Ultrasound to improve both synthesis and pollutants degradation based on metal nanoparticles supported on TiO 2

Sonochemistry is based on acoustic cavitation, which consist in the formation, growth, and implosive collapse of bubbles within a liquid. Collapsing bubbles generate localized hot spots, characterized by temperatures up to 5000 K and pressures up to 1800 atm. These extreme conditions allow producing a variety of nanostructured and amorphous materials, as well as they are advantageous for chemical processes. Ultrasound requires inexpensive equipment and fewer steps than conventional methods. Combining ultrasound and photocatalysis enhances the performance of the processes, reduces reaction time, avoids the use of extreme physical conditions and improves the photocatalytic materials properties increasing their activity. Here, we reported the positive effect of US in synthesizing Me-modified TiO2 (Me = Ag, Cu, Mn) for pollutants degradation in gas-phase; also, we proved the advantageous application of ultrasound for the photocatalytic removal of organic compounds in water. Ultrasound produced more efficient Me-doped TiO2, which showed higher activity in visible light. When combined with photocatalytic water treatment, the organic compounds degradation and mineralization increases

Home-based interventions targeting vegetable intake and liking among preschoolers: A systematic review

Consumption of vegetables is low among preschoolers and does not meet WHO recommendations. We conducted a systematic review of home-based interventions aimed at increasing vegetable consumption and liking among preschoolers. The main aim was to synthesize existing studies and to identify relevant features of successful interventions, especially looking at those with long-lasting effects. A comprehensive search strategy was performed using Psychinfo, PsychArticles, Psyndex, Medline and ERIC databases. Articles published until February 2020, regarding evaluation of vegetable intake and/ or liking following an intervention, were included. Fourteen articles were selected, encompassing seven intervention strategies: familiarization with vegetable, tasting of the vegetable, intake of the vegetable, reward, information to parents about healthy eating, how-to-do tips to parents to improve healthy eating, intervention tailored to the characteristics of the family. Successful interventions on vegetable intake did not present systematic similarities in terms of type of intervention, but were characterized by an intense intervention (high frequency/length ratio). Successful interventions on vegetable liking mainly included a small reward. Interestingly, the few studies including a long-term follow-up found persistent positive effects. Despite interesting and promising outcomes, the present review highlighted a number of methodological issues that limited the generalisability of findings. Such limitations are discussed, together with outlets for future directions concerning this research topic

An Efficient Data Exchange Algorithm for Chained Network Functions

In-network function chaining often involves the deployment of multiple applications into a single, possibly multi-tenant, middlebox. This approach has gained much interest since new network paradigms, such as Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV), have been proposed to virtualize resources as well as network functions. In this scenario, it is very common to move data (e.g., packets) from an application to another by means of a switching module that is in charge of chaining network functions in the correct order, also ensuring an adequate level of isolation between any two virtualized components. With this purpose in mind, this paper proposes an efficient algorithm to handle the communication between the internal soft-switch and the heterogeneous network functions that are executed on the same server. Our proposal is designed with the aim of dealing with high speed packet processing, hence an extensive performance evaluation is also provided to prove the goodness of our solution in this context

Photocatalytic porcelain grés large slabs digitally coated with AgNPs-TiO2

TiO2 is employed as both photocatalytic and structural materials, leading to its applications in external coatings or in interior furnishing devices, including cement mortar, tiles, floorings, and glass supports. The authors have already demonstrated the efficiency of photoactive micro-sized TiO2 and here its industrial use is reported using the digital printing to coat porcelain gr\ue9s slabs. Many advantages are immediately evident, namely rapid and precise deposition, no waste of raw materials, thus positively affecting the economy of the process. Data for the thin films deposited by digital printing were compared with those obtained for the conventional spray method. The use of metal-doped TiO2 is also reported so that the photoactivity of these materials can be exploited even under LED light. The digital inkjet printed coatings exhibited superior photocatalytic performance owing to both higher exposed surface area and greater volume of deposited anatase, as well as the greater areal distribution density of thinly and thickly coated regions. Moreover, the presence of TiO2 doped silver increased the efficiency of the materials in NOx degradation both under UVA and LED lights