Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito do óleo volátil de Alpinia zerumbet (OVAz) na expressão do gene da caveolina-1 e na fibrose muscular. Os ratos foram imobilizados para induzir a fibrose do músculo gastrocnêmio, e foram tratados com OVAz. A qualidade do colágeno foi avaliada com histologia e à expressão do gene caveolina-1 (CAV-1) foi avaliada usando qPCR. A análise histomorfológica indicou uma redução significativa no perímetro, largura e intensidade do colágeno nos grupos tratados. Os resultados dos níveis de expressão sugeriram diminuição nos grupos de lesão e em dois grupos de tratamento (0,0115 µg/g e 0,009 µg/g). No entanto, com a menor concentração (0,0065 µg/g), não foi observada diferença significativa, apresentando níveis semelhantes aos encontrados em tecido saudável. O uso do OVAz foi eficaz para reverter as alterações do colágeno causadas pela fibrose, e sua menor concentração apresentou uma possível tendência de aumento na expressão do CAV-1. Portanto, os resultados mostraram que o OVAz tem potencial para ser uma alternativa não invasiva e de baixo custo para auxiliar no tratamento da fibrose muscular.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of the volatile oil of Alpinia zerumbet (VOAz) on caveolin-1 gene expression and muscular fibrosis. The rats were immobilized to induce fibrosis of the gastrocnemius muscle, and they were treated with VOAz. Collagen quality was assessed by histology and the expression of the caveolin-1 (CAV-1) gene was evaluated using qPCR. Histomorphological analysis indicated a significant reduction in the perimeter, width, and intensity of collagen in the treated groups, thus showing that the oil was effective in regulating the quality of collagen at the three concentrations. The results of expression levels suggested a decrease in the lesioned group and in two treatment groups (0.0115 µg/g and 0.009 µg/g). However, with the lowest concentration (0.0065 µg/g), no significant difference was observed, with levels similar to those found in healthy tissue. Therefore, the results showed that VOAz has the potential to be a non-invasive and low-cost alternative to aid in the treatment of muscular fibrosis.

ABSTRACT Special Olympics Portugal is one of the main national organizations for the development of sport for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Coaches play a relevant role in the development of athletes, and the decision and planning styles are essential aspects to adapt the training to the athletes' specific needs. These prerogatives are scientifically little explored related with the coaches of this type of athletes. The study aims to identify the decision and planning styles of the Special Olympics Portugal coaches. It also intends to analyze the relationship of formal and non-formal training with the decision and planning styles. The research is descriptive and cross-sectional of the Special Olympics Portugal coaches, with the participation of 50 subjects. Two questionnaires were used: the Questionnaire of Decision Styles in Sport and the Questionnaire of Planning Styles in Sport. The results show that the Special Olympics Portugal coaches have a wide spectrum of styles of action in training, predominantly the democratic decision style and flexible planning. This situation implies that the coaches in this area are more reflective, and need to adapt their methodologies to work with the athletes and seek new solutions, in order to adapt the training to the effective needs of the athletes.

RESUMEN Special Olympics Portugal es una de las principales organizaciones nacionales para el desarrollo del deporte para atletas con discapacidad intelectual. Los entrenadores desempeñan un papel relevante en el desarrollo de los deportistas, siendo los estilos de decisión y planificación aspectos esenciales para adaptar el entrenamiento a las necesidades específicas de los deportistas. Estas prerrogativas están poco exploradas científicamente sobre los entrenadores de este tipo de atletas. Este estudio pretende identificar los estilos de decisión y planificación de los entrenadores de Special Olympics Portugal. También pretende analizar la relación entre la formación formal y no formal con los estilos de decisión y planificación. La investigación fue descriptiva y transversal, con la participación de 50 s entrenadores de Special Olympics Portugal. Se utilizaron dos cuestionarios: el Cuestionario de Estilos de Decisión en el Deporte y el Cuestionario de Estilos de Planificación en el Deporte. Los resultados muestran que los entrenadores de Special Olympics Portugal tienen un amplio espectro de estilos de actuación en el entrenamiento, predominando los estilos de decisión democrático y de planificación flexible. Esta situación implica que los entrenadores de este ámbito profesional son más reflexivos, necesitando adaptar sus metodologías para trabajar con estos deportistas especiales y buscar nuevas soluciones, con el fin de adaptar el entrenamiento a las necesidades efectivas de los deportistas.

