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This document defines terms related to the structure and processing of inorganic, polymeric, and inorganic-organic hybrid materials from precursors, through gels to solid products. It is divided into four sections – precursors, gels, solids, and processes – and the terms have been restricted to those most commonly encountered. For the sake of completeness and where they are already satisfactorily defined for the scope of this document, terms from other IUPAC publications have been used. Otherwise, the terms and their definitions have been assembled in consultation with experts in the relevant fields. The definitions are intended to assist the reader who is unfamiliar with sol-gel processing, ceramization, and related technologies and materials, and to serve as a guide to the use of standard terminology by those researching in these areas.

The widespread use of thermal analysis (TA) by scientists as a laboratory technique carries with it a working vocabulary. This document is intended to provide those working in the field with a consistent set of definitions to permit clear and precise communication as well as understanding. Included in the document are the definitions of 13 techniques, 54 terms within the glossary, as well as symbols and units.

Background: Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a very common skin disease among the European population. It causes itch and pain and, in more severe cases, seriously impairs hand functioning at work and in private life. Objectives: To explore perspectives of people with lived experience on CHE‐related problems, wishes and goals. Methods: Following a qualitative approach, we conducted topic‐guided interviews in five European countries and applied template analysis to identify recurrent themes among patients with CHE. Results: We interviewed 60 patients in seven outpatient dermatological and occupational medicine clinics in Croatia, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. Five main themes were identified: (1) knowledge about the disease and its course, (2) preventive behaviour, (3) hand eczema therapy, (4) impact on everyday life and (5) attitudes towards CHE and healthcare. Participants did not feel well informed about CHE, especially about causes, triggers and treatment options. Preventive measures were experienced as more or less effective but also cumbersome. Experiences with therapy were diverse. Treatment satisfaction depended on the results and on the perceived support from the treatment teams. Participants found it important to be taken seriously, to receive practical advice, to try out additional treatments or examinations, find new hope and have occupational perspectives. They wished that others could better understand the physical and emotional burden of CHE. Patient support groups were not mentioned. Participants found it important to learn to take care of themselves and accept life with CHE. Conclusions: Due to its annoying symptoms, high visibility and impaired functioning at work and in private life, CHE has a high emotional and social impact. Some people may require support to learn coping with CHE and its prevention. Patients wish for information about causes and triggers. They value physicians who listen to them and keep looking for solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskites are investigated as potential working materials in new technologies, such as solid oxide fuel cells, thermochemical energy storage, and magnetic refrigerators. They are interesting due to their application properties, such as electrical conductivity, ferromagnetic properties, and reducibility. Properties of perovskites can be improved by doping and the formation of structural defects. The aim of this work was to investigate the possibility of preparing Sr-doped lanthanum manganite with the chemical formula La0.5Sr0.5MnO3 by coprecipitation procedure, and to analyse the observed phase separation. The material was prepared by coprecipitation procedure in which sources of metal cations (La3+, Sr2+, Mn2+) were dissolved in 0.5 M HNO3. The nitrate solution was added dropwise in 10 wt% NH4HCO3 solution, both solutions being heated to 65 °C. To achieve coprecipitation of all present metal cations, the pH value was maintained at 8 by the addition of aqueous ammonia. The obtained precipitate was filtered and dried to obtain the precursor powder. One part of the prepared powder was calcined at 1200 °C/2 h (sample CL_Sr0.5_p), while the other part was pressed into a tablet and sintered in the same conditions (sample CL_Sr0.5_tab). Even though FTIR and PXRD analyses of the sample CL_Sr0.5_p (Figs. 1A-C) showed the formation of the pure phase, light and dark spots were observed during the SEM analysis of the tablet (CL_Sr0.5_tab) fracture surface (Fig. 2). These spots were analysed by energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). EDS analysis (Table 1) showed that the light spots were SrMnO3 phase, while the dark spots were La0.76Sr0.24MnO3 phase. The tablet was then ground and FTIR and PXRD analyses were conducted. The obtained FTIR results (Figs. 1A and 1B) showed some bands characteristic for the SrMnO3 phase, and low-intensity maxima originating from the SrMnO3 phase were observed on the diffractogram (Fig. 1C) of CL_Sr0.5_tab sample, confirming the existence of separated phase. This was additionally investigated by the Rietveld refinement analysis (Table 1), and it was determined that Sr concentration was 0.24 instead of the targeted 0.5. Therefore, the La0.76Sr0.24MnO3 phase was formed, while the rest of added strontium during the synthesis crystallised in the SrMnO3 phase. Since successful preparation of La0.5Sr0.5MnO3 by hydrothermal synthesis was reported by multiple authors, it can be concluded that the coprecipitation procedure is not suitable for high