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The article presents a reflection on the possibilities that the information technologies and new apps developed in the context of the sharing economy may have in the processes of receiving refugees. In recent years, the narrative of migratory phenomena has emphasised the idea of an “out of control emergency”, negatively affecting the ability to imagine constructive answers to arising situations. After a review of definitions, numbers and reception practices in Italy, the article focuses on the inclusive models made possible by using digital collaborative platforms. The case of Refugees Welcome, an association that uses an online platform to connect people offering a room with refugees looking for a place in which to live is analysed in order to better understand its working model, using a mix of qualitative and quantitative data. The conclusion provides a reflection on the potential that this kind of approach may have in promoting social inclusion processes and supporting active citizenship among all individuals both directly and indirectly involved in the association’s activities.

The article joins the debate on food waste, to promote a reflection on current policies’ ef-fectiveness and on possible future actions. Specifically, the analysis focusses on the actions promoted by Milan local administration, particularly active on these issues, and on their impact in the perceptions and behaviours of relevant groups of citizens. The data confirm the tendency to underestimate the impact of food waste and highlight the important role that institutions can play in correcting the perception of the potential of food waste reduction practices.

The purpose of this article is to frame the current debate about food waste in developed countries and to understand what kind of inclusiveness can be promoted through social action on this topic. The research developed in two steps: first quantitative data were collected (846 questionnaires) and analyzed; then critical issues were identified and 50 interviews were conducted to better understand the experience of one project initiative connecting food gatherers and selected food wasted by merchants. Results show that donation of food otherwise wasted during local markets is a common practice, but its impact and value is underestimated by merchants. The initiative is interesting and its potential for inclusion and normalization of the gathering phenomenon is rather clear. The research shows how participants to this project, both volunteers and users realize an inclusive community adopting the same practice of food saving, despite having a different motivation. Such an initiative represents a practice of social innovation as it is not only targeted at poor people, nor it is trying to solve one specific problem: it rather tries to disseminate a different kind of consciousness around food and its waste.

The introduction of ICT into the school context is driving change in the education system, and teachers, whether willingly or otherwise, are among the main actors in this process. The study of organizational change and innovation suggests a number of variables whose impact must be analysed if we are to understand how the outcomes of digital innovation in schools may be optimized. In this paper, we evaluate the experience of a large sample of teachers (420 completed questionnaires) who had been involved in a digital innovation programme for schools. More specifically, we measured the impact of personal and contextual variables on the participants’ attitude to digital change, identifying a pattern of interaction. While some variables, such as age and perceived ICT expertise, influenced both positive and negative attitudes to change, others had a more specific impact: For example, commitment to the organization mainly encouraged positive attitudes towards the digital innovation project, while negative attitudes to digital change were also associated with negative self-perceived work/life balance.

Within the current debate on food-related issues, special attention is drawn on food sharing initiatives: forms of sharing that rely on the use of online platforms and allow reuse of extra food, reducing wastage. The article shows the results of an exploratory survey carried out in Milan during EXPO 2015 (1,119 cases), investigating the level of awareness and integration of these practices on the daily life of citizens. Results show positive representations connected with food-sharing, but the need of stronger support for active participation.

A ruthenium-catalysed dehydrogenative cross-coupling of primary alcohols and imines in the presence of TFA provided a library of differently substituted quinolines. Imines can be prepared in situ from various anilines and several benzyl alcohols using a ruthenium-catalysed hydrogen-transfer procedure. Without changing the catalyst, quinolines can be obtained in moderate to good yields by adding various primary alcohols in the presence of TFA (30 mol%) via a “telescopic” protocol. The use of alcohols, the absence of strong oxidants and the diversity of potential starting materials make this modern version of the Skraup reaction superior to most of the conventional quinoline syntheses.

