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COVID-19 pandemic demands a swift response to find therapeutic tools that effectively reduce morbidity and mortality. Despite initial fears, evidence from retrospective observational studies supports the inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system as an emerging pathway to delay or moderate angiotensin II-driven lung inflammation. This has triggered several prospective clinical trials. In this commentary we provide an overview and analysis of current ongoing clinical trials aimed at evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) use in COVID-19. The relevance of the results of these trials will have to be interpreted depending on the stage and severity of the disease and in light of the start time of their prescription related to the time of diagnosis of COVID-19 as well as the administered doses.

Dialogs on Architecture is a series of dialogs between researchers and practitioners. who are embracing the intellectual model of high technology and are involved in its advancement and application in architecture. The present dialog focuses on the role of parametric design and cyber-physical systems in architecture. It has been inspired by a lecture given by Henriette Bier at the Italian Institute of Architecture in Catania (2019) and addresses the question of the current paradigm shift in architecture and its impact on the role of the architect and the user. The dialog is led by Grazia Maria Nicolosi (GMN) with Henriette Bier (HB) and Maria Vogiatzaki (MV).

An isolated human cranium, dated to the early Eneolithic period, was discovered in 2015 at the top of a vertical shaft in the natural Marcel Loubens gypsum Cave (Bologna area, northern Italy). No other anthropological or archaeological remains were found inside the cave. In other caves of the same area anthropic and funerary use are attested from prehistory to more recent periods. We focused on investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of this individual, since the cranium shows signs of some lesions that appear to be the results of a perimortem manipulation probably carried out to remove soft tissues. Anthropological analyses revealed that the cranium belonged to a young woman. We analysed the taphonomic features and geological context to understand how and why the cranium ended up (accidentally or intentionally) in the cave. The analyses of both the sediments accumulated inside the cranium and the incrustations and pigmentation covering its outer surface suggested that it fell into the cave, drawn by a flow of water and mud, likely from the edges of a doline. The accidental nature of the event is also seemingly confirmed by some post-mortem lesions on the cranium. The comparison with other Eneolithic archaeological sites in northern Italy made it possible to interpret the find as likely being from a funerary or ritual context, in which corpse dismemberment (in particular the displacement of crania) was practiced.

IntroductionSocial network strategies have been used by health departments to identify undiagnosed cases of HIV. Heterosexual cycle (HET4) of National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) is a social network strategy implemented in jurisdictions. The main objectives of this research are to 1) evaluate the utility of the NHBS HET cycle data for network analysis; 2) to apply statistical analysis in support of previous HIV research, as well as to develop new research results focused on demographic variables and prevention/intervention with respect to heterosexual HIV risk; and 3) to employ NHBS data to inform policy with respect to the EHE plan.MethodWe used data from the 2016 NHBS HET4 (DC). A total of 747 surveys were collected. We used the free social-network analysis package, GEPHI, for all network visualization using adjacency matrix representation. We additionally conducted logistic regression analysis to examine the association of selected variables with HIV status in three models representing 1) demographic and economic effects, 2) behavioral effects, and 3) prevention-intervention effects.ResultsThe results showed 3% were tested positive. Seed 1 initiated the largest networks with 426 nodes (15 positives); seed 4 with 273 nodes (6 positives). Seed 3 had 35 nodes (2 positives). All 23 HIV diagnoses were recruited from 4 zip-codes across DC. The risk of testing positive was higher among people high-school dropouts (Relative Risk (RR) (25.645); 95 CI% 5.699, 115.987), unemployed ((4.267); 1.295, 14.064), returning citizens ((14.319); 4.593, 44.645). We also found in the final model higher association of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness among those tested negative ((4.783); 1.042, 21.944) and HIV intervention in the past 12 months with those tested positive ((17.887); 2.350,136.135).ConclusionThe network visualization was used to address the primary aim of the analysis-evaluate the success of the implementation of the NHBS as a social network strategy to find new diagnoses. NHBS remains one of the strongest behavioral supplements for DC's HIV planning activities. As part of the evaluation process our analysis helps to understand the impact of demographic, behavioral, and prevention efforts on peoples' HIV status. We strongly recommend other jurisdictions use network visualizations to evaluate the efficacy in reaching hidden populations.

Drugs that may regulate lipid metabolism and lower cholesterol, such as statins (drugs that reduce de novo cholesterol synthesis) or cyclodextrins (that promote cholesterol removal), are currently investigated as potential therapeutics for neuronal disorders like Alzheimer’s and Niemann Pick type C disease. Fluvastatin is a member of the statin class widely used in preventing heart diseases as it lowers cholesterol and other lipids. β-cyclodextrin derivatives can also act as cholesterol scavengers to promote cholesterol efflux from cells to extracellular acceptors.This context has inspired us to synthesize and characterize two new cyclodextrin-fluvastatin conjugates representing the first example of cyclodextrin conjugates of statins.We synthesized 3- and 6-functionalized β-cyclodextrin with fluvastatin through an amide bond. We studied the stability, cytotoxicity and protective activity in cells of the new derivatives. We observed that the Fluvastatin cyclodextrin conjugates are stable in plasma and mouse brain homogenates. Moreover, we found that the fluvastain derivatives are well tolerated by cultured neuron cells, and they completely rescue from cell death induced by Aβ oligomers. Overall, the fluvastain derivatives have potential as therapeutic agents in diseases related to cholesterol dyshomeostasis.

