Search results for "Blue"
showing 10 items of 487 documents
A comparative study for the removal of methylene blue dye by N and S modified TiO2 adsorbents
2015
Successful removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions using nitrogen and sulfur modified TiO2(P25) nanoparticles has been demonstrated in this study. The modified adsorbents were characterized using various analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The adsorption potential of S-TiO2, N-TiO2 and TiO2(P25) type adsorbents was tested for the removal of MB dye. The kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption of MB dye followed the pseudo-first order model, while desorption processes followed the second order model. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbent proved to be increasing as a f…
Evaluating Bluetooth Performance as the Support for Context-Aware Applications
2005
We present an experiment relative to the use of the Bluetooth wireless technology to provide network support for context-aware applications. We describe an approach to provide network interconnection using a combination of wireless and wired network technologies. We also describe the steps taken to create a Bluetooth based context-aware application. We, finally, evaluate, using a small test-bed and simulation the overall performance of this technology when adopted in the area of context-aware and ubiquitous computing.
Ovine Catarrhal fever (bluetongue): Analysis of Culicoides species in seropositive farms
2010
Bluetongue (BT) is an orbiviral disease of wild and domestic ruminants, mainly sheep. In Sicily, the first Bluetongue outbreak occurred in October 2000; there have been 76 recorded outbreaks so far. The National Surveillance Plan, based on European Union Commission Decision 138/2001/CE, establishes serological and entomological surveys. This plan consists of controls of seronegative cattle, called 'sentry' as indicators for the presence and circulation of virus in defined areas. To check the seroconversions, the regional territory has been subdivided in 400 km2 areas including 58 seronegative cattle, periodically checked by serological tests. All positive sera have been tested to detect the…
M-commerce - mobile commerce: a new frontier for E-business
2005
Mobile commerce involves the use of mobile computing devices in carrying out different types of economic transactions or enabling them to take place over space and time. The m-commerce includes use of such technologies as SMS services over a number of carriers (GSM, IS95, CDMA, W-CDMA), Bluetooth applications, and the integration of low-level digital carriers to IP based services through WAP or Compact HTML like the Japanese I-Mode service. This integration is one of the fastest growing markets of E-business and it will involve the development and design of a host of new applications, services, business models and technological solutions. The theme is both topical and challenging, as the nu…
NATURAL INDICO FROM ISATIS TINCTORIA L. FOR THE VALORISATION OF SICILIAN CROPS
2012
Isatis tinctoria L. or woad (Brassicaceae) is an upright herbaceous biennal species up to 120 cm in height. It is in Mediterranean counlries, a common plant cultivated through out centuries to produce the blue dye indigo. With increasing concem for sustainability and a demand from consumers for naturally sourced products, there is a revival of interest in naturai indigo as an agricultural crop produci. Indigo is formed after the extraction of indigo precursors in the leaves of these plants: mainly isatans in woad These compounds are extracted by steeping leaves in warm water. With woad, the addition of alkali to the steep water releases free indoxyl, which forms indigo after a vigorous aera…
FRESHWATER CYANOBACTERIA, IDENTIFIED BY MICROSCOPIC AND MOLECULAR INVESTIGATIONS ON A COLONIZED FOUNTAIN SURFACE: A CASE STUDY IN PALERMO (SICILY, IT…
2021
Cyanobacteria or blue algae are ubiquitously present in both fresh and brackish water environments. They also grow in conditions of high humidity, colonizing stones or monuments and fountain surfaces, and creating thick biofilms able to induce biodeterioration in the constituent materials of artefacts. As well as several photoautotrophic organisms, cyanobacteria belong to the microorganisms identified as primary colonizers, playing an important role in stone artwork deterioration. In this study, an analysis was made of the biofilm collected from the stone fountain of the Two Dragons in Palermo (Italy), revealing the presence of cyanobacterial colonies by optical microscopy, due to their pec…
Bright spots as climate‐smart marine spatial planning tools for conservation and blue growth
2021
Marine spatial planning that addresses ocean climate-driven change (‘climate-smart MSP’) is a global aspiration to support economic growth, food security and ecosystem sustainability. Ocean climate change (‘CC’) modelling may become a key decision-support tool for MSP, but traditional modelling analysis and communication challenges prevent their broad uptake. We employed MSP-specific ocean climate modelling analyses to inform a real-life MSP process; addressing how nature conservation and fisheries could be adapted to CC. We found that the currently planned distribution of these activities may become unsustainable during the policy's implementation due to CC, leading to a shortfall in its s…
Effect of boat noise on the behaviour of bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus in the Mediterranean Sea
2007
The effect of boat noise on the behaviour of bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus was investi- gated in the Egadi Islands, Sicily, during spring 2005 using a fixed tuna trap set near shipping routes. Tuna behaviour was observed when exposed to both natural ambient sound and sound generated by hydrofoil passenger ferries, small boats and large car ferries. Acoustical and behavioural analyses were conducted with and without extraneous sound to define a list of behavioural categories. Each vessel produced different engine sounds with regard to their composition and bandwidth, and all were distinctly different from ambient sound levels. In the absence of boat noise, tuna assumed a con- centrated coordi…
The first confirmed record of the Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 (Decapoda, Brachyura) from Maltese waters
2022
The invasive portunid species Callinectes sapidus is hereby recorded for the first time from Maltese waters, thus updating the known distribution of this decapod of Atlantic origin within the Mediterranean. Potential introduction pathways of the species to Maltese waters are discussed.
Formulation of a new sustainable feed from food industry discards for rearing the purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus
2020
The lack of suitable feeds for echinoculture has led to use natural resources already widely exploited by human activities. To move towards a higher sustainability of echinoculture, this study proposes a sustainable feed for Paracentrotus lividus. Two experimental formulations were obtained using discarded endive (Cichorium endivia) leaves and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) industry discards in different proportions, and agar as a binder. The evaluation of the feed stability showed that the feed was stable for 72 hr, allowing a suitable feeding for sea urchins. Both formulations showed a proper nutritional value and fatty acid profile, corresponding to the features of the main ingredients…