"Youth" Making Us Fit: On Europe as Operator of Political Technologies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olsson, Ulf; Petersson, Kenneth; Krejsler, John B.

2011-01-01

This article problematizes the construction of youth as a "driving force" in the contemporary configuration of the European Union (EU) as an educational and political space. The study draws empirical nourishment out of documents that are central to the ongoing formation of the Union, be it White Papers, scripts or memos concerning…

Understanding the side effects of emission trading: implications for waste management.

PubMed

Braschel, Nina; Posch, Alfred; Pierer, Magdalena

2014-01-01

The trading of emission allowances is an important market instrument in climate policy. However, the inclusion of certain branches of industry in the trading system not only provides incentives for emission reduction, it also entails unwanted side effects. Thus, the objective of the present study is to identify such side effects-positive and negative-by examining the potential impact of waste management inclusion in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). Desk research was supplemented with qualitative and quantitative empirical analysis (based on expert interviews and a questionnaire) in order to analyse the related perceptions and expectations of actors and stakeholders. The impact of waste management inclusion in the EU ETS is analysed in terms of the following three areas: (i) costs and cost pass-through, (ii), competitiveness and market position, and (iii) carbon leakage. Concerning expectations in the area of costs, both the interviewed experts and the practitioners surveyed thought that costs were likely to increase or that they could be passed on to customers. However, experts and practitioners differed with respect to the possibility of carbon leakage. Clearly, increased knowledge of the possible impact arising from inclusion of the waste sector in the EU ETS would enable managers to become more proactive and to manage waste streams and treatment options more economically.

First-principle study of phosphors for white-LED applications : absorption and emission energies for Ce- and Eu-doped hosts.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonze, Xavier; Jia, Yongchao; Miglio, Anna; Giantomassi, Matteo; Ponce, Samuel; Mikami, Masayoshi

After the invasion of compact fluorescent lamps, white LED lighting is becoming a major contender in ecofriendly light sources, with a combination of yellow-, green- and/or red-emitting phosphors partly absorbing the blue light emitted by an InGaN LED. After introducing the semi-empirical Dorenbos model for 4f' 5d transition energies of rare earth ions, I present a first-principle study of two dozen compounds, pristine as well as doped with Ce3+ or Eu2+ ions, in view of explaining their different emission color. The neutral excitation of the ions is simulated through a constrained density functional theory method coupled with a delta SCF analysis of total energies, yielding absorption energies. Then, atomic positions in the excited state are relaxed, yielding emission energies and Stokes shifts, and identification of luminescent centers. In case of the Ce doped materials, the first-principle approach matches experimental data within 0.3 eV for both absorption and emission energies, covering a range of values between 2.0 eV and 5.0 eV, and provides Stokes shifts within 30%, with two exceptions. This is significantly better than the semi-empirical Dorenbos model. A similar analysis is performed for Eu-doped materials, also examining the thermal quenching of two oxynitride hosts. The work was supported by the FRS-FNRS Belgium (PDR Grant T.0238.13 - AIXPHO).

Does economic, financial and institutional developments matter for environmental quality? A comparative analysis of EU and MEA countries.

PubMed

Abid, Mehdi

2017-03-01

The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) with a sample of 58 MEA (Middle East & African) and 41 EU (European Union) countries for the period 1990 to 2011. The empirical analysis is carried out using the GMM-system method to solve the problem of endogenous variables. We focused on direct and indirect effects of institutional quality (through the efficiency of public expenditure, financial development, trade openness and foreign direct investment) and the income-emission relationship. We found a monotonically increasing relationship between CO 2 emissions and GDP in both MEA and EU regions. The policy implication is clear: in order to have sustainable positive economic performance and to reduce carbon dioxide emission in the country at the same time, policy makers should regulate and enhance the role and efficiency of domestic institutions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determinants of Mobility of Students in Europe: Empirical Evidence for the Period 1998-2009

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caruso, Raul; de Wit, Hans

2015-01-01

This article studies the economic determinants of intra-European student mobility. We constructed a panel of 33 European countries for the period 1998-2009. The dependent variable is the inflow of foreign students (International Standard Classification of Education [ISCED] 5-6) from European Union (EU)-27, European Economic Area (EEA), and…

The Politics of Global Value Chains: Import-dependent Firms and EU-Asia Trade Agreements.

PubMed

Eckhardt, Jappe; Poletti, Arlo

2016-01-01

In 2006, the European Commission released its Global Europe Communication, in which it announced a shift from a multilateral to a bilateral trade strategy. One of the key pillars of this new strategy was to strengthen the bilateral trade relations with key Asian countries. In contrast to existing analyses that focus on European Union (EU) decision makers' agency, we propose an explanation for this notable shift in the EU's trade policy that stresses the political role of import-dependent firms. In light of the increasing integration of such firms into global value chains, the article argues that a plausible case can be made, both theoretically and empirically, that import-dependent firms had a clear stake in the signing of preferential trade agreements between the EU and Asian countries and that their lobbying efforts significantly affected the EU's decision to start negotiations with South Korea, India and Vietnam.

Impact of Initiatives to Implement Science Inquiry: A Comparative Study of the Turkish, Israeli, Swedish and Czech Science Education Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heinz, Jana; Enghag, Margareta; Stuchlikova, Iva; Cakmakci, Gultekin; Peleg, Ran; Baram-Tsabari, Ayelet

2017-01-01

This empirical study investigates factors that influence the implementation of science inquiry in the education systems of Turkey, Israel, Sweden and the Czech Republic. Data was collected by means of recordings of science experts' discussions as part of an EU-funded project called Science-Teacher Education Advanced Methods (2009-2012). Results of…

Exploring Wider Well-Being in the EU-15 Countries: An Empirical Application of the Stiglitz Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Madonia, G.; Cracolici, M. F.; Cuffaro, M.

2013-01-01

We draw on the recommendations of the Stiglitz Report to select a set of economic and social variables that can be used to make cross-country comparisons of wider well-being. Using data for the EU-15 countries for 1999 and 2005, we show how three-way analysis can be used to extract synthetic information from a large data set to determine the main…

Understanding the complexation of Eu3 + with potential ligands used for preferential separation of lanthanides and actinides in various stages of nuclear fuel cycle: A luminescence investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengupta, Arijit; Kadam, R. M.

2017-02-01

A systematic photoluminescence based investigation was carried out to understand the complexation of Eu3 + with different ligands (TBP: tri-n-butyl phosphate, DHOA: di-n-hexyl octanamide, Cyanex 923: tri-n-alkyl phosphine oxide and Cyanex 272: Bis (2,4,4 trimethyl) pentyl phosphinic acid) used for preferential separation of lanthanides and actinides in various stages of nuclear fuel cycle. In case of TBP and DHOA complexes, 3 ligand molecules coordinated in monodentate fashion and 3 nitrate ion in bidentate fashion to Eu3 + to satisfy the 9 coordination of Eu. In case of Cyanex 923 and Cyanex 272 complexes, 3 ligand molecules, 3 nitrate ion and 3 water molecules coordinated to Eu3 + in monodentate fashion. The Eu complexes of TBP and DHOA were found to have D3h local symmetry while that for Cyanex 923 and Cyanex 272 were C3h. Judd-Ofelt analysis of these systems revealed that the covalency of Eusbnd O bond followed the trend DHOA > TBP > Cyanex 272 > Cyanex 923. Different photophysical properties like radiative and non-radiative life time, branching ratio for different transitions, magnetic and electric dipole moment transition probabilities and quantum efficiency were also evaluated and compared for these systems. The magnetic dipole transition probability was found to be almost independent of ligand field perturbation while electric dipole transition probability for 5D0-7F2 transition was found to be hypersensitive with ligand field with a trend DHOA > TBP > Cyanex 272 > Cyanex 923. Supplementary Table 2: Determination of inner sphere water molecules from the different empirical formulae reported in the literature.

A Eu(II)-Containing Cryptate as a Redox Sensor in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Living Tissue.

PubMed

Ekanger, Levi A; Polin, Lisa A; Shen, Yimin; Haacke, E Mark; Martin, Philip D; Allen, Matthew J

2015-11-23

The Eu(II) ion rivals Gd(III) in its ability to enhance contrast in magnetic resonance imaging. However, all reported Eu(II)-based complexes have been studied in vitro largely because the tendency of Eu(II) to oxidize to Eu(III) has been viewed as a major obstacle to in vivo imaging. Herein, we present solid- and solution-phase characterization of a Eu(II)-containing cryptate and the first in vivo use of Eu(II) to provide contrast enhancement. The results indicate that between one and two water molecules are coordinated to the Eu(II) core upon dissolution. We also demonstrate that Eu(II)-based contrast enhancement can be observed for hours in a mouse. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fuel switching in the electricity sector under the EU ETS: Review and prospective

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

Delarue, E.; Voorspools, K.; D'haeseleer, W.

2008-06-15

The European Union has implemented the European Union emission trading scheme (EU ETS) as an instrument to facilitate greenhouse gas (GHG) emission abatement stipulated in the Kyoto protocol. Empirical data show that in the early stages of the EU ETS, the value of a ton of CO{sub 2} has already led to emission abatement through switching from coal to gas in the European electric power sector. In the second part of this paper, an electricity generation simulation model is used to perform simulations on the switching behavior in both the first and the second trading periods of the EU ETS.more » In 2005, the reduction in GHG emissions in the electric power sector due to EU ETS is estimated close to 88 Mton. For the second trading period, a European Union allowance (EUA) price dependent GHG reduction curve has been determined. The obtained switching potential turns out to be significant, up to 300 Mton/year, at sufficiently high EUA prices.« less

The Regional Advisory Councils: what is their potential to incorporate stakeholder knowledge into fisheries governance?

PubMed

Linke, Sebastian; Dreyer, Marion; Sellke, Piet

2011-03-01

The protection of the Baltic Sea ecosystem is exacerbated by the social, environmental and economic complexities of governing European fisheries. Increased stakeholder participation and knowledge integration are suggested to improve the EU's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), suffering from legitimacy, credibility and compliance problems. As a result, the CFP was revised in 2002 to involve fisheries representatives, NGOs and other stakeholders through so called Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) in the policy process. We address the RAC's task to incorporate stakeholder knowledge into the EU's fisheries governance system in empirical and theoretical perspectives. Drawing on a four-stage governance concept we subsequently suggest that a basic problem is a mismatch between participation purpose (knowledge inclusion) and the governance stage at which RACs are formally positioned (evaluation of management proposals). We conclude that, if the aim is to broaden the knowledge base of fisheries management, stakeholders need to be included earlier in the governance process.

Evaluation of Eu(II) -based positive contrast enhancement after intravenous, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous injections.

PubMed

Ekanger, Levi A; Polin, Lisa A; Shen, Yimin; Haacke, E Mark; Allen, Matthew J

2016-07-01

Eu(II) -based contrast agents offer physiologically relevant, metal-based redox sensing that is unachievable with Gd(III) -based contrast agents. To evaluate the in vivo contrast enhancement of Eu(II) as a function of injection type, we performed intravenous, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous injections in mice. Our data reveal a correlation between reported oxygen content and expected rates of diffusion with the persistence of Eu(II) -based contrast enhancement. Biodistribution studies revealed europium clearance through the liver and kidneys for intravenous and intraperitoneal injections, but no contrast enhancement was observed in organs associated with clearance. These data represent a step toward understanding the behavior of Eu(II) -based complexes in vivo. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Implications of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union for Croatian health care system.

PubMed

Ostojić, Rajko; Bilas, Vlatka; Franc, Sanja

2012-09-01

The Republic of Croatia's accession to the European Union (EU) will affect all segments of economy and society, including the health care system. The aim of this paper is to establish the potential effects of joining the EU on Croatian health care, as well as to assess its readiness to enter this regional economic integration. The paper identifies potential areas of impact of EU accession on Croatian health care and analyzes the results of the conducted empirical research. In this research, a method of in-depth interviews was applied on a sample of 49 subjects; health professionals from public and private sectors, health insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, drug wholesalers, and non-governmental organisations (patient associations). Once Croatia joins the EU, it will face: new rules and priorities in line with the current European health strategy; the possibilities of drawing funds from European cohesion funds; labour migrations; new guidelines on patient safety and mobility. From the aspect of harmonising national regulations with EU regulations in the area of health care, Croatian system can be assessed as ready to enter the EU. Croatia's accession to the EU can result in a better information flow, growth of competitiveness of Croatian health care system, enhanced quality, inflow of EU funds, development of health tourism, but also in increased migration of health care professionals, and potential increase in the cost of health care services. Functioning within the EU framework might result in adaptation to the EU standards, but it could also result in the concentration of staff and institutions in larger cities.

Study of Eu{sup 3+} → Eu{sup 2+} reduction in BaAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}:Eu prepared in different gas atmospheres

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

Rezende, Marcos V. dos S., E-mail: mvsrezende@gmail.com; Valerio, Mário E.G.; Jackson, Robert A.

2015-01-15

Highlights: • The effect of different gas atmospheres on the Eu reduction process was studied. • The Eu reduction was monitored analyzing XANES region at the Eu L{sub III}-edge. • Hydrogen reducing agent are the most appropriate gas for Eu{sup 2+} stabilization. • Only a part of the Eu ions can be stabilized in the divalent state. • A model of Eu reduction process is proposed. - Abstract: The effect of different gas atmospheres such as H{sub 2}(g), synthetic air, carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen (N{sub 2}) on the Eu{sup 3+} → Eu{sup 2+} reduction process during the synthesis ofmore » Eu-doped BaAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} was studied using synchrotron radiation. The Eu{sup 3+} → Eu{sup 2+} reduction was monitored analyzing XANES region when the sample are excited at the Eu L{sub III}-edge. The results show that the hydrogen reducing agent are the most appropriate gas for Eu{sup 2+} stabilization in BaAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} and that only a part of the Eu ions can be stabilized in the divalent state. A model of Eu reduction process, based on the incorporation of charge compensation defects, is proposed.« less

Eu oxidation state in fluorozirconate-based glass ceramics

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

Henke, B.; Passlick, C.; Keil, P.

2009-12-01

The influence of InF{sub 3} doping and remelting on Eu-doped fluorozirconate-based glass ceramics was investigated using near-edge x-ray absorption and optical spectroscopy. It was found that the addition of InF{sub 3} to the melt decreases the Eu{sup 2+}/Eu{sup 3+} mole ratio, while remelting leads to a significant change in the Eu{sup 2+}/Eu{sup 3+} ratio in favor of Eu{sup 2+}. Photoluminescence spectroscopy shows that additional annealing steps lead to the formation of BaCl{sub 2} nanoparticles in the glass. In as-made glass ceramics containing InF{sub 3}, a phase transition of the nanoparticles from hexagonal to orthorhombic structure is observed. This phase transitionmore » is not observed in the remelted glasses studied here.« less

Competition between magnetism and superconductivity in Eu-based intermetallic compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stavinoha, Macy; Green, Lance; Chan, Julia; Morosan, Emilia

Eu-based intermetallic compounds present a path to discover new correlated electronic behavior in quantum materials. Reports of superconductivity, intermediate valence behavior, and heavy fermions indicate that Eu-based compounds are promising routes to study the relationship between crystallography and electronic properties. The present work is focused on EuGa4, an antiferromagnet with TN = 16 K isostructural with the tetragonal RT2M2 (R = rare earth, T = transition metal, M = metal or metalloid) family that exhibits heavy fermion behavior and unconventional superconductivity. Single crystals of the doped series (Eu1-xLax)Ga4, (Eu1-xCax)Ga4, and Eu(Ga1-xAlx)4 have been grown using the self-flux method and tested for change in unit cell volume and magnetic susceptibility. Results show that doping with Ca (isoelectronic doping) and La (hole doping) reduce TN to 12.4 K and 2.3 K, respectively, for Ca doping up to x = 0.11 and La doping up to x = 0.74 without an associated change in unit cell volume. The series Eu(Ga1-xAlx)4 has shown incommensurate-to-commensurate magnetic transitions. Future studies will aim to further decrease TN and the unit cell volume using physical pressure and chemical pressure through doping. ICAM, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

Employment Condition, Economic Deprivation and Self-Evaluated Health in Europe: Evidence from EU-SILC 2009-2012.

PubMed

Bacci, Silvia; Pigini, Claudia; Seracini, Marco; Minelli, Liliana

2017-02-03

Background : The mixed empirical evidence about employment conditions (i.e., permanent vs. temporary job, full-time vs. part-time job) as well as unemployment has motivated the development of conceptual models with the aim of assessing the pathways leading to effects of employment status on health. Alongside physically and psychologically riskier working conditions, one channel stems in the possibly severe economic deprivation faced by temporary workers. We investigate whether economic deprivation is able to partly capture the effect of employment status on Self-evaluated Health Status (SHS). Methods : Our analysis is based on the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) survey, for a balanced sample from 26 countries from 2009 to 2012. We estimate a correlated random-effects logit model for the SHS that accounts for the ordered nature of the dependent variable and the longitudinal structure of the data. Results and Discussion : Material deprivation and economic strain are able to partly account for the negative effects on SHS from precarious and part-time employment as well as from unemployment that, however, exhibits a significant independent negative association with SHS. Conclusions : Some of the indicators used to proxy economic deprivation are significant predictors of SHS and their correlation with the employment condition is such that it should not be neglected in empirical analysis, when available and further to the monetary income.

Employment Condition, Economic Deprivation and Self-Evaluated Health in Europe: Evidence from EU-SILC 2009–2012

PubMed Central

Bacci, Silvia; Pigini, Claudia; Seracini, Marco; Minelli, Liliana

2017-01-01

Background: The mixed empirical evidence about employment conditions (i.e., permanent vs. temporary job, full-time vs. part-time job) as well as unemployment has motivated the development of conceptual models with the aim of assessing the pathways leading to effects of employment status on health. Alongside physically and psychologically riskier working conditions, one channel stems in the possibly severe economic deprivation faced by temporary workers. We investigate whether economic deprivation is able to partly capture the effect of employment status on Self-evaluated Health Status (SHS). Methods: Our analysis is based on the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) survey, for a balanced sample from 26 countries from 2009 to 2012. We estimate a correlated random-effects logit model for the SHS that accounts for the ordered nature of the dependent variable and the longitudinal structure of the data. Results and Discussion: Material deprivation and economic strain are able to partly account for the negative effects on SHS from precarious and part-time employment as well as from unemployment that, however, exhibits a significant independent negative association with SHS. Conclusions: Some of the indicators used to proxy economic deprivation are significant predictors of SHS and their correlation with the employment condition is such that it should not be neglected in empirical analysis, when available and further to the monetary income. PMID:28165375

A multiplicative process for generating a beta-like survival function with application to the UK 2016 EU referendum results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fenner, Trevor; Kaufmann, Eric; Levene, Mark; Loizou, George

Human dynamics and sociophysics suggest statistical models that may explain and provide us with better insight into social phenomena. Contextual and selection effects tend to produce extreme values in the tails of rank-ordered distributions of both census data and district-level election outcomes. Models that account for this nonlinearity generally outperform linear models. Fitting nonlinear functions based on rank-ordering census and election data therefore improves the fit of aggregate voting models. This may help improve ecological inference, as well as election forecasting in majoritarian systems. We propose a generative multiplicative decrease model that gives rise to a rank-order distribution and facilitates the analysis of the recent UK EU referendum results. We supply empirical evidence that the beta-like survival function, which can be generated directly from our model, is a close fit to the referendum results, and also may have predictive value when covariate data are available.

Conjunctive Cohesion in English Language EU Documents--A Corpus-Based Analysis and Its Implications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trebits, Anna

2009-01-01

This paper reports the findings of a study which forms part of a larger-scale research project investigating the use of English in the documents of the European Union (EU). The documents of the EU show various features of texts written for legal, business and other specific purposes. Moreover, the translation services of the EU institutions often…

Use of Free/Libre Open Source Software in Sepsis "-Omics" Research: A Bibliometric, Comparative Analysis Among the United States, EU-28 Member States, and China.

PubMed

Evangelatos, Nikolaos; Satyamourthy, Kapaettu; Levidou, Georgia; Brand, Helmut; Bauer, Pia; Kouskouti, Christina; Brand, Angela

2018-05-01

"-Omics" systems sciences are at the epicenter of personalized medicine and public health, and drivers of knowledge-based biotechnology innovation. Bioinformatics, a core component of omics research, is one of the disciplines that first employed Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS), and thus provided a fertile ground for its further development. Understanding the use and characteristics of FLOSS deployed in the omics field is valuable for future innovation strategies, policy and funding priorities. We conducted a bibliometric, longitudinal study of the use of FLOSS in sepsis omics research from 2011 to 2015 in the United States, EU-28 and China. Because sepsis is an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of multiple omics technologies and medical specialties, it was chosen as a model innovation ecosystem for this empirical analysis, which used publicly available data. Despite development of and competition from proprietary commercial software, scholars in omics continue to employ FLOSS routinely, and independent of the type of omics technology they work with. The number of articles using FLOSS increased significantly over time in the EU-28, as opposed to the United States and China (R = 0.96, p = 0.004). Furthermore, in an era where sharing of knowledge is being strongly advocated and promoted by public agencies and social institutions, we discuss possible correlations between the use of FLOSS and various funding sources in omics research. These observations and analyses provide new insights into the use of FLOSS in sepsis omics research across three (supra)national regions. Further benchmarking studies are warranted for FLOSS trends in other omics fields and geographical settings. These could, in time, lead to the development of new composite innovation and technology use metrics in omics systems sciences and bioinformatics communities.

Design and synthesis of novel adenine fluorescence probe based on Eu(III) complexes with dtpa-bis(guanine) ligand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Fengyun; Jiang, Xiaoqing; Dou, Xuekai; Wu, Qiong; Wang, Jun; Song, Youtao

2017-05-01

A novel adenine (Ad) fluorescence probe (EuIII-dtpa-bis(guanine)) was designed and synthesized by improving experimental method based on the Eu(III) complex and dtpa-bis(guanine) ligand. The dtpa-bis(guanine) ligand was first synthesized by the acylation action between dtpaa and guanine (Gu), and the corresponding Eu(III) complex was successfully prepared through heat-refluxing method with dtpa-bis(guanine) ligand. As a novel fluorescence probe, the EuIII-dtpa-bis(guanine) complex can detect adenine (Ad) with characteristics of strong targeting, high specificity and high recognition ability. The detection mechanism of the adenine (Ad) using this probe in buffer solution was studied by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy. When the EuIII-dtpa-bis(guanine) was introduced to the adenine (Ad) solution, the fluorescence emission intensity was significantly enhanced. However, adding other bases such as guanine (Gu), xanthine (Xa), hypoxanthine (Hy) and uric acid (Ur) with similar composition and structure to that of adenine (Ad) to the EuIII-dtpa-bis(guanine) solution, the fluorescence emission intensities are nearly invariable. Meanwhile, the interference of guanine (Gu), xanthine (Xa), hypoxanthine (Hy) and uric acid (Ur) on the detection of the adenine using EuIII-dtpa-bis(guanine) probe was also studied. It was found that presence of these bases does not affect the detection of adenine (Ad). A linear response of fluorescence emission intensities of EuIII-dtpa-bis(guanine) at 570 nm as a function of adenine (Ad) concentration in the range of 0.00-5.00 × 10- 5 mol L- 1 was observed. The detection limit is about 4.70 × 10- 7 mol L- 1.

Impact of rapid methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus polymerase chain reaction testing on mortality and cost effectiveness in hospitalized patients with bacteraemia: a decision model.

PubMed

Brown, Jack; Paladino, Joseph A

2010-01-01

Patients hospitalized with Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia have an unacceptably high mortality rate. Literature available to date has shown that timely selection of the most appropriate antibacterial may reduce mortality. One tool that may help with this selection is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that distinguishes methicillin (meticillin)-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) from methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) in less than 1 hour. To date, no information is available evaluating the impact of this PCR technique on clinical or economic outcomes. To evaluate the effect of a rapid PCR assay on mortality and economics compared with traditional empiric therapy, using a literature-derived model. A literature search for peer-reviewed European (EU) and US publications regarding treatment regimens, outcomes and costs was conducted. Information detailing the rates of infection, as well as the specificity and sensitivity of a rapid PCR assay (Xpert MRSA/SA Blood Culture PCR) were obtained from the peer-reviewed literature. Sensitivity analysis varied the prevalence rate of MRSA from 5% to 80%, while threshold analysis was applied to the cost of the PCR test. Hospital and testing resource consumption were valued with direct medical costs, adjusted to year 2009 values. Adjusted life-years were determined using US and WHO life tables. The cost-effectiveness ratio was defined as the cost per life-year saved. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated to determine the additional cost necessary to produce additional effectiveness. All analyses were performed using TreeAge Software (2008). The mean mortality rates were 23% for patients receiving empiric vancomycin subsequently switched to semi-synthetic penicillin (SSP) for MSSA, 36% for patients receiving empiric vancomycin treatment for MRSA, 59% for patients receiving empiric SSP subsequently switched to vancomycin for MRSA and 12% for patients receiving empiric SSP for MSSA. Furthermore, with an MRSA prevalence of 30%, the numbers of patients needed to test in order to save one life were 14 and 16 compared with empiric vancomycin and SSP, respectively. The absolute mortality difference for MRSA prevalence rates of 80% and 5% favoured the PCR testing group at 2% and 10%, respectively, compared with empiric vancomycin and 18% and 1%, respectively, compared with empiric SSP. In the EU, the cost-effectiveness ratios for empiric vancomycin- and SSP-treated patients were Euro 695 and Euro 687 per life-year saved, respectively, compared with Euro 636 per life-year saved for rapid PCR testing. In the US, the cost-effectiveness ratio was $US 898 per life-year saved for empiric vancomycin and $US 820 per life-year saved for rapid PCR testing. ICERs demonstrated dominance of the PCR test in all instances. Threshold analysis revealed that PCR testing would be less costly overall, even at greatly inflated assay prices. Rapid PCR testing for MRSA appears to have the potential to reduce mortality rates while being less costly than empiric therapy in the EU and US, across a wide range of MRSA prevalence rates and PCR test costs.

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

Ownership of individual retirement accounts – an empirical analysis based on SHARE

PubMed Central

Garcia, Maria Teresa Medeiros; Marques, Pedro Deslandes Correia Vasconcelos

2017-01-01

This paper examines the household retirement saving decisions in what concerns to the ownership of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) in eight European Union (EU) countries. IRAs are more and more seen as an alternative to public pension benefits, which are decreasing. Therefore, understanding the enrolment in IRAs, both the socio-economic factors and over time, is most important. Detailed empirical analysis of the factors that might influence the ownership of IRAs is presented based on Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), using data from Wave 2 (2006-2007) and Wave 4 (2010-2011). Further, to analyse the impact of legal retirement age in the ownership of IRAs, two subsamples are considered: people aged between 50 and 64 years old (50-64 years) and people aged 65 or over (≥ 65 years). The results suggest that age, years of education, income and ownership of dwelling influence positively and significantly household saving, while number of children, marital status and risk aversion have a negative effect. Marital status and income are not statistically significant for retired people. Policy implications are derived. PMID:28983144

Investigating the influence on safety of retrofitting Italian motorways with barriers meeting a new EU standard.

PubMed

Cafiso, Salvatore; D'Agostino, Carmelo; Persaud, Bhagwant

2017-04-03

A new European Union (EU) regulation for safety barriers, which is based on performance, has encouraged road agencies to perform an upgrade of old barriers, with the expectation that there will be safety benefits at the retrofitted sites. The new class of barriers was designed and installed in compliance with the 1998 (European Norm) EN 1317 standards for road restraint systems, which lays down common requirements for the testing and certification of road restraint systems in all countries of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Both the older and new barriers are made of steel and are installed in such a way as to avoid vehicle intrusion, but the older ones are thought to be only effective at low speeds and large angles of impact. The new standard seeks to remedy this by providing better protection at higher speeds. This article seeks to quantify the effect on the frequency of fatal and injury crashes of retrofitting motorways with barriers meeting the new standards. The estimation of the crash modification was carried out by performing an empirical Bayes before-after analysis based on data from the A18 Messina-Catania motorway in Italy. The methodology has the great advantage to account for the regression to the mean effects. Besides, to account for time trend effects and dispersion of crash data, a modified calibration methodology of safety performance was used. This study, based on data collected on 76 km of motorway in the period 2000-2012, derived Crash Modification Factor point estimates that indicate reductions of 72% for run-off-road fatal and injury crashes and 38% in total fatal and injury crashes that could be expected by upgrading an old safety barrier by complying with new EU 1317 standards. The estimated benefit-cost ratio of 5.57 for total crashes indicates that the treatment is cost effective. The magnitude of this benefit indicates that the retrofits are cost-effective even for total crashes and should continue in any European country inasmuch as the estimated Crash Modification Factors are based on treatment sites that are reasonably representative of all European motorways.

Chemistry of the Apollo 11 highland component

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laul, J. C.; Papike, J. J.; Simon, S. B.; Shearer, C. K.

1983-01-01

Thirty-eight Apollo 11 lunar highland fragments from coarse fines 10085 have been subjected to petrologic and chemical study. Six major chemical groups are identified: (a) high-K KREEP; (b) anorthosite with a 10X chondrite positive Eu anomaly and anorthosite with 30X positive Eu anomaly; (c) ANT; (d) LKFM; (e) anorthositic gabbro with no Eu anomaly, with a positive Eu anomaly, and with a negative Eu anomaly; and (f) dominant Highland component, 2X-10X chondrite with a positive 10X-14X Eu anomaly. Newly recognized groups are presented based on the REE patterns: (a) ANT group with 5X La and a 22X positive Eu anomaly; (b) 10X flat with 14X positive Eu anomaly; and (c) 2-3X flat with a 10X positive Eu anomaly. The highland suite is very low in K and REE, and is overall quite similar to the Apollo 16 suite.

Luminescence study on Eu3+ doped Y2O3 nanoparticles: particle size, concentration and core-shell formation effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robindro Singh, L.; Ningthoujam, R. S.; Sudarsan, V.; Srivastava, Iti; Dorendrajit Singh, S.; Dey, G. K.; Kulshreshtha, S. K.

2008-02-01

Nanoparticles of Eu3+ doped Y2O3 (core) and Eu3+ doped Y2O3 covered with Y2O3 shell (core-shell) are prepared by urea hydrolysis for 3 h in ethylene glycol medium at a relatively low temperature of 140 °C, followed by heating at 500 and 900 °C. Particle sizes determined from x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopic studies are 11 and 18 nm for 500 and 900 °C heated samples respectively. Based on the luminescence studies of 500 and 900 °C heated samples, it is confirmed that there is no particle size effect on the peak positions of Eu3+ emission, and optimum luminescence intensity is observed from the nanoparticles with a Eu3+ concentration of 4-5 at.%. A luminescence study establishes that the Eu3+ environment in amorphous Y (OH)3 is different from that in crystalline Y2O3. For a fixed concentration of Eu3+ doping, there is a reduction in Eu3+ emission intensity for core-shell nanoparticles compared to that of core nanoparticles, and this has been attributed to the concentration dilution effect. Energy transfer from the host to Eu3+ increases with increase of crystallinity.

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.

Russia-A New Empire Under Construction. The Russian Policy towards Former Communist Satellites-Mechanisms of Exertion of Influence

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

the agreement, seeking rather better cooperation within the EU than with the USA. Finally, the very last involvement of the Polish President Lech ...nuclear weapons if 164 See the Polish President Lech Kaczyński speech cited in “Umowa w sprawie tarczy podpisana (Anti

The Efficiency of Public Spending on Education: An Empirical Comparison of EU Countries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Agasisti, Tommaso

2014-01-01

Recent policy suggestions from the European Community underlined the importance of "efficiency" and "equity" in the provision of education while, at the same time, the European countries are required to provide their educational services by minimizing the amount of public money devoted to them. In this article, an empirical…

How Much Credence Does It Take? Evidence on the Trade-Off between Country-Of-Origin Information and Credence Attributes for Beef from a Choice Experiment in Sweden

PubMed Central

Hess, Sebastian; Johansson, Helena

2017-01-01

Based on a discrete choice experiment with 336 consumers, this study investigated whether the consumer propensity to choose a simplified European Union (EU) vs. non-EU denomination of origin for beef, instead of a specific country-of-origin (COO) denomination, depends upon the amount and type of credence information provided to the individual. The likelihood of choosing the EU/non-EU denomination of origin depended on the total number of other labelling credence attributes provided and also on the type of detailed credence attributes present in the choice. The presence of cues relating to animal welfare and far-reaching traceability had the highest likelihood of influencing the choice of the EU/non-EU denomination of origin. The compensatory qualities of each credence attribute in relation to the EU/non-EU origin denomination thus differed. PMID:28946674

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.

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

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)

Exploring the mutual enhancement between droughts and heatwaves in Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samaniego, L. E.; Kumar, R.; Thober, S.; Pan, M.; Prudhomme, C.; Sheffield, J.; Wanders, N.; Wood, E. F.

2016-12-01

Extensive analyses of past and future changes in essential hydrologicalvariables such as soil moisture based on climate and/or land surfacemodel projections have been carried out during the last decades. Recentstudies, however, showed that no comprehensive picture of theanticipated changes has evolved basically due to the large uncertaintiesin both observed and projected changes as well as their coarser spatialresolution. So far, concluding statements cannot be drawn, in particularfor droughts and heat waves, although the key role of soil moisture foramplifying heat waves and its skill for predicting temperature has beenidentified. In this study, we hypothesized that the mutual enhancementbetween droughts and heat waves is intensified as the climate warms. Putdifferently, a drought can make a hot day hotter while a heat wave canexacerbate a moderate drought event into an extreme one. Europe, in particular, has endured large scale drought-heat-wave eventsduring the recent past (e.g., 2003), which have induced enormoussocio-economic losses as well as casualties. Testing thepreviously posed hypothesis within the Pan-EU domain has been limitedmainly by the availability of reliable and high-resolution data sets. The EDgE project commissioned by the ECMWF (C3S) provides a uniqueopportunity to test this hypothesis. High-resolution multi-modelhydrologic simulations over the Pan-EU domain at a scale of 5x5 km2 havebeen completed for the historical period 1955-2015 with the mHM(www.ufz.de/mhm) and PCR-GLOBWB. Noah-MP and VIC simulations will beaccomplished soon. Using these multi-model unprecedented simulations, daily soil moistureindex and temperature anomalies from 1955 to 2015 will beestimated. The stochastic relationships between these variables will beinvestigated with empirical copulas. The main goal of this study is totest whether a significant Granger causality existsbetween soil moisture and temperature anomaly fields over thePan-EU. The advantage of this testing framework stems from the fact thatit is based on predictability instead of correlation to identifycausation, as it is the case with standard correlation-basedapproaches. Preliminary tests indicate that the mutual enhancementhypothesis cannot be rejected in hot-spot areas enduring heavyanthropogenic disturbances.

Quantitative study of energy-transfer mechanism in Eu,O-codoped GaN by time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inaba, Tomohiro; Kojima, Takanori; Yamashita, Genki; Matsubara, Eiichi; Mitchell, Brandon; Miyagawa, Reina; Eryu, Osamu; Tatebayashi, Jun; Ashida, Masaaki; Fujiwara, Yasufumi

2018-04-01

In order to investigate the excitation processes in Eu,O-codoped GaN (GaN:Eu,O), the time-resolved photoluminescence signal including the rising part is analyzed. A rate equation is developed based upon a model for the excitation processes in GaN:Eu to fit the experimental data. The non-radiative recombination rate of the trap state in the GaN host, the energy transfer rate between the Eu3+ ions and the GaN host, the radiative transition probability of Eu3+ ion, as well as the ratio of the number of luminescent sites (OMVPE 4α and OMVPE 4β), are simultaneously determined. It is revealed and quantified that radiative transition probability of the Eu ion is the bottleneck for the enhancement of light output from GaN:Eu. We also evaluate the effect of the growth conditions on the luminescent efficiency of GaN:Eu quantitatively, and find the correlation between emission intensity of GaN:Eu and the fitting parameters introduced in our model.

Photophysical studies of europium coordination polymers based on a tetracarboxylate ligand.

PubMed

Gai, Yan-Li; Jiang, Fei-Long; Chen, Lian; Bu, Yang; Su, Kong-Zhao; Al-Thabaiti, Shaeel A; Hong, Mao-Chun

2013-07-01

Reaction of europium sulfate octahydrate with p-terphenyl-3,3″,5,5″-tetracarboxylic acid (H4ptptc) in a mixed solvent system has afforded three new coordination polymers formulated as {[Eu(ptptc)0.75(H2O)2]·0.5DMF·1.5H2O}n (1), {[Me2H2N]2 [Eu2(ptptc)2(H2O)(DMF)]·1.5DMF·7H2O}n (2), and {[Eu(Hptptc)(H2O)4]·0.5DMF·H2O}n (3). Complex 1 exhibits a three-dimensional (3D) metal-organic framework based on {Eu2(μ2-COO)2(COO)4}n chains, complex 2 shows a 3D metal-organic framework constructed by [Eu2(μ2-COO)2(COO)6](2-) dimetallic subunits, and complex 3 features a 2D layer architecture assembling to 3D framework through π···π interactions. All complexes exhibit the characteristic red luminescence of Eu(III) ion. The triplet state of ligand H4ptptc matches well with the emission level of Eu(III) ion, which allows the preparation of new optical materials with enhanced luminescence properties. The luminescence properties of these complexes are further studied in terms of their emission quantum yields, emission lifetimes, and the radiative/nonradiative rates.