RESUMO O Special Olympics Portugal é uma das principais organizações nacionais para o desenvolvimento do desporto para atletas com deficiência intelectual. Os treinadores desempenhem um papel relevante no desenvolvimento dos atletas, sendo os estilos de decisão e planificação aspetos essenciais para adequar o treino às necessidades especificas dos atletas. Estas prerrogativas são pouco exploradas cientificamente quanto aos treinadores deste tipo de atletas. O estudo tem como objetivo identificar os estilos de decisão e planificação do treinador do Special Olympics Portugal. Pretende ainda analisar a relação da formação formal e não formal com os estilos de decisão e planificação. A investigação é descritiva e de corte transversal dos treinadores do Special Olympics Portugal, com a participação de 50 sujeitos. Foram utilizados dois questionários: o Questionário dos Estilos de Decisão no Desporto e o Questionário dos Estilos de Planificação no Desporto. Os resultados revelam que os treinadores do Special Olympics Portugal possuem um amplo espetro de estilos de atuação no treino, predominando os estilos de decisão democrático e planificação flexível. Esta situação implica que os treinadores desta área são mais reflexivos, necessitando de adaptar as suas metodologias para trabalhar com os atletas e procurar novas soluções, de forma a adaptarem o treino às necessidades efetivas dos desportistas.

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar um estudo sobre alguns aspectos geométricos e físicos na primeira parte da obra Astronomia Nova de 1609, tendo em vista fornecer subsídios aos professores que queiram abordar a história da astronomia em suas disciplinas de nível básico ou superior. Tendo este foco, veremos como Kepler entendia algumas equivalências entre os sistemas de mundo em discussão em sua época e apresentaremos um estudo de um dos experimentos que Kepler propõe e analisa geometricamente. Neste, percebemos um pequeno erro de cálculo que não foi explorado na literatura pesquisada e, mais que isso, nos permitiu entendermos sobre o uso das construções geométricas em sua época e a ideia de equivalência que Kepler tem em mente.

This article aims to present a study of some geometrical and physical aspects in the first part of the work Astronomia Nova of 1609, in order to provide subsidies to teachers who want to address the history of astronomy in their basic or higher education subjects. With this focus, we will see how Kepler understood some equivalences between the world systems under discussion in his time and present a study of one of the experiments that Kepler proposed and analyzed geometrically. In this, we noticed a small miscalculation that was not explored in the researched literature, and more than that, it allowed us to understand about the use of geometric constructions in his time and the idea of equivalence that Kepler has in mind.

ABSTRACT The practice of sports by veteran athletes is an evident reality and with prospects for expansion. The objective was to determine predictive variables of subjective well-being in veteran athletes, taking into account the theory of self-determination. A structural equation model and a mediation model were developed. In this study participated 840 Portuguese veteran athletes, between the ages of 30 and 76 (M = 42.54 DT = 7.28). The Basic Psychological Needs Exercise Scale (Moutão, Cid, Alves, Leitão e Vlachopoulos, 2012), the Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (Monteiro, Moutão e Cid, 2018), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Galinha e Pais-Ribeiro, 2005) and the Life Satisfaction Scale (Neto, 1993) were used. The model showed the following adjustment indices: χ2 = 674,554, p <0.001, χ2 / fd = 4.08, CFI = 0.94; IFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.92; GFI = 0.92; RMSEA = 0.062; SRMR = 0.061. In the veteran athletes, the perception of satisfaction of the basic psychological need for autonomy leads to autonomously motivated behaviors, promoting these, higher levels of subjective well-being. Autonomous motivation proved to be a significant mediating variable between the basic psychological need for autonomy and the production of positive affects. There were also indirect effects of the mediating variable on the variables of satisfaction with life and negative affects, as well as direct and total effects of the independent variable and the consequence variables under analysis.

