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Awareness of the need to improve the sustainability of livestock by reducing the loss of natural resources has increased significantly. This study investigated the effects of two categories of food industry leftovers, also referred to as former foodstuff products (FFPs), on pig gut microbiota and intestinal volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. Thirty-six female postweaning piglets (28 days old, Large White × Landrace, 6.5 ± 1.1 kg) were separated into three groups and fed a conventional diet (CTR), and diets in which cereals were partially replaced (30% w/w) by sugary confectionery products (FFPs-C) or salty bakery products (FFPs-B), respectively. After 42 days of dietary treatments, faeces were collected from the rectal ampulla, snap-frozen, and used for next-generation sequencing to analyse the composition and the alpha and beta diversity indexes of the microbial population. The concentration of VFAs in the intestinal content collected at the slaughterhouse was also analysed. The study demonstrated that balanced diets can be obtained by the inclusion of both FFPs-C and FFPs-B, with a similar chemical composition compared to traditional diets. Neither the FFPs-C nor FFPs-B diets affected the abundance and biodiversity indexes of the microbial community. Only a few taxa, normally attributed to a healthy gut, increased with FFPs-C and FFPs-B compared to the CTR. The experimental diets had no impact on the production of the VFAs in the faeces. Lastly, the inclusion at 30% (w/w) of both categories of FFP diets slightly affected the faecal microbiota. FFPs could thus be used as a promising alternative to traditional ingredients in pig diets; however, additional analyses are needed to further investigate the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria. The effects of such ingredients on other markers of gut health, and on product quality when used in the fattening period also need to be investigated.

Robotic-based rehabilitation administered by means of serious games certainly represents the frontier of rehabilitation treatments, offering a high degree of customization of therapy, to meet individual patients' needs and to tailor a proper rehabilitation therapy. Despite the rush on developing complex rehabilitation systems, they often do not provide clinicians with long-term information about the outcome of rehabilitation, thus, not supporting them in the initial set-up phase of the therapy. In this paper, a Random-Forest based system was trained and tested to provide a prediction at discharge of several clinical scales outcomes (i.e. FMA, ARAT, and MI), having clinical scale scores and measures from the robotic system at the enrollment as inputs. The dataset includes 25 post-stroke patients from different clinics, that underwent a variable number of days of rehabilitation with a robotic treatment. Results have shown that the system is able to predict the final outcome with an accuracy ranging from 60% to 73% on the selected scales. Also results provide information on which variables are more relevant for the prediction of outcome of therapy, in particular clinical scales scores such as FMA, ARAT, MI, NRS, PCS, and MCS and robotic automatically extracted measurements related to patient's work expenditure and time. This supports the idea of using such a system in a clinical environment in a decision support tool for clinicians.

The aim of the present study is to compare the effectiveness of a computerised system (QuickSleeper) compared to traditional syringe in injection of local anaesthetic focusing on the perception of anxiety and pain in paediatric patients.Study design: 100 children aged between 3 and 15 years in need of two dental treatments that required local anaesthesia were selected and treated randomly but alternately with computerised and traditional local anaesthesia. After each anaesthetic injection, patient's anxiety was measured using the Venham test.Electronic anaesthesia showed statistically significant better results than traditional anaesthesia according to the Venham pain scale, in both mandibular and maxillary sites. Statistics: Data were analysed using the paired Wilcoxon test.The computer-assisted anaesthesia system resulted in a significantly lower pain perception score and yielded to helpful, cooperative behaviour. For this reason, it is an advantageous alternative to traditional injection anaesthesia and can avoid invasive treatments and trauma for young patients.

