Optimal percentage of inhibitory synapses in multi-task learning

Performing more tasks in parallel is a typical feature of complex brains. These are characterized by the coexistence of excitatory and inhibitory synapses, whose percentage in mammals is measured to have a typical value of 20-30\%. Here we investigate parallel learning of more Boolean rules in neuronal networks. We find that multi-task learning results from the alternation of learning and forgetting of the individual rules. Interestingly, a fraction of 30\% inhibitory synapses optimizes the overall performance, carving a complex backbone supporting information transmission with a minimal shortest path length. We show that 30\% inhibitory synapses is the percentage maximizing the learning performance since it guarantees, at the same time, the network excitability necessary to express the response and the variability required to confine the employment of resources.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure

An AI-Based Digital Scanner for Varroa destructor Detection in Beekeeping

Beekeeping is a crucial agricultural practice that significantly enhances environmental health and food production through effective pollination by honey bees. However, honey bees face numerous threats, including exotic parasites, large-scale transportation, and common agricultural practices that may increase the risk of parasite and pathogen transmission. A major threat is the Varroa destructor mite, which feeds on honey bee fat bodies and transmits viruses, leading to significant colony losses. Detecting the parasite and defining the intervention thresholds for effective treatment is a difficult and time-consuming task; different detection methods exist, but they are mainly based on human eye observations, resulting in low accuracy. This study introduces a digital portable scanner coupled with an AI algorithm (BeeVS) used to detect Varroa mites. The device works through image analysis of a sticky sheet previously placed under the beehive for some days, intercepting the Varroa mites that naturally fall. In this study, the scanner was tested for 17 weeks, receiving sheets from 5 beehives every week, and checking the accuracy, reliability, and speed of the method compared to conventional human visual inspection. The results highlighted the high repeatability of the measurements (R2 ≥ 0.998) and the high accuracy of the BeeVS device; when at least 10 mites per sheet were present, the device showed a cumulative percentage error below 1%, compared to approximately 20% for human visual observation. Given its repeatability and reliability, the device can be considered a valid tool for beekeepers and scientists, offering the opportunity to monitor many beehives in a short time, unlike visual counting, which is done on a sample basis

Glucosinolate Bioactivation by Apis mellifera Workers and Its Impact on Nosema ceranae Infection at the Colony Level

The microsporidian fungus Nosema ceranae represents one of the primary bee infection threats worldwide and the antibiotic fumagillin is the only registered product for nosemosis disease control, while few alternatives are, at present, available. Natural bioactive compounds deriving from the glucosinolate–myrosinase system (GSL–MYR) in Brassicaceae plants, mainly isothiocyanates (ITCs), are known for their antimicrobial activity against numerous pathogens and for their health-protective effects in humans. This work explored the use of Brassica nigra and Eruca sativa defatted seed meal (DSM) GSL-containing diets against natural Nosema infection in Apis mellifera colonies. DSM patties from each plant species were obtained by adding DSMs to sugar candy at the concentration of 4% (w/w). The feeding was administered in May to mildly N. ceranae-infected honey bee colonies for four weeks at the dose of 250 g/week. In the treated groups, no significant effects on colony development and bee mortality were observed compared to the negative controls. The N. ceranae abundance showed a slight but significant decrease. Furthermore, the GSL metabolism in bees was investigated, and MYR hydrolytic activity was qualitatively searched in isolated bee midgut and hindgut. Interestingly, MYR activity was detected both in the bees fed DSMs and in the control group where the bees did not receive DSMs. In parallel, ITCs were found in gut tissues from the bees treated with DSMs, corroborating the presence of a MYR-like enzyme capable of hydrolyzing ingested GSLs. On the other hand, GSLs and other GSL hydrolysis products other than ITCs, such as nitriles, were found in honey produced by the treated bees, potentially increasing the health value of the final product for human consumption. The results are indicative of a specific effect on the N. ceranae infection in managed honey bee colonies depending on the GSL activation within the target organ.</jats:p