RESUMO A prática desportiva por atletas veteranos é uma realidade evidente e com perspetivas de expansão. Objetivou-se determinar variáveis preditivas de bem-estar subjetivo em atletas veteranos, atendendo à teoria da autodeterminação. Elaborou-se um modelo de equação estrutural e um modelo de mediação. Participaram 840 atletas veteranos portugueses, entre os 30 e os 76 anos (M=42.54 DT=7.28). Utilizou-se o Basic Psychological Needs Exercise Scale (Moutão, Cid, Alves, Leitão e Vlachopoulos, 2012), o Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (Monteiro, Moutão e Cid, 2018), a Escala de Afetos Positivos e Negativos (Galinha e Pais-Ribeiro, 2005) e a Escala de Satisfação com a Vida (Neto, 1993). O modelo mostrou os seguintes índices de ajuste: χ2 = 674.554, p < 0.001, χ2/fd = 4.08, CFI = 0.94; IFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.92; GFI = 0.92; RMSEA = 0.062; SRMR = 0.061. Nos aletas veteranos, a perceção de satisfação da necessidade psicológica básica de autonomia leva a comportamentos motivados autonomamente, promovendo estes, níveis mais elevados de bem-estar subjetivo. A motivação autónoma revelou-se uma variável mediadora significativa entre a necessidade psicológica básica de autonomia e a produção de afetos positivos. Registaram-se ainda efeitos indiretos da variável mediadora sobre as variáveis de satisfação com a vida e afetos negativos, assim como, efeitos diretos e totais da variável independente e as variáveis de consequência em análise.

RESUMEN La práctica deportiva por deportistas veteranos es una realidad evidente y con perspectivas de expansión. El objetivo fue determinar variables predictivas de bienestar subjetivo en deportistas veteranos, teniendo en cuenta la teoría de la autodeterminación. Se elaboró un modelo de ecuación estructural y un modelo de mediación. Participaron 840 deportistas veteranos portugueses, de entre 30 y 76 años (M = 42.54 DT = 7.28). Se utilizó la Escala de Necesidades Psicológicas Básicas en el Ejercicio (Moutão, Cid, Alves, Leitão y Vlachopoulos, 2012), el Cuestionario de Regulación Conductual en el Deporte (Monteiro, Moutão y Cid, 2018), la Escala de Afectos Positivos y Negativos (Galinha y Pais -Ribeiro, 2005) y la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (Neto, 1993). El modelo mostró los siguientes índices de ajuste: χ2 = 674,554, p <0.001, χ2 / fd = 4.08, CFI = .94; IFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.92; GFI = 0.92; RMSEA = 0.062; SRMR = 0.061. En los deportistas veteranos, la percepción de satisfacción de la necesidad psicológica básica de autonomía conduce a conductas de motivación autónoma, promoviendo estas, mayores niveles de bienestar subjetivo. La motivación autónoma resultó ser una variable mediadora significativa entre la necesidad psicológica básica de autonomía y la producción de afectos positivos. También hubo efectos indirectos de la variable mediadora sobre las variables de satisfacción con la vida y afectos negativos, así como efectos directos y totales de la variable independiente y las variables de consecuencia bajo análisis.

Abstract In the province of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, the COVID-19 epidemic has a limited progression that shows an early small-number peak of infections. Most published mathematical models fit data with high numbers of confirmed cases. In contrast, small numbers of cases make it difficult to predict the course of the epidemic. We present two known models adapted to capture the noisy dynamics of COVID-19 in the Santiago de Cuba province. Parameters of both models were estimated using the approximate-Bayesian-computation framework with dedicated error laws. One parameter of each model was updated on key dates of travel restrictions. Both models approximately predicted the infection peak and the end of the COVID-19 epidemic in Santiago de Cuba. The first model predicted 57 reported cases and 16 unreported cases. Additionally, it estimated six initially exposed persons. The second model forecasted 51 confirmed cases at the end of the epidemic. In conclusion, an opportune epidemiological investigation, along with the low number of initially exposed individuals, might partly explain the favorable evolution of the COVID-19 epidemic in Santiago de Cuba. With the available data, the simplest model predicted the epidemic evolution with greater precision, and the more complex model helped to explain the epidemic phenomenology.

