Evaluation of the effects of PM emitted by specific emission sources on environment and health

The health burden due to particulate matter (PM) air pollution (PM10 and PM2.5) is one of the biggest environmental health concerns in the WHO European Region and around the world. A particular challenge in this research field is about the identification of the physical and chemical characteristics of PM able to reveal the correlation that links fine particle pollutants and respiratory morbidity and mortality. PM is a complex, heterogeneous mixture, whose chemical and physical characteristics (particle size distribution, chemical composition) changes in time and space and depends on various factors (sources, atmospheric chemistry and weather conditions). In literature, most studies associate PM emitted by the major combustion sources, mobile and stationary, with a range of serious health effects, including increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Current knowledge, however, does not allow a quantification of the health effects of PM emissions from different sources or from individual PM components. Therefore, the study of a depth chemical characterization of the individual emissive sources would be helpful in identification of possible PM toxic effects. Another important factor in the assessment of the aspects that link the human health to particulate pollution is the size of the particle to which the population is exposed. In fact, the size of the particles, together with their chemical composition, are fundamental indicator of health risk. Particle size determines in which region of the respiratory tract particles are deposited, as well as the amount of particles deposited. In this optic, a better understanding of the strength of individual emission sources, of the size of the emitted particles and of their chemical composition could facilitate the design of targeted abatement policies more effective to reduce the burden of diseases due to air pollution. My PhD work was carried out in response to all the above-mentioned needs. In fact, during these three years, I have been studying and deepened all those factors (size, emission sources, chemical composition and indicators of oxidative stress) that could be crucial, to the scientific world, for a better understanding of the PM's harmful effects both on humans and on environment. I have been involved in the study of possible techniques able to monitor and characterize as well as possible, the different emission sources, some of which can only be identified by using high timeresolved methods. I have been also involved in the study of different methods that can quantify the capacity of inhaled PM to cause oxidative stress within the lung, which seems to be one of the main mechanisms for the adverse cardio-respiratory health effects observed in epidemiological studies

Glass ceramics for high-temperature sealing applications: synthesis and physicochemical properties of modified CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 materials, with a view to recycling of industrial waste

Solid Oxide Fuel cells (SOFC) and dense gas separation membranes based on mixed ionic and electronic conductors have gained increased interest the resent years due the search for new technologies for clean energy generation. These technologies can be utilized to produce electricity from fossil fuel with low CO2 emission compared to conventional gas or coal based energy plants. One crucial challenge with SOFCs is the sealing of the active membranes/electrolytes to prevent leakage of air to fuel side or vice versa. Due to the high operating temperatures of typical 600-1000°C the selection of reliable sealing materials is limited. The seals have to remain gas tight during the life time of the reactor/SOFC, they need to be chemical compatible with the sealed materials and stable in reducing and oxidizing atmospheres containing water vapor and CO2, and finally they should be cheap, readily available and easy to process. The main purpose of the present work was to evaluate rigid bonded glass ceramic seals for dense oxygen ion and proton conducting membranes and electrolytes for SOFCs. First, a review of sealing technologies has been carried out with emphasis on SOFC and ceramic membranes technologies applicable for zero emission power plants. Regarding sealing, the best and cheapest materials at the present time are based on silicate glass and glass ceramics. The aim is to provide a systematic study of the properties of glasses and glass-ceramics as a function of the glass composition in the CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 system, which represent the most advanced sealing technology for high-temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC). Two glass systems have been evaluated, aluminosilicate and boroaluminosilicate and their variants obtained adding five different oxides acting as nucleating agents, like TiO2, MnO2, ZnO and SnO2. Fabrication and characterization of the glasses are reported with special focus on the thermal and thermochanical properties, glass forming ability, kinetic crystallization and phase evaluation. The influence of different additives in glass and glass ceramic properties has been analyze in depth. In the last section, the research has been extended to the recycling of aluminosilicate basted waste to characterize a new type of glass ceramic derived from industrial waste, like Kaolin clay waste

New treatment for chronic hepatitis c virus (HCV) and psychiatric symptoms

Introduzione:l’interferone (IFN) usato per l’eradicazione del virus dell’Epatite C, induce effetti collaterali anche riferibili alla sfera psichica. I dati sugli eventi avversi di tipo psichiatrico dei nuovi farmaci antivirali (DAA) sono limitati. Lo scopo di questo studio è di valutare lo sviluppo di effetti collaterali di tipo psichiatrico in corso di due distinti schemi di trattamento: IFN-peghilato e ribavirina [terapia duplice (standard o SOC)]; DAA in associazione a IFN-peghilato e ribavirina (terapia triplice). Metodi: pazienti HCV+ consecutivi seguiti presso l’Ambulatorio delle Epatiti Croniche della Semeiotica Medica del Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche dell’Università di Bologna in procinto di intraprendere un trattamento antivirale a base di IFN, sottoposti ad esame psicodiagnostico composto da intervista clinica semistrutturata e test autosomministrati: BDI, STAXI-2, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, MMPI – 2. Risultati: Sono stati arruolati 84 pazienti, 57/84 (67.9%) nel gruppo in triplice e 27/84 nel gruppo SOC. Quasi tutti i pazienti arruolati hanno eseguito l’intervista clinica iniziale (82/84; 97.6%), mentre scarsa è stata l’aderenza ai test (valori missing>50%). Ad eccezione dell’ansia, la prevalenza di tutti gli altri disturbi (irritabilità, astenia, disfunzioni neurocognitive, dissonnia) aumentava in corso di trattamento. In corso di terapia antivirale 43/84 (51.2%) hanno avuto bisogno di usufruire del servizio di consulenza psichiatrica e 48/84 (57.1%) hanno ricevuto una psicofarmacoterapia di supporto, senza differenze significative fra i due gruppi di trattamento. Conclusioni : uno degli elementi più salienti dello studio è stata la scarsa aderenza ai test psicodiagnostici, nonostante l’elevata prevalenza di sintomi psichiatrici. I risultati di questo studio oltre ad evidenziare l’importanza dei sintomi psichiatrici in corso di trattamento e la rilevanza della consulenza psicologica e psichiatrica per consentire di portare a termine il ciclo terapeutico previsto (migliorandone l’efficacia), ha anche dimostrato che occorre ripensare gli strumenti diagnostici adattandoli probabilmente a questo specifico target.Introduction : the interferon (IFN) used for the eradication of hepatitis C virus, causes psychiatric side effects. The data on adverse psychiatric events related to new antivirals (DAA) are limited. The aim of this study is to assess the development of psychiatric side effects during two distinct patterns of treatment: pegylated - IFN and ribavirin [dual therapy (standard or SOC ) ]; DAA in combination with pegylated - IFN and ribavirin (triple therapy). Methods: consecutive HCV+ patients treated at the Clinic of Chronic Hepatitis of the Medical Semiotics (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna) on the point of start an IFN-based treatment, underwent a psychodiagnostic exam composed of semi-structured clinical interview and self-administered tests : BDI , STAXI - 2 , Hamilton Anxiety Scale , MMPI - 2 . Results : We enrolled 84 patients, 57/84 ( 67.9 %) in the triple therapy group and 27/84 in the SOC . Almost all patients have performed the initial clinical interview ( 82/84 ; 97.6 % ) , while little has been adherence to the test ( missing values > 50 % ) . Generally , the prevalence of all psychiatric disorders increased during treatment. During the antiviral therapy 43/84 ( 51.2 % ) needed to use the service of psychiatric consultation and 48/84 ( 57.1 %) received a psychopharmacotherapy support, with no significant differences between the two treatment groups. Conclusion : One of the most important elements of the study was the lack of adherence to psychodiagnostic tests , despite the high prevalence of psychiatric symptoms . The results of this study as well as highlighting the importance of psychiatric symptoms during treatment and the importance of psychological and psychiatric counseling, has also shown the need to rethink the diagnostic tools probably adapting to this specific targe

Development and field evaluation of an online monitor for near-continuous measurement of iron, manganese, and chromium in coarse airborne particulate matter (PM)

A novel air sampling monitor was developed for near-continuous (i.e., 2-h time resolution) measurement of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and chromium (Cr) concentrations in ambient coarse particulate matter (PM) (i.e., PM10–2.5). The developed monitor consists of two modules: (1) the coarse PM collection module, utilizing two virtual impactors (VIs) connected to a modified BioSampler to collect ambient coarse PM into aqueous slurry samples; (2) the metal concentration measurement module, which quantifies the light absorption of colored complexes formed through the reactions between the soluble and solubilized target metals and pertinent analytical reagents in the collected slurries using a micro volume flow cell (MVFC) coupled with UV/VIS spectrophotometry. The developed monitor was deployed in the field for continuous ambient PM collection and measurements from January to April 2016 to evaluate its performance and reliability. Overall, the developed monitor could achieve accurate and reliable measurements of the trace metals Fe, Mn, and Cr over long sampling periods, based on the agreement between the metal concentrations measured via this online monitor and off-line parallel measurements obtained using filter samplers. Based on our results, it can be concluded that the developed monitor is a promising technology for near-continuous measurements of metal concentrations in ambient coarse PM. Moreover, this monitor can be readily configured to measure the speciation (i.e., water-soluble portion as well as specific oxidation states) of these metal species. These unique abilities are essential tools in investigations of sources and atmospheric processes influencing the concentrations of these redox-active metals in coarse PM. Copyright © 2016 American Association for Aerosol Research © 2016 American Association for Aerosol Research

oxidative potential of selected pm components

The role of the single PM components in inducing the catalytic generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), has not yet been clarified. Different a-cellular assay are currently used in the literature for the determination of the PM oxidative potential (OP), which is considered as a predictive index of its capacity to generate ROS in biological organisms. In order to better understand the existing correlations between PO and PM generated by specific emission sources, the water soluble and insoluble fractions of seven dust coming from specific sources were chemically characterised and analysed by three PO assays: the dithiothreitol (DTT, the acid ascorbic (AA) and the 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin (DCFH) assays. PO and chemical data were elaborated by principal constituent analysis. The three methods responded in a very different way to each dust; they are then no-interchangeable and probably none of them is able to correctly predict the ROS generation in biological organisms. DTT was particularly sensitive to organic compounds, while AA was mostly influenced by inorganic components. DCFH results are more difficult to interpret and need to be further deepened. Furthermore, the results confirmed the important role played by the insoluble components of dusts in generating oxidative processes

Antioxidant activity of different cheese-honey combinations before and after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different cheese-honey combinations on antioxidant activity before and after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, using the 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Honey addition significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of cheese samples (P < 0.05). The antioxidant activity of in vitro digested samples was significantly lower than the undigested ones. However, digested cheese-honey combination showed a percentage decrease of antioxidant activity lower than plain cheese. The cheese and honey types affected the percentage decrease of antioxidant activity in the digested samples, this is mainly due to the bioaccessibility of the honey polyphenols after digestion. Sensory analysis showed that all cheese-honey combinations were well accepted by the consumers, the health information on higher antioxidant capacity of dark honeys has not influenced the degree of acceptability of consumers, who preferred the cheese - clear honey combination

Em busca de um outro olhar : primeiras reflexões sobre ensino interdisciplinar de teatro e línguas na educação básica, do ponto de vista teatral

Monografia (graduação)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Artes, Departamento de Artes Cênicas, 2015.Sabe-se que o Teatro, as artes dramáticas em geral, são bastante flexíveis. Essa flexibilidade contribui para a sua aplicabilidade em finalidades não só culturais, mas também escolares. Embora seja uma linguagem, quer dizer, uma área de conhecimento bastante ampla, atualmente, a mesma não tem recebido o devido valor e importância. Nestas circunstâncias, esta monografia terá como foco o ensino interdisciplinar de Teatro e Línguas, na busca de uma almejada valorização por meio da sugestão de aplicar esse tipo de projeto na educação básica. Um ensino de qualidade pode ser alcançado caso as próprias disciplinas se complementassem em conteúdos e metodologias, por meio de aulas mais dinâmicas, centralizando uma participação maior do aluno. No primeiro capítulo, apresenta-se termos essenciais para a compreensão sobre o ensino interdisciplinar teatro-línguas. Em seguida, no segundo capítulo, são exploradas três experiências pessoais relevante à pedagogia desse ensino, vivências importantes para a apropriação desse universo antes da sua aplicação em sala de aula. Finaliza-se constatando no terceiro e último capítulo a interpretação equivocada de Teatro como ferramenta neste tipo de proposta, por causa da sua flexibilidade, e que deveria ser considerado como uma linguagem, uma área de conhecimento, antes que seja posta em prática num ambiente escolar. E, a partir disso, observou-se que a integração entre duas disciplinas, ambas usados com responsabilidade e planejamento adequado, agrega não só valor aos conhecimentos do aluno, possibilitando-o a relacionar a sua experiência escolar com a sua realidade, mas também ao valor das disciplinas envolvidas. __________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTIt is known that theater, and the dramatic arts in general, are quite flexible. This flexibility contributes to their suitability for not only cultural but also for educational purposes. Although it has a language of its own; that is, it is a very broad and complex subject, it has not presently enjoyed the due recognition of its value and importance. In this light, this essay will focus on the interdisciplinary teaching of theater and languages, in search of a greater valorization by suggesting this kind of project should be applied in elementary education. Quality education can be achieved if the two disciplines complement each other in content and methodologies through more dynamic classes, encouraging and effecting greater student participation. In its first chapter, this essay presents essential terms for the understanding of theater-language interdisciplinary teaching. Personal experiences relevant to this pedagogy are then explored in the second chapter, these being important for the necessary command of this subject matter before its application in the classroom. It concludes in the third and last chapter with the mistaken interpretation of Theatre as a tool in this type of proposal, because of its flexibility, and that it should be considered as a language of its own, before being put into practice in a school setting. Finally, it observes that the integration of the two disciplines, both used responsibly and with proper planning, adds value not only to the knowledge of the student, enabling him to relate his school experience with his reality, but also to recognize the inherent value of the disciplines involved

Effect of species on the distribution and oxidative stability of milk added of lead and cadmium

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of species on added lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) content in cow, buffalo, and goat milk and their distribution in fat, casein, and whey fractions. In addition, the oxidative stability of the milk was evaluated. Most of the Pb and Cd were recovered in the skimmed milk (96.74 and 94.21%, respectively). The distribution of Cd and Pb in casein and whey fractions, obtained by enzymatic coagulation, highlighted that they were mainly associated with casein (on average 94.77 and 90.54% of Pb and Cd, respectively). The species significantly affected the distribution of Cd and Pb in the casein and fat fractions (p < 0.01). In particular, Cd and Pb levels in fat fraction were the highest in the buffalo milk, whereas casein fraction was the highest in bovine milk. Furthermore, the presence of metals negatively influenced the oxidative stability of the milk and the species influenced its response. The results showed that in the presence of Cd and Pb, bovine milk increased the content of Malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and dithyrosines compared to other species. In addition, there was a significant decrease in the thiol content, highlighting a reduction in the antioxidant capacity of the contaminated milk

Minerals content in Basilicata region (southern Italy) honeys from areas with different anthropic impact

SummaryThe aim of this study was to examine the minerals content (toxic elements, macro‐elements and trace elements) of Basilicata region (southern Italy) honeys and compare the mineral profile of honeys classified as rural, industrial and urban according to anthropic characteristics of geographical origin. Overall, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Al, Zn and Mn were the most abundant elements detected in honeys, with average contents exceeding 1 ppm, whereas heavy metals content was lower than the maximum limit established for honey. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) among honeys as function of anthropic characteristics of geographical origin, with the exception for Se, Co and Ag content. Industrial honeys were characterised by the highest Zn, Cr, Sn, Cd and Pb content, urban honeys showed the highest As, Fe, Ni, Mn, Na, Mg and Ca content, whereas rural honeys showed the highest Cu, Al and Ba content (P < 0.05). The findings of this study highlighted that honeys mineral profile is closely related to different content of elements in environment, which is affected by anthropogenic activities

Improved time-resolved measurements of inorganic ions in particulate matter by PILS-IC integrated with a sample pre-concentration system

A particle-into-liquid sampler coupled with ion chromatograph (PILS-IC) for the on-line measurement of inorganic ions has been modified by the insertion of two ion-exchange pre-concentration cartridges that enrich the sample during the period of the IC analysis. The limits of detection of the modified instrument were 10-15 times lower and the time coverage 24 times higher (from 2 to 48 min per hour) than those of the original PILS-IC setup. The instrumental performance in terms of recovery and break-through volume from the cartridges was satisfactory. The modified PILS-IC was operated in comparison with a diffusion denuder line and with a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-TOF-AMS) during a short intensive measurement period organized in the framework of the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP), a co-operative program for monitoring and evaluation of the long-range transmission of the air pollutants in Europe. The instrument showed a quantitative response in agreement with the results of the diffusion lines, and an ability to trace fine concentration variations not so different from the performance of the much more complex HR-TOF-AMS. From the time patterns of the ion concentrations measured by the modified PILS-IC, it was possible to obtain useful information about the variations in the air quality and in the strength of the particulate matter sourc