When observing the impact of ICT on education, it's possible to distinguish two main areas of interest: how the ICTs are integrated in the educational strategies by teachers and students and how they are used by the students in activities that interfere with the educational process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the school-related uses, perceptions and representations of ICTs among primary and secondary school educators. More specifically, the research focused on the differences in ICT usage among the educators and their opinions on how ICTs are employed by the students, and what is the diffusion of problems connected with ICT misuse among their students. A sample of 796 educators from all over Italy answered to an online questionnaire composed of three parts, assessing their ICT skills, their perception of ICT use in school and their perception of the risks connected with ICT use. Four patterns of ICT use are found among the educators, going from highly skilled users to insecure users. These groups differ in their propensity to using ICTs in their teaching. On the whole, the sample highlighted a request for additional training on ICT use, and a wide diffusion of problems such as Internet addiction or cyberbullying in all the school levels, primary, middle and upper-school.

We present a micro-integrated extended cavity diode laser module for experiments on rubidium Bose–Einstein condensates and atom interferometry at 780.24 nm onboard a sounding rocket. The micro-integration concept is optimized for space application. The laser chip, micro-lenses, a volume holographic Bragg grating, micro-temperature sensors and a micro-thermoelectric cooler are integrated on an aluminium nitride ceramic micro-optical bench with a foot print of only 50 × 10 mm2. Moveable parts are omitted to allow for a very compact and robust design. The laser module provides an output power of more than 120 mW at a short term (170 μs) linewidth of 54 kHz, both full-width-at-half-maximum. The laser can be coarsely tuned by 44 GHz with a continuous tuning range of 31 GHz. The micro-integration technology presented here can be transferred to other wavelengths.

In light of the growing scarcity of petroleum-based raw materials, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is becoming increasing attractive as organic carbon source. In this perspective, formic acid (HCOOH) might be an interesting bio-renewable solution to store, transport, and activate carbon dioxide for the synthesis of value-added chemicals. Herein, HCOOH has been successfully used as C1 building block for the synthesis of a library of alcohols via a catalysed oxo-synthesis, under green experimental conditions.

The water gas shift reaction (WGSR) is an attractive process for enhancing the conversion of syngas carbon monoxide contents into carbon dioxide and hydrogen by means of steam in medium- and small-scale coal gasification power plants integrated with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies. Fixed bed gasifiers, in fact, may become an interesting solution for medium- and small-scale applications in distributed power generation, although a syngas with a low LHV (about 6–7 MJ/kg), high N 2 (40–45%) and low H 2 content, is generated when air is used, as usual, as oxidant. Syngas LHV can be enhanced by using oxygen (or oxygen enriched air) instead of air. However, when oxygen is used an appropriate amount of diluent agent as additional steam, recirculated syngas or CO 2 is fed into the gasifier to control gasification temperature. In the case of syngas recirculation, the gasification process produces a syngas characterized by a high CO 2 content, suitable for a more efficient separation. This paper concerns the experimental investigation and numerical simulation of carbon monoxide conversion and hydrogen generation from WGSR, when high CO 2 content operating mixtures are considered. A baseline mixture was assumed that simulates the fuel gas produced by coal gasification in a small-scale air-blown updraft gasifier. During the experiments the fraction of N 2 in the baseline mixture was gradually replaced with increasing CO 2 fraction in order to investigate its effects of CO 2 concentration on reaction and catalysts performances. An experimental apparatus, designed and built at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Cagliari (DIMECA), was used to investigate the main performance of WGSR, using high CO 2 -content operating mixtures and different catalyst types (Fe/Cr or Pt/Al for high temperature and Cu/Zn or Pt/Al for low temperature), and varying fundamental parameters, such as residence time of reactants in the catalyst bed, reaction temperature and H 2 O/CO ratio. The experimental results are supported by an in-depth numerical analysis. Numerical simulations were carried out using zero-dimensional (CSTR-based equilibrium model), one-dimensional (PFR-based) and CFD two-dimensional computational models to characterize the spatial and time-dependent behavior of the process.

