to generate the electronic format and the UFI together with guidance documents are expected to be made available by the end of 2017 by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Guidance on interpretation of legal text and ECHA helpdesk support are planned to be ready at the end of 2018.

Photoluminescence of rare-earth ion (Eu3+, Tm3+, and Er3+)-doped and co-doped ZnNb2O6 for solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Sen-Pei; Qian, Yan-Nan; Wang, Biao

2015-08-01

Visible converted emissions produced at an excitation of 286 nm in ZnNb2O6 ceramics doped with rare-earth ions (RE = Eu3+, Tm3+, Er3+ or a combination of these ions) were investigated with the aim of increasing the photovoltaic efficiency of solar cells. The structure of RE:ZnNb2O6 ceramics was confirmed by x-ray diffraction patterns. The undoped ZnNb2O6 could emit a blue emission under 286-nm excitation, which is attributed to the self-trapped excitons’ recombination of the efficient luminescence centers of edge-shared NbO6 groups. Upon 286-nm excitation, Eu:ZnNb2O6, Tm:ZnNb2O6, and Er:ZnNb2O6 ceramics showed blue, green, and red emissions, which correspond to the transitions of 5D0 → 7FJ (J = 1-4) (Eu3+), 1G4 → 3H6 (Tm3+), and 2H11/2/4S3/2 → 4I15/2 (Er3+), respectively. The calculated CIE chromaticity coordinates of Eu:ZnNb2O6, Tm:ZnNb2O6, and Er:ZnNb2O6 are (0.50, 0.31), (0.14, 0.19), and (0.29, 0.56), respectively. RE ion-co-doped ZnNb2O6 showed a combination of characteristic emissions. The chromaticity coordinates of Eu/Tm:ZnNb2O6, Eu/Er:ZnNb2O6, and Tm/Er:ZnNb2O6 were calculated to be (0.29, 0.24), (0.45, 0.37), and (0.17, 0.25). Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 10572155 and 10732100) and the Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Ministry of Education, China (Grant No. 20130171130003).

TH-C-19A-12: Two-Dimensional High Spatial-Resolution Dosimeter Using Europium Doped Potassium Chloride

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, H; Yang, D; Xiao, Z

2014-06-15

Purpose: Recent research has shown that KCl:Eu2+ has great potential for use in megavoltage radiation therapy dosimetry because this material exhibits excellent storage performance and is reusable due to strong radiation hardness. This work reports our attempts to fabricate 2D KCl:Eu2+ storage phosphor films (SPFs) using both a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method and a tape casting method. Methods: A thin layer of KCl:Eu2+ was deposited on a substrate of borosilicate glass (e.g., laboratory slides) with a PVD system. For tape casting, a homogenous suspension containing storage phosphor particles, liquid vehicle and polymer binder was formed and subsequently cast bymore » doctor-blade onto a polyethylene terephthalate substrate to form a 150 μm thick SPF. Results: X ray diffraction analysis showed that a 10 μm thick PVD sample was composed of highly crystalline KCl. No additional phases were observed, suggesting that the europium activator had completed been incorporated into the KCl matrix. Photostimulated luminescence and photoluminescence spectra suggested that F (Cl−) centers were the electron storage centers post x ray irradiation and that Eu2+ cations acted as luminescence centers in the photostimulation process. The 150 μm thick casted KCl:Eu2+ SPF showed sub-millimeter spatial resolution. Monte Carlo simulations further demonstrated that the admixture of 20% KCl:Eu2+ and 80% low Z polymer binder exhibited almost no energy dependence in a 6 MV beam. KCl:Eu2+ pellet samples showed a large dynamic range from 0.01 cGy to 60 Gy dose-to-water, and saturated at approximately 500 Gy as a Result of its intrinsic high radiation hardness. Conclusions: This discovery research provides strong evidence that KCl:Eu2+ based SPF with associated readout apparatus could Result in a novel electronic film system that has all the desirable features associated with classic radiographic film and, importantly, water equivalence and the capability of permanent identification of each detector. This work was supported in part by NIH Grant No. R01CA148853. The authors would like to thank Paul Leblans (AGFA Healthcare, Belgium) for many helpful discussions on this topic.« less

Europium mixed-valence, long-range magnetic order, and dynamic magnetic response in EuCu 2 ( Si x Ge 1 - x ) 2

DOE PAGES

Nemkovski, Krill S.; Kozlenko, D. P.; Alekseev, Pavel A.; ...

2016-11-01

In mixed-valence or heavy-fermion systems, the hybridization between local f orbitals and conduction band states can cause the suppression of long-range magnetic order, which competes with strong spin uctuations. Ce- and Yb-based systems have been found to exhibit fascinating physical properties (heavy-fermion superconductivity, non-Fermi-liquid states, etc.) when tuned to the vicinity of magnetic quantum critical points by use of various external control parameters (temperature, magnetic eld, chemical composition). Recently, similar effects (mixed-valence, Kondo uctuations, heavy Fermi liquid) have been reported to exist in some Eu-based compounds. Unlike Ce (Yb), Eu has a multiple electron (hole) occupancy of its 4f shell,more » and the magnetic Eu 2+ state (4f 7) has no orbital component in the usual LS coupling scheme, which can lead to a quite different and interesting physics. In the EuCu 2(Si xGe 1-x) 2 series, where the valence can be tuned by varying the Si/Ge ratio, it has been reported that a significant valence uctuation can exist even in the magnetic order regime. This paper presents a detailed study of the latter material using different microscopic probes (XANES, Mossbauer spectroscopy, elastic and inelastic neutron scattering), in which the composition dependence of the magnetic order and dynamics across the series is traced back to the change in the Eu valence state. In particular, the results support the persistence of valence uctuations into the antiferromagnetic state over a sizable composition range below the critical Si concentration x c ≈ 0:65. In conclusion, the sequence of magnetic ground states in the series is shown to re ect the evolution of the magnetic spectral response.« less

The Global Health Policies of the EU and its Member States: A Common Vision?

PubMed Central

Steurs, Lies; Van de Pas, Remco; Delputte, Sarah; Orbie, Jan

2018-01-01

Background: This article assesses the global health policies of the European Union (EU) and those of its individual member states. So far EU and public health scholars have paid little heed to this, despite the large budgets involved in this area. While the European Commission has attempted to define the ‘EU role in Global Health’ in 2010, member states are active in the domain of global health as well. Therefore, this article raises the question to what extent a common ‘EU’ vision on global health exists. Methods: This is examined through a comparative framing analysis of the global health policy documents of the European Commission and five EU member states (France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Denmark). The analysis is informed by a two-layered typology, distinguishing global health from international health and four ‘global health frames,’ namely social justice, security, investment and charity. Results: The findings show that the concept of ‘global health’ has not gained ground the same way within European policy documents. Consequently, there are also differences in how health is being framed. While the European Commission, Belgium, and Denmark clearly support a social justice frame, the global health strategies of the United Kingdom, Germany, and France put an additional focus on the security and investment frames. Conclusion: There are different understandings of global/international health as well as different framings within relevant documents of the EU and its member states. Therefore, the existence of an ‘EU’ vision on global health is questionable. Further research is needed on how this impacts on policy implementation. PMID:29764107

Analyzing key constraints to biogas production from crop residues and manure in the EU-A spatially explicit model.

PubMed

Einarsson, Rasmus; Persson, U Martin

2017-01-01

This paper presents a spatially explicit method for making regional estimates of the potential for biogas production from crop residues and manure, accounting for key technical, biochemical, environmental and economic constraints. Methods for making such estimates are important as biofuels from agricultural residues are receiving increasing policy support from the EU and major biogas producers, such as Germany and Italy, in response to concerns over unintended negative environmental and social impacts of conventional biofuels. This analysis comprises a spatially explicit estimate of crop residue and manure production for the EU at 250 m resolution, and a biogas production model accounting for local constraints such as the sustainable removal of residues, transportation of substrates, and the substrates' biochemical suitability for anaerobic digestion. In our base scenario, the EU biogas production potential from crop residues and manure is about 0.7 EJ/year, nearly double the current EU production of biogas from agricultural substrates, most of which does not come from residues or manure. An extensive sensitivity analysis of the model shows that the potential could easily be 50% higher or lower, depending on the stringency of economic, technical and biochemical constraints. We find that the potential is particularly sensitive to constraints on the substrate mixtures' carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and dry matter concentration. Hence, the potential to produce biogas from crop residues and manure in the EU depends to large extent on the possibility to overcome the challenges associated with these substrates, either by complementing them with suitable co-substrates (e.g. household waste and energy crops), or through further development of biogas technology (e.g. pretreatment of substrates and recirculation of effluent).

JRC GMO-Amplicons: a collection of nucleic acid sequences related to genetically modified organisms

PubMed Central

Petrillo, Mauro; Angers-Loustau, Alexandre; Henriksson, Peter; Bonfini, Laura; Patak, Alex; Kreysa, Joachim

2015-01-01

The DNA target sequence is the key element in designing detection methods for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Unfortunately this information is frequently lacking, especially for unauthorized GMOs. In addition, patent sequences are generally poorly annotated, buried in complex and extensive documentation and hard to link to the corresponding GM event. Here, we present the JRC GMO-Amplicons, a database of amplicons collected by screening public nucleotide sequence databanks by in silico determination of PCR amplification with reference methods for GMO analysis. The European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed (EU-RL GMFF) provides these methods in the GMOMETHODS database to support enforcement of EU legislation and GM food/feed control. The JRC GMO-Amplicons database is composed of more than 240 000 amplicons, which can be easily accessed and screened through a web interface. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt at pooling and collecting publicly available sequences related to GMOs in food and feed. The JRC GMO-Amplicons supports control laboratories in the design and assessment of GMO methods, providing inter-alia in silico prediction of primers specificity and GM targets coverage. The new tool can assist the laboratories in the analysis of complex issues, such as the detection and identification of unauthorized GMOs. Notably, the JRC GMO-Amplicons database allows the retrieval and characterization of GMO-related sequences included in patents documentation. Finally, it can help annotating poorly described GM sequences and identifying new relevant GMO-related sequences in public databases. The JRC GMO-Amplicons is freely accessible through a web-based portal that is hosted on the EU-RL GMFF website. Database URL: http://gmo-crl.jrc.ec.europa.eu/jrcgmoamplicons/ PMID:26424080

JRC GMO-Amplicons: a collection of nucleic acid sequences related to genetically modified organisms.

PubMed

Petrillo, Mauro; Angers-Loustau, Alexandre; Henriksson, Peter; Bonfini, Laura; Patak, Alex; Kreysa, Joachim

2015-01-01

The DNA target sequence is the key element in designing detection methods for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Unfortunately this information is frequently lacking, especially for unauthorized GMOs. In addition, patent sequences are generally poorly annotated, buried in complex and extensive documentation and hard to link to the corresponding GM event. Here, we present the JRC GMO-Amplicons, a database of amplicons collected by screening public nucleotide sequence databanks by in silico determination of PCR amplification with reference methods for GMO analysis. The European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed (EU-RL GMFF) provides these methods in the GMOMETHODS database to support enforcement of EU legislation and GM food/feed control. The JRC GMO-Amplicons database is composed of more than 240 000 amplicons, which can be easily accessed and screened through a web interface. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt at pooling and collecting publicly available sequences related to GMOs in food and feed. The JRC GMO-Amplicons supports control laboratories in the design and assessment of GMO methods, providing inter-alia in silico prediction of primers specificity and GM targets coverage. The new tool can assist the laboratories in the analysis of complex issues, such as the detection and identification of unauthorized GMOs. Notably, the JRC GMO-Amplicons database allows the retrieval and characterization of GMO-related sequences included in patents documentation. Finally, it can help annotating poorly described GM sequences and identifying new relevant GMO-related sequences in public databases. The JRC GMO-Amplicons is freely accessible through a web-based portal that is hosted on the EU-RL GMFF website. Database URL: http://gmo-crl.jrc.ec.europa.eu/jrcgmoamplicons/. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

Space assets, technology and services in support of energy policy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasko, C. A.; Adriaensen, M.; Bretel, A.; Duvaux-Bechon, I.; Giannopapa, C. G.

2017-09-01

Space can be used as a tool by decision and policy makers in developing, implementing and monitoring various policy areas including resource management, environment, transport, security and energy. This paper focuses on the role of space for the energy policy. Firstly, the paper summarizes the European Union's (EU) main objectives in energy policy enclosed in the Energy Strategy 2020-2030-2050 and demonstrates how space assets can contribute to achieving those objectives. Secondly, the paper addresses how the European Space Agency (ESA) has established multiple initiatives and programs that directly finance the development of space assets, technology and applications that deliver services in support of the EU energy policy and sector. These efforts should be continued and strengthened in order to overcome identified technological challenges. The use of space assets, technology and applications, can help achieve the energy policy objectives for the next decades.

Spatializing Open Data for the Assessment and the Improvement of Territorial and Social Cohesion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scorza, F.; Las Casas, G. B.; Murgante, B.

2016-09-01

An integrated place-based approach for the improvement of territorial and social cohesion is the new instance for planning disciplines, coming from EU New Cohesion Policies. This paper considers the territorial impact assessment of regional development policies as a precondition in order to develop balanced and effective operative programs at national and regional levels. The contribution of `open data' appears to be mature in order to support this application and in this paper we present a spatial analysis technique for the evaluation of EU funds effects at territorial level, starting from open data by Open Cohesion. The application is focused on internal areas of Basilicata Region: Agri river Valley. A complex contest, where environmental and agricultural traditional vocations conflict with a recent development of oil extraction industries. Conclusions concern further applications and perspectives to improve and support regional development planning considering the exploitation of open data sources and spatial analysis.

