Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Analysis of Organic Epoxy Coatings Reinforced with Nano Clay.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a modern and efficient method for the evaluation of the protective abilities of coatings. However, the interpretation of the experimental data is a difficult task. This paper aims to investigate the effect of the addition of a nano clay, Cloesite 30B, on the barrier properties of an epoxy-based system through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in an aerated sodium chloride solution.

Molecular analysis of individual differences in talker search at the cocktail-party.

A molecular (trial-by-trial) analysis of data from a cocktail-party, target-talker search task was used to test two general classes of explanations accounting for individual differences in listener performance: cue weighting models for which errors are tied to the speech features talkers have in common with the target and internal noise models for which errors are largely independent of these features. The speech of eight different talkers was played simultaneously over eight different loudspeakers surrounding the listener. The locations of the eight talkers varied at random from trial to trial.

Graph theoretical measures of fast ripples support the epileptic network hypothesis.

The epileptic network hypothesis and epileptogenic zone hypothesis are two theories of ictogenesis. The network hypothesis posits that coordinated activity among interconnected nodes produces seizures. The epileptogenic zone hypothesis posits that distinct regions are necessary and sufficient for seizure generation.

The Improvement of Durability of Reinforced Concretes for Sustainable Structures: A Review on Different Approaches.

The topic of sustainability of reinforced concrete structures is strictly related with their durability in aggressive environments. In particular, at equal environmental impact, the higher the durability of construction materials, the higher the sustainability. The present review deals with the possible strategies aimed at producing sustainable and durable reinforced concrete structures in different environments.

Stress Corrosion Cracking of Additively Manufactured Alloy 625.

Laser bed powder fusion (LPBF) is an additive manufacturing technology for the fabrication of semi-finished components directly from computer-aided design modelling, through melting and consolidation, layer upon layer, of a metallic powder, with a laser source. This manufacturing technique is particularly indicated for poor machinable alloys, such as Alloy 625. However, the unique microstructure generated could modify the resistance of the alloy to environment assisted cracking.

Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Selective Corrosion of LPBF-AlSi10Mg by Means of SKPFM and Exo-Electron Emission.

The paper deals with the evolution of the microstructure of AlSi10Mg alloy obtained by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), as a function of the post-processing heat treatment temperature. This was approached by complementary methods including FE-scanning electron microscopy, scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy and exo-electron emission techniques. The fast cooling rate of the LPBF process as compared to traditional casting produces a very fine microstructure with high mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Protection of Concrete Structures: Performance Analysis of Different Commercial Products and Systems.

The increasing demand for reconstructions of concrete structures and the wide availability on the market of surface protective products and systems could lead to misunderstandings in the decision of the most effective solution. Surface protectors have become increasingly widespread in recent years in concrete restoration interventions thanks to their properties: they are able to protect the substrate from aggressive agents and consequently extend the useful life of the structures. The aim of this article is first of all to present the surface protective treatments available on the market, outlining their strengths and weaknesses.

A test of model classes accounting for individual differences in the cocktail-party effect.

Listeners differ widely in the ability to follow the speech of a single talker in a noisy crowd-what is called the cocktail-party effect. Differences may arise for any one or a combination of factors associated with auditory sensitivity, selective attention, working memory, and decision making required for effective listening. The present study attempts to narrow the possibilities by grouping explanations into model classes based on model predictions for the types of errors that distinguish better from poorer performing listeners in a vowel segregation and talker identification task.

Stress Corrosion Cracking of Friction Stir-Welded AA-2024 T3 Alloy.

The paper is devoted to the study of stress corrosion cracking phenomena in friction stir welding AA-2024 T3 joints. Constant load (CL) cell and slow strain rate (SSR) tests were carried out in aerated NaCl 35 g/L solution. During the tests, open circuit potential (OCP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were measured in the different zones of the welding.

Effect of Load on the Corrosion Behavior of Friction Stir Welded AA 7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy.

The paper focuses on the corrosion behavior of aluminum joints made by friction stir welding as a function of loading conditions. A four-points bend-beam test, constant loading test, and slow strain-rate test were carried out on AA 7075-T6 alloy in aerated NaCl 35g/L solution at room temperature monitoring the free corrosion potential. The penetration depth of the intergranular attack was deeper after the four-point bent-beam tests compared to all the other testing techniques.

Hydrogen Permeation in X65 Steel under Cyclic Loading.

This experimental work analyzes the hydrogen embrittlement mechanism in quenched and tempered low-alloyed steels. Experimental tests were performed to study hydrogen diffusion under applied cyclic loading. The permeation curves were fitted by considering literature models in order to evaluate the role of trapping-both reversible and irreversible-on the diffusion mechanism.

Chloride Diffusion in Concrete Protected with a Silane-Based Corrosion Inhibitor.

One of the most important parameters concerning durability is undoubtedly represented by cement matrix resistance to chloride diffusion in environments where reinforced concrete structures are exposed to the corrosion risk induced by marine environment or de-icing salts. This paper deals with protection from chloride ingress by a silane-based surface-applied corrosion inhibitor. Results indicated that the corrosion inhibitor (CI) allows to reduce the penetration of chloride significantly compared to untreated specimens, independently of w/c, cement type, and dosage.

Ripples Have Distinct Spectral Properties and Phase-Amplitude Coupling With Slow Waves, but Indistinct Unit Firing, in Human Epileptogenic Hippocampus.

Ripple oscillations (80-200 Hz) in the normal hippocampus are involved in memory consolidation during rest and sleep. In the epileptic brain, increased ripple and fast ripple (200-600 Hz) rates serve as a biomarker of epileptogenic brain. We report that both ripples and fast ripples exhibit a preferred phase angle of coupling with the trough-peak (or On-Off) state transition of the sleep slow wave in the hippocampal seizure onset zone (SOZ).

