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Introduction: In recent years, issues related to environmental and ecosystem protection have been given greater consideration than in the past. The goal of adopting sustainable development models is vigorously pursued in the European Union and is reflected concretely in the new Common Agricultural Policy 20232027. The circular economy can certainly be an emerging economic response that can eectively replace growth models centered on a linear view. Agriculture and tourism are two crucial sectors where the “green transition” should be encouraged to help achieve sustainability goals through economic circularity. Agritourism’s activity may be relevant in contributing to a behavioral change based on ethical choices. The study aim is to find out if agritourism can be the forerunner for the green transition. The objective is to know motivations and current level of awareness and adoption of concrete behaviors of the circular economy by agritourisms and their guests. The tourists’ preferences for Sicilian agritourism oerings were also observed. Methods: Two types of surveys were conducted: a Census of the Sicilian Agritourisms active at an online travel agency and a sampling survey of the agritourism’s visitors. Results and discussion: The results showed that agritourism by its very nature carries the green transition, partly due to the enormous financial support of the new CAP. Second, it is a provider of quality food and ecosystem services, and a promoter of healthy behaviors and consumption of seasonal and local short-chain products by visitors, so it can be a vehicle for the adoption of the Mediterranean Diet as a sustainable lifestyle and food system. Tourists’ propensity to seek out environmentally friendly products and green services can help to improve ethical, responsible, and sustainable tourism. A sustainable behavioral model for farmers and tourists was provided.

Globalization intensified competitiveness among agribusinesses worldwide in recent years. The European Commission focused on enhancing sustainable agriculture and food products’ territorial uniqueness for competing in the international market. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a model of feeding and lifestyle belonging to the ancient Mediterranean culture, which also embodies a sustainable food system. Therefore, in 2010, UNESCO recognized the MD as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and Sicily (southern Italy) is its official physical site. Despite its worldwide fame, the notion of the MD runs the risk of being mystified because it is described most often as something that does not correspond to what it is holistically. The aim of this study is to know the market demand of the MD by Italian people and foreign tourists in Sicily and the level of knowledge of the MD by users, both consumers and experts. A survey at top Sicilian traditional restaurants with owners/chefs and their clients was carried out. The study provided an in-depth understanding of the current lack of knowledge about the holistic meaning of the MD. The study highlights the desirability of integrated science–policy actions (also for communication) and proposes a vertical communication system to revive and direct the MD demand toward its holistic model.

A partire dagli apprendimenti derivanti dal lavoro su un Contratto di Fiume Lago e Costa, il saggio punta ad arricchire l'interpretazione dei "territori intermedi" con riferimento al contesto laziale analizzando le potenzialità dei CdF per l'inter- vento in aree sotto descritte e interpretate, oltre che poco presidiate dalle politiche territoriali.

Spumante wines produced in Sicily region (southern Italy) have sensorial characteristics significantly different from those produced in other Italian regions, because of the great differences of terroir. Offering a product included in a coherent and consistent context allows consumers to differentiate in the marketplace. The aim of this study is to propose solutions for Sicilian wineries for positioning Sicilian Spumante in the market, based on empirical data. Moreover, it was investigated whether a positive experience in a context consistent with the Sicilian sparkling wines could influence consumers’ consumption intentions. A blind sensory test was performed by 146 expert wine tasters. Opinions regarding sensorial quality, value, and suitable selling place for all wines tasted were investigated. Out-of-context and in-context preferences were analyzed. Development of the unipolar model to describe the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) process was attempted. Findings contribute to experiential marketing actions for other iconic wines and wine regions.

Globalization intensified competitiveness among agribusinesses worldwide in recent years. The European Commission focused on enhancing sustainable agriculture and food products’ territorial uniqueness for competing in the international market. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a model of feeding and lifestyle belonging to the ancient Mediterranean culture, which also embodies a sustainable food system. Therefore, in 2010, UNESCO recognized the MD as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and Sicily (southern Italy) is its official physical site. Despite its worldwide fame, the notion of the MD runs the risk of being mystified because it is described most often as something that does not correspond to what it is holistically. The aim of this study is to know the market demand of the MD by Italian people and foreign tourists in Sicily and the level of knowledge of the MD by users, both consumers and experts. A survey at top Sicilian traditional restaurants with owners/chefs and their clients was carried out. The study provided an in-depth understanding of the current lack of knowledge about the holistic meaning of the MD. The study highlights the desirability of integrated science–policy actions (also for communication) and proposes a vertical communication system to revive and direct the MD demand toward its holistic model.

Currently, consumers appear to have diversified characteristics with regard to food tastes and consumption habits. The globalization of markets and the migration phenomenon contributed to the modification of food preferences of consumers who gradually introduce into their eating habits foods and recipes typical of the tradition of foreign countries. In this scenario, also in Italy, it is going to increase the use of “foreign products” with the consequent fusion of traditional cuisine techniques and recipes with ingredients that are typical of foreign countries and cultures. Foods and ingredients originally consumed in Asian or South American countries are increasingly consumed by Italian people, who have notoriously a strong “food identity,” who generally follow the Mediterranean Diet, and who consume typical products of the country. More particularly, the use of “new” or “novel” spices compared to those traditionally used in the preparation of Italian food has grown in the last 10 years. This study is an exploratory survey on the consumption of spices in Sicily (Southern Italy), which is an Italian Region with a high level of immigrated people and a good level of social integration and progressive inclusion. The objective of this study is to know whether and how Sicilian consumers’ consumption preferences, use, and purchasing behaviors with regard to spices changed in the last few years. The results highlight an increasing use of novel spices for the preparation of the traditional recipes and a good appreciation by consumers. These results are interesting because they provide information about spices’ market development and food product marketing and internationalization. The survey gives interesting inputs for reflections about the relationship between food contaminations and social integration and insight into consumers’ preferences in Italy.

