BOTDA Sensing Employing a Modified Brillouin Fiber Laser Probe Source

A theoretical and experimental study has been carried out on a tunable dual pump-probe optical source for distributed Brillouin optical time-domain analysis (BOTDA). The developed source exploits a modified Brillouin ring laser technology and is capable of a tuning range of ∼200 MHz without using phase-locked loop or optical sideband generation techniques, and exhibits a linewidth smaller than 2.5 MHz and ∼0.5 mW power. In BOTDA experiments, the proposed source has demonstrated to be an efficient solution enabling distributed sensing over 10 km single mode fiber with a spatial resolution of ∼4 m, and a strain and temperature resolutions of ∼10 μϵ and ∼0.5 °C respectively

Arthroscopic Treatment of Stiff Elbow

Contracture of the elbow represents a disabling condition that can impair a person's quality of life. Regardless of the event that causes an elbow contracture, the conservative or surgical treatment is usually considered technically difficult and associated with complications. When the conservative treatment fails to restore an acceptable range of motion in the elbow, open techniques have been shown to be successful options. More recently the use of arthroscopy has become more popular for several reasons. These reasons include better visualization of intra-articular structures, less tissue trauma from open incisions, and potentially the ability to begin early postoperative motion. The purpose of this paper is to review the indications, complications, and results of arthroscopic management of a stiff elbow

Integrated geophysical survey in a sinkhole-prone area: Microgravity, electrical resistivity tomographies, and seismic noise measurements to delimit its extension

Detection, forecasting, early warning, and effective monitoring are key aspects for the delimitation of sinkholeprone areas and for susceptibility assessment and risk mitigation. To attain these goals, direct and indirect techniques can be employed, and the integration of different indirect/non-invasive geophysical methods including 2D- and 3D-electrical resistivity tomography, microgravity, and single-station seismic noise measures was carried out at “Il Piano” (Elba Island – Italy), where at least nine sinkholes occurred between 2008 and 2014. The most likely origin for these sinkholes had been considered related to net erosion of sediment from the alluvium, caused by downward water circulation between the aquifer hosted in the upper layer (Quaternary alluvial deposits) and that in the lower (Triassic brecciated dolomitic limestone and Cretaceous slate). The integrated geophysical survey, therefore, was carried out a) to differentiate shallower from deeper geological layers, b) to detect possible cavities that could evolve into sinkholes, c) to suggest possible triggers, and d) to delimit the sinkhole-prone area. The results of the integrated geophysical surveys suggest that the study area is mainly characterised by paleochannels, and that the sinkhole-prone area boundaries correspond to these paleochannels.Published282-2937SR AMBIENTE – Servizi e ricerca per la societàJCR Journa

Copper toxicity on Eisenia fetida in a vineyard soil: a combined study with standard tests, genotoxicity assessment, and gut metagenomic analysis

Copper (Cu) toxicity is a pressing concern for several soils, especially in organic viticulture. The objective of this work was to assess Cu toxicity on the non-target organism Eisenia fetida, employing both traditional and novel tools for early identification of Cu-induced damages. In addition to traditional tests like avoidance and reproductive toxicity experiments, other tests such as the single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) and gut microbiome analysis were evaluated to identify early and more sensitive pollution biomarkers. Four sub-lethal Cu concentrations were studied, and the results showed strong dosedependent responses by the earthworm avoidance test and the exceeding of habitat threshold limit at the higher Cu doses. An inverse proportionality was observed between reproductive output and soil Cu concentration. Bioaccumulation was not detected in earthworms; soil concentrations of potentially bioavailable Cu were not affected by E. fetida presence or by time. On the contrary, the SCGE test revealed dose-dependent genotoxicity for the ‘tail length’ parameter already at the second day of Cu exposition. Gut microbiome analysis a modulation of microbial composition, with the most aboundant families being Pectobateriaceae, Comamonadaceae and Microscillaceae. Bacillaceae increased over time and showed adaptability to copper up to 165 mg/kg, while at the highest dose even the sensitive Acetobacteriaceae family was affected. The research provided new insights into the ecotoxicity of Cu sub-lethal doses highlighting both alterations at earthworms’ cellular level and changes in their gut microbiota

Children’s and families’ determinants of health-related behaviors in an italian primary school sample: The “seven days for my health” project

Childhood obesity is an established health problem, and there is a growing need for health promotion interventions focused on healthy behaviors in collaboration with parents and schools. The Mediterranean diet (MD) could help to tackle obesity, but it is essential to maintain a good level of physical activity (PA) and limit time spent in sedentary activities (ST). To explore family determinants, adherence to the MD and PA levels as potential predictors of a child’s health-related behaviors, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of 368 Italian primary school children with a mean age of 8.95 years (SD = 1.43). Data were collected from May to June 2017 using a weekly diary, an interactive tool to assess the child’s and parents’ lifestyle. The child’s degree of adherence to the MD was calculated using the KIDMED index. Adherence to the MD was high, medium and poor in 5.2%, 62.5% and 32.3% of children, respectively. Higher maternal educational level was positively associated with children’s MD and PA (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated to ST. Maternal fruit and vegetable consumption was positively related to the MD and negatively related to ST (p < 0.05). Maternal PA was positively associated with the MD (p < 0.001). Paternal PA, and fruit and vegetable consumption, were positively associated with children’s PA (p < 0.05). Our results underline the need for future studies, mainly focused on school-based and family-based interventions, to promote healthy lifestyles and nutritional habits