Los bañados de desborde fluvial (BDF) desempeñan un papel integral en la ecología de las cuencas fluviales y en su capacidad de autodepuración. La demanda antrópica de espacio y agua pone en riesgo su biota y los beneficios ecosistémicos que brindan. Los objetivos del trabajo fueron analizar los ensambles de microorganismos que habitan en BDF, relacionar sus variaciones al impacto antrópico y evaluar cómo la microbiota puede ser indicadora de estos cambios ambientales. Se estudiaron los ensambles de diatomeas bentónicas, fitoplancton, zooplancton, ostrácodos y hongos de cuatro BDF: dos de ubicación periurbana con uso del suelo agrícola y hortícola (Del Gato y Carnaval), y dos de ubicación rural y uso ganadero (Cajaravillas y Chubichaminí). En la mayoría de los grupos las diferencias vinculadas a la ubicación geográfica se expresaron claramente, resultando en una agrupación de ensambles en: BDF rurales (con un número de especies sensibles a la contaminación y a la eutrofización comparativamente mayor) y BDF periurbanos (donde fueron más importantes las especies muy tolerantes a la contaminación y a la eutrofización). En estos últimos, tanto la participación de los grandes grupos taxonómicos como los niveles tróficos estuvieron más restringidos y relacionados a la vía detritívora por sobre la fotosintética, y allí también se acentuaron las estrategias para afrontar el estrés hídrico. Los resultados evidencian los efectos de la presión humana, la importancia que adquieren los microorganismos y la necesidad de una planificación adecuada del uso del territorio para evitar la pérdida de funciones y beneficios en estos ambientes.

Dialogs on Architecture is a series of dialogs between researchers and practitioners. who are embracing the intellectual model of high technology and are involved in its advancement and application in architecture. The present dialog focuses on the role of parametric design and cyber-physical systems in architecture. It has been inspired by a lecture given by Henriette Bier at the Italian Institute of Architecture in Catania (2019) and addresses the question of the current paradigm shift in architecture and its impact on the role of the architect and the user. The dialog is led by Grazia Maria Nicolosi (GMN) with Henriette Bier (HB) and Maria Vogiatzaki (MV).

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death worldwide. The severity of BC strictly depends on the molecular subtype. The less aggressive hormone-positive subtype is treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET), which causes both physical and psychological side effects. This condition strongly impacts the adherence and persistence of AET among oncologic patients. Moreover, viral infections also constitute a serious problem for public health. Despite their efficacy, antiviral agents present several therapeutic limits. Accordingly, in the present work, we investigated the antitumor and antiviral activities of Orobanche crenata Forssk. (O. crenata), a parasitic plant, endemic to the Mediterranean basin, traditionally known for its beneficial properties for human health. Methods: The MTT assay was carried out to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of O. crenata leaf extract (OCLE) on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and the primary HFF-1 cell line. The lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) assay was performed on MCF-7 cells to analyze necrotic cell death. The antioxidant effect of OCLE was evaluated by intracellular determination of the reactive oxygen species and thiol groups, by DPPH and ABTS assays. The antiviral activity of OCLE was determined against Poliovirus 1, Echovirus 9, Human respiratory syncytial virus, Adenovirus type 2 and type 5, Coxsackievirus B1 (CoxB1) and B3 (CoxB3), Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), and β-Coronavirus by the plaque reduction assay. Results: The extract, after 24 h of incubation, did not affect MDA-MB-231 and HFF-1 cell viability. However, at the same time point, it showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on MCF-7 cells, with an increase in LDH release. OCLE exhibited free radical scavenging activity and significantly increased non-protein thiol levels in MCF-7 cells. OCLE effectively inhibited HSV-1, HSV-2, CoxB1, and CoxB3 replication. Conclusions: The overall results showed an interesting inhibitory effect of OCLE on both MCF-7 cell survival and viral replication.

This paper describes the design, numerical analyses, and wind tunnel tests of the scaled model of a propeller serving as a propulsive element for the experimental tests of an advanced regional turboprop aircraft with engines installed on the horizontal tailplane tips. The design has been performed by complying with the thrust similarity from the full-scale aircraft propulsive requirements. Numerical analyses with a high-fidelity aerodynamic solver confirmed that the initial design made with XROTOR would achieve the expected performance. Finally, a strengthened version of the propeller has been manufactured via 3D printing and tested in the wind tunnel. Test data include measurements of thrust as well as propeller normal force at different angles of attack. Good agreement between numerical and experimental results has been observed, enabling the propeller to be used confidently in the aircraft wind tunnel powered test campaign.

The causal agent of mal secco disease is the fungus Plenodomus tracheiphilus, mainly affecting lemon tree survival in the Mediterranean area. Using a fully compatible host-pathogen interaction, the aim of our work was to retrieve the fungus transcriptome by an RNA seq approach during infection of rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) to identify crucial transcripts for pathogenesis establishment and progression. A total of 2438 clusters belonging to P. tracheiphilus were retrieved and classified into the GO and KEGG categories. Transcripts were categorized mainly within the “membrane”, “catalytic activity”, and “primary metabolic process” GO terms. Moreover, most of the transcripts are included in the “ribosome”, “carbon metabolism”, and “oxidative phosphorylation” KEGG categories. By focusing our attention on transcripts with FPKM values higher than the median, we were able to identify four main transcript groups functioning in (a) fungus cell wall remodeling and protection, (b) destroying plant defensive secondary metabolites, (c) optimizing fungus development and pathogenesis, and (d) toxin biosynthesis, thus indicating that a multifaceted strategy to subdue the host was executed.