UIDB/05021/2020 UIDP/05021/2020 Wine Routes develop inside the larger context of wine tourism (WT), which is increasingly important for rural communities. Italy is one of the most important countries in the world for wine production and tourism. Sicily is one of the leading regions in Italy for wine production and wine tourists. This study focuses on the Sicilian wine routes (SWRs) and gives an excursus of their development during the last ten years, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, the study wants to make an attempt to bridge the existing gap in the literature and highlight the nature and extent of the contribution of the SWR to the development of the WT ‘product’ from the perspective of the increasingly booming sustainable–rural tourism. Face-to-face interviews were conducted along the SWRs with 283 wine tourists, 65 wine enterprises, and eight expert stakeholders. The motivations for tourists to visit the first time and their intention to return were investigated by the explorative factor analysis. Moreover, the wine tourist profile was highlighted. Findings outline some specific features of the general experience economy model where visitors’ emotional involvement and local cooperation appear crucial for the integrated territorial development of the backward rural areas of wine regions in different parts of the world. Managerial implications of findings are discussed. publishersversion published

Wine Routes develop inside the larger context of wine tourism (WT), which is increasingly important for rural communities. Italy is one of the most important countries in the world for wine production and tourism. Sicily is one of the leading regions in Italy for wine production and wine tourists. This study focuses on the Sicilian wine routes (SWRs) and gives an excursus of their development during the last ten years, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, the study wants to make an attempt to bridge the existing gap in the literature and highlight the nature and extent of the contribution of the SWR to the development of the WT ‘product’ from the perspective of the increasingly booming sustainable–rural tourism. Face-to-face interviews were conducted along the SWRs with 283 wine tourists, 65 wine enterprises, and eight expert stakeholders. The motivations for tourists to visit the first time and their intention to return were investigated by the explorative factor analysis. Moreover, the wine tourist profile was highlighted. Findings outline some specific features of the general experience economy model where visitors’ emotional involvement and local cooperation appear crucial for the integrated territorial development of the backward rural areas of wine regions in different parts of the world. Managerial implications of findings are discussed.

The Seychelles scale, Icerya seychellarum (Westwood, 1855) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae), is reported for the first time in Italy. Moreover, the occurrence of the white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis (Newstead, 1906) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae), firstly reported in 1990 on mango trees growing outdoors in a nursery near Milazzo (Messina province, Sicily), and then intercepted in 2013 on mango plants imported from Florida (USA) to the Botanical Garden in Padova (Italy), is confirmed. Both species were found in two Sicilian mango orchards located in the province of Messina. Their introduction is most likely due to the orchards planting using infested mango nursery plants. The potential impact of these species, which in the Mediterranean area appeared to be occasionally invasive, is briefly discussed.

Purpose: Describing language development in children with sex chromosome trisomies (SCT) and testing the predictive value of early language measures on later outcomes. Method: Thirteen children with SCT were followed longitudinally. Their developmental profile was assessed, with particular attention to language, at 2 and 4years. The predictive value of direct (spontaneous speech analysis) and indirect (communicative development inventory) language measures at 2 on performances at 4 was tested. Results: Language performances at both ages were lower than non-verbal development. At 2, more than 50% of the group produced less than 50 words. At 4, impaired performances were observed in speech sound development and expressive morpho-syntax. Direct measures of Pre-syntactic development predicted later global language outcomes and Sentence Repetition. The number of consonants used at 2 was significantly related to Nonword Repetition at 4. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of early detection and careful follow-up for children with SCT.

Psychiatry has been affected by the 'Brain Drain' phenomenon for decades, with professionals usually migrating from lower- to higher-income countries. Whilst Italy faces a decreasing Psychiatric workforce in the near future, little is known about the factors that influence migration of Psychiatry trainees in Italy.To explore the migration tendencies of Psychiatry trainees training in Italy.A cross-sectional survey was disseminated to Psychiatry trainees in Italy.The vast majority (84.2%) of the trainees had 'ever' considered leaving Italy, and more than half (60.4%) considered leaving the country 'now'. Only a quarter (25.3%) had taken 'practical steps' towards migration. Male trainees were more likely to have 'ever' considered leaving Italy. Trainees without children were more likely to have 'ever' considered leaving and more likely to consider leaving 'now'. More southern Italian trainees were considering leaving the country 'now' compared to those from the centre-north. 'Academic' and 'work' reasons were the two most cited factors given both as a reason for wanting to leave Italy and as conditions that should be improved in the country. The main reason cited to remain in the country was personal.Several Psychiatry trainees in Italy consider migration as a possibility, mainly driven by work and academic reasons. The main factor keeping trainees in Italy was personal reasons. Highlighting the reasons why trainees leave is crucial to facing these issues and either finding ways to encourage trainees to remain or finding other solutions for the medical shortage.

The Italian wine industry is strongly committed to sustainability. Among the numerous sustainability certifications and programs implemented in Italy for the wine sector, SOStain is the oldest at the regional level. The SOStain Foundation promotes the voluntary application of a sustainability program, developed in 2010 in Sicily (Southern Italy). The requirements of the SOStain specifications are connected to the new CAP 2023–2027 objectives; therefore, companies preparing for the new challenges of future winemaking might be interested in joining the SOStain Foundation for greening production practices. The objective of this study was to learn producers’ and consumers’ opinions about motivations, real/perceived difficulties, cost, and positive effects of the SOStain certification, as well as their intentions to make ethical choices and their willingness to spend more for a Sicilian sparkling wine with the SOStain certification. A census of producers combined with a consumer survey and focus groups were carried out. Multidimensional scaling was used to discover the polarization of producers’/consumers’ opinions regarding the SOStain certification. The findings highlighted the effect of ethical choices, despite sensory likings, on purchasing intentions and issues related to higher costs of production and market prices. The results highlighted the criticalities of the green transition for wineries and the importance of correct communication through social media.