Economic losses to buildings due to tsunami impact: the case of Rhodes city, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Triantafyllou, Ioanna; Novikova, Tatyana; Papadopoulos, Gerassimos

2017-04-01

The expected economic losses to buildings due to the tsunami impact is of particular importance for the tsunami risk management. However, only few efforts can be found in this direction. In this study we approached this issue selecting the city of Rhodes Isl., Greece, as a test-site. The methodological steps followed include (a) selection of worst case scenario in the study area based on the tsunami history of the area which includes several powerful events, e.g. 142 AD, 1303, 1481, 1609, 1741, (b) numerical simulation of the tsunami and determination of the inundation zone, (c) application of the DAMASCHE empirical tool, produced by the SCHEMA EU-FP6 project, for the calculation of the damage level expected at each one of the buildings as a function of the water depth in the inundation area, (d) calculation of the buildings that would need reparation after partial damage and of those that would need reconstruction after total destruction, (e) calculation of the cost implied for both reparation and reconstruction. The several data sets which are needed for the execution of these steps, are susceptible to uncertainties and, therefore, the final results are quite sensitive to changes of the data sets. Alternative costs were calculated by taking into account the several uncertainties involved. This research is a contribution to the EU-FP7 tsunami research project ASTARTE (Assessment, Strategy And Risk Reduction for Tsunamis in Europe), grant agreement no: 603839, 2013-10-30.

"Sampanis v. Greece": Discrimination, Disrespect, and Romani Identity on the EU Frontier

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New, William S.

2012-01-01

This article examines Greek Romani identity from an exogenous viewpoint focused not on who Romani people think and feel they are, but on what others make of them, through official discourse, political action, and educational policy. This article combines a normative argument about social justice as recognition (Axel Honneth) with an empirical case…

Can Students' Concept of Learning Influence Their Learning Outcomes?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marouchou, Despina Varnava

2012-01-01

This paper aims to readdress the lack of empirical data concerning university learning and in particular the dynamics students' conceptions of learning may have on students' learning outcomes. This paper is written at a time when the EU commission for Higher Education (HE) through the Bologna Process declaration has put into action, since 1999, a…

Tailored white light emission in Eu3+/Dy3+ doped tellurite glass phosphors containing Al3+ ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walas, Michalina; Piotrowski, Patryk; Lewandowski, Tomasz; Synak, Anna; Łapiński, Marcin; Sadowski, Wojciech; Kościelska, Barbara

2018-05-01

Tellurite glass systems modified by addition of aluminum fluoride AlF3 have been successfully synthesized as host matrices for optically active rare earth ions RE3+ (RE3+ = Eu3+, Dy3+). Samples with different Eu3+ to Dy3+ molar ratio have been studied in order to determine possibility of white light emission via UV excitation. Structural investigations confirmed amorphous character of materials whereas spectroscopic studies brought more insight into glass network's nature. FTIR results shown presence of two features related to tellurite glass matrix (in 490-935 cm-1 spectral region) and another one (940-1250 cm-1) due to aluminum addition. Especially, Al-O and Te-O-Al bonds of AlO4 tetrahedrons have been found. AlO4 units are considered as glass formers that improve network's strength and thermal resistivity against devitrification. Based on XPS studies of Al3+ photoelectron band the existence of Al-O and also Al-F bonds have been examined. Moreover, signals originating from Eu3+ and Dy3+ have been found confirming their valence state. Luminescence results revealed possibility of simultaneous UV excitation of Eu3+ and Dy3+ ions. Excitation with λexc = 390 and 393 nm resulted in white light generation starting from warm white to neutral and cool white depending on Eu3+ concentration and used excitation wavelength. Additionally, increase of decay lifetime of Eu3+ induced by Al3+ presence have been revealed based on luminescence decay analysis. Thus, tellurite glass systems modified by AlF3 and doped with Eu3+/Dy3+ may be considered as promising candidates for white light emitting sources.

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.

"Unplugged," a European School-Based Program for Substance Use Prevention among Adolescents: Overview of Results from the EU-Dap Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vigna-Taglianti, Federica D.; Galanti, Maria Rosaria; Burkhart, Gregor; Caria, Maria Paola; Vadrucci, Serena; Faggiano, Fabrizio

2014-01-01

The EU-Dap study aimed to develop and evaluate a school-based curriculum for the prevention of substance use among young people. The school curriculum, "Unplugged," is based on social influence approach and addresses social and personal skills, knowledge, and normative beliefs. It consists of 12 one-hour interactive sessions delivered by…

Environmental Kuznets curve for EU agriculture: empirical evidence from new entrant EU countries.

PubMed

Zafeiriou, Eleni; Sofios, Spyros; Partalidou, Xanthi

2017-06-01

The present work examines the intertemporal causal relationship between environmental damage from carbon emissions released by agriculture per 1000 ha of utilized agriculture area and economic performance in the sector of agriculture as described by net value added per capita. The autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing approach is employed to examine this linkage, for three new entrant EU countries, namely, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, and Hungary. The environmental Kuznets hypothesis is confirmed in the long run for Bulgaria and Czech Republic while in the short run is validated only for the case of Czech Republic. The results indicate that the adoption of environment-friendly farming practices and crops' selection does not secure simultaneous high economic and environmental performance at least in the short run for our sample countries and also in the long run for Hungary necessitating the modification of the agro-environmental measures adopted to make those two targets complementary and not mutually exclusive for a farmer.

U.S. Forest Greenhouse Gas Impacts of a continued Expansion of E.U. Wood Pellet Demand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latta, G.; Baker, J.; Ohrel, S. B.

2016-12-01

The United States has ambitious goals of greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. A portion of these reductions are based on expected contributions from land use, land use change, and forestry (LULUCF). The European Union has similar goals which have resulted in a doubling of wood pellets exported from US ports destined for EU power plants over the last few years. There are potential conflicts between the GHG consequences of this pellet supply and the LULUCF contribution to US GHG goals. This study seeks to inform the discussion by modeling US forest GHG accounts using data measured on a grid of over 150,000 USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) forestland plots across the conterminous United States. Empirical yield functions are estimate from plot log volume, biomass and carbon and provide the basis for changes in forest characteristics over time. Demand data based on a spatial database of over 2,000 forest product manufacturing facilities representing 11 intermediate and 13 final solid and pulpwood products. Manufacturing and logging costs are specific to slope, log size, and volume removed along with transportation costs based on fuel prices, FIA plot, and milling locations. The resulting partial spatial equilibrium model of the US forest sector is solved annually for the period 2010 - 2030 with demand shifted by energy prices and macroeconomic indicators from the US EIA's Annual Energy Outlook for a series of potential wood pellet export targets. For each wood pellet export level simulated, figures showing historic and scenario-specific forest products production are generated. Maps of the spatial allocation of both forest harvesting and carbon fluxes are presented at the National level and detail is given in both the US North and Southeast.

Comparing motor-vehicle crash risk of EU and US vehicles.

PubMed

Flannagan, Carol A C; Bálint, András; Klinich, Kathleen D; Sander, Ulrich; Manary, Miriam A; Cuny, Sophie; McCarthy, Michael; Phan, Vuthy; Wallbank, Caroline; Green, Paul E; Sui, Bo; Forsman, Åsa; Fagerlind, Helen

2018-08-01

This study examined the hypotheses that passenger vehicles meeting European Union (EU) safety standards have similar crashworthiness to United States (US) -regulated vehicles in the US driving environment, and vice versa. The first step involved identifying appropriate databases of US and EU crashes that include in-depth crash information, such as estimation of crash severity using Delta-V and injury outcome based on medical records. The next step was to harmonize variable definitions and sampling criteria so that the EU data could be combined and compared to the US data using the same or equivalent parameters. Logistic regression models of the risk of a Maximum injury according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale of 3 or greater, or fatality (MAIS3+F) in EU-regulated and US-regulated vehicles were constructed. The injury risk predictions of the EU model and the US model were each applied to both the US and EU standard crash populations. Frontal, near-side, and far-side crashes were analyzed together (termed "front/side crashes") and a separate model was developed for rollover crashes. For the front/side model applied to the US standard population, the mean estimated risk for the US-vehicle model is 0.035 (sd = 0.012), and the mean estimated risk for the EU-vehicle model is 0.023 (sd = 0.016). When applied to the EU front/side population, the US model predicted a 0.065 risk (sd = 0.027), and the EU model predicted a 0.052 risk (sd = 0.025). For the rollover model applied to the US standard population, the US model predicted a risk of 0.071 (sd = 0.024), and the EU model predicted 0.128 risk (sd = 0.057). When applied to the EU rollover standard population, the US model predicted a 0.067 risk (sd = 0.024), and the EU model predicted 0.103 risk (sd = 0.040). The results based on these methods indicate that EU vehicles most likely have a lower risk of MAIS3+F injury in front/side impacts, while US vehicles most likely have a lower risk of MAIS3+F injury in llroovers. These results should be interpreted with an understanding of the uncertainty of the estimates, the study limitations, and our recommendations for further study detailed in the report. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Role of valence changes and nanoscale atomic displacements in BiS2-based superconductors.

PubMed

Cheng, Jie; Zhai, Huifei; Wang, Yu; Xu, Wei; Liu, Shengli; Cao, Guanghan

2016-11-22

Superconductivity within layered crystal structures has attracted sustained interest among condensed matter community, primarily due to their exotic superconducting properties. EuBiS 2 F is a newly discovered member in the BiS 2 -based superconducting family, which shows superconductivity at 0.3 K without extrinsic doping. With 50 at.% Ce substitution for Eu, superconductivity is enhanced with Tc increased up to 2.2 K. However, the mechanisms for the T c enhancement have not yet been elucidated. In this study, the Ce-doping effect on the self-electron-doped superconductor EuBiS 2 F was investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). We have established a relationship between Ce-doping and the T c enhancement in terms of Eu valence changes and nanoscale atomic displacements. The new finding sheds light on the interplay among superconductivity, charge and local structure in BiS 2 -based superconductors.

NO-assisted molecular-beam epitaxial growth of nitrogen substituted EuO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wicks, R.; Altendorf, S. G.; Caspers, C.; Kierspel, H.; Sutarto, R.; Tjeng, L. H.; Damascelli, A.

2012-04-01

We have investigated a method for substituting oxygen with nitrogen in EuO thin films, which is based on molecular beam epitaxy distillation with NO gas as the oxidizer. By varying the NO gas pressure, we produce crystalline, epitaxial EuO1 -xNx films with good control over the films' nitrogen concentration. In situ x-ray photoemission spectroscopy reveals that nitrogen substitution is connected to the formation Eu3+4f6 and a corresponding decrease in the number of Eu2+4f7, indicating that nitrogen is being incorporated in its 3- oxidation state. While small amounts of Eu3+ in over-oxidized Eu1-δO thin films lead to a drastic suppression of the ferromagnetism, the formation of Eu3+ in EuO1-xNx still allows the ferromagnetic phase to exist with an unaffected Tc, thus providing an ideal model system to study the interplay between the magnetic f7 (J = 7/2) and the non-magnetic f6 (J = 0) states close to the Fermi level.

Occupational exposure limits in Europe and Asia--continued divergence or global harmonization?

PubMed

Ding, Qian; Schenk, Linda; Malkiewicz, Katarzyna; Hansson, Sven Ove

2011-12-01

Occupational exposure limits (OELs) are used as a risk management tool aiming at protecting against negative health effects of occupational exposure to harmful substances. The systems of OEL development have not been standardized and divergent outcomes have been reported. However some harmonization processes have been initiated, primarily in Europe. This study investigates the state of harmonization in a global context. The OEL systems of eight Asian and seventeen European organizations are analyzed with respect to similarities and differences in: (1) the system for determining OELs, (2) the selection of substances, and (3) the levels of the OELs. The majority of the investigated organizations declare themselves to have been influenced by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and in many cases this can be empirically confirmed. The EU harmonization process is reflected in trends towards convergence within the EU. However, comparisons of Asian and European organizations provide no obvious evidence that OELs are becoming globally harmonized. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Zheng, Zhang; Wanjun, Tang, E-mail: tangmailbox@126.com

Highlights: • Iso-structural garnet-type Na{sub 2}(Y,Eu)Mg{sub 2}V{sub 3}O{sub 12} solid solution were synthesized. • Efficient energy transfer from [VO{sub 4}]{sup 3−} to Eu{sup 3+} ions in this phosphor is observed obviously. • Tuning the Y/Eu ratio generates the varied hues from yellowish-green to reddish-orange. • This kind of phosphor can be potentially used in UV pumped LEDs. - Abstract: A series of solid-solution phosphors Na{sub 2}(Y,Eu)Mg{sub 2}V{sub 3}O{sub 12} were prepared using solution combustion reaction. X-ray diffraction studies verified the formation of single phase Na{sub 2}(Y,Eu)Mg{sub 2}V{sub 3}O{sub 12} with garnet structure. Na{sub 2}(Y,Eu)Mg{sub 2}V{sub 3}O{sub 12} phosphors show notmore » only a broad emission band with a maximum at 510 nm due to the [VO{sub 4}]{sup 3−} group but also several sharp emission lines due to the Eu{sup 3+} ions. The energy transfer from [VO{sub 4}]{sup 3−} to Eu{sup 3+} was discussed on the base of the spectral analysis. The color-tunable emissions of the Na{sub 2}(Y,Eu)Mg{sub 2}V{sub 3}O{sub 12} phosphor as a function of Y/Eu ratio are realized by continuously generating the varied hues from yellowish-green to reddish-orange. This indicates that the obtained phosphor may have potential applications in the field of UV-based white LEDs.« less

Higher thermoelectric performance of Zintl phases (Eu0.5Yb0.5)1-xCaxMg2Bi2 by band engineering and strain fluctuation.

PubMed

Shuai, Jing; Geng, Huiyuan; Lan, Yucheng; Zhu, Zhuan; Wang, Chao; Liu, Zihang; Bao, Jiming; Chu, Ching-Wu; Sui, Jiehe; Ren, Zhifeng

2016-07-19

Complex Zintl phases, especially antimony (Sb)-based YbZn0.4Cd1.6Sb2 with figure-of-merit (ZT) of ∼1.2 at 700 K, are good candidates as thermoelectric materials because of their intrinsic "electron-crystal, phonon-glass" nature. Here, we report the rarely studied p-type bismuth (Bi)-based Zintl phases (Ca,Yb,Eu)Mg2Bi2 with a record thermoelectric performance. Phase-pure EuMg2Bi2 is successfully prepared with suppressed bipolar effect to reach ZT ∼ 1. Further partial substitution of Eu by Ca and Yb enhanced ZT to ∼1.3 for Eu0.2Yb0.2Ca0.6Mg2Bi2 at 873 K. Density-functional theory (DFT) simulation indicates the alloying has no effect on the valence band, but does affect the conduction band. Such band engineering results in good p-type thermoelectric properties with high carrier mobility. Using transmission electron microscopy, various types of strains are observed and are believed to be due to atomic mass and size fluctuations. Point defects, strain, dislocations, and nanostructures jointly contribute to phonon scattering, confirmed by the semiclassical theoretical calculations based on a modified Debye-Callaway model of lattice thermal conductivity. This work indicates Bi-based (Ca,Yb,Eu)Mg2Bi2 is better than the Sb-based Zintl phases.

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 precaution: the application of premarket approval schemes in EU food legislation.

PubMed

van der Meulen, Bernd M J; Bremmers, Harry J; Wijnands, Jo H M; Poppe, Krijn J

2012-01-01

Structural precaution refers to legal requirements by which food products (whether as ingredients, additives, genetically modified or innovative in some other form) are only admitted to the market after authorization by public authorities and till then are presumed unsafe. In the EU such authorization is granted after provision of conclusive scientific evidence of the product's safety by the applicant. The objective of this article is to critically evaluate structural precaution in the EU against the general principles of European and international law. Moreover, it addresses the positive and negative side-effects of structural precaution for food businesses. The methods which are applied are legal-systematic and empirical. Legal-systematic research shows that the European system of structural precaution may come into conflict with the principles of free trade. Empirical research on the effects of structural precaution shows that the barriers to market access impede food innovations, negatively impact competitiveness, and induce opportunistic strategic responses by food businesses. Among the opportunistic strategic responses that were identified are window-dressing, trespassing and circumventing. These may have adverse effects on food safety. This is remarkable since food safety is the key driving force behind the application of structural precaution. The article advocates an overhaul of the present European risk prevention framework. It argues that the newly proposed European legal framework for innovative foods only partly addresses the identified problems with which the food industry is confronted. Supplementary to legal-systematic overhaul, authorities should invest in accessibility and transparency of the legal framework and provide compliance assistance to reduce regulatory burdens.

Synthesis and characterization of Eu{sup 3+}-doped CaZrO{sub 3}-based perovskite-type phosphors. Part I: Determination of the Eu{sup 3+} occupied site using the ALCHEMI technique

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

Sakaida, Satoshi; Shimokawa, Yohei; Asaka, Toru

2015-07-15

Highlights: • Eu{sup 3+}-doped CaZrO{sub 3}-based compounds were synthesized by the solid state reaction. • PL emission intensity at 614 nm was changed by the second dopant cations. • The site substituted by Eu{sup 3+} cations was investigated by using XRD and ALCHEMI technique. • The dominant Eu{sup 3+} substitution site was found as the B site (Zr{sup 4+}) in the CaZrO{sub {sup 3}}. • The dominant Eu{sup 3+} substitution site could be strongly influenced by the co-dopants. - Abstract: Eu{sup 3+}-doped CaZrO{sub 3}, SrZrO{sub 3}, and Mg{sup 2+}- or Sr{sup 2+}-co-doped CaZrO{sub 3} were synthesized by conventional solid statemore » reaction and their photoluminescence (PL) properties were characterized. The Eu{sup 3+}-doped CaZrO{sub 3}-based compounds exhibited characteristic emissions of Eu{sup 3+} (f–f transition). The intensity of the main PL emission peak at 614 nm increased with Mg{sup 2+} co-doping, while it decreased with the amount of co-doped Sr{sup 2+}. The site substituted by Eu{sup 3+} cations in the CaZrO{sub 3}-based compounds was investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis based on the electron channeling effects in transmission electron microscopy. The Eu{sup 3+} cations were determined to occupy mainly the B site (Zr{sup 4+}) in CaZrO{sub 3}. The dominant Eu{sup 3+} substitution site was also strongly influenced by the co-dopant, and the ionic radius of the co-dopant was identified as an important factor that determines the dominant Eu{sup 3+} substitution site.« less

Diagnostic criteria for the characterization of quasireversible electron transfer reactions by cyclic square wave voltammetry.

PubMed

Mann, Megan A; Helfrick, John C; Bottomley, Lawrence A

2014-08-19

Theory for cyclic square wave voltammetry of quasireversible electron transfer reactions is presented and experimentally verified. The impact of empirical parameters on the shape of the current-voltage curve is examined. From the trends, diagnostic criteria enabling the use of this waveform as a tool for mechanistic analysis of electrode reaction processes are presented. These criteria were experimentally confirmed using Eu(3+)/Eu(2+), a well-established quasireversible analyte. Using cyclic square wave voltammetry, both the electron transfer coefficient and rate were calculated for this analyte and found to be in excellent agreement with literature. When properly applied, these criteria will enable nonexperts in voltammetry to assign the electrode reaction mechanism and accurately measure electrode reaction kinetics.

Red Luminescent Eu(III) Coordination Bricks Excited on Blue LED Chip.

PubMed

Koizuka, Toru; Yanagisawa, Kei; Hirai, Yuichi; Kitagawa, Yuichi; Nakanishi, Takayuki; Fushimi, Koji; Hasegawa, Yasuchika

2018-06-18

Three types of red luminescent Eu(III) complexes with Schiff base and hfa ligands (hfa: hexafluoroacetylacetonate), mononuclear [Eu(hfa) 2 (OAc)(salen) 2 ] (OAc: acetate anion, salen: N,N'-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine), brick-type [Eu 2 (hfa) 4 (OAc) 2 (salbn) 2 ] (salbn: N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,4-butanediamine), and polynuclear [Eu(hfa) 2 (OAc)(salhen)] n (salhen: N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,6-hexanediamine) are reported for white light-emitting diode (LED) devices. Among these complexes, brick-type [Eu 2 (hfa) 4 (OAc) 2 (salbn) 2 ] excited by blue light (460 nm) exhibits the photosensitized quantum yield (Φ π-π* = 47%) and remarkably high efficiency of sensitization (η sens = 96%). The efficiency of sensitization is caused by the excited state based on ligand-ligand interaction between the Schiff base and hfa ligands in Eu(III) complexes. To fabricate LED devices, the red luminescent [Eu 2 (hfa) 4 (OAc) 2 (salbn) 2 ] was mounted on an InGaN blue LED chip.

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

Contrasting Cu-Au and Sn-W Granite Metallogeny through the Zircon Geochemical and Isotopic Record

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gardiner, Nicholas; Hawkesworth, Chris; Robb, Laurence; Whitehouse, Martin; Roberts, Nick; Kirkland, Chris

2017-04-01

Magmatic genesis and evolution - mediated by geodynamic setting - exert a primary control on the propensity of granites to be metal fertile. A revolution in our understanding of these petrogenetic processes has been made through a range of mineral-based tools, most notably the common accessory mineral zircon. There is consequently considerable interest in whether the geochemical and isotopic compositions of zircon can be applied to metallogenic problems. The paired magmatic belts of Myanmar have broadly contrasting metallogenic affinities (Sn-W versus Cu-Au), and are interpreted to have formed on the accretionary margin of the subducting Neo-Tethys Ocean. They therefore present the opportunity to geochemically compare and contrast the zircon compositions in two end-member types of granite-hosted mineral deposits generated in collisional settings. We present an integrated zircon isotope (U-Pb, Lu-Hf, O) and trace element dataset that fingerprint: (a) source; (b) redox conditions; and (c) degree of fractionation. These variables all impact on magma fertility, and our key question to address is whether they can be reliably traced and calibrated within the Myanmar zircon record. Granitoid-hosted zircons from the I-type copper arc have juvenile ɛHf (+7 to +12) and mantle-like δ18O (5.3 ‰), whereas zircons from the S-type tin belt have low ɛHf (-7 to -13) and heavier δ18O (6.2-7.7 ‰). Plotting Hf versus U/Yb reaffirms that the tin belt magmas contain greater crustal contributions than the copper arc rocks. Links between whole rock Rb/Sr and zircon Eu/Eu* highlights that the latter can be used to monitor magma fractionation in systems that crystallize plagioclase (low Sr/Y). Ce/Ce* and Eu/Eu* in zircon are thus sensitive to redox and fractionation respectively, and can be used to evaluate the sensitivity of zircons to the metallogenic affinity of their host rocks. Tin contents that exceed the solubility limit are required in order to make a magmatic-hydrothermal deposit, and empirical observations suggest that this threshold may be marked by zircon Eu/Eu* values of ca. < 0.08. The isotope and trace element signatures of both magmatic and detrital zircons can be developed into a useful exploration tool.

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.

Enhanced output power from triboelectric nanogenerators based on electrospun Eu-doped polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hong-Seok; Park, Il-Kyu

2018-06-01

In this study, Eu-doped polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers (PVDF NFs) were fabricated by an electrospinning method and applied as an active layer in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Structural and optical investigations showed that Eu3+ was successfully doped in the PVDF NFs and it induced discrete emissions corresponding to the electronic transitions. As the Eu content increased, the phase transformation was enhanced from the α-phase to the β-phase in the PVDF NFs, and their diameter decreased. These changes enhanced the electrical output power of the TENGs. However, the further addition of Eu resulted in precipitation of the NO3--related complex on the surface of the PVDF NFs, which was detrimental to performance of the TENGs. Due to these conflicting effects, the output power increased from 13 to 26 μW/cm2 as the Eu contents increased from 0 to 2.7 wt%, whereas it decreased drastically to 4.9 μW/cm2 when the Eu content increased further to 5.3 wt%. Therefore, the optimum amount of Eu doping has advantageous effects.

Multifunctional nanocomposite based on halloysite nanotubes for efficient luminescent bioimaging and magnetic resonance imaging

PubMed Central

Zhou, Tao; Jia, Lei; Luo, Yi-Feng; Xu, Jun; Chen, Ru-Hua; Ge, Zhi-Jun; Ma, Tie-Liang; Chen, Hong; Zhu, Tao-Feng

2016-01-01

A novel multifunctional halloysite nanotube (HNT)-based Fe3O4@HNT-polyethyleneimine-Tip-Eu(dibenzoylmethane)3 nanocomposite (Fe-HNT-Eu NC) with both photoluminescent and magnetic properties was fabricated by a simple one-step hydrothermal process combined with the coupling grafting method, which exhibited high suspension stability and excellent photophysical behavior. The as-prepared multifunctional Fe-HNT-Eu NC was characterized using various techniques. The results of cell viability assay, cell morphological observation, and in vivo toxicity assay indicated that the NC exhibited excellent biocompatibility over the studied concentration range, suggesting that the obtained Fe-HNT-Eu NC was a suitable material for bioimaging and biological applications in human hepatic adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, the biocompatible Fe-HNT-Eu NC displayed superparamagnetic behavior with high saturation magnetization and also functioned as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent in vitro and in vivo. The results of the MRI tests indicated that the Fe-HNT-Eu NC can significantly decrease the T2 signal intensity values of the normal liver tissue and thus make the boundary between the normal liver and transplanted cancer more distinct, thus effectively improving the diagnosis effect of cancers. PMID:27698562

Multifunctional nanocomposite based on halloysite nanotubes for efficient luminescent bioimaging and magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Zhou, Tao; Jia, Lei; Luo, Yi-Feng; Xu, Jun; Chen, Ru-Hua; Ge, Zhi-Jun; Ma, Tie-Liang; Chen, Hong; Zhu, Tao-Feng

A novel multifunctional halloysite nanotube (HNT)-based Fe 3 O 4 @HNT-polyethyleneimine-Tip-Eu(dibenzoylmethane) 3 nanocomposite (Fe-HNT-Eu NC) with both photoluminescent and magnetic properties was fabricated by a simple one-step hydrothermal process combined with the coupling grafting method, which exhibited high suspension stability and excellent photophysical behavior. The as-prepared multifunctional Fe-HNT-Eu NC was characterized using various techniques. The results of cell viability assay, cell morphological observation, and in vivo toxicity assay indicated that the NC exhibited excellent biocompatibility over the studied concentration range, suggesting that the obtained Fe-HNT-Eu NC was a suitable material for bioimaging and biological applications in human hepatic adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, the biocompatible Fe-HNT-Eu NC displayed superparamagnetic behavior with high saturation magnetization and also functioned as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent in vitro and in vivo. The results of the MRI tests indicated that the Fe-HNT-Eu NC can significantly decrease the T 2 signal intensity values of the normal liver tissue and thus make the boundary between the normal liver and transplanted cancer more distinct, thus effectively improving the diagnosis effect of cancers.

Luminescent properties of Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} and its potential application in white light emitting diodes

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

Wang, Zhijun, E-mail: wangzhijunmail@yahoo.com.cn; Li, Panlai; Li, Ting

2013-06-01

Graphical abstract: Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor can be effectively excited by an ultraviolet and near-ultraviolet light, and produce a bright blue emission centered at 436 nm. The CIE chromaticity coordinations (x, y) of Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+}(NSCE)/Li{sub 2}SrSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+}(LSSE) vary with the molar ratio of the two constituents. When NSCE/LSSE is 1:3, the CIE chromaticity coordination is (0.332, 0.346), which is close to that of the natural sunlight (0.33, 0.33). The results indicate that Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} may be a promising blue phosphor for UV chip-based multi-phosphor converted white light emitting diodes. Highlights: ► Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{supmore » 2+} shows the blue emission with a peak at 436 nm and broad excitation band in the UV/n-UV range. ► White light with CIE coordinates (0.332, 0.346) is generated by mixing the blue phosphor with the Li{sub 2}SrSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} yellow phosphor. ► Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} would be a promising blue phosphor candidate for UV chip-based multi-phosphor converted white LEDs. - Abstract: A novel blue phosphor Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} is synthesized by a high temperature solid-state reaction, and its luminescent properties are systematically studied. Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} can be effectively excited by the 354 nm radiation, and create blue emission (436 nm). The emission intensity of Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} is influenced by the Eu{sup 2+} doping content, and the optimal doping content is 1.5%, and the concentration quenching mechanism of Eu{sup 2+} in Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4} can be attributed to the multipolar interaction. The white light with CIE coordinates (0.332, 0.346) is generated by mixing the blue phosphor Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} with the yellow phosphor Li{sub 2}SrSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+}. The results indicate that Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} may be a potential blue emitting phosphor for UV chip-based multi-phosphor converted white light emitting diodes.« less

Spectroelectrochemistry and Electrochemistry of Europium Ions in Alkali Chloride Melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uehara, Akihiro; Shirai, Osamu; Nagai, Takayuki; Fujii, Toshiyuki; Yamana, Hajimu

2007-04-01

In order to investigate the redox equilibrium of europium ions in molten NaCl-2CsCl, UV-Vis absorption spectrophotometry measurements were performed for Eu2+ and Eu3+ in molten NaCl- 2CsCl at 923 K under simultaneous electrolytic control of their ratio. Molar absorptivities of EuCl3 and EuCl2 in NaCl-2CsCl at 923 K were determined to be (420±21) M -1cm-1 at 31200 cm-1 and (1130±56) M-1cm-1 at 30300 cm-1, respectively. The formal redox potential of the Eu2+/Eu3+ couple in NaCl-2CsCl melt at 923 K was determined to be (-0.941 ±0.004) V vs. Cl2/Cl- by electromotive force measurements on varying concentration ratios of Eu2+ and Eu3+, which were performed using a technique based on the combination of electrolysis and spectrophotometry. Cyclic voltammetry was also carried out in order to examine the characteristics of the voltammograms for the Eu2+/Eu3+ couple in NaCl-2CsCl melt. The formal redox potential of the Eu2+/Eu3+ couple determined by a spectroelectrochemical method agreed with that determined by cyclic voltammetry [(-0.946±0.008) V vs. Cl2/Cl-]. The effects of temperature on the redox potential of the Eu2+/Eu3+ couple in NaCl-2CsCl, NaCl-KCl, LiCl-KCl, and CsCl melts were studied by cyclic voltammetry in the range from 923 to 1123 K.

Compliance with the annual NO 2 air quality standard in Athens. Required NO x levels and expected health implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaloulakou, A.; Mavroidis, I.; Gavriil, I.

Recent risk assessment studies have shown that high outdoor NO 2 levels observed in residential areas contribute to increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Detailed information on present NO 2 levels as well as predictions of NO 2 concentrations corresponding to reduced NO x levels in urban areas are very useful to decision and policy makers in order to protect the public health. In the present paper, monitoring stations of the Athens network are initially classified into two main groups, traffic affected and urban background, using effectively a criterion based on the ratio of annual mean NO:NO 2 concentrations. Two empirical methodologies are then considered and compared for assessing the effect of different NO x levels on the attainment of the annual NO 2 air quality standard at urban-background locations in the Athens area. An interesting finding is that these two methodologies, one more general and one both year and site dependent, give similar results for the specific study area and can be applied alternatively based on the length of available concentration time series. The results show that in order to meet the EU annual mean NO 2 objective at all the urban-background locations of the Athens area, annual NO x concentrations should be reduced to approximately 60 μg m -3, requiring NO x emission reductions of up to 30%. An analysis of the health implications of the currently observed NO 2 levels is conducted, based on a dose-response relationship, and is coupled with available health-related data for the Athens area. This analysis suggests that if NO 2 concentrations were reduced to the levels of the annual EU air quality standard, then a decrease of hospital admissions of up to 2.6% would be observed, depending on the levels of NO 2 measured at different monitoring sites of the Athens conurbation.

Luminescence properties and energy transfer of site-sensitive Ca(6-x-y)Mg(x-z)(PO(4))(4):Eu(y)(2+),Mn(z)(2+) phosphors and their application to near-UV LED-based white LEDs.

PubMed

Kwon, Ki Hyuk; Im, Won Bin; Jang, Ho Seong; Yoo, Hyoung Sun; Jeon, Duk Young

2009-12-21

On the basis of the structural information that the host material has excellent charge stabilization, blue-emitting Ca(6-x-y)Mg(x)(PO(4))(4):Eu(y)(2+) (CMP:Eu(2+)) phosphors were synthesized and systematically optimized, and their photoluminescence (PL) properties were evaluated. Depending upon the amount of Mg added, the emission efficiency of the phosphors could be enhanced. The substitution of Eu(2+) affected their maximum wavelength (lambda(max)) and thermal stability because the substitution site of Eu(2+) could be varied. To obtain single-phase two-color-emitting phosphors, we incorporated Mn(2+) into CMP:Eu(2+) phosphors. Weak red emission resulting from the forbidden transition of Mn(2+) could be enhanced by the energy transfer from Eu(2+) to Mn(2+) that occurs because of the spectral overlap between the photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectrum of Mn(2+) and the PL spectrum of Eu(2+). The energy transfer process was confirmed by the luminescence spectra, energy transfer efficiency, and decay curve of the phosphors. Finally, the optimized Ca(6-x-y)Mg(x-z)(PO(4))(4):Eu(y)(2+),Mn(z)(2+) (CMP:Eu(2+),Mn(2+)) phosphors were applied with green emitting Ca(2)MgSi(2)O(7):Eu(2+) (CMS:Eu(2+)) phosphors to ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED)-pumped white LEDs. The CMS:Eu(2+)-mixed CMP:Eu(2+), Mn(2+)-based white LEDs showed an excellent color rendering index (CRI) of 98 because of the broader emission band and more stable color coordinates than those of commercial Y(3)Al(5)O(12):Ce(3+) (YAG:Ce(3+))-based white LEDs under a forward bias current of 20 mA. The fabricated white LEDs showed very bright natural white light that had the color coordinate of (0.3288, 0.3401), and thus CMP:Eu(2+),Mn(2+) could be regarded as a good candidate for UV LED-based white LEDs.

Health impact assessment and monetary valuation of IQ loss in pre-school children due to lead exposure through locally produced food.

PubMed

Bierkens, J; Buekers, J; Van Holderbeke, M; Torfs, R

2012-01-01

A case study has been performed which involved the full chain assessment from policy drivers to health effect quantification of lead exposure through locally produced food on loss of IQ in pre-school children at the population level across the EU-27, including monetary valuation of the estimated health impact. Main policy scenarios cover the period from 2000 to 2020 and include the most important Community policy developments expected to affect the environmental release of lead (Pb) and corresponding human exposure patterns. Three distinct scenarios were explored: the emission situation based on 2000 data, a business-as-usual scenario (BAU) up to 2010 and 2020 and a scenario incorporating the most likely technological change expected (Most Feasible Technical Reductions, MFTR) in response to current and future legislation. Consecutive model calculations (MSCE-HM, WATSON, XtraFOOD, IEUBK) were performed by different partners on the project as part of the full chain approach to derive estimates of blood lead (B-Pb) levels in children as a consequence of the consumption of local produce. The estimated B-Pb levels were translated into an average loss of IQ points/child using an empirical relationship based on a meta-analysis performed by Schwartz (1994). The calculated losses in IQ points were subsequently further translated into the average cost/child using a cost estimate of €10.000 per loss of IQ point based on data from a literature review. The estimated average reduction of cost/child (%) for all countries considered in 2010 under BAU and MFTR are 12.16 and 18.08% as compared to base line conditions, respectively. In 2020 the percentages amount to 20.19 and 23.39%. The case study provides an example of the full-chain impact pathway approach taking into account all foreseeable pathways both for assessing the environmental fate and the associated human exposure and the mode of toxic action to arrive at quantitative estimates of health impacts at the individual and the population risk levels alike at EU scale. As the estimated B-Pb levels fall below the range of observed biomonitoring data collected for pre-school children in 6 different EU countries, results presented in this paper are only a first approximation of the costs entailed in the health effects of exposure to lead and the potential benefits that may arise from MFTR measures inscribed in Commission policies. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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.

Modelling of underwater light fields in turbid and eutrophic waters: application and validation with experimental data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sundarabalan, B.; Shanmugam, P.

2014-09-01

A reliable radiative transfer model is an essential and indispensable tool for understanding of the radiative transfer processes in homogenous and layered waters, analyzing measurements made by radiance sensors and developing remote sensing algorithms to derive meaningful physical quantities and biogeochemical variables in turbid and productive coastal waters. Existing radiative transfer models have been designed to be applicable to either homogenous waters or inhomogeneous waters. To overcome such constraints associated with these models, this study presents a radiative transfer model that treats a homogenous layer as a diffuse part and an inhomogeneous layer as a direct part in the water column and combines these two parts appropriately in order to generate more reliable underwater light field data such as upwelling radiance (Lu), downwelling irradiance (Ed) and upwelling irradiance (Eu). The diffuse model assumes the inherent optical properties (IOPs) to be vertically continuous and the light fields to exponentially decrease with the depth, whereas the direct part considers the water column to be vertically inhomogeneous (layer-by-layer phenomena) with the vertically varying phase function. The surface and bottom boundary conditions, source function due to chlorophyll and solar incident geometry are also included in the present RT model. The performance of this model is assessed in a variety of waters (clear, turbid and eutrophic) using the measured radiometric data. The present model shows an advantage in terms of producing accurate Lu, Ed and Eu profiles (in spatial domain) in different waters determined by both homogenous and inhomogeneous conditions. The feasibility of predicting these underwater light fields based on the remotely estimated IOP data is also examined using the present RT model. For this application, vertical profiles of the water constituents and IOPs are estimated by empirical models based on our in-situ data. The present RT model generates Lu, Ed and Eu spectra closely consistent with the measured data. These results lead to a conclusion that the present RT model is a viable alternative to existing RT models and has an important implication for remote sensing of optically complex waters.