[The Integrated Environmental Health Impact of emissions from a steel plant in Taranto and from a power plant in Brindisi, (Apulia Region, Southern Italy)].

Objectives: to estimate the environmental and health impact attributable to PM2.5 emissions from the ex-ILVA steel plant in Taranto and the ENEL power plant in Brindisi (Apulia Region, Southern Italy).

Design: a SPRAY Lagrangian dispersion model was used to estimate PM2.

Controlling micropollutants in tertiary municipal wastewater by O/HO, granular biofiltration and UV/HO for potable reuse applications.

A comprehensive pilot study was carried out to experimentally assess the potential of newly developed treatment trains integrating two-stage AOPs and biofiltration to reach potable reuse water quality standards from municipal wastewater. The processes consisted of a two-stage AOPs with (carbon or limestone) biofiltration, the first AOP (O/HO) serving as pre-treatment to biofiltration and the second AOP (UV/HO) serving as post-biofiltration finishing step to ensure advanced disinfection. A comprehensive monitoring campaign was put in place resulting from the combination of targeted, non-targeted and suspect screening measurements.

Industrial air pollution and mortality in the Taranto area, Southern Italy: A difference-in-differences approach.

Background: A large steel plant close to the urban area of Taranto (Italy) has been operating since the sixties. Several studies conducted in the past reported an excess of mortality and morbidity from various diseases at the town level, possibly due to air pollution from the plant. However, the relationship between air pollutants emitted from the industry and adverse health outcomes has been controversial.

Microstructure and Selective Corrosion of Alloy 625 Obtained by Means of Laser Powder Bed Fusion.

The effect of microstructure on the susceptibility to selective corrosion of Alloy 625 produced by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process was investigated through intergranular corrosion tests according to ASTM G28 standard. The effect of heat treatment on selective corrosion susceptibility was also evaluated. The behavior was compared to commercial hot-worked, heat treated Grade 1 Alloy 625.

Binders alternative to Portland cement and waste management for sustainable construction-part 1.

This review presents "a state of the art" report on sustainability in construction materials. The authors propose different solutions to make the concrete industry more environmentally friendly in order to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and consumption of non-renewable resources. Part 1-the present paper-focuses on the use of binders alternative to Portland cement, including sulfoaluminate cements, alkali-activated materials, and geopolymers.

Binders alternative to Portland cement and waste management for sustainable construction - Part 2.

The paper represents the "state of the art" on sustainability in construction materials. In Part 1 of the paper, issues related to production, microstructures, chemical nature, engineering properties, and durability of mixtures based on binders alternative to Portland cement were presented. This second part of the paper concerns the use of traditional and innovative Portland-free lime-based mortars in the conservation of cultural heritage, and the recycling and management of wastes to reduce consumption of natural resources in the production of construction materials.

Corrosion Behavior of Heat-Treated AlSi10Mg Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion.

This experimental work is aimed at studying the effect of microstructural modifications induced by post-processing heat treatments on the corrosion behavior of silicon-aluminum alloys produced by means of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The manufacturing technique leads to microstructures characterized by the presence of melt pools, which are quite different compared to casting alloys. In this study, the behavior of an AlSi10Mg alloy was evaluated by means of intergranular corrosion tests according to ISO 11846 standard on heat-treated samples ranging from 200 to 500 °C as well as on untreated samples.

Spatial distribution of kidney disease in the contaminated site of Taranto (Italy).

Background: Exposure to heavy metals has been associated with kidney disease. We investigated the spatial distribution of kidney disease in the industrially contaminated site of Taranto.

Methods: Cases were subjects with a first hospital discharge diagnosis of kidney disease.

Study of the Corrosion Resistance of Austenitic Stainless Steels during Conversion of Waste to Biofuel.

The paper deals with the corrosion behavior of stainless steels as candidate materials for biofuel production plants by liquefaction process of the sorted organic fraction of municipal solid waste. Corrosion tests were carried out on AISI 316L and AISI 304L stainless steels at 250 °C in a batch reactor during conversion of raw material to bio-oil (biofuel precursor), by exposing specimens either to water/oil phase or humid gas phase. General corrosion rate was measured by weight loss tests.

Combined physico-chemical treatment of secondary settled municipal wastewater in a multifunctional reactor.

In this paper, the physico-chemical treatment of municipal wastewater for the simultaneous removal of pollutant indicators (chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total coliforms) and organic contaminants (total phenols) was investigated and assessed. A secondary settled effluent was subjected to coagulation, disinfection and absorption in a multifunctional reactor by dosing, simultaneously, aluminum polychloride (dose range: 0-150 μL/L), natural zeolites (dose range: 0-150 mg/L), sodium hypochlorite (dose range: 0-7.5 mg/L) and powder activated carbon (dose range: 0-30 mg/L).

A spectrocolorimetric study on the effect of ultraviolet irradiation of four tropical hardwoods.

Colour modifications caused by exposure to artificial UV radiation (350 nm, UV-A) of four tropical hardwoods, jatobá, angelim vermelho, garapeira, and marupá, have been evaluated by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and by the CIE-L*a*b* system. To obtain the absorption maxima of the chromophore species formed during UV irradiation, Kubelka-Munk (K-M) difference spectra (non-irradiated-irradiated) have been recorded as a function of exposure time. The K-M difference spectra have shown that the investigated species develop strong absorption bands in the visible region upon UV irradiation that were assigned to the formation of lignin and extractive photodegradation products.