Wine Routes develop inside the larger context of wine tourism (WT), which is increasingly important for rural communities. Italy is one of the most important countries in the world for wine production and tourism. Sicily is one of the leading regions in Italy for wine production and wine tourists. This study focuses on the Sicilian wine routes (SWRs) and gives an excursus of their development during the last ten years, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, the study wants to make an attempt to bridge the existing gap in the literature and highlight the nature and extent of the contribution of the SWR to the development of the WT ‘product’ from the perspective of the increasingly booming sustainable–rural tourism. Face-to-face interviews were conducted along the SWRs with 283 wine tourists, 65 wine enterprises, and eight expert stakeholders. The motivations for tourists to visit the first time and their intention to return were investigated by the explorative factor analysis. Moreover, the wine tourist profile was highlighted. Findings outline some specific features of the general experience economy model where visitors’ emotional involvement and local cooperation appear crucial for the integrated territorial development of the backward rural areas of wine regions in different parts of the world. Managerial implications of findings are discussed.

The aim of this study is to know Italian consumers’ preferences for Pasta and consumption habits. Food culture and concerns about food security and product innovation were investigated. A sample of Italian consumers was interviewed. Consumer’ profile, motivations and purchasing behavior were described. Relationships between observed variables and the latent constructs that explain the preferences were highlighted. There is asymmetric information between consumers and producers. Consumers believe Pasta is made with Italian grains, and therefore it is healthy and safe, although that’s not always the case. Intrinsic and extrinsic high quality, which derives from growing and production technologies, is required.

The Italian wine industry is strongly committed to sustainability. Among the numerous sustainability certifications and programs implemented in Italy for the wine sector, SOStain is the oldest at the regional level. The SOStain Foundation promotes the voluntary application of a sustainability program, developed in 2010 in Sicily (Southern Italy). The requirements of the SOStain specifications are connected to the new CAP 2023–2027 objectives; therefore, companies preparing for the new challenges of future winemaking might be interested in joining the SOStain Foundation for greening production practices. The objective of this study was to learn producers’ and consumers’ opinions about motivations, real/perceived difficulties, cost, and positive effects of the SOStain certification, as well as their intentions to make ethical choices and their willingness to spend more for a Sicilian sparkling wine with the SOStain certification. A census of producers combined with a consumer survey and focus groups were carried out. Multidimensional scaling was used to discover the polarization of producers’/consumers’ opinions regarding the SOStain certification. The findings highlighted the effect of ethical choices, despite sensory likings, on purchasing intentions and issues related to higher costs of production and market prices. The results highlighted the criticalities of the green transition for wineries and the importance of correct communication through social media.

Local and remote complications can be observed in hip prosthesis failures associated with metallosis. Structural changes in the periprosthetic bone and soft tissues may not always be precisely assessed preoperatively due to metal artifacts. The unpredictability of the damage extension, potentially leading to complex and insidious surgeries, requires the availability of alternative surgical plan(s) for the reconstruction of the joint. The aim of the study is to present and analyze, with the literature data support, practical tips for the revision of the prosthetic components, the management of ARMD and of intraoperative complications in the unusual scenario of metallosis.

Wine Influencers (WIs) represent a new type of independent third party endorsers that are progressively establishing themselves within social networks. This study analyzes the characteristics of the activity of WIs and the communication model used via Instagram. Netnographic Analysis, Factor Analysis and AGIL methods were applied. The results show five Key-findings within specific relationships established during discussions: advice from Wine Influencers and generalized reciprocity in relationships, structural and social bonds established based on the frequency of messages from regular followers, peer-to-peer relationship development through recommendation, development of trust established through online relationships, wine influencer&rsquo, s influence on followers regarding everything about the wine. The study derives a model that explains the communication dimensions used by WIs that are: advertising (information about product/brand) (35.71%), persuasion&mdash, added value to brand and product (42.62%), brand democratization (10.07%), and identity (8.03%). This study provides a novel contribution to the open innovation process of small and medium-sized wine industries for their marketing strategies.

In the frame of Radon rEal time monitoring System and Proactive Indoor Remediation (RESPIRE), a LIFE 2016 project funded by the European Commission, the contribution of building materials of volcanic origin to indoor radon concentration was investigated. First, total gamma radiation and related outdoor dose rates of geological materials in the Caprarola area (Central Italy) were measured to define main sources of radiation. Second, 222Rn and 220Rn exhalation rates of these rocks used as building materials were measured using an accumulation chamber connected in a closed loop with a RAD7 radon monitor. Among others, the very porous “Tufo di Gallese” ignimbrite provided the highest values. This material was then used to construct a scale model room of 62 cm × 50 cm × 35 cm (inner length × width × height, respectively) to assess experimental radon and thoron activity concentration at equilibrium and study the effects of climatic conditions and different coatings on radon levels. A first test was carried out at ambient temperature to determine experimental 222Rn and 220Rn equilibrium activities in the model room, not covered with plaster or other coating materials. Experimental 222Rn equilibrium was recorded in just two days demonstrating that the room “breaths”, exchanging air with the outdoor environment. This determines a dilution of indoor radon concentration. Other experiments showed that inner covers (such as plasterboard and different kinds of paints) partially influence 222Rn but entirely cut the short-lived 220Rn. Finally, decreases in ambient temperature reduce radon exhalation from building material and, in turn, indoor activity concentration.

