Eddy covariance and sap flow measurement of energy and mass exchange of woody crops in a Mediterranean environment
Evapotranspiration estimation by micrometeorological techniques through the assessment of mass and energy exchanges in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (SPAC) is a very active research area, involving both well-known and novel measurement techniques. A crucial aspect in validating experimental results is the integration of independent measurements of mass and energy exchanges in the SPAC. To this aim, the development and validation of an integrated approach in major tree crop species, involving different independent techniques, are presented. Eddy covariance estimates of ET fluxes were compared to up-scaled sap flow measurements in olive, orange and grapevine, three important Mediterrane…
Annual and monthly carbon balance in an intensively managed Mediterranean olive orchard
At present, research activities on the role of orchard systems in sequestering atmospheric CO2 remain scarce. This paper aimed to contribute to assessing the carbon balance of a Mediterranean olive (Olea europea) orchard. The net ecosystem exchange, the ecosystem respiration and the gross primary production were computed for two consecutive years through eddy covariance, and the different biomass accumulation terms were also inferred in the same period through an inventorial method. The net carbon exchange ranged from 13. 45 t(C) ha-1 year-1 to 11. 60 t(C) ha-1 year-1. Very similar values [12. 2 and 11. 5 t(C) ha-1 year-1] were found with the direct carbon accumulation inventory. The intens…
Micrometeorological and sap flow measurement of water vapour exchanges in olive: Scaling up from canopy to orchard
A comparison of water consumption evaluated at tree and orchard level was carried out in a commercial olive orchard located in Sicily using up-scaled sap-flow evapotranspiration estimations and eddy covariance measurements. Sap flow probes were installed on olive trees placed in one of the four plots characterizing a heterogeneous orchard. Trees were chosen, from a preliminary footprint analysis, in correspondence to the peak of the “relative normalized contribution” to flux for the prevailing wind conditions measured by an eddy covariance station localized in the central part of the orchard. Tree-age and planting density as well as main tree and orchard characteristics (Leaf Area per tree,…
Ultrasound Biomarkers for Sarcopenia: What Can We Tell So Far?
AbstractSarcopenia is a disease characterized by decreased skeletal muscle mass, strength, and loss of function that can impair quality of life and increase physical disability, adverse metabolic effects, and mortality. This review familiarizes the reader with ultrasound (US)-based biomarkers for sarcopenia with a discussion of these topics: why assessing sarcopenia is relevant for radiologists, how to evaluate muscle structure with US, the current challenges or pitfalls of these biomarkers, and the implications of all the available evidence. It summarizes the most up-to-date literature on the pathophysiology behind the use of these US-based biomarkers, the biomarkers themselves, and a prot…
How a traditional agricultural protection structure acts in conditioning the internal microclimate: a statistical analytical approach to Giardino Pantesco (Pantelleria Island - Italy)
This work aims to analyze the traditional agricultural technique of the Giardino Pantesco, typical of the isle of Pantelleria (Sicily, Italy). With this particular technique a single citrus tree is encircled by a drywall of volcanic rocks allowing it to grow even in the island's unfavorable meteorological conditions. This technique has been analyzed by placing one instrumental array inside the Giardino and one outside and by measuring different environmental variables. The aim of the work is therefore to understand what is the drywall's effect on the tree by analyzing the time series produced by the sensors, using cross-correlation techniques and reducing the series' autocorrelation, so tha…
Italian cancer figures, report 2013: Multiple tumours
This collaborative study, based on data collected by the network of Italian association of cancer registries (AIRTUM), provides updated estimates on the incidence risk of multiple primary cancer (MP). The objective is to highlight and quantify the bidirectional associations between different oncological diseases. The quantification of the excess or decreased risk of further cancers in cancer patients, in comparison with the general population, may contribute to understand the aetiology of cancer and to address clinical follow-up.Data herein presented were provided by AIRTUM population-based cancer registries, which cover nowadays 48% of the Italian population. This monograph utilizes the AI…