25 research outputs found

    New photonic conservation laws in parametric nonlinear optics

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    Conservation laws are one of the most generic and useful concepts in physics. In nonlinear optical parametric processes, conservation of photonic energy, momenta and parity often lead to selection rules, restricting the allowed polarization and frequencies of the emitted radiation. Here we present a new scheme to derive conservation laws in optical parametric processes in which many photons are annihilated and a single new photon is emitted. We then utilize it to derive two new such conservation laws. Conservation of reflection-parity (RP) arises from a generalized reflection symmetry of the polarization in a superspace, analogous to the superspace employed in the study of quasicrystals. Conservation of space-time-parity (STP) similarly arises from space-time reversal symmetry in superspace. We explore these new conservation laws numerically in the context of high harmonic generation and outline experimental set-ups where they can be tested

    Seven HCI Grand Challenges

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    This article aims to investigate the Grand Challenges which arise in the current and emerging landscape of rapid technological evolution towards more intelligent interactive technologies, coupled with increased and widened societal needs, as well as individual and collective expectations that HCI, as a discipline, is called upon to address. A perspective oriented to humane and social values is adopted, formulating the challenges in terms of the impact of emerging intelligent interactive technologies on human life both at the individual and societal levels. Seven Grand Challenges are identified and presented in this article: Human-Technology Symbiosis; Human-Environment Interactions; Ethics, Privacy and Security; Well-being, Health and Eudaimonia; Accessibility and Universal Access; Learning and Creativity; and Social Organization and Democracy. Although not exhaustive, they summarize the views and research priorities of an international interdisciplinary group of experts, reflecting different scientific perspectives, methodological approaches and application domains. Each identified Grand Challenge is analyzed in terms of: concept and problem definition; main research issues involved and state of the art; and associated emerging requirements

    Review of the role of gut microbiota in mass rearing of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, and its parasitoids

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    The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the major insect pest in commercial olive (Olea europaea L., Oleaceae) production worldwide. Its population management is largely based on the use of insecticides. However, concerns about the impact of insecticides on the environment and human health along with increasing resistance development calls for novel and environment-friendly approaches for population management. Integrated pest management programmes with a sterile insect technique (SIT) component and parasitoids are currently considered for the control of B. oleae. A major challenge for the development of such tools is mass rearing of both host and parasitoids. In this review, we consider the role of endogenous microbiota and its potential exploitation for improving the efficacy, quality, and cost effectiveness of mass rearing B. oleae as well as their parasitoids

    Root-Associated Microbiomes, Growth and Health of Ornamental Geophytes Treated with Commercial Plant Growth-Promoting Products

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    The microbial community inhabiting a plant’s root zone plays a crucial role in plant health and protection. To assess the ability of commercial plant growth-promoting products to enhance the positive effects of this environment, two products containing beneficial soil bacteria and a product containing plant extracts were tested on Zantedeschia aethiopica and Ornithogalum dubium. The products were tested in two different growing media: a soil and a soilless medium. The effects of these products on Pectobacterium brasiliense, the causal agent of soft rot disease, were also evaluated in vitro, and on naturally occurring infections in the greenhouse. The growing medium was found to have the strongest effect on the microbial diversity of the root-associated microbiome, with the next-strongest effect due to plant type. These results demonstrate that either a single bacterial strain or a product will scarcely reach the level that is required to influence soil microbial communities. In addition, the microbes cultured from these products, could not directly inhibit Pectobacterium growth in vitro. We suggest density-based and functional analyses in the future, to study the specific interactions between plants, soil type, soil microbiota and relevant pathogens. This should increase the effectiveness of bio-supplements and soil disinfestation with natural products, leading to more sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions for the control of bacterial plant diseases

    The Development of Large Radicular Cysts in Endodontically Versus Non-Endodontically Treated Maxillary Teeth