The convergence of European business cycles 1978-2000

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ormerod, Paul; Mounfield, Craig

2002-05-01

The degree of convergence of the business cycles of the economies of the European Union (EU) is a key policy issue. In particular, a substantial degree of convergence is needed if the European Central Bank is to be capable of setting a monetary policy which is appropriate to the stage of the cycle of the Euro zone economies. We consider the annual rates of real GDP growth on a quarterly basis in the large core economies of the EU (France, Germany and Italy, plus The Netherlands) over the period 1978Q1-2000Q3. An important empirical question is the degree to which the correlations between these growth rates contain true information rather than noise. The technique of random matrix theory is able to answer this question, and has been recently applied successfully in the physics journals to financial markets data. We find that the correlations between the growth rates of the core EU economies contain substantial amounts of true information, and exhibit considerable stability over time. Even in the late 1970s and early 1980s, these economies moved together closely over the course of the business cycle. There was a slight loosening at the time of German re-unification, but the economies are now, if anything, even more closely correlated. As a benchmark for comparison, we add a series to the EU core data set which by construction is uncorrelated with these business cycles. We then analyse the EU core plus Spain, a country which has attached great importance to greater integration with Europe. In the early part of the period examined, the results are very similar to those obtained with the data set of the EU core plus the random series. However, there is a clear trend in the results, which provide strong evidence to support the view that the Spanish economy has now become closely converged with the core EU economies in terms of its movements over the business cycle. In contrast, the results obtained with a data set of the EU core plus the UK show no such trend. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the UK economy did exhibit some degree of correlation with those of the core EU. However, there is no clear evidence to suggest that the UK business cycle has moved more closely into line with that of the core EU economies over the 1978-2000 period.

Rare earth niobate coordination polymers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muniz, Collin N.; Patel, Hiral; Fast, Dylan B.

Rare-earth (RE) coordination polymers are infinitely tailorable to yield luminescent materials for various applications. In this paper we described the synthesis of a heterometallic rare-earth coordination compound ((CH 3) 2SO) 3(RE)NbO(C 2O 4) 3 ((CH 3) 2SO) = dimethylsulfoxide, DMSO, (C 2O 2 = oxalate), (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb). The structure was obtained from single crystal X-ray diffraction of the La analogue. The Nb =O and DMSO terminal-bonding character guides assembly of an open framework structure with noncentrosymmetric RE-coordination geometry, and large spacing between the RE centers. A second structure was observed by PXRD for themore » smaller rare earths (Dy, Ho, Er, Yb); this structure has not yet been determined. The materials were further characterized using FTIR, and photoluminescence measurements. Characteristic excitation and emission transitions were observed for RE = Nd, Sm, Eu, and Tb. Quantum yield (QY) measurements were performed by exciting Eu and Tb analoges at 394 nm (QY 66%) and 464 nm (QY 71%) for Eu; and 370 nm (QY=40%) for Tb. Finally, we attribute the high QY and bright luminescence to two main structure-function properties of the system; namely the absence of water in the structure, and absence of concentration quenching.« less

On the energy scale involved in the metal to insulator transition of quadruple perovskite EuCu3Fe4O12: infrared spectroscopy and ab-initio calculations.

PubMed

Brière, B; Kalinko, A; Yamada, I; Roy, P; Brubach, J B; Sopracase, R; Zaghrioui, M; Phuoc, V Ta

2016-06-27

Optical measurements were carried out by infrared spectroscopy on AA'3B4O12 A-site ordered quadruple perovskite EuCu3Fe4O12 (microscopic sample) as function of temperature. At 240 K (=TMI), EuCu3Fe4O12 undergoes a very abrupt metal to insulator transition, a paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition and an isostructural transformation with an abrupt large volume expansion. Above TMI, optical conductivity reveals a bad metal behavior and below TMI, an insulating phase with an optical gap of 125 meV is observed. As temperature is decreased, a large and abrupt spectral weight transfer toward an energy scale larger than 1 eV is detected. Concurrently, electronic structure calculations for both high and low temperature phases were compared to the optical conductivity results giving a precise pattern of the transition. Density of states and computed optical conductivity analysis identified Cu3dxy, Fe3d and O2p orbitals as principal actors of the spectral weight transfer. The present work constitutes a first step to shed light on EuCu3Fe4O12 electronic properties with optical measurements and ab-initio calculations.

On the energy scale involved in the metal to insulator transition of quadruple perovskite EuCu3Fe4O12: infrared spectroscopy and ab-initio calculations

PubMed Central

Brière, B.; Kalinko, A.; Yamada, I.; Roy, P.; Brubach, J. B.; Sopracase, R.; Zaghrioui, M.; Phuoc, V. Ta

2016-01-01

Optical measurements were carried out by infrared spectroscopy on AA′3B4O12 A-site ordered quadruple perovskite EuCu3Fe4O12 (microscopic sample) as function of temperature. At 240 K (=TMI), EuCu3Fe4O12 undergoes a very abrupt metal to insulator transition, a paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition and an isostructural transformation with an abrupt large volume expansion. Above TMI, optical conductivity reveals a bad metal behavior and below TMI, an insulating phase with an optical gap of 125 meV is observed. As temperature is decreased, a large and abrupt spectral weight transfer toward an energy scale larger than 1 eV is detected. Concurrently, electronic structure calculations for both high and low temperature phases were compared to the optical conductivity results giving a precise pattern of the transition. Density of states and computed optical conductivity analysis identified Cu3dxy, Fe3d and O2p orbitals as principal actors of the spectral weight transfer. The present work constitutes a first step to shed light on EuCu3Fe4O12 electronic properties with optical measurements and ab-initio calculations. PMID:27346212

EuCARD 2010: European coordination of accelerator research and development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romaniuk, Ryszard S.

2010-09-01

Accelerators are basic tools of the experimental physics of elementary particles, nuclear physics, light sources of the fourth generation. They are also used in myriad other applications in research, industry and medicine. For example, there are intensely developed transmutation techniques for nuclear waste from nuclear power and atomic industries. The European Union invests in the development of accelerator infrastructures inside the framework programs to build the European Research Area. The aim is to build new accelerator research infrastructures, develop the existing ones, and generally make the infrastructures more available to competent users. The paper summarizes the first year of activities of the EU FP7 Project Capacities EuCARD -European Coordination of Accelerator R&D. EuCARD is a common venture of 37 European Accelerator Laboratories, Institutes, Universities and Industrial Partners involved in accelerator sciences and technologies. The project, initiated by ESGARD, is an Integrating Activity co-funded by the European Commission under Framework Program 7 - Capacities for a duration of four years, starting April 1st, 2009. Several teams from this country participate actively in this project. The contribution from Polish research teams concerns: photonic and electronic measurement - control systems, RF-gun co-design, thin-film superconducting technology, superconducting transport infrastructures, photon and particle beam measurements and control.

Rare earth niobate coordination polymers

DOE PAGES

Muniz, Collin N.; Patel, Hiral; Fast, Dylan B.; ...

2018-01-03

Rare-earth (RE) coordination polymers are infinitely tailorable to yield luminescent materials for various applications. In this paper we described the synthesis of a heterometallic rare-earth coordination compound ((CH 3) 2SO) 3(RE)NbO(C 2O 4) 3 ((CH 3) 2SO) = dimethylsulfoxide, DMSO, (C 2O 2 = oxalate), (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb). The structure was obtained from single crystal X-ray diffraction of the La analogue. The Nb =O and DMSO terminal-bonding character guides assembly of an open framework structure with noncentrosymmetric RE-coordination geometry, and large spacing between the RE centers. A second structure was observed by PXRD for themore » smaller rare earths (Dy, Ho, Er, Yb); this structure has not yet been determined. The materials were further characterized using FTIR, and photoluminescence measurements. Characteristic excitation and emission transitions were observed for RE = Nd, Sm, Eu, and Tb. Quantum yield (QY) measurements were performed by exciting Eu and Tb analoges at 394 nm (QY 66%) and 464 nm (QY 71%) for Eu; and 370 nm (QY=40%) for Tb. Finally, we attribute the high QY and bright luminescence to two main structure-function properties of the system; namely the absence of water in the structure, and absence of concentration quenching.« less

MORB mantle hosts the missing Eu (Sr, Nb, Ta and Ti) in the continental crust: New perspectives on crustal growth, crust-mantle differentiation and chemical structure of oceanic upper mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Yaoling; O'Hara, Michael J.

2009-09-01

We have examined the high quality data of 306 mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) glass samples from the East Pacific Rise (EPR), near-EPR seamounts, Pacific Antarctic Ridge (PAR), near-PAR seamounts, Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR), and near-MAR seamounts. The data show a correlated variation between Eu/Eu* and Sr/Sr*, and both decrease with decreasing MgO, pointing to the effect of plagioclase crystallization. The observation that samples with MgO > 9.5 wt.% (before plagioclase on the liquidus) show Eu/Eu* > 1 and Sr/Sr* > 1 and that none of the major phases (i.e., olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, spinel and garnet) in the sub-ridge mantle melting region can effectively fractionate Eu and Sr from otherwise similarly incompatible elements indicates that the depleted MORB mantle (DMM) possesses excess Sr and Eu, i.e., [Sr/Sr*]DMM > 1 and [Eu/Eu*]DMM > 1. Furthermore, the well-established observation that DNb ≈ DTh, DTa ≈ DU and DTi ≈ DSm during MORB mantle melting, yet primitive MORB melts all have [Nb/Th]PMMORB > 1, [Ta/U]PMMORB > 1 and [Ti/Sm]PMMORB > 1 (where PM indicates primitive mantle normalized), also points to the presence of excess Nb, Ta and Ti in the DMM, i.e., [Nb/Th]PMDMM > 1, [Ta/U]PMDMM > 1 and [Ti/Sm]PMDMM > 1. The excesses of Eu, Sr, Nb, Ta and Ti in the DMM complement the well-known deficiencies of these elements in the bulk continental crust (BCC). These new observations, which support the notion that the DMM and BCC are complementary in terms of the overall abundances of incompatible elements, offer new insights into the crust-mantle differentiation. These observations are best explained by partial melting of amphibolite of MORB protolith during continental collision, which produces andesitic melts with a remarkable compositional (major and trace element abundances as well as key elemental ratios) similarity to the BCC, as revealed by andesites in southern Tibet produced during the India-Asia continental collision. An average amphibolite of MORB protolith consists of ~ 66.4% amphibole, ~ 29.2% plagioclase and 4.4% ilmenite. In terms of simple modal melting models, the bulk distribution coefficient ratios D2Eu/(Sm + Gd) = 1.21, D2Sr/(Pr + Nd) = 1.04, DNb/Th = 44, DTa/U = 57, DTi/Sm = 3.39 and DNb/Ta = 1.30 readily explains the small but significant negative Eu and Sr anomalies, moderate negative Ti anomaly and huge negative Nb and Ta anomalies as well as the more sub-chondritic Nb/Ta ratio in the syncollisional andesitic melt that is characteristic of and contributes to the continental crust mass. These results support the hypothesis that continental collision zones are primary sites of net continental crust growth, whereas the standard "island arc" model has many more difficulties than certainties. That is, it is the continental collision (vs. "island arc magmatism" or "episodic super mantle avalanche events") that produces and preserves the juvenile crust, and hence maintains net continental growth. The data also allow us to establish the robust composition of depleted and most primitive (or "primary") MORB melt with 13% MgO. This, together with the estimated positive Eu and Sr anomalies in the DMM, further permits estimation that the DMM may occupy the uppermost ~ 680 km of the convective mantle following the tradition that the DMM lies in the shallowest mantle. However, the tradition may be in error. The seismic low velocity zone (LVZ) may be compositionally stratified with small melt fractions concentrated towards the interface with the growing lithosphere because of buoyancy. Such small melt fractions, enriched in volatiles and incompatible elements, continue to metasomatize the growing lithosphere before it reaches the full thickness after ~ 70 Myrs. Hence, the oceanic mantle lithosphere is a huge enriched geochemical reservoir. On the other hand, deep portions of the LVZ, which are thus relatively depleted, become the primary source feeding the ridge because of ridge-suction-driven lateral material supply to form the crust and much of the lithosphere at and in the vicinity of the ridge.

Assessing potential impacts of the EVFTA on Vietnam's pharmaceutical imports from the EU: an application of SMART analysis.

PubMed

Vu, Huong Thanh

2016-01-01

This paper by adopting the Software on Market Analysis and Restrictions on Trade assessed the ex-ante impact of tariff elimination under the European-Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA) on Vietnam's pharmaceutical imports from the EU based on two scenarios. The results showed that although Vietnam's tariff removal for the EU's medicines would not result in a significant increase in Vietnam's imports from the EU, Vietnam's deeper integration with ASEAN + 3 and TPP (the Trans-Pacific Partnership) nations would affect quite slightly on its imports from the EU. Therefore, the EU would be still the most important and biggest source of pharmaceuticals for Vietnam in the near future. In addition, there might be an uneven distribution in Vietnam's import increases by the EU nation, pharmaceutical group and product. The simulation results also pointed out that the EVFTA's trade creation effect would be higher than trade diversion effect and therefore the agreement would improve welfare of Vietnam. When Vietnam extends its coverage of tariff elimination to also TPP and ASEAN + 3, Vietnam's welfare would potentially increase more but Vietnam would face with the relatively high increases of pharmaceutical imports from not only the EU but also the US, Australia, South Korea, Thailand and China. Bases on these results, the paper argued that both the Vietnamese government and pharmaceutical enterprises should not neglect the EVFTA and its impacts on the pharmaceutical sector, and perceive clearly the uneven distribution of Vietnam's import changes from the EU by nation and by product to design appropriate business and investment strategy. In addition, Vietnam should take measures to diversify its European import markets to be less dependent on the traditional ones in the current context of the EU. Finally, Vietnam should promote the integration in the pharmaceutical sector with all three groups of nations, especially ASEAN and ASEAN's key partners, to reduce trade diversion effect and raise the welfare of Vietnam, given that Vietnam should consider carefully the point of time to remove tariff for each group to avoid the sudden increase in its pharmaceutical imports.

Potentially inappropriate medicines in elderly hospitalised patients according to the EU(7)-PIM list, STOPP version 2 criteria and comprehensive protocol.

