Skyrmion States In Chiral Liquid Crystals

Within the framework of Oseen-Frank theory, we analyse the static configurations for chiral liquid crystals. In particular, we find numerical solutions for localised axisymmetric states in confined chiral liquid crystals with weak homeotropic anchoring at the boundaries. These solutions describe the distortions of two-dimensional skyrmions, known as either \textit{spherulites} or \textit{cholesteric bubbles}, which have been observed experimentally in these systems. Relations with nonlinear integrable equations have been outlined and are used to study asymptotic behaviors of the solutions. By using analytical methods, we build approximated solutions of the equilibrium equations and we analyse the generation and stabilization of these states in relation to the material parameters, the external fields and the anchoring boundary conditions.Comment: 13 pages, 13 figures, Conference: PMNP 2017: 50 years of IST, Gallipoli (LE)- Italy June 17-24, 201

Unitarization and Inversion Formulae for the Radon Transform Between Dual Pairs

We consider the Radon transform associated to dual pairs (X,\u39e) in the sense of Helgason, with X = G/K and \u39e = G/H, where G is a locally compact group and K and H are closed subgroups of G. Under some technical assumptions, we prove that if the quasi-regular representations of G acting on L2(X) and L2(\u39e) are irreducible, then the Radon transform admits a unitarization intertwining the two representations. If, in addition, the representations are square- integrable, we provide an inversion formula for the Radon transform based on the voice transform associated to these representations

Monitoring Great Capricorn Beetle (Cerambyx cerdo) populations in the Natura 2000 network

The Great Capricorn Beetle, Cerambyx cerdo L., is a saproxylic insect highly dependent on oak trees. Presence of this species was reported in the Natura 2000 site “Gravine di Matera” (code IT9220135), a 7000-hectares protected area in southern Italy. From June to early July 2019, we conducted the first monitoring study of this species, assessing the population size and habitat preference. Baited traps were positioned on trees of different oak species present in the area in order to assess the population size of the Great Capricorn beetle across the study area. Overall, 78 beetles (37 females, 41 males) were caught during 16 days of sampling. Highest densities of C. cerdo were encountered on downy oak trees (Quercus pubescens Willd.) and tree size appeared to be positively correlated with the number of C. cerdo individuals captured on the tree. This demonstrates the importance of the presence of large veteran trees for the conservation of this species

Conservation of the Macedonian oak (Quercus trojana) at its westernmost boundaries

The Murgia Materana regional park is located in the Basilicata region, Italy, extending on a surface of 8000 ha circa. In addition to habitats such as Mediterranean pseudo-steppe and Mediterranean bush, it presents relatively large clusters of the Macedonian oak (Quercus trojana). The park is thought to constitute the westernmost point of the distribution of the Macedonian oak. In the past years, we conducted a census of the Macedonian oak trees present in the area, with an evaluation of plant health. The majority of the trees are located on the higher altitude zones of the park. We detected that large veteran trees (DBH > 200 cm) are predominantly found in the vicinities of ancient large farms ("masserie"). We established wildfires to be the principal threat to the survival of this species in the area. In order to reintroduce individuals in fire-damaged zones, we collected and planted acorns from a selection of individuals. At the present time, we are about to transfer the samplings in the wild

COVID-19 and the Endocrine System: A Comprehensive Review on the Theme

The review aimed to summarize advances in the topic of endocrine diseases and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Scientific and institutional websites and databases were searched and data were collected and organized, when plausible, to angle the discussion toward the following clinical issues. (1) Are patients with COVID-19 at higher risk of developing acute or late-onset endocrine diseases or dysfunction? (2) May the underlying endocrine diseases or dysfunctions be considered risk factors for poor prognosis once the infection has occurred? (3) Are there defined strategies to manage endocrine diseases despite pandemic-related constraints? Herein, the authors considered only relevant and more frequently observed endocrine diseases and disorders related to the hypothalamic-pituitary region, thyroid and parathyroid glands, calcium-phosphorus homeostasis and osteoporosis, adrenal glands, and gonads. Main. Data highlight the basis of some pathophysiological mechanisms and anatomical alterations of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced endocrine dysfunctions. Some conditions, such as adrenal insufficiency and cortisol excess, may be risk factors of worse clinical progression once the infection has occurred. These at-risk populations may require adequate education to avoid the SARS-CoV-2 infection and adequately manage medical therapy during the pandemic, even in emergencies. Endocrine disease management underwent a palpable restraint, especially procedures requiring obligate access to healthcare facilities for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Strategies of clinical triage to prioritize medical consultations, laboratory, instrumental evaluations, and digital telehealth solutions should be implemented to better deal with this probably long-term situation