The present research aims to address the differences and similarities between the cyber bullying experiences of Italian and Turkish university students. In order to collect comparable data, a quantitative questionnaire has been created and submitted to a sample of 215 Italian (77 male, 138 female) and 122 Turkish (44 male, 76 female, 2 unknown) university students. Descriptive analysis was conducted to illustrate the pattern of information and communication technology (ICT) usage and cyber bullying/victimization experiences among Turkish and Italian university students. The results show similar overall trends in Internet use, cyber bullying and cyber victimization experiences of the two samples while in-depth analysis underline differences in specific behaviors.

The present research investigates the role of the perception of the environment as a determining factor in choosing a conflict management technique. The study was conducted on a sample of 485 secondary school students involved in conflict management training. The proposed educational intervention intended to promote an increased awareness on the cognitive, emotional and social dynamics that characterize the conflict and allow a better understanding of the environment. The intervention facilitated a positive reading of the episodes of conflict, providing advanced instruments for their resolution and stronger motivation to apply them. In fact, the results of the research show that the students with the most positive perception of their schoolmates are also those more willing to adopt constructive conflict management strategies.

The hybrid process of seawater desalting couples the reverse osmosis with the multi-stage flash process. The hybrid process is usually planned to improve the performance of MSF and reduce the cost of desalted water. Most of the studies on these plants refer to the parameters (both technical and economical) that have been obtained in the countries where desalination processes are in common use. In general, these are also the countries where low cost energy is more available. That is why these results can hardly be compared to those of countries having limited energy resources. Our aim in this paper is to compare the costs to be calculated for a hybrid desalination system in the two situations cited. Our objective is to study the system in order to calculate the minimum water production cost as a function of the main parameters of the MSF section. Calculations are carried out using two different values of the energy cost (fuel and electric energy) as well as for two different flow rates of the desalted water produced by the plant. Therefore, our calculations allow us to compare the production cost of desalinated water in a country with large amounts of energy resources (for example an Opec country) with that of a non-Opec country.

As part of an innovation project for the public schools of an Italian municipality, the whole body of teachers was enrolled in a training course on the use of ICT in didactic. Before the training, data on ICT expertise, attitude towards teaching and attitude towards training on the use of ICT were collected, to identify factors facilitating and preventing a successful exit of the training, in order to better customize it. A total of 456 questionnaires were analyzed. The interviewed showed an average level of ICT competence, but relevant gaps on some useful teaching tool. Teachers expressed a good inclination towards the more creative aspects of their profession, an element evaluated as congruent with the adoption of more student-centered pedagogical practice, but conflicting attitudes were expressed on the whole idea of entering a training process. Results suggest that an effective training program needs to address the change of pedagogical approach adopted from the teachers, the use of online communication tools and spaces as well as educational apps and tool and the reinforcement of a virtuous circle of feedback reception from the students that contribute to motivate the teachers actively involved in the process of change.

In this work, we studied the SO2 absorption with suspensions of Bayer red mud (the solid residue of the Bayer process for alumina production from bauxite) using a laboratory-scale bubbling reactor with continuous feed of both gas and liquid phases. A few preliminary tests were carried out in order to calculate the physical mass transfer coefficients in both the gas and liquid sides. Then, the ability of red mud suspensions for sulfur dioxide absorption was studied at several different flow rates of both the liquid and gas streams. The absorption rate was measured for four different suspension concentrations. The absorption phenomena were modeled using the film theory and assuming two different fluid dynamics for the gas phase. The liquid-side mass transfer coefficient and the enhancement factor for chemical absorption were calculated from the experimental results using the model.

By analysing a field research carried out between 2014 and 2015, this paper examines the situation of ICT use in primary and secondary schools in the Municipality of Cinisello Balsamo located just north of Milan. The primary aim was to look at the relationship between technology and learning, in particular between teachers’ willingness to learn and then concretely adopt the use of technological devices in the classroom; their degree of sensitivity towards ICT and the relative employment of it as an "end-tool” for knowledge acquisition. We have also looked at the amount of time that teachers are genuinely willing to dedicate to training or self-learning amidst the myriad of training opportunities they are offered. Lastly we considered whether there was a reprocessing of experiences and personal habits, bearing in mind the extensive presence of ICT tools in everyday life.