Glucosinolate Bioactivation by Apis mellifera Workers and Its Impact on Nosema ceranae Infection at the Colony Level

The microsporidian fungus Nosema ceranae represents one of the primary bee infection threats worldwide and the antibiotic fumagillin is the only registered product for nosemosis disease control, while few alternatives are, at present, available. Natural bioactive compounds deriving from the glucosinolate–myrosinase system (GSL–MYR) in Brassicaceae plants, mainly isothiocyanates (ITCs), are known for their antimicrobial activity against numerous pathogens and for their health-protective effects in humans. This work explored the use of Brassica nigra and Eruca sativa defatted seed meal (DSM) GSL-containing diets against natural Nosema infection in Apis mellifera colonies. DSM patties from each plant species were obtained by adding DSMs to sugar candy at the concentration of 4% (w/w). The feeding was administered in May to mildly N. ceranae-infected honey bee colonies for four weeks at the dose of 250 g/week. In the treated groups, no significant effects on colony development and bee mortality were observed compared to the negative controls. The N. ceranae abundance showed a slight but significant decrease. Furthermore, the GSL metabolism in bees was investigated, and MYR hydrolytic activity was qualitatively searched in isolated bee midgut and hindgut. Interestingly, MYR activity was detected both in the bees fed DSMs and in the control group where the bees did not receive DSMs. In parallel, ITCs were found in gut tissues from the bees treated with DSMs, corroborating the presence of a MYR-like enzyme capable of hydrolyzing ingested GSLs. On the other hand, GSLs and other GSL hydrolysis products other than ITCs, such as nitriles, were found in honey produced by the treated bees, potentially increasing the health value of the final product for human consumption. The results are indicative of a specific effect on the N. ceranae infection in managed honey bee colonies depending on the GSL activation within the target organ

Bollettino storico di Salerno e Principato Citra. A. 2, n.1/2 (1985) 

Esemplare posseduto dalla Biblioteca Provinciale di Salerno.A.3, n.1/2 (1985): A. Grelle, Di alcuni rilievi protoromanici del Museo Campano di Capua, P. 5 ; P. Natella, L’ospedale S. Giovanni di Dio di Salerno e i suoi otto secoli di storia, P. 23 ; S. Borsi, Il progetto del Palazzo per il Re di Napoli di Giuliano da Sangallo (1488), P. 31 ; M. A. Del Grosso, Alcuni monasteri salernitani del sec. XVI, P. 41 ; M. R. Esposito, Le claustrali domenicane in un monastero del Mezzogiorno: aspetti di vita nel ’600, P. 59 ; D. Cosimato, Per lo studio del territorio: le « terre » di Sicignano, San Gregorio, Ricigliano in un « apprezzo » della fine del sec. XVII, P. 75 ; V. Cimmelli, I capitoli dell’Università di Valentino, P. 91 ; C. Giarla, Giovanni Luca de Magistro: un pittore ebolitano al servizio del duca d’Atri, P. 97 ; P. Cantalupo, Agropoli: cinque documenti sull’assalto turco del 1630, P. 103 ; L. Di Giacomo, Prime note sulle trasformazioni di S. Maria Assunta di Positano in età moderna, P. 115 ; P. Bozza, Vita religiosa nella diocesi di Amalfi nel ’700: chiese, cappelle e altari (dalle visite pastorali di Mons. Michele Bologna: 1701-1731), P. 121 ; A. Capano, Torchiara nella metà del Settecento attraverso il Catasto onciario, P. 131 ; G. Cirillo, Note sugli insediamenti e sulle attività extragricole in Principato Cifra nella prima metà dell’Ottocento, P. 137 ; M. Autuori, La comitiva Scopa-Cantalupo, P. 151 ; M. Vozzi, Un caso di brigantaggio nel Principato Cifra tra delinquenza politica e delinquenza rurale, P. 153 ; M. A. Del Grosso, Cronaca del convegno sulla Figura di Gregorio VII e la Riforma gregoriana, P. 157 ; S. Petrocchi, La Civiltà del Seicento a Napoli, P. 163