Purpose: We investigated the chorioretinal microvascular changes in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: Twenty-six patients (52 eyes) affected by RP were compared with 19 healthy controls (38 eyes). OCTA 3 mm × 3 mm macular scans were performed in all subjects. We evaluated the vessel density (VD) of the superficial capillary plexus (VD SCP), deep capillary plexus (VD DCP), choriocapillaris (VD CC), and choroid (VD choroid). We also evaluated the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, and the correlation between clinical and OCTA parameters. We also measured central retinal thickness (CRT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT). Results: RP patients compared to healthy controls showed significantly lower VD SCP values (27.56% ± 15.37 vs. 49.39% ± 1.55; p-value < 0.0001), lower VD DCP values (38.43% ± 15.23 vs. 3.34% ± 0.26; p-value < 0.0001), lower VD CC values (46.02% ± 1.293 vs. 50.63% ± 0.4274; p-value = 0.0040), and lower VD choroid values (38.48% ± 15.23 vs. 3.34% ± 0.26; p-value < 0.0001). Even the FAZ area was significantly lower in RP patients (0.45 mm2 ± 0.35 vs. 0.26 mm2 ± 0.13; p-value < 0.0001). The FAZ area was larger with increasing age, both in control (r = 0.42; p = 0.012) and RP group (r = 0.46; p-value = 0.009). In RP patients, there was a statistically significant correlation between best-corrected visual acuity and VD SCP (r = 0.24, p-value = 0.04) and VD DCP (r = 0.52; p-value = 0.0004) and between subfoveal choroidal thickness and VD SCP (r = 0.43, p-value < 0.001) and VD DCP (r = 0.35, p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: In our study, OCTA reported relevant vascular alterations in RP patients in comparison with the healthy controls, in agreement with the published literature. These abnormalities were associated with choroidal atrophy and related to visual acuity loss. OCTA provided clinically significant information and may represent a reliable tool for the management of RP patients.

Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is a novel developed PCR technology providing the absolute quantification of target nucleic acid molecules without the need for a standard curve and regardless PCR amplification efficiency. Our aim was to develop a ddPCR assay for Hepatitis Delta virus (HDV)-RNA viremia quantification and then evaluate its performance in relation to real-time PCR methods. Primers and probe were designed from conserved regions of HDV genome to detect all the 8 HDV genotypes; the World Health Organization (WHO)-HDV international standard was used to calculate the conversion factor transforming results from copies/mL to IU/mL. To evaluate the clinical performance of ddPCR assay, plasma specimens of HDV-infected patients were tested and results were compared with data obtained with two real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays (i.e., in-house assay and commercial RoboGene assay). Analyzing by linear regression a series of 10-fold dilutions of the WHO-HDV International Standard, ddPCR assay showed good linearity with a slope coefficient of 0.966 and R2 value of 0.980. The conversion factor from copies to international units was 0.97 and the quantitative linear dynamic range was from 10 to 1 × 106 IU/mL. Probit analysis estimated at 95% an LOD of 9.2 IU/mL. Data from the evaluation of HDV-RNA in routine clinical specimen of HDV patients exhibited strong agreement with results obtained by RT-qPCR showing a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.95. Overall ddPCR and RT-qPCR showed highly comparable technical performance. Moreover, ddPCR providing an absolute quantification method may allow the standardization of HDV-RNA measurement thus improving the clinical and diagnostic management of delta hepatitis.

This paper deals with the experimental assessment of the aerodynamic characteristics of an innovative large turboprop aircraft. The configuration is a three-lifting surfaces airplane with rear engine installation at tail tips, conceived to carry up to 130 passengers and targeting a minimum economic and environmental impact, which is competitive with regional jets on short and medium hauls. The three-lifting surfaces layout is the output of previous research made by the authors, and it has been selected to fully comply with the market and design constraints. An experimental test campaign was required to validate the aerodynamics, stability, and control of this innovative configuration. From the results of the first campaign, it appeared that the aircraft had insufficient longitudinal and directional stability. Thus, the authors worked to improve these characteristics, updating the design and executing a second wind tunnel test campaign. The evolution of the design is described in the first part of the paper. In the second part, the authors discuss the aerodynamic interference effects among aircraft components, detailing how the combined downwash coming from both the canard and wing, as well as their wakes, affects the empennage aerodynamics. Experimental tests have revealed a significant reduction of the longitudinal stability due to canard additional downwash, especially at low attitudes. Furthermore, it was found that the canard generates a non-linearity on the aircraft directional stability derivative at moderate sideslip angles because of its tip vortex impinging on the vertical tail. Despite the detrimental interference due to the canard, the updated aircraft proved to be statically stable with sufficient margin at the most rearward center of gravity. Lessons learned in this research may be useful to aerodynamicists and aircraft designers facing similar issues.

