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The work presented here focused on the extraction of gold (Au), silver (Ag) and palladium (Pd) from electronic waste using a solution of ammonium thiosulfate. Thiosulfate was used as a valid alternative to cyanide for precious metal extractions, due to its non-toxicity and high selectivity. The interactions between sodium thiosulfate, total ammonia/ammonium, precious metal concentrations and the particle size of the waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) were studied by the response surface methodology (RSM) and the principal component analysis (PCA) to maximize precious metal mobilization. Au extraction reached a high efficiency with a granulometry of less than 0.25 mm, but the consumption of reagents was high. On the other hand, Ag extraction depended neither on thiosulfate/ammonia concentration nor granulometry of WPCBs and it showed efficiency of 90% also with the biggest particle size (0.50 < Ø < 1.00 mm). Pd extraction, similarly to Au, showed the best efficiency with the smallest and the medium WPCB sizes, but required less reagents compared to Au. The results showed that precious metal leaching is a complex process (mainly for Au, which requires more severe conditions in order to achieve high extraction efficiencies) correlated with reagent concentrations, precious metal concentrations and WPCB particle sizes. These results have great potentiality, suggesting the possibility of a more selective recovery of precious metals based on the different granulometry of the WPCBs. Furthermore, the high extraction efficiencies obtained for all the metals bode well in the perspective of large-scale applications.

Introduction: Intradiploic pseudomeningoceles, also called intradiploic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas, are abnormal CSF collections between the two bony tables of the calvaria resulting from postsurgical CSF leakage. To date, only six cases of intradiploic pseudomeningocele have been reported, all occurring in the occipital area. In this paper, we report the seventh case of late-onset occipital intradiploic pseudomeningocele (OIP) occurring in a young female patient who underwent surgery for the removal of a cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma. In this regard, we also review the literature on the few recognized cases of OIP. Case Presentation: The case of an 18-year-old female patient known to our institute for an operation 12 years earlier to remove a pilocytic astrocytoma is illustrated. At admission, the patient complained only of occasional orthostatic headache. Brain imaging demonstrated a pseudomeningocele extended intradiploically from the occipital squama to the condylar and clivus regions, thinning both occipital bone tables and dilating the CSF-filled diploe. Watertight duroplasty and cranioplasty were effectively performed. Conclusion: Pediatric patients undergoing posterior cranial fossa craniotomy/craniectomy may postoperatively develop OIP. In this setting, treatment of any dural CSF fistula should be considered because of the risk of progressive extension and bone erosion.

BACKGROUND Takotsubo syndrome (TS) represents a form of nonischemic cardiomyopathy characterized by sudden and temporary weakening of the myocardium. Many data suggest a primary role for sympathetic overstimulation in its pathogenesis. Nevertheless, these correlates are less easily identified during anesthesia. OBSERVATIONS A 50-year-old female patient with a 4-year history of drug-resistant left trigeminal neuralgia. She was scheduled for surgical microvascular decompression. In the operating room, after induction of general anesthesia and oral intubation, the electrocardiogram revealed a significant ST segment elevation along with a sudden decrease in systolic blood pressure and heart rate. Administration of atropine caused a conversion into ventricular tachycardia. The advanced cardiac life support protocols were applied with prompt defibrillation and rapid recovery at sinus rhythm. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed apical akinesia with ballooning of the left ventricle with a reduction of systolic function. An emergency coronary arteriography was performed, showing normal epicardial coronary vessels. After 4 days, echocardiography revealed normalization of the left ventricular function with improvement of the ejection fraction. LESSONS In patients affected by trigeminal neuralgia, chronic pain can lead to a state of adrenergic hyperactivation, which can promote TS during the induction of general anesthesia, probably through the trigeminocardiac reflex.

Introduction Macular neovascularization (MNV) is a common complication of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although several biomarkers may help to estimate the risk of MNV onset, neovascular complication is difficult to predict. Previous studies showed that the quantitative assessment of choroidal and choriocapillaris changes is useful for the assessment of atrophy expansion. On the other hand, scant data are available regarding the role of this kind of assessment in the setting of MNV. The aim of the study is to analyze choroidal and choriocapillaris changes occurring before the onset of MNV in patients affected by AMD using quantitative optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). Methods The study was designed as a retrospective case series. Patients affected by AMD, categorized in eyes complicated by MNV and eyes not developing MNV, were retrospectively analyzed for 1 year of follow-up. Choroidal thickness (CT), Sattler layer thickness (SLT) and Haller layer thickness (HLT) were measured on OCT scans. Vessel density (VD) and choriocapillaris (CC) porosity were quantified on OCTA reconstructions. The main outcome measure was the relationship between choroidal and CC parameters, and MNV onset. Results We included 50 eyes of 50 AMD patients (28 male; mean age 74 ± 5 years). Over the 1-year follow-up, 15/50 eyes developed MNV (9 type 1; 3 type 2; 3 mixed type 1–2). Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.15 ± 0.15 logMAR at baseline, remaining stable in eyes not developing MNV (0.15 ± 0.12 logMAR; p > 0.05), and worsening to 0.38 ± 0.20 logMAR in eyes developing MNV (p

PURPOSE Macular neovascularization (MNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration can be characterized by quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography. The aim of the study was to assess the evolution of quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography parameters after 1 year of antivascular endothelial growth factor injections. METHODS Naive age-related macular degeneration-related MNV eyes were prospectively recruited to analyze optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography parameters, including MNV vessel tortuosity (VT) and reflectivity, at baseline and at the end of the follow-up. Macular neovascularization eyes were categorized by a MNV VT cutoff, and quantitative parameter variations were documented after 1 year of treatment. We divided MNV eyes into Group 1 (MNV VT 8.40). RESULTS Thrity naive age-related macular degeneration-related MNV eyes (30 patients) were included. Our cohort included 18 Type 1 MNV and 12 Type 2 MNV lesions. Baseline central macular thickness (411 ± 85 µm) improved to 323 ± 54 µm at 1 year (P < 0.01). Only Group 1 MNV displayed significant visual improvement. Macular neovascularization VT values remained stable over the follow-up in both subgroups. Group 2 MNV eyes showed increased MNV reflectivity and increased MNV area at the end of the follow-up. Quantitative retinal capillary plexa parameters were found to be worse in Group 2 MNV. Outer retinal atrophy occurred in 2 of the 18 eyes in MNV Group 1 (11%) and in 6 of the 12 eyes in MNV Group 2 (50%) after 1 year. Vessel density proved to be always worse in Group 2 than in Group 1. CONCLUSION Macular neovascularization VT provides information on the blood flow and identifies two subgroups with different final anatomical and visual outcomes, regardless of the treatment effect.

