showing 36 of ~574560 from 574555 documents
Ammonium adsorption, desorption and recovery by acid and alkaline treated zeolite
2021
In this study, the suitability of zeolite as a possible medium for ammonium adsorption, desorption and recovery from wastewater was investigated. Specifically, batch adsorption and desorption studies with solutions enriched in NH$_4^+$ were conducted employing zeolite to evaluate how the chemical treatment and contact time affect adsorption and desorption. Several experimental tests were carried out considering both untreated and treated zeolite. Untreated and HCl-Na treated zeolite adsorbed up to 11.8 mg NH$_4^+$ g$^{-1}$ and showed the highest efficiency in recovering NH$_4^+$ from aqueous solution. Regardless of pre-treatment, treatments with NaCl resulted in higher and faster adsorption…
Does second phase content control the evolution of olivine CPO type and deformation mechanisms? A case study of paired harzburgite and dunite bands i…
2021
Abstract We have examined the microstructures and crystallographic preferred orientations (CPOs) of six “paired” harzburgite and dunite samples from a small (~ 1 km2) area in the Ellis Stream Complex, Red Hills Massif, Dun Mountain ophiolite belt in New Zealand. Here, banded peridotites with isoclinal folds, E-W striking vertical foliations and vertical lineations are inferred to result from shear on vertical planes that overprint previous mantle structures. The samples contain five different olivine CPOs: typically known as A, C, D, E and AG-types. The co-located harzburgite and dunite of each pair show different CPOs (e.g., A vs E type). In each pair, dunite generally has larger grain siz…
Residential mobility as a cause and consequence of vulnerability among the elderly in Reunion Island
2021
Sur la base d’une revue de la littérature et d’un corpus de quatorze entretiens semi-directifs, l’objet de cet article est de mettre en relation les facteurs de vulnérabilité du territoire réunionnais, ceux des personnes âgées de ce département français d’outre-mer ainsi que ceux éventuellement issus d’une mobilité résidentielle. Pour cela, une analyse macroscopique et une analyse individuelle sont proposées autour des facteurs de vulnérabilité dans les registres économiques, sanitaires, sociaux et environnementaux. Ces deux niveaux d’analyse indiquent la nécessité d’une approche territoriale fine pour mieux comprendre la vulnérabilité des personnes âgées et ses liens avec la mobilité résid…
Cities' identity and urban redevelopment: a study for the enhancement of self-built houses
2021
The study objective is the knowledge of the ways in which ‘the universe of the house is structured’ , in particular in a selected neighbourhood located on the northern edge of Favara - a town in the Sicilian hinterland, few kilometres far from Agrigento - characterized by self-building. The hope is that the investigated built-up heritage, together with public open spaces, can be recovered and enhanced by the community and local governance through strategic urban redevelopment actions not to lose a significant part of the city’s identity and history.
Cdc42 in osterix-expressing cells alters osteoblast behavior and myeloid lineage commitment
2021
Osteoblasts are not only responsible for bone formation. They also support hematopoiesis. This requires responding to cues originating from several signaling pathways, a task performed by Rho GTPases. We therefore examined several transgenic mouse models and used inhibitors of Cdc42 in vitro. Deletion of Cdc42 in vivo using the Osterix promoter suppressed osteoblast function, while its deletion in differentiating osteoblasts using the Collagen-a1(I) promoter decreased osteoblast numbers. In both cases, bone mineral density diminished confirming the importance of Cdc42. Evaluation of hematopoiesis revealed that deletion of Cdc42 using the Osterix, but not the Collagen-a1(I) promoter increase…
Dialogue as a Response to the Psychiatrization of Society? Potentials of the Open Dialogue Approach
2021
In recent decades, the use of psychosocial and psychiatric care systems has increased worldwide. A recent article proposed the concept of psychiatrization as an explanatory framework, describing multiple processes responsible for the spread of psychiatric concepts and forms of treatment. This article aims to explore the potentials of the Open Dialogue (OD) approach for engaging in less psychiatrizing forms of psychosocial support. While OD may not be an all-encompassing solution to de-psychiatrization, this paper refers to previous research showing that OD has the potential to 1) limit the use of neuroleptics, 2), reduce the incidences of mental health problems and 3) decrease the use of ps…
Skulls, Tree Bark, Fossils
2021
AbstractStudies of material objects in the field of memory studies have followed diverse epistemological and disciplinary trajectories, but their shared characteristic has been the questioning of philosophical assumptions concerning human relations with inanimate things and lower-level organic objects, such as plants, within the Aristotelian hierarchy of beings. Rather than accept at face value their categorizations as passive or deficient in comparison to the human subject, critical scholarship has reformulated the place and role of nonhuman entities in culture. This essay examines the nexus of materiality and memory in the work of the French philosopher and art historian Georges Didi-Hube…
Effect of progressive collapse of central column on the push-down response of two-span beam-column substructures
2021
