Início de ativação muscular de estabilizadores primários e a capacidade física para avaliar estabilização lombo-pélvica

Introduction: Due to the high incidence of low back pain without apparent cause, different approaches to evaluate the lumbar instability has been proposed, such as surface electromyography to determine pre-activation and the ability of lumbar stabilization through functional physical assessment. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the early activation of the primary stabilizing muscles in subjects without low back pain, with different physical abilities function (CFF). Method: Study participants were 20 subjects with 19.8 ± 1.4 years, 55.7 ± 8.8 kilos, 1.66 ± 0.08 m, of both sexes. The subjects underwent six Tests Physical Function (TFF) and the Test of Fast Moving Flexion Arm (TMRFB) to capture the electromyographic activity of the lumbar multifidus muscles (LM) and internal oblique - lower fibers (HI). Were assigned weights for each functional test and the result of the physical capacity of the final functional subject ranged from 0 to 100%. In the analysis of TMRB was considered the onset time of activation between the ML and HI. Results: Regarding TFF 2 (10%) subjects were considered to have normal physical capacity, 6 (30%) with good physical ability and 12 (60%) with regular physical capacity or poor. As for TMRFB average values of initiation of muscle activation in 75% of subjects were within the limits to characterize the condition of pre-muscle activation. Conclusion:The results obtained in the TFF were low compared with the CFF of asymptomatic subjects evaluated. This fact does not mean that the condition of stabilization of the subject is appropriate. However, the results obtained in the electromyographic examination to suggest that 25% of asymptomatic subjects tested did not have a proper condition of lumbar stabilization.

Modeling Age-Specific Mortality For Marine Mammal Populations

A method is presented for estimating age-specific mortality based on minimal information: a model life table and an estimate of longevity. This approach uses expected patterns of mammalian survivorship to define a general model of age-specific mortality rates. One such model life table is based on data for northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) using Siler’s (1979) 5-parameter competing risk model. Alternative model life tables are based on historical data for human females and on a published model for Old World monkeys. Survival rates for a marine mammal species are then calculated by scaling these models by the longevity of that species. By using a realistic model (instead of assuming constant mortality), one can see more easily the real biological limits to population growth. The mortality estimation procedure is illustrated with examples of spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) and harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena).

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and petroleum biomarkers in Sao Sebastiao Channel, Brazil: Assessment of petroleum contamination

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and non-aromatic hydrocarbons (NAHs), including n-alkanes, isoprenoids and petroleum biomarkers (terpanes, hopanes, steranes and diasteranes), were quantified by gas chromatography with flame ionization and mass spectrometer detectors in sediment samples collected from the Sao Sebastiao Channel (SSC), Brazil, where the largest Brazilian maritime petroleum terminal is located The concentrations of total PAHs. total n-alkanes and petroleum biomarkers ranged from below the detection limits to 370 ng g(-1,) 28 mu g g(-1), 2200 ng g(-1) (dry weight), respectively. The analysis of PAN distribution suggested combustion sources of PAHs as the main input for these compounds with smaller amount from petroleum contamination The distribution of petroleum biomarkers undoubtedly demonstrated petroleum as a source of anthropogenic contamination throughout the region. The assessment of petrogenic sources of contamination in marine sediment is more challenging if only PAH analysis were carried out, which demonstrates that more stable hydrocarbons such as petroleum biomarkers are useful for investigating potential presence of petroleum (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The young stellar cluster [DBS2003] 157 associated with the H ii region GAL 331.31-00.34

