Improved visualization of X-ray phase contrast volumetric data through artifact-free integrated differential images

Artifacts arising when differential phase images are integrated is a common problem to several X-ray phase-based experimental techniques. The combination of noise and insufficient sampling of the high-frequency differential phase signal leads to the formation of streak artifacts in the projections, translating into poor image quality in the tomography slices. In this work, we apply a non-iterative integration algorithm proven to reduce streak artifacts in planar (2D) images to a differential phase tomography scan. We report on how the reduction of streak artifacts in the projections improves the quality of the tomography slices, especially in the directions different from the reconstruction plane. Importantly, the method is compatible with large tomography datasets in terms of computation time

Insect-based feed in aquaculture: a consumer attitudes study

The aquaculture industry is currently faced with the major challenge of finding alternative protein sources for feeding aquatic species. The goal is to mitigate the environmental impact of conventional feed production in order to satisfy the demand of consumers for sustainable and environmentally friendly food. Fishmeal and fish oil have been the predominant substrates used in the fish farming industry to date, but insects are now emerging as promising feed substitutes. However, the feeding of insects to fish continues to be perceived as unconventional by consumers, although only few studies have actually explored European consumers' attitudes towards animal food products fed with insects. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating consumer behaviors towards the consumption of fish fillets obtained from fish fed an insect-based feed. The overall goal was to understand the interconnection between sociodemographic variables, namely levels of knowledge, food neophobia, and food consumption sustainability, and attitudes towards feed quality, climate change, shopping sustainability, and the sustainability of insect-based feed. To this end, an online survey was conducted on 303 Italian consumers aged 18–78 years (52.4% men). The analysis of the dataset was conducted by modelling the independent categorical variables with their attitudes towards the four topics studied by Multiple Linear Regression, after having established their effects using the Pearson Chi-Square test and one-way ANOVA. Our results demonstrate that sociodemographic variables, such as gender and age, are strongly correlated with attitudes towards climate change, while diet is associated with attitudes towards shopping sustainability. The measured level of food consumption sustainability correlates with both attitudes. At the same time, a high level of knowledge correlates with a strong attitude towards the sustainability of insect-based feed. Overall, we conclude that providing specific groups of consumers with meaningful information related to the use of insect-based feed in aquaculture will increase the likelihood of their accepting this innovation. Our study also offers insights that can help identify categories of consumers who could be more interested in choosing products from insect-fed animal

Biotechnological production of γ-decalactone, a peach like aroma, by Yarrowia lipolytica

The request for new flavourings increases every year. Consumer perception that everything natural is better is causing an increase demand for natural aroma additives. Biotechnology has become a way to get natural products. γ-Decalactone is a peach-like aroma widely used in dairy products, beverages and others food industries. In more recent years, more and more studies and industrial processes were endorsed to cost-effect this compound production. One of the best-known methods to produce -decalactone is from ricinoleic acid catalyzed by Yarrowia lipolytica, a generally regarded as safe status yeast. As yet, several factors affecting -decalactone production remain to be fully understood and optimized. In this review, we focus on the aromatic compound -decalactone and its production by Y. lipolytica. The metabolic pathway of lactone production and degradation are addressed. Critical analysis of novel strategies of bioprocess engineering, metabolic and genetic engineering and other strategies for the enhancement of the aroma productivity are presented.This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2013 unit and COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006684)

Invasive Crayfish moving Northwards: management challenges and policy implications at the local scale

Freshwater ecosystems in Italy, as most European countries, have been severely impacted by the invasion of alien crayfish. The two most widespread species in Trentino (NE Italy) are Procambarus clarkii and Faxionus limosus; for both species, the high elevation and cold climate of most of the Trentino territory represent a climatic barrier to their northwards spread. Procambarus clarkii is present in one small lake at 950 m asl, and Faxionus limosus in a group of 5 lakes at 450 m asl, over an area of about 80km2. the introduction of both species is associated with fish restocking, and lead to the extinction of existing populations of the native stone crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes. The Management Plan of Austropotamobius pallipes in Trentino listed the eradication/containment of these IAS populations among the conservation priorities for the native populations. The eradication campaigns of P. clarkii started in 2018 with a release/recapture campaign aimed at assessing the abundance of the populations, and continued in 2020, 2021, 2022. As a result, the capture efficiency decreased, suggesting a population reduction trend. The containment of Faxionus limosus is more difficult, given its presence in a higher number of lakes, three of which are hydrologically connected. A first containment campaign to prevent its spread in the river network is planned for summer 2023. The financial support to these activities has been granted by the local Nature 2000 networks and by the local administrations, which have also promoted the communication with citizens and stakeholders to raise consensus and collaboratio

Large-area land surface simulations in heterogeneous terrain driven by global data sets: application to mountain permafrost

