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This article presents the design activities of an automotive component to be produced using a recyclable cleavable-epoxy Matrix Composite and Basalt-Derived Mineral Fibres. The material innovations are being studied within project C2CC (www.c2cc-project.eu), aimed at satisfying latest EU directives regarding end-of-life reuse and C-footprint reduction. The main targets are the weight reduction, obtained employing materials with lower footprint, namely a biomass derived epoxy and a cradle-to-cradle recyclable mineral fiber, that is a fibre that (differently from carbon fibre) can be remelted to long fibre with no decrease in mechanical specifications [1]. For recycling both the resin and the fibre, a the cleavable hardener was adopted [2] developed by Connnora Inc (US), which avoids the need of pyrolysis to recover and recycle the fibers from prepreg scraps and end-of-life components. The main project demonstrator is the front bonnet of segment A vehicle FIAT 500 Abarth. One approach to reach the component expected performances is using the semifinished composite materials (prepregs) produced by the project to manufacture a final structural sandwich. From the modelling point of view, this work carries out a multiscale approach starting from the basic constituents of skin and core and ending with the model at the mesoscale of the specimens of the sandwich. The simulation activity was conducted considering the possible recyclable sandwich cores, and the comparison aims at selecting the optimal ones for this specific automotive component.

In previous works, the authors showed that nylon nanofibers in the form of a random mat (nanomat) obtained by electrospinning can be used in bonded joints, where they may also work as an adhesive carrier. In those works, the setup of the bonding procedure started from a low-viscosity epoxy resin for hand layup in order to facilitate wetting of the nanomat, then a medium viscosity, two-component, unfilled epoxy adhesive was employed as an intermediate development step towards the addition of the nanomat to a high-viscosity, high strength, two-component epoxy adhesive system. The present work is therefore aimed at analyzing the performance of an epoxy adhesive for structural bonding, modified with the addition of a nylon nanomat generated by electrospinning. The adhesive is mixed and air bubbles are evacuated, then the nanomat is immersed in the adhesive, gently squeezed through two adjacent drums, counter-rotating at a given distance, in order to eliminate excess adhesive and to calibrate the wet nanomat thickness. The wet nanomat strip is finally placed between AA 6082-T4 adherents and let to consolidate to obtain Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) bonded specimens. Fracture tests are performed and the mode-I fracture toughness with and without the nanomat is compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoluminescence (PL) and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements were used to study the origin of optical emissions in the 0.8-1.0 eV region of selected oxygen precipitated and dislocated silicon samples. It was shown that the D1 band, present in both types of samples, is the convolution of different sub-bands, narrowly spaced between 0.802 and 0.820 eV. The emission at 0.807 eV, assigned in the literature to dislocations, was found only in samples where dislocations were intentionally generated by plastic deformation or induced by the clustering of self-interstitials generated during the growth of oxide precipitates. A comparison of the results of PL, DLTS, and optical DLTS measurements allows the assignment of levels involved in the radiative recombination processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired chemoresistance during chemotherapy, often accompanied by cross- and multi-resistance, limits therapeutic outcomes and leads to recurrence. In order to create in vitro model systems to understand acquired doxorubicin-resistance, we generated doxorubicin-resistant sublines of canine prostate adenocarcinoma and urothelial cell carcinoma cell lines. Chemoresistance to doxorubicin, cross-resistance to carboplatin, and the reversibility of the acquired resistance by the specific MDR1-inhibitor tariquidar were quantified in metabolic assays. Resistance mechanisms were characterized by expression of the efflux transporters MDR1 and RALBP1, as well as the molecular target of doxorubicin, TOP2A, with qPCR and Western blotting. Six out of nine cell lines established stable resistance to 2 µM doxorubicin. Drug efflux via massive MDR1 overexpression was identified as common, driving resistance mechanism in all sublines. MDR1 inhibition with tariquidar extensively reduced or reversed the acquired, and also partly the parental resistance. Three cell lines developed additional, non-MDR1-dependent resistance. RALBP1 was upregulated in one resistant subline at the protein level, while TOP2A expression was not altered. Combination therapies aiming to inhibit MDR1 activity can now be screened for synergistic effects using our resistant sublines. Nevertheless, detailed resistance mechanisms and maintained molecular target expression in the resistant sublines are still to be examined.