concentration doping of LaMnO3 due to the separation of Sr into the secondary phase, especially when in tablet form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Healthcare workers (HCWs) can be considered at an increased risk of developing occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) due to repetitive hand washing with soaps and disinfectants and extended use of gloves for many hours during the day. The aim of this study was to summarize the incidence of OCD in HCWs. We searched the databases PubMed/MEDLINE (1980‐present), EMBASE (1980‐present) and Cochrane Library (1992‐present) through May 2020 using the search term 'incidence of contact dermatitis in HCWs' according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Overall, 16 studies (six cohorts; 10 register‐based) with follow‐up periods between 1987 and 2013 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The incidence of OCD reported in studies using registers of occupational diseases ranged from 0.6 to 6.7 per 10 000 person‐years. The cohort studies reported incidence from 15.9 to 780.0 per 10 000 person‐years; the incidence was higher in studies which included apprentice nurses. A higher incidence was also observed amongst dental practitioners, particularly dental technicians and nurses, compared to other HCWs. Studies reporting incidence data are very scarce and results differed by study design, type of contact dermatitis and investigated HCWs. Our study highlighted the dearth of high‐quality data on the incidence of OCD and the possible underestimation of disease burden. Prospective cohort studies with harmonized designs, especially exposure assessment and outcome ascertainment, are required to provide more accurate, valid and recent estimates of the incidence of OCD. A high incidence amongst specific occupational groups suggests the need to undertake intervention studies with a focus on prevention, particularly during pandemics such as COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Work‐related solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The World Health Organization, through the International Agency for Research on Cancer, has classified solar UVR as a group 1 carcinogen since 2012. The main problems encountered so far in the study of occupationally induced skin cancer include the lack of accurate occupational UVR dosimetry as well as insufficient distinction between occupational and leisure UVR exposure and underreporting of NMSC. Objectives: The aim of this study was to collect long‐term individual UVR measurements in outdoor workers across European countries. Methods: A prospective study was initiated through the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Healthy Skin@Work Campaign, measuring UVR exposure doses at occupational settings of masons from five European countries. Measurements were performed for several consecutive months using the GENESIS‐UV measurement system. Results: The results identified alarming UVR exposure data. Average daily UVR doses ranged 148.40–680.48 J/m2 in Romania, 342.4–640.8 J/m2 in Italy, 165.5–466.2 J/m2 in Croatia, 41.8–473.8 J/m2 in Denmark and 88.15–400.22 J/m2 in Germany. Results showed an expected latitude dependence with increasing UVR yearly dosage from the north to the south of Europe. Conclusions: This study shows that outdoor workers from EU countries included in this study are exposed to high levels of occupational solar UVR, vastly exceeding the occupational exposure limits for solar UVR exposure, considered to be 1–1.33 SED/day in the period from May to September. This finding may serve as an evidence‐based recommendation to authorities on implementing occupational skin cancer prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to constant contact with water and harmful chemicals, hairdressers are at high risk of developing occupational skin diseases (OSD), which in 90% of cases are manifested as irritative or allergic contact dermatitis of hands and forearms. The period from the beginning of exposure to onset of skin symptoms is very short averaging 2.1 years, meaning that symptoms may already be present during apprenticeship. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-school medical examinations as primary prevention tool for OSD among hairdressing apprentices. This survey was conducted in 2015 at a vocational school for hairdressers in Zagreb. All 128 third-grade hairdressing apprentices were invited to participate, and 101 female apprentices with an average age of 17 responded. Data were collected using survey questions regarding the content of the medical examination that pupils underwent before enrolment in the programme. Eighty-nine (88%) apprentices stated they were examined by a physician before enrolment: 48 (54%) by an occupational medicine specialist, 5 (6%) by a general practitioner, 11 (12%) by a school medicine specialist and 19 (21%) did not remember the specialist. Out of 78 apprentices who recounted the details of the examination, 48 (62%) had their skin examined and 54 (69%) were asked if they had any allergies. Results indicate a weakness in conducting health examinations for vocational schools. Consequently, pupils with pre-existing skin problems are allowed to choose high-risk occupations which may worsen their symptoms or facilitate development of OSD. There is a need to strengthen and standardize the content of the examinations prior to enrolment in schools as the first step in vocational guidance, choice of profession, and long-term preservation of working ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation of photocatalytically active ZnO layer by chemical bath deposition was investigated. Layers of layered basic zinc acetate (LBZA) were successfully deposited on substrates of varying morphologies, and the substrate hydrolysis led to formation of thicker and better adhering layers. However, the