Purpose This paper aims to examine how Pantelleria’s wineries communicate the extreme territory of Pantelleria through its passito wine and whether this may be a value added for consumers. Specifically examines which dimensions of communication are effectively used by wineries to stimulate, in wine consumers, emotions that link passito wine with the territory of Pantelleria. Design/methodology/approach All websites of wineries producing passito wine in Pantelleria were analyzed using the adaptation, goal-attainment, integration and latent pattern maintenance (AGIL) scheme for measuring communication dimensions. Findings Results suggest that wineries and stakeholders should apply territory-based marketing strategies to add value to passito wine, the symbol of the island. Synergistically, Pantelleria, through the use of its symbolic product, may enhance its touristic activities. This approach provides useful elements to evaluate the potential of communication in other regions with extreme agriculture, with other agro-food products to promote, due to the replicability of the method. Research limitations/implications A limitation of this study is the application of the AGIL method to a population of wineries located in a small wine region; however, regions where heroic agriculture is practiced are generally small. Practical implications The findings demonstrate a unique approach that provides an alternative form of wine communication strategy, in which the extreme territory becomes the communication tool of the product linked to it, adding value, regardless of the brand, while, simultaneously, the product becomes the symbol of the territory. Originality/value It contributes to the literature by providing the first application of the AGIL scheme to the wine sector, and it shows a new approach for communication strategies in wine marketing.

Small fruit grow naturally in northern Italy, but also in the Sicilian region (southern Italy) there are some areas with the essential climatic conditions for the development of this crop. Nevertheless, according to official statistics, the quantities of fresh small fruits placed on the Italian market are lower than in other European countries. The objective of this study was to assess consumer acceptance for sensory attributes and other intrinsic and extrinsic quality parameters of fresh small fruit, in order to know the primary drivers of liking and have a first understanding of reasons for the poor domestic consumption. Six focus groups with sensory test were carried out to assess consumers’ preferences on four types of small fruits stored for 3 and 5 days at low temperature (5±1°C, 90±3% relative humidity RH). Consumers’ evaluations were also compared with those of a panel of experts for the two periods of storage. Consumers’ acceptance of sensory attributes after 3 days of storage was very good and after 5 days was good. Visual appearance and taste were the descriptors with highest liking both for consumers and experts. Results showed a good concordance between FG consumers’ evaluations and panellists’ ones, for all descriptors of berries. These results may be useful for future research to focus on effective actions in order to enhance berries commercialization.

The tumor ascites environment is enriched with cytokines and growth factors especially members of the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) family, that play crucial roles in modulating anoikis sensitivity and consequently metastatic progression in ovarian cancer. Here, we demonstrated for the first-time significant broad dichotomy between these TGF-β members: BMPs and TGF-β/activin and their regulated SMADs in this process. We previously reported BMP9/GDF2 to be in low to undetected levels in ovarian cancer patient-derived ascites and promoted anoikis resistance in both breast and ovarian cancer cell lines. We have now identified additional BMPs -BMP2, BMP4 and BMP9 as promoting anoikis sensitivity in a spectrum of ovarian cancer cells. Conversely, we found TGF-βs (1 and 2) to be in much higher expression and demonstrated that TGF-β and activin promoted anoikis resistance in ovarian cancer. Hence, in an attempt to identify genes downstream of BMPs that may provide anoikis resistance, transcriptomics was performed leading to the identification of Sox2, a developmental gene with prior established roles in OVCA, as being significantly downregulated in response to BMP9. We further uncovered Sox2 to be reciprocally regulated by anoikis-promoting BMPs (2, 4 and 9) and anoikis suppressing TGF-β and activin A. Our findings highlight a novel contrasting SMAD dependent regulation of Sox2 as a central node for controlling tumor cell survival in ovarian cancers demonstrating a subset of BMPs as a therapeutic strategy in cancer. The studies presented here begin to elucidate the mechanisms of reciprocal epigenetic regulation of Sox2 by BMP and TGF-β/activin in the context of ovarian cancer, which is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in women due to peritoneal metastatic spread. Citation Format: Zainab M. Shonibare, Mehri Monavarian, Kathleen O'Connell, Diego Altamore, Abigail Shelton, Shubham Mehta, Renata Jaskula-Sztul, Rebecca Phaeton, Andrew Berchuck, Andrew B. Nixon, Rebecca Arend, Nam Y. Lee, Ryan Miller, Nadine Hempel, Karthikeyan Mythreye. Reciprocal Sox2 regulation by SMAD1 and SMAD3 is critical for anoikis resistance and metastasis in ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 107.

