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Gastronomy has always been a central part of the tourism experience but in recent years has become one the main motivations to travel for visitors to a particular destination. Wine tourism represents today a key component of this segment. This paper examines the profile of U.S. wine tourists interested in wine-related activities as well as U.S.-based tour operators offering wine holidays in order to gain a better understating of both wine tourism demand and offerings in the U.S. market. The comparison tries to highlight critical issues that may allow tour operators to enter successfully a market where consumers may tend to shy away from organized travels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Battery charging is a complex task, which needs to be addressed by a proper control methodology to find the highest charging current while guaranteeing safety. Among the different approaches, model predictive control appears particularly suitable due to its ability in dealing with nonlinear systems and constraints. However, its use in a realistic scenario is limited due to the high computational burden required by the online solution of an optimal control problem. A neural network-based algorithm is here proposed to significantly reduce the real-time computational effort by approximating the predictive control law. In addition, for the first time to the authors' knowledge, an adaptation of the proposed deep learning-based algorithm is presented for the case in which the battery's internal states are not measurable. The superiority of proposed methodology is highlighted in simulation by comparing it with a predictive controller coupled with a properly designed state observer. • Batteries require suitable management systems to maintain high performance over time. • The use of a model-based controller is limited due to high computational cost. • Neural networks can be used to significantly reduce computational effort. • A deep learning-based approximation of the predictive control law is proposed. • The algorithm relies only on output measurements when states are not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lithium-ion batteries require suitable model-based management systems to maintain high performance over time and mitigate ageing phenomena. • A multi-objective optimization framework is required to achieve ageing minimization and fast charging. • Most of the works in the literature simply increase charging time to reduce ageing. • We propose a lexicographic model predictive control to deal with competing objective according to priority preferences. • The results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, which is demonstrated on a realistic simulator with the states reconstructed through an extended Kalman filter. A proper battery management system has to find the optimal trade-off between fast charging and ageing effects minimization while satisfying safety constraints. Such a task can be formulated as a constrained multi-objective optimization problem with competitive goals, where a mathematical model is exploited in the description of the battery behaviour. In this paper, for the first time in the lithium-ion batteries context, a priority-based model predictive control that relies on a modified lexicographic approach is proposed, which is suitable for strictly convex objective functions. In particular, the considered objectives in order of priority are fast charging and ageing reduction. Moreover, a shrinking-horizon termination strategy is presented, thus enhancing a finite-time reaching phase of the state of charge reference. The effectiveness of the presented algorithm, coupled with a state observer, is tested on a numerical implementation of the well-known Pseudo-Two-Dimensional model and the results are compared with a conventional model predictive control procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An innovative setup to combine electrochemical and in situ surface X-ray diffraction (SXRD) measurements is described. This electrochemical cell has a different design from the other ones commonly used for X-ray diffraction studies. It allows the sample surface to stay always completely immersed into the solution under controlled potential conditions even during the SXRD measurements. The X-ray beam crosses the liquid (about 1cm) and the cell walls. Because of the high X-ray energy, the beam attenuation is negligible and by an appropriate positioning of the detector arm slits it is possible to minimize the diffuse scattering induced by the liquid and cell walls in order to still detect the minima of the crystal truncation rods (CTRs). The liquid solution in the cell is managed by a special device, which allows the controlled exchange of the electrolyte solutions necessary in the electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy (ECALE) growth. The whole setup can be remotely controlled from outside the experimental hutch by a dedicated computer. As an example we report measurements on S layers deposited at underpotential on the Ag(111) surface, and on CdS films of increasing thickness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Bufo arenarum, androgen biosynthesis occurs through a complete 5-ene pathway, including 5-androstane-3β,17β-diol as the immediate precursor of testosterone. Besides, steroidogenesis changes during the breeding period, turning from androgens to C21-steroids such as 5α-pregnan-3α,20α-diol, 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one and 5α-pregnan-3,20-dione. In B. arenarum, steroid hormones are not involved in hCG-induced spermiation, suggesting that the steroidogenic shift to C21-steroids during the breeding be not related to spermiation. The activity of 17-hydroxylase-C17–20 lyase (CypP450c17) decreases during the reproductive season, suggesting that this enzyme would represent a key enzyme in the regulation of seasonal changes. However, the increase in the affinity for pregnenolone of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3αHSD)/isomerase could also be involved. Moreover, the reduction in CypP450c17 leading to a reduction in C19-steroids, among them dehydroepiandrosterone (DHE), would contribute to the conversion of pregnenolone into progesterone, avoiding the non-competitive inhibition exerted by DHE on this transformation. Additionally, CypP450c17 