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Summary Hyperspectral Remote Sensing has shown excellent attitude in recognition and identification of manmade surfaces. In particular the analysis of MIVIS (Multispectral Infrared and Visible Imaging Spectrometer) remote sensed data led to the identification of different surface materials used for construction purposes, such as the asbestos concrete sheeting. These surfaces, used in both agricultural and urban buildings, represent a strong environmental problem since they proved to have a toxic influence on human health, causing pathogenic potential effects on the respiratory system. In fact, the asbestos fibers present in the concrete matrix can be diffused in the environment due to the processes occurring on the surfaces exposed to the action of weathering agents (icing, acid rains, winds, etc.). In Italy the law (n.257/1992) forbade any use of asbestos derived materials and, for what it concerns asbestos concrete, provided the Public Administration to take a census of the asbestos concrete sheeting. In this framework hyperspectral remote sensing from airborne platforms has revealed to be a useful methodology to take a census of artificial surfaces in urban and agricultural areas. Remote sensed data, processed and integrated by other information layers through GIS techniques, have also allowed to locate and map the asbestos concrete sheeting, setting up an useful instrument for urban planning policy in monitoring and managing asbestos problems.

The comparative study of a determined time method, according to King-Armstrong, for the measurement of the alkaline phosphatase activity in serum and of a kinetic method consents us to make the following points: 1) the reagents used in the King-Armstrong method are easily prepared and are stable for months, with the sole addition of cloroform to the substrate and to the buffer to avoid the growth of moulds. 2) The substrate used for the kinetic method undergoes spontaneous Xydrolysis in acqueous solution, which makes it possible to keep it refrigerated for a limited number of days. Freezing at - 20 degrees C does not improve the situation. 3) The degree of precision within the series and between the series is the same for the two methods, and very good. 4) From the working point of view the method of "determined time" is advantageous for few samples, while the kinetic method becomes preferable when the number of samples goes over 20 and 30 a day, provided that it is linked with the suitable automatic apparatus. 5) The results of the measurement of the enzyme activity found with the two methods on 120 sera of normal and pathological subjects have shown good correlation, confirming the clinical diagnostic value of the results obtained by the kinetic method, which uses a transphosphorilant buffer and their congruency with those obtained by the classical King-Armstrong method.