Synthesis of cobalt-doped barium cerate-zirconate and its evaluation for hydrogen production and electrochemical characterization

Cobalt-doped barium cerate-zirconate was synthesized using an oxalate co-precipitation route. The material was characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. Results indicated that homogeneous cubic phase material was obtained at very high heat-treatment temperatures. Catalytic activity of the material toward CH3OH partial-oxidation was tested at different temperatures and O-2:CH3OH ratios. High hydrogen yields were obtained indicating that the material was a suitable catalyst for hydrogen generation. Impedance spectroscopy tests were conducted at different conditions to understand conduction processes occurring in the material. Results suggested mixed protonic-electronic conductivity in the presence of hydrogen. Thus, material is a potential candidate for the bi-functional role of electro-ceramic catalyst for simultaneous hydrogen generation and purification.X118sciescopu

Comparison of Primary Care Patients’ and Unannounced Standardized Patients’ Perceptions of Care

The objective of this study was to compare unannounced standardized patient (USP) and patient reports of care. Patient satisfaction surveys and USP checklist results collected at an urban, public hospital were compared to identify items included in both surveys. Qualitative commentary was reviewed to better understand USP and patient satisfaction survey data. Analyses included χ 2 and Mann-Whitney U test. Patients provided significantly higher ratings on 10 of the 11 items when compared to USPs. USPs may provide a more objective perspective on a clinical encounter than a real patient, reinforcing the notion that real patients skew overly positive or negative