possesses a higher affinity for pregnenolone than for progesterone, explaining the predominance of the 5-ene pathway for testosterone biosynthesis. Animals in reproductive condition showed a significant reduction in circulating androgens, enhancing the physiological relevance of all the in vitro results. The in vitro effects of mGnRH and hrFSH on testicular steroidogenesis revealed that both hormones inhibited CypP450c17 activity. In summary, these results demonstrate that, in B. arenarum, the change in testicular steroidogenesis during the reproductive period could be partially due to an FSH and GnRH-induced decrease in CypP450c17 activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Epidermal club cells (ECCs) are present in many species of teleost fish. In an attempt to justify their presence in the epidermis of fish, they have been associated with numerous functions. One proposed function is communication with conspecifics during a predation event, as these cells may passively release substances upon rupture, which may occur during predation. We identified the presence and distribution of ECCs in the body skin of adult cardinal tetra, Paracheirodon axelrodi (Schultz, 1956) and analyzed the animal's behavioral response to conspecific skin extract in a laboratory setting. The identification and distribution of ECCs in the epidermis of the animals were confirmed by conventional histology and immunohistochemistry. Our results demonstrated that: ECCs are present in the skin of the entire body; a high density is observed in the dorsal side from head to tail, in the insertion of the fins and in the epidermis covering them; and ventral distribution is less extensive and more dispersed than dorsal distribution. Treatment of P. axelrodi specimens with skin preparations of conspecifics resulted in behavioral changes in the animals: they showed erratic swimming movements, they showed avoidance of the area of stimulus application and they decreased the time spent moving. Overall, these results allow us to conclude that P. axelrodi possesses ECCs throughout the body, with a greater presence in areas of high exposure to predation events (dorsal area and fins). Animals exposed to conspecific skin extract showed a significant increase in behaviors described as anti-predatory in other species. This supports the hypothesis that ECCs may be the origin of chemical alarm cues that are passively released when skin damage occurs, alerting the rest of the group to the risk of predation. • Epithelial club cells of the fish Paracheirodon axelrodi are mainly localized in areas of high predation exposure. • Epithelial club cells of P. axelrodi are similar to those described in Cypriniformes. • P. axelrodi responds to conspecific skin extracts with antipredator behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Poor recoveries are obtained if the BCR three-step sequential extraction is applied to 100mg specimens rather than to 1g. It is observed that analytes are lost during each phase separation which is carried out via centrifugation and can be hardly quantitatively performed on 100mg sediment specimens. An alternative procedure, which is carried out on a single empty SPE column and involves separation by filtration, is developed to solve this problem. The proposed method is validated on 100mg samples of certified sediment (BCR-701), but could be potentially used for even lower sediment specimens. Problems related to pH stability during step 2 and its influence on recoveries is also reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• strategies to design sustainable battery technology based on zinc and rock salt. • integrated Zn/NaCl electrodes into state-of-the-art tubular high-temperature cells (38 Ah). • identified cost benefits for an alternative inside-out cell design. • demonstrated cycling of large tubular Na-ZnCl 2 cells (∼30 Ah/cycle). • reduced voltage fading by cycling ≤80% SOC. At present, high-temperature sodium-nickel chloride (Na-NiCl 2) batteries with nickel-based cathode are produced for specialty markets (e.g. backup power supply) at relatively low volumes. Replacing the nickel in the cathode by cheap and abundant zinc may enable this technology to provide sustainable large-scale energy storage for stationary applications at competitive cost. In this study, we derive design strategies from state-of-the-art Na-NiCl 2 cells, and transfer them to Na-ZnCl 2 cells. First, we evaluate the influence of cathode compartment filling level, sodium tetrachloroaluminate (NaAlCl 4) secondary electrolyte volume, and active metal content on the pressure evolution during battery cell cycling. Based on this evaluation, we define a suitable Zn/NaCl cathode composition for integration into state-of-the-art high-temperature cells with tubular geometry. Second, we present cycling results of Na-ZnCl 2 cells with 38 Ah capacity and 0.9 g/cm2 mass loading, corresponding to an areal capacity of 146 mAh/cm2 (100% state-of-charge, SOC). During operation at 280–300 °C, tubular cells cycled to high SOC (97–100% SOC) exhibit voltage fading with each cycle. We show that this voltage fading is related to the coarsening and segregation of zinc metal at the cathode, while conductivity and crystalline phase content of the ceramic Na-β''-Al 2 O 3 electrolyte are not significantly altered. In contrast, cell voltage and cathode structure remain stable when keeping the cell below 80% SOC. Under these cycling conditions, a cumulative capacity of >550 Ah (22 cycles, 2.1 Ah/cm2) was transferred at discharge current densities of 10 mA/cm2 (C/15). Our experiments demonstrate successful integration of zinc electrodes in state-of-the-art tubular cells at commercially relevant mass loadings. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In amphibians, intra- or interspecific chemical cues are an important source of information about possible predation risk. In anuran tadpoles, this information causes changes at different levels including behavior, morphology, and growth and development. It has been shown that chemical alarm cues trigger antipredator behaviors, such as decreased exploratory activity, in a wide variety of anuran species; however, the cellular origin of the chemical cues has not yet been confirmed by new evidence. Previous works have suggested that the alarm cues originate from a particular cell type in the skin in tadpoles of the family Bufonidae: the epidermal giant cells (GCs). Here, we confirm the presence of GCs in the epidermis of Rhinella arenarum larvae from developmental stages as early as G22, when free-swimming larvae show gregarious behavior. In addition, larval skin homogenates trigger antipredator behaviors in conspecifics from stage G22 onwards, but not at early stages (G19 and G21). This fact exposes experimental evidence for the coexistence between the appearance of GCs and the production of chemical alarm cues during the development of R. arenarum. Furthermore, the antipredator behavioral response of R. arenarum larvae triggered by skin preparations of other species that belong to the same family who also exhibit GCs allows us to speculate that chemical cues appear to be conserved among phylogenetically related species, allowing them to cross-respond to heterospecific cues. Our experimental approaches support the role of GCs as the source of alarm cues in anuran larvae of the family Bufonidae. [Display omitted] • Epidermal giant cells (GCs) appears early during the development of Rhinella arenarum. • There is a temporal correlation between the appearance of chemical alarm cues and the GCs in the R. arenarum ontogeny. • Skin homogenates of phylogenetic related tadpoles with GCs trigger anti-predatory behaviors in R. arenarum tadpoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Survey technologies play a leading role in the knowledge of cultural heritage and so far they have been finalized to data acquisition for describing geometric features and peculiarities of historical monuments in the context of conservation and safeguard. Moreover, the demand for 3D models of historical monuments is continuously increasing in the field of archaeological and architectural applications. The two main sources that can provide detailed and reliable 3D surface models are photogrammetry through image-based modelling, and Terrestrial Laser Scanner through laser scanning techniques. Among the works so far presented, the use of laser scanner for cultural heritage survey seems to achieve a position of monopoly in the 3D modelling pipeline. Laser scanner technology permits a detailed 3D description of the artefacts geometry: during the acquisition phase, it is possible to automatically acquire a great amount of 3D points without subjective interpretation from the operators. Some related geometric issues have not been solved yet, and thus a great amount of post-processing work is required to get final results. Recently, the development of digital stereo-photogrammetric systems capable to define 3D visualization and navigation environments represents a valid alternative as a tool for 3D documentation of cultural heritage. This paper aims to present the wide range of application of quick photogrammetric systems, either stereoscopic or trifocal, in the context of surveying archaeological–architectural artefacts at different scales and for different purposes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chemical communication can induce a multitude of behaviours when detected by fish olfactory systems, from parental care, predation and alarm signalling, to foraging, schooling, reproduction, and migration. Chemical cues provide information that visual traits cannot and fish can respond to chemical cues without any additional sensory cue. In this way, pheromones play an essential role in the fitness of fishes. Given that Aphyocharax anisitsi inhabits environments characterized by cloudy and highly vegetated waters, it is interesting to evaluate the olfactory contribution in their communication. Here, we investigated the relevance of chemical cues in the types of behaviours triggered in A anisitsi by two experimental contexts: 1) non-social and olfactory context (conspecific-chemical cues), and 2) social context (conspecific female or male presence). Non-social context experiments suggest that males of A. anisitsi respond to both male and female-chemical cues even in the absence of other sensory inputs. The high olfactory sensitivity of characids in general and of A. anisitsi , in particular, could facilitate vital functions, such as foraging and conspecific recognition in habitats that impose severe restrictions on the visual system. • Conspecific recognition is mediated by chemical cues. • Conspecific cues reduce anxiety-related behaviours. • Conspecific-conditioned media and conspecific presence trigger the same activity response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The recent issue of microplastic and (trace) element adsorption-desorption is critically reviewed. • Physical and chemical mechanisms affecting plastic-element interaction are discussed. • A conceptual framework to model the plastic-element interaction is proposed. • Suggestions for future experimental approaches are presented. Plastic and microplastic pollution is an environmental and societal concern. The interaction of plastic with organic chemicals in the environment has attracted scientific interest. New evidences have highlighted an unexpectedly high affinity of environmental plastics also for metal ions. The degree and typology of plastic ageing (including from mechanical, UV and biological degradations) appear as a pivotal factor determining such an interaction. These earlier evidences recently opened a new research avenue in the plastic pollution area. This review is the first to organize and critically discuss knowledge developed so far. Results from field and laboratory studies of metal accumulation on plastic are presented and the environmental factors most likely to control such an interaction are discussed. On the light of this knowledge, a generalist conceptual model useful for building hypotheses on the mechanisms at stake and directing future studies was elaborated and presented here. Furthermore, all available data on the thermodynamics of the plastic-metal interaction obtained from laboratory experiments are inventoried and discussed here, highlighting methodological and technical challenges that can potentially affect cross-comparability of data and their relevance for environmental settings. Finally, insights and recommendations on experimental approaches and analytical techniques that can help overtaking current limitations and knowledge gaps are proposed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]