Modelling of underwater light fields in turbid and eutrophic waters: application and validation with experimental data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sundarabalan, B.; Shanmugam, P.

2015-01-01

A reliable radiative transfer (RT) model is an essential and indispensable tool for understanding the radiative transfer processes in homogenous and layered waters, analyzing measurements made by radiance sensors and developing remote-sensing algorithms to derive meaningful physical quantities and biogeochemical variables in turbid and productive coastal waters. Existing radiative transfer models have been designed to be applicable to either homogenous waters or inhomogeneous waters. To overcome such constraints associated with these models, this study presents a radiative transfer model that treats a homogenous layer as a diffuse part and an inhomogeneous layer as a direct part in the water column and combines these two parts appropriately in order to generate more reliable underwater light-field data such as upwelling radiance (Lu), downwelling irradiance (Ed) and upwelling irradiance (Eu). The diffuse model assumes the inherent optical properties (IOPs) to be vertically continuous and the light fields to exponentially decrease with depth, whereas the direct part considers the water column to be vertically inhomogeneous (layer-by-layer phenomena) with the vertically varying phase function. The surface and bottom boundary conditions, source function due to chlorophyll and solar incident geometry are also included in the present RT model. The performance of this model is assessed in a variety of waters (clear, turbid and eutrophic) using the measured radiometric data. The present model shows an advantage in terms of producing accurate Lu, Ed and Eu profiles (in spatial domain) in different waters determined by both homogenous and inhomogeneous conditions. The feasibility of predicting these underwater light fields based on the remotely estimated IOP data is also examined using the present RT model. For this application, vertical profiles of the water constituents and IOPs are estimated by empirical models based on our in situ data. The present RT model generates Lu, Ed and Eu spectra closely consistent with the measured data. These results lead to a conclusion that the present RT model is a viable alternative to existing RT models and has an important implication for remote sensing of optically complex waters.

The Impact of ICT on Educational Performance and its Efficiency in Selected EU and OECD Countries: A Non-Parametric Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aristovnik, Aleksander

2012-01-01

The purpose of the paper is to review some previous researches examining ICT efficiency and the impact of ICT on educational output/outcome as well as different conceptual and methodological issues related to performance measurement. Moreover, a definition, measurements and the empirical application of a model measuring the efficiency of ICT use…

The public health effect of economic crises and alternative policy responses in Europe: an empirical analysis.

PubMed

Stuckler, David; Basu, Sanjay; Suhrcke, Marc; Coutts, Adam; McKee, Martin

2009-07-25

There is widespread concern that the present economic crisis, particularly its effect on unemployment, will adversely affect population health. We investigated how economic changes have affected mortality rates over the past three decades and identified how governments might reduce adverse effects. We used multivariate regression, correcting for population ageing, past mortality and employment trends, and country-specific differences in health-care infrastructure, to examine associations between changes in employment and mortality, and how associations were modified by different types of government expenditure for 26 European Union (EU) countries between 1970 and 2007. We noted that every 1% increase in unemployment was associated with a 0.79% rise in suicides at ages younger than 65 years (95% CI 0.16-1.42; 60-550 potential excess deaths [mean 310] EU-wide), although the effect size was non-significant at all ages (0.49%, -0.04 to 1.02), and with a 0.79% rise in homicides (95% CI 0.06-1.52; 3-80 potential excess deaths [mean 40] EU-wide). By contrast, road-traffic deaths decreased by 1.39% (0.64-2.14; 290-980 potential fewer deaths [mean 630] EU-wide). A more than 3% increase in unemployment had a greater effect on suicides at ages younger than 65 years (4.45%, 95% CI 0.65-8.24; 250-3220 potential excess deaths [mean 1740] EU-wide) and deaths from alcohol abuse (28.0%, 12.30-43.70; 1550-5490 potential excess deaths [mean 3500] EU-wide). We noted no consistent evidence across the EU that all-cause mortality rates increased when unemployment rose, although populations varied substantially in how sensitive mortality was to economic crises, depending partly on differences in social protection. Every US$10 per person increased investment in active labour market programmes reduced the effect of unemployment on suicides by 0.038% (95% CI -0.004 to -0.071). Rises in unemployment are associated with significant short-term increases in premature deaths from intentional violence, while reducing traffic fatalities. Active labour market programmes that keep and reintegrate workers in jobs could mitigate some adverse health effects of economic downturns. Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, King's College, London, UK; and Wates Foundation (UK).

Spectroscopic study and enhanced thermostability of combustion-derived BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ blue phosphors for solid-state lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradal, Nathalie; Potdevin, Audrey; Chadeyron, Geneviève; Bonville, Pierre; Caillier, Bruno; Mahiou, Rachid

2017-02-01

Blue-emitting BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ (BAM:Eu), suitable for applications in a next generation of Hg-free lamps based on UV LEDs, was prepared by a microwave induced solution combustion synthesis, using urea as combustion fuel and nitrates as oxidizers. Purity control of the as-synthesized blue phosphor was undertaken by a washing step followed by a reduction one. Structural and morphological properties of the outcoming phosphors have been considered. Synthesis process allows producing a well-crystallized and nanostructured BAM phase within only few minutes. The influence of reduction treatment on the relative amounts of Eu2+/Eu3+ in our samples has been investigated through an original study by magnetization and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Furthermore, a complete optical study has been carried out and allowed us to determine the europium localization in the three possible sites in BAM matrix. The percentage of Eu2+ increased twofold after the reduction treatment, entailing an increase in the luminescence efficiency upon UV excitation. Finally, temperature-dependent luminescence of combustion-derived powders has been studied till 170 °C and compared to that of commercial BAM:Eu. MISCS-derived phosphors present a higher thermal stability than commercial one: whereas the emission efficiency of this last was reduced by 64%, the one of combustion-derived BAM:Eu experienced an only 12% decline. Furthermore, while commercial BAM suffered from a severe blue-shift with increasing temperature, our phosphors keep its color quality with a good stability of the photometric parameters.

High-skilled labour mobility in Europe before and after the 2004 enlargement

PubMed Central

Puliga, Michelangelo

2017-01-01

The extent to which international high-skilled mobility channels are forming is a question of great importance in an increasingly global knowledge-based economy. One factor facilitating the growth of high-skilled labour markets is the standardization of certifiable degrees meriting international recognition. Within this context, we analysed an extensive high-skilled mobility database comprising roughly 382 000 individuals from five broad profession groups (Medical, Education, Technical, Science & Engineering and Business & Legal) over the period 1997–2014, using the 13-country expansion of the European Union (EU) to provide insight into labour market integration. We compare the periods before and after the 2004 enlargement, showing the emergence of a new east–west migration channel between the 13 mostly eastern EU entrants (E) and the rest of the western European countries (W). Indeed, we observe a net directional loss of human capital from E → W, representing 29% of the total mobility after 2004. Nevertheless, the counter-migration from W → E is 7% of the total mobility over the same period, signalling the emergence of brain circulation within the EU. Our analysis of the country–country mobility networks and the country–profession bipartite networks provides timely quantitative evidence for the convergent integration of the EU, and highlights the central role of the UK and Germany as high-skilled labour hubs. We conclude with two data-driven models to explore the structural dynamics of the mobility networks. First, we develop a reconfiguration model to explore the potential ramifications of Brexit and the degree to which redirection of high-skilled labourers away from the UK may impact the integration of the rest of the European mobility network. Second, we use a panel regression model to explain empirical high-skilled mobility rates in terms of various economic ‘push–pull’ factors, the results of which show that government expenditure on education, per capita wealth, geographical proximity and labour force size are significant attractive features of destination countries. PMID:28298610

High-skilled labour mobility in Europe before and after the 2004 enlargement.

PubMed

Petersen, Alexander M; Puliga, Michelangelo

2017-03-01

The extent to which international high-skilled mobility channels are forming is a question of great importance in an increasingly global knowledge-based economy. One factor facilitating the growth of high-skilled labour markets is the standardization of certifiable degrees meriting international recognition. Within this context, we analysed an extensive high-skilled mobility database comprising roughly 382 000 individuals from five broad profession groups (Medical, Education, Technical, Science & Engineering and Business & Legal) over the period 1997-2014, using the 13-country expansion of the European Union (EU) to provide insight into labour market integration. We compare the periods before and after the 2004 enlargement, showing the emergence of a new east-west migration channel between the 13 mostly eastern EU entrants (E) and the rest of the western European countries (W). Indeed, we observe a net directional loss of human capital from E → W, representing 29% of the total mobility after 2004. Nevertheless, the counter-migration from W → E is 7% of the total mobility over the same period, signalling the emergence of brain circulation within the EU. Our analysis of the country-country mobility networks and the country-profession bipartite networks provides timely quantitative evidence for the convergent integration of the EU, and highlights the central role of the UK and Germany as high-skilled labour hubs. We conclude with two data-driven models to explore the structural dynamics of the mobility networks. First, we develop a reconfiguration model to explore the potential ramifications of Brexit and the degree to which redirection of high-skilled labourers away from the UK may impact the integration of the rest of the European mobility network. Second, we use a panel regression model to explain empirical high-skilled mobility rates in terms of various economic 'push-pull' factors, the results of which show that government expenditure on education, per capita wealth, geographical proximity and labour force size are significant attractive features of destination countries. © 2017 The Author(s).

Urban Earthquake Shaking and Loss Assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hancilar, U.; Tuzun, C.; Yenidogan, C.; Zulfikar, C.; Durukal, E.; Erdik, M.

2009-04-01

This study, conducted under the JRA-3 component of the EU NERIES Project, develops a methodology and software (ELER) for the rapid estimation of earthquake shaking and losses the Euro-Mediterranean region. This multi-level methodology developed together with researchers from Imperial College, NORSAR and ETH-Zurich is capable of incorporating regional variability and sources of uncertainty stemming from ground motion predictions, fault finiteness, site modifications, inventory of physical and social elements subjected to earthquake hazard and the associated vulnerability relationships. GRM Risk Management, Inc. of Istanbul serves as sub-contractor tor the coding of the ELER software. The methodology encompasses the following general steps: 1. Finding of the most likely location of the source of the earthquake using regional seismotectonic data base and basic source parameters, and if and when possible, by the estimation of fault rupture parameters from rapid inversion of data from on-line stations. 2. Estimation of the spatial distribution of selected ground motion parameters through region specific ground motion attenuation relationships and using shear wave velocity distributions.(Shake Mapping) 4. Incorporation of strong ground motion and other empirical macroseismic data for the improvement of Shake Map 5. Estimation of the losses (damage, casualty and economic) at different levels of sophistication (0, 1 and 2) that commensurate with the availability of inventory of human built environment (Loss Mapping) Level 2 analysis of the ELER Software (similar to HAZUS and SELENA) is essentially intended for earthquake risk assessment (building damage, consequential human casualties and macro economic loss quantifiers) in urban areas. The basic Shake Mapping is similar to the Level 0 and Level 1 analysis however, options are available for more sophisticated treatment of site response through externally entered data and improvement of the shake map through incorporation of accelerometric and other macroseismic data (similar to the USGS ShakeMap System). The building inventory data for the Level 2 analysis will consist of grid (geo-cell) based urban building and demographic inventories. For building grouping the European building typology developed within the EU-FP5 RISK-EU project is used. The building vulnerability/fragility relationships to be used can be user selected from a list of applicable relationships developed on the basis of a comprehensive study, Both empirical and analytical relationships (based on the Coefficient Method, Equivalent Linearization Method and the Reduction Factor Method of analysis) can be employed. Casualties in Level 2 analysis are estimated based on the number of buildings in different damaged states and the casualty rates for each building type and damage level. Modifications to the casualty rates can be used if necessary. ELER Level 2 analysis will include calculation of direct monetary losses as a result building damage that will allow for repair-cost estimations and specific investigations associated with earthquake insurance applications (PML and AAL estimations). ELER Level 2 analysis loss results obtained for Istanbul for a scenario earthquake using different techniques will be presented with comparisons using different earthquake damage assessment software. The urban earthquake shaking and loss information is intented for dissemination in a timely manner to related agencies for the planning and coordination of the post-earthquake emergency response. However the same software can also be used for scenario earthquake loss estimation, related Monte-Carlo type simulations and eathquake insurance applications.

Physics of Efficiency Droop in GaN:Eu Light-Emitting Diodes.

PubMed

Fragkos, Ioannis E; Dierolf, Volkmar; Fujiwara, Yasufumi; Tansu, Nelson

2017-12-01

The internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of an electrically-driven GaN:Eu based device for red light emission is analyzed in the framework of a current injection efficiency model (CIE). The excitation path of the Eu +3 ion is decomposed in a multiple level system, which includes the carrier transport phenomena across the GaN/GaN:Eu/GaN active region of the device, and the interactions among traps, Eu +3 ions and the GaN host. The identification and analysis of the limiting factors of the IQE are accomplished through the CIE model. The CIE model provides a guidance for high IQE in the electrically-driven GaN:Eu based red light emitters.

Lanthanide luminescent displacement assays: the sensing of phosphate anions using Eu(III)-cyclen-conjugated gold nanoparticles in aqueous solution.

PubMed

Massue, Julien; Quinn, Susan J; Gunnlaugsson, Thorfinnur

2008-06-04

1.Eu, a cyclen based Eu(III)-thiol conjugate, was incorporated onto the surface of water-soluble gold nanoparticles to give AuNP-1.Eu. The self-assembly between AuNP-1.Eu and the antenna 2 resulted in the formation of the highly luminescent lanthanide system, AuNP-1.Eu-2, at pH 7.4. The sensing of flavin monophosphate 3 is demonstrated, whereby 3 displaced the antenna 2 in AuNP-1.Eu-2, resulting in the formation of AuNP-1.Eu-3 and quenching of the Eu(III) emission.

Eucommia ulmoides Ameliorates Glucotoxicity by Suppressing Advanced Glycation End-Products in Diabetic Mice Kidney

PubMed Central

Do, Moon Ho; Hur, Jinyoung; Choi, Jiwon; Kim, Mina; Kim, Min Jung; Kim, Yoonsook; Ha, Sang Keun

2018-01-01

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EU), also known as Du-Zhong, is a medicinal herb commonly used in Asia to treat hypertension and diabetes. Despite evidence of the protective effects of EU against diabetes, its precise effects and mechanisms of action against advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of EU on AGEs-induced renal disease and explored the possible underlying mechanisms using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. STZ-induced diabetic mice received EU extract (200 mg/kg) orally for 6 weeks. EU treatment did not change blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in diabetic mice. However, the EU-treated group showed a significant increase in the protein expression and activity of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1), which detoxifies the AGE precursor, methylglyoxal (MGO). EU significantly upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression but downregulated that of receptor for AGE (RAGE). Furthermore, histological and immunohistochemical analyses of kidney tissue showed that EU reduced periodic acid–Schiff (PAS)-positive staining, AGEs, and MGO accumulation in diabetic mice. Based on these findings, we concluded that EU ameliorated the renal damage in diabetic mice by inhibiting AGEs formation and RAGE expression and reducing oxidative stress, through the Glo1 and Nrf2 pathways. PMID:29495397

Eucommia ulmoides Ameliorates Glucotoxicity by Suppressing Advanced Glycation End-Products in Diabetic Mice Kidney.

PubMed

Do, Moon Ho; Hur, Jinyoung; Choi, Jiwon; Kim, Mina; Kim, Min Jung; Kim, Yoonsook; Ha, Sang Keun

2018-02-26

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EU), also known as Du-Zhong, is a medicinal herb commonly used in Asia to treat hypertension and diabetes. Despite evidence of the protective effects of EU against diabetes, its precise effects and mechanisms of action against advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of EU on AGEs-induced renal disease and explored the possible underlying mechanisms using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. STZ-induced diabetic mice received EU extract (200 mg/kg) orally for 6 weeks. EU treatment did not change blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in diabetic mice. However, the EU-treated group showed a significant increase in the protein expression and activity of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1), which detoxifies the AGE precursor, methylglyoxal (MGO). EU significantly upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression but downregulated that of receptor for AGE (RAGE). Furthermore, histological and immunohistochemical analyses of kidney tissue showed that EU reduced periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive staining, AGEs, and MGO accumulation in diabetic mice. Based on these findings, we concluded that EU ameliorated the renal damage in diabetic mice by inhibiting AGEs formation and RAGE expression and reducing oxidative stress, through the Glo1 and Nrf2 pathways.

Novel EGCG assisted ultrasound synthesis of self-assembled Ca2SiO4:Eu(3+) hierarchical superstructures: Photometric characteristics and LED applications.

PubMed

Venkataravanappa, M; Nagabhushana, H; Darshan, G P; Daruka Prasad, B; Vijayakumar, G R; Premkumar, H B; Udayabhanu

2016-11-01

This paper reports for the first time ultrasound, EGCG assisted synthesis of pure and Eu(3+) (1-5mol%) activated Ca2SiO4 nanophosphors having self-assembled superstructures with high purity. The shape, size and morphology of the product were tuned by controlling influential parameters. It was found that morphology was highly dependent on EGCG concentration, sonication time, pH and sonication power. The probable formation mechanism for various hierarchical superstructures was proposed. The PL studies of Ca2SiO4:Eu(3+) phosphors can be effectively excited by the near ultraviolet (UV) (396nm) light and exhibited strong red emission around 613nm, which was attributed to the Eu(3+) ((5)D0→(7)F2) transition. The concentration quenching phenomenon was explained based on energy transfer between defect and Eu(3+) ions, electron-phonon coupling and Eu(3+)-Eu(3+) interaction. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters and radiative properties were estimated by using PL emission spectra. The photometric studies indicate that the obtained phosphors could be a promising red component for possible applications in the field of white light emitting diodes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Drugs in the European Union: the health-market complex].

PubMed

Antoñanzas, Fernando; Rodríguez, Roberto; Sacristán, José Antonio; Illa, Rafael

2005-01-01

To characterize the peculiar economic nature of the pharmaceutical market in the EU, to study potential groupings of countries based on several pharmaceutical variables, to analyze some recent regulations designed to create the single market, and to present some thoughts on the decision making process in public health from the perspective of current public health budgets. We performed an economic analysis of health and pharmaceutical macrovariables, cluster analysis, review of EU pharmaceutical and industrial regulations and review of pharmaceutical budgeting legislation in the member states. The pharmaceutical market of the EU was characterized and EU countries were classified into two principal groups according to 5 selected variables. EU regulations tend to promote R + D and drug production and thus the EU industrial sector is backed up. National regulations differ in terms of pricing and drugs reimbursement. The creation of a single market for drugs in the EU should take this regulatory diversity into account and seek equilibrium between economic factors and public health. This single market may be a dangerous strategy if it becomes a general dogma and even more so if deadlines are fixed and short.

Influence of Gd3+ concentration on luminescence properties of Eu3+ ions in sol-gel materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szpikowska-Sroka, Barbara; Pawlik, Natalia; Pisarski, Wojciech A.

2016-12-01

The sol-gel powders doubly-doped with Gd3+/Eu3+ ions with different concentration of Gd3+ have been successfully obtained. The spectroscopic characterization of prepared samples was conducted based on excitation and emission spectra as well as luminescence decay analysis. Upon direct excitation of Eu3+ active ions, the characteristic 5D0 → 7F1 (orange) and 5D0 → 7F2 (red) emission bands were observed. The energy transfer from Gd3+ to Eu3+ ions was registered upon λexc = 273 nm excitation. An efficient conversion of ultraviolet radiation (UV) into visible luminescence was successfully observed. The energy transfer process from Gd3+ to Eu3+ led to longer luminescence decay from the 5D0 state in comparison to that obtained under direct excitation of Eu3+ ions (λexc = 393 nm). Generally, obtained results clearly indicated the beneficial influence of increasing concentration of Gd3+ ions on luminescence properties of Eu3+ in studied silica sol-gel phosphors.

Synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and structural analysis of Eu0.5La0.5FBiS2-x Se x

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagasaka, K.; Jinno, G.; Miura, O.; Miura, A.; Moriyoshi, C.; Kuroiwa, Y.; Mizuguchi, Y.

2017-07-01

Eu0.5La0.5FBiS2-x Se x is a new BiS2-based superconductor system. In Eu0.5La0.5FBiS2-x Se x , electron carriers are doped to the BiS2 layer by the substitution of Eu by La. Bulk superconductivity in this system is induced by increasing the in-plane chemical pressure, which is controlled by the Se concentration (x). In this study, we have analysed the crystal structure of Eu0.5La0.5FBiS2-x Se x using synchrotron powder diffraction and the Rietveld refinement. The precise determination of the structural parameters and thermal factors suggest that the emergence of bulk superconductivity in Eu0.5La0.5FBiS2-x Se x is achieved by the enhanced in-plane chemical pressure and the decrease in in-plane disorder.

Properties of jet engine combustion particles during the PartEmis experiment. Hygroscopic growth at supersaturated conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hitzenberger, R.; Giebl, H.; Petzold, A.; Gysel, M.; Nyeki, S.; Weingartner, E.; Baltensperger, U.; Wilson, C. W.

2003-07-01

During the EU Project PartEmis, the microphysical properties of aircraft combustion aerosol were investigated. This study is focused on the ability of exhaust aerosols to act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). The combustor was operated at two different conditions representing old and modern aircraft engine technology. CCN concentrations were measured with the University of Vienna CCN counter [ Giebl et al., 2002] at supersaturations around 0.7%. The activation ratio (fraction of CCN in total aerosol) depended on the fuel sulphur content (FSC) and also on the operation conditions. CCN/CN ratios increased from 0.93 through 1.43 to 5.15 . 10-3 (old cruise conditions) and 0.67 through 3.04 to 7.94 . 10-3 (modern cruise conditions) when FSC increased from 50 through 410 to1270 μg/g. The activation behaviour was modelled using classical theories and with a semi-empirical model [ Gysel et al., 2003] based on measured hygroscopicity of the aerosol under subsaturated conditions, which gave the best agreement.

Genital Chlamydia Prevalence in Europe and Non-European High Income Countries: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Redmond, Shelagh M.; Alexander-Kisslig, Karin; Woodhall, Sarah C.; van den Broek, Ingrid V. F.; van Bergen, Jan; Ward, Helen; Uusküla, Anneli; Herrmann, Björn; Andersen, Berit; Götz, Hannelore M.; Sfetcu, Otilia; Low, Nicola

2015-01-01

Background Accurate information about the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis is needed to assess national prevention and control measures. Methods We systematically reviewed population-based cross-sectional studies that estimated chlamydia prevalence in European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) Member States and non-European high income countries from January 1990 to August 2012. We examined results in forest plots, explored heterogeneity using the I2 statistic, and conducted random effects meta-analysis if appropriate. Meta-regression was used to examine the relationship between study characteristics and chlamydia prevalence estimates. Results We included 25 population-based studies from 11 EU/EEA countries and 14 studies from five other high income countries. Four EU/EEA Member States reported on nationally representative surveys of sexually experienced adults aged 18–26 years (response rates 52–71%). In women, chlamydia point prevalence estimates ranged from 3.0–5.3%; the pooled average of these estimates was 3.6% (95% CI 2.4, 4.8, I2 0%). In men, estimates ranged from 2.4–7.3% (pooled average 3.5%; 95% CI 1.9, 5.2, I2 27%). Estimates in EU/EEA Member States were statistically consistent with those in other high income countries (I2 0% for women, 6% for men). There was statistical evidence of an association between survey response rate and estimated chlamydia prevalence; estimates were higher in surveys with lower response rates, (p = 0.003 in women, 0.018 in men). Conclusions Population-based surveys that estimate chlamydia prevalence are at risk of participation bias owing to low response rates. Estimates obtained in nationally representative samples of the general population of EU/EEA Member States are similar to estimates from other high income countries. PMID:25615574

Investigation of doped Perovskite systems RAIO3 using density functional theory based electronic structure and thermoelectric studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandeep; Rai, D. P.; Shankar, A.; Ghimire, M. P.; Thapa, R. K.

2016-10-01

Samarium doping effects on the thermoelectric properties in Eu1-xSmxAlO3 (x=0%, 50%, and 100%) were studied using first principles calculations based thermal transport property measurement. The result indicate that the compound is an intrinsic n-type material. Samarium doping has a positive effect on the overall thermoelectric performance of the Eu1-xSmxAlO3 system, with sharp increase in figure of merit (ZT) observed when x=0, 50 and 100% up to 150K. Compared to x=0 and 100%, the case of x=50% was found to have more positive increment in ZT value suggesting that the doing to have positive effect on figure of merit in Eu1-xSmxAlO3. Furthermore, all the samples show stable thermoelectric compatibility factors over a broad temperature range from 700 to 1000 K, which could have great benefits for their practical applications. It is concluded that the overall thermoelectric performance of the Eu1-xSmxAlO3 could be highly enhanced using doping techniques.

In Situ Trace Element Measurements on Roda and the Origin of Diogenites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mittlefehldt, David W.; Herrin, J. S.

2011-01-01

The origin of diogenites remains poorly understood. A recent model interprets many diogenites to have been formed from melts that were derived by remelting initial magma ocean cumulates, and these penultimate parent melts were then contaminated by melts derived from remelting of the basaltic (eucritic) crust to form the ultimate diogenite parent melts [1] (hereafter the remelting model). This is a very complicated petrogenesis that has profound implications for the geological evolution of 4 Vesta if correct. This model was developed based on trace element analyses of bulk rock samples that had been leached in acids to remove phosphates; the compositions of the residues were interpreted to be close to those of cumulus orthopyroxenes plagioclase, chromite and olivine [1]. In situ measurements of phases in diogenites can be used to test this model. We have begun a campaign of laser ablation ICP-MS of orthopyroxene grains in diogenites for this purpose. Here we report our first results on one diogenite, Roda. We have determined a suite of trace lithophile elements on nine, mm-sized pyroxene grains separated from Roda that have previously been studied [2, 3]. A key observation supporting the remelting model is the very low Eu/Eu* of leached residues; values too low to represent orthopyroxene that crystallized from melts with chondritic Sm/Eu and Gd/Eu [1]. (Eu* = Eu interpolated from REE diagrams.) Crustal remelts have low Sm/Eu and Gd/Eu, and orthopyroxenes that crystallized from parent melts contaminated by them would have very low Eu/Eu* [1]. Roda grains have Eu/Eu* of 0.243 to 0.026; the latter a value lower than any measured on bulk diogenite leached residues (0.041) [1]. There is a general negative correlation between Eu/Eu* and some incompatible elements (Zr, Nb, Hf), but not others (LREE). This appears inconsistent with the remelting model as it would suggest an evolving parent melt with La de-creasing as Zr increased and Eu/Eu* decreased. Grain R-15 includes trace-element-rich trapped melt phases [2, 3]. This grain has the highest Eu/Eu* and LREE contents, indicating that the trapped melt had a high Eu/Eu*. Thus, our first data on one diogenite do not provide support for the remelting model [1]. Roda is unusual in that its orthopyroxene grains show wide ranges in trace element contents [4]. Previous in situ REE analyses of grain R-15 did not reveal evidence for subsolidus equilibration with trace-element-rich trapped melt phases, and led to the suggestion that Roda may be polymict, with different grains representing different lithologies of diverse compositions [3]. Thus, based on our results on Roda, it is perhaps premature to abandon the remelting model. In situ measurements on a suite of diogenites is planned to further address this issue.

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

Mapping Fishing Effort through AIS Data

PubMed Central

Natale, Fabrizio; Gibin, Maurizio; Alessandrini, Alfredo; Vespe, Michele; Paulrud, Anton

2015-01-01

Several research initiatives have been undertaken to map fishing effort at high spatial resolution using the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). An alternative to the VMS is represented by the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which in the EU became compulsory in May 2014 for all fishing vessels of length above 15 meters. The aim of this paper is to assess the uptake of the AIS in the EU fishing fleet and the feasibility of producing a map of fishing effort with high spatial and temporal resolution at European scale. After analysing a large AIS dataset for the period January-August 2014 and covering most of the EU waters, we show that AIS was adopted by around 75% of EU fishing vessels above 15 meters of length. Using the Swedish fleet as a case study, we developed a method to identify fishing activity based on the analysis of individual vessels’ speed profiles and produce a high resolution map of fishing effort based on AIS data. The method was validated using detailed logbook data and proved to be sufficiently accurate and computationally efficient to identify fishing grounds and effort in the case of trawlers, which represent the largest portion of the EU fishing fleet above 15 meters of length. Issues still to be addressed before extending the exercise to the entire EU fleet are the assessment of coverage levels of the AIS data for all EU waters and the identification of fishing activity in the case of vessels other than trawlers. PMID:26098430

Mapping Fishing Effort through AIS Data.

PubMed

Natale, Fabrizio; Gibin, Maurizio; Alessandrini, Alfredo; Vespe, Michele; Paulrud, Anton

2015-01-01

Several research initiatives have been undertaken to map fishing effort at high spatial resolution using the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). An alternative to the VMS is represented by the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which in the EU became compulsory in May 2014 for all fishing vessels of length above 15 meters. The aim of this paper is to assess the uptake of the AIS in the EU fishing fleet and the feasibility of producing a map of fishing effort with high spatial and temporal resolution at European scale. After analysing a large AIS dataset for the period January-August 2014 and covering most of the EU waters, we show that AIS was adopted by around 75% of EU fishing vessels above 15 meters of length. Using the Swedish fleet as a case study, we developed a method to identify fishing activity based on the analysis of individual vessels' speed profiles and produce a high resolution map of fishing effort based on AIS data. The method was validated using detailed logbook data and proved to be sufficiently accurate and computationally efficient to identify fishing grounds and effort in the case of trawlers, which represent the largest portion of the EU fishing fleet above 15 meters of length. Issues still to be addressed before extending the exercise to the entire EU fleet are the assessment of coverage levels of the AIS data for all EU waters and the identification of fishing activity in the case of vessels other than trawlers.

International Space

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

that benefit from the creation of Galileo are the Road, Location Based Services (LBS), Aviation and Agriculture. In all four categories the...to increase economic wealth within the EU. “The term Location Based Services (LBS) covers a broad range of applications that are triggered...applications. 14 http://www.gsa.europa.eu/go/news/ location - based - services -market-ready-for-takeoff. 15 http://www.gsa.europa.eu/go/news/harvesting

A EUropean study on effectiveness and sustainability of current Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes in the Elderly: Design of the EU-CaRE randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Prescott, Eva; Meindersma, Esther P; van der Velde, Astrid E; Gonzalez-Juanatey, Jose R; Iliou, Marie Christine; Ardissino, Diego; Zoccai, Giuseppe Biondi; Zeymer, Uwe; Prins, Leonie F; Van't Hof, Arnoud Wj; Wilhelm, Matthias; de Kluiver, Ed P

2016-10-01

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based intervention to increase survival and quality of life. Yet studies consistently show that elderly patients are less frequently referred to CR, show less uptake and more often drop out of CR programmes. The European study on effectiveness and sustainability of current cardiac rehabilitation programmes in the elderly (EU-CaRE) project consists of an observational study and an open prospective, investigator-initiated multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving mobile telemonitoring guided CR (mCR). The aim of EU-CaRE is to map the efficiency of current CR of the elderly in Europe, and to investigate whether mCR is an effective alternative in terms of efficacy, adherence and sustainability. The EU-CaRE study includes patients aged 65 years or older with ischaemic heart disease or who have undergone heart valve surgery. A total of 1760 patients participating in existing CR programmes in eight regions of Europe will be included. Of patients declining regular CR, 238 will be included in the RCT and randomised in two study arms. The experimental group (mCR) will receive a personalised home-based programme while the control group will receive no advice or coaching throughout the study period. Outcomes will be assessed after the end of CR and at 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome is VO 2peak and secondary outcomes include variables describing CR uptake, adherence, efficacy and sustainability. The study will provide important information to improve CR in the elderly. The EU-CaRE RCT is the first European multicentre study of mCR as an alternative for elderly patients not attending usual CR. © The European Society of Cardiology 2016.

Trace Elements and Oxygen Isotope Zoning of the Sidewinder Skarn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Draper, C.; Gevedon, M. L.; Barnes, J.; Lackey, J. S.; Jiang, H.; Lee, C. T.

2016-12-01

Skarns of the Verde Antique Quarry and White Horse Mountain areas of the Sidewinder Range give insight into the paleohydrothermal systems operating in the California's Jurassic arc in the Southwestern Mojave Desert. Garnet from these skarns is iron rich: Xand= 55-100. Laser fluorination measurements show oxygen isotope (δ18O) compositions of garnet crystals and crystals domains have large ranges: -3.1‰ to +4.4‰ and -8.9‰ to +3.4‰, respectively. In general, the garnet cores have more negative δ18O values than rims, although oscillations are present. Negative values have been interpreted as influx of meteoric fluid and positive values as increased magmatic input. Here we report major and trace element concentrations for 17 core to rim Sidewinder garnet transects. REEs concentrations are low in all crystals, with total REE concentrations ranging from 0.710 ppm to 33.7 ppm, values that are lower than Cretaceous skarn garnets in the Sierra Nevada in the White Chief and Empire Mt skarns. Such low concentrations are likely due to the higher fraction of meteoric fluids during formation of the Sidewinder skarns. REE concentrations decrease from core to rim (REE core average=12.2ppm, REE rim average=7.21ppm). This is slightly more pronounced in the LREEs than in the HREEs (LaN/YbN core average= 10.9; rim average= 9.73, normalized to Chondrite). X­and tends to decrease core to rim in the Verde Antique skarn, whereas, Xand of the White Horse skarn does not correlate with distance from core. A large positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 3­-30) in garnet from both skarns suggests oxidizing fluid conditions. Oxygen isotope data from garnet in these same skarns show periods of time with increased proportion of magmatic derived fluids in the total fluid budget. However, there is no corresponding widespread increase in total REE concentrations. Other studies of skarns from the western Sierra Nevadan arc (White Chief and Empire Mountain) observe complete decoupling of d18O values and trace element compositions. Future modeling should consider modal abundance of fluid soluble minerals in cooling and altering plutons to probe the REE budget.

Uptake Mechanisms of Eu(III) on Hydroxyapatite: A Potential Permeable Reactive Barrier Backfill Material for Trapping Trivalent Minor Actinides.

PubMed

Xu, Lin; Zheng, Tao; Yang, Shitong; Zhang, Linjuan; Wang, Jianqiang; Liu, Wei; Chen, Lanhua; Diwu, Juan; Chai, Zhifang; Wang, Shuao

2016-04-05

The permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technique has attracted an increasing level of attention for the in situ remediation of contaminated groundwater. In this study, the macroscopic uptake behaviors and microscopic speciation of Eu(III) on hydroxyapatite (HAP) were investigated by a combination of theoretical modeling, batch experiments, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) fitting, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The underlying removal mechanisms were identified to further assess the application potential of HAP as an effective PRB backfill material. The macroscopic analysis revealed that nearly all dissolved Eu(III) in solution was removed at pH 6.5 within an extremely short reaction time of 5 min. In addition, the thermodynamic calculations, desorption experiments, and PXRD and XAS analyses definitely confirmed the formation of the EuPO4·H2O(s) phase during the process of uptake of dissolved Eu(III) by HAP via the dissolution-precipitation mechanism. A detailed comparison of the present experimental findings and related HAP-metal systems suggests that the relative contribution of precipitation to the total Eu(III) removal increases as the P:Eu ratio decreases. The dosage of HAP-based PRB for the remediation of groundwater polluted by Eu(III) and analogous trivalent actinides [e.g., Am(III) and Cm(III)] should be strictly controlled depending on the dissolved Eu(III) concentration to obtain an optimal P:M (M represents Eu, Am, or Cm) ratio and treatment efficiency.

Determination of natural line widths of Kα X-ray lines for some elements in the atomic range 50≤Z≤65 at 59.5 keV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kündeyi, Kadriye; Aylıkcı, Nuray Küp; Tıraşoǧlu, Engin; Kahoul, Abdelhalim; Aylıkcı, Volkan

2017-02-01

The semi-empirical determination of natural widths of Kα X-ray lines (Kα1 and Kα2) were performed for Sn, Sb, Te, I, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd and Tb. For the semi-empirical determination of the line widths, K shell fluorescence yields of elements were measured. The samples were excited by 59.5 keV γ rays from a 241Am annular radioactive source in order to measure the K shell fluorescence yields. The emitted K X-rays from the samples were counted by an Ultra-LEGe detector with a resolution of 150 eV at 5.9 keV. The measured K shell fluorescence yields were used for the calculation of K shell level widths. Finally, the natural widths of K X-ray lines were determined as the sums of levels which involved in the transition. The obtained values were compared with earlier studies.

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.

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.

Conventional empirical law reverses in the phase transitions of 122-type iron-based superconductors

DOE PAGES

Yu, Zhenhai; Wang, Lin; Wang, Luhong; ...

