1,721,515 research outputs found

    Analysis of the variation of costs for sewage sludge transport, recovery and disposal in Northern Italy: A recent survey (2015-2021)

    Full text link
    The cost for the recovery/disposal of residues produced by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) represents a relevant aspect in the economics of WWTP management. We elaborated and applied a desk-based methodology to analyze tender processes and to investigate quantitatively and qualitatively the variability of unit costs for sewage sludge (EWC 190805) management in Northern Italy from 2015 to 2021. We conducted a qualitative survey for operators of the sector. Unit costs for sludge management increased over time. The unit cost was mostly affected by the type of sludge recovery/disposal being the cost for recovery in agriculture (direct or by composting) lower than incineration and landfilling. Other variables influencing the cost were the distance and discount offered by the contractor. Regulatory and judiciary events determined a sudden increase of sludge disposal costs in Italy between 2017 and 2019. Recovery in agriculture, when practicable, remains the preferable option. Results can orient and support the optimization of sludge management costs and be of interest for future studies at national or European level

    Temporal analysis of water, sanitation, and hygiene data from knowledge, attitudes, and practices surveys in the protracted humanitarian crisis in Myanmar

    No full text
    Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) surveys are commonly conducted by humanitarian actors at project baseline and endline. We hypothesized summarized KAP data could inform water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programming and strategies. In conflict-affected Myanmar, the WASH Cluster collated KAP documents from 2011 to 2016. After developing a methodology for KAP temporal analysis, we reviewed provided documents against inclusion criteria; extracted and categorized data; created a WASH activities and emergency events timeline; completed temporal analysis; and triangulated and summarized results. Sixteen documents met inclusion criteria assessing WASH data at the national level (19%), in Rakhine (56%) or Kachin State (25%). Twenty-five WASH metrics were extracted and categorized. We found WASH knowledge and attitudes (e.g. handwashing knowledge) increased over time; practices (e.g. handwashing) also increased, but at a lower rate and less consistently; and increases were related to WASH programming. Using this methodology, we identified gaps (safe water storage, risk of children’s feces, focus on vulnerable populations), barriers (cultural and religious beliefs), and programmatic recommendations (continue hygiene promotion, focusing on closing gaps, and improve waste collection systems) in Myanmar. Additionally, to enable temporal analysis and improve WASH programming, we recommend WASH Clusters standardize KAP data collection tools and analysis in the future

    Microvascular autotransplantation of the testis: The 'refluo' technique

    No full text
    We think that the microvascular orchidopexy is the best technique for the treatment of the high intraabdominal testis. To prevent the problems related to the performing of the anastomosis between the spermatic and the inferior epigastric arteries we changed the traditional way for microvascular orchidopexy performing the venous anastomosis only, relying on the collateral deferential circle for the arterial supply; we called this technique the 'refluo testicular autotransplantation.' We supported our idea with an experimental investigation in rats and rabbits, with which we confirmed the efficacy of our proposal. This original technique, performed in 41 cases, allowed us to gain three important ends: a) reduction of the age at operation (under two years); b) reduction of the operating time (2 hours); c) improved success rate compared with the Fowler-Stephens technique or staged orchidopexy

    Persistent Mullerian duct syndrome associated with transverse testicular ectopia: A case report

    No full text
    The authors describe their experience in the treatment of a child, male phenotype, with a Transverse Testicular Ectopia (TTE), associated with a rudimentary uterus and two Fallopian tubes (Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome = PMDS). The boy was transferred to the Pediatric Surgical unit of the university of Bologna from another hospital where at operation for bilateral cryptorchidism the diagnosis had become apparent. In order to exclude the presence of PMDS it is very important that an abdominal exploration should be performed in all cases of TTE where the testes are undescended. The diagnosis was made by an occasional detection: it is very important, when a TTE in which the testes are undescended is found, to perform the abdominal exploration, in order to exclude the presence of PMDS

    Thoracic trauma

    No full text
    Thoracic injuries are uncommon in children but, if they occur, they are suggestive of a significant mechanism of injury. The child must undergo a thorough examination to exclude or detect concomitant injuries to the head, abdomen and spine. These concomitant injuries often result in appreciable morbidity and mortality

    Planning approaches for sanitation systems in peri-urban areas: a case study from Tanzania

    Full text link
    The planning and improvement of sanitation systems represents a critical problem for low - income countries, in particular in rapid growing periurban areas. This paper illustrates the assessment of the Community - Led Urban Environmental Sanitation (CLUES) and the Sanitation Safety Planning (SSP) approaches, tested for the design of an improved sanitation system in periurban areas of Iringa Municipality, in Tanzania. The application in field of the two approaches permitted to evidence and analyse their strengths and weaknesses, and possibilities to increase their potentials with an integrated use . The experience, applied to a case study, aims to be an example of application for ractitioners dealing with sanitation planning in context showing similar characteristics

    Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum

    No full text
    PNX is a collection of air in the pleural cavity which leads to crushing of the lung and its consequent collapse [1]. Lung collapse may be partial or total and in some hypertensive forms it can also lead to the shift of the mediastinum towards the opposite hemithorax
    corecore