Search

Since the Luxembourg Summit, in 1997, the presence of identity discourses in the debate for and against Turkey's EU accession has increased significantly. In our analysis we draw a distinction on two identity dimensions: cultural and civic. As for the first dimension, we assess how the concepts of 'civilisation' and 'clash of civilisation' are used in the discourse on EU-Turkey relation. Moreover, we examine the three main categories of arguments used to define Turkey’s “Europeanness” from a cultural perspective: geographic, historical, and religious. Moving to civic identity, we address arguments on shared political values. Taking into consideration the importance of speech acts for the construction of identity discourses, through all the analysis relevance is given to the institutional and, more generally, to the political statements by various actors. The concept of civilisation has been often used either by proponents or opponents of Turkish full membership to the EU. Both groups argue that the EU is a civilisational project. According to the first view, there is only one civilisation which can potentially accommodate everybody: there is not obstacle to Turkey's accession once it proved to be 'civilised', which in this case means to have fulfilled the Copenhagen criteria. Conversely, in the second view, there is a plurality of civilisations which differentiate themselves on historical and religious bases. Consequently, civilisations are mutually exclusive, and the EU is perceived as the representation of the European civilisation, founded on Christianity, Greek antiquity and the values of Enlightenment. In this framework, Turkey, which should belong to the Islamic civilisation, is seen as incompatible with the EU project at no conditions. Despite the absolute absence of official EU acquis for broad cultural questions, which have not been on the table in the EU-Turkey accession talks since 2005, we observe that the discussion about Turkey's 'cultural fit' is prom

We report the study of two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) functionalized with copper single atoms as a catalyst for the reduction of CO2 (CO2RR). The correct GCN structure, as well as the adsorption sites and the coordination of the Cu atoms, was carefully determined by combining experimental techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray absorption, and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, with DFT theoretical calculations. The CO2RR products in KHCO3 and phosphate buffer solutions were determined by rotating ring disk electrode measurements and confirmed by 1H-NMR and gas chromatography. Formate was the only liquid product obtained in bicarbonate solution, whereas only hydrogen was obtained in phosphate solution. Finally, we demonstrated that GCN is a promising substrate able to stabilize metal atoms, since the characterization of the Cu-GCN system after the electrochemical work did not show the aggregation of the copper atoms.

Forests are key components of European multifunctional landscapes and supply numerous forest ecosystem services (FES) fundamental to human well-being. The sustainable provision of FES has the potential to provide responses to major societal challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, or rural development. To identify suitable strategies for the future sustenance of FES, we performed a solution scanning exercise with a group of transdisciplinary forest and FES experts from different European regions. We identified and prioritized fifteen major challenges hindering the balanced provision of multiple FES and identified a series of potential solutions to tackle each of them. The most prominent challenges referred to the increased frequency and impacts of extreme weather events and the normative mindset regarding forest management. The respective solutions pointed to the promotion of forest resilience via climate-smart forestry and mainstreaming FES-oriented management through a threefold strategy focusing on education, awareness raising, and networking. In a subsequent survey, most solutions were assessed as highly effective, transferable, monitorable, and with potential for being economically efficient. The implementation of the solutions could have synergistic effects when applying the notion of leverage points. Seven emerging pathways towards the sustainable supply of FES have been identified. These pathways build on each other and are organized based on their potential for transformation: (1) shifting forest management paradigms towards pluralistic ecosystem valuation; (2) using integrated landscape approaches; (3) increasing forest resilience; (4) coordinating actions between forest-related actors; (5) increasing participation in forest planning and management; (6) continuous, open, and transparent knowledge integration; and (7) using incentive-based instruments to support regulating and cultural FES. These pathways can contribute to the implementation o

