scholarly journals Impact of delayed winter pruning on phenology and ripening kinetics of Pinot Noir grapevines

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 04002
Author(s):  
Matteo Gatti ◽  
Tommaso Frioni ◽  
Alessandra Garavani ◽  
Arianna Biagioni ◽  
Stefano Poni
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Titratable Acidity ◽  
Training System ◽  
Pinot Noir ◽  
Basal Node ◽  
Maximum Delay ◽  
Reproductive Cycles ◽  
The Impact

Climate change impacts viticulture with even stronger effects on sparkling wines. Innovative cultural practices represent effective short-term solutions. Among these, postponement of winter pruning later than budburst delayed both vegetative and reproductive cycles as well as technological maturity of several varieties from different wine regions. This research aims to assess the impact of delayed winter pruning on grapevine performance as a function of training system. The trial was carried out in a Pinot Noir vineyard sited at 385 m asl in Central Italy. Delayed winter pruning was performed when unpruned canes had shoots showing three unfolded leaves (BBCH 13) and compared to standard winter pruning within two separate experiments focused on: i) cane pruning, and ii) spur pruning. Grapevine phenology, vegetative growth, fruit ripening kinetics and productivity of selected vines were assessed over three years. Delayed winter pruning postponed budburst by 20 and 31 days in Guyot and spur pruned cordons, respectively; then, differences diminished over time showing a maximum delay of 17 days at bloom and 7–10 days at harvest. Despite a decrease in yield (ranging from −35 to −47% in cane and spur pruning, respectively), delayed winter pruning increased titratable acidity (40–89%) and reduced sugars (721%) as compared to control vines. Although effects of delayed pruning were stronger in spur pruned vines, delayed winter pruning was effective also on cane-pruned vines, therefore adapting to varieties marked by low basal-node fruitfulness

scholarly journals Ontogenetic shift in the trophic role of the invasive killer shrimp Dikerogammarus villosus: a stable isotope study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Mancini ◽  
Raffaele De Giorgi ◽  
Alessandro Ludovisi ◽  
Salvatrice Vizzini ◽  
Giorgio Mancinelli
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Dikerogammarus Villosus ◽  
Isotopic Signatures ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Stable Isotope Study ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe introduction of the amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus in European fresh waters is to date recognized as a threat to the integrity of invaded communities. Predation by D. villosus on native benthic invertebrates is assumed as the key determinant of its ecological impact, yet available information describe the species as a primary consumer as well as a carnivore depending on local conditions. Here, we assessed the trophic position (TP) of D. villosus in Lake Trasimeno, a recently invaded lentic system in central Italy, using the CN isotopic signatures of individuals captured in winter spanning two orders of magnitude in body size. TP estimations were compared with those characterizing the native amphipod Echinogammarus veneris and other representative invertebrate predators. On average, D. villosus showed a trophic position higher than E. veneris, and comparable with that of odonate nymphs. An in-depth analysis revealed that large-sized individuals had a trophic position of 3.07, higher than odonates and close to that of the hirudinean predator Erpobdella octoculata, while small-sized specimens had a trophic position of 2.57, similar to that of E. veneris (2.41). These findings indicate that size-related ontogenetic shifts in dietary habits may per se vary the nature of the interaction between Dikerogammarus villosus and native invertebrates from competition to predation. Information collated from published isotopic studies corroborated the generality of our results. We conclude that intra-specific trophic flexibility may potentially amplify and make more multifaceted the impact of the species on other invertebrate species in invaded food webs.

