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Since its introduction in the seventies’, the so-called surrogate-reaction method (SRM) has motivated the development and improvement of theories in connection to direct reactions. A recent work by Bouland and Noguère, Phys. Rev. C 102, 054608 (2020), has shown that the inclusion of experimental probabilities in the neutron cross section evaluation process can be better achieved using tools resulting from the efforts made over the two last decades. In particular, the authors have put forward a new prescription, named after the SRM as extended SRM (ESRM), to convert, with reasonable confidence, probabilities measured in direct reactions to pseudo-experimental neutron-induced reaction cross sections. Applied to the 174Yb(3He,py)176Lu* transfer reaction, the ESRM has demonstrated much more precision than the early use of the SRM. In addition to the ‘direct’ analysis of reaction probabilities measured in direct reactions using the right modeling as developed in Phys. Rev. C 100, 064611 (2019), it is worth to try converting the measured probabilities in pseudo experimental neutron-induced cross sections for neutron reactor data applications. In the present paper, first results, before conversion, are shown by applying the two ESRM equations to a fissile isotope.

The slowness of dripping and the presence of alcohol have been offered/suggested as possible causes for the increased risk of developing dependence to the oral formulation of lormetazepam rather than to other anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs. We hence assessed the time of dripping of the most used benzodiazepines and z-drugs oral solution products under experimental conditions and the different employed excipients through a comparative analysis of the Summaries of Product Characteristics. A wide range of the median overall dispensing time was found across the eight products included in the analysis. Among the products containing LMZ, Minias® ranked in the fourth position, while LMZ Mylan Generics® and Noctamid® in the sixth and third, respectively. Our data suggest that the pace of dripping and the presence of alcohol cannot be considered themselves the cause that triggered the abuse of lormetazepam. More precisely, the quantity of alcohol per bottle has been found negligible at therapeutic doses; however, when these are exceeded, they may have clinical implications for patients. Further studies are needed to assess them. Meanwhile, the public-health problem remains and some improvements should be carried out at different levels, to guarantee the appropriate prescription and use of lormetazepam oral solution.

In Piedmont, where five main quarry districts can be recognized (Barale et al 2020), Maritime and Ligurian Alps, corresponding to the mountain area of southern Piedmont and characterized by a wide variety of marble and sedimentary carbonate rocks, includes the historic ‘Monregalese’ district (G.A.L. Mongioie, 2005).Among the several varieties of “Monregalese” marble exploited in the past, Nero di Frabosa, Nero Nuvolato di Miroglio, Nero Vallone , Nero di Ormea and Nero di Garresio are black marble known and identified in Piedmont Cultural Heritage. These varieties of marble come from a small portion of the Mesozoic carbonate succession called Calcari di Rio di Nava and referable to the Middle Jurassic (Dogger). The entire stratigraphic series of the Brianzonese area consists of a limestone-dolomitic sequence of Trias, greater than 300 m in thickness, followed by pure Jurassic limestones (about 100 m thick) and Cretaceous marly-arenaceous limestones (thickness greater than 150 m). In the innermost sector of the Alpine chain, metamorphism and tectonic deformation were much more intense than in the outer portion. The result of this deformation is a high fragmentation of the entire stratigraphic succession with the formation of flakes and bands of carbonate rocks with sharply vertical geometries and small dimensions that alternate with the quartzites and metavulcanites of the base. The succession of Rio di Nava limestones consisting of dark limestones with abundant organic substance and the presence of levels rich in bioclasts, with an original thickness of about 50 meters, was affected by this metamorphic phase, originating the aforementioned Monregalese black marble varieties.Nero di Frabosa has been employed in lower part of the Chapel of the Shroud (Turin), Vicoforte Sanctuary; Church of San Giorgio (Frabosa Sottana); Nero Nuvolato in the Mussocco cemetery (Milan), in the Church of San Madre di Dio (Turin); Nero Vallone in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Montaldo).From the technical documents there are informations only on the employ in the past years of Nero Garessio (and none related to Nero di Ormea), characterized by numerous and thin white veins. Nero di Ormea differs from it for the darker color of the veins. All these black marble were used inside therefore their resistance to weathering is not well known. Only for Nero di Ormea, the last quarried one, there are data on ageing tests in order to assess their suitability to be used outside and not only for inner and aesthetical purpose.

The main morphological characteristic, related to the dangerousness of the six minerals defined as asbestos, is the crystallization of the mineral itself with a fibrous habit.In different geological conditions these minerals can crystallize even with different morphological aspect. The fibrousness of the mineral is fundamental to define its carcinogenicity because, when these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases.Different studies has already showed that the grinding of fibrous minerals can showed a decrease in dehydroxylation and breakdown temperatures due to the increase in lattice strain and the decrease in crystallinity.In this study the answer to the grinding of different Tremolite with different crystal habit are studied. Tremolite, which is classified as carcinogenic substances group 1 by the IARC, is a hydrated calciummagnesium silicate (Ca2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2), belonging to the tremolite-ferro-actinolite series, that can crystallize with two different habits: fibrous, known as asbestiform, or prismatic, known as non-asbestiform.This decision arises from the need to verify if the tremolite with prismatic habit, if subjected to a grinding process, can produce potentially harmful fibers. These events can happen during natural degradation processes of rocks (weathering of outcrops) or during anthropic intervention, such as the mechanized excavation or earthmoving process (transport).Following the definition of fiber from the Health and Safety Executive, a dimensional analysis, based on a direct measurement of the particle size (length and diameter), has been carried out. The results of this research indicate that the prevalent morphology of an amphibolic mineral can change habit. Moreover, the production of prismatic components in an amphibolic mineral by means of grinding action (digging or earthmoving), can generally be a safer situation for the exposed subjects, such as workers and inhabitants.