process was quite sensitive to variations in conditions, which makes coating of larger surfaces more challenging. Photocatalytic activity of ZnO layers obtained from LBZA by calcining had poor reproducibility, varying up to 50 % without obvious regularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review article is to point out to the danger for workers who, by the nature of their occupation, spend most of their working hours outdoor and are exposed to sunlight that increases their risk of skin cancer. Exposure to sunlight during outdoor work increases the average annual dose of UV radiation for 4-5 times compared to people who do not work in the sun, which in outdoor workers significantly increases the risk for the occurrence of actinic keratosis, basal-cell skin cancer and squamous-cell skin cancer. It is considered that the risk for the occurrence of these disorders is doubled if the total lifetime UV radiation dose for persons occupationally non exposed to sun (130 SED annually) is exceeded by 40%. In the EU countries, including Croatia, the introduction of UV radiation personal dosimetry for outdoors workers is in progress. In order to prevent skin cancer caused by occupational UV exposure, it is necessary to implement preventive measures for outdoor workers. Minimum standards for prevention at the EU level include the application of personal protection measures (sunglasses, headgear, clothing, creams with sun protective factor) and health and safety educational programs implemented in the curricula of secondary high schools, and provided to workers at risky workplaces. Skin cancers or multiple actinic keratosis can be recognized as an occupational disease if: 1) diagnosis of squamous-cell skin cancer or basal-cell skin cancer or multiple actinic keratosis (minimum 6 changes) is histologically confirmed; 2) the changes are expressed in occupationally exposed areas of the skin; 3) the history of the disease reveals sufficient occupational exposure to UV radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Skin diseases constitute up to 40% of all notified occupational diseases in most European countries, predominantly comprising contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, and skin cancer. While insufficient prevention of work-related skin diseases (WRSD) is a top-priority problem in Europe, common standards for prevention of these conditions are lacking. Objective To develop common European standards on prevention and management of WRSD and occupational skin diseases (OSD). Method Consensus amongst experts within occupational dermatology was achieved with regard to the definition of minimum evidence-based standards on prevention and management of WRSD/OSD. Results By definition, WRSDs/OSDs are (partially or fully) caused by occupational exposure. The definition of OSD sensu stricto additionally includes diverging national legal requirements, with an impact on registration, prevention, management, and compensation. With the implementation of the classification of WRSD/OSD in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 11th Revision in future, a valid surveillance and comparability across countries will be possible. Currently, WRDS and OSD are still under-reported. Depending on legislation and regulations, huge differences exist in notification procedures in Europe, although notification is crucial to prevent chronic and relapsing disease. Facilities for early diagnosis, essential for individual patient management, should be based on existing guidelines and include a multidisciplinary approach. Patch testing is essential if contact dermatitis persists or relapses. Workplace exposure assessment of WRSD/OSD requires full labelling of product ingredients on material safety data sheets helping to identify allergens, irritants and skin carcinogens. Comparable standards in primary, secondary and tertiary prevention must be established in Europe to reduce the burden of WRSD/OSD in Europe. Conclusion The adoption of common European standards on prevention of WRSD/OSD will contribute to reduce the incidence of OSD and their socio-economic burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the cases of diagnosed occupational disease (OD) in the Occupational Medicine of the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health Ltd. for a period 2010 to 2014. A review of archived data and voluntary telephone survey for collecting data about the employment status of patients after diagnosed OD were performed. In the period 2010 to 2014, OD was diagnosed in 55 patients. The most often diagnosed were skin OD (N=19), arm overuse syndromes (N=17), asthma and rhinitis (N=10). The most common skin OD was allergic contact dermatitis (N=15), most frequently found in hairdressers (N=5). Carpal tunnel sindrome was the most common overuse syndrome (N=15), most frequently found in textile workers (N=5). Respiratory disorders were most common in health care workers (N=3). Telephone survey was answered by 46 patients. After the diagnosed OD, 21 (46%) patients were employed by the same or another employer: the change of workplace occurred in 14 (30%) patients, in 1 case after retraining, while 7 (15%) patients are still working at the same workplace. Twelve (26%) patients were retired after diagnosed OD: 11 with disability pension or early retirement. Thirteen (28%) patients are unemployed: 11 got fired after diagnosed OD, and the retraining was done in 3 cases. The results indicate an inadequate rehabilitation of workers with diagnosed OD. The change of workplace occurred in only 30% of patients, and retraining in only 4 (9%) cases. The majority of patients are unemployed, retired early or employed at the same workplace that caused OD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhinitis is defined as the inflammation of the nasal mucosa characterised by the presence of one or more