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Abstract: Finite element analysis methods were developed and applied to gas piston–cylinder units (PCUs) of piston- and cylinder-floating configuration (2, 5, 10 and 20)cm2 nominal effective area, operated in gauge and absolute mode at pressures (0.06–7.5)MPa to determine their zero pressure and pressure-dependent effective areas, as well as pressure distortion coefficients (λ) with associated uncertainties. Real dimensional properties of the PCUs were used. λ were found to be independent of gas (ideal, N2, He) within the viscous flow model, but strongly dependent on the gap shape, operation mode and elastic properties. Results demonstrate good agreement for λ, with its uncertainty for different PCUs varying between (0.03 and 0.21)×10−6 MPa−1 corresponding to maximum relative uncertainties in pressure of (0.07–0.34)×10−6. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Reliable figures of local distribution and prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in intermediate hosts are a fundamental prerequisite for implementation of control strategies against cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus. With the aim to assess the “true” prevalence of CE in a mountain area of Piedmont region (North-Western Italy), two methods alternative to use of official abattoir data were compared: (i) the necroscopic examination of 117 sheep and goats, killed during wolf attacks while on summer pastures, for presence of hydatid cysts; (ii) the serological examination with an enzyme-linked immuno-electro transfer blot assay (EITB) of 1217 sheep from 9 transhumant flocks for presence of anti-Echinococcus antibodies. EITB was first performed on pooled samples, then each serum sample from positive pools was individually tested. Prevalences were 15.4 and 10.8% with method (i) and method (ii), respectively, and they resulted not statistically different (P >0.05). Seroreactors (from 4.4 to 46%) were found in 7 of 9 tested flocks. Adult Echinococcus tapeworms were found in 2 of 4 necropsied dogs from 3 flocks. On the basis of the results, CE prevalence in small ruminants from Piedmont seems to be higher than that reported by official abattoir statistics in the last decade. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]