Beyond the light: a study on the nanophotocatalytic degradation of gas-phase contaminants

The present study focuses on the development of high surface area nanostructures and their applications in the removal of gas-phase contaminants through both photocatalytic and adsorptive techniques. Particular importance was given to ensure the commercial viability of the developed technologies. Due to its industrial importance, the elimination of siloxanes from biogas was investigated with major interest. Through electrospinning techniques it was possible to synthesise a large number of nanostructures: TiO2, SiO2, WO3, and WO3 doped TiO2 nanofibres. These structures were further enhanced through templating techniques in order to make core/shell SiO2/TiO2 nanofibres, hollow TiO2 nanofibres, and porous TiO2 nanofibres. Additionally, the synthesis of SiO2 aerogel granules under ambient conditions was performed through a novel, commercially facile, technique. The created nanostructures were initially employed as adsorptive materials for the removal of gaseous siloxanes from static environments. The adsorption kinetics and total siloxane loadings of the created structures were compared to those of P25, commercial silica gel, and the industrial PpTek siloxane removal standard. Although the commercial adsorbents were shown to perform better than the created nanostructures, the nanostructure surface areas were seen to lead to enhanced adsorptive properties with respect to P25. TiO2 nanofibres, porous TiO2 nanofibres, WO3 doped TiO2 nanofibres, and P25 were further used to study the photodecomposition of siloxanes in a static environment. Through kinetic studies it was possible to establish that 1 mol% WO3 doped TiO2 nanofibres were an ideal candidate for the photodecomposition of gaseous siloxanes, with a decomposition rate 126.5 % larger than that of simple P25. P25 was coated on glass beads through a novel technique in order to photocatalytically degrade contaminants in gas flows. Through the decomposition of both siloxanes and VOCs it was possible to study the turnover numbers and conversion levels of the reactions. The poisoning of the catalysts was identified and countered through industrially viable recoating techniques. From these studies it was possible to develop a prototype reactor for the photodecomposition of siloxanes in biogas. Finally, the synthetic properties of the flow reactors were studied by carrying out the photoepoxidation of hexene over P25. These studies were further enhanced by reacting the partial photoepoxidation products of the reactor’s exhaust in order to create rare and complex organic species

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of gingival microvessels by capillaroscopy in healthy subjects

Gingiva is composed by attached gingiva and free gingiva that are separated by free gingival line. Attached gingiva covers the alveolar bone and adheres to the bone and root surface by fibres. Free gingiva ends with the gingival margin and in clinical practice it can be displaced from the tooth surface to locate the prosthetic margin. Capillaroscopy allows to take microphotographs of the microvessels and to observe their abnormalities in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (1). Aim of this study was to analyse microvessels of the attached gingiva, free gingiva line and free gingiva by means of capillaroscopy. In correspondence of upper incisors of 12 young healthy volunteers, after placement of liquid vaseline, microphotographs (x200) were taken at level of the free gingiva and 2-3 mm more apically within the attached gingiva. Capillaries structure and organization were evaluated in the three areas of interest. In 10 randomly selected microphotographs of the attached gingiva, the amount and percentage of microvessels per mm2 were also calculated. For each subject, two analyses were performed at 3 weeks of distance for repeatability assessment. At the observation, in attached gingiva vessels appeared as tortuous capillary loops perpendicular to the epithelial surface. At level of free gingival line vessels get linear and parallel to the arch of gingival margin. In free gingiva capillaries run superficially and parallel to the epithelial surface, toward the margin and fell back with a loop on the tooth side. At the quantitative analysis, the method resulted repeatable (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p>0.05). A mean of 49.8 (± 9.5) microvessels for mm2 was found. Capillaries represented the 10.3% (±3.5) of the attached gingiva. Capillaroscopy is a non-invasive repeatable method to observe gingival capillaries. This method may be proposed in clinical practice to detect and monitor changes or abnormalities after placement of prosthetic margins

