Hydrogeological study of the monti sibillini north-western sector: a contribution to the official hydrogeologic mapping

This work underlines the importance of experimental data and integrates the hydrogeological mapping methods. The work has analyzed the lithological features of the outcropping rocks and their attitude to be crossed by the meteoric waters. Geologic-structural analysis has allowed to identify elements that can constitute the hydraulic barriers and the hydrogeological complexes that can contain the aquifers. A detailed analysis of base flow was carried out through hydrogeological survey directly performed in the river. The hydrogeological survey has allowed us: 1) to appraise the river's base flow; 2) to identify the punctual and linear springs; 3) to quantify the water resource on average drained; and 4) to determine the discharge regime of springs and rivers. The Conceptual Hydrogeological Model for each individual aquifer have been derived from geologic-structural analysis and hydrogeological studies. The Conceptual Hydrogeological Models allowed us to calculate the Mean Effective Infiltration (Ieff) of every aquifer. The values of Ieff are gathered in classes. All merged information has been used in the preparation of Hydrogeological Complexes and Natural Springs Map. The manifold hydrogeological information cannot be represented in one document only; so the Experimental Hydrogeological Mapping has been prepared as the overlap of different informative levels: Hydrogeological Complexes and Natural Springs Map (principal document), Surface Hydrology Map and Conceptual Hydrogeological Models of several recognized aquifers (complementary elements)

A proposal for compiling quantitative hydrogeological maps

An innovative approach to hydrogeological mapping based on quantitative analysis is shown in this paper. It gives some cartographical solutions for an immediate evaluation of the groundwater resources and their spatial distribution. All relevant aquifers, springs and their regime, geological and structural setting and their hydraulic role should be shown in several understandable and clear hydrogeological maps where all hydrogeological information is reported in detail in the “Hydrogeological experimental Map” composed by a. “Hydrogeological Complexes and Natural Springs Map”, b. “Surface Hydrology Map”, c. “Conceptual Hydrogeological Model” and d. “Hydrogeological sections”. The cartographical solutions adopted for representing all these documents are proposed in this paper. Some graphical solutions have been proposed for improving the Italian official guidelines of hydrogeological mapping at scale 1:50.000, explain the legends symbols and illustrate the structure of a hydrogeological GIS database. An application of this approach has been carried out in north-western sector of Sibillini Mts. (Marche, Italy)

Measurement of the structural behaviour of a 3D airless wheel prototype by means of optical non-contact techniques

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is becoming a widely employed technique also in mass production. In this field, compliances with geometry and mechanical performance standards represent a crucial constrain. Since 3D printed products exhibit a mechanical behaviour that is difficult to predict and investigate due to the complex shape and the inaccuracy in reproducing nominal sizes, optical non-contact techniques are an appropriate candidate to solve these issues. In this paper, 2D digital image correlation and thermoelastic stress analysis are combined to map the stress and the strain performance of an airless wheel prototype. The innovative airless wheel samples are 3D-printed by fused deposition modelling and stereolithography in poly-lactic acid and photopolymer resin, respectively. The static mechanical behaviour for different wheel-ground contact configurations is analysed using the aforementioned non-contact techniques. Moreover, the wheel-ground contact pressure is mapped, and a parametric finite element model is developed. The results presented in the paper demonstrate that several factors have great influence on 3D printed airless wheels: a) the type of material used for manufacturing the specimen, b) the correct transfer of the force line (i.e., the loading system), c) the geometric complexity of the lattice structure of the airless wheel. The work confirms the effectiveness of the proposed non-contact measurement procedures for characterizing complex shaped prototypes manufactured using AM

Mechanisms of earthquake induced chemical and fluid transport to carbonate groundwater springs after earthquakes

Mechanisms by which hydrochemical changes occur after earthquakes are not well documented. We use the 2016-2017 central Italy seismic sequence, which caused notable hydrochemical transient variations in groundwater springs to address this topic, with special reference to effects on fractured carbonate aquifers. Hydrochemistry measured before and after the earthquakes at four springs at varying distances from the epicenters all showed immediate post-mainshock peaks in trace element concentrations, but little change in major elements. Most parameters returned to pre-earthquake values before the last events of the seismic sequence. The source of solutes, particularly trace elements, is longer residence time pore water stored in slow moving fractures or abandoned karstic flowpaths. These fluids were expelled into the main flow paths after an increase in pore pressure, hydraulic conductivity, and shaking from co-seismic aquifer stress. The weak response to the later earthquakes is explained by progressive depletion of high solute fluids as earlier shocks flushed out the stored fluids in the fractures. Spring \u3b413CDIC values closest to a deep magma source to the west became enriched relative to pre-earthquake values following the August 24th event. This enrichment indicates input from deeply-sourced dissolved CO2 gas after dilation of specific fault conduits. Differences in carbon isotopic responses between springs are attributed to proximity to the deep CO2 source. Most of the transient chemical changes seen in the three fractured carbonate aquifers are attributed to local shaking and emptying of isolated pores and fractures, and are not from rapid upward movement of deep fluids