2014-11-24

Phase transition of solid-state materials is a fundamental research topic in condensed matter physics, materials science and geophysics. It has been well accepted and widely proven that isostructural compounds containing different cations undergo same pressure-induced phase transitions but at progressively lower pressures as the cation radii increases. However, we discovered that this conventional law reverses in the structural transitions in 122-type iron-based superconductors. In this report, a combined low temperature and high pressure X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement has identified the phase transition curves among the tetragonal (T), orthorhombic (O) and the collapsed-tetragonal (cT) phases in the structural phase diagram ofmore » the iron-based superconductor AFe 2As 2 (A = Ca, Sr, Eu, and Ba). As a result, the cation radii dependence of the phase transition pressure (T → cT) shows an opposite trend in which the compounds with larger ambient radii cations have a higher transition pressure.« less

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.

Europium anomalies in plagioclase-free deep arc cumulates constrain the redox evolution of arc magmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, M.; Erdman, M.; Eldridge, G.; Lee, C. T.

2017-12-01

Arc lavas are generally more oxidized than mid-ocean-ridge basalts, but how arc lavas acquire their oxidized signatures remains poorly understood. Iron oxidation state in melts have been used to suggest that fluids released from subducted slab may oxidize the sub-arc mantle and produce oxidized arc magmas from the source (e.g., Carmichael, 1991; Kelley and Cottrell), but redox-sensitive trace element and Fe isotope signatures of basalts also suggest that oxidation may happen during magma differentiation (e.g., Dauphas et al., 2009; Lee et al., 2005, 2010). One potential problem, however, is that all of these studies, represent indirect constraints on the primary, pre-erupted magma oxidation state. Here, we examine the Eu systematics of primitive, deep-seated (>45-80 km) arc cumulates, which provide the most direct constraint on arc magmas before they rise into the crust. The ratio of Eu2+/Eu3+ is a function of fo2, temperature and composition. Eu2+ is more incompatible than Eu3+ except in plagioclase. Combining Eu partitioning in minerals and experimentally calibrated Eu oxybarometer (Burnham et al., 2015) allows the application of mineral Eu anomalies in constraining magma redox conditions. The cumulates are represented by garnet-bearing pyroxenites from Arizona, USA and are arc cumulates. Because they derive from depths > 60 km, plagioclase was never present during their petrogenesis, hence any Eu anomalies reflect the effects of oxygen fugacity. We find that the most primitive cumulates have negative Eu anomalies in garnet and clinopyroxene (Eu/Eu*<1), despite the fact that depths of differentiation were too high to stabilize plagioclase. We further show that garnet and clinopyroxene Eu/Eu* increases with differentiation (decreasing Mg#), consistent with Eu2+ being more incompatible than Eu3+. Based on the Eu oxybarometer calibrated by Burnham et al. (2015), the Eu deficits in the most primitive cumulate (Mg# = 77) suggest crystallization at Dlogfo2 of FMQ-1, similar to that of mid-ocean-ridge basalts. Crystal fractionation modelling shows that the increasing Eu/Eu* in the evolved cumulates require fo2 to increase by at least 2 log units as the fractionated cumulate Mg# decreases from 77 to 53. These observations suggest that the oxidized nature of arc magmas occurs during intracrustal differentiation.

Synthesis, characterization, photoluminescence and cytotoxic properties of novel luminescent Eu(III)complexes based on chromone Schiff base

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saif, M.; El-Shafiy, Hoda F.; Mashaly, Mahmoud M.; Eid, Mohamed F.; Nabeel, A. I.; Fouad, R.

2018-06-01

Three novel Eu(III) phosphor complexes, [Eu(HL)(OH2)2(C2H5OH)](NO3)2 (1), [Eu(HL)(Bpy)(NO3)2(EtOH)] (2) and [Eu(HL)(Phen)(NO3)2(H2O)] (3) (HL = (11E)-2-hydroxy-N/-((4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl)methylene)benzohydrazide; Bpy = 2,2/-bibyridyl and Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) were prepared. Elemental, thermal, FT-IR and XRD methods were used to characterize their structural configuration. The HL behaves as a monoanionic tridentate ligand. The XRD analysis shows that the ligand and its Eu3+complexes are in nano domain. From fluorescence spectroscopy, all the prepared complexes are highly luminescent, having an impressive visual emission under UV excitation. The H2L and its Eu3+nano-complexes (1-3) were tested for their in vitro cytotoxicity against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma cell line (EAC). The Eu(III) nano-complexes (1-3) effectively inhibited EAC growth with IC50 value of 25 μM. The high antitumor activity of the Eu(III) nano-complexes (1-3) were attributed to its chemical structure, and nano size properties.

Assessing Fire Weather Index using statistical downscaling and spatial interpolation techniques in Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karali, Anna; Giannakopoulos, Christos; Frias, Maria Dolores; Hatzaki, Maria; Roussos, Anargyros; Casanueva, Ana

2013-04-01

Forest fires have always been present in the Mediterranean ecosystems, thus they constitute a major ecological and socio-economic issue. The last few decades though, the number of forest fires has significantly increased, as well as their severity and impact on the environment. Local fire danger projections are often required when dealing with wild fire research. In the present study the application of statistical downscaling and spatial interpolation methods was performed to the Canadian Fire Weather Index (FWI), in order to assess forest fire risk in Greece. The FWI is used worldwide (including the Mediterranean basin) to estimate the fire danger in a generalized fuel type, based solely on weather observations. The meteorological inputs to the FWI System are noon values of dry-bulb temperature, air relative humidity, 10m wind speed and precipitation during the previous 24 hours. The statistical downscaling methods are based on a statistical model that takes into account empirical relationships between large scale variables (used as predictors) and local scale variables. In the framework of the current study the statistical downscaling portal developed by the Santander Meteorology Group (https://www.meteo.unican.es/downscaling) in the framework of the EU project CLIMRUN (www.climrun.eu) was used to downscale non standard parameters related to forest fire risk. In this study, two different approaches were adopted. Firstly, the analogue downscaling technique was directly performed to the FWI index values and secondly the same downscaling technique was performed indirectly through the meteorological inputs of the index. In both cases, the statistical downscaling portal was used considering the ERA-Interim reanalysis as predictands due to the lack of observations at noon. Additionally, a three-dimensional (3D) interpolation method of position and elevation, based on Thin Plate Splines (TPS) was used, to interpolate the ERA-Interim data used to calculate the index. Results from this method were compared with the statistical downscaling results obtained from the portal. Finally, FWI was computed using weather observations obtained from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, mainly in the south continental part of Greece and a comparison with the previous results was performed.

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.

Fluorescence properties of Eu3+ ions doped borate and fluoroborate glasses containing lithium, zinc and lead.

PubMed

Venkatramu, V; Babu, P; Jayasankar, C K

2006-02-01

The influence of glass composition on the fluorescence properties of Eu3+ ions doped borate and fluoroborate glasses modified with Li+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ cations have been investigated. The magnitude of splittings of 7F1 levels are analyzed using crystal-field (CF) analysis. The relative intensities of 5D0 --> 7F2 to 5D0 --> 7F1 transitions, crystal-field strength parameters and decay times of the 5D0 level have been determined and are found to be lower for Pb based glasses than those of Zn/Li based glasses. The lifetimes of 5D0 level are found to increase when borate glasses are modified with pure fluorides than with oxides and oxyfluorides. The fluorescence decay of 5D0 level fits perfect single exponential in the Eu3+:glass systems studied which indicates the absence of energy transfer between Eu3+ ions in these glasses.

Clinical trial designs to obtain marketing authorization of drugs for haematological malignancy in Japan, the EU and the US.

PubMed

Nagai, Sumimasa; Ozawa, Keiya

2016-07-01

Differences in regulatory actions between Japan, the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) regarding the approval date and primary endpoints of pivotal trials have never been analysed comprehensively. This study aimed to examine such differences in haematological malignancy indications not only in applications for new molecular entity agents but also in supplemental applications for additional indications. A total of 101 haematological malignancy indications were examined for 58 drugs. Only 30 indications were approved by the regulatory agencies of all three regions with 25, 9 and 67 indications being first approved in Japan, the EU and the US, respectively. Regarding the 18 indications approved only in the US, 13 were approved based on results of single-arm trials. The approval of all nine indications approved first in the EU was based on results of comparative trials. The primary endpoints were different between the EU and the US in 4 of 49 indications approved by both regulatory agencies, all of which were approved earlier in the US than in the EU. This analysis shows that the US Food and Drug Administration has taken the most active attitude to acceptance of surrogate endpoints in single-arm trials. Therefore, not only shorter review time but also this attitude may lead to earlier approval in US. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Tunable luminescence of the full-color-emitting LiGd5P2O13:Bi3+,Eu3+ phosphor based on energy transfers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lei; Qiao, Jianwei; Liu, Yongfu; Huang, Ping; Shi, Qiufeng; Tian, Yue; Cui, Cai'e.; Luo, Zhaohua

2017-05-01

A series of Bi3+ and/or Eu3+ doped LiGd5P2O13 (LGPO) were synthesized via a solid state reaction. In the LiGd5P2O13 lattice, Bi3+ shows a broad bluish-green emission around 500 nm and Eu3+ exhibits typical f-f red emissions. Based on the Bi3+ → Eu3+ energy transfers, the luminescence colors can be tuned from bluish-green to orange by altering the Bi3+/Eu3+ ratio. Under the 290 nm excitation, the sample with optimal composition of LGPO:0.1Bi3+,0.01Eu3+ exhibits a white light emission with a CRI of 82 and a CCT of 4250 K. The energy transfer mechanism from Bi3+ to Eu3+ in the LiGd5P2O13 host was ascribed to the dipole-dipole interaction.

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

Intermediate-valence state of the Sm and Eu in SmB 6 and EuCu 2 Si 2 : neutron spectroscopy data and analysis

DOE PAGES

Savchenkov, P. S.; Alekseev, P. A.; Podlesnyak, A.; ...

2018-01-11

For this study, magnetic neutron scattering data for Sm (SmB 6, Sm(Y)S) and Eu (EuCu 2Si 2- x Ge x ) intermediate-valence compounds have been analysed in terms of a generalized model of the intermediate-radius exciton. Special attention is paid to the correlation between the average ion's valence and parameters of the low-energy excitation in the neutron spectra, such as the resonance mode, including its magnetic form factor. Along with specific features of the formation of the intermediate-valence state for Sm and Eu ions, common physical mechanisms have been revealed for systems based on these elements from the middle ofmore » the rare-earth series. A consistent description of the existing experimental data has been obtained by using the concept of a loosely bound hole for the Eu f-electron shell in the intermediate-valence state, in analogy with the previously established loosely bound electron model for the Sm ion.« less

Intermediate-valence state of the Sm and Eu in SmB 6 and EuCu 2 Si 2 : neutron spectroscopy data and analysis

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

Savchenkov, P. S.; Alekseev, P. A.; Podlesnyak, A.

For this study, magnetic neutron scattering data for Sm (SmB 6, Sm(Y)S) and Eu (EuCu 2Si 2- x Ge x ) intermediate-valence compounds have been analysed in terms of a generalized model of the intermediate-radius exciton. Special attention is paid to the correlation between the average ion's valence and parameters of the low-energy excitation in the neutron spectra, such as the resonance mode, including its magnetic form factor. Along with specific features of the formation of the intermediate-valence state for Sm and Eu ions, common physical mechanisms have been revealed for systems based on these elements from the middle ofmore » the rare-earth series. A consistent description of the existing experimental data has been obtained by using the concept of a loosely bound hole for the Eu f-electron shell in the intermediate-valence state, in analogy with the previously established loosely bound electron model for the Sm ion.« less

Does the EU sugar policy reform increase added sugar consumption? An empirical evidence on the soft drink market.

PubMed

Bonnet, Céline; Requillart, Vincent

2011-09-01

Whereas National Health authorities recommend a decrease in the consumption of 'added' sugar, a reform on the sugar market will lead to a 36% decrease of the sugar price in the EU. Using French data on soft drinks purchases, this paper investigates the anticipated impact of this reform on the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. The reform of the EU sugar policy leads to a decrease in regular soft drink prices by 3% and varies across brands. To assess substitution within this food category, we use a random-coefficients logit model that takes into account a large number of differentiated products and heterogeneity in consumers' behavior. Results suggest that price changes would lead to an increase in market shares of regular products by 7.5% and to substitutions between brands to the benefit of products with the highest sugar content. On the whole, it would raise consumption of regular soft drinks by more than 1 litre per person per year and consumption of added sugar by 124 g per person per year, this increase being larger in households composed of overweight and obese individuals. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Convergence of European Business Cycles 1980--2004

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ormerod, P.

2005-09-01

The degree of convergence of the business cycles of the economies of the European Union 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. I consider the annual rates of real GDP growth on a quarterly basis in the main economies of the EU (France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands) over the period 1980Q1--2004Q4. 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 applied successfully in the physics journals to financial markets data. I find that the correlations between the growth rates of most 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 have moved back into close synchronisation. The same result holds when Spain is added to the group of core EU countries. However, the problems of the German economy which arose from the early 1990s onwards has led to Germany becoming increasingly less synchronised with the rest of the core EU. Further, the results obtained with a data set of the converged EU core plus the UK show no real convergence between the UK and this group of economies.

The CHT2 Project: Diachronic 3d Reconstruction of Historic Sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guidi, G.; Micoli, L.; Gonizzi Barsanti, S.; Malik, U.

2017-08-01

Digital modelling archaeological and architectural monuments in their current state and in their presumed past aspect has been recognized not only as a way for explaining to the public the genesis of a historical site, but also as an effective tool for research. The search for historical sources, their proper analysis and interdisciplinary relationship between technological disciplines and the humanities are fundamental for obtaining reliable hypothetical reconstructions. This paper presents an experimental activity defined by the project Cultural Heritage Through Time - CHT2 (http://cht2-project.eu), funded in the framework of the Joint Programming Initiative on Cultural Heritage (JPI-CH) of the European Commission. Its goal is to develop time-varying 3D products, from landscape to architectural scale, deals with the implementation of the methodology on one of the case studies: the late Roman circus of Milan, built in the era when the city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire (286-402 A.D). The work presented here covers one of the cases in which the physical evidences have now been almost entirely disappeared. The diachronic reconstruction is based on a proper mix of quantitative data originated by 3D surveys at present time, and historical sources like ancient maps, drawings, archaeological reports, archaeological restrictions decrees and old photographs. Such heterogeneous sources have been first georeferenced and then properly integrated according to the methodology defined in the framework of the CHT2 project, to hypothesize a reliable reconstruction of the area in different historical periods.

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.

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).

How online sales and promotion of snus contravenes current European Union legislation.

PubMed

Peeters, Silvy; Gilmore, Anna B

2013-07-01

The European Union (EU) Tobacco Products Directive that bans sales of snus (a form of oral tobacco) in EU countries other than Sweden is currently under review. Major tobacco companies favour the ban being overturned. This study aims to explore compliance with the current ban on snus sales and examines the conduct of online snus vendors, including their compliance with two other EU Directives on excise and tobacco advertising and Swedish legislation banning sales of snus outside Sweden. To determine who is currently distributing snus via the internet in the EU, searches were carried out in Google, followed by searches in the WHOIS and Amadeus databases. Five online test purchases of snus were made in each of 10 EU Member States using a standardised protocol. Feedback from the test purchases and further analysis of the websites accessed for test purchases were used to critically examine snus retailers' conduct. The majority of online vendors operate from Sweden and target non-Swedish EU citizens. Test purchases were successfully made in all 10 EU Member States; of 43 orders placed, only two failed. Age verification relied only on self-report. The majority of sales applied Swedish taxes, contrary to EU requirements. Copious sales promotion activities, many price based, are incorporated in these websites contravening the EU regulation, and three test purchases were delivered with gifts. Snus is currently being sold on the single market via the internet in contravention of Swedish legislation and three EU Directives. The apparent willingness of the tobacco industry to contravene EU and Swedish legislation and profit from unlawful sales raises questions about their status as stakeholders in consultations on future policy developments. The findings highlight how national and regional tobacco control legislation can be undermined in an increasingly globalised world.

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.

Soil radium, soil gas radon and indoor radon empirical relationships to assist in post-closure impact assessment related to near-surface radioactive waste disposal.

PubMed

Appleton, J D; Cave, M R; Miles, J C H; Sumerling, T J

2011-03-01

Least squares (LS), Theil's (TS) and weighted total least squares (WTLS) regression analysis methods are used to develop empirical relationships between radium in the ground, radon in soil and radon in dwellings to assist in the post-closure assessment of indoor radon related to near-surface radioactive waste disposal at the Low Level Waste Repository in England. The data sets used are (i) estimated ²²⁶Ra in the < 2 mm fraction of topsoils (eRa226) derived from equivalent uranium (eU) from airborne gamma spectrometry data, (ii) eRa226 derived from measurements of uranium in soil geochemical samples, (iii) soil gas radon and (iv) indoor radon data. For models comparing indoor radon and (i) eRa226 derived from airborne eU data and (ii) soil gas radon data, some of the geological groupings have significant slopes. For these groupings there is reasonable agreement in slope and intercept between the three regression analysis methods (LS, TS and WTLS). Relationships between radon in dwellings and radium in the ground or radon in soil differ depending on the characteristics of the underlying geological units, with more permeable units having steeper slopes and higher indoor radon concentrations for a given radium or soil gas radon concentration in the ground. The regression models comparing indoor radon with soil gas radon have intercepts close to 5 Bq m⁻³ whilst the intercepts for those comparing indoor radon with eRa226 from airborne eU vary from about 20 Bq m⁻³ for a moderately permeable geological unit to about 40 Bq m⁻³ for highly permeable limestone, implying unrealistically high contributions to indoor radon from sources other than the ground. An intercept value of 5 Bq m⁻³ is assumed as an appropriate mean value for the UK for sources of indoor radon other than radon from the ground, based on examination of UK data. Comparison with published data used to derive an average indoor radon: soil ²²⁶Ra ratio shows that whereas the published data are generally clustered with no obvious correlation, the data from this study have substantially different relationships depending largely on the permeability of the underlying geology. Models for the relatively impermeable geological units plot parallel to the average indoor radon: soil ²²⁶Ra model but with lower indoor radon: soil ²²⁶Ra ratios, whilst the models for the permeable geological units plot parallel to the average indoor radon: soil ²²⁶Ra model but with higher than average indoor radon: soil ²²⁶Ra ratios. Copyright © 2010 Natural Environment Research Council. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Cell-Based Veterinary Pharmaceuticals – Basic Legal Parameters Set by the Veterinary Pharmaceutical Law and the Genetic Engineering Law of the European Union

PubMed Central

Faltus, Timo; Brehm, Walter

2016-01-01

Cell-based therapies have been in use in veterinary medicine for years. However, the legal requirement of manufacturing, placing on the market and use of cell-based veterinary pharmaceuticals are not as well developed as the respective requirements of chemical pharmaceuticals. Cell-based veterinary pharmaceuticals are medicinal products in the sense of the pharmaceutical law of the European Union (EU). For that reason, such medicinal products principally require official approval for their manufacture and an official marketing authorization for their placement on the market before being used by the veterinarian. The manufacture, placing on the market, and use of cell-based veterinary pharmaceuticals without manufacturing approval and marketing authorization is permitted only in certain exceptional cases determined by EU and individual Member State law. Violations of this requirement may have consequences for the respective veterinarian under criminal law and under the code of professional conduct in the respective Member State. The regular use of cell-based veterinary pharmaceuticals within the scope of a therapeutic emergency as well as the import of such veterinary pharmaceuticals from non-European countries for use in the EU are currently out of the question in the EU because of a lack of legal bases. Here, we review the general legal requirement of manufacturing, placing on the market, and use of cell-based veterinary pharmaceuticals within the EU and point out different implementations of EU law within the different Member States. PMID:27965965

Cell-Based Veterinary Pharmaceuticals - Basic Legal Parameters Set by the Veterinary Pharmaceutical Law and the Genetic Engineering Law of the European Union.

PubMed

Faltus, Timo; Brehm, Walter

2016-01-01

Cell-based therapies have been in use in veterinary medicine for years. However, the legal requirement of manufacturing, placing on the market and use of cell-based veterinary pharmaceuticals are not as well developed as the respective requirements of chemical pharmaceuticals. Cell-based veterinary pharmaceuticals are medicinal products in the sense of the pharmaceutical law of the European Union (EU). For that reason, such medicinal products principally require official approval for their manufacture and an official marketing authorization for their placement on the market before being used by the veterinarian. The manufacture, placing on the market, and use of cell-based veterinary pharmaceuticals without manufacturing approval and marketing authorization is permitted only in certain exceptional cases determined by EU and individual Member State law. Violations of this requirement may have consequences for the respective veterinarian under criminal law and under the code of professional conduct in the respective Member State. The regular use of cell-based veterinary pharmaceuticals within the scope of a therapeutic emergency as well as the import of such veterinary pharmaceuticals from non-European countries for use in the EU are currently out of the question in the EU because of a lack of legal bases. Here, we review the general legal requirement of manufacturing, placing on the market, and use of cell-based veterinary pharmaceuticals within the EU and point out different implementations of EU law within the different Member States.

Reddish-orange, neutral and warm white emissions in Eu3+, Dy3+ and Dy3+/Eu3+ doped CdO-GeO2-TeO2 glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-Carvajal, David A.; Meza-Rocha, A. N.; Caldiño, U.; Lozada-Morales, R.; Álvarez, E.; Zayas, Ma. E.

2016-11-01

Eu3+, Dy3+ and Dy3+/Eu3+ doped CdO-GeO2-TeO2 glasses were prepared using the melt-quenching process and analyzed by X-diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, excitation and emission spectra, and emission decay time profiles. The lack of X ray diffraction peaks revealed that all samples are amorphous. Vibrational modes associated with Tesbnd Osbnd Te and Gesbnd Osbnd Ge related bonds and molecular oxygen were detected by Raman spectroscopy. The luminescence characteristics were studied upon excitations that correspond with the emission of InGaN (370-420 nm) based LEDs. The Eu3+ singly doped glass displayed reddish-orange global emission, with x = 0.601 and y = 0.349 CIE1931 chromaticity coordinates, upon 393 nm excitation. Neutral emission with x = 0.373 and y = 0.412 CIE1931 chromaticity coordinates and correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4400 K, was achieved in the Dy3+ singly doped glass excited at 388 nm. The Dy3+/Eu3+ co-doped glass exhibited warm, neutral and soft warm white emissions with CCT values of 3435, 4153 and 2740 K, under excitations at 382, 388 and 393 nm, respectively, depending mainly on the Dy3+ and Eu3+ relative excitation. The Dy3+ excitation bands observed in the Dy3+/Eu3+ glass by monitoring the 611 nm Eu3+ emission, suggest that Dy3+ → Eu3+ energy transfer takes place, despite the fact that the Dy3+ emission decays in the Dy3+ and Dy3+/Eu3+ doped glass, remain without changes. The shortening of Eu3+ decay in presence of Dy3+ was attributed to an Eu3+ → Dy3+ non-radiative energy transfer process, which according with the Inokuti-Hirayama model might be dominated through an electric quadrupole-quadrupole interaction, with efficiency and probability of 5.5% and 51.6 s-1, respectively.

Luminescent single-walled carbon nanotube-sensitized europium nanoprobes for cellular imaging

PubMed Central

Avti, Pramod K; Sitharaman, Balaji

2012-01-01

Lanthanoid-based optical probes with excitation wavelengths in the ultra-violet (UV) range (300–325 nm) have been widely developed as imaging probes. Efficient cellular imaging requires that lanthanoid optical probes be excited at visible wavelengths, to avoid UV damage to cells. The efficacy of europium-catalyzed single-walled carbon nanotubes (Eu-SWCNTs), as visible nanoprobes for cellular imaging, is reported in this study. Confocal fluorescence microscopy images of breast cancer cells (SK-BR-3 and MCF-7) and normal cells (NIH 3T3), treated with Eu-SWCNT at 0.2 μg/mL concentration, showed bright red luminescence after excitation at 365 nm and 458 nm wavelengths. Cell viability analysis showed no cytotoxic effects after the incubation of cells with Eu-SWCNTs at this concentration. Eu-SWCNT uptake is via the endocytosis mechanism. Labeling efficiency, defined as the percentage of incubated cells that uptake Eu-SWCNT, was 95%–100% for all cell types. The average cellular uptake concentration was 6.68 ng Eu per cell. Intracellular localization was further corroborated by transmission electron microscopy and Raman microscopy. The results indicate that Eu-SWCNT shows potential as a novel cellular imaging probe, wherein SWCNT sensitizes Eu3+ ions to allow excitation at visible wavelengths, and stable time-resolved red emission. The ability to functionalize biomolecules on the exterior surface of Eu-SWCNT makes it an excellent candidate for targeted cellular imaging. PMID:22619533

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.

Persistent Luminescence in Non-Eu2+-Doped Compounds: A Review

PubMed Central

Van den Eeckhout, Koen; Poelman, Dirk; Smet, Philippe F.

2013-01-01

During the past few decades, the research on persistent luminescent materials has focused mainly on Eu2+-doped compounds. However, the yearly number of publications on non-Eu2+-based materials has also increased steadily. By now, the number of known persistent phosphors has increased to over 200, of which over 80% are not based on Eu2+, but rather, on intrinsic host defects, transition metals (manganese, chromium, copper, etc.) or trivalent rare earths (cerium, terbium, dysprosium, etc.). In this review, we present an overview of these non-Eu2+-based persistent luminescent materials and their afterglow properties. We also take a closer look at some remaining challenges, such as the excitability with visible light and the possibility of energy transfer between multiple luminescent centers. Finally, we summarize the necessary elements for a complete description of a persistent luminescent material, in order to allow a more objective comparison of these phosphors. PMID:28811409

Dual-Emitting UiO-66(Zr&Eu) Metal-Organic Framework Films for Ratiometric Temperature Sensing.

PubMed

Feng, Ji-Fei; Liu, Tian-Fu; Shi, Jianlin; Gao, Shui-Ying; Cao, Rong

2018-06-20

A novel dual-emitting metal-organic framework based on Zr and Eu, named as UiO-66(Zr&Eu), was built using a clever strategy based on secondary building units. With the use of polymers, the obtained UiO-66(Zr&Eu) was subsequently deposited as thin films that can be utilized as smart thermometers. The UiO-66(Zr&Eu) polymer films can be used for the detection of temperature changes in the range of 237-337 K due to the energy transfer between the lanthanide ions (Eu in clusters) and the luminescent ligands, and the relative sensitivity reaches 4.26% K -1 at 337 K. Moreover, the sensitivity can be improved to 19.67% K -1 by changing the film thickness. In addition, the temperature-sensing performance of the films is superior to that of the powders, and the sensor can be reused 3 times without loss of performance.

The Politics of Global Value Chains: Import-dependent Firms and EU–Asia Trade Agreements

PubMed Central

Eckhardt, Jappe; Poletti, Arlo

2015-01-01

In 2006, the European Commission released its Global Europe Communication, in which it announced a shift from a multilateral to a bilateral trade strategy. One of the key pillars of this new strategy was to strengthen the bilateral trade relations with key Asian countries. In contrast to existing analyses that focus on European Union (EU) decision makers’ agency, we propose an explanation for this notable shift in the EU’s trade policy that stresses the political role of import-dependent firms. In light of the increasing integration of such firms into global value chains, the article argues that a plausible case can be made, both theoretically and empirically, that import-dependent firms had a clear stake in the signing of preferential trade agreements between the EU and Asian countries and that their lobbying efforts significantly affected the EU’s decision to start negotiations with South Korea, India and Vietnam. PMID:28018131

A microscopic solution to the magnetic detwinning mystery in EuFe2As2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maiwald, J.; Mazin, I. I.; Nandi, S.; Xiao, Y.; Gegenwart, P.

One of the greatest recent advances in studying nematic phenomena in Fe-based superconductors was the mechanical detwinning of the 122-family compounds. Unfortunately, these techniques generate considerable stress in the investigated samples, which contaminates the results. Recently, we observed that a minuscule magnetic field of the order of 0.1 T irreversibly and persistently detwins EuFe2As2, opening an entirely new avenue for addressing nematicity. However, further development was hindered by the absence of a microscopic theory explaining this magnetic detwinning. In fact, Eu2+ has zero orbital moment and does not couple to the lattice, and its exchange coupling with the Fe sublattice cancels by symmetry. Moreover, further increase of the field to 1 T leads to a reorientation of Fe domains, while even larger fields 10 T reorient the domains once again. We will present a new microscopic model, based on a sizable biquadratic coupling between the Fe 3 d and Eu 4 f moments. This model quantitatively explains our old and new magnetization and neutron diffraction data, thus removing the veil of mystery and finally opening the door to full-scale research into magnetic detwinning and nematicity in Fe-based superconductors.

On the application of CaF2:Eu and SrF2:Eu phosphors in LED based phototherapy lamp

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belsare, P. D.; Moharil, S. V.; Joshi, C. P.; Omanwar, S. K.

2013-06-01

In the last few years the interest of scientific community has been increased towards solid state lighting based on LEDs because of their superior advantages over the conventional fluorescent lamps. As the GaN based LEDs are easily available efforts of the researchers are now on making the new phosphors which are excitable in the near UV region (360-400nm) for solid state lighting. This paper reports the photoluminescence characteristics of CaF2:Eu and SrF2:Eu phosphor prepared by wet chemical method. The violet emission of these phosphors with near UV excitation can be useful in making a phototherapy lamp based on LEDs for treating various skin diseases like acne vulgaris and hyperbilirubinemia.

A Smart Social Inclusion Policy for the EU: The Role of Education and Training

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nicaise, Ides

2012-01-01

Whereas in 2000 the EU had heralded the knowledge-based society with as its motto "with more and better jobs and stronger social cohesion", the past decade has led to greater inequality and (at best) a status-quo in poverty. EU2020 seems to acknowledge this failure and aims to reconnect social inclusion with the knowledge-based strategy.…

Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of Blue Na(Sr0.97-xCa(x))PO4:0.03Eu2+ Phosphors for White Light Emitting Diode Applications.

PubMed

Hakeem, D A; Park, K

2015-07-01

The crystal structure and luminescence properties of Na(Sr0.97-xCax)PO4:0.03Eu2+ (0 < x < 1.0) phosphors were studied, depending on the Ca2+ concentration. All the Na(Sr0.97-xCax)PO4:0.03Eu2+ phosphors had a hexagonal crystal structure. The excitation spectra of the prepared phosphors showed a broad band ranging from 250 to 420 nm, which arises due to the 4f-5d transitions of Eu2+ ions. Upon the excitation of 334 nm wavelength, the emission spectra showed a broad blue band ranging from 400 to 700 nm peaking at 450 nm. Among the prepared phosphors, the Na(Sr0.72Ca0.25)PO4:0.03Eu2+ showed the strongest emission intensity and could be applied as a blue emitting phosphor for UV-based w-LEDs.

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.

The effect of titanite crystallisation on Eu and Ce anomalies in zircon and its implications for the assessment of porphyry Cu deposit fertility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loader, Matthew A.; Wilkinson, Jamie J.; Armstrong, Robin N.

2017-08-01

The redox sensitivity of Ce and Eu anomalies in zircon has been clearly demonstrated by experimental studies, and these may represent an important tool in the exploration for porphyry Cu deposits which are thought to be derived from oxidised magmas. These deposits are significant because they are the source of much of the world's copper and almost all of the molybdenum and rhenium, key elements in many modern technologies. However, Ce and Eu anomalies in zircon are also affected by the co-crystallisation of REE bearing phases, such as titanite. Here, we report the trace element chemistry of zircons from titanite-bearing intrusions associated with mineralisation at the world class Oyu Tolgoi porphyry Cu-Au deposit (Mongolia). Based on these data, we suggest that neither zircon Eu/Eu*, nor Ce4+/Ce3+ are robust proxies for melt redox conditions, because they are both too strongly dependent on melt REE concentrations, which are usually poorly constrained and controlled by the crystallisation of titanite and other REE-bearing phases. In spite of this, Eu/Eu* can broadly distinguish between fertile and barren systems, so may still be an indicator of porphyry magma fertility, and a useful tool for exploration.

[The Balance of Care approach for the development of custom-fit health care services for people with dementia on the margins of care between home and nursing home: experiences with its application in Germany].

PubMed

Stephan, Astrid; Renom Guiteras, Anna; Juchems, Stefan; Meyer, Gabriele

2013-01-01

In Germany as in other countries of the European Union (EU), the majority of people with dementia are cared for by their informal caregivers at home. Across countries, however, there are considerable differences in the time to nursing home admission. The European research project RightTimePlaceCare intends to establish good practice recommendations for how to sustain the preferred living situation as long as possible. The Balance of Care approach was used to develop these recommendations, which combines empirical data, cost estimates and expert consensus, and thus implemented in a multinational context for the first time. In eight EU countries a survey was conducted among 2,014 people with dementia and their informal caregivers in nursing homes (n=1,223) or at home (n=791). Selected descriptive characteristics of the study participants were used for case type development. The case types were translated into 14 case vignettes, which were discussed by five to six expert panels (each consisting of three to four participants) per country. The experts (n=161) recommended the most suitable living place (at home or in a nursing home) and customised care packages for home care situations. Across all countries, the experts predominantly recommended care at home for four of the case types whose reference group of study participants actually lived in a nursing home. These case types represent a relevant part of the study population. In Germany, the experts judged the case vignettes as realistic but criticised that information relevant for proper decision making was missing. Expert group discussions always ended in consensus, and care at home was predominately recommended. The proposed care packages most often comprised standard care services, and hence appeared to be realistic and feasible. The development of country-specific recommendations is still ongoing. In order to assess economic feasibility, estimated costs of home care packages will be compared with costs of nursing home care. Further outcomes like the quality of life will be considered for good practice recommendation finding. Balance of Care supports the development of empirically based expert recommendations. The approach is widely applicable but seems to be particularly useful for the development of local custom-fit healthcare services. The clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost implications of the Balance of Care approach remain to be investigated in future studies. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Influence of 6s{sup 2} lone pair electrons of Bi{sup 3+} on its preferential site occupancy in fluorapatite, NaCa{sub 3}Bi(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F – An insight from Eu{sup 3+} luminescent probe

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

Lakshminarasimhan, N., E-mail: nlnsimha@gmail.com; Varadaraju, U.V.

2014-12-15

Graphical abstract: Eu{sup 3+} structural probe – difference in Eu{sup 3+} PL emission in (a) NaCa{sub 3}Bi{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F and (b) NaCa{sub 3}La{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F suggests Bi{sup 3+} with preferential site occupancy at M(II) site directing Eu{sup 3+} to M(I) site. - Highlights: • Eu{sup 3+} luminescent probe used for establishing the role of 6s{sup 2} lone pair electrons of Bi{sup 3+} in fluorapatite. • Difference in Eu{sup 3+} PL emission spectral features in NaCa{sub 3}Bi{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F and NaCa{sub 3}La{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F. • Preferential site occupancy of Bi{sup 3+} in M(II)more » site directs Eu{sup 3+} to M(I) site in NaCa{sub 3}Bi{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F. - Abstract: Eu{sup 3+} luminescence was used as a structural probe in understanding the preferential site occupancy of lone pair cation, Bi{sup 3+}, in fluorapatite by comparing the photoluminescence (PL) emission spectral features with that of in analogous La{sup 3+} based fluorapatite. The fluorapatites, NaCa{sub 3}Bi{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F and NaCa{sub 3}La{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F, were synthesized by conventional high temperature solid state reaction method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FT-IR spectroscopy. The Eu{sup 3+} PL results revealed a difference in the emission spectral features in NaCa{sub 3}Bi{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F and NaCa{sub 3}La{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F. This difference in Eu{sup 3+} PL emission can be attributed to the difference in its site occupancy in the studied fluorapatites.« less

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.

Divalent europium doped and un-doped calcium iodide scintillators: Scintillator characterization and single crystal growth

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

Boatner, L. A.; Ramey, J. O.; Kolopus, J. A.

2015-02-21

Initially, the alkaline-earth scintillator, CaI 2:Eu 2+, was discovered around 1964 by Hofstadter, Odell, and Schmidt. Serious practical problems quickly arose, however, that were associated with the growth of large monolithic single crystals of this material due to its lamellar, mica-like structure. As a result of its theoretically higher light yield, CaI 2:Eu 2+ has the potential to exceed the excellent scintillation performance of SrI 2:Eu 2+. In fact, theoretical predictions for the light yield of CaI2:Eu 2+ scintillators suggested that an energy resolution approaching 2% at 662 keV could be achievable. Like the early SrI 2:Eu 2+ scintillator, themore » performance of CaI 2:Eu 2+ scintillators has traditionally suffered due, at least in part, to outdated materials synthesis, component stoichiometry/purity, and single-crystal-growth techniques. Based on our recent work on SrI 2:Eu 2+ scintillators in single-crystal form, we have developed new techniques that are applied here to CaI 2:Eu 2+ and pure CaI 2 with the goal of growing large un-cracked crystals and, potentially, realizing the theoretically predicted performance of the CaI 2:Eu 2+ form of this material. Calcium iodide does not adhere to modern glassy carbon Bridgman crucibles - so there should be no differential thermal-contraction-induced crystal/crucible stresses on cooling that would result in crystal cracking of the lamellar structure of CaI 2. Here we apply glassy carbon crucible Bridgman growth, high-purity growth-charge compounds, our molten salt processing/filtration technique, and extended vacuum-melt-pumping methods to the growth of both CaI 2:Eu 2+ and un-doped CaI 2. Moreover, large scintillating single crystals were obtained, and detailed characterization studies of the scintillation properties of CaI 2:Eu 2+ and pure CaI 2 single crystals are presented that include studies of the effects of plastic deformation of the crystals on the scintillator performance.« less

Concurrent validation of two key health literacy instruments in a South Eastern European population.