Probiotic Greek yogurt: effect of the addition of prebiotic fat substitutes on the physicochemical characteristics, probiotic survival, and sensory acceptance

2021 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-104
Author(s):  
Sofia Sestito Dias ◽  
Damarys de Souza Vergílio ◽  
Arthur Marroni Pereira ◽  
Suellen Jensen Klososki ◽  
Vanessa Aparecida Marcolino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Storage Period ◽  
Titratable Acidity ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Modified Starch ◽  
Sensory Acceptance ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Fat Substitutes ◽  
Gastrointestinal Conditions ◽  
The Impact

AbstractIn this research communication we evaluate the impact of the addition of prebiotic components (inulin, polydextrose, and modified starch, 40 g/l) as fat substitutes on the physicochemical characteristics, probiotic survival, and sensory acceptance of probiotic (Lacticaseibacillus casei 01, 108 CFU/ml) Greek yogurts during storage (7 °C, 28 d). All formulations had probiotic counts higher than 107 CFU/ml during storage and simulated gastrointestinal conditions (SGIC). The prebiotic components increased the probiotic survival to the enteric phase of the SGIC, with inulin producing the most pronounced effect. Inulin addition resulted in products with lower pH values and consistency and higher titratable acidity during storage, with negative impact on the sensory acceptance (flavor, texture, and overall impression) at the end of the storage period. Modified starch addition impacted negatively on the acceptance of the products (appearance, flavor, texture, and overall impression). Polydextrose addition resulted in products with lower consistency, but similar sensory acceptance to the full-fat yogurt. It can be concluded that it is possible to prepare potentially synbiotic Greek yogurts by desorption technique using L. casei as probiotic culture and inulin, polydextrose or modified starch as prebiotic components, with the utilization of polydextrose being advisable.

scholarly journals The Impact of Probability Density Functions Assessment on Model Performance for Slope Stability Analysis

Geosciences ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 322
Author(s):  
Evelina Volpe ◽  
Luca Ciabatta ◽  
Diana Salciarini ◽  
Stefania Camici ◽  
Elisabetta Cattoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Probability Density ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Probability Density Functions ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Density Functions ◽  
Umbria Region ◽  
Input Variables ◽  
The Impact

The development of forecasting models for the evaluation of potential slope instability after rainfall events represents an important issue for the scientific community. This topic has received considerable impetus due to the climate change effect on territories, as several studies demonstrate that an increase in global warming can significantly influence the landslide activity and stability conditions of natural and artificial slopes. A consolidated approach in evaluating rainfall-induced landslide hazard is based on the integration of rainfall forecasts and physically based (PB) predictive models through deterministic laws. However, considering the complex nature of the processes and the high variability of the random quantities involved, probabilistic approaches are recommended in order to obtain reliable predictions. A crucial aspect of the stochastic approach is represented by the definition of appropriate probability density functions (pdfs) to model the uncertainty of the input variables as this may have an important effect on the evaluation of the probability of failure (PoF). The role of the pdf definition on reliability analysis is discussed through a comparison of PoF maps generated using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations performed over a study area located in the Umbria region of central Italy. The study revealed that the use of uniform pdfs for the random input variables, often considered when a detailed geotechnical characterization for the soil is not available, could be inappropriate.

scholarly journals Functional ANOVA approaches for detecting changes in air pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Acal ◽  
Ana M. Aguilera ◽  
Annalina Sarra ◽  
Adelia Evangelista ◽  
Tonio Di Battista ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Functional Data ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Functional Principal Component Analysis ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Pm 10 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Monitoring Stations

AbstractFaced with novel coronavirus outbreak, the most hard-hit countries adopted a lockdown strategy to contrast the spread of virus. Many studies have already documented that the COVID-19 control actions have resulted in improved air quality locally and around the world. Following these lines of research, we focus on air quality changes in the urban territory of Chieti-Pescara (Central Italy), identified as an area of criticality in terms of air pollution. Concentrations of $$\hbox {NO}_{{2}}$$ NO 2 , $$\hbox {PM}_{{10}}$$ PM 10 , $$\hbox {PM}_{2.5}$$ PM 2.5 and benzene are used to evaluate air pollution changes in this Region. Data were measured by several monitoring stations over two specific periods: from 1st February to 10 th March 2020 (before lockdown period) and from 11st March 2020 to 18 th April 2020 (during lockdown period). The impact of lockdown on air quality is assessed through functional data analysis. Our work makes an important contribution to the analysis of variance for functional data (FANOVA). Specifically, a novel approach based on multivariate functional principal component analysis is introduced to tackle the multivariate FANOVA problem for independent measures, which is reduced to test multivariate homogeneity on the vectors of the most explicative principal components scores. Results of the present study suggest that the level of each pollutant changed during the confinement. Additionally, the differences in the mean functions of all pollutants according to the location and type of monitoring stations (background vs traffic), are ascribable to the $$\hbox {PM}_{{10}}$$ PM 10 and benzene concentrations for pre-lockdown and during-lockdown tenure, respectively. FANOVA has proven to be beneficial to monitoring the evolution of air quality in both periods of time. This can help environmental protection agencies in drawing a more holistic picture of air quality status in the area of interest.