Background: Strengthening health systems requires attention to workforce, training needs, and barriers to service delivery. The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Young Neurosurgeons Committee survey sought to identify challenges for residents, fellows, and consultants within 10 years of training. Methods: An online survey was distributed to various neurosurgical societies, personal contacts, and social media platforms (April–November 2018). Responses were grouped by World Bank income classification into high-income countries (HICs), upper middle-income countries (UMICs), low-middle-income countries (LMICs), and low-income countries (LICs). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: In total, 953 individuals completed the survey. For service delivery, the limited number of trained neurosurgeons was seen as a barrier for 12.5%, 29.8%, 69.2%, and 23.9% of respondents from HICs, UMICs, LMICs, and LICs, respectively (P < 0.0001). The most reported personal challenge was the lack of opportunities for research (HICs, 34.6%; UMICs, 57.5%; LMICs, 61.6%; and LICs, 61.5%; P = 0.03). Other differences by income class included limited access to advice from experienced/senior colleagues (P < 0.001), neurosurgical journals (P < 0.0001), and textbooks (P = 0.02). Assessing how the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies could best help young neurosurgeons, the most frequent requests (n = 953; 1673 requests) were research (n = 384), education (n = 296), and subspecialty/fellowship training (n = 232). Skills courses and access to cadaver dissection laboratories were also heavily requested. Conclusions: Young neurosurgeons perceived that additional neurosurgeons are needed globally, especially in LICs and LMICs, and primarily requested additional resources for research and subspecialty training.

Background: Providing a comprehensive and effective neurosurgical service requires adequate numbers of well-trained, resourced, and motivated neurosurgeons. The survey aims to better understand 1) the demographics of young neurosurgeons worldwide; 2) the challenges in training and resources that they face; 3) perceived barriers; and 4) needs for development. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which a widely disseminated online survey (April 2018–November 2019) was used to procure a nonprobabilistic sample from current neurosurgical trainees and those within 10 years of training. Data were grouped by World Bank income classifications and analyzed using χ2 tests because of its categorical nature. Results: There were 1294 respondents, with 953 completed responses included in the analysis. Of respondents, 45.2% were from high-income countries (HICs), 23.2% from upper-middle-income countries, 26.8% lower-middle-income countries, and 4.1% from low-income countries. Most respondents (79.8%) were male, a figure more pronounced in lower-income groups. Neuro-oncology was the most popular in HICs and spinal surgery in all other groups. Although access to computed tomography scanning was near universal (98.64%), magnetic resonance imaging access decreased to 66.67% in low-income countries, compared with 98.61% in HICs. Similar patterns were noted with access to operating microscopes, image guidance systems, and high-speed drills. Of respondents, 71.4% had dedicated time for neurosurgical education. Conclusions: These data confirm and quantify disparities in the equipment and training opportunities among young neurosurgeons practicing in different income groups. We hope that this study will act as a guide to further understand these differences and target resources to remedy them.

Background and aims Fish by-products are generally used to produce fishmeal or fertilizers, with fish oil as a by-product. Despite their importance, fish wastes are still poorly explored and characterized and more studies are needed to reveal their potentiality. The goal of the present study was to qualitatively characterize and investigate the antimicrobial effects of the fish oil extracted from Salmo salar waste samples and to evaluate the potential use of these compounds for treating pathogen infections. Methods Salmo salar waste samples were divided in two groups: heads and soft tissues. Fatty acids composition, and in particular the content in saturated (SAFAs), mono-unsaturated (MUFAs) and Polyunsaturated (PUFAs) fatty acids, was characterized through GC/MS Thermo Focus GC-DSQ II equipped with a ZB-5 fused silica capillary tubes column. The antimicrobial activity of the salmon waste oils was evaluated through the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration assay and the antibiotics contamination was determined by Liquid Chromatography with tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. All experiments were done at least in triplicate. Results GC/MS analysis has shown the specific fatty acid composition of the salmon waste oils and their enrichment in MUFAs and PUFAs, with special reference to omega-3, -6, -7, -9 fatty acids. Furthermore, our study has highlighted the antimicrobial activity of the fish waste oil samples against two Gram+ and Gram- bacterial strains. Conclusions These data confirm that the fish waste is still quantitatively and qualitatively an important source of available biological properties that could be extracted and utilized representing an important strategy to counteract infective diseases in the context of the circular economy.

Abstract An aeromagnetic data set from the island of La Gomera was studied through two inverse modeling approaches that produced complementary views of the inner structure of this volcanic island: (1) a variable magnetization model that identified the main lateral magnetization contrasts and (2) a constant magnetization model that imaged the main magnetic source by assuming that it was a uniformly magnetized body. The modeling reveals intense magnetizations beneath the northern part of La Gomera, which occupy an important portion of the northern submarine edifice, correspond well with outcrops of the submarine volcano (Basal Complex), and confirm that most of the magnetic signal revealed by aeromagnetic mapping in the Canary Islands is due to the intense magnetizations of the intrusive complexes (plutonic bodies and dike complexes) emplaced during the initial stages of growth of the volcanic edifices. The consistency of our models with the results of a previous gravimetric study suggests that these intrusive complexes are denser and more magnetic than the surrounding rocks. The location of the main magnetic source reinforces the interpretation, first suggested by geological evidence, that the submarine and early subaerial growth of La Gomera started to the north of the present island. The elongated shape of these intrusive complexes with a nearly E‐W strike agrees with the orientation of analogous structures on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, suggesting that the initial formation of the central islands of the Canary Archipelago was controlled by a set of regional fractures in a strike‐slip tectonic framework.

