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Under contract with the IAEA, the epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri was collected to prepare a multielement lichen reference material for quality assurance of environmental studies. An intercomparison run on trace and minor elements in this candidate research material (IAEA-336) was organized in which six analytical groups of the National Institute of Engineering and Industrial Technology (INETI) took part. INAA, PIXE, XRF, AAS, and ICP-ES were applied. The results obtained by different methods are compared, and their complementarity is discussed. As a quality control, the IAEA cabbage research material (IAEA-359) was analyzed. The results agree quite well with the estimated values given by the IAEA.

The epiphytic lichen Parmelia sulcata was collected in the neighborhood of a Portuguese coal-fired power station (Sines coal power station) as monitor for heavy metal air pollution. A study of the metal contents variability along 1991 and 1992 was performed. The heavy metals Ag, As, Br, Co, Cr, Fe, Hg, Sb, Se, and Zn were determined by k0-based instrumental neutron activation analysis. The concentrations found in 1991 and 1992 show an accumulating process of Co and Fe (approximately 5%/mo) and of Cr and Sb (approximately 7%/mo). Low accumulation is observed for Ag, Se, and Zn (approximately 2%/mo), and no concentration variation is observed for As, Br, and Hg. It is concluded that the metal accumulation observed is the result of the nearby ash and coal deposits.

Over the last decades epidemiological studies conducted in many countries around the world, observed associations between ambient particle mass concentrations and human health risks. EU has set since 1999 air quality standards (1999/30/EC) for PM10 particles. Many countries perform PM10 measurements and operate air monitoring networks, thus it is necessary to estimate the uncertainty of PM10 measurement in order the results to be comparable. An inter-laboratory comparison of PM10 measurements was held in the ground of NCSR “Demokritos”, in Athens, Greece. The aim of the campaign was to investigate if equivalent PM10 gravimetric samplers produce equivalent results and to estimate the uncertainty of the measurement. The 20 days measurement program included 24hr measurements of PM10 mass concentration, using gravimetric sampling instruments. The intercomparison measurements were carried out between the 29/9-29/10 2010. Thirteen laboratories participated in the campaign with a PM10 sampler (Unit), which is represented by a unique number (e.g. Uj, where j represents the number of the unit - not related to affiliated institutes). All the samplers had been placed on a measuring platform, at the grounds of the N.C.S.R "Demokritos". Participating measuring systems were based on the same principals for size selection of the PM10 fraction, filtration of the particles and flow measurement. Size selection inlets operated by impaction, teflon nuclepore and quartz filters were used and flow was controlled by orifice systems and/or measured by dry gas meters. The method of gravimetric measurement and sample handling was in Moreover, the Z-score was also calculated in order to assess the comparability of the candidate samplers with the reference value (average PM10 mass concentration). Considering that a I Z-score I

O estudo objetivou conhecer como ocorre o ensino sobre o envelhecimento e velhice nos cursos de graduação em enfermagem. Obtiveram-se os dados a partir de questionário, respondido pelos coordenadores dos cinco cursos existentes no Estado do Ceará. O tema é abordado em disciplina específica. Utilizam técnicas e estratégias diversificadas para apreender ínteresses dos alunos e obter melhor ensino-aprendizagem. Os alunos consideram as discussões relevantes, pois os prepara para um mercado de trabalho promissor, ressaltam a necessidade de discussões sobre o assunto em outras disciplinas, objetivando fundamentação e excelência no cuidado. Considera-se que os cursos pesquisados buscam despertar i nteresses por este conhecimento, articulando deferentes oportunidades de estudo e prática, propiciando nova forma de integrar olhares sobre o envelhecimento e velhice. This study aimed at unfolding how the teaching on the aging process and old age takes place in nursing undergraduate programs. Data were obtained by means of a questionnaire, which was completed by coordinators of the five existing nursing programs in the state of Ceará. /ts theme is the content of a specific course in the programo Different techniques and strategies were used in order to leam what students' interests were and so to reach a better outcome in the teaching-Iearning situation. Students found such discussions relevant because these made them better prepared for entering a promising labor field; they stressed the high importance the discussions on that theme would have in other courses as well, aiming at providing a sound knowledge basis and at reaching exce/lence in patient care. We found that the courses surveyed try to raise interest in this knowledge field, promoting several opportunities for study and practice, and providing a new way to make opinions meet about growing old and old age. EI estudio objetiva saber como ocurre la ensefianza sobre el envejecimiento y la vejez en si misma. en los cursos superiores de Enfermeria. Se obtuvieron los da tos, a partir dei cuestionario que los coordinadores de los cinco cursos existentes en el Estado de Ceará respondieron. Hay una disciplina especifica para ese tema y se utiJizan técnicas y estrategias diversificadas para captar los intereses de los alumnos y obtener mejores resultados en la ensefianza y aprendizaje. Los alumnos consideran las discusiones relevantes, pues los prepara para un mercado de trabajo prometedor, a la par que destacan la importancia de las discusiones sobre el asunto en otras disciplinas, con el fin de alcanzar una fundamentación y excelencia en el cuidado. Se considera que los cursos investigados procuran despertar el interés por el conocimiento dei tema ai articular diferentes oportunidades de estudio y práctica, para propiciar asi una nueva forma de integrar las miradas sobre el envejecimiento y la vejez.

Instrumental neutron activation analysis was applied to four reference materials: NBS 1573 (Tomato Leaves), NBS 1645 (Citrus Leaves), NBS 1645 (River Sediment), and IAEA MA-A-2 (TM) (Fish Flesh). The k0-standardization method was used. The results are compared with (i) reference values (mostly non-certified) and (ii) published values obtained by other methods. Good agreement is found for most of the elements. For some elements, large discrepancies are observed.