Search

Purpose: Agriculture education promotes farmers and societal welfare through a more efficient use of resources and the adoption of sustainable farming practices. Nevertheless, farmers' educational attainment is limited across countries. This study explores farmers' intention to participate in formal agriculture education. Design/methodology/approach: A discrete choice experiment survey with 363 farmers exploring their preferences for different specifications within a diploma in agriculture was employed. We focus on Northern Ireland, a country with a relatively large agricultural sector and were farmers have a low level of formal education. Findings: Our results show that farmers exhibited a preference for short courses delivered in the evenings, with 75% of the teaching time delivered online, favouring educational topics linked to farm performance against those related to socio-environmental outcomes. Part-time younger farmers, operating in small farms located in less favoured areas, reported the highest willingness to pay for the course. However, farmers that had previously participated in a Young Farmer Payment Scheme reported the lowest interest in undertaking the course. Practical implications: The study provides useful information to education providers in relation to the design of agriculture courses to better meet farmers' preferences and therefore encourage levels of uptake. Secondly, the study can help policymakers to make informed decisions about policy instruments incentivising farmers to engage in education. Theoretical implications: By drawing from random parameter choice models, the study highlights that the heterogeneity of farmers' preferences should be considered when modelling their decision to engage in agriculture education. Originality/value: This is the first study that elicits farmers' preferences towards agriculture education via a discrete choice experiment. Secondly, the study explores preference heterogeneity based on farmers and farms' characteristics.

The complexity and heterogeneity of PD necessitate advanced diagnostic and prognostic tools to elucidate its molecular mechanisms accurately. In this study, we addressed this challenge by conducting a pilot phospho-proteomic analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from idiopathic PD patients at varying disease stages to delineate the functional alterations occurring in these cells throughout the disease course and identify key molecules and pathways contributing to PD progression. By integrating clinical data with phospho-proteomic profiles across various PD stages, we identify potential stage-specific molecular signatures indicative of disease progression. This integrative approach allows for the discernment of distinct disease states and enhances our understanding of PD heterogeneity.

In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted insects as a promising protein source for poultry feed, offering environmental benefits and improved animal welfare. However, insects are still considered unconventional in Western diets, limiting their acceptance among consumers. This study examines to what extent information on animal welfare and environmental benefits of insect-based feed can counteract factors like neophobia and established food habits, hence enhancing consumer acceptability of novel poultry products from animals fed with insect-based feed. A contingent valuation survey involving 512 Italian consumers divided into four groups was conducted: a control group with no information, an animal welfare information group, an environmental information group, and a group receiving both sets of information. Results indicate that providing information about the advantages of insect-based feed can reduce consumer reluctance towards the innovative product. Moreover, information on environmental benefits affects consumer preferences more than information on animal welfare.

Abstract $$^{180\textrm{m}}\text {Ta}$$ 180 m Ta is the longest-lived metastable state presently known. Its decay has not been observed yet. In this work, we report a new result on the decay of $$^{180\textrm{m}}\text {Ta}$$ 180 m Ta obtained with a 2015.12-g tantalum sample measured for 527.7 d with an ultra-low background HPGe detector in the STELLA laboratory of the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS), in Italy. Before the measurement, the sample has been stored deep-underground for ten years, resulting in subdominant background contributions from cosmogenically activated $$^{182}\text {Ta}$$ 182 Ta . We observe no signal in the regions of interest and set half-life limits on the process for the two channels EC and $$\beta ^-$$ β - : $$T_{1/2,~\textrm{EC}}> 1.6 \times 10^{18}$$ T 1 / 2 , EC > 1.6 × 10 18 year and $$T_{1/2,~\beta ^-}> 1.1\times 10^{18}$$ T 1 / 2 , β - > 1.1 × 10 18 year (90% C. I.), respectively. We also set the limit on the $$\gamma $$ γ de-excitation / IC channel: $$T_{1/2,~\textrm{IC}}> 4.1 \times 10^{15}$$ T 1 / 2 , IC > 4.1 × 10 15 year (90% C. I.). These are, as of now, the most stringent bounds on the decay of $$^{180\textrm{m}}\text {Ta}$$ 180 m Ta worldwide. Finally, we test the hypothetical scenarios of de-excitation of $$^{180\textrm{m}}\text {Ta}$$ 180 m Ta by cosmological Dark Matter and constrain new parameter space for strongly-interacting dark-matter particle with mass up to $$10^5$$ 10 5 GeV.