Integrare l’educazione fisica nel curriculum della scuola primaria significa programmare e realizzare attività di apprendimento nelle quali contenuti e abilità sono rivolte allo sviluppo di obiettivi di una o più discipline e dell’educazione fisica. Il contributo illustra i risultati di un percorso di ricerca e formazione realizzato con gli insegnanti di una piccola scuola toscana. L’obiettivo della ricerca è stato quello di analizzare le strategie di insegnamento interdisciplinare e le motivazioni degli insegnanti per sviluppare con loro un percorso formativo ritagliato sulle specifiche esigenze didattiche. La formazione, articolata in laboratori di progettazione didattica, ha avuto lo scopo di potenziare le strategie e i metodi didattici per integrare l’educazione fisica nel curriculum. Le unità di apprendimento programmate sono state realizzate in due pluriclassi composte da 20 bambini da 6 a 10 anni. Gli insegnanti hanno partecipato ad un focus group, tre laboratori di progettazione didattica e hanno risposto ad una batteria di questionari che indaga le motivazioni, le emozioni e le strategie di insegnamento (MESI). I risultati ot- tenuti hanno consentito di tracciare una rappresentazione dell’educazione fisica e della pratica della didattica interdisciplinare e dei profili motivazionali. Sono stati discussi aspetti positivi e negativi del percorso di formazione realizzato con gli insegnanti e del metodo di intervento realizzato.

Diplura is a group of entognathous hexapods, often considered a sister group to insects. They play an important role in recycling organic matter in soil and subterranean terrestrial ecosystems. The Campodeidae is the most diverse family, divided into four subfamilies. The subfamily Plusiocampinae has a subterranean life-style with many species distributed in the Euro-Mediterranean area. The incertae sedis tachycampoids (“lignée Tachycampoïde”) is a group within the family Campodeidae that share with the Plusiocampinae a strong preference for subterranean habitats and several morphological characters, such as slender body shape, elongated appendages, considerable increment in the number of antennomeres and cercal articles, and complexity of sensorial structures. The present monograph provides a taxonomic revision of the subfamily Plusiocampinae and the genera belonging to the tachycampoid lineage from Europe and the Mediterranean region. It comprises detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations together with data on the habitats and distributions of 87 species, 10 subspecies and 11 affinis forms. Seven new species are described among those, namely: Plusiocampa (Plusiocampa) apollo Sendra, Giachino & Vailati sp. nov., P. (P.) chiosensis Sendra & Gasparo sp. nov., P. (P.) dublanskii Sendra & Turbanov sp. nov., P. (P.) hoffmanni Sendra & Paragamian sp. nov., P. (P.) rhea Sendra sp. nov., P. (P.) ternovensis Sendra & Borko sp. nov. and P. (Venetocampa) ferrani Sendra & Delić sp. nov.

Gaps in hate crime and hate incident data are a major roadblock in increasing our understanding of the rising phenomenon of hate in the United States. In this paper, we reflect on the development of our geographically-integrated mobile application (the Hate Incident Reporting System) as an attempt to help close the gap in hate incident data. More broadly, we provide conceptual and methodological insights for working with sensitive Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) like hate incidents. We identify four key areas of attention in the process of developing digital tools for collecting sensitive VGI: i) participant motivation ii) data management and public research communication iii) accessibility iv) handling of geographic information and v) partnership with existing stakeholders. These factors are critical in the process of working with sensitive geographic data in an ethical fashion and ensuring maximum data reliability. Throughout each of these areas, the role of the ethical researcher stretches beyond academic research to accountability beyond academic research to accountability to participants in the form of tangible benefits.

OBJECTIVE:To assess the incidence and risk factors for hyperglycemia in pregnancy in a cohort of Brazilian nulliparous pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter cohort study that enrolled 1,008 nulliparous pregnant women at 19-21 weeks. Exclusion criteria included chronic exposure to corticosteroids and previous diabetes. Bivariate and multivariate analyses by Poisson regression were used to identify associated factors. RESULTS:The incidence of hyperglycemia in pregnancy was 14.9% (150/1,008), and 94.7% of these cases were gestational diabetes mellitus (142/150). Significant associated factors included a family history of diabetes mellitus, maternal overweight or obesity at enrollment, and previous maternal conditions (polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid dysfunctions and hypertensive disorders). A BMI ≥ 26.3Kg/m2 (RRadj 1.87 [1.66-2.10]) and a family history of diabetes mellitus (RRadj 1.71 [1.37-2.15]) at enrollment were independent risk factors for HIP. CONCLUSIONS:A family history of diabetes mellitus and overweight or obesity (until 19-21 weeks of gestation) may be used as selective markers for HIP in Brazilian nulliparous women. Given the scarcity of results in nulliparous women, our findings may contribute to determine the optimal diagnostic approach in populations of similar socioeconomic characteristics.

Caves formed by sulfuric acid dissolution have been identified worldwide. These caves can host diverse microbial communities that are responsible for speleogenesis and speleothem formation. It is not well understood how microbial communities change in response to surface water entering caves. Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatic tools were used to determine the impact of surface water on the microbial community diversity and function within a spring pool found deep in the Monte Conca Cave system in Sicily, Italy. Sulfur oxidizers comprised more than 90% of the microbial community during the dry season and were replaced by potential anthropogenic contaminants such as Escherichia and Lysinibacillus species after heavy rains. One sampling date appeared to show a transition between the wet and dry seasons when potential anthropogenic contaminants (67.3%), sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (13.6%), and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (6.5%) were all present within the spring pool.