scholarly journals Epidemic malaria and warmer temperatures in recent decades in an East African highland

2010 ◽  
Vol 278 (1712) ◽  
pp. 1661-1669 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Alonso ◽  
Menno J. Bouma ◽  
Mercedes Pascual
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
East Africa ◽  
Nonlinear Response ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Human Model ◽  
Recent Past ◽  
East African ◽  
Highly Nonlinear ◽  
The Impact

Climate change impacts on malaria are typically assessed with scenarios for the long-term future. Here we focus instead on the recent past (1970–2003) to address whether warmer temperatures have already increased the incidence of malaria in a highland region of East Africa. Our analyses rely on a new coupled mosquito–human model of malaria, which we use to compare projected disease levels with and without the observed temperature trend. Predicted malaria cases exhibit a highly nonlinear response to warming, with a significant increase from the 1970s to the 1990s, although typical epidemic sizes are below those observed. These findings suggest that climate change has already played an important role in the exacerbation of malaria in this region. As the observed changes in malaria are even larger than those predicted by our model, other factors previously suggested to explain all of the increase in malaria may be enhancing the impact of climate change.

scholarly journals Fruit yield and composition in orange trees cv. 'Lane Late' in response to nitrogen fertilization in Sandy Typic Hapludalf soil

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Brunetto ◽  
◽  
Cesar Cella ◽  
Alcione Miotto ◽  
Eduardo Girotto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Juice ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Titratable Acidity ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Total N ◽  
Total Titratable Acidity ◽  
Orange Trees ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT: Little is known about the impact of N fertilization on fruit production and composition in orange groves grown in soils with low or medium organic matter content in Rio Grande do Sul (RS). This study aimed to evaluate how N fertilization of orange trees cv. 'Lane Late' in a sandy soil may interfere in fruit yield and composition of fruit and juice. The experiment was conducted with orange trees cv. 'Lane Late' growing in Sandy Typic Hapludalf soil, in Rosário do Sul (RS). The plants received applications of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140 and 160kg N ha-1. Total N in leaves, number of fruits per plant, yield, fresh weight, fruit diameter, peel thickness, percentage of fruit juice, peel color, juice color, ascorbic acid content, total soluble solids (TSS) and total titratable acidity were evaluated in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 crops. In the first crop, especially yield, number of fruits per plant, TSS content in fruit juice and ratio decreased with increasing N rate applied. However, in the second crop, the total titratable acidity of the fruit juice prominently increased with the dose of N applied. In both crops, results were highly influenced by rainfall distribution, which affect the plant physiology, soil N dynamics and, consequently, probability of response to N applied and the loss of mineral N in the soil.

scholarly journals Evaluación de la factibilidad de un sistema de entrenamiento combinado en el desarrollo de fuerza explosiva de los miembros inferiores de los taekwondocas (Assessment of the feasibility of a combined training system in the development of explosive streng

Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 411-420
Author(s):  
Lisbet Guillen Pereira ◽  
Angel Freddy Rodriguez Torres ◽  
Giovanny Capote Lavandero ◽  
Pablo Anthony Rendón Morales ◽  
María Elena Lagla Melendres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Training System ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Test Protocol ◽  
Squat Jump ◽  
Combined Training ◽  
Explosive Strength ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Explosive Force ◽  
The Impact