PubMed

Mucalo, Iva; Hadžiabdić, Maja Ortner; Brajković, Andrea; Lukić, Sonja; Marić, Patricia; Marinović, Ivana; Bačić-Vrca, Vesna

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) by using the EU(7)-PIM list, STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions) version 2 criteria and the new comprehensive protocol. This prospective study involved a sample of 276 consecutive elderly patients discharged from the university teaching hospital. Age, gender, diagnoses, medication history and medicines at discharge were recorded. The main outcome measure was the prevalence of PIMs according to each set of criteria: EU(7)-PIM list, STOPP version 2 criteria and comprehensive protocol. The median patient age (range) was 74 (65-92) years. The median number of prescribed medications was 7 (1-17). STOPP identified 393 PIMs affecting 190 patients (69%), EU(7)-PIM list identified 330 PIMs in 184 patients (66.7%) whilst the comprehensive protocol identified 134 PIMs in 102 patients (37%). STOPP version 2 criteria identified significantly more PIMs per patient than the other two protocols (p < 0.001). Gender (p = 0.002), glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.039) and number of comorbidities (p = 0.001) were associated with the proportion of PIMs for the STOPP version 2 criteria only. A very high PIM prevalence at discharge was reported suggesting the urgent need for actions to reduce them. STOPP version 2 criteria identified significantly more PIMs than the EU(7)-PIM list and the comprehensive protocol and was found as a more sensitive tool for PIM detection.

Family Support and Early Childhood Education and Care in Cyprus: Existing Policies and Challenges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rentzou, Konstantina

2018-01-01

Although wide family support policies are available to Cypriot families, Cyprus is among the countries with the least developed ECEC systems and the processes taken to address ECEC deficits is slow. Although female employment rates are slightly below the EU averages, there is a gap in the availability of childcare, an underinvestment in public…

Cost-Effective Marine Protection - A Pragmatic Approach

PubMed Central

Oinonen, Soile; Hyytiäinen, Kari; Ahlvik, Lassi; Laamanen, Maria; Lehtoranta, Virpi; Salojärvi, Joona; Virtanen, Jarno

2016-01-01

This paper puts forward a framework for probabilistic and holistic cost-effectiveness analysis to provide support in selecting the least-cost set of measures to reach a multidimensional environmental objective. Following the principles of ecosystem-based management, the framework includes a flexible methodology for deriving and populating criteria for effectiveness and costs and analyzing complex ecological-economic trade-offs under uncertainty. The framework is applied in the development of the Finnish Programme of Measures (PoM) for reaching the targets of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The numerical results demonstrate that substantial cost savings can be realized from careful consideration of the costs and multiple effects of management measures. If adopted, the proposed PoM would yield improvements in the state of the Baltic Sea, but the overall objective of the MSFD would not be reached by the target year of 2020; for various environmental and administrative reasons, it would take longer for most measures to take full effect. PMID:26751965

Transdisciplinary integration and interfacing software in mechatronic system for carbon sequestration and harvesting energy in the agricultural soils for rewarding farmers through green certificates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pop, P. P.; Pop-Vadean, A.; Barz, C.; Latinovic, T.

2017-01-01

In this article we will present a transdisciplinary approach to carbon sequestration in agricultural soils. The software provides a method proposed to measure the amount of carbon that can be captured from different soil types and different crop. The application has integrated an intuitive interface, is portable and calculate the number of green certificates as a reward for farmers financial support for environmental protection. We plan to initiate a scientific approach to environmental protection through financial incentives for agriculture fits in EU rules by taxing big polluters and rewarding those who maintain a suitable environment for the development of ecological and competitive agriculture.

Growth and luminescent properties of Ce and Eu doped Cesium Hafnium Iodide single crystalline scintillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodama, Shohei; Kurosawa, Shunsuke; Yamaji, Akihiro; Pejchal, Jan; Král, Robert; Ohashi, Yuji; Kamada, Kei; Yokota, Yuui; Nikl, Martin; Yoshikawa, Akira

2018-06-01

In order to obtain new scintillators with high light output and high effective atomic number (Zeff), we performed anion-substitution for Cs2HfCl6 (CHC) scintillator, and then, we succeeded in growing Cs2HfI6 (CHI) single crystalline scintillator. It had Zeff of 58, which is the same as that of CHC, and had high light output of ∼70,000 photons/MeV with 700 nm emission. However, its scintillation decay time of ∼2.5 μs was slow for practical use as gamma-ray monitor. In this study, we performed Ce3+/Eu2+ doping to Hf4+ site to improve decay time of CHI, introducing the fast 5d-4f luminescence. Ce:CHI and Eu:CHI single crystals were finally obtained by the vertical Bridgman-Stockbarger method. The luminescence spectra of the Ce:CHI and Eu:CHI were very similar to that of the non-doped CHI, which would mean that no 5d-4f luminescence of Ce3+/Eu2+ was observed. The measured light output and decay time of Ce:CHI were ∼48,000 photon/MeV and 2.3 ± 0.1 μs, respectively. As for Eu:CHI, light output and decay time were ∼69,000 photon/MeV and 2.8 ± 0.1 μs, respectively.

Fluorescent Silicon Nanorods-Based Ratiometric Sensors for Long-Term and Real-Time Measurements of Intracellular pH in Live Cells.

PubMed

Chu, Binbin; Song, Bin; Ji, Xiaoyuan; Su, Yuanyuan; Wang, Houyu; He, Yao

2017-11-21

Long-term and real-time investigation of the dynamic process of pH i changes is critically significant for understanding the related pathogenesis of diseases and the design of intracellular drug delivery systems. Herein, we present a one-step synthetic strategy to construct ratiometric pH sensors, which are made of europium (Eu)-doped one-dimensional silicon nanorods (Eu@SiNRs). The as-prepared Eu@SiNRs have distinct emission maxima peaks at 470 and 620 nm under 405 nm excitation. Of particular note, the fluorescence emission intensity at 470 nm decreases along with the increase of pH, while the one at 620 nm is nearly unaffected by pH changes, making Eu@SiNRs a feasible probe for pH sensing ratiometrically. Moreover, Eu@SiNRs are found to be responsive to a broad pH range (ca. 3-9), biocompatible (e.g., ∼100% of cell viability during 24 h treatment) and photostable (e.g., ∼10% loss of intensity after 40 min continuous UV irradiation). Taking advantages of these merits, we employ Eu@SiNRs for the visualization of the cytoplasmic alkalization process mediated by nigericin in living cells, for around 30 min without interruption, revealing important information for understanding the dynamic process of pH i fluctuations.

Effects of cellulose degradation products on the mobility of Eu(III) in repositories for low and intermediate level radioactive waste.

PubMed

Diesen, Veronica; Forsberg, Kerstin; Jonsson, Mats

2017-10-15

The deep repository for low and intermediate level radioactive waste SFR in Sweden will contain large amounts of cellulosic waste materials contaminated with radionuclides. Over time the repository will be filled with water and alkaline conditions will prevail. In the present study degradation of cellulosic materials and the ability of cellulosic degradation products to solubilize and thereby mobilise Eu(III) under repository conditions has been investigated. Further, the possible immobilization of Eu(III) by sorption onto cement in the presence of degradation products has been investigated. The cellulosic material has been degraded under anaerobic and aerobic conditions in alkaline media (pH: 12.5) at ambient temperature. The degradation was followed by measuring the total organic carbon (TOC) content in the aqueous phase as a function of time. After 173days of degradation the TOC content is highest in the anaerobic artificial cement pore water (1547mg/L). The degradation products are capable of solubilising Eu(III) and the total europium concentration in the aqueous phase was 900μmol/L after 498h contact time under anaerobic conditions. Further it is shown that Eu(III) is adsorbed to the hydrated cement to a low extent (<9μmol Eu/g of cement) in the presence of degradation products. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structural, morphological and magnetic properties of Eu-doped CoFe2O4 nano-ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zubair, Aiman; Ahmad, Zahoor; Mahmood, Azhar; Cheong, Weng-Chon; Ali, Irshad; Khan, Muhammad Azhar; Chughtai, Adeel Hussain; Ashiq, Muhammad Naeem

Europium (Eu) doped spinel cobalt ferrites having composition CoEuxFe2-xO4 where x = 0.00, 0.03, 0.06, 0.09, 0.12 were fabricated by co-precipitation route. In order to observe the phase development of the ferrite samples, thermo-gravimetric analysis was carried out. The synthesized samples were subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis for structural investigation. All the samples were found to constitute face centered cubic (FCC) spinel structure belonging to Fd3m space group. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of nanocrystalline grains with spherical shape. Energy dispersive X-ray spectra confirmed the presence of Co, Eu, Fe and O elements with no existence of any impurity. The magnetic hysteresis curves measured at room temperature exhibited ferrimagnetic behavior with maximum saturation magnetization (Ms) of 65 emu/g and coercivity (Hc) of 966 Oe. The origin of ferrimagnetism in Eu doped cobalt ferrites was discussed in detail with reverence to the allocation of Co2+ and Fe3+ ions within the spinel lattice. The overall coercivity was increased (944-966 Oe) and magnetization was decreased (65-46 emu/g) with the substitution of Eu3+. The enhancement of former is ascribed to the transition from multi domain to single domain state and reduction in lateral is attributed to the incorporation of nonmagnetic Eu ions for Fe, resulting in weak superexchange interactions.

Two euAGAMOUS Genes Control C-Function in Medicago truncatula

PubMed Central

Gómez-Mena, Concepción; Constantin, Gabriela D.; Wen, Jiangqi; Mysore, Kirankumar S.; Lund, Ole S.; Johansen, Elisabeth; Beltrán, José Pío; Cañas, Luis A.

2014-01-01

C-function MADS-box transcription factors belong to the AGAMOUS (AG) lineage and specify both stamen and carpel identity and floral meristem determinacy. In core eudicots, the AG lineage is further divided into two branches, the euAG and PLE lineages. Functional analyses across flowering plants strongly support the idea that duplicated AG lineage genes have different degrees of subfunctionalization of the C-function. The legume Medicago truncatula contains three C-lineage genes in its genome: two euAG genes (MtAGa and MtAGb) and one PLENA-like gene (MtSHP). This species is therefore a good experimental system to study the effects of gene duplication within the AG subfamily. We have studied the respective functions of each euAG genes in M. truncatula employing expression analyses and reverse genetic approaches. Our results show that the M. truncatula euAG- and PLENA-like genes are an example of subfunctionalization as a result of a change in expression pattern. MtAGa and MtAGb are the only genes showing a full C-function activity, concomitant with their ancestral expression profile, early in the floral meristem, and in the third and fourth floral whorls during floral development. In contrast, MtSHP expression appears late during floral development suggesting it does not contribute significantly to the C-function. Furthermore, the redundant MtAGa and MtAGb paralogs have been retained which provides the overall dosage required to specify the C-function in M. truncatula. PMID:25105497

What to Know About Medicines With New Active Ingredients Approved in FY 2016 / 2016 in Japan and EU: A Brief Comparison of New Medicines Approved in Japan and the EU in 2016.

PubMed

Kondo, Hideyuki; Saint-Raymond, Agnès; Yasuda, Naoyuki

2018-03-01

The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in Japan and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have a long-standing experience of reviews of new medicines, and they meet their target pre-market review periods. In FY 2016 / 2016, 112 and 83 new medicines were approved in Japan and EU, respectively. Out of these medicines, 41 and 27 medicines containing new active ingredients were approved with total pre-market review periods of 209 days and 428 days in Japan and EU, respectively. Approximately one-third of these medicines were reviewed by the Agencies in close timing, within 1 year between pre-market review applications in Japan and in EU. Taking into account the increasing number of global clinical trials and constant number of consultations or scientific advice related to global clinical trials in Japan, it is clear that the importance of the continuous, collaborative relationship between EMA and PMDA is more and more crucial, as it does facilitate close and timely exchange of information and opinions on products and technologies under development. There already are effective collaborative frameworks between PMDA and EMA in addition to daily communication, and our findings support the development and best use of regulatory tools such as consultation services and scientific advice/protocol assistance for the benefit of the pharmaceutical industry but mostly of patients.

Cultivating nature-based solutions: The governance of communal urban gardens in the European Union.

PubMed

van der Jagt, Alexander P N; Szaraz, Luca R; Delshammar, Tim; Cvejić, Rozalija; Santos, Artur; Goodness, Julie; Buijs, Arjen

2017-11-01

In many countries in the European Union (EU), the popularity of communal urban gardening (CUG) on allotments and community gardens is on the rise. Given the role of this practice in increasing urban resilience, most notably social resilience, municipalities in the Global North are promoting CUG as a nature-based solution (NbS). However, the mechanisms by which institutional actors can best support and facilitate CUG are understudied, which could create a gap between aspiration and reality. The aim of this study is therefore to identify what governance arrangements contribute to CUG delivering social resilience. Through the EU GREEN SURGE project, we studied six CUG initiatives from five EU-countries, representing different planning regimes and traditions. We selected cases taking a locally unique or innovative approach to dealing with urban challenges. A variety of actors associated with each of the cases were interviewed to achieve as complete a picture as possible regarding important governance arrangements. A cross-case comparison revealed a range of success factors, varying from clearly formulated objectives and regulations, municipal support, financial resources and social capital through to the availability of local food champions and facilitators engaging in community building. Municipalities can support CUG initiatives by moving beyond a rigid focus on top-down control, while involved citizens can increase the impact of CUG by pursuing political, in addition to hands-on, activities. We conclude that CUG has clear potential to act as a nature-based solution if managed with sensitivity to local dynamics and context. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of high-performance metal ion doped iron oxide electrode for supercapacitor applications through a novel platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aghazadeh, Mustafa; Karimzadeh, Isa

2017-10-01

We provide a novel electrodeposition platform of undoped and Eu3+ doped iron oxide nanoparticles (Eu-IONPs) from an additive-free electrolyte containing Fe(NO3)3, FeCl2 and EuCl3. The prepared IONPs were analyzed using x-ray diffraction, field emission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray techniques, and the obtained data showed successful electrosynthesis of magnetite nanoparticles (size  ≈  10 nm) doped with about 10 wt% Eu3+ ions. The Eu-IONPs were used as supercapacitor electrode materials, and characterized by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements. The as-synthesized Eu-IONPs exhibit remarkable pseudocapacitive activities including high specific capacitances of 212.5 and 153.2 F g-1 at 0.5 and 2 A g-1, respectively, and excellent cycling stabilities of 93.9% and 86.5% after 2000 discharging cycles. Furthermore, vibrational sample magnetometer data confirmed better superparamagnetic performance of Eu-IONPs (Ms  =  72.8 emu g-1, Mr  =  0.24 emu g-1 and H Ci  =  3.48 G) as compared with pure IONPs (Ms  =  51.92 emu g-1, Mr  =  0.95 emu g-1 and H Ci  =  14.62 G) due to exhibiting lower Mr and H Ci values. This novel synthetic platform of metal ion doped iron oxide is potentially a convenient way to fabricate high-performance iron oxide electrodes for energy storage systems.