La ricerca di dottorato indaga le pratiche interne ai processi di urbanizzazione nelle township della citt� di Cape Town, in Sudafrica. La domanda di ricerca esplora come gli attori (istituzionalizzati e non), agenti nei processi di urbanizzazione e nei tentativi di consolidamento dell?urbano, affrontano le questioni problematiche nella lotta quotidiana per ottenere migliori condizioni di vita in contesti di pervasiva marginalit�. Questa domanda � finalizzata a comprendere in che modo queste azioni rispondono ? o meno ? alle questioni urgenti sulle disuguaglianze urbane e come si relazionano ? se lo fanno ? alle politiche che incontrano nel loro svolgersi. Lo scopo dell?indagine � quello di tracciare le modalit� di attivazione e azione dei soggetti dal campo nei contesti urbani marginali e leggerle in relazione all?impianto delle politiche, per offrire un contributo conoscitivo e metodologico per la costruzione di politiche istituzionali. Lo studio si inserisce all?interno del pi� ampio dibattito accademico sui territori connotati da forme spazializzate di marginalizzazione politica, sociale, economica e culturale (McFarlane e Silver 2017; Oldfield e Stokke 2006; Pieterse 2018; Watson 2006). L?approccio metodologico adottato � di tipo qualitativo e si avvale dell?osservazione partecipante, raccolta di storie, conversazioni informali e interviste semi-strutturate come principali fonti di conoscenza. La scelta di metodo � finalizzata a restituire i processi urbani in atto, le prassi degli attori coinvolti, gli usi informali e le pratiche della vita quotidiana. Allo stesso tempo, ho assunto un atteggiamento autoriflessivo sull?azione di ricerca, per mettere in luce i limiti e i punti di forza di un approccio di questo tipo. Nello specifico, ho analizzato pratiche collettive inerenti a tre processi che caratterizzano l?attuale urbanizzazione del Sudafrica e che, nella loro eterogeneit�, costituiscono pratiche di produzione fisica e sociale dei luoghi marginali. Queste sono: (i) pratiche abitative relative all?ottenimento e l?ampliamento della dimora; (ii) pratiche urbane attorno un teatro informale a Khayelitsha, lette in relazione all?insediamento informale in cui sorge; ed infine (iii) pratiche istituzionalizzate per riqualificare dal basso un insediamento informale, a partire dalla costruzione collettiva di servizi per la comunit�. In conclusione, viene sostenuta la tesi per la quale, le crescenti disuguaglianze urbane ? lette come disequilibri di potere ? possono trovare risposte attraverso un approccio macro-strategico delle politiche di sviluppo e integrazione territoriale inclusivo rispetto le agency presenti sul territorio e gi� attivatori di processi. Al riguardo la tesi fornisce possibili piste di metodo e di contenuto.

The Collegio Romano Observatory, restructured by Angelo Secchi in the second half of the nineteenth century, represents a place of extraordinary importance in the history of science, because it saw the birth of astrophysics. We provide an introduction to Fr. Angelo Secchi and review his astronomical work in the context of this observatory.

Le difficoltà e le lentezze che caratterizzano l’attuazione della Strategia Nazionale Aree Interne (SNAI) rendono necessarie riflessioni su come perseguirne gli ambiziosi obiettivi. Questo articolo intende contribuire a questo dibattito a partire dagli esiti di un percorso di ricerca nel comune siciliano di Vizzini, facente parte dell’area pilota SNAI del Calatino. Si tratta di una ricerca svolta nell’ambito del progetto “BeeDINI – Vizzini 2030” finanziato da Fondazione con il Sud a una partnership locale per la riattivazione comunitaria di un edificio storico-monumentale. In questo caso, proprio a partire dai limiti oggettivi mostrati dalla SNAI, si sta lavorando parallelamente ad essa, con un focus su come la valorizzazione del patrimonio storico-architettonico sia davvero occasione di sviluppo. La ricerca mostra come, al di fuori delle dinamiche di potere locale che si scatenano fra amministratori costretti a tavolino al lavoro a scala ‘sovracomunale’ e la permanenza dei vecchi modi di pensare a agire sul patrimonio, sia promettente perseguire azioni ispirate a un approccio di ‘innovazione socio-spaziale’, in linea con i principi della SNAI, superando la retorica del ‘ritorno alle glorie del passato’, con un focus sui giovani e affidandosi alle capacità innovative delle eccellenze del terzo settore siciliano. Parole chiave: innovazione sociale, economia coesiva, mappatura di comunità, BDC. Bollettino Del Centro Calza Bini, Vol 21 No 2 (2021): Inner and Marginalized Areas: Geographies and Alliances Towards New Cohesion Policies

This thesis was scanned from the print manuscript for digital preservation and is copyright the author. Researchers can access this thesis by asking their local university, institution or public library to make a request on their behalf. Monash staff and postgraduate students can use the link in the References field.

Background Diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is usually based on the adult age, anti-pancreatic islet cell antibodies detection, and insulin independence. This study investigates the diagnostic value of antibodies against human glutamic acid decarboxylase (hGAD) peptides in LADA and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients, and their cross-reactivity with an Enterovirus Coxsackie B4 (CVB4) shared epitope. Methods Sera from 27 LADA patients, 23 T1DM patients, and 24 controls were tested in ELISA for antibodies against hGAD peptides and a selected sequence of P2C protein of CVB4 (CVB4P2C). Diagnostic power of peptides was analyzed by ROC-curve analysis and cross-reactivity among peptides evaluated. Results IgM and IgG antibodies showed significant differences between LADA and T1DM versus controls for all peptides. Antibody responses present high agreement among peptides for IgM and IgG-isotypes in T1DM, which is not reproduced in LADA. IgM antibodies showed high predicting diagnostic power particularly in LADA (sensitivity > 85%, specificity 95.8%). Conclusions Our study highlights the usefulness of peptides as diagnostic antigens in T1DM and LADA, and extends previous findings by comparing IgM and IgG-isotype antibodies in the same population. Additionally, results highlight the role of the entourage in the shared sequon PEVKXK in GAD and CVB4P2C particularly in IgMs identification.

The market of berries is a niche of high value in Italy. Small fruit’s healthy properties are well known in the international market, but little is known about the reason for a low commercialization rate of fresh small fruit in Italy. The objective of this study was to assess consumer preferences in Italy for selected berry species. Moreover, the study aims to identify the relevant attributes of berries that affect the demand for this produce according to consumers and to compare these attributes. We assessed relevant attributes affecting the demand for fresh berries for different consumers’ profiles and compared berries’ attributes rankings. The results reveal high concordance between blackberries and raspberries; price is the attribute that constrains more purchases because it is deemed too high. Consumers prefer small fruit because of the rising interest in their nutraceutical value, and they have a higher willingness to pay because of this important attribute.

Talar dome osteo-chondral lesions (OCL) are defects of the cartilaginous surface and subchondral bone often associated with sport practice. This retrospective observational work has the purpose of assessing: a) The clinical outcomes in the patients study group and in the three sub-groups; b) medium-term morphological and qualitative outcomes of the newly formed tissue by magnetic resonance imaging; c) if there is the correlation between new formed tissue clinical, morphological RM evaluation and qualitative clinical outcomes.

This study measures the communication ability of wineries in two extreme territories of Southern Italy, Mount Etna and the island of Pantelleria. The evaluation of four dimensions of web communication was carried out by the AGIL Scheme (i.e. adaptation, goal-attainment, integration, latent pattern maintenance). The study provides a generalizable model to be applied in other similar studies. Also, focus groups of experts were carried out. The method proved to be suitable to measure the communication effectiveness of wineries through websites. Extreme territories may add value to the wine, regardless of the brand. The heroic wines may become the symbol of these territories helping environmental safeguard and contrasting territory abandonment by rural communities. The findings highlight that effective communication of heroic viticulture may be used to reposition these wines and increase their competitive advantage in foreign markets. The study generates new ideas for reflection on new types of web communication.

In 2005, a random sample of 200 people were assessed in Camerino, Italy, eight years after an earthquake. Psychological symptom levels were low and only one person had current Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In 2016 a new earthquake occurred in Camerino. The study aims to assess the impact of the second exposure in the same cohort. A longitudinal study was conducted, 130 participants were re-interviewed between July and December 2017. Psychological symptoms were self-rated on the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the Global Severity Index (GSI) was analysed. Post-traumatic stress symptoms were self-rated on the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Subjective quality of life (SQOL) was assessed on the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA). Mean scores of GSI and IES-R were significantly higher than in 2005 (p

Developments in computational chemistry, bioinformatics, and laboratory evolution have facilitated the de novo design and catalytic optimization of enzymes. Besides creating useful catalysts, the generation and iterative improvement of designed enzymes can provide valuable insight into the interplay between the many phenomena that have been suggested to contribute to catalysis. In this work, we follow changes in conformational sampling, electrostatic preorganization, and quantum tunneling along the evolutionary trajectory of a designed Kemp eliminase. We observe that in the Kemp Eliminase KE07, instability of the designed active site leads to the emergence of two additional active site configurations. Evolutionary conformational selection then gradually stabilizes the most efficient configuration, leading to an improved enzyme. This work exemplifies the link between conformational plasticity and evolvability and demonstrates that residues remote from the active sites of enzymes play crucial roles in controlling and shaping the active site for efficient catalysis.

The system of Sicilian durum wheat is facing, as indeed is happening to the entire food system, the evolution of consumption patterns toward higher quality requirements: health-wise, primarily, but also including some intangible requirements. Recent acquisitions in the field of healthy food, have called attention to some specific characteristics of Sicilian durum wheat. The durum wheat sector represents a major landmark for regional agriculture, being by far the most widespread arable crop in Sicily; a crop that, over the past 30 years, has evolved considerably, due to the impact of EU regulations. Currently, the whole Sicilian cereal-pasta chain shows shortcomings in organization and size, which severely limit the production of pasta with a significant loss of added value, linkable to its specificity characteristics. The study confirmed the substantial absence of a supply chain for Sicilian durum wheat although there have been attempts, even by the regional government, to build a chain agreement aimed at starting a virtuous process of governance of the quality system for cereals. There is a need, however, for commitment in training at all levels of the supply chain, and the promotion of a culture of sharing of common goals as well as collaboration among the operators, is essential.

Dried pasta is the Italian food “par excellence”. Traditional foods have characteristics that can stimulate or evoke in the consumer sensorial stimuli and experiences, especially when these foods are consumed in a typical-traditional restaurant. Traditional restaurants can use sensory marketing as a promotional advantage, creating a unique and original atmosphere that can represent their main way of differentiation. The aims of this paper are to know consumer liking with regard to two high quality types of Sicilian pasta, common dried pasta, and whole-wheat pasta, consumed in three different venues of a typical-traditional Italian franchised restaurant, and to measure the influence of environmental factors of the venues on consumers’ acceptance. Results showed that consumers are able recognize when the atmosphere of a restaurant is integrated and consistent with the food on offer and they appreciate more the contexts wherein they find this coherence. Moreover, the high degree of quality of the two types of pasta tasted was recognized by consumers that appreciated its gustative equilibrium, confirming that the gustatory sensations are not affected by the context in which a food is consumed. Finally, the study highlighted the importance of Olfactory marketing to influence the evaluation of the customer on restaurant’s atmospherics.

Diagnosis of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is based on the adult-age, anti-islet autoantibodies, and temporary insulin-independence. As in Type-1-Diabetes (T1DM), autoimmunity may trigger LADA and enteroviruses-infections can play a role. Anti-human Glutamic-Acid-Decarboxylase (hGAD) autoantibodies are accepted clinical biomarkers, but do not discriminate LADA vs. T1DM. The hypothesis is that protein antigens detecting anti-hGAD antibodies do not expose epitopes specific for different disease forms. We investigated the diagnostic value of autoantibodies in LADA vs. T1DM to peptides of hGAD65/67 isoforms, and Enterovirus-Coxsackie-B4 (CVB4), as antigens sharing the epitope PEVKXK (X: E/T) included in CD8 T-cell CVB4 epitope restricted by diabetes-associated HLA-A2.1. Statistically significant differences of IgM and/or IgG in LADA and T1DM vs. controls were identified. In LADA IgMs to GAD65/67 peptides are diagnostics, IgGs to GAD65/67 peptides correlate with anti-CVB4 peptide antibodies. IgM and/or IgG to all tested peptides can predict LADA, monitoring CVB4 infected patients, improving LADA vs. T1DM stratification.•A customized SP-ELISA based on synthetic peptides Ac-hGAD65(250-273)-NH2 (1), Ac-hGAD67(258-281)-NH2 (2), and Ac-CVB4P2C(28-50)-NH2 (3) is described.•The method was designed to detect specific IgM and/or IgG in LADA, T1DM, vs. controls•Final aim is improvement of LADA vs. T1DM patient stratification., Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract

Traceability of food products plays an important role in improving value chain processes of businesses and their reputation in the marketplace. In the past few years, consumers' concerns about food quality and personal health have been closely related to a continuous improvement of traceability systems and government regulation. Labeling of food products is a very important tool for consumers to acquire information about the quality of food, particularly at the purchase decision stage of the buying process. The objective of this research is to know consumers' preferences in regards to information contained in food labels. More particularly, this study focuses on what information is required by consumers on labels of food, highlighting groups of similar preferences. The interviews were carried out by telephone in two cities of north and south Italy (Milan and Palermo) on a sample of consumers extracted by stratified sampling. Cluster Analysis was performed. Results show a number of levels of information required by consumers that corresponds to different attributes of food product shown in the label. Consumers' preferences revealed a hierarchy of information required on labels. Particularly, with the increase of the amount of information required by the consumer, and contained in the foodstuffs label, the interest in information about the origin of the product and the processing increases as well. Moreover, results provide a measure of existing hierarchies among elements of information that describe food and that assess its quality. This findings show that consumers have more awareness about the relation between food production and quality, and they know that these elements are strictly related to attention of businesses in regards to safe management of agricultural systems. Furthermore, this study confirms previous literature that demonstrated how traceability is a method to reduce information asymmetry between producers and the consumer.

Italian production of wine is very diversified and Sicily is one of the major regions with regards to quality and quantity of wine. The Marsala is the oldest fortified Sicilian wine, which is very valuable because of its organoleptic qualities and its production process. Marsala wine has been gaining for over a century in the Italian and foreign market, but, after a century of fame, it entered a long phase of decline because of inappropriate producers' decisions and new competitors. The objective of this study is to investigate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and treats of Marsala Vergine DOC wine for repositioning the product in the market. The focus group and factor analysis were carried out. Results highlighted the key-factors producers need to focus on, in order to reposition the wine in the market and meet preferences of a distinctive target consumer. Integrated strategies may be developed with stakeholders basing on results.

Demand for food in developed countries is nowadays moving towards increasing contents of quality requisites. A large part of consumers lives in cities and demand for tasty and healthy food but pays also attention to environmental concerns and cultural references, to express their own lifestyles and ethical values. Agriculture can therefore increase income and employment through the supply of a wide range of valuable goods and services related with the countryside and the environment. As an effect of climate and environmental conditions, pasta made by Sicilian durum wheat, can be considered safer and healthier than standard pasta (alias common pasta) manufactured by major producing companies. Healthy diet can therefore be considered as an ecosystem service. The goal of this survey is to offer some interesting elements of valuation about the influence of quality requisites, related to the territory, on consumers’ preferences for pasta. For the study, focus group and the AGIL methodology were applied. Consumer preferences revealed a high interest with regards to healthy food coming from specific environmental conditions. The communication of information contents regarding origin, tradition and healthy requisites of Sicilian pasta, leads consumers to express a higher preference towards this features, compared to those of common pasta.

Key Points Question What are the levels of job burnout, job satisfaction, and job motivation, as indicators of job morale, among physicians and dentists working in low- and middle-income countries? Findings This systematic review and meta-analysis, including results from 79 studies with 45 714 participants, found that 32% of physicians and dentists working mainly in middle-income countries exceeded the high threshold for job burnout and that 60% were satisfied with their job overall. Meaning Despite high workloads, poor working conditions, and low salaries, more than half of the physicians and dentists working mainly in middle-income countries reported positive job morale., This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzes studies that measure job morale, indicated by levels of job burnout, satisfaction, and motivation, among physicians and dentists working in low- and middle-income countries., Importance Improving health care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires a workforce with positive job morale. However, the level of job morale in this population remains unclear. Objective To analyze studies measuring the job morale of physicians and dentists working in LMICs, using levels of job burnout, job satisfaction, and job motivation as indicators of job morale. Data Sources A comprehensive search of Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, from database inception to October 30, 2018, and gray literature was performed. Study Selection Studies were eligible if at least 50% of the sample were qualified physicians and/or dentists working in public health care settings in LMICs. Three indicators of job morale in this population were used: job burnout, job satisfaction, and job motivation. Of 12 324 records reviewed, 79 studies were included in the systematic review and 59 were eligible for the meta-analysis. Data Extraction And Synthesis Data were extracted independently by several investigators in accordance with the Meta-analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guidelines. Random-effects meta-analyses, planned subgroup analyses, and metaregression were performed. The Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies was used to assess bias. Main Outcomes and Measures Levels of job burnout, job satisfaction, and job motivation as indicators of job morale. Results Overall, 12 324 records were identified. Of them, 80 records, representing 79 studies and involving 45 714 participants across 37 LMICs, met the inclusion criteria for the review; however, only 3 were from low-income countries. In 21 studies with 9092 participants working mainly in middle-income countries, 32% (95% CI, 27%-38%; I2 = 95.32%; P

