Simple scheme for extracting work with a single bath.

We propose a simple protocol exploiting the thermalization of a storage bipartite system S to extract work from a resource system R. The protocol is based on a recent work definition involving only a single bath. A general description of the protocol is provided without specifying the characteristics of S.

Genuine quantum and classical correlations in multipartite systems.

Generalizing the quantifiers used to classify correlations in bipartite systems, we define genuine total, quantum, and classical correlations in multipartite systems. The measure we give is based on the use of relative entropy to quantify the distance between two density matrices. Moreover, we show that, for pure states of three qubits, both quantum and classical bipartite correlations obey a ladder ordering law fixed by two-body mutual informations, or, equivalently, by one-qubit entropies.

Non-markovian effects on the dynamics of entanglement.

A procedure that allows us to obtain the dynamics of N independent bodies each locally interacting with its own reservoir is presented. It relies on the knowledge of single-body dynamics and it is valid for any form of environment noise. It is then applied to the study of non-Markovian dynamics of two independent qubits, each locally interacting with a zero-temperature reservoir.

Characterization and leaching of NiCd and NiMH spent batteries for the recovery of metals.

Since NiMH and NiCd batteries are still used in the electronic devices market, a treatment and recycling plant has many advantages both from the environmental and the economic points of view. Unfortunately, there is no relationship between shape, size and chemical composition of spent batteries, consequently the characterization and the leaching method of the starting material becomes an important step of the overall treatment process in choosing the best conditions for the selective separation of the metals by hydrometallurgy. Leaching at 20 degrees C with H(2)SO(4) 2M for about 2h seems to be a good solution in terms of cost and efficiency for both battery types.