Antibiotics commonly used in the treatment of pigs - amoxicillin trihydrate, oxytetracycline hydrochloride and thiamphenicol were added at different concentrations to aliquots of pig waste slurry plus anaerobic sludge in serum bottles. The biogas production and methane concentration in the headspace were monitored to determine the effect of the antibiotics on the anaerobic process. With thiamphenicol significant differences in methane production were found for concentrations of 80 and 160 mg l(-1) slurry. Compared to the control, only minor differences in methane production were noted in the bottles to which amoxicillin (60 and 120 mg l(-1)) had been added. Methane production was about the same for the bottles with different oxytetracycline concentrations (125 and 250 mg l(-1)) and for the control.

A microwave-promoted and Ru-catalyzed procedure is developed to couple two different primary alcohols of type (I) and (II) to yield α,β-unsaturated aldehydes.

An efficient one-pot ruthenium-catalyzed hydrogen-transfer strategy for a direct access to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes has been developed. The employment of enolates prepared in situ from alcohols avoided handling unstable aldehydes and provided a very appealing route to different cinnamaldehydes substituted in position 2. A silica-grafted amine was used as phase-switch tag leading to a selective one-pot process in favor of cross-dehydrogenative coupling products.

Several different linear and branched aliphatic primary amines are oxidized with reusable palladium on charcoal to the corresponding primary imines entrapped as arylhydrazones that can be isolated as such.

Ignitor is a proposed compact high-magnetic field tokamak aimed at studying plasma burning conditions in deuterium–tritium plasmas. A design revision of the ignitor project lead to the substitution of the graphite tiles with molybdenum ones. The consequences of this substitution from the radiological risk and environmental impact viewpoints are examined, applying a computational model for tritium inventory estimate and for activation calculation. It turns out that the global tritium inventory in the machine is almost halved by this design modification, due to a practically negligible tritium inventory in Mo. Activation of Mo is higher that that of C, however, it remains moderate. Because of this, some of the most relevant accidental sequences see a reduction of releases and of doses to public, due to radioactive source terms reduction. Graphite substitution with Mo in the first wall has therefore a global positive effect on the machine radiological safety.

We report the finding of three anostracan species, Chirocephalus skorikowi Daday, 1913, Branchinecta orientalis Sars, 1901 and Branchinella spinosa. Milne-Edwards, 1840 in different localities in northwestern Iran. C. skorikowi was recorded in a lake at an elevation of 2400 m, whereas B. orientalis was found in a pond at 1280 m a.s.l. Co-existing B. spinosa and B. orientalis were collected in a pool close to the town of Tabriz, formerly indicated by Brehm (1954) as Estakr Chah, presently named EalGoli. Unlike Brehm (1954), we did not find Streptocephalus in the area of Tabriz.

A survey of temporary freshwaters in the Republic of Belarus revealed the presence of two anostracan species (Chirocephalus josephinae and Drepanosurus hankoi). The two species co-occur in a majority of pools. Their life cycle partly overlaps, with D. hankoi the first to disappear. Morphological variability in Bielorussian populations is briefly discussed and compared with existing information. Two further species were found in Museum collections (Chirocephalus shadini and Streptocephalus torvicornis).