Objective: Previous research identified data gaps between traditional paper-based STI notifiable condition reporting and pilot electronic initial case reporting (eICR) relying on Continuity of Care Documents (CCDs) exported from our clinical partner’s electronic health record (EHR) software. 1 Structured data capture is needed for automatic processing of eICR data imported into public health repositories and surveillance systems, similar to electronic laboratory reporting (ELR). Coding data gaps (between paper and electronic case reports) using standardized vocabularies will allow integration of additional questions into EHR or other data collection systems and may allow creation of standard Clinical Data Architecture (CDA) templates, Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) panels, or Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) resources. Furthermore, identifying data gaps can inform improvements to other standards including nationwide standardization efforts for notifiable conditions. Introduction: Under the CDC STD Surveillance Network (SSuN) Part B grant, WA DOH is testing eICR of sexually transmitted infections (STI) with a clinical partner. Existing standard vocabulary codes were identified to represent previously-identified information gaps, or the need for new codes or concepts was identified. Methods: In prior work, CCDs were securely received from our clinical partner and then analyzed for gaps compared to the existing paper-based STI case reporting form. 1 Now, codes associated with gap concepts were identified in standard vocabularies such as LOINC and SNOMED CT. Standards were searched using online browsers offered by the standards development organizations (SDO) to identify potential codes, which were reviewed with public health epidemiologists and clinicians. Gaps were listed, and wording and intent was compared to standard codes including accessory information found in the SDO browsers and a final table of recommended codes was produced. Results: Acceptable congruity between currently used case reporting questions and coded vocabularies was found for the majority of data gaps previously identified. Where data need was incongruous with standard coded vocabularies, new codes or concepts could be proposed to the SDO. Pregnancy status is often missing from CDA documents but is well-conceptualized in both LOINC and SNOMED CT systems under several codes, including any current laboratory tests for pregnancy. HIV status is similarly well-conceptualized in both LOINC and SNOMED CT both as a problem list item well as thru a variety of laboratory tests. However, problem list EHR models lack standard inclusion of date of last HIV test or dates of current pregnancy as an associated coded data element which is desirable for public health. Information about the case patient’s sexual partners, need for partner STI treatment, and partner treatment completed is lacking in standard CCD documents. 1 Number of current sexual partners [requiring treatment] – has a SNOMED-CT code, but lacks a match in LOINC coding system. This gap identified the need for exploration of how information about sexual partners can best be represented in interoperability artifacts, including the most useful division of information content between the information model and the standard terminology. Needed concept could resemble ‘record target’ found in HL7 version 3.0 and would allow data to be provided without specifying additional codes. Exploration of information model options or new codes is recommended. Many codes are possible for site of infection and specific symptoms but the overall concepts of ‘symptomatic infection’ and ‘site of infection’ as coded elements would need to be added. Conclusions: This coded element gap analysis found that most information requested in an STI case report can be found in a CCD. Gaps can be addressed by using existing standard terms except for concepts about sexual partners that might be better addressed by exploring the information model rather than through the addition of standard codes. Standards use will facilitate complete case reporting using CDA or FIHR, for example, within a ‘blue button’ or other system with functionality for exchanging additional information about notifiable condition case patients. Collaboration with clinicians, public health practitioners, informaticians, and EHR vendors in will help determine how these concepts might best be modeled. Understanding data gaps involves working closely with a broad range of stakeholders, to understand why gaps exist and how well proposed solutions will meet stakeholder needs.

α-Galactosidase (αGal) is a lysosomal enzyme that hydrolyses the terminal α-galactosyl moiety from glycosphingolipids. Mutations in the encoding genes for αGal lead to defective or misfolded enzyme, which results in substrate accumulation and subsequent organ dysfunction. The metabolic disease caused by a deficiency of human α-galactosidase A is known as Fabry disease or Fabry-Anderson disease, and it belongs to a larger group known as lysosomal storage diseases. An effective treatment for Fabry disease has been developed by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), which involves infusions of purified recombinant enzyme in order to increase enzyme levels and decrease the amounts of accumulated substrate. However, immunoreactivity and IgG antibody formation are major, therapy-limiting, and eventually life-threatening complications of ERT. The present study focused on the epitope determination of human α-galactosidase A against its antibody formed. Here we report the identification of the epitope of human αGal(309-332) recognized by a human monoclonal anti-αGal antibody, using a combination of proteolytic excision of the immobilized immune complex and surface plasmon resonance biosensing mass spectrometry. The epitope peptide, αGal(309-332), was synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis. Determination of its affinity by surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed a high binding affinity for the antibody (KD =39×10-9 m), which is nearly identical to that of the full-length enzyme (KD =16×10-9 m). The proteolytic excision affinity mass spectrometry method is shown here to be an efficient tool for epitope identification of an immunogenic lysosomal enzyme. Because the full-length αGal and the antibody epitope showed similar binding affinities, this provides a basis for reversing immunogenicity upon ERT by: 1) treatment of patients with the epitope peptide to neutralize antibodies, or 2) removal of antibodies by apheresis, and thus significantly improving the response to ERT.

The etiopathogenesis of psoriatic disease, including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), is still unclear, but recently it has been clarified why self-DNA become immunogenic in psoriatic disease, suggesting an important role of nucleic acid sensors such as LL37 and IFI16, in psoriatic disease. We aimed at investigating humoral and cellular response to LL37 and IFI16 in PsA.

The achromatic refractor Cauchoix was acquired by the Astronomical Observatory of Collegio Romano in the year 1825. In the second half of the Nineteenth Century, Angelo Secchi used this 16 cm aperture telescope, coupled with the objective prism, to perform the observations on which his pioneering spectral classification of stars was based.

Use of peptides mimetics of proteins for characterisation of immune response in different pathological conditions