Abstract In this paper, a simplified model is proposed for hand calculation of the push-down curve of reinforced two-span beam-column substructures with the mid-span column subjected to a vertical load inducing progressive collapse response. The model takes into account the flexural, arch and catenary strength mechanisms and the axial stiffness of RC compressed columns. The model was validated against experimental data available in the literature. The expressions derived, in a closed form, were useful for hand calculation of push-down responses and robustness evaluation of RC framed structures. The derived explicit expressions can be applied in a step-by-step manner for tracing nonlinear be…
Performance-based characterization of recycled polymer modified asphalt mixture
2021
Due to the introduction of secondary materials, the asphalt mixtures to be designed and tested in our laboratories are constantly becoming much more complex than traditional asphalt mixtures making difficult to use conventional laboratory procedure and/or predict expected results. This study proposes a comprehensive characterization of asphalt mixture modified with recycled polymer compound by using both wet and dry process proposing adjustments to laboratory mixing and sample compaction procedure. Accordingly, three AC20 Hot Asphalt Mixture (HMA) were designed and their conventional and performance related properties were assessed by looking at a) Indirect Tensile test (ITS) a) moisture da…
The Effect of Postoperative Complications After Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy on Long-term Survival: An International Multicenter Cohort Study
2021
Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy is a technically challenging procedure, associated with significant morbidity. The introduction of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has reduced postoperative morbidity. OBJECTIVE: Although the short-term effect on complications is increasingly being recognized, the impact on long-term survival remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between postoperative complications following MIE and long-term survival. METHODS: Data were collected from the EsoBenchmark Collaborative composed by 13 high-volume, expert centers routinely performing MIE. Patients operated between June 1, 2011 and May 31, 2016 were included…
Assessment of the importance of physical activity and quality of life for patients diagnosed with osteoporosis during the COVID-19 pandemic
2021
Introduction. Osteoporosis is one of the most important ten diseases worldwide, still causing extreme suffering to patients and huge costs to the health system. The rapid increase of the population 's aging was involved in many aspects of human health, and, among these ones, osteoporosis was one of the main public health issues. The aim of the study was to assess the importance of physical activity and the quality of life in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods. The study is longitudinal, it was conducted in an outpatient setting for a period of 1 year and it included 20 patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. The demographic variables (age, …
The MAVS Immune Recognition Pathway in Viral Infection and Sepsis.
2021
Significance: It is estimated that close to 50 million cases of sepsis result in over 11 million annual fatalities worldwide. The pathognomonic feature of sepsis is a dysregulated inflammatory response arising from viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. Immune recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns is a hallmark of the host immune defense to combat microbes and to prevent the progression to sepsis. Mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) is a ubiquitous adaptor protein located at the outer mitochondrial membrane, which is activated by the cytosolic pattern recognition receptors, retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (M…
Bout duration and number of players of soccer small-sided games affect perceived enjoyment, physiological responses, and technical-tactical performan…
2021
To compare perceived enjoyment (PE), % of heart rate peak (%HRpeak), blood lactate (La), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and technical-tactical performance of soccer players after four-a-side (4vs4) and three-a-side (3vs3) small-sided games (SSGs) with goalkeepers.Sixteen males (20.7 ± 0.7 years; experience: 6.9 ± 1.2 years) completed and were measured after six sessions of SSGs (one twelve-minute bout (1x12), two six-minute bouts (2x6), and three four-minute bouts (3x4), both 3vs3 and 4vs4). Repeated measurements ANOVA evaluated significant differences (There was higher PE for 1 × 12 compared to 2 × 6 (effect sizes [ES] = 1.53 [3vs3 and 4vs4]) and 3 × 4 (ES = 3.13 [4vs4] and 4.16 [3vs3…
La deistituzionalizzazione nel Mezzogiorno. Lotte antistituzionali e rinnovamento psichiatrico a Palermo e Reggio Calabria tra anni sessanta e settan…
2021
The article explores the history of the process of deinstitutionalization in Palermo and Reggio Calabria, in the context of the critical psychiatric movements in Italy (1960-1978). It is consolidated the idea of a Southern Italy unconnected with the “psychiatric question” and anti-institutional practices, in Italy due mainly to Franco Basaglia and his team. The essay focuses on this issue in the South of Italy where, as well as in the other experiences, the actions were both political and scientific. The analysis considers also the connections of Palermo and Reggio Calabria movements, in particular with Democratic Psychiatry, and looks at the role played by social movements and political fo…
Le aziende vitivinicole. Scritti vari - Parte seconda - Un approccio economico aziendale
2021
The book contains some articles and contributions written in the latest 30 years concerning all fileds and all functions of the modern regional companies wineries.