Forests are key components of European multifunctional landscapes and supply numerous forest ecosystem services (FES) fundamental to human well-being. The sustainable provision of FES has the potential to provide responses to major societal challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, or rural development. To identify suitable strategies for the future sustenance of FES, we performed a solution scanning exercise with a group of transdisciplinary forest and FES experts from different European regions. We identified and prioritized fifteen major challenges hindering the balanced provision of multiple FES and identified a series of potential solutions to tackle each of them. The most prominent challenges referred to the increased frequency and impacts of extreme weather events and the normative mindset regarding forest management. The respective solutions pointed to the promotion of forest resilience via climate-smart forestry and mainstreaming FES-oriented management through a threefold strategy focusing on education, awareness raising, and networking. In a subsequent survey, most solutions were assessed as highly effective, transferable, monitorable, and with potential for being economically efficient. The implementation of the solutions could have synergistic effects when applying the notion of leverage points. Seven emerging pathways towards the sustainable supply of FES have been identified. These pathways build on each other and are organized based on their potential for transformation: (1) shifting forest management paradigms towards pluralistic ecosystem valuation; (2) using integrated landscape approaches; (3) increasing forest resilience; (4) coordinating actions between forest-related actors; (5) increasing participation in forest planning and management; (6) continuous, open, and transparent knowledge integration; and (7) using incentive-based instruments to support regulating and cultural FES. These pathways can contribute to the implementation o

A dianiline derivative of a symmetric donor-acceptor-donor diketopyrrolopyrrole-based dye is employed for the two-sided covalent functionalization of liquid exfoliated few layers graphene flakes, through a direct arylation reaction. The resulting nanohybrid features the properties of a polymeric species, being solution-processed into homogeneous thin films, featuring a pronounced red-shift of the main absorption band with respect to the model dye unit and energy levels comparable to those of common diketopyrrolopyrrole-based polymers. A good electrical conductivity and the absence of radical signals generated after intense white light illumination, as probed through electron paramagnetic resonance, suggest a possible future application of this composite material in the field of photoprotective, antistatic layers with tunable colors.

Monolithic borophosphosilicate glasses were prepared by the sol-gel route through xerogel densification. Tetramethoxysilane (Si(OCH3) 4), trimethylborate (B(OCH3)3), and trimethyl phosphite (P(OCH3)3) were used as source compounds for Si, B, and P, respectively. After drying, samples underwent thermal treatment up to 700 °C with alternating flowing oxygen and reduced pressure steps, resulting in transparent, monolithic glasses. The sample chemical composition was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Densification was investigated by vibrational spectroscopies (FT-IR, micro-Raman). The boron oxygen hole centers (BOHC) and phosphorus oxygen hole centers (POHC) paramagnetic defects generated by X-ray irradiation of glasses were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The results obtained on borophosphosilicate glasses showed that paramagnetic defects are not created by independent processes, as expected for randomly distributed noninteracting B and P doping elements. Diamagnetic precursors of BOHC and POHC are thus proposed to be spatially close together in the glasses.

We carried out a multicentre community-based study in order to describe the antibiotic therapeutic approach of paediatricians from two different areas of Italy in the treatment of respiratory tract infection (RTIs), and to assess which factors are involved in a possible variability of prescribing habits. Forty paediatricians participated in the study between October 1998 and April 1999. They had to complete a questionnaire for each therapeutic intervention resulting in an antibiotic prescription. A logistic regression model was used to identify possible predictors in choosing parenteral antibiotics for the treatment of RTIs. In 2 975 questionnaires of antibiotic treatment, RTIs represented 90.2% of the total antibiotics used. Upper respiratory tract infections were the most commonly treated diagnostic group (59.6%), followed by lower respiratory tract infections (20.4%), and middle ear infections (19.8%). Statistically significant differences between northern and southern Italy were reported in the antibiotic prescription profile and the duration of the therapy. Another marked difference was reported in the frequency of laboratory analysis requests. The logistic regression model indicated that the use of parenteral antibiotics appears significantly related to the type of infections [lower RTIs: (OR: 3.99; 95% CI: 2.49-6.37)], the geographic location [northern Italy: (OR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.20-0.39)], and the presence of concurrent diseases (OR: 3.21; 95% CI: 1.46-7.02). The lack of adherence to clinical guidelines and the marked variability of antibiotic prescription rates between different areas of the country appear to be related to factors other than bacterial resistance, and highlight the importance of carrying out educational programmes targeted at the national level for improving the antibiotic prescription habits for the treatment of RTIs

Disease fabricated illness, previously known as Münchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP), is a common form of child abuse characterized by the fabrication of illnesses in children and the request for medical treatment by the perpetrator, usually the mother. MSBP is not merely a mental health disorder but it is widely recognized as a potentially fatal condition. We present a comprehensive overview of definition, etiology and epidemiology of the disorder and the most relevant clinical issues. The role of nurses as an essential part of the multidisciplinary approach, required for an early diagnosis has been here emphasized. Nurses, in fact, are instrumental in the early identification and detection of MSBP and the use of the nursing process demonstrates comprehensive care in management.

AIM: School bullying is a proactive, intentional and repeated form of aggression. Approximately 20% of youths report being involved in bullying as perpetrators and/or victims. The purpose of this research was to investigate bullying prevalence in a sample of school Italian children in Rome. METHODS: A total of 721 children from 6th and 8th grades completed a self-report anonymous questionnaire adapted from the Revised Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire, including specific items to investigate about children bullying involvement at school. RESULTS: Prevalence of relational, physical and verbal bullying events resulted similar for 6th and 8th grades (5%, 3.6% and 3.9% versus 5.2%, 3% and 5.1% respectively). Boys compared to girls resulted more likely involved in bullying events, particularly in physical ones (4.9% versus 1.7%). The prevalence of both bullies and bully-victims was similar in boys and girls, regardless of age (53% and 47.4% among males versus 47% and 52.6% among females respectively). The 39.4% and 41.2% of students reported lack of intervention on victim’s behalf by teachers and schoolmates respectively. CONCLUSION: Data from our study support the importance of further education to provide effective prevention programming. Pediatricians can play an important role in detection of potential victims limiting long-term psychosomatic and psychosocial sequelae.

We conducted a study to evaluate efficacy and safety of dimeticone 4%, a lotion with no conventional insecticide activity, to cure lice infection and to prevent spread of infestation/reinfestation by prophylaxis of classmates.

The aims of our study were to evaluate pain perception in epileptic children and to establish the influence of anticonvulsant drugs on pain perception.

The etiology of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) has been the subject of extensive research, and the current opinion is in favor of a multifactorial pathogenesis with an important genetic component. The aim of this study is to investigate the pattern of inheritance over generations of IS and its possible risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare health conditions of schoolchildren receiving aids from the mission Kidane Mehret Integrated Project (KMIP) in the city of Adwa, Ethiopia, with the ones of the general population. METHODS: From September, 2008, to November, 2008, 400 children were randomly selected in the school inside KMIP and in the one of Adi Abetu. In phase 1, a questionnaire was distributed to children's families. In phase 2, children underwent physical examination. RESULTS: Girls from KMIP started weaning on average at 7.3+/-3.9 vs 8.3+/-4.7 months of the control group (p>0.05); boys from KMIP started weaning on average at 6.7+/-4.1 vs 8.7+/-5.1 months of the control group (p<0.01). Centiles for height for age, weight for age and BMI for age were significantly higher in girls attending KMIP compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Merged data suggests the significant impact of KMIP on the schoolchildren of Adwa. Moreover, women and youngest children, usually the most discriminates, were the band of the society that benefited most from the aids coming from the mission.

To evaluate physical and mental health in children in foster care and comparison with general population.

The aims of our study were to evaluate pain perception in epileptic children and to establish the influence of anticonvulsant drugs on pain perception.

The aim of this study was to evaluate pain perception in epileptic children during an invasive procedure as the collection of venous blood through salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity determination, and to compare it with that of healthy children. In the study 23 children, 12 with epilepsy and 11 healthy controls were enrolled. From all children of both groups, one sample of saliva was collected through a non-invasive device, 15 min before (t (0)), during (t (1)), and 15 min later (t (2)) blood withdrawal, and sAA activity was then determined through a kinetic-colorimetric assay. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was found at t (2) between the sAA activity in the two groups, suggesting that epileptic children have an increased sensitization to pain, while at t (0) the difference was at the limit of statistical significance and at t (1) no statistically significant difference was found indicating that in both groups the venipuncture equally induced a state of stress. Our data suggest that sAA activity could represent a new objective and non-invasive biomarker for the assessment of pain perception in epileptic children.

PURPOSE: The etiology of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) has been the subject of extensive research, and the current opinion is in favor of a multifactorial pathogenesis with an important genetic component. The aim of this study is to investigate the pattern of inheritance over generations of IS and its possible risk factors. METHODS: A total of 70 patients affected by IS was selected and studied up to the third generation for an overall cohort of 2,055 subjects. The genealogy was investigated and correlated for scoliosis. RESULTS: The outcomes showed that 73 % of the patients had an age between 12 and 15 years. The 60 % of the mothers had an age between 20 and 29 years and 57 % of the patients were "first born". The 5.8 % of the brothers and the 12.7 % of the sisters were affected by scoliosis. From the analysis of the total sample, it is clear that in 53 % of the families, there is at least another scoliotic besides the patient. CONCLUSION: The statistical analysis revealed three different types of transmission: autosomic dominant, autosomic recessive and multifactorial. When this last mode of inheritance is involved, female sex and firstborn resulted as risk factors of IS.

BACKGROUND: The pandemic influenza A/H1N1, spread through the world in 2009, producing a serious epidemic in Italy. Complications are generally limited to patients at the extremes of age (<6 months or >65 years) and those with comorbid medical illness. The most frequent complications of influenza involve the respiratory system. CASE PRESENTATION: A 3-year-old boy with a recent history of upper respiratory tract infection developed a nephrotic syndrome. Together with prednisone, furosemide and albumin bolus, a therapy with oseltamivir was started since the nasopharyngeal swab resulted positive for influenza A/H1N1. Clinical conditions and laboratory findings progressively improved during hospitalization, becoming normal during a 2 month follow up. CONCLUSION: The possibility of a renal involvement after influenza A/H1N1 infection should be considered.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with a birth incidence of 1:6.000. It can virtually affect any organ system and all racial and ethnic groups. Clinical manifestations of TSC have variable penetrance. Many affected patients come to medical attention because of seizures or dermatological manifestations. Since no single feature of TSC is pathognomonic, an evaluation of all clinical features is necessary. Sparagana et al recommend, the execution of cranial imaging, such as brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT), and of renal ultrasound (US), on a 1-3 years basis. Brain tumors and renal lesions, in fact, account for most of the long-term morbidity and mortality caused by TSC. Renal involvement occurs with high frequency and with a wide range of severity in patients with TSC. Renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) and cysts represent the most frequent findings in patients affected by TSC.We report the case of an 8-year old boy, born after a near term uncomplicated pregnancy, affected by TSC.

Monolithic borophosphosilicate glasses (BPSG) were prepared by the sol-gel route through xerogel densification. Tetramethoxysilane (Si(OCH3)4), trimethylborate (B(OCH3)3), and trimethylphosphite (P(OCH3)3) were used as source compounds for Si, B, and P, respectively. After gel drying, samples underwent thermal treatment up to 700 °C, resulting in transparent and crack-free monolithic glasses. In this work, x-ray photoelectron spectra of a representative glass specimen are presented and discussed. Beside the wide scan spectrum, a detailed analysis of Si 2p, O ls, P 2p, B 1s + P 2s is performed. Moreover, a quantification procedure aimed at resolving problems arising from the overlap between B 1s and P 2s photopeaks in oxide-based systems is proposed