The presence of pores, cracks and microcracks in marble is one of the main features that govern the processes of decay of this stone material and, although marble is characterised by a modest porosity, there is a clear correlation between the presence and movement of fluids, and the phenomena of alteration. Through the study of porosity, it is possible to better understand the phenomena of alteration and degradation in order to obtain useful information, not only in the field of modern building, but also for the protection and recovery of historical and artistic heritage goods. This study was conducted through the characterisation of parameters directly related with the degree of alteration of the materials: water absorption at atmospheric pressure (EN 13755), open porosity (EN 1936), flexural strength (EN 12372) and bowing (EN 16306 par. 8.2). The physical and mechanical measurements have been compared with the Total Optical Porosity method (TOP) and the Adjacent Grain Analysis (AGA) index (a suggested method to evaluate the marbles’ tendency to bow, in EN 16306 annex C); two different methodologies both based on image analysis. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness, for the assessment of marble durability, of the two techniques of microscopic image analysis, the first correlating to the grain shape and the second to the open porosity index. This was done by comparing the microscopic image analysis results with the physical and mechanical properties, both after artificial ageing and after ten years of natural ageing. The results obtained with the TOP method seem to represent the tendency to decay better than the AGA index. The comparison of image analysis of the thin sections, in different portions of the marble specimens, shows the development of degradation due to atmospheric agents, from the surface to the inside, of naturally aged specimens, confirming recent studies made on different marbles.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of manual therapy on ankle joint mobility and static balance in patients with diabetes. METHODS: Forty patients, at a mean age of 59.35 ± 7.85, with type 2 diabetes mellitus and neurologic symptoms according to a Neuropathy Symptom Score protocol with amplitude, were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups: sham group and intervention group, which underwent manual manipulation intervention and 7-day follow-up. Joint range-of-motion analysis was performed using digital goniometry and static discharge of weights assessed by computerized baropodometry with open and closed eyes. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used to analyze the distribution. The data showed normal distribution, so the analysis of variance tests followed by Tukey's tests were used. SAS statistical software was used and the significance level was 5%. RESULTS: The results of the intervention group showed an increase in the variable ankle goniometry over time compared to the sham group. The dorsiflexion movement on the right side obtained major gains over time; in addition, plantar flexion increased. CONCLUSION: Based on the participants evaluated in this study, manual therapy increased the ankle joint amplitude and improved the static balance in individuals with diabetes.

Fission and γ -emission probabilities induced by transfer or inelastic scattering reactions with light projectile nuclei are very valuable quantities for constraining the models that describe the de-excitation of heavy nuclei . We have developed an experimental set-up that allows us to simultaneously measure fission and γ -emission probabilities. The measurement of the γ -emission probability at excitation energies where the fission channel is open is challenging due to the intense background of γ rays emitted by the fission fragments. We discuss the procedure to subtract such a background and the constraints that this subtraction and other experimental conditions put on the set up. We show that our set-up complies with these constraints.

International audience; The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)/DP French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA)/DAM agreement on cooperation on fundamental science is a U.S.-French collaborative effort to combine intellectual and experimental resources and further the relevant nuclear science. Recently, both the NNSA and CEA experimental teams performed high-statistics measurements of the 239Pu(n, f) prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS) at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center, both of which were recently published in the journal Physical Review C. These separate measurements used the same experimental area and a common neutron detector array, but differ in many aspects, including background assessments, data acquisition systems and philosophies, fission detectors, and PFNS extraction techniques. Hence, some aspects of the experimental methods and associated uncertainties are highly correlated while others are independent. The results from both measurements broke new ground for PFNS measurements given their higher accuracy and more detailed study of corrections necessary for the measured quantity compared to existing literature measurements, and both will significantly impact PFNS nuclear data evaluations for the foreseeable future. The focus of this work is to document a comparison of the results from these distinct measurements in terms of the acquired data, the PFNS results, and the measured average PFNS energies. While systematic differences between the PFNS results are present on the 1–3% level, the acquired data relative to each respective measurement at low incident neutron energies are in remarkable agreement, as are the conclusions regarding the magnitude and position of features in the PFNS relating to second-chance fission, third-chance fission, and pre-equilibrium neutron emission.