ABSTRACT: The effect of basal zone defoliation on vines influences yield and ripening depending on the phenological stage and its intensity. Early basal defoliation (EBD) was carried out at flowering on the autochthonous Vitis vinifera (L.) cultivar ‘Nerello mascalese’ grown on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily. The effects were evaluated over a two-year period. In the first year, the canopy retained 67 % of its original leaf area after EBD and in the second year, 58 %. Compared with control vines, mid-day leaf water potentials in the EBD vines enjoyed higher water status throughout the growing seasons in both years. EBD had no significant negative effects on yield but did have significant positive effects on the levels of total polyphenols, total flavonols and total anthocyanins. Yield and its components are conditioned by a number of factors mainly linked to climate and to the vines’ general condition during berry growth and ripening. Even after two consecutive years of treatment, EBD does not have any negative effects on yield. However, EBD does have strong positive effects on berry quality attributes as a consequence of the following: greater exposure of the cluster to sunlight, higher vine water status and avoidance of high temperature stresses in the last phase of ripening during the analysis of anthocyanin.

A 64-year-old man, diagnosed with a retinal detachment of his left eye, was sent to our hospital to evaluate vitreoretinal surgery. Left eye best-corrected visual acuity was hand motion. Fundus examination showed a voluminous slightly pigmented choroidal neoformation with secondary retinal detachment. Ultrasonography revealed a large hyperechogenic choroidal mass with retinal detachment, initial choroidal excavation, and low-to-medium internal reflectivity. The clinical-instrumental aspects of the lesion suggested a primary malignancy. The patient underwent chest radiography, which showed a large mass located in the right lung. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of chest and abdomen showed a voluminous lung lesion, another gross lesion of the liver, and other abdominal localizations. The patient underwent biopsies of the pulmonary and hepatic lesions and both samples showed an epithelial malignancy with neuroendocrine differentiation, compatible with metastatic small cell lung cancer. The patient's clinical condition declined within one month from presentation. In the interim, a contrast-enhanced brain computed tomography documented the presence of cerebellar metastases. The patient was admitted to the oncology department and started chemotherapy and supportive care, but unfortunately he died during the course of the treatment, 5 months after his initial presentation. This case is peculiar both for the unusual presentation of small cell lung cancer and for the morphological appearance of the choroidal lesion that suggested a primary tumor.

Introduction: Despite the London Underground (LU) handling on average 2.8 million passenger journeys per day, the characteristics and potential health effects of the elevated concentrations of metal-rich PM2.5 found in this subway system are not well understood. Methods: Spatial monitoring campaigns were carried out to characterise the health-relevant chemical and physical properties of PM2.5 across the LU network, including diurnal and day-to-day variability and spatial distribution (above ground, depth below ground and subway line). Population-weighted station PM2.5 rankings were produced to understand the relative importance of concentrations at different stations and on different lines. Results: The PM2.5 mass in the LU (mean 88 μg m−3, median 28 μg m−3) was greater than at ambient background locations (mean 19 μg m−3, median 14 μg m−3) and roadside environments in central London (mean 22 μg m−3, median 14 μg m−3). Concentrations varied between lines and locations, with the deepest and shallowest submerged lines being the District (median 4 μg m−3) and Victoria (median 361 μg m−3 but up to 885 μg m−3). Broadly in agreement with other subway systems around the world, sampled LU PM2.5 comprised 47% iron oxide, 7% elemental carbon, 11% organic carbon, and 14% metallic and mineral oxides. Although a relationship between line depth and air quality inside the tube trains was evident, there were clear influences relating to the distance from cleaner outside air and the exchange with cabin air when the doors open. The passenger population-weighted exposure analysis demonstrated a method to identify stations that should be prioritised for remediation to improve air quality. Conclusion: PM2.5 concentrations in the LU are many times higher than in other London transport Environments. Failure to include this environment in epidemiological studies of the relationship between PM2.5 and health in London is therefore likely to lead to a large exposure misclassification error. Given the significant contribution of underground PM2.5 to daily exposure, and the differences in composition compared to urban PM2.5, there is a clear need for well-designed studies to better understand the health effects of underground exposure. Keywords: PM2.5, Subway, Exposure, Composition, Metro

Conservation agriculture (i.e., minimized soil disturbance and permanent soil covering) and living mulches represent two agroecological practices that can improve soil fertility, spontaneous flora, and beneficial insect communities. This research studied the effect of these practices in a young olive orchard in the Mediterranean area. Two Sicilian olive cultivars (‘Nocellara del Belice’ and ‘Nocellara etnea’) were used for the field experiment; inter-row minimum and zero tillage and four species of aromatic plants as living mulch along the row were tested. Spontaneous flora and beneficial insect communities, as well as tree growth, were monitored. The inter-row management did not influence the spontaneous flora dynamics. The species adopted for living mulch showed a very different degree of development and soil cover; 69 insect species (pollinators and predators) belonging to five orders (Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Neuroptera, and Coleoptera) and 17 families were recorded. The growth of the olive trees was not affected by the conservative strategies.: In the inter-row, the growth of the spontaneous flora was limited by the high temperatures during the summer. Among the living mulch species, sage and lemongrass guaranteed an almost full soil cover, reducing the need for weed management along the row, as well as increasing the beneficial insects without influencing the young tree growth.