PubMed

Toçi, Ervin; Burazeri, Genc; Sørensen, Kristine; Kamberi, Haxhi; Brand, Helmut

2015-06-01

Public health practice has come to increasing recognition of health promotion and the central role of knowledge, attitude, beliefs and practices in achieving health promotion. Health literacy (HL) is an under-explored topic in South Eastern European countries. There are no HL reports from Albania to date. The aim of this study was to assess the concurrent validity of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q) and the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) in a population-based sample of adults in Albania. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013 in Tirana, Albania, including 239 individuals aged ≥ 18 years (61% women; 87% response). A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was applied twice (test and retest procedure after 2 weeks) including HLS-EU-Q and TOFHLA instruments. The internal consistency was high for both instruments (Cronbach's alpha for the test procedure was 0.92 for TOFHLA and 0.98 for HLS-EU-Q). Both tools exhibited a high stability over time (Spearman's rho: 0.88 for TOFHLA and 0.87 for HLS-EU). Mean values of both instruments were similar in men and women (mean score for TOFHLA: 76.0 vs. 76.5, P = 0.83; mean score for HLS-EU-Q: 32.2 vs. 32.6, P = 0.63). For both instruments, higher HL scores were significantly associated with younger age, higher educational and economic level and lower body mass index. Our study provides valuable novel evidence on concurrent validation of two major HL instruments in a South Eastern European population-based sample. Future studies should be conducted in order to confirm and expand our findings. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.

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.

Carbon prices and incentives for technological development.

PubMed

Lundgren, Tommy; Marklund, Per-Olov; Samakovlis, Eva; Zhou, Wenchao

2015-03-01

There is concern that the carbon prices generated through climate policies are too low to create the incentives necessary to stimulate technological development. This paper empirically analyzes how the Swedish carbon dioxide (CO2) tax and the European Union emission trading system (EU ETS) have affected productivity development in the Swedish pulp and paper industry 1998-2008. A Luenberger total factor productivity (TFP) indicator is computed using data envelopment analysis. The results show that climate policy had a modest impact on technological development in the pulp and paper industry, and if significant it was negative. The price of fossil fuels, on the contrary, seems to have created important incentives for technological development. Hence, the results suggest that the carbon prices faced by the industry through EU ETS and the CO2 tax have been too low. Even though the data for this study is specific for Sweden, the models and results are applicable internationally. When designing policy to mitigate CO2 emissions, it is vital that the policy creates a carbon price that is high enough - otherwise the pressure on technological development will not be sufficiently strong. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exploring the link between environmental pollution and economic growth in EU-28 countries: Is there an environmental Kuznets curve?

PubMed Central

Armeanu, Daniel; Vintilă, Georgeta; Gherghina, Ştefan Cristian; Drăgoi, Mihaela Cristina; Teodor, Cristian

2018-01-01

This study examines the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis (EKC), considering the primary energy consumption among other country-specific variables, for a panel of the EU-28 countries during the period 1990–2014. By estimating pooled OLS regressions with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors in order to account for cross-sectional dependence, the results confirm the EKC hypothesis in the case of emissions of sulfur oxides and emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds. In addition to pooled estimations, the output of fixed-effects regressions with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors support the EKC hypothesis for greenhouse gas emissions, greenhouse gas emissions intensity of energy consumption, emissions of nitrogen oxides, emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds and emissions of ammonia. Additionally, the empirical findings from panel vector error correction model reveal a short-run unidirectional causality from GDP per capita growth to greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a bidirectional causal link between primary energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, since there occurred no causal link between economic growth and primary energy consumption, the neo-classical view was confirmed, namely the neutrality hypothesis. PMID:29742169

Exploring the link between environmental pollution and economic growth in EU-28 countries: Is there an environmental Kuznets curve?

PubMed

Armeanu, Daniel; Vintilă, Georgeta; Andrei, Jean Vasile; Gherghina, Ştefan Cristian; Drăgoi, Mihaela Cristina; Teodor, Cristian

2018-01-01

This study examines the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis (EKC), considering the primary energy consumption among other country-specific variables, for a panel of the EU-28 countries during the period 1990-2014. By estimating pooled OLS regressions with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors in order to account for cross-sectional dependence, the results confirm the EKC hypothesis in the case of emissions of sulfur oxides and emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds. In addition to pooled estimations, the output of fixed-effects regressions with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors support the EKC hypothesis for greenhouse gas emissions, greenhouse gas emissions intensity of energy consumption, emissions of nitrogen oxides, emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds and emissions of ammonia. Additionally, the empirical findings from panel vector error correction model reveal a short-run unidirectional causality from GDP per capita growth to greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a bidirectional causal link between primary energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, since there occurred no causal link between economic growth and primary energy consumption, the neo-classical view was confirmed, namely the neutrality hypothesis.

Creating Undocumented EU Migrants through Welfare: A Conceptualization of Undeserving and Precarious Citizenship

PubMed Central

Mescoli, Elsa

2018-01-01

Following the financial and economic crisis, welfare policies across the EU are increasingly becoming instruments for limiting the mobility of certain EU migrants. In this article, we focus on EU citizens who see their freedom of movement in the EU being restricted after they have applied for social assistance or unemployment benefits in their country of residence. Doing so, we conceptualize undocumented EU migration by means of the concepts of ‘non-deportability’, ‘deservingness’ and ‘precariousness’. Overall, this article – based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted with Italian migrants in Belgium – expands our understanding of undocumented migration by demonstrating how arbitrary and intimidating bureaucratic processes undermine the exercise of EU citizenship. PMID:29899582

Varying Eu2+ magnetic order by chemical pressure in EuFe2(As1-xPx)2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zapf, S.; Wu, D.; Bogani, L.; Jeevan, H. S.; Gegenwart, P.; Dressel, M.

2011-10-01

Based on low-field magnetization measurements on a series of single crystals, we present a scheme of the Eu2+ spin alignment in EuFe2(As1-xPx)2. We explain observations of the Eu2+ ordering previously reported, reconciling different existing phase diagrams. The magnetic moments of the Eu2+ ions are slightly canted, yielding a ferromagnetic contribution along the c direction that becomes stronger with pressure, until superconductivity sets in. The spin-density wave as well as the superconducting phase coexist with an antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling of the canted spins. Reducing the interlayer distance finally leads to a ferromagnetic Eu2+ interlayer coupling and to the suppression of superconductivity.

Development and applicability of a ready-to-use PCR system for GMO screening.

PubMed

Rosa, Sabrina F; Gatto, Francesco; Angers-Loustau, Alexandre; Petrillo, Mauro; Kreysa, Joachim; Querci, Maddalena

2016-06-15

With the growing number of GMOs introduced to the market, testing laboratories have seen their workload increase significantly. Ready-to-use multi-target PCR-based detection systems, such as pre-spotted plates (PSP), reduce analysis time while increasing capacity. This paper describes the development and applicability to GMO testing of a screening strategy involving a PSP and its associated web-based Decision Support System. The screening PSP was developed to detect all GMOs authorized in the EU in one single PCR experiment, through the combination of 16 validated assays. The screening strategy was successfully challenged in a wide inter-laboratory study on real-life food/feed samples. The positive outcome of this study could result in the adoption of a PSP screening strategy across the EU; a step that would increase harmonization and quality of GMO testing in the EU. Furthermore, this system could represent a model for other official control areas where high-throughput DNA-based detection systems are needed. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

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.

Determination of soil degradation from flooding for estimating ecosystem services in Slovakia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hlavcova, Kamila; Szolgay, Jan; Karabova, Beata; Kohnova, Silvia

2015-04-01

Floods as natural hazards are related to soil health, land-use and land management. They not only represent threats on their own, but can also be triggered, controlled and amplified by interactions with other soil threats and soil degradation processes. Among the many direct impacts of flooding on soil health, including soil texture, structure, changes in the soil's chemical properties, deterioration of soil aggregation and water holding capacity, etc., are soil erosion, mudflows, depositions of sediment and debris. Flooding is initiated by a combination of predispositive and triggering factors and apart from climate drivers it is related to the physiographic conditions of the land, state of the soil, land use and land management. Due to the diversity and complexity of their potential interactions, diverse methodologies and approaches are needed for describing a particular type of event in a specific environment, especially in ungauged sites. In engineering studies and also in many rainfall-runoff models, the SCS-CN method has remained widely applied for soil and land use-based estimations of direct runoff and flooding potential. The SCS-CN method is an empirical rainfall-runoff model developed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly called the Soil Conservation Service or SCS). The runoff curve number (CN) is based on the hydrological soil characteristics, land use, land management and antecedent saturation conditions of soil. Since the method and curve numbers were derived on the basis of an empirical analysis of rainfall-runoff events from small catchments and hillslope plots monitored by the USDA, the use of the method for the conditions of Slovakia raises uncertainty and can cause inaccurate results in determining direct runoff. The objective of the study presented (also within the framework of the EU-FP7 RECARE Project) was to develop the SCS - CN methodology for the flood conditions in Slovakia (and especially for the RECARE pilot site of Myjava), with an emphasis on the determination of soil degradation from flooding for estimating ecosystem services. The parameters of the SCS-CN methodology were regionalised empirically based on actual rainfall and discharge measurements. Since there has been no appropriate methodology provided for the regionalisation of SCS-CN method parameters in Slovakia, such as runoff curve numbers and initial abstraction coefficients (λ), the work presented is important for the correct application of the SCS-CN method in our conditions.

Using Eu(3+) as an atomic probe to investigate the local environment in LaPO4-GdPO4 monazite end-members.

PubMed

Huittinen, Nina; Arinicheva, Yulia; Schmidt, Moritz; Neumeier, Stefan; Stumpf, Thorsten

2016-12-01

In the present study, we have investigated the luminescent properties of Eu(3+) as a dopant in a series of synthetic lanthanide phosphates from the monazite group. Systematic trends in the spectroscopic properties of Eu(3+) depending on the size of the host cation and the dopant to ligand distance have been observed. Our results show that the increasing match between host and dopant radii when going from Eu(3+)-doped LaPO4 toward the smaller GdPO4 monazite decreases both the full width at half maximum of the Eu(3+) excitation peak, as well as the (7)F2/(7)F1 emission band intensity ratio. The decreasing Ln⋯O bond distance within the LnPO4 series causes a systematic bathochromic shift of the Eu(3+) excitation peak, showing a linear dependence of both the host cation size and the Ln⋯O distance. The linear relationship can be used to predict the energy band gap for Eu(3+)-doped monazites for which no Eu(3+) luminescent data is available. Finally, mechanisms for metal-metal energy transfer between host and dopant lanthanides have been explored based on recorded luminescence lifetime data. Luminescence lifetime data for Eu(3+) incorporated in the various monazite hosts clearly indicated that the energy band gap between the guest ion emission transition and the host ion absorption transition can be correlated to the degree of quenching observed in these materials with otherwise identical geometries and chemistries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Vaccination policies of immigrants in the EU/EEA Member States-the measles immunization example.

PubMed

Bica, Mihai A; Clemens, Ralf

2018-06-01

In 2015-16, the European Union/European Economic Area Member States (EU/EEA MSs) experienced an unprecedented volume and rate of migration, posing serious challenges to existing national immunization systems and strategies and raising the questions of where, when and who to vaccinate. We assessed existing strategies for vaccinating immigrant populations in the EU/EEA using measles as an example of the most important vaccine-preventable diseases. In this cross-sectional study, conducted from March to May 2016, an electronic questionnaire was sent to the Heads of National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) or equivalent policy-making bodies in each of the 31 EU/EEA Member States. Responses were entered into a structured database and validated by survey responders for final analysis. Validated responses from all 31 EU/EEA NITAGs or equivalents showed that there is no common measles immunization policy for European immigrants. Policies vary widely from no policy at all (9 of 31, 29%) to vaccination of all comers (2 of 31, 6%), or vaccination of selected cohorts based on vaccination history (17 of 31, 55%) or serum antibody analysis (2 of 31, 6%). Further, the operational responsibilities for immigrant vaccination and documentation methods are not unified within the EU/EEA region. With some notable exceptions immunization policies to contain spread of infectious diseases through migration are either non-existent or vary widely between countries in the EU/EEA. With freedom of movement within the EU/EEA there ought to be harmonization and a common EU/EEA vaccination strategy to replace national policies for immigrant populations.

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.

Rethinking Sensitized Luminescence in Lanthanide Coordination Polymers and MOFs: Band Sensitization and Water Enhanced Eu Luminescence in [Ln(C15H9O5)3(H2O)3]n (Ln = Eu, Tb).

PubMed

Einkauf, Jeffrey D; Kelley, Tanya T; Chan, Benny C; de Lill, Daniel T

2016-08-15

A coordination polymer [Ln(C15H9O9)3(H2O)3]n (1-Ln = Eu(III), Tb(III)) assembled from benzophenonedicarboxylate was synthesized and characterized. The organic component is shown to sensitize lanthanide-based emission in both compounds, with quantum yields of 36% (Eu) and 6% (Tb). Luminescence of lanthanide coordination polymers is currently described from a molecular approach. This methodology fails to explain the luminescence of this system. It was found that the band structure of the organic component rather than the molecular triplet state was able to explain the observed luminescence. Deuterated (Ln(C15H9O9)3(D2O)3) and dehydrated (Ln(C15H9O9)3) analogues were also studied. When bound H2O was replaced by D2O, lifetime and emission increased as expected. Upon dehydration, lifetimes increased again, but emission of 1-Eu unexpectedly decreased. This reduction is reasoned through an unprecedented enhancement effect of the compound's luminescence by the OH/OD oscillators in the organic-to-Eu(III) energy transfer process.

A European perspective on intravascular catheter-related infections: report on the microbiology workload, aetiology and antimicrobial susceptibility (ESGNI-005 Study).

PubMed

Bouza, E; San Juan, R; Muñoz, P; Pascau, J; Voss, A; Desco, M

2004-09-01

The laboratory workload, microbiological techniques and aetiology of catheter-related infections in European hospitals are mostly unknown. The present study (ESGNI-005) comprised a 1-day (22 October 2001), laboratory-based, point-prevalence survey based on a questionnaire completed by microbiology laboratories in European (European Union (EU) and non-EU) hospitals. Also included were questions requesting retrospective information for the year 2000. In total, 151 hospitals from 26 European countries participated, of which 78.1% were teaching institutions. Overall, the estimated population served by these institutions was 121,363,800, and the estimated number of admissions during 2000 was 6,712,050. The total number of catheter tips processed during 2000 was 142,727, or 21/1,000 admissions, of which 23.7% were considered to be positive in the institutions using semiquantitative or quantitative techniques. Overall, EU centres received significantly more catheter tip samples/1,000 admissions and had a significantly higher rate of 'positivity' (p < 0.0001) than non-EU centres. Of the institutions surveyed, 11.4% (7.2% in EU countries and 23.7% in non-EU countries; p 0.04) used only qualitative techniques for catheter tip sample processing. On the day of the study, 167 microorganisms were recovered from significant catheter tip cultures (122 patients), of which Gram-positive bacteria represented 70.7%, Gram-negative bacteria 22.2%, and yeasts 7.2%. The five most common microorganisms were coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida spp., Enterococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Overall, 19% of catheter tip cultures were polymicrobial. In the case of S. aureus, 40% of isolates were resistant to oxacillin, as were 63.4% of coagulase-negative staphylococcus isolates. Of 37 Gram-negative isolates, 35% were resistant to cefotaxime, 31% to ceftazidime, and 27% to ciprofloxacin. Imipenem and cefepime had the lowest reported rates of resistance (11%).

Direct excitation luminescence spectroscopy of Eu(III) complexes of 1,4,7-tris(carbamoylmethyl)-1,4,7,10- tetraazacyclododecane derivatives and kinetic studies of their catalytic cleavage of an RNA analog.

PubMed

Nwe, Kido; Richard, John P; Morrow, Janet R

2007-11-28

The macrocycles 1,4,7-tris(carbamoylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetrazacyclododecane (1), 1,4,7-tris[(N-ethyl)carbamoylmethyl]-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (2), 1,4,7-tris[(N,N-diethyl)carbamoylmethyl]-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (3) and their Eu(III) complexes are prepared. Studies using direct Eu(III) excitation luminescence spectroscopy show that all three Eu(III) complexes exhibit only one predominant isomer with two bound waters under neutral to mildly basic conditions (Eu(X)(H(2)O)(2) for X = 1-3). There are no detectable ligand ionizations over the pH range 5.0-8.0 for Eu(3), 5.0-8.5 for Eu(2) or 5.0-9.5 for Eu(1). The three Eu(III) complexes show a linear dependence of second-order rate constants for the cleavage of 4-nitrophenyl-2-hydroxyethylphosphate (HpPNP) on pH in the range 6.5-8.0 for Eu(3), 7.0-8.5 for Eu(2) and 7.0-9.0 for Eu(1). This pH-rate profile is consistent with the Eu(III) complex-substrate complex being converted to the active form by loss of a proton and with Eu(III) water pK(a) values that are higher than 8.0 for Eu(3), 8.5 for Eu(2) and 9.0 for Eu(1). Inhibition studies show that Eu() binds strongly to the dianionic ligand methylphosphate (K(d) = 0.28 mM), and more weakly to diethylphosphate (K(d) = 7.5 mM), consistent with a catalytic role of the Eu(III) complexes in stabilizing the developing negative charge on the phosphorane transition state.

Disentangling the effects of climate variability and functional change on ecosystem carbon dynamics using semi-empirical modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, J.; van der Linden, L.; Lasslop, G.; Carvalhais, N.; Pilegaard, K.; Beier, C.; Ibrom, A.

2012-04-01

The ecosystem carbon balance is affected by both external climatic forcing (e.g. solar radiation, air temperature and humidity) and internal dynamics in the ecosystem functional properties (e.g. canopy structure, leaf photosynthetic capacity and carbohydrate reserve). In order to understand to what extent and at which temporal scale, climatic variability and functional changes regulated the interannual variation (IAV) in the net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE), data-driven analysis and semi-empirical modelling (Lasslop et al. 2010) were performed based on a 13 year NEE record in a temperate deciduous forest (Pilegaard et al 2011, Wu et al. 2012). We found that the sensitivity of carbon fluxes to climatic variability was significantly higher at shorter than at longer time scales and changed seasonally. This implied that the changing distribution of climate anomalies during the vegetation period could have stronger impacts on future ecosystem carbon balances than changes in average climate. At the annual time scale, approximately 80% of the interannual variability in NEE was attributed to the variation in the model parameters, indicating the observed IAV in the carbon dynamics at the investigated site was dominated by changes in ecosystem functioning. In general this study showed the need for understanding the mechanisms of ecosystem functional change. The method can be applied at other sites to explore ecosystem behavior across different plant functional types and climate gradients. Incorporating ecosystem functional change into process based models will reduce the uncertainties in long-term predictions of ecosystem carbon balances in global climate change projections. Acknowledgements. This work was supported by the EU FP7 project CARBO-Extreme, the DTU Climate Centre and the Danish national project ECOCLIM (Danish Council for Strategic Research).

The Enhanced Red Emission and Improved Thermal Stability of CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ Phosphors by Using Nano-EuB6 as Raw Material

PubMed Central

Liu, Wen-Quan; Wu, Dan; Chang, Hugejile; Duan, Ru-Xia; Wu, Wen-Jie; Amu, Guleng; Bao, Fu-Quan; Tegus, Ojiyed

2018-01-01

Synthesizing phosphors with high performance is still a necessary work for phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (W-LEDs). In this paper, three series of CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ (denoted as CASN:Eu2+) phosphors using Eu2O3, EuN and EuB6 as raw materials respectively are fabricated by under the alloy precursor normal pressure nitridation synthesis condition. We demonstrate that CASN:Eu2+ using nano-EuB6 as raw material shows higher emission intensity than others, which is ascribed to the increment of Eu2+ ionic content entering into the crystal lattice. An improved thermal stability can also be obtained by using nano-EuB6 due to the structurally stable status, which is assigned to the partial substitution of Eu–O (Eu–N) bonds by more covalent Eu–B ones that leads to a higher structural rigidity. In addition, the W-LEDs lamp was fabricated to explore its possible application in W-LEDs based on blue LEDs. Our results indicate that using EuB6 as raw materials can provide an effective way of enhancing the red emission and improving the thermal stability of the CASN:Eu2+ red phosphor. PMID:29370148

Effects of composition modulation on the luminescence properties of Eu(3+) doped Li1-xAgxLu(MoO4)2 solid-solution phosphors.

PubMed

Cheng, Fangrui; Xia, Zhiguo; Molokeev, Maxim S; Jing, Xiping

2015-11-07

Double molybdate scheelite-type solid-solution phosphors Li1-xAgxLu1-y(MoO4)2:yEu(3+) were synthesized by the solid state reaction method, and their crystal structures and luminescence properties were investigated in detail. The composition modulation and structural evolution of this series of samples were studied and the selected AgEu(MoO4)2, AgLu(MoO4)2, LiLu(MoO4)2 and LiEu(MoO4)2 phases were analyzed based on the Rietveld refinement. Depending on the variation of the Li/Ag ratio in Li1-xAgxLu1-y(MoO4)2:yEu(3+) phosphors, the difference in the luminescence properties of Li1-xAgxLu1-y(MoO4)2:yEu(3+) phosphors was ascribed to two factors, one reason could be assigned to the coupling effect and the nonradiative transition between the energy levels of LixAg1-xLu(MoO4)2 matrices and the activator Eu(3+), another could be due to the near ultraviolet energy absorption and transmission efficiency between the charge-transfer (CT) band of O(2-)-Mo(6+) and the 4f → 4f emissive transitions of Eu(3+). The ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectra (UV-vis DRS) and Raman spectra analysis were also used to verify the above mechanism.

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.

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

Charge compensation mechanisms in favor of the incorporation of the Eu3+ ion into the ZnO host lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baira, M.; Bekhti-Siad, A.; Hebali, K.; Bouhani-Benziane, H.; Sahnoun, M.

2018-05-01

Eu3+ doped phosphors with charge compensation are potential candidates of red emitting phosphors for lamp applications. Charge compensation improves the luminescence performance of the material. The charge compensation can most probably be achieved by three possible mechanisms: (a) two Zn2+ ions are replaced by one Eu3+ ions and one monovalent cation, 2Zn2+ →Eu3++ Li+, where Li+ is acting as a charge compensator; (b) the charge compensation is provided by a zinc vacancy (VZn) defects, 3Zn2+ → 2Eu3++ VZn, the subscript Zn denotes an ion in a normal zinc site in the lattice; (c) two Zn2+ ions are replaced by one Eu3+ ions with the presence of interstitial oxygen (Oi), 2Zn2+ → 2Eu3++ Oi. Electronic structures of the crystals corresponding to the three models are evaluated by the first-principles quantum mechanical calculations based on the density functional theory. It is found that the charge compensator defects make Eu3+ doping in ZnO energetically more favorable. They break the local symmetry around the Eu3+ ion and lead to deep states below the empty upper band, the conduction band that could facilitate intra-4f shell transitions, which can obviously improve the emission intensity of Eu3+-doped ZnO. Therefore, the effect of these defects on the host crystals electronic band states relative to the Eu3+ states is reported, since both electron transfer and electronically energy transfer processes enhance the performance of optoelectronic devices based on this material. These theoretical insights are helpful for designing rare-earth doped oxide materials with high photoluminescence (PL) performance.

Pyrolytic synthesis and luminescence of porous lanthanide Eu-MOF.

PubMed

Jin, Guangya; Liu, Zhijian; Sun, Hongfa; Tian, Zhiyong

2016-02-01

A lanthanide metal coordination polymer [Eu2(BDC)3(DMSO)(H2O)] was synthesized by the reaction of europium oxide with benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (H2BDC) in a mixed solution of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and water under hydrothermal conditions. The crystal structure of Eu2(BDC)3(DMSO)(H2O) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thermo-gravimetric analysis of Eu2(BDC)3(DMSO)(H2O) indicated that coordinated DMSO and H2O molecules could be removed to create Eu2(BDC)3(DMSO)(H2O)-py with permanent microporosity, which was also verified by powder XRD (PXRD) and elemental analysis. Both Eu2(BDC)3(DMSO)(H2O) and Eu2(BDC)3(DMSO)(H2O)-py showed mainly Eu-based luminescence and had characteristic emissions in the range 550-700 nm. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Preparation and photoluminescence properties of functionalized silica materials incorporating europium complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lourenço, A. V. S.; Kodaira, C. A.; Souza, E. R.; Felinto, M. C. F. C.; Malta, O. L.; Brito, H. F.

2011-08-01

In the present work, the surface of the Eu-BTC = [Eu(EMA)(H 2O) 2], [Eu(TLA)(H 2O) 4] and [Eu(TMA)(H 2O) 6] complexes (EMA = 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylate, TLA = 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate and TMA = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) was modified using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) by a new microwave assisted method that proved to be simple and efficient. According to our observations, the most efficient luminescence is the material based on APTES incorporating [Eu(TMA)(H 2O) 6] complexes, denoted as Eu-TMA-Si, shows the highest emission efficiency. Therefore, it is proposed as a promising material for molecular conjugation in clinical diagnosis.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Handling of Eu(II)-Containing Complexes for Molecular Imaging Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basal, Lina A.; Allen, Matthew J.

2018-03-01

Considerable research effort has focused on the in vivo use of responsive imaging probes that change imaging properties upon reacting with oxygen because hypoxia is relevant to diagnosing, treating, and monitoring diseases. One promising class of compounds for oxygen-responsive imaging is Eu(II)-containing complexes because the Eu(II/III) redox couple enables imaging with multiple modalities including magnetic resonance and photoacoustic imaging. The use of Eu(II) requires care in handling to avoid unintended oxidation during synthesis and characterization. This review describes recent advances in the field of imaging agents based on discrete Eu(II)-containing complexes with specific focus on the synthesis, characterization, and handling of aqueous Eu(II)-containing complexes.

Structure and Properties of Melt-spun Bio-based Polyamide/Eu(TTA)3Phen Composite fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yunye; Lou, Pengfei; Jia, Qingxiu

2018-02-01

In this paper, the bio-based polyamide (PA ) was melt polymerized from four bio-based monomers. Composites of the bio-based PA and europium complex Eu(TTA)3Phen were prepared through solution mixing using N, N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) and formic acid as the mixed solvent, and then composite fibers were obtained by melt spinning method. The structure and properties of the melt-spun composite fibers were characterized by FTIR and SEM. The results indicated that the Eu(TTA)3Phen complex, with the average diameter below 300 nm, was homogeneously dispersed in the PA matrix. FTIR spectra indicated that the coordination bond between carbonyl of BDIS and Eu(TTA)3Phen complex formed, which was also confirmed by the mechanical properties. The initial modulus and breaking strength of these fibers can arrived at 2.5GPa and 0.3GPa, respectively.

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.

Public health research support through the European structural funds in central and eastern Europe and the Mediterranean.

PubMed

McCarthy, Mark

2012-04-05

Public health research provides evidence for practice across fields including health care, health promotion and health surveillance. Levels of public health research vary markedly across European Union (EU) countries, and are lowest in the EU's new member states (in Central and Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean). However, these countries now receive most of the EU's Structural Funds, some of which are allocated to research. STEPS, an EU-funded study, sought to assess support for public health research at national and European levels. To identify support through the Structural funds, STEPS drew information from country respondents and internet searches for all twelve EU new member states. The EU allocates annually around €7 billion through the Structural Funds for member states' own use on research. These funds can cover infrastructure, academic employment, and direct research grants. The programmes emphasise links to business. Support for health research includes major projects in biosciences, but direct support for public health research was found in only three countries - Cyprus, Latvia and Lithuania. Public health research is not prioritised in the EU's Structural Funds programme in comparison with biomedicine. For the research dimension of the new European programme for Structural Funds 2014-2002, ministries of health should propose public health research to strengthen the evidence-base for European public health policy and practice.

NaEuF4/Au@Ag2S nanoparticles-based fluorescence resonant transfer DNA sensor for ultrasensitive detection of DNA energy.

PubMed

Liu, Yuhong; Zhao, Linlin; Zhang, Jin; Zhang, Jinzha; Zhao, Wenbo; Mao, Chun

2016-12-01

The work investigates a new fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system using NaEuF 4 nanoparticles (NPs) and Au@Ag 2 S NPs as the energy donor-acceptor pair for the first time. The NaEuF 4 /Au@Ag 2 S NPs-based FRET DNA sensor was constructed with NaEuF 4 NPs as the fluorescence (FL) donor and Au@Ag 2 S core-shell NPs as FL acceptor. In order to find the matching energy acceptor, the amount of AgNO 3 and Na 2 S were controlled in the synthesis process to overlap the absorption spectrum of energy acceptor with the emission spectrum of energy donors. The sensitivity of FRET-based DNA sensor can be enhanced and the self-absorption of ligand as well as the background of signals can be decreased because of Eu 3+ which owns large Stokes shifts and narrow emission bands due to f-f electronic transitions of 4f shell. We obtained the efficient FRET system by studying suitable distance between the donor and acceptor. Then the FRET-based DNA sensor was used for the design of specific and sensitive detection of target DNA and the quenching efficiency (ΔFL/F 0 , ΔFL=F-F 0 ) of FL was logarithmically related to the concentration of the target DNA, ranging from 100aM to 100pM. We can realize an ultrasensitive detection of target DNA with a detection limit of 32 aM. This proposed method was feasible to analyse target DNA in real samples with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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.

Synthesis, structural and optical properties of BaMoO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} shuttle like phosphors

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

Krishna Bharat, L.; Lee, Soo Hyun; Yu, Jae Su, E-mail: jsyu@khu.ac.kr

2014-05-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • BaMoO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors were synthesized by a facile synthesis route. • PL and CL spectra showed dominant emissions due to ({sup 5}D{sub 0} → {sup 7}F{sub 2}) hypersensitive transitions. • The excitation wavelengths in the UV-B region make BaMoO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors as a good candidate in the red region for the development of UV-based white LEDs. • PL and CL spectra showed similar CIE values close to the commercially available Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors. - Abstract: Eu{sup 3+} ions doped BaMoO{sub 4} phosphor samples were synthesized by a facile synthesis process. Themore » tetragonal phase of the host lattice was substantiated by the X-ray diffraction patterns. The morphological studies were carried out by taking the scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope images and confirmed the formation of shuttle like particles with perpendicular protrusions in the middle of the particle. The single crystalline nature of the phosphors was confirmed by the selected area electron diffraction pattern. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of the Eu{sup 3+} ions doped samples revealed good emission with a high asymmetry ratio when excited with ultraviolet B wavelengths (between 280 and 315 nm). The cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra showed similar results to the PL spectra. The calculated CIE values based on the PL and CL spectra were almost similar and confirmed the rich red emission.« less

Development of a novel europium complex-based luminescent probe for time-gated luminescence imaging of hypochlorous acid in living samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiangli; Guo, Lianying; Song, Bo; Tang, Zhixin; Yuan, Jingli

2017-03-01

Luminescent lanthanide complexes are key reagents used in the time-gated luminescence bioassay technique, but functional lanthanide complexes that can act as luminescent probes for specifically responding to analytes are very limited. In this work, we designed and synthesized a novel Eu3+ complex-based luminescence probe for hypochlorous acid (HOCl), NPPTTA-Eu3+, by using terpyridine polyacid-Eu3+, dinitrophenyl, and hydrazine as luminophore, quencher and HOCl-recognizer moieties, respectively. In the absence of HOCl, the probe is non-luminescent due to the strong luminescence quenching of the dinitrophenyl group in the complex. However, upon reaction with HOCl, the dinitrophenyl moiety is rapidly cleaved from the probe, which affords a strongly luminescent Eu3+ complex CPTTA-Eu3+, accompanied by a ˜900-fold luminescence enhancement with a long luminescence lifetime of 1.41 ms. This unique luminescence response of NPPTTA-Eu3+ to HOCl allowed NPPTTA-Eu3+ to be conveniently used as a probe for highly selective and sensitive detection of HOCl under the time-gated luminescence mode. In addition, by loading NPPTTA-Eu3+ into RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and Daphnia magna, the generation of endogenous HOCl in RAW 264.7 cells and the uptake of exogenous HOCl by Daphnia magna were successfully imaged on a true-color time-gated luminescence microscope. The results demonstrated the practical applicability of NPPTTA-Eu3+ as an efficient probe for time-gated luminescence imaging of HOCl in living cells and organisms.

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).

Climate Change Adaptation Practices in Various Countries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanik, A.; Tekten, D.

2017-08-01

The paper will be a review work on the recent strategies of EU in general, and will underline the inspected sectoral based adaptation practices and action plans of 7 countries; namely Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, USA and Kenya from Africa continent. Although every countries’ action plan have some similarities on sectoral analysis, each country in accordance with the specific nature of the problem seems to create its own sectoral analysis. Within this context, green and white documents of EU adaptation to climate change, EU strategy on climate change, EU targets of 2020 on climate change and EU adaptation support tools are investigated.

Combining machine learning and ontological data handling for multi-source classification of nature conservation areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moran, Niklas; Nieland, Simon; Tintrup gen. Suntrup, Gregor; Kleinschmit, Birgit

2017-02-01

Manual field surveys for nature conservation management are expensive and time-consuming and could be supplemented and streamlined by using Remote Sensing (RS). RS is critical to meet requirements of existing laws such as the EU Habitats Directive (HabDir) and more importantly to meet future challenges. The full potential of RS has yet to be harnessed as different nomenclatures and procedures hinder interoperability, comparison and provenance. Therefore, automated tools are needed to use RS data to produce comparable, empirical data outputs that lend themselves to data discovery and provenance. These issues are addressed by a novel, semi-automatic ontology-based classification method that uses machine learning algorithms and Web Ontology Language (OWL) ontologies that yields traceable, interoperable and observation-based classification outputs. The method was tested on European Union Nature Information System (EUNIS) grasslands in Rheinland-Palatinate, Germany. The developed methodology is a first step in developing observation-based ontologies in the field of nature conservation. The tests show promising results for the determination of the grassland indicators wetness and alkalinity with an overall accuracy of 85% for alkalinity and 76% for wetness.

White Light Emission and Enhanced Color Stability in a Single-Component Host.

PubMed

Li, Junhao; Liang, Qiongyun; Hong, Jun-Yu; Yan, Jing; Dolgov, Leonid; Meng, Yuying; Xu, Yiqin; Shi, Jianxin; Wu, Mingmei

2018-05-30

Eu 3+ ion can be effectively sensitized by Ce 3+ ion through an energy-transfer chain of Ce 3+ -(Tb 3+ ) n -Eu 3+ , which has contributed to the development of white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) as it can favor more efficient red phosphors. However, simply serving for WLEDs as one of the multicomponents, the design of the Ce 3+ -(Tb 3+ ) n -Eu 3+ energy transfer is undoubtedly underused. Theoretically, white light can be achieved with extra blue and green emissions released from Ce 3+ and Tb 3+ . Herein, the design of the white light based on these three multicolor luminescence centers has been realized in GdBO 3 . It is the first time that white light is generated via accurate controls on the Ce 3+ -(Tb 3+ ) n -Eu 3+ energy transfer in such a widely studied host material. Because the thermal quenching rates of blue, green, and red emissions from Ce 3+ , Tb 3+ , and Eu 3+ , respectively, are well-matched in the host, this novel white light exhibits superior color stability and potential application prospect.

A Worldwide Web-portal for Aquatic Mesocosm Facilities: WWW.MESOCOSM.EU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berger, S. A.; Nejstgaard, J. C.

2016-02-01

Experimental mesocosms are valuable tools to fill the gap between highly controlled/replicated lab experiments and uncontrolled/non-replicated natural environments such as rivers, lakes and oceans. WWW.MESOCOSM.EU is an open web-portal for leading aquatic mesocosm facilities around the world. It was created within the FP7 EU-project MESOAQUA (A network of leading MESOcosm facilities to advance the studies of future AQUAtic ecosystems from the Arctic to the Mediterranean). The goal of the portal is to increase international knowledge about existing mesocosm facilities, including information on locations, environment, equipment, contacts, research opportunities and mesocosm-based publications. MESOCOSM.EU specifically aims to be a tool to enhance the quality of research by facilitating international cooperative network building, announcement of new research initiatives, transfer of best practice, and dissemination of knowledge, public information and press releases. As an open platform for all aquatic ecosystem scale science (marine and freshwater), MESOCOSM.EU aims to fill the lack of a centralized, coordinating virtual infrastructure for international aquatic mesocosm research, from the mountains to the ocean and from polar to tropical regions.

The Role of Coordination Environment and pH in Tuning the Oxidation Rate of Europium(II).