Mapping outcomes of liquid marble collisions

© 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry. Liquid marbles (LMs) have many promising roles in the ongoing development of microfluidics, microreactors, bioreactors, and unconventional computing. In many of these applications, the coalescence of two LMs is either required or actively discouraged, therefore it is important to study liquid marble collisions and establish parameters which enable the desired collision outcome. Recent reports on LM coalescence have focused on either two mobile LMs colliding, or an accelerating LM hitting a sessile LM with a backstop. A further possible scenario is the impact of a mobile LM against a non-supported static LM. This paper investigates such a collision, using high-speed videography for single-frame analysis. Multiple collisions were undertaken whilst varying the modified Weber number (We∗) and offset ratios (X∗). Parameter ranges of 1.0 0.25, and We∗ 1.55 resulted in 100% non-coalescence. Additionally, observations of LMs moving above a threshold velocity of 0.6 m s -1 have revealed a new and unusual deformation. Comparisons of the outcome of collisions whilst varying both the LM volume and the powder grain size have also been made, revealing a strong link. The results of this work provide a deeper understanding of LM coalescence, allowing improved control when designing future collision experiments

Accurate determination of plutonium by Controlled Potential Coulometry: uncertainty evaluation by the Monte Carlo Method approach

International audienceThe accurate determination of plutonium (Pu) mass fraction in nuclear materials is essential to nuclear matter accountancy and international safeguard programs. Controlled-Potential Coulometry (CPC) is one of the best available analytical methods to perform such measurements. The implementation of CPC at the Nuclear Matter Metrological Laboratory of the French Atomic Energy Commission is described as well as the evaluation of measurement uncertainty using two approaches: the guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement, and the Monte Carlo Method. The uncertainty values determined are compared to the international target values published by the International Atomic Energy Agency

Laser Scanning and close range photogrammetry: Towards a single measuring tool dedicated to architecture and archaeology

International audienceWe present here the first steps towards the development of a tool for architectural and patrimonial survey which combines the laserscanning techniques, close range photogrammetry and a fine analysis closer to the studied field, here architecture and archaeology.The present work is the result of a join cooperation between, INN.TEC.srl, an Italian Innovation Technology Consortium, with aCenter of Competence (Topotek) specialized in geomatic problems and in particular in the treatment of cloud of 3D points comingfrom Laser scanner, a French CNRS laboratory working on close range photogrammetry in the context of architecture andarchaeology and a laboratory from the university of Rome III, specialized in the representation of architecture.We present a knowledge based survey tool which combines mixed means of Laser Scanner and photogrammetry measurement.The statement is articulated in three phases:• Laser scanner allows to model objects in 3D with a density of measurements that cannot be acquired within a reasonabletime frame with traditional technologies. The programme used for laser data management creates a triangular 3D model(mesh) from the range information and maps 2D information on the 3D model to create the final result.Generally laser scanning requires to view the surveyed object from several viewpoints to resolve shadows and occlusionsbut displacement of the laser sensor is not always easy to achieve on site• We developed a similar approach in photogrammetry which, using some photographs taken without too many constraints,can supplement the occlusions or lacks from the laser measurements. A survey based on an approximate geometry of theobject and autocorrelation makes it possible to obtain automatically an irregular mesh with appropriate texture. Theorientation phase uses the data provided by the scanner to orient the photogrammetric measurement in the same set of axes.• The last phase involves the use of an expert system based on a knowledge representation of the object measured in order torebuild an architectural or archaeological object while being based to the taken measures and an elaborate ideal model incollaboration with the architects or archaeologists.The work presented here is based on an experimental study of an Etruscan amphora found on the Grand Ribaud F wreck, in HyËres,France, and studied by Dr. Luc Long, Cultural Heritage Curator, DRASSM, Marseilles, France. The survey took place at theUniversity of Rome III in the laboratory of architectural representation directed by Prof. Diego Maestri. The laser scanning wasmade with the Callidus sensor gracefully lent by the company Geosystem group, Roma.After this debugging phase on a simple object as an amphora, we project to extend this method for architectural surve

Stygiiulus ausugi Vagalinski & Borissov & Bobeva & Canciani & Antić 2022, comb. nov.

Stygiiulus ausugi (Manfredi, 1953) comb. nov. Figs 10A, 11A, 13 Typhloiulus ausugi Manfredi, 1953b: 136–138, figs 1–2. Typhloiulus (Stygiiulus) ausugi – Strasser 1962: 11, 12, 18, 37, 38, figs 1–2, 8, 11h, 15, 41–44. Typhloiulus (Stygiiulus) ausugi ausugi – Strasser 1971a: 13. Typhloiulus ausugi ausugi – Minelli 1985: 9. Typhloiulus ausugi – Vagalinski et al. 2015: 336–337. Diagnosis One of the three species of Stygiiulus stat. nov. with modified mouthparts, the other two being S. fimbriatus comb. et stat. nov. and S. gentianae comb. et stat. nov. Differs from both mainly by the complete absence of posterior hump on opisthomere, the very large velum with minute fringes on posterodistal margin, and the anterior and posterior solenomeral branches both being very short, hardly distinguishable. Material examined ITALY – Trentino (Autonomous Province of Trento) • 1 ♂; topotype; Altopiano dei Sette Comuni, Grigno, Grotta [Cave] della Bigonda (243 VT/TN); 450 m a.s.l.; 10 Mar. 1996; G. Peretto and E. Piva leg.; H. Enghoff det. 2013; NHMD • 1 ♀; Grigno, Grotta [Cave] del Calgeron (new record), a side branch of the waterfall; Dec. 1973; Ischia leg.; H. Enghoff det. 1984; A. Minelli ded. 1985; NHMD. Descriptive notes ANTENNAE. 2–2.1 times as long as head and 1.7–1.75 times as long as H in males, and 1.7–1.8 times and ca 1.4 times, respectively, in females; antennomere 5 ca twice as long as broad; antennomeres 2, 3 and 4 subequal in length, ca 1.2 times as long as 5, and 1.7–1.8 times as long as 6; 6 visibly broader than 5, giving a clavate appearance of the antenna. MOUTHPARTS. With strong hydrophilous modifications (sensu Enghoff 1985): labrum edentate or with three minute, vestigial teeth. Gnathochilarium short and distally markedly broad, stipites with conspicuously large palps. Gnathal lobes of mandibles with the external and the internal tooth strongly reduced, both being distinct but very small and pointed, deeply hidden in the buccal cavity; molar plate much smaller than the normal julid condition; pectinate lamellae five instead of the usual four, consisting of very fine and densely set teeth. TARSUS OF MID- BODY LEGS. Ca 2.5 times as long as tibia and ca 5 times as long as apical claw. Mid-body legs ca 1.7 times as long as H in males and ca 1.4 times in females. FEMALE SEXUAL CHARACTERS. Legs 1 and 2 slightly shorter but not thicker than following legs. Vulva (Fig. 11A) symmetric; bursa very broad, strongly compressed in the sagittal plane; each valve of bursa with one vertical row of setae; operculum (op) distally bulging, with a distinct apical concavity, exceeding bursa by nearly ⅓ of total height of vulva, with just several setae each side. Receptaculum seminis consisting of two small tubes: a very fine, somewhat bent, mesal one (mt) ending in a small ovoid ampulla (ma), and a significantly broader, mostly straight, lateral one (lt), not forming ampulla at bottom. Distribution Prior to this study, the species was known only from its type locality – the Grotta della Bigonda – on the northern border of the central part of the Venetian Prealps. The new locality of this species – the Grotta del Calgeron – is located in the same area, some 20 km south of the type locality (Fig. 13, blue circles). Remarks Strasser (1971a) described two subspecies of ausugi, viz., fimbriatus and gentianae. Considering the gonopod conformations of the two latter forms, both of which differ significantly from S. ausugi comb. nov. and are instead much more similar to S. illyricus comb. nov., S. maximus comb. nov., S. montellensis comb. nov., and S. rotundatus comb. et stat. nov., it becomes obvious that Strasser (1971a) treated the modified mouthparts as a taxonomic feature of primary importance, being unaware of the adaptive nature of such modifications, as revealed later by Enghoff (1985). Thus we here elevate fimbriatus and gentianae to the species level and describe both of them in detail below. In the Grotta della Bigonda, this species lives in sympatry with S. tobias comb. nov.Published as part of Vagalinski, Boyan, Borissov, Simeon, Bobeva, Aneliya, Canciani, Giacomo & Antić, Dragan Ž., 2022, The mostly cavernicolous millipede genus Stygiiulus Verhoeff, 1929, stat. nov.: taxonomy, distribution and phylogenetic relationships (Diplopoda, Julida, Julidae), pp. 30-69 in European Journal of Taxonomy 798 on pages 34-35, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.798.1669, http://zenodo.org/record/632300

Stygiiulus gentianae Vagalinski & Borissov & Bobeva & Canciani & Antić 2022, comb. et stat. nov.

Stygiiulus gentianae (Strasser, 1971) comb. et stat. nov. Figs 4–6, 13 Typhloiulus ausugi gentianae Strasser, 1971a: 13–14, fig. 15. Typhloiulus ausugi gentianae – Minelli 1985: 10. — Vagalinski et al. 2015: 336–337. Material examined Lectotype (designated here) ITALY • ♂; Veneto, Bosco del Cansiglio [Cansiglio Forest], Bus [cave] de la Genziana; specimen unbroken; MHNG-ARTO-26721. Paralectotypes ITALY • 1 ♀; same collection data as for lectotype; specimen unbroken; MHNG-ARTO-26722 • 1 ♂ slide preparation; same collection data as for lectotype; labrum, mandibles, gnathochilarium, antennae, penis, flanges of pleurotergum 7; MHNG-ARTO-26723 • 1 ♂ slide preparation; same collection data as for lectotype; gonopods; MHNG-ARTO-26724. Other material ITALY • 1topotype♀; Veneto, province of Treviso, Bosco del Cansiglio [Cansiglio Forest], Fregona,q. 1020, Bus [cave] de la Genziana (1000 V /TV); 3 Oct. 1985; E. Piva leg. and ded.; NHMD • 1 topotype ♂, 2 topotype ♀♀; same locality as for preceding; 22. Oct. 1994; E. Piva leg.; H. Enghoff det. 2013; NHMD • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Cansiglio Cavallo, Barcis (PN), Grotta [cave] della Vecchia Diga (786 / 327FR); 484 m a.s.l.; 30 Jun. 1996; G. Peretto and E. Piva leg.; H. Enghoff det. 2013; NHMD • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Friuli-Venezia Giulia, province of Pordenone, Montereale Valcellina (PN), Inghiottitoio [karstic pot-hole] della Val di Pai (1027 / 469FR); 30 Aug. 1984; Comotti leg.; R. Pisoni ded. 1989; NHMD. Comment Since the original description was based upon three males and two females, none of which was designated by Strasser (1971a) as holotype, we here designate the only intact male specimen as lectotype, in order to stabilize the nomenclature of the species under Article 74.1 of the ICZN. Diagnosis A species of Stygiiulus stat. nov. with modified mouthparts. Differs from its most similar congener, S. fimbriatus comb. et stat. nov., by gonopod details, viz. promere and opisthomere being turned towards one another rather than apically both bent frontad, velum with a smooth rather than entirely serrated anterior margin; by the weakly rather than strongly pronounced posterior part of pleurotergal flange 7 in males; by the vulval operculum being convex rather than concave, exceeding bursa by ca 2 ⁄ 5 rather than with ¼ of total height of vulva; by the entirely subtriangular ventral margin of body ring 3 in females, rather than ventral margin with a small, roundish anterior lobe; and by the somewhat shorter epiproct. Redescription SIZE AND NUMBER OF BODY RINGS. Lectotype ♂ with BRF 36 + 0+ T, L = 18 mm, H = 1.3 mm, paralectotype ♀ with BRF 33 +0+ T, L = 16.5 mm, H = 1.2 mm; topotype ♂ with BRF 31 +0 + T, L = 20.5 mm, H = 1.4 mm; topotype ♀♀ with BRF 31–35 +0–1 + T, L = 19–22 mm, H = 1.4–1.7 mm; males from Val di Pai with BRF 30–32 +1 + T, L = 13 mm, H = 1.05–1.1 mm; female from Val di Pai with BRF 30 +1 + T, L = 17 mm, H = 1.3 mm; males from Vecchia Diga with BRF 29–31 +0+ T, L = 18–19 mm, H = 1.15– 1.2 mm, female from Vecchia Diga with BRF 27 +1+ T, L = 18.5 mm, h = 1.3 mm. In general, males with BRF 29–36+ 0–1+ T, L = 13–20.5 mm, H = 1.05–1.3 mm; females with BRF 27–36 +0–1+ T, L = 16.5–22 mm, H = 1.2–1.7 mm. COLOURATION (Fig. 4A–B, F–G). Completely pallid, probably as a result of the long alcohol conservation (considering the presence of some colour pattern in the highly similar S. fimbriatus comb. et stat. nov.). EXTERNAL STRUCTURES. Head with 2 vertigial, 2+2 supralabral and 16–23 labral setae.Antennae (Fig. 4B) 2.5 times as long as head and 2.4–2.5 times as long as H in males, and 2.1–2.2 times and 1.8–2.1 times, respectively, in females; antennomere 5 2.8 times as long as broad. Antennomeres V and VI each with a terminal corolla of large sensilla basiconica bacilliformia; antennomere VII with a terminal corolla of small sensilla basiconica bacilliformia. MOUTHPARTS (Fig. 4C–D, H). Generally similar to those of S. fimbriatus comb. et stat. nov., including individuals with edentate labrum (Fig. 4D), as well as individuals with three small but distinct labral teeth (Fig. 4C). Gnathochilarial stipites each with a row of 2–5 rather than up to 10 setae. Posterior node of hypopharynx (Fig. 4C) reduced, with somewhat squarish posterior part. COLLUM. Collum as in S. fimbriatus comb. et stat. nov., but with the frontolateral margin only slightly bent outwards. Metazonal striation faint and sparse even on ventral side; setation somewhat shorter than in fimbriatus – around 10% of H. Tarsus of mid-body legs 2.1–2.3 times as long as tibia. TELSON (Fig. 4G). Epiproct very short, not protruding behind caudal contour of paraprocts), ending with a minute hyaline tip turned more or less dorsad. Hypoproct more narrowly rounded compared to the former species, blunt subtriangular in some specimens (regardless of sex). All remaining external somatic characters as in S. fimbriatus comb. et stat. nov. MALE SEXUAL CHARACTERS. Male leg-pair 1 (Fig. 5A) similar to the condition in S. fimbriatus comb. et stat. nov., differing in having a proportionately smaller tibial part, apically more sparsely microdentate/ microtuberculate. Male walking legs with more pronounced tibial pads than in S. fimbriatus comb. et stat. nov., these being still visible behind mid-body. Penis (Fig. 5B) as in the former species, but with longer and more tapering terminal lamellae. GONOPODS (Figs 5C, 6). Very similar to those of S. fimbriatus comb. et stat. nov., differing from the latter species mainly by the pro- (p) and mesomere (m) being gradually bent towards one another, rather than both apically turned frontad, and by the smooth rather than ciliate anterior margin of velum (v); also promere in S. gentianae comb. et stat. nov. relatively broader, with the external lobe (el) significantly higher than, rather than subequal to, the internal one (il); posterior branch of solenomere (pb) somewhat more robust, anterior branch of solenomere (ab) and posterior hump of opisthomere (ph) of same size and shape as in S. fimbriatus comb. et stat. nov. FEMALE SEXUAL CHARACTERS. Leg-pairs 1 and 2 shorter, 1 also slightly thicker, than following legs. Ventral margin of body ring 3 subtriangular (Fig. 4I). Vulva (Fig. 5D) mostly symmetric, somewhat compressed in the sagittal plane; operculum (op) very large, with a convex apical margin forming several rounded bumps, exceeding bursa by nearly 2 ⁄ 5 of total height of vulva; setation on both bursa and operculum in a similar pattern as in S. fimbriatus comb. et stat. nov., but with 1–2 setae on side sclerites in addition. Receptaculum seminis represented by two short and narrow tubes: a mesal one (mt) leading to an ovoid ampulla (ma), and a lateral one (lt) ending without distinct ampulla at bottom. Distribution Known from several caves in the easternmost part of the Venetian Prealps mountain range (Fig. 13, red circles). Remark Strasser (1971a) wrote that this species was found on wet vertical walls (common place for many troglobitic arthropods with mouthpart modifications).Published as part of Vagalinski, Boyan, Borissov, Simeon, Bobeva, Aneliya, Canciani, Giacomo & Antić, Dragan Ž., 2022, The mostly cavernicolous millipede genus Stygiiulus Verhoeff, 1929, stat. nov.: taxonomy, distribution and phylogenetic relationships (Diplopoda, Julida, Julidae), pp. 30-69 in European Journal of Taxonomy 798 on pages 41-45, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.798.1669, http://zenodo.org/record/632300

Stygiiulus montellensis Vagalinski & Borissov & Bobeva & Canciani & Antić 2022, comb. nov.

Stygiiulus montellensis (Verhoeff, 1930) comb. nov. Figs 7, 13 Typhloiulus (Stygiiulus) montellensis Verhoeff, 1930: 14–16, figs 4–5. Typhloiulus (Stygiiulus) montellensis – Manfredi 1932: 81. — Strasser 1962: 57–58, figs 5, 11j, 66–67. Typhloiulus montellensis – Wolf 1934 –38: 516. — Vagalinski et al. 2015: 343. Typhloiulus montebellensis (sic!) – Attems 1949: 145. Typhloiulus (Stygiiulus) montellensis montellensis – Paoletti 1978: 108. Typhloiulus montellensis montellensis – Minelli 1985: 10. Diagnosis A species of Stygiiulus stat. nov. with normal mouthparts. Differs from its most similar congener, S. rotundatus comb. et stat. nov., by the distal part of mesomere (Fig. 7B, m in Fig. 7A) being clavate, ending with a broad, flat apex, vs the same being fronto-caudally compressed, ending with a rounded apex in the latter species; and by the vulval operculum being broader and with a smooth and gently concave apical margin, vs the same being relatively narrow, with an uneven, coarsed/undulating apical margin in S. rotundatus comb. et stat. nov. Material examined ITALY • 3 ♂♂, 4 ♀♀; Veneto, province of Treviso, Susegana, Grotta [cave] Crede-a (2098 V / TV); 175 m a.s.l.; 20 Feb. 1993; E. Piva leg.; NHMD • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀, 1 juv.; Veneto, province of Treviso, Massiccio del Grappa Mtn, Cavaso del Tomba, Speoncia [cave] del Diaol (1811 V /TV); 45°50'49'' N, 11°54'26.4'' E; 275 m a.s.l.; 17 Oct. 1999; E. Piva leg.; NHMD. Descrptive notes ANTENNAE. 1.85–2.2 times as long as head and 1.5–2.1 times as long as H in males, and 2–2.1 and 1.3– 1.5 times, respectively, in females; antennomere 5 2–2.3 times as long as broad; antennomeres 2 and 3 subequal in length, 1.1–1.2 times as long as 4 and 5, and 1.2–1.4 times as long as 6. Tarsus of mid-body legs 2–2.3 times as long as tibia and 3–4 times as long as apical claw. Mid-body legs from equal to, to 1.4 times as long as, H in males, and 0.9–1.1 times in females. FEMALE SEXUAL CHARACTERS. Legs 1 and 2 slightly shorter but not thicker than following legs. Vulva (Fig. 7C) symmetric, somewhat compressed in the sagittal plane; bursa with a rather broad cleft, each valve distally with several setae in a vertical row; operculum (op) large, subquadrangular, with a slightly convex, smooth apical margin, exceeding bursa by ca ⅓ of total height of vulva, distally with several setae each side. Receptaculum seminis represented by a relatively long, narrow, slightly bent, mesal tube (mt) leading to a minute piriform ampulla (ma), and an even finer, shorter, twisted, lateral tube (lt) forming an ovoid ampulla (la) at bottom. Distribution Known from several caves as well as epigean habitats in a small area on the southern side of the Venetian Prealps’ foothill, north of Treviso.All but one record come from the right side of the Piave River (Fig. 13, yellow squares).Published as part of Vagalinski, Boyan, Borissov, Simeon, Bobeva, Aneliya, Canciani, Giacomo & Antić, Dragan Ž., 2022, The mostly cavernicolous millipede genus Stygiiulus Verhoeff, 1929, stat. nov.: taxonomy, distribution and phylogenetic relationships (Diplopoda, Julida, Julidae), pp. 30-69 in European Journal of Taxonomy 798 on page 49, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.798.1669, http://zenodo.org/record/632300