Caratterizzazione delle vernici utilizzate nella liuteria storica

Characterization of varnishes used in the ancient musical instruments

Preparation of Pd coated anodic alumina membranes for gas separation media

Different procedures of Pd electroless deposition onto anodic alumina membranes were investigated to form a dense metal layer covering pores. The main difficulty was related to the amorphous nature of anodic alumina membranes, determining low chemical stability in solutions at pH > 9, where Pd plating works more efficiently. As a consequence, it was necessary to find the operative conditions allowing Pd deposition without damaging the membrane: to reduce alumina dissolution, the plating bath was buffered at pH 8.5 by addition of either NaHCO 3 or Na 2 B 4 O 7 ·H 2 O. Acceptable conversion of Pd was found after a deposition time of 3 min. Single and multiple deposition steps (each lasting 3 …

I materiali lapidei naturali ed artificiali della Fontana Pretoria di Palermo

Floor and wall mortars of archaeological site of Selinunte , Sicily

Direct determination of total mercury in phosphate rock using alkaline fusion digestion

The aim of this work was to develop a new method to determine the mercury (Hg) concentrations in phosphate rock using a dedicated analytical instrument (the DMA80 Tricell by Milestone) that employs an integrated sequence of thermal decomposition followed by catalyst conversion, amalgamation and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. However, this instrument underestimates Hg concentrations when phosphorite and apatite rocks are investigated with a classic thermal decomposition treatment that complies with US EPA method 7473. Therefore, to improve the recovery of total Hg, we performed alkaline fusion digestion (AFD) directly inside the furnace of the instrument, using BCR(32) as a certified r…

Diuron environmental levels effects on marine nematodes: Assessment of ecological indices, taxonomic diversity, and functional traits

Abstract Coastal marine systems are the most sensitive zones to emerging pollutants. The present study aims to investigate the effect of Diuron on the meiofaunal assemblages, collected from the Bizerte channel (Tunisia). Microcosm experiments were set up using four increasing Diuron concentrations [D1 (10 ng g−1 dry weight (DW)), D2 (50 ng g−1 DW), D3 (250 ng g−1 DW) and (1250 ng g−1 DW)] compared to non-contaminated sediments (controls) and all plots were incubated for 30 days. Our results show that Diuron-supplemented sediments provoked the significant decrease of meiofaunal abundance as well as a change in nematodes' diversity and structure composition. All univariate indices, as well as…

Hg and Se exposure in brain tissues of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) from the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas.

In this study we analyzed Hg and Se concentrations in dolphin brain tissues of fifteen specimens of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) and eight specimens of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) stranded in the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, in order to assess the toxicological risks associated with Hg exposure. High Hg concentrations were found in brain tissues of both analyzed specie (1.86–243 mg/kg dw for striped dolphin and 2.1–98.7 mg/kg dw for bottlenose dolphin), exceeding levels associated with marine mammals neurotoxicity. Althougth the results clearly suggest that the protective effects of Se against Hg toxicity occur in cetaceans’ brain tissues, a molar excess of mercury w…

Problems of soil and groundwater pollution in the disposal of “marble” slurries in NW Sicily

This work deals with disposal of slurries generated during the cutting and polishing processes of slabs of decorative sedimentary carbonate rocks in the north western Sicily. At present, they are used as fillers of dismantled quarries near the sawmills and, as a final step of reclamation, are covered with earth layers. In spite of such inexpensive solution, there is lack of knowledge about the composition of the waste. In order to assess if there is any threat for the environment and to suggest indications for alternative solutions, such as recycling or inactivation processes, the slurries were analysed by XR diffraction, simultaneous thermal analysis, ICP/MS, ionic chromatography, FTIR, UV…

Note preliminari sulla caratterizzazione di alcuni materiali

Osservazioni sulla successione stratigrafica degli stucchi della scuola di Giacomo Serpotta a Palermo

Preparation and characterization of anodic alumina membranes modified by electroless deposition of Pd

Developing a procedure to optimize electroless deposition of thin palladium layer on anodic alumina membranes

In recent years, the increased demand for hydrogen in many industrial applications, like petrochemical and semiconductor processing, and sustainable energy (fuel cells) has led to a renewed interest in methods for separation and purification of hydrogen from gas mixtures. In particular, palladium-based membranes have been the subject of many studies, due to their potential use as hydrogen-selective membranes for gas separation or purification [1,2]. Owing to the high cost of palladium and in order to increase the flow rate of hydrogen, composite membranes, formed by a thin layer of palladium deposited on a porous support, are largely preferred to thick self-standing metal membranes. Differe…

Il degrado degli stucchi serpottiano a Palermo in relazione alle condizioni ambientali di conservazione