The aim of the present study was to describe foveal eversion patterns in diabetic macular edema (DME) and to assess their relationship with the course of the disease and the outcome. The study was designed as prospective, observational, with two years of follow-up. DME patients were divided in two groups, one treated by combined anti-VEGF injections and dexamethasone (DEX) implants, and the other treated by fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant with additional anti-VEGF retreatments if needed. Main outcome measures were foveal eversion prevalence, foveal eversion patterns, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), structural OCT metrics, number of intravitreal injections. One hundred and forty-six eyes (146 patients; 80 males; mean age 67 ± 8 years) affected by already treated DME, with 84 eyes treated with anti-VEGF/DEX treatments (mean of 10 ± 3 injections) and 62 treated with FAc implant. Looking at the treatments administered before the inclusion into the study, 84 eyes (58%) were treated with anti-VEGF injections, whereas 62 eyes (42%) underwent a combination of anti-VEGF and corticosteroids implants. DME eyes showed statistically significant improvements of LogMAR BCVA and CMT over the 2-year follow-up. Foveal eversion was found in 83 eyes (57%), categorized as follows: Pattern 1a (16;19%); Pattern 1b (22;27%) and Pattern 2 (45;54%). BCVA improvement was detected in all the subgroups, excepting for Pattern 2, which showed also significantly worse structural OCT parameters. Pattern 1b and Pattern 2 were characterized by significantly higher prevalence of persistent DME (64% and 89% of cases, respectively). Foveal eversion patterns were correlated with progressively worse DME outcome. Foveal eversion may be associated to the loss of foveal homeostasis, with consequent poor response to intravitreal treatments and worse DME outcome.

Background: To perform a quantitative optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA) analysis of macular neovascularization (MNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD), with the aim of highlighting quantitative features indicating different clinical entities. Methods: Study design: prospective, interventional. We recruited patients affected by AMD, CSC or BVMD, complicated by naive MNV. All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination and multimodal imaging. They were treated with anti-VEGF injections, following a pro-re-nata regimen. The ensuing follow-up lasted 1 year. Quantitative dye-based angiography, OCT, and OCTA parameters were analysed to obtain cutoff values able to distinguish two clinically different patient subgroups for each retinal disease. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness, vessel density of superficial, deep and choriocapillaris plexa, vessel tortuosity (VT) of MNV, vessel dispersion of MNV, number of injections, MNV/leakage ratio, MNV size, speckled fluorescence, and outer retinal atrophy. Results: Ninety-eight eyes affected by MNV (98 patients) were analysed. These included 66 eyes affected by AMD, 18 displaying CSC, and 14 eyes with BVMD. BCVA was alike in the three groups, both at baseline and after 1 year (p > 0.05). An MNV VT cutoff of 8.40 at baseline detected two patient subgroups differing significantly in terms of morpho-functional features, found both at baseline and at the end of the follow-up. Conclusions: Quantitative OCTA suggested that the MNV’s VT might be able to provide a better characterization of two different morpho-functional manifestations in AMD, CSC and BVMD.

Intradiploic pseudomeningoceles, also called intradiploic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas, are abnormal CSF collections between the two bony tables of the calvaria resulting from postsurgical CSF leakage. To date, only six cases of intradiploic pseudomeningocele have been reported, all occurring in the occipital area. In this paper, we report the seventh case of late-onset occipital intradiploic pseudomeningocele (OIP) occurring in a young female patient who underwent surgery for the removal of a cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma. In this regard, we also review the literature on the few recognized cases of OIP.The case of an 18-year-old female patient known to our institute for an operation 12 years earlier to remove a pilocytic astrocytoma is illustrated. At admission, the patient complained only of occasional orthostatic headache. Brain imaging demonstrated a pseudomeningocele extended intradiploically from the occipital squama to the condylar and clivus regions, thinning both occipital bone tables and dilating the CSF-filled diploe. Watertight duroplasty and cranioplasty were effectively performed.Pediatric patients undergoing posterior cranial fossa craniotomy/craniectomy may postoperatively develop OIP. In this setting, treatment of any dural CSF fistula should be considered because of the risk of progressive extension and bone erosion.

Background: To investigate optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) quantitative parameters associated with macular neovascularization (MNV) size modifications in age-related macular degeneration.Methods: Study design was prospective, with 1-year of follow-up. All the included MNV eyes were treated by anti-VEGF intravitreal injections. Quantitative OCTA parameters, including MNV vessel tortuosity (VT) and MNV reflectivity, were calculated. Post-hoc analyses assessed the correlation between quantitative OCTA metrics and MNV size modifications.Results: A total of 28 MNV eyes of 28 patients were included. Baseline LogMAR BCVA was 0.36 ± 0.21 LogMAR, improved to 0.28 ± 0.22 Log-MAR after 1-year (p < 0.01), with a mean number of 8 ± 3 anti-VEGF injections. Eyes characterized by high MNV VT values group showed worse outcome and higher increases of MNV size. A mean MNV reflectivity value of 101 was associated with a high probability of changes in MNV size. MNV growth was also influenced by the type of MNV, with type 2 and mixed type lesions showing increases in MNV size, unlike type 1 MNV. These factors showed a cumulative effect in determining MNV size modifications. In most of the cases, we observed MNV size increases. Conversely, MNV lesions characterized by low MNV VT values may experience size reductions over the follow-up (34% of cases). The number of intravitreal injections had no significant influence on MNV size changes.Conclusions: Quantitative OCTA allowed to discriminate highly perfused MNV lesions, providing a basis to predict MNV size modifications and the direction of MNV expansion.