of the following symptoms: nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing and nasal itching. Occupational rhinitis occurs when nasal inflammation is caused only by substances or microclimatic conditions at the workplace that have irritative or aggravating effects on respiratory mucosa. Occupational rhinitis should be differentiated from rhinitis exacerbated at work which is defined as nasal mucosa inflammation where the cause is not occupational in origin, but the workplace is the source of exposure to conditions that aggravate nasal symptoms, including exposure to respiratory irritants and adverse microclimatic conditions. In the Republic of Croatia, from 2007 the List of Occupational Diseases (subsection 55) includes also allergic rhinitis caused by inhalation of substances with known allergenic properties specific to the workplace. In addition to the impact on the quality of life, work ability and socio-economic burden on the patient, occupational rhinitis poses a risk for the development of occupational asthma, a disorder with significantly greater impact on work ability and a financial burden on the employer and the community. Therefore, the importance of occupational rhinitis prevention and early detection of workers with the disease is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent epidemiological studies indicate that occupational exposure to organic solvents may be an independent risk factor for the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), particularly if occupational exposure limits are exceeded. Clinical assessment of hepatotoxicity of industrial solvents must take into account synergism with metabolic risk factors, but also other factors like medications, alcohol, viruses, age and nutrition. If occupational exposure to solvents remains within the permissible limits NAFLD may still develop as a work-related disease. It is essential that liver function testing is included in the periodic medical assessment of solvent-exposed workers, and that high risk individuals are identified and excluded from further exposure in order to prevent the development of irreversible liver damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is a paucity of data regarding respiratory health in restorers of cultural heritage or similar occupations, such as visual artists or museum workers, although they are exposed to a complex mixture of various respiratory hazards.Aims To evaluate atopy and respiratory health parameters, including bronchial and nasal non-specific reactivity, in restorers and conservators of cultural heritage (restorers).Methods Fifty–six restorers and 62 controls provided general data and data on ever experienced rhinitic or asthma-like symptoms, spirometry, non-specific bronchial and nasal responsiveness to histamine, skin prick testing to common inhalational allergens and serum total IgE levels.Results Spirometry values were in the range of normal values in 55 of 56 restorers and did not differ significantly from those in control subjects. However, restorers had more than two times higher prevalence of nasal hyper-responsiveness (NHR), with 2.3 times higher risk of NHR compared to controls [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4–3.6, P < 0.001]. The risk of NHR was slightly reduced by increasing age (odds ratio 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.99, P < 0.05). NHR was not associated with gender, smoking status, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), upper or lower respiratory symptoms or atopy status.Conclusions Compared with controls, the studied group of workers occupationally exposed to respiratory hazards during restoration/conservation activities had no deterioration of lung function but had an increased non-specific nasal responsiveness that was not correlated with upper and lower respiratory symptoms, BHR or atopy. The relationship of this finding to future clinical outcome should be investigated in a longitudinal study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Zirconium titanate, ZrTiO4, was synthesized by sol–gel method from zirconium butoxide and titanium isopropoxide. Amorphous ZrTiO4 powder was ground, calcined at 500°C, and milled to homogenize size distribution of the powder. Milled powder was pressed into tablets and sintered at 900–1400°C for 8h. Differential scanning calorimetry and dilatometric studies indicated crystallization of ZrTiO4 at 600–700°C. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed presence of crystallized ZrTiO4 already at 900°C, and crystallite size was determined by Scherrer equation. Scanning electron microscopy showed that ZrTiO4 grains begin to sinter at higher temperatures, starting from 1200°C, while preserving high porosity up to 1300°C as confirmed by dilatometry and mercury intrusion porosimetry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The coal industry may generate acid mine drainage (AMD) and mining wastes, which may adversely affect the quality of the environment. In this study we propose the use of this waste in the removal of acidity and metal ions, as well as in the reduction of the toxicity of AMD. A physico-chemical analysis of the waste shows the presence of mainly SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 and a superficial area of 4.316 m2 g-1. The treatment of AMD with the waste resulted in an increase in pH from 2.6 to 7.8 and removed 100% of the Al (III), 100% of the Fe (III) and 89% of the Mn (II). We also observed that the high toxicity of the AMD towards Daphnia magna (LC50 = 3.68%) and Artemia sp. (LC50 = 4.97%) was completely eliminated after treatment with the waste. The data obtained allow us to propose that the waste can be used in the treatment of AMD, providing an economic use for the waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference between the mite fauna in the inland and coastal