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This article discusses the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis of pelvic gynecological tumors using ultrasound imaging. The authors conducted a systematic scoping review and meta-analysis of published studies on this topic. They found that while AI has the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, current AI models for US diagnosis of gynecological tumors have methodological shortcomings. The authors also noted that AI models for diagnosing adnexal malignancy did not outperform the ADNEX model, a logistic regression model based on US measurements. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a study that introduces a deep learning-based framework called ADNEX-AI for the automated detection of ovarian cancer using ultrasound scans. The study compares the performance of ADNEX-AI with traditional clinical practice in diagnosing ovarian cancer. The results show that ADNEX-AI achieves a high level of accuracy in distinguishing between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. However, the study suggests that the difference in performance between ADNEX-AI and traditional methods may be due to the clinician's ability to examine the tumor from different angles. Overall, ADNEX-AI demonstrates comparable performance to traditional methods when considering the constraints of tumor visibility. [Extracted from the article]

Small pelagic fishes in the Mediterranean Sea constitute about half of the total landings, of which almost one-third is European anchovy. Anchovy abundance mainly depends on early life stage and juvenile survival and growth, which are susceptible to shifts in environmental processes. Due to the commercial importance of this species, it is necessary to elucidate the processes affecting recruitment strength for effective fishery management, using environmental indices to set more appropriate harvesting limits. Here, we constructed a simple index to capture synchronicity between enrichment and retention/concentration processes, which are known to affect anchovy abundance, during the first year of life. Three ecosystems in the Mediterranean were examined: Gulf of Lions, Adriatic Sea, and Strait of Sicily. The synchronicity index (SI) represented the synergic evolution over time of the chlorophyll-a concentration (CHL, enrichment process) and mixed layer depth (MLD, concentration/retention processes), and was related with the abundance of anchovy recruits obtained from published survey reports. Considering different ecosystems, when the SI was significantly higher, anchovy recruitment was promoted. This result indicated SI is consistent across ecosystems in explaining anchovy abundance fluctuations and thus could be used to enhance fisheries management and extended to assess the impact of projected environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective management and conservation of fishery resources requires knowledge of their spatial distribution and notably of their critical life history stages. Predictive modelling of the European hake (Merluccius merluccius L., 1758) distribution was developed in the south-central Mediterranean Sea by means of historical fisheries-independent databases available in the region. The study area included the international waters of the south-central Mediterranean Sea and the territorial waters of Italy, Malta, Tunisia and Libya. Distribution maps of predicted population abundance index, and probabilistic occurrence of recruits and large adults were obtained by means of generalized additive models using depth and seafloor characteristics as predictors. Presence/absence data of the two life stages was obtained using threshold values applied to the mean weight of the survey catches. Modelling results largely matched previously reported knowledge on habitat preference of the species and its critical life phases. Hake recruits showed an occurrence peak at 200 m depth with preference for soft bottoms. Large adults preferred deeper and harder bottom substrates. Prediction maps allowed to improve our knowledge on the distributional patterns of one of the most important shared stocks in the south-central Mediterranean. This knowledge is essential for an appropriate development of regional-spatial-based management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perception is relational: object properties are perceived in comparison to the spatiotemporal context rather than absolutely. This principle predicts well known contrast effects: For instance, the same sphere will feel smaller after feeling a larger sphere and larger after feeling a smaller sphere (the Uznadze effect). In a series of experiments, we used a visual version of the Uznadze effect to test whether such contrast effects can be modulated by organizational factors, such as the similarity between the contrasting inducer stimulus and the contrasted induced stimulus. We report that this is indeed the case: size contrast is attenuated for inducer-inducing pairs having different 3D shapes, orientations, and even – surprisingly – color and lightness, in comparison to equivalent conditions where these features are the same. These findings complement related work in revealing basic mechanisms for fine-tuning local interactions in space-time in accord to the global stimulus context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major function of clarifiers (basins or tanks) for urban drainage (stormwater or wastewater) is separation of particulate matter (PM) and PM-associated constituents. Clarifier response is often indexed to geometric parameters of surface area (SA) or length to width (L/W) ratio. Yet