In this work, synthesis, characterization and photophysical properties of trivalent rare earth complexes with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug [the indomethacinate (indo), presenting formulas RE(indo)3(H2O)x (x = 3, for Eu3+ and Gd+3, and x = 4 for Tb+3), RE(indo)3(bipy) and RE(indo)3(phen) (bipy: 2,2'-bipyridine, and phen: 1,10-phenanthroline)] were investigated. Based on photoluminescent results, the intramolecular energy transfer process from T1 triplet states of indo, phen and bipy ligands to the 5D0 emitting level of the Eu3+ ion in the coordination compounds is discussed. Accordingly, it is proposed two possible intramolecular energy transfer mechanisms between indomethacinate ligand and rare earth ions, which involve the participation of excited electronic states of the heterocyclic ligands as intermediate ones.

Abstract Composite structural elements of steel-concrete began to be used only in 1960 after the development of methods and constructive dispositions that ensured the functionality of these two materials together. In order to verify the importance of the participation of the axial mode in the frequency spectrum of the free vibration problem in composite beams with deformable shear connection, several analyses for 4 different boundary conditions and stiffness connection variation were performed. The analysis of the problem was carried out by development and computational implementation of a finite element for composite beams with partial interaction in the longitudinal direction applied to the problem of free vibrations. The solutions to this problem in the literature are scarce, and project recommendations are simplified. The results show that the finite element exhibits an excellent performance compared with the analytical results and as the axial mode has a high modal contribution, despite the boundary condition and stiffness connection.

This paper presents a finite element formulation for the numerical analysis of three-dimensional framed steel, reinforced concrete or composite steel and concrete structures subjected to fire. Several specialized and commercial programs may be used for the analysis of structures in fire condition. Within this context, the purpose of this work is to present the steps taken to extend a previously developed static analysis procedure with beam elements in order to cope with the thermal and structural analysis of structures under fire action. Physical nonlinearity and material property degradation considering the temperature distribution are taken into account at the cross section level, which is divided into quadrilateral or triangular finite elements. Thermal strains are considered through the effective strain concept, and the resulting nonlinear system of equations is solved by the Newton-Raphson scheme. The accuracy and capability of the formulation to simulate the behavior of framed structures under fire action are assessed through comparison with various numerical and experimental results.

A single bout of resistance exercise (RE) induces hormonal and immune responses, playing an important role in a long-term adaptive process. Whole-body vibration (WBV) has also been shown to affect hormonal responses. Evidence suggests that combining WBV with RE may amplify hormonal and immune responses due to the increased neuromuscular load. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate salivary cortisol (Scortisol) and salivary IgA (SIgA) concentrations following a RE session combined or not with WBV. Nine university students (22.9 ± 5.1 years, 175.8 ± 5.2 cm, and 69.2 ± 7.3 kg) performed five sets of squat exercise (70% one-repetition-maximum) combined (R+V30) or not (R) with WBV at 30 Hz. Saliva samples were obtained before and after exercise. Subjects also rated their effort according to the Borg CR-10 scale (RPE). Data were analyzed by a mixed model. RPE was higher after R+V30 (8.3 ± 0.7) compared to R (6.2 ± 0.7). However, Scortisol (pre: 10.6 ± 7.6 and 11.7 ± 7.6, post: 8.3 ± 6.3 and 10.2 ± 7.2 ng/mL for R and R+V30, respectively) and SIgA concentrations (pre: 98.3 ± 22.6 and 116.1 ± 51.2, post: 116.6 ± 64.7 and 143.6 ± 80.5 µg/mL for R and R+V30, respectively) were unaffected. No significant correlations were observed between Scortisol and RPE (r = 0.45, P = 0.22; r = 0.30, P = 0.42, for R and R+V30, respectively). On the basis of these data, neither protocol modified salivary cortisol or IgA, although RPE was higher after R+V30 than R.