A new fission chamber was developed and built for prompt-fission-neutron spectra (PFNS) measurements in neutron-induced fission of actinides, and is described in Taieb et al. (2016). It allowed us to minimize incident- and outgoing-neutron scattering, and optimize both time resolution and alpha to fission fragment discrimination. The fission chamber was validated and used for 238U and 252Cf PFNS measurements. In order to measure PFNS of samples with a natural alpha activity of the order of 10 MBq, further improvements to the detector were done and are presented in this work. Tests of the improved fission chamber lead to a fission fragment detection efficiency of 91% for a 14.41 MBq 240Pu deposit, and 99% for a 247 kBq 242Pu deposit. The fission chamber was successfully used for 239Pu PFNS measurements at the Weapons Neutron Research facility of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (WNR@LANSCE).

Vinyl floors are widely used in public areas for their low cost and easy cleaning. From 1960 to 1980, asbestos was often added to improve vinyl floor performances. The Italian Ministerial Decree (M.D.) 06/09/94 indicates asbestos vinyl tiles as non-friable materials and, therefore, few dangerous to human health. This work aims to check through three different experimental tests if asbestos floor tiles, after decades of use, maintain their characteristics of compactness and non-friability. The effect of a small stone fragment stuck in the sole of rubber shoes was reproduced by striking the vinyl floor with a crampon. A vinyl tile was broken into smaller pieces with the aid of pliers to simulate what normally happens when workers replace the floors or sample it to verify the presence of asbestos. The third test reproduced the abrasion of the tile surface due to the dragging of furniture or heavy materials or sand grains that remain attached to the soles of shoes. The tests were carried out in safe conditions, working under an extractor hood with a glove box. Airborne sampling in the hood obtained the concentration of asbestos fibers produced in each test. The simulation tests performed confirms the possible release of fibers if the vinyl tiles are cut, abraded or perforated, as indicated by the Italian M.D.

The End-of-waste concept was introduced by the ‘Thematic Strategy on the prevention and recycling of waste’ adopted by the European Commission, in which it proposed to specify the conditions for the cessation of waste status as part of the revision of the Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC). The Directive states that a waste shall lose its status if it is submitted to a recovery operation (including recycling) and comply with specific eligibility criteria. The strategic goal of the End-of-waste is to promote recycling, helping to ensure a high level of environmental protection through the reduction of the consumption of critical raw materials and the quantities of waste destined for disposal.In the mining sector, the reduction of landfill material may be obtained not only by finding a suitable recovery of the material as a by-product, but also identifying the best available cutting technique to be used on the basis of the physical, chemical and mechanical characteristics of the stones. The choice of the best cutting technique could lead to high efficiency and performance, high quality of the cut surfaces and a very low environmental impact by reducing energy consumption, decreasing the concentration of heavy metals in the sludge and producing less waste.In this context, an analysis of the procedures for cutting different types of ornamental stones into slabs together with the evaluation of sludge production for the different cutting methods has been carried out.Three types of analysis were conducted in parallel. The first concerns the characterization of the stones and the choice of the type of cutting machine. The analyses carried out were: petrographic analysis, compression strength, flexural strength, apparent density and water absorption. Also ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and Knoop analyses were performed in order to establish the workability class of the stones, and their classification in accordance with previous research works (EASE R3).The second analysis involves calculating the amount of sludge produced in the three different cutting technologies, taking into account the same block characteristics. The third analysis was conducted on the sludge resulting from the processing of blocks cut into slabs. A comparison was carried out on the quality of the sludge produced, or type and quantity of metals present, taking into account the three different technologies. The tests carried out were: chemical analysis, magnetic separation test and SEM analysis of the metal fraction.The study could provide stone producers with a technological, scientific instrument to identify the best cutting techniques for the processing of their stones, in order to obtain a good efficiency process, optimize the recovery process, increase the economic advantages, and evaluate the possible reuse of the sludge through a proactive waste management strategy.