The ROUTES Work Package (WP) is one of the two strategic studies being conducted as part of the European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management (EURAD). ROUTES’ objectives are (i) to provide a framework for European Union’s member states (MS) to share methodologies, experiences, and knowledge in situations in which a waste management strategy is difficult to define as well as to (ii) to compare national approaches and strategies of waste management. The work considers national programmes at different stages of their development and deals with different amounts and types of radioactive waste. The expected output is identifying Research & Development (R&D) needs and opportunities for collaboration between MS, which need not be confined to ROUTES or EURAD frameworks. This work has enabled ROUTES partners to identify key issues such as retrieving poorly characterised legacy waste from a predisposal or disposal facility, implementing specific waste management solutions in the absence of well-defined WAC or developing innovative or shared solutions for MS that have only limited amounts of waste to manage. Discussion of these questions is illustrated through some of the case studies identified and analysed under the ROUTES WP.

BACKGROUND Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare, devastating, and life-threatening inherited skin fragility disorder that comes about due to a lack of functional type VII collagen, for which no effective therapy exists. ABCB5+ dermal mesenchymal stem cells (ABCB5+ MSCs) possess immunomodulatory, inflammation-dampening, and tissue-healing capacities. In a Col7a1–/– mouse model of RDEB, treatment with ABCB5+ MSCs markedly extended the animals’ lifespans.METHODS In this international, multicentric, single-arm, phase I/IIa clinical trial, 16 patients (aged 4–36 years) enrolled into 4 age cohorts received 3 i.v. infusions of 2 × 106 ABCB5+ MSCs/kg on days 0, 17, and 35. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks regarding efficacy and 12 months regarding safety.RESULTS At 12 weeks, statistically significant median (IQR) reductions in the Epidermolysis Bullosa Disease Activity and Scarring Index activity (EBDASI activity) score of 13.0% (2.9%–30%; P = 0.049) and the Instrument for Scoring Clinical Outcome of Research for Epidermolysis Bullosa clinician (iscorEB‑c) score of 18.2% (1.9%–39.8%; P = 0.037) were observed. Reductions in itch and pain numerical rating scale scores were greatest on day 35, amounting to 37.5% (0.0%–42.9%; P = 0.033) and 25.0% (–8.4% to 46.4%; P = 0.168), respectively. Three adverse events were considered related to the cell product: 1 mild lymphadenopathy and 2 hypersensitivity reactions. The latter 2 were serious but resolved without sequelae shortly after withdrawal of treatment.CONCLUSION This trial demonstrates good tolerability, manageable safety, and potential efficacy of i.v. ABCB5+ MSCs as a readily available disease-modifying therapy for RDEB and provides a rationale for further clinical evaluation.TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03529877; EudraCT 2018-001009-98.FUNDING The trial was sponsored by RHEACELL GmbH & Co. KG. Contributions by NYF and MHF to this work were supported by the NIH/National Eye Institute (NEI) grants RO1EY025794 and R24EY028767.