Co-administration of human MSC overexpressing HIF-1α increases human CD34+ cell engraftment in vivo
2021
Abstract Background Poor graft function or graft failure after allogeneic stem cell transplantation is an unmet medical need, in which mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) constitute an attractive potential therapeutic approach. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) overexpression in MSC (HIF-MSC) potentiates the angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties of these cells, so we hypothesized that co-transplantation of MSC-HIF with CD34+ human cord blood cells would also enhance hematopoietic stem cell engraftment and function both in vitro and in vivo. Methods Human MSC were obtained from dental pulp. Lentiviral overexpression of HIF-1α was performed transducing cells with pWPI-green fluorescent pr…
Economic Support during the COVID Crisis. Quantitative Easing and Lending Support Schemes in the UK
2021
Abstract We investigate how UK bank business lending responded to the simultaneous use of quantitative easing, leverage ratio capital requirements, and government COVID lending support schemes. We find no evidence that the Brexit wave increased lending to nonfinancial businesses, compared to the previous waves, except for QE-banks subject to the UK leverage ratio, suggesting that the ratio incentivised QE-banks to lend to businesses. The government schemes helped expand lending especially to SMEs post the COVID wave, indicating that complementing QE with other credit easing programmes can reinforce its impact on lending to the real economy. During COVID-stress, changes to the UK leverage ra…
High-Resolution 3-D CZT Drift Strip Detectors for Prompt Gamma Ray and Neutron Detection in BNCT
2021
Spectroscopic imagers based on high-Z and wide-bandgap compound semiconductor detectors are widely proposed for the detection of prompt gamma rays in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). BNCT is a therapy based on the neutron capture reaction 10B (n,α)7Li. To perform a real-time monitoring of the spatial distribution of 10B during the treatments, the detection of the prompt gamma rays (478 keV), produced by the 7Li recoil nuclei, can be helpful. In this work, we presented the potentialities of new high-resolution CZT drift strip detectors, recently developed by our group, for BNCT measurements. The detectors, exploiting the analysis of the collected-induced charge pulses from anodes, catho…
Palermo e il Piano Programma: morfologia e fenomenologia urbana
2021
Il presente contributo parte dall’ipotesi che particolari condizioni contestuali (fisiche e culturali) dei luoghi possano strutturalmente condizionare le specifiche modalità di lettura e di conoscenza nei diversi approcci al progetto (a partire dal periodo di formazione degli architetti). La città di Palermo è introdotta come ambito di riferimento, fisico e culturale, rispetto al quale una particolare assunzione dei temi della morfologia urbana ha consentito, soprattutto grazie all’azione di Giuseppe Samonà, la definizione del “Piano Programma per il Centro Storico di Palermo”: un interessante esperimento di pianificazione, per molti aspetti ancora attuale, in cui analisi e progetto tendono…
Mainstream digitale e altre immagini urbane. Una ricerca empirica nel sito UNESCO di Palermo
2021
The research deepens the role of new technologies in the construction of geographical imaginaries investigating the dimension of the offer related to the cultural heritage of the city of Palermo. The study was conducted using qualitative methods and provided for the application of two research techniques: participant observation and semi-structured interviews. By interpreting the results produced, the contribution aims to highlight the predominance of an urban image, linked to the UNESCO inclusion of the site in the World Heritage List, which is conveyed through new technologies. Developing a reflection on the alternative capacity of new media to dislocate and challenge shared images, the s…
Post-fire practices benefits on vegetation recovery and soil conservation in a Mediterranean area
2021
Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG. [Abstract] Post-fire practices (PFP) aim to reduce soil erosion and favour vegetation recovery, but their effectiveness is spatially heterogeneous and under debate because of the economic and environmental costs. This study evaluates the different changes (Δ) of canopy cover (CC), sediment connectivity (SC) and local topography in four areas affected by the Pinet fire in eastern Spain (August 8th, 2018) and managed with: totally burnt with tree removal and long log erosion barriers (LEBs) (Pinet-1), partially burnt without PFP (Pinet-2), totally burnt with tree removal and short LEBs (Pinet-3), and totally burnt wit…
Rank response functions in an online learning environment
2021
Abstract We estimate rank response functions after receiving rank-order feedback in an online learning platform. We find that the shapes of the rank response functions depend on the outcome measure under consideration. For our effort measure, i.e., whether learners continue to interact with the platform, we can reject a linear rank response function and find significant evidence of a U-shaped relationship. For our performance measure, i.e., correctly solved exercises, we find no clear pattern overall but suggestive evidence for a linearly decreasing rank response function for individuals in the lower half of the ability distribution, i.e., the lower the rank the lower the performance.
