Stochastic kernel and conditioning schemes: a study about the influence of spatial factor on agriculture of EU NUTS2

Besides to be an useful methodology for the detection of distribution dynamics of indicators, stochastic kernel has been generalized to a regression-like rationale (Quah, 1997). The latter allows to determine how a distribution is influenced by a "factor", through a "conditioning scheme" which is a set of rules stating how the original distribution is altered in order to obtain its "conditioned" version. This paper aims to study the influence of the "spatial factor" on distributions of selected agriculture impact indicators across EU NUTS2. The present work offers an empirical analysis of dynamics of selected indicators of agriculture across NUTS2. Our scope is to give an overlook of EU territorial discontinuities in order to point out time and space features related to “polarization”.The paper describes and explores different space-conditioning scheme (Quah, 1997) and compares their effects over original distributions in highlighting peculiar "local" behaviors of groups of territorial units

Ultrabiomicroscopy anterior segment evaluation of ocular contusive trauma caused by pressurized bottled drink caps. a case report

We report the case of a patient presented to the emergency department because of a contu-sive trauma from a pressurized bottled drink cap. During the visit, the patient indicated that he had been hit in his left eye by a cork while he was opening a sparkling wine bottle. He underwent a total ophthalmology examination. He had an important reduction of visual acuity, corneal swelling, Descemet’s folds, and hyphema. Therefore, we decided to perform ultrabio-microscopy (UBM) of the anterior segment to study the endothelial damage and Descemet’s membrane. UBM images confirmed the direct biomicroscopy, highlighting the damaged loca-tion

Ocriplasmin in the treatment of vitreomacular traction in a patient with central retinal vein occlusion. a case report

Aim: To investigate the efficacy of intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin (JETREA®) in the treat-ment of vitreomacular traction (VMT). Materials and Methods: An 81-year-old man with VMT associated with central retinal vein occlusion in his left eye, was treated with a single intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin (25 μg). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ocular fundus, and optical coherence tomography were examined before and after treatment. Results: Complete release of VMT produced a reduction of central macular thickness, ranging from 459 to 141 μm. BCVA remained stable. Discussion and Conclusions: The use of ocriplasmin was effective in the treatment of VMT. Ocriplasmin represents a valid alternative to conventional pars plana vitrec-tomy

Does neuroinflammation turn on the flame in Alzheimer's disease? Focus on astrocytes

Data from animal models and Alzheimer's disease (AD) subjects provide clear evidence for an activation of inflammatory pathways during the pathogenetic course of such illness. Biochemical and neuropathological studies highlighted an important cause/effect relationship between inflammation and AD progression, revealing a wide range of genetic, cellular, and molecular changes associated with the pathology. In this context, glial cells have been proved to exert a crucial role. These cells, in fact, undergo important morphological and functional changes and are now considered to be involved in the onset and progression of AD. In particular, astrocytes respond quickly to pathology with changes that have been increasingly recognized as a continuum, with potentially beneficial and/or negative consequences. Although it is now clear that activated astrocytes trigger the neuroinflammatory process, however, the precise mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. Neuroinflammation is certainly a multi-faceted and complex phenomenon and, especially in the early stages, exerts a reparative intent. However, for reasons not yet all well known, this process goes beyond the physiologic control and contributes to the exacerbation of the damage. Here we scrutinize some evidence supporting the role of astrocytes in the neuroinflammatory process and the possibility that these cells could be considered a promising target for future AD therapies

On the evolution of elastic properties during laboratory stick-slip experiments spanning the transition from slow slip to dynamic rupture

The physical mechanisms governing slow earthquakes remain unknown, as does the relationship between slow and regular earthquakes. To investigate the mechanism(s) of slow earthquakes and related quasi-dynamic modes of fault slip we performed laboratory experiments on simulated fault gouge in the double direct shear configuration. We reproduced the full spectrum of slip behavior, from slow to fast stick slip, by altering the elastic stiffness of the loading apparatus (k) to match the critical rheologic stiffness of fault gouge (kc). Our experiments show an evolution from stable sliding, when k>kc, to quasi-dynamic transients when k ~ kc, to dynamic instabilities when k<kc. To evaluate the microphysical processes of fault weakening we monitored variations of elastic properties. We find systematic changes in P wave velocity (Vp) for laboratory seismic cycles. During the coseismic stress drop, seismic velocity drops abruptly, consistent with observations on natural faults. In the preparatory phase preceding failure, we find that accelerated fault creep causes a Vp reduction for the complete spectrum of slip behaviors. Our results suggest that the mechanics of slow and fast ruptures share key features and that they can occur on same faults, depending on frictional properties. In agreement with seismic surveys on tectonic faults our data show that their state of stress can be monitored by Vp changes during the seismic cycle. The observed reduction in Vp during the earthquake preparatory phase suggests that if similar mechanisms are confirmed in nature high-resolution monitoring of fault zone properties may be a promising avenue for reliable detection of earthquake precursors

