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We present and describe the Italian Roots in Australian Soil (IRIAS) speech corpus. Following a sociophonetic approach, our aim is to extend and complement the frequently investigated macro-structures of lexical, syntactic and morphological interactions among immigrants' languages and common sociolinguistic investigations about immigrants' language attitudes. We first discuss and motivate the creation of the IRIAS corpus. We then focus on the specific methodological issues we addressed in compiling a corpus of natural spontaneous speech collected in Veneto or Calabrese dialects, Italian and English from first and second generation Italo-Australian speakers originating from two specific regions in Italy (Veneto and Calabria). A detailed description of the IRIAS corpus follows, including its design, collection procedure and processing. The latter focuses on novel manual and automatic solutions we implemented to overcome the challenging dearth of existing resources. These solutions help advance work on spontaneous speech data. We conclude by providing some insights on what has been achieved thus far as well as the analyses currently being carried out on subsets of the IRIAS corpus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastocytosis is a rare myeloid neoplasm characterized by uncontrolled expansion of mast cells, driven in >80% of affected individuals by acquisition of the KIT D816V mutation. To explore the hypothesis that inherited variation predisposes to mastocytosis, we performed a two-stage genome-wide association study, analyzing 1,035 individuals with KIT D816V positive disease and 17,960 healthy control individuals from five European populations. After quality control, we tested 592,007 SNPs at stage 1 and 75 SNPs at stage 2 for association by using logistic regression and performed a fixed effects meta-analysis to combine evidence across the two stages. From the meta-analysis, we identified three intergenic SNPs associated with mastocytosis that achieved genome-wide significance without heterogeneity between cohorts: rs4616402 (p meta = 1.37 × 10−15, OR = 1.52), rs4662380 (p meta = 2.11 × 10−12, OR = 1.46), and rs13077541 (p meta = 2.10 × 10−9, OR = 1.33). Expression quantitative trait analyses demonstrated that rs4616402 is associated with the expression of CEBPA (p eQTL = 2.3 × 10−14), a gene encoding a transcription factor known to play a critical role in myelopoiesis. The role of the other two SNPs is less clear: rs4662380 is associated with expression of the long non-coding RNA gene TEX41 (p eQTL = 2.55 × 10−11), whereas rs13077541 is associated with the expression of TBL1XR1, which encodes transducin (β)-like 1 X-linked receptor 1 (p eQTL = 5.70 × 10−8). In individuals with available data and non-advanced disease, rs4616402 was associated with age at presentation (p = 0.009; beta = 4.41; n = 422). Additional focused analysis identified suggestive associations between mastocytosis and genetic variation at TERT , TPSAB1/TPSB2 , and IL13. These findings demonstrate that multiple germline variants predispose to KIT D816V positive mastocytosis and provide novel avenues for functional investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) Charge Breeding (CB) technique consists in transforming the charge state of an input beam from 1+ to n+ to allow post-acceleration. The optimization of an ECR-CB requires a deep investigation of ion dynamics and electron heating, the latter being influenced by the microwave-to-plasma coupling mechanism. In this paper, we report the electromagnetic analysis of the microwave-to-plasma coupling of the Selective Production of Exotic Species charge breeder (SPES-CB) plasma chamber, taking into account the presence of the plasma through its dielectric tensor, performed using a self-consistent approach. In particular, the effect of two different frequencies on the plasma–wave interaction will be shown, in terms of electromagnetic properties such as plasma-absorbed power, giving numerical evidence of the frequency tuning effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The slowing down and capture by a plasma of externally injected 1+ ions, as a consequence of very frequent elastic Coulomb collisions, is the main mechanism involved in the charge breeding process based on electron cyclotron resonance ion sources. The Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare ion source group has been undertaking an intense activity on numerical simulations of the beam-plasma interaction, developing a code that has been proven to be very effective in reproducing several experimental results of charge breeding of light and heavy ions. This contribution will present the progress made in the development of the numerical code, focusing the attention on the latest simulations of charge breeding of Rb1+ ions employing a self-consistent plasma target model. The effect of the real plasmoid/halo structure on the capture process will be underlined, as well as the influence of different plasma excitation frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CHRM3 codes for the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor that is located on the surface of smooth muscle cells of the detrusor, the muscle that effects urinary voiding. Previously, we reported brothers in a family affected by a congenital prune belly‐like syndrome with mydriasis due to homozygous CHRM3 frameshift variants. In this study, we describe two sisters with bladders that failed to empty completely and pupils that failed to constrict fully in response to light, who are homozygous for the missense CHRM3 variant c.352G > A; p.