Scale morphology and specialized dorsal scales of a new teleosteomorph fish from the Aptian of West Gondwana

Scales of a new species of Teleosteomorpha from the continental Aptian of the south of South America are studied. These neopterygians are from the La Cantera Formation in central Argentina, and were previously identified as Pholidophoriformes. They present ganoid scales; most of them are rhombic with well-developed peg-and-socket articulations and possessing a smooth surface. They have a straight posterior margin, but occasionally, some scales of the flank have a sinuous posterior margin with one or two serrations. The shape of the scales varies along the body from large, rectangular and deeper than long scales behind the head to the preanal region to smaller and rhomboidal scales in the caudal region. There are a few horizontal rows along the flank and about 32 lateral line scales. Thick, round ganoid scales are present in the prepelvic region close to the ventral margin. The round and rhombic scales present growth lines, which form concentric ridges on the external side. A characteristic row of deep scales forms the dorsal margin on each side of the body; a row of median ridge scales is not present. This is a unique feature of the studied fishes. Scutes covered with unornamented ganoine precede the pelvic, dorsal, and anal fins, as well as the dorsal and ventral margins of the caudal fin. The posterior margin of the dorsal lobe of the caudal fin is formed by a single line of scales, which continues and covers the base of the first principal caudal ray. Histological studies reveal a lepisosteoid-scale type with multiple ganoine layers, lack of dentine, and the presence of canaliculi of Williamson. The macro- and micromorphology of the scales shows features that are found in other teleosteomorphs, but also in other neopterygians

An analytic strategy for data processing of multimode networks

Complex network data structures are considered to capture the richness of social phenomena and real-life data settings. Multipartite networks are an example in which various scenarios are represented by different types of relations, actors, or modes. Within this context, the present contribution aims at discussing an analytic strategy for simplifying multipartite networks in which different sets of nodes are linked. By considering the connection of multimode networks and hypergraphs as theoretical concepts, a three-step procedure is introduced to simplify, normalize, and filter network data structures. Thus, a model-based approach is introduced for derived bipartite weighted networks in order to extract statistically significant links. The usefulness of the strategy is demonstrated in handling two application fields, that is, intranational student mobility in higher education and research collaboration in European framework programs. Finally, both examples are explored using community detection algorithms to determine the presence of groups by mixing up different modes

Harmful effects of mechanical ventilation on neurocognitive functions

Whether mechanical ventilation (MV) induces neurotoxicity that can trigger or accelerate chronic cognitive disorders is controversial [1, 2]. The relationship between MV and neurocognitive impairment—that persisted at hospital discharge and at 1-year follow up—was first reported in 1999 in MV-treated ARDS patients [3]. Since then, several preclinical and clinical studies have investigated the mechanisms, localization, and timing of brain damage induced by MVand possible preventive/therapeutic strategies

Digital transformation and tourist experience co-design: big social data for planning cultural tourism

Digital transformation has completely changed the demand/offering interaction in the travel industry, as well as largely affecting the customer journey. In this direction, “big social data” and user-generated content have become key sources of well-timed and rich knowledge supporting data driven decision approaches addressed the managing of complex relationships. Based on this theoretical framework, the paper suggests how to apply “big social data” in the tourist experience co-design, providing an increased value for the visitors and a better decision making approach for managers. In this respect, the field analysis concentrated specifically on user-generated content regarding the Pompeii Archaeological Site (P.A.S.), to trace valuable insights for the tourist experience. Based on double stage of research – netnographic analysis and a supplementary online survey – the study aimed to detect: (a) tourist perception on the P.A.S.; (b) random chat on the part of internet users (tourists and other browsers, not necessarily visitors) on the topic of the P.A.S.; (c) the main characteristics of the P.A.S. that attract internet user attention; (d) the main topics debated by influencers/opinion leaders managing online discussions on the P.A.S. managerial and theoretical implications were investigated highlighting the main limitations of the study as well

Model uncertainty in non-linear numerical analyses of slender reinforced concrete members

The present study aims to characterize the epistemic uncertainty within the use of global non-linear numerical analyses (i.e., NLNAs) for design and assessment purposes of slender reinforced concrete (RC) members. The epistemic uncertainty associated to NLNAs may be represented by approximations and choices performed during the definition of a structural numerical model. In order to quantify epistemic uncertainty associated to a non-linear numerical simulation, the resistance model uncertainty random variable has to be characterized by means of the comparison between experimental and numerical results. With this aim, a set of experimental tests on slender RC columns known from the literature is considered. Then, the experimental results in terms of maximum axial load are compared to the outcomes achieved from NLNAs. Nine different modeling hypotheses are herein considered to characterize the resistance model uncertainty random variable. The probabilistic analysis of the results has been performed according to Bayesian approach accounting also for both the previous knowledge from the scientific literature and the influence of the experimental uncertainty on the estimation of the statistics of the resistance model uncertainty random variable. Finally, the resistance model uncertainty partial safety factor is evaluated in line with the global resistance format of fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010 with reference to new and existing RC structures

Effects of BDNF and COMT epigenetic regulatory polymorphisms on Executive Functions in adolescents

Executive Functions (EFs) are higher-order cognitive processes required for goal-directed behaviors. Literature on the genetic basis of executive functions suggests that these functions are mediated by the modulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met and the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphisms affect Cool and Hot executive functions. A total of 48 healthy Italian preadolescents, between 8 and 14 years of age, were included in the study. Participants completed the Digit Span Test, the Tower of London, The Balloon Analogue Risk Task, and The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). The participants who were homozygous for the Val allele for BDNF performed better on the memory task and the decision making task than Val/Met and Met/Met subjects, while those who were homozygous for the Met allele for COMT performed better on the decision-making task. Results suggest that the Val allele for BDNF and the Met allele for COMT are associated with higher performances on some tasks of EFs. The results reinforce the hypothesis that Val and Met alleles show functional changes related to high order cognitive processes both for BDNF and COMT polymorphisms