Stability of naturally relevant ternary phases in the Cu-Sn-S system in contact with an aqueous solution

A relevant research effort is devoted to the synthesis and characterization of phases belonging to the ternary system Cu–Sn–S, mainly for their possible applications in semiconductor technology. Among all ternary phases, kuramite, Cu3SnS4, mohite, Cu2SnS3, and Cu4Sn7S16 have attracted the highest interest. Numerous studies were carried out claiming for the description of new phases in the ternary compositional field. In this study, we revise the existing literature on this ternary system, with a special focus on the phases stable in a temperature range at 25 °C. The only two ternary phases observed in nature are mohite and kuramite. Their occurrence is described as very rare. A numerical modelling of the stable solid phases in contact with a water solution was underwent to define stability relationships of the relevant phases of the system. The numerical modelling of the Eh-pH diagrams was carried out through the phreeqc software with the lnll.dat thermodynamic database. Owing to the complexity of this task, the subsystems Cu–O–H, Sn–O–H, Cu–S–O–H and Sn–S–O–H were firstly considered. The first Pourbaix diagram for the two naturally relevant ternary phases is then proposed

Thermochemistry of the E-ALD process for the growth of Cu x Zn y S on Ag(111): Interpretation of experimental data

The electrochemical atomic layer deposition (E-ALD) growth of chalcogenides materials enables the deposition of technologically interesting ultra-thin films. However, this method raises some questions about the actual growth mechanism. We addressed one of the more interesting anomalies reported lately: the occurrence of the Zn-deficiency and of the polycrystalline thread-like overgrown structures in the E-ALD growth of CuxZnyS. The present study was developed using a computational speciation approach under the mass balance method. Exploiting a well-established computational approach, but uncommonly applied to the electrochemical science, we calculated the predominance charts and the equilibrium speciation of the solid phases during the electrochemical process. On this basis, we obtained a deep insight into the mechanism underlying the E-ALD process from a thermodynamic standpoint. Thus, we identified the crucial steps of the CuxZnyS growth leading to the anomalies object of this research

Catalytic Combustion of Waste Streams Coming from the Solvent Recovery Stage of a Packaging Industry

Esters and alcohols are widely used as solvents in the packaging industry. They contribute to the increase of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and, as such, represent a serious air pollution problem that must be faced. To this end, two main strategies can be pursued: solvent recovery and/or incineration, the former being of course preferred. Solvent recovery consists of an activated carbon plant, which adsorbs the post-printing exhaust solvents, and a distillation system, which separates the recovered solvent mixture. The waste streams coming from the solvent recovery stage need to be disposed, implying additional costs as well as safety issues. In this work, a low-cost perovskite-based catalyst, doped with a low amount of noble metal (Pt) and supported over a monolithic reactor, was used to run lab-scale combustion tests for waste streams coming from the solvent recovery stage of the packaging industry Icimendue (www.icimen.com). Results of experimental tests support the validity of catalytic combustion of the waste streams as an alternative approach to their disposal

Evolving Trends in the Management of Acute Appendicitis During COVID-19 Waves: The ACIE Appy II Study

Background In 2020, ACIE Appy study showed that COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the management of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) worldwide, with an increased rate of non-operative management (NOM) strategies and a trend toward open surgery due to concern of virus transmission by laparoscopy and controversial recommendations on this issue. The aim of this study was to survey again the same group of surgeons to assess if any difference in management attitudes of AA had occurred in the later stages of the outbreak. Methods From August 15 to September 30, 2021, an online questionnaire was sent to all 709 participants of the ACIE Appy study. The questionnaire included questions on personal protective equipment (PPE), local policies and screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, NOM, surgical approach and disease presentations in 2021. The results were compared with the results from the previous study. Results A total of 476 answers were collected (response rate 67.1%). Screening policies were significatively improved with most patients screened regardless of symptoms (89.5% vs. 37.4%) with PCR and antigenic test as the preferred test (74.1% vs. 26.3%). More patients tested positive before surgery and commercial systems were the preferred ones to filter smoke plumes during laparoscopy. Laparoscopic appendicectomy was the first option in the treatment of AA, with a declined use of NOM. Conclusion Management of AA has improved in the last waves of pandemic. Increased evidence regarding SARS-COV-2 infection along with a timely healthcare systems response has been translated into tailored attitudes and a better care for patients with AA worldwide

Polyhedral separation via difference of convex (DC) programming

We consider polyhedral separation of sets as a possible tool in supervised classification. In particular, we focus on the optimization model introduced by Astorino and Gaudioso (J Optim Theory Appl 112(2):265–293, 2002) and adopt its reformulation in difference of convex (DC) form. We tackle the problem by adapting the algorithm for DC programming known as DCA. We present the results of the implementation of DCA on a number of benchmark classification datasets

Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy versus appendectomy or antibiotics in the modern approach to uncomplicated acute appendicitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Endoscopic therapy; Appendicitis; AppendectomyTerapia endoscópica; Apendicitis; ApendicectomíaTeràpia endoscòpica; Apendicitis; ApendicectomiaIntroduction Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy has been proposed as an alternative strategy for treating appendicitis, but debate exists on its role compared with conventional treatment. Methods This systematic review was performed on MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE. The last search was in April of 2023. The risk ratio with a 95% confidence interval was calculated for dichotomous variables, and the mean difference with a 95% confidence interval for continuous variables. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool (randomized controlled trials) and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Intervention tool (non-randomized controlled trials). Results Six studies met the eligibility criteria. Four studies compared endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (n = 236 patients) and appendectomy (n = 339) and found no differences in technical success during index admission (risk ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval [0.92,1.02]). Appendectomy showed superior outcomes for recurrence at 1-year follow-up (risk ratio 11.28, 95% confidence interval [2.61,48.73]). Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy required shorter procedural time (mean difference –14.38, 95% confidence interval [–20.17, –8.59]) and length of hospital stay (mean difference –1.19, 95% confidence interval [–2.37, –0.01]), with lower post-intervention abdominal pain (risk ratio 0.21, 95% confidence interval [0.14,0.32]). Two studies compared endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (n = 269) and antibiotic treatment (n = 280). Technical success during admission (risk ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval [0.91,1.35]) and appendicitis recurrence (risk ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval [0.08,14.87]) did not differ, but endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy decreased the length of hospitalization (mean difference –1.91, 95% confidence interval [–3.18, –0.64]). Conclusion This meta-analysis did not identify significant differences between endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy and appendectomy or antibiotics regarding technical success during index admission and treatment efficacy at 1-year follow-up. However, a high risk of imprecision limits these results. The advantages of endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy in terms of reduced procedural times and shorter lengths of stay must be balanced against the increased risk of having an appendicitis recurrence at one year

Stone Architectural Decoration in Burji Era: The Northern Mausoleum in the Khanqah of Al-Nasir Faraj Ibn Barquq (Cairo). Contribution to the Knowledge and Conservation Assessment

none6The conservation of monuments in Cairo represents a complex matter, influenced by the cultural context, the intrinsic features of a vast and heterogeneous architectural heritage, and the environmental conditions. Monument vulnerability levels strongly need to be systematized to delineate adequate programs of control, management, and intervention. Despite their leading role in the Egyptian architectural heritage, many monuments experience a critical state of conservation. Here, we report the results of a multi-scale investigation of the northern mausoleum in the complex of the Khanqah of Al-Nasir Faraj Ibn Barquq, located in the Islamic cemetery of Al-Qarafa Al-Kubra (Cairo, Egypt). Our research aims to increase the knowledge on the decorative stones used in the mausoleum and their decay processes. The investigation has been focused on the two areas of the building covered by a colored stone-slabs pattern: the floor and the qibla wall. A detailed architectural survey, carried out through photogrammetric techniques, provided a three-dimensional morphological knowledge of the mausoleum, upgrading the available surveys made about 50 years ago. The distribution of the materials has been verified by visual analysis, integrated by the first detailed mineralogical and petrographic characterization made on this mausoleum. The digital survey of the stone surfaces and the mineralogical, chemical, and petrographic analyses allowed a systematic mapping of the decay phenomena and some insights on the morphological alteration of single elements. The obtained results indicate a capillary rise of groundwaters and airborne pollution as the main degradation processes.openAlba Santo; Francesco Di Benedetto; Carlo Garzonio; Elena Pecchioni; Teresa Salvatici; Michele CoppolaSanto, Alba; DI BENEDETTO, Francesco; Garzonio, Carlo; Pecchioni, Elena; Salvatici, Teresa; Coppola, Michel

All-suture anchors in arthroscopic acetabular labral repair: our experience

BACKGROUND: Over the past years, the role of the acetabular labrum in hip joint biomechanics and its relations with joint health has been of particular interest. There is a good clinical improvement of patients in whom the acetabular labrum is preserved during arthroscopic hip surgery. The purpose of this study is to report the results of arthroscopic repair of labral tears at a medium term follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all cases that underwent hip arthroscopy at our Institution from January 2013 until December 2018. There were 24 patients, 13 males and 11 females, and their mean age at the time of surgery was 29, 42 years (range, 19 to 43 years). All patients were treated by the same surgeon with an extracapsular OUT-IN approach. Suture was performed using a non-absorbable suture anchor all-suture. Clinical assessment was performed at December 2019 using a modified Harris hip score (mHHS), hip outcomes score activities of daily living (HOS ADL), hip outcomes score activities of sport scale (HOS SS). All patients with acetabular labrum injury had femoro-acetabular impingement. RESULTS: The mean overall values in the preoperative period were 67.21 \ub1 10.31 for mHHS, 70.04 \ub1 12.11 for HOS-ADL and 60.06 \ub1 14.58 for HOS -SS. The results obtained in the re-evaluations of patients in December 2019 with a mean follow-up of 38, 3 months (minimum 1 year) are on average 82.17 \ub1 11.36 for mHHS, 83.00 \ub1 12.80 for HOS-ADL and 76.09 \ub1 18.52 for HOS-SS. CONCLUSIONS: The progress of knowledge and the advancement of diagnostic and therapeutic skills has led to a greater awareness of the importance of treating acetabular labrum tears. Arthroscopic treatment with suture appear to be a good option for these patients and we had encouraging results in our center