Structural and spectroscopic characterization of a new series of BaREGeO (RE = Pr, Nd, Gd, and Dy) and BaGdEuGeO tetragermanates.

A new series of BaREGeO (RE = Pr, Nd, Gd, Dy) germanates and BaGdEuGeO (x = 0.1-0.8) solid solutions have been synthesized using the solid-state reaction technique and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction.

Luminescence and energy transfer mechanisms in photo-thermo-refractive glasses co-doped with silver molecular clusters and Eu.

Silver molecular clusters were synthesized in photo-thermo-refractive glasses using the Na+-Ag+ ion exchange technique followed by heat treatment. Comprehensive study of cluster emission reveals the presence of spectrally separated fluorescence and phosphorescence with nanosecond and microsecond lifetime. Co-doping of glasses with Eu3+ was shown to results in quenching of cluster luminescence caused by energy transfer.

Fluorescence enhancement of monodisperse carbon nanodots treated with aqueous ammonia and hydrogen peroxide.

The treatment of monodisperse carbon nanodots (MCNDs) with a combination of aqueous ammonia and hydrogen peroxide is found to result in a prominent enhancement of their fluorescence efficiency. Depending on the hydrogen peroxide concentration, an increase of the MCNDs quantum yield of up to seven-fold has been achieved. Considering the absence of prominent changes in fluorescence lifetime and fluorescence spectra upon the treatment it is suggested that the observed rise of fluorescence efficiency originates from additional formation of new isolated sp domains surrounded by defect sites.

Controllable spherical aggregation of monodisperse carbon nanodots.

Monodisperse carbon nanodots (MCNDs) having an identical composition, structure, shape and size possess identical chemical and physical properties, making them highly promising for various technical and medical applications. Herein, we report a facile and effective route to obtain monodisperse carbon nanodots 3.5 ± 0.

[The problems of individual respiratory protection in medical workers].

The paper discusses a problem of high occupational and occupation-induced overall morbidity in medical workers and shows that a discrepancy between the existing system for individual protection of the personnel and specific working conditions and hazardous factors is one of the causes. The authors have developed regional guidelines "Enhancing the efficiency of individual respiratory protection in the workers of health care facilities" which provide evidence-based guidelines for the usage of certified, ergonomically acceptable respiratory protective means at the health care facilities. The main task of medical recommendations is to change the established stereotype in using lowly effective gauze bandages and surgical protective facial masks as respiratory protective means at the therapeutic-and-prophylactic institutions for the personnel.