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This study investigated fluoride contamination in groundwater and associated health risks in the Badin district of Pakistan. Fifty-seven groundwater samples were analyzed for fluoride, turbidity, iron, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Pollution indices and health risk models were employed to assess contamination levels and potential health impacts. Results showed that 47 % of samples exceeded the WHO fluoride limit of 1.5 mg/L, with a mean concentration of 1.92 mg/L. Spatial analysis revealed high contamination in northern and southern areas. Health risk assessments indicated that children, particularly females, faced the highest risk of fluorosis. TDS, turbidity, and iron levels also exceeded WHO limits in significant portions of the samples. This investigation uniquely combines multiple pollution indicators, spatial analysis, and age-specific health risk assessments, presenting vibrant insights for targeted interventions, policy development, and resource allocation to address this critical public health issue in fluoride-endemic regions.

Abstract This study provides insights into the tectonic evolution of the normal Mt Morrone Fault System (MMFS) in Central Italy and highlights the utility of multidisciplinary approaches in reconstructing the seismic history of dormant fault systems. The MMFS comprises two parallel normal faults that traverse the western slope of Mt. Morrone, and although the system can produce M > 6 earthquakes, it has been aseismic in post Roman times. Here, we combine geochemical analysis of carbonate fault‐scarp samples with new structural fault data and Lidar‐based topographic analysis to provide new constraints on fault geometries and kinematics, the paleo‐earthquake history of MMFS since the Last Glacial Maximum and its slip rates. Structural analysis reveals kinematic similarities between the two parallel strands, reflecting their response to the same stress regime. Rare Earth Elements analyses on 53 limestone samples reveal a minimum of eight concentration fluctuations upscarp, here interpreted as tectonic exhumation of the fault scarp due to post LGM earthquakes. Slip per event ranges from 30 to 110 cm typical of earthquakes with 6.3 ≤ M ≤ 6.8. Lidar analysis reveals triangular slip profiles on both fault strands. We estimate that an earthquake with an average M = 6.5–6.6 would have a recurrence interval of ∼2,125 ± 125 years. Slip rates were calculated to be 0.5–0.65 mm/yr on the lower and 0.65–0.7 mm/yr on the upper fault strand, with the combined system having slip rates of 0.62–0.69 mm/yr. Our findings indicate that both strands of the MMFS are active and accumulate slip interdependently, a finding that is critical for seismic hazard assessment.

Victor Andrighetti Coronado Antunes,1 José de Mello Rosatelli Neto,2,3 Bernardo Kaplan Moscovici,2,4,5 Daniel Filipe Oliveira Rabelo,2 Victor Akio Sano,3 Richard Yudi Hida2,6 1Instituto de Olhos de Assis (IOA), Assis, São Paulo, Brazil; 2Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 3HOFTALMED – Eye Hospital, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil; 4Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Visão Laser, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil; 5Instituto Suel Abujamra, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 6Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilCorrespondence: Bernardo Kaplan Moscovici, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Cayowwa 854, ap 82, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05018-001, Brazil, Tel +55 11996140730, Email bernardokaplan@yahoo.com.br.brPurpose: We describe an alternative automated technique that consists of simultaneous anterior capsule puncture and decompression of the capsular bag by using an insulin needle attached to the aspiration tubing of the phacoemulsification device to prevent the occurrence of the “Argentinian Flag sign” during capsulorhexis in intumescent cataract.Setting: Instituto de Olhos de Assis and Center of Specialties Hoftalmed, located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.Design: Prospective interventional study.Methods: Eighty-eight eyes of 88 patients with white or intumescent cataracts were included in this study. Routine clear cornea incision, capsule staining with trypan blue, intracameral anesthesia, and ophthalmic viscoelastic device were used before the procedure. A 26-gauge needle was connected to the phacoemulsification aspiration tubing using a double male Luer connector for irrigation, and aspiration was inserted into the anterior chamber through a new paracentesis incision with the bevel facing down. Immediately after insertion, automated aspiration of the liquefied cortex was performed to remove anterior intralenticular material and achieve capsular decompression. Compression of the nucleus with the needle tip was performed to remove any liquefied material trapped between the posterior surface of the nucleus and the posterior capsule. All surgeries were performed using the same phacoemulsification and parameters. The rate of complete continuous capsulorhexis was observed and noted.Results: No complications were observed in any of the cases. A single-stage, continuous, and well-centered capsulorhexis was achieved in 100% of cases.Conclusion: We conclude that a simultaneous puncture and decompression of the capsular bag using an insulin needle attached to the aspiration tubing of the phacoemulsification machine effectively avoided the “Argentinian Flag sign” in intumescent cataract surgery.Keywords: intumescent cataract, complication, white cataract, capsulorhexis, capsulotomy, cataract surgery, Argentinian flag