O diabetes mellitus tipo 1 pode desencadear alterações biomecânicas e urinárias que podem produzir alterações adicionais às existentes em um período gestacional regular. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a Influência do diabetes tipo 1 na biomecânica corporal e queixas urinárias no terceiro trimestre de gestação, para tanto foram desenvolvidos três estudos. O Estudo I descreve possíveis alterações causadas pelo diabetes mellitus tipo 1 no controle postural de gestantes. O estudo II avalia a influência do diabetes mellitus tipo 1 na dor lombar de gestantes. O estudo III avalia a presença e os sintomas de incontinência urinária em gestantes com diabetes tipo 1. Foram avaliadas 40 gestantes no terceiro trimestre gestacional alocadas em dois grupos iguais: grupo controle (GC) e o grupo diabetes tipo 1 (GDM1). No grupo controle (GC), as médias da idade gestacional foi 31,15(±3,91) semanas, da idade materna 31(±4,12) anos e do índice de massa corporal (IMC) 27,40(±3,00) kg/m2. Para o GDM1 as médias da idade gestacional foi de 30,35(±3,87) semanas, da idade materna 25(±0,92) anos, do IMC 26,71(±5,84) kg/m2 , tempo de diagnóstico do diabetes 12,55 (±6,20) anos, e a hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) 6,87(±1,57) %. No estudo I as variáveis relacionadas ao controle postural foram avaliadas por fotogrametria pelo software ALCimagem-2000 versão 1.5 (ALCimagem® - Belo Horizonte, Brasil), com a análise dos ângulos de protrusão da cabeça; lordose cervical; cifose torácica; lordose lombar; anteversão pélvica; flexão do joelho, ângulos tibiotarsais; e inclinação do pé. O equilíbrio foi avaliado por baropodometria - MatScan XL (MatScan- Tekscan® - South Boston, EUA), mensurando a distância da trajetória anteroposterior e mediolateral do centro de pressão, a amplitude e velocidade média de deslocamento do centro de pressão (com olhos abertos e fechados). No estudo II a análise da intensidade e o impacto da dor lombar, foi feito pela Escala Visual Numérica, questionário Oswestry e por algômetro digital PTR 200 (Instrutherm® - São Paulo, Brasil). Foram avaliados os músculos quadrado lombar, longuíssimo torácico, glúteo médio e multífido. No estudo III foram avaliados os impactos na continência urinária pelo International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Para a análise estatística o teste Shapiro-Wilk e Levene foram aplicados e, na presença de normalidade, o teste t de Student comparou os grupos e na ausência de normalidade, o teste U de Mann Whitney analisou os grupos. Os resultados do estudo I apontaram que o GDM1 apresentou: alterações na análise postural com menor ângulo de protrusão da cabeça, de anteversão pélvica, e maiores ângulos de lordose cervical, cifose torácica e lordose lombar. Na baropodometria, a distância e a amplitude de deslocamento anteroposterior do centro de pressão com os olhos abertos e fechados, foram maiores no GDM1. Nos resultados do estudo II o GDM1 apresentou maiores pontuações na Escala Visual Numérica para a dor lombar, e menor limiar de dor à pressão nos músculos quadrado lombar, longuíssimo torácico, glúteo médio e multífido testados pela algometria. Os resultados do estudo III mostraram uma maior pontuação no ICIQ-SF do GMD1. Os achados do estudo I sugerem que o diabetes mellitus tipo 1 no terceiro trimestre de gravidez está associado a alterações posturais, aumento da amplitude e deslocamento anteroposterior do centro de pressão com os olhos abertos e fechados durante a manutenção da postura ortostática estática. Os resultados do estudo II apontam que a presença de diabetes mellitus tipo 1, durante o terceiro trimestre de gestação, está relacionada com aumento da dor lombar e a menor pressão necessária para desencadear dores nos músculos que podem desencadear dor nessa região. Os resultados do estudo III apontam para maior prevalência de incontinência urinária e piores impactos gerados por ela em mulheres diabéticas tipo 1, durante o terceiro trimestre de gestação. Type 1 diabetes mellitus can trigger biomechanical and urinary changes that can produce changes in addition to those existing during a regular gestational period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of type 1 diabetes on body biomechanics and urinary complaints in the third trimester of pregnancy, for which three studies were developed. Study I describes possible changes caused by type 1 diabetes mellitus in the postural control of pregnant women. Study II assesses the influence of type 1 diabetes mellitus on low back pain in pregnant women. Study III assesses the presence and symptoms of urinary incontinence in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. Fourty pregnant women in the third gestational trimester were allocated into two equal groups: control group (GC) and type 1 diabetes group (GDM1). In the CG, the mean gestational age was 31.15 (± 3.91) weeks, the maternal age was 31 (± 4.12) years and the body mass index (BMI) 27.40 (± 3.00) kg / m2. For GDM1, the mean gestational age was 30.35 (± 3.87) weeks, maternal age 25 (± 0.92) years, BMI 26.71 (± 5.84) kg / m2, diagnosis of diabetes 12.55 (± 6.20) years, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 6.87 (± 1.57)%. In study I, the variables related to postural control were evaluated by photogrammetry using the ALCimagem-2000 software version 1.5 (ALCimagem® - Belo Horizonte, Brazil), with the analysis of the head protrusion angles; cervical lordosis; thoracic kyphosis; lumbar lordosis; pelvic anteversion; knee flexion, tibiotarsal angles; and inclination of the foot. Balance was assessed by baropodometry equipment - MatScan XL (MatScan-Tekscan® - South Boston, USA), measuring the anteroposterior and mediolateral distance trajectory of the center of pressure, amplitude and average speed of displacement of the center of pressure (with open and closed eyes).In study II, the analysis of the intensity and impact of low back pain was performed using the Visual Numeric Scale, the Oswestry questionnaire and a digital algometer PTR 200 (Instrutherm® - São Paulo, Brazil) that evaluated quadratus lumborum, longissimus, gluteus medius and multifidus muscles. In study III for the assessment the impacts on urinary continence, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was applied. For statistical analysis the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene test were applied and, in the presence of normality, the Student t test compared the groups and in the absence of normality, the Mann Whitney U test analyzed the groups. The results of study I show that GDM1 presented: changes in postural analysis with a lower head protrusion and pelvic anteversion anlges, and higher cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordoses angles. In baropodometry, the anteroposterior distance and the amplitude of the center of pressure displacement with eyes open and closed were higher in GDM1. In the results of study II, GDM1 had higher scores on the Visual Numeric Scale for low back pain and lower pressure pain threshold in quadratus lumborum, longissimus, gluteus medius and multifidus muscles. The results of study III showed a higher score on the ICIQ-SF of GMD1. The findings of study I suggest that type 1 diabetes mellitus in the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with postural changes, and increased anteroposterior displacement of the pressure center with open and closed eyes during the maintenance of static orthostatic posture. The results of study II show that the presence of type 1 diabetes mellitus, during the third trimester of pregnancy, is related to increased low back pain and lower pressure necessary to get pain in the muscles that can trigger pain in this region. The results of study III point to a higher prevalence of urinary incontinence and worse impacts generated by it in type 1 diabetic women, during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Introdução: A gestação é caracterizada por muitas mudanças fisiológicas, físicas e emocionais. Uma destas mudanças é a biomecânica da pelve que favorece a saída do feto. Em uma tentativa de tornar este momento mais humanizado, é incentivado movimentos e posturas que venham facilitar cada fase do trabalho de parto (TP) e aliviar as dores e tensões maternas. Objetivo: Identificar os melhores exercícios e posicionamentos para auxiliar na biomecânica da pelve durante as fases do TP. Metodologia: Uma revisão narrativa da literatura, onde as buscas foram realizadas nas plataformas: PUBMED, SCIELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) e Cochrane Library, utilizando os seguintes descritores: “position AND birth”. Resultados: Foram encontrados 2.495 artigos em todas as plataformas, sendo 25 artigos incluídos nesta revisão. Discussão: Na primeira fase do TP, foi observado que o decúbito dorsal pode ser ineficaz e prejudicial, causando efeitos adversos. Enquanto as mulheres que caminhavam ou se mantinham em pé tiveram uma redução do tempo do TP. Já na segunda fase, mulheres que aderiram o posicionamento vertical tiveram partos mais curtos, com menos intervenções e cesáreas. Visto isso, fisioterapeuta tem uma grande importância neste período, pois é seu papel conscientizar a mulher sobre o seu corpo, respeitando seus limites e escolhas para este momento. Conclusão: Podemos concluir que a mulher é livre para escolher movimentar-se ou não durante o TP, porém é de grande importância que ocorra uma conscientização dos benefícios do movimento durante esse processo. Sendo o fisioterapeuta responsável pela conscientização e preparação para cada estágio deste momento.

