The Cyprus Institute

About: The Cyprus Institute is a other organization based out in Nicosia, Cyprus. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Aerosol & Environmental science. The organization has 418 authors who have published 1252 publications receiving 32586 citations.

Present and future projections of habitat suitability of the Asian tiger mosquito, a vector of viral pathogens, from global climate simulation.

Abstract: Climate change can influence the transmission of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) through altering the habitat suitability of insect vectors. Here we present global climate model simulations and evaluate the associated uncertainties in view of the main meteorological factors that may affect the distribution of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which can transmit pathogens that cause chikungunya, dengue fever, yellow fever and various encephalitides. Using a general circulation model at 50 km horizontal resolution to simulate mosquito survival variables including temperature, precipitation and relative humidity, we present both global and regional projections of the habitat suitability up to the middle of the twenty-first century. The model resolution of 50 km allows evaluation against previous projections for Europe and provides a basis for comparative analyses with other regions. Model uncertainties and performance are addressed in light of the recent CMIP5 ensemble climate model simulations for the RCP8.5 concentration pathway and using meteorological re-analysis data (ERA-Interim/ECMWF) for the recent past. Uncertainty ranges associated with the thresholds of meteorological variables that may affect the distribution of Ae. albopictus are diagnosed using fuzzy-logic methodology, notably to assess the influence of selected meteorological criteria and combinations of criteria that influence mosquito habitat suitability. From the climate projections for 2050, and adopting a habitat suitability index larger than 70%, we estimate that approximately 2.4 billion individuals in a land area of nearly 20 million km(2) will potentially be exposed to Ae. albopictus. The synthesis of fuzzy-logic based on mosquito biology and climate change analysis provides new insights into the regional and global spreading of VBDs to support disease control and policy making.

Trihalomethanes in Drinking Water and Bladder Cancer Burden in the European Union.

Abstract: Background: Trihalomethanes (THMs) are widespread disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water, and long-term exposure has been consistently associated with increased bladder cancer risk. Obje...

Ring-Polymer Molecular Dynamics for the Prediction of Low-Temperature Rates: An Investigation of the C(1D) + H2 Reaction

Abstract: Quantum mechanical calculations are important tools for predicting the rates of elementary reactions, particularly for those involving hydrogen and at low temperatures where quantum effects become increasingly important. These approaches are computationally expensive, however, particularly when applied to complex polyatomic systems or processes characterized by deep potential wells. While several approximate techniques exist, many of these have issues with reliability. The ring-polymer molecular dynamics method was recently proposed as an accurate and efficient alternative. Here, we test this technique at low temperatures (300–50 K) by analyzing the behavior of the barrierless C(1D) + H2 reaction over the two lowest singlet potential energy surfaces. To validate the theory, rate coefficients were measured using a supersonic flow reactor down to 50 K. The experimental and theoretical rates are in excellent agreement, supporting the future application of this method for determining the kinetics and dynamics...

Linkage of otosclerosis to a third locus (OTSC3) on human chromosome 6p21.3-22.3

Abstract: Clinical otosclerosis (OMIM 166800/605727) has a prevalence of 0.2-1% among white adults, making it the single most common cause of hearing impairment in this group. It is caused by abnormal bone homeostasis of the otic capsule with the consequent development of sclerotic foci that invade the stapedio-vestibular joint (oval window) interfering with free motion of the stapes. Impaired ossicular chain mobility results in a conductive hearing loss. We identified the first locus for otosclerosis (OTSC1) on chromosome 15 in 1998 and reported a second locus (OTSC2) on chromosome 7 last year. Here we present results of a genome wide linkage study on a large Cypriot family segregating otosclerosis. Results of this study exclude linkage to OTSC1 and OTSC2 and identify a third locus, OTSC3, on chromosome 6p. The defined OTSC3 interval covers the HLA region, consistent with reported associations between HLA-A/HLA-B antigens and otosclerosis.

Damage identification in carbon fiber reinforced polymer plates using electrical resistance tomography mapping

Abstract: This study addresses the issue of structural damage identification and location in carbon fiber reinforced polymer plates using electrical measurements. Electrical resistance tomography is presented as a method for structural damage localization in composite parts. A set of electrodes is fixed on the edges of the part and combinations of DC current injections and voltage measurements are applied to the system. The change of voltage between different times in the part’s service life (e.g. start and degraded) are monitored. These sets of measurements are used as input to inversely calculate conductivity maps for the complete composite part and thus indirectly assess its structural health. Such processes are inherently ill-posed. Data post-processing approaches are proposed here to diminish this uncertainty and to conclude to an optimally converge solution of the inverse problem. To assist the process, a material-originating mathematical constraint is introduced. The method is applied on carbon fiber reinfor...