Jet and photon physics

Jet production in proton-proton collisions is one of the main phenomenological predictions of QCD. The ATLAS and CMS Collaborations have performed measurements of several jet observables at the LHC and compared their results to theoretical predictions and event generators. Useful physics input for the determination of the parton distribution functions and the strong coupling constant is provided. Photon production measurements represent another important test of QCD and show strong sensitivity to higher-order corrections.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figures, Proceedings of the Second Annual Conference on Large Hadron Collider Physics, Columbia University, New York, U.S.A., June 2-7, 201

Contribution to the vascular flora of Papasidero (north-western Calabria, Italy)

A floristic survey of the Papasidero municipality (54.65 km2) was carried out from 2008 to 2011, allowing us to list 580 specific and infraspecific taxa (567 verified by us), belonging to 353 genera and 89 families. Several species are rather interesting from a phytogeographic and/or conservation point of view. 14 exotic species were also recorded, 10 of which are considered invasive in the regional flora. The most represented families are Asteraceae (66 taxa), Fabaceae (56), Lamiaceae (40), Poaceae (31), while most represented genera are Trifolium (11), Euphorbia and Ophrys (9), Lathyrus and Geranium (8). Biological and chorological spectra show a clear dominance of Hemicriptophytes and Mediterranean elements respectively, as one can expect based on the climatic conditions of the area at issues

Ubiquitin-dependent endocytosis of NKG2D-DAP10 receptor complexes activates signaling and functions in human NK cells

Cytotoxic lymphocytes share the presence of the activating receptor NK receptor group 2, member D (NKG2D) and the signaling-competent adaptor DNAX-activating protein 10 (DAP10), which together play an important role in antitumor immune surveillance. Ligand stimulation induces the internalization of NKG2D-DAP10 complexes and their delivery to lysosomes for degradation. In experiments with human NK cells and cell lines, we found that the ligand-induced endocytosis of NKG2D-DAP10 depended on the ubiquitylation of DAP10, which was also required for degradation of the internalized complexes. Moreover, through combined biochemical and microscopic analyses, we showed that ubiquitin-dependent receptor endocytosis was required for the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and NK cell functions, such as the secretion of cytotoxic granules and the inflammatory cytokine interferon-γ. These results suggest that NKG2D-DAP10 endocytosis represents a means to decrease cell surface receptor abundance, as well as to control signaling outcome in cytotoxic lymphocytes

Cross-flaming application for intra-row weed control in maize

Flame weeding is the most common thermal intra-row weed control method used in agriculture as an alternative to herbicides in heat-tolerant crops. Within the seventh framework program project “Robot fleets for Highly Effective Agriculture and Forestry Management” (RHEA), the University of Pisa was responsible for the development of an automatic machine for intra-row cross-flaming in maize (Zea mays L.). This study focused on the selection of a range of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) doses able to control weeds without affecting crop yields, for the basic calibration of the machine. Tests were conducted in 2012 and 2013 during the growing cycle of maize both in weed-free and real-field weedy conditions. Five biological LPG doses (0, 52, 65, 104, and 130 kg ha-1) were applied at different maize growth stages once (2- and 5-leaf) and twice (2-leaf the first time and 16 days after the first time). The response of maize and weeds to cross-flaming was evaluated in terms of grain yield, weed density after flame weeding, and weed dry biomass at harvest. Log-logistic models were used to describe the responses of different growth stages of maize and weeds to single and repeated applications of LPG doses. Overall response of maize yield to flame weeding was influenced by LPG dose, number of flame weedings, maize growth stage, and presence of weeds. The results of this study indicate that two cross-flaming treatments applied separately with an LPG dose ranging from 36 to 42 kg ha-1 can provide an acceptable level of weed control in maize, enough to ensure economically acceptable yields

