In a large-scale simulation study of ultrafast photochemical dynamics for an azobenzene compound with an additional ethylenic bridge we have found unexpected features: while the dynamics starting from the Z isomer follow a barrierless path with steep gradients, the dynamics starting from the E isomer proceed through a different conical intersection surrounded by a rather flat potential energy landscape and then encounter a sizeable barrier in the electronic ground state that markedly influences the reaction behavior. Direct comparisons with experimental static UV spectra, quantum yields, and transient absorption spectra show good agreement and reveal signatures of this unusual behavior.
Occupational dermatoses were investigated in a factory producing rotor blades for wind turbines by an epoxy-based process. In a blinded study design, 603 workers were first interviewed and thereafter clinically examined. Based on a history of work-related skin disease, clinical findings of dermatitis, or both, 325 (53.9%) of the workers were patch tested with a specially profiled occupational patch-test series and the European standard patch-test series. Calculated on all investigated workers, 17.1% of the workers were diagnosed with occupational dermatoses caused by work. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis was found in 10.9% of the workers. The estimated frequency of irritant contact dermatitis caused by work was 6.1%. Dermatitis on the hands was associated with contact allergy to epoxy resin (P = 0.017). The number of days on leave before the clinical examination was negatively associated with the presence of dermatitis (P = 0.001). Among workers employed 7-12 months, the frequency of occupational contact allergy was higher than that among workers employed for =6 months (P = 0.004). Females both washed their hands more often (P < 0.001) and used more moisturizers/protection creams at work (P < 0.001) than males. No sex differences were found concerning dermatitis on the hands.
Implementation of a comprehensive intervention was followed by improved employee perceptions of the company's safety standards and the psychosocial work environment, as well as by substantial reductions in the incidence of eczema and occupational accidents.
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