PubMed

Ekanger, Levi A; Basal, Lina A; Allen, Matthew J

2017-01-23

The Eu II/III redox couple offers metal-based oxidation-sensing with magnetic resonance imaging making the study of Eu II oxidation chemistry important in the design of new probes. Accordingly, we explored oxidation reactions with a set of Eu II -containing complexes. Superoxide formation from the reaction between Eu II and dioxygen was observed using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Additionally, oxidation kinetics of three Eu II -containing complexes with bromate and glutathione disulfide at pH values, including 5 and 7, is reported. In the reaction with bromate, the oxidation rate of two of the complexes increased by 7.3 and 6.7 times upon decreasing pH from 7 to 5, but the rate increased by 17 times for a complex containing amide functional groups over the same pH range. The oxidation rate of a fluorobenzo-functionalized cryptate was relatively slow, indicating that the ligand used to impart thermodynamic oxidative stability might also be useful for controlling oxidation kinetics. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Highlight report: Launch of a large integrated European in vitro toxicology project: EU-ToxRisk.

PubMed

Daneshian, Mardas; Kamp, Hennicke; Hengstler, Jan; Leist, Marcel; van de Water, Bob

2016-05-01

The integrated European project, EU-ToxRisk, proudly sees itself as "flagship" exploring new alternative-to-animal approaches to chemical safety evaluation. It promotes mechanism-based toxicity testing and risk assessment according to the principles laid down for toxicology for the twenty-first century. The project was officially launched in January 2016 with a kickoff meeting in Egmond aan Zee, the Netherlands. Over 100 scientists representing academia and industry as well as regulatory authorities attended the inaugural meeting. The project will integrate advances in in vitro and in silico toxicology, read-across methods, and adverse outcome pathways. EU-ToxRisk will continue to make use of the case study strategy deployed in SEURAT-1, a FP7 initiative ended in December 2015. Even though the development of new non-animal methods is one target of EU-ToxRisk, the project puts special emphasis on their acceptance and implementation in regulatory contexts. This €30 million Horizon 2020 project involves 38 European partners and one from the USA. EU-ToxRisk aims at the "development of a new way of risk assessment."

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

Electron tunneling transport across heterojunctions between europium sulfide and indium arsenide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kallaher, Raymond L.

This dissertation presents research done on utilizing the ferromagnetic semiconductor europium sulfide (EuS) to inject spin polarized electrons into the non-magnetic semiconductor indium arsenide (InAs). There is great interest in expanding the functionality of modern day electronic circuits by creating devices that depend not only on the flow of charge in the device, but also on the transport of spin through the device. Within this mindset, there is a concerted effort to establish an efficient means of injecting and detecting spin polarized electrons in a two dimensional electron system (2DES) as the first step in developing a spin based field effect transistor. Thus, the research presented in this thesis has focused on the feasibility of using EuS, in direct electrical contact with InAs, as a spin injecting electrode into an InAs 2DES. Doped EuS is a concentrated ferromagnetic semiconductor, whose conduction band undergoes a giant Zeeman splitting when the material becomes ferromagnetic. The concomitant difference in energy between the spin-up and spin-down energy bands makes the itinerant electrons in EuS highly spin polarized. Thus, in principle, EuS is a good candidate to be used as an injector of spin polarized electrons into non-magnetic materials. In addition, the ability to adjust the conductivity of EuS by varying the doping level in the material makes EuS particularly suited for injecting spins into non-magnetic semiconductors and 2DES. For this research, thin films of EuS have been grown via e-beam evaporation of EuS powder. This growth technique produces EuS films that are sulfur deficient; these sulfur vacancies act as intrinsic electron donors and the resulting EuS films behave like heavily doped ferromagnetic semiconductors. The growth parameters and deposition procedures were varied and optimized in order to fabricate films that have minimal crystalline defects. Various properties and characteristics of these EuS films were measured and compared to those characteristics found in previous reported work on doped EuS crystals. In particular, the magnetic switching behavior of individual micro-fabricated EuS structures was investigated to determine what types of spintronic devices EuS is best suited for. These studies found that the crystalline anisotropy of EuS dominates the switching behavior in EuS thin film structures with minimum feature sizes greater than ˜5 mum. This, in conjunction with the relatively high resistance of junctions between EuS and semiconductors, restricts the use of two tandem EuS electrodes in all semiconductor spintronic devices that require independently switching ferromagnetic electrodes. Spin transport studies in InAs 2DES are particularly interesting because of the heterostructure's high electron mobility and tunable spin-orbit interactions. Detailed measurements of the electrical transport characteristics across the heterojunction formed between EuS and InAs were taken in order to investigate the spin transport characteristics across the junction. These measurements show that the electrical transport across the heterojunction, below the ferromagnetic transition temperature, is directly related to the magnetization of the EuS layer and thus the transport is dominated by the spin-dependent Schottky barrier formed in EuS. Using a simple theory developed for these junctions, the magnitude of the change in barrier height---half the Zeeman splitting of the conduction band in EuS---as found to be ˜0.22 eV. The electrical transport measurements of the heterojunction between EuS and InAs at temperatures well above the ferromagnetic transition temperature of EuS shows that there are at least two separate scattering mechanisms in these junctions. As expected, critical scattering is the dominate scattering mechanism in the strongly paramagnetic regime; however, unexpectedly, the data show that critical scattering is not the dominate mechanism at temperatures greater than ˜100 K. The high temperature electrical transport measurements of the EuS/InAs heterojunction, in conjunction with low temperature zero-bias conductance measurements on junctions between EuS and gold (Au), suggest that there exists an interfacial layer in series with the magnetic Schottky barrier in these EuS junctions. This interfacial layer is modeled and explained as resulting from a rather high concentration of defects at the interface between EuS and the counter electrode.

Electronic structure of the iron-based superconductor (La,Eu)FeAsO1-xFx investigated by laser photoemission spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malaeb, Walid; Awad, Ramadan; Hibino, Taku; Kamihara, Yoichi; Kondo, Takeshi; Shin, Shik

2018-05-01

We have implemented laser photoemission spectroscopy (PES) to investigate the electronic structure of the iron-based superconductor (La,Eu)FeAsO1-xFx (LaEu1111) which is an interesting compound in the "1111" family showing a high value of the superconducting (SC) transition temperature (Tc) due to Eu doping. At least two energy scales were observed from the PES data in the SC compound: One at ∼14 meV closing around Tc and thus corresponding to the SC gap. Another energy scale appears at ∼35 meV and survives at temperatures above Tc which represents the pseudogap (PG). The non-SC sample (La,Eu)FeAsO shows a PG at ∼ 41 meV. These observations in this new superconductor are consistent with the general trend followed by other compounds in the "1111" family.

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.

Occupational health legislation and practices related to seafarers on passenger ships focused on communicable diseases: results from a European cross-sectional study (EU SHIPSAN PROJECT)

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Seafarers play an important role in the transmission of communicable diseases. The aim of the present study is to draw information and identify possible gaps on occupational health practices related to seafarers sailing on ships within the European Union Member States (EU MS) with focus on communicable diseases. Methods A structured questionnaire was sent to competent authorities from 21 EU MS. The questionnaire included questions about occupational health policies, medical certification of seafarers, communicable diseases reporting and relevant legislation. Descriptive analysis of the data was conducted by the use of Epi Info software: EU MS were categorized in four priority groups (A, B, C, D) based on: number of passenger ships visits, volume of passengers, and number of ports in each country. Moreover, EU MS were categorized to old and new, based on the date of entry in the EU. Results All 21 countries with relevant competent authorities responded to the questionnaire. The existence of specific national legislation/regulation/guidelines related to vaccination of seafarers was reported by three out of the 21 (14%) responding authorities. Surveillance data of communicable diseases related to seafarers are collected and analyzed by 4 (19%) authorities. Five out of 21 of the responding countries (24%) reported that tuberculin test result is required for the issuance of seafarer's medical certificate while a great variety of medical examination is required for the issuance of this certificate among countries. Gaps on occupational health services focused on communicable diseases related to maritime occupation have been reported by 33% of the responding countries. Responding authorities from Group A and B had the highest percentage of reported gaps followed by groups C and D. Old MS reported a higher frequency regarding gaps on occupational health services in comparison to new MS. Conclusion Our results revealed heterogeneity regarding occupational health of maritime employees in EU MS. This work provides some evidence that further work at international and European level could be considered, in order to explore the potential for harmonized initiatives regarding occupational health of seafarers. PMID:20181140

A System of Systems (SoS) Approach to transforming to a low carbon resource-efficient energy system: Insights for the European Union (EU)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madani, K.; Jess, T.; Mahlooji, M.; Ristic, B.

2015-12-01

The world's energy sector is experiencing a serious transition from reliance on fossil fuel energy sources to extensive reliance on renewable energies. Europe is leading the way in this transition to a low carbon economy in an attempt to keep climate change below 2oC. Member States have committed themselves to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and increasing the share of renewables in the EU's energy mix to 20% by 2020. The EU has now gone a step further with the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% by 2050. Nevertheless, the short-term focus of the European Commission is at "cost-efficient ways" to cut its greenhouse gas emissions which forgoes the unintended impacts of a large expansion of low-carbon energy technologies on major natural resources such as water and land. This study uses the "System of Systems (SoS) Approach to Energy Sustainability Assessment" (Hadian and Madani, 2015) to evaluate the Relative Aggregate Footprint (RAF) of energy sources in different European Union (EU) member states. RAF reflects the overall resource-use efficiency of energy sources with respect to four criteria: carbon footprint, water footprint, land footprint, and economic cost. Weights are assigned to the four resource use efficiency criteria based on each member state's varying natural and economic resources to examine the changes in the desirability of energy sources based on regional resource availability conditions, and to help evaluating the overall resource use efficiency of the EU's energy portfolio. A longer-term strategy in Europe has been devised under the "Resource Efficient Europe" flagship imitative intended to put the EU on course to using resources in a sustainable way. This study will highlight the resource efficiency of the EU's energy sector in order to assist in a sustainable transition to a low carbon economy in Europe. ReferenceHadian S, Madani K (2015) A System of Systems Approach to Energy Sustainability Assessment: Are All Renewables Really Green? Ecological Indicators, 52, 194-206.

The new Zintl phases Eu{sub 21}Cd{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} and Eu{sub 21}Mn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18}

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

Wang, Yi; Darone, Gregory M.; Bobev, Svilen, E-mail: bobev@udel.edu

Crystals of two new Zintl compounds, Eu{sub 21}Mn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} and Eu{sub 21}Cd{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} have been synthesized using the molten metal flux method, and their structures have been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both compounds are isotypic and crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/m (No. 12, Z=4). The structures are based on edge- and corner-shared MnSb{sub 4} or CdSb{sub 4} tetrahedra, which make octameric [Mn{sub 8}Sb{sub 22}] or [Cd{sub 8}Sb{sub 22}] polyanions. Homoatomic Sb–Sb bonds are present in both structures. The Eu atoms take the role of Eu{sup 2+}cations with seven unpaired 4f electrons, as suggested by themore » temperature-dependent magnetization measurements. The magnetic susceptibilities of Eu{sub 21}Mn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} and Eu{sub 21}Cd{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} indicate that both phases order anti-ferromagnetically with Néel temperatures of ca. 7 K and ca. 10 K, respectively. The unpaired 3d electrons of the Mn atoms in Eu{sub 21}Mn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} do contribute to the magnetic response, however, the bulk magnetization measurements do not provide evidence for long-range ordering of the Mn spins down to 5 K. Electrical resistivity measurements suggest that both compounds are narrow band gap semiconductors. - Graphical abstract: Eu{sub 21}Mn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} and Eu{sub 21}Cd{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} have complex monoclinic structures, based on MnSb{sub 4} and CdSb{sub 4} tetrahedra, both edge- and corner-shared. A perspective of the crystal structure is shown, as viewed along the b axis. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Eu{sub 21}Mn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} and Eu{sub 21}Cd{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} are novel compounds in the respective ternary phase diagrams. • For both structures, the Zintl-Klemm rules are followed, and both are small gap semiconductors. • Eu{sub 21}Mn{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} and Eu{sub 21}Cd{sub 4}Sb{sub 18} are air-stable Zintl phases and could be new thermoelectric materials.« less

Non-verbal Full Body Emotional and Social Interaction: A Case Study on Multimedia Systems for Active Music Listening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camurri, Antonio

Research on HCI and multimedia systems for art and entertainment based on non-verbal, full-body, emotional and social interaction is the main topic of this paper. A short review of previous research projects in this area at our centre are presented, to introduce the main issues discussed in the paper. In particular, a case study based on novel paradigms of social active music listening is presented. Active music listening experience enables users to dynamically mould expressive performance of music and of audiovisual content. This research is partially supported by the 7FP EU-ICT Project SAME (Sound and Music for Everyone, Everyday, Everywhere, Every Way, www.sameproject.eu).

The New Mode of Energy Transferring between Mn2+ and Eu2+ in Nitride Based Phosphor SrAlSi4N7 with Tunable Light and Excellent Thermal Stability.

PubMed

Ding, Jianyan; Seto, Takatoshi; Wang, Yichao; Cao, Yaxin; Li, Hua; Wang, YuHua

2018-06-19

In this work, energy transfers reciprocally between Mn2+ and Eu2+ ions in nitride SrAlSi4N7 have been found and investigated in detailed. In contrast to Mn2+ and Eu2+ activated oxide based phosphors, the red light centering at 608 nm is ascribed to 4f-5d transitions of Eu2+ ions and Mn2+ activated SrAlSi4N7 emits a cyan light peaked at 500 nm. Additionally, the special broad excitation band of SrAlSi4N7: Mn2+ centering at 362 nm has been covered by that of Eu2+ ions ranging from 300 to 550 nm. The overlap of energy level of Mn2+ and Eu2+ ions creates the condition for the energy transferring reciprocally between Eu2+ and Mn2+ ions. A series of SrAlSi4N7: 0.002Mn2+, xEu2+ (0 ≤x≤ 005) with tunable emission light have been synthesized and the decay curves of samples prove the happening of the energy transfer between Mn2+ and Eu2+ ions reciprocally. This mode of energy transfer not only prevents the loss of energy, but also improves the thermal stability and the intensity of SrAlSi4N7: Mn2+, Eu2+ at 150 °C is still beyond 92 % of the initial intensity. The results provide a new mode of energy transfer, which is expected to improve the drawback existing in energy transfer. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

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.

Synthesis and photoluminescence of EuII in barium zinc orthosilicate: a novel green color emitting phosphor for white-LEDs.

PubMed

Kasturi, S; Sivakumar, V; Varadaraju, U V

2017-05-01

A series of Eu 2+ -activated barium orthosilicates (BaZnSiO 4 ) were synthesized using a high-temperature solid-state reaction. A photoluminescence excitation study of Eu 2 + shows a broad absorption band in the range of 270-450 nm, with multiple absorption peak maxima (310, 350 and 400 nm) due to 4f-5d electronic transition. The emission spectra of all the compositions show green color emission (in the spectral region 450-550 nm with a peak maximum at 502 nm and a shoulder at ~ 490 nm) with appropriate Comission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) color coordinates. The two emission peaks are due to the presence of Eu 2 + in two different Ba sites in the BaZnSiO 4 host lattice. The energy transfers between the Eu 2 + ions in BaZnSiO 4 host are elucidated from the critical concentration quenching data based on the electronic multipolar interaction. All Eu 2 + -activated BaZnSiO 4 phosphor materials can be efficiently excited in the ultraviolet (UV) to near UV-region (270-420 nm), making them attractive candidate as a green phosphor for solid state lighting-white light-emitting diodes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Surface Complexation Modeling of Eu(III) and U(VI) Interactions with Graphene Oxide.

PubMed

Xie, Yu; Helvenston, Edward M; Shuller-Nickles, Lindsay C; Powell, Brian A

2016-02-16

Graphene oxide (GO) has great potential for actinide removal due to its extremely high sorption capacity, but the mechanism of sorption remains unclear. In this study, the carboxylic functional group and an unexpected sulfonate functional group on GO were characterized as the reactive surface sites and quantified via diffuse layer modeling of the GO acid/base titrations. The presence of sulfonate functional group on GO was confirmed using elemental analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Batch experiments of Eu(III) and U(VI) sorption to GO as the function of pH (1-8) and as the function of analyte concentration (10-100, 000 ppb) at a constant pH ≈ 5 were conducted; the batch sorption results were modeled simultaneously using surface complexation modeling (SCM). The SCM indicated that Eu(III) and U(VI) complexation to carboxylate functional group is the main mechanism for their sorption to GO; their complexation to the sulfonate site occurred at the lower pH range and the complexation of Eu(III) to sulfonate site are more significant than that of U(VI). Eu(III) and U(VI) facilitated GO aggregation was observed with high Eu(III) and U(VI) concentration and may be caused by surface charge neutralization of GO after sorption.

Synthesis and luminescence properties of polymer-rare earth complexes containing salicylaldehyde-type bidentate Schiff base ligand.

PubMed

Zhang, Dandan; Gao, Baojiao; Li, Yanbin

2017-08-01

Using molecular design and polymer reactions, two types of bidentate Schiff base ligands, salicylaldehyde-aniline (SAN) and salicylaldehyde-cyclohexylamine (SCA), were synchronously synthesized and bonded onto the side chain of polysulfone (PSF), giving two bidentate Schiff base ligand-functionalized PSFs, PSF-SAN and PSF-SCA, referred to as macromolecular ligands. Following coordination reactions between the macromolecular ligands and Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions (the reaction occurred between the bonded ligands SAN or SCA and the lanthanide ion), two series of luminescent polymer-rare earth complexes, PSF-SAN-Eu(III) and PSF-SCA-Tb(III), were obtained. The two macromolecular ligands were fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1 H NMR and UV absorption spectroscopy, and the prepared complexes were also characterized by FTIR, UV absorption spectroscopy and thermo-gravity analysis. On this basis, the photoluminescence properties of these complexes and the relationships between their structure and luminescence were investigated in depth. The results show that the bonded bidentate Schiff base ligands, SAN and SCA, can effectively sensitize the fluorescence emission of Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions, respectively. PSF-SAN-Eu(III) series complexes, namely the binary complex PSF-(SAN) 3 -Eu(III) and the ternary complex PSF-(SAN) 3 -Eu(III)-(Phen) 1 (Phen is the small-molecule ligand 1,10-phenanthroline), produce strong red luminescence, suggesting that the triplet state energy level of SAN is lower and well matched with the resonant energy level of the Eu(III) ion. By contrast, PSF-SAN-Eu(III) series complexes, namely the binary complex PSF-(SCA) 3 -Tb(III) and the ternary complex PSF-(SCA) 3 -Tb(III)-(Phen) 1 , display strong green luminescence, suggesting that the triplet state energy level of SCA is higher and is well matched with the resonant energy level of Tb(III). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Utilization of native oxygen in Eu(RE)-doped GaN for enabling device compatibility in optoelectronic applications

DOE PAGES

Mitchell, Brandon; Timmerman, D.; Poplawsky, Jonathan D.; ...

2016-01-04

The detrimental influence of oxygen on the performance and reliability of V/III nitride based devices is well known. However, the influence of oxygen on the nature of the incorporation of other co-dopants, such as rare earth ions, has been largely overlooked in GaN. Here, we report the first comprehensive study of the critical role that oxygen has on Eu in GaN, as well as atomic scale observation of diffusion and local concentration of both atoms in the crystal lattice. We find that oxygen plays an integral role in the location, stability, and local defect structure around the Eu ions thatmore » were doped into the GaN host. Although the availability of oxygen is essential for these properties, it renders the material incompatible with GaN-based devices. However, the utilization of the normally occurring oxygen in GaN is promoted through structural manipulation, reducing its concentration by 2 orders of magnitude, while maintaining both the material quality and the favorable optical properties of the Eu ions. Furthermore, these findings open the way for full integration of RE dopants for optoelectronic functionalities in the existing GaN platform.« less

Photoemission properties of Eu-doped Zr1- x Ce x O2 (x = 0-0.2) nanoparticles prepared by hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozawa, Masakuni; Matsumoto, Masashi; Hattori, Masatomo

2018-01-01

Photoluminescent Eu-doped ZrO2 and Zr1- x Ce x O2 (x = 0-0.2) nanoparticles were prepared by a hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra indicated the formation of tetragonal crystals of ZrO2 and its solid solutions with a grain size of less than 10 nm diameter after heat treatment at 400 °C. The photoemission spectra of Zr1- x Ce x O2:Eu3+ nanocrystalline samples showed the typical emission of Eu3+ ions assigned to 5D0 → 7F1 (590 nm) and 5D0 → 7F2 (610 nm) transitions and additional emissions of 5D0 → 7F J with higher J of 3-5. Increasing the CeO2 concentration reduced the emission intensity, and the emission peak shift was affected by a local lattice distortion, i.e., CeO2 concentration. The present study provided fundamental knowledge that is expected to enable the fabrication of ZrO2-based nanocrystal phosphor materials and a measure for controlling the emission peak shift and intensity in oxide fluorite-based phosphor.

High-brightness and high-color purity red-emitting Ca3Lu(AlO)3(BO3)4:Eu3+ phosphors with internal quantum efficiency close to unity for near-ultraviolet-based white-light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Huang, Xiaoyong; Wang, Shaoying; Li, Bin; Sun, Qi; Guo, Heng

2018-03-15

In this work, we reported on high-brightness Eu 3+ -activated Ca 3 Lu(AlO) 3 (BO 3 ) 4 (CLAB) red-emitting phosphors. Under 397 nm excitation, the CLAB:Eu 3+ phosphors showed intense red emissions at around 621 nm with CIE coordinates of (0.657, 0.343). The optimal doping concentration of Eu 3+ ions was found to be 30 mol. %, and the CLAB:0.3Eu 3+ sample possessed high-color purity of 93% and ultra-high internal quantum efficiency as great as 98.5%. Importantly, the CLAB:0.3Eu 3+ also had good thermal stability. Finally, a white-light-emitting diode (WLED) lamp with good color-rendering index was fabricated by using a 365 nm ultraviolet chip and the phosphor blends of CLAB:0.3Eu 3+ red-emitting phosphors, (Ba,Sr) 2 SiO 4 :Eu 2+ green-emitting phosphors, and BaMgAl 10 O 7 :Eu 2+ blue-emitting phosphors.

Triple energy transfer and color tuning in Tb3+ and Eu3+-coactivated apatite-type gadolinium-containing phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Ning; Liang, Qimeng; Li, Shuo; Ouyang, Ruizhuo; Lü, Wei

2017-11-01

A family of apatite-type fluorophosphate phosphors with general formula Sr3Gd(1-m-n)Na(PO4)3F:mTb3+,nEu3+ (SGN:mTb3+,nEu3+) have been synthesized via the high-temperature solid-state reaction method. Triple energy transfer processes from Gd3+ in the host to both Tb3+ and Eu3+, as well as from Tb3+ to Eu3+ have been verified by the photoluminescence spectra. Under the excitation of UV light, both green line from the transitions of Tb3+ and red line origin from the transitions of Eu3+ have been simultaneously observed in a single phase phosphor, which makes a promise for tunable color emissions from yellowish-green through yellow and ultimately to reddish-orange by simply adjusting the Eu3+ content (n) in SGN:0.20Tb3+,nEu3+ phosphors. Additionally, the energy transfer from the Tb3+ to the Eu3+ ions has been demonstrated to be a resonant type via a quadrupole-quadrupole mechanism based on the Dexter's theoretical model, and the energy transfer efficiency increases with an increase in Eu3+ concentration.

Geostatistical enhancement of european hydrological predictions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pugliese, Alessio; Castellarin, Attilio; Parajka, Juraj; Arheimer, Berit; Bagli, Stefano; Mazzoli, Paolo; Montanari, Alberto; Blöschl, Günter

2016-04-01

Geostatistical Enhancement of European Hydrological Prediction (GEEHP) is a research experiment developed within the EU funded SWITCH-ON project, which proposes to conduct comparative experiments in a virtual laboratory in order to share water-related information and tackle changes in the hydrosphere for operational needs (http://www.water-switch-on.eu). The main objective of GEEHP deals with the prediction of streamflow indices and signatures in ungauged basins at different spatial scales. In particular, among several possible hydrological signatures we focus in our experiment on the prediction of flow-duration curves (FDCs) along the stream-network, which has attracted an increasing scientific attention in the last decades due to the large number of practical and technical applications of the curves (e.g. hydropower potential estimation, riverine habitat suitability and ecological assessments, etc.). We apply a geostatistical procedure based on Top-kriging, which has been recently shown to be particularly reliable and easy-to-use regionalization approach, employing two different type of streamflow data: pan-European E-HYPE simulations (http://hypeweb.smhi.se/europehype) and observed daily streamflow series collected in two pilot study regions, i.e. Tyrol (merging data from Austrian and Italian stream gauging networks) and Sweden. The merger of the two study regions results in a rather large area (~450000 km2) and might be considered as a proxy for a pan-European application of the approach. In a first phase, we implement a bidirectional validation, i.e. E-HYPE catchments are set as training sites to predict FDCs at the same sites where observed data are available, and vice-versa. Such a validation procedure reveals (1) the usability of the proposed approach for predicting the FDCs over the entire river network of interest using alternatively observed data and E-HYPE simulations and (2) the accuracy of E-HYPE-based predictions of FDCs in ungauged sites. In a second phase, we develop a module, to be added to the flow-duration curve prediction framework, capable of enhancing E-HYPE-based predictions of FDCs by modelling the residuals obtained from the first phase. Among all possible methods, we apply geostatistical modelling of residuals and, alternatively, regional regression, so that residuals between empirical and E-HYPE-base predicted FDCs are described in terms of geomorphological and climatic catchment descriptors.

Composite polymeric beads containing N,N,N',N'-tetraoctyldiglycolamide for actinide ion uptake from nitric acid feeds: Batch uptake, kinetic modelling and column studies.

PubMed

Gujar, R B; Mohapatra, P K; Lakshmi, D Shanthana; Figoli, A

2015-11-27

Polyethersulphone (PES) based composite polymeric beads (CPB) containing TODGA (N,N,N',N'-tetraoctyldiglycolamide) as the extractant were prepared by conventional phase inversion technique and were tested for the uptake of actinide ions such as Am(3+), UO2(2+), Pu(4+), Np(4+) and fission product ions such as Eu(3+) and Sr(2+). The CPBs containing 2.5-10wt.% TODGA were characterized by various physical methods and their porosity, size, surface morphology, surface area and the degradation profile by thermogravimetry were analyzed. The batch uptake studies involved kinetics of metal ion sorption, uptake as a function of nitric acid concentration, kinetic modelling and adsorption isotherms and most of the studies involved the Am(3+) ions. The batch saturation sorption capacities for Eu(3+) loading at 3M HNO3 were determined to be 6.6±0.02, 9.1±0.02 and 22.3±0.04mgg(-1) of CRBs with 2.5wt.%, 5wt.% and 10wt.% TODGA, respectively. The sorption isotherm analysis with Langmuir, D-R and Freundlisch isotherms indicated chemisorption monolayer mechanism. Chromatographic studies indicated breakthrough of Eu(3+) (using a solution containing Eu carrier) after about 0.75 bed volume (3.5-4mL). Elution of the loaded Eu was carried out using 0.01M EDTA as the eluent. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[2D correlation spectral study of a coordination polymer [Eu(PCPOA)3 (H2O)]n].

PubMed

Sun, Rui-qing; Zhang, Han-hui; Cao, Yan-ning; Chen, Yi-ping; Yang, Qi-yu; Wang, Zhi-yang

2007-05-01

A novel two dimensional coordination polymer [Eu(PCPOA)3 (H2O)], was synthesized under hydrothermal condition. Based on the determination of the structure, the 2D correlation FTIR spectra with the perturbation of magnetism and the 2D correlation fluorescence spectra with the perturbation of temperature were investigated. The energy bonds were calculated using CASTEP Program of Material studio. The Europium ions are nine-coordinated and the ligands adopted two different modes to connect the Eu3+ ions to 2D layer structure. The study of the 2D-FTIR reveals that the carboxylates coordinate with the center ions not only as monodentate, but also as bidentate chelate. The 2D fluorescence spectra indicates that the transition of (5)D0-->(7)F2 is influenced intensively by the perturbation of temperature.

History and current status of strontium iodide scintillators

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

Cherepy, Nerine J.; Beck, Patrick R.; Payne, Stephen A.

Eu-doped strontium iodide single crystal growth has reached maturity and prototype SrI 2(Eu)-based gamma ray spectrometers provide detection performance advantages over standard detectors. SrI 2(Eu) offers a high, proportional light yield of >80,000 photons/MeV. Energy resolution of <3% at 662 keV with 1.5” x 1.5” SrI2(Eu) crystals is routinely achieved, by employing either a small taper at the top of the crystal or a digital readout technique. These methods overcome light-trapping, in which scintillation light is re-absorbed and re-emitted in Eu 2+-doped crystals. As a result, its excellent energy resolution, lack of intrinsic radioactivity or toxicity, and commercial availability makemore » SrI 2(Eu) the ideal scintillator for use in handheld radioisotope identification devices. A 6-lb SrI 2(Eu) radioisotope identifier is described.« less

History and current status of strontium iodide scintillators

DOE PAGES

Cherepy, Nerine J.; Beck, Patrick R.; Payne, Stephen A.; ...

2017-09-15

Eu-doped strontium iodide single crystal growth has reached maturity and prototype SrI 2(Eu)-based gamma ray spectrometers provide detection performance advantages over standard detectors. SrI 2(Eu) offers a high, proportional light yield of >80,000 photons/MeV. Energy resolution of <3% at 662 keV with 1.5” x 1.5” SrI2(Eu) crystals is routinely achieved, by employing either a small taper at the top of the crystal or a digital readout technique. These methods overcome light-trapping, in which scintillation light is re-absorbed and re-emitted in Eu 2+-doped crystals. As a result, its excellent energy resolution, lack of intrinsic radioactivity or toxicity, and commercial availability makemore » SrI 2(Eu) the ideal scintillator for use in handheld radioisotope identification devices. A 6-lb SrI 2(Eu) radioisotope identifier is described.« less

Understanding the photoluminescence characteristics of Eu{sup 3+}-doped double-perovskite by electronic structure calculation

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

Ghosh, Binita; Halder, Saswata; Sinha, T. P.

2016-05-23

Europium-doped luminescent barium samarium tantalum oxide Ba{sub 2}SmTaO{sub 6} (BST) has been investigated by first-principles calculation, and the crystal structure, electronic structure, and optical properties of pure BST and Eu-doped BST have been examined and compared. Based on the calculated results, the luminescence properties and mechanism of Eu-doped BST has been discussed. In the case of Eu-doped BST, there is an impurity energy band at the Fermi level, which is formed by seven spin up energy levels of Eu and act as the luminescent centre, which is evident from the band structure calculations.

Education and training initiatives for crisis management in the European Union: a web-based analysis of available programs.

PubMed

Ingrassia, Pier Luigi; Foletti, Marco; Djalali, Ahmadreza; Scarone, Piercarlo; Ragazzoni, Luca; Corte, Francesco Della; Kaptan, Kubilay; Lupescu, Olivera; Arculeo, Chris; von Arnim, Gotz; Friedl, Tom; Ashkenazi, Michael; Heselmann, Deike; Hreckovski, Boris; Khorram-Manesh, Amir; Khorrram-Manesh, Amir; Komadina, Radko; Lechner, Kostanze; Patru, Cristina; Burkle, Frederick M; Fisher, Philipp

2014-04-01

Education and training are key elements of disaster management. Despite national and international educational programs in disaster management, there is no standardized curriculum available to guide the European Union (EU) member states. European- based Disaster Training Curriculum (DITAC), a multiple university-based project financially supported by the EU, is charged with developing a holistic and highly-structured curriculum and courses for responders and crisis managers at a strategic and tactical level. The purpose of this study is to qualitatively assess the prevailing preferences and characteristics of disaster management educational and training initiatives (ETIs) at a postgraduate level that currently exist in the EU countries. An Internet-based qualitative search was conducted in 2012 to identify and analyze the current training programs in disaster management. The course characteristics were evaluated for curriculum, teaching methods, modality of delivery, target groups, and funding. The literature search identified 140 ETIs, the majority (78%) located in United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Master level degrees were the primary certificates granted to graduates. Face-to-face education was the most common teaching method (84%). Approximately 80% of the training initiatives offered multi- and cross-disciplinary disaster management content. A competency-based approach to curriculum content was present in 61% of the programs. Emergency responders at the tactical level were the main target group. Almost all programs were self-funded. Although ETIs currently exist, they are not broadly available in all 27 EU countries. Also, the curricula do not cover all key elements of disaster management in a standardized and competency-based structure. This study has identified the need to develop a standardized competency-based educational and training program for all European countries that will ensure the practice and policies that meet both the standards of care and the broader expectations for professionalization of the disaster and crisis workforce.

Research on high Tc superconducting compounds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oliver, Frederick W. (Principal Investigator)

1996-01-01

Mossbauer research using the 21.54 kev resonance radiation of Eu-151 on the high temperature superconductors Bi(2)Ca(0.5)Eu(0.5)Sr(2)CU2O(x), and EuBa(2)CU(3)O(7-x) is performed. For the Bismuth compound the Mossbauer measurements gave a weak signal at room temperature but improved at lower temperatures. Experimental data indicated that europium is located at only one crystallographic site. Isomer shift measurements were .69 + 0.02 mm/s with respect to EuF(3). The linewidth at room temperature was found to be 2.54 mm/s. This value falls within the values observed by other researchers on Eu based 1,2,3 high-Tc compounds. Our results also show the Eu to be trivalent with no trace of divalent europium present. Superconducting europium based 1,2,3 compounds were prepared and measurements completed. Our results show the Eu to be trivalent with no trace of divalent europium present. These compounds had an average isomer shift of .73 mm/s +/- O.02 for all samples made. One of these was irradiated with 3.5 X 10(exp 16) neutrons and a comparison made of the Mossbauer parameters for the irradiated and non-irradiated samples. Experimental results showed no difference between linewidths but a measurable effect was seen for the isomer shift.

Enhanced rare earth photoluminescence in inverse opal photonic crystals and its application for pH sensing.

PubMed

Zhu, Yongsheng; Cui, Shaobo; Wang, Yinhua; Liu, Mao; Lu, Cheng; Mishra, Abhinay; Xu, Wen

2016-10-07

Concentration quenching effects of identical rare earth (RE) activator ions and energy transfer (ET) between different RE ions often compromise the photoluminescence (PL) quantum efficiency in RE based luminescence materials. Here, we demonstrate that in NaGd(WO4)2:Tb(3+), Eu(3+) inverse opal photonic crystals (IOPCs), the suppression of the emission line located in the photonic stop band (PSB) and a dramatic increase of the lifetimes of Eu(3+) and Tb(3+) ions are observed. More interestingly, the concentration quenching among Eu(3+) ions and ET from Tb(3+) to Eu(3+) is significantly relieved owing to the periodic empty cavity structure of IOPCs. As a consequence, the luminescent quantum efficiency (QE) of the NaGd(WO4)2:Tb(3+), Eu(3+) IOPCs increases ∼2 times more than that of crushed NaGd(WO4)2:Tb(3+), Eu(3+) powder. In addition, a reusable pH sensor with good linear response (pH 5-10) has been designed based on the high surface-to-volume ratio, high connectivity, and enhanced luminescence of NaGd(WO4)2:Tb(3+), Eu(3+)IOPCs, which could be applied to the dynamical detection of pH value.

Comparative adsorption of Eu(III) and Am(III) on TPD.

PubMed

Fan, Q H; Zhao, X L; Ma, X X; Yang, Y B; Wu, W S; Zheng, G D; Wang, D L

2015-09-01

Comparative adsorption behaviors of Eu(III) and Am(III) on thorium phosphate diphosphate (TPD), i.e., Th4(PO4)4P2O7, have been studied using a batch approach and surface complexation model (SCM) in this study. The results showed that Eu(III) and Am(III) adsorption increased to a large extent with the increase in TPD dose. Strong pH-dependence was observed in both Eu(III) and Am(III) adsorption processes, suggesting that inner-sphere complexes (ISCs) were possibly responsible for the adsorption of Eu(III) and Am(III). Meanwhile, the adsorption of Eu(III) and Am(III) decreased to a different extent with the increase in ion strength, which was possibly related to outer-sphere complexes and/or ion exchange. In the presence of fulvic acid (FA), the adsorption of Eu(III) and Am(III) showed high enhancement mainly due to the ternary surface complexes of TPD-FA-Eu(3+) and TPD-FA-Am(3+). The SCM showed that one ion exchange (≡S3Am/Eu) and two ISCs (≡(XO)2Am/EuNO3 and ≡(YO)2Am/EuNO3) seemed more reasonable to quantitatively describe the adsorption edges of both Eu(III) and Am(III). Our findings obviously showed that Eu(III) could be a good analogue to study actinide behaviors in practical terms. However, it should be kept in mind that there are still obvious differences between the characteristics of Eu(III) and Am(III) in some special cases, for instance, the complex ability with organic matter and adsorption affinity to a solid surface.

Building statistical associations to forecast ethylbenzene levels in European urban-traffic environments.