This work is part of a demanding project, called “Progetto Serpotta”, performed since 2000 in cooperation with Soprintendenza Beni Culturali of Palermo. Aim of the project is the restoration of the unique stucco's artworks moulded by Giacomo Serpotta and his co-workers end of 17th -beginning of 18th century. This paper is focused on the problem of salt efflorescences, that are widely present in all of the churches and oratories restored in the framework of “Progetto Serpotta”. Particular attention is given to the relationship between the constitutive matter of the stuccoes, as analysed by means of both X ray diffractometry and optical microscopy, and the salts composition, as analysed by me…

Giacomo Serpotta and the stuccoers of Palermo: aspects of materials used in refined decorative activity. The costitutive materials

I materiali lapidei naturali ed artificiali della Fontana Pretoria a Palermo

Profiling the physiological and molecular response to sulfonamidic drag in Procambarus clarkii

Sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) is one of the most widely employed sulfonamides. Because of the widespread use of SMZ, a considerable amount is indeed expected to be introduced into the environment. The cytotoxicity of SMZ relies mainly on arylhydroxylamine metabolites (S-NOH) of SMZ and it is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). There is limited information about the toxic potential of SMZ at the cellular and molecular levels, especially in aquatic and/or non-target organisms. In the present study, the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), being tolerant to extreme environmental conditions and resistant to disease, was used as a model organism to profile the molecula…

Floor and wall mortars of the archaeological site of Selinunte , Sicily

Improvement of Resveratrol Permeation through Sublingual Mucosa: Chemical Permeation Enhancers versus Spray Drying Technique to Obtain Fast-Disintegrating Sublingual Mini-Tablets

Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol with several interesting broad-spectrum pharmacological properties. However, it is characterized by poor oral bioavailability, extensive first-pass effect metabolism and low stability. Indeed, RSV could benefit from the advantage of the sublingual route of administration. In this view, RSV attitudes to crossing the porcine sublingual mucosa were evaluated and promoted both by six different chemical permeation enhancers (CPEs) as well as by preparing four innovative fast-disintegrating sublingual mini-tablets by spray drying followed by direct compression. Since RSV by itself exhibits a low permeation aptitude, this could be significantly enhanced by…

Calcestruzzi delle Aviorimesse per Idrovolanti di Pier Luigi Nervi a Marsala (1940-41). Composizione e Tessitura

First simultaneous mercury and major volatiles characterization of atmospheric hydrothermal emissions at the Pisciarelli's fumarolic system (Campi Flegrei, Italy)

Abstract Hydrothermal systems with active surface expressions are important natural source of atmospheric mercury. Here we report on the first simultaneous assessment of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) and major volatiles (H2S and CO2) fluxes from the fumarolic system of Pisciarelli, currently the most active at the Campi Flegrei caldera (CFc), Naples (Italy). This was achieved via a GPS-synchronized Lumex and MultiGAS survey which extends similar investigations reported elsewhere. GEM concentrations measured in the fumarolic emissions were consistently above background air level close to the degassing area (mean ~ 8 ± 3 ng m−3 on average) and ranged up to 12,000 ng m−3. Our data evidenced …

Development of a Multifunctional Bioerodible Nanocomposite Containing Metronidazole and Curcumin to Apply on L-PRF Clot to Promote Tissue Regeneration in Dentistry

Teeth extractions are often followed by alveolar bone reabsorption, although an adequate level of bone is required for reliable rehabilitations by dental implants. Leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) has been widely applied in regenerative procedures and with antibiotic and antioxidant agents could play an essential role in hard and soft tissue healing. In this work, a nanocomposite (Sponge-C-MTR) consisting of a hyaluronate-based sponge loaded with metronidazole (MTR) and nanostructured lipid carriers containing curcumin (CUR-NLC) was designed to be wrapped in the L-PRF&trade

The sinter of the Fontana Pretoria in Palermo

Valutazione dello stato di conservazione dei materiali in relazione al grado di aggressività dell'ambiente nel quale sono posti in opera

High Yields of Shrimp Oil Rich in Omega-3 and Natural Astaxanthin from Shrimp Waste

A valued marine oil rich in omega-3 lipids and natural astaxanthin is obtained with remarkably high yield (up to S wt %) extending to pink shrimp waste (head and carapace) using the approach to extract fish oil from fish processing byproducts using D-limonene. Biobased limonene is an excellent solvent for both unsaturated lipids and astaxanthin-based carotenoids preventing oxidative degradation during the extraction cycle including solvent separation at 85 degrees C. Explaining the deep red color of the shrimp oil obtained, computational simulation suggests that D-limonene is also a good solvent for natural astaxanthin abundant in shrimp.