Numerical simulations of land surface processes are important in order to perform landscape-scale assessments of earth systems. This task is problematic in complex terrain due to (i) high-resolution grids required to capture strong lateral variability, and (ii) lack of meteorological forcing data where they are required. In this study we test a topography and climate processor, which is designed for use with large-area land surface simulation, in complex and remote terrain. The scheme is driven entirely by globally available data sets. We simulate air temperature, ground surface temperature and snow depth and test the model with a large network of measurements in the Swiss Alps. We obtain root-mean-squared error (RMSE) values of 0.64 °C for air temperature, 0.67–1.34 °C for non-bedrock ground surface temperature, and 44.5 mm for snow depth, which is likely affected by poor input precipitation field. Due to this we trial a simple winter precipitation correction method based on melt dates of the snowpack. We present a test application of the scheme in the context of simulating mountain permafrost. The scheme produces a permafrost estimate of 2000 km2, which compares well to published estimates. We suggest that this scheme represents a useful step in application of numerical models over large areas in heterogeneous terrain

Updated distribution and characterization of crayfish plague and microsporidiosis affecting Austropotamobius pallipes complex in Trentino (Northeast Italy)

One of the causes of the decline in distribution and abundance of the endangered white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes complex throughout Europe is the widespread invasion of alien crayfish and the associated spread of infectious diseases, primarily crayfish plague caused by Aphanomyces astaci. Although this disease usually causes mass mortality in A. pallipes, some wild populations appear tolerant towards A. astaci. Another relevant disease is microsporidiosis (porcelain disease), caused by the parasites Astathelohania contejeani and/or Nosema austropotamobii. In 2021-2024, we conducted a monitoring survey, aimed at mapping the distribution of A. astaci, A. contejeani and N. austropotamobii in wild populations of A. pallipes in Trentino (Northeast Italy). We applied non-invasive sampling methods to collect cuticular swabs from 31 of the 46 known populations, investigate the presence of A. astaci and if possible, identify its genotype through molecular analyses. Aphanomyces astaci was detected in 8 populations, and the presence of a low pathogenic genotype (genotype A) was confirmed in one of them. Thirty-three specimens from 10 populations showed macroscopic signs of porcelain disease, abdominal muscle tissues were collected and subjected to molecular evaluation. The presence of A. contejeani was identified in 23 individuals from 9 populations and N. austropotamobii was detected in 3 individuals, from 3 populations. 8 specimens collected from 6 populations were co-infected by the two microsporidians. This study was partly supported by the EU LIFE Programme: LIFE-CLAW, Crayfish Lineages Conservation in North-western Apennine (LIFE18 NAT/IT/000806), and by the SAGA and SAGA2 collaborative projects between FEM and IZSVe

Edge-Illumination X-Ray Dark-Field Tomography

Dark-field imaging is an x-ray technique used to highlight subpixel, typically micrometer-scale, density fluctuations. It is often used alongside standard attenuation-based and also phase-contrast x-ray imaging, which both see regular use in tomography. We present x-ray dark-field computed tomography (CT) with a laboratory edge-illumination setup. The dark-field contrast is shown to increase linearly with the x-ray path length through the imaged object, a prerequisite for the use of standard tomographic reconstruction approaches. A multimaterial, custom-built phantom is used to show how dark-field contrast CT can complement attenuation contrast CT for the separation of materials based on their microstructure. As an example of a more complex, biological sample, we present a model rat heart. We show, by comparison with attenuation contrast tomography, that dark-field enables the identification of additional structures undetected through the attenuation contrast channel, as well as offering a consistently sharper reconstructed image

Sensory dimensions of typicality and association with affective-related responses: a study on local multifloral honey

Local foods offer benefits for the sustainability of the food supply chain, yet they face challenges due to variability in production and market saturation. This highlights the importance of strategies to enhance their value. Among local foods, multifloral honey is one of the products most closely tied to the territory. A comprehension of how multifloral honey is structured from a sensory standpoint can prove advantageous in enhancing its recognition and valorization among consumers. The present study aimed to promote multifloral honey in the case of a local area, identifying typical examples of multifloral honey and their sensory determinants, and identifying the association among sensory attributes and affective-related responses of consumers. Thirty samples of multifloral honey were collected from a target local area (Trento province - Italy). Experts in honey sensory evaluation (n = 47) performed a rapid descriptive task (check-all-that-apply questions) and a categorization task (typicality evaluation). Six samples representative of the category sensory space were selected for consumer evaluation. Consumers recruited from the local area (n = 131) rated liking and elicited post-consumption emotional product associations. The results unveiled the sensory representation of the multifloral honey category, with samples arrangement in accordance with category typicality. The study defined the sensory characteristics associated with typicality of the multifloral honey from the target local area and identified local consumers' affective-related responses to the features that define the typicality. Beyond the honey realm, this approach can represent a model of a methodological approach for studying the enhancement of local foods that exhibit relevant sensory variabilit