To assess the relationship between choroidal overall and sublayer thickness and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) stage progression.A prospective, observational case series was performed. Two hundred and sixty-two eyes of 262 patients with different stages of AMD were imaged by optical coherence tomography. Age-related macular degeneration stage, choroidal thickness, Sattler layer-choriocapillaris complex thickness (SLCCT), and Haller layer thickness were determined at the baseline visit, at a 1-year follow-up visit, at a 2-year follow up visit, and at a final visit (performed after a mean of 5 ± 1 year from the baseline visit).Baseline AMD stages were distributed as follows: early AMD (30 eyes; 12%), intermediate AMD (97 eyes; 39%), and late AMD (126 eyes; 49%). At the final follow-up, AMD stages were so distributed: early AMD (14 eyes; 6%), intermediate AMD (83 eyes; 33%), and late AMD (156 eyes; 61%). Each group showed a statistically significant decrease in choroidal thickness values over the entire follow-up ( P0.001), and SLCCT reduction was associated with AMD progression ( P0.001). Moreover, SLCCT quantitative cutoffs of20.50 µ m and10.5 µ m were associated with a moderate and high probability of AMD progression, respectively, and SLCCT quantitative cutoffs of18.50 µ m and8.50 µ m implied a moderate and high probability of macular neovascularization onset, respectively.Progressive choroidal impairment contributes to AMD progression. Among choroidal layers, a reduced SLCCT is a promising biomarker of disease worsening, and its quantitative evaluation could help to identify patients at higher risk of stage advancement.

To describe the future steps and advances in the field of ocular imaging in uveitis.Narrative review.There have been numerous advances in the field of imaging in uveitis in the past decade. Advanced techniques of imaging of the vitreous, vitreo-retinal interface, retinochoroid, and the sclera can provide significant information that helps in understanding the disease pathogenesis and manifestations. Imaging also helps in establishing a diagnosis in challenging cases, along with the laboratory and other assays. Notable developments in ocular imaging include wide-field and ultra-wide field imaging (including angiographies), automated quantification of the retinochoroidal vasculature using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography, quantification of vitreous cells, and intraoperative use of imaging in uveitis, among others.We have summarized several technological achievements in ocular imaging in the field of uveitis and provided insights into the potential future developments.

Drawing on learning and generational theory, we investigate the effect of socio-economic and contextual conditions on managerial learning and organizational development. Using data from 3657 managers across 20 countries, we untangle the interactive effect of national culture and generational cohort on learning goal orientation (LGO). Managers from younger generations (e.g. generation X) had a stronger LGO than those in older generations (e.g. Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1959). Performance orientation (PO) moderated the relationships so that the gap was stronger in high PO cultures. A validation of a model using hierarchical linear modelling (HLM) supports a cross-level moderation model of PO on LGO. Our study provides important first evidence of the value of the multilevel analysis to understanding LGO in different groups of managers, improving scholarly capacity to understand the multilevel and cross-level effects that govern the workplace. It also supports cross-level studies for the development of global managers from different generational groups. We extend LGO research by identifying the contextual influence and how this impacts on the behaviour of managers across different societal ‘structures’ (e.g. generations) and societies (e.g. cultures). The results provide practical suggestions that make a difference in the workplace.

To investigate the morphological retinal parameters associated with retinal sensitivity status in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) through a quantitative multimodal imaging approach.The study was designed as an observational, prospective case series, including RP patients and healthy controls. Multimodal imaging included fundus autofluorescence (FAF), structural optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA) and microperimetry (MP). The follow-up lasted 12 months. For each imaging modality, we performed an overall quantitative analysis and a detailed investigation based on the ETDRS-9 sectors grid. Quantitative parameters included the thickness of each retinal and choroidal layer, vessel density (VD), choriocapillaris porosity (CCP), FAF intensity and MP retinal sensitivity.We included 40 eyes (40 patients) affected by RP and 40 healthy eyes (40 controls). Mean baseline BCVA was 0.14 ± 0.18 LogMAR, with 0.18 ± 0.24 LogMAR after 1-year of follow-up. RP eyes showed statistically significant alterations of retinal and choroidal layers on the ETDRS-9 sectors grid, significant reduction of VD values and MP retinal sensitivity, and significantly higher CCP than controls. The inner retinal layers proved closely associated with the functional integrity of the posterior pole. In addition, our ROC analysis provided quantitative cutoffs connected significantly with a high probability of observing a partial sparing of MP retinal sensitivity.The inner retinal layers are closely associated with the functional integrity of the posterior pole in RP. FAF intensity reduction may be interpreted as lipofuscin metabolism impairment inducing increased phototoxic distress for retinal structures. Vascular involvement contributes to the morpho-functional deterioration of the macular region in RP.

An innovative cryo-mechano-hydrometallurgical process (named LIBAT) was demonstrated at pilot scale for the treatment of EOL lithium primary batteries with chemistry Li(0)-MnO2. The process allowed the recycling of steel scraps from external cases after cryomechanical dismantling, and the recovery of Mn and Li products after hydrometallurgical processing. During demonstration activities, about nine tons of batteries were treated in the cryomechanical section, and one ton of black mass was treated in the hydrometallurgical section for the recovery of Mn hydroxides and Li2CO3. The environmental impacts of the process were evaluated in comparison with an innovative pyrometallurgical approach allowing Li recovery, confirming the benefits of the proposed process due to a reduction in energy consumption. Process simulations were performed considering different mixture feeds (only Li primary, or mixture with Li-ion batteries) and process options (only the cryomechanical section of the integral process) to assess the lower limits of potentiality that would ensure economic sustainability.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization Department declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic, as a consequence of its rapid spread on all continents. The COVID-19 pandemic has been not only a health emergency but also a serious general problem as fear of contagion and severe restrictions put economic and social activity on hold in many countries. Considering the close link between human and animal health, COVID-19 might infect wild and companion animals, and spawn dangerous viral mutants that could jump back and pose an ulterior threat to us. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the pandemic, with a particular focus on the clinical manifestations in humans and animals, the different diagnosis methods, the potential transmission risks, and their potential direct impact on the human–animal relationship.