Groundwater of Rome

This paper describes the contents of the new Hydrogeological Map of the City of Rome (1:50,000 scale). The map extends to the entire municipality (1285 km2) and is based on both the most recent scientific studies on the groundwater field and new survey activities carried out in order to fill the data gaps in several areas of the examined territory. The map is the result of a combination of different urban groundwater expertise and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mapping performed using the most recent available data and has been produced with the intention of furnishing the City of Rome with the most recent and updated information regarding groundwater

Kinetics of Host Cell Recruitment During Dissemination of Diffuse Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Diffuse malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive tumor which displays a median survival of 11.2 months and a 5-year survival of less than 5% emphasizing the need for more effective treatments. This study uses an orthotopic model of malignant mesothelioma established in syngeneic, immunocompetent C57Bl/6 mice which produce malignant ascites and solid tumors that accurately replicate the histopathology of the human disease. Host stromal and immune cell accumulation within malignant ascites and solid tumors was determined using immunofluorescent labeling with confocal microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. An expression profile of cytokines and chemokines was produced using quantitative real-time PCR arrays. Tumor spheroids and solid tumors show progressive growth and infiltration with host stromal and immune cells including macrophages, endothelial cells, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, and a novel cell type, myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). The kinetics of host cell accumulation and inflammatory mediator expression within the tumor ascites divides tumor progression into two distinct phases. The first phase is characterized by progressive macrophage and T lymphocyte recruitment, with a cytokine profile consistent with regulatory T lymphocytes differentiation and suppression of T cell function. The second phase is characterized by decreased expression of macrophage chemotactic and T-cell regulating factors, an increase in MDSCs, and increased expression of several cytokines which stimulate differentiation of MDSCs. This cellular and expression profile suggests a mechanism by which host immune cells promote diffuse malignant mesothelioma progression

International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Probiotics.

Position statement: The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) provides an objective and critical review of the mechanisms and use of probiotic supplementation to optimize the health, performance, and recovery of athletes. Based on the current available literature, the conclusions of the ISSN are as follows: 1)Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host (FAO/WHO).2)Probiotic administration has been linked to a multitude of health benefits, with gut and immune health being the most researched applications.3)Despite the existence of shared, core mechanisms for probiotic function, health benefits of probiotics are strain- and dose-dependent.4)Athletes have varying gut microbiota compositions that appear to reflect the activity level of the host in comparison to sedentary people, with the differences linked primarily to the volume of exercise and amount of protein consumption. Whether differences in gut microbiota composition affect probiotic efficacy is unknown.5)The main function of the gut is to digest food and absorb nutrients. In athletic populations, certain probiotics strains can increase absorption of key nutrients such as amino acids from protein, and affect the pharmacology and physiological properties of multiple food components.6)Immune depression in athletes worsens with excessive training load, psychological stress, disturbed sleep, and environmental extremes, all of which can contribute to an increased risk of respiratory tract infections. In certain situations, including exposure to crowds, foreign travel and poor hygiene at home, and training or competition venues, athletes' exposure to pathogens may be elevated leading to increased rates of infections. Approximately 70% of the immune system is located in the gut and probiotic supplementation has been shown to promote a healthy immune response. In an athletic population, specific probiotic strains can reduce the number of episodes, severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections.7)Intense, prolonged exercise, especially in the heat, has been shown to increase gut permeability which potentially can result in systemic toxemia. Specific probiotic strains can improve the integrity of the gut-barrier function in athletes.8)Administration of selected anti-inflammatory probiotic strains have been linked to improved recovery from muscle-damaging exercise.9)The minimal effective dose and method of administration (potency per serving, single vs. split dose, delivery form) of a specific probiotic strain depends on validation studies for this particular strain. Products that contain probiotics must include the genus, species, and strain of each live microorganism on its label as well as the total estimated quantity of each probiotic strain at the end of the product's shelf life, as measured by colony forming units (CFU) or live cells.10)Preclinical and early human research has shown potential probiotic benefits relevant to an athletic population that include improved body composition and lean body mass, normalizing age-related declines in testosterone levels, reductions in cortisol levels indicating improved responses to a physical or mental stressor, reduction of exercise-induced lactate, and increased neurotransmitter synthesis, cognition and mood. However, these potential benefits require validation in more rigorous human studies and in an athletic population