Abstract Aethina tumida, commonly known as the small hive beetle (SHB), is a parasite of social bee colonies. In 2014, when the beetle was first detected in the Italian Region of Calabria, the Italian Ministry of Health started an SHB control strategy. Over time, dissatisfaction with the control measures has grown among beekeepers and eroded compliance with the reporting obligations. Our study analyzes Southern Italian beekeepers’ preferences toward alternative SHB control policy. We use a contingent valuation survey to elicit beekeepers' preferences for five alternative control strategies. We find the ex-post biosecurity measure in place reflects in the lowest reporting rate. Our results suggest that implementing the destruction of infested hives only (selective destruction) can be a first, effective step toward enhancing compliance with the reporting obligations. Our findings also suggest that training and extension can be a winning strategy to improve beekeepers’ collaboration with the passive SHB surveillance system.

IntroductionDeep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) can exert relevant effects on the voice of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we used artificial intelligence to objectively analyze the voices of PD patients with STN-DBS.Materials and methodsIn a cross-sectional study, we enrolled 108 controls and 101 patients with PD. The cohort of PD was divided into two groups: the first group included 50 patients with STN-DBS, and the second group included 51 patients receiving the best medical treatment. The voices were clinically evaluated using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part-III subitem for voice (UPDRS-III-v). We recorded and then analyzed voices using specific machine-learning algorithms. The likelihood ratio (LR) was also calculated as an objective measure for clinical-instrumental correlations.ResultsClinically, voice impairment was greater in STN-DBS patients than in those who received oral treatment. Using machine learning, we objectively and accurately distinguished between the voices of STN-DBS patients and those under oral treatments. We also found significant clinical-instrumental correlations since the greater the LRs, the higher the UPDRS-III-v scores.DiscussionSTN-DBS deteriorates speech in patients with PD, as objectively demonstrated by machine-learning voice analysis.

Agriculture is one of the most concerned sectors, due to its exposure, to a plethora of risky phenomena such as weather, pests and diseases, changes in prices and government policies, instability of global markets. We review the literature on risk management in agriculture focusing on four key topics: i) why evidence on RM is often controversial; ii) how farmers behave in selecting among available RM instruments; iii) why some of these instruments are underutilised; iv) how to assess the impacts of innovative RM tools in order to (further) improve their design. These questions are answered transversally, and emphasis is posed on areas where further analyses are needed.

Abstract Leukemic cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (L‐CTCL) are lymphoproliferative disorders of skin‐homing mature T‐cells causing severe symptoms and high mortality through chronic inflammation, tissue destruction, and serious infections. Despite numerous genomic sequencing efforts, recurrent driver mutations have not been identified, but chromosomal losses and gains are frequent and dominant. We integrated genomic landscape analyses with innovative pharmacologic interference studies to identify key vulnerable nodes in L‐CTCL. We detected copy number gains of loci containing the STAT3/5 oncogenes in 74% (n = 17/23) of L‐CTCL, which correlated with the increased clonal T‐cell count in the blood. Dual inhibition of STAT3/5 using small‐molecule degraders and multi‐kinase blockers abolished L‐CTCL cell growth in vitro and ex vivo, whereby PAK kinase inhibition was specifically selective for L‐CTCL patient cells carrying STAT3/5 gains. Importantly, the PAK inhibitor FRAx597 demonstrated encouraging anti‐leukemic activity in vivo by inhibiting tumor growth and disease dissemination in intradermally xenografted mice. We conclude that STAT3/5 and PAK kinase interaction represents a new therapeutic node to be further explored in L‐CTCL.

