The controlled production of radioactive isotopes from stable materials (nuclear activation) is a process of relevant interest for both medical applications and advanced technologies, including the optimization of the fuel cycle in the nuclear energy plants. The nuclear activation of a variety of samples is currently obtained with large accelerators or in the nuclear plants itself. Since the advent of powerful lasers delivering ultrashort pulses, the possibility was envisaged of obtaining ...

Per assicurare sia la sicurezza che la sostenibilità del futuro approvvigionamento di energia, le politiche energetiche sono sempre più orientate verso un crescente impiego di fonti energetiche rinnovabili diversificate. Tra le fonti rinnovabili di energia, il fotovoltaico ha il potenziale di giocare un ruolo importante nella transizione verso un sistema sostenibile di approvvigionamento energetico. Si prevede che nei prossimi anni i moduli fotovoltaici saranno sempre più integrati negli ...

In the last years the use of plastic films for agricultural soils mulching and for low tunnels -in particular based on polyethylene (PE) and ethylene-vinylacetate copolymers (EVA)- has shown an increasing diffusion. In Italy the plastics employed for these purposes cover an area of more than 100.000 hectares with an annual consumption of about 65.000 tons that, for the vast majority (about 80%) are abandoned on the soil or burnt without control by the farmers, with a consequent emission of ...

Ten-year experience on the production of thin films by vapor phase deposition (CVD and MOCVD) has allowed to apply this process to the growth of alumina and chromia films as protective coatings against wear and corrosion. In particular well compact and adherent deposits of amorphous alumina have been obtained on metallic surfaces. The coatings result transparent, therefore they leave unchanged the aspect of the metallic surfaces, while they are able to protect the surfaces against wear and ...

Intervertebral disc degeneration, an inevitable process of aging, is one of the major causes of low back pain. Currently, there are two major surgical interventions for treating conditions related to the degenerative disc: discectomy and fusion. Although discectomy and fusion produce a relatively good short-term clinical results, both these surgical treatment alter the biomechanics of the spine, possibly leading to further degeneration of the surrounding tissues and the discs at adjacent level. ...

Transition metal nanoclusters (i.e., self-assembled particles less than 10-100 nm in diameter) have gained increasing attention in science and application in the last several years, due to the observation of properties that are unique to the nanoscale domain. A considerable body of knowledge has been accumulated on these materials showing that they have many fascinating potential uses, including quantum dots, quantum computers and devices, data storage devices, nanoscale ferromagnets, ...

The use of coloured materials has represented the deep necessity for a more defined representation of reality and for an enrichment of images. This use improves as time goes together with the development of knowledge and experience until nowadays. A number of different coloured substances, organic and inorganic one, has been used in the time to realize decorations on every kind of objects: amphoras, glass materials, medieval manuscripts, wall paint and so on. Nevertheless, the ...

While the crystallographic phase problem is definitively solved in practice far small molecules, it is still a challenging problem in Macromolecular Crystallography. This is one of the most exciting areas of the modern Sciences and constitutes a primary tool for studying the structure of complex biological systems, so providing insight into the mechanisms at the basis of the life. Indeed Macromolecular Crystallography allows to determine the crystal structure of proteins, nucleic acids, ...

A new pulse tunnel based on a free piston compressor is operative at CNR-IENI-Milano, in which flight conditions up to Mach 7 can be simulated. The facility allows experimental studies of combustion in supersonic flows and tests on small scale models of propulsion systems for hypersonic cruise vehicles or reusable launchers. A number of test have been scheduled for developing reliable end efficient design of ramjet and scramjet combustion chambers and studying the rocket plumes post-combustion ...

In recent years, a specific Laboratory for Surface Tensiometry has been built and organised at IENI- Dept. of Genoa, with characteristics of a particular interest at an international level. In this infrastructure, which can be defined as an "Infrastructural Center open for services to a wide Scientific Community" can offer support both experimental and scientific for measurements of Surface and Interface tensions, wettability, elasticity and surface rheology in a temperature range which span ...