Learning main drivers of crop progress and failure in Europe with interpretable machine learning
2021
Abstract A wide variety of methods exist nowadays to address the important problem of estimating crop yields from available remote sensing and climate data. Among the different approaches, machine learning (ML) techniques are being increasingly adopted, since they allow exploiting all the information on crop progress and environmental conditions and their relations with crop yield, achieving reliable and accurate estimations. However, interpreting the relationships learned by the ML models, and hence getting insights about the problem, remains a complex and usually unexplored task. Without accountability, confidence and trust in the ML models can be compromised. Here, we develop interpretab…
An interface protection system based on an embedded metrology system platform
2021
Abstract The aim of this work is to present an interface protection system (IPS) for Distributed Generators (DG) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). The new prototype of IPS guarantees standard protection requirements, in terms of both voltage and frequency measurement accuracies and trip times. Moreover, it has the additional functionalities of implementing a communication link between the Distribution System Operator (DSO) and the DG and ESS Inverter. The new IPS is based on a smart meter platform with an integrated power line communication modem. Moreover, it has also an integrated metrology section. Experimental tests will show how this last feature allows a significant reduction of the m…
Exploring land snails’ response to habitat characteristics and their potential as bioindicators of riparian forest quality
2021
Abstract Riparian ecosystems are crucial for landscape-level biodiversity, especially in highly anthropic and agricultural areas. Although the low mobility of snails reduces their dispersal capacity and makes them vulnerable to habitat degradation, they are less commonly used as indicators. We evaluated the potential of land snails as bioindicators of riparian forest quality in central European riparian forests by surveying snail communities in relation to habitat characteristics that characterize its quality. Habitat characteristics were found to affect both snail abundance and species richness. The abundance of snail species increased with the forest continuity, forest width and abundance…
A Dual-Process Model Applied to Two Health-Promoting Nutrition Behaviours
2021
We tested a dual process model incorporating constructs that reflect both performing the target behaviour (behaviour directed habit) and habits that run counter to the target behaviour (opposing behaviour habit) in accounting for variance in two health behaviours: eating the recommended serves of fruits and vegetables a day and restricting sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. A prospective correlational design with two waves of data collection separated by one week was adopted. Participants (N = 606) comprising middle school students (n = 266) and university students (n = 340) completed an initial survey comprising self-report measures of past behaviour, intention, and habit to perform the…
Effects of different yeast strains, nutrients and glutathione-rich inactivated yeast addition on the aroma characteristics of Catarratto wines
2021
Catarratto is one of the most common non-aromatic white grape varieties cultivated in Sicily (Southern Italy). In order to improve the aromatic expression of Catarratto wines a trial was undertaken to investigate the effect of yeast strain, nutrition and reduced glutathione. Variables included two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, an oenological strain (GR1) and one isolated from honey by-products (SPF52), three different nutrition regimes (Stimula Sauvignon Blanc™ (SS), Stimula Chardonnay™ (SC) and classic nutrition practice), and a specific inactivated yeast rich in reduced glutathione to prevent oxidative processes [Glutastar™ (GIY)] ensuing in ten treatments (T1-T10). Microbiological an…
The first coronal mass ejection observed in both visible-light and UV HI Ly-α channels of the Metis coronagraph on board Solar Orbiter
2021
Context.The Metis coronagraph on board Solar Orbiter offers a new view of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), observing them for the first time with simultaneous images acquired with a broad-band filter in the visible-light interval and with a narrow-band filter around the H ILy-αline at 121.567 nm, the so-called Metis UV channel.Aims.We show the first Metis observations of a CME, obtained on 16 and 17 January 2021. The event was also observed by the EUI/FSI imager on board Solar Orbiter, as well as by other space-based coronagraphs, such as STEREO-A/COR2 and SOHO/LASCO/C2, whose images are combined here with Metis data.Methods.Different images are analysed here to reconstruct the 3D orientation…
Per una didattica della Geografia sociale: sopralluoghi ed esplorazioni urbane
2021
This article analyses a didactic experience in the Borgo Ulivia neighborhood (Palermo), which originates from a research on council housing’s requalifying as a planning laboratory. In particular, its aim is to answer three questions: which choice guides the research in the field? What kind of didactic approach can we use? What kind of didactic restitution should be used? Within the didactic framework, answering these questions has three roles. First of all, we identify places capable of talking about tensions present at the local level but also in other geographical areas. Secondly, we reflect on the possible methods of research. Finally, we show how teaching is practiced both in the reflec…
Introduction to the semiotics of the text
2021
This books aims to demonstrate how semiotic models of textual analysis can be used to study any social reality or cultural process. In addition, it shows how semiotic models work by using examples from everyday life and social praxis, communicative processes and modes of consumption, online interactions and cross-media procedures, political experiences and scientific universes.