A área mineira de Neves Corvo inclui a Mina de Neves Corvo (MNC) cuja exploração teve início em 1988 para Cu e Sn e outras seis minas de Mn e Cu já abandonadas. Na região ocorrem formações geológicas do Complexo Vulcano-Sedimentar (CVS) hospedeiras dos sulfuretos maciços portadores das mineralizações e formações do grupo do Flysch compostas de xistos e grauvaques. Neste trabalho, estudou-se a distribuição do estanho nos solos e a sua capacidade de absorção e translocação pelas plantas (Cistus ladanifer L.) na área mineira de Neves Corvo. As amostras foram colhidas em duas campanhas, entre 1971-72, cerca de 27 anos antes da laboração na MNC, e numa 2ª campanha (1998), 10 anos após o inicio da laboração desta mina, onde nos mesmos locais foram colhidos solos e plantas. As amostras de solos (horizonte superficial), de ambas as campanhas, e de plantas da 2ª campanha foram sujeitas a digestão com quatro ácidos para análise total dos elementos por ICP-AES. Os solos das duas campanhas, desenvolvidos no Flysch, apresentam as mesmas concentrações médias de Sn (2,9 mg kg -1), contrariamente ao que acontece nos solos que cobrem as formações do CVS cujas concentrações na 2º campanha são cerca do dobro das da primeira (4,5 e 10,4 mg kg-1 , respectivamente na 1ª e 2ª campanhas), notando-se assim a influência da actividade mineira nestas formações que são hospedeiras da mineralização de estanho. No entanto, em ambos os casos, os solos apresentam concentrações médias de Sn consideradas de fundo geoquímico. Em geral, as plantas apresentam concentrações de Sn mais elevadas nas raízes do que na parte aérea. Os solos apresentam teores de Sn inferiores aos das plantas indicando que estas têm capacidade para acumular aquele elemento. Este facto, pode estar relacionado com a presença de estanho nos solos quase neutros, sob a forma de estanite, também observada nas mineralizações. Nas plantas próximas da exploração da MNC, onde o pH do solo é mais ácido, os teores de Sn podem ser devidos à deposição de material particulado rico em Sn que será adsorvido via estomas. O pH e as fases sólidas nas quais o estanho se encontra nos solos são determinantes para a sua disponibilidade no solo e capacidade para ser absorvido e translocado pelas plantas.

The Neves Corvo mining area includes the Mina de Neves Corvo (MNC) that started exploitation in 1988 for Cu and Sn and six abandoned Mn and Cu mines. The Volcano Sedimentary Complex (VSC) which hosts the massive sulphide deposits and the Flysch formations of schist and greywacke dominates the regional geology. The aim of this study was to evaluate tin distribution in soils as well as the capacity to absorb and translocate this element for plants (Cistus ladanifer L.) growing in the MNC area. Samples were collected in two campaigns: the first, for soils, in 1971-72 before MNC existence; and the second campaign (1998), 10 years after mining exploitation began in MNC, for soils and plants in the same places sampled in the first campaign. Soil and plant samples were digested with four acids for total elements extraction and analysed by ICP-AES. The soils developed from Flysch formations have the same average Sn concentrations in both campaigns (2.9 mg kg -1). In contrast, the Sn concentration in soils developed on VSC in the second campaign were twice those (10.4 mg kg-1) from soils of the first campaign (4.5 mg kg-1), reflecting mining. However, tin content in soils developed on both lithologies was considered as a background concentration. Generally, plant roots have higher Sn concentrations than leaves. C. ladanifer plants presented highest Sn concentration than soils suggesting tin accumulation by these plants. The soil pH and solid phases where tin was present were determinant factors for tin uptake and translocation from roots to shoots in C. ladanifer plants.

Fe-ZSM-5 catalysts were prepared by ion exchange in aqueous medium or in the solid state and tested in the catalytic reduction of NO with iso-butane. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES, EXAFS), temperature-programmed reduction by H2 (H2-TPR) and Mössbauer spectroscopy (MÖS-S) were used for sample characterisation. Irrespective of the method used in catalyst preparation, EPR, XANES and MÖS-S showed Fe atoms in the oxidation state of 3+. MÖS-S and H2-TPR data on Fe-ZSM-5 prepared by ion exchange in the solid state allowed quantification of a lower hematite (Fe2O3) concentration and a higher proportion of Fe cations than samples prepared in an aqueous medium. In all the catalysts studied these Fe cations were the active sites in the reduction of NO to N2 and in the oxidation of iso-butane. It is further suggested that coordination of Fe species is another important aspect to be considered in their behaviour.

