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The GERmanium Detector Array (Gerda) is a low background experiment located at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy, which searches for neutrinoless double-beta decay of 76 Ge into 76 Se+2e - . Gerda has been conceived in two phases. Phase II, which started in December 2015, features several novelties including 30 new 76Ge enriched detectors. These were manufactured according to the Broad Energy Germanium (BEGe) detector design that has a better background discrimination capability and energy resolution compared to formerly widely-used types. Prior to their installation, the new BEGe detectors were mounted in vacuum cryostats and characterized in detail in the Hades underground laboratory in Belgium. This paper describes the properties and the overall performance of these detectors during operation in vacuum. The characterization campaign provided not only direct input for Gerda Phase II data collection and analyses, but also allowed to study detector phenomena, detector correlations as well as to test the accuracy of pulse shape simulation codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Germanium Detector Array (GERDA) in the search for neutrinoless ββ decays of 76Ge at LNGS will operate bare germanium diodes enriched in 76Ge in an (optional active) cryogenic fluid shield to investigate neutrinoless ββ decay with a sensitivity of T 1/2 > 2 × 1026 yr after an exposure of 100 kg yr. Recent progress includes the installation of the first underground infrastructures at Gran Sasso, the completion of the enrichment of 37.5 kg of germanium material for detector construction, prototyping of low-mass detector support and contacts, and front-end and DAQ electronics, as well as the preparation for construction of the cryogenic vessel and water tank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the biochemical and genetic effects of dry residue water of Arno River in Italy associated with in vivo and in vitro genetic alterations. The study used the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, in which the concentration of samples were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Result shows that trivalent chromium in dry residue of Arno water was present, and the water induces the biochemical and genetic effects of responsible agents.

Purpose: To explore the perceived need and enthusiasm for over the counter (OTC) progestogen-only pills (POP)., Materials and Methods: A web-based survey of 1000 sexually active women (16-45) and 100 pharmacists in Germany, Italy and Spain., Results: Despite not wanting to conceive, 5-6% of women in each country were not using contraception and 8-20% were using methods less effective than condoms. At least 74% of respondents felt knowledgeable about the different contraceptives available but at least 1/3 had experienced difficulty accessing oral contraceptive (OCs) in the past two years. The cost of contraceptives, the need to see a doctor and long waits for appointments were cited as barriers for not using OCs. The majority agreed they would discuss with their doctor the decision to buy the POP, consult about side effects and other reproductive health issues. Over 2/3 of pharmacists in each country would be very, or fairly, likely to recommend the POP, agreeing that the benefits included improved access for women, and offered them more independence., Conclusions: Asked directly, women in Germany, Spain and Italy currently using contraception are positive about a POP OTC. Pharmacists are also positive, with the overwhelming majority in favour of providing POPs.