The collapse of the Morandi bridge in Genoa on 14 august 2018: A collective traumatic event and its emotional impact linked to the place and loss of a symbol

The collapse of the Morandi bridge in Italy, which took place in the summer of 2018, has had enormous emotional, economic, and social consequences for the inhabitants of the area, which are felt throughout the world. As seen in the literature, collective traumatic events increase the experience of insecurity and paranoia, thus increasing the perception of vulnerability. The present work aims to bring out the emotions most experienced by the participants connected to the traumatic event in question, paying attention to the possible solutions to be proposed to local stakeholders from a sustainability perspective, this way favouring community empowerment. The research, carried out with the photovoice technique, involved 30 young adults residing in areas near the event. The results illustrate how the participants experienced mainly feelings of emptiness, vulnerability, and fear as well as anger, despair, and mistrust of the institutions. It was also stressed that the economic and structural hardships hit the inhabitants hard. There have been many concrete solutions identified by the participants: creating a support network, supporting the local economy, and keeping the memory alive. The research and application implications underline the importance of using photovoice within community interventions, a tool that facilitates awareness and active citizenship

TTF-1/p63-positive poorly differentiated NSCLC: A histogenetic hypothesis from the basal reserve cell of the terminal respiratory unit

TTF-1 is expressed in the alveolar epithelium and in the basal cells of distal terminal bronchioles. It is considered the most sensitive and specific marker to define the adenocarcinoma arising from the terminal respiratory unit (TRU). TTF-1, CK7, CK5/6, p63 and p40 are useful for typifying the majority of non-small-cell lung cancers, with TTF and CK7 being typically expressed in adenocarcinomas and the latter three being expressed in squamous cell carcinoma. As tumors with coexpression of both TTF-1 and p63 in the same cells are rare, we describe different cases that coexpress them, suggesting a histogenetic hypothesis of their origin. We report 10 cases of poorly differentiated non-small-cell lung carcinoma (PD-NSCLC). Immunohistochemistry was performed by using TTF-1, p63, p40 (∆Np63), CK5/6 and CK7. EGFR and BRAF gene mutational analysis was performed by using real-time PCR. All the cases showed coexpression of p63 and TTF-1. Six of them showing CK7+ and CK5/6− immunostaining were diagnosed as “TTF-1+ p63+ adenocarcinoma”. The other cases of PD-NSCLC, despite the positivity for CK5/6, were diagnosed as “adenocarcinoma, solid variant”, in keeping with the presence of TTF-1 expression and p40 negativity. A “wild type” genotype of EGFR was evidenced in all cases. TTF1 stained positively the alveolar epithelium and the basal reserve cells of TRU, with the latter also being positive for p63. The coexpression of p63 and TTF-1 could suggest the origin from the basal reserve cells of TRU and represent the capability to differentiate towards different histogenetic lines. More aggressive clinical and morphological features could characterize these “basal-type tumors” like those in the better known “basal-like” cancer of the breast

HYDROCARBONS REMOVAL FROM BILGE WATER BY ADSORPTION ONTO ACTIVATED BIOCHAR FROM POSIDONIA OCEANICA

The normal operations carried out on the boats during navigation generate waste waters such as oily bilge water. The latter is the aqueous mixture of potential pollutants of different origins and types: oily fluids, lubricants and greases, cleaning fluids and other wastes that accumulate in the lower part of the vessel [1,2]. The current legislation provides that they can be discharge directly into the sea if the concentrations of some components are below the expected limits. In particular, with regard to oil / hydrocarbons contamination, the current regulatory limit is 15 mg L-1 of total hydrocarbons. The present work starts from a public/private partnership funded by a grant of the Ministry of Economic Development (MiSE). Among the aims of the project, novel methods shall be tested for the reduction of hydrocarbons concentration at values below 5 mg L-1. Moreover, instrumental techniques able to quickly measure the required low hydrocarbons concentration were tested. Among the different steps of bilge water treatment in pilot plant (coagulation, flotation, centrifugation, adsorption etc.), the latter requires the use of adsorbent materials able to reduce the oily concentration below the legal limits. Here we have hosen, optimized and tested materials obtained from bio-oil production waste, a biochar obtained by pyrolysis of Posidonia oceanica, a marine plant widespread in the Mediterranean sea. means of acid or alkali treatments. Moreover, a commercial activated carbon (Filtrasorb 400) has been used for comparison purpose. Synthetic bilge waters were prepared following the reference standards [3] for the preparation of test fluids (used to test the bilge separator plant), containing DMA (distillate marine fuel) and SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). Batch adsorption isotherms were carried out without ionic medium and at different ionic strengths in NaCl in order to evaluate the effect of salinity on the adsorption ability of dsorbent materials. The same adsorbents were tested by column experiments. In particular, a bench pilot system was built (Figure 1.) and breakthrough curves were obtained changing amount of adsorbent material in column, flow rate, initial DMA and surfactant concentrations. Several instrumental techniques (turbidimetry, TOC, HPLC-QQQ and HPLC-FLD) have been used to measure surfactant and hydrocarbon concentrations in experimental samples. The batch experimental data were fitted with the most used isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips) and important considerations were made on the breakthrough curves of column experiments

Long-Term Stability of TiS2–Alkylamine Hybrid Materials

Layered TiS2 intercalated with linear alkylamines has recently attracted significant interest as a model compound for flexible n-type thermoelectric applications, showing remarkably high power factors at room temperature. The thermal and, particularly, environmental stability of such materials is, however, a still an open challenge. In this paper, we show that amine-intercalated TiS2 prepared by a simple mechanochemical process is prone to chemical decomposition through sulfur exsolution, and that the presence of molecular oxygen is likely to mediate the decomposition reaction. Through computational analysis of the possible reaction pathways, we propose that Ti-N adducts are formed as a consequence of amine groups substituting for S vacancies on the internal surfaces of the S-Ti-S layers. These findings provide insights for possible future applications of similar hybrid compounds as devices operating in ambient conditions, and suggest isolating them from atmospheric oxygen

Geophysical Constraints to Reconstructing the Geometry of a Shallow Groundwater Body in Caronia (Sicily)

The characterization of a groundwater body involves the construction of a conceptual model that constitutes the base knowledge for monitoring programs, hydrogeological risk assessment, and correct management of water resources. In particular, a detailed geological and geophysical approach was applied to define the alluvial Caronia Groundwater Body (CGWB) and to reconstruct a hydrogeological flow model. The analysis of the CGWB, located in north-eastern Sicily, was initially approached through a reanalysis of previous stratigraphic (boreholes) and geophysical (vertical electrical soundings and seismic refraction profiles) data, subsequently integrated by new seismic acquisitions, such as Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) and horizontal-to-vertical seismic ratio (HVSR). The analysis and reinterpretation of geoelectrical data allowed the construction of a preliminary 3D resistivity model. This initial modeling was subsequently integrated by a geophysical data campaign in order to define the depth of the bottom of the shallow CGWB and the thickness of alluvial deposits. Finally, a preliminary mathematical model flow was generated in order to reconstruct the dynamics of underground water. The results show that integration of multidisciplinary data represent an indispensable tool for the characterization of complex physical systems

Experimental Study of the Pygmy Dipole Resonance in the 68Ni Nucleus

It is known that the low-energy E1 strength, known as the Pygmy Dipole Resonance (PDR), can be excited by both isovector and isoscalar probes. In this work, we report on the results of an experiment, carried out at the LNS-INFN in Catania, with the aim to study the Pygmy Dipole Resonance induced in the 68Ni nucleus through the interaction with a 12C isoscalar target. The CHIMERA multidetector and the FARCOS array were used to detect, respectively, γ rays and charged particles. Details on the experimental set-up, data analysis and results are reported

An innovative method to produce green table olives based on "pied de cuve" technology

The technology of "pied de cuve" (PdC) is applied in food process only to produce wines with an enriched community of pro-technological yeasts. PdC promotes the growth of the desirable microbial strains in a small volume of grape must acting as a starter inoculums for higher volumes. The aim of the present work was to investigate the use of partially fermented brines, a technology known as PdC, developed with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the microbiological, chemical and sensory characteristics of green fermented table olives during two consecutive campaigns. The experimental plan included two trials based on different PdCs: trial A, PdC obtained with Lactobacillus pentosus OM13; trial B, PdC obtained through a spontaneous fermentation. Two control additional trials without PdC were included for comparison: trial C, spontaneous fermentation; trial D, direct inoculation of L. pentosus OM13. The use of PdCs favoured the rapid increase of LAB concentrations in both trials A and B. These trials showed levels of LAB higher than trial C and almost superimposable to that of trial D. Trial B was characterized by a certain diversity of L. pentosus strains and some of them dominated the manufacturing process. These results indicated PdC as a valuable method to favour the growth of autochthonous L. pentosus strains. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) visibly discriminated olive processes fermented with the two experimental PdCs. Interestingly, on the basis of microbial and pH variables, both approaches showed that the olives produced with PdC technology are closely related to those of trial D, with the advantages of reducing the amount of starter to inoculate (trial A) and a higher LAB biodiversity (trial B). Volatile organic compound (VOC) composition and sensory analysis showed trials A and B different from the trials with no PdC added, in both years. Furthermore, the trial B showed the highest scores of green olive aroma and taste complexity. Spoilage microorganisms were estimated at very low levels in all trials. Undesired off-odours and off-flavours were not revealed at the end of the process

Effect of the lemon essential oils on the safety and sensory quality of salted sardines (Sardina pilchardus Walbaum 1792)

The main aim of this research was to investigate the biopreservative effects of lemon essential oil (EO) micro-emulsions on salted sardines. The experimental design included two experimental trials, SR1 and SR2 carried out with 25 ml of lemon EO micro-emulsion at 0.3 and 1.0% (v/v), respectively, and a control trial performed without EO addition. Chemical analyses on salted sardines inoculated with the EOs clearly showed a substantial persistence of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) belonging to groups of monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons derived from EOs during the entire period of ripening. In particular, the molecules mostly represented were limonene, p-cymene and β-pinene. Immediately after the addition of EOs, the concentrations of all microbial groups decreased. The presence of Enterobacteriaceae, staphylococci and rod lactic acid bacteria (LAB) observed in the trials SR1 and SR2 was significantly lower than that registered for the control trial during the entire period of monitoring. Furthermore, the addition of EOs determined a lower accumulation of histamine in sardines compared to those of the control trial. The highest scores of sensory evaluation were registered for flavour and overall acceptability of the experimental trials in presence of EOs. On the basis of the increasing interest toward novel food preservatives, we conclude that the use of EOs to produce salted fishes represents a valid strategy to improve safety and sensory characteristics of salted sardines. This work has also economic implications, since the flavour improvement due to the addition of lemon EOs might increase the consumption of sardines by regular and new consumers

First measurement of the isoscalar excitation above the neutron emission threshold of the Pygmy Dipole Resonance in 68Ni

The excitation of the Pygmy Dipole Resonance (PDR) in the 68Ni nucleus, above the neutron emission threshold, via an isoscalar probe has been observed for the first time. The excitation has been produced in reactions where a 68Ni beam, obtained by the fragmentation of a 70Zn primary beam at INFN-LNS, impinged on a 12C target. The γ-ray decay was detected using the CsI(Tl) detectors of the CHIMERA multidetector sphere. The 68Ni isotope as well as other heavy ion fragments were detected using the FARCOS array. The population of the PDR was evidenced by comparing the detected γ-ray energy spectra with statistical code calculations. The isotopic resolution of the detection system allows also to directly compare neutron decay channels with the 68Ni channel, better evidencing the PDR decay response function. This comparison allows also the extraction of the PDR cross section and the relative γ-ray angular distribution. The measured γ-ray angular distribution confirms the E1 character of the transition. The γ decay cross section for the excitation of the PDR was measured to be 0.32 mb with a 18% of statistical error

Study on the isospin equilibration phenomenon in nuclear reactions 40Ca + 40Ca, 40Ca + 46Ti, 40Ca + 48Ca, 48Ca + 48Ca at 25 MeV/nucleon by using the CHIMERA multidetector

We report on the results obtained by studying nuclear reactions between isotopes of Ca and Ti at 25MeV/nucleon. We used the multidetector CHIMERA to detect charged reaction products. In particular, we studied two main effects: the isospin diffusion and the isospin drift. In order to study these processes we performed a moving-source analysis on kinetic energy spectra of the isobar nuclei 3H and3He. This method allows to isolate the emission from the typical sources produced in reactions at Fermi energy: projectile like fragment (PLF), target like fragment (TLF), and mid-velocity (MV) emission. The obtained results are compared to previous experimental investigations and to simulations obtained with CoMD-II model