Mechanical weed control on small-size dry bean and its response to cross-flaming

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) can be a profitable crop for farmers; however controlling weeds effectively without a decrease in yield remains a problem. An example where mechanical weed control is difficult to conduct is dry bean ‘Toscanello’, which is a small sized high-income niche product growing low to the ground. Concerning intra-row weed control, also flame weeding could be an opportunity but the dry bean heat tolerance needs to be studied. The aims of this research were to study the weed control efficacy of a spring-tine harrow and an inter-row cultivator in this bean variety, and to test the tolerance of dry bean cultivated under weed-free conditions to cross-flaming applied with different liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) doses. Flame weeding was applied at BBCH 13 and BBCH 14 bean growth stages by pairs of burners producing direct double flame acting into the intra-row space, with bean plants placed in the middle. The results suggest that the spring-tine harrow used two times at BBCH 13 and 14, respectively, lead to a yield similar to that of the weedy control. The inter-row cultivator could be an opportunity for small-sized dry bean crops producers, enabling them to obtain a similar yield compared to the hand-weeded control. Concerning the bean tolerance to cross-flaming the results showed that bean flamed at BBCH 13 stage had little tolerance to cross-flaming. Bean flamed at BBCH 14 stage was tolerant until an LPG dose of 39 kg/ha, giving yield responses similar to those observed in the non-flamed control

Physical weed control in urban hard surfaces and turfgrasses.

Weed management is a major issue not only in agriculture but also in cities and in public and sport turfs. Weed development often generates negative aesthetic effects, a sense sloppiness, mechanical damages to hard surfaces, the reduction of visibility for drivers, the reduction of the quality of the quality of the turf, and can make difficult for pedestrians to walk. Specific trials were carried out in order to develop and set up machines and techniques for weed control in urban and sub-urban areas and on turfs

Application of precision flaming to maize and garlic in the RHEA Project.

Flame weeding is actually a well known and used physical treatment according to the increase in concerns about the effects of herbicides on human health and the environment and in the light of the new European laws. Flaming historically, was used at first as a pre-emergence treatment, both prior to planting and before crop emergence. Alternatively, flaming can be used also selectively after crop emergence or planting in tolerant species. Although inter-row weeds can be effectively controlled through mechanical cultivation, weeds that grow in the row are more difficult to control as, in some cases, cultivation is both ineffective and causes unacceptable levels of crop damage. This work aims to describe the specific machine for mechanical-thermal weed control which is being realized by the University of Pisa within the RHEA project. This machine is able to perform mechanical and thermal treatments at the same time in order to remove weeds mechanically from the inter-row space and perform in-row selective and precision flaming. The project is still on-going and the machine has not been fully realized and tested yet, thus no data is available at the moment

LPG burners for weed control

This article reports on the results of a study carried out on three prototypes of open flame burners for thermal weed control. Their performance is reported in terms of flame temperature and length, in order to ascertain the best ratio between primary and secondary air, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption. To find the best ratio between primary and secondary air, the length and temperature of the flame were recorded for each of the three burners, examined by varying the inlet sections of the primary air and secondary air. The data on temperature and the flame length of each burner were processed using multiple regression analysis. The LPG consumption was determined with one of the burners using 10 different pressures in combination with three nozzles. The data obtained were subjected to non-linear regression using two gaseous outflow models. The various combinations of primary and secondary air inlet sections affected the values of the flame length and temperature. In general, the best combinations of primary and secondary air inlet for flame temperature did not correspond to those for flame length. However, this experiment showed that the inlet of secondary air is critical for the performance of this type of burner, in terms of flame temperature. The fuel consumption trial showed that the model proposed for the gaseous outflow is suitable for describing the values of LPG consumption collected during the trial. © 2015 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers

Unveiling the hidden agenda: Biases in news reporting and consumption

Recognizing the presence and impact of news outlets’ biases on public discourse is a crucial challenge. Biased news significantly shapes how individuals perceive events, potentially jeopardizing public and individual well-being. In assessing news outlet reliability, the focus has predominantly centered on narrative bias, sidelining other biases such as selecting events favoring specific perspectives (selection bias). Leveraging machine learning techniques, we have compiled a six-year dataset of articles related to vaccines, categorizing them based on narrative and event types. Employing a Bayesian latent space model, we quantify both selection and narrative biases in news outlets. Results show third-party assessments align with narrative bias but struggle to identify selection bias accurately. Moreover, extreme and negative perspectives attract more attention, and consumption analysis unveils shared audiences among ideologically similar outlets, suggesting an echo chamber structure. Quantifying news outlets’ selection bias is crucial for ensuring a comprehensive representation of global events in online debates