Within management studies and practice, the construct of organizational climate has long been studied, its theoretical value, support to human resource management and organizational development. Despite the sustained interest in this construct, theoretical and terminological inconsistencies have hindered the development of a shared framework. For the vested interest of companies and their persistent use for change management, a summative framework is essential. This study is a systematic review of the major frameworks that are available in the field, and it attempts to surface and summarize the major components of organizational climate. Thirteen compelling dimensions consistently emerged at the foundation of the construct, and these dimensions are Communication, Supervision/Leadership, Team Cohesion, Autonomy/self-governance, Psycho-Physical Environment, Reward Systems/Structures, Innovation, Decision-making, Job Description, Role Meaning and Goals, Coherence between Strategy and Operational Implementation/Fairness, Integration and Dynamism and Freedom of Expression. For each dimension, an operational definition is provided. Therefore, a comprehensive map of the construct is provided for the benefit of academics and practitioners to have a common language and for the development of analytics to be validated across and beyond hierarchy, sector and regional boundaries and an instrument of benchmark.

Background: Gene therapy cannot be yet considered a far perspective, but a tangible therapeutic option in the field of retinal diseases. Although still confined in experimental settings, the preliminary results are promising and provide an overall scenario suggesting that we are not so far from the application of gene therapy in clinical settings. The main aim of this review is to provide a complete and updated overview of the current state of the art and of the future perspectives of gene therapy applied on retinal diseases.Methods: We carefully revised the entire literature to report all the relevant findings related to the experimental procedures and the future scenarios of gene therapy applied in retinal diseases. A clinical background and a detailed description of the genetic features of each retinal disease included are also reported.Results: The current literature strongly support the hope of gene therapy options developed for retinal diseases. Although being considered in advanced stages of investigation for some retinal diseases, such as choroideremia (CHM), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA), gene therapy is still quite far from a tangible application in clinical practice for other retinal diseases.Conclusions: Gene therapy is an extremely promising therapeutic tool for retinal diseases. The experimental data reported in this review offer a strong hope that gene therapy will be effectively available in clinical practice in the next years.

One of the most significant effects of an earthquake is the production of a huge amount of waste. An incorrect management of the rubbles causes relevant environmental damages, economic losses and a psychological impact for the population. In this context, the present manuscript assesses different strategies of waste management, estimating the carbon footprint and the economic impact, in order to define the best choices. Overall, different management options can be applied, that have different costs and impacts on the environment: a temporary storage site could be used, rubbles can be treated through different technologies (either simple crushing or advanced refining), and the treatment can be carried out at different distances from the site of the event. The environmental impact assessment evidenced the importance of an in-situ pre-treatment of the rubbles and of an enhanced refining, addressed at the achievement of high quality inert. On the other hand, the economic analysis suggests that the best option is to transport everything to the treatment site, and to carry out a simple treatment of the rubbles. Consequently, our assessment resulted in conflicting conclusions, where an enhanced treatment of the rubbles is positive, from an environmental point of view, but negative, for the increase in the management costs. The economic criteria are currently pushing any decision taken by the emergency managers; however, the environmental load may have a long-term effect with even more significant economic consequences, and it cannot be neglected.

Acetic acid is an organic acid of great importance globally and the demand of this product is currently increasing. The production of this acid has consequently aroused more and more interest over the years, especially for more sustainable processes. From a biological point of view, acetic acid can be produced by acetogenesis using inorganic substrates like CO2 or CO (with acetogenic bacteria) and aerobic fermentation (with acetic acid bacteria or fungi). With the aim of investigating the progress of technological innovation, the methodology applied by this review was an analysis of the international patents with the Espacenet platform, which ensured a worldwide invention overview. Another criterion was the selection of a precise period of time, from 1990 to 2020. A patent review is able to create an overview of the inventions designed for the real scale implementation, providing a whole picture of the state of the art of the technological innovation change. In addition, the most representative works of literature, that consider the influence of operating conditions (T, pH, oxygenation), have been analysed for each process. The present review, with an innovative approach focused on the technological innovation change, highlighted the ongoing interest for acetic acid bioproduction by acetogenic and acetic acid bacteria. The number of patents related to acetic acid bacteria was consistent also in the past years, but recently the interest is moving forward the utilization of genetic engineering (36% of the patents) and new substrates, like agriculture waste (26% of the patens), responding to circular economy principles. On the other hand, the acetic acid production by acetogenic bacteria is most recent, with over the 90% of the patents developed in the last 10 years. In this case the interest is mainly focused on the use of synthesis gas as substrate, that could increase the process sustainability.

The pathogenesis of diabetic macular edema (DME) is complex. Persistently high blood glucose activates multiple cellular pathways and induces inflammation, oxidation stress, and vascular dysfunction. Retinal ganglion cells, macroglial and microglial cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, and retinal pigment epithelium cells are involved. Neurodegeneration, characterized by dysfunction or apoptotic loss of retinal neurons, occurs early and independently from the vascular alterations. Despite the increasing knowledge on the pathways involved in DME, only limited therapeutic strategies are available. Besides antiangiogenic drugs and intravitreal corticosteroids, alternative therapeutic options tackling inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration have been considered, but none of them has been currently approved.