PubMed

Vlachokostas, Ch; Michailidou, A V; Spyridi, D; Moussiopoulos, N

2013-06-01

Emission from road traffic has become the most important source of local air pollution in numerous European cities. Epidemiological research community has established consistent associations between traffic-related substances and various health outcomes. Nevertheless, the vast majority of urban areas are characterised by infrastructure's absence to routinely monitor chemical health stressors, such as ethylbenzene. This paper aims at developing and presenting a tractable approach to reliably - and inexpensively - predict ethylbenzene trends in EU urban environments. The establishment of empirical relationships between rarely monitored pollutants such as ethylbenzene and more frequently or usually monitored, such as benzene and CO respectively, may cover the infrastructure's absence and support decision-making. Multiple regression analysis is adopted and the resulting statistical associations are applied to EU cities with available data for validation purposes. The results demonstrate that this approach is capable of capturing ethylbenzene concentration trends and should be considered as complementary to air quality monitoring. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photoluminescence of A- and B-site Eu{sup 3+}-substituted (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 2}CaW{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6} phosphors

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

Sletnes, M.; Lindgren, M.; Valmalette, J.C.

The photoluminescence of two series of A- and B-site Eu{sup 3+} substituted (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 2}CaW{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6} double perovskite phosphor materials, (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 1.96}Eu{sub 0.02}K{sub 0.02}CaW{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6} and (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 2}Ca{sub 0.96}Eu{sub 0.02}Li{sub 0.02}W{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6} (x and y=0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1), were studied systematically as a function of stoichiometry and crystal structure. The Eu{sup 3+} lattice sites controlled by co-doping with either K or Li were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The variation in integrated emission intensity and emission colour over the experimental matrix was examined using statistical tools, and themore » observed trends were rationalized based on the physical and electronic structure of the phosphors. Phosphors with Eu on B-site with maximum Sr content had remarkably higher emission intensities than all other materials, but the emission was more orange than red due to domination of the {sup 5}D{sub 0}–{sup 7}F{sub 1} (595 nm) transition of Eu{sup 3+}. The relative intensities of the {sup 5}D{sub 0}–{sup 7}F{sub 2} (615 nm) and {sup 5}D{sub 0}–{sup 7}F{sub 1} transitions of Eu{sup 3+}, and thus the red-shift of the emission, decreased linearly with increasing Sr content in the A-site Eu-substituted phosphors, and reached a maximum for Sr{sub 1.96}Eu{sub 0.02}K{sub 0.02}CaW{sub 0.25}Mo{sub 0.75}O{sub 6}. A maximum external quantum efficiency of 17% was obtained for the phosphor Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 0.7}Eu{sub 0.15}Li{sub 0.15}W{sub 0.5}Mo{sub 0.5}O{sub 6} with Eu on B-site. - Highlights: • Systematic study of the photoluminescence of Eu{sup 3+}-doped (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 2}CaW{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6}. • The Eu{sup 3+} lattice sites were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. • A large parameter space was investigated using statistical tools. • A maximum external QE of 17% was obtained for Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 0.7}Eu{sub 0.15}Li{sub 0.15}W{sub 0.5}Mo{sub 0.5}O{sub 6}.« less

Towards sustainable management of huntable migratory waterbirds in Europe

USGS Publications Warehouse

Madsen, Jesper; Guillemain, Matthieu; Nagy, Szabolcs; Defos du Rau, Pierre; Mondain-Monval, Jean-Yves; Griffin, Cy; Williams, James Henty; Bunnefeld, Nils; Czajkowski, Alexandre; Hearn, Richard; Grauer, Andreas; Alhainen, Mikko; Middleton, Angus; Johnson, Fred A.

2015-01-01

The EU Birds Directive and the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement provide an adequate legal framework for sustainable management of migratory waterbird populations. The main shortcoming of both instruments is that it leaves harvest decisions of a shared resource to individual Member States and Contracting Parties without providing a shared information base and mechanism to assess the impact of harvest and coordinate actions in relation to mutually agreed objectives. A recent update of the conservation status of waterbirds in the EU shows that almost half of the populations of species listed on Annex II of the Birds Directive have a declining short-term trend and over half of them are listed in Columns A and B of AEWA. This implies that their hunting could either only continue under the framework of an adaptive harvest management plan or their hunting should be regulated with the view of restoring them in favourable conservation status. We argue that a structured approach to decision-making (such as adaptive management) is needed, supported with adequate organisational structures at flyway scale. We review the experience with such an approach in North America and assess the applicability of a similar approach in the European context. We show there is no technical reason why adaptive harvest management could be not applied in the EU or even AEWA context. We demonstrate that an informed approach to setting allowable harvests does not require detailed demographic information. Essential to the process, however, are estimates of either the observed growth rate from a monitoring program or the growth rate expected under ideal conditions. In addition, periodic estimates of population size are needed, as well as either empirical information or reasonable assumptions about the form of density dependence. We show that such information exists for many populations, but improvements are needed to improve geographic coverage, reliability and timely data availability. We highlight the importance of the International Waterbird Census and specialised goose and seaduck monitoring in estimating population sizes and observed growth rate of the populations. We encourage further investments into the development of these schemes. We also recognise the importance of migration studies to improve our understanding of delineations of populations. We also highlight that, with a few exceptions, the available data does not allow the European Commission, competent authorities of the Members States or other AEWA Contracting Parties to assess levels of harvest and their sustainability and, therefore, regulate hunting accordingly. Therefore, we recommend that annual reporting on 2 harvest levels of waterbird populations would be gradually introduced in the EU and the AEWA region. We propose that future AEWA and EU action plans and management plans for Annex II species should apply the principles of adaptive harvest management framework and make provisions for setting up adequate monitoring and information management systems and organisational structures to manage the decision-making process. We suggest that internationally coordinated management structures are established to facilitate dialogue, learning and communication between stakeholders with different interests and cultural backgrounds.

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.

Synthesis and photoluminescence control of Ca{sub 10.5–1.5x}La{sub x}(PO{sub 4}){sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphors by aliovalent cation substitution

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

Fan, Yanting; Tang, Miao; Qiu, Zhongxian

A range of Ca{sub 10.5-1.5x}La{sub x}(PO{sub 4}){sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+}phosphors were synthesized by high temperature solid state method. Subsequently we studied the crystal structures and luminescent properties through X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation, diffuse reflection spectra, Raman spectra and decay curves systematically. Based on the special crystal structure ofβ-Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Eu{sup 2+}, its emission undergoes a variation from violet–blue to cyan through introducing La{sup 3+}. The substitution of La{sup 3+} for Ca{sup 2+} could form some cation vacancies in Ca(4) sites according to the scheme 3Ca{sup 2+}= 2La{sup 3+}+ □ due to the different ion valence, which compels Eu{supmore » 2+} to migrate from Ca(4) site to other sites. Additionally, the formation of the cation vacancies can further reduce the thermal stability of phosphors. - Highlights: • Realizing photoluminescence control of Eu{sup 2+} by introducing relatively larger La{sup 3+} ion to replace the Ca{sup 2+} in β-Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor. • The mechanism of spectral control is proposed to be due to emptying of Ca{sup 2+} and migration of Eu{sup 2+}. • The thermal stability reduction is related to the formation of vacancies.« less

The EU pledge for responsible marketing of food and beverages to children: implementation in food companies.

PubMed

Jensen, J D; Ronit, K

2015-08-01

Increasing political pressure on the food industry's marketing activities stimulated the formation of the collective EU Pledge for responsible marketing of foods and beverages to children. The objective of the study is to evaluate the commitments made by companies in joining the pledge for the purpose of assessing its effectiveness in regulating signatory companies' marketing activities. Data on company commitments in relation to the EU Pledge were collected, analyzed and recalculated in order to enable comparison across companies and with general nutritional recommendations. Data on companies' product portfolio and market orientation were collected from their most recent available annual reports. Data on the companies' product profiles were generated via review of the companies' main websites. Similar data were generated for a reference group of companies outside the EU Pledge. Compared with a reference group of large food and beverage companies, EU Pledge signatory companies have a public image strongly based on products with appeal to children. The EU Pledge sets common standards for regulating signatory companies' marketing behaviour towards children. Further scrutiny of the companies' stated commitments revealed considerable variation in their actual content and in their de facto bindingness on the companies' marketing behavior--for example, in the definition of target audience for advertising or in nutritional characteristics making products eligible for advertising to children. In order for voluntary self-regulation schemes such as the EU Pledge to be a credible alternative to public regulation of marketing behaviour, more transparency and stringency are needed.

Luminescence properties and molecular mechanics calculation of bis-β-diketonate Eu3+ complex/polymer hybrid fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Jinyuan; Gu, Huiquan; Hou, Yanjun; Wang, Shuhong

2018-05-01

Two series of bis-β-diketonate Eu3+ complex/polymer hybrid fibers, namely, Eu2(BTP)3(H2O)4/PMMA (Eu/PMMA) and Eu2(BTP)3(H2O)4/PVP (Eu/PVP) have been prepared by electrospinning technology (BTP = 1,3-bis(4,4,4-trifluoro-1,3-dioxobutyl)phenyl, PVP = poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) and PMMA = poly (methyl methacrylate)). The effect of complex Eu2(BTP)3(H2O)4 on the luminescence, thermal stability and morphology of composite fibers were studied by characterization techniques. The Judd-Ofelt theory was applied to this study for explaining the effect of the distribution of Eu2(BTP)3(H2O)4 and the mutual effect of the Eu2(BTP)3(H2O)4 coordination compound and neighboring chain segments of PMMA and PVP polymer matrix.

Assessments of direct human exposure: the approach of EU risk assessments compared to scenario-based risk assessment.

PubMed

Wormuth, Matthias; Demou, Evangelia; Scheringer, Martin; Hungerbühler, Konrad

2007-08-01

The awareness of potential risks emerging from the use of chemicals in all parts of daily life has increased the need for risk assessments that are able to cover a high number of exposure situations and thereby ensure the safety of workers and consumers. In the European Union (EU), the practice of risk assessments for chemicals is laid down in a Technical Guidance Document; it is designed to consider environmental and human occupational and residential exposure. Almost 70 EU risk assessment reports (RARs) have been finalized for high-production-volume chemicals during the last decade. In the present study, we analyze the assessment of occupational and consumer exposure to trichloroethylene and phthalates presented in six EU RARs. Exposure scenarios in these six RARs were compared to scenarios used in applications of the scenario-based risk assessment approach to the same set of chemicals. We find that scenarios used in the selected EU RARs to represent typical exposure situations in occupational or private use of chemicals and products do not necessarily represent worst-case conditions. This can be due to the use of outdated information on technical equipment and conditions in workplaces or omission of pathways that can cause consumer exposure. Considering the need for exposure and risk assessments under the new chemicals legislation of the EU, we suggest that a transparent process of collecting data on exposure situations and of generating representative exposure scenarios is implemented to improve the accuracy of risk assessments. Also, the data sets used to assess human exposure should be harmonized, summarized in a transparent fashion, and made accessible for all risk assessors and the public.

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

Metaheuristics-Assisted Combinatorial Screening of Eu2+-Doped Ca-Sr-Ba-Li-Mg-Al-Si-Ge-N Compositional Space in Search of a Narrow-Band Green Emitting Phosphor and Density Functional Theory Calculations.

PubMed

Lee, Jin-Woong; Singh, Satendra Pal; Kim, Minseuk; Hong, Sung Un; Park, Woon Bae; Sohn, Kee-Sun

2017-08-21

A metaheuristics-based design would be of great help in relieving the enormous experimental burdens faced during the combinatorial screening of a huge, multidimensional search space, while providing the same effect as total enumeration. In order to tackle the high-throughput powder processing complications and to secure practical phosphors, metaheuristics, an elitism-reinforced nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), was employed in this study. The NSGA-II iteration targeted two objective functions. The first was to search for a higher emission efficacy. The second was to search for narrow-band green color emissions. The NSGA-II iteration finally converged on BaLi 2 Al 2 Si 2 N 6 :Eu 2+ phosphors in the Eu 2+ -doped Ca-Sr-Ba-Li-Mg-Al-Si-Ge-N compositional search space. The BaLi 2 Al 2 Si 2 N 6 :Eu 2+ phosphor, which was synthesized with no human intervention via the assistance of NSGA-II, was a clear single phase and gave an acceptable luminescence. The BaLi 2 Al 2 Si 2 N 6 :Eu 2+ phosphor as well as all other phosphors that appeared during the NSGA-II iterations were examined in detail by employing powder X-ray diffraction-based Rietveld refinement, X-ray absorption near edge structure, density functional theory calculation, and time-resolved photoluminescence. The thermodynamic stability and the band structure plausibility were confirmed, and more importantly a novel approach to the energy transfer analysis was also introduced for BaLi 2 Al 2 Si 2 N 6 :Eu 2+ phosphors.

Monitoring minimization of grade B environments based on risk assessment using three-dimensional airflow measurements and computer simulation.

PubMed

Katayama, Hirohito; Higo, Takashi; Tokunaga, Yuji; Katoh, Shigeo; Hiyama, Yukio; Morikawa, Kaoru

2008-01-01

A practical, risk-based monitoring approach using the combined data collected from actual experiments and computer simulations was developed for the qualification of an EU GMP Annex 1 Grade B, ISO Class 7 area. This approach can locate and minimize the representative number of sampling points used for microbial contamination risk assessment. We conducted a case study on an aseptic clean room, newly constructed and specifically designed for the use of a restricted access barrier system (RABS). Hotspots were located using three-dimensional airflow analysis based on a previously published empirical measurement method, the three-dimensional airflow analysis. Local mean age of air (LMAA) values were calculated based on computer simulations. Comparable results were found using actual measurements and simulations, demonstrating the potential usefulness of such tools in estimating contamination risks based on the airflow characteristics of a clean room. Intensive microbial monitoring and particle monitoring at the Grade B environmental qualification stage, as well as three-dimensional airflow analysis, were also conducted to reveal contamination hotspots. We found representative hotspots were located at perforated panels covering the air exhausts where the major piston airflows collect in the Grade B room, as well as at any locations within the room that were identified as having stagnant air. However, we also found that the floor surface air around the exit airway of the RABS EU GMP Annex 1 Grade A, ISO Class 5 area was always remarkably clean, possibly due to the immediate sweep of the piston airflow, which prevents dispersed human microbes from falling in a Stokes-type manner on settling plates placed on the floor around the Grade A exit airway. In addition, this airflow is expected to be clean with a significantly low LMAA. Based on these observed results, we propose a simplified daily monitoring program to monitor microbial contamination in Grade B environments. To locate hotspots we propose using a combination of computer simulation, actual airflow measurements, and intensive environmental monitoring at the qualification stage. Thereafter, instead of particle or microbial air monitoring, we recommend the use of microbial surface monitoring at the main air exhaust. These measures would be sufficient to assure the efficiency of the monitoring program, as well as to minimize the number of surface sampling points used in environments surrounding a RABS.

The time and place of European admixture in Ashkenazi Jewish history.

PubMed

Xue, James; Lencz, Todd; Darvasi, Ariel; Pe'er, Itsik; Carmi, Shai

2017-04-01

The Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) population is important in genetics due to its high rate of Mendelian disorders. AJ appeared in Europe in the 10th century, and their ancestry is thought to comprise European (EU) and Middle-Eastern (ME) components. However, both the time and place of admixture are subject to debate. Here, we attempt to characterize the AJ admixture history using a careful application of new and existing methods on a large AJ sample. Our main approach was based on local ancestry inference, in which we first classified each AJ genomic segment as EU or ME, and then compared allele frequencies along the EU segments to those of different EU populations. The contribution of each EU source was also estimated using GLOBETROTTER and haplotype sharing. The time of admixture was inferred based on multiple statistics, including ME segment lengths, the total EU ancestry per chromosome, and the correlation of ancestries along the chromosome. The major source of EU ancestry in AJ was found to be Southern Europe (≈60-80% of EU ancestry), with the rest being likely Eastern European. The inferred admixture time was ≈30 generations ago, but multiple lines of evidence suggest that it represents an average over two or more events, pre- and post-dating the founder event experienced by AJ in late medieval times. The time of the pre-bottleneck admixture event, which was likely Southern European, was estimated to ≈25-50 generations ago.

An integrated and sustainable EU health information system: national public health institutes' needs and possible benefits.

PubMed

Bogaert, Petronille; Van Oyen, Herman

2017-01-01

Although sound data and health information are at the basis of evidence-based policy-making and research, still no single, integrated and sustainable EU-wide public health monitoring system or health information system exists. BRIDGE Health is working towards an EU health information and data generation network covering major EU health policy areas. A stakeholder consultation with national public health institutes was organised to identify the needs to strengthen the current EU health information system and to identify its possible benefits. Five key issues for improvement were identified: (1) coherence, coordination and sustainability; (2) data harmonization, collection, processing and reporting; (3) comparison and benchmarking; (4) knowledge sharing and capacity building; and (5) transferability of health information into evidence-based policy making. The vision of an improved EU health information system was formulated and the possible benefits in relation to six target groups. Through this consultation, BRIDGE Health has identified the continuous need to strengthen the EU health information system. A better system is about sustainability, better coordination, governance and collaboration among national health information systems and stakeholders to jointly improve, harmonise, standardise and analyse health information. More and better sharing of this comparable health data allows for more and better comparative health research, international benchmarking, national and EU-wide public health monitoring. This should be developed with the view to provide the tools to fight both common and individual challenges faced by the Members States and their politicians.

The time and place of European admixture in Ashkenazi Jewish history

PubMed Central

Xue, James; Lencz, Todd; Darvasi, Ariel; Pe’er, Itsik

2017-01-01

The Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) population is important in genetics due to its high rate of Mendelian disorders. AJ appeared in Europe in the 10th century, and their ancestry is thought to comprise European (EU) and Middle-Eastern (ME) components. However, both the time and place of admixture are subject to debate. Here, we attempt to characterize the AJ admixture history using a careful application of new and existing methods on a large AJ sample. Our main approach was based on local ancestry inference, in which we first classified each AJ genomic segment as EU or ME, and then compared allele frequencies along the EU segments to those of different EU populations. The contribution of each EU source was also estimated using GLOBETROTTER and haplotype sharing. The time of admixture was inferred based on multiple statistics, including ME segment lengths, the total EU ancestry per chromosome, and the correlation of ancestries along the chromosome. The major source of EU ancestry in AJ was found to be Southern Europe (≈60–80% of EU ancestry), with the rest being likely Eastern European. The inferred admixture time was ≈30 generations ago, but multiple lines of evidence suggest that it represents an average over two or more events, pre- and post-dating the founder event experienced by AJ in late medieval times. The time of the pre-bottleneck admixture event, which was likely Southern European, was estimated to ≈25–50 generations ago. PMID:28376121

The Role of Defect Complexes in the Magneto-Optical Properties of Rare Earth Doped Gallium Nitride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, Brandon

Wide band gap semiconductors doped with rare earth ions (RE) have shown great potential for applications in optoelectronics, photonics, and spintronics. The 1.54mum Erbium (Er) emission has been extensively utilized in optical fiber communications, and Europium (Eu) is commonly used as a red color component for LEDs and fluorescence lamps. For the realization of spintronic-type devices, a dilutely doped semiconductor that exhibits room temperature ferromagnetic behavior would be desirable. Such behavior has been observed in GaN:Er. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that strain may play an important role in the control of this ferromagnetism; however, this requires further investigation. One motivation of this work is the realization of an all solid state white light source monolithically integrated into III/V nitride semiconductor materials, ideally GaN. For this, the current AlGaAs-based LEDs need to be replaced. One approach for achieving efficient red emission from GaN is dilute doping with fluorescent ions. In this regard, Eu has consistently been the most promising candidate as a dopant in the active layer for a red, GaN based, LED due to the sharp 5D0 to 7F2 transitions that result in red emission around 620nm. The success of GaN:Eu as the active layer for a red LED is based on the ability for the Eu ions to be efficiently excited by electron hole pairs. Thus, the processes by which energy is transferred from the host to the Eu ions has been studied. Complications arise, however, from the fact that Eu ions incorporate into multiple center environments, the structures of which are found to have a profound influence on the excitation pathways and efficiencies of the Eu ion. Therefore the nature of Eu incorporation and the resulting luminescence efficiency in GaN has been extensively investigated. By performing a comparative study on GaN:Eu samples grown under a variety of controlled conditions and using a variety of experimental techniques, the majority site has been concluded to contain a nitrogen vacancy (V N) in its immediate structure. The nitrogen vacancy can appear in two symmetries, which has a profound impact on the luminescence and magnetic properties of the sample. The structure of the minority site has also been identified. For both sites, we give substantial evidence that the excitation efficiency of the red Eu emission is improved by the presence of donor-acceptor pairs in the vicinity of the Eu. Furthermore, when Mg was co-doped into GaN:Eu, additional incorporation environments were discovered that show high excitation efficiency at room temperature. These have been attributed to the coupling of Mg-H complexes to the majority Eu site. Electron beam irradiation, indirect and resonant (direct) laser excitation were found to modify these complexes, indicating that vibrational energy alone can trigger the migration of the H, while the presence of additional charges and excess energy controls the type of reconfiguration and the activation of non-radiative decay channels. We identify, experimentally, a two-step process in the dissociation of Mg-H complexes and propose, based on density functional theory, that the presence of minority carriers and the resulting charge states of complexes can also influence this process. In GaN:Er, we have given a more thorough overview of the optical and magneto-optical properties by extending to the 800nm excitation range and drastically improving the signal-to-noise ratio in the magnetic measurements, as well as applying a perpendicular magnetic field. This has allowed us to calculate g-factors for the parallel case, but revealed that the Zeeman interaction is not quite linear for perpendicular magnetic fields. We were able to assign crystal field numbers of mu = 3/2 to two crystal field levels. We have also given strong evidence that the strain in the sample, which results from lattice mismatch, enhances its magnetization, as seen through fluorescence line narrowing and asymmetry between the Zeeman transition intensities, under application of magnetic fields in anti-parallel directions.

Colorimetric assay for on-the-spot alcoholic strength sensing in spirit samples based on dual-responsive lanthanide coordination polymer particles with ratiometric fluorescence.

PubMed

Deng, Jingjing; Shi, Guoyue; Zhou, Tianshu

2016-10-26

This study demonstrates a new strategy for colorimetric detection of alcoholic strength (AS) in spirit samples based on dual-responsive lanthanide infinite coordination polymer (Ln-ICP) particles with ratiometric fluorescence. The ICP used in this study are composed of two components: one is the supramolecular Ln-ICP network formed by the coordination between the ligand 2,2'-thiodiacetic acid (TDA) and central metal ion Eu 3+ ; and the other is a fluorescent dye, i.e., coumarin 343 (C343), both as the cofactor ligand and as the sensitizer, doped into the Ln-ICP network through self-adaptive chemistry. Upon being excited at 300 nm, the red fluorescence of Ln-ICP network itself at 617 nm is highly enhanced due to the concomitant energy transfer from C343 to Eu 3+ , while the fluorescence of C343 at 495 nm is supressed. In pure ethanol solvent, the as-formed C343@Eu-TDA is well dispersed and quite stable. However, the addition of water into ethanolic dispersion of C343@Eu-TDA destructs Eu-TDA network structure, resulting in the release of C343 from ICP network into the solvent. Consequently, the fluorescence of Eu-TDA turns off and the fluorescence of C343 turns on, leading to the fluorescent color change of the dispersion from red to blue, which constitutes a new mechanism for colorimetric sensing of AS in commercial spirit samples. With the method developed here, we could clearly distinguish the AS of different spirit samples within a wide linear range from 10% vol to 100% vol directly by "naked eye" with the help of UV-lamp (365 nm). This study not only offers a new method for on-the-spot visible detection of AS, but also provides a strategy for dual-responsive sensing mode by rational designing the optical properties of the Ln-ICP network and the guest, respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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.

Comparative development of knowledge-based bioeconomy in the European Union and Turkey.

PubMed

Celikkanat Ozan, Didem; Baran, Yusuf

2014-09-01

Biotechnology, defined as the technological application that uses biological systems and living organisms, or their derivatives, to create or modify diverse products or processes, is widely used for healthcare, agricultural and environmental applications. The continuity in industrial applications of biotechnology enables the rise and development of the bioeconomy concept. Bioeconomy, including all applications of biotechnology, is defined as translation of knowledge received from life sciences into new, sustainable, environment friendly and competitive products. With the advanced research and eco-efficient processes in the scope of bioeconomy, more healthy and sustainable life is promised. Knowledge-based bioeconomy with its economic, social and environmental potential has already been brought to the research agendas of European Union (EU) countries. The aim of this study is to summarize the development of knowledge-based bioeconomy in EU countries and to evaluate Turkey's current situation compared to them. EU-funded biotechnology research projects under FP6 and FP7 and nationally-funded biotechnology projects under The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) Academic Research Funding Program Directorate (ARDEB) and Technology and Innovation Funding Programs Directorate (TEYDEB) were examined. In the context of this study, the main research areas and subfields which have been funded, the budget spent and the number of projects funded since 2003 both nationally and EU-wide and the gaps and overlapping topics were analyzed. In consideration of the results, detailed suggestions for Turkey have been proposed. The research results are expected to be used as a roadmap for coordinating the stakeholders of bioeconomy and integrating Turkish Research Areas into European Research Areas.

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.

Measuring employment precariousness in the European Working Conditions Survey: the social distribution in Europe.

PubMed

Puig-Barrachina, Vanessa; Vanroelen, Christophe; Vives, Alejandra; Martínez, José Miguel; Muntaner, Carles; Levecque, Katia; Benach, Joan; Louckx, Fred

2014-01-01

Precarious employment is becoming an increasingly important social determinant of health inequalities among workers. The way in which contemporary employment arrangements and their health consequences are addressed in empirical research is mostly based on the contract-related or employment instability dimension. A broader conceptual approach including various important characteristics of the degrading of employment conditions and relations is needed. The general objective of this paper is to empirically test a new multidimensional construct for measuring precarious employment in an existing database. Special focus is on the social distribution of precarious employment. A subsample of 21,415 participants in the EU-27 from the Fourth European Working Conditions Survey-2005 was analysed. A cross-sectional study of the social distribution of precarious employment was conducted through the analysis of proportional differences according to gender, social class and credentials for the European Union as a whole and within each country. The 8 dimensions of the employment precariousness construct were represented by 11 indicators. In general, women, workers without supervisory authority, those with fewer credentials, and those living in Eastern and Southern European countries suffer the highest levels of precarious employment. Exceptionally, men, workers with supervisory authority and those with the highest credentials suffer the highest levels of long working hours, schedule unpredictability and uncompensated flexible working times. This article offers the first validation for an innovative multidimensional conceptualisation of employment precariousness applied to the analysis of existing survey data, showing the unequal distribution of precarious employment across the European labour force. This set of indicators can be useful for monitoring precarious employment.

Emergence and Outlook of Competence-Based Education in European Education Systems: An Overview

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tchibozo, Guy

2011-01-01

This contribution takes stock on the emergence of competence-based education in European Union (EU) countries. The article explains how economic constraints but also educational motives led educational policies and systems in the EU to shift to competence-based education. The related instructional frame and concepts are presented, as are the major…

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of multicolor tunable GdNbO4: Tb3+, Eu3+ phosphors based on energy transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lu; Yi, Shuangping; Hu, Xiaoxue; Liang, Boxin; Zhao, Weiren; Wang, Yinhai

2017-03-01

A color-tunable phosphor based on Tb3+/Eu3+ co-doped GdNbO4 were synthesized by a traditional solid-state reaction method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectra and decay curves were utilized to characterize the as-prepared phosphors. XRD result indicated that various concentrations Tb3+/Eu3+ single-doped and co-doped phosphors were well indexed to the pure GdNbO4 phase. The GdNbO4 host was proved to be a self-activated phosphor with broad absorption range from 200 nm to 325 nm. When Tb3+ ions were added into the host lattice, the energy transferring from host to Tb3+ was identified. And the broad absorption in the UV region was changed and enhanced. Therefore, we selected Tb3+ as the sensitizer ion, and adjusted red component from Eu3+ to control the emission color. The energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+ was confirmed based on the luminescence spectra and decay curves. Furthermore, the energy transmission mechanism was deduced to be the dipole-quadrupole interaction. On the whole, the obtained GdNbO4, GdNbO4:Tb3+, and GdNbO4:Tb3+, Eu3+ phosphors may have potential application in the UV white-light-emitting diodes (w-LEDs) and display devices.

Preferential Eu Site Occupation and Its Consequences in the Ternary Luminescent Halides AB 2 I 5 : Eu 2 + ( A = Li – Cs ; B = Sr , Ba)

DOE PAGES

Fang, C.  M.; Biswas, Koushik

2015-07-22

Several rare-earth-doped, heavy-metal halides have recently been identified as potential next-generation luminescent materials with high efficiency at low cost. AB 2I 5:Eu 2+ (A=Li–Cs; B=Sr, Ba) is one such family of halides. Its members, such as CsBa 2I 5:Eu 2+ and KSr 2I 5:Eu 2+, are currently being investigated as high-performance scintillators with improved sensitivity, light yield, and energy resolution less than 3% at 662 keV. Within the AB 2I 5 family, our first-principles-based calculations reveal two remarkably different trends in Eu site occupation. The substitutional Eu ions occupy both eightfold-coordinated B1(VIII) and the sevenfold-coordinated B2(VII) sites in the Sr-containingmore » compounds. However, in the Ba-containing crystals, Eu ions strongly prefer the B2(VII)sites. This random versus preferential distribution of Eu affects their electronic properties. The calculations also suggest that in the Ba-containing compounds one can expect the formation of Eu-rich domains. These results provide atomistic insight into recent experimental observations about the concentration and temperature effects in Eu-doped CsBa 2I 5. We discuss the implications of our results with respect to luminescent properties and applications. We also hypothesize Sr, Ba-mixed quaternary iodides ABa VIIISr VIII 5:Eu as scintillators having enhanced homogeneity and electronic properties.« less

Low-temperature solvothermal synthesis of EuS hollow microspheres

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

Peng, Yong; Wang, Hong; Li, Peng

2014-09-15

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of EuS hollow microspheres at low-temperature via solvothermal method for the first time. - Highlights: • We adopt an improved method to synthesise the (Phen)Eu(Et{sub 2}CNS{sub 2}){sub 3} in deionized water. • We have successfully synthesised the EuS hollow microsphere at 230 °C in acetonitrile. • The price of acetonitrile is more inexpensive, so the price of preparation was reduced. - Abstract: EuS crystals are synthesized by low-temperature solvothermal decomposition of the single source precursor complex (Phen)Eu(Et{sub 2}CNS{sub 2}){sub 3} in acetonitrile. X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, granulocyte diameter statistical analysis, surface energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis,more » and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy are used to characterize the structure and properties of the obtained EuS crystals. The results show that the formed EuS crystals are uniform hollow microspheres with a typical cubic phase structure of rock salt and the average particle size of 2.01 μm. The mechanisms for the thermal decomposition of the precursor complex and the formation of the EuS hollow microspheres are postulated based on the experimental observations and previous reports.« less

Origin and Luminescence of Anomalous Red-Emitting Center in Rhombohedral Ba9Lu2Si6O24:Eu(2+) Blue Phosphor.

PubMed

Liu, Yongfu; Zhang, Changhua; Cheng, Zhixuan; Zhou, Zhi; Jiang, Jun; Jiang, Haochuan

2016-09-06

We obtain a blue phosphor, Ba9Lu2Si6O24:Eu(2+) (BLS:Eu(2+)), which shows a strong emission peak at 460 nm and a weak tail from 460 to 750 nm. A 610 nm red emission is observed for the first time in this kind of rhombohedral structure material, which is much different from the same crystal structure of Ba9Sc2Si6O24:Eu(2+) and Ba9Y2Si6O24:Eu(2+). The luminescence properties and decays from 10 to 550 K are discussed. The new red emission arises from a trapped exciton state of Eu(2+) at the Ba site with a larger coordination number (12-fold). It exhibits abnormal luminescence properties with a broad bandwidth and a large Stokes shift. Under the 400 nm excitation, the external quantum efficiency of BLS:Eu(2+) is 45.4%, which is higher than the 35.7% for the commercial blue phosphor BAM:Eu(2+). If the thermal stability of BLS:Eu(2+) can be improved, it will show promising applications in efficient near-UV-based white LEDs.

Prevalence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in the European Union.

PubMed

Willey, Cynthia J; Blais, Jaime D; Hall, Anthony K; Krasa, Holly B; Makin, Andrew J; Czerwiec, Frank S

2017-08-01

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease, but estimates of its prevalence vary by >10-fold. The objective of this study was to examine the public health impact of ADPKD in the European Union (EU) by estimating minimum prevalence (point prevalence of known cases) and screening prevalence (minimum prevalence plus cases expected after population-based screening). A review of the epidemiology literature from January 1980 to February 2015 identified population-based studies that met criteria for methodological quality. These examined large German and British populations, providing direct estimates of minimum prevalence and screening prevalence. In a second approach, patients from the 2012 European Renal Association‒European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry and literature-based inflation factors that adjust for disease severity and screening yield were used to estimate prevalence across 19 EU countries (N = 407 million). Population-based studies yielded minimum prevalences of 2.41 and 3.89/10 000, respectively, and corresponding estimates of screening prevalences of 3.3 and 4.6/10 000. A close correspondence existed between estimates in countries where both direct and registry-derived methods were compared, which supports the validity of the registry-based approach. Using the registry-derived method, the minimum prevalence was 3.29/10 000 (95% confidence interval 3.27-3.30), and if ADPKD screening was implemented in all countries, the expected prevalence was 3.96/10 000 (3.94-3.98). ERA-EDTA-based prevalence estimates and application of a uniform definition of prevalence to population-based studies consistently indicate that the ADPKD point prevalence is <5/10 000, the threshold for rare disease in the EU. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA.

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.

Fabrication, structure, and properties of Fe3O4@C encapsulated with YVO4:Eu3+ composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Jianhui; Tong, Lizhu; Liu, Deming; Yang, Hua

2012-03-01

The use of carbon shells offers many advantages in surface coating or surface modification due to their surface with activated carboxyl and carbonyl groups. In this study, the Fe3O4@C@YVO4:Eu3+ composites were prepared through a simple sol-gel process. Reactive carbon interlayer was introduced as a key component, which separates lanthanide-based luminescent component from the magnetite, more importantly, it effectively prevent oxidation of the Fe3O4 core during the whole preparation process. The morphology, structure, magnetic, and luminescent properties of the composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectra, VSM, and photoluminescent spectrophotometer. As a result, the Fe3O4@C/YVO4:Eu3+ composites with well-crystallized and core-shell structure were prepared and the YVO4:Eu3+ luminescent layer decorating the Fe3O4@C core-shell microspheres are about 10 nm. In addition, the Fe3O4@C@YVO4:Eu3+ composites have the excellent magnetic and luminescent properties, which allow them great potential for bioapplications such as magnetic bioseparation, magnetic resonance imaging, and drug/gene delivery.

Tuberculosis among migrant populations in the European Union and the European Economic Area.

PubMed

Odone, Anna; Tillmann, Taavi; Sandgren, Andreas; Williams, Gemma; Rechel, Bernd; Ingleby, David; Noori, Teymur; Mladovsky, Philipa; McKee, Martin

2015-06-01

Although tuberculosis (TB) incidence has been decreasing in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) in the last decades, specific subgroups of the population, such as migrants, remain at high risk of TB. This study is based on the report 'Key Infectious Diseases in Migrant Populations in the EU/EEA' commissioned by The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. We collected, critically appraised and summarized the available evidence on the TB burden in migrants in the EU/EEA. Data were collected through: (i) a comprehensive literature review; (ii) analysis of data from The European Surveillance System (TESSy) and (iii) evidence provided by TB experts during an infectious disease workshop in 2012. In 2010, of the 73,996 TB cases notified in the EU/EEA, 25% were of foreign origin. The overall decrease of TB cases observed in recent years has not been reflected in migrant populations. Foreign-born people with TB exhibit different socioeconomic and clinical characteristics than native sufferers. This is one of the first studies to use multiple data sources, including the largest available European database on infectious disease notifications, to assess the burden and provide a comprehensive description and analysis of specific TB features in migrants in the EU/EEA. Strengthened information about health determinants and factors for migrants' vulnerability is needed to plan, implement and evaluate targeted TB care and control interventions for migrants in the EU/EEA. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association.

Recoilless fractions calculated with the nearest-neighbour interaction model by Kagan and Maslow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kemerink, G. J.; Pleiter, F.

1986-08-01

The recoilless fraction is calculated for a number of Mössbauer atoms that are natural constituents of HfC, TaC, NdSb, FeO, NiO, EuO, EuS, EuSe, EuTe, SnTe, PbTe and CsF. The calculations are based on a model developed by Kagan and Maslow for binary compounds with rocksalt structure. With the exception of SnTe and, to a lesser extent, PbTe, the results are in reasonable agreement with the available experimental data and values derived from other models.

Environmental costs and renewable energy: re-visiting the Environmental Kuznets Curve.

