Search

The Supports Intensity Scale--Children's Version (SIS-C) was translated into Italian using a committee approach to translation. Latent modeling approaches enabled the leveraging of the large standardization sample from the U.S. (n = 4,015) to generate translation-specific norms from data collected in Italy (n = 435) for children and youth ranging ages 5-16 years placed in six evenly distributed age groups by country. Findings indicated the structure of the SIS-C (i.e., seven support need domains organized under an overall support needs construct), was supported in the Italian context. However, there were age-related differences in the U.S. and Italian samples. In the Italian sample, norms were established for the 5-8 years, 9-10 years, and 11-16 years age groups. Moreover, the Italian sample also differed from other European samples and SIS-C translations. The importance of understanding cultural contexts in interpreting findings from the SIS-C is discussed, along with ways in which SIS-C findings can be used to inform policy and practice in the Italian context.

The aim of this paper is to present a shortened version of the SIS (support intensity scale) obtained by the application of mathematical models and instruments, adopting special algorithms based on the most recent developments in artificial adaptive systems. All the variables of SIS applied to 1,052 subjects with ID (intellectual disabilities) involved in the validation of the Italian version of SIS, were analyzed with the aforementioned artificial adaptive systems. This study has identified 56 items, whose responses are able to explain up to 89% of sample variance. Secondly, these same variables have been analyzed by means of specific semantic networks, in order to demonstrate the plenty of scientific suggestions emerging from such an approach to statistic processing. (Contains 5 figures and 3 tables.)

The troglobitic beetle, Cansiliella servadeii (Leptodirini), has specialized mouthparts modified for browsing and feeding under percolating water on moonmilk, a speleothem formation in Grotta della Foos, Italy. Results from analyses of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen suggest thatacquires and assimilates dissolved allochthonous organic carbon, inorganic nitrogen, and possibly phosphorus and other nutrients from the microbial fauna associated with moonmilk.

Byline: Tiziano Gomiero, Mario Giampietro, Kozo Mayumi Sustainability requires the redefinition of the terms of reference for agricultural activities, which must be based on the recognition of multi-functional land use and the complex role that agriculture plays in society. The ability to renegotiate new terms of reference for agriculture, in turn, requires new analytical tools for agriculture analysis to be able to embrace the 'complexity revolution'. This paper presents a novel approach and a tool for integrated analysis of rural development: Multi-Objective Integrated Representation (MOIR). This tool is based on an integrated set of indicators reflecting non-equivalent views of farming systems and their performance (economic, environmental, social), at different scales (household, community, national). The approach helps to establish relations among the changes in values of different indicators. This facilitates a discussion of sustainability trade-offs associated with different scenarios, even when these trade-offs are not commensurable.

Byline: Tiziano Gomiero, Mario Giampietro This paper provides an overview of graphic tools that are currently used for representing integrated analysis of farming systems and environmental systems. The overview includes also an appraisal of the various methods in terms of pros and cons. Some key issues concerning how to implement a sound integrated graphical representation are also discussed. We believe that the usefulness of sound graphical representations lies in helping social debate and rising awareness among stakeholders about critical trade-offs and the complex nature of living systems, as well as in forcing both researchers and stakeholders to make clear to themselves and to the others the process by which they represent their own reality.