We report a study of the stellar content of the near-infrared (NIR) cluster [DBS2003] 157 embedded in the extended H ii region GAL 331.31-00.34, which is associated with the IRAS source 16085-5138. JHK photometry was carried out in order to identify potential ionizing candidates, and the follow-up NIR spectroscopy allowed the spectral classification of some sources, including two O-type stars. A combination of NIR photometry and spectroscopy data was used to obtain the distance of these two stars, with the method of spectroscopic parallax: IRS 298 (O6 V, 3.35 +/- 0.61 kpc) and IRS 339 (O9 V, 3.24 +/- 0.56 kpc). Adopting the average distance of 3.29 +/- 0.58 kpc and comparing the Lyman continuum luminosity of these stars with that required to account for the radio continuum flux of the H ii region, we conclude that these two stars are the ionizing sources of GAL 331.31-00.34. Young stellar objects (YSOs) were searched by using our NIR photometry and mid-infrared (MIR) data from the Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid-Plane Survey Extraordinaire (GLIMPSE) survey. The analysis of NIR and MIR colourcolour diagrams resulted in 47 YSO candidates. The GLIMPSE counterpart of IRAS 16085-5138, which presents IRAS colour indices compatible with an ultracompact H ii region, has been identified. The analysis of its spectral energy distribution between 2 and m revealed that this source shows a spectral index a= 3.6 between 2 and m, which is typical of a YSO immersed in a protostellar envelope. Lower limits to the bolometric luminosity and the mass of the embedded protostar have been estimated as L= 7.7 x 10(3) L? and M= 10 M?, respectively, which correspond to a B0B1 V zero-age main sequence star.

Sentidos das ações voluntárias: desafios e limites para a organização do trabalho

O trabalho voluntário representa uma das bases de sustentabilidade das Organizações Não-Governamentais, principalmente para a manutenção e continuidade dos projetos institucionais. Em contrapartida, vem sendo considerado fator de degradação do trabalhador que está excluído do mercado. Partindo de uma experiência de implantação de rotinas para acolhimento e integração de voluntários em uma ONG/AIDS, este estudo teve por objetivo a caracterização dos voluntários e a compreensão da diversidade de sentidos presentes nas ações voluntárias, visando subsidiar a avaliação e planejamento das ações de organização do trabalho adotadas pela instituição. A análise temática de conteúdo das entrevistas, realizadas com 20 candidatos ao trabalho voluntário, permitiu a caracterização do perfil, das suas concepções e expectativas. Em síntese, o trabalho voluntário pareceu representar um recurso de qualificação para a inserção no mercado de trabalho e elemento importante para formação da identidade social e socialização do conhecimento em HIV/AIDS.

Ultrahigh energy neutrinos at the Pierre Auger Observatory

The observation of ultrahigh energy neutrinos (UHE vs) has become a priority in experimental astroparticle physics. UHE vs can be detected with a variety of techniques. In particular, neutrinos can interact in the atmosphere (downward-going v) or in the Earth crust (Earth-skimming v), producing air showers that can be observed with arrays of detectors at the ground. With the surface detector array of the Pierre Auger Observatory we can detect these types of cascades. The distinguishing signature for neutrino events is the presence of very inclined showers produced close to the ground (i.e., after having traversed a large amount of atmosphere). In this work we review the procedure and criteria established to search for UHEs in the data collected with the ground array of the Pierre Auger Observatory.This includes Earth-skimming as well as downward-going neutrinos. No neutrino candidates have been found, which allows us to place competitive limits to the diffuse flux of UHE vs in the EeV range and above.

Securitization and Special Purpose Vehicles in an International Setting: a Systemic View

