Critical metrology of minimally accessible anisotropic spin chains.

We address quantum metrology in critical spin chains with anisotropy and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction, and show how local and quasi-local measurements may be exploited to characterize global properties of the systems. In particular, we evaluate the classical (magnetization) and quantum Fisher information of the relevant parameters for the density matrix of a single spin and that of a pair of spins ranging from nearest to sixth-nearest neighbors, to the limiting case of very distant spins. Our results allow us to elucidate the role of the different parameters and to individuate the optimal working regimes for the precise characterization of the system, also clarifying the effects of correlations on the estimation precision.

From single to multivariable exposure models to translate climatic and air pollution effects into mortality risk. A customized application to the city of Rome, Italy.

This study presents an approach developed to derive a Delayed-Multivariate Exposure-Response Model (D-MERF) useful to assess the short-term influence of temperature on mortality, accounting also for the effect of air pollution (O and PM). By using Distributed, lag non-linear models (DLNM) we explain how city-specific exposure-response functions are derived for the municipality of Rome, which is taken as an example. The steps illustrated can be replicated to other cities while the statistical model presented here can be further extended to other exposure variables.

Climate change and air pollution: Translating their interplay into present and future mortality risk for Rome and Milan municipalities.

Heat and cold temperatures associated with exposure to poor air quality lead to increased mortality. Using a generalized linear model with Poisson regression for overdispersion, this study quantifies the natural-caused mortality burden attributable to heat/cold temperatures and PM and O air pollutants in Rome and Milan, the two most populated Italian cities. We calculate local-specific mortality relative risks (RRs) for the period 2004-2015 considering the overall population and the most vulnerable age category (≥85 years).

Differential impact of government lockdown policies on reducing air pollution levels and related mortality in Europe.

Previous studies have reported a decrease in air pollution levels following the enforcement of lockdown measures during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these investigations were mostly based on simple pre-post comparisons using past years as a reference and did not assess the role of different policy interventions. This study contributes to knowledge by quantifying the association between specific lockdown measures and the decrease in NO, O, PM, and PM levels across 47 European cities.

An intertidal life: Combined effects of acidification and winter heatwaves on a coralline alga (Ellisolandia elongata) and its associated invertebrate community.

In coastal marine ecosystems coralline algae often create biogenic reefs. These calcareous algal reefs affect their associated invertebrate communities via diurnal oscillations in photosynthesis, respiration and calcification processes. Little is known about how these biogenic reefs function and how they will be affected by climate change.

Air quality modeling and inhalation health risk assessment for a new generation coal-fired power plant in Central Italy.

An assessment of potential carcinogenic and toxic health outcomes related to atmospheric emissions from the new-generation coal fired power plant of Torrevaldaliga Nord, in Central Italy, has been conducted. A chemical-transport model was applied on the reference year 2010 in the area of the plant, in order to calculate airborne concentrations of a set of 17 emitted pollutants of health concern. Inhalation cancer risks and hazard quotients, for each pollutant and for each target organ impacted via the inhalation pathway, were calculated and mapped on the study domain for the overall ambient concentrations and for the sole contribution of the plant to airborne concentrations, allowing to assess the relative contribution of the power plant to the risk from all sources.

Modeled deposition of nitrogen and sulfur in Europe estimated by 14 air quality model systems: evaluation, effects of changes in emissions and implications for habitat protection.

The evaluation and intercomparison of air quality models is key to reducing model errors and uncertainty. The projects AQMEII3 and EURODELTA-Trends, in the framework of the Task Force on Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollutants and the Task Force on Measurements and Modelling, respectively (both task forces under the UNECE Convention on the Long Range Transport of Air Pollution, LTRAP), have brought together various regional air quality models to analyze their performance in terms of air concentrations and wet deposition, as well as to address other specific objectives. This paper jointly examines the results from both project communities by intercomparing and evaluating the deposition estimates of reduced and oxidized nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) in Europe simulated by 14 air quality model systems for the year 2010.

Simultaneous determination of lignocaine hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride by HPTLC.

A high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for the simultaneous quantification of lignocaine hydrochloride (LIG) and phenylephrine hydrochloride (PHE) is described. The mobile phase consisted of ethyl acetate-methanol ammonia (4:1:0.4 v/v/v).

A bioadhesive delivery system as an alternative to infiltration anesthesia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a novel saliva-activated bioadhesive drug delivery system of lidocaine hydrochloride as a viable alternative to infiltration anesthesia in dentistry.

Study Design: The study was carried out in three stages. First, the drug delivery system (DDS) was subjectively evaluated for adherence to the gingival mucosa and peak effect of anesthesia.