Functionalisation of ceramic tile surface by soluble salts addition: part II. Titanium and Silver addition

The aim of this study was to assess surface functionalization of industrial ceramic tiles through the addition of soluble salts to improve mechanicalproperties (scratch and wear resistance) and conductivity, while preserving the aesthetic aspects of the finished product. This objective was pursuedthrough the application of different solutions of titanium and silver with a potential for transformation into titania and silver nanoparticles during thesintering of the material. The solutions, in different concentrations, were applied (300 g/m2) to unglazed green tiles by air brushing. The resultingproducts were polished and characterized in terms of microstructural, surface micromechanical, and technological properties based on the UNIEN ISO reference standards. The electrical conductivity deriving from the presence of titania and silver was also established with specific tests.The results were found to correlate with the results obtained from the addition of zirconium solutions as reported in part I of the paper

Chapter 1: Selenium in the environment

Selenium contamination of air, aquatic environments, soils and sediments is a serious environmental concern of increasing importance. Selenium has a paradoxical feature in bringing about health benefits under the prescribed level, but only a few fold increase in its concentration causes deleterious effects to flora and fauna, humans and the environment. This book Environmental Technologies to Treat Selenium Pollution: Principles and Engineering: presents the fundamentals of the biogeochemical selenium cycle and which imbalances in this cycle result in pollution. overviews chemical and biological technologies for successful treatment of selenium contaminated water, air, soils and sediments. explores the recovery of value-added products from selenium laden waste streams, including biofortication and selenium-based nanoparticles and quantum dots. This book may serve both as an advanced textbook for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in environmental sciences, technology or engineering as well as as a handbook for tertiary educators, researchers, professionals and policy makers who conduct research and practices in selenium related fields. It is essential reading for consulting companies when dealing with selenium related environmental (bio)technologies

Distinguishing features between patients with acute diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding: Results from the REMAD registry

Background: Pathogenesis of acute diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding remains poorly defined, and few data compare directly risk factors for these complications. Aims: to assess differences in clinical features, lifestyles factors and concurrent drug use in patients with acute diverticulitis and those with diverticular bleeding. Methods: Data were obtained from the REMAD Registry, an ongoing 5-year prospective, observational, multicenter, cohort study conducted on 1,217 patients. Patient- and clinical- related factors were compared among patients with uncomplicated diverticular disease, patients with previous acute diverticulitis, and patients with previous diverticular bleeding. Results: Age was significantly lower (OR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.34-0.67) and family history of diverticular disease was significantly higher (OR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.11-2.31) in patients with previous diverticulitis than in patients with uncomplicated diverticular disease, respectively. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was significantly higher in patients with previous diverticular bleeding as compared with both uncomplicated diverticular disease (OR 8.37, 95% CI: 2.60-27.0) and diverticulitis (OR 4.23, 95% CI: 1.11-16.1). Conclusion: This ancillary study from a nationwide Registry showed that some distinctive features identify patients with acute diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding. These information might improve the assessment of risk factors for diverticular complications