High-rate cycling performance of lead-acid batteries with nanostructured electrodes

In this work we present lead-acid batteries with nanostructured electrodes cycled with different C-rate from 1C (1 hour to complete charge) up to 30C (120 seconds to complete charge) and imposing a very deep discharge. In comparison to the parameters usually used for commercial batteries, these are much more stressful conditions in terms of cut-off and charge/discharge rate.

Broadband Second-Harmonic Generation via Random Quasi-Phase-Matching in PPLT

We demonstrated broadband second-harmonic generation via random Quasi-Phase-Matching in periodically poled Lithium Tantalate.

The parkin gene is not a major susceptibility locus for typical late-onset Parkinson's disease

We investigated the parkin gene in 118 patients with typical Parkinson's disease (PD), i. e. in patients who had an onset of PD after the age of 45 years. The study group included 95 subjects with sporadic PD and 23 subjects from 18 families with autosomal recessive PD. No pathogenetic mutations in the parkin gene were detected either in familial or in sporadic patients. Our findings indicate that the parkin gene is not involved in the pathogenesis of classic late-onset PD.

The Carini experimental station for wastewater reuse in agricolture.

Characterization of Thin Film Cig(S,Se)2 Submodules Using Solar Simulator and Laser Beam Induced Current Techniques

In this work, the electrical and optical characterization of CIG(S,Se)2 sub-modules using both a solar simulator equipment and the Laser Beam Induced Current (LBIC) technique is presented. By using the solar simulator and a proper set-up, the electrical parameters of the modules at varying irradiance and temperatures are determined. In addition, the LBIC measurements are carried out to analyze the 2D photocurrent uniformity of the modules at two different wavelengths. Dispersion values of extracted parameters can be very useful for practically tuning the modelling stage at device/module level.

The Carini Experimental Station for Wastewater Reuse in Agriculture – Preliminary Indications

A two year experiment, to study the feasibility of wastewater reuse for a safe irrigation in the Sicilian context, has been initiated. Eight plots in two fields, totalling 629 m2, were planted with cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.), the irrigation water being supplied by a pilot plant treating 22 m3/day of municipal wastewater. The plant consists of an extended aeration biological system followed by rapid sand filtration and a choice of disinfection systems. Analyses performed on all waters used in the experiment indicate that safe irrigation water, virtually pathogen-free, can be produced if careful operational techniques are adopted. Despite all possible care, however, soil samples tak…