Prompt-fission-neutron spectra from $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$ ($\mathit{n},\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathit{f}$) were measured with respect to $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$ spontaneous fission for incident neutron energies from 0.7 to $700\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}$ at the Weapons Neutron Research facility (WNR) of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. A newly designed high-efficiency fission chamber was coupled to the highly segmented Chi-Nu neutron liquid scintillator array to detect neutrons emitted in fission events. The double time-of-flight technique was used to deduce the incident neutron energies from the spallation target and the outgoing-neutron energies from the fission chamber. Prompt-fission-neutron spectra (PFNS) were measured with respect to $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$ spontaneous fission down to $200\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{keV}$ and up to about $12\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}$ for all the incident neutron energies with typical total uncertainties well below $2%$ up to about 7-MeV outgoing-neutron energy. The general trend of PFNS is well reproduced by JEFF3.3 and ENDF evaluations, although a better agreement is found with JEFF3.3. Discrepancies were observed for the low-energy part of the spectra, especially around the opening of the second-, third- and fourth-chance fission. Neutron average kinetic energies as a function of incident neutron energy are obtained experimentally with reported total uncertainties below $0.5%$. The measured values agree with the most recent data. The trend is fairly well reproduced by the JEFF3.3 evaluation, although it fails to reproduce the experimental values within their uncertainties.

Soils contaminated with asbestos, whether of natural origin or deriving from anthropogenic pollution, can have very different dimensional, chemical and humidity characteristics.The legal limit that allows to define an asbestos contaminated soil is a concentration of 1000 mg / kg of asbestos fibers, as per DLGS 152/2006. The analytical methods suggested in Italy by regulation (DM 6/09/94) for the determination of asbestos content are Diffrattometry (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), methods that do not allow to distinguish the fibrous material and secondly Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The Phase Contrast Optical Microscopy (PCOM) is considered a methodology only useful for a qualitative analysis for it low rilevability index (0,1 mm in respect of for SEM and for XRD and FTIR).The goal of this study is to describe the cheap and quick soil analysis methodology used in the Asbestos laboratory of DIATI Politecnico di Torino where also the representativeness of the analysed quantity of material is considered.When the sample is an incoherent soil, sieving (at 0.6 - 0.3 – 0.150-0.075 mm) after drying is carried out. The asbestos fibers eventually present in the classes >0.6 mm and 0.6-0.3 mm, that are visible with a low magnification (5-10 x), can be recovered by flotation and weighted after drying. The quantitative analysis of the classes 0.3-0.075 is perfomed by means of PCOM, measuring the dimensions of the fibers, hipotyzing the third dimension equal to the width and calculating the weight knowing the density of the asbestos fiber observed. .The presence of asbestos in the finer particle size class can be verified by SEM, but is the asbestos content in the other particle size classes is high the value obtained for the finer class is generally found to be irrelevant to the final result.If the initial sample has a very fine particle size, it is homogenized by grinding and is prepared for reading under the SEM by depositing a known quantity on a polycarbonate membrane. The results thus obtained are referred to the analysis of at least 100 g of material.The reliability of the technique has been verified by participating in interlaboratory circuits.