Abstract. Background: Colonization by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) is a frequent complication in hematologic departments, which puts patients at risk of life-threatening bacterial sepsis. Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a condition related to the delivery of chemotherapy in hematologic malignancies, in which the use of antibiotics is debated. The incidence, risk factors, and influence on the outcome of these conditions in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are not clearly defined. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 132 consecutive admissions of non-promyelocytic AML patients at the Hematology Unit of the University Tor Vergata in Rome between June 2019 and February 2022. MDRO swab-based screening was performed in all patients on the day of admission and once weekly after that. FUO was defined as fever with no evidence of infection. Results: Of 132 consecutive hospitalizations (69 AML patients), MDRO colonization was observed in 35 cases (26%) and resulted independently related to a previous MDRO colonization (p=0.001) and length of hospitalization (p=0.03). The colonization persistence rate in subsequent admissions was 64%. MDRO-related bloodstream infection was observed in 8 patients (23%) and correlated with grade III/IV mucositis (p=0.008) and length of hospitalization (p=0.02). FUO occurred in 68 cases (51%) and correlated with an absolute neutrophilic count

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an aggressive T-cell lymphoma often with poor prognosis. To identify genes defining ALCL cell state and dependencies, the authors here characterize ALCL-specific super-enhancers and describe the BATF3/IL-2R−module as a therapeutic opportunity for ALCL.

Abstract Keratinocytes, the main cell type of the skin, are one of the most exposed cells to environmental factors, providing a first defence barrier for the host and actively participating in immune response. In fact, keratinocytes express pattern recognition receptors that interact with pathogen associated molecular patterns and damage associated molecular patterns, leading to the production of cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin (IL)-6. Herein, we investigated whether mechanical energy transported by low intensity ultrasound (US) could generate a mechanical stress able to induce the release of inflammatory cytokine such IL-6 in the human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. The extensive clinical application of US in both diagnosis and therapy suggests the need to better understand the related biological effects. Our results point out that US promotes the overexpression and secretion of IL-6, associated with the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Furthermore, we observed a reduced cell viability dependent on exposure parameters together with alterations in membrane permeability, paving the way for further investigating the molecular mechanisms related to US exposure.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common cutaneous lymphoma characterized by an indolent course. Prognosis is stage-based but this approach does not reflect the different outcomes within stages. Considering that tumor microenvironment is known to be involved in MF pathogenesis and progression, we decided to investigate 99 MF cases by using the PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel. We identified and validated a signature of 9 genes able to predict MF survival and distinguish a high-risk group with a worse outcome from a low-risk group of cases with a better outcome. At the molecular level, low-risk vs. high-risk cases reported a global upregulation of immune genes, enriched in cytokines, and a higher density of dendritic cells and mast cells, possibly associated with a more favorable clinical course.

Abstract Background Laryngeal paralysis commonly affects older Labrador retrievers. Currently, dogs with severe disease require surgical intervention, most commonly arytenoid lateralization. Anecdotally, doxepin has been proposed to help dogs with laryngeal paralysis. Hypothesis Doxepin will improve quality of life measures assessed by owners of Labrador retrievers with laryngeal paralysis not requiring emergency surgery. Animals Twenty‐two Labrador retrievers with laryngeal paralysis. Methods Dogs were randomized to receive doxepin (3‐5 mg/kg q12h PO) or placebo for 28 days. Owners completed quality‐of‐life assessments before and after completing the study. Data were compared between groups using Rank‐Sum tests or Fisher's exact tests. Results The 2 groups of dogs did not differ at baseline except for owner‐perceived degree of ataxia (owners of dogs receiving doxepin considered them more ataxic than owners of dogs receiving placebo). After 28 days, owner‐assessed quality of life measures did not differ between dogs receiving doxepin or placebo (dogs worsening: doxepin = 2, placebo = 1; dogs unchanged: doxepin = 6, placebo = 7; dogs improved: doxepin = 4, placebo = 2; P = .84). Dogs receiving placebo had a greater improvement in client‐assessed overall health than dogs receiving doxepin (mean ranks: doxepin = 4.36, placebo = 6.64; P = .04). The study was terminated at this interim analysis. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Doxepin did not appear to improve any measures of owner‐assessed quality of life in Labrador retrievers with laryngeal paralysis.