Urban trees are crucial in delivering essential ecosystem services, including air pollution mitigation. This service is influenced by plant associated microbiomes, which can degrade hydrocarbons, support tree health, and influence ecological processes. Yet, our understanding of tree microbiomes remains limited, thus affecting our ability to assess and quantify the ecosystem services provided by trees as complex systems. The main hypothesis of this work was that tree microbiomes concur to hydrocarbon biodegradation, and was tested through three case studies, which collectively investigated two tree micro-habitats (phyllosphere and tree cavity organic soil—TCOS) under various conditions representing diverse ecological scenarios, by applying different culture-based and molecular techniques and at different scales. The integration of all results provided a more comprehensive understanding of the role of microbiomes in urban trees. Firstly, bacterial strains isolated from the phyllosphere of Quercus ilex were characterized, indicating the presence of Plant-Growth Promoting bacteria and strains able to catabolize PAHs, particularly naphthalene and phenanthrene. Secondly, naphthalene biodegradation on artificially spiked Hedera helix leaves was quantified in greenhouse experiments on inoculated and untreated plants. The persistence of the inoculated strain and community structure of epiphytic bacteria were assessed by Illumina sequencing of V5–V6 hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA gene. Results showed that naphthalene degradation was initially faster on inoculated plants but later the degradation rates became similar, probably because bacterial populations with hydrocarbon-degrading abilities gradually developed also on non-inoculated plants. Finally, we explored bacterial and fungal biodiversity hosted by TCOS samples, collected from six large trees located in an urban park and belonging to different species. Microbial communities were characterized by Illumina sequencing of V5–V6 hypervariable regions of bacterial gene 16S rRNA and of fungal ITS1. Results indicated TCOS as a distinct substrate, whose microbiome is determined both by the host tree and by canopy environmental conditions and has a pronounced aerobic hydrocarbon degradation potential. Overall, a better assessment of biodiversity associated with trees and the subsequent provision of ecosystem services constitute a first step toward developing future new microbe-driven sustainable solutions, especially in terms of support for urban green planning and management policy.

Abstract This research delves into the investigation of a ceramic sample discovered in the southern sector of the Durrës Amphitheatre, with a primary focus on comprehending its composition, origin, and cultural importance. The sample reveals similarities with protostonepaste through meticulous chemical analysis, yet a more profound correlation with protostonepaste concerning normative composition. Despite its porcelain-like external appearance, the ceramic demonstrates chemical consistency with a finely balanced amalgamation of crushed kaolinised leucogranite, frits, and talc, accounting for a dominant proportion of 60% compared to the other constituents. Our findings suggest that the ceramic traces its origin to Iran, specifically the Kashan and Qamsar areas, dating back to the twelfth century. The geological attributes of the region have significantly influenced the choice of raw materials for producing high-temperature ceramics. Additionally, the presence of arsenic and cobalt in the glaze further corroborates its Iranian provenance. This discovery significantly accentuates Durrës' pivotal role as a crucial conduit for East–West interactions, including its historical ties with Venice. Trade links between Durrës and Syrian–Iranian area were established as early as the tenth century. Furthermore, the analysed ceramic fragment was unearthed within a layer corresponding to a period of abandonment within the productive context. This period dates to the late twelfth century—early thirteenth century. These findings offer compelling evidence of this urban sector's continued commercial and economic significance throughout the central centuries of the Middle Ages.