in urban areas, clarifier geometry is constrained by infrastructure and alternative opportunity land uses. As a result, retrofitting clarifiers with baffles is considered to improve hydraulic and PM separation response. While most studies evaluate such response based on steady flow, stormwater unit operations (UO) are subject to highly unsteady flows. This study examines baffle configuration [direction and flow tortuosity (Le/L) as an analog for L/W], flow rate, and hydrograph unsteadiness (λ) on hydraulic response through the Morrill index (MI), volumetric efficiency (VE), and N-tanks-in-series (N) metrics. Results are generated from physical and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for clarifier designs with and without baffles. For clarifiers without baffles, but of differing cross-sectional geometries, VE and N increased while MI decreased with increasing flow rate. Clarifiers with baffles produced an asymptotic relationship between N and the Péclet number (P). The MI and N trends were a function of λ and Le/L. For a fixed SA, a higher baffle number (higher Le/L) generated greater PM separation. Although there is not a singular hydraulic response for clarifiers as a function of λ; increasing Le/L does confer a more consistent, reproducible response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation of fish habitat requires a deeper knowledge of how species distribution patterns are related to environmental factors. Habitat suitability modelling is an essential tool to quantify species’ realised niches and understand species-environment relationships. Cephalopods are important players in the marine food web and a significant resource for fisheries; they are also very sensitive to environmental changes. Here a time series of fishery-independent data (1998–2011) was used to construct habitat suitability models and investigate the influence of environmental variables on four commercial cephalopods: Todaropsis eblanae , Illex coindetii , Eledone moschata and Eledone cirrhosa , in the central Mediterranean Sea. The main environmental predictors of cephalopod habitat suitability were depth, seafloor morphology, chlorophyll-a concentration, sea surface temperature and surface salinity. Predictive maps highlighted contrasting habitat selection amongst species. This study identifies areas where the important commercial species of cephalopods are concentrated and provides significant information for a future spatial based approach to fisheries management in the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyzed the particle size distribution of particulate matter (PM) retained in two catch basins located, respectively, near a parking lot and a traffic intersection with common high levels of traffic activity. Also, the treatment performance of a filter medium was evaluated by laboratory testing. The experimental treatment results and the field data were then used as inputs to a numerical model which described on a qualitative basis the hydrological response of the two catchments draining into each catch basin, respectively, and the quality of treatment provided by the filter during the measured rainfall. The results show that PM concentrations were on average around 300 mg/L (parking lot site) and 400 mg/L (road site) for the 10 rainfall-runoff events observed. PM with a particle diameter of <45 µm represented 40-50% of the total PM mass. The numerical model showed that a catch basin with a filter unit can remove 30 to 40% of the PM load depending on the storm characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigated the nurseries of seven commercially important demersal species of the northern sector of the Strait of Sicily (central Mediterranean): red mullet, European hake, horned octopus, deep-water rose shrimp, greater forkbeard, Norway lobster and giant red shrimp. An eleven-year series of data collected through experimental trawling in the Strait of Sicily during spring and autumn was analyzed. The spatio-temporal persistence of the high-density aggregations (hot spots) of juvenile individuals in their first year of life was investigated to identify habitats that serve as nurseries. The density of recruits within the persistent nurseries was used as a proxy of the unit area contribution of individuals which recruit to the adult population. The spatial distribution patterns of the recruits of most the species were well defined and very stable in the long term. Persistent and potentially highly productive nurseries of European hake, deep-water rose shrimp and greater forkbeard were identified off the southern coast of Sicily. Persistent areas of recruits concentration were also observed for the other species investigated, but their specific potential contribution of individuals to the adult population was not substantial compared to adjacent grounds. The close or overlapped localization of sites which regularly host vulnerable life stages of different exploited species, revealed an area of great ecological significance which probably plays a major role in the dynamics of the fishery resources in the Strait of Sicily. Appropriate spatial protection measures of this area, including marine protected area designation, could complement conventional management approach for ensuring the long-term sustainability of these fisheries and stocks conservation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The damping due to bolted or riveted joints in the dynamics of assembled structures subjected to pyro-shock has been studied. A relevant effect in this phenomenon is the micro-slip between the jointed surfaces. In order to verify the feasibility and the reliability of the numerical analyses