The present work tries to display a comprehensive and comparative study of the different legal and regulatory problems involved in international securitization transactions. First, an introduction to securitization is provided, with the basic elements of the transaction, followed by the different varieties of it, including dynamic securitization and synthetic securitization structures. Together with this introduction to the intricacies of the structure, a insight into the influence of securitization in the financial and economic crisis of 2007-2009 is provided too; as well as an overview of the process of regulatory competition and cooperation that constitutes the framework for the international aspects of securitization. The next Chapter focuses on the aspects that constitute the foundations of structured finance: the inception of the vehicle, and the transfer of risks associated to the securitized assets, with particular emphasis on the validity of those elements, and how a securitization transaction could be threatened at its root. In this sense, special importance is given to the validity of the trust as an instrument of finance, to the assignment of future receivables or receivables in block, and to the importance of formalities for the validity of corporations, trusts, assignments, etc., and the interaction of such formalities contained in general corporate, trust and assignment law with those contemplated under specific securitization regulations. Then, the next Chapter (III) focuses on creditor protection aspects. As such, we provide some insights on the debate on the capital structure of the firm, and its inadequacy to assess the financial soundness problems inherent to securitization. Then, we proceed to analyze the importance of rules on creditor protection in the context of securitization. The corollary is in the rules in case of insolvency. In this sense, we divide the cases where a party involved in the transaction goes bankrupt, from those where the transaction itself collapses. Finally, we focus on the scenario where a substance over form analysis may compromise some of the elements of the structure (notably the limited liability of the sponsor, and/or the transfer of assets) by means of veil piercing, substantive consolidation, or recharacterization theories. Once these elements have been covered, the next Chapters focus on the regulatory aspects involved in the transaction. Chapter IV is more referred to “market” regulations, i.e. those concerned with information disclosure and other rules (appointment of the indenture trustee, and elaboration of a rating by a rating agency) concerning the offering of asset-backed securities to the public. Chapter V, on the other hand, focuses on “prudential” regulation of the entity entrusted with securitizing assets (the so-called Special Purpose vehicle), and other entities involved in the process. Regarding the SPV, a reference is made to licensing requirements, restriction of activities and governance structures to prevent abuses. Regarding the sponsor of the transaction, a focus is made on provisions on sound originating practices, and the servicing function. Finally, we study accounting and banking regulations, including the Basel I and Basel II Frameworks, which determine the consolidation of the SPV, and the de-recognition of the securitized asset from the originating company’s balance-sheet, as well as the posterior treatment of those assets, in particular by banks. Chapters VI-IX are concerned with liability matters. Chapter VI is an introduction to the different sources of liability. Chapter VII focuses on the liability by the SPV and its management for the information supplied to investors, the management of the asset pool, and the breach of loyalty (or fiduciary) duties. Chapter VIII rather refers to the liability of the originator as a result of such information and statements, but also as a result of inadequate and reckless originating or servicing practices. Chapter IX finally focuses on third parties entrusted with the soundness of the transaction towards the market, the so-called gatekeepers. In this respect, we make special emphasis on the liability of indenture trustees, underwriters and rating agencies. Chapters X and XI focus on the international aspects of securitization. Chapter X contains a conflicts of laws analysis of the different aspects of structured finance. In this respect, a study is made of the laws applicable to the vehicle, to the transfer of risks (either by assignment or by means of derivatives contracts), to liability issues; and a study is also made of the competent jurisdiction (and applicable law) in bankruptcy cases; as well as in cases where a substance-over-form is performed. Then, special attention is also devoted to the role of financial and securities regulations; as well as to their territorial limits, and extraterritoriality problems involved. Chapter XI supplements the prior Chapter, for it analyzes the limits to the States’ exercise of regulatory power by the personal and “market” freedoms included in the US Constitution or the EU Treaties. A reference is also made to the (still insufficient) rules from the WTO Framework, and their significance to the States’ recognition and regulation of securitization transactions.

Verwendung von Präzisionsmessungen zur Eingrenzung von Effekten jenseits des Standardmodells mittels eines effektiven feldtheoretischen Zugangs