 La investigación se centró en evaluar el impacto de un sistema de entrenamiento combinado para desarrollar la fuerza explosiva de los miembros inferiores de los taekwondocas, viene a reforzar el enfoque del desarrollo de la capacidad mediante una lógica metodológica que parte de la creación de las condiciones morfológicas y funcionales para asegurar la potenciación de una hipertrofia sarcoplasmática, como base del desarrollo de la hipertrofia sarcomérica y finalmente favorecer la conversión a potencia y el desarrollo de la fuerza explosiva, en concordancia se transitó por un diagnóstico, elaboración y validación, utilizando convenientemente métodos y técnicas como: entrevista, encuesta, observación, la prueba, la medición, el criterios de experto, la estadística descriptiva e inferencial y el pre-experimento, este último con tres momentos (pre-test/ intervención de 16 semanas/ post-test), participaron 20 taekwondocas universitarios Categoría Sénior y dos entrenadores. Se consideró la evaluación de la fuerza máxima (1RM) de los planos musculares que intervienen directamente en las técnicas de pateo, por estar asociada con la calidad del reclutamiento de la fibras motoras; la evaluación de la fuerza explosiva se realizó mediante el test de salto vertical: Squat Jump (SJ) extraído del protocolo del test de Bosco, para ello fue necesario emplear una plataforma de contacto digital. Los datos se compararon mediante una prueba T de diferencias de medias, cuyos resultados mostraron cambios significativos (p= .000) entre el pre y post tratamiento, verificándose Hi, concluyendo que el sistema de entrenamiento combinado mejoró el desarrollo de la fuerza explosiva de los miembros inferiores de los taekwondocas.  Summary: The research focused on assessing the impact of a combined training system to develop the explosive strength of the lower limbs of the taekwondoins. It wants to reinforce the approach of capacity development through a methodological logic that starts from the creation of morphological and functional conditions to ensure the enhancement of a sarcoplasmic hypertrophy, as a basis for the development of sarcomeric hypertrophy, and finally, favor the conversion to power and the development of the explosive force. At the same time, it went through a diagnosis, elaboration and data validation, using propper methods and techniques such as: interview, survey, observation, testing, measurement, expert criteria, descriptive and inferential statistics, and the pre-experiment. The last one with three stages (pre-test / 16-week intervention / post-test) Twenty senior category university taekwondoins and two coaches participated. The evaluation of the maximum force (1RM) of the muscular planes that directly influence in the kicking techniques was considered. As it was associated to the quality of motor fiber recruitment; The evaluation of the explosive force was performed using the vertical jump test: Squat Jump (SJ) extracted from the Bosco test protocol. For this, it was necessary to use a digital contact platform. The data were compared using a T-test, the results of which showed significant changes (p = .000) between the pre and post treatment, verifying Hi. Concluding that the combined training system improved the development of the explosive strength of the limbs lower of the taekwondoinst.

scholarly journals Producing hydrologic scenarios from raw climate model outputs using an asynchronous modelling framework

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Ricard ◽  
Philippe Lucas-Picher ◽  
François Anctil
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Water Discharge ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Climate Variables ◽  
Post Processing ◽  
Hydrologic Models ◽  
Simulated Climate ◽  
Meteorological Observations ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Statistical post-processing of climate model outputs is a common hydroclimatic modelling practice aiming to produce climate scenarios that better fit in-situ observations and to produce reliable stream flows forcing calibrated hydrologic models. Such practice is however criticized for disrupting the physical consistency between simulated climate variables and affecting the trends in climate change signals imbedded within raw climate simulations. It also requires abundant good-quality meteorological observations, which are not available for many regions in the world. A simplified hydroclimatic modelling workflow is proposed to quantify the impact of climate change on water discharge without resorting to meteorological observations, nor for statistical post-processing of climate model outputs, nor for calibrating hydrologic models. By combining asynchronous hydroclimatic modelling, an alternative framework designed to construct hydrologic scenarios without resorting to meteorological observations, and quantile perturbation applied to streamflow observations, the proposed workflow produces sound and plausible hydrologic scenarios considering: (1) they preserve trends and physical consistency between simulated climate variables, (2) are implemented from a modelling cascades despite observation scarcity, and (3) support the participation of end-users in producing and interpreting climate change impacts on water resources. The proposed modelling workflow is implemented over four subcatchments of the Chaudière River, Canada, using 9 North American CORDEX simulations and a pool of lumped conceptual hydrologic models. Forced with raw climate model outputs, hydrologic models are calibrated over the reference period according to a calibration metric designed to function with temporally uncorrelated observed and simulated streamflow values. Perturbation factors are defined by relating each simulated streamflow quantiles over both reference and future periods. Hydrologic scenarios are finally produced by applying perturbation factors to available streamflow observations.