CYGNO is an international collaboration with the aim of operating a Image 3 optical time projection chamber (TPC) for directional Dark Matter (DM) searches and solar neutrino spectroscopy, to be deployed at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS). A Image 1/Image 2 (60/40) mixture is used, along with a triple Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) cascade to amplify the ionisation signal. The scintillation produced in the electron avalanches is read out using a scientific complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (sCMOS) camera. This solution has proven to provide very high sensitivity to interactions in the few Image 4 energy range. The inclusion of a hydrogen-based gas will offer an even lighter target, resulting in a more efficient energy transfer in a DM particle collision, and consequently, a lower detection threshold. Additionally, longer track lengths of light nuclear recoils are easier to detect with a clearer direction. However, the addition of such gas will contribute to quenching the scintillation, jeopardizing the TPC performance. In this work, we demonstrate the feasibility of adding 1% to 5% isobutane to the Image 1/Image 2 (60/40) mixture by measuring the respective absolute scintillation yield output. The overall scintillation produced in the charge avalanches is not drastically suppressed by quenching due to the isobutane addition. The presence of Penning transfer from excited He atoms to isobutane molecules increases the number of electrons in the avalanches, partially compensating for the loss of scintillation due to quenching. For the highest applied GEM voltage, the total number of photons produced in the avalanche per Image 4 deposited in the absorption region presents a decrease of only a factor of about three, from 2.30(20)×104 to 8.2(4)×103 Image 5, as the isobutane content increases from 0 to 5%. The quantification of the visible component of the scintillation shows that isobutane quenches both visible and ultraviolet (UV) photons emitted by Image 1/Image 2.

This study investigated drinking water quality in public, private, and religious schools in Badin city, Pakistan. Physicochemical parameters were within limits except for slightly elevated pH and turbidity. The microbial analysis showed that T.C., and F.C., were found in all samples, and E. coli in 55% of the smaples, with significant differences in quantities. Microbial contaminants correlated positively with pH, turbidity, and each other, linking them to sewage, runoff, and waste. Bacterial counts exceeded WHO guidelines, and the pollution load index (PLI) demonstrated declining water quality. The water quality index (WQI) rated samples as 30% “very good,” 35% “good,” and 35% “poor ”; none were “excellent” or safe to drink. Subpar water quality poses health risks to children, potentially causing diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid. To mitigate risks, infrastructure improvements, education initiatives, and public awareness campaigns are necessary for securing safe water access to support the well-being of school children and the community.

This work deals with the synthesis of Na-P1 (GIS) zeolite using rice husk as the starting material, instead of the more expensive chemicals currently used in the industry (i.e., Na aluminates and Na silicates). Rice husk is calcined at the temperature of 550 °C to obtain rice husk ash. Na-P1 is synthesized starting from rice husk ash, NaOH, and NaAlO2 by a protocol involving the mixing of a seed gel and a feedstock gel. Two synthesis runs are carried out at ambient pressure at the temperature of 110 °C by fixing the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio at 3.5 and 5.3, respectively. The synthesized products have been identified as well as the experiments developed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Then, the most successful synthesized powders were also characterized by infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, specific surface area (BET), and differential thermal analysis. The cell parameters are calculated using the Rietveld method. The combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio methods allows us to exclude the presence of impurities and residual amorphous phase in the conducted experiments. Testing rice husk as a source of amorphous silica in the synthesis of Na-P1 represents both economic and environmental advantages. The high yields and the results of the experiment open the way for the transfer to an industrial production scale.

The present work deals with the hydrothermal synthesis of a Na-A (LTA) zeolite using rice husk as a starting material. The focus was on defining the most favorable conditions for the synthesis of zeolite Na-A from rice husk in order to economize on both energy (i.e., synthesis temperatures) and reaction time and to enlarge the field of the pure and isolated synthesized phase. Four sets of experiments were carried out at environmental pressure temperatures varying from 40 °C to 85 °C with a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio from 1.75 to 3.5. Optimal conditions for crystallization of the Na-A zeolite from rice husk were reached at 60 °C with a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 1.75. Sixty degrees Celsius represents the minimum known temperature used for the synthesis of NaA zeolite from rice husk. The products of synthesis were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The purity of the synthesized zeolite is verified here for the first time through quantitative phase analysis using the combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio methods.

