Intrinsic expansions for averaged diffusion processes

We show that the rate of convergence of asymptotic expansions for solutions of SDEs is generally higher in the case of degenerate (or partial) diffusion compared to the elliptic case, i.e. it is higher when the Brownian motion directly acts only on some components of the diffusion. In the scalar case, this phenomenon was already observed in (Gobet and Miri 2014) using Malliavin calculus techniques. In this paper, we provide a general and detailed analysis by employing the recent study of intrinsic functional spaces related to hypoelliptic Kolmogorov operators in (Pagliarani et al. 2016). Relevant applications to finance are discussed, in particular in the study of path-dependent derivatives (e.g. Asian options) and in models incorporating dependence on past information

Estimation of signal parameters in the frequency domain in the presence of harmonic interference: a comparative analysis

In this paper, a novel method for the estimation of the parameters of the spectral components of a signal, also in the case of harmonic interference, is characterized and compared to other methods proposed in literature. The comparison criteria include the evaluation of residual errors and uncertainties on estimated parameters for different multicomponent signals

How old are you? Newborn gestational age discriminates neonatal resuscitation practices in the Italian debate

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Multidisciplinary study groups have produced documents in an attempt to support decisions regarding whether to resuscitate "at risk" newborns or not. Moreover, there has been an increasingly insistent request for juridical regulation of neonatal resuscitation practices as well as for clarification of the role of parents in decisions regarding this kind of assistance. The crux of the matter is whether strict guidelines, reference standards based on the parameter of gestational age and authority rules are necessary.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The Italian scenario reflects the current animated debate, illustrating the difficulty intrinsic in rigid guidelines on the subject, especially when gestational age is taken as a reference parameter for the medical decision.</p> <p>Summary</p> <p>Concerning the decision to interrupt or not to initiate resuscitation procedures on low gestational age newborns, physicians do not need rigid rules based on inflexible gestational age and birth weight guidelines. Guidance in addressing the difficult and trying issues associated with infants born at the margins of viability with a realistic assessment of the infant's clinical condition must be based on the infant's best interests, with clinicians and parents entering into what has been described as a "partnership of care".</p

e-Social Science and Evidence-Based Policy Assessment : Challenges and Solutions

Peer reviewedPreprin

Effects of lemon or cinnamon essential oil vapor on physicochemical properties of strawberries during storage

Recently, consumers have gained an interest in natural and minimally processed foods, inciting the food industry to consider using of natural products as preservatives. Strawberries are a widely consumed fruit but are also highly perishable. Therefore, in this study, the physicochemical properties of strawberries (Fragaria×ananassa) were evaluated after a 12-h treatment with lemon essential oil (Citrus×limon) or cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum cassia) vapor during storage at 22°C for 4 days in an accelerated shelf-life study and 4°C for 18 days in a validation study. Weight loss was blunted in fruit treated with oil vapor during the first days of storage (p \u3c 0.05). Lemon essential oil delayed fruit darkening (p \u3c 0.05) but reduced the firmness of strawberries (p \u3c 0.05). Strawberries treated with cinnamon essential oil had a higher concentration of reducing sugars (p \u3c 0.05), and a decrease of 16.7% visible decay, although the difference was insignificant. Oil vapor treatment did not alter the pH, organic acid content, or soluble solid content during storage compared to the control. Since lemon and cinnamon essential oils have well-documented antimicrobial properties, they may be suitable for the natural preservation of fruit. This study provides new information on using essential oil vapor treatment to preserve fruits, and potentially decrease fruit loss and waste

Exponential stability of the wave equation with memory and time delay

We study the asymptotic behaviour of the wave equation with viscoelastic damping in presence of a time-delayed damping. We prove exponential stability if the amplitude of the time delay term is small enough

Development of a digital tool to overcome the challenges of rural food SMEs

It has been recognised that throughout the UK, rural economies have a significant potential for growth but despite the potential for growth, many rural businesses face barriers that prohibit their expansion. In this study, we focus on one particular group of rural small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): food and drink producers. Through user engagement activities, we identify the issues and needs associated with distributing products to the market, in order to understand the main issues which prevent rural food and drink SMEs from expansion, and to establish the requirements for a digital solution to this challenge

Aspiration of parenteral nutrition – a previously unreported complication of central venous access in an infant: a case report

Introduction: The insertion of percutaneous central venous catheters is a common procedure in neonatal intensive care nurseries. Placement of the catheter tip in a large central vein is most desirable. Occasionally, due to difficult venous access, catheter tips are left in places that are less than ideal. Case presentation: A female infant with a complicated gastroschisis developed signs of short bowel syndrome post surgery. She was treated with a combination of parenteral nutrition and enteral feeds. A central venous line was inserted through a scalp vein. The tip was noted to be in a vessel at the level of the mandible. She subsequently became unwell with large milky pharyngeal aspirates and episodes of bradycardia. Chest radiography revealed aspiration. The central venous line was removed because of presumed extravasation. This is the first reported case of parenteral nutrition extravasation into the pharynx causing aspiration in an infant. Conclusion: This complication may have been prevented by recognising that the tip of the catheter was not correctly placed. When catheters are in unusual positions it may be useful to obtain a second radiograph from a different angle or an ultrasound scan to confirm the positioning of the catheter tip

Aspiration of parenteral nutrition – a previously unreported complication of central venous access in an infant: a case report

Introduction: The insertion of percutaneous central venous catheters is a common procedure in neonatal intensive care nurseries. Placement of the catheter tip in a large central vein is most desirable. Occasionally, due to difficult venous access, catheter tips are left in places that are less than ideal. Case presentation: A female infant with a complicated gastroschisis developed signs of short bowel syndrome post surgery. She was treated with a combination of parenteral nutrition and enteral feeds. A central venous line was inserted through a scalp vein. The tip was noted to be in a vessel at the level of the mandible. She subsequently became unwell with large milky pharyngeal aspirates and episodes of bradycardia. Chest radiography revealed aspiration. The central venous line was removed because of presumed extravasation. This is the first reported case of parenteral nutrition extravasation into the pharynx causing aspiration in an infant. Conclusion: This complication may have been prevented by recognising that the tip of the catheter was not correctly placed. When catheters are in unusual positions it may be useful to obtain a second radiograph from a different angle or an ultrasound scan to confirm the positioning of the catheter tip