scholarly journals Do EFL Learners Enhance Their knowledge of Their Home Cultures as a Result of comparing them with other Cultures Through Project-Based Learning?

2021 ◽  
Vol 04 (08) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akharraz Mohamad ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
Cultural Awareness ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cultural Products ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

The existing research studies have revealed that project-based learning (PjBL) has significantly helped foreign language learners enhance their cultural understanding as a result of completing their projects (e.g., Bouchouk, 2017; Hsu, 2014; Kim, 2019; Liu et al., 2006; Ngo, 2014). While these studies have congruently proved the utility of PjBL in enhancing students’ cultural awareness, none of them has measured the effect of PjBL together with a comparative and contrastive approach on students’ understanding of their home cultures. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of comparing students’ home cultures with the English cultures through PjBL on students’ understanding of their own cultures in terms of cultural products, cultural practices, and cultural perspectives. Two similar intact groups were randomly assigned to control and treatment groups. The two groups were pretested, administered two different treatments for 24 weeks, and post-tested to assess their differences. The independent sample t-tests results exhibited that the experimental group substantially deepened their understanding of their home cultures as a result of comparing them with the English cultures through PjBL. The study also revealed that while the control group significantly improved their cultural products, those in the experimental group greatly enhanced their knowledge of cultural practices and perspectives.

scholarly journals Modelling Acacia saligna invasion on the Adriatic coastal landscape: An integrative approach using LTER data

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 127-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavio Marzialetti ◽  
Manuele Bazzichetto ◽  
Silvia Giulio ◽  
Alicia T.R. Acosta ◽  
Angela Stanisci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Propagule Pressure ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Coastal Dunes ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Adriatic Coast ◽  
The Impact

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) pose a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services worldwide. Even if preventing biological invasions should be the most cost-effective way to minimise the impact of IAS on biodiversity, new efforts are necessary to identify early signs of invasion and to assess invasion risk. In this context, the implementation of invasive Species Distribution Models (iSDMs) could represent a sound instrument that merits further research. Acaciasaligna is an Australian vascular plant introduced into Europe during the last half century and is one of the most aggressive IAS in the Mediterranean basin. In this work, we model the occurrence of A.saligna in the coastal landscapes of central Italy (Adriatic coast) while accounting for the simultaneous effect of multiple factors (propagule pressure, abiotic, biotic factors). The iSDM for A.saligna was implemented on a representative tract of the Adriatic coast in central Italy (Molise region), largely included in two Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites which actively contribute to the description of the considered ecosystem status and possible future trends. By using a Generalised Linear Model (GLM) with a binomial distribution of errors based on field and cartographic geo-referenced data, we examined the statistical relationship between the occurrence of A.saligna and a comprehensive set of environmental factors. The iSDM effectively captured the role of the different variables in determining the occurrence of A.saligna in the coastal dunes. Its occurrence is primarily related to Wooded dunes with Pinuspinea and/or P.pinaster (EU Habitat 2270) and distance from the sea and, to a lesser extent, with distance from roads and rivers. This research provides a first exploratory analysis of the environmental characteristics that promote the rapid growth and development of A.saligna in Italian dune ecosystems, identifying the habitats that are mainly affected by the invasive process in coastal areas and, by doing so, contributing to filling the gap between theory and practice in conservation decision-making. Finally, the LTER network benefitted from this research, confirming its relevance in providing useful information for modelling and monitoring invasion processes.

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