Background: Adults and older people with intellectual disabilities (ID) frequently receive anti-cholinergic drugs in chronic use, but no studies in Italy to date have investigated cumulative anticholinergic exposure and factors associated with high anticholinergic burden in this frail population. Aim: To probe the cumulative exposure to anticholinergics and the demographic, social and clinical factors associated with high exposure. Methods: The 2012 updated version of the Anticholinergic Burden Score (ACB) was calculated for a multicentre sample of 276 adult and older people over 40 years with ID and associations with factors assessed. Results: Overall, antipsychotics, antiepileptics, anxiolytics, and antidepressants were the most frequent classes contributing to the total ACB score. People living in residential care were more likely exposed to high anticholinergic burden (an ACB score of 3+): both community housing (odds ratio [OR] 4.63, 95%CI 1.08–19.95) and nursing home facility ([OR] 9.99, 95%CI 2.32–43.04). There was also a significant association between an ACB score of 3+ and reporting mental health conditions ([OR] 25.56, 95% CI 8.08–80.89) or a neurological disease ([OR] 4.14, 95%CI 1.32–12.94). Neither demographic characteristics (age and gender) nor other clinical conditions (somatic comorbidity, levels and typology of ID) were associated with higher anticholinergic load. A high burden of anticholinergic was significantly more frequent in laxative users (22.6% ACB3+ vs. 5.1% ACB 0) (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Psychotropic drugs were the highest contributors to the anticholinergic burden in adult and old age ID, especially in those people living in institutional settings with mental health and/or neurological conditions. High anticholinergic load has shown to be associated with the use of laxatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture stands as the foundation of modern human societies. Any changes in social functioning should seriously consider how to guarantee people a proper supply of food, in terms of both quantity and quality. Degrowth is a movement that aims at achieving a radical change in the societal metabolism of societies, toward a more frugal, sustainable and convivial lifestyle. The movement envisages a society where concepts as sharing, conviviality, care, commons, justice could stand at its foundation, and replace the call for economic growth, which is, obviously, biophysically unsustainable. This paper aims to (1) review how agriculture has been addressed within the degrowth discourse, (2) analyse the relation between agriculture and societal metabolism and its relevance from a degrowth perspective, (3) discuss how different agricultural techniques and technologies may represent appropriate technologies ( sensu Schumacher, 1973), and meet the call for conviviality ( sensu Illich, 1975). The latter point focusses on a comparison between organic agriculture (OA, which bans the use of agrochemicals and Genetically Modified Organisms - GMOs) and biotech-based agriculture (BTA, reliant on GMOs). The paper points out that although many relevant socioeconomic, political and environmental issues have been addressed by degrowth scholars, agriculture is still poorly analysed. Recommendations are made with regard to studying possible alternative transition paths, by assessing their impact on society's structure and functioning. It is argued that “conviviality” and “appropriate technology” concepts are rather complex and multifaceted. Therefore, different practices might be considered convivial and appropriate under some criteria, and not under others. With regard to conviviality, organic agriculture might not fully respond to the call for autonomy. Notwithstanding claims made by GMOs supporters, BTA does neither suit the call for appropriate technology, nor represent a convivial tool under any criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, an output of the 2016 International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia, examines familial caregiving situations within the context of a support-staging model for adults with intellectual disability (ID) affected by dementia. Seven narratives offer context to this support-staging model to interpret situations experienced by caregivers. The multidimensional model has two fundamental aspects: identifying the role and nature of caregiving as either primary (direct) or secondary (supportive); and defining how caregiving is influenced by stage of dementia. We propose staging can affect caregiving via different expressions: (1) the “diagnostic phase,” (2) the “explorative phase,” (3) the “adaptive phase,” and (4) the “closure phase.” The international narratives illustrate direct and indirect caregiving with commonality being extent of caregiver involvement and attention to the needs of an adult with ID. We conclude that the model is the first to empirically formalize the variability of caregiving within families of people with ID that is distinct from other caregiving groups, and that many of these caregivers have idiosyncratic needs. A support-staging model that recognizes the changing roles and demands of carers of people with ID and dementia can be useful in constructing research, defining family-based support services, and setting public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofuels have been promoted as a sustainable energy carrier, able to supply fuels while reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHGs) within the energy sector. It is also believed that biofuels will offer new income opportunities to farmers and create new jobs in rural areas. I argue that this may be a far too optimistic picture. Biofuels have poor energy performance (in actual fact, their use requires a high volume of subsidies), are potentially in conflict with food production and have high environmental impacts, especially on soil, forests and natural resources. Large scale biofuels production may cause detrimental effects on those key ecosystem services that we should strive to preserve, in particular when considering soil health. Assessing the sustainability of energy carriers requires a comprehensive assessment able to address multiple issues at the same time. It