Es gibt kaum eine präzisere Beschreibung der Natur als die durch das Standardmodell der Elementarteilchen (SM). Es ist in der Lage bis auf wenige Ausnahmen, die Physik der Materie- und Austauschfelder zu beschreiben. Dennoch ist man interessiert an einer umfassenderen Theorie, die beispielsweise auch die Gravitation mit einbezieht, Neutrinooszillationen beschreibt, und die darüber hinaus auch weitere offene Fragen klärt. Um dieser Theorie ein Stück näher zu kommen, befasst sich die vorliegende Arbeit mit einem effektiven Potenzreihenansatz zur Beschreibung der Physik des Standardmodells und neuer Phänomene. Mit Hilfe eines Massenparameters und einem Satz neuer Kopplungskonstanten wird die Neue Physik parametrisiert. In niedrigster Ordnung erhält man das bekannte SM, Terme höherer Ordnung in der Kopplungskonstanten beschreiben die Effekte jenseits des SMs. Aus gewissen Symmetrie-Anforderungen heraus ergibt sich eine definierte Anzahl von effektiven Operatoren mit Massendimension sechs, die den hier vorgestellten Rechnungen zugrunde liegen. Wir berechnen zunächst für eine bestimmte Auswahl von Prozessen zugehörige Zerfallsbreiten bzw. Wirkungsquerschnitte in einem Modell, welches das SM um einen einzigen neuen effektiven Operator erweitertet. Unter der Annahme, dass der zusätzliche Beitrag zur Observablen innerhalb des experimentellen Messfehlers ist, geben wir anhand von vorliegenden experimentellen Ergebnissen aus leptonischen und semileptonischen Präzisionsmessungen Ausschlussgrenzen der neuen Kopplungen in Abhängigkeit von dem Massenparameter an. Die hier angeführten Resultate versetzen Physiker zum Einen in die Lage zu beurteilen, bei welchen gemessenen Observablen eine Erhöhung der Präzision sinnvoll ist, um bessere Ausschlussgrenzen angeben zu können. Zum anderen erhält man einen Anhaltspunkt, welche Prozesse im Hinblick auf Entdeckungen Neuer Physik interessant sind.

I limiti all'autonomia procedurale degli Stati membri dell'UE in materia risarcitoria

This work analyses the limits that the principle of State liability for damages suffered by individuals because of breach of EU law poses to the procedural autonomy of the Member States of the EU. The introductory part of this work is dedicated to the general character of the limitations EU law poses to the State’s competence in procedural matters. The first part of the research, instead, focuses on the specific limits that european law poses on the rules of procedure related to the legal regime of the right to compensation and its operating conditions; in particular, this first part explores respectively the “substantive” and “procedural” limits that EU law poses to the State’s autonomy to regulate actions for damages for breaches of EU law. The substantial limits concern the conditions of eligibility of liability and the constitutive conditions of the right to compensation; the procedural limits to the action for damages refer to the concrete organization and characteristics of the judicial action. The second part of the research is devoted to rules of procedure governing the relations between judicial remedies explicitly aimed at protecting the right to reparation and other remedies that may be relevant, both europeans and nationals. The first chapter of the second part of this work focuses on the rules governing the relations between the action for damages brought up at the national level and the remedies provided by european Treaties; finally, I explore the relations between the action for damages brought up at the national level and other remedies present in the same national juridical order. I reconstruct all the limits to the procedural autonomy of Member States concerning the right to compensation; consequently, I verify that those limits represent part of the system of internal procedures, able to guarantee the respect of european law.

Entwicklung einer Anordnung zur Nutzung von Massenschwerebewegungen beim Quarzitabbau im Rheinischen Schiefergebirge