(Gly118Arg). Samples were not available for genotyping from their brother, who had a history of multiple urinary tract infections and underwent surgical bladder draining in the first year of life. He died at the age of 6 years. This is the first independent report of biallelic variants in CHRM3 in a family with a rare serious bladder disorder associated with mydriasis and provides important evidence of this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across languages of the world the /r/ sound is known for its variability. This variability has been investigated using articulatory models as well as in sociolinguistic studies. The current study investigates to what extent /r/ is a marker of a bilingual's dominant language. To this end, a reading task was carried out by bilingual speakers from South Tyrol, who produce /r/ differently according to whether they dominantly speak Tyrolean or Italian. The recorded reading data were subsequently used in a perception experiment to investigate whether South Tyrolean bilingual listeners are able to identify the dominant language of the speaker. Results indicate that listeners use /r/ as a cue to determine the dominant language of the speaker whilst relying on articulatory distinctions between the variants. It is furthermore shown that /r/ correlates with three interdependent variables: the sociolinguistic background of the speakers, their speech production, and how their speech is perceived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Operating Room Scheduling (ORS) problem is the task of assigning patients to operating rooms, taking into account different specialties, the surgery and operating room session durations, and different priorities. Given that Answer Set Programming (ASP) has been recently employed for solving real-life scheduling and planning problems, in this paper we first present an off-line solution based on ASP for solving the ORS problem. Then, we present techniques for re-scheduling on-line in case the off-line schedule can not be fully applied. Results of an experimental analysis conducted on benchmarks with realistic sizes and parameters show that ASP is a suitable solving methodology also for the ORS problem. This analysis has been performed with a web framework for managing ORS problems via ASP that allows a user to insert the main parameters of the problem, solve a specific instance, and show results graphically in real-time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to climate warming, a southward shift in productive frontal systems serving as the main foraging sites for many top predator species is likely to occur in Subantarctic areas. Central place foragers, such as seabirds and pinnipeds, are thus likely to cope with an increase in the distance between foraging locations and their land-based breeding colonies. Understanding how central place foragers should modify their foraging behavior in response to changes in prey accessibility appears crucial. A spatially explicit individual-based simulation model (Marine Central Place Forager Simulator (MarCPFS)), including bio-energetic components, was built to evaluate effects of possible changes in prey resources accessibility on individual performances and breeding success. The study was calibrated on a particular example: the Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella), which alternates between oceanic areas in which females feed and the land-based colony in which they suckle their young over a 120 days rearing period. Our model shows the importance of the distance covered to feed and prey aggregation which appeared to be key factors to which animals are highly sensitive. Memorization and learning abilities also appear to be essential breeding success traits. Females were found to be most successful for intermediate levels of prey aggregation and short distance to the resource, resulting in optimal female body length. Increased distance to resources due to climate warming should hinder pups’ growth and survival while female body length should increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a quark model calculation of the charmonium spectrum with self-energy corrections due to the coupling to the meson-meson continuum. The bare masses used in the calculation are computed within the relativized quark model by Godfrey and Isgur. The strong decay widths of 3S, 2P, ID, and 2D cc states are also calculated, to set the values of the ³P0 pair-creation model's parameters we use to compute the vertex functions of the loop integrals. Finally, the nature of the X(3872) resonance is analyzed and the main possibilities (cc state or DD* molecule) are discussed. According to our results, the X(3872) is