37th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition; 1972-1974, This paper introduces a recently initiated Italian national project on high innovative PV greenhouses considering different scales of experimentation as well as an interdisciplinary approach involving experts in different areas. At small scale, the light transmittance of spectrally selective solar cells devices, which focus different wavelengths on PV modules and plants, will be analyzed in order to obtain the best compromise between electricity production and photosynthesis. At medium and large scale, two greenhouses will be tested: (i) An experimental greenhouse (about 15 m2) equipped with different IoT sensors and innovative PV glasses technologies will monitor the growing environment together the energy production. (ii) Based on the results obtained in the medium scale greenhouse, some PV glasses will be used as envelope material for the renovation of a commercial-size greenhouse (about 100 m2). Both PV greenhouses will be located in a historic environment dating back to the XVIII century, the Botanical garden of Portici, which requires a careful approach to a correct integration with the landscape. Along the two years of the duration of the project is foreseen to finding the best compromise between functional characteristics (energy and food) and aesthetic ones, thus optimizing the integrated system showing the potential of innovative glasses for greenhouses.

In analysing the news media's role in serving the functions associated with democratic citizenship, the number, diversity and range of news sources are central. Research conducted on sources has overwhelmingly focused on individual national systems. However, studying variations in news source patterns across national environments enhances understanding of the media's role. This article is based on a larger project, "Media System, Political Context and Informed Citizenship: A Comparative Study", involving 11 countries. It seeks, first, to identify differences between countries in the sources quoted in the news; second, to establish whether there are consistent differences across countries between types of media in their sourcing patterns; and, third, to trace any emergent consistent patterns of variation between different types of organization across different countries. A range of findings related to news media source practices is discussed that highlights variations and patterns across different media and countries, thereby questioning common generalizations about the use of sources by newspapers and public service broadcasters. Finally, a case is made for comparative media research that helps enhance the news media's key role as a social institution dedicated to informed citizenship. © 2013 © 2013 Taylor & Francis.

Background: Lateral Periodontal cyst (LPC) is an uncommon development odontogenic cyst. Most papers are single case reports or series. Methods: We present a case of LPC occurred in a patient which symptoms and signs could mislead the diagnosis. A review of the literature is reported, emphasizing the clinical, radiographic and histopathological features of LPC. Results: A 28-years old female patient presented reporting pain and swelling at the lingual site of the #31.Spot lingual probing depth was 9 mm; sulcus bleeding and suppuration were found at probing. Radiographically well-defined radiolucency appeared in periodontal foramen area. The patient was treated with non-surgical and surgical therapy. Conclusions: LPC is an infrequent cystic lesion that occurs on lateral root vital tooth. In this case, the cyst mimicked a periodontal lesion. The surgical LPC excision solved the symptoms reported by the patient and improved periodontal parameters of the dental element. After 18 months since surgical treatment there aren't signs or symptoms of recurrence.

In this paper we introduce a program for testing for habitat filtering in local communities compared to a regional species pool. Based on phylogenetic or functional species data, the program first calculates the mean species dissimilarity in the local community. Next, it compares this value with a null distribution of expected values obtained drawing species randomly and without replacement from the regional species pool.

A reduced physical model of the integral non-linearity error in high resolution R-2R D/A converters is obtained by circuit analysis and application of the ambiguity algorithm. Its relationships with the well establisheda priori model based on Rademacher functions is discussed. Experiments, carried out on a sample of commercial 12 bit converters, demonstrate that functional test programs based on this model achieve shorter test times and lower prediction errors than those based on larger models obtained by straight QR factorization.

The aims of this study were to assess the age limit for infiltration anaesthesia as an effective technique in treating carious lesions of first permanent molars in the paediatric age and if differences exist between males and females.A total of 51 teeth from 48 different patients aged between 6 and 14 years were included in the study. The anaesthetic solution used was 1.8 ml of 2% mepivacaine with 1:100000 epinephrine. The effectiveness of anaesthesia was assessed by electrical pulp test after 3, 5, 7 and 10 minutes.In 56.9% of the treated cases a single mandibular infiltration was sufficient to induce complete pulpal anaesthesia of the tooth to be treated. Under 10 years of age, the infiltration technique was effective in 85.2% of cases. The success rate of anaesthesia also decreased significantly and not linearly in function of age. The success of infiltration anaesthesia was not related to gender.Mandibular infiltration anaesthesia is a successful technique for most patients under 10 years (success rate: 85.2%) especially for the younger ones, with no differences between males and females. After this age that success rate dramatically drops.