Streptococcus mutans and Fusobacterium nucleatum are two key bacteria of the oral microbiota. Due to their ability to form biofilms on oral tissues, they are both involved in the onset of the most common oral diseases. F. nucleatum is also the principal producer of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), causative of the awkward bad breath of halitosis. In this study, the oral product Vea® Oris, made by vitamin E and capric/caprylic acid only, was evaluated as a potential treatment for the most common oral diseases. Different concentrations of the product were tested against both S. mutans and F. nucleatum. The effect on planktonic and biofilm growth was investigated for both strains, and for F. nucleatum, the influence on H2S production was evaluated. From our data, the product did not relevantly reduce the planktonic growth of both strains, whereas it validly counteracted biofilm assemblage. Moreover, an interesting trend of H2S reduction was highlighted. Overall, these results suggested, on the one hand, a synergistic antimicrobial–antibiofilm action of two Vea® Oris components and, together, potential modulation activity on H2S production. However, the study should be implemented to confirm these only preliminary findings, certainly extending the panel of tested bacteria and using alternative methods of detection.

Water is a fundamental resource for human life and nature; flood management, water supply systems and water protection policies are a few examples of equally important disciplines across the whole hydrological cycle. The present work focuses on the creation and sharing of hydrological knowledge within public activities, with regard to materials and methods adopted for developing and supplying hydrological information, suitable to different stakeholders needs, throughout different disciplines and sectors of environment, economy, society, as well as research and analysis. The aim of this work is to better understand the market in order to increase the value of hydrological data, products and services, and to reduce potential gaps and overlapping areas. The method we developed is based on the example of the Hydrological Service of Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy. Institutional, legal and territorial frameworks as well as agency organization, materials, methods, instruments, activities, products and results are briefly described, focusing on those supporting civil and environmental protection, water management, infrastructure design, climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. We discuss the role of a public Administration in interdisciplinary activities, the links between the general background (e.g., territory, society, rules), organizations, actors, resources, tools, processes and results, by highlighting, where possible, a potential starting point for future research studies. Finally, this paper adopts a novel linguistic style, based on an informal format, in order to explore the set-up and follow-up of the Hydrological Service’s initiatives, with the final aim of sparking curiosity and building awareness, from different sectors and disciplines, which, ultimately, may benefit from the presented approaches.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with silicon microparticle anodes provide a high capacity, low cost, low environmental impact, and ease of production. However, the rapid capacity degradation and low Coulombic efficiency (CE) are impediments to their further development and commercialization, which are mainly caused by large volume variation and unstable solid–electrolyte interface (SEI) of silicon. To break this bottleneck, here, we demonstrate that designing silicon microparticles with nanoporous structure (PSi) and confining the PSi in the carbon nanotube (CNT) segregated network can effectively suppress the volume expansion of silicon, enabling the fabrication of high-performance electrodes. The rate capability and cycling performance of the electrode are further improved by creating a hierarchical open porous structure for the PSi-CNT composite anodes via freeze drying. In addition, the mixTHF electrolyte was employed to get a thin and uniform SEI, which can reduce the breakage of SEI during cycling and improve the CE and stability of the LIBs. As a result, the PSi-CNT composite anode delivers a high specific capacity of 3210.1 mAh g ^−1 at 1/15 °C rate and an initial Coulombic efficiency of 87.3%. After 100 cycles, the capacity could be maintained at over 2000 mAh g ^−1 with 99.5% CE. In addition, hierarchical porous structured PSi-CNT composites exhibit excellent rate performance, the specific capacity could reach 2264.5 mAh g ^−1 at 5 °C rate. The work suggests several effective solutions that could be used to facilitate the future commercialization of silicon anodes.

In the agri-food sector, the Life Cycle Assessment method (LCA) is used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product. Within agri-food products, wine is among the most analysed products, not only for its economic importance but also for the environmental impact of its activity. The paper aims to identify the main trends in the wine sector revolving around environmental evaluation using the LCA method in the academic literature. The aim is to investigate the literature on life cycle assessment analysis of grape and wine production through the systematic grouping of papers into clusters of research. So, the purpose is to discuss the gaps and insights identified by the study in order to aid in the development of a comprehensive state of the art on the topic. Scopus and Web of Science were used to search all articles following a clear and replicable protocol. The results (keywords) were subjected to co-occurrence analysis using VOSviewer, after which the articles were further analysed. Through a bibliographic coupling analysis, the research results were grouped through a network analysis that allowed identifying the research trends on the topic. Three clusters were identified containing the main lines of research on the subject. The results show that nowadays the literature is focusing on concerns related to climate change and consumer awareness on sustainability issues and certifications as well as environmental impacts generated mainly in the production phase in the vineyard. The research results are of interest for future research on LCA analysis in the wine sector in order to contribute to the discussion on the current model in the global wine sector.

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2018 3(3), 1493-1502 | European Forum Insight of 5 November 2018 | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. - II. The Family Reunification Directive in the light of the factual background of the case. - III. A critical appraisal of the Court's reasoning in A and S. - IV. The relevance of the Court's ruling in drawing recommendations to ensure the practical effectiveness of the right to family reunification. - V. Concluding remarks. | (Abstract) Family reunification constitutes one of the most pressing human rights issues for refugees, who are especially unaccompanied minors. Yet, the practical effectiveness of such a right is not always adequately ensured. Drawing from the recent decision of the Court of Justice in A and S (judgment of 12 April 2018, case C-550/16), the Insight aims to investigate the protection framework established by the Family Reunification Directive for refugees who are unaccompanied minors. The judgment is the first decision dealing with the right to family reunification for refugees in EU Asylum Law. In particular, the case deals with the question of whether an unaccompanied minor who attains the age of majority during the asylum procedure retains their right to family unification. By answering such a question, the Court's reasoning offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the scope of the Family Reunification Directive and suggest possible guidance as to the protective regime for refugees who are unaccompanied minors.