compatible with the meson Xcl(2P), with JPC = 1++, and is thus interpreted as a cc core plus higher Fock components due to the coupling to the meson-meson continuum. These JPC = 1++ quantum numbers are in agreement with the experimental results found by the LHCb collaboration. In our view, the X(3872)'s mass is lower than the quark model's predictions because of self-energy shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy and paratiroidectomy (MIVAT/P) are surgical procedures performed with 5-mm cameras handled by a camera assistant.Methods: The authors created a new camera handler for video-assisted neck surgery. It consists of a telescopic tripod device designed for mechanical handling of the camera, which is directly oriented by the operator even in solo surgery procedures. The camera is placed inside an O-shaped support, and moved by the operator himself for exploration and work on the surgical field.Results: Thanks to this simple device, the camera holder provides a firm field and prevents blood stains in limited working spaces.Conclusions: The novel camera handler may be useful in either MIVAT/P or other simple laparoscopic procedures (i.e., cholecystectomy) for a steady handling of the camera, even in solo surgery procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple hybrid quark-diquark model for the baryons is constructed as a partial solution to the well-known "missing resonances" problem. In this model, the quark-diquark approach is merged with the usual constituent three-quark model. The underlying idea is that the quark-diquark approach describes the excited states while the three-quark model the ground states. The spectrum is calculated through a mass formula, a generalization of the Giirsey-Radicati formula, built to reproduce the rotational and vibrational Regge trajectories. Using the quark-diquark scheme, we were also able to describe the spin-flavor degrees of freedom in the framework of an algebraic model. Moreover, we have constructed a complete classifications of the possible quark-diquark states only based on group theory and thus it can be useful both for other model builders and for experimentalists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an unquenched quark model calculation of the mass shifts of 1S, 2S, and 1P bottomonium states due to the coupling to the meson-meson continuum. In our approach, the effects of the qq pairs are taken explicitly into account through a microscopic, QCD-inspired, quark-antiquark pair creation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently discovered Z(4430) mesonic resonance is believed to be a strong tetraquark candidate. The photoproduction in the channel γp → Z+(4430)n → ψ′π+n has been proposed as the most effective way to confirm the Z(4430) presence and to measure its quantum numbers. In this work we present a model for high-energy and forward-angle Z(4430) photoproduction in a effective Lagrangian approach. This model is based on the use of Regge trajectories exchange, thus a Regge propagator replaces the usual Feynman propagator. The differential and total cross sections and the asymmetries have been calculated for the JP quantum numbers 1-, 1+, 0-, and 2- in the hypotheses where Z(4430) has isospin I = 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-space charge effects and problems related to beam transport are discussed in the context of an electron cyclotron-resonance ion sources extraction and pre-acceleration low emittance line (which works as the injector of a new superconducting Radio Frequency Quadruple (RFQ) under commissioning at Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro (LNL)) at several values of the extracted beam current. In the extractor, both the cases of short-range magnetic fringe field (virtual source approximation) and large-range fringe field are simulated. Analytical expression of ion flow and plasma sheaths are easily incorporated in the charged fluid approach and in numerical modeling with three-dimensional simulation programs, which can treat several coupled field variables and lower space dimension (known as multiphysics codes). Advantages of flexibility and of representation of finer details are remarked. Effects of plasma potential and extraction hole thickness (0.5 mm) on the plasma meniscus can be resolved, even in the context of a simulation including 1 m long objects. An example of beam injection into an acceleration tube is also given; results are consistent with the tube-design goals and with the experimentally observed parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SPES (Selective Production of Exotic Species) is an INFN (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare) project with the aim at producing and post-accelerating exotic beams to perform forefront research in nuclear physics. To allow post-acceleration of the radioactive ions, an ECR-based Charge Breeder (CB) developed on the basis of the Phoenix booster was chosen. The design of the complete beam line for the SPES-CB will be described: a system for stable 1+ beams production was included; special attention was paid to the medium resolution mass spectrometer after the CB to limit possible