Thermodynamically consistent Reference Interaction Site Model theory of the tangent diatomic fluid

Thermodynamic and structural properties of the tangent diatomic fluid are studied in the framework provided by the Reference Interaction Site Model (RISM) theory, coupled with a Modified Hypernetted Chain closure. The enforcement of the internal thermodynamic consistency of the theory is described in detail. The results we obtain almost quantitatively agree with available or newly generated simulation data. We envisage the possibility to extend the consistent RISM formalism to generic, more realistic molecular fluids.Comment: Typeset with LaTeX, 6 pages, 3 figures (5 subfigures), 28 references, submitted to Chem. Phys. Let

PREVALENCE OF BYOGENES AMMINS IN SEASONED D.O.P. CHEESE TOSCANO PECORINO

Pecorino cheese is one of the “D.O.P.” products made in Tuscany. There are two types of pecorino cheese one of which undergoes a curing time period which is not less than four months. Considering this curing time period, processes are conceivable that could lead to the formation of amines such as free amino acids. The biogenic amines have unquestionable effects on health in particular histamine and tyramine, they are also important indicators of hygienic quality of the profile of the movement shortly after the curing time period and included in the shelf life period which the product is commercialized

Epidemiology and risk factors in osteoarthritis: literature review data from "OASIS" study

Ostheoarthritis (OA) is a social disease characterized by pain, inflammation and stiffness due to an involvement of articular cartilage, soft tissues and bone. OA is the most common rheumatic disease, every age can be affected but prevalence increases dramatically with age with a greater incidence in subjects between 40 and 50 years of age. Hip OA has an important correlation with weight, genetic factors, sex, previous traumas, occupational factors and age. People older than 35 have a prevalence of Hip OA of 10,8% that becomes 35,4% in people older than 85. Knee OA has a great correlation with weight, life style and physical activity. An Italian study has demonstrated that the prevalence of this kind of OA is highest in subjects older than 65 that becomes 44% in people older than 80. In this report we explain the results of a study conducted in the South of Italy called the OstheoArtrithis Southern Italy Study (OASIS) that involved 456 doctors and 1782 patients of three different regions. The mean age of these patients was 66,3 years and we evaluated prevalence of hip, knee, hand and spine OA and correlated it to sex, age, weight and BMI. We also evaluated what kind of drugs were used for these patients. Knee OA is the most common subset of OA, the one that requires the highest number of examinations and the one that causes the greatest disability. The most common used drugs are Fans and Coxibs. Condroprotectors were not used much, probably because they are not considered to be very effective

A NEW TOOL FOR OFFICIAL CONTROL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF AN AUDIT PROGRAM

The new EU regulation on feed and food confirm audit like the most important tool for valuating GMP and HACCP procedures on food premises. Authors describe planning and results of 2007 audit activities

The MgH2 conversion reaction in a lithium cell

MgH2 electrochemical conversion reaction is a valuable alternative to Li intercalation into graphite for next generation Li-ion cells [1]. MgH2 has a theoretical capacity of 2048 mAhg-1, 5 times larger than of graphite. The incorporation of lithium occurs by the reduction of magnesium hydride to magnesium metal nanoparticles surrounded by an amorphous matrix of lithium hydride [1,2] (hydride conversion reaction, HCR). “Going-nano” plays a key role in the promotion of the MgH2 HCR. This last effect can be thermodynamic and/or kinetic as it may involve variation of the chemical potentials of nanophases as well as drastic improvements in the ion diffusivity. It is well known that the reduction of MgH2 particle size to the nanoscale promotes the hydrogen release at moderate temperatures by tuning up the desorption thermodynamics [3]. It is likely that similar effects play a role also in the case of room temperature HCR processes in Li-cells. In this communication we discuss our recent results about the MgH2 conversion reaction in a lithium cell. Our study combines computational and experimental efforts in order to derive a comprehensive picture of the MgH2 HC

Hybrid particle-field molecular dynamics: a primer

Solid state NMR/Biophysical Organic Chemistr

Food safety: education in training for metrology and metrological traceability

In the field of food safety Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules requires (Article 10, Control activities, methods and techniques) that official controls on feed and food include, inter alia, the following activities: (g) the reading of values recorded by means of measuring instruments in feed or food businesses; (h) controls, carried out by means of the competent authority’s own instruments, to verify measurements taken by operators from feed and food businesses. The ultimate goal of these activities is to evaluate the conformity of measurement results to specifications. The activities cited above imply that staff performing official controls: a) receive, for their area of competence, appropriate training enabling them to undertake their duties competently and to carry out official controls in a consistent manner; b) keep up to date in their area of competence and receive regular additional training as necessary. The Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS) and the Italian National Institute of Metrological Research (Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica, INRIM) have planned, in collaboration with Italian Competent Authorities, as the Veterinary Public Service – Florence Local Health Unit, and other interested parties, as the Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and the Valle D’Aosta, training courses for personnel involved in food and feed official control systems. In these courses lectures and training sessions on the following subjects are included: − general concepts on conformity assessment − general concepts related to metrology and metrological traceability − calibration and uncertainty of measurement − measurement management systems − requirements for measurement processes and measuring equipment