Resumen tomado de la publicación La difusión de las TIC entre la juventud conlleva la aparición de nuevas tipologías de problemas en las clases de todos los niveles de escuelas. Cada vez más los profesores tienen que enfrentarse a nuevos retos relacionados con el mal uso de las tecnologías que sus estudiantes llevan al aula. Se analizan las experiencias que los docentes han tenido con problemas relacionados con las TIC. Se redactó y se suministró on-line un cuestionario anónimo a una muestra de 1.034 profesoras y profesores de escuelas primarias y secundarias. La participación fue anónima y voluntaria. La mitad de los encuestados afirma haber sido testigo de algún problema relacionado con las TIC entre los estudiantes: desde el ciberacoso a un uso excesivo, desde sexting a conductas peligrosas, como encuentros en persona con adultos conocidos por la red. En la mayoría de los casos la escuela estaba directamente involucrada en la solución delos problemas, solo en raras ocasiones fue necesaria la intervención de la policía. Los entrevistados apoyaban fuertemente la idea de que la escuela puede y debe desarrollar un papel crucial en la educación al uso de las TIC entre sus estudiantes. Estos datos sugieren claramente que los docentes de todos los niveles, tanto del entorno urbano como del rural, están ya afrontando una amplia gama de problemas relacionados con la difusión de las TIC en las aulas. Los problemas empiezan en la escuela primaria, y parecen estallar en la ESO. Las importantes conclusiones de estos datos son que los programas educativos y de prevención deberían empezar en los inicios de las etapas escolares. La enseñanza, con la necesaria y solicitada formación y apoyo, demuestra una actitud positiva para asumir un papel activo en la formación sobre un uso correcto y seguro de las TIC. Madrid (Comunidad Autónoma). Subdirección General de Formación del Profesorado. CRIF Las Acacias; Calle General Ricardos 179; 28025 Madrid; Tel. +34915250893; Fax +34914660991; SRPPIDE@madrid.org ESP

We present first results on the spectroscopy of the 1S0 → 3P0 transition at 578nm in a transportable 171Yb optical lattice clock. With the Yb atoms confined in a one-dimensional optical lattice, we have observed linewidths below 200 Hz, limited by saturation broadening. Currently the system is being upgraded towards full clock operation and use of more compact and robust subsystems.

A new version of the Fischer indole synthesis is presented which uses primary and secondary alcohols instead of aldehydes.

Cyberbullying is a recognized and growing Internet phenomena. Although the body of research on this subject is rapidly expanding, most of the research has focused on the experiences of adolescents in industrialized nations, like Western Europe or Anglo-Saxon countries. But are the youth of developing countries exposed to the same risks? To address this question, this paper presents part of the results of a larger research project, and focuses on the occurrence of cyberbullying among Colombian high-school students. Data was collected on a sample of 359 respondents, 64.1% male and 35.9% female, between 13 and 19 years of age, using a pen and paper questionnaire. The analysis shows that episodes of cyberbullying are quite widespread among the sample group, as more than 60% of the sample group had been involved (as a victim or as a bully) in at least 2 episodes in the six months previous the research. Differences among sexes are analysed, but no significant result is shown. In conclusion, this study strongly suggests the necessity of deeper and wider investigation of cyberbullying among both boys and girls of the so called “developing countries”, as the diffusion of the phenomena seems to affect the youth of these countries too.

In a new version of the Fischer indole synthesis, primary and secondary alcohols have been catalytically oxidized in the presence of phenylhydrazines and protic or Lewis acids to give the corresponding indoles. The overall reaction can be accomplished in one step, and the use of alcohols instead of aldehyes or ketones as starting materials has several advantages in terms of a large selection of reagents, easy handling, and safety of the process.

The use of ultra-precise optical clocks in space ("master clocks") will allow for a range of new applications in the fields of fundamental physics (tests of Einstein's theory of General Relativity, time and frequency metrology by means of the comparison of distant terrestrial clocks), geophysics (mapping of the gravitational potential of Earth), and astronomy (providing local oscillators for radio ranging and interferometry in space). Within the ELIPS-3 program of ESA, the "Space Optical Clocks" (SOC) project aims to install and to operate an optical lattice clock on the ISS towards the end of this decade, as a natural follow-on to the ACES mission, improving its performance by at least one order of magnitude. The payload is planned to include an optical lattice clock, as well as a frequency comb, a microwave link, and an optical link for comparisons of the ISS clock with ground clocks located in several countries and continents. Undertaking a necessary step towards optical clocks in space, the EU-FP7-SPACE-2010-1 project no. 263500 (SOC2) (2011-2015) aims at two "engineering confidence", accurate transportable lattice optical clock demonstrators having relative frequency instability below 1\times10^-15 at 1 s integration time and relative inaccuracy below 5\times10^-17. This goal performance is about 2 and 1 orders better in instability and inaccuracy, respectively, than today's best transportable clocks. The devices will be based on trapped neutral ytterbium and strontium atoms. One device will be a breadboard. The two systems will be validated in laboratory environments and their performance will be established by comparison with laboratory optical clocks and primary frequency standards. In this paper we present the project and the results achieved during the first year., Contribution to European Frequency and Time Forum 2012, Gothenburg, Sweden

