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The replacement of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) boilers with air-to-water heat pumps on an industrial site is proposed. The boilers are used to produce hot water for the heating of two workshops and for the manufacturing process (test benches). The substitution aims to improve the local air quality in terms of pollutant emissions. The energy benefits in terms of reduction of primary energy and CO2 emissions are analysed. The reduction in primary energy consumption varies between 51% and 64% for two different scenarios that are evaluated, respectively, under design and real operating conditions; the latter is based on the trend in heat loads and outdoor air temperatures recorded in a small town of central Italy in the year 2022. The results also show a decrease in CO2 production of between 58% and 68%. This replacement, carried out in a manufacturing context, represents a case study that may also be applied to industrial suburban areas of cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Italy, wine production is considered a sector of excellence, where the wines' appreciable sensory features are favored by environmental factors, including weather and climate conditions, which benefit territories with a specific vocation. The whole chain involves many economic and agri-food sector operators, and requires an in-depth assessment of specific risks for identifying critical points, keeping the entire production process under control, and ensuring product traceability. This article describes the results of a pilot study conducted in the Prosecco DOCG (Designations of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) area, concerning the detection of residues of plant protection products in fifty wine bottles. Although considerably below the maximum residue levels, all the samples tested were positive, ranging from two to five active substances detected in each sample. In addition to the provisions of the European Community legislation, this paper critically evaluates some best practices models that are already used by the Wine Federations of Italy, with the aim of identifying advantages of and areas for improvement in production methods, applicable to raw materials reception, rasping, storage, and bottling phases, in order to guarantee product safety and quality.

Background: Bilio-intestinal bypass (BIBP) is an uncommon bariatric procedure. In 1999, a prospective trial was started at our institution to evaluate the effectiveness of BIBP. Trial was interrupted in 2006 due to high rate of complications. The aim of the present paper was to retrospectively review 10-year outcomes of BIBP., Methods: Retrospective review of bariatric database was performed to find patients that had undergone BIBP from 1999 to 2006. Data collected were as follows: age, gender, body weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), remission from weight-related diseases, complications, and deaths at 1,3, 5, 7, and 10 years. Quality of life was evaluated using "BAROS" questionnaire., Results: From May 1999 to September 2006, 86 patients underwent BIBP. The mean age was 34.9 ± 22.4 years, and the initial weight and BMI were 141.2 ± 40.4 kg and 49.8 ± 15.5 kg/m 2 , respectively. After 10 years, the mean %EWL and BMI were 72.6 ± 18.7 and 31.2 ± 5.6 kg/m 2 . Almost all patients had diarrhea after surgery. Bloating syndrome occurred in 24% of patients, 48% had nephrolithiasis, and 20.9% had cholelithiasis. Remission from diabetes and hypertension was obtained in 75% and 80% of patients. Mortality was 3.2% and reoperation rate was 14.5%., Conclusions: Malabsorption plays a determinant role to obtain a long-lasting treatment for obese patients. However, BIBP is not recommendable due to high rate of complications and metabolic disorders.