The presence of Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) is one of the greatest danger during excavations and tunneling. The most important instrument for the NOA content prediction is the geological model.As part of the consultancy provided in the works of the "Terzo valico dei Giovi" which includes the excavation of numerous tunnels in areas potentially affected by rocks containing asbestos, the case study of the tunnel called "Castagnola" is illustrated. The opera is the new high velocity railway connection between Genova and Milano and the case study is located in the Piedmont southern area near Fraconalto (AL).The “Castagnola” tunnel area is characterized by greenish - reddish rocks metabasalt covered by recent grey shales in the upper part of the area; it refers to the ophiolitic Figogna Unit, elongated in a north-south direction, which belongs to Sestri-Voltaggio Zone.Starting from geological sections and thanks to surface investigation and core drilling, an effective geological model was built.This study highlights how, during the progress of the works, situations other than the forecast geological model are encountered. It also highlights the importance of the environmental monitoring of the airborne fibers dispersion inside the tunnel, which has proved extremely effective even in the presence of low asbestos content in the excavated rock.Moreover, this study describes the trends in asbestos content in the material excavated during the route of the tunnel in comparison with the concentration of airborne fibers. Furthermore, the management of the asbestos problem, from the abatement of dust to the excavation and storage methods and the installation of efficient technologies such as an aspirating ventilation system already successfully tested in a previous excavation phase, are presented.

In recent times, the selection and treatment of glass waste are implemented in processing plants where a secondary raw material (SRM) named glass cullet, which is suitable for glass production, and a waste containing a high percentage of glass (glass waste2) is obtained. In the literature, there are many studies conducted on the recovery of the cullet, while few are the studies on the recovery of the waste that is produced by cullet processing. According to the 2013 Joint Research Centre (JRC) Reference report, the cullet produces savings in terms of energy and raw materials. However, it has a high current cost and its availability is becoming difficult, therefore its use is not always economically advantageous. The goal and strategy of the European Union is zero waste. For this purpose, further treatment of glass waste has been investigated. Through the industrial treatment of the glass waste2, a glass waste3 constituted again by an SRM made of glass is obtained together with a high quantity of presumed SRM (e.g., heavy plastic, corks, iron, non-ferrous metals, etc.). The process treatment separating these SRMs from the glass waste3 is, in this case, a pilot plant that needs to be optimized in order to reach an economic and sustainable industrial process solution. In particular, the materials to be recycled are exploitable product fractions with different particle sizes and physical properties (such as density, shape and resistance). This research is based on data collected from a North Italy process plant and is aimed at solving the issue of waste in this kind of process by implementing a pilot plant already present. Representative samples of feed material (glass waste3) and different products of the pilot plant have been analyzed. Moreover, laboratory tests were executed to improve separation efficiency and to valorize the different product fractions. A flow sheet of a new treatment plant has been developed and an economic evaluation has been made. The materials that will be separated in the new plant could be traded as SRM&mdash, e.g., plastics, metals, synthetic and cork stoppers&mdash, which constitute almost 90% of the total feed of the plant.

The large family of sandstone covers stones with different grains, porosity, cement or matrix, compactness, chemical composition etc. and it is widely used as cladding stone, even in historic buildings. From literature, its decay is usually connected to the action of salts or to black crusts because of pollution.Being sandstone a sedimentary rock deposited in layers, often the quarry produce material with a high variability in aspects and mechanical properties. This can be also evident in the resistance to decay shown in the monuments that is typical of each facies though it has been exposed for the same lapse of time and under similar climatic conditions. This is the case of Arenaria di Vicoforte used on the facade of the Vicoforte Sanctuary (Vicoforte - Mondovì) and probably on the external pilaster of the Monte dei Cappuccini church in Turin. Both the catholic monuments were designed by architect Ascanio Vitozzi at the end of the XVI century . It is possible to compare the high degree of weathering of the pilasters of the Monte dei Cappuccini church with the good ageing behaviour shown by the Vicoforte Sanctuary sandstone.Different durability tests were carried out: resistance to salt crystallisation, resistance to ageing due to SO2 action in the presence of humidity, frost resistance. The mass weight difference, method used to evaluate the forecast of decay in various european standardardized methodologies, does not always offer a satisfactory estimation of the decay of stone after salt crystallization while water absorption, which is well correlated to the physical mechanical characteristics of the stone, together with a visual inspection, is a good index of the decay in order to obtain a distinction, in terms of durability, between different sandstones even of a same geological district.A visit to the quarry solved any doubts: two different facies of the Vicoforte sandstone were quarried, one yellowish and the other grey. The first, mainly silicatic, was used for the Sanctuary near the quarry, the grey one (with a carbonate content of 18%) could be the one sent to Turin.The variability of the rock characteristics in the quarry should therefore be taken into account when evaluating the durability of the sandstone.

