Seismic monitoring of gas emissions at mud volcanoes: The case of Nirano (northern Italy)

Seismic signals generated at the Nirano mud volcanoes in Northern Italy have been monitored by deploying a set of small dimensions seismic arrays of vertical geophones and thee-directional sensors. During two seismic surveys campaigns, seismic signals characterized by sequences of short impulsive signals (lasting 0.1 s–0.2 s) were identified above the background seismic noise. The respective seismic sources have been identified at shallow depths (<30 m) and results sparsely distributed over a wide area. Estimated propagation velocities and polarization analysis indicate that detected pulses also include a significant S waves contribution. These findings have been interpreted as the effect of a stick-slip mechanism due to the interaction between exsolved gas bubbles, mud plugs and the vent walls. On the basis of this model, an estimate of the gas outflow was attempted and results in line with independent measurements of CH4 and CO2 emissions carried out in the area

Mapping 1D seismic amplification effects in the range of periods of engineering interest based on geological data

Regional scale seismic hazard assessment including the effect of local seismo-stratigraphical conditions is a basic tool for seismic risk estimates. A novel physically based procedure is proposed for using geological maps to extensively estimate expected seismic amplification effects relative to spectral ordinates of main engineering interest (<0.8 s). Automatic GIS based analysis of geological maps, statistical data relative to the seismic/geotechnical properties of geological units and numerical modelling are combined to determine the probability distribution of expected amplification effects by accounting for uncertainty affecting the relevant parameters. To evaluate the feasibility of the proposed procedure, it has been applied to the Tuscany Region in Central Italy. Unbiasedness of outcomes has been tested by considering detailed microzonation studies available for the considered area. Results of the proposed approach could be easily implemented in extensive seismic risk analyses where detailed seismic microzonation studies are lacking

Risk factors for recurrence in patients with Clostridium difficile infection due to 027 and non-027 ribotypes

Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate factors associated with recurrence in patients with 027+ and 027– Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Methods: Patients with CDI observed between January and December 2014 in six hospitals were consecutively included in the study. The 027 ribotype was deduced by the presence of tcdB, tcdB, cdt genes and the deletion Δ117 in tcdC (Xpert® C. difficile/Epi). Recurrence was defined as a positive laboratory test result for C. difficile more than 14 days but within 8 weeks after the initial diagnosis date with reappearance of symptoms. To identify factors associated with recurrence in 027+ and 027– CDI, a multivariate analysis was performed in each patient group. Subdistributional hazard ratios (sHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated. Results: Overall, 238 patients with 027+ CDI and 267 with 027– CDI were analysed. On multivariate analysis metronidazole monotherapy (sHR 2.380, 95%CI 1.549–3.60, p <0.001) and immunosuppressive treatment (sHR 3.116, 95%CI 1.906–5.090, p <0.001) were factors associated with recurrence in patients with 027+ CDI. In this patient group, metronidazole monotherapy was independently associated with recurrence in both mild/moderate (sHR 1.894, 95%CI 1.051–3.410, p 0.033) and severe CDI (sHR 2.476, 95%CI 1.281–4.790, p 0.007). Conversely, non-severe disease (sHR 3.704, 95%CI 1.437–9.524, p 0.007) and absence of chronic renal failure (sHR 16.129, 95%CI 2.155–125.000, p 0.007) were associated with recurrence in 027– CDI. Conclusions: Compared to vancomycin, metronidazole monotherapy appears less effective in curing CDI without relapse in the 027+ patient group, independently of disease severity

Pd-Catalysed oxidative carbonylation of α-amino amides to hydantoins under mild conditions

The first example of palladium-catalysed oxidative carbonylation of unprotected α-amino amides to hydantoins is described here. The selective synthesis of the target compounds was achieved under mild conditions (1 atm of CO), without ligands and bases. The catalytic system overrode the common reaction pathway that usually leads instead to the formation of symmetrical ureas

Smart Dairy Farming: Innovative Solutions to Improve Herd Productivity

Among the most straining trends that farmers have to face there are: on one side, to guarantee welfare and adequate life conditions for animals and to reduce the environmental footprint, on the other side, to develop new strategies to improve farm management reducing costs. The current conditions and the expected developments of the dairy sector highlight a strong need for more efficient and sustainable farming systems. Studying heat stress, herd management and housing and animals\u2019 productive and reproductive performances is fundamental for the economic and environmental sustainability of the dairy chain. New and effective tools to cope with these challenges have been provided by Precision Livestock Farming (PLF), which is nowadays increasingly applied and makes possible to control quali-quantitative parameters related to production, health, behaviour, and real-time locomotion per animal. The research key challenge is to turn these data into knowledge to provide real-time support in farming optimisation. This research focuses specifically on different systems to collect, process and derive useful information from data on animal welfare and productivity. A multi-disciplinary approach has been adopted to generate a decision support system for farmers

Salmonella enterica ssp. arizonae infection in a 43-year-old Italian man with hypoglobulinemia: a case report and review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p><it>Salmonella enterica </it>ssp. <it>arizonae </it>is an uncommon human pathogen with serious infections reported in immunocompromised hosts. In Europe, only a few cases have been described. Patients with this infection usually have a history of contact with reptiles or travel abroad. We present a case report of infection in a patient with hypoglobulinemia and a literature review.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We describe the case of a 43-year-old Caucasian Italian man with hypoglobulinemia who presented to our hospital with sepsis and diarrhea. A stool culture yielded <it>S. enterica </it>ssp. <it>arizonae</it>. Our patient was treated with oral ciprofloxacin and made a full recovery. We also present a review of the cases of <it>S. enterica </it>ssp. <it>arizonae </it>infections previously reported in Europe.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The majority of infections from <it>S. enterica </it>ssp. <it>arizonae </it>occur in patients who are immunocompromised. Data from the literature suggests that it may be difficult to eradicate the bacteria and thus, prolonged antibiotic courses are often used. It would be advisable for clinicians to investigate for pre-existing immune dysfunction if <it>S. enterica </it>ssp. <it>arizonae </it>is isolated. In Italy, although there have only been a few cases, the likely route of transmission remains unclear and requires further surveillance.</p

The research component of the implementation plan of the global strategy to improve agricultural statistics

The goal of the research plan of the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (The World Bank, 2011) is to contribute to a significant improvement in the quality, reliability and cost-effectiveness of agricultural statistics in developing countries. This goal will be achieved providing a framework for coordinated efforts of experts in various Regions to address the most important methodological issues and gaps for effective data collection, processing and dissemination on current and emerging demand for statistics to inform the relevant policy debate for developing countries