Abstract The nature of dark matter is still unknown and an experimental program to look for dark matter particles in our Galaxy should extend its sensitivity to light particles in the GeV mass range and exploit the directional information of the DM particle motion (Vahsen et al. in CYGNUS: feasibility of a nuclear recoil observatory with directional sensitivity to dark matter and neutrinos, arXiv:2008.12587 , 2020). The Cygno project is studying a gaseous time projection chamber operated at atmospheric pressure with a Gas Electron Multiplier (Sauli in Nucl Instrum Meth A 386:531, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-9002(96)01172-2 , 1997) amplification and with an optical readout as a promising technology for light dark matter and directional searches. In this paper we describe the operation of a 50 l prototype named LIME (Long Imaging ModulE) in an overground location at Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati (LNF) of INFN. This prototype employs the technology under study for the 1 cubic meter Cygno demonstrator to be installed at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS) (Amaro et al. in Instruments 2022, 6(1), https://www.mdpi.com/2410-390X/6/1/6 , 2022). We report the characterization of LIME with photon sources in the energy range from few keV to several tens of keV to understand the performance of the energy reconstruction of the emitted electron. We achieved a low energy threshold of few keV and an energy resolution over the whole energy range of 10–20%, while operating the detector for several weeks continuously with very high operational efficiency. The energy spectrum of the reconstructed electrons is then reported and will be the basis to identify radio-contaminants of the LIME materials to be removed for future Cygno detectors.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed our habits and lifestyle due to social isolation and mobility restrictions. This new scenario, together with the fear of contracting the coronavirus, influenced mental health, especially among older adults, who presented reductions in social contact and physical activity (PA). Thus, the objective of the study was to analyze the impact caused by social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on the mood states of active and sedentary older adults.MethodsThis is an observational study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults aged over 60 years, who were registered in the database of the Secretariat for the Promotion of Citizenship from a city in southern Brazil, participated in the research. An online questionnaire was applied with questions about sociodemographic characteristics, level of PA, confinement, and mood states in two periods: May 2020 and June 2021. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the mood states of active and inactive individuals during the pandemic.ResultsOne hundred and fifty participants answered the questionnaire, of which 80 (53.3%) reported practicing PA. More active older adults suffered fewer changes in mood when compared to inactive older adults, with lower levels of confusion (p = 0.035), depression (p = 0.002), and fatigue (p = 0.000). Older adults confined for more than 50 days were more likely to develop depression. In addition, the mood state correlated with the variable fear of contracting the coronavirus; the greater the fear, the greater the mental confusion, depression, fatigue, and tension, and the lower the vigor in the older adults. The practice of PA is also correlated with the mood state; the greater the number of hours dedicated to PA, the lower the confusion, depression, fatigue, and tension of the older adults.ConclusionThe practice of PA positively influenced the mental health of older adults during periods of isolation and social restrictions. PA has a protective factor for the development of mental health problems and improves mood states, with greater time performing PA leading to more benefits.

This work deals with the synthesis of Na-P1 (GIS) zeolite using rice husk as the starting material, instead of the more expensive chemicals currently used in the industry (i.e., Na aluminates and Na silicates). Rice husk is calcined at the temperature of 550 °C to obtain rice husk ash. Na-P1 is synthesized starting from rice husk ash, NaOH, and NaAlO2 by a protocol involving the mixing of a seed gel and a feedstock gel. Two synthesis runs are carried out at ambient pressure at the temperature of 110 °C by fixing the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio at 3.5 and 5.3, respectively. The synthesized products have been identified as well as the experiments developed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Then, the most successful synthesized powders were also characterized by infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, specific surface area (BET), and differential thermal analysis. The cell parameters are calculated using the Rietveld method. The combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio methods allows us to exclude the presence of impurities and residual amorphous phase in the conducted experiments. Testing rice husk as a source of amorphous silica in the synthesis of Na-P1 represents both economic and environmental advantages. The high yields and the results of the experiment open the way for the transfer to an industrial production scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The INFN Cloud project was launched at the beginning of 2020, aiming to build a distributed Cloud infrastructure and provide advanced services for the INFN scientific communities. A Platform as a Service (PaaS) was created inside INFN Cloud that allows the experiments to develop and access resources as a Software as a Service (SaaS), and CYGNO is the betatester of this system. The aim of the CYGNO experiment is to realize a large gaseous Time Projection Chamber based on the optical readout of the photons produced in the avalanche multiplication of ionization electrons in a GEM stack. To this extent, CYGNO exploits the progress in commercial scientific Active Pixel Sensors based on Scientific CMOS for Dark Matter search and Solar Neutrino studies. CYGNO, like many other astroparticle experiments, requires a computing model to acquire, store, simulate and analyze data typically far from High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments. Indeed, astroparticle experiments are typically characterized by being less demanding of computing resources with respect to HEP ones but have to deal with unique and unrepeatable data, sometimes collected in extreme conditions, with extensive use of templates and montecarlo, and are often re-calibrated and reconstructed many times for a given data set. Moreover, the varieties and the scale of computing models and requirements are extremely large. In this scenario, the Cloud infrastructure with standardized and optimized services offered to the scientific community could be a useful solution able to match the requirements of many small/medium size experiments. In this work, we will present the CYGNO computing model based on the INFN cloud infrastructure where the experiment software, easily extendible to similar experiments to similar applications on other similar experiments, provides tools as a service to store, archive, analyze, and simulate data.

