Development of processes for metals recovery from special waste with production of nanoparticles

Mechanical and hydrometallurgical routes have been developed aiming to recover metals from spent batteries such as lithium ion, primary lithium and nickel metal hydride batteries. Moreover nanoparticles of manganese carbonate were synthesized by microemulsione mediated route with the future goal of performing a production of nanoparticles downstream of a hydrometaluurgical process for batteries valorization

The Importance of Network Contract Model for SMEs` Growth. The Case of an Italian Region

Aim: The aim of this paper is to analyze the strategic validity of Italian network contract in order to define a new business model for contemporary enterprises. Methodology: The research method is deductive-inductive with a multimethod approach. The sources are collected through semi-structured interviews and open sources, scientific books and papers, and sectorial database. Findings: The present research is the first step taken in conducting an extended study on a territorial, regional, and national level. Limitations: Research limitations are based on the restricted data used in the present phase of the work. Implications: The paper aim at integrating existing literature for academic community and decision makers. Originality: The research represents essential characteristics of Italian network contract, by emphasizing its framework and validity, in order to recognize an innovative business model in increasing the enterprises competition in the market

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and PRES: a case-based review of literature in ANCA-associated vasculitides

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a small-sized vessel systemic necrotizing vasculitis and belongs to the family of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides. The involvement of central nervous system in this condition is pretty rare. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical and radiological entity described for the first time by Hinchey et al. (N Engl J Med 334(8):494-500, 1996) and characterized by MRI findings of reversible subcortical vasogenic edema predominantly in the white matter of posterior cerebral lobes. There are few case reports describing the concurrence of PRES with ANCA-associated vasculitides. We describe a case of PRES in a patient with a diagnosis of EGPA with a concise review of the literature. The exact cause of this syndrome is unknown. It has been related to eclampsia, drug-induced hypertension, renal insufficiency and also to rheumatologic diseases. Endothelial injury, hypertension and immunosuppressive medications can compromise the regulation of cerebral blood flow. In ANCA-associated vasculitides, patients presenting with symptoms of PRES represent a challenge to treatment with immunosuppressive medications. However, since an inflammatory process might be implicated, judicious use of these agents along with tight control of blood pressure and a supportive therapy may contribute to the resolution of the encephalopathic syndrome treating at the same time other manifestation related to the rheumatologic disease. Larger clinical studies are warranted to optimize the management of vasculitis-associated PRES

I raggruppamenti strategici. Un'applicazione sul settore turistico-alberghiero.

Il settore turistico-alberghiero incide fortemente nell’economia dei paesi e come vedremo in seguito, anche se questo settore ha risentito della crisi economica mondiale del 2008 rimane una forte componente del P.I.L dei paesi. In questo lavoro analizzeremo le scelte strategiche di alcune catene alberghiere che vengono utilizzate con l’obiettivo di sostenere un vantaggio competitivo e offrire caratteristiche distintive in confronto ai propri concorrenti. Il primo capitolo partirà con una parte che ha come obiettivo descrivere brevemente il concetto di settore, la sua importanza nel posizionamento strategico, illustrando anche il modello delle 5 forze di Porter, per poi concludersi spiegando teoricamente due modelli: il modello delle dinamiche permanenti e congiunturali applicate nel secondo capitolo; e il modello dei raggruppamenti strategici applicato nel terzo capitolo. Il secondo capitolo si concentrerà maggiormente sul settore turistico-alberghiero analizzando la rilevanza economica-turistica in Italia caratterizzata da una flessione a causa della crisi mondiale del 2008; per poi descrivere la domanda turistica concentrandosi su un quadro internazionale e sul posizionamento italiano. Vedremo poi un approfondimento sull’offerta l’alberghiera italiana specificando il suo posizionamento internazionale, la sua dimensione e le sue caratteristiche qualitative e l’occupazione del seguente settore. Un paragrafo sarà rivolto invece alle differenze tra un singolo albergo e una catena alberghiera specificando i vantaggi e gli svantaggi a secondo del tipo d’impresa; mentre infine applicheremo il modello delle dinamiche congiunturali, descritto nel primo capitolo in modo teorico, al settore turistico-alberghiero valutando quali possono essere le dinamiche congiunturali o permanenti che influenzano il settore. Nell’ultimo capitolo vedremo un’applicazione del modello dei raggruppamenti strategici; sono state analizzate 8 principali catene alberghiere che operano in Italia e dopo una breve descrizione delle loro caratteristiche principali, sono stati confrontati i vari indici di bilancio più significativi. All’interno del capitolo troveremo anche una raffigurazione grafica comprendenti mappe strategiche che mettono a confronto tutte le 8 catene alberghiere esaminate e infine studieremo le principali leve che influenzano la redditività delle varie impres

Thromboembolic events and haematological diseases: a case of stroke as clinical onset of a paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria

Some haematological diseases are associated to an increased risk of thromboembolic events. We report a case of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) in which a cerebrovascular event represented the first clinical manifestation of disease. PNH is associated to thromboembolic events, generally of venous districts often involving unusual locations such as mesenteric vessels, sagittal veins, inferior vena cava and renal veins. To our knowledge arterial thrombotic episodes are rare and the involvement of arterial cerebral vessels is exceptional. Then, our case points out the importance of investigating about haematological disorders in all patients presenting with a stroke, in which the common predisposing conditions are excluded

Chemoenzymatic Synthesis and Some Biological Properties of O-phosphoryl Derivatives of (E)-resveratrol

3- O-, 3,5-di- O- and 4′- O-phosphoryl derivatives of ( E)-resveratrol have been obtained following a chemoenzymatic strategy. Variedly acylated resveratrol derivatives have been obtained first by exploiting regioselective properties of Pseudomonas cepacea or Candida antarctica lipases in organic solvents. Each acyl-resveratrol was then phosphorylated by the phosphoramidite chemistry protocol and in sequence freed of protective groups, affording the desired O-phosphoryl derivative. Following UV-absorption spectroscopic investigation on the interaction of the newly synthesized compounds with DNA, 4′- O-phosphorylresveratrol exhibited the best binding affinity. As a result of cytotoxicity tests, 3- O-phosphorylresveratrol was more active than resveratrol against DU 145 prostate cancer cells

Sex steroids, carcinogenesis, and cancer progression

The relationship between sex steroids and cancer has been studied for more than a century. Using an original intact cell analysis, we investigated sex steroid metabolism in a panel of human cancer cell lines, either hormone responsive or unresponsive, originating from human breast, endometrium, and prostate. We found that highly divergent patterns of steroid metabolism exist and that the catalytic preference (predominantly reductive or oxidative) is strictly associated with the steroid receptor status of cells. We explored intra-tissue concentrations and profiles of estrogens in a set of human breast tumors as compared to normal mammary tissues, also in relation to their estrogen receptor status. In particular, we showed that, with hydroxyestrogens representing the majority of all tissue estrogens, concentrations of individual metabolites, as well as their ratios, significantly differ when comparing normal tissue with cancer tissues or when they are related to the overall survival of cancer patients. © 2004 New York Academy of Sciences

Development and Techno-Economic Analysis of an Advanced Recycling Process for Photovoltaic Panels Enabling Polymer Separation and Recovery of Ag and Si

Photovoltaic panels were included in EU Directive as WEEE (Wastes of Electric and Electronic Equipment) requiring the implementation of dedicated collection schemes and end-of-life treatment ensuring targets in terms of recycling rate (80%) and recovery rate (85%). Photovoltaic panels are mainly made up of high-quality solar glass (70–90%), but also metals are present in the frames (Al), the cell (Si), and metallic contacts (Cu and Ag). According to the panel composition, about $72 per 100 kg of panels can be recovered by entirely recycling the panel metal content. The PhotoLife process for the treatment of end-of-life photovoltaic panels was demonstrated at pilot scale to recycle high value glass, Al and Cu scraps. A process upgrade is here reported allowing for polymer separation and Ag and Si recycling. By this advanced PhotoLife process, 82% recycling rate, 94% recovery rate, and 75% recoverable value were attained. Simulations demonstrated the economic feasibility of the process at processing capacity of 30,000 metric ton/y of end-of-life photovoltaic panels