The most significant results in the framework of this research topic is represented by the synthesis of several poly(aryleneethynylene)s with repeating units bearing glucose molecules as substituents, with regular distribution over the polyconjugated chain (Scheme). These materials have been obtained by means of a palladium-catalyzed polymerization reaction, in the presence of silver oxide as cocatalyst, between dihalo derivatives and a suitable hydroquinone O-diglucoside derivative, bearing two ...

Introduction: Among materials used for the fabrication of works of art and of handicraft, gemstones play a peculiar role, since they are often endowed, beyond their historical and artistic interest, with a relevant commercial value. The distinction between more precious gems and simulants, the determination of the origin - synthetic or natural - and the recognizion of possible treatments require non-destructive techniques that should be applicable to both loose gemstones and jewels having any ...

During the past few years, nanotechnology has been recognized as a key field in a number of different applications. Among new molecular structures proposed in such a field, remarkable interest has been gained by those based on carbon nanotubes. In particular, recent investigations focus on functionalization of carbon nanotubes, i. e. on the design of nanotube-based nanostructured systems in which chemical and physical properties can be tuned through the interaction with other molecules. A ...

As a result of their importance and value, works of art require the development of non-destructive and non-contact techniques to the greatest extent possible. Moreover, because of the immovable nature of some artworks (mural paintings, sculptures, buildings, etc.), the development of portable instrumentation for in-situ investigation, analysis and monitoring is an important requirement. To date, only some non-contact portable equipments are available in a number that appears low compared to the ...

Engineering inorganic surfaces by covalent bonding of organic molecules represents an interesting approach to the synthesis of hybrid organic/inorganic nanomaterials, in the perspective of fabrication of highly sensitive gas sensors for environmental monitoring. Both porphyrin and phthalocyanine thin films offer attracting challenges for the easy monitoring at ppm level on the basis of their semiconducting and also optical properties. We focused our interest on the ...

Flavours and fragrances are associated with the major part of our daily activities. These substances are present in foods, beverages, toilette products, laundry powder and, of course, perfumes. This variety of possible applications prompted a great differentiation of the chemical components available on the market and rise up the economical relevance of the flavours industries. Moreover, the latter companies have recently directed theirs efforts towards the synthesis of more effective, more ...

DYSTROGLYCAN: background. Dystroglycan (DG) is encoded by a single gene [1-3] and is highly conserved in higher vertebrates. Recently, DG orthologues have also been identified in invertebrates [4,5]. DG is produced as a unique polipeptide chain that is successively cut in two subunits alpha and beta-DG, by a post-translational proteolitic process that would occur at the level of endoplasmatic reticulum with still unclear molecular details [6]. alpha-DG is a heavily glycosylated peripheral ...

The development of innovative chemical processes, with high performances and low environmental impact, is crucial for a sustainable growth. In this perspective membrane technology can offer important new opportunities in the design, rationalization and optimization of processes and products. In particular, catalytic membrane reactors are an interesting example of integrated system in which molecular separation and chemical conversions are combined in one step One of the main advantages of the ...

Process intensification is a design strategy aiming to lead benefits in processing, substantially shrinking equipment size, boosting plant efficiency, saving energy, reducing costs, minimizing environmental impact, improving safety, remote control and automation. Membrane processes have potential to replace conventional energy-intensive techniques, to accomplish a selective and efficient transport, to improve the performance of reactive processes, to provide options for a sustainable industrial ...

The cooperation between the institute of Chemistry of Organometallics (ICCOM-CNR) and IdeLab srl has given rise to a new family of catalysts, named PlatinosinteticoTM, projected and evolved through innovative nanotechnologies. PlatinosinteticoTM anodic and cathodic catalysts are able to reproduce, and in many cases, improve, the catalytic activity of platinum in electrodes useable in many fuel cells types. PlatinosinteticoTM catalysts contain nanometric and subnanometric iron, nickel, cobalt ...