is necessary to rethink biofuels policy in view of preserving soil heath and key ecosystem services. Agricultural policies would better focus on supporting farmers in the adoption of more sustainable farming practices. Policies aiming at preserving forests are also necessary. Subsidies could be used to explore different renewable energy sources, with a lower impact on our support systems, and more sustainable agricultural practices. Eventually, rethinking our development patterns may become necessary in order to cope with the Earth’s limited resources and reduce the alarming trends associated with the environmental impact of human global societal metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic food is increasingly attracting the interest of consumers, as it is perceived to be healthier than food produced by conventional agriculture, and to be more sustainable for the environment. This paper provides a review on the quality of organic produce in terms of its nutritional value, the presence of pesticide residues, heavy metals, mycotoxins and bacterial contamination, and the issue of antibiotics. The use of Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone is addressed. Hydroponic techniques are also discussed. Compared to conventional produce, organic produce is richer in some useful compounds. Nevertheless, heterogeneous findings have been reported. Studies concord in finding organic food much less contaminated by pesticides, and with residues of much lower toxicity compared to those found in conventional foods. As for heavy metals, mycotoxins and bacterial contamination, there are no significant differences in organic produce compared to conventional produce (with the exception of Cd, found to be lower in organic produce, which is a positive finding). More effective and detailed guidelines should be devised for the design and reporting of both primary studies and meta-analyses. Pesticide residues should be assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The issue of multiple residues should also be addressed. Of course, organic produce cannot be assumed, a priori, to be safe. Sound monitoring needs to be constantly performed. It is concluded that organic agriculture can provide important benefits to human health and to the environment, and promote a more compassionate treatment of animals. It is hoped that agricultural policies will pay more attention to organic, agroecological and low-input agricultural practices, and invest in research and innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for the development and adoption of national plans or strategies to guide public policy and set goals for services, supports, and research related to dementia. It called for distinct populations to be included within national plans, including adults with intellectual disability (ID). Inclusion of this group is important as having Down’s syndrome is a significant risk factor for early-onset dementia. Adults with other ID may have specific needs for dementia-related care that, if unmet, can lead to diminished quality of old age. An International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia, held in Scotland, reviewed the inclusion of ID in national plans and recommended that inclusion goes beyond just description and relevance of ID. Reviews of national plans and reports on dementia show minimal consideration of ID and the challenges that carers face. The Summit recommended that persons with ID, as well as family carers, should be included in consultation processes, and greater advocacy is required from national organizations on behalf of families, with need for an infrastructure in health and social care that supports quality care for dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wide-ranging literature on food systems provides multiple perspectives and world views. Various stakeholders define food and food systems in non-equivalent ways. The perception of the performance of food systems is determined by these specific perspectives, and a wide variety of policies responding to different aims are proposed and implemented accordingly. This paper sets out to demonstrate that the pre-analytical adoption of different narratives about the food system leads to non-equivalent assessments of the performance of food supply chains. In order to do so, we (i) identify a set of relevant narratives on food supply chains in Spanish and Catalan contexts; (ii) identify the pertinent attributes needed to describe and represent food supply chains within the different perspectives or narratives; and (iii) carry out an integrated assessment of three organic tomato supply chains from the different perspectives. In doing so, the paper proposes an analysis of narratives to enable the analyst to characterize the performance of food supply chains from different perspectives and to identify the expected trade-offs of integrated assessment, associating them with the legitimate-but-contrasting views found among the social actors involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil health, along with water supply, is the most valuable resource for humans, as human life depends on the soil’s generosity. Soil degradation, therefore, poses a threat to food security, as it reduces yield, forces farmers to use more inputs, and may eventually lead to soil abandonment. Unfortunately, the importance of preserving soil health appears to be overlooked by policy makers. In this paper, I first briefly introduce the present situation concerning agricultural production, natural resources, soil degradation, land use and the challenge ahead, to show how these issues are strictly interwoven. Then, I define soil degradation and present a review of its typologies and estimates at a global level. I discuss the importance of preserving soil capital, and its relationship to human civilization and food security. Trends concerning the availability of arable agricultural land, different scenarios, and their limitations, are analyzed and discussed. The possible relation between an increase in a country’s GNP, population and future availability of arable land is also analyzed, using the World Bank’s database. I argue that because of the many sources of uncertainty in the data, and the high risks at stake, a precautionary approach should be adopted when drawing scenarios. The paper ends with a discussion on the key role of preserving soil organic matter, and the need to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices. I also argue that both our relation with nature and natural resources and our lifestyle need to be reconsidered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I analyze the constraints that limit biomass from becoming an alternative, sustainable and efficient energy source, at least in relation to the current metabolism of developed countries. In order to be termed sustainable, the use of an energy source should be technically feasible, economically affordable and environmentally and socially viable, considering society as a whole. Above all, it should meet society's "metabolic needs," a fundamental issue that is overlooked in the mainstream biofuels narrative. The EROI (Energy Return on Investment) of biofuels reaches a few units, while the EROI of fossil fuels is 20-30 or higher and has a power density (W/m²) thousands of times higher than the best biofuels, such as sugarcane in Brazil. When metabolic approaches are used it becomes clear that biomass cannot represent an energy carrier able to meet the metabolism of industrialized societies. For our industrial society to rely on "sustainable biofuels" for an important fraction of its energy, most of the agricultural and non-agricultural land would need to be used for crops, and at the same time a radical cut to our pattern of energy consumption would need to be implemented, whilst also achieving a significant population reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Down Syndrome (DS) is characterised by premature aging and an accelerated decline of cognitive functions in the vast majority of cases. As the life expectancy of DS persons is rapidly increasing, this decline is becoming a dramatic health problem. The aim of this study was to thoroughly evaluate a group of 67 non-demented persons with DS of different ages (11 to 66 years), from a neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric and psychomotor point of view in order to evaluate in a cross-sectional study the age-related adaptive and neuropsychological features, and to possibly identify early signs predictive of cognitive decline. The main finding of this study is that both neuropsychological functions and adaptive skills are lower in adult DS persons over 40 years old, compared to younger ones. In particular, language and short memory skills, frontal lobe functions, visuo-spatial abilities and adaptive behaviour appear to be the more affected domains. A growing deficit in verbal comprehension, along with social isolation, loss of interest and greater fatigue in daily tasks, are the main features found in older, non demented DS persons evaluated in our study. It is proposed that these signs can be alarm bells for incipient dementia, and that neuro-cognitive rehabilitation and psycho-pharmacological interventions must start as soon as the fourth decade (or even earlier) in DS persons, i.e. at an age where interventions can have the greatest efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dementia appears at a higher rate among some adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and this potentially poses a greater risk of nursing home admission. Yet, to date, there is no evidence on the efficacy of general dementia-derived environment-, personnel-, and patient-oriented intervention strategies in delaying onset of dementia or in slowing down its rate of progression in this population. To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a multicomponent nonpharmacological approach, the authors studied a sample of 14 adults with worsening cognition and everyday functioning who were no longer manageable by their family or staff in day centers or group homes, and who were relocated in a model special care unit (SCU) designed to proactively accommodate the needs of people with ID and dementia. Baseline level and rate of decline across a 3-year period were assessed by means of the Dementia Questionnaire for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and compared to two control groups not in dementia-capable programs matched for age, sex, and severity of ID. After 3 years, the authors found some improvement in cognition and stabilization in everyday functioning and behaviors in the SCU residents and a worsening in the control groups. The authors noted that enrollment in a dementia-capable program facilitated daily practice of residents' residual skills and abilities, enhancing their memory and verbal communication, that the prosthetic environment contributed to activity maintenance and appropriate intellectual challenges, and that the greater participation on an individual level added to the skill maintenance. Although the interpretation of these positive findings is not straightforward, they confirm the validity of this 'in-place progression' model and provide a platform for continuing progress in person-centered services and care for aging persons with ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to verify the reliability and validity of the Italian version of the Assessment for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (AADS-I), the only available measure specifically designed to assess the frequency, management difficulties and impact on the quality of life (QoL) of positive and negative non-cognitive symptoms in persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) and dementia.Methods: AADS-I was administered to professional carers of 63 aging ID individuals. We computed the internal consistency separately of the frequency, management difficulty and effect on the QoL subscales of Behavioral Excesses and Behavioral Deficits and their inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities.Results: Homogeneity of AADS-I was found to range from good to excellent: Cronbach's α coefficients were 0.77, 0.83 and 0.82, respectively for frequency, management difficulty and effect on the QoL of Behavioral Excesses, and 0.82, 0.76 and 0.79 of Behavioral Deficits. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) between two independent carers were 0.67, 0.79 and 0.73 and 0.67, 0.67 and 0.67 for frequency, management difficulty and effect on the QoL of Behavioral Excesses and Deficits, respectively. Corresponding ICC for test-retest reliability were 0.80, 0.75, 0.78 and 0.70, 0.81, 0.81. Age, gender and typology of ID did not correlate with the AADS-I subscale scores, whereas the severity of ID related only with the frequency subscale of Behavioral Deficits. This subscale also correlated with the Dementia Questionnaire for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. Behavioral deficits are more frequent in subjects with dementia.Conclusions: These results confirm the reliability and validity of the Italian version of AADS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic agriculture refers to a farming system that enhance soil fertility through maximizing the efficient use of local resources, while foregoing the use of agrochemicals, the use of Genetic Modified Organisms (GMO), as well as that of many synthetic compounds used as food additives. Organic agriculture relies on a number of farming practices based on ecological cycles, and aims at minimizing the environmental impact of the food industry, preserving the long term sustainability of soil and reducing to a minimum the use of non renewable resources. This paper carries out a comparative review of the environmental performances of organic agriculture versus conventional farming, and also discusses the difficulties inherent in this comparison process. The paper first provides an historical background on organic agriculture and briefly reports on some key socioeconomic issues concerning organic farming. It then focuses on how agricultural practices affect soil characteristics: under organic management soil loss is greatly reduced and soil organic matter (SOM) content increases. Soil biochemical and ecological characteristics appear also improved. Furthermore, organically managed soils have a much higher water holding capacity than conventionally managed soils, resulting in much larger yields compared to conventional farming, under conditions of water scarcity. Because of its higher ability to store carbon in the soil, organic agriculture could represent a means to improve CO2 abatement if adopted on a large scale. Next, the impact on biodiversity is highlighted: organic farming systems generally harbor a larger floral and faunal biodiversity than conventional systems, although when properly managed also the latter can improve biodiversity. Importantly, the landscape surrounding farmed land also appears to have the potential to enhance biodiversity in agricultural areas. The paper then outlines energy use in different agricultural settings: organic agriculture has higher energy efficiency (input/output) but, on average, exhibits lower yields and hence reduced productivity. Nevertheless, overall, organic agriculture appears to perform better than conventional farming, and provides also other important environmental advantages, such as halting the use of harmful chemicals and their spread in the environment and along the trophic chain, and reducing water use. Looking at the future of organic farming, based on the findings presented in this review, there is clearly a need for more research and investment directed to exploring potential of organic farming for reducing the environmental impact of agricultural practices; however, the implications of reduced productivity for the socioeconomic system should also be considered and suitable agricultural policies should be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the environmental impact of current agriculture practices is reviewed. Soil loss (along with soil fertility), increasing water demand from agricultural practices and environmental pollution caused by the intensive use of agrochemicals, are among the most pressing issues concerning agriculture sustainability. Biodiversity loss due to land use change and emission of greenhouse gasses from agricultural activities are also causes for concern. A number of alternative agricultural practices are also presented that can help to make agriculture less environmentally damaging by reducing the use of natural resources, limiting inputs and preserving soil fertility and biodiversity. We think that there is room for a different and more ecological agriculture and that research should be implemented in order to better assess the potential and constraints of the different options. However, notwithstanding the great achievements of the 'Green Revolution,' the world will need 70 to 100% more food by 2050. So a new challenge lies ahead: how to feed nine billion with less land, water and energy, while at the same time preserving natural resources and soil fertility? Technical advances are important in order to meet the future needs, but addressing key socioeconomic issues, such as the inequality in the access to resources, population growth, and access to education are also a priority if we want to properly deal with sustainability. It may require our society to change some of its paradigms and 'values' if we wish to preserve our support system, the soil and its health, for the future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to develop a sampling methodology, based on soil invertebrates, to provide a reliable and easy-to-perform measure of environmental quality. Hand-sorting and pitfall-trapping were the main sampling systems adopted because they are quick and easy to use and do not require particular skills or tools. Both agroecosystems (organic and conventional) and seminatural environments (planted woods, hedgerows, flooded areas) have been monitored in a coastal lagoon area reclaimed to farmland in North Eastern Italy. Taxa at high hierarchical levels proved to be useful in separating different type of habitat, but were unable to provide information about the type of rural management. Carabidae (Coleoptera) seem particularly useful in studying agroecosystems: 23 species have been collected, mainly in the organic farm and in the hedgerow. The earthworm population was mainly affected by type of soil. In agroecosystems, cultivated fields had fewer individuals with respect to hedgerow, probably due to disturbance caused by soil management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]