Abstract Background The purpose of the in vitro study is to investigate and compare the morphological features and the chemical stability in weight of two different polyurethane-based blends, Smart Track (LD30) and Exceed30 (EX30), used for orthodontic aligners manufacture before and after the oral usage. Methods Twenty orthodontic aligners were randomly selected: 10 LD30 and 10 EX30, each group was divided in two subgroups, never used and intra-orally aged. By the employment of a Stereomicroscope, a section of 5 × 5 mm was cut from the buccal surface of the incisal region of each aligner. All samples were subjected to Scanning Electron Microscopy and Ageing tests in different solutions to simulate the hostility of the oral environment. The statistical method used was t-test. Results At SEM images, LD30 appears more homogeneous in texture respect to EX30. However, after clinical usage, both materials show significant structural alterations: findings have been supported by higher magnifications at SEM, by which it is clearly to observe many superficial cracks cross through the polymer structures of LD30U, absent in never used samples. LD30U surface becomes also smoother due to the disappearance of most of the conglomerates, but at the same time also rougher while EX30U shows a greater irregularity and porosity in which large and deep cracks are also highlighted. Although these changes occur persistently, in the aging tests no significant weight loss from both materials has been found, confirming the initial hypothesis of a good chemical stability and safety of both polyurethane mixtures even in conditions of severe hostility. Conclusion LD30 is the expression of the technological evolution of EX30, this is made evident above all by its morphological architecture, more homogeneous and defined but also by the chemical stability that can be appreciated even in evident critic situations.

Deep penetrating nevus (DPN) is characterized by enlarged, pigmented melanocytes that extend through the dermis. DPN can be difficult to distinguish from melanoma but rarely displays aggressive biological behavior. Here, we identify a combination of mutations of the β-catenin and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways as characteristic of DPN. Mutations of the β-catenin pathway change the phenotype of a common nevus with BRAF mutation into that of DPN, with increased pigmentation, cell volume and nuclear cyclin D1 levels. Our results suggest that constitutive β-catenin pathway activation promotes tumorigenesis by overriding dependencies on the microenvironment that constrain proliferation of common nevi. In melanoma that arose from DPN we find additional oncogenic alterations. We identify DPN as an intermediate stage in the step-wise progression from nevus to melanoma. In summary, we delineate specific genetic alterations and their sequential order, information that can assist in the diagnostic classification and grading of these distinctive neoplasms.Deep penetrating nevi (DPN) are unusual melanocytic neoplasms with unknown genetic drivers. Here the authors show that majority of DPN harbor activating mutations in the β-catenin and the MAP-kinase pathways; this characteristic can help in the classification and grading of these distinctive neoplasms.

Abstract Background Irrigation of the pulp space is a mandatory step to get rid of all its organic and inorganic content. Activation of the irrigants play a key role in the era of minimally invasive endodontics. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of different irrigants activation methods in removing the smear layer at 1, 3, 5 and 8 mm from the apex from conservatively shaped canals. Methods Eighty-five human mandibular premolars were selected. Specimens were shaped to TruShape 25/.06 and divided into 5 groups (1 control and 4 test groups) according to the final activation technique (EndoActivator, EA), Ultrasonic (EndoUltra, PUI) and Laser (PIPS and SWEEPS). EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) followed by NaOCl (Sodium Hypochlorite) and again EDTA were activated for each test group. Specimens were then split longitudinally and observed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Blinded evaluation of the presence of smear layer was performed at 1000X magnification, according to a 5-score index system. Comparison between groups were analysed statistically using the Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric analysis of variance. Bonferroni multiple comparison tests were used. Results At 1 mm only PIPS and SWEEPS performed better than the control group. At 3, 5 and 8 mm from the apex, every activation technique showed statistically significant reduction of smear layer when compared to the control group. PIPS and SWEEPS obtained better cleanliness result compared to EA, while only PIPS was superior to PUI in terms of cleanliness. Conclusions PIPS and SWEEPS showed the best results in conservative canal preparations. Nowadays, contemporary rotary instruments allow fast and minimally invasive shaping of the endodontic space. In this scenario irrigants’ activation may be regarded as a mandatory step to a favourable clinical outcome.

