Syndepositional cements associated with nannofossils in the Marmolada Massif: Evidences of microbially mediated primary marine cements? (Middle Triassic, Dolomites, Italy)

The Marmolada platform is characterized by striking globose masses (“evinosponges”), arranged in concentric bands, of fibrous calcite cements ranging in size from centimeters to several decimeters. The lithogenetic importance of these peculiar cements has been recognized in many Middle Triassic buildups of the Western Tethys. EDS microanalyses revealed that these fibrous cements contain 1–3 mol% of Mg and detectable amounts of Sr, over 1000 ppm, sometimes exceeding 10,000 ppm. The strontium geochemical signature in neomorphic calcite could reflect the replacement of an aragonitic carbonate precursor. The boundaries between the fibrous calcite bands are marked by alignments of microcrystalline aggregates of fluorapatite and/or dolomite. The presence of fluorapatite may indicate a depositional microenvironment eutrophic or rich in microbial communities. Epifluorescence analyses showed bright bands alternated to dark ones, confirming that organic matter remains occur within the studied cements and could have played a significant role in supporting the widespread syndepositional cementation. High magnification SEM observations on bright epifluorescent bands showed the presence of widespread, more or less spherical bodies ranging in size 100–300 nm. These bodies could represent the relicts of nannobacterial cells

Experimental evaluation of three leak detection and location concepts for space stations

Three leak (or precursor damage modes) detection and location concepts for space station overboard leakage were evaluated experimentally. The techniques are: (1) static and dynamic seal leak detector sensing of moisture or all gases in space cabin atmosphere, (2) active ultrasonic Lamb-wave detection of flaws or cracks in cabin wall, and (3) impact gage detection of stress waves induced in cabin pressure wall by meteoroid or orbital impact. The experimental results obtained in the program demonstrated that all three leak detection and location concepts are feasible. With further development, the methods can be integrated into an effective damage control system for advanced manned earth-orbital systems

Development of the Spirit III Telescope: from Design through Test

This paper documents the development of the SPIRIT III telescope from the design through its test activities at SSG, Inc. The SPIRIT III Instrument is the primary infrared instrument on the Mid-Course Space Experiment (MSX). The telescope is an all reflective optical system consisting of twelve mirrors. It represents the largest high straylight rejection, cryogenic telescope built by SSG to date. The nominal collecting aperture is 14 inches. It was designed and built to integrate with a multi-color radiometer and a Michelson interferometer built by the Space Dynamics Laboratory at Utah State University. Key performance features are discussed and measured test data is presented. These include: an internal scan mirror assembly, low scatter mirrors and baffle assemblies, cryogenic optical performance and contamination control. The structural/thermal trade-off issues of a satellite-based cryogenic instrument are presented along with a review of the test techniques and test equipment utilized at SSG to qualify the SPIRIT III telescope

04/18/1997 - Collective Soul To Perform At EIU.pdf

International audience► We present a spectroscopic method to discriminate biotic from abiotic carbonates. ► Infrared spectral modifications induced by thermal processing are investigated. ► We analyse carbonate samples with no evidences of biomineralization. ► Our method is a powerful tool for the search of life on Mars

Integrated calcareous plankton biostratigraphy of selected Miocene successions in the Northern Calabria (Italy)

An integrated calcareous plankton biostratigraphic approach on six sections cropping out in Northern Calabria allowed to define a revised chronostratigraphic framework for Tortonian-Messinian deposits. Four sections have been investigated in the Amantea Basin (Timpone Napoli, Vallone Salina, Case Vespano, and Cozzo Salice) and two in the Rossano Basin (Vallone Casino and Cozzo Sant'Isidoro). Biostratigraphic analyses have been based on quantitative counting of planktonic foraminifers and semiquantitative counting of nannofossils. The Timpone Napoli and Vallone Salina sections are Late Tortonian in age and referable to the Globorotalia suterae Zone. In terms of nannofossils zonal scheme these sections fall within the Coccolithus pelagicus - Amaurolithus primus Zones. The Case Vespano and Cozzo Salice sections can be ascribed to the Messinian. The Case Vespano section is wholly characterized by the common occurrence of Globorotalia miotumida group. The co-occurrence of Amarolithus delicatus, A. cf. amplificus,. and Reticulofenestra rotaria confirms a Messinian age. The lower part of the Cozzo Salice section is rich of Gt. conomiozea, while its middle and the upper part is barren in planktonic foraminifers. In the Vallone Casino and Cozzo Sant'Isidoro sections the Tortonian-Messinian boundary corresponds to the first occurrence (FO) of Gt. miotumida group (sensu Hilgen et al., 2000), just above the first occurrence of A. delicatus. Biostratigraphic data allowed to correlate the Messinian silty layers of Amantea Basin with the coeval diatomitic beds of Rossano Basin indicating that the two areas, during the Messinian, had different paleogeographic and palaeoecological evolution

Leaves and fruits preparations of Pistacia lentiscus L.: A review on the ethnopharmacological uses and implications in inflammation and infection

There is an increasing interest in revisiting plants for drug discovery, proving scientifically their role as remedies. The aim of this review was to give an overview of the ethnopharmacological uses of Pistacia lentiscus L. (PlL) leaves and fruits, expanding the search for the scientific discovery of their chemistry, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antimicrobial activities. PlL is a wild-growing shrub rich in terpenoids and polyphenols, the oil and extracts of which have been widely used against inflammation and infections, and as wound healing agents. The more recurrent components in PlL essential oil (EO) are represented by α-pinene, terpinene, caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene, with high variability in concentration depending on the Mediterranean country. The anti-inflammatory activity of the oil mainly occurs due to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the arachidonic acid cascade. Interestingly, the capacity against COX-2 and LOX indicates PlL EO as a dual inhibitory compound. The high content of polyphenols enriching the extracts provide explanations for the known biological properties of the plant. The protective effect against reactive oxygen species is of wide interest. In particular, their anthocyanins content greatly clarifies their antioxidative capacity. Further, the antimicrobial activity of PlL oil and extracts includes the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, periodontal bacteria and Candida spp. In conclusion, the relevant scientific properties indicate PlL as a nutraceutical and also as a therapeutic agent against a wide range of diseases based on inflammation and infections

Application of Raman Spectroscopy in Comparison Between Cryptic Microbialites of Recent Marine Caves and Triassic Patch Reefs

Accepted for publication in PALAIOS as of 16 Aug 2019.University of Calabria grant MIUR (ex 60% 2017)

Psychological Predictors of Energy Saving Behavior: A Meta-Analytic Approach

Understanding how psychological processes drive human energy choices is an urgent, and yet relatively under-investigated, need for contemporary society. A knowledge gap still persists on the links between psychological factors identified in earlier studies and people’s behaviors in the energy domain. This research applies a meta-analytical procedure to assess the strength of the associations between five different classes of individual variables (i.e.,: attitudes, intentions, values, awareness, and emotions) and energy-saving behavioral intentions and behaviors (self-reported and actual). Based on a systematic review of studies published between 2007 and 2017, we estimate the average effect size of predictor-criterion relations, and we assess relevant moderators and publication bias, drawing on data obtained from 102 independent samples reported in 67 published studies (N = 59.948). Results from a series of five single meta-analyses reveal a pattern of significant positive associations between the selected psychological determinants and energy-saving indicators: associations between individual-level predictors and energy-saving outcomes are positive and moderate in size, ranging from large effects for emotions to small-moderate effects for pro-environmental values. Interestingly, moderation analysis reveals, among other things, that attitude-behavior links are not statistically significant when actual behavior is considered as an outcome. Implications for policy interventions are discussed