superposition of the exotic beams with the impurities present in the ECR plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ECR ion sources are able to produce a wide variety of highly charged metallic ion beams thanks to the development of different techniques (ovens, sputtering, direct insertion, metal ions from volatile compounds (MIVOC)). In the case of the ovens, the sticking of the hot vapors on the surface of the plasma chamber leads to high material consumption rates. For elements like Ca, a tantalum liner inserted inside the chamber can be used to limit this phenomenon. The modeling of temperature distribution inside the chamber with and without the liner was carried out with COMSOL-multiphysics code. Results of simulation and the comparison with experiments performed at INFN-Legnaro National Laboratories with Ca beams are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present comprehensive experimental data demonstrating that the capture process of the 1 + ions in charge breeder electron cyclotron resonance ion sources (ECRIS) is dominated by electrostatic deceleration by the ambipolar plasma potential, not by cumulative small-angle scattering of the incident ions in ion–ion collisions as postulated previously. To achieve this we varied the plasma potential of an ECRIS charge breeder by adjusting the microwave power applied to sustain the helium discharge and measured the corresponding shift in the optimum injection energy of the 1 + ions. The experiment was repeated with sodium, potassium, and cesium ions. It is shown that the optimum injection energy does not depend on the incident ion mass, which contradicts the collisional drag model. Conversely, the optimum injection energy (in eV) shifts in unison with the plasma potential (in V), which provides strong evidence for the electrostatic deceleration hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers the authors' view on the study by R. R. Walvekar and colleagues on the feasibility of retroauricular video-assisted gasless thyroidectomy. They say that the study is limited to hemithyroidectomy surgery and that having 11.8 ± 1.2-centimeter (cm) incision is too large for video-assisted approach and not justified for total thryroidectomy. They also mention the increased infection risks in the procedure described due to proximity in less clean areas such as ear and hair.

The article focuses on the feasibility of the transluminal endoscopic surgical approach to thyroid and parathyroid glands. It says that the usage a potential anatomical space has described the technique as minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and the potential for infection is also another problem associated with the approach. Moreover, the possibility of using carbon dioxide (CO2) gas as a means of creating a surgical space is also suggested.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Multipurpose Surgical Robot As a Laparoscope Assistant," in a previous issue.

The ion beam-plasma interaction is a relevant topic in several fields of plasma physics, from fusion devices to modern ion sources. This paper discusses the numerical modelling of the whole beam-plus-plasma-target system in case of 1+  ions entering an ECR-based charge breeder (ECR-CB). The model is able to reproduce the ion capture and the creation of the first charge states in the selected physics case, i.e. the interaction of a 85Rb1+ ions with the plasma of the 14.5 GHz PHOENIX ECR-CB installed at the Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC) of Grenoble. The results show that a very narrow window of physical parameters for both the beam (energy and energy spread especially) and plasma (ion temperature, density, density structural distribution, self-generated ambipolar fields) exists which is able to reproduce very well the experimental results, providing an exhaustive picture of the involved phenomena. Possible non-linear interactions and the role played by the eventual onset of instabilities are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adverse physiological effects of pneumo and retro-peritoneum are relatively well known. However, the clinical implications of compromised mesenteric circulation through several mechanical and physiological mechanisms are not as well recognized. We describe a fatal case of intestinal infarction following an elective retroperitoneoscopic right sympathectomy. The patient was a 88-year-old man who died 30 hours after an uneventful anesthesia and right endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy. An emergency explorative laparotomy revealed a massive intestinal infarction due to thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery. We reviewed the literature on laparoscopic procedures and mesenteric ischemia. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of intestinal infarction following retropneumoperitoneum. We conclude that the presence of a severe multidistrectual? arteriopathy may represent a major risk factor in retroperitoneoscopic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article on how to establish a simulator center for surgical skills by Haluck et al. that was published in the previous issue.