performed on structures with junctions, the numerical results obtained by the finite elements method have been compared with those obtained experimentally. Several numerical analyses, in which friction forces have been represented as nonlinear loads, have been carried out for the FE models of two application cases: an electronic unit mounted within the Radarsat-2 satellite, and the complete Cosmo-Skymed spacecraft. Considering the load type, involving a typical high frequency response spectrum between 100 and 10000Hz, both numerical and experimental data have been reduced to the shock response spectrum form. After the comparative evaluation, taking into account also the damping effect, the agreement between numerical results and experimental data has been evaluated. The proposed numerical approach yields an effective and less expensive instrument, able to provide indications in the design phase, to allow the prevision of the dynamic behaviour of the structure for the prevention of failures in units or systems mounted within the spacecraft or launch vehicle. With the proposed model, it is possible to determine in a simple and direct way the characteristics of the damping due to the single bolted and riveted joints, and use them in similar multiple joints in the complete structure assembling or substructuring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, species diversity of demersal fish communities was analysed over an area covering about 45,000 km2 of the Italian side of the Strait of Sicily (central Mediterranean). Fish abundance data come from a 10-year series (1994–2003) of experimental bottom trawl surveys carried out within the framework of the international program MEDITS. A simple GIS-based method was proposed to identify areas supporting high or low values of diversity and evaluate their temporal stability. A well-defined spatio-temporal pattern in diversity emerged from the analysis, with some areas of great ecological relevance being identified. Importantly, the greatest diversity within the fish communities was consistently seen at the offshore bank on the western part of the south Sicilian shelf (Adventure Bank). The site also supports high total biomass of demersal resources and shows the presence of species of great concern to fisheries. Results suggest that Adventure Bank represents a priority site for investigating the possibility of innovative management of marine ecosystems and demersal fisheries in offshore zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspects of the recruitment of hake (Merluccius merluccius L., 1758) and greater fork beard (Phycis blennoides Brunnich, 1768) in the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean) are presented. Data were collected from 1994 to 1999 during the international bottom trawl survey program MEDITS. In view of the available literature on juvenile growth of these two species in the Mediterranean area, a length-based criterion was adopted to separate fish belonging to the 0 group (recruits). Recruit density indices (R/km2) by haul were calculated based upon the likely variability of recruit growth among years and used to study abundance variability and spatial pattern of recruitment and to identify the main nursery areas. Although there was inter-annual variability, two stable areas for M. merluccius were identified on the eastern side of the Adventure Bank and the Malta Bank at depths ranging between 100 and 200 m. The main nursery areas for P. blennoides were deeper (from 200 to 400 m) and two stable nursery areas were identified on the western and eastern side of the Adventure Bank; other nurseries were found in the easternmost part of the Strait in 1998 and 1999. Recruitments of the two species were significantly correlated, with the strongest recruitment occurring in 1998 and 1999 for each species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rays are amongst the most vulnerable of exploited marine fish due to their life-history strategy (low fecundity, high age at maturity, slow growth). In this paper, we examine the distributional pattern of the thornback ray (Raja clavata Linnaeus, 1758), brown ray (Raja miraletus Linnaeus, 1758) and other species of Rajidae in the Strait of Sicily, in the context of changed fishing pressure. In the last decade, most of the Mazara del Vallo trawl fleet (one of the largest and most active in the Mediterranean) has moved southeastwards onto the African continental shelf looking for new fishing grounds. Data are provided from four scientific trawl surveys conducted over a wide area of the Strait of Sicily (covering part of the African shelf) in autumn 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2001. In addition, we analysed research survey data collected along the Sicilian continental shelf between 1985 and 2002. Analysis of distributional patterns and mean catch rates, over the 4-year survey series, revealed low abundances of all ray species on the Sicilian shelf. Data also suggested a remarkable decline in ray abundance on the African shelf. However, data from 1985 to 2002 reported an increasing abundance trend of Raja clavata and Raja miraletus on the Adventure Bank, located on the southwest side of the Sicilian shelf. Analyses of trawling effort for this latter area indicated that fishing effort has decreased gradually in the last 10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present a tool for the exploratory analysis of trawl survey data using a Geographical Information System (GIS). In particular, the architecture and the main functions of an interactive desktop mapping system, the Trawl Survey Data Viewer (TSDV), are described. The TSDV was developed to provide non-GIS specialists fishery researchers an intuitive visualization and query mechanism of the spatial data sets produced by trawl surveys. The system is able to readily produce distribution maps by species or groups of species. Moreover, it allows to visualize spatial distributions of abundance data, disaggregated by important population parameters such as length class, sex, and maturity. The rationale of this approach is the importance to investigate the spatial component of some relevant aspects of species biology (spatio-temporal distribution patterns, juvenile and/or nursery areas, spawning areas) and to formulate hypothesis for subsequent analysis. Further work must be conducted in order to develop analytical and statistical confirmatory procedures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. A common cause of shoulder pain is attributable to the impingement syndrome. The objectives of this systematic review are: 1) to investigate the usefulness of clinical tests and their psychometric qualities in the clinical diagnosis of subacromial shoulder impingement; 2) to investigate the accuracy of different imaging methods to identify structural correlates related to rotator cuff injuries as indirect confirmation of subacromial impingement syndrome. Materials and methods. This systematic review was carried out following the indications contained in the PRISMA checklist. The methodological quality of the studies included was assessed through the AMSTAR 2. Results. Several studies agree that no test improves the post-test probability of detecting subacromial impingement and, therefore, are inaccurate. Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Arthrography have the same level of sensitivity and specificity in the detection of complete lesions of the rotator cuff. For partial injuries it seems that there is a lower sensitivity in view of high specificity, especially with ultrasound. Discussion and conclusions. The present review confirms the poor diagnostic ability of clinical tests for subacromial shoulder impingement and it highlights the criticism in imaging employment in the complex process of the clinical framing of this syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling particulate matter (PM) separation has been a significant topic since unit operations (UOs) has been introduced for clarification of combined sewer overflows (CSOs). In contrast with surface overflow rate (SOR) model, long debated for the limits of its applicability, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been an emerging tool for accurately predicting hydrodynamics and PM transport in UOs. In this study an Eulerian-Lagrangian CFD model and a SOR model coupled with particle size distribution (PSD) are used to predict PM separation from three Type I settling UOs with same surface area (SA) but different inlet locations. UOs are loaded with hydraulic conditions and PM gradation measured from samples collected in the combined sewer system of the city of Cosenza, Italy. Specifically, the samples characterize the influent flow entering into a detention tank located downstream of the combined sewer system. The detention tank is used for treating the combined sewer by gravitational settling. The two models predict the overall PM separation efficiency and the separated PM percentage as a function of flow rate and particle size for three different UO configurations. The difference between results from the two models increases as a function of flow rate (differences ranging from about 5 up to 23%) for all three UO configurations. This is probably because of the fact the SOR does not account for the mixing phenomena because of turbulence generated by high hydraulic loadings. Under those conditions, CFD model, properly validated with field measurements, may represent a more accurate predictive tool for design of stormwater settling tanks (STs) than a SOR model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recruitment success depends on external forcing mechanisms such as ocean currents that affect the transport of eggs and larvae to favorable habitats. In this study, we investigated the role of larval transport in the recruitment of Mullus barbatus in the Central Mediterranean Sea by modeling the recruits' abundance as a function of both spawning stock size and dispersal rates of the species' early life stages. Our analysis involved twenty years of data on recruits and spawners abundance obtained from scientific trawl surveys, and data on larval dispersal rates derived from a combination of actualized published sources and original data. By calculating the estimates of retention, import and uniformity of the contribution of the spawning areas distributed among different Geographical Sub Areas (GSAs) in the Sicilian nurseries, we assessed their contribution to recruitment using modified Ricker stock size-recruits models. In particular, our results show that a high uniform contribution from spawning areas within GSA16, mainly related to the oceanographic patterns promoting larval retention, together with spawners abundance, significantly reduced the variability of red mullet recruitment. We further highlighted that when switching from a higher to a lower level of evenness of contribution to the recruit population from different spawning areas in the GSA16, the expected spawning stock abundance per recruit for a given fishing pattern can suffer a rapid short-term decline, which is likely to have negative consequences for stock assessment and management decisions. Our results suggest that larval transport plays a crucial role in explaining the interannual variability of recruitment, thereby contributing to a better understanding of stock size variation. Additionally, our study enhances the understanding of the spatial dynamics involved in the recruitment of this species, which is of increasing interest within fisheries management frameworks. • Larval dispersal rates and the estimates of retention, import, and uniformity are used to explain recruitment variability. • Uniform contributions of eggs and larvae from spawning areas reduced recruitment variability unexplained by the S-R relationship. • Changes in spawning areas ELS contributions can lead to rapid declines in expected spawning stock abundance per recruit. • Larval transport is crucial in explaining interannual recruitment variability and spatial dynamics in fisheries management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falsone, F.; Calabrò, M.; Fiorentino, F.; Gancitano, V.; Garofalo, G.; Geraci, M.L.; Massi, D.; Sardo, G.; Scannella, D., and Vitale, S., 2024. Bycatch of demersal Elasmobranchii in the Strait of Sicily In: Phillips, M.R.; Al-Naemi, S., and Duarte, C.M. (eds.), Coastlines under Global Change: Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2024 (Doha, Qatar). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 113, pp. 941-945. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Fishing activities greatly threaten Elasmobranchii due to their vulnerable life-history traits. Elasmobranchii have been a common bycatch in the Mediterranean bottom trawling fleets since the 1970s, and most of them are listed as threatened owing to overexploitation by fisheries. The study aims to identify and estimate the number of rays and sharks caught by bottom trawling operating in the North sector of the Strait of Sicily, Central Mediterranean Sea. This area represents one of the most important fishing grounds for demersal species, exploited mainly by trawl fisheries where an important component of commercial and discarded bycatch comprises cartilaginous fishes. An assessment of the impact of trawl fishery on sharks and skates by examining bycatch recorded between 2009 and 2021 is provided. Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial (ZINB) Models were used to standardize catch data and predict the relative bycatch rates. The findings reveal that 13 rays and 8 sharks were caught during the monitoring period. Raja clavata and Raja miraletus are the most frequently captured rays, constituting around 13% and 10% of the total monitored hauls. Among sharks, Scyliorhinus canicula was the most frequently captured species, found in about 17% of the total monitored hauls, followed by Squalus blainville with approximately 8%. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List for the Mediterranean, among these 21 species, four are reported as Data Deficient, five Least Concern, six Near Threatened, three Vulnerable, four Endangered and one Critically Endangered. ZIBN outcomes indicate decreasing trends of CPUE of Rays while increasing trends are observed for Sharks. Information reported in this study is paramount to support management and conservation measures for these vulnerable species whose adoption is at an early stage in the Strait of Sicily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines an urbanized catchment in Cosenza, Italy where an off-line basin intercepting CSOs was studied to illustrate reduction in CSO discharges to the Crati River. While the hydrologic transport of pollutant mass is never known a-priori and can be flow-limited, the volumetric requirements of the basin were modeled based on the classic assumption that wet weather flows transport urban and sewer loads in a mass-limited (first-flush) delivery. The volumetric capacity of the basin was varied from 10 to 50 m³/ha. Operational basin control was simulated with historical datasets from the Liguori catchment, event-based loading data, and continuous simulation modelling with SWMM. Utilizing data from the catchment, the SWMM simulations were conducted considering the storage basin with or without sedimentation treatment. Results illustrate the potential benefits of the off-line operation for the system with respect to the volume and mass reduction of CSOs into the Crati River. Results demonstrate the importance of particle size distribution (PSD) as an index of basin efficiency, coupled with analysis of the hydrodynamic response of the basin. The basin model attenuated influent PSDs, separating the coarser fraction of the PSD, and reduced the load of influent particulate matter (PM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical shelter features (e.g. shape, size and substrate slope) were tested in the laboratory to evaluate the preferences of juveniles of European spiny lobster, Palinurus elephas. Tethering experiments to assess whether substrate slope affects the vulnerability of juveniles to predation were also performed. Our results showed that: (1) semi-circular dens were significantly preferred over square and circular shapes; (2) when not disturbed by a predator, lobsters sheltered in holes with a diameter closely related to their own size, while in the presence of a potential predator lobsters showed no significant preference for a particular shelter size; (3) lobsters significantly preferred dens excavated on sub-vertical (35°) substrates over those excavated on vertical ones (90°); (4) individual lobsters tethered on vertical substrates were subject to greater predation activity than those tethered on horizontal structures. In conclusion, the present study contributes to the understanding of how physical properties of shelters affect the choice of P. elephas juveniles, enhancing their protection and survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review discusses the usefulness of bedside lung ultrasound in the diagnostic distinction between different causes of acute dyspnea in the emergency setting, particularly focusing on differential diagnosis of pulmonary edema and exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is possible using a simple unit and easy-to-acquire technique performed by radiologists and clinicians. Major advantages include bedside availability, absence of radiation, high feasibility and reproducibility, and cost efficiency. The technique is based on analysis of sonographic artifacts instead of direct visualization of pulmonary structures. Artifacts are because of interactions between water-rich structures and air and are called "comet tails" or B lines. When such artifacts are widely detected on anterolateral transthoracic lung scans, we diagnose diffuse alveolar-interstitial syndrome, which is often a sign of acute pulmonary edema. This condition rules out exacerbation of COPD as the main cause of an acute dyspnea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In urbanising catchments the variability of particulate matter (solids) and oxygen demanding constituents of wet weather and dry weather characteristics result in variable treatment effectiveness from physical unit operations and biological unit processes. Higher organic concentrations during dry weather flow are more amenable to biological unit processes while the higher inorganic loads generated largely by urban wet weather constituents and much larger flows can be more effectively treated or conditioned by physical unit operations, including ideally preceded by hydrologic controls. This study examines the relationships between total chemical oxygen demand (COD)t, dissolved chemical oxygen demand (COD)d, particulate chemical oxygen demand (COD)p and solids, measured as total suspended solids (TSS). Results also provide an index for selection and optimisation of treatment operations for combined sewer overflow (CSO) loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Persistent or “de novo” anemia (plasma hemoglobin <11 g/dL) may complicate the graft outcome in a significant number of renal transplant recipients. We describe a single-center experience with epoetin-zeta (EPO-Z), the biosimilar form for epoetin-alfa. Methods Twenty patients were included in the study, 10 in treatment with different erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) and shifted to EPO-Z (shift group) and 10 who started EPO-Z treatment for anemia (naive group). All the patients had stable renal function and normal values of main inflammation markers and were prospectively followed up for 12 months. Iron supplements were administered during the study, as needed. Results In the shift group, mean plasma hemoglobin levels >11 g/dL were maintained for the entire 1-year follow-up period, with average EPO-Z doses 3.4% higher than the corresponding doses of previous ESA; in the naive group, the target value was reached between the first and third months and remained stable throughout the study. Mean corpuscular volume did not vary in either group. No change was observed in glomerular filtration rate, nor in proteinuria or in main laboratory data. No drug-related side effect was reported. Conclusions EPO-Z may be considered a valid alternative to different ESAs in renal transplant recipients, with an interesting pharmaco-economic profile, considering its lower cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small size laboratory test-bed was realized at the University of Genoa in order to evaluate the drainage capacity of permeable pavements by monitoring inflow, runoff and sub-surface outflow. The laboratory test programme was designed to investigate the influence of rainfall intensity and pavement slope on the hydrologic response of permeable pavements. Four permeable pavement systems combining two paving types (concrete cell and pervious brick) with two filter layers made of recycled glass aggregate and a mix of gravel and coarse sand are tested. The hydrologic response of permeable pavements is analysed by using a dimensionless volume index (discharge coefficient) and a timing index. Laboratory results reveal that the hydrologic performance is fairly consistent for all the investigated permeable pavements. The recycled glass aggregate turns out to be a valid solution. No surface runoff occurs even at 98 mm/h rainfall intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The IUGRs was defined as an estimated fetal weight at ultrasound (US) of one fetus below the 10th percentile for gestational age (GA), based on antenatal growth charts. VP38.13: Retrospective analysis of selective intrauterine growth restriction fetuses in dichorial pregnancies: what we have learnt during the last 10 years? The first study aim was to identify and analyse the antenatal follow-up of dichorial pregnancies (DC) affected by selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) fetuses in our tertiary care centre. [Extracted from the article]