The study aimed to assess the efficacy of an integrated water safety plan (WSP) in controlling Legionella re-growth in a respiratory hydrotherapy system located in a spa centre, supplied with sulphurous water, which was initially colonized by Legionella pneumophila. Heterotrophic plate counts, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella spp. were detected in water samples taken 6-monthly from the hydrotherapy equipment (main circuit, entry to benches, final outlets). On the basis of the results obtained by the continuous monitoring and the changes in conditions, the original WSP, including physical treatments of water and waterlines, environmental surveillance and microbiological monitoring, was integrated introducing a UV/ultrafiltration system. The integrated treatment applied to the sulphurous water (microfiltration/UV irradiation/ultrafiltration), waterlines (superheated stream) and distal outlets (descaling/disinfection of nebulizers and nasal irrigators), ensured the removal of Legionella spp. and P. aeruginosa and a satisfactory microbiological quality over time. The environmental surveillance was successful in evaluating the hazard and identifying the most suitable preventive strategies to avoid Legionella re-growth. Ultrafiltration is a technology to take into account in the control of microbial contamination of therapeutic spas, since it does not modify the chemical composition of the water, thus allowing it to retain its therapeutic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 and HHV8 first spotted together: an affair under electron microscopy Despite the publication of articles about dermatopathology of COVID-related skin lesions,1 only a few among these investigate patients with SARS-CoV-2 and other viral co-infections showing cutaneous manifestations. Finding both COVID-19 and HHV8 viruses in a patient's specimen observed under TEM3 led us to speculate the mechanisms of co-infection of these pathogens. [Extracted from the article]

The transfer of chemical vapor deposited graphene is a crucial process, which can affect the quality of the transferred films and compromise their application in devices. Finding a robust and intrinsically clean material capable of easing the transfer of graphene without interfering with its properties remains a challenge. We here propose the use of an organic compound, cyclododecane, as a transfer material. This material can be easily spin coated on graphene and assist the transfer, leaving no residues and requiring no further removal processes. The effectiveness of this transfer method for few-layer graphene on a large area was evaluated and confirmed by microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, and four-point probe measurements. Schottky-barrier solar cells with few-layer graphene were fabricated on silicon wafers by using the cyclododecane transfer method and outperformed reference cells made by standard methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of the 2000s, the AREVA Logistics Business Unit has been developing the TN833 and TN837 cask models for the transportation of bitumen waste and of cemented technological waste respectively. This development has evolved from a very simple towards a more sophisticated design to take into account the radiolytic and thermal degradation of waste, the thermal reactivity of the bitumen matrix and more stringent requirements imposed by the Competent Authorities. The specific characteristic of these casks is the thermal insulation that protects the contents from a possible external fire or high thermal source, in the case of accident conditions during transport. A Type B(U)F-IAEA 2005 certificate of approval is expected in 2012 for the TN833 cask and subsequently for the TN837 cask. The TN837 design is similar with different geometrical dimensions (larger and shorter than TN833). The introduction of H2 gettering systems is planned to limit the quantity of H2 present in the cavity due to the radiolytic and thermal degradation phenomena in the cemented technological waste. These innovative solutions for thermal insulation and for hydrogen trapping will make it possible for TN to propose two cask models able to transport various wastes that are subject to radiolytic and thermal degradation phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ Raman scattering studies allow following real-time evolutions of volume or surface structures under extreme conditions. In nuclear materials sciences, ion irradiation-induced atomic organization modification and water radiolysis are of a major interest. In order to better understand these phenomena, we have developed an in situ versatile portable Raman spectroscopy system coupled with a cyclotron accelerator, allowing monitoring of a solid/liquid interface under irradiation and thus giving access to effects of radiolysis. The different parts of the system and their improvements are described in details. The system efficiency is highlighted by a comparative study of the time dependence of UO2 surface modification induced, on one hand by contact with water under irradiation by 5 MeV He2+ particles, and on the other hand by pure chemical alteration, through contact with a hydrogen peroxide solution. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of combustion kinetics in the gas-phase is decisive for wild land fire behavior modeling. However, the use of detailed reaction mechanisms, which involves a large number of species and reactions, is impractical due to large computational time requirements. The present work proposes a five-step chemical kinetic mechanism to simulate the gas phase combustion processes taking place in wildland fires. Both experimental data and data from simulations run using the PSR code from the CHEMKIN-II package with a detailed kinetic mechanism (GDF-kin 3.0) have been used to calibrate and evaluate the global model under typical wild land fire conditions in terms of the inlet mixture composition, equivalence ratio, and range of temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study is conducted on the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by Rosmarinus officinalis plants when exposed to an external radiant flux. The thermal radiation heats the plant and causes the emission of VOCs. The thermal radiation simulates the radiant flux received by vegetation in a forest fire. The results of the experiments are used in a simplified analysis to determine if the emissions of VOCs in an actual forest fire situation could produce a flammable gas mixture and potentially lead to the onset of an accelerating forest fire. The experiments consist of placing a plant in a hermetic enclosure and heating it with a radiant panel. The VOCs produced are collected and analyzed with an automatic thermal desorber coupled with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (ATD-GC/MS). The effects of the fire intensity (radiant panel heat flux) and the fire retardant on the VOCs emission are then investigated. Two thresholds of the VOCs emission are observed. The first is for plant temperatures of around 120°C and appears to be caused by the evaporation of the water in the plant, which carries with it a certain amount of VOCs. The second one is around 175°C, which is due to the vaporization of the major parts of VOCs. The application of a fire retardant increases the emission of VOCs due to the presence of the water (80%) in the fire retardant. However, the use of the retardant results in a lower production of VOCs than using water alone. The measurements are used to estimate the concentration of VOCs potentially produced during the propagation of a specific fire and compared to the flammability limits of α-pinene. It is concluded that the quantities of VOCs emitted by Rosmarinus officinalis shrubs under certain fire conditions are capable of creating an accelerating forest fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model experiments are reported where proton beams delivered by the cyclotron located at CERI (CNRS-Orléans) are used for irradiating AISI 316L/water and Au/water high purity interfaces with 6 MeV protons. The free exchange potentials at the interfaces are recorded as a function of time at room temperature in situ before, under, and after proton irradiation. The evolutions are compared to those calculated for the Nernst potentials associated with the radiolytic RedOx couples. It is shown how the comparison gives evidence that five radiolytic species – O2, H2O2, HO2−, HO2 and O2− – exchange electrons at the Au interfaces in a range of dose rates that vary over three orders of magnitudes, i.e. 0.0048 < dr(107 Gy h−1) < 4.8. The balance between the electron exchanges at Au interfaces is adjusted by the RedOx reactions associated with the above species. The free exchange potential reaches the same steady value for Au and AISI 316L interfaces irradiated at high doses, ≥2.5 × 107 Gy, (0.020 ± 0.025) V versus NHE. Such low values are the first ones to be reported. The HO2 and O2− radical disproportionations play a key role and control the potential at the interfaces under 6 MeV proton flux. This role is generally mostly overlooked for gamma irradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