In Parkinson's disease (PD), cortical–subcortical interplay plays a relevant role in affecting clinical performance. Functional MRI sequences described changes in functional connectivity at different stages of disease. Scarce are, instead, the investigations examining brain connectivity in patients with PD at early stages of disease. For this aim, here we analyzed the differences in functional connectivity between de novo, never treated, PD patients and healthy controls. The analyses were based upon custom-written scripts on the Matlab platform, combined with high-level functions of Fieldtrip, Brainstorm, and Brain Connectivity toolboxes. First, we proceeded to the spectral analysis of the EEG data in the five frequency bands (δ-θ-α-β-γ). Second, we calculated functional connectivity matrices based on both coherency (COH) and imaginary part of coherency (iCOH), in the δ-θ-α-β-γ frequency bands. Then, four network measures (density, transitivity, global efficiency, and assortativity) were computed in identified connectivity matrices. Finally, we compared the spectral density, functional connectivity matrices, and network measured between healthy controls and de novo PD patients through two-samples T-test. A total of 21 de novo PD patients and 20 healthy subjects were studied. No differences were observed in spectral analysis between the two groups, with the exception of the γ band where a significant increase in power density was found in PD patients. A reduced connectivity in the main EEG frequency bands (α-β frequency bands) was observed in PD patients compared to controls, while a hyperconnectivity was found in PD patients in γ band. Among the network measures, a reduced assortativity coefficient was found in de novo PD patients in α frequency band. Our results show the occurrence of early EEG functional connectivity alterations from the initial stages of PD. From this point of view, connectivity analysis may ease a better understanding of the complexity of PD physiopathology.

Magnetic Resonance–guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) represents an effective micro-lesioning approach to target pharmaco-resistant tremor, mostly in patients afflicted by essential tremor (ET) and/or Parkinson’s disease (PD). So far, experimental protocols are verifying the clinical extension to other facets of the movement disorder galaxy (i.e., internal pallidus for disabling dyskinesias). Aside from those neurosurgical options, one of the most intriguing opportunities of this technique relies on its capability to remedy the impermeability of blood–brain barrier (BBB). Temporary BBB opening through low-intensity focused ultrasound turned out to be safe and feasible in patients with PD, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. As a mere consequence of the procedures, some groups described even reversible but significant mild cognitive amelioration, up to hippocampal neurogenesis partially associated to the increased of endogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). A further development elevates MRgFUS to the status of therapeutic tool for drug delivery of putative neurorestorative therapies. Since 2012, FUS-assisted intravenous administration of BDNF or neurturin allowed hippocampal or striatal delivery. Experimental studies emphasized synergistic modalities. In a rodent model for Huntington’s disease, engineered liposomes can carry glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plasmid DNA (GDNFp) to form a GDNFp-liposome (GDNFp-LPs) complex through pulsed FUS exposures with microbubbles; in a subacute MPTP-PD model, the combination of intravenous administration of neurotrophic factors (either through protein or gene delivery) plus FUS did curb nigrostriatal degeneration. Here, we explore these arguments, focusing on the current, translational application of neurotrophins in neurodegenerative diseases.

Computer networks are in the Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) era. SDN brings a whole new set of flexibility and possibilities into the network. The data plane of forwarding devices can be programmed to provide functionality for any protocol, and to perform novel network testing, diagnostics, and troubleshooting. One of the most dominant hardware architectures for implementing the programmable data plane is the Reconfigurable Match Tables (RMT) architecture. RMT's innovative programmable architecture enables support of novel networking protocols. However, there are certain shortcomings associated with its architecture that limit its scalability and lead to an unnecessarily complex architecture. In this paper, we present the details of an alternative packet parser and Match-Action pipeline. The parser sustains tenfold throughput at an area increase of only 32 percent. The pipeline supports unlimited combination of tables at minimum possible cost and provides a new level of flexibility to programmable Match-Action packet processing by allowing custom depth for actions. In addition, it has more advanced field-referencing mechanisms. Despite these architectural enhancements, it has 31 percent less area compared to RMT architecture.