Bioconstructions such as coralligenous outcrops and maërl beds are typical Mediterranean underwater seascapes. Fine-scale knowledge on the distribution of these sensitive habitats is crucial for their effective management and conservation. In the present study, a thorough review of existing spatial datasets showing the distribution of coralligenous and maërl habitats across the Mediterranean Sea was undertaken, highlighting current gaps in knowledge. Predictive modelling was then carried out, based on environmental predictors, to produce the first continuous maps of these two habitats across the entire basin. These predicted occurrence maps for coralligenous outcrops and maërl beds provide critical information about where the two habitats are most likely to occur. The collated occurrence data and derived distribution model outputs can help addressing the challenge of developing basin-wide spatial plans and to guide cost-effective future surveys and monitoring efforts towards areas that are presently poorly-sampled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The capture of large amounts of small, immature fish of commercial species is a serious problem particularly in multispecies fisheries. Moreover, considerable and increasing interest is being devoted by fishery scientists to identify the distribution and habitat needs of species throughout their life cycle. To elucidate species composition, the abundance of juveniles in the demersal assemblages and the role of different life history (juvenile and adult) stages of target species in structuring demersal communities, two bottom trawl surveys were carried out during the autumn 2003 and 2004. Multivariate analyses were performed on density indices of adults and juveniles life stages of 30 target species and total density indices for the remainder of the catch species. Juveniles represent more than 61% of the total catch in both the years investigated and their abundance and spatial distribution was strictly related to the sea bottom biocoenotic features. Most juveniles were concentrated in the coastal shelf area and in particular in the hauls performed on the Coastal Terrigenous Mud biocoenosis (CTM). The demersal assemblages located in the slope stratum showed, in general, a lower concentration of juvenile specimens; however, some facies of the Bathyal Mud biocoenosis that characterizes the deep layer of our study area showed a very high percentage of juveniles. This information improves our understanding of ecosystem functioning and represents a useful basis for providing advice on the management of multispecies demersal fisheries within an ecosystem approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The skill of recognizing and reacting to predators is often based on a learned component. Few studies have examined the role of learning in spiny lobster anti-predator behavior. We investigated whether European spiny lobster ( Palinurus elephas) shelter selection is influenced by olfactory stimuli released by one of the most common lobster predators, the common octopus ( Octopus vulgaris), and whether the behavioral response to octopus chemical stimuli is innate or influenced by experience. In experimental arenas, we conditioned wild-caught lobsters with three levels of predation threat: no threat, with no predator-prey interaction; medium threat, with odor and visual predator cues only; high threat, active predation risk. We subsequently tested the shelter choice of the conditioned lobster under different experimental conditions: (1) shelter plus seawater; (2) shelter plus seawater plus chemical octopus cue. Our results showed significant differences in mean shelter occupancy with conditioning level. We conclude that P. elephas individuals use chemosensory systems in predator-avoidance mechanisms. Moreover, lobsters subject to a training period of high-level predation threat were able to learn the octopus chemical stimuli and treat its odor as a cue related to predation risk. The findings relative to the spiny lobster learning abilities could be an important tool for future management of lobster populations, e.g., by re-introduction of reared juveniles, which have not yet experienced predation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Vaginal administration seems to be the best route to achieve steady and precise doses of contraceptive hormones, resulting in stable serum concentrations and low exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contraceptive efficacy, cycle control, tolerability and acceptability of a contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing) in renal and liver transplant recipients. Material and Methods: Renal or liver transplant recipients, asking for contraception, were enrolled into the study. The duration of treatment was 12 cycles, with each vaginal ring releasing an average of 120 mg etonogestrel and 15 mg ethinylestradiol daily. Study visits were scheduled at screening, in the first week following cycles 3, 6, and 12 (172 cycles). Results: Among 17 females included into the study: were 9 renal (mean age, 30 ± 7.2 years) and 8 liver transplant recipients (mean age, 32.6 ± 6.6 years). At the onset of therapy all patients showed at least 6 months of stable graft function with no signs of allograft rejection. The mean posttransplant follow-up was 4 ± 3.6 and 5.3 ± 2.1 years for women with renal and hepatic transplantations respectively (P = NS). The immunosuppressive therapy was not changed for any patient. We demonstrated good cycle control: 162 cycles did not exhibit any bleeding; 7 cycles, only spotting episodes, whereas 2 cycles had 1 bleeding episode during the ring period. The estrogen-related adverse events (nausea and breast tenderness) were reported in 2 patients. One patient experienced significant bleeding related to thrombocytopenia. Discussion: Nuvaring, in our preliminary findings, may be considered to be an highly effective contraceptive method for female transplant recipients that additionally regulate menstrual bleeding and seems to positively influence well-being. Vaginal administration may diminish the chance of drug interactions and therefore be safer for patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fiorentino, F., Badalamenti, F., D’Anna, G., Garofalo, G., Gianguzza, P., Gristina, M., Pipitone, C., Rizzo, P., and