ISTM is one of the seven European partners involved in a joint effort aimed at developing nano-engineered high performance thermoelectric materials and devices (Fig. 1). The European Community within the Vth Framework Program funds this team project, named NanoThermel. Thermoelectric (TE) materials have a dual purpose: electrical generation on one side and cooling/heating on the other side. Power generation is achieved by applying a temperature difference between two ends of the TE material, ...

Several chemical processes of utmost industrial relevance occur at medium/elevated pressure of gases, for example many Ziegler-Natta polymerizations, and almost all hydrogenation and carbonylation reactions of unsaturated substrates. The investigations in these fields are commonly carried out in autoclaves that are generally expensive and devoid of many devices of importance to control and monitor the course of the reactions. Also, a high gas pressure does not allow for in situ studies of ...

New synthesis methods were set up exploiting the ability of biological systems to store and transfer informations at a molecular level. Through this approach, biomimetic composites based on collagen and hydroxyapatite were prepared, directly nucleating HA nanocrystals on self-assembling collagen fibers. The obtained composites are perfectly corresponding to the natural mineralised tissues (bone), with the mineral phase showing needle-shaped morphology, nanometric size and crystallites ...

Materials tailoring is dictated by the relevant development in structural ceramics of the last five years and the ever-increasing demand of high properties. This mean actions involving composition, structure and texture. In this respect, in 2002, ISTEC has carried out three distinct activities with the aim to develop innovative ceramic materials with specific and tailored properties. About composition, Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTC) have been developed, mainly based on borides and ...

Following light absorption in the near-UV and VIS spectral region, molecular properties are profoundly affected. Such changes, attributable to the formation of electronic excited states, are transient. Within a few fractions of a second, molecules tend to return to their initial equilibrium state by emitting the excess of energy as heat or light. The latter process is termed photoluminescence and can be extremely useful for a variety of purposes. For instance it is possible to design ...

Over recent years there has been a tremendous drive towards computer miniaturization. At present the smallest components of a commercial microelectronic device are about 130 billionths of a metre (nanometre). Smaller dimensions would provide more powerful computers and reduce energy consumption, a fundamental issue in the explosive market of wireless communication, including mobile phones, portable video and audio players, laptops, etc. Further, significant miniaturization will require ...

While the crystallographic phase problem is definitively solved in practice far small molecules, it is still a challenging problem in Macromolecular Crystallography. This is one of the most exciting areas of the modern Sciences and constitutes a primary tool for studying the structure of complex biological systems, so providing insight into the mechanisms at the basis of the life. Indeed Macromolecular Crystallography allows to determine the crystal structure of proteins, nucleic acids, ...

1) The safeguard of Cultural and Environmental Heritage has been recognised as a national and European priority producing, hence, an increasing demand of research on new polymeric materials with performances suitable to be used in the field of the conservation and restoration,linked to the development and the application of eco-sustainable technologies.Within the specific domain "Textiles", which deteriorate naturally by oxidation,heat,mechanical stress, radiation and microbiological and ...

In recent years, biomedical research has encountered several difficult problems related to an increasing number of diseases, as consequence of life expectancy growth in the developed countries. Two main recovering actions have been adopted: 1) precocious diagnosis of biochemical anomalies; 2) development of new pharmacological techniques aiming to minimize undesirable effects of the therapy. Many efforts have been directed to the development of "intelligent" molecules, capable of selective ...

RADIOCHEMICAL APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF AQUATIC SYSTEMS Introduction Sustainable development and responsible care are imperatives in countries where, it is possible to conjugate properly development and environmental protection; this implies: -introducing advanced technologies to minimise and control emissions in the environmental compartments -recovering of the already compromised natural environments. Environmental Protection - Aquatic systems The aquatic systems ...