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    Background and Objectives: Large radicular cysts of the maxilla present a clinical challenge, as they may cause recurrent infection, severe alveolar bone loss and disruption of the nasal and maxillary sinus floors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of previous root canal treatment on the clinical presentation of large maxillary radicular cysts. Materials and Methods: All cases of radicular cysts treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of a tertiary public hospital over a period of six years (2012–2018) were evaluated. Histologically confirmed radicular cysts of the maxilla with a maximal dimension of over 15 mm were included. Demographic data of the patients, clinical presentation and radiographic features of the lesions were analyzed. Results: A total of 211 inflammatory cysts were treated in the study period, of these 54 histologically diagnosed radicular cysts in the maxilla were found to have a maximal dimension of over 15 mm. The mean age of patients with large maxillary radicular cysts was 43.3 years, 57.6% of which were male and 42.4% female. The lateral incisor was the most common tooth affected (46.3%). The mean size of the large radicular cysts was 25 mm. Then, 83.8% of the cysts were observed in teeth with previous endodontic treatment. Teeth without endodontic treatment presented clinically with significantly fewer acute symptoms in comparison to teeth with previous endodontic treatment. Conclusions: the vast majority (83.8%) of large maxillary radicular cysts were associated with endodontically treated teeth. Previous endodontic treatment was correlated to increased frequency of clinical symptoms

    Use of X-ray Mutagenesis to Increase Genetic Diversity of Zantedeschia aethiopica for Early Flowering, Improved Tolerance to Bacterial Soft Rot, and Higher Yield

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    The development of new cultivars is important for the profitability of the floriculture industry. There is a limited number of cultivars of Zantedeschia aethiopica, an iconic ornamental cut flower, garden plant, and potted plant, because of the incompatibility of interspecific crossings within the genus. Most present-day varieties are the result of spontaneous mutations or classical breeding within the species, followed by a long selection process. Here, Z. aethiopica mutants were generated by treating seeds with 100 Gy of X-ray radiation. The resulting putative mutants were selected based on particular flowering parameters and compared to nonirradiated, control plants. Over two growing seasons, characteristics such as early flowering, flower size and shape, yield, and response to soft-rot disease were monitored, and considerable variation was observed among the mutated lines. Out of 319 mutants, 20 lines were selected based on their phenotypes and then propagated and further analyzed. Within this group, only two phenotypes displayed at least five improved flowering properties under natural Mediterranean conditions. The rest displayed two to four desired combinations of flowering traits, some with great commercial potential

    Impact of Comorbidities on Hospitalization for Injuries in Riders of Electric Bikes and Powered Scooters: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

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    Background and Objectives: Injuries associated with electric bikes (E-bikes) and powered scooters (P-scooters) have increased yearly worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the impact of pre-existing comorbidities on the probability of hospitalization for injuries in riders of E-bikes and P-scooters. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used. The cohort included patients referred to the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary medical center in 2014–2020 for injuries sustained while riding an E-bike or P-scooter. Data were collected from the medical files on demographics, clinical characteristics including pre-existing comorbidities and permanent use of medications, and injury characteristics. Findings were compared between patients referred for hospitalization from the ED and patients discharged home. Results: Of the 1234 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 202 (16.4%) had a prior medical condition and 167 (13.5%) were taking medication on a permanent basis. A significant relationship was found between hospitalization and having a medical condition (2(1) = 9.20, p = 0.002) or taking medication on a permanent basis (2(1) = 6.24, p = 0.01). Hospitalization for injuries was more likely in patients with a comorbidity (27.8%) than those without a comorbidity (15.5%), and in patients who were on permanent drug therapy (22.2%) than in patients who were not (12.9%). Surprisingly, anticoagulant intake specifically had no effect on the probability of hospital admission. Conclusions: Patients with comorbidities have a higher incidence of hospitalization for E-bike- and P-scooter-associated injuries. Therefore, physicians may take into account comorbidities for the effective management of this patient group’s injuries

    Age as a Predictive Factor in Severity of Injuries in Riders of Electric Bikes and Powered Scooters: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

