Characterization of atmospheric aerosol absorption properties at different sites in the Po Valley during ACTRIS-2 experiment.

Aerosol optical properties are one of the major sources of uncertainty in radiative forcing and climate models. During a field campaign performed within ACTRIS-2, optical properties and concentration of absorbing particles have been measured with optical and thermo-optical techniques, at three sites in the Po Valley: Bologna, Monte Cimone and San Pietro Capofiume. The attenuation values, obtained from two Aethalometers (AE31, AE33) were compared with those of Multi Angle Absorption Photometer (MAAP), to derive the C0 factor, necessary to convert the attenuation coefficients into absorption. Obtained values ranged between 2.8 and 4.3 in accordance with previous observations and the 3.5 recommended by GAW/WMO. Comparing equivalent black carbon (BC) and elemental carbon (EC by thermo-optical technique), we derived the mass absorption cross-section (MAC), closely linked with aging and mixing state of the aerosol population. We found a values of 9.2±1.4 m2/g in San Pietro and 9.4±1.4 m2/g in Bologna, higher than that considered by default in the instrument. Among the three sites, the highest concentrations were found in Bologna, the lowestat the mountain site, while intermediate ones at San Pietro. The diurnal variability is in accordance with the location: the urban and rural sites show a close dependence on anthropogenic emissions, while Monte Cimone shows a concentration enhancement during the afternoon, when the boundary layer is higher and the valley breezes can favor the transport of pollution. Low values of single scattering albedo (SSA) in the low sites reflects the influence of freshly generated particles from combustion sources, while the higher values at Monte Cimone indicate that aerosols reaching the mountain site are mixed with non absorbing components and more aged. A comparison between the Absorption and Scattering Angstrom Exponent reveals that the main absorbing components are BC and BrC for all the three sites, with few episodes of dust transport

The Force of a Tsunami on a Wave Energy Converter

With an increasing emphasis on renewable energy resources, wave power technology is fast becoming a realistic solution. However, the recent tsunami in Japan was a harsh reminder of the ferocity of the ocean. It is known that tsunamis are nearly undetectable in the open ocean but as the wave approaches the shore its energy is compressed creating large destructive waves. The question posed here is whether a nearshore wave energy converter (WEC) could withstand the force of an incoming tsunami. The analytical 3D model of Renzi & Dias (2012) developed within the framework of a linear theory and applied to an array of fixed plates is used. The time derivative of the velocity potential allows the hydrodynamic force to be calculated.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures, 2 tables, 16 references. Paper presented at the ISOPE-2012 conference. Other author's papers can be downloaded at http://www.lama.univ-savoie.fr/~dutykh

Psychological, emotional and social impairments are associated with adherence and healthcare spending in type 2 diabetic patients: an observational study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the association among anxiety, depression, stress, social support and emotional abilities with adherence and healthcare spending in type 2 diabetic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients were enrolled and completed: Interpersonal Processes of Care (IPC), 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Rapid Stress Assessment Scale (RSAS), Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-Short Form and a socio-anamnestic questionnaire regarding also the healthcare spending. RESULTS: Mathematical linear regressions models were performed showing the predictive effects of: anxiety and social support scores (RSAS) on adherence levels (respectively p =. 019; p =. 016); adherence levels on anxiolytic use (p =.04); aggressiveness scores (RSAS) on the number of general check-ups (p =.031); TAS-20 and physician-patient communication (IPC) on the number of hospitalization days (respectively p=.001; p=.008); physician patient decision making (IPC) scores on physical activity (IPAQ) levels (p=.025); physical activity (IPAQ) on the number of medical examinations (p=.039). CONCLUSIONS: An association among psychosocial impairment, adherence and health- care spending was found. Future studies should investigate the effect of a brief psychological intervention in increasing adherence levels and reducing the healthcare spending in this clinical population

Will oscillating wave surge converters survive tsunamis?

With an increasing emphasis on renewable energy resources, wave power technology is becoming one of the realistic solutions. However, the 2011 tsunami in Japan was a harsh reminder of the ferocity of the ocean. It is known that tsunamis are nearly undetectable in the open ocean but as the wave approaches the shore its energy is compressed, creating large destructive waves. The question posed here is whether an oscillating wave surge converter (OWSC) could withstand the force of an incoming tsunami. Several tools are used to provide an answer: an analytical 3D model developed within the framework of linear theory, a numerical model based on the non-linear shallow water equations and empirical formulas. Numerical results show that run-up and draw-down can be amplified under some circumstances, leading to an OWSC lying on dry ground

On the modelling of tsunami generation and tsunami inundation

While the propagation of tsunamis is well understood and well simulated by numerical models, there are still a number of unanswered questions related to the generation of tsunamis or the subsequent inundation. We review some of the basic generation mechanisms as well as their simulation. In particular, we present a simple and computationally inexpensive model that describes the seabed displacement during an underwater earthquake. This model is based on the finite fault solution for the slip distribution under some assumptions on the kinematics of the rupturing process. We also consider an unusual source for tsunami generation: the sinking of a cruise ship. Then we review some aspects of tsunami run-up. In particular, we explain why the first wave of a tsunami is sometimes less devastating than the subsequent waves. A resonance effect can boost the waves that come later. We also look at a particular feature of the 11 March 2011 tsunami in Japan—the formation of macro-scale vortices—and show that these macro-scale vortices can be captured by the nonlinear shallow water equations

An Audience-Centric Approach for Museums Sustainability

therefore, in order to become sustainable, museums should pay attention to audience and its internal diversity. In this way, a cultural site can plan tailored strategies to increase the number of visits and re-visits and to achieve community support. For this reason it is necessary to understand the cultural needs of visitors, acquiring appropriate monitoring tools, such as qualitative and quantitative ones. Generally, quantitative analyses are more reliable and complete, even if they require a considerable number of observations for the reliability of the results. Moreover, qualitative analysis provides more in depth information, even if their data do not allow us to make generalizations. The qualitative and quantitative methods for the detection of satisfaction are usually used separately, but their integration may bring significant added value in terms of the wealth of information. This study follows the analysis of the potential of the integration of qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques customized with respect to different types of targets. The results of the experimentation performed on ethnographic museums shows a consistency of the results obtained by the two different tools that increase the capacity information of survey instruments

Skeletal muscle myopenia in mice model of bile duct ligation and carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis

Skeletal muscle myopathy is universal in cirrhotic patients, however, little is known about the main mechanisms involved. The study aims to investigate skeletal muscle morphological, histological, and functional modifications in experimental models of cirrhosis and the principal molecular pathways responsible for skeletal muscle myopathy. Cirrhosis was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration in mice. Control animals (CTR) underwent bile duct exposure or vehicle administration only. At sacrifice, peripheral muscles were dissected and weighed. Contractile properties of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) were studied in vitro. Muscle samples were used for histological and molecular analysis. Quadriceps muscle histology revealed a significant reduction in cross-sectional area of muscle and muscle fibers in cirrhotic mice with respect to CTR. Kinetic properties of EDL in both BDL and CCl4 were reduced with respect to CTR; BDL mice also showed a reduction in muscle force and a decrease in the resistance to fatigue. Increase in myostatin expression associated with a decrease in AKT-mTOR expressions was observed in BDL mice, together with an increase in LC3 protein levels. Upregulation of the proinflammatory citochines TNF-a and IL6 and an increased expression of NF-kB and MuRF-1 were observed in CCl4 mice. In conclusion, skeletal muscle myopenia was present in experimental models of BDL and CCl4-induced cirrhosis. Moreover, reduction in protein synthesis and activation of protein degradation were the main mechanisms responsible for myopenia in BDL mice, while activation of ubiquitin-pathway through inflammatory cytokines seems to be the main potential mechanism involved in CCl4 mice

Sondeo de mercado para el extracto biofenólico proveniente del alperujo en alimentos balanceados

Teniendo en cuenta que en la actualidad en el sector olivícola regional se aplican diferentes alternativas para la valorización de los subproductos generados por la extracción de aceite de oliva, se avanza en el estudio de una Biorrefinería de Alperujo que consiste en la transformación industrial del alperujo con la consecuente obtención de 5 productos comercializables. Entre ellos, un extracto biofenólico rico en hidroxitirosol (HT) con elevada actividad antioxidante y potencialidad de uso en alimentación humana y animal como ingrediente funcional,EEA San JuanFil: Renzi, Laura Andrea. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial (INTI); Argentina.Fil: Monetta, Pablo Miguel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria San Juan; Argentina

The Relation between Collaborative Consumption and Subjective Well-Being: An Analysis of P2P Accommodation

The present paper investigates the relationships between Collaborative Consumption (CC) and well-being. Specifically, the study aims to understand the antecedents of subjective well-being (SWB) in peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation services. The research adopts a mixed-method approach by integrating qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (survey) methods with sequential logic. A conceptual model was developed and validated through structural equation modelling (SEM). The model confirms that the SWB, which has three indirect antecedents (the social, environmental and economic dimensions), was positively influenced by the attitude towards P2P accommodation services, and the relation between this construct and SWB emphasizes the originality of the study. This research contributes to the current sharing economy debate, unveiling theoretical advances on the link between collaborative services and well-being

Teaching English Language Arts Methods in the United States: A Review of the Research

This is the author's accepted manuscript. Copyright 2014 WileyWhat is the state of the English education methods course in the 21st century? Summarizing the research in English teacher education since the last major study (Smagorinsky & Whiting, 1995) of how English teachers are prepared, the authors review the state of the profession to examine trends in the field since the recent revision of the NCTE guidelines for teacher preparation, the redefinition of what constitutes methods coursework in and across programs, the rising numbers of culturally and linguistically diverse learners, the demands of assessment and accountability, and the integration of the field experience with content. The authors review research related to teaching reading strategies, integrating fieldwork with English education coursework, addressing standards in planning and teaching, meeting the needs of English language learners, and teaching with and about technology to determine how English teacher education is adapting to the demands of educating English teachers in the 21st century