Acquired ptosis associated with oculomotor and contralateral facial nerve synkinesis: the first reported case

Evidence of oculomotor nerve (ON) synkinesis is a common occurrence following both acquired and congenital III nerve palsy. It is generally accepted that aberrant regeneration is the likely aetiology of synkinesis in acquired III nerve palsy, following intracranial aneurysm, trauma, compressive neoplasms, cavernous sinus thrombosis and basilar meningitis

Effects of Argon-Based and Nitrogen-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging Technology on the Quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L. cv. Wonderful) Arils

Ready-to-eat pomegranate arils are considered a “functional food” for their health benefits and have desirable sensory characteristics, which have caused an increasing interest by the consumers for this product. The preparation process of ready-to-eat fruit products can cause severe injuries and worsen their quality and shelf life significantly. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been used broadly in the last years to maintain the quality of processed fruits and showed optimal results, in spite of the possible problems caused by the depletion of O2 and corresponding accumulation of CO2 in the package. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different MAP treatments, based on nitrogen or alternatively on a noble gas, argon, in combination with refrigerated storage (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 days at 4 1 C and 90 5% RH) on the qualitative parameters of pomegranate arils with the aim to prolong their post-harvest life maintaining the original quality. The argon-based MAP treatment (MAPAr) was the one that provided the best results, assuring a limited loss of weight and juice content. The use of noble gas allowed to maintain a high sugar/acid ratio until 16 days from packaging. Sensory analysis on all MAP treated arils and, on the juice, obtained from them were carried out, and judges showed a preference for MAPAr treated arils and juice until day 12 from packaging

A Possible Circular Approach for Social Perception of Climate Adaptation Action Planning in Metropolitan Cities

AbstractOne of the factors that will affect the livability of cities and the overall citizens' quality of life in the future is certainly climate change. Urban areas will play a fundamental role in the commitment against climate change and will have to develop appropriate adaptation actions, in accordance with the European Strategy against climate change, including the planning and implementation of Green Infrastructures (GIs). They produce various environmental and social benefits in the urban context. Various studies have shown that citizenship involvement at all levels is necessary for the evaluation of the sharing of the proposed projects. The research proposes an innovative methodological model to support administrations in the strategic planning choice of GIs according to a shared and circular approach. To perform a multi-layer assessment, the multi-criteria evaluation will be combined with the circular evaluation model called Green City Circle. The evaluation is set up as a circular process, followed by a first investigative phase, followed by a proactive phase of solutions and an implementation phase up to a final stage of evaluation of the results and strategies for long-term sustainability. The study was carried out in the city of Catania to test a planning and management tool for GIs envisaged by the administration as win–win climate adaptation measures

Citizens’ perception of the role of urban nature-based solutions and green infrastructures towards climate change in Italy

Climate change in recent years is shaping society’s habits and life in large cities, then it will be necessary to plan and design nature-based urban solutions to meet different interests and needs. To enable this approach between cities, urban green spaces and climate change, sustainable and resilient urban growth models are needed, planned with the contribution of citizens as priority stakeholders. Citizens perceive and attribute value to Green Infrastructures (GIs), albeit in relation to different socio-economic and environmental variables, the assessment of which has only recently been addressed in specific research. This research analysed citizens’ perceptions of GIs in combating the effects of the climate change. In particular, it revealed the degree of awareness of climate change, the value attributed to GIs and, finally, the willingness to pay to contribute to the maintenance of GIs in the city. The survey was carried out in the city of Catania (Italy), through the administration of questionnaires to a sample of residents (n = 500). The results show that the citizens involved perceive GIs as strategic elements of the quality of urban life, although they are not always aware of their positive impact on climate change. Interest in the co-management of GIs was higher in the case of crowdfunding. An integrated two-step methodological scheme was applied (divided in two phases, univariate and multivariate statistical analysis), which proved effective in analysing the different needs perceived by citizens. This approach could become a useful tool for planning GIs, especially in the current context in which cities are facing challenges related to climate change and changing societal needs. Understanding citizens’ views will be strategic in directing public investments towards GIs that can improve the quality of life in the urban ecosystem

Multifunzionalità ed agricoltura biologica in aziende agri-sociali in Sicilia

Agriculture has always played a key role in our society, it has changed and adapted during the years until now with the award of a multifunctional role of agriculture in the wider socio-economic context. Among the non-agricultural activities is the '"Social Agriculture" which, although not yet adequately defined, is a large and in continuous evolution phenomenon and it has aroused a great interest because of its strong link with the world of organic farm. The research presents the results of an economic and agricultural made on a sample of organic and social farms in Sicily, with the objective to extend the cognitive framework of the phenomenon, pointing out possible strengths, weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats