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A growing research interest currently exists in the use of paper as a building material. This work aims to present the results of a measurement campaign developed on innovative waste paper-based building components. The research was carried out in Southern Italy and used some local by-product aggregates. Three different mixture designs were developed in the laboratory by adding three kinds of biomass to a pulp paper blend: fava bean residues (FB), sawdust powder (SP) and coffee grains (CG) extracted from exhausted chaffs. A physical characterization was carried out measuring the bulk density and bulk porosity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of the single aggregates was followed by a microstructure analysis of the final components. Bulk density evaluation showed a range between 200 and 348 kg·m−3. Furthermore, thermal performances were measured; the thermal conductivity of the experimented samples ranged from 0.071 to 0.093 W·m−1·K−1, thus it is possible to classify the tested materials as thermal insulators. Moreover, the acoustic properties were evaluated and tested. The normal incidence sound absorption coefficient was measured by the impedance tube on cylindrical specimens. In general, a different behavior was observed between the upper and lower base of each specimen due to the manufacturing process and the shrinkage caused by the different interactions occurring between the aggregates and the pulp paper waste; for example, the presence of sawdust reduced shrinkage in the final specimens, with consequent smaller physical variations among the two faces. The correlation existing between the manufacturing process and the microstructural properties was also investigated by the estimation of the non-acoustical parameters using the inverse method and taking into account the JCA (Johnson, Champoux and Allard) model as a reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: During overwintering diapause, the gynes of paper wasps (Polistes sp.) are mainly dormant in sheltered hibernacles, protecting them against predators and adverse weather conditions but hardly against low temperatures. By measuring the temperature inside hibernacles occupied by species from both Mediterranean (Italian; P. dominula, P. gallicus) and temperate (Austrian; P. dominula) climates (mean hibernacle temperatures: 8.5 °C and 3.2 °C, respectively), we were able to calculate the energetic demand of overwintering. The cumulative energetic costs differed between the populations. Costs were lowest for the P. dominula population from the cooler Austrian winter climate and significantly higher in P. dominula and P. gallicus from the warmer Italian climate. The lower costs of the temperate species were a result of the lower winter temperature and physiological acclimation processes. Energetic calculations with an assumed temperature increase of up to 3 °C due to climate change predict a dramatic increase of up to 40% in overwintering costs in all species. Gynes of paper wasps (Polistes sp.) spend the cold season in sheltered hibernacles. These hibernacles protect against predators and adverse weather conditions but offer only limited protection against low temperatures. During overwintering diapause, wasps live on the energy they store. We investigated the hibernacles' microclimate conditions of species from the Mediterranean (Italy, P. dominula, P. gallicus) and temperate (Austria, P. dominula) climates in order to describe the environmental conditions and calculate the energetic demand of overwintering according to standard metabolic rate functions. The temperatures at the hibernacles differed significantly between the Mediterranean and temperate habitats (average in Austria: 3.2 ± 5.71 °C, in Italy: 8.5 ± 5.29 °C). In both habitats, the hibernacle temperatures showed variance, but the mean hibernacle temperature corresponded closely to the meteorological climate data. Cumulative mass-specific energetic costs over the studied period were the lowest for the temperate P. dominula population compared with both Mediterranean species. The lower costs of the temperate species were a result of the lower hibernacle temperature and acclimation to lower environmental temperatures. Model calculations with an increased mean temperature of up to 3 °C due to climate change indicate a dramatic increase of up to 40% in additional costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of intensely fissured soils is often found to relate to high geotechnical risks, such as landslide risk. This is especially the case of the Southern Apennines, Italy, where slopes formed of intensely fissured clays are frequently affected by landslides. The latter are generally triggered by rainfall infiltration, which takes place through the outcropping, unsaturated clayey soil cover. With the final aim of reducing landslide risk in areas covered by fissured clays, a detailed hydro-mechanical characterisation of these materials is required. While the behaviour of fully saturated fissured clays has been investigated in the last decade, only a few studies dealing with unsaturated, natural fissured clays are reported in the literature. The present paper aims to give a contribution toward filling this gap by extending an investigation campaign started a few years ago on the Paola Doce fissured clay outcropping on the Pisciolo slope (Southern Apennines, Italy). The physical properties of the material and some of its key micro- to meso-structural features are first analysed, the latter also based on Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs of an undisturbed sample taken at 1.4 m depth on the Pisciolo slope, which is mainly formed of Paola Doce clay. Subsequently, water retention data of the soil are presented, which were obtained using both high-capacity tensiometers and the filter paper technique. These data were collected not only on undisturbed samples but also while subjecting the same material to drying paths. The results herein reported aim to make a link between the water retention behaviour of the Paola Doce clay sampled at Pisciolo and its fissured structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Psychosocial care is an integral component of caring for individuals living with cancer. The identification of psychosocial distress has been acknowledged as a hallmark of quality cancer care, and screening for distress standards has been established in several countries. The purpose of this brief review is to highlight recent developments in screening for distress in oncology populations; to provide insight into significant trends in research and implementation; and to explore implications for oncology nursing practice. Methods: This paper reports a brief review of the literature from March 2021 to July 2024 on the topic of screening for distress in oncology. The literature was accessed through PubMed and reviewed by two authors. Trends in the topics presented were identified independently and then discussed to achieve consensus. Results: The search within the designated period produced 47 publications by authors in North America, Australasia, and Europe. Topic trends included the design and adaptation of tools for special populations, the use of technology, descriptions of programs, identification of benefits, challenges, and overcoming barriers to screening for distress. Conclusions: Screening for distress is endorsed as part of the provision of quality oncology care. Nurses have an important role in screening individuals at risk for developing psychosocial problems and acting to reduce the associated morbidity. By continuing to be informed and educated about the emerging developments in screening for distress, nurses can understand and overcome barriers to implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geographical (im)mobility of immigrants in host countries is a significant issue due to its strong links with the integration process. This is particularly evident in Italy, a country with a long history of emigration, where the foreign resident population has now become a structural element of society. Using original data sources and adopting a (pseudo) longitudinal and multiscale approach, this paper provides new insights into the stability and types of internal migration among the main 20 foreign communities residing in Italy in 2011 and in 2018. Significant heterogeneity emerges not only among the different foreign groups but also between metropolitan contexts in the north and centre-south of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent a significant threat to patients' safety in dentistry, necessitating proactive measures for prevention and treatment. However, identifying ADRs of dental and oral interest can be challenging, and underreporting remains a persistent issue globally. This paper illustrates a smart system to help Italian healthcare personnel, including dentists, in identifying and reporting dental and oral ADRs. This educational program is within a larger multi-regional project financed by the Italian Agency of Drugs (AIFA). The proposed system comprises a free online questionnaire on ADRs of dental interest (including specific items about awareness and attitudes), and after the free consultation of an atlas of clinical images of dental and oral ADRs linked with a digital synopsis of drugs potentially related to ADRs. This section of the project was presented in April 2023 at the 30th National Congress of the Italian College of University Professors of Dental Disciplines, and the system appears to hold tremendous potential to improve the knowledge of healthcare professionals on oral and dental ADRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the relationship between religion and football has gained considerable interest during the last twenty years, scant attention has been paid to the relationship between pilgrimage and football. This paper seeks to advance the study of this relationship through an exploration of collective memory about football disasters that throws fresh light on central themes within pilgrimage studies—pilgrimage as both a journey to a sacred place and the performance of diverse rituals at such places. The paper explores, in particular, the ways in which three different tragedies involving English football clubs have been commemorated through journeys to and ritual performance at places seen as sacred to those involved in commemoration—football stadiums and urban spaces, and cathedrals and pilgrimage shrines in England, Germany and Italy. Through this analysis, we seek to show how the commemoration of football disaster is linked to pilgrimage as a process where people seek healing and reconciliation through the public performance of rituals that link the local to the global. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to investigate the influence, on the assessment of the structural safety level of an existing r.c building, of the different choices that the technician in charge of a structural evaluation (the "analyst") can make regarding the structural elements to be tested to obtain a prescribed level of knowledge. To this end, the case study of a reinforced concrete framed structure built in the 1960s in Italy was investigated by means of numerical analyses. The probability distribution of the estimated safety levels was evaluated in the paper by means of a Monte Carlo approach, considering the alternative selections of elements done by a large number of analysts, and the probability of unsuccessful safety estimations is discussed for the knowledge levels considered in the Italian technical codes and the Eurocodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mountain environments, landslide activity can be assessed through a combination of remote and proximal sensing techniques performed at different scales. The complementarity of methods and the synergistic use of data can be crucial for landslide recognition and monitoring. This paper explored the potential of Multi-Temporal Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (MT-DInSAR) to detect and monitor slope deformations at the basin scale in a catchment area of the Northern Apennines (Italy) and verified the consistency between the landslide classification by the Inventory of Landslide Phenomena in Italy (IFFI) and displacements from the SAR data. In this research, C- and X-band SAR were considered to provide insights into the performances and suitability of sensors operating at different frequencies. This study provides clues about the state of activity of slow-moving landslides and critically assessed its contribution to the IFFI inventory update. Moreover, it demonstrated the benefits of the synergistic use of SAR and geomorphological analysis to investigate slope dynamics in clayey terrains by exemplifying the approach for a relevant case study, the Gaiato landslide. Notwithstanding the widespread use of MT-DInSAR for landslide kinematics investigations, the main limiting factors are discussed along with the expected improvements related to the upcoming new generations of L-band SAR satellites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to assess the capacity of a physics-based earthquake simulator to improve our understanding of the seismogenic process. In this respect, we applied a previously tested earthquake simulator to two well-known and completely different seismogenic fault systems, namely the Italian Apennines and the Nankai subduction in Japan, for which long historical records of strong earthquakes are available. They are characterized by different fault mechanisms, fault sizes, and slip rates. Because of the difference in slip rates, the time scale of the seismicity patterns is different for the two systems (several hundreds of years for the Apennines and a few tens of years for the Nankai Fault). The results of simulations that produced synthetic catalogues of 100,000 years show these significant long-term seismicity patterns characterizing the seismic cycles for both seismogenic areas as follows: The average stress and the occurrence rate of earthquakes increase in the long term as the next major earthquake approaches; while the average stress increases uniformly, the occurrence rate stops increasing well in advance of the mainshocks; the b-value exhibits a long-term increase before major earthquakes and a fast decrease shortly before the mainshocks. Even if no specific statistical tool was applied for the quantification of the similarities between the seismicity patterns of the two seismic areas, such similarities are clearly justified by the large number of seismic cycles included in the 100,000-year synthetic catalogues. The paper includes a discussion on the capability of the simulation algorithm to reliably represent the real long-term seismogenic process. This question is difficult to answer because the available historical observations are of too short a duration to provide significant statistical results. In spite of the limitations characterizing the use of earthquake simulators for time-dependent earthquake hazard assessment, and the lack of convincing mechanistic explanations of the specific seismic patterns reproduced by our simulator algorithm, our results encourage further investigations into the application of simulators for the development of seismogenic models, including short-term features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotizing gingivitis (NG) is an acute inflammatory process with an estimated prevalence of less than 1%. The treatment of choice is usually antibiotics in addition to periodontal treatment. This scoping review aims to detail extent and type of proof related to NG in paediatric patient; moreover, a decision tree protocol was developed to define NG management in paediatric patients based on the presence or absence of systemic compromission. In addition, we also propose the use of ozone treatment as an adjuvant therapy. Seven papers (3 case reports, 2 guidelines, and 2 reviews) were selected for evaluation by reading the full texts. This review outlines the lack of research on the treatment of NG in paediatric patients; we, however, demonstrate the efficacy of the decision tree protocol by describing two case reports in which patients were treated with antibiotics according to the presence or absence of systemic involvement through the implementation of an individualized therapeutic approach, with periodontal ozone therapy. Moreover, the supportive use of this molecule in the management of NG can be a valuable tool in the healing of gingival tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muslims in Italy are an increasingly large and relevant part of the social fabric, although their social condition is still characterized by a "precarious" status. This is explained by a relationship with State institutions that is not yet fully defined in formal terms and by resistance to legitimizing their presence in the public space. In addition, international events have led to the spread of a securitarian political rhetoric and to the intensification of "control" devices on the organized forms and public manifestations of Muslim religiosity. One issue that has concerned political interlocutors has been the training of "imams". This paper presents the Italian case of training "on" and "of" Islam, analyzing it as a contested field, albeit in a not open and hostile form, between the different social and institutional actors, that is Italian universities, Islamic organizations and transnational Islam and Islam "of the States". It then analyzes the approach that has been developed and experimented by an Italian State university for the training of imams and murshidat, in collaboration with Italian Islamic organizations and some universities in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries, and it also discusses how it fits in as a possible innovative model among the various "assemblages" that have emerged in Europe in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In Italy, buffalo milk is mainly transformed into 'Mozzarella di Bufala Campana', a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese. A quick method for predicting the coagulation properties of the milk before cheese production could enhance the efficiency of the industry. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential use of mid-infrared spectroscopy to predict milk coagulation traits in bulk milk from Mediterranean Italian buffaloes. A total of 1736 bulk milk samples from 55 farms in central Italy were analyzed. Prediction models using mid-infrared spectroscopy were built with a modified partial least-squares regression using an external validation dataset. The best prediction model was obtained for curd firmness, but it was still inaccurate enough to replace traditional methods. This study evaluated the potential use of mid-infrared spectroscopy to predict milk coagulation traits in bulk milk from Mediterranean Italian buffaloes. A total of 1736 bulk milk samples from 55 farms in central Italy were collected during the official milk quality testing system. The prediction models were developed based on modified partial least-squares regression with 75% of the samples and validated with the remaining samples. All bulk milk samples coagulated between 7.37 and 29.45 min. Average values for milk coagulation traits in the calibration set were 17.71 min, 3.29 min, and 38.83 mm for rennet coagulation time, curd firming time, and curd firmness, respectively. The validation set included samples with similar mean and standard deviation for each trait. The prediction models showed the greatest coefficient of determination of external validation (0.57) and the ratio of prediction to deviation (1.52) for curd firmness. Similar fitting statistics of the prediction models were obtained for rennet coagulation time and curd firming time. In conclusion, the prediction models for all three coagulation traits were below the threshold to consider the prediction models adequate even for rough screening of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of power system decarbonization, the demand-side strategy for increasing the share of renewable energy is studied for two constrained energy systems. This strategy, which is currently widely suggested in policies on the energy transition, would impact consumer behavior. Despite the importance of studying the latter, the focus here is on decisions regarding the type, location, and timeframe of implementing the related measures. As such, solutions must be assessed in terms of cost and feasibility, technological learning, and by considering geographical and environmental constraints. Based on techno-economic optimization, in this paper we analyze the evolution of the power system and elaborate plausible long-term trajectories in the energy systems of two European islands. The case studies, Procida in Italy and Hinnøya in Norway, are both electrically connected to the mainland by submarine cables and present issues in their power systems, which are here understood as relatively isolated power systems. Renewable energy integration is encouraged by legislative measures in Italy. Although not modeled here, they serve as a backbone for the assumptions of increasing these investments. For Procida, rooftop photovoltaics (PV) coupled with energy storage are integrated in the residential, public, and tertiary sectors. A price-based strategy is also applied reflecting the Italian electricity tariff structure. At a certain price difference between peak and off-peak, the electricity supply mix changes, favoring storage technologies and hence decreasing imports by up to 10% during peak times in the year 2050. In Norway, renewable energy resources are abundant. The analysis for Hinnøya showcases possible cross-sectoral flexibilities through electrification, leading to decarbonization. By fine-tuning electric vehicle charging tactics and leveraging Norway's electricity pricing model, excess electricity demand peaks can be averted. The conclusions of this double-prospective study provide a comparative analysis that presents the lessons learnt and makes replicability recommendations for other territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an assessment of the levelized cost of clean hydrogen produced in Sicily, a region in Southern Italy particularly rich in renewable energy and where nearly 50% of Italy's refineries are located, making a comparison between on-site production, that is, near the end users who will use the hydrogen, and centralized production, comparing the costs obtained by employing the two types of electrolyzers already commercially available. In the study for centralized production, the scale factor method was applied on the costs of electrolyzers, and the optimal transport modes were considered based on the distance and amount of hydrogen to be transported. The results obtained indicate higher prices for hydrogen produced locally (from about 7 €/kg to 10 €/kg) and lower prices (from 2.66 €/kg to 5.80 €/kg) for hydrogen produced in centralized plants due to economies of scale and higher conversion efficiencies. How-ever, meeting the demand for clean hydrogen at minimal cost requires hydrogen distribution pipelines to transport it from centralized production sites to users, which currently do not exist in Sicily, as well as a significant amount of renewable energy ranging from 1.4 to 1.7 TWh per year to cover only 16% of refineries' hydrogen needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a multi-objective optimization model for the integration of polygeneration systems into energy communities (ECs), by analyzing a case study. The concept of ECs is increasingly seen as beneficial for reducing global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Polygeneration systems have the potential to play a crucial role in this context, since they are known for producing multiple energy services from a single energy resource, besides the possibility of being fed also by renewable energy sources. However, optimizing the configuration and operation of these systems within ECs presents complex challenges due to the variety of technologies involved, their interactions, and the dynamic behavior of buildings. Therefore, the aim of this work is developing a mathematical model using a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) algorithm to optimally design and operate polygeneration systems integrated into ECs. The model is applied to a case study of an EC comprising nine buildings in a small city in the northeast of Italy. The work rests on the single- and multi-objective optimization of the polygeneration systems taking into account the sharing of electricity among the buildings (both self-produced and/or the purchased from the grid), as well as the sharing of heating and cooling between the buildings through a district heating and cooling network (DHCN). The main results from the EC case study show the possibility of reducing the total annual CO2 emissions by around 24.3% (about 1.72 kt CO2/year) while increasing the total annual costs by 1.9% (about 0.09 M€/year) or reducing the total annual costs by 31.9% (about 1.47 M€/year) while increasing the total annual CO2 emissions by 2.2% (about 0.16 kt CO2/year). The work developed within this research can be adapted to different case studies, such as in the residential–commercial buildings and industrial sectors. Therefore, the model resulting from this work constitutes an effective tool to optimally design and operate polygeneration systems integrated into ECs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote images are useful tools for detecting and monitoring landslides, including shallow landslides in agricultural environments. However, the use of non-commercial satellite images to detect the latter is limited because their spatial resolution is often comparable to or greater than landslide sizes, and the spectral characteristics of the pixels within the landslide body (LPs) are often comparable to those of the surrounding pixels (SPs). The buried archaeological remains are also often characterized by sizes that are comparable to image spatial resolutions and the spectral characteristics of the pixels overlying them (OBARPs) are often comparable to those of the pixels surrounding them (SBARPs). Despite these limitations, satellite images have been used successfully to detect many buried archaeological remains since the late 19th century. In this research context, some methodologies, which examined the values of OBARPs and SBARPs, were developed to rank images according to their capability to detect them. Based on these previous works, this paper presents an updated methodology to detect shallow landslides in agricultural environments. Sentinel-2 and Google Earth (GE) images were utilized to test and validate the methodology. The landslides were mapped using GE images acquired simultaneously or nearly simultaneously with the Sentinel-2 data. A total of 52 reference data were identified by monitoring 14 landslides over time. Since remote sensing indices are widely used to detect landslides, 20 indices were retrieved from Sentinel-2 images to evaluate their capability to detect shallow landslides. The frequency distributions of LPs and SPs were examined, and their differences were evaluated. The results demonstrated that each index could detect shallow landslides with sizes comparable to or smaller than the spatial resolution of Sentinel-2 data. However, the overall accuracy values of the indices varied from 1 to 0.56 and two indices (SAVI and RDVI) achieved overall accuracy values equal to 1. Therefore, to effectively distinguish areas where shallow landslides are present from those where they are absent, it is recommended to apply the methodology to many image processing products. In conclusion, given the significant impact of these landslides on agricultural activity and surrounding infrastructures, this methodology provides a valuable tool for detecting and monitoring landslide presence in such environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The incidence of endocrine sequelae following central nervous system (CNS) infections in pediatric age is not known. We conducted this scoping review to assess the incidence of endocrinological alterations in patients with prior CNS infections in pediatric age. Methods Our screening process included both randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. All types of observational studies, prospective and retrospective, have been included. Results Ten studies were included in our review. The cumulative number of patients in all of the studies was 211, the mean age of the population study was 4.9 (±5 years). The included papers described the following acute CNS infections: meningitis (nine studies reported eighty-five cases) and encephalitis (three studies described sixty-five cases). Two case reports and one retrospective study reported hypopituitarism as a consequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis CNS infection. In five studies the patients developed endocrine comorbidities at the time of infection. Another study analyzed 49 young adults who previously had tuberculous meningitis at a mean age of 5.9 ± 5.0 years: seven patients had growth hormone deficiency, four of whom also had gonadotropin deficiency; the other three had gonadotropin deficiency, corticotropin deficiency, and mild hyperprolactinemia. Conclusion Standardized multidisciplinary follow-up and research of patients with prior CNS infection is crucial. Although pituitary reserve screening is not commonly performed in these patients, clinical and research centers should set up an endocrinological evaluation with monitoring of auxological parameters to detect the signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism early and to initiate the appropriate care in children with previous CNS infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Potentially inappropriate polypharmacy (PIP) is among the major factors leading to adverse drug reactions, increased healthcare costs, reduced medication adherence, and worsened patient conditions. This study aims to identify existing interventions implemented to monitor and manage polypharmacy in the Italian setting. Methods: A systematic literature review (PROSPERO: CRD42023457049) was carried out according to the PRISMA statement guidelines. PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, and Web of Science were queried without temporal constraints, encompassing all published papers until October 2023. Inclusion criteria followed the PICO model: patients with polypharmacy; interventions to monitor/manage polypharmacy regimen versus no/any intervention; outcomes in terms of intervention effectiveness and cost variation. Results: After duplicate deletion, 153 potentially relevant publications were extracted. Following abstract and full-text screenings, nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 78% (n = 7) were observational studies, 11% (n = 1) were experimental studies, and 11% (n = 1) were two-phase studies. A total of 44% (n = 4) of the studies involved patients aged ≥ 65 years, while 56% (n = 5) were disease-specific. Monitoring was the most prevalent choice of intervention (67%; n = 6). Outcomes were mainly related to levels of polypharmacy (29%; n = 6) and comorbidities (29%; n = 6), effectiveness rates (14%; n = 3), and avoidable costs (9%; n = 2). Conclusions: This review outlines that Italy is still lacking in interventions to monitor/manage PIP, addressing an unmet need in developing patient-tailored strategies for reducing health-system burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the ongoing processes in the organisational field of Italian schools in light of the innovations induced by digital education policies. Specifically, it focuses on the relationship between actors and digital policies concerning the experience of distance learning (DL) that characterised the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper reflects on DL outcomes regarding the three expectations that have often characterised the rhetoric associated with the promotion of digital educational policies, namely: the raising of learning levels, the development of digital competences and the increase in school inclusion. Through an analysis of a series of empirical studies exploring the point of view of the paper, this paper highlights what progress has been made in the digital schooling in Italy and what are still its main limitations. The results of the study show both the limits of the effectiveness of educational policies constructed with a top-down approach and highlight the potential for policy recalibration offered by a reorganisation of the decision-making process through the active involvement of all the actors in the educational system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social innovation has been associated with contributing to 'valuable' rural development; however, usually, the impact of social innovation has been identified in the aftermath of its development or implementation. This might be too narrow an approach, as an ongoing social innovation process in itself may already lead to effects that contribute to regional and social changes in a local community and beyond. This paper argues that collaborative valuation processes are embedded in social innovation processes, generating effects that contribute to rural development. Focusing on a case study that exemplifies social innovation processes in agriculture and food production carried out by a rural collaborative community in southern Italy, we demonstrate how three valuation phases, such as contestations and negotiations of norms, symbolic capital accumulation and recognition of actions, as well as re-definitions of values, impact community development through joint sense-making, empowerment and societal change. Our empirical results suggest the close intertwining of both social innovation and valuation processes. The empirical results demonstrate how collective valuation processes have micro-effects on the agro-economic system, on local socio-cultural processes, and on place-making activities. Methodologically, this paper builds on ethnographic methods, including participatory observations, semi-structured interviews, oral histories, and socio-spatial analysis investigating moments of valuation embedded in daily collaborative practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate prediction of heavy precipitation in convective environments is crucial because such events, often occurring in Italy during the summer and fall seasons, can be a threat for people and properties. In this paper, we analyse the impact of satellite-derived surface-rainfall-rate data assimilation on the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model's precipitation prediction, considering 15 days in summer 2022 and 17 days in fall 2022, where moderate to intense precipitation was observed over Italy. A 3DVar realised at CNR-ISAC (National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate) is used to assimilate two different satellite-derived rain rate products, both exploiting geostationary (GEO), infrared (IR), and low-Earth-orbit (LEO) microwave (MW) measurements: One is based on an artificial neural network (NN), and the other one is the operational P-IN-SEVIRI-PMW product (H60), delivered in near-real time by the EUMETSAT HSAF (Satellite Application Facility in Support of Operational Hydrology and Water Management). The forecast is verified in two periods: the hours from 1 to 4 (1–4 h phase) and the hours from 3 to 6 (3–6 h phase) after the assimilation. The results show that the rain rate assimilation improves the precipitation forecast in both seasons and for both forecast phases, even if the improvement in the 3–6 h phase is found mainly in summer. The assimilation of H60 produces a high number of false alarms, which has a negative impact on the forecast, especially for intense events (30 mm/3 h). The assimilation of the NN rain rate gives more balanced predictions, improving the control forecast without significantly increasing false alarms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a crucial challenge in urban areas characterized by high energy consumption and reduced exposure to nature. In this context, the urban green system could play a pivotal role. In the literature, scholars have analyzed both the ability of species-specific and layout-specific green infrastructure to increase carbon sequestration and the best location sites for new green infrastructure to increase the provision of overall ecosystem services. There is a lack of studies helping green urban planners and designers choose where and which green infrastructure to implement based on vegetation species-specific performance and the local carbon emissions of city components. This paper uses tree inventory data from a medium-sized city in central Italy (Perugia) to develop a spatial analysis of urban park performance in carbon sequestration. Then, the method evaluates the carbon emission of a public city building to generate a spatialized balance between building demand and tree supply to support local decisions about the best locations for new green infrastructure and the choice between species. The paper contributes to GIS-based tools that vary the recommended location sites and species for new green infrastructure based on the demanded ecosystem service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models is increasingly leveraged to automate and optimize Data Centre (DC) operations. However, the interpretability and transparency of these complex models pose critical challenges. Hence, this paper explores the Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values model explainability method for addressing and enhancing the critical interpretability and transparency challenges of predictive maintenance models. This method computes and assigns Shapley values for each feature, then quantifies and assesses their impact on the model's output. By quantifying the contribution of each feature, SHAP values can assist DC operators in understanding the underlying reasoning behind the model's output in order to make proactive decisions. As DC operations are dynamically changing, we additionally investigate how SHAP can capture the temporal behaviors of feature importance in the dynamic DC environment over time. We validate our approach with selected predictive models using an actual dataset from a High-Performance Computing (HPC) DC sourced from the Enea CRESCO6 cluster in Italy. The experimental analyses are formalized using summary, waterfall, force, and dependency explanations. We delve into temporal feature importance analysis to capture the features' impact on model output over time. The results demonstrate that model explainability can improve model transparency and facilitate collaboration between DC operators and AI systems, which can enhance the operational efficiency and reliability of DCs by providing a quantitative assessment of each feature's impact on the model's output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The area surrounding the Po River, known as the Po Valley, provides a central contribution in the economy of Italy and is highly devoted to agriculture. Recently it has been hit by multiple droughts, among which the exceptional event of summer 2022 is considered the worst dry period of the past 200 years. In the near future, the frequency of such exceptional events is predicted to rise; thus, a deep knowledge of the past droughts that hit the area, the variables used to characterize the events, the impacts they caused and the mitigation strategies adopted to deal with dry periods is of the utmost importance for policy definitions and planning. This study maps the scientific literature published from 2000 to February 2024 on the topic of drought in the Po Valley using the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Overall, 44 articles have been identified and grouped in three main classes: event identification and characterization, impact analysis and management strategies. The main gaps found in the collected papers are the lack of evaluations of the impacts of drought events on human health, hydroelectric energy production and tourism. Furthermore, comprehensive drought management and planning in the area is never addressed in the considered articles. The mentioned aspects deserve more attention, especially the development of drought management plans and policies and the evaluation of their effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-trafficking programmes in Italy have been implemented for more than two decades. Yet, little empirical evidence is available regarding their functioning. This paper draws on 56 semi-structured interviews carried out in the period of 2019–2021 with practitioners and beneficiaries of the N.A.Ve anti-trafficking programme. The interviews focused on practitioners' experience working with Nigerian women and on Nigerian women's experiences of the programme upon completion. By building on critical anti-trafficking studies and the autonomy of migration perspective, this contribution looks at the relationship between practitioners and Nigerian women admitted to the programme by addressing the following questions: what is the experience of practitioners and beneficiaries in the N.A.Ve programme? To what extent is the structural violence of the counter-trafficking apparatus reproduced in the relational dynamics between practitioners, particularly Case Managers, and beneficiaries? How do beneficiaries cope with such violence? I argue that the Case Managers' approach builds on "stratified layers of institutional knowledge" and that this concept is useful to highlight how their knowledge derives both from the counter-trafficking apparatus and their social work background. Furthermore, I present evidence that such an approach reproduces structural violence through processes of "conditional inclusion". Nigerian women denounced this violence but also seized the relational capital grown from rapport, calling for more engagement with people rather than programme objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the problem of removing 3D effects as one of the most challenging problems related to 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) monitoring of embankment structures. When processing 2D ERT monitoring data measured along linear profiles, it is fundamental to estimate and correct the distortions introduced by the non-uniform 3D geometry of the embankment. Here, I adopt an iterative 3D correction plus 2D inversion procedure to correct the 3D effects and I test the validity of the proposed algorithm using both synthetic and real data. The modelled embankment is inspired by a critical section of the Parma River levee in Colorno (PR), Italy, where a permanent ERT monitoring system has been in operation since November 2018. For each model of the embankment, reference synthetic data were produced in Res2dmod and Res3dmod for the corresponding 2D and 3D models. Using the reference synthetic data, reference 3D effects were calculated to be compared with 3D effects estimated by the proposed algorithm at each iteration. The results of the synthetic tests showed that even in the absence of a priori information, the proposed algorithm for correcting 3D effects converges rapidly to ideal corrections. Having validated the proposed algorithm through synthetic tests, the method was applied to the ERT monitoring data in the study site to remove 3D effects. Two real datasets from the study site, taken after dry and rainy periods, are discussed here. The results showed that 3D effects cause about ±50% changes in the inverted resistivity images for both periods. This is a critical artifact considering that the final objective of ERT monitoring data for such studies is to produce water content maps to be integrated in alarm systems for hydrogeological risk mitigation. The proposed algorithm to remove 3D effects is thus a rapid and validated solution to satisfy near-real-time data processing and to produce reliable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wide ampelographic treasure of Italian wine grape varieties is driving research towards suitable approaches for the varietal authenticity control of wine. In this paper, Aglianico, Negroamaro, Primitivo and Uva di Troia red wines, which were produced experimentally by single-grape winemaking from non-aromatic grapes native to southern Italy, were analyzed with respect to berry markers, namely anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids (HPLC-DAD), shikimic acid (HPLC-UV) and glycosidic aroma precursors (GC-MS). The study confirms that, just as for the berries, useful varietal authenticity markers for red wine, even after aging, turn out to be hydroxycinnamic acids, relative amounts of acylated forms of anthocyanins, and shikimic acid, together with some grape glycosidic precursors from terpenes and C13− norisoprenoids. Principal Component Analysis was used as a valuable tool to highlight the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Carlevale lens (FIL SSF, Soleko IOL Division, Italy) is a new lens for suture-less scleral fixation. This paper aimed to systematically review articles on this lens, the surgical techniques used for its implantation, complications and outcomes. Methods: This systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. The search string used was "Carlevale" AND "scleral fixation" from inception until March 2024. For completeness, either case-control studies, case reports or case series written in English were included. The authors used the Newcastle–Ottawa scale for the case-control studies and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for case reports and case series. Results: Twenty-nine articles were included. Scleral fixation with Carlevale lens can be performed by creating scleral flaps or, alternatively, by using scleral pockets. The two sclerotomies must be diametrically opposed, and are preferably created by 25-gauge trocars. A pars plana vitrectomy should be performed every time, and the design of the lens should be suitable for self-anchoring to the sclera; the most accredited strategy to achieve this is to avoid scleral sutures. There were only a few intraoperative and postoperative complications reported; vitreous hemorrhages were the most frequent intraoperative events, while the most relevant postoperative complications were vitreous hemorrhages, cystoid macular oedema and transient variations in the intraocular pressure. Excellent results have been obtained in terms of BCVA, IOL centration and stability, mean intraocular pressure, postoperative spherical equivalent, separation between anterior and posterior chamber and the distance of the IOL from anterior chamber structures. Conclusions: The foldable hydrophilic design of the Carlevale lens has shown good effectiveness, IOL stability and few intra and post-operative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, present a cost-effective solution for the swift collection of data from vast and remote areas that are otherwise difficult to access. The Mediterranean Basin, known for being a hotspot for plant biodiversity, hosts several habitats and taxa of significant naturalistic value. However, many of these areas are often inaccessible to botanists, making exploration and research challenging. The aim of this paper is to involve the utilization of drone surveys and open-source software for botanical research. Our primary goal is to show the effectiveness of these tools in the field and demonstrate their practical application in Natura 2000 sites. The protected area chosen for this research is Rocca di Novara, situated in northeastern Sicily. Thanks to our drone investigations, we were able to capture images of a mountainside that is inaccessible to humans. This allowed us to observe the habitat of some species in detail. One of the most fascinating discoveries was the reappearance of Saxifraga callosa subsp. australis, which had not been confirmed in this area for over 140 years. Using drones for botanical research can boost field research, making monitoring easier and more cost-effective over time, especially in Natura 2000 sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land Surface Temperature (LST) is an important climate factor for understanding the relationship between the land surface and atmosphere. Furthermore, LST is linked to soil moisture and evapotranspiration, which can potentially alter the severity and regime of wildfires, landslide-triggering precipitation thresholds, and others. In this paper, the monthly daytime and nighttime LST products of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are employed for the period 2000–2023 in order to find areas that have been cooling or warming in a region of great interest in Central Italy, due to its complex geological and geomorphological settings and its recent seismic sequences and landslide events. The annual MODIS land cover images for 2001–2022 are also utilized to investigate the interconnection between LST and land cover change. The results of the non-parametric Mann–Kendall trend test and its associated Sen's slope reveal a significant nighttime warming trend in the region, particularly in July, linked to forest and woodland expansion. Grasslands toward the coastline with low elevation (less than 500 m a.s.l.) have experienced significant heat waves during the summer, with an LST of more than 35 °C. A significant negative correlation between the elevation and LST is observed for each calendar month. In particular, the daytime and nighttime LST have more than 80% correlation with elevation during winter and summer, respectively. In addition, nighttime warming and gradual drainage are noticed in Lake Campotosto. The results of this study could be useful for wildfire and landslide susceptibility analyses and hazard management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prediction and prevention of landslide hazard is a challenging topic involving the assessment and quantitative evaluation of several elements: geological and geomorphological setting, rainfalls, and ground motion. This paper presents the multi-approach investigation of the Nevissano landslide (Asti Province, Piedmont, NW Italy). It shows a continuous and slow movement, alongside few paroxysmal events, the last recorded in 2016. The geological and geomorphological models were defined through a field survey. An inventory of the landslide's movements and rainfall records in the period 2000–2016 was performed, respectively, through archive investigations and the application of "Moving Sum of Daily Rainfall" method, allowing for the definition of rain thresholds for the landslide activation (105 mm and 193 mm, respectively, in 3 and 30 days prior to the event). The displacements over the last 8 years (2016–2023) were monitored through an innovative in-continuum monitoring inclinometric system and Earth Observation (EO) data (i.e., relying on Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, or InSAR data): it gave the opportunity to validate the rainfall thresholds previously defined. This study aims to provide information to public authorities for the appropriate management of the site. Moreover, the proposed workflow could be adopted as a guideline for investigating similar situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the development of pottery technology in the Trieste Karst region (North-East Italy) from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age (EBA). It also seeks to identify cultural links with other areas by examining potentially imported vessels. Archaeometric analyses (X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy) reveal significant differences between Neolithic ceramics (Danilo–Vlaška Group) and the majority of Late Copper Age (LCA)/Early Bronze Age (EBA) pottery (primarily associated with the Ljubljana Culture and a few with the Cetina Culture). Neolithic pottery displays consistent characteristics across all vessel types, including coarse grain, prevalent sparry calcite temper, and the absence of grog. In contrast, most LCA and EBA vessels exhibit distinct features such as very fine-grained paste, no sparry calcite, notable use of grog temper, higher quartz, muscovite, and flint content. Notably, from a technological perspective, the analyzed Cetina vessels bear a strong resemblance to the majority of LCA ceramics. The differences between Neolithic and LCA/EBA vessels clearly suggest the use of new raw materials, recipes, and techniques, likely reflecting changes in cultural and social contexts and potential connections with the core area of the Ljubljana Culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social isolation and loneliness greatly contribute to negative health consequences in older adults. Technological solutions can be an asset in promoting social connections and healthy behaviours. This paper presents an innovative structure for an Internet of Things (IoT) platform specifically tailored for older persons. The framework utilises a supervised learning algorithm to classify users into four identified profiles to facilitate the adoption and engagement of technology. The platform incorporates wearables, such as socks and smart bands, to track physical activity, and a messaging module to encourage social interaction. The platform processes the acquired data to quantify steps and deliver tailored interventions remotely to the older adults through the AGAPE Assistant, the mHealth solution of the platform. Furthermore, the AGAPE Assistant has a user interface design for older adults, with a focus on their specific needs. Additionally, improving digital literacy among older adults is crucial for maximizing the long-term compliance and benefits of such technological solutions. On the other hand, AGAPE Monitor is a web application used by formal caregivers to configure the tailored interventions. The platform's usability was assessed using different usability scale questionnaires, which revealed a mild level of user satisfaction and acceptance. The proposed framework is currently being deployed on more than 112 older adults across three countries: Italy, Romania, and Portugal. The proposed framework provides a holistic solution to encourage active ageing by adopting technology, implementing hybrid interventions, and promoting social interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Italian shellfish industry mainly comprises clams, mussels, and oysters. While clam production thrives and Italy leads Europe, mussel farming faces economic challenges. Oyster production is relatively new and holds potential. Sustainable development is crucial for meeting growing seafood demand while ensuring resource conservation and food safety. This paper, part of the VALUE-SHELL project funded by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (MASAF) as part of support activities for the National Strategic Plan of Aquaculture, combines desk research on industry structure and public interventions using a collaborative approach involving stakeholder interviews and focus groups with producers and local entities to assess the sector's most compelling needs. The collaborative process highlighted key challenges across the following four sustainability pillars: environmental (global warming, predator control, and pollution mitigation are critical concerns for ecosystem balance); economic (increased production costs and limited diversification opportunities affect profitability); social (fear of generational decline due to limited training and education opportunities poses a threat to the industry's future); and institutional (lack of a dedicated aquaculture law and fragmented governance hinder long-term planning). The project identifies policy bottlenecks hindering the sector's potential, caused by not fully addressing producer needs. Sustainable development strategies are essential for addressing these challenges and ensuring the Italian shellfish industry's future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alternative Disputes Resolution (ADR) systems are becoming increasingly important tools in recent years for the management and resolution of health responsibility cases, but their dissemination and efficiency are still poorly described. The purpose of this paper is to present an ADR system in the autonomous province of Bolzano: the Conciliation Commission. Methods: systematic collection of all claims of the South Tyrol Sanitary Service that were dealt with in the Conciliation Commission from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2022. Results: closing times of the applications received turn out to be less than a year in 63.8% of the cases, with a number of cases managed rather stably in the time, even if minimal if compared to the number of complaints received to the South Tirol Health Service. Only 5.3% of the application continued the legal process before a civil court. Conclusions: the Conciliation Commission of South Tirol appears to be an excellent instrument for the resolution of disputes in the healthcare field, with rapid resolution times and little to zero costs for the healthcare company, a public health institution. Despite its effectiveness, it seems to be a tool that is still little-known in South Tyrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air conditioning systems can play a positive or negative role in the spread of COVID-19 infection. The importance of sufficient outdoor air changes in buildings was highlighted by the World Health Organization, therefore these should be guaranteed by mechanical ventilation systems or adequate air conditioning systems. The proposed case study concerns the optimal number of outdoor air changes to limit COVID-19 contagion for a school building in Central Italy. The Wells–Riley model is used to assess the risk of airborne infection, while energy consumption is calculated by a dynamic energy simulation software. The scope of the paper offers an innovative method to define the optimal ventilation strategy for the building's HVAC system design to reduce the risk of infection with limited increases in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Results show that the desirable approach is the one in which the same low value of contagion risk is set in all rooms. This new approach results in significant energy savings, compared to the most common ones (setting the same high outdoor air rates for all rooms) to counteract the risk of infection. Finally, the zero-emission building target is verified by introducing a suitable photovoltaic system to offset pollutant emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delirium, a multifactorial condition with an acute onset and diverse clinical manifestations, poses a significant challenge in the care of hospitalized individuals aged 65 years and older. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge among nursing healthcare personnel regarding the diagnosis, recognition of complications, and treatment of delirium. A paper questionnaire consisting of 18 multiple-choice questions was distributed to nurses in twelve operational units located in four facilities within a local hospital in a specific geographical region under the jurisdiction of the Romagna Local Health Authority in Italy. Out of 194 respondents, the overall acceptance rate was 64.2%. The findings revealed an insufficient understanding of delirium among the nursing staff, with more than 40% of respondents answering incorrectly to five out of nine questions related to delirium knowledge, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Notably, gender emerged as a significant determinant, with female participants exhibiting a substantial odds ratio (OR) of 3.50 (p = 0.011 and CI95% = 1.34–9.16) compared to their male counterparts, indicating a higher likelihood of receiving delirium training among females. Furthermore, prolonged tenure within the same work context was associated with a reduced likelihood of receiving delirium training compared to those with less than two years of experience (OR = 0.21, p = 0.034, and CI95% = 0.05–0.89 for 6–10 years of tenure; OR = 0.22, p = 0.038, and CI95% = 0.05–0.92 for over 10 years of tenure). This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced delirium education and improved strategies among nurses to effectively manage patients with delirium. The results advocate regular educational sessions utilizing diverse formats to comprehensively address knowledge gaps among nursing staff. This study was not registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convective storms represent a dangerous atmospheric phenomenon, particularly for the heavy and concentrated precipitation they can trigger. Given their high velocity and variability, their prediction is challenging, though it is crucial to issue reliable alarms. The paper presents a neural network approach to forecast the convective cell trajectory and intensity, using, as an example, a region in northern Italy that is frequently hit by convective storms in spring and summer. The predictor input is constituted by radar-derived information about the center of gravity of the cell, its reflectivity (a proxy for the intensity of the precipitation), and the area affected by the storm. The essential characteristic of the proposed approach is that the neural network directly forecasts the evolution of the convective cell position and of the other features for the following hour at a 5-min temporal resolution without a relevant loss of accuracy in comparison to predictors trained for each specific variable at a particular time step. Besides its accuracy ( R 2 of the position is about 0.80 one hour in advance), this machine learning approach has clear advantages over the classical numerical weather predictors since it runs at orders of magnitude more rapidly, thus allowing for the implementation of a real-time early-warning system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sand boil formation at the toe of river embankments is the typical manifestation of the initiation and progression of an internal erosion process known as backward erosion piping, which is recognized to be a major concern in many river systems worldwide. In Italy, more than 130 sand boils have been detected along the Po River, many of them experiencing recurrent reactivations during high-water events. In recent years, as part of the activities of the European project LIFE SandBoil, the Italian authority responsible for flood protection and flood damage reduction along the Po River has implemented a GIS-based web application to catalogue the sand boils observed in its operating area. The resulting database allows keeping records of a comprehensive and varied set of information, in terms of predisposing factors, initiation conditions and surface effects. Taking as a reference a well-documented cross-section of the Po River prone to piping, this paper describes the main features of this versatile and flexible tool, whose long-term aim is to support vulnerability studies and the development of risk maps against piping. The database, which might also accommodate data from different river basins, is thus meant to help in flood risk management, by suggesting priorities for the implementation of mitigation measures and allowing the monitoring of intervention effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as the primary global health challenge of the new millennium. Understanding its impact on health systems and learning from these experiences are crucial for improving system resilience against future health crises. This paper examines hospitalizations related to COVID-19 in Italy from 2020 to 2021, with a specific focus on the costs associated with these admissions. Design and methods: This is a retrospective, population-based study of Italian hospitalizations of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during the 2020–2021 period, using data extracted from the National Hospital Discharge Registry. The outcome variables considered include hospital admissions, costs, and length of stay. Results: In Italy, hospitalizations for COVID-19 totaled 357,354 in 2020 and 399,043 in 2021, with the transfer rate being three times higher than that of other patients. Hospitalizations were predominantly concentrated in the northern regions, especially during the first year. Mortality rates increased with age, while hospitalization rates peaked in the youngest and oldest age groups. The financial impact of COVID-19 hospitalizations was approximately €3.1 billion in 2020 and €3.6 billion in 2021. The cost per admission was around €8000 for standard care and €24,000 for intensive therapy in both years. Conclusion: Conducting a cost-benefit analysis of implementing a protective pad around the entire health system, which leverages networks of family doctors and nurses connected in real-time, could be an important step in strengthening health system resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Euganean Thermal District, situated in North-East Italy, is one of Europe's largest and oldest thermal centres. The topical application of its therapeutic thermal muds is recognised by the Italian Health System as a beneficial treatment for patients suffering from arthro-rheumatic diseases. Polysaccharides produced by the mud microbiota have been recently identified as anti-inflammatory bioactive molecules. In this paper we analysed the efficacy of Microbial-Polysaccharides (M-PS) derived from mature muds obtained at different maturation temperatures, both within and outside the codified traditional mud maturation range. M-PSs were extracted from six mature muds produced by five spas of the Euganean Thermal District and investigated for their chemical properties, monosaccharide composition and in vivo anti-inflammatory potential, using the zebrafish model organism. Additionally, mature muds were characterized for their microbiota composition using Next-Generation Sequencing. The results showed that all M-PSs exhibit similar anti-inflammatory potential, referable to their comparable chemical composition. This consistency was observed despite changes in cyanobacteria populations, suggesting a possible role of the entire microbial community in shaping the properties of these biomolecules. These findings highlight the importance of scientific research in untangling the origins of the therapeutic efficacy of Euganean Thermal muds in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents some findings from the IN-AGE ("Inclusive ageing in place") study, which the authors carried out in 2019 in Italy. It explores the available social support resources for frail older people with functional limitations ageing in place alone, and possible links between their social isolation and perceived loneliness. The authors conducted qualitative/semi-structured interviews involving 120 participants aged 65 years and over, and used a mixed-methods analysis (quantitative/qualitative). The main results show the family as the main help resource for daily activities, but also for intimate confidences against social isolation, especially when said relatives live close. Family confidants are less present when seniors are supported by friends/neighbours or/and public services. Moreover, the family is valuable for decreasing loneliness, although not always. However, some older people feel particularly alone when they are supported by public services. Such a complex context draws attention on the need of support for frail seniors living alone and could provide