Tunable-color luminescence via energy transfer in NaCa13/18Mg5/18PO4:A (A = Eu2+/Tb3+/Mn2+, Dy3+) phosphors for solid state lighting.

PubMed

Li, Kai; Fan, Jian; Mi, Xiaoyun; Zhang, Yang; Lian, Hongzhou; Shang, Mengmeng; Lin, Jun

2014-11-17

A series of NaCa13/18Mg5/18PO4(NCMPO):A (A = Eu(2+)/Tb(3+)/Mn(2+), Dy(3+)) phosphors have been prepared by the high-temperature solid-state reaction method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL), cathodoluminescence (CL), decay lifetimes, and PL quantum yields (QYs) were utilized to characterize the phosphors. The pure crystalline phase of as-prepared samples has been demonstrated via XRD measurement and Rietveld refinements. XPS reveals that the Eu(2+)/Tb(3+)/Mn(2+) can be efficiently doped into the crystal lattice. NCMPO:Eu(2+)/Tb(3+)/Mn(2+) phosphors can be effectively excited under UV radiation, which show tunable color from purple-blue to red including white emission based on energy transfer from Eu(2+) to Tb(3+)/Mn(2+) ions. Under low-voltage electron beam bombardment, the NCMPO:A (A = Eu(2+)/Tb(3+)/Mn(2+), Dy(3+)) display their, respectively, characteristic emissions with different colors, and the CL spectrum of NCMPO:0.04Tb(3+) has the comparable intensity to the ZnO:Zn commercial product. In addition, the calculated CIE coordinate of NCMPO:0.04Tb(3+) (0.252, 0.432) is more saturated than it (0.195, 0.417). These results reveal that NCMPO:A (A = Eu(2+)/Tb(3+)/Mn(2+), Dy(3+)) may be potential candidate phosphors for WLEDs and FEDs.

Fabrication of Eu doped CdO [Al/Eu-nCdO/p-Si/Al] photodiodes by perfume atomizer based spray technique for opto-electronic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravikumar, M.; Ganesh, V.; Shkir, Mohd; Chandramohan, R.; Arun Kumar, K. Deva; Valanarasu, S.; Kathalingam, A.; AlFaify, S.

2018-05-01

In this study, thin films of cadmium oxide (CdO) with different concentrations (0, 1, 3, and 5 wt%) of Eu doping were deposited onto Si and glass substrates by a novel and facile spray technique using simple perfume atomizer for the first time. Prepared films were characterized for structural, morphological, optical properties and the photo diode studies, using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Isbnd V characteristics, and fundamental parameters are reported. All the prepared Eu:CdO films exhibit cubic structure. The preferential orientation is along (200) plane. Scanning electron microscopy study indicates the growth of smooth and pin-hole free films with clusters of homogeneous grains. The values of band gap energy are found to be varying from 2.42 to 2.33 eV for various Eu doping concentration from 0 to 5 wt%. EDAX studies revealed the presence of Eu, Cd and O elements without any other impurities. FTIR spectra showed a peak at 575 cm-1 confirming the stretching mode of Cdsbnd O. The resistivity (ρ), high carrier concentration (n) and carrier mobility (μ) for 3 wt% CdO thin film are found to be 0.452 × 10-3(Ω.cm), 17.82 × 1020 cm-3 and 7.757 cm2/V, respectively. Current-voltage measurements on the fabricated nanostructured Al/Eu-nCdO/p-Si/Al heterojunction device showed a non-linear electric characteristics indicating diode like behaviour.

Herbal medicines: challenges in the modern world. Part 2. European Union and Russia.

PubMed

Sammons, Helen M; Gubarev, Michael I; Krepkova, Lubov V; Bortnikova, Valentina V; Corrick, Fenella; Job, Kathleen M; Sherwin, Catherine Mt; Enioutina, Elena Y

2016-08-01

Herbal medicines (HMs) have been well known to people of the European Union (EU) and Russia for centuries. Currently, Western HMs can be classified into two categories, plant-derived conventional medicines and dietary supplements. Interest to HMs has grown rapidly in all countries during the past two decades. The main goal of this review article is to present the history of HMs in the EU and Russia, forms of modern HMs, including Oriental Medicines that are popular among consumers of both countries. Additional discussion points comprise safety and adulteration issues associated with HMs, including regulatory changes and new legislative measures undertaken by the authorities. Materials available from legislative and governmental websites, PubMed and news media were used. Expert commentary: Due to cultural diversities in the EU and Russia, traditional HMs of other regions, particularly Chinese Traditional and Ayurvedic medicines, are also popular. Recently, dietary supplements containing multiple herbal and other natural products have flooded the EU and Russian markets. Pharmacovigilance in these markets is challenging in terms of establishing quality and safety of ingredients, determining efficacy, and defining risks of herb-herb and herb-drug interactions. Both the EU and Russia have introduced new legislation aimed to overcome these deficiencies.

Laboratory determination of migration of Eu(III) in compacted bentonite-sand mixtures as buffer/backfill material for high-level waste disposal.

PubMed

Zhou, Lang; Zhang, Huyuan; Yan, Ming; Chen, Hang; Zhang, Ming

2013-12-01

For the safety assessment of geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW), the migration of Eu(III) through compacted bentonite-sand mixtures was measured under expected repository conditions. Under the evaluated conditions, advection and dispersion is the dominant migration mechanism. The role of sorption on the retardation of migration was also evaluated. The hydraulic conductivities of compacted bentonite-sand mixtures were K=2.07×10(-10)-5.23×10(-10)cm/s, The sorption and diffusion of Eu(III) were examined using a flexible wall permeameter for a solute concentration of 2.0×10(-5)mol/l. The effective diffusion coefficients and apparent diffusion coefficients of Eu(III) in compacted bentonite-sand mixtures were in the range of 1.62×10(-12)-4.87×10(-12)m(2)/s, 1.44×10(-14)-9.41×10(-14)m(2)/s, respectively, which has a very important significance to forecast the relationship between migration length of Eu(III) in buffer/backfill material and time and provide a reference for the design of buffer/backfill material for HLW disposal in China. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tuberculosis control in big cities and urban risk groups in the European Union: a consensus statement.

PubMed

van Hest, N A; Aldridge, R W; de Vries, G; Sandgren, A; Hauer, B; Hayward, A; Arrazola de Oñate, W; Haas, W; Codecasa, L R; Caylà, J A; Story, A; Antoine, D; Gori, A; Quabeck, L; Jonsson, J; Wanlin, M; Orcau, Å; Rodes, A; Dedicoat, M; Antoun, F; van Deutekom, H; Keizer, St; Abubakar, I

2014-03-06

In low-incidence countries in the European Union (EU), tuberculosis (TB) is concentrated in big cities, especially among certain urban high-risk groups including immigrants from TB high-incidence countries, homeless people, and those with a history of drug and alcohol misuse. Elimination of TB in European big cities requires control measures focused on multiple layers of the urban population. The particular complexities of major EU metropolises, for example high population density and social structure, create specific opportunities for transmission, but also enable targeted TB control interventions, not efficient in the general population, to be effective or cost effective. Lessons can be learnt from across the EU and this consensus statement on TB control in big cities and urban risk groups was prepared by a working group representing various EU big cities, brought together on the initiative of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The consensus statement describes general and specific social, educational, operational, organisational, legal and monitoring TB control interventions in EU big cities, as well as providing recommendations for big city TB control, based upon a conceptual TB transmission and control model.

White long-lasting phosphorescence generation in a CaAl2Si2O8 : Eu2+, Mn2+, Dy3+ system through persistent energy transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jinsu; Chen, Baojiu; Sun, Jiashi; Li, Xiangping; Cheng, Lihong; Zhong, Haiyang

2012-08-01

Based on the persistent energy transfer principle, Mn2+ was introduced into a CaAl2Si2O8 : Eu2+/Dy3+ phosphor to achieve white long-lasting emissions. Eu2+, Mn2+ and Dy3+ tri-doped CaAl2Si2O8 phosphors with various Mn2+ concentrations were prepared via a solid-state reaction, and the crystal structure of the phosphors was identified by the x-ray diffraction technique. The luminescent properties of the Eu2+, Mn2+ and Dy3+ tri-doped CaAl2Si2O8 phosphors were studied. The energy transfer behaviour from Eu2+ to Mn2+ was analysed within the framework of Dexter theory. The physical mechanism of energy transfer was assigned to the electric dipole-quadrupole interaction. It was also demonstrated that the colour coordinates of the phosphors can be tuned from the blue region to the white region in the colour space. Furthermore, the afterglow decay and thermoluminescence curves were measured, indicating excellent phosphorescence properties of the current phosphors.

Highly Luminescent Lanthanide Complexes of 1 Hydroxy-2-pyridinones

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

University of California, Berkeley; Lawrence National Laboratory; Raymond, Kenneth

2007-11-01

The synthesis, X-ray structure, stability, and photophysical properties of several trivalent lanthanide complexes formed from two differing bis-bidentate ligands incorporating either alkyl or alkyl ether linkages and featuring the 1-hydroxy-2-pyridinone (1,2-HOPO) chelate group in complex with Eu(III), Sm(III) and Gd(III) are reported. The Eu(III) complexes are among some of the best examples, pairing highly efficient emission ({Phi}{sub tot}{sup Eu} {approx} 21.5%) with high stability (pEu {approx} 18.6) in aqueous solution, and are excellent candidates for use in biological assays. A comparison of the observed behavior of the complexes with differing backbone linkages shows remarkable similarities, both in stability and photophysicalmore » properties. Low temperature photophysical measurements for a Gd(III) complex were also used to gain insight into the electronic structure, and were found to agree with corresponding TD-DFT calculations for a model complex. A comparison of the high resolution Eu(III) emission spectra in solution and from single crystals also revealed a more symmetric coordination geometry about the metal ion in solution due to dynamic rotation of the observed solid state structure.« less

Syntheses of Eu-Activated Alkaline Earth Fluoride MF2 (M=Ca, Sr) Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Byung-Chul; Kawano, Katsuyasu

2007-09-01

The Eu2+ ion-activated CaF2 and SrF2 nanoparticles were prepared by the sol-gel technique assisted with the trifluoro-acetic acid (TFA), and were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), photoluminescence excitation (PLE) measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM) observation. A modified reducing method based on the thermal-carbon reducing atmosphere (TCRA) treatment using activated carbon was proposed to realize the effective reduction from Eu3+ to Eu2+ ions, in which the nanoparticles showed a strong and broad luminescence due to the parity allowed 4f7-4f65d1 transition. From the XRD results, it was found that the average particle size proportionally increased in the range of 15 to 120 nm and 10 to 100 nm for CaF2 and SrF2, respectively, with increasing sintering temperatures 300-700 °C. The surface images of nanoparticles obtained by the AFM revealed that the grains with high uniformity grew with increasing TCRA temperatures. It was confirmed that the reduced Eu2+ ions were homogeneously dispersed with the critical distance 16-17 Å in the fluoride nanoparticles from the concentration quenching results.

A promising RVO4:Eu(3+), Li(+)@SiO2 (R = Gd, Y and Gd/Y) red-emitting phosphor with improved luminescence (cd/m(2)) and colour purity for optical display applications.

PubMed

Rambabu, Urlagaddala; Munirathnam, Nagegownivari Ramachandra; Reddy, Busireddy Sudhakar; Chatterjee, Sandip

2016-02-01

Red emission intensity was optimized in three stages, by investigating the effects of: (i) host composition (Gd, Y and Gd/Y), (ii) codoping Li(+) as a sensitizer and, finally, (iii) with a SiO2 shell coating as a protecting layer. Lanthanide vanadate powder phosphors were synthesized using a modified colloidal precipitation technique. The effects of SiO2 coating on phosphor particles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-EDAX, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. An improvement in the PL intensity on Li codoping was due to improved crystallinity, which led to higher oscillating strengths for the optical transitions, and also a lowering of the inversion symmetry of Eu(3+) ions. Red emission intensity due to (5)D0  → (5)D2 transition of the phosphor Y0.94VO4:Eu(3+)0.05, Li(+)0.01 was enhanced by 22.28% compared with Y0.95VO4:Eu(3+)0.05, and was further improved by 58.73% with SiO2 coating. The luminescence intensity (I) and colour coordinates (x, y) of the optimized phosphor Y0.94VO4:Eu(3+)0.05, Li(+)0.01@SiO2, where I = 13.07 cd/m(2) and (x = 0.6721, y = 0.3240), were compared with values for a commercial red phosphor (Y2O2S:Eu(3+)), where I = 27 cd/m(2) and (x = 0.6522, y = 0.3437). The measured colour coordinates are superior to those of the commercial red phosphor, and moreover, match well with standard NTSC values (x = 0.67, y = 0.33). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Health sector employment growth calls for improvements in labor productivity.