Recently, many efforts have been made to assess the effectiveness of non-pharmacological therapies as an alternative or supportive option to conventional approaches. Specifically, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has recently raised a great interest and large research efforts. This work represents a retrospective study carried out over seven years (from 2012 to 2019) in 127 patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer&rsquo, s disease. The patients were divided into three groups: an experimental group that received AAT interventions adapted to the formal reality orientation therapy (ROT), a group receiving a formal ROT, and a control group that did not perform any of the previous therapies. All sessions, for all patient groups, were held weekly for a total period of six months. The evaluation of cognitive function was performed through the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), while the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) assessed the depressive state. Test administration to all patients was performed before the start of the first session (T0) and after the last session (T1). The results obtained showed an improvement in the values in the GDS and MMSE tests. The variations between the average MMSE values between T1 and T0 were 0.94 &plusmn, 0.9 (SD), 0.15 &plusmn, 0.62, and &minus, 0.42 &plusmn, 0.45 in the AAT group, ROT group, and control (CTRL) group, respectively. The variations between the average GDS values between T1 and T0 were &minus, 1.12 &plusmn, 1.17 (SD), &minus, 1.21, and 0.12 &plusmn, 0.66 in the AAT group, ROT group, and CTRL group, respectively. Based on our findings, we can therefore affirm how the study carried out confirms the potential of AAT performed by Federico II Model of Healthcare Zooanthropology, and particularly its efficacy in the treatment of cognitive deficits deriving from Alzheimer&rsquo, s disease.

Simple Summary Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) include a wide range of activities aimed at improving the health and well-being of people with the help of pets. Although there have been many studies on the effects of these interventions on animal and human wellbeing and health, univocal data on the methodological aspects, regarding type and duration of intervention, operators, involved animal species, and so on, are still lacking. In this regard, several systematic reviews in the scientific literature have already explored and outlined some methodological aspects of animal-assisted interventions. Therefore, we developed an umbrella review (UR) which summarizes the data of a set of suitable systematic reviews (SRs), in order to clarify how these Interventions are carried out. From our results, it is shown that there is a widespread heterogeneity in the scientific literature concerning the study and implementation of these interventions. These results highlight the need for the development and, consequently, the diffusion of protocols (not only operational, but also research approaches) providing for a univocal use of globally recognized terminologies and facilitating comparison between the numerous experiences carried out and reported in the field. Abstract Recently, animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), which are defined as psychological, educational, and rehabilitation support activities, have become widespread in different contexts. For many years, they have been a subject of interest in the international scientific community and are at the center of an important discussion regarding their effectiveness and the most appropriate practices for their realization. We carried out an umbrella review (UR) of systematic reviews (SRs), created for the purpose of exploring the literature and aimed at deepening the terminological and methodological aspects of AAIs. It is created by exploring the online databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. The SRs present in the high-impact indexed search engines Web of Sciences and Scopus are selected. After screening, we selected 15 SRs that met the inclusion criteria. All papers complained of the poor quality of AAIs; some considered articles containing interventions that did not always correspond to the terminology they have explored and whose operating practices were not always comparable. This stresses the need for the development and consequent diffusion of not only operational protocols, but also research protocols which provide for the homogeneous use of universally recognized terminologies, thus facilitating the study, deepening, and comparison between the numerous experiences described.

Citric acid is considered one of the most valuable weak organic acids on the market and its production by biotechnological approaches is a very interesting topic. Despite the related scientific research, the literature still lacks a state of the art for the technological innovation change, necessary for a study of the inventions designed for real scale implementation. In this context, the present review looks to account for more than 100 worldwide patents (1929–2018), necessary for the identification of the innovative markets and the most promising fields for economic investments. This deepened study identified an increasing invention number, combined with the current worldwide citric acid export flows, with China as the leader (with an economic contribution of 75%, in 2017). In order to satisfy the requests of the market which has moved toward a circular economy, the possibility to use waste substrates represents one of the main options considered in the recent patents. The discussion highlights the sustainability improvement, achieved by the conversion from a submerged technology to a solid-state fermentation (koji process). The listed results are essential for both a scientific audience and the stakeholders involved in citric acid production, in order to have a complete and updated overview of this topic.

As it is now known, we have only one earth available for our life and it is our duty to preserve it [...]

This work presents a review of the international patents dealing with printed circuit board (PCB) recycling. PCBs are present in the majority of electric and electronic devices, and when the appliances reach their end-of-life phase, they need to be properly handled for the presence of valuable and hazardous materials. Many technologies have been developed and reviewed by the scientific community. However, the literature still lacks of a review of international patents, important to understand the technological innovation in this field. For this purpose, the current status of the international patents dealing with PCB recycling since the 1990s is presented. The main technologies for the mechanical treatment, the metal recovery and purification, the non-metal fraction exploitation are described and reviewed. As a whole, the present analysis is fundamental for the effective boost of a circular economy approaches.

The geomorphology of the Italian territory causes the incidence of many disasters like earthquakes and floods, with the consequent production of large volumes of waste. The management of such huge flows, produced in a very short time, may have a high impact on the whole emergency response. Moreover, historical data related to disaster waste management are often not easily accessible; on the other hand, the availability of data concerning previous events could support the emergency managers, that have to take a decision in a very short time. In this context, the present paper analyses four relevant recent case studies in Italy, dealing with disaster waste management after geologic and hydrologic natural events. Significant differences have been observed in the quantity and types of generated wastes, and, also, in the management approach. Such differences are mainly associated with the kind of disaster (i.e. earthquake vs. flood), to the geographical location (i.e. internal vs. coastal area), to the urbanisation level (i.e. industrial vs. urban). The study allowed the identification of both strengths and weaknesses of the applied waste management strategies, that represent “lessons to learn” for future scenarios. Even though it deals with Italian case studies, this manuscript may have a high impact also at international level, making available for the first-time emergency waste management data, that are considered an indispensable support for decision makers.