e. leoni, g. de luca, p.p. legnani, r. sacchetti, s. stampi and f. zanetti. 2004.An evaluation was made of the prevalence ofLegionellaspecies in hot water distribution systems in the city of Bologna (Italy) and their possible association with bacterial contamination (total counts and Pseudomonadaceae) and the chemical characteristics of the water (pH, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Total Organic Carbon, TOC).A total of 137 hot water samples were analysed: 59 from the same number of private apartments, 46 from 11 hotels and 32 from five hospitals, all using the same water supply.Legionellaspecies were detected in 40·0% of the distribution systems,L. pneumophilain 33·3%. The highest colonization was found in the hot water systems of hospitals (93·7% of samples positive forL. pneumophila, geometric mean: 2·4 × 103 CFU l−1), followed by the hotels (60·9%, geometric mean: 127·3 CFU l−1) and the apartments with centralized heating (41·9%, geometric mean: 30·5 CFU l−1). The apartments with independent heating systems showed a lower level of colonization (3·6% forLegionellaspecies), with no evidence ofL. pneumophila. Correlation analysis suggests that copper exerts an inhibiting action, while the TOC tends to favour the development ofL. pneumophila. No statistically significant association was seen with Pseudomonadaceae, which were found at lower water temperatures than legionellae and in individual distribution points rather than in the whole network.The water recirculation system used by centralized boilers enhances the spreading of legionellae throughout the whole network, both in terms of the number of colonized sites and in terms of CFU count.Differences inLegionellacolonization between types of buildings are not due to a variation in water supply but to other factors. Besides the importance of water recirculation, the study demonstrates the inhibiting action of copper and the favourable action of TOC on the development ofL. pneumophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the period 2001–2002 a total of 236 inspections were performed on 27 catering establishments in the province of Ferrara (Emilia-Romagna region, Italy), after a HACCP system was introduced and educational programs for food staff was undertaken for approximately 10 years. A total of 370 food samples and 140 surface swabs were taken and examined for microbiological quality. The surveillance system has brought to light various shortcomings regarding the equipment (36 corrective actions) and incorrect procedures (47 corrective actions). The tool and work surfaces showed an unacceptable contamination in 10% of samples. The data also highlight a certain percentage of unacceptable samples of foods, especially with regard to Escherichia coli, ranging from 5.4% for the “first and second courses” to 10.8% for the “raw meats and meat preparations”. Nevertheless, the hygienic quality of services and foods has improved in comparison with previous surveys, showing that the staff educational programs and the application of HACCP principles have increased the level of awareness regarding food hygiene in those working in catering services. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focuses on a study that evaluated the effect of microwave heating and gamma irradiation on microbiological quality of spices and herbs. Materials and methods; Results.