Die (Wieder-)Nutzung auf Schwerkraft basierender Fördertechniken, die insbesondere durch das niedrige Energiepreisniveau in den Jahrzehnten nach dem 2. Weltkrieg in der Tagebautechnik nahezu vollständig verdrängt wurden, ist bei den heutigen wirtschaftlichen Randbedingungen und anzustrebenden ökologischen Standards eine Herausforderung für die bergbautreibende Industrie. Seit Aufnahme der Entwicklung des Förderkonzeptes – Geführte Versturztechnik – Mitte der 1990er Jahre haben sich die Kosten für Rohöl vor Steuern nach dem Tiefstand um das Jahr 1998 bis heute mehr als verdreifacht, alleine seit 2004 mehr als verdoppelt. Gesetzliche Regelwerke wie die europäische IVU-Richtlinie 96/61/EG zur „integrierten Vermeidung und Verminderung der Umweltverschmutzung“ fordern, Genehmigungen nur noch bei Einsatz der besten verfügbaren Techniken (BVT oder BAT: „best available techniques“) zu erteilen. Die Umsetzung in nationale Vorschriften wie das Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetz und nachgeordnete Regelwerke fordern hierauf aufbauend, dass Umweltbelastungen nicht in andere Medien verlagert werden dürfen. Die Anordnung einer Versturzrinne zur Nutzung von Massenschwerebewegungen am Beispiel von Quarzitabbau im Rheinischen Schiefergebirge bei denen die Förderbezugsebene unterhalb der Strossen liegt, die zur sichern und selektiven Gewinnung des Rohstoffs aufgefahren werden müssen, erfüllt durch Rückgriff auf ein vermeintlich „archaisches“ Förderkonzept durch Nutzung der Schwerkraft die obigen Anforderungen. Offenkundige Umweltbelastungen, die alleine durch die Verbrennung von Dieselkraftstoff und hieraus resultierender Schadstoff- und Wärmeeinträge in die Luft beim verbreiteten Einsatz von SLKW zur Abwärtsförderung entstehen, können erheblich vermindert werden. Der Aspekt der Betriebssicherheit einer solchen Anordnung kann durch Auffahren eines geradlinigen Bauwerks mit an das Fördergut angepassten Dimensionen sowie Einrichtungen zur Beschränkung der kinetischen Energie erreicht werden. Diese stellen auch gleichzeitig sicher, dass die Zerkleinerung des durch die Versturzrinne abwärts transportierten Materials betrieblich zulässige Grenzen nicht überschreitet. Hierfür kann auf das umfangreiche Wissen zu Massenschwerebewegungen Rückgriff genommen werden. Dem Aspekt des Umweltschutzes, der sich in Bezug auf das Medium Luft auf den autochtonen Staub reduziert, kann durch Vorrichtungen zur Staubniederschlagung Rechnung getragen werden. Vertiefende Untersuchungen sind erforderlich, um die mit komplexen, aber erprobten Techniken arbeitende Tagebauindustrie auch in dicht besiedelten Regionen wieder an die Nutzung von Schwerkraft (-gestützten) Fördertechniken heranzuführen. Auch das Konzept – Geführte Versturztechnik – ist auf konkrete Anwendungsfälle hin in Details anzupassen.

I limiti al diritto di proprietà derivanti dagli strumenti di pianificazione urbanistica. I vincoli urbanistici.

Nella prima parte viene ricostruito il concetto di vincolo espropriativo alla luce dell’elaborazione della giurisprudenza della Corte costituzionale e della Corte EDU, giungendo alla conclusione che rientrano in tale concetto le limitazioni al diritto di proprietà che: - derivano da scelte discrezionali dell’Amministrazione non correlate alle caratteristiche oggettive del bene; - superano la normale tollerabilità nel senso che impediscono al proprietario la prosecuzione dell’uso in essere o incidono sul valore di mercato del bene in modo sproporzionato rispetto alle oggettive caratteristiche del bene e all’interesse pubblico perseguito. Ragione di fondo della teoria dei vincoli è censurare l’eccessiva discrezionalità del potere urbanistico, imponendo una maggiore obiettività e controllabilità delle scelte urbanistiche. Dalla teoria dei vincoli consegue altresì che nell’esercizio del potere urbanistico l’Amministrazione, pur potendo differenziare il territorio, deve perseguire l’obiettivo del riequilibrio economico degli interessi incisi dalle sue determinazioni. L’obbligo della corresponsione dell’indennizzo costituisce la prima forma di perequazione urbanistica. Nel terzo e nel quarto capitolo viene analizzata la giurisprudenza civile e amministrativa in tema di vincoli urbanistici, rilevandone la non corrispondenza rispetto all’elaborazione della Corte costituzionale e l’incongruità dei risultati applicativi. Si evidenzia in particolare la necessità del superamento del criterio basato sulla distinzione zonizzazioni-localizzazioni e di considerare conformative unicamente quelle destinazioni realizzabili ad iniziativa privata che in concreto consentano al proprietario di conseguire un’utilità economica proporzionata al valore di mercato del bene. Nel quinto capitolo viene analizzato il rapporto tra teoria dei vincoli e perequazione urbanistica, individuandosi il discrimine tra i due diversi istituti non solo nel consenso, ma anche nella proporzionalità delle reciproche prestazioni negoziali. Attraverso la perequazione non può essere attribuito al proprietario un’utilità inferiore a quella che gli deriverebbe dall’indennità di esproprio.

