Evaluation of Alternative Options for the Irrigation Aqueduct of the Cavallino Peninsula Using the MULINO Approach

In the present article we analyse the problem and the effects of changes in irrigation technology that affect a farmer community in the Cavallino Peninsula in the northeast of Italy. The obligation of closing and sealing the wells, which are currently used in the area for irrigation purposes, is due to a national law aimed at preserving the groundwater resources and preventing subsidence phenomena in the Venice area. The enforcement of this law implies that the regional administration is obliged to provide farmers with sufficient water supply for their agricultural activity. The methodology developed within the MULINO Project was used in this analysis, to test the potentials of a decision support system tool (mDSS) developed by the project. Firstly, the decision context was analysed and, as result, the problem was subdivided in two more specific sub problems: one related with water abstraction and the other related with water distribution. In order to build the decisional model, the opinions of experts and the preferences of the stakeholders were taken into account in different phases of the process. The results allowed the competent administration to identify the stakeholders' main concerns about the development of a new irrigation system and to develop strategies to cope with them. The quality of the water supplied and the economic effects of the change in the irrigation system were the main issues dealt with in this process. The application of the MULINO approach and DSS tool added efficiency and transparency to the decision making process, by allowing the elicitation of opinions and preferences of all the actors involved in the process, and demonstrating that, notwithstanding the different viewpoints and interests, a general consensus could be reaches on a single management option

Fruit sizes and methods of seed extraction in Physalis physiological potential

Physalis peruviana L., a small fruit belonging to the Solanaceae family, is known for the high vitamins A and C, iron, and phosphorus content. As it presents numerous opportunities for adding value to family producers, it has been gaining space in the consumer market. Characteristics such as fruit size and seed extraction methods can interfere with the physiological potential of the seeds. Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationship between fruit size and physiological quality of Physalis seeds and to establish an effective method for the extraction of its seeds. The experiment was conducted at the Phytotechnics Laboratory of the State University of Londrina, using a completely randomized design in a 3×2 factorial scheme, with 4 replications of 50 seeds. The factors consisted of three fruit sizes (small, medium, and large) and two extraction methods (manual and mechanical). The averages obtained were compared using the Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05). After 28 days of germination, the following evaluations were made: percentage of germination, first germination count, germination speed index, length, and dry mass of seedlings. The physiological potential of the seeds was influenced by the size of the fruits. The method of manual seed extraction proved to be superior and more efficient than the mechanical method

Proteomics of a fuzzy organelle: interphase chromatin

Chromatin proteins mediate replication, regulate expression and ensure integrity of the genome. So far, a comprehensive inventory of interphase chromatin has not been determined. This is largely due to its heterogeneous and dynamic composition, which makes conclusive biochemical purification difficult, if not impossible. As a fuzzy organelle it defies classical organellar proteomics and cannot be described by a single and ultimate list of protein components. Instead we propose a new approach that provides a quantitative assessment of a protein’s probability to function in chromatin. We integrate chromatin composition over a range of different biochemical and biological conditions. This resulted in interphase chromatin probabilities for 7635 human proteins, including 1840 previously uncharacterized proteins. We demonstrate the power of our large-scale data-driven annotation during the analysis of CDK regulation in chromatin. Quantitative protein ontologies may provide a general alternative to list-based investigations of organelles and complement Gene Ontology

Laser surface structuring affects polymer deposition, coating homogeneity, and degradation rate of Mg alloys

In the current work, a coating system consisted of a laser-structured surface, a thin layer primer and a polymeric coating to improve degradation behaviour of biocompatible and biodegradable Mg alloy is presented. The laser structuring allowed modification of surface topography as well as controlling the wettability of surface. The cellulose acetate primer provided protection from in-process degradation of samples during the successive layer-by-layer (LbL) coating process, where alternate layers of chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose were applied. The results revealed that the laser structured surface plays an important role on the developed coating structure and final corrosion rate. Lowest corrosion rate among the coated samples (1.15 cm yr(-1)) was measured for the most hydrophilic laser-treated surface, corresponding to almost 16% reduction compared to the as-received samples

How Biorecognition Affects the Electronic Properties of Reduced Graphene Oxide in Electrolyte‐Gated Transistor Immunosensors

Ambipolar electrolyte-gated transistors (EGTs) based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have been demonstrated as ultra-sensitive and highly specific immunosensors. However, the physics and chemistry ruling the device operation are still not fully unraveled. In this work, the aim is to elucidate the nature of the observed sensitivity of the device. Toward this aim, a physical–chemical model that, coupled with the experimental characterization of the rGO-EGT, allows one to quantitatively correlate the biorecognition events at the gate electrode and the electronic properties of rGO-EGT is proposed. The equilibrium of biorecognition occurring at the gate electrode is shown to determine the apparent charge neutrality point (CNP) of the rGO channel. The multiparametric analysis of the experimental transfer characteristics of rGO-EGT reveals that the recognition events modulate the CNP voltage, the excess carrier density Δn, and the quantum capacitance of rGO. This analysis also explains why hole and electron carrier mobilities, interfacial capacitance, the curvature of the transfer curve, and the transconductances are insensitive to the target concentration. The understanding of the mechanisms underlying the transistor transduction of the biorecognition events is key for the interpretation of the response of the rGO-EGT immunosensors and to guide the design of novel and more sensitive devices

An update of the Worldwide Integrated Assessment (WIA) on systemic insecticides. Part 3: alternatives to systemic insecticides

International audience; Over-reliance on pesticides for pest control is inflicting serious damage to the environmental services that underpin agricultural productivity. The widespread use of systemic insecticides, neonicotinoids, and the phenylpyrazole fipronil in particular is assessed here in terms of their actual use in pest management, effects on crop yields, and the development of pest resistance to these compounds in many crops after two decades of usage. Resistance can only be overcome in the longterm by implementing methods that are not exclusively based on synthetic pesticides. A diverse range of pest management tactics is already available, all of which can achieve efficient pest control below the economic injury level while maintaining the productivity of the crops. A novel insurance method against crop failure is shown here as an example of alternative methods that can protect farmer's crops and their livelihoods without having to use insecticides. Finally, some concluding remarks about the need for a new framework for a truly sustainable agriculture that relies mainly on natural ecosystem services instead of chemicals are included; this reinforcing the previous WIA conclusions (van der Sluijs et al. Environ Sci Pollut Res 22:148-154, 2015)

Efficacia, target e contesti dei trattamenti per gli autori di reati sessuali

In the present study, the most recent meta-analyses concerning the much debated topic of the effectiveness of in-prison treatment programs for sex offenders are investigated. Both strengths and weaknesses of each analysis are analysed. Empirical evidence regarding treatment effectiveness is underlined with the latter being measured in terms of reduction of sexual recidivism. Noteworthy are the treatment programs based on the principles of the Risk/Need/Responsivity Theory which seems to provide the best guarantee of treatment effectiveness.In questo articolo vengono prese in esame le più recenti meta-analisi al riguardo del dibattuto problema dell’efficacia dei trattamenti intra-carcerari rivolti agli autori di reati sessuali. Di ognuna di esse sono analizzati i punti di forza e le debolezze. Vengono sottolineate le evidenze empiriche riguardanti l’efficacia dei trattamenti, misurata nei termini di riduzione della recidiva. Viene evidenziato che la formulazione di interventi teoricamente indirizzati secondo i principi della teoria Rischio/ Bisogni/ Responsività sembra, ad oggi, fornire le migliori garanzie di efficacia dei trattamenti