Multicomponent Antibiofilm Lipid Nanoparticles as Novel Platform to Ameliorate Resveratrol Properties: Preliminary Outcomes on Fibroblast Proliferation and Migration

The well-being of skin and mucous membranes is fundamental for the homeostasis of the body and thus it is imperative to treat any lesion quickly and correctly. In this view, polyphenols might assist and enhance a successful wound healing process by reducing the inflammatory cascade and the production of free radicals. However, they suffer from disadvantageous physico–chemical properties, leading to restricted clinical use. In this work, a complex mixture of PEGylated lipid, Glyceryl monoester, 18-β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Menthol was designed to entrap Resveratrol (RSV) as the active ingredient and further produce lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) by homogenization followed by high-freq…

Le calcareniti e le malte della Porta Nuova di Palermo

Groundwater of Sicily (Italy) Close to Landfill Sites: Quality and Human Health Risk Assessment

Groundwater close to three municipal solid waste landfill sites in Sicily (southern Italy) was sampled to determine the presence of contaminants and the risk associated with its possible use as drinking and sanitary water. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and metals were investigated. These target compounds are the most common pollutants present in leachates. Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS, US EPA) was used to assess human health risk. Ingestion, dermal, and total exposure to these xenobiotic contaminants in groundwater were evaluated, and the cancer and non-cancer risk indexes were c…

Analisi di vernici utilizzate nella liuteria storica

Bioadhesive Matrix Tablets Loaded with Lipophilic Nanoparticles as Vehicles for Drugs for Periodontitis Treatment: Development and Characterization

Periodontitis treatment is usually focused on the reduction or eradication of periodontal pathogens using antibiotics against anaerobic bacteria, such as metronidazole (MTR). Moreover, recently the correlation between periodontal diseases and overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) led to the introduction of antioxidant biomolecules in therapy. In this work, bioadhesive buccal tablets, consisting of a hydrophilic matrix loaded with metronidazole and lipophilic nanoparticles as a vehicle of curcumin, were developed. Curcumin (CUR)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were prepared using glycyrrhetic acid, hexadecanol, isopropyl palmitate and Tween&reg

Le murature del Baglio e del Palazzo Filangeri Cutò di Villafrati (PA): studio chimico petrografico delle malte

DEGRADATION OF STUCCO WORKS OF SERPOTTA SCHOOL IN PALERMO AS RELATED TO THE CONSERVATION ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Caratterizzazione di nuovi consolidanti nanostrutturati applicati su lapidei naturali

Caratterizzazione dei residui di lavorazione di materiali lapidei di pregio, finalizzata ad un possibile recupero

Trace metals in “Posidonia oceanica” seagrass from south-eastern Sicily

Heavy-metal concentrations were measured in sediments and tissues of Posidonia oceanica seagrass from south-eastern Sicily (Italy) in order to assess the degree of metal pollution in the coastal area. Seagrasses and sediments were collected at four sites along the south-eastern coast of Sicily. Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) was used to measure concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb. Standard statistical analyses were used to assess significant differences among the levels of the elements measured in different tissues and sediment and spatial distribution. The greatest values of potentially toxic metal concentrations were observed at the station near the industrial sites of A…

Persistent and Emerging Organic Pollutants in the Marine Coastal Environment of the Gulf of Milazzo (Southern Italy): Human Health Risk Assessment

The Gulf of Milazzo (north-eastern Sicily) has been recognized as Italian Site of National Interest (SNI; areas characterized by high level of contamination with potential effects on human health) in 2005 because of its high level of pollution. In this study we measured the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polyBrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) in seawater and sediments sampled from the Gulf of Milazzo in order to assess (i) the environmental status of contamination, and (ii) cancer and non-cancer human health risk potentially due to dermal absorption from contaminated seawater and/or ingestion of contaminated fish. Particularly, …

BDE-47 exposure modulates cellular responses, oxidative stress and biotransformation related-genes in Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Abstract Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants, characterized by elevated stability in the marine environment, where are accumulated by organisms, inducing a wide panel of negative effects. In this study, some biochemical patterns related to toxicity, biotransformation and oxidative stress, were studied in the marine model system, Mytilus galloprovincialis, exposed to BDE-47. Mussels were fed with microalgae, previously treated with increasing concentrations of PBDEs (maximum dose 100 ng L-1 of BDE-47 per day). After 15 days of treatment, mussels were fed with the same diet without BDE-47, for additional 15 days. Gills and digestive glands were analyzed at T 0, at 15 a…

Identificazione in spettroscopia FTIR di composti proteici usati negli stucchi e nelle pitture storiche