The purpose of this study is to compare, by means of mechanical tests, the resistance of two types of dental restoration in the uncomplicated crown fracture of human permanent maxillary central incisor: rebonding of the fractured tooth fragment and application of ceramic veneers.Thirty human maxillary central incisors were divided into three groups of ten teeth each. The teeth of the first group (Group A) were kept intact and used as controls, while the remaining teeth were sectioned, in order to simulate a crown fracture, and restored respectively with either the rebonding of the fragment (Group B) or with the use of ceramic veneers (Group C). All samples underwent mechanical tests by means of a universal test machine.The mean resistance to fracture recorded is respectively 425.2N for Group A, 233.3N for Group B, and 347.3N for Group C. One-way ANOVA analysis demonstrates statistical significance for at least one couple of values (Group B compared to Group A). The group of restorations with rebonding of fractured fragments has a mean value of resistance to fracture that is lower than both intact teeth and teeth restored with ceramic veneers. The resistance of teeth with rebonded restorations is 54.9% of that of, intact teeth, and resistance increases for teeth restored with ceramic veneers (81.8% of that of intact teeth).Ceramic veneers showed a higher resistance than rebonding and resulted to be more reliable in case of further trauma.

"\"\\\"Prescribed burning experiences in Italy: an integrated approach to prevent forest fires. Prescribed burning. is used in many geographical areas for multiple and integrated objectives (wildfire prevention, habitat conservation,. grazing management). In Europe the collaboration between researchers and fire professionals has. brought to implement this technique over increasing areas (~104 ha year-1), effectively and efficiently. In Italy. prescribed burning has not been much studied and it is rarely applied. A new interest is recently rising.. Some Regions particularly threatened by wildfires have updated their legislation and set up procedures to. authorize prescribed fire experiments and interventions. From 2004 to 2011 several scientific, operative and. training experiences have been carried out at a regional level (Basilicata, Campania, Friuli Venezia Giulia,. Piemonte, Sardegna, Toscana). The present paper aims to: (i) document and compare these regional programs;. (ii) discuss their frameworks and limitations; (iii) provide information about objectives, prescriptions,. methods and results. The study has involved Universities, Forest Corps, Civil Protection, Municipalities,. Parks and professionals from Italy and other Countries. Interventions have regarded integrated objectives. (fire hazard reduction; habitat conservation; forest and grazing management), and involved several vegetation. types (broadleaved and conifer forests; Mediterranean and Continental shrublands; grasslands). Studies. on fire behaviour and ecology have helped to set prescriptions for specific objectives and environments. Re -. sults have been transferred to professionals through training sessions. Several common elements are outlined:. integrated objectives, multidisciplinary character, training and research products. Ecological questions,. certification to the use of fire, communication to local communities and the proposal of new studies, are. some of the issues outlined in the discussion. The present study is the first review at national level and we. hope it will help to deepen the meaning and limitations of a technique which is an effective tool to prevent. wildfires when integrated in the forest and land planning process.\\\"\""

The symmetry of the optical outputs of a semiconductor laser diode having front and rear facets with equal reflectivity is destroyed by the injection of a reflected signal, even of weak intensity, from one side: this asymmetry must be taken into account when designing laser packages and integrated circuits. A systematic experimental investigation is presented. Moreover, the behaviour of the system, i.e., the appearance of certain asymmetrical features together with the survival of the symmetry of other features, can be accounted for on the basis of a microscopic model, providing a link between the optical outputs from the two facets.

By quantum field theory techniques it is shown that even very tiny optical feedback in semiconductor lasers may trigger breakdown of the front-rear facet symmetry. Spatial homogeneity of the carrier distribution inside the active cavity is affected on a scale intermediate between the emitted wavelength and the device length. Finite volume effects set a threshold for the feedback field above which symmetry breakdown appears. Agreement with experimental observations is discussed.