The kinetic behaviour of an aerobic mixed culture was studied in a well-stirred reactor at various dilution rates with phenol as the sole carbon source and limiting factor. In the range of dilution rates investigated (up to 0.51 h−1), biomass washout from the reactor was not observed. Analysis of steady-state data using the inhibitory kinetic parameters obtained in a previous batch growth study gave a very poor prediction of the reactor's performance. Since microbial growth occurred on the reactor walls, the experimental data were analysed using two steady-state equations (one with Monod, the other with Haldane growth kinetics) together with the Topiwala-Hamer model to describe the wall attachment. The mathematical model using Monod kinetics gave a good fit to the experimental data and the values of the kinetic parameters obtained using this model were as follows: maximum specific growth rate, 0.340 h−1; saturation constant, 1.61 mg l−1; wall growth constant, 2.84 mg l−1. Furthermore, the yield and maintenance coefficients were calculated to be 0.47 mg mg−1 and 0.007 mg mg−1 h−1 respectively.

The kinetics of gas hydrogen chloride removal with limestone was studied in a differential fixed-bed reactor. The reagent gas was a mixture that had a composition comparable to that of flue gas. The influence of certain parameters was investigated (exposure time, temperature and particle size). Temperatures in the range 300–600°C and particle sizes in the range 46.5–190 μm were studied with exposure times up to 2400 s. The experimental results obtained were interpreted by means of the grain model (porous particles) or the unreacted-core-shrinking model (less porous particles). The chemical kinetic constant and the solid diffusivity were calculated for both models at each temperature.

Compact, single-mode, narrow linewidth, and continuously tuneable diode lasers find important application in optical metrology and atomic physics [1]. Currently, activities are moving towards carrying out quantum optics precision experiments under zero-gravity conditions [2] of a drop tower or in space. These experiments require lasers that meet the spectroscopic needs but simultaneously can operate reliably under the harsh conditions of a deployment in space.

We present a micro-integrated, high power, narrow linewidth extended cavity diode laser (ECDL) for precision quantum optics experiments at 780 nm onboard a sounding rocket. Although micro-integrated ECDL is based on a Littrow configuration, it features an excellent mechanical stability because any moveable parts were omitted. It provides an overall tuneability of 40 GHz and a continuous tuneability of 4 GHz. We have demonstrated a maximum output power of more than 120 mW, an intrinsic linewidth of approximately 3.6 kHz full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) at an output power of 62 mW and less than 50 kHz FWHM short term (10 µs) linewidth including technical noise. An upgraded version will provide an overall tuneability of 100 GHz and continous tuneability in excess of 20 GHz.

The kinetics of the reaction between CaO and HCL in a gas stream simulating flue gas was studied in a differential fixed bed reactor. Attention was focused on the influence of certain parameters (exposure time, temperature and particle size). Temperatures in the range 200–600°C and particle sizes in the range 0.188–0.925 mm were investigated with exposure times up to 1200 s. The experimental results obtained were interpreted by means of the grain model. The kinetic constant and solid diffusivity were calculated at each temperature

Interaction of tonic labyrinth and neck reflexes was studied in 3 healthy volunteers by analyzing changes in Soleus H-Reflex (SHR) area in relation to both lateral tiltings and neck rotations. By using a Kermath chair each subject was tilted laterally from the vertical to the left and to the right up 15 degrees in steps of 5 degrees and at the same time the longitudinal body axis, keeping the head fixed, was rotated to the right and to the left up to 15 degrees in steps of 5 degrees. All combinations of lateral tiltings and neck rotations were tested. Each test position was followed by a return to 0 degree for both rotation and tilting (control position). Twelve H-reflexes of right soleus muscle were recorