STABILIZZAZIONE CHIMICO-BIOLOGICA DEI FANGHI DI DEPURAZIONE MEDIANTE LETTI FILTRANTI VEGETATI

Il lavoro di tesi proposto è una ricerca mirata alla disidratazione e stabilizzazione di fanghi biologici mediante una specie vegetale, Phragmites australis, in letti drenanti già presenti negli impianti di depurazione. La macrofita radicata partecipa alla disidratazione, mediante evapotraspirazione, del fango di depurazione e crea le giuste condizioni affinché i batteri presenti nella rizosfera compiano una progressiva mineralizzazione e stabilizzazione della sostanza organica. Gli impianti di depurazione utilizzati per questa sperimentazione sono localizzati nella provincia di Pisa (Oratoio e La Fontina) e rappresentano realtà medio-grandi (10.000-30.000 ae). Sono state utilizzate vasche di supero preesistenti negli impianti, opportunamente impermeabilizzate, ricoperte da un substrato granulare (ghiaia) su cui sono stati impiantati i rizomi di Phragmites australis. Dopo circa un mese le piante si sono adattate e sono state pronte a ricevere i fanghi semiliquidi. Le analisi sono state effettuate sia sui fanghi che sulle piante a cadenza trimestrale per l’intero arco di un anno. Sono stati monitorati parametri chimico-fisici e biologici indicativi del ciclo dei principali nutrienti (N, P, C). Inoltre, particolare attenzione è stata rivolta all’analisi delle quantità di metalli pesanti assorbiti dalle macrofite impiantate. I risultati preliminari mostrano il successo del processo di disidratazione e stabilizzazione dei fanghi. Infatti l’ azione della Phragmites australis ha portato: 1. una notevole diminuzione del volume (circa 80%) dei fanghi immessi nei letti, 2. lo sviluppo di colonie microbiche che hanno innescato i processi di mineralizzazione e umificazione della sostanza organica. Notevoli sono i vantaggi economici ed ecologici ottenuti attraverso questo processo

System for backup on redundant fileservers

A pair of computers have been configured as redundant file servers. These computers are also used to backup files. User files, exported using NFS, are placed on fast hard disks (type SCSI), whereas much larger, though slower hard disks (type SATA) are used for backup of these files. This technical report describes the implementation of the system of file backup.Un paio di computer sono stati configurati come file server ridondanti. Questi computer sono usati anche per il backup (archiviazione) dei file. I file degli utenti, disponibili ad altri computer tramite NFS, risiedono su dischi (hard disk) veloci (tipo SCSI), mentre dischi molto pi`u grandi per`o lenti (tipo SATA) sono usati per il backup di questi file. Questo rapporto tecnico descrive l’implementazione del sistema di backup dei file

Come NGN-A e concorrenza possono coesistere

2008-06-27Sardegna Ricerche, Edificio 2, Località Piscinamanna 09010 Pula (CA) - ItaliaNGN'08: Workshop su Next generation networks: architetture e serviz

Follicular nodules (Thy3) of the thyroid: is total thyroidectomy the best option?

BACKGROUND: Identification of the best management strategy for nodules with Thy3 cytology presents particular problems for clinicians. This study investigates the ability of clinical, cytological and sonographic data to predict malignancy in indeterminate nodules with the scope of determining the need for total thyroidectomy in these patients. METHODS: The study population consisted of 249 cases presenting indeterminate nodules (Thy3): 198 females (79.5%) and 51 males (20.5%) with a mean age of 52.43 ± 13.68 years. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy. RESULTS: Malignancy was diagnosed in 87/249 patients (34.9%); thyroiditis co-existed in 119/249 cases (47.79%) and was associated with cancer in 40 cases (40/87; 45.98%). Of the sonographic characteristics, only echogenicity and the presence of irregular margins were identified as being statistically significant predictors of malignancy. 52/162 benign lesions (32.1%) and 54/87 malignant were hypoechoic (62.07%); irregular margins were present in 13/162 benign lesions (8.02%), and in 60/87 malignant lesions (68.97%). None of the clinical or cytological features, on the other hand, including age, gender, nodule size, the presence of microcalcifications or type 3 vascularization, were significantly associated with malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of malignancy in cytologically indeterminate lesions was high in the present study sample compared to other reported rates, and in a significant number of cases Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was also detected. Thus, considering the fact that clinical and cytological features were found to be inaccurate predictors of malignancy, it is our opinion that surgery should always be recommended. Moreover, total thyroidectomy is advisable, being the most suitable procedure in cases of multiple lesions, hyperplastic nodular goiter, or thyroiditis; the high incidence of malignancy and the unreliability of intraoperative frozen section examination also support this preference for total over hemi-thyroidectomy

Clupdate: uno strumento per l'aggiornamento del cluster Arcosu

Per permettere l’aggiornamento degli host con i file presenti nell’archivio, è stato creato il programma Clupdate. CLUPDATE_ROOT, con le sue sottodirectory, rispecchia la struttura stessa del cluster. Ogni host è presente o con una sua sottodirectory oppure in quanto appartenente a una categoria (gruppo di host) con una propria sottodirectory. Clupdate si utilizza specificando la destinazione (come un host o una categoria di host), un file da trasferire (o una cartella o un "glob", cioè "path" con "wild cards") e delle opzioni di funzionamento (copia ricorsiva dei file, crea backup dei file sostituiti etc).Given a file that describes the hierarchy of precedence between computer names and category names, and give a directory in which each subdirectory corresponds to a computer or a catergory (a set of computers), and assuming that the hierarchy has a tree structure, manipulates information concerning the hierarchy and concerning the files found in the subdirectories

Utilisation d'essais à 50Hz pour valider l'échauffement de GIS à 60Hz

International audienceLes appareillages haute tension sous enveloppe métallique (PSEM) développés en France subissent des essais d'échauffement généralement effectués à 50 Hz avant leur commercialisation. La question traitée dans cet article concerne la possibilité d'utiliser les résultats de ces essais pour conclure sur les performances de ces dispositifs pour des applications 60 Hz tout comme cela existe pour les appareillages ouverts. Des mesures de pertes ainsi que des modélisations électromagnétiques sont présentées et permettent d'établir des règles de passage d'un dispositif à l'autre

Neutropenia as an adverse event following vaccination : results from randomized clinical trials in healthy adults and systematic review

Background : In the context of early vaccine trials aimed at evaluating the safety profile of novel vaccines, abnormal haematological values, such as neutropenia, are often reported. It is therefore important to evaluate how these trials should be planned not to miss potentially important safety signals, but also to understand the implications and the clinical relevance. Methodology : We report and discuss the results from five clinical trials (two with a new Shigella vaccine in the early stage of clinical development and three with licensed vaccines) where the absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) were evaluated before and after vaccination. Additionally, we have performed a systematic review of the literature on cases of neutropenia reported during vaccine trials to discuss our results in a more general context. Principal Findings : Both in our clinical trials and in the literature review, several cases of neutropenia have been reported, in the first two weeks after vaccination. However, neutropenia was generally transient and had a benign clinical outcome, after vaccination with either multiple novel candidates or well-known licensed vaccines. Additionally, the vaccine recipients with neutropenia frequently had lower baseline ANC than non-neutropenic vaccinees. In many instances neutropenia occurred in subjects of African descent, known to have lower ANC compared to western populations. Conclusions : It is important to include ANC and other haematological tests in early vaccine trials to identify potential safety signals. Post-vaccination neutropenia is not uncommon, generally transient and clinically benign, but many vaccine trials do not have a sampling schedule that allows its detection. Given ethnic variability in the level of circulating neutrophils, normal ranges taking into account ethnicity should be used for determination of trial inclusion/exclusion criteria and classification of neutropenia related adverse events

Diaphragmatic hernia following oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer – Are we too radical?

Background: Diaphragmatic herniation (DH) of abdominal contents into the thorax after oesophageal resection is a recognised and serious complication of surgery. While differences in pressure between the abdominal and thoracic cavities are important, the size of the hiatal defect is something that can be influenced surgically. As with all oncological surgery, safe resection margins are essential without adversely affecting necessary anatomical structure and function. However very little has been published looking at the extent of the hiatal resection. We aim to present a case series of patients who developed DH herniation post operatively in order to raise discussion about the ideal extent of surgical resection required. Methods: We present a series of cases of two male and one female who had oesophagectomies for moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas of the lower oesophagus who developed post-operative DH. We then conducted a detailed literature review using Medline, Pubmed and Google Scholar to identify existing guidance to avoid this complication with particular emphasis on the extent of hiatal resection. Discussion: Extended incision and partial resection of the diaphragm are associated with an increased risk of postoperative DH formation. However, these more extensive excisions can ensure clear surgical margins. Post-operative herniation can be an early or late complication of surgery and despite the clear importance of hiatal resection only one paper has been published on this subject which recommends a more limited resection than was carried out in our cases. Conclusion: This case series investigated the recommended extent of hiatal dissection in oesophageal surgery. Currently there is no clear guidance available on this subject and further studies are needed to ascertain the optimum resection margin that results in the best balance of oncological parameters vs. post operative morbidity

Innovazione digitale nella gestione del territorio. Gis e webgis tra semplificazione e sburocratizzazione

Gli ostacoli dovuti all’eccesso di burocrazia nell’avvio delle nuove imprese hanno ormai raggiunto livelli insostenibili per via delle conseguenze negative sulle attività economiche e molteplici sono le voci che da più parti ne chiedono la rimozione. Cosa tutt’altro che facile, visto il radicamento di antiche consuetudini e procedure all’interno della pubblica amministrazione, tuttavia improcrastinabile se si vuole facilitare la ripresa della competitività e attrarre nuovamente investimenti e investitori dall’estero. La “sburocratizzazione” è così divenuta un vero e proprio cavallo di battaglia politica e gli ultimi governi hanno varato diversi provvedimenti legislativi volti a favorire l’introduzione delle procedure digitali sia nei rapporti tra soggetti pubblici sia tra questi e i privati: la digitalizzazione della PA è ritenuta la base della nuova efficienza amministrativa. Relativamente ai dati territoriali il discorso diviene però più complesso per via della loro componente geografica che richiede un impegno maggiore sotto il profilo organizzativo e strutturale. D’altro canto, i recenti riferimenti normativi impongono vincoli sulla loro produzione e libera circolazione, nell’intento di favorire lo scambio e l’interoperabilità e consentirne la libera fruibilità. Si richiede, pertanto, un approccio diverso per la loro gestione e l’adozione di tecniche e strumenti basati necessariamente sui GIS e sugli webGIS, da intendersi come base di riordino e standardizzazione del dato il primo e come veicolo di distribuzione e di interfaccia tra utenti e produttore-utilizzatore il secondo. Osservare come il supporto del GIS può favorire un buon livello di efficienza amministrativa e migliorare il rapporto con i cittadini e le imprese, soprattutto in quegli apparati della PA cui questi si rivolgono pressoché quotidianamente – i comuni – è l’obiettivo del presente contributo.The obstacles due to excess bureaucracy hindering the start up of new businesses have now reached unacceptable levels given the negative consequences on economic activities. Thus, there is a growing chorus of demand from all sides for their removal. This, however, is far from easy given the deep- rooted habits and procedures of old within public administration. Nonetheless, the issue cannot be ignored any longer if we wish to facilitate the comeback of our competitiveness and attract foreign investments and investors once again. ‘De-bureaucratization’ has thus become a true political crusade and recent governments have enacted various legislative measures which aim to favour the introduction of digital procedures to the interaction between public entities as well as that between public and private bodies: digitalization of Public Administration is seen as the basis of new administrative efficiency. As concerns land data, the matter is more complex given the data’s geographical component, which requires greater organizational and structural efforts. Then again, recent norms impose restrictions on the production and open circulation of such data in order to favour exchange and interaction and allow free usability. Therefore, a different approach is required for the management of this data as well as the adoption of techniques and tools necessarily based on GIS and webGIS, the former as a means of restructuring and standardizing data; the latter as an avenue for distribution and interface between users and producers-users. The aim of this paper is to observe how GIS can foster a good level of administrative efficiency and improve the relationship with citizens and businesses, above all in Public Administration structures which are used almost daily such as municipalities