To correlate the occurrence of tooth decay with a social class indicator (occupational level) and the immigrant status in a sample of pre-school children in Veneto region.Cross-sectional survey.Twenty nursery schools in the area of Health District n.15.A total of 1,410 children aged 3 to 5 years old visited between September 2005-May 2006.Occurrence of dental caries into dentine threshold was made visually and confirmed with a probe when necessary by two calibrated examiners. Information on immigrant status and occupational level of parents was obtained by a questionnaire. Children were categorized as immigrant or non-immigrant on the basis of their mother's country of origin. Means and standard deviation were calculated for continuous variables; for categorical variables the results were provided as proportions. Comparisons between groups were made using Pearson chi-square test. The association between caries occurrence and the independent variables gender, age, immigrant status and family social class was evaluated by means of a logistic regression model.Caries occurrence was higher among children from lower social class families (1.7 +/- 3.2) than among children from higher social class (0.8 +/- 2.1). The prevalence of dental caries in immigrant preschool children was significantly higher than in indigenous ones (15% vs 40%; p = 0.000) while the severity in immigrants was almost 4 times higher (2.2 +/- 3.6 vs 0.6 +/- 1.8).Our data on preschoolers confirm the worldwide literature shared statement that social class as well as immigration status are determinants of oral health.

The neurofibroma is a benign tumor of neuronal origin not frequently located in the oral cavity. The possible association of this neoplasia with systemic pathologies, such as Von Recklinghausen's disease and multiple endocrine neoplasia, makes its diagnosis fundamental. The diagnosis is, in most cases, quite complex, because of the neurofibroma's strong similarities with a great number of benign neoformations of the connective tissue, of the epithelium, and of the bone. The histology represents, therefore, the fundamental diagnostic criterion, in particular, through the use of appropriate immunohistochemical analysis. This articles presents the case of a solitary neurofibroma, subtype I (common Schwann cell type), detected on the left-hand side of the posterior region of the palate in a 56-year-old woman, which presented itself as an otherwise non-symptomatic ulcerated mass. After a careful anamnesis, an incisional biopsy was performed in order to establish the histological nature of the neoformation. The immunohistochemical test, which resulted positive for S-100 and negative for the epithelial membrane antigen and keratin, allowed the diagnosis of a presumably benign lesion deriving from a neural differentiation. The surgical excision of the entire mass was accompanied by the extraction of the upper left-hand second molar, which was attached to the mass through its palatal root.

This study sought to evaluate possible higher risk for dental caries among asthmatic children undergoing treatment with short-acting beta2-agonists.Dental clinical assessments, saliva analysis and a questionnaire survey were carried out on 60 children aged 6-12, of whom 30 were asthmatic subjects undergoing treatment with short-acting beta2-agonists and 30 were used as controls. The obtained data for DMFT/dmft scores, Silness-Löe plaque index, buffer capacity and bacteria counts for Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in the saliva, oral hygiene and dietary habits were compared using Student t-test and Pearson chi-square test.We registered a higher DMFT score among asthmatics of 1.2-/+1.8 (SD) and 0.3-/+0.8 among non-asthmatic patients (p0.05), while comparison of dmft scores between the examined groups showed not significant (Student t-test). Saliva analysis revealed lower buffer capacity in 43.3% of the asthmatic children, followed by higher cariogenic bacteria counts in their saliva (p0.05 Student t-test). These results show the lower plaque index in the asthmatic group (1.6+/-0.4) compared with the control (2.1+/-0.3). Asthmatic children expressed better oral-health habits with more frequent tooth- brushing and usage of fluorides.The results from our study suggest a higher caries-susceptibility among asthmatic children undergoing treatment with short-acting beta2-agonists, but a clear association between these drugs, salivary changes and dental caries among children, still remains to be demonstrated.