The CYGNO project aims at developing a high resolution Time Projection Chamber with optical readout for directional dark matter searches and solar neutrino spectroscopy. Peculiar CYGNO’s features are the 3D tracking capability provided by the combination of photomultipliers and scientific CMOS camera signals, combined with a helium-fluorine-based gas mixture at atmospheric pressure amplified by gas electron multipliers structures. In this paper, the performances achieved with CYGNO prototypes and the prospects for the upcoming underground installation at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso of a 50-L detector in fall 2021 will be discussed, together with the plans for a 1-m3 experiment. The synergy with the ERC consolidator, grant project INITIUM, aimed at realising negative ion drift operation within the CYGNO 3D optical approach, will be further illustrated.

The CYGNO project for the development of a high precision optical readout gaseous TPC for directional Dark Matter search and solar neutrino spectroscopy will be presented. It is to be hosted at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso. CYGNO peculiar features are the use of sCMOS cameras and PMTs coupled to GEMs amplification of a helium-based gas mixture at atmospheric pressure, in order to achieve 3D tracking with head tail capability and background rejection down to O(keV) energy, to boost sensitivity to low WIMP masses. The latest R&D results within the CYGNO project will be discussed along with the underground installation and operation of a 50 l prototype, soon to be followed by a O(1) m3 experiment demonstrator in 2024-2026. The latest results on the negative ion drift operation at atmospheric pressure within CYGNO optical readout approach will be illustrated, which is the aim of the ERC Consolidator Grant project INITIUM.