Spirometry, the most used test to evaluate pulmonary function, is only occasionally measured in field epidemiological studies. Our aim was to determine which of the following factors in the Platino study can be associated low quality spirometries in the first session: sex, age, socioeconomic level, educational level, body mass index, cold chill, smoking, operating technician, date and subject's previous spirometric experience. 1.168 individuals were evaluated with spirometry. Fifteen nurses and 1 midwife were trained according to NIOSCH standards. Easy One NDD spirometers were used. 1.037 subjects (88.8%) performed a satisfactory spirometry in the first session, and 131 (11.2%) failed to do so. Only two significant predictors of this failure were identified: age and educational level. Causes for test repetition were 1) Non satisfactory acceptability (77.1%); 2) lack of reproducibility (67.9%); 3) decline of post bronchodilator CVF without concomitant change in VEF1 (36.6%). Eighty nine of the 131 subjects accepted to repeat the test. A satisfactory spirometry was obtained in 79 subjects. Hence, at the end of the study 95.5 % of the subjects attained a satisfactory test. We conclude that personnel without experience, with appropriate training, can perform high quality field spirometries. Acceptability and repoducibility were the most sensitive factors associated with a bad performance of spirometry. Age and schooling were the main factors related with a low quality spirometry. No association was detected regarding technician as a predictor of low quality spirometries carried out in a population setting

La espirometría es el examen más utilizado para evaluar la función pulmonar y ocasionalmente se usa en estudios epidemiológicos. Evaluamos si las variables: sexo, edad, nivel socioeconómico, escolaridad, IMC, cursar concomitantemente con resfrío, tabaquismo, fecha del examen, haberse efectuado espirometría anteriormente y técnico responsable, se asociaban con la probabilidad de espirometrías insatisfactorias en una primera sesión. Quince enfermeras y una matrona que recibieron capacitación realizaron las espirometrías en 1.168 sujetos empleando un espirómetro Easy One NDD. En la primera sesión 1.037 individuos (88,8%) efectuaron una espirometría satisfactoria fracasando 131 (11,2%). Se identificaron dos variables predictoras del fracaso: edad y años de instrucción. Las causas más frecuentes de espirometrías insatisfactorias fueron: 1) No cumplir con criterios de aceptabilidad (77,1 %); 2) Falta de reproducibilidad (67,9%); 3) Caída de CVF post broncodilatador sin cambio en el VEF1 (36,6 %). De los 131 sujetos cuya espirometría fue insatisfactoria en la primera sesión, ochenta y nueve aceptaron repetirla, lográndose al final del estudio una espirometría satisfactoria en el 95,5% de la muestra. Personal técnico sin experiencia previa y adecuadamente entrenado, es capaz de lograr espirometrías de buena calidad en un estudio epidemiológico de campo. Las causas más frecuentes de repetición de examen guardan relación con dificultad de alcanzar criterios de aceptabilidad y reproducibilidad de la prueba. Factores gravitantes en la repetición son la edad y el nivel de instrucción de los sujetos examinados. El desempeño de los técnicos no constituyó un factor limitante para obtener una adecuada calidad de la espirometría en terreno

Propane oxidation and reduction of NO to N2 with propane under oxidative conditions on a Cu-Al-MCM-41 mesoporous molecular sieve and Cu-ZSM-5 zeolites were studied. Both types of catalysts were prepared by ion exchange in aqueous solutions of copper acetate and characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen sorption measurement, diffuse reflectance ultra-violet spectroscopy (DRS-UV), diffuse reflectance infra-red Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) of the adsorption of CO on Cu+ and temperature-programmed reduction with hydrogen (H2-TPR). The NO reduction was performed between 200 and 500 ºC using a GHSV = 42,000 h-1. H2-TPR data showed that in the prepared Cu-Al-MCM-41 all the Cu atoms are on the surface of the mesopores as highly dispersed CuO, which results in a decrease in specific surface area and in mesopore volume. H2-TPR together with DRIFTS data provided evidence that in Cu/ZSM-5 catalysts, Cu atoms are found as two different Cu2+ cations: Cualpha2+ and Cubeta2+, which are located on charge compensation sites, and their thermo-redox properties were different from those of Cu atoms in Cu-Al-MCM-41. The specific activity of the Cu2+ exchangeable cations in Cu-ZSM-5, irrespective of their nature, was much greater than that of the Cu2+ in Cu-Al-MCM-41, where they are found as CuO.