PubMed

Hofmarcher, Maria M; Festl, Eva; Bishop-Tarver, Leslie

2016-08-01

While rising costs of healthcare have put increased fiscal pressure on public finance, job growth in the health sector has had a stabilizing force on overall employment levels - not least in times of economic crises. In 2014 EU-15 countries employed 21 million people in the health and social care sector. Between 2000 and 2014 the share of employed persons in this sector rose from 9.5% to 12.5% of the total labor force in EU-15 countries. Over time labor input growth has shifted towards residential care activities and social work while labor in human health activities including hospitals and ambulatory care still comprises the major share. About half of the human health labor force works in hospital. Variation of health and social care employment is large even in countries with generally comparable institutional structures. While standard measures of productivity in health and social care are not yet comparable across countries, we argue that labor productivity of a growing health work force needs more attention. The long-term stability of the health system will require care delivery models that better utilize a growing health work force in concert with smart investments in digital infrastructure to support this transition. In light of this, more research is needed to explain variations in health and social care labor endowments, to identify effective policy measures of labor productivity enhancement including enhanced efforts to develop comparable productivity indicators in these areas. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Relationship between the Brexit Vote and Individual Predictors of Prejudice: Collective Narcissism, Right Wing Authoritarianism, Social Dominance Orientation

PubMed Central

Golec de Zavala, Agnieszka; Guerra, Rita; Simão, Cláudia

2017-01-01

The Leave campaign in the U.K., which advocated exiting the European Union, emphasized anxiety over immigration and the need to take control of the U.K.'s borders. Citizens who expressed concerns about immigration to the U.K. were more likely to vote to leave. Two correlational studies examined the previously unexplored question of whether the Brexit vote and support for the outcome of the E.U. referendum were linked to individual predictors of prejudice toward foreigners: British collective narcissism (a belief in national greatness), right wing authoritarianism, and social dominance orientation. The results converged to indicate that all three variables were independently related to the perceived threat of immigrants and, via this variable, to the Brexit vote and a support for the outcome of the E.U. referendum. These variables explained the variance in the perceived threat of immigrants and support for the Brexit vote over and above other previously examined predictors such as age, education, or ethnicity, as well as, national identification and national attachment. PMID:29230185

CDRA-4EU Testing in Support of ISS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, Warren; Stanley, Christine; Knox, Jim

2016-01-01

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) recently conducted tests on two desiccant beds of the four-bed molecular sieve carbon dioxide removal assembly (CDRA) returned from the International Space Station (ISS). MSFC had previously characterized the relationship between CDRA-4EU inlet conditions and the dewpoint at the desiccant bed exit and between the compressor and accumulator that make up the Carbon Dioxide Management Assembly (CDMA). MSFC installed the flight desiccant beds into the existing Exploration Test Chamber (E-chamber) using a suite of instrumentation not available on orbit to investigate the orbital performance of the desiccant beds. Test objectives, facility design and test results are presented.

Modification of the vertically generalized production model for the turbid waters of Ariake Bay, southwestern Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tripathy, S. C.; Ishizaka, J.; Siswanto, E.; Shibata, T.; Mino, Y.

2012-01-01

The vertically generalized production model (VGPM), which was designed for open ocean waters ( Behrenfeld and Falkowski, 1997a; henceforth BF), was evaluated using in situ measurements of primary productivity (PP) in the characteristically turbid coastal waters of Ariake Bay, southwestern Japan, to develop a regionally modified version of the model. The euphotic depth ( Z eu)-integrated PP (IPP) calculated from the VGPM using in situ chlorophyll a (Chl a) and sea surface temperature (SST) was significantly overestimated (by factors of 2-3), but 52% of the observed variability was explained. The weak correlation could have partially resulted from overestimations by the sub-models embedded in the original VGPM model for estimation of Z eu ( Morel and Berthon, 1989; henceforth MB) and the optimal Chl a-normalized PP ( poptB). The sub-model estimates of poptB and Z eu with in situpoptB and Z eu showed significant improvement, accounting for 84% of the variability and causing less overestimation. Z eu was the most important parameter influencing the modeled IPP variation in Ariake Bay. Previous research suggested that the Z eu model, which was based on surface Chl a, overestimated in situ Z eu by a factor of 2-3, resulting in weak correlation between the modeled and in situ IPP. The Z eu sub-model was not accurate in the present study area because it was basically developed for clear (case 1) waters. A better estimation of Z eu could be obtained from the in situ remote sensing reflectance ( R rs) using a quasi-analytical algorithm (QAA) in this turbid water ecosystem. Among the parameters of PP models, poptB is conventionally considered the most important. However, in this study poptB was of secondary importance because the contribution of poptB to the variation in modeled IPP was less than the contribution of Z eu. The modeled and in situpoptB were weakly correlated with 50% of the data points that overestimated the in situ values. The estimation of Chl a was improved by optimizing the Chl a algorithm with in situ R rs data. Incorporating the QAA-based Z eu and the optimized Chl a and constant (median) poptB value led to improved performance of the VGPM for the study area. Thus, even though the VGPM is a global open ocean model, when coupled with turbid water algorithms for Z eu and Chl a and constant (median) poptB, it provided realistic estimates of IPP in the turbid water ecosystem of Ariake Bay.

In-use measurement of activity, energy use, and emissions of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

PubMed

Graver, Brandon M; Frey, H Christopher; Choi, Hyung-Wook

2011-10-15

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) could reduce transportation air emissions and energy use. However, a method is needed for estimating on-road emissions of PHEVs. To develop a framework for quantifying microscale energy use and emissions (EU&E), measurements were conducted on a Toyota Prius retrofitted with a plug-in battery system on eight routes. Measurements were made using the following: (1) a data logger for the hybrid control system; (2) a portable emissions measurement system; and (3) a global positioning system with barometric altimeter. Trends in EU&E are estimated based on vehicle specific power. Energy economy is quantified based on gasoline consumed by the engine and grid energy consumed by the plug-in battery. Emissions from electricity consumption are estimated based on the power generation mix. Fuel use is approximately 30% lower during plug-in battery use. Grid emissions were higher for CO₂, NO(x), SO₂, and PM compared to tailpipe emissions but lower for CO and hydrocarbons. EU&E depends on engine and plug-in battery operation. The use of two energy sources must be addressed in characterizing fuel economy; overall energy economy is 11% lower if including grid energy use than accounting only for fuel consumption.

Implementation of the EU-policy framework WFD and GWD in Europe - Activities of CIS Working Group Groundwater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grath, Johannes; Ward, Rob; Hall, Anna

2013-04-01

At the European level, the basic elements for groundwater management and protection are laid down in the Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/EC) and the Groundwater Daughter Directive (2006/118/EC). EU Member States, Norway and the European Commission (EC) have jointly developed a common strategy for supporting the implementation of the WFD. The main aim of this Common Implementation Strategy (CIS) is to ensure the coherent and harmonious implementation of the directives through the clarification of a number of methodological questions enabling a common understanding to be reached on the technical and scientific implications of the WFD (European Communities, 2008). Groundwater specific issues are dealt with in Working Group C Groundwater. Members of the working group are experts nominated by Member states, Norway, Switzerland and Accession Countries (from administrative bodies, research institutes, …) and representatives from relevant stakeholders and NGOs. Working Group C Groundwater has produced numerous guidance documents and technical reports that have been endorsed by EU Water Directors to support and enable Member States to implement the directives. All the documents are published by the EC. Access is available via the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/groundwater/activities.htm Having addressed implementations issues during the 1st river basin planning cycle, WG C Groundwater is currently focussing on the following issues: groundwater dependent ecosystems, and climate change and groundwater. In the future, the outcome and recommendations of the "Blueprint" - to safeguard Europe's water resources - which was recently published by the EC will be of utmost importance in setting the agenda for the group. Most likely this will include water pricing, water demand management and water abstraction. Complementory to the particular working groups, a Science Policy Interface (SPI) activity has been established. Its purpose is to improve dialogue and linkages between the scientific and policy-making communities to enhance the accessibility of scientific knowledge to policy makers, to deliver more policy-relevant research outcomes and enable future research priorities to be identified. References: European Communities (2008): Groundwater Protection in Europe, The new Groundwater Directive - Consolidating the EU Regulatory Framework

EU-funded initiatives for real world evidence: descriptive analysis of their characteristics and relevance for regulatory decision-making.

PubMed

Plueschke, Kelly; McGettigan, Patricia; Pacurariu, Alexandra; Kurz, Xavier; Cave, Alison

2018-06-14

A review of European Union (EU)-funded initiatives linked to 'Real World Evidence' (RWE) was performed to determine whether their outputs could be used for the generation of real-world data able to support the European Medicines Agency (EMA)'s regulatory decision-making on medicines. The initiatives were identified from publicly available websites. Their topics were categorised into five areas: 'Data source', 'Methodology', 'Governance model', 'Analytical model' and 'Infrastructure'. To assess their immediate relevance for medicines evaluation, their therapeutic areas were compared with the products recommended for EU approval in 2016 and those included in the EMA pharmaceutical business pipeline. Of 171 originally identified EU-funded initiatives, 65 were selected based on their primary and secondary objectives (35 'Data source' initiatives, 15 'Methodology', 10 'Governance model', 17 'Analytical model' and 25 'Infrastructure'). These 65 initiatives received over 734 million Euros of public funding. At the time of evaluation, the published outputs of the 40 completed initiatives did not always match their original objectives. Overall, public information was limited, data access was not explicit and their sustainability was unclear. The topics matched 8 of 14 therapeutic areas of the products recommended for approval in 2016 and 8 of 15 therapeutic areas in the 2017-2019 pharmaceutical business pipeline. Haematology, gastroenterology or cardiovascular systems were poorly represented. This landscape of EU-funded initiatives linked to RWE which started before 31 December 2016 highlighted that the immediate utilisation of their outputs to support regulatory decision-making is limited, often due to insufficient available information and to discrepancies between outputs and objectives. Furthermore, the restricted sustainability of the initiatives impacts on their downstream utility. Multiple projects focussing on the same therapeutic areas increase the likelihood of duplication of both efforts and resources. These issues contribute to gaps in generating RWE for medicines and diminish returns on the public funds invested. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Evaluation of post-authorization safety studies in the first cohort of EU Risk Management Plans at time of regulatory approval.

PubMed

Giezen, Thijs J; Mantel-Teeuwisse, Aukje K; Straus, Sabine M J M; Egberts, Toine C G; Blackburn, Stella; Persson, Ingemar; Leufkens, Hubert G M

2009-01-01

Since November 2005, an EU Risk Management Plan (EU-RMP) has had to be submitted as part of a marketing application for all new chemical entities in the EU. In the EU-RMP, the safety profile of the medicine has to be described and pharmacovigilance activities should be proposed to study further safety concerns during use of the drug in the real-world setting. These activities include, for example, collection of spontaneously reported adverse events and post-authorization safety studies (PASS). Since the submission of an EU-RMP is a relatively new requirement, there is limited knowledge on the quality and completeness of the study protocols of PASS at the time of approval and there are no data on the influence of certain drug characteristics on the proposed pharmacovigilance activities. To examine the types of proposed pharmacovigilance activities in a sample of EU-RMPs, describe and evaluate the methodology of PASS, identify problems and propose remedies, and compare characteristics between biologicals and small molecules. Eighteen EU-RMPs (nine for biologicals, nine for small molecules) given a positive decision regarding the marketing application by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use between November 2005 and May 2007 were included in this descriptive cohort study. The EU-RMPs were selected over time and different therapeutic areas. Classification of the safety concerns ('important identified risks', 'important potential risks', 'important missing information' within the EU-RMP was studied. For PASS, data source (registry, population-based database, sponsor-owned clinical trial database), source of study population to be included in PASS and comprehensiveness of study protocol (full protocol, limited protocol, study synopsis, short description, commitment without further information) were studied. Compared to small molecules, safety concerns for biologicals were less frequently classified as important identified risks (relative risk [RR] 0.6; 95% CI 0.3, 1.0) and more frequently as important missing information (RR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0, 2.7). Forty-seven PASS were proposed; 31 for biologicals and 16 for small molecules. Compared with studies proposed in population-based databases (4 for biologicals, 8 for small molecules), studies in registries (18 for biologicals, 4 for small molecules) were more frequently proposed for biologicals than for small molecules (RR 2.5; 95% CI 1.1, 5.7). About 60% of the proposed PASS will include EU inhabitants. No full study protocols were submitted; 26% involved a limited study protocol, 33% a study synopsis, 37% a short description and 4% a commitment without further information. Approximately 40% of the study proposals for PASS were classified as a short description or a commitment to perform a study without further information, precluding an adequate scientific assessment. Studying non-EU populations may give rise to difficulties with generalizability of the results to the EU due to differences in patient characteristics, differences in the indication for the medicine and different healthcare systems. This study emphasizes the need for more complete study proposals to be submitted earlier on in the evaluation period and for the inclusion of EU inhabitants in PASS. In addition, differences in the characteristics between biologicals and small molecules, e.g. in the data source proposed, support the need for individualized tailored PASS depending on the type of drug.

The European Working Time Directive and the effects on training of surgical specialists (doctors in training): a position paper of the surgical disciplines of the countries of the EU.

PubMed

Benes, V

2006-11-01

Legislation launched with the EWTD was born as a "Protection of the clinical personnel against overwork for the benefit of Patients" (consumer protection and safety). It appeared that this legislation is in direct and severe conflict with former EU legislation to train competent surgical specialists. First experiences with the EWTD show far reaching and serious consequences on the training of surgical specialists as well as on medical care. There will be a reduction of about 30-35% of clinical and operative experience acquired during the usual 6 yrs of training, with many other negative aspects (see p. 7). All measures proposed so far to overcome the ensuing problems are unworkable. The training of competent surgical specialists as required by the Directive 93/16 EEC is no longer possible and serious problems with safe patient care will occur in the short term, if no political actions are taken. The surgical specialties, represented in the UEMS, provide a proposal for a working hour model consisting of 48 hrs working time (incl. service duties) plus additional 12 hrs reserved and protected for teaching and training. This model would adhere to the EWTD on the one hand, yet maintain the desired standard of training. This proposed exemption from the EWTD would be limited to the time of specialist training. We ask the responsible politicians to find a solution rapidly to prevent serious negative consequences. This motion is supported by the surgical specialties (neurosurgery, general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, paediatric surgery, cardio-thoracic surgery, vascular surgery, oto-rhino-laryngology, list not complete) of the member states of the EU, representing more than 80,000 surgical specialists.

Pressure-induced amorphization of YVO₄:Eu³⁺ nanoboxes.