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    The growth in worldwide popularity of electric bikes (E-bikes) and powered scooters (P-scooters) has been accompanied by an increase in injuries associated with their use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of rider age to injury severity, represented by need for hospitalization. A retrospective review of the database of a tertiary medical center yielded 1234 patients (75.7% male) who attended the emergency department (ED) in 2014–2020 for injuries sustained while riding an E-bike or P-scooter. Mean age was 31.52 ± 14.77 years: 23% were aged <20 years; 33%, 21–30 years; 23%, 31–40 years; 10%, 41–50 years; 11%, >51 years. Ninety patients (7.3%) were hospitalized. Older age was significantly associated with the need for hospitalization on univariate analysis (p <.001), but significance was not maintained on binary logistic regression (OR = 1.02, 95%CI 0.99–1.06; p = 0.11). Patients who underwent imaging evaluation in the ED were at lower risk of hospitalization, and patients who had surgery or a relatively long operative procedure were at higher risk of hospitalization. The study shows that older age (>51 years) is not associated with a significantly increased probability of severe injury in E-bike and P-scooter riders. This finding has important implications for insurers and healthcare administrators

    Dispersal ability of Ceratitis Capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae): edge effect in area wide treatments

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    Bait stations are widely used to control Ceratitis capitata, even though the effect of intrusion from untreated areas decreases the efficacy of the technique. In this work, the edge effect of outer fruit fly populations from untreated areas and backyard orchards has been studied. For this purpose, a field trial was carried out during four years in a wide area of 10 000 ha located in Valencia (Spain). The main growing species were Prunus persica, Prunus domestica, Citrus sinensis, Citrus reticulata and Diospyros kaki. An area of 3,600 ha was treated with chemosterilant bait stations. Fruit fly populations were monitored during the 4 years of study inside and outside the treated area using Tephri-traps baited with trimedlure. A grid of 180 traps was placed in the field with an intertrap distance of 450 m. Multiple linear regression was applied to model population levels as a function of distance to untreated areas and backyards. The distance at which outer medfly populations influenced the treated wide-area population was about 1.3 km. This value reflects the distance at which a given fruit fly population is influenced by outer populations and suggests that C. capitata is able to move more than 1 km seeking for hosts. Thus, buffer areas in area-wide integrated pest management of Mediterranean fruit fly should be at least 1.3 km wide.Navarro-Llopis, V.; Vacas González, S.; Zarzo Castelló, M.; Primo Millo, J. (2014). Dispersal ability of Ceratitis Capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae): edge effect in area wide treatments. Journal of Applied Entomology. 138(6):403-408. doi:10.1111/jen.12029S4034081386Baker, P. S., & Chan, A. S. T. (1991). Quantification of tephritid fruit fly dispersal: Guidelines for a sterile release programme. Journal of Applied Entomology, 112(1-5), 410-421. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0418.1991.tb01074.xCohen, H., & Yuval, B. (2000). Perimeter Trapping Strategy to Reduce Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Damage on Different Host Species in Israel. Journal of Economic Entomology, 93(3), 721-725. doi:10.1603/0022-0493-93.3.721Dominiak, B. C., Westcott, A. E., & Barchia, I. M. (2003). Release of sterile Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), at Sydney, Australia. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 43(5), 519. doi:10.1071/ea01146FLETCHER, B. S., & ECONOMOPOULOS, A. P. (1976). DISPERSAL OF NORMAL AND IRRADIATED LABORATORY STRAINS AND WILD STRAINS OF THE OLIVE FLY DACUS OLEAE IN AN OLIVE GROVE. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 20(2), 183-194. doi:10.1111/j.1570-7458.1976.tb02632.xGavriel, S., Gazit, Y., Leach, A., Mumford, J., & Yuval, B. (2011). Spatial patterns of sterile Mediterranean fruit fly dispersal. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 142(1), 17-26. doi:10.1111/j.1570-7458.2011.01197.xMcInnis, D. O., Lance, D. R., & Jackson, C. G. (1996). Behavioral Resistance to the Sterile Insect Technique by Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Hawaii. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 89(5), 739-744. doi:10.1093/aesa/89.5.739Meats, A., & Smallridge, C. J. (2007). Short- and long-range dispersal of medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Dipt., Tephritidae), and its invasive potential. Journal of Applied Entomology, 131(8), 518-523. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0418.2007.01168.xMeats, A. W., Clift, A. D., & Robson, M. K. (2003). Incipient founder populations of Mediterranean and Queensland fruitflies in Australia: the relation of trap catch to infestation radius andmodels for quarantine radius. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 43(4), 397. doi:10.1071/ea02070Navarro-Llopis, V., Sanchis-Cabanes, J., Ayala, I., Casaña-Giner, V., & Primo-Yúfera, E. (2004). Efficacy of lufenuron as chemosterilant againstCeratitis capitata in field trials. Pest Management Science, 60(9), 914-920. doi:10.1002/ps.902Navarro-Llopis, V., Sanchis, J., Primo-Millo, J., & Primo-Yúfera, E. (2007). Chemosterilants as control agents of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in field trials. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 97(4), 359-368. doi:10.1017/s0007485307005081Navarro-Llopis, V., Domínguez-Ruiz, J., Zarzo, M., Alfaro, C., & Primo, J. (2010). Mediterranean fruit fly suppression using chemosterilants for area-wide integrated pest management. Pest Management Science, 66(5), 511-519. doi:10.1002/ps.1901Nestel D Katsoyannos B Nemny-Lavy E Mendel Z Papadopoulos N 2004 Spatial analysis of Medfly populations in heterogeneous landscapes Barnes BN Isteg Scientific Publications Irene, South Africa 35 43Papadopoulos, N. T., Katsoyannos, B. I., & Nestle, D. (2003). Spatial Autocorrelation Analysis of aCeratitis capitata(Diptera: Tephritidae) Adult Population in a Mixed Deciduous Fruit Orchard in Northern Greece. Environmental Entomology, 32(2), 319-326. doi:10.1603/0046-225x-32.2.319Paranhos, B. J., Papadopoulos, N. T., McInnis, D., Gava, C., Lopes, F. S. C., Morelli, R., & Malavasi, A. (2010). Field Dispersal and Survival of Sterile Medfly Males Aromatically Treated With Ginger Root Oil. Environmental Entomology, 39(2), 570-575. doi:10.1603/en08309Plant, R. E., & Cunningham, R. T. (1991). Analyses of the Dispersal of Sterile Mediterranean Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) Released from a Point Source. Environmental Entomology, 20(6), 1493-1503. doi:10.1093/ee/20.6.1493Rempoulakis, P., & Nestel, D. (2011). Dispersal ability of marked, irradiated olive fruit flies [Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae)] in arid regions. Journal of Applied Entomology, 136(3), 171-180. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0418.2011.01623.xSeverin, H. H. P., & Hartung, W. J. (1912). The Flight of Two Thousand Marked Male Mediterranean Fruit Flies (Ceratitis Capitata Wied.). Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 5(4), 400-407. doi:10.1093/aesa/5.4.400Shelly, T. E., & Edu, J. (2009). Capture of mass-reared vs. wild-like males ofCeratitis capitata(Dipt., Tephritidae) in trimedlure-baited traps. Journal of Applied Entomology, 133(8), 640-646. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0418.2009.01414.xWeldon, C., & Meats, A. (2010). Dispersal of mass-reared sterile, laboratory-domesticated and wild male Queensland fruit flies. Journal of Applied Entomology, 134(1), 16-25. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0418.2009.01436.xWong, T. T. Y., Whitehand, L. C., Kobayashi, R. M., Ohinata, K., Tanaka, N., & Harris, E. J. (1982). Mediterranean Fruit Fly 1 : Dispersal of Wild and Irradiated and Untreated Laboratory-Reared Males 2. Environmental Entomology, 11(2), 339-343. doi:10.1093/ee/11.2.33
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