Croatia. Methods: Ninety-nine floor house dust samples were collected: 28 from the coastal area, 31 from the inland rural and 40 from the inland urban area. Data on basic household characteristics were collected for 81 of 99 households. The mites were separated from the dust using the floatation method and then microscopically identified. The levels of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 1, Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) 1 and Der 2 were measured using the DustscreenTM test. Ordinal descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used for data analysis, assuming statistical significance at P < 0.05. Results: More than 70% of mites identified in all areas were pyroglyphids. Nonpyroglyphid mites accounted for 20–25% of all identified mites in the coastal areas (Blomia , Lepidoglyphus and Glycyphagus ) and with 15% in the inland areas (Lepidoglyphus and Acarus ). The highest Der p 1 median levels were found in the coastal area, with significantly lower levels in the inland rural and inland urban areas (4.5; 2; 0.85 μg/g of dust; P = 0.0001). The highest Der f 1 median levels were found in the inland urban area, with significantly lower levels in the inland rural and coastal areas (0.88; 0.75; 0 μg/g of dust; P = 0.0013). The levels of Der f 1 were significantly higher in samples taken from households with central heating than from those with traditional heating (1; 0.25 μg/g of dust; P < 0.01). Conclusions: Separate diagnostic dust mite lists for the coastal and inland areas because of climatic and dwelling differences required to be implemented. Compared with traditional heating, central heating significantly increases the risk of exposure to Der f 1 levels >2 μg/g of dust (odds ratio, 7.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.43–37.87; P = 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small number of studies have examined the relationship between bone health and level of physical load. We explored the effect of occupational physical activity on skeletal status in younger sawmill workers using ultrasonic indices of bone density. In a cross-sectional study, we measured bone density with quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in 128 sawmill workers (89 men and 39 women), mean age 39.1 +/- 10.8 years. Back strength was measured by dynamometry. Information on occupational and leisure physical activity, joint pain, education and smoking were obtained with the questionnaire. All QUS bone parameters and back strength were significantly higher in men than in women. A T score for quantitative ultrasound index (QUI) of − 2.2 or lower was found only in two men and one women. QUI did not significantly differ based on presence of parameters of physical occupational activity (carrying loads exceeding 5 kg, repetitive move ments, physical exertion while working and non-sitting position at work). When controlling for age, gender and body mass index, participants with higher smoking index had significantly lower QUI (p=0.004). Physical workload was not significantly associated with QUI. In our working po pulation, some lifestyle habits, such as smoking, had a greater impact on bone health than physical occupational activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In successful implementation of regulations governing occupational safety and health at work, it is essential to ensure a great degree of cooperation of all participants in the process including the employer, employees, occupational safety service and occupational medicine specialists. The paper gives an account of examples of good practise in protecting the workers handling dangerous substances in two companies, LUSH manufaktura d.o.o. and Genera d.d. In their efforts to implement and improve safety in handling dangerous substances, both companies opt for the recommended pyramidal approach, meaning that they primarily implement organisational and technical measures to reduce the exposure of workers to dangerous substances. In this, exchange of information among all participants is the key factor for improvements, which also helps to identify problems in risk assessment for different work places and supplements inadequate toxicology data on the technical lists that accompany dangerous substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-inorganic hybrid materials are a sort of nanostructured material in which the organic and inorganic phases are mixed at molecular level. The inorganic phase in hybrid materials is formed by the sol-gel process, which consists of reactions of hydrolysis and condensation of metal (usually silicon) alkoxides. Flexibility of sol-gel process enables creation of hybrid materials with varying organic and inorganic phases in different ratios, and consequently fine-tuning of their properties. In order to obtain true hybrid materials, contact between the phases should be at molecular level, so phase separation between thermodynamically incompatible organic and inorganic phases has to be prevented. Phase interaction can be improved by formation of hydrogen or covalent bonds between them during preparation of hybrid materials. Covalent bond can be introduced by organically modified silicon alkoxides containing a reactive organic group (substituent) capable of reacting with the organic phase. In order to obtain hybrid materials with desired structures, a detailed knowledge of hydrolysis and condensation mechanism is necessary. The choice of catalyst, whether acid or base, has the most significant influence on the structure of the inorganic phase. Other important parameters are alkoxide concentration, water: alkoxide ratio, type of alkoxide groups, solvent used, temperature, purity of chemicals used, etc. Hydrolysis and condensation of organically modified silicon alkoxides are additionally influenced by nature and size of the organic supstituent.