PubMed

Ruiz-Fuertes, J; Gomis, O; León-Luis, S F; Schrodt, N; Manjón, F J; Ray, S; Santamaría-Pérez, D; Sans, J A; Ortiz, H M; Errandonea, D; Ferrer-Roca, C; Segura, A; Martínez-García, D; Lavín, V; Rodríguez-Mendoza, U R; Muñoz, A

2016-01-15

A structural transformation from the zircon-type structure to an amorphous phase has been found in YVO4:Eu(3+) nanoboxes at high pressures above 12.7 GPa by means of x-ray diffraction measurements. However, the pair distribution function of the high-pressure phase shows that the local structure of the amorphous phase is similar to the scheelite-type YVO4. These results are confirmed both by Raman spectroscopy and Eu(3+) photoluminescence which detect the phase transition to a scheelite-type structure at 10.1 and 9.1 GPa, respectively. The irreversibility of the phase transition is observed with the three techniques after a maximum pressure in the upstroke of around 20 GPa. The existence of two (5)D0-->(7)F0 photoluminescence peaks confirms the existence of two local environments for Eu(3+), at least for the low-pressure phase. One environment is the expected for substituting Y(3+) and the other is likely a disordered environment possibly found at the surface of the nanoboxes.

Crystal Growth and Scintillation Properties of Eu2+ doped Cs4CaI6 and Cs4SrI6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stand, L.; Zhuravleva, M.; Chakoumakos, B.; Johnson, J.; Loyd, M.; Wu, Y.; Koschan, M.; Melcher, C. L.

2018-03-01

In this work we present the crystal growth and scintillation properties of two new ternarymetal halide scintillators activated with divalent europium, Cs4CaI6 and Cs4SrI6. Single crystals of each compound were grown in evacuated quartz ampoules via the vertical Bridgman technique using a two-zone transparent furnace. Single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments showed that both crystals have a trigonal (R-3c) structure, with a density of 3.99 g/cm3 and 4.03 g/cm3. The radioluminescence and photoluminescence measurements showed typical luminescence properties due to the 5d-4f radiative transitions in Eu2+. At this early stage of development Cs4SrI6:Eu and Cs4CaI6:Eu have shown very promising scintillation properties, with light yields and energy resolutions of 62,300 ph/MeV and 3.3%, and 51,800 photons/MeV and 3.6% at 662 keV, respectively.

Theory of Mind and Emotion Understanding Predict Moral Development in Early Childhood

PubMed Central

Lane, Jonathan D.; Wellman, Henry M.; Olson, Sheryl L.; LaBounty, Jennifer; Kerr, David C. R.

2011-01-01

The current study utilized longitudinal data to investigate how theory of mind (ToM) and emotion understanding (EU) concurrently and prospectively predicted young children’s moral reasoning and decision-making. One hundred twenty-eight children were assessed on measures of ToM and EU at 3.5 years- and 5.5 years-of-age. At 5.5 years, children were also assessed on the quality of moral reasoning and decision-making they used to negotiate prosocial moral dilemmas, in which the needs of a story protagonist conflict with the needs of another story character. More sophisticated EU predicted greater use of physical- and material-needs reasoning, and a more advanced ToM predicted greater use of psychological-needs reasoning. Most intriguing, ToM and EU jointly predicted greater use of higher-level acceptance-authority reasoning, which is likely a product of children’s increasing appreciation for the knowledge held by trusted adults and children’s desire to behave in accordance with social expectations. PMID:21121472

Theory of mind and emotion understanding predict moral development in early childhood.

PubMed

Lane, Jonathan D; Wellman, Henry M; Olson, Sheryl L; LaBounty, Jennifer; Kerr, David C R

2010-11-01

The current study utilized longitudinal data to investigate how theory of mind (ToM) and emotion understanding (EU) concurrently and prospectively predicted young children's moral reasoning and decision making. One hundred twenty-eight children were assessed on measures of ToM and EU at 3.5 and 5.5 years of age. At 5.5 years, children were also assessed on the quality of moral reasoning and decision making they used to negotiate prosocial moral dilemmas, in which the needs of a story protagonist conflict with the needs of another story character. More sophisticated EU predicted greater use of physical- and material-needs reasoning, and a more advanced ToM predicted greater use of psychological-needs reasoning. Most intriguing, ToM and EU jointly predicted greater use of higher-level acceptance-authority reasoning, which is likely a product of children's increasing appreciation for the knowledge held by trusted adults and children's desire to behave in accordance with social expectations.

Oxygen-vacancy-mediated dielectric property in perovskite Eu0.5Ba0.5TiO3-δ epitaxial thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Weiwei; Gu, Junxing; He, Qian; Zhang, Kelvin H. L.; Wang, Chunchang; Jin, Kuijuan; Wang, Yongqiang; Acosta, Matias; Wang, Haiyan; Borisevich, Albina Y.; MacManus-Driscoll, Judith L.; Yang, Hao

2018-04-01

Dielectric relaxation in ABO3 perovskite oxides can result from many different charge carrier-related phenomena. Despite a strong understanding of dielectric relaxations, a detailed investigation of the relationship between the content of oxygen vacancies (VO) and dielectric relaxation has not been performed in perovskite oxide films. In this work, we report a systematic investigation of the influence of the VO concentration on the dielectric relaxation of Eu0.5Ba0.5TiO3-δ epitaxial thin films. Nuclear resonance backscattering spectrometry was used to directly measure the oxygen concentration in Eu0.5Ba0.5TiO3-δ films. We found that dipolar defects created by VO interact with the off-centered Ti ions, which results in the dielectric relaxation in Eu0.5Ba0.5TiO3-δ films. Activation energy gradually increases with the increasing content of VO. The present work significantly extends our understanding of relaxation properties in oxide films.

Characterization of the hyperfine interaction of the excited D50 state of Eu3 +:Y2SiO5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruzeiro, Emmanuel Zambrini; Etesse, Jean; Tiranov, Alexey; Bourdel, Pierre-Antoine; Fröwis, Florian; Goldner, Philippe; Gisin, Nicolas; Afzelius, Mikael

2018-03-01

We characterize the europium (Eu3 +) hyperfine interaction of the excited state (D50) and determine its effective spin Hamiltonian parameters for the Zeeman and quadrupole tensors. An optical free induction decay method is used to measure all hyperfine splittings under a weak external magnetic field (up to 10 mT) for various field orientations. On the basis of the determined Hamiltonian, we discuss the possibility to predict optical transition probabilities between hyperfine levels for the F70⟷D50 transition. The obtained results provide necessary information to realize an optical quantum memory scheme which utilizes long spin coherence properties of 3 + 151Eu :Y2SiO5 material under external magnetic fields.

Transport and magnetic properties of dilute rare-earth-PbSe alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jovovic, V.; Joottu-Thiagarajan, S.; West, J.; Heremans, J. P.; Story, T.; Golacki, Z.; Paszkowicz, W.; Osinniy, V.

2007-03-01

An increase in the density of states is predicted [1] to increase the thermoelectric (TE) figure of merit, and could be induced by doping TE materials with rare-earth elements. This was attempted here: the galvanomagnetic and thermomagnetic properties of dilute alloys of PbSe and Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd and Yb were measured from 80 to 380K; magnetic susceptibilities were measured from 4 to 120K. The density of states effective mass, the relaxation time, and the carrier density and mobility are calculated from measurements of the electrical conductivity and the Hall, Seebeck and transverse Nernst-Ettingshausen coefficients. The Eu, Gd, Nd and Yb-alloyed samples are paramagnetic; the concentrations of rare-earth atoms are determined from fitting a Curie-Weiss law. The magnetic behavior of the Ce and Pr-alloyed samples is different. Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd and Yb act as donors with efficiencies that will be reported. Alloying with divalent Eu does not affect carrier density but increases the energy gap. This work suggests that the 4f orbitals preserve their atomic-like localized character and exhibit only weak sp-f hybridization. 1 G. D. Mahan and J. O. Sofo, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93 7436 (1996)

Pinhole shifting lifetime imaging microscopy

PubMed Central

Ramshesh, Venkat K.; Lemasters, John J.

2009-01-01

Lifetime imaging microscopy is a powerful tool to probe biological phenomena independent of luminescence intensity and fluorophore concentration. We describe time-resolved imaging of long-lifetime luminescence with an unmodified commercial laser scanning confocal/multiphoton microscope. The principle of the measurement is displacement of the detection pinhole to collect delayed luminescence from a position lagging the rasting laser beam. As proof of principle, luminescence from microspheres containing europium (Eu3+), a red emitting probe, was compared to that of short-lifetime green-fluorescing microspheres and/or fluorescein and rhodamine in solution. Using 720-nm two-photon excitation and a pinhole diameter of 1 Airy unit, the short-lifetime fluorescence of fluorescein, rhodamine and green microspheres disappeared much more rapidly than the long-lifetime phosphorescence of Eu3+ microspheres as the pinhole was repositioned in the lagging direction. In contrast, repositioning of the pinhole in the leading and orthogonal directions caused equal loss of short- and long-lifetime luminescence. From measurements at different lag pinhole positions, a lifetime of 270 μs was estimated for the Eu3+ microspheres, consistent with independent measurements. This simple adaptation is the basis for quantitative 3-D lifetime imaging microscopy. PMID:19123648

EU-UNAWE Project: Inspiring every child with our wonderful cosmos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arisa, E.; Fabregat, J.; Ros, R. M.

2013-05-01

The Project UNAWE was born in 2005 with the intention that children, of every country and every economical and social condition, can be in touch with astronomy. This is the first large-scale attempt to use astronomy as a tool to inspire and educate very young children. Project resources are open to everyone, but are mainly tailored to boys and girls aged 4 to 10. The Project is implemented in countries from all over the world, supporting the activities that are performed there. The European project EU-UNAWE funded by the European Union, includes six countries: Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, South Africa and Spain. EU-UNAWE Spain bases its activity in conducting training courses for teachers: in Barcelona in November 2011, in Granada and Madrid in February 2012 and in Pamplona in May 2012. Just as in the publication of educational materials: practical activities, experiences, books made by teachers... available in the entire Spanish-speaking world. All this can be accessed through the website of the program (http://es.unawe.org).

Classification of the European Union member states according to the relative level of sustainable development.

PubMed

Anna, Bluszcz

Nowadays methods of measurement and assessment of the level of sustained development at the international, national and regional level are a current research problem, which requires multi-dimensional analysis. The relative assessment of the sustainability level of the European Union member states and the comparative analysis of the position of Poland relative to other countries was the aim of the conducted studies in the article. EU member states were treated as objects in the multi-dimensional space. Dimensions of space were specified by ten diagnostic variables describing the sustainability level of UE countries in three dimensions, i.e., social, economic and environmental. Because the compiled statistical data were expressed in different units of measure, taxonomic methods were used for building an aggregated measure to assess the level of sustainable development of EU member states, which through normalisation of variables enabled the comparative analysis between countries. Methodology of studies consisted of eight stages, which included, among others: defining data matrices, calculating the variability coefficient for all variables, which variability coefficient was under 10 %, division of variables into stimulants and destimulants, selection of the method of variable normalisation, developing matrices of normalised data, selection of the formula and calculating the aggregated indicator of the relative level of sustainable development of the EU countries, calculating partial development indicators for three studies dimensions: social, economic and environmental and the classification of the EU countries according to the relative level of sustainable development. Statistical date were collected based on the Polish Central Statistical Office publication.

Estrogen stabilizes hypoxia inducible factor 1 α through G protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis

PubMed Central

Zhang, Ling; Xiong, Wenqian; Li, Na; Liu, Hengwei; He, Haitang; Du, Yu; Zhang, Zhibing; Liu, Yi

2016-01-01

Objective To investigate whether G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER, also known as GPR30 and GPER1) stabilizes Hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in eutopic endometrium (EuEM) of endometriosis? Design Immunohistochemical analysis and experimental in vitro study. Setting University hospital Patient(s) Patients with or without endometriosis Intervention(s) The EuEM and normal control endometrium (CoEM) were obtained by curettage. Primary cultured endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were treated with 17β-estrogen (E2), G1 or G15. Main Outcome Measure(s) The EuEM and CoEM were collected for immunohistochemistry. Western blot, PCR, Elisa, and dual luciferase experiments were used to detect expression of GPER, HIF-1α, VEGF, and MMP9 in ESCs. E2 and G1 were used as agonists of GPER while G15 as an antagonist. Migration of ESCs and endothelial tube formation of HUVECs cultured in medium collected from ESCs were measured. Results Protein levels of GPER and HIF-1α were higher in EuEM than in CoEM. HIF-1α protein levels but not HIF-1α mRNA levels increased concurrently with GPER after E2 and G1 treatment. Furthermore, expression and activity of VEGF and MMP9 increased under E2 and G1 stimulation. However these effects disappeared when GPER was blocked. Conclusion GPER stabilizes HIF-1α thus promotes HIF-1α induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in ESCs, which plays critical roles in endometriosis. PMID:27939762

Adaptation to Climate change Impacts on the Mediterranean islands' Agriculture (ADAPT2CLIMA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giannakopoulos, Christos; Karali, Anna; Lemesios, Giannis; Loizidou, Maria; Papadaskalopoulou, Christina; Moustakas, Konstantinos; Papadopoulou, Maria; Moriondo, Marco; Markou, Marinos; Hatziyanni, Eleni; Pasotti, Luigi

2016-04-01

Agriculture is one of the economic sectors that will likely be hit hardest by climate change, since it directly depends on climatic factors such as temperature, sunlight, and precipitation. The EU LIFE ADAPT2CLIMA (http://adapt2clima.eu/en/) project aims to facilitate the development of adaptation strategies for agriculture by deploying and demonstrating an innovative decision support tool. The ADAPT2CLIMA tool will make it possible to simulate the impacts of climate change on crop production and the effectiveness of selected adaptation options in decreasing vulnerability to climate change in three Mediterranean islands, namely Crete (Greece), Sicily (Italy), and Cyprus. The islands were selected for two reasons: firstly, they figure among the most important cultivation areas at national level. Secondly, they exhibit similarities in terms of location (climate), size, climate change threats faced (coastal agriculture, own water resources), agricultural practices, and policy relevance. In particular, the tool will provide: i) climate change projections; ii) hydrological conditions related to agriculture: iii) a vulnerability assessment of selected crops; iv) an evaluation of the adaptation options identified. The project is expected to contribute significantly to increasing climate resilience of agriculture areas in Sicily, Cyprus and Crete as well as at EU and international level by: • Developing, implementing and demonstrating an innovative and interactive decision support tool (ADAPT2CLIMA tool) for adaptation planning in agriculture that estimates future climate change impacts on local water resources, as well as the climate change vulnerability of the agricultural crop production in the project areas; • Evaluating the technical and economic viability of the implementation of the ADAPT2CLIMA tool; • Developing climate change adaptation strategies for agriculture (including a monitoring plan) for the three project areas and presenting them to the competent authorities for adoption; • Simulating the effectiveness of the implementation of certain adaptation measures to address climate change impacts on agriculture; • Developing a stakeholder engagement strategy; • Increasing the knowledge of the impacts of climate change on the agricultural areas covered by the project, thus enabling well informed decision-making and enhancing readiness for early action in order to address the potential damages and minimize threats posed by climate change; • Developing a framework for mainstreaming agricultural adaptation measures into relevant national and regional policies; • Promoting the replication of the proposed methodology in order to ensure proper coordination of national and regional policies and between authorities.