Fortibuoni, T. 2008. Changes in spawning-stock structure and recruitment pattern of red mullet, Mullus barbatus, after a trawl ban in the Gulf of Castellammare (central Mediterranean Sea). – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1175–1183.The increase in biomass of red mullet, Mullus barbatus, in the Gulf of Castellammare (northwestern Sicily, central Mediterranean) after a 14-year trawl ban, prompted us to compare the spawning-stock structure and the recruitment pattern before and after the closure. Datasets obtained from three experimental trawl surveys were available before the ban (April and September 1985; April–May 1986) and four post-ban (September and November 2004; March and May 2005). Spawning-stock biomass increased significantly after the ban. Moreover, females at depths >50 m in the post-ban period were larger than those collected before the ban at the same depth. The recruitment pattern of the population also changed. Notably, recruit numbers increased and recruitment occurs over a broader period. The increase in biomass after the trawl ban seems to be the result of a combination of different processes, mainly associated with the lowering of fishing mortality. A positive trend in sea surface temperature in the area may have played a role too. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The effect of trawling on demersal fish assemblages was measured in an experiment involving repeated trawling in the Strait of Sicily. Three areas were chosen according to their exploitation level by commercial trawl fishery: practically unexploited by the commercial fishery (area C), subject to light and recent fishing pressure (area L) and heavily exploited by commercial trawl fishery (area H). Data were collected during two scientific surveys carried out in autumn 1997 and 1998; temporal replication was used to confirm the observed spatial pattern. The status of the demersal fish communities in the three areas was compared using a variety of approaches and a number of community metrics (cluster analysis, similarity percentage analysis, ANOSIM pairwise test, size spectra, diversity indices). Results indicate that abundance, species composition and size-structure of the fish community in area H are different from the other two areas. Differences between area C and area L are small and concern mainly the relative abundance of some species. Eventually, the results show how fishing can substantially shape the fish communities in the three areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A comparison of terrestrial small mammal coenoses belonging to nine different biotopes in the tips of the Iberian and Italian peninsulas was carried out using the pitfall trapping method. The influence of both habitat type and peninsular effect on composition of small mammal coenoses was analysed. In Southern Italy, 203 specimens belonging to seven species were trapped: Suncus etruscus (Savi, 1822), Crocidura suaveolens (Pallas, 1811), C. leucodon (Hermann, 1780), Microtus savii (de Sélys-Longchamps, 1838), Apodemus sylvaticus (L., 1758), A. flavicollis (Melchior, 1834) and Mus musculus domesticus Schwarz & Schwarz, 1943. In Southern Spain 428 specimens belonging to five species were trapped: Suncus etruscus, Crocidura russula (Hermann, 1780), Microtus duodecimcostatus (de Sélys-Longchamps, 1839), Apodemus sylvaticus and Mus spretus Lataste, 1883. The relative density of small mammals occurring in the nine Spanish sampling stations was twice that recorded in the Italian stations; however the number of species recorded in the different biotopes show similar mean values, ranging from three to five in Andalusia and from three to six in Calabria. Apodemus sylvaticus was the dominant species in the Calabrian stations, whereas Crocidura russula prevailed in Andalusia. The biotic diversity values are very similar in the Calabrian and Andalusian biotopes. By contrast, the Insectivora/Rodentia ratio was always higher in Andalusia. The more xerophytic biotopes showed greater similarities between the communities in Southern Spain and Southern Italy, while the cooler biotopes differed between these two peninsulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial fisheries have dramatically impacted elasmobranch populations worldwide. With high capture and bycatch rates, the abundance of many species is rapidly declining and around a quarter of the world's sharks and rays are threatened with extinction. At a regional scale this negative trend has also been evidenced in the central Mediterranean Sea, where bottom-trawl fisheries have affected the biomass of certain rays (e.g. Raja clavata) and sharks (e.g. Mustelus spp.). Detailed knowledge of elasmobranch habitat requirements is essential for biodiversity conservation and fisheries management, but this is often hampered by a poor understanding of their spatial ecology. Habitat suitability models were used to investigate the habitat preference of nine elasmobranch species and their overall diversity (number of species) in relation to five environmental predictors (i.e. depth, sea surface temperature, surface salinity, slope and rugosity) in the central Mediterranean Sea. Results showed that depth, seafloor morphology and sea surface temperature were the main drivers for elasmobranch habitat suitability. Predictive distribution maps revealed different species-specific patterns of suitable habitat while high assemblage diversity was predicted in deeper offshore waters (400-800 m depth). This study helps to identify priority conservation areas and diversity hot-spots for rare and endangered elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]