This study focuses on the development of multi-material solutions for fire-resistant structural materials for transport and thermal insulation in the construction field. Special attention was paid to combining recyclable and bio-mass derived raw materials without interfering with an easy end-of-life separation, recycling and reuse. Fire-resistant biomass derived resins were associated with basalt derived Mineral Fibres (BDMF) in the form of prepregs, which were studied as semi-finished materials. Fire-resistance was obtained by associating these prepregs with thin gres tiles in the case of fire-resistant thermal insulating facades and with aluminum layers (giving origin to Fibre Metal Laminates-FML) in the case of structural components for transport applications. Thermophysical characterization of the solutions was carried out to assess both thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity. Fire resistance tests were performed on FML to determine the number of Al layers needed to ensure fire resistance. Results suggest that fire resistance depends primarily on the number of Al layers, rather than on their thickness. Accelerated ageing tests (salty mist and freeze-thaw) were executed to predict durability in the expected working conditions. Results suggest a durability issue in FML with preceramic interface in salty environments.

This study concerns with the optimisation of a fibre-reinforced composite material ply book and application to an aeronautical component. The presented material solution is a recyclable FML (Fibre Metal Laminate). Recyclable and structural PMCs (Polymeric Matrix Composites) developed up-to now in ENEA had to be improved to satisfy the high-demanding fire characteristics requirements in aeronautics, particularly for the case considered in ongoing project FireMat (www.firemat.it), namely a turbine-bonnet production. FireMat project objective is the combination of weight reduction and fire resistance, maximizing the use C2C recyclable, secondary and biomass derived raw materials. Aluminium layers were introduced inside the lamination, to act as oxygen barriers and improve fire-retardancy. FML were obtained starting from a fire-retardant biobased resin, which was associated with aeronautical grade basalt-derived mineral fabric, processed in the form of a prepreg and then coupled with aluminium foils. FE modelling was based on performed mechanical characterization of the single layers and inter- layer adhesive strength of the ply stack: a composite sandwich structure (including aluminium honeycomb) was optimised.

Introduction: Background: Little is known about the modifications in gambling patterns during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has shown signs of increase, particularly for individuals with preexisting gambling problems. Objectives: Our aim was to assess the behaviour of a cohort of patients in the Trentino Region. Methods: A semi structured questionnaire containing Hamilton Depression Rating Scale as well as open-ended questions on gambling activities, specifically online gambling, was administred over the telephone. The survey was administred for two months over the lockdown period (april-june 2020) and took approximately 20 minutes to complete. Results: About 50 responsens were collected. Data are currently been analyzed and will be avaiable at the time of the Congress. Conclusions: Will be show at the time of the Congress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]