Reliable neutron-induced reaction cross sections of unstable nuclei are essential for nuclear astrophysics and applications but their direct measurement is often impossible. The surrogate-reaction method is one of the most promising alternatives to access these cross sections. In this work, we successfully applied the surrogate-reaction method to infer for the first time both the neutron-induced fission and radiative-capture cross sections of 239Pu in a consistent manner from a single measurement. This was achieved by combining simultaneously-measured fission and gamma-emission probabilities for the 240Pu(4He,4He') surrogate reaction with a calculation of the angular-momentum and parity distributions populated in this reaction. While other experiments measure the probabilities for some selected gamma-ray transitions, we measure the gamma-emission probability. This enlarges the applicability of the surrogate-reaction method., Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures

The management of residual sludge from dimension stone processing activities (EWC 010,413) represents a large concern for stone industry. Such sludges are characterised by a fine size distribution, high heavy metal contents and, potentially, TPH (Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon) contents. The objects of the present study are represented by gang-saw with abrasive shot (GSS), diamond frame-saw (DSS) and mixed (MS) sludges. The first one is high in Cr, Ni, Cu and TPH, the second presents high contents in Co, Cr and TPH, and the third represents a mix of the first two ones. Present legislation indicates that they can be disposed of in landfills or can be recovered (R5-R10) as filling material for environmental rehabilitation or as feeding materials for cement production. The sampled materials were obtained from the Verbano Cusio Ossola (VCO) and Luserna Stone quarry basins (Piedmont, Northern Italy). These materials were physically and chemically characterised, and magnetic separation was performed to rapidly evaluate the heavy metal contents in the sludge. Afterwards, three different experiments were carried out for environmental and civil applications. The first one, for substrate production, was carried out using GSS, DSS and MS from VCO area. The second one, for CLSM and plaster production, was performed on materials from VCO and Luserna stone quarry basins (CLSM using GSS from VCO and plaster using DSS from Luserna stone quarry basin). The results here reported are promising for the three applications.

Travertine is one of the most common stone for building construction used in many countries starting from ancient times. It was one of the favorite stones of the Roman empire: the main example is the Colosseum in Rome. All over the world travertine is found in important monuments and in various modern structures: for example, the Conservation Center of the J. Paul Getty museum in Los Angeles and Jiangsu Provincial Art Museum in Nanjing, China and it is very appreciated and requested in the construction of recent thermal bath. In addition to Italian travertine, the other famous types of this stone are known throughout Europe (i.e. Germany, Hungary) and Asia (i.e. Turkey, China, Iran).Travertine is considered a durable stone despite the weathering caused by air pollution. It is observed in urban areas that the facades may be covered with a black crust where gypsum and calcite are the main minerals .Nine different types of travertine coming from Tuscany and Umbria (Italy) have been investigated. Petrographic analysis, physical mechanical and artificial ageing test have been performed.Among the different kind of travertine different texture can be identified as: not laminated, laminated: laminated with sub parallel sheets, laminated with concentric sheets. The various travertine depositional structures have been in compared to the different answer to artificial ageing. Finally, it can be asserted that the durability is not connected only with porosity and the analysis of the complex texture of this kind of stone cannot give a simple solution related to its durability.

International audience; Profiting from previous works done with the INDRA multidetector on the description of the light response L of the CsI( Tl ) crystals to different impinging nuclei, we propose an improved ΔE−L identification-calibration procedure for Silicon–Caesium Iodide (Si–CsI) telescopes, namely an Advanced Mass Estimate ( AME ) method. AME is compared to the usual, simple visual analysis of the corresponding two-dimensional map of ΔE−E type, by using INDRA experimental data from nuclear reactions induced by heavy ions in the Fermi energy regime. We show that the capability of such telescopes to identify both the atomic Z and the mass A numbers of light and heavy reaction products, can be quantitatively improved thanks to the proposed approach. This conclusion opens new possibilities to use INDRA for studying these reactions especially with radioactive beams. Indeed, the determination of the mass for charged reaction products becomes of paramount importance to shed light on the role of the isospin degree of freedom in the nuclear equation of state [ 1,2 ].

Muitas podem ser as complicações causadas pelo novo coronavírus, e todos os sistemas podem ser acometidos pelos problemas futuros deixados pelo vírus. E sabendo que esse impacto será permanente em alguns infectados o SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde) terá que se reorganizar e se adaptar para prestar uma melhor assistência. Objetivo: Identificar as possíveis complicações decorrentes da COVID-19 e identificar os desafios futuros que o SUS terá mediante as complicações da COVID-19. Métodos: Revisão de literatura foi realizada com busca nas bases de dados PUBMED e SciELO. Resultados: Foram encontrados 22 artigos sendo 5 dentro dos critérios de inclusão. Discussão: A vulnerabilidade da atenção à saúde, tanto aguda como crônica, aumentou diante a pandemia, e saber que a continuidade dos cuidados terá que continuar acontecendo aos infectados devido as complicações instaladas torna necessário a defesa do SUS e do surgimento de novas estratégias para maior e melhor assistência. Conclusão: As complicações do novo coronavirus não inúmeras e atingem todos os sistemas, e diante disto o Sistema Único de Saúde terá que se adaptar para uma melhor assistência a todos.