To describe the oral health status and treatment needs of a sample of elderly people residing in nursing homes in Northern Italy.a sample of 595 elderly residents (mean age 83.2+/-9.2 yrs), with adequate cognitive skills were examined by six calibrated dentists.The sample (82% women) was divided into two groups: edentulous (43%) and dentate. In the edentulous group 58% wore dentures in both jaws, 8% in only one jaw and 34% had no dentures. The main problems were dirty or loose dentures and poor oral hygiene. In the dentate group the mean number of teeth was 8.4+/-7.4, 53% wore dentures (removable, fixed or a combination). Poor oral hygiene was found in 86%, root caries in 51% and coronal caries in 46%. Their main needs were professional cleaning (72%), oral hygiene instructions (62%) and tooth/root extractions (56%). While normative needs were noted for 82% of the whole sample, oral treatment needs were accurately perceived by only 20% of residents, poorly by 24%, while 46% indicated that they had no oral treatment needs.

To describe dental caries occurrence among preschool children in a Health District in the North-East of Italy by age, gender and immigrant background; 2) to plot a trend of primary dentition dental caries over a 20 year time span.Observational cross-sectional survey.41 out of 88 kindergartens were randomly selected, originating a sample of 3470 preschoolers out of 7,061 overall school attenders. Dentinal caries occurrence was evaluated by 2 calibrated examiners at school on 2,524 3-5-year-olds from October 2004 to June 2005. The participants were divided into 2 subgroups depending on the country of origin of their mothers: non-western (IG or immigrant group) and western (WG). Two previous surveys performed in the same area were used to plot a trend over a 20 year period.Comparisons between groups were made using the Pearson chi-squared test and caries risk estimation was established by logistic regression analysis to assess the influence of sex, age and ethnicity (independent variables) on caries experience (dependent variable). Risk was summarised as odds ratio plus 95% CI.Prevalence (%) and severity (mean dmft +/- SD) increased by age (15% - 0.6 +/- 1.9 at 3 years of age; 25% - 1.1 +/- 2.6 at 4; 32% - 1.3 +/- 2.7 at 5) and were significantly different (p0.01) between the two groups: 23% (WG) vs 54% (IG) and 0.9 +/- 2.2. (WG) vs 3.4 +/- 4.3. The level of untreated caries was high: 88.9% in WG vs 97.1% in IG. From 1984 to 2004 prevalence and severity of dental caries declined at all examined ages.The current dental scores in preschoolers are low and similar to those reported in other Western European countries. These good scores have been achieved through a strong decline occurred over the last two decades. As regards the Italian recent social phenomenon of immigration, nowadays being an immigrant child is a strong determinant of dental caries.

A pioneer community dominated by Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter in a Mediterranean environment in southern Italy is described from a floristic point of view. Three main aspects are defined in a ploughed area in relation to substrate and soil depth. The pioneer role of D. viscosa is discussed in relation to its occurrence limited to below-ground disturbance.

This was to evaluate the efficacy of a Titanium Trauma Splint (TTS) by comparing it with three other devices commonly used in the care of dental trauma, a Resin Splint (RS), Button-Bracket Splint (BS) and a Wire- Composite Splint (WCS).The four types of splints were applied on experimental dental models, including in the splints the teeth from canine to canine of each maxilla. Two load-tests for each device were applied with the dental model inclined to 45 degrees or less, and increasing forces were applied to the incisal edges from 0N to 50N, in the first test, and from 0N to 100N in the second. At the same time the displacement involved of the splinted teeth was assessed and then the ratio between the two measured sizes was graphically represented.In the level tests the displacements of the splinted teeth caused by the force of 80N were: 0.39 mm for the BS, 0.37 mm for the TTS, 0.35 mm for the WCS and 0.30 mm for the RS. In the inclined tests, the splints under the effect of 40N, showed displacements as: 1.65 mm RS, 1.83 mm BS, 1.89 mm TTS and 2.16 mm WCS.With the exception of RS as to rigidity, the other three splints were practically the same in response. Considering other characteristics, the TTS proved to be a promising device for the treatment of dental traumas.

Testo universitario di Ecologia vegetale

A reduced physical model of the integral non-linearity error in high resolution R-2R D/A converters is obtained by circuit analysis and application of the ambiguity algorithm. Field experiments demonstrate that functional test programs based on this model achieve shorter test times and lower prediction errors than those based on larger models obtained by straight QR factorization. >

Digital calibration has become essential to meet challenging A/D converter specifications for future telecommunication systems. Next generation apparatuses will require converters with resolution as high as 12 bit and very high linearity (>90 dB) at more than 40 MHz sampling rate. This paper proposes a correction technique suitable for off-line operation. A statistical method determines the ADC actual transfer characteristic and a digital look-up table performs the subsequent correction. Extensive experimental results show an average improvement of 12 dB (2 bit) in the converter linearity permitting commercial components to satisfy specifications of emerging telecommunication architectures. Performances are maintained over a significant temperature range and with ageing.

The authors present a case of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the cheek in a young patient. The histological diagnosis, on the tumoral mass, was preceded by cytological researches with fine needle aspiration biopsy, carried out on the gingival fornix. The cytology, by immunocytochemical techniques, made possible the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. Therefore the authors stress the high capacity of these cytochemical and immunocytochemical methods to demonstrate, not in a invasive way, the small round cell tumors of the skull and the neck in the youngs. This early diagnosis may orient the clinical and therapeutic management of the case.

An analysis of the asymmetric response from the device facets is performed. Attention is devoted to themechanisms that make the feedbackadversely affect differential quantum efficiency in a single-mode laser. A key is obtained to the description and control of the non-linear P-I relationship in the region just above threshold (kink).I. Introduction. A systematicinvestigation of optical feedback induced effects on semiconductor laser diodes shows a variety of phenomena'; some of them are linked to symmetry properties of the system (solitary device plus feedbacksource). The emitted light is measured from both laser facets: front facet (the facet in front of the feedback source), and rear facet (the opposite one). The signal collected from the front facet is the actualcarrier of information in the system, while the signal collected from the rear facet is commonly used to monitor system performances. The symmetry of a solitarydevice, whose facets have equal reflectivity, is destroyed by the injection

The asymmetries induced by optical feedback in semiconductor laser diodes inserted in optical systems provides a possible way of noninvasive monitoring laser dynamics and system properties. A method, based on a microscopic model for single-mode laser diodes with additional terms to describe optical feedback contribution, is proposed.

Three cases of neonatal adrenal hemorrhage are described. They presented different clinical findings. Ultrasonography was the investigation of choice. It showed different initial patterns: anechoic in one case, hyperechoic in the others. The literature is reviewed. Usefulness of echography in the diagnosis of adrenal hemorrhage is stressed.

A systematic investigation of optical feedback induced effects on semiconductor laser diodes shows a variety of phenomena; some of them are linked to (left-right) symmetry properties of the system (symmetric solitary device plus optical feedback source). Attention is devoted to the appearance of feedback induced nonlinearities (kinks) in the P-I curves just above threshold [1]. Such nonlinearities are present in the characteristic curves taken from both facets, depend on the feedback ratio, and are reproducible. Kink formation and shaping are not substantially affected by the path between the laser facet and the reflecting surface; in particular they are not dependent on the presence of splices or connectors when a typical transmission line is the subject of investigation. Furthermore the role of optical feedback in destroying the symmetry between light outputs from the (equal reflectivity) front and rear facet of the devices is examined in detail, and a connection is established with the feedback adversely affecting the differential quantum efficiency of the device, in a selected range of values of the feedback ratio.

In a retrospective study on heart murmurs in healthy newborns we reviewed data concerning all newborns admitted in our nursery in the year 1990 (1387 newborns: male 699, female 688). An heart murmur was recorded in 106 (7.6%); in 32 of these (30%) the murmur was still audible at discharge; in 18 cases (17%) a congenital heart defect was diagnosed. Our data suggest that time of onset and intensity are valuable data for diagnostic approach, as murmurs recorded after the first day of life, and/or of intensity of 2/6 or more, are more likely to be expression of a congenital heart disease and should be further evaluated.