Abstract
A number of studies have been carried out focused on soil pollution and toxicity in proximity of different industrial facilities respectively focused on a) bauxite manufacturing in Gardanne (southern France), b) steel production in Taranto (southern Italy) and c) oil refining (Augusta-Priolo, SE Sicily). Soil samples collected at various distances and coordinates from the main facilities were analyzed for their levels of inorganic and organic contaminants. Among the various analytes, a special focus was devoted to rare earth elements (REEs) as related to their presence in bauxite and to their use as additives in oil refining. Organic analyses were performed by measuring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and of total hydrocarbons. Bioassays were carried out on the early life stages of three sea urchin species and on a nematode. In Gardanne, the effects of soil samples showed heightened toxicity at two sites, close to the bauxite processing plant main entrance and around the power plant, which was consistent with the highest concentrations found for metals and PAHs, respectively. REE concentrations showed the third highest concentration among inorganics at all sites. In Taranto area, both the analytical and the bioassay data of soil samples showed discontinuous distribution along with the distance from the steel foundry and with the presence of the urbanized areas. In the Augusta-Priolo area, topsoil samples were tested for toxicity in multiple bioassay models, and samples collected at sites closest to defined petrochemical facilities were highest in select pollutants and correlated with biological effects in different toxicity endpoints. Altogether, these studies provide consistent data of soil toxicity, metal and REE contamination at sampling sites, and may provide an appropriate baseline for epidemiological studies

Biography
Dr. Giovanni Pagano have Over one hundred-fifty articles in peer-reviewed journals, mostly as first or corresponding author; 22 book chapters, 11 contract reports, over 40 meeting presentations, and multi-decade long experience in international lecturing. Editor of a recently published book. Established experience both in environmental research and, in the recent decade, studies focusing on the adverse effects of rare earth elements (REEs) and on the present and prospect use of REEs in agronomy and zootechny. Coordinator or participant in EC- and a NATO-supported projects, including study design, project management, and writing reports. Experience in interacting with national and international scientists by interfacing the respective science expertise. An over 25 year-long experience in peer-review for journals and as referee for research funding agencies has contributed to enhance GP’s skills both in critical judgement and in editorial work. Current activity in maintaining and extending international contacts, in publication, university lecturing and in lab work.

Abstract
The rapid and accurate measurement of greenhouse gas concentrations that contribute to global warming is necessary and important in various fields. Therefore, a method was proposed to measure the concentration of the gas using ultrasonic waves without direct contact with hydrofluorocarbons, one of the greenhouse gases. Mixing gases with different specific heat ratios complicates the calculation algorithm and increases calculation time. In this study, we applied a design methodology suitable for implementing high-speed arithmetic algorithms using both model-based design and hardware implementation. The proposed sensor for measuring gas concentration by ultrasonic waves was realized on hardware, and the gas concentration calculation achieved high speed.

Biography
Dr. Akitoshi Matsuda received a Ph.D. degree in automotive science from Kyushu University in 2021, Fukuoka, Japan and a B.E. and M.E. degree in Computer and Information Engineering in 1991 and 1993, respectively from Kyushu Institute Technology, Fukuoka, Japan. In 1993, he joined Kyushu Matsushita Electric Corporation, Fukuoka, Japan. In 2014, he was　transferred to Panasonic Corporation, where he has been working on designing system LSI for advanced communication equipment. He is currently working at the Nishinippon Institute of Technology.

Dr. Ioannis zikeloglou  is a career fire officer (Captain) in the Hellenic Fire Service with an MSc degree in Analysis and Management of Physical and Manmade Disasters. Also, he is a PhD student at the Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. During the performance of his duties he served in the posts of fire commander, fire prevention officer and press management officer. He is special instructor for protection of Critical Infrastructures with Accreditation/License Provider of non-formal education. He has great experience as crisis management instructor having co-operation with public and private education providers. He is an expert at contingency planning for manmade and natural disasters and he published a book for the Strategy of training in the overall management of gas escape.

Dr. Raul B. Rebak is a corrosion research scientist at General Electric Research in Schenectady, New York since 2007. Previously he was the lead for materials corrosion testing in the Yucca Mountain Project at the University of California Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Raul has more than 30 years’ experience in environmental degradation processes of materials in many fields including nuclear power, oil & gas, energy storage, healthcare, transportation, and aerospace. Raul is a Fellow of both NACE International and ASM International.