Abstract: On all sides there is an increasing need for a protocol in speaker recognition analysis. This need arises not only in the scientific word, but corresponds also to a requirement of guarantee and protection of all the individuals involved in criminal lawsuits. This study aims neither to resolve the problem of the protocol and of the fundamental steps in a speaker recognition analysis, nor to impose a precise methodology to be followed, but is an attempt to stir the stagnant waters of the debate on expert report phonic analysis. The most important steps in the realisation of a phonic expertise are outlined as a basis and a starting point for a future protocol to which should follow the establishment of a phonic experts list. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We present a features extraction method using syllables for emotion regression. [•] Spectral features are extracted from automatically detected syllable nuclei only. [•] Computational effort is reduced with respect to frame-based approaches. [•] Both static and continuous emotion recognition are considered to test the approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents abstracts on medical topics which includes endovascular repair of acute traumatic injuries of descending aorta, influence of preoperative degree of aortic incompetence in aortic valve-sparing operations, and technique to enhance neuroprotective effects of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

: The present paper describes a training method with objective evaluation to enhance video-assisted surgical skills in subfascial endoscopic perforator veins surgery (SEPS). Training was scheduled during a 2-day intensive course.: Hands-on exercises were performed (i) on a simulator to assess whether specific training exercises were helpful in attainment of skills; (ii) on a known animal model that uses the swine abdominal wall and which allows practice in endoscopic dissection and perforator veins (PV) using appropriate instrumentation in an environment that is a reasonable surrogate for the human calf; and (iii) assisting a senior surgeon performing SEPS. Thirty surgeons without experience in SEPS were trained to perform a sequence of standardized drills connected with the SEPS technique. The SEPS simulator consisted of an artificially constructed subfascial space of the leg in which false perforator veins had to be localized, and cut. The participants performed a sequence of drills three times in order to improve their dexterity. The same exercises were then performed on a swine model. The model consisted of the arteries and veins penetrating the rectus fascia and passing into the overlying cutaneous trunci muscle and hypodermis on either side of the midline between the arch of the ribs cranially and the umbilicus caudally. Trainees were required to achieve operative space in the animal subcutaneous fat, to reach and identify the‘perforating’ subcutaneous vessels, and to interrupt some of them with a 5-mm clamp coagulator ultrasonic scalpel. The time required to perform each dexterity drill was recorded in seconds. Finally, the day after, trainees were asked to drive the senior operator during clinical SEPS performed on eight patients, suggesting the following manoeuvres in order to: (i) enter the subfascial space of the leg; (ii) make operative space; (iii) identify the incompetent perforator vein(s); and (iv) coagulate and divide them with the ultrasonic scalpel. Each of these four steps scored 1 point.: All the trainees showed a steady improvement in skill acquisition on the SEPS simulator (P < 0.001), and on the animal model with the single-port technique (P < 0.001). These results reflect positively on the animal model using the dual-port technique, and on the scores achieved in the operating theatre during clinical SEPS.: The validity of the 2-day course was demonstrated by significant improvement in performance with increasing skill on the training models, and in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A numerical tool for analyzing spatially anisotropic electron populations in electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasmas has been developed, using a trial-and-error electron energy distribution function (EEDF) fitting method. The method was tested on space-resolved warm electrons in the energy range 2 – 20 keV , obtained from self-consistent simulations modeling only electron dynamics in ECR devices, but lacked real-world validation. For experimentally benchmarking the method, we attempted to use the tested EEDF to numerically reproduce experimental x-ray emission spectrum measured from an argon plasma. The analysis revealed a stronger contribution from hot electrons than expected, and this information will be fed back to simulation models to generate more realistic data. Subsequent application of the numerical tool to the improved simulation data can result in continuous EEDFs that reflect the nature of charge distributions in anisotropic ECR plasmas. These functions can be also applied to electron-dependent reactions, in order to reproduce experimental