Urban trees are crucial in delivering essential ecosystem services, including air pollution mitigation. This service is influenced by plant associated microbiomes, which can degrade hydrocarbons, support tree health, and influence ecological processes. Yet, our understanding of tree microbiomes remains limited, thus affecting our ability to assess and quantify the ecosystem services provided by trees as complex systems. The main hypothesis of this work was that tree microbiomes concur to hydrocarbon biodegradation, and was tested through three case studies, which collectively investigated two tree micro-habitats (phyllosphere and tree cavity organic soil—TCOS) under various conditions representing diverse ecological scenarios, by applying different culture-based and molecular techniques and at different scales. The integration of all results provided a more comprehensive understanding of the role of microbiomes in urban trees. Firstly, bacterial strains isolated from the phyllosphere of Quercus ilex were characterized, indicating the presence of Plant-Growth Promoting bacteria and strains able to catabolize PAHs, particularly naphthalene and phenanthrene. Secondly, naphthalene biodegradation on artificially spiked Hedera helix leaves was quantified in greenhouse experiments on inoculated and untreated plants. The persistence of the inoculated strain and community structure of epiphytic bacteria were assessed by Illumina sequencing of V5–V6 hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA gene. Results showed that naphthalene degradation was initially faster on inoculated plants but later the degradation rates became similar, probably because bacterial populations with hydrocarbon-degrading abilities gradually developed also on non-inoculated plants. Finally, we explored bacterial and fungal biodiversity hosted by TCOS samples, collected from six large trees located in an urban park and belonging to different species. Microbial communities were characterized by Illumina sequencing of V5–V6 hypervariable regions of bacterial gene 16S rRNA and of fungal ITS1. Results indicated TCOS as a distinct substrate, whose microbiome is determined both by the host tree and by canopy environmental conditions and has a pronounced aerobic hydrocarbon degradation potential. Overall, a better assessment of biodiversity associated with trees and the subsequent provision of ecosystem services constitute a first step toward developing future new microbe-driven sustainable solutions, especially in terms of support for urban green planning and management policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work deals with the hydrothermal synthesis of a Na-A (LTA) zeolite using rice husk as a starting material. The focus was on defining the most favorable conditions for the synthesis of zeolite Na-A from rice husk in order to economize on both energy (i.e., synthesis temperatures) and reaction time and to enlarge the field of the pure and isolated synthesized phase. Four sets of experiments were carried out at environmental pressure temperatures varying from 40 °C to 85 °C with a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio from 1.75 to 3.5. Optimal conditions for crystallization of the Na-A zeolite from rice husk were reached at 60 °C with a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 1.75. Sixty degrees Celsius represents the minimum known temperature used for the synthesis of NaA zeolite from rice husk. The products of synthesis were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The purity of the synthesized zeolite is verified here for the first time through quantitative phase analysis using the combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human α-amino-β-carboxymuconate-ε-semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD) stands at a branch point of the de novo NAD+ synthesis pathway and plays an important role in maintaining NAD+ homeostasis. It has been recently identified as a novel therapeutic target for a wide range of diseases, including inflammatory, metabolic disorders, and aging. So far, in absence of potent and selective enzyme inhibitors, only a crystal structure of the complex of human dimeric ACMSD with pseudo-substrate dipicolinic acid has been resolved. In this study, we report the crystal structure of the complex of human dimeric ACMSD with TES-1025, the first nanomolar inhibitor of this target, which shows a binding conformation different from the previously published predicted binding mode obtained by docking experiments. The inhibitor has a Ki value of 0.85 ± 0.22 nM and binds in the catalytic site, interacting with the Zn2+ metal ion and with residues belonging to both chains of the dimer. The results provide new structural information about the mechanism of inhibition exerted by a novel class of compounds on the ACMSD enzyme, a novel therapeutic target for liver and kidney diseases.

This research delves into the investigation of a ceramic sample discovered in the southern sector of the Durrës Amphitheatre, with a primary focus on comprehending its composition, origin, and cultural importance. The sample reveals similarities with protostonepaste through meticulous chemical analysis, yet a more profound correlation with protostonepaste concerning normative composition. Despite its porcelain-like external appearance, the ceramic demonstrates chemical consistency with a finely balanced amalgamation of crushed kaolinised leucogranite, frits, and talc, accounting for a dominant proportion of 60% compared to the other constituents. Our findings suggest that the ceramic traces its origin to Iran, specifically the Kashan and Qamsar areas, dating back to the twelfth century. The geological attributes of the region have significantly influenced the choice of raw materials for producing high-temperature ceramics. Additionally, the presence of arsenic and cobalt in the glaze further corroborates its Iranian provenance. This discovery significantly accentuates Durrës' pivotal role as a crucial conduit for East–West interactions, including its historical ties with Venice. Trade links between Durrës and Syrian–Iranian area were established as early as the tenth century. Furthermore, the analysed ceramic fragment was unearthed within a layer corresponding to a period of abandonment within the productive context. This period dates to the late twelfth century—early thirteenth century. These findings offer compelling evidence of this urban sector's continued commercial and economic significance throughout the central centuries of the Middle Ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private Equity (PE) funds are active investors. Besides providing capital, they improve the governance, operational performance and innovation of the investee companies. However, potential misalignment between the fund manager and the company owner regarding exit timing is a limitation of the model. PE funds have a finite-life, and thus they have to liquidate investments after holding them for a certain period. They tend to time the market to exploit favorable market conditions and obtain higher selling prices, and consequently, PE funds may divest before accomplishing the value creation plan. In this article, we use the hazard model to investigate the magnitude of the impact of market conditions on the exit rate of PE deals in Brazil, a volatile emerging economy, and if it increases the chances of exiting investments with holding periods shorter than two years. We analyze a sample of 470 PE deals invested between 1994 and 2014, and we investigate four variables related to market conditions: the stock market price-earnings ratio, the number of IPOs, the Brazilian real (the Brazilian currency) appreciation against the US dollar and the Brazilian interest rate. Our results show that favorable market conditions more than double the exit rate and increase the probability of quick flips.