On the basis of previous research, the stone size effect is not always ruled by well-known statistical laws such as the Weibull or Bazant law because of the intrinsic complex structure and features of the materials analysed. According to the EN 12372 test method for flexural strength under concentrated load on natural stones, the suggested dimensions are 50 × 50 × 300 mm. Other dimensions are possible, but some dimensional requirements (on thickness, width and distance between supporting rollers) need to be fulfilled. In this research, to investigate the thickness effect further, in relation to stone structure and heterogeneity, eight different stones were tested: four with anisotropic features and four homogeneous. The distance between the supporting rollers was proportional to the specimens9 length. The thickness effect on the flexural strength of most of the materials tested is negligible considering the uncertainty (except for gneiss). From the data obtained some remarks have been made on the test method and on the specimens9 thickness. Moreover, with the aim of obtaining reliable results with low uncertainty by means of a flexural strength test, a minimum thickness specimen both for fine- and coarse-grained stones has been determined (respectively 15 and 20 mm).

The economic relationship between the companies that produce multi-wire cutting machines and the stone slab producers is based on the classification of the rocks, mainly determined by the users themselves, that take into account the relative ease of cutting. This classification is principally based on the cutting speeds (feed and peripheral), which are obviously correlated with stone properties and cannot be evaluated before the working phase. The aim of this study is to use inexpensive and simple tests to make, before cutting, a cuttability prediction of the new stone in order to avoid dangerous and expensive cutting endeavors when an unknown stone is being worked upon. In order to predict stone workability, the results of ultrasonic pulse velocity and Knoop micro-hardness on 18 different types of stone was correlated. Seven classes were drawn as follows : from 1 (easier to cut rocks) to 7 (harder to cut rocks). The results of this rock cuttability scientific classification provide a good correla...

The main objective of this work is the evaluation of the morphology change in tremolite particles before and after a grinding process. The crushing action simulates anthropic alteration of the rock, such as excavation in rocks containing tremolite during a tunneling operation. The crystallization habit of these amphibolic minerals can exert hazardous effects on humans. The investigated amphibolic minerals are four tremolite samples, from the Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions, with different crystallization habits. The habits can be described as asbestiform (fibrous) for longer and thinner fibers and non-asbestiform (prismatic) for prismatic fragments, also known as &ldquo, cleavage&rdquo, fragments. In order to identify the morphological variation before and after the grinding, both a phase contrast optical microscope (PCOM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used. The identification procedure for fibrous and prismatic elements is related to a dimensional parameter (length&ndash, diameter ratio) defined by the Health and Safety Executive. The results highlight how mineral comminution leads to a rise of prismatic fragments and, therefore, to a potentially safer situation for worker and inhabitants.

A 77‐year‐old patient, with permanent atrial fibrillation, underwent successful Micra transcatheter pacing system (MTPS) implantation. Once begun the pull‐back of the tether, an increasing resistance was felt by the operator until complete blockage. A challenging recapture of MTPS into the delivery system was performed. The retrieved MTPS showed an indissoluble knot close to the docking button that blocked the running of the tether, and a long clot inside the delivery system. The new design of internal handle components of MTPS recently updated seems to favor clot formation. We suggest a reconsideration of the standard recommendations about delivery system flushing and design of the inner flushing tube system.

The investigation described in this paper focused on the performance-related characterization of cementitious Fluidized Thermal Backfills (FTBs) containing recycled components derived from pavement maintenance and aggregate or stone processing operations. In particular, the study was performed with the purpose of assessing the suitability of these peculiar mixes in situations which require the filling of cavities in the presence of several conduits with high-voltage transmission cables. FTBs were prepared in the laboratory by modifying their standard composition in order to include variable percentages of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and of three different types of mineral sludge. Components were subjected to preliminary physical characterization and the sludges were investigated in detail with the purpose of identifying their microstructure and chemical composition. In consideration of their intended end-use, FTBs were characterized in terms of their flowability, thermal conductivity and thermal stability. Furthermore, while considering a typical layout of high-voltage cables, an analysis was carried out in order to quantitatively assess the influence of FTB composition and characteristics on line ampacity. Results showed that FTBs may be successfully designed to include recycled components while still retaining satisfactory flow characteristics and thermal properties, although it should be considered that they are extremely sensitive to variations in composition. Furthermore, it was proven that the considered FTBs all led to a satisfactory line ampacity and that in fact their formulation may be adjusted to improve the durability of high-voltage cables.

Absolute measurements of neutron fluence are an essential prerequisite of neutron-induced cross section measurements, neutron beam lines characterization and dosimetric investigations. The H(n,p) elastic scattering cross section is a very well known standard used to perform precise neutron flux measurements in high precision measurements. The use of this technique, with proton recoil detectors, is not straightforward below incident neutron energy of 1 MeV, due to a high background in the detected proton spectrum. Experiments have been carried out at the AIFIRA facility to investigate such background and to determine its origin and components. Based on these investigations, a gaseous proton-recoil detector has been designed with a reduced low energy background. A first test of this detector has been carried out at the AIFIRA facility, and first results will be presented., Comment: Submitted