results, like those concerning space-dependent Kα emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the current literature parapubic hernia is regarded as a relatively rare pathology. The causative defect is usually related to pelvic surgery, traumatism, or bone malformation. Surgical treatment is difficult, because aponeurotic tissue on which to anchor a mesh on the caudal aspect of the defect is missing. This report describes a case of an incisional pubic hernia related to megabladder in a woman affected by diabetes insipidus and with a past clinical history of multiple pelvic interventions. As far as we are aware this report adds a new pathogenetic issue for parapubic hernias not previously described in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diffusion of novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus over the world generated COVID-19 pandemic event as reported by World Health Organization on March 2020. The huge issue is the high infectivity and the absence of vaccine and customised drugs allowing for hard management of this outbreak, thus a rapid and on site analysis is a need to contain the spread of COVID-19. Herein, we developed an electrochemical immunoassay for rapid and smart detection of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in saliva. The electrochemical assay was conceived for Spike (S) protein or Nucleocapsid (N) protein detection using magnetic beads as support of immunological chain and secondary antibody with alkaline phosphatase as immunological label. The enzymatic by-product 1-naphtol was detected using screen-printed electrodes modified with carbon black nanomaterial. The analytical features of the electrochemical immunoassay were evaluated using the standard solution of S and N protein in buffer solution and untreated saliva with a detection limit equal to 19 ng/mL and 8 ng/mL in untreated saliva, respectively for S and N protein. Its effectiveness was assessed using cultured virus in biosafety level 3 and in saliva clinical samples comparing the data using the nasopharyngeal swab specimens tested with Real-Time PCR. The agreement of the data, the low detection limit achieved, the rapid analysis (30 min), the miniaturization, and portability of the instrument combined with the easiness to use and no-invasive sampling, confer to this analytical tool high potentiality for market entry as the first highly sensitive electrochemical immunoassay for SARS-CoV-2 detection in untreated saliva. • Carbon black-modified screen-printed for smart immunosensor able to detect SARS-CoV-2. • Magnetic beads as support for rapid and reliable SARS-CoV-2 detection in untreated saliva. • Saliva clinical samples and cultured SARS-CoV-2 virus analysis. • Selectivity when tested with influenza pandemic/seasonal H1N1 viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Given the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), performing new and cost-effective stool tests is of particular importance for early diagnosis and treatment. In the present review, we describe the main characteristics, and the performance of the most recently developed stool tests in the screening setting of colorectal tumoral diseases. Most of the studies reported high sensitivity both for adenomas and CRC diagnosis; less than half studies reported also high specificity with respect to stage and localization of the tumor. However, the performance of every single test was extremely variable, reaching >95% specificity for most of DNA-based markers, although lacking sensitivity even in case of invasive CRC. A new potential stool marker of colon cancer is clusterin, a protein of particular interest for its high sensitivity and positive predictive value in patients with highly aggressive CRC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A Radio Frequency Quadrupole Cooler (RFQC) prototype was adapted for insertion into a high uniformity magnetic field, with Bz up to 0.2 T, to improve radial confinement. While the RFQC purpose is to reduce (by gas collisions) the energy spread and emittance of a beam of radioactive nuclei, to finely select ion mass in nuclear physics, the prototype is tested in a setup including a stable ion source, a pepper pot emittance meter, and two Faraday cups; this makes a precise characterization of the RFQC feasible. The ion extraction was studied in detail by simulations, both to match it to the emittance meter granularity and to verify the effect of the typical nonuniformity of the longitudinal electric field Ez inside the RFQC; an average motion description (including friction force from gas collisions) was used, introducing the ballistic and diffusive regimes. With a preliminary optimization of the electrode shape, buffer gas pressure pg, and radio frequency voltage, the ion beam can be extracted with a significant cooling margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PANDORA, Plasmas for Astrophysics, Nuclear Decays Observation and Radiation for Archaeometry, is planned as a new facility based on a state-of-the-art plasma trap confining energetic plasma for performing interdisciplinary research