The strong growth of the electrical and electronic equipment production combined with its short lifespan are causing the production of a significant amount of waste to treat. In particular, the present paper focuses on end-of-life liquid crystal displays (LCDs) for their significant content of valuable materials, like plastic, glass and metals that could be recovered after dismantling. In the recent literature, traditional LCD recycling processes are combined with innovative treatments, which allow to recover critical raw materials, such as indium. In this context, we have evaluated the environmental impact of four different strategies of end-of-life LCD management: the disposal in landfilling sites, the incineration, the traditional recycling treatment and an innovative process also addressed to the recovery of indium. The traditional recycling treatment resulted to be the best scenario for the environment. Indeed, a life cycle assessment study gave following environmental burdens (if negative they are credits): 18, 81, −68, −60 kg CO2-equiv. and 0.08, 0.01, −0.25, −0.18 mol H+-equiv., for the four scenarios in the categories of global warming and acidification, respectively. The limit of the variability of LCD composition was overcome including additional literature data in the study. In order to improve the innovative process sustainability, a system of water recirculation was optimized with a consequent impact decrease of 35% in the global warming category. Nevertheless, this action should be combined with an increase of indium concentration in the panel because the low metal content represents the bottleneck of the overall approach. In this regard, a sensitivity analysis showed that an increase of at least five times in indium concentration in the waste is needed to observe an advantage of the innovative vs the traditional recycling process, when the impact category of climate change is considered. As a whole, the life cycle assessment was confirmed as a key tool for the choice of the best option of WEEE management.

End-of-life liquid crystal displays (LCD) represent a potential source of secondary raw materials for their relevant content of valuable materials, like plastics and metals. Furthermore, the combination of traditional and innovative recycling processes allows the recovery of indium, defined as critical raw material by European Commission. In this context, we have evaluated the environmental impacts of different management scenarios: incineration, the current recycling strategies and more innovative options addressed at indium recovery. Currently, end-of-life monitors are recycled through two different approaches: either manual dismantling, that allows the processing of homogeneous LCD flows, or mechanical treatment, where heterogeneous flows of monitor are processed, to guarantee the continuous operation of the high capacity plant. Such difference does not allow a direct comparison among the two current recycling approaches; however, the three scenarios (incineration vs. current recycling vs. innovative strategies) were assessed for each one of the two recycling approaches. The advantage of the materials recovery was confirmed in both the cases by a life cycle assessment, which showed a whole environmental credit in the range 60-130 kg CO2-equiv., mainly due to the avoided primary production of recovered fractions. Nevertheless, the low indium concentration and the impacts of its recovery make the innovative recycling disadvantageous, if compared to the traditional one. A metal upgrading in the panel, feasible through physical treatments, can overcome this criticality, in the case of manual dismantling. The present study confirmed the life cycle assessment as support tool for the definition of the best option of waste management.

A kinetic study of the process for the copper leaching from printed circuit board, by Fe3+, was reported. A mathematical model, supported by experimental data, considered the mechanisms that control the reaction (chemical reaction, particle or liquid film diffusion). The kinetic of the chemical reaction was studied by two models (pseudo-first and pseudo-second order), with a calculated activation energy of 18-25 kJ/mol. Nevertheless, both the models showed two criticalities: the Cu concentration dependence from the 〖Fe〗_0^(3+) and the 〖Fe〗^(3+) reducing rate. Therefore, a new mathematical model was proposed to predict the recoverable Cu from PCB, by three parameters: the Cu content, the Fe3+ concentration and the temperature. The high reliability of the model makes it an essential tool for the urban mining process optimization.

The growing production of green technologies (such as electric vehicles and systems for renewable electricity production, e.g., wind turbine) is increasing the rare earth element (REE) demands. These metals are considered critical for Europe for their economic relevance and the supply risk. The end-of-life permanent magnets are considered a potential secondary resource of REEs thanks to their content of neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr) or dysprosium (Dy). The scientific literature reports many techniques for permanent magnet recovery. This work used a life cycle assessment (LCA) to identify the most sustainable choice, suggesting the possible improvements to reduce the environmental load. Three different processes are considered: two hydrometallurgical treatments (the first one with HCl and the other one with solid-state chlorination), and a pyrometallurgical technique. The present paper aims to push the stakeholders towards the implementation of sustainable processes for end-of-life permanent magnet exploitation at industrial scale.

The agriculture sector produces significant amounts of organic residues and the choice of the management strategy of these flows affects the environmental sustainability of the sector. The scientific literature is rich with innovative processes for the production of bio-based products (BBP) from agriculture residues, aimed at the implementation of circular economy principles. Based on literature data, the present paper performed a life cycle assessment and assessed the environmental sustainability of five processes for the exploitation of rice and wheat straw, tomato pomace, and orange peel. The analysis identified as significant issues the high energy demand and the use of high impact organic solvent. The comparison of BBP with conventional products showed higher environmental loads for the innovative processes that used organic residues (except for rice straw case). The obtained results do not want to discourage the circular strategy in the agriculture sector, but rather to draw the attention of all stakeholders to the environmental sustainability aspects, focusing on the necessity to decrease the electricity demand and identify ecological agents to use in BBP manufacturing, in agreement with the most recent European policies.

According to the WEEE European directives, efforts must be undertaken to reuse or safely dispose liquid crystal displays (LCD) waste, however no practical process was reported yet, although it is possible to recover glass, plastic and precious metals, in particular indium. Indium is one of the elements included by the European Commission in the list of 20 raw materials critical for economic importance and high supply risk (European Commission, https://ec.europa.eu/ growth/tools-databases/eip-raw-materials/en/system/files/ged/79%20report-b_en.pdf [1]). The work aims to valorize LCD scraps after indium recovery with low cost applications both economically and environmentally speaking. Applications have been explored by many researchers, although most focused only on the use of glass powder waste LCD to design concrete. This work deals the use of LCD scraps as it is after cross-current leaching of indium with H2SO4. The experimental work consists of scraps characterization, washing procedure optimization to remove residual acid, mortar production, performance testing, and life cycle assessment (LCA). The results show that LCD scraps exhibit little or no pozzolanic activity. This delay on reactivity can be ascribed to organic residues that prevent the pozzolanic reaction and/or to a lower fineness than that typical of binders or fillers. For this reason the actual investigation focuses to exploit the waste as partial replacement of traditional aggregates. (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

