New eco-friendly proposal for the crystallization of beet raw juice

In the past years we evaluated different strategies with the aim of eliminating completely from the beet sugar factory, the traditional calco-carbonic purification process taking into account the well-known problems related to the utilization of lime and the production of carbonation sludge.To complete the picture of the possible solutions to be adopted for the elimination of the traditional purification process, we tested and evaluated in laboratory and in pilot plants a new eco-friendly proposal.The results obtained, as well as the proposed flow-sheet and some economic evaluations, are presented and discussed.     

Macroeconomic effects of the recycling of waste derived from imported non-renewable raw materials

The literature on waste recycling neglects the potential effects that this process can have at the aggregate level, although there are positive externalities which have not emerged in the microeconomic analysis of this phenomenon.This paper investigates the macroeconomic effects of the waste recycling process, with particular reference to a country, such as Italy, which uses many foreign non-renewable resources. We use the Keynesian multiplier theory as a theoretical framework to evaluate the potential results of an increase in waste recycling on the gross national product, the balance of payments and employment. In such a way the policy maker can better evaluate whether to promote the process considered here rather than discharging the waste in the environment.     

A performance-based tabular approach for joint systematic improvement of risk control and resilience applied to telecommunication grid,gas network,and ultrasound localization system

Environment Systems and Decisions - Organizational and technical approaches have proven successful in increasing the performance and preventing risks at socio-technical systems at all scales....     

The clinical impact of the first-trimester nuchal translucency between the 95th–99th percentiles

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical significance of nuchal translucency (NT) between the 95th–99th percentile in terms of typical and atypical chromosomal abnormalities (ACAs), associated fetal congenital defects and postnatal outcome.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of fetuses with NT between the 95th–99th percentile. Data regarding the rate of associated fetal defects, genetic abnormalities and postnatal outcome were collected.

Results

A total of 306 cases of fetuses with an NT between the 95th–99th percentiles were included. The overall rate of genetic abnormalities was 12.1% (37/306). Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 10.1% (31/306) of cases and 2% were ACA (6/306). Within this group, two were pathogenic Copy Number Variants (CNVs) and four were single gene disorders. The overall rate of fetal congenital defects was 13.7% (42/306). All ACAs were found in fetuses with congenital defects. Postnatally, a new diagnosis of a single gene disorder was made in 0.85% of cases (2/236).

Conclusions

The presence of an NT between the 95th–99th percentiles carries a 10-fold increased risk of fetal defects, representing an indication for referral for a detailed fetal anatomy evaluation. The risk of ACA is mainly related to the presence of fetal defects, irrespective of the combined test risk.