Traditionally, modeling investment and dispatch problems in electricity economics has been limited by computation power. Due to this limitation, simplifications are applied. One common practice, for example, is to reduce the temporal resolution of the dispatch by clustering similar load levels. The increase of intermittent electricity from renewable energy sources (RES-E) changes the validity of this assumption. RES-E already cover a certain amount of the total demand. This leaves an increasingly volatile residual demand to be matched by the conventional power market. This paper quantifies differences in investment decisions by applying three different time-resolution residual load patterns in an investment and dispatch power system model. The model optimizes investment decisions in five year steps between today and 2030 with residual load levels for 8760, 288 and 16 time slices per year. The market under consideration is the four zone ERCOT market in Texas. The results show that investment decisions significantly differ across the three scenarios. In particular, investments into base-load technologies are substantially reduced in the high resolution scenario (8760 residual load levels) relative to the scenarios with lower temporal resolution. Additionally, the amount of RES-E curtailment and the market value of RES-E exhibit noteworthy differences.

The main sources of radon in the air of dwellings are soil, building materials, and groundwater. This study aimed to determine the exhalation rate of 222Rn from samples made of concrete and cement mortars, as well as to evaluate by means of gamma spectrometry the hazard indexes associated with other radionuclides present in the studied samples of building materials. The results obtained allowed the comparison of the exhalation rate of radon using theoretical calculations based on one-dimensional and three-dimensional models. Measurements of the activity concentration of radon in air was performed by AlphaGuard radon detector. Furthermore, obtained results were compared with the measurements performed inside the concrete test cells. These test cells were built with the aim of simulating a dwelling in small dimensions and to evaluate indoor radon activity associated with concrete. Consequently, the obtained results of radon exhalation rate, in becquerel per meter squared per hour, for the concrete was 2.55 ± 0.03 Bq·h−1·m−2 for the 1D model and 0.461 ±0.008 Bq·h−1·m−2 for the 3D model. The exhalation rate of radon, for the cement mortar was 1.58 ± 0.03 Bq·h−1·m−2 for the 1D model and 0.439 ± 0.011 Bq·h−1·m−2 for the 3D model. The indoor concentration of 222Rn from the test cell was 112 ± 9 Bq/m3. These values were below the limit of 300 Bq/m3 recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and

Se l’eros deve il proprio carattere enigmatico al fatto che, insieme, «dice e tace l’indicibile, tormenta e provoca» (Levinas, Totalità e infinito 267), nel Cantico dei cantici tale enigma appare, dal punto di vista semiotico, come «una relazione con ciò che si sottrae per sempre» (Levinas, Il Tempo e l’Altro 55) e perciò stesso lambisce il limite estremo del discorso amoroso. Provocato dalla mobilità metaforica del dialogo elusivo tra gli amanti che dis/articola la passione carnale, il suo principio di «incarnazione poetica» (Wolfson 221-22) drammatizza nella più astratta tangibilità «il trasferimento del soggetto nel luogo dell’altro» (Kristeva 80). Amplificati dal registro francamente erotico, vi risuonano gli echi della sua costituzione eterologica, le tracce sonore di una «ospitalità» linguistica e culturale che ha insinuato nello spazio intersoggettivo del testo visioni religiose e sessuali irriducibili ed aliene. Che cosa ne è stato di questo principio di «incarnazione poetica» eterologica del Cantico dei cantici, una volta trapiantato sul suolo, più refrattario, del monismo culturale dell’Occidente cristiano, ad esempio nella cultura rinascimentale inglese al tempo dello scisma protestante? A questa domanda proverò a dare risposta attraverso un’analisi “in controluce” dell’approccio al testo di due versioni coeve, quello della protestante King James Bible (1611) e quello della cattolica Rheims-Douay Bible (1609-1610).

The human heart possesses minimal regenerative potential, which can often lead to chronic heart failure following myocardial infarction. Despite the successes of assistive support devices and pharmacological therapies, only a whole heart transplantation can sufficiently address heart failure. Engineered scaffolds, implantable patches, and injectable hydrogels are among the most promising solutions to restore cardiac function and coax regeneration; however, current biomaterials have yet to achieve ideal tissue regeneration and adequate integration due a mismatch of material physicochemical properties. Conductive fillers such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, metallic nanoparticles, and MXenes and conjugated polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and poly(3,4-ethylendioxythiophene) can possibly achieve optimal electrical conductivities for cardiac applications with appropriate suitability for tissue engineering approaches. Many studies have focused on the use of these materials in multiple fields, with promising effects on the regeneration of electrically active biological tissues such as orthopedic, neural, and cardiac tissue. In this review, we critically discuss the role of heart electrophysiology and the rationale toward the use of electroconductive biomaterials for cardiac tissue engineering. We present the emerging applications of these smart materials to create supportive platforms and discuss the crucial role that electrical stimulation has been shown to exert in maturation of cardiac progenitor cells.

Eight minor and neglected cultivars of Vitis vinifera L. were characterised according to their ampelographic and agronomic traits and discriminated by molecular analysis with SSR markers. These results are the first complete ampelographic description of these minor and neglected cultivars from the Mount Etna region. The results of this study reveal high morphological diversity of ancient grapevines growing in this region. SSR markers enabled us to discriminate the cultivars and revealed the genetic divergence between them and several autochthonous cultivars. Our efforts could contribute to a better knowledge of grape biodiversity based on morphological and molecular data and could be useful for the development of a reliable germplasm conservation strategy.