La responsabilità del vettore terrestre nel trasporto di cose per conto terzi: riflessi assicurativi.

La ricerca ha ad oggetto l’analisi della disciplina della responsabilità del vettore terrestre di merci per conto terzi ed i riflessi che detta disciplina ha avuto modo di svilupparsi nel mercato assicurativo. L’attenzione è stata rivolta al contratto di trasporto di cose in generale, seguendone la disciplina codicistica e le evoluzioni legislative intervenute. Particolare rilievo assume la novella apportata all’art. 1696 c.c., introdotta dall’art. 10 del Dlgs. 286/2005, grazie alla quale l’ordinamento italiano ha potuto codificare il limite di indennizzo dovuto dal vettore nell’ipotesi di colpa lieve, L’introduzione del limite legale di indennizzo per le ipotesi di responsabilità per perdita o avaria della merce trasportata ha generato nel mondo assicurativo interessanti reazioni. L’elaborato esamina anche l’evoluzione giurisprudenziale formatisi in tema di responsabilità vettoriale, evidenziando il crescente rigore imposto dalla giurisprudenza fondato sul principio del receptum. Tale fenomeno ha visto immediata reazione nel mercato assicurativo il quale, sulla base di testi contrattuali non dissimili tra le diverse compagnie di assicurazioni operanti sul mercato domestico e che traevano origine dai formulari approvati dall’ANIA, ha seguito l’evoluzione giurisprudenziale apportando significative restrizioni al rischio tipico previsto dalle coperture della responsabilità civile vettoriale. La ricerca si è poi focalizzata sull’esame delle più comuni clausole contemplate dalle polizze di assicurazioni di responsabilità civile e sul loro significato alla luce delle disposizioni di legge in materia. Tale analisi riveste preminente interesse poiché consente di verificare in concreto come l’assicurazione possa effettivamente costituire per l’impresa di trasporto non tanto un costo bensì una opportunità di risparmio da un lato ed un modello comportamentale, sebbene indotto, dall’altro lato per il raggiungimento di quei canoni di diligenza che qualsiasi operatore del settore dovrebbe tenere durante l’esecuzione del trasporto ed il cui venir meno determina, come detto, sensibili effetti pregiudizievoli di carattere economico.

La tutela del disoccupato nel mercato del lavoro. Dal sostegno del reddito ai servizi per l'occupazione

La tesi affronta il tema degli istituti e degli strumenti di tutela della condizione di disoccupazione. In mancanza d’una nozione giuridica generale di disoccupazione, l’obiettivo è quello di ricercare gli elementi comuni ai differenti istituti in grado di definire l’ambito della protezione garantita alla persona priva d’impiego. Lo studio fornisce, dapprima, una complessiva ricognizione storico-critica degli strumenti per il sostegno del reddito nelle ipotesi di mancanza di lavoro. L’esame dei modelli d’intervento legislativo evidenzia finalità, caratteristiche e criticità dei singoli istituti, sia di quelli più consolidati, che degli interventi più recenti. La seconda parte della tesi si propone d’integrare la ricognizione delle forme di tutela economica con l’analisi delle politiche attive nel mercato del lavoro e degli interventi a sostegno all’occupabilità. L’intento è di verificare le modalità attraverso le quali l’ordinamento tenta di collegare tutela del reddito e promozione dell’occupazione. La ricerca affronta anche la questione dei limiti alla libertà di circolazione nell’Unione Europea dei cittadini non lavoratori, nonché il condizionamento determinato dalle misure che riducono o scoraggiano l’esportabilità delle prestazioni previdenziali negli altri Paesi europei. La parte finale si propone d’individuare gli elementi che caratterizzano il complesso degli istituti analizzati, al fine di verificare a quale evento giuridico l’ordinamento offra protezione. Lo studio identifica due elementi rilevanti: la condizione di “mancanza di lavoro”, che accomuna l’intervento per la disoccupazione e quello a favore dei rapporti di lavoro sospesi, nonché l’attualità dello stato di disoccupazione, parametro generale per gli interventi protettivi. L’analisi svolta sottolinea, però, che i meccanismi di c.d. condizionalità per l’accesso alle prestazioni economiche e ai servizi per l’impiego non consentono un’adeguata promozione della qualità del lavoro e della professionalità del lavoratore. La tesi individua un possibile terreno di sviluppo della protezione della condizione del disoccupato nell’integrazione tra strumenti di sostegno all’impiego e interventi a base universalistica.