insights for policymakers on adequate policies for preventing and managing loneliness and social isolation in later life. This is especially relevant when family (and other) resources are not available or scarce, also considering the opportunities offered by technology, which can help seniors remain socially connected to relatives, friends and their overall community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses the concept of "typicality" in community products, proposing a performative interpretation of this category. It ethnographically demonstrates how identifying products as "typical" is a process that involves a community in constructing both the product and its meaning. To illustrate this, this study delves into the case of Torta Mattone from Bressana Bottarone (PV) and its history. It highlights how, over 50 years, this dessert has been created and recreated as a symbol of the community in response to the pressing needs it faced amidst socio-economic changes. In doing so, this paper details its micro-gastronomic history, illustrating how the Torta Mattone has become instrumental in maintaining the social and cultural cohesion of the Oltrepo Pavese area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of active aging has become central to the public debate in many Western countries, given the increasing aging of the population and the future challenges associated with it. This phenomenon is tightly intertwined with choices regarding the retirement period, which can be postponed for different reasons by individuals in a society. The purpose of this paper is to understand the personal and family characteristics that influence future choices about retirement date in Italy. Utilizing data provided by the Bank of Italy in the Survey on Household Income and Wealth (SHIW), a logistic regression is performed to observe the impact of different covariates on the hypothesized retirement date of individuals close to retirement, i.e., over the age of 50 who are still in working status. The results show that the decision to delay retirement has increased in recent years, and is influenced by personal (e.g., matrimonial status), work, and economic factors. In addition, these factors have different impacts between males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In road transport, most vehicles today still rely on internal combustion engines. However, these engines have lower efficiency and generate higher pollution levels compared to electric motors. Consequently, there is a growing interest in the transition from conventional vehicles to electric ones. However, the transition to an electrified road transport system is not without challenges. Among these, the impact that electric vehicle charging will have on the electricity grid is of particular concern. This paper analyzes different charging scenarios for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and proposes charging strategies to minimize their impact on the electricity grid. The analysis is based on a large dataset of trips in urban areas in Italy. The study shows that smart charging of PHEVs can be implemented to minimize the impact on the electricity grid. The implementation of optimized charging strategies can contribute to making PHEVs a valid, eco-sustainable alternative to conventional vehicles while also promoting the stability and efficiency of the electricity grid. The study aims to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the flexible charging strategy by comparing the common charging operation (first in–first out) with other, less impactful charging schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A global shift towards renewable energy production, driven primarily by the challenges posed by climate change, is currently underway. In this context, the utilization of heat recovery from municipal wastewater emerges as a promising green technology. Notably, the advantage of implementing energy recovery in sewers, as opposed to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), lies in the higher temperature of the wastewater and its proximity to potential heat users. Despite these benefits, concerns arise regarding the potential adverse effects on biological wastewater treatment processes downstream of the heat recovery section, particularly during colder seasons. This paper seeks to assess the impact of a heat recovery system along the sewer network on the efficiency of biological wastewater treatment processes. The methodology involves a modeling analysis of a real sewage network in Italy. Under typical northern Italy climate conditions, the results demonstrate the feasibility of heat recovery in sewers for WWTPs designed with a sludge residence time under aerobic conditions (SRTaer) greater than 13 days. In such cases, the nitrification process remains relatively unaffected. However, for lower SRTaer values, a case-specific feasibility assessment is recommended to evaluate the overall process efficiency comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since people tend to spend more and more time visiting museums, more accurate requirements are needed for the indoor environmental conditions of these confined spaces where two primary requisites coincide in defining their optimal indoor microclimate: the need for the appropriate artwork preservation and suitable levels of indoor comfort conditions for people visiting the exhibition buildings and/or working there. Regrettably, people and artwork requirements are sometimes characterized by different reference limits of the environmental parameters that, not rarely, could potentially conflict. Another important point to consider is that museums hosted by heritage buildings (particularly in Mediterranean climates, as is often the case in Italy) are often not equipped with climatization systems because of difficulty in installing generally bulky equipment such as HVAC systems. This circumstance represents another important limit for achieving suitable conditions for the two requisites. In addition, the recent pandemic-related occurrences are pushing technicians and designers to rethink the criteria for controlling the microclimate of public buildings, and museums among them. In this paper, this issue is addressed by reviewing current regulations, standards, and handbooks (and by means of a real case example related to the Italian context) in order to ascertain whether such documentation could facilitate the development of effective rules/guidelines for proper management of indoor parameters in museums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to increasing urbanization, nowadays, cities are facing challenges spanning multiple domains such as mobility, energy, environment, etc. For example, to reduce traffic congestion, energy consumption, and excessive pollution, big data gathered from legacy systems (e.g., sensors not conformant with modern standards), geographic information systems, gateways of public administrations, and Internet of Things technologies can be exploited to provide insights to assess the current status of a city. Moreover, the possibility to perform what-if analyses is fundamental to analyzing the impact of possible changes in the urban environment. The few available solutions for scenario definitions and analyses are limited to addressing a single domain and providing proprietary formats and tools, with scarce flexibility. Therefore, in this paper, we present a novel scenario model and editor integrated into the open-source Snap4City.org platform to enable several processing and what-if analyses in multiple domains. Different from state-of-the-art software, the proposed solution responds to a series of identified requirements, implements NGSIv2-compliant data models with formal descriptions of the urban context, and a scenario versioning method. Moreover, it allows us to carry out analyses on different domains, as shown with some examples. As a case study, a traffic congestion analysis is provided, confirming the validity and usefulness of the proposed solution. This work was developed in the context of CN MOST, the National Center on Sustainable Mobility in Italy, and for the Tourismo EC project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equine hepacivirus (EqHV, Flaviviridae, hepacivirus) is a small, enveloped RNA virus generally causing sub-clinical hepatitis with occasional fatalities. EqHV is reported in equids worldwide, but for Italy data are limited. To address this, a survey study was set up to estimate prevalence at a national level and among different production categories (equestrian; competition; work and meat; reproduction) and national macro-regions (North, Central, South, and Islands). Data obtained testing 1801 horse serum samples by Real-Time RT PCR were compared within the categories and regions. The NS3 fragment of the PCR-positive samples was sequenced by Sanger protocol for phylogenetic and mutational analysis. The tertiary structure of the NS3 protein was also assessed. The estimated national prevalence was 4.27% [1.97–6.59, 95% CI] and no statistical differences were detected among production categories and macro-regions. The phylogenesis confirmed the distribution in Italy of the three known EqHV subtypes, also suggesting a possible fourth sub-type that, however, requires further confirmation. Mutational profiles that could also affect the NS3 binding affinity to the viral RNA were detected. The present paper demonstrates that EqHV should be included in diagnostic protocols when investigating causes of hepatitis, and in quality control protocols for blood derived products due to its parental transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]