The effect of fish life-history structures on the topologies of aquatic food webs
2021
Biological organisms can vastly change their ecological functionality due to changes in body size and diet across their life. Consequently, it has been increasingly recognized that to attain sufficient biological realism, food webs may need to include life-history structures. The objective of the work is to study theoretically whether and how the inclusion of life-history structures affects the food web topology. Topological research was done by applying network theory metrics for three different food web types with two different sizes that were generated by using the niche-model. The dynamical modeling was performed by using an allometric trophic network modeling approach. The different ty…
Cardiorespiratory fitness measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review a…
2021
Highlights • High cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with 58% lower all-cause mortality risk and 73% lower cardiovascular mortality risk compared to unfit counterparts. • Each 1 metabolic equivalent (1-MET) increase in CRF is associated with a 19% lower CVD mortality risk among patients with CVD. • Coronary artery disease patients with high CRF have a 68% lower all-cause mortality risk than their unfit counterparts. • Each 1-MET increase in CRF is associated with a 17% lower all-cause mortality risk among patients with coronary artery disease. • No significant associations were found between increments of 1-MET and lower mortality ris…
Un libro in sette termini
2021
l presente contributo prova ad individuare una lettura trasversale del testo di Roberta Amirante: Il progetto come prodotto di ricerca, un’ipotesi. Il percorso che viene tracciato individua alcuni termini “notevoli” che si ritrovano con ricorrenza nel testo e che identificano una ben precisa griglia tematica attraverso cui il saggio manifesta una sua “possibile” identità. In tal senso biografia, scientificità, valutazione, comunità, luogo, narrazione e traduzione, potrebbero porsi come i termini da utilizzare in questo tentativo. L’inferenza dell’abduzione, qui diventa anche uno stratagemma per conservare una forma di coesione nella comunità disciplinare di riferimento (afferente al SSD ICA…
The effect of thermal drying on the contents of condensed tannins and stilbenes in Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) sawmill bark
2021
Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) bark contains marked amounts of polyphenolic compounds. Condensed tannins (CTs) and stilbenes show commercial potential as antioxidants, antimicrobials, preservatives in food and cosmetic applications, technochemical products, and pharmaceuticals. Storing of bark before the conversion process leads to substantial losses of extractives compounds. In the present study, the potential of thermal drying for maintaining extractives content was assessed based on an experiment in which bark samples were dried in convection kilns at 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C temperatures. The development of CTs and stilbene contents and CT degradation were followed for 28–34 h. CT…
Towards an integrated design of renewable electricity generation and storage systems for NZEB use: A parametric analysis
2021
Abstract Although nearly zero energy buildings have attracted growing research attention, literature analysis shows that only a limited number of researches try to couple load match/grid interaction issues and environmental impacts in early design stages. The study proposes a novel multidisciplinary design approach that allows to integrate these two conflicting aspects aiming to find trade-offs. The proposed approach has been applied to a building case study, equipped with a photovoltaics system without energy storage. The results show that even though on yearly basis the energy use (5,290 kWhe) is largely overcome by the on-site energy generation (8069 kWhe), an oversized PV system alone m…
Volcanic climate forcing preceding the inception of the Younger Dryas: Implications for tracing the Laacher See eruption
2021
Climatic warming from the last glacial maximum to the current interglacial period was punctuated by a similar to 1300 years long cold period, commonly referred to as the Younger Dryas (YD). Several hypotheses have been proposed for the mechanism triggering the abrupt inception of the YD, including freshwater forcing, an extra-terrestrial impact, and aerosols from volcanic eruptions. Here, we use synchronised sulphate and sulphur records from both Greenland and Antarctic ice cores to reconstruct volcanic forcing between 13,200-12,800 a BPGICC05 (years before 1950 CE on the Greenland Ice Core Chronology 2005; GICC05). This continuous reconstruction of stratospheric sulphur injections highligh…