In 2014, the European Union identified 20 raw materials critical for economic importance and high supply risk. Indium, used in several innovative technologies, is among such critical raw materials. Generally, it is mined as a by-product of zinc from a mineral named sphalerite, with a concentration between 1 and 100 ppm. Currently, the largest producer of indium is China and about 84% of the worldwide indium consumption is used for liquid crystal display (LCD) production, in particular to form an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) film with transparent conductor properties. The fast evolution of LCD technologies caused a double effect: the growth of indium demand and an increase of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Considering these two factors, the aim of this study is to make the end-of-life LCDs a secondary indium resource. With this purpose, an indium recovery process was developed carrying out an acidic leaching, followed by a zinc cementation. The first step allowed a complete indium extraction using 2M sulfuric acid at 80 °C for 10 min. The problem of low indium concentration in the scraps (around 150 ppm) was overcome using a cross-current configuration in the leaching phase that allowed an increase of metal concentration and a decrease of reagents consumption. An indium recovery higher than 90% was obtained in the final cementation step, using 5 g/L of zinc powder at pH 3 and 55 °C for 10 min. Considering its high efficiency, this process is promising in a context of circular economy, where a waste becomes a resource. (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Indium is a critical raw material with economic importance and high supply risk. In the present study, we recovered indium by means of cementation from a leaching solution of waste liquid crystal display panels. Cementation with zinc powder was optimized through the investigation of the effects of different variables (zinc concentration, pH, cementation time) on cementation efficiency and purity of the solid product. Almost all the indium present in the leaching solution passed to the solid phase when cementation was performed with a low (2–5 g/L), a medium (15–20 g/L) and a high (100 g/L) concentration of zinc, at pH 3. At pH 2, a complete cementation was obtained only with the highest concentration of zinc. Moreover, the highest purity of the indium product (62% indium percentage in the solid product, calculated in the 4-metal system indium-aluminum-calcium-iron) was achieved after a cementation of 10 min, whereas the presence of impurities increased with time. An empirical model successfully fitted the experimental data and suggested that the highest purity of the cemented product was expected at pH 2. A quantification of the environmental impact of the process for indium recovery from end-of-life liquid crystal display panels was also carried out through a life cycle analysis approach, and it outlined that relevant benefits to the environment were obtained thanks to the recovery of indium from waste electric and electronic equipment. The results obtained in the present study are promising since this is the first time that cementation was applied to a leaching solution of waste liquid crystal display panels. In this paper we found that indium cementation took place also with low concentrations of zinc at pH 3, allowing important reagent saving. Investigations in progress are aimed at increasing the purity of indium and at improving the environmental sustainability of the process. The approach presented here is considered extremely useful in the frame of urban mining strategies. It can help ensure progress towards sustainable societies, encourage industrial innovation of the recycling companies and the implementation of cleaner processes.

This study uses Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) to compare three process design alternatives for treating wastewater from galvanic industry. The proposed processes have been developed in according to a zero-liquid discharge, ZLD, approach and included reverse osmosis for the concentration, evaporation and crystallization of salts, mainly calcium chloride. The various scenarios differ for the type of utilities used for the operation (steam and as alternative hot water from thermal waste) and from an optimization of the crystallization step that provided an energy recovery from distillate. Results show that by using thermal waste as utilities for the operation of evaporation, crystallization and the optimization of crystallization unit is the most environmentally and economically favourable alternative.

Coastal sediments subjected to high anthropogenic impacts can accumulate large amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals, demanding effective and eco-sustainable remediation solutions. In this study, we carried out bioremediation experiments on marine sediments highly contaminated with PAHs and metals. In particular, we investigated the effects of biostimulation (by the addition of inorganic nutrients), bioaugmentation (by the addition of fungi belonging to Aspergillus sp.) and microbial fuel cell-based strategies on PAH degradation and on changes in metal partitioning. Results reported here indicate that all biotreatments determined a significant decrease of PAH concentrations (at least 60%) in a relatively short time interval (few weeks) and that biostimulation was the most effective approach (>90%). Biostimulation determined a faster degradation rate of high than low molecular weight PAHs, indicating a preferential biodegradation of specific PAH congeners. At the same time, the biotreatments changed the partitioning of metals, including their solubilization, suggesting the need of parallel environmental risk assessment. Our findings also suggest that ex situ biotreatments can have a lower carbon footprint than current management options of contaminated sediments (i.e., landfill disposal and/or disposal in confined aquatic facilities), but integration with other strategies for metal removal (e.g. through bioleaching) from sediments is needed for their safe re-use. Overall, results presented here provide new insights into the development of effective and eco-sustainable bioremediation strategies for the reclamation of highly contaminated marine sediments.

Polymetallic nodules on abyssal seafloor represent a major reservoir of valuable metals. Here we analysed fungal-mediated leaching of metals from nodules collected at ca. 5000 m depth in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone of the Pacific Ocean. The bioleaching efficiency of Aspergillus and a mixed cultures of A. niger and Trichoderma sp., at different growing conditions, were investigated and compared to chemical treatments using citric acid. 11 days of treatment with A. niger growing in optimal medium conditions, produced the best result with the extraction of more than 80% of Mn, Cu, Ni, and 70% and 30% of Co and Fe, respectively. Our findings suggest that biotechnological processes can be a sustainable approach in terms of carbon footprint reduction compared to chemical strategies. Results presented here provide the potential of fungal-mediated leaching and pave the way for the development of effective and eco-sustainable biotechnologies for the metal recovery from deep-sea nodules.

The circularity represents the key strategy of the modern economy, where the waste becomes a raw material, ready to be reprocessed for a second life. In this context, the main aim of the present work was the development of a sustainable process for the recovery of Cu and Zn from end-of-life printed circuit boards (PCBs). The exploitation of this hazardous waste produces a double effect: the recovery of metals, suitable for the current metal market, and the avoided disposal of scraps produced worldwide. The process allowed to exceed the limits of several approaches reported in the literature, mainly due to the highest consumptions (both energy and raw materials) and the loss of Zn content. The best identified conditions, suitable for the treatment of both chemical and bio- leach liquor included: the Fe precipitation with sodium hydroxide, followed by the Cu cementation with Zn (Zn/Cu molar ratio of 1.1) and a final Zn precipitation with oxalic acid (O.A./Zn molar ratio of 1.5). The metals showed recovery efficiencies higher than 95% and purities up to 95%. An efficient recirculation system contributes to the sustainability growth, as confirmed by the carbon footprint assessment, towards the implementation of a zero waste treatment. Future perspective should include the further exploitation of the residue, rich in precious metals.

The increase of waste from electric and electronic equipment has pushed the research towards the development of high sustainability treatments for their exploitation. The end-of-life printed circuit boards (PCBs) represent one of the most significant waste in this class. The interest for these scraps is due to the high Cu and Zn content, with concentrations around 25% and 2% respectively, combined with further precious metals (e.g. Au, Ag, Pd). Currently, the most common approaches developed for PCBs recycling include pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical treatments. On the other hand, biohydrometallurgical strategies are gaining increasing prominence, for the possibility to decrease both the environmental and the economic costs. Nevertheless, these techniques show the main limit due to the possibility to treat low quantities of waste, which makes unsustainable the further scale-up. To overcome this criticality, the present paper introduces an innovative bioleaching process carried out by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (At. ferrooxidans) and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans (L. ferrooxidans). The developed technology allows to reach high PCB concentration, up to 5% (w/v), thanks to a high efficiency two-step design, able to reduce the metal toxicity on the bacteria metabolism. The treatment uses the ferric iron generated by bacterial oxidation, as oxidant, to leach Cu and Zn from PCBs. The possibility to overcome the solid concentration criticality is combined with high yield of 94% and 70% for Cu and Zn, respectively. The best selected conditions involve the At. ferrooxidans bacteria use at: 30 °C, solid concentration of 5% (w/v), 10 g/L of Fe2+, time of treatment 9 days. The experimental results are further enhanced by the carbon footprint assessment which proved the environmental advantage, compared to both the reference chemical treatment through ferric iron and literature processes (hydrometallurgical and bioleaching approaches). The analysis explained as the PCBs concentration in the solution allows to decrease the bioreactor size with the consequent reduction of energy and raw material demand. This benefit can be translated into a 4 times reduction of the CO2-eq./kg treated PCB emissions, compared to the best bioleaching processes, reported in the literature.

A huge quantity of end-of-life liquid crystal displays (LCD) is collected, every year, around the world. Nowadays, this equipment is disassembled, for the removal of hazardous components (e.g. the backlight fluorescent lamps), and the resulting panel is stored. The reason is the significant content of valuable fractions (e.g. glass, metals and liquid crystals) and the lack of a recycling process, sustainable from an economic and an environmental point of view. Considering the relevance of this critical issue, the scientific community focused on the development of different recovery strategies, summarized in several available reviews. Nevertheless, the literature has not yet dealt with the technological innovation aspect. With the aim of filling this gap, the present review presents the international patents about LCD recycling, from 1999 to 2017, using the Espacenet platform, that has access to all the most relevant patent databases worldwide. The inventions include a first waste disassembling, followed by the classification of the target fractions and the recovery of metal (e.g. indium, indium tin oxide) and non-metal (e.g. glass, polarizing film, liquid crystal) components.

Rapid technological development has caused considerable growth of the liquid crystal display (LCD) market. Considering their average lifetime of between 3 and 8 years, the management of end-of-life LCDs represents a modern critical issue. Nevertheless, this kind of waste could also represent a source of secondary raw materials, especially indium, a metal classified as a critical raw material by the European Commission, on the basis of supply risk. This element is present, in oxide form, in the indium tin oxide film, an optoelectronic material with characteristics of transparency to visible light, electric conduction, and thermal reflection. Currently, no commercial recycling processes are available but many researches have focused on the optimization of high-efficiency treatments, carried out at different conditions. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the hydrometallurgical approaches developed for indium recovery and the final valorization of end-of-life LCD.

Using qualitative data collected from interviews and focus groups of senior leaders from five global companies operating in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa, this study makes two important contributions to the theory of globally responsible leadership. First, it depicts a framework of catalysts and drivers for sustainability for use by responsible leaders. Second, it develops a framework of globally responsible leadership that covers eight components of responsible leadership. These frameworks will benefit both scholars and practitioners in the fields of leadership and sustainability.

A compilação global do trabalho define o limite da pesquisa dentro da acepção de Meio Aquático, tanto no sentido topográfico quanto geomorfológico, junto com os aspectos literários e históricos e mais propriamente arqueológicos. É na arqueologia que se foca o presente contributo, em particular na funcionalidade das embarcações, ou seja do presumível Qarib Islâmico, veículo do contacto cultural, técnico quanto metodológico, na esfera da construção naval.

End-of-life liquid crystal displays (LCD) represent a possible source of secondary raw materials, mainly glass and an optoelectronic film composed of indium (90%) and tin (10%) oxides. A strong interest for indium, classified as critical raw material, pushed research towards the development of high-efficiency recycling processes. Nevertheless, a deepened study of the technological innovation highlighted that only a small number of treatments included use of whole waste. Furthermore, these processes often need high temperatures, long times, and raw materials that have a significant environmental impact. In this context, this article shows an approach developed in accordance with the &ldquo, zero waste&rdquo, principles for whole, end-of-life LCD panel recycling. This process includes preliminary grinding, followed by cross-current acid leaching and indium recovery by zinc cementation, with efficiencies greater than 90%. A recirculation system further increases sustainability of the process. To enhance all waste fractions, glass cullets from leaching are used for concrete production, avoiding their disposal in landfill sites. Considering the achieved efficiencies, combined the simple design suitable for real-scale application (as confirmed by the related patent pending), this process represents an excellent example of implementing circular economy pillars.