PubMed

López-Menéndez, Ana Jesús; Pérez, Rigoberto; Moreno, Blanca

2014-12-01

The environmental costs of economic development have received increasing attention during the last years. According to the World Energy Outlook (2013) sustainable energy policies should be promoted in order to spur economic growth and environmental protection in a global context, particularly in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Within this framework, the European Union aims to achieve the "20-20-20" targets, including a 20% reduction in EU greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels, a raise in the share of EU energy consumption produced from renewable resources to 20% and a 20% improvement in the EU's energy efficiency. Furthermore, the EU "Energy Roadmap 2050" has been recently adopted as a basis for developing a long-term European energy framework, fighting against climate change through the implementation of energy efficiency measures and the reduction of emissions. This paper focuses on the European context and attempts to explain the impact of economic growth on CO2 emissions through the estimation of an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) using panel data. Moreover, since energy seems to be at the heart of the environmental problem it should also form the core of the solution, and therefore we provide some extensions of the EKC by including renewable energy sources as explanatory variables in the proposed models. Our data sets are referred to the 27 countries of the European Union during the period 1996-2010. With this information, our empirical results provide some interesting evidence about the significant impacts of renewable energies on CO2 emissions, suggesting the existence of an extended EKC. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Technology and optical characterization of luminophore coordination compounds Eu(o-MBA)3Phen and NC PEPC/Eu(o-MBA)3Phen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bordian, Olga; Verlan, Victor; Culeac, Ion; Iovu, Mihail; Zubareva, Vera

2016-12-01

Were obtained a new nanocomposite (NC) based on poly N-epoxy prolyl carbazol (PEPC) and the coordination compound luminophore Eu(o-MBA)3Phen, where o-MBA is o- methylbenzoic acid and Phen - phenanthroline. Nanocrystals of Eu(o-MBA)3Phen with the dimensions 50 nm were uniformly incorporated into the PEPC polymer matrix with various concentrations. The absorption spectra of coordination compounds and thin layers of NC PEPC/Eu(o-MBA)3Phen revealed 1 intensive absorption bands at 2.02 eV. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed an intense red luminescence at 578 - 699 nm, which is assigned to the transitions 4D0->7Fi (i= 0,1,2 3 4) in the 4f-shell of the Eu3+ ion.

Travelling home for treatment and EU patients' rights to care abroad: results of a survey among German students at Maastricht University.

PubMed

Glinos, Irene A; Doering, Nora; Maarse, Hans

2012-04-01

Empirical evidence on patient mobility in Europe is lacking despite widespread legal, policy and media attention which the phenomenon attracts. This paper presents quantitative data on the health care seeking behaviour of German students at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. A cross-sectional survey design was applied with a mixed-methods approach including open and closed questions. Questionnaire items were based on a theoretical model of patient mobility and input from focus group discussions with German students living in Maastricht. 235 valid surveys were completed, representing ca. 8% of the target population. Data collection took place in Oct-Dec 2010. Of respondents who received medical care over the last two years, 97% returned to Germany; of these, 76% travelled to their home city for medical treatment. 72% received care only in Germany, i.e. not even once in Maastricht. Distance partly influenced whether students travelled to Germany, returned home or stayed in Maastricht, and the type of care accessed. Key motivations were familiarity with home providers/system, and reimbursement issues. In the context of the new EU Directive on patients' rights, the findings call into question whether Europeans use entitlements to cross-border care and what the real potential of patient mobility is. The results demonstrate the existence and magnitude of return movements as a sub-group of patient mobility. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Public health implications of differences in U.S. and European Union regulatory policies for breast implants.

PubMed

Zuckerman, Diana; Booker, Nyedra; Nagda, Sonia

2012-12-01

The recall of tens of thousands of defective breast implants in Europe in 2011-12 as well as new data on risks have raised questions about regulatory standards for these and other medical implants in the United States (U.S.) and European Union (EU). In the U.S., breast implants are regulated as high-risk medical devices that must be proven reasonably safe and effective in clinical trials and subject to government inspection before they can be sold. In contrast, clinical trials and inspections have not been required for breast implants or other implanted devices in the EU; approval is based on other information. As a result of these differing standards, the PIP breast implants that were recalled across Europe had been removed from the market years earlier in the U.S. than in the EU, a decision U.S. government health agencies can point to with pride. Nevertheless, the FDA track record on post-marketing breast implant research indicates poorly implemented studies and little meaningful enforcement to ensure that studies have been conducted correctly or findings reported accurately or acted upon. In sum, neither the EU nor the US has used their regulatory authority to ensure the long-term safety of breast implants. However, in 2012 the EU announced regulatory changes that could improve that situation. Copyright © 2012 Reproductive Health Matters. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of Eu3+ activated monoclinic, perovskite, and garnet compounds in the Gd2O3-Al2O3 phase diagram as efficient red-emitting phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jinkai; Li, Ji-Guang; Li, Jing; Liu, Shaohong; Li, Xiaodong; Sun, Xudong; Sakka, Yoshio

2013-10-01

Eu3+ doped Gd4Al2O9 (GdAM), GdAlO3 (GdAP), and Gd3Al5O12 (GdAG, containing 10 at% of Lu3+ for lattice stabilization) have been developed in this work as efficient red-emitting phosphors. With coprecipitated carbonate precursors, phase evolution studies found minimum processing temperatures of ~1000, 1100, and 1300 °C for the three phosphors to crystallize as pure phases, respectively. Compared with their yttrium aluminate counterparts, the gadolinium-based phosphors exhibit red-shifted O2--Eu3+ charge transfer excitation band (CTB) centers due to the lower electronegativity of Gd3+ and appreciably higher quantum yields of photoluminescence owing to the occurrence of efficient Gd3+→Eu3+energy transfer. The optimal Eu3+ contents were determined to be ~7.5 at% for GdAM and 5.0 at% for both GdAP and GdAG, and concentration quenching of luminescence was suggested to be due to exchange interactions. Fluorescence decay analysis found a shorter lifetime for the phosphor powder processed at a higher temperature or with a higher Eu3+ content, and the underlying mechanism was discussed. Fluorescence lifetimes were also compared between the yttrium and gadolinium phosphor systems for the dominant emissions.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopic Study on Eu 2+ and Sr 2+ Using Liquid Metal Cathodes in Molten Chlorides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsumiya, Masahiko; Takagi, Ryuzo

2000-08-01

For the pyrochemical reprocessing of spent metallic nuclear fuels in molten salt baths it is important to investigate the behavior of the electrochemically negative elements Eu and Sr, which are significant fission products. Voltammetric and chronopotentiometric studies have shown that the reduction of Eu 2+ and Sr 2+ on liquid Pb cathodes in molten chloride baths at 1073 K follows the alloy formation reaction: Eu 2+ + 2e- + 3Pb → EuPb 3 and Sr 2+ + 2e- + 3Pb → SrPb 3 . In the present work these alloy formation reactions were studiedby electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Analysis of the spectra showed that the electronic exchange of Eu 2+ /Eu and Sr 2+ /Sr is quasi-re-versible. Moreover, the experimental results allowed the determination of the kinetic parameters of EU 2+ /EU and Sr 2+ /Sr, the diffusion coefficients of these species in molten chloride baths, and also the diffusion layer thickness.

Europium gallium garnet (Eu3Ga5O12) and Eu3GaO6: Synthesis and material properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawada, Kenji; Nakamura, Toshihiro; Adachi, Sadao

2016-10-01

Eu-Ga-O ternary compounds were synthesized from a mixture of cubic (c-) Eu2O3 and monoclinic Ga2O3 (β-Ga2O3) raw powders using the solid-state reaction method by calcination at Tc = 1200 °C. The structural and optical properties of the Eu-Ga-O ternary compounds were investigated using X-ray diffraction analysis, photoluminescence (PL) analysis, PL excitation (PLE) spectroscopy, and Raman scattering measurements. Stoichiometric compounds such as cubic Eu3Ga5O12 (EGG) and orthorhombic Eu3GaO6 were synthesized using molar ratios of x = 0.375 and 0.75 [x≡Eu2O3/(Eu2O3 + Ga2O3)], respectively, together with the end-point binary compounds β-Ga2O3 (x = 0) and monoclinic (m-) Eu2O3 (x = 1.0). The structural change from "cubic" to "monoclinic" in Eu2O3 is due to the structural phase transition occurring at Tc ≥ 1050 °C. In principle, the perovskite-type EuGaO3 and monoclinic Eu4Ga2O9 can also be synthesized at x = 0.5 and 0.667, respectively; however, such stoichiometric compounds could not be synthesized in this study. The PL and PLE properties of EGG and Eu3GaO6 were studied in detail. The temperature dependence of the PL spectra was observed through measurements carried out between T = 20 and 300 K and explained using a newly developed model. Raman scattering measurements were also performed on the Eu-Ga-O ternary systems over the entire composition range from x = 0 (β-Ga2O3) to 1.0 (m-Eu2O3).

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

Li, Maoying; Zhang, Zhenyi; Cao, Tieping

Graphical abstract: Nanofibers and nanoribbons of poly (methyl methacrylate)/Eu{sup 3+} ions composites were successfully prepared by using a simple electrospinning technique. And the photoluminescence properties of the above PMMA/Eu{sup 3+} ions composites were studied. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nanofibers and nanoribbons of PMMA/Eu{sup 3+} ions composites are fabricated by electrospinning. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Photoluminescence properties of as-electrospun PMMA/Eu{sup 3+} ions composites are studied. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The ratios of electric- and magnetic-dipole transitions are enhanced by increasing electrospinning voltage. -- Abstract: Nanofibers and nanoribbons of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/Eu{sup 3+} ions composites with different concentration of Eu{sup 3+} ions were successfully prepared by using a simplemore » electrospinning technique. From the results of scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we found that the morphology of the as-electrospun PMMA/Eu{sup 3+} ions composites could be changed from fiber to ribbon structure by adjusting the concentration of Eu{sup 3+} ions in the electrospun precursor solution. The coordination between the Eu{sup 3+} ions and PMMA molecules were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of the as-electrospun PMMA/Eu{sup 3+} ions composites were studied in comparison to those of the Eu(NO{sub 3}){sub 3} powder. It was showed that the {sup 5}D{sub 0}-{sup 7}F{sub J} (J = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) emission appeared in the PL spectra of the as-electrospun PMMA/Eu{sup 3+} ions composites, whereas the {sup 5}D{sub 0}-{sup 7}F{sub 0} emission was completely absent in the PL spectra of Eu(NO{sub 3}){sub 3} powder due to the different local environments surrounding Eu{sup 3+} ions. It was interesting to note that the intensity ratios of the electric-dipole and magnetic-dipole transitions for the PMMA/Eu{sup 3+} ions composites could be enhanced significantly by increasing electrospinning voltage.« less

Chemiluminescent Diagnostics of Free-Radical Processes in an Abiotic System and in Liver Cells in the Presence of Nanoparticles Based on Rare-Earth Elements nReVO4:Eu3+ (Re = Gd, Y, La) and CeO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Averchenko, E. A.; Kavok, N. S.; Klochkov, V. K.; Malyukin, Yu. V.

2014-11-01

We have used luminol-dependent chemiluminescence with Fenton's reagent to study the effect of nanoparticles based on rare-earth elements of different sizes and shapes on free-radical processes in abiotic and biotic cell-free systems, and also in isolated cells in vitro. We have estimated the effects of rare-earth orthovanadate nanoparticles of spherical (GdYVO4:Eu3+, 1-2 nm), spindle-shaped (GdVO4:Eu3+, 25 ×8 nm), and rod-shaped (LaVO4:Eu3+, 57 × (6-8) nm) nanoparticles and spherical CeO2 nanoparticles (sizes 1-2 nm and 8-10 nm). We have shown that in contrast to the abiotic system, in which all types of nanoparticles exhibit antiradical activity, in the presence of biological material, extra-small spherical (1-2 nm) nanoparticles of both types exhibit pro-oxidant activity, and also enhance pro-oxidant induced oxidative stress (for the pro-oxidants hydrogen peroxide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide). The effect of rare-earth orthovanadate spindle and rod shaped nanoparticles in this system was neutral; a moderate antioxidant effect was exhibited by 8-10 nm CeO2 nanoparticles.

Two-dimensional high spatial-resolution dosimeter using europium doped potassium chloride: a feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, H. Harold; Driewer, Joseph P.; Han, Zhaohui; Low, Daniel A.; Yang, Deshan; Xiao, Zhiyan

2014-04-01

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 the authors’ attempts to fabricate 2D KCl:Eu2+ storage phosphor films (SPFs) using both a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method and a tape casting method. 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 been completely 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 KCl's intrinsic high radiation hardness. Taken together, this work 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.

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

HIST-EU - a dataset of European relevance, a database to enable long-term climate variability studies on regional scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auer, I.; Böhm, R.; Ganekind, M.; Schöner, W.; Nemec, J.; Chimani, B.

2010-09-01

Instrumental time series of different climate elements are an important requisite for climate and climate impact studies. Long-term time series can improve our understanding of climate change during the instrumental period. During recent decades a number of national and international initiatives in European countries have significantly increased the number of existing long-term instrumental series; however a publically available data base covering Europe has not been created so far. For the "Greater Alpine Region" (4-19 deg E, 43-49 deg N, 0-3500m asl) the HISTALP data base has been established consisting of monthly homogenised temperature, pressure, precipitation, sunshine and cloudiness records. The data set may be described as follows: Long-term (fully exploiting the potential of systematically measured data). dense (network density adequate in respect to the spatial coherence of the given climate element) quality improved (outliers removed, gaps filled) homogenised (earlier sections adjusted to the recent state of the measuring site) multiple (covering more than one climate element) user friendly (well described and kept in different modes for different applications) HIST-EU is inteded to be a data set of European relevance allowing studying climate variability on regional scale. It focuses on data collection, data recovery and rescue, and homogenizing. HIST-EU will use the infrastructure of HISTALP (www.zamg.ac.at/histalp) and will allow free or restricted data access due to the regulations of data providers. HIST-EU will be carried out under the umbrella of ECSN/EUMETNET.

Derivation of effective fission gas diffusivities in UO2 from lower length scale simulations and implementation of fission gas diffusion models in BISON

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

Andersson, Anders David Ragnar; Pastore, Giovanni; Liu, Xiang-Yang

2014-11-07

This report summarizes the development of new fission gas diffusion models from lower length scale simulations and assessment of these models in terms of annealing experiments and fission gas release simulations using the BISON fuel performance code. Based on the mechanisms established from density functional theory (DFT) and empirical potential calculations, continuum models for diffusion of xenon (Xe) in UO 2 were derived for both intrinsic conditions and under irradiation. The importance of the large X eU3O cluster (a Xe atom in a uranium + oxygen vacancy trap site with two bound uranium vacancies) is emphasized, which is a consequencemore » of its high mobility and stability. These models were implemented in the MARMOT phase field code, which is used to calculate effective Xe diffusivities for various irradiation conditions. The effective diffusivities were used in BISON to calculate fission gas release for a number of test cases. The results are assessed against experimental data and future directions for research are outlined based on the conclusions.« less

Near-infrared luminescence from Y2O3:Eu3+, Yb3+ prepared by sol-gel method.

PubMed

Xie, Ying; Xiao, Lin J; Yan, Feng Q; Chen, Yong J; Li, Wen Z; Geng, Xiu J

2014-06-01

Eu3+ and Yb3+ codoped Y2O3 phosphors were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The phosphors possess absorption in the region of 300-550 nm, exhibiting an intense NIR emission of Yb3+ around 1000 nm, which is suitable for matching the maximum spectral response of c-Si solar cells. The optimum composition of Eu3+ and Yb3+ codoped Y2O3 was (Y1.94Yb0.04Eu0.02)2O3. It is observed that two-step energy transfer occurs from the 5D2 level of Eu3+ situated around (466 nm) exciting two neighboring Yb3+ ions to the 2F5/2 level (1000 nm). The down-conversion material based on Eu(3+)- Yb3+ couple may have great potential applications in c-Si solar cells to enhance their photovoltaic conversion efficiency via spectral modification.

A neutron scintillator based on transparent nanocrystalline CaF{sub 2}:Eu glass ceramic

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

Struebing, Christian; Kang, Zhitao, E-mail: zhitao.kang@gtri.gatech.edu; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332

2016-04-11

There are no efficient Eu{sup 2+} doped glass neutron scintillators reported due to low doping concentrations of Eu{sup 2+} and the amorphous nature of the glass matrix. In this work, an efficient CaF{sub 2}:Eu glass ceramic neutron scintillator was prepared by forming CaF{sub 2}:Eu nanocrystals in a {sup 6}Li-containing glass matrix. Through appropriate thermal treatments, the scintillation light yield of the transparent glass ceramic was increased by a factor of at least 46 compared to the as-cast amorphous glass. This improvement was attributed to more efficient energy transfer from the CaF{sub 2} crystals to the Eu{sup 2+} emitting centers. Furthermore » light yield improvement is expected if the refractive index of the glass matrix can be matched to the CaF{sub 2} crystal.« less

Pressure-induced valence change and moderate heavy fermion state in Eu-compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honda, Fuminori; Okauchi, Keigo; Sato, Yoshiki; Nakamura, Ai; Akamine, Hiromu; Ashitomi, Yosuke; Hedo, Masato; Nakama, Takao; Takeuchi, Tetsuya; Valenta, Jaroslav; Prchal, Jiri; Sechovský, Vladimir; Aoki, Dai; Ōnuki, Yoshichika

2018-05-01

A pressure-induced valence transition has attracted much attention in Eu-compounds. Among them, EuRh2Si2, EuNi2Ge2, and EuCo2Ge2 reveal the valence transition around 1, 2, and 3 GPa, respectively. We have succeeded in growing single crystals of EuT2X2 (T: transition metal, X: Si, Ge) and studied electronic properties under pressure. EuRh2Si2 indicates a first-order valence transition between 1 and 2 GPa, with a large and prominent hysteresis in the electrical resistivity. At higher pressures, the first-order valence transition changes to a cross-over regime with an intermediate valence state. Tuning of the valence state with pressure is reflected in a drastic change of the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity in EuRh2Si2 single crystals. Effect of pressure on the valence states on EuRh2Si2, EuIr2Si2, EuNi2Ge2, and EuCo2Ge2, as well as an isostructural related compound EuGa4, are reviewed.

Implementation of Inquiry-Based Science Education in Different Countries: Some Reflections

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rundgren, Carl-Johan

2018-01-01

In this forum article, I reflect on issues related to the implementation of inquiry-based science education (IBSE) in different countries. Regarding education within the European Union (EU), the Bologna system has in later years provided extended coordination and comparability at an organizational level. However, the possibility of the EU to…

Evidence based policy making in the European Union: the role of the scientific community.

PubMed

Majcen, Špela

2017-03-01

In the times when the acquis of the European Union (EU) has developed so far as to reach a high level of technical complexity, in particular in certain policy fields such as environmental legislation, it is important to look at what kind of information and data policy decisions are based on. This position paper looks at the extent to which evidence-based decision-making process is being considered in the EU institutions when it comes to adopting legislation in the field of environment at the EU level. The paper calls for closer collaboration between scientists and decision-makers in view of ensuring that correct data is understood and taken into consideration when drafting, amending, negotiating and adopting new legal texts at all levels of the EU decision-making process. It concludes that better awareness of the need for such collaboration among the decision-makers as well as the scientific community would benefit the process and quality of the final outcomes (legislation).

Tunable Luminescence in Sr2MgSi2O7:Tb3+, Eu3+Phosphors Based on Energy Transfer

PubMed Central

Li, Minhong; Wang, Lili; Ran, Weiguang; Deng, Zhihan; Shi, Jinsheng; Ren, Chunyan

2017-01-01

A series of Tb3+, Eu3+-doped Sr2MgSi2O7 (SMSO) phosphors were synthesized by high temperature solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, Rietveld refinement, photoluminescence spectra (PL), and luminescence decay curves were utilized to characterize each sample’s properties. Intense green emission due to Tb3+ 5D4→7F5 transition was observed in the Tb3+ single-doped SMSO sample, and the corresponding concentration quenching mechanism was demonstrated to be a diople-diople interaction. A wide overlap between Tb3+ emission and Eu3+ excitationspectraresults in energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+. This has been demonstrated by the emission spectra and decay curves of Tb3+ in SMSO:Tb3+, Eu3+ phosphors. Energy transfer mechanism was determined to be a quadrupole-quadrupole interaction. And critical distance of energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+ ions is calculated to be 6.7 Å on the basis of concentration quenching method. Moreover, white light emission was generated via adjusting concentration ratio of Tb3+ and Eu3+ in SMSO:Tb3+, Eu3+ phosphors. All the results indicate that SMSO:Tb3+, Eu3+ is a promising single-component white light emitting phosphor. PMID:28772587

Preparation, characterization and application of EVA film containing Eu3+ complex with 1-tridecanecarboxylic acid ligand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Jin; Lin, Baoping

2017-11-01

In this study, on the basis of complex Eu(DBM)3Phen which was widely applied in polymer matrices, quaternary complex Eu(DBM)2Phen(TA) was synthesized by the introduction of 1-tridecanecarboxylic acid (TA). XRD analyses show that Eu(DBM)2Phen(TA) inclines to amorphization compared with Eu(DBM)3Phen which is crystal. Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) film doped with Eu(DBM)2Phen(TA) was prepared by casting method. SEM and AFM analyses show that the compatibility of Eu(DBM)2Phen(TA) with EVA is better than that of Eu(DBM)3Phen with EVA. Under the same addition amount of Eu3+ complexes, visible light transmittance of Eu(DBM)2Phen(TA)/EVA film is obviously greater than that of Eu(DBM)3Phen/EVA film, and the fluorescence intensity of Eu(DBM)2Phen(TA)/EVA film is only slightly lower than that of Eu(DBM)3Phen/EVA film. With the optimum addition amount of Eu3+ complexes, the energy conversion efficiency of the polycrystalline silicon solar cell coated with Eu(DBM)2Phen(TA)/EVA film is improved to 12.14%, and in comparison, that of the solar cell coated with Eu(DBM)3Phen/EVA film is only 11.98%. Hence Eu(DBM)2Phen(TA)/EVA film has a potential prospect as luminescent down-shifting material.

Regulation of non-relevant metabolites of plant protection products in drinking and groundwater in the EU: Current status and way forward.

PubMed

Laabs, V; Leake, C; Botham, P; Melching-Kollmuß, S

2015-10-01

Non-relevant metabolites are defined in the EU regulation for plant protection product authorization and a detailed definition of non-relevant metabolites is given in an EU Commission DG Sanco (now DG SANTE - Health and Food Safety) guidance document. However, in water legislation at EU and member state level non-relevant metabolites of pesticides are either not specifically regulated or diverse threshold values are applied. Based on their inherent properties, non-relevant metabolites should be regulated based on substance-specific and toxicity-based limit values in drinking and groundwater like other anthropogenic chemicals. Yet, if a general limit value for non-relevant metabolites in drinking and groundwater is favored, an application of a Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) concept for Cramer class III compounds leads to a threshold value of 4.5 μg L(-1). This general value is exemplarily shown to be protective for non-relevant metabolites, based on individual drinking water limit values derived for a set of 56 non-relevant metabolites. A consistent definition of non-relevant metabolites of plant protection products, as well as their uniform regulation in drinking and groundwater in the EU, is important to achieve legal clarity for all stakeholders and to establish planning security for development of plant protection products for the European market. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Scientific evaluation of an intra-curricular educational kit to foster inquiry-based learning (IBL)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Debaes, Nathalie; Cords, Nina; Prasad, Amrita; Fischer, Robert; Euler, Manfred; Thienpont, Hugo

2014-07-01

Society becomes increasingly dependent on photonics technologies; however there is an alarming lack of technological awareness among secondary school students. They associate photonics with experiments and components in the class room that seem to bear little relevance to their daily life. The Rocard Report [5] highlights the need for fostering students' scientific skills and technological awareness and identifies inquiry based learning (IBL) as a means to achieve this. Students need to actively do science rather than be silent spectators. The `Photonics Explorer' kit was developed as an EU funded project to equip teachers, free-of-charge, with educational material designed to excite, engage and educate European secondary school students using guided inquiry based learning techniques. Students put together their own experiments using up-to-date versatile components, critically interpret results and relate the conclusions to relevant applications in their daily life. They work hands-on with the material, thus developing and honing their scientific and analytical skills that are otherwise latent in a typical class room situation. A qualitative and quantitative study of the impact of the kit in the classroom was undertaken with 50 kits tested in 7 EU countries with over 1500 students in the local language. This paper reports on the results of the EU wide field tests that show the positive impact of the kit in raising the self-efficacy, scientific skills and interest in science among students and the effectiveness of the kit in implementing IBL strategies in classrooms across EU.

Internal heat gain from different light sources in the building lighting systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suszanowicz, Dariusz

2017-10-01

EU directives and the Construction Law have for some time required investors to report the energy consumption of buildings, and this has indeed caused low energy consumption buildings to proliferate. Of particular interest, internal heat gains from installed lighting affect the final energy consumption for heating of both public and residential buildings. This article presents the results of analyses of the electricity consumption and the luminous flux and the heat flux emitted by different types of light sources used in buildings. Incandescent light, halogen, compact fluorescent bulbs, and LED bulbs from various manufacturers were individually placed in a closed and isolated chamber, and the parameters for their functioning under identical conditions were recorded. The heat flux emitted by 1 W nominal power of each light source was determined. Based on the study results, the empirical coefficients of heat emission and energy efficiency ratios for different types of lighting sources (dependent lamp power and the light output) were designated. In the heat balance of the building, the designated rates allow for precise determination of the internal heat gains coming from lighting systems using various light sources and also enable optimization of lighting systems of buildings that are used in different ways.

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.

Sorption and complexation of Eu(III) on alumina: effects of pH, ionic strength, humic acid and chelating resin on kinetic dissociation study.

PubMed

Wang, X; Xu, D; Chen, L; Tan, X; Zhou, X; Ren, A; Chen, Ch

2006-04-01

The effects of pH (pH=2-12), ionic strength (0.01-2 mol/l NaNO(3)) and humic acid on the sorption and complexation of Eu(III) on alumina were investigated by using batch techniques. The experiments were carried out at room temperature and under ambient conditions. The results indicate that the sorption of Eu(III) on alumina is strongly influenced by humic acid. The sorption of Eu(III) on alumina is significantly dependent on pH values and independent of ionic strength. The sorption of Eu(III) on alumina may be attributed to surface complexation. The species of Eu(III) on HA-alumina colloids is dominated by both HA and alumina, and the addition sequences of HA or Eu(III) to the ternary system do not influence the sorption of Eu(III) to HA-coated alumina. Kinetic dissociation of Eu(III) from bare and HA-coated alumina was also studied by using the chelating resin. The result was discussed by a pseudo-first-order kinetics model.

[Assessment of modern radioecological situation at nuclear explosion "Chagan" (Balapan Site, Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, Kazakhstan)].

PubMed

Evseeva, T I; Maĭstrenko, T A; Geras'kin, S A; Belykh, E S; Umarov, M A; Sergeeva, I Iu; Sergeev, V Iu

2008-01-01

Results on estimation of modern radioecological situation at nuclear explosion "Chagan" based on large-scale cartographic studies (1:25000) of a test area (4 km2) are presented. Maximum gamma-irradiation doses were observed at bulk of ground surrounded a crater and at radioactive fall-outs extended to the North-East and to the SouthWest from the crater. Based on data on artificial radionuclide specific activity most part of soil samples were attributed to radioactive wastes according to IAEA (1996) and OSPORB (1999). Natural decrease of soil radioactivity up to safety level due to 60Co, 137Cs, 90Sr, 152Eu, 154Eu radioactive decay and 241Am accumulation-decay will not take place within the next 60 years at the studied area.

Photoluminescence Properties of Red-Emitting Ca3Sr3-x(PO4)4:xEu3+ Phosphors for White Light-Emitting Diodes.

PubMed

Hakeem, D A; Park, K

2015-07-01

The photoluminescent properties of the Eu(3+)-activated Ca3Sr3(PO4)4 phosphors prepared by a solution combustion method were investigated. The excitation spectra of Ca3Sr3-x(PO4)4:xEu3+ (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) phosphors under 614 nm wavelength showed a broad band centered at 266 nm along with other peaks at 320, 362, 381, 394, 414, 464, and 534 nm. The emission spectra observed in the range of 450 to 750 nm under excitation at 394 nm were ascribed to the 5D0-7F1-4 transitions of Eu3+ ions. The Ca3Sr3-x(PO4)4:xEu3+ phosphors showed the strongest red emission at 614 nm due to the electric dipole 5DO -->7F2 transition of Eu3+. The strongest emission intensity was obtained for the Eu3+ ions of x = 0.5. The prepared Ca3Sr3-x(PO4)4:xEu3+ can be used as an efficient red phosphor for UV-based white LEDs.

Antenna Effect on the Organic Spacer-Modified Eu-Doped Layered Gadolinium Hydroxide for the Detection of Vanadate Ions over a Wide pH Range.

PubMed

Jeong, Heejin; Lee, Byung-Il; Byeon, Song-Ho

2016-05-04

The excitation of the adsorbed vanadate group led to the red emission arising from the efficient energy transfer to Eu-doped layered gadolinium hydroxide (LGdH:Eu). This light-harvesting antenna effect allowed LGdH:Eu to detect selectively a vanadate in aqueous solution at different pHs. Because vanadate exists in various forms by extensive oligomerization and protonation reactions in aqueous solution depending on pH, it is important to detect a vanadate regardless of its form over a wide pH range. In particular, spacer molecules with long alkyl chains greatly facilitated access of a vanadate antenna into the interlayer surface of LGdH:Eu. The concomitant increase in adsorption capacity of LGdH:Eu achieved a strong antenna effect of vanadate on the red emission from Eu(3+). When a suspension containing LGdH:Eu nanosheets (1.0 g/L) was used, the vanadate concentration down to 1 × 10(-5) M could even be visually monitored, and the detection limit based on the (5)D0 → (7)F2 emission intensity could reach 4.5 × 10(-8) M.

Differences in the progress of the biopesticide revolution between the EU and other major crop-growing regions.

PubMed

Balog, Adalbert; Hartel, Tibor; Loxdale, Hugh D; Wilson, Kenneth

2017-11-01

The five-year value in the compound annual growth rate of the biopesticides sector is predicted to be 16% by 2017 and to produce a global market worth $US 10 billion. Despite this, several impediments occur within the EU that negatively affect biopesticide research and innovation. At present, there are fewer biopesticide-active substances registered in the EU compared with the United States, India, Brazil and China. The relatively low level of biopesticide research in the EU (6880 ISI papers) versus the United States (18 839), India (9501) and China (7875) relates to the greater complexity of EU-based biopesticide regulations compared with these other countries. In this light, it is worth noting that tensions may exist between regulators that emphasise the beneficial nature of biopesticides in environmentally friendly crop management and those that adopt a more technologically based approach dependent on a chemical-pesticide-driven model. Compared with the other aforementioned countries, far fewer biopesticide products are available in the EU market, mainly as a direct result of the severe regulatory factors present there. The extent to which this trend will continue depends largely on a range of interacting political and/or regulatory decisions that influence environmentally friendly agricultural industries. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synthesis, characterization and luminescence of europium perchlorate with MABA-Si complex and coating structure SiO2 @Eu(MABA-Si) luminescence nanoparticles.

PubMed

Fu, Zhi-Fang; Li, Wen-Xian; Bai, Juan; Bao, Jin-Rong; Cao, Xiao-Fang; Zheng, Yu-Shan

2017-05-01

This article reports a novel category of coating structure SiO 2 @Eu(MABA-Si) luminescence nanoparticles (NPs) consisting of a unique organic shell, composed of perchlorate europium(III) complex, and an inorganic core, composed of silica. The binary complex Eu(MABA-Si) 3 ·(ClO 4 ) 3 ·5H 2 O was synthesized using HOOCC 6 H 4 N(CONH(CH 2 ) 3 Si(OCH 2 CH 3 ) 3 ) 2 (MABA-Si) and was used as a ligand. Furthermore, the as-prepared silica NPs were successfully coated with the -Si(OCH 2 CH 3 ) 3 group of MABA-Si to form Si-O-Si chemical bonds by means of the hydrolyzation of MABA-Si. The binary complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity and coordination titration analysis. The results indicated that the composition of the binary complex was Eu(MABA-Si) 3 ·(ClO 4 ) 3 ·5H 2 O. Coating structure SiO 2 @Eu(MABA-Si) NPs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared (IR) spectra. Based on the SEM and TEM measurements, the diameter of core-SiO 2 particles was ~400 and 600 nm, and the thickness of the cladding layer Eu(MABA-Si) was ~20 nm. In the binary complex Eu(MABA-Si) 3 ·(ClO 4 ) 3 ·5H 2 O, the fluorescence spectra illustrated that the energy of the ligand MABA-Si transferred to the energy level for the excitation state of europium(III) ion. Coating structure SiO 2 @Eu(MABA-Si) NPs exhibited intense red luminescence compared with the binary complex. The fluorescence lifetime and fluorescence quantum efficiency of the binary complex and of the coating structure NPs were also calculated. The way in which the size of core-SiO 2 spheres influences the luminescence was also studied. Moreover, the luminescent mechanisms of the complex were studied and explained. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Highly selective luminescent sensing of picric acid based on a water-stable europium metal-organic framework

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

Xia, Tifeng; Zhu, Fengliang; Cui, Yuanjing, E-mail: cuiyj@zju.edu.cn

A water-stable metal-organic framework (MOF) EuNDC has been synthesized for selective detection of the well-known contaminant and toxicant picric acid (PA) in aqueous solution. Due to the photo-induced electron transfer and self-absorption mechanism, EuNDC displayed rapid, selective and sensitive detection of PA with a detection limit of 37.6 ppb. Recyclability experiments revealed that EuNDC retains its initial luminescent intensity and same quenching efficiency in each cycle, suggesting high photostability and reusability for long-term sensing applications. The excellent detection performance of EuNDC makes it a promising PA sensing material for practical applications. - Graphical abstract: A water-stable europium-based metal-organic framework hasmore » been reported for highly selective sensing of picric acid (PA) with a detection limit of 37.6 ppb in aqueous solution. - Highlights: • A water-stable metal-organic framework (MOF) EuNDC was synthesized. • The highly selective detection of picric acid with a detection limit of 37.6 ppb was realized. • The detection mechanism were also presented and discussed.« less

Optical spectroscopy of rare earth ion-doped TiO2 nanophosphors.

PubMed

Chen, Xueyuan; Luo, Wenqin

2010-03-01

Trivalent rare-earth (RE3+) ion-doped TiO2 nanophosphors belong to one kind of novel optical materials and have attracted increasing attention. The luminescence properties of different RE3+ ions in various TiO2 nanomaterials have been reviewed. Much attention is paid to our recent progresses on the luminescence properties of RE3+ (RE = Eu, Er, Sm, Nd) ions in anatase TiO2 nanoparticles prepared by a sol-gel-solvothermal method. Using Eu3+ as a sensitive optical probe, three significantly different luminescence centers of Eu3+ in TiO2 nanoparticles were detected by means of site-selective spectroscopy at 10 K. Based on the crystal-field (CF) splitting of Eu3+ at each site, C2v and D2 symmetries were proposed for Eu3+ incorporated at two lattice sites. A structural model for the formation of multiple sites was proposed based on the optical behaviors of Eu3+ at different sites. Similar multi-site luminescence was observed in Sm(3+)- or Nd(3+)-doped TiO2 nanoparticles. In Eu(3+)-doped TiO2 nanoparticles, only weak energy transfer from the TiO2 host to the Eu3+ ions was observed at 10 K due to the mismatch of energy between the TiO2 band-gap and the Eu3+ excited states. On the contrary, efficient host-sensitized luminescences were realized in Sm(3+)- or Nd(3+)-doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles due to the match of energy between TiO2 band-gap and the Sm3+ and Nd3+ excited states. The excitation spectra of both Sm(3+)- and Nd(3+)-doped samples exhibit a dominant broad peak centered at approximately 340 nm, which is associated with the band-gap of TiO2, indicating that sensitized emission is much more efficient than direct excitation of the Sm3+ and Nd3+ ions. Single lattice site emission of Er3+ in TiO2 nanocrystals can be achieved by modifying the experimental conditions. Upon excitation by a Ti: sapphire laser at 978 nm, intense green upconverted luminescence was observed. The characteristic emission of Er3+ ions was obtained both in the ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and near-infrared regions through the high-resolution experiments at 10 K. The CF experienced by Er3+ in TiO2 nanocrystal was systematically studied by means of the energy level fitting.

Luminescence and Site Occupancy of Eu2+ in Ba2 Ca(BO3)2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Pan-Lai; Wang, Zhi-Jun; Yang, Zhi-Ping; Guo, Qing-Lin

2011-01-01

A green phosphor Ba2Ca(BO3)2:Eu2+ was synthesized by a high temperature solid-state reaction method under a reductive atmosphere. The luminescence and site occupancy of Eu2+ in Ba2Ca(BO3)2 are investigated. Ba2Ca(BO3)2:Eu2+ shows one green band (537 nm) under 400 nm near ultraviolet excitation which is suitable for UV LED. Ca2+ and Ba2+ ions in Ba2Ca(BO3)2 are replaced by Eu2+ ions, the Ba2Ca(BO3)2:Eu2+ shows a dissymmetrical emission band. The influence of Eu2+ doping concentrations on the emission intensity of Ba2Ca(BO3)2:Eu2+ is studied. It is found that the emission intensity is influenced by the Eu2+ concentration and reaches the maximum value at 2% Eu2+. According to the Dexter theory, the concentration quenching mechanisms of Eu2+ in Ba2Ca(BO3)2 are the d-dinteraction.

Fano Resonance of Eu2+ and Eu3+ in (Eu,Gd)Te MBE Layers