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Biomedical subjects

T Montini

Publications and source records attributed to T Montini.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Hydrogen adsorption kinetics on Pd/Ce0.8Zr0.2O2.

Hydrogen adsorption on Pd/Ce(0.8)Zr(0.2)O(2) was studied by temperature-programmed reduction, volumetric measurements and IR spectroscopy. Hydrogen uptake and reduction rate at 353 K are strongly dependent on the hydrogen pressure. At relatively high hydrogen partial pressure, reduction involves PdO, the surface and a significant fraction of the bulk of the ceria based oxide. Formation of oxygen vacancies even at low temperature (<373 K) is observed. The hydrogen adsorption process is mainly irreversible, as is shown by an increase in the (2)F(5/2)-->(2)F(7/2) electronic transition of Ce(3+) with hydrogen pressure and surface dehydroxylation. This "severe" reduction has a negative effect on the subsequent hydrogen adsorption capability. The decrease of hydrogen uptake capacity and rate during adsorption can be associated with the partial loss of superficial OH and the presence of Ce(3+), which deactivates Pd electronically.

Adsorption↗

Policy makers' perspectives on tobacco control advocates' roles in regulation development.

OBJECTIVE: To identify, from policy makers' perspectives, strategies that enhance tobacco control advocates' effectiveness in the regulatory arena. DESIGN: Key informant interview component of a comparative case study of regulatory agencies in the USA. SUBJECTS: Policy makers involved in the development of four regulatory tobacco control policies (three state and one federal). METHODS: Interviews of policy makers, field notes, and deliberation minutes were coded inductively. RESULTS: Policy makers considered both written commentary and public testimony when developing tobacco control regulations. They triaged written commentary based upon whether the document was from a peer reviewed journal, a summary of research evidence, or from a source considered credible. They coped with in-person testimony by avoiding being diverted from the scientific evidence, and by assessing the presenters' credibility. Policy makers suggested that tobacco control advocates should: present science in a format that is well organised and easily absorbed; engage scientific experts to participate in the regulatory process; and lobby to support the tobacco control efforts of the regulatory agency. CONCLUSIONS: There is an important role for tobacco control advocates in the policy development process in regulatory agencies.

Expert Testimony↗

Science in regulatory policy making: case studies in the development of workplace smoking restrictions.

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of science related and other arguments in the development of workplace smoking regulations. DESIGN: Case study, content analysis SUBJECTS: Written commentaries and hearing transcripts on proposed indoor air regulations in Maryland and Washington. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We coded each written commentary and hearing testimony for position toward the regulation, affiliation of the person submitting it, criteria used to evaluate science and scientific, ideological, economic, political, engineering and procedural arguments. RESULTS: In both states, opposition to the regulations came primarily from the tobacco industry, small businesses, and business organisations and appeared to be coordinated. There was little coordination of public health support for the regulations. Arguments about science were used more often by those opposed to the regulations than by those in favour. Supporters emphasised the quantity of the evidence, while opponents criticised its reliability, validity, and quality. Arguments not related to science (61% of total arguments; 459/751), were more common than scientific arguments (39% of total arguments; 292/751). Economic and ideological arguments were used to a similar extent by regulation supporters and opponents. CONCLUSIONS: Advocates can support health related regulations by submitting commentary emphasising the sound research base for regulation and countering criticisms of research. National coordination of these efforts could avoid duplication of effort and make more efficient use of limited public health resources.

Health Promotion↗

Resist and redirect: physicians respond to breast cancer informed consent legislation.

During the 1980s, former breast cancer patients initiated efforts to introduce Breast Cancer Informed Consent legislation in twenty-two state legislatures. Their general intent in proposing this legislation was to insure that women patients were included in the decision-making process regarding their breast cancer treatment. A qualitative analysis of the reactions of medical professional organizations to these efforts revealed a pattern of change over time. Because professionals were not aware of early efforts for Breast Cancer Informed Consent, these met little or no resistance. Subsequent efforts in the early 1980s were met with organized resistance; physicians' organizations responded to the legislation as if it were a threat to their professional autonomy. By the middle of the decade, professionals had co-opted the efforts, shaping the legislation to their benefit. The challenge to physician authority that former breast cancer patients mounted had mixed results, but ultimately illustrated that professions are quite effective at retaining power.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