in the fields of Nuclear Astrophysics, Astrophysics, Plasma Physics and Applications in Material Science and Archaeometry: the plasmas become the environment for measuring, for the first time, nuclear decay rates in stellar-like condition (such as Be decay and beta-decay involved in s-process nucleosynthesis), especially as a function of the ionization state of the plasma ions. These studies will give important contributions for addressing several astrophysical issues in both stellar and primordial nucleosynthesis environment ( e.g., determination of solar neutrino flux and Li Cosmological Problem), moreover the confined energetic plasma will be a unique light source for high-performance stellar spectroscopy measurements in the visible, UV and X-ray domains, offering advancements in observational astronomy. As to magnetic fields, the experimental validation of theoretical first- and second-order Landé factors will drive the layout of next-generation polarimetric units for the high-resolution spectrograph of the future giant telescopes. In PANDORA new plasma heating methods will be explored, that will push forward the ion beam output, in terms of extracted intensity and charge states. More, advanced and optimized injection methods of ions in an ECR plasma will be experimented, with the aim to optimize its capture efficiency. This will be applied to the ECR-based Charge Breeding technique, that will improve the performances of the SPES ISOL-facility at Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro-INFN. Finally, PANDORA will be suitable for energy conversion, making the plasma a source of high-intensity electromagnetic radiation, for applications in material science and archaeometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, we discuss the results of a QM calculation of the open-flavor strong decays of **** light nucleon resonances. These are the results of a recent calculation, where we used a modified $$^3P_0$$ model for the amplitudes and the U(7) algebraic model and the hypercentral quark model to predict the baryon spectrum. The decay amplitudes are compared with the existing experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INFN-LNL is constructing an ISOL (Isotope Separation On Line) facility delivering neutron rich ion beams at 10 A MeV or beyond, making use of the linear accelerator ALPI as the secondary accelerator. The facility includes a direct ISOL target based on UC x and able to reach 10 13 fissions/s. In parallel, an applied physics facility will be developed, with applications in medicine and neutron production. The SPES project is a national facility, approved and funded. Commissioning with the first exotic species is expected in 2019. The primary accelerator is a commercial cyclotron, which will send a 40 MeV, 200 μA proton beam onto an UC x target, connected to SIS, PIS and LIS ion sources. The extracted beam is purified through a Low Resolution Mass Separator (LMRS, i.e. a Wien filter and a dispersive dipole), a beam cooler and a High Resolution Mass Separator (HRMS) and sent to an ECR charge breeder to boost the exotic beam charge state. The highly charged exotic beam is further separated in a MRMS (Medium Resolution Mass Separator) and injected into a 100% duty cycle RFQ and into the existing superconducting linac ALPI, which will be refurbished and upgraded to be an efficient exotic beam accelerator. The upgrade of ALPI will give ∼10 A MeV energy to 132 Sn 19+ , taken as the reference ion beam. The paper presents the status of the design and construction of the SPES facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Laboratori Nazionali del Sud (INFN-LNS), the development of intense ion and proton sources has been supported by a great deal of work on the modelling of microwave generated plasmas for many years. First, a stationary version of the particle-in-cell code was developed for plasma modelling starting from an iterative strategy adopted for the space charge dominated beam transport simulations. Electromagnetic properties of the plasma and full-waves simulations are now affordable for non-homogenous and non-isotropic magnetized plasma via "cold" approximation. The effects of Coulomb collisions on plasma particles dynamics was implemented with the Langevin formalism, instead of simply applying the Spitzer 90° collisions through a Monte Carlo technique. A wide database of different cross sections related to reactions occurring in a hydrogen plasma was implemented. The next step consists of merging such a variety of approaches for retrieving an "as-a-whole" picture of plasma dynamics in ion sources. The preliminary results will be summarized in the paper for a microwave discharge ion source designed for intense and high quality proton beams production, proton source for European Spallation Source project. Even if the realization of a predictive software including the complete processes involved in plasma formation is still rather far, a better comprehension of the source behavior is possible and so the simulations may support the optimization phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]