Radio relics and magnetic fields in galaxy clusters

Radio relics are diffuse synchrotron sources generally located in the peripheries of galaxy clusters in merging state. According to the current leading scenario, relics trace gigantic cosmological shock waves that cross the intra-cluster medium where particle acceleration occurs. The relic/shock connection is supported by several observational facts, including the spatial coincidence between relics and shocks found in the X-rays. Under the assumptions that particles are accelerated at the shock front and are subsequently deposited and then age downstream of the shock, Markevitch et al. (2005) proposed a method to constrain the magnetic field strength in radio relics. Measuring the thickness of radio relics at different frequencies allows to derive combined constraints on the velocity of the downstream flow and on the magnetic field, which in turns determines particle aging. We elaborate this idea to infer first constraints on magnetic fields in cluster outskirts. We consider three models of particle aging and develop a geometric model to take into account the contribution to the relic transverse size due to the projection of the shock-surface on the plane of the sky. We selected three well studied radio relics in the clusters A 521, CIZA J2242.8+5301 and 1RXS J0603.3+4214. These relics have been chosen primarily because they are almost seen edge-on and because the Mach number of the shock that is associated with these relics is measured by X-ray observations, thus allowing to break the degeneracy between magnetic field and downstream velocity in the method. For the first two clusters, our method is consistent with a pure radiative aging model allowing us to derive constraints on the relics magnetic field strength. In the case of 1RXS J0603.3+4214 we find that particle life-times are consistent with a pure radiative aging model under some conditions, however we also collect evidences for downstream particle re-acceleration in the relic W-region and for a magnetic field decaying downstream in its E-region. Our estimates of the magnetic field strength in the relics in A 521 and CIZA J2242.8+5301 provide unique information on the field properties in cluster outskirts. The constraints derived for these relics, together with the lower limits to the magnetic field that we derived from the lack of inverse Compton X-ray emission from the sources, have been combined with the constraints from Faraday rotation studies of the Coma cluster. Overall results suggest that the spatial profile of the magnetic field energy density is broader than that of the thermal gas, implying that the ε_th /ε_B ratio decreases with cluster radius. Alternatively, radio relics could trace dynamically active regions where the magnetic field strength is biased high with respect to the average value in the cluster volume.

Studio dell'attività idrolitica di glucomannano ad opera di alcuni preparati enzimatici industriali

Over the last few decades, polysaccharides have gained increasing attention in the biomedical and drug delivery fields. Among them, glucomannan (GM) has become a particularly interesting polymer in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical field, however the high molecular weight of this natural polymer is the cause of the limits to its application that reflected in a poor solubility in water.Reduce the molecular weight could improve its use and at the same time does not eliminate its properties. In this study, we investigated the ability of enzymes to hydrolyze the polysaccharide structure of glucomannan by two commercial enzymes: Fungamyl Super AX and Celluclast BG. The purpose of the thesis was to identify the enzymatic activity and the process parameters ( pH and temperature) that influence the catalytic activity of the enzymes, the molecular size and the viscosity of products released after enzymatic hydrolysis of glucomannan.