Vaccine-preventable diseases: the role of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

PubMed

Kramarz, P; Lopalco, P L; Huitric, E; Pastore Celentano, L

2014-05-01

The role of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is to strengthen the capacity of the European Union (EU) Member States to protect human health through the prevention and control of infectious diseases. The main objective of the programme on vaccine-preventable diseases and invasive bacterial infections (VPD) is to provide robust evidence and high-quality technical support to the EU Member States to help them in their efforts to prevent and control VPD. Since the establishment of ECDC, several existing VPD surveillance networks have been transferred to ECDC, namely EU-IBIS, DIPNET and EUVAC. In addition to surveillance of diseases, ECDC is collecting information and monitoring other parameters that are of crucial importance for a well-functioning immunization system, including vaccination coverage. The VPD programme also provides independent scientific opinions in the area of immunization and initiates and coordinates scientific studies in the area of vaccination to answer specific questions of public health importance, including risk perception and analysis of behaviour in different population groups. One of the overall ECDC priorities over recent years is the Centre's involvement in measles elimination. The 'Message' tool and the 'Measles Atlas' are examples of work aiming at supporting the efforts of Member States in the elimination phase. © 2013 The Authors Clinical Microbiology and Infection © 2013 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

A Policy Guide on Integrated Care (PGIC): Lessons Learned from EU Project INTEGRATE and Beyond

PubMed Central

Devroey, Dirk

2017-01-01

Efforts are underway in many European countries to channel efforts into creating improved integrated health and social care services. But most countries lack a strategic plan that is sustainable over time, and that reflects a comprehensive systems perspective. The Policy Guide on Integrated Care (PGIC) as presented in this paper resulted from experiences with the EU Project INTEGRATE and our own work with healthcare reform for patients with chronic conditions at the national and international level. This project is one of the largest EU funded projects on Integrated Care, conducted over a four-year period (2012–2016) and included partners from nine European countries. Project Integrate aimed to gain insights into the leadership, management and delivery of integrated care to support European care systems to respond to the challenges of ageing populations and the rise of people living with long-term conditions. The objective of this paper is to describe the PGIC as both a tool and a reasoning flow that aims at supporting policy makers at the national and international level with the development and implementation of integrated care. Any Policy Guide on Integrated should build upon three building blocks, being a mission, vision and a strategy that aim at capturing the large amount of factors that directly or indirectly influence the successful development of integrated care. PMID:29588631

A Policy Guide on Integrated Care (PGIC): Lessons Learned from EU Project INTEGRATE and Beyond.

PubMed

Borgermans, Liesbeth; Devroey, Dirk

2017-09-25

Efforts are underway in many European countries to channel efforts into creating improved integrated health and social care services. But most countries lack a strategic plan that is sustainable over time, and that reflects a comprehensive systems perspective. The Policy Guide on Integrated Care (PGIC) as presented in this paper resulted from experiences with the EU Project INTEGRATE and our own work with healthcare reform for patients with chronic conditions at the national and international level. This project is one of the largest EU funded projects on Integrated Care, conducted over a four-year period (2012-2016) and included partners from nine European countries. Project Integrate aimed to gain insights into the leadership, management and delivery of integrated care to support European care systems to respond to the challenges of ageing populations and the rise of people living with long-term conditions. The objective of this paper is to describe the PGIC as both a tool and a reasoning flow that aims at supporting policy makers at the national and international level with the development and implementation of integrated care. Any Policy Guide on Integrated should build upon three building blocks, being a mission, vision and a strategy that aim at capturing the large amount of factors that directly or indirectly influence the successful development of integrated care.

Technology, market and policy aspects of geothermal energy in Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shortall, Ruth; Uihlein, Andreas

2017-04-01

The Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) is the technology pillar of the EU's energy and climate policy. The goal of the SET-Plan is to achieve EU worldwide leadership in the production of energy technological solutions capable of delivering EU 2020 and 2050 targets for a low carbon economy. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) runs and manages the SET-Plan Information System (SETIS) to support the SET-Plan. Under SETIS, the JRC publishes a number of regularly updated key references on the state of low carbon technology, research and innovation in Europe. Within the framework of the SET-Plan, the geothermal sector is placed into context with other power and heat generation technologies. The talk will give an introduction to some of JRC's geothermal research activities. Amongst others, the JRC Geothermal status report will be presented. This report aims to contribute to the general knowledge about the geothermal sector, its technology, economics and policies, with a focus on innovation, research, development and deployment activities as well as policy support schemes within the European Union. The speech will present the main findings of the report, providing an overview of the activities and progress made by the geothermal energy sector, the status of its sub-technologies and current developments. In addition, the speech will discuss the economic, market and policy aspects of geothermal energy for power production, direct use and ground source heat pumps in Europe and beyond.

Europium-Doped Lanthanum Hafnate Nanoparticles: Structure, Photoluminescence, and Radioluminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahid, Kareem; Pokhrel, Madhab; Mao, Yuanbing

Due to their novel physical properties, nanostructured phosphors are of interest for radiation-based imaging and therapeutics. Herein, the structural and luminescent properties of europium-doped lanthanum hafnate (La2Hf2O7:xmol%Eu3+, x = 0 - 35) nanoparticles are investigated for use as scintillators. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirm samples prepared through a combined co-precipitation and low-temperature molten salt synthetic process homogenously form spherical nanocrystals of 36 nm in the ordered pyrochlore phase. Ultraviolet and X-ray excitation of these samples induce strong red emissions in the 580 - 590 and 612 - 630 nm range corresponding to the 5D0->7 F1 magnetic dipole and 5D0->7 F2 electric dipole transitions of Eu3+. Optical response and quantum yield are optimized at 5% Eu3+; a proposed trade-off between quenching mechanisms (defect-states/cross-relaxation) and dopant concentration is discussed. Owing to their high density, large effective atomic number, and bright luminescence, these La2Hf2O7:xmol%Eu3+ nanoparticles warrant further investigation for scintillator applications. The authors thank the support from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense (award #HDTRA1- 10-1-0114).

Migrants and the language of instruction: Is the EU policy deficit driving new innovations in social inclusion?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cullen, Joe

2017-08-01

Language learning has long been seen as an important tool for achieving European Union (EU) targets for social inclusion. However, "mainstream" policy instruments like the Action Plan on Promoting Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity and the European Charter for Minority Languages have been undermined in recent years by the effects of the global financial crisis, which has contributed to the widespread decimation of welfare budgets in many EU member states. This has been accompanied by the increasing influence of a "neo-liberal" discourse in welfare and social service policies and practices, leading to the delegation of responsibility for service provision from central, regional and local government to commercial enterprises, civil society and, ultimately, to citizens themselves. At the same time, the gaps in service provision that have resulted from this "financial crisis" have opened up new opportunities for social innovators. New kinds of organisations are beginning to develop and apply new approaches using language learning to deliver innovative services aimed, for example, at supporting the integration of immigrants in society. Using case study analysis, this paper explores how these new approaches have developed, what kinds of innovation are being delivered and the contribution these social innovations are making to broader EU social inclusion objectives.

Magnetic, specific heat and electrical transport properties of Frank-Kasper cage compounds RTM2Al20 [R  =  Eu, Gd and La; TM  =  V, Ti

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, K. Ramesh; Nair, Harikrishnan S.; Christian, Reinke; Thamizhavel, A.; Strydom, André M.

2016-11-01

Single crystals of Frank-Kasper compounds RTM2Al20 (R  =  Eu, Gd and La; TM  =  V and Ti) were grown by self-flux method and their physical properties were investigated through magnetization (M), magnetic susceptibility (χ), specific heat (C P) and electrical resistivity (ρ) measurements. Powder x-ray diffraction studies and structural analysis showed that these compounds crystallize in the cubic crystal structure with the space group Fd\\bar{3}m . The magnetic susceptibility for the compounds EuTi2Al20 and GdTi2Al20 showed a sudden jump below the Néel temperature T N indicative of plausible double magnetic transition. Specific heat (C P) and electrical resistivity (ρ) measurements also confirm the first-order magnetic transition (FOMT) and possible double magnetic transitions. Temperature variation of heat capacity showed a sharp phase transition and huge C P value for the (Eu/Gd)Ti2Al20 compounds’ full width at half-maximum (FWHM) (<0.2 K) which is reminiscent of a first-order phase transition and a unique attribute among RTM2Al20 compounds. In contrast, linear variation of C P is observed in the ordered state for (Eu/Gd)V2Al20 compounds suggesting a λ-type transition. We observed clear anomaly between heating and cooling cycle in temperature-time relaxation curve for the compounds GdTi2Al20 (2.38 K) and EuTi2Al20 (3.2 K) which is indicating a thermal arrest due to the latent heat. The temperature variation of S mag for GdTi2Al20 saturates to a value 0.95R\\ln 8 while the other magnetic systems exhibited still lower entropy saturation values in the high temperature limit. ≤ft({{C}\\text{P}}-γ T\\right)/{{T}3} versus T plot showed a maximum near 27 K for all the compounds indicating the presence of low frequency Einstein modes of vibrations. Resistivity measurements showed that all the samples behave as normal Fermi liquid type compounds and ρ (T) due to electron-phonon scattering follows Bloch-Grüneisen-Mott relation in the paramagnetic region.

Development and testing of a European Union-wide farm-level carbon calculator

PubMed Central

Tuomisto, Hanna L; De Camillis, Camillo; Leip, Adrian; Nisini, Luigi; Pelletier, Nathan; Haastrup, Palle

2015-01-01

Direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture accounted for approximately 10% of total European Union (EU) emissions in 2010. To reduce farming-related GHG emissions, appropriate policy measures and supporting tools for promoting low-C farming practices may be efficacious. This article presents the methodology and testing results of a new EU-wide, farm-level C footprint calculator. The Carbon Calculator quantifies GHG emissions based on international standards and technical specifications on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and C footprinting. The tool delivers its results both at the farm level and as allocated to up to 5 main products of the farm. In addition to the quantification of GHG emissions, the calculator proposes mitigation options and sequestration actions that may be suitable for individual farms. The results obtained during a survey made on 54 farms from 8 EU Member States are presented. These farms were selected in view of representing the diversity of farm types across different environmental zones in the EU. The results of the C footprint of products in the data set show wide range of variation between minimum and maximum values. The results of the mitigation actions showed that the tool can help identify practices that can lead to substantial emission reductions. To avoid burden-shifting from climate change to other environmental issues, the future improvements of the tool should include incorporation of other environmental impact categories in place of solely focusing on GHG emissions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:404–416. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC. Key Points The methodology and testing results of a new European Union-wide, farm-level carbon calculator are presented. The Carbon Calculator reports life cycle assessment-based greenhouse gas emissions at farm and product levels and recommends farm- specific mitigation actions. Based on the results obtained from testing the tool in 54 farms in 8 European countries, it was found that the product-level carbon footprint results are comparable with those of other studies focusing on similar products. The results of the mitigation actions showed that the tool can help identify practices that can lead to substantial emission reductions. PMID:25655187

Quantitative description and local structures of trivalent metal ions Eu(III) and Cm(III) complexed with polyacrylic acid.

PubMed

Montavon, G; Bouby, M; Huclier-Markai, S; Grambow, B; Geckeis, H; Rabung, T; Pashalidis, I; Amekraz, B; Moulin, C

2008-11-15

The trivalent metal ion (M(III)=Cm, Eu)/polyacrylic acid (PAA) system was studied in the pH range between 3 and 5.5 for a molar PAA-to-metal ratio above 1. The interaction was studied for a wide range of PAA (0.05 mg L(-1)-50 g L(-1)) and metal ion concentrations (2x10(-9)-10(-3) M). This work aimed at 3 goals (i) to determine the stoichiometry of M(III)-PAA complexes, (ii) to determine the number of complexed species and the local environment of the metal ion, and (iii) to quantify the reaction processes. Asymmetric flow-field-flow fractionation (AsFlFFF) coupled to ICP-MS evidenced that size distributions of Eu-PAA complexes and PAA were identical, suggesting that Eu bound to only one PAA chain. Time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) measurements performed with Eu and Cm showed a continuous shift of the spectra with increasing pH. The environment of complexed metal ions obviously changes with pH. Most probably, spectral variations arose from conformational changes within the M(III)-PAA complex due to pH variation. Complexation data describing the distribution of complexed and free metal ion were measured with Cm by TRLFS. They could be quantitatively described in the whole pH-range studied by considering the existence of only a single complexed species. This indicates that the slight changes in M(III) speciation with pH observed at the molecular level do not significantly affect the intrinsic binding constant. The interaction constant obtained from the modelling must be considered as a mean interaction constant.

Quantification of endotoxins in infected root canals and acute apical abscess exudates: monitoring the effectiveness of root canal procedures in the reduction of endotoxins.

PubMed

Sousa, Ezilmara L R; Martinho, Frederico C; Nascimento, Gustavo G; Leite, Fabio R M; Gomes, Brenda P F A

2014-02-01

This clinical study was conducted to measure the endotoxin levels in infected root canals (RCs) and exudates related to acute apical abscesses (AAAs). In addition, the effectiveness of RC procedures in reducing the endotoxin levels in RCs was monitored. Paired samples of infected RCs and exudates from AAAs were collected from 10 subjects by using paper points. RCs samples were collected before (RCS1) and after chemomechanical preparation (CMP) (RCS2), after 17% EDTA (RCS3), and after 30 days of intracanal medication (Ca[OH]2 + chlorhexidine) (RCS4). A turbidimetric kinetic limulus amebocyte lysate assay was used for the measurement of endotoxins. Endotoxins were detected in 100% of the baseline samples of AAAs and RCs (RCS1) with median values of 175 EU/mL and 41.5 EU/mL, respectively (P < .05). After CMP (RCS2), endotoxins were reduced to a median value of 0.54 EU/mL (P < .05). Subsequent irrigation with EDTA (RCS3) failed to present a significant effectiveness in reducing the endotoxin levels (median= 0.37 EU/mL) (P = .07). However, intracanal medication for 30 days (RCS4) reduced endotoxins to median values of 0.03 EU/mL (P < .01). The present study revealed a strong association between the high levels of endotoxins found in AAAs and RCs collected from the same tooth. Moreover, the effectiveness of CMP in reducing the endotoxin levels from RCs in acute endodontic infection was improved by the use of RC medication. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Young people's perceptions of tobacco packaging: a comparison of EU Tobacco Products Directive & Ireland's Standardisation of Tobacco Act

PubMed Central

Babineau, Kate; Clancy, Luke

2015-01-01

Objectives To measure young people's perceptions of tobacco packaging according to two current pieces of legislation: The EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and Ireland's Public Health (Standardisation of Tobacco Products) Act. Design Within-subject experimental cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of secondary school students. School-based pen and paper survey. Setting 27 secondary schools across Ireland, randomly stratified for size, geographic location, gender, religious affiliation and school-level socioeconomic status. Data were collected between March and May 2014. Participants 1378 fifth year secondary school students aged 16–17 in Ireland. Main outcome measures Young people's perceptions of attractiveness, health risk and smoker characteristics of packs according to EU and Irish branding and packaging guidelines. Results Packs with more branding elements were thought to be healthier than standardised packs for Silk Cut (χ2=158.58, p<0.001), Marlboro (χ2=113.65, p<0.001), and Benson and Hedges (χ2=137.95, p<0.001) brands. Generalized estimating equation binary regressions found that gender was a significant predictor of pack attractiveness for Silk Cut, with females being more likely to find the EU packs attractive (β=−0.45, p=0.007). Gender was a significant predictor for females with regards to the perceived popularity of the Silk Cut brand (β=−0.37, p=0.03). Conclusions The removal of brand identifiers, including colour, font and embossing, reduces the perceived appeal of cigarette packs for young people across all three tested brands. Packs standardised according to Irish legislation are perceived as less attractive, less healthy and smoked by less popular people than packs which conform to the EU TPD 2014 guidelines. PMID:26048206

Luminescence and Luminescence Quenching of K2Bi(PO4)(MoO4):Eu3+ Phosphors with Efficiencies Close to Unity.

PubMed

Grigorjevaite, Julija; Katelnikovas, Arturas

2016-11-23

A very good light emitting diode (LED) phosphor must have strong absorption, high quantum efficiency, high color purity, and high quenching temperature. Our synthesized K 2 Bi(PO 4 )(MoO 4 ):Eu 3+ phosphors possess all of the mentioned properties. The excitation of these phosphors with the near-UV or blue radiation results in a bright red luminescence dominated by the 5 D 0 → 7 F 2 transition at ∼615 nm. Color coordinates are very stable when changing Eu 3+ concentration or temperature in the range of 77-500 K. Furthermore, samples doped with 50% and 75% Eu 3+ showed quantum efficiencies close to 100% which is a huge benefit for practical application. Temperature dependent luminescence measurements showed that phosphor performance increases with increasing Eu 3+ concentration. K 2 Eu(PO 4 )(MoO 4 ) sample at 400 K lost only 20% of the initial intensity at 77 K and would lose half of the intensity only at 578 K. Besides, the ceramic disks with thicknesses of 0.33 and 0.89 mm were prepared from K 2 Eu(PO 4 )(MoO 4 ) powder, and it turned out that they efficiently converted the radiation of 375 nm LED to the red light. The conversion of 400 nm LED radiation to the red light was not complete; thus, the light sources with various tints of purple color were obtained. The combination of ceramic disks with 455 nm LED yielded the light sources with tints of blue color due to the low absorption of ceramic disk in this spectral range. In addition, these phosphors possess a very unique emission spectra; thus, they could also be applied in luminescent security pigments.

Optimization of the Sensitization Process and Stability of Octadentate Eu(III) 1,2-HOPO Complexes

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

The synthesis of a series of octadentate ligands containing the 1-hydroxypyridin-2-one (1,2-HOPO) group in complex with europium(III) is reported. Within this series, the central bridge connecting two diethylenetriamine units linked to two 1,2-HOPO chromophores at the extremities (5-LIN-1,2-HOPO) is varied from a short ethylene chain (H(2,2)-1,2-HOPO) to a long pentaethylene oxide chain (H(17O5,2)-1,2-HOPO). The thermodynamic stability of the europium complexes has been studied and reveals these complexes may be effective for biological measurements. Extension of the central bridge results in exclusion of the inner-sphere water molecule observed for [Eu(H(2,2)-1,2-HOPO)]− going from a nonacoordinated to an octacoordinated Eu(III) ion. With the longer chain length ligands, the complexes display increased luminescence properties in aqueous medium with an optimum of 20% luminescence quantum yield for the [Eu(H(17O5,2)-1,2-HOPO)]− complex. The luminescence properties for [Eu(H(14O4,2)-1,2-HOPO)]− and [Eu(H(17O5,2)-1,2-HOPO)]− are better than that of the model bis-tetradentate [Eu(5LINMe-1,2-HOPO)2]− complex, suggesting a different geometry around the metal center despite the geometric freedom allowed by the longer central chain in the H(mOn,2) scaffold. These differences are also evidenced by examining the luminescence spectra at room temperature and at 77 K and by calculating the luminescence kinetic parameters of the europium complexes. PMID:26151082

Rationalising polymer selection for supersaturated film forming systems produced by an aerosol spray for the transdermal delivery of methylphenidate.

PubMed

Edwards, A; Qi, S; Liu, F; Brown, M B; McAuley, W J

2017-05-01

Film forming systems offer a number of advantages for topical and transdermal drug delivery, in particular enabling production of a supersaturated state which can greatly improve drug absorption and bioavailability. However the suitability of individual film forming polymers to stabilise the supersaturated state and optimise delivery of drugs is not well understood. This study reports the use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to measure the solubility of methylphenidate both as the free base and as the hydrochloride salt in two polymethacrylate copolymers, Eudragit RS (EuRS) and Eudragit E (EuE) and relates this to the ability of films formed using these polymers to deliver methylphenidate across a model membrane. EuRS provided greater methylphenidate delivery when the drug was formulated as the free base in comparison EuE because the lower solubility of the drug in EuRS provided a higher degree of drug saturation in the polymeric film. In contrast EuE provided greater delivery of methylphenidate hydrochloride as EuRS could not prevent its crystallisation from a supersaturated state. Methylphenidate flux across the membrane could be directly related to degree of saturation of the drug in the film formulation as estimated by the drug solubility in the individual polymers demonstrating the importance of drug solubility in the polymer included in film forming systems for topical/transdermal drug delivery. In addition DSC has been demonstrated to be a useful tool for determining the solubility of drugs in polymers used in film forming systems and the approaches outlined here are likely to be useful for predicting the suitability of polymers for particular drugs in film forming transdermal drug delivery systems. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Electronic States in EuCu2(Ge1-xSix)2 Based on the Doniach Phase Diagram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iha, Wataru; Yara, Tomoyuki; Ashitomi, Yousuke; Kakihana, Masashi; Takeuchi, Tetsuya; Honda, Fuminori; Nakamura, Ai; Aoki, Dai; Gouchi, Jun; Uwatoko, Yoshiya; Kida, Takanori; Tahara, Time; Hagiwara, Masayuki; Haga, Yoshinori; Hedo, Masato; Nakama, Takao; Ōnuki, Yoshichika

2018-06-01

We succeeded in growing single crystals of EuCu2(Ge1-xSix)2 (x = 0-1) by the Bridgman method using a Mo crucible and measured the electrical resistivity, specific heat, magnetic susceptibility, and magnetization, together with the electrical resistivity under pressure. EuCu2(Ge1-xSix)2 compounds follow the Doniach phase diagram as a function of the x content. Namely, EuCu2(Ge1-xSix)2 compounds exhibit antiferromagnetic ordering at a Néel temperature of TN = 15 K in EuCu2Ge2 (x = 0), a maximum of TN ≃ 20 K at x ≃ 0.5, TN → 0 at x ≃ 0.7, and a moderate heavy-fermion state at x = 0.8 and 1 (EuCu2Si2). The present result is reasonably consistent with the previous studies carried out using arc-melted polycrystal samples. A similar change in the electronic states was also found to be realized under pressure P for x = 0, 0.45, and 0.6. The Néel temperature of TN = 15 K for x = 0 (EuCu2Ge2) increases slightly as a function of pressure, at a rate of dTN/dP = 3.0 K/GPa, reaches a maximum of TN = 27 K at around 5-6 GPa, decreases steeply, and becomes zero at a critical pressure of Pc ≃ 7 GPa. A moderate heavy-fermion state is realized at 8 GPa. Similar results were also obtained for x = 0.45 and 0.6, with smaller critical pressures of Pc ≃ 4.5 and 2 GPa, respectively.

AAL service development loom--from the idea to a marketable business model.

PubMed

Kriegel, Johannes; Auinger, Klemens

2015-01-01

The Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) market is still in an early stage of development. Previous approaches of comprehensive AAL services are mostly supply-side driven and focused on hardware and software. Usually this type of AAL solutions does not lead to a sustainable success on the market. Research and development increasingly focuses on demand and customer requirements in addition to the social and legal framework. The question is: How can a systematic performance measurement strategy along a service development process support the market-ready design of a concrete business model for AAL service? Within the EU funded research project DALIA (Assistant for Daily Life Activities at Home) an iterative service development process uses an adapted Osterwalder business model canvas. The application of a performance measurement index (PMI) to support the process has been developed and tested. Development of an iterative service development model using a supporting PMI. The PMI framework is developed throughout the engineering of a virtual assistant (AVATAR) as a modular interface to connect informal carers with necessary and useful services. Future research should seek to ensure that the PMI enables meaningful transparency regarding targeting (e.g. innovative AAL service), design (e.g. functional hybrid AAL service) and implementation (e.g. marketable AAL support services). To this end, a further reference to further testing practices is required. The aim must be to develop a weighted PMI in the context of further research, which supports both the service engineering and the subsequent service management process.

Enhance luminescence by introducing alkali metal ions (R+ = Li+, Na+ and K+) in SrAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphor by solid-state reaction method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad Sahu, Ishwar

2016-05-01

In the present article, the role of charge compensator ions (R+ = Li+, Na+ and K+) in europium-doped strontium aluminate (SrAl2O4:Eu3+) phosphors was synthesized by the high-temperature, solid-state reaction method. The crystal structures of sintered phosphors were in a monoclinic phase with space group P21. The trap parameters which are mainly activation energy (E), frequency factor (s) and order of the kinetics (b) were evaluated by using the peak shape method. The calculated trap depths are in the range from 0.76 to 0.84 eV. Photoluminescence measurements showed that the phosphor exhibited emission peak with good intensity at 595 nm, corresponding to 5D0-7F1 (514 nm) orange emission and weak 5D0-7F2 (614 nm) red emission. The excitation spectra monitored at 595 nm show a broad band from 220 to 320 nm ascribed to O-Eu charge-transfer state transition and the other peaks in the range of 350-500 nm originated from f-f transitions of Eu3+ ions. The strongest band at 394 nm can be assigned to 7F0-5L6 transition of Eu3+ ions due to the typical f-f transitions within Eu3+ of 4f6 configuration. The latter lies in near ultraviolet (350-500 nm) emission of UV LED. CIE color chromaticity diagram and thermoluminescence spectra confirm that the synthesized phosphors would emit an orange-red color. Incorporating R+ = Li+, Na+ and K+ as the compensator charge, the emission intensity of SrAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphor can be obviously enhanced and the emission intensity of SrAl2O4:Eu3+ doping Li+ is higher than that of Na+ or K+ ions.

European perspectives on pediatric formulations.

PubMed

Breitkreutz, Jörg

2008-11-01

The 2007 European Union (EU) regulation on medicinal products for pediatric use may change the present unsatisfying situation in the EU by stimulating research and development of medicines for use in children through rewards and incentives. This commentary reflects on the new EU regulations and guidelines, with special attention paid to the impact on pediatric formulation science. The focus of this article is on the EU perspective for pediatric formulations and highlights the differences compared with the pediatric drug formulation situation in the United States. Materials for this article were gathered during a literature search of MEDLINE and Chemical Abstracts (1970-October 2008) using the following terms: paediatric/pediatric drug formulations, age-appropriate dosage forms, child-appropriate medicines, and paediatric/pediatric regulation. Since the EU legislation on medicines for children came into force in 2007, a great emphasis has been placed on creating new organizations, scientific networks, and programs dealing with pediatric medicines and child-appropriate drug formulations. Although the US legislation was an appropriate model, the EU introduced some novel measures to improve the current situation, such as the Paediatric Investigation Plan and the Paediatric Use Marketing Authorisation. For globally operating pharmaceutical companies, the peculiarities of the European market have a strong impact on their product development strategies. Because the European approach demands early investigations into drug formulations for children, various issues must be resolved, including the following: choosing formulations for each age group, determining which excipients may be used in the formulation and which delivery device is appropriate, and predicting the taste sensation of an oral formulation. Numerous initiatives and networks are evolving in Europe. An important future task will be the coordination of these activities and the linking to other groups working on pediatric formulations outside the EU. Similar to the research in pediatric drug formulations that was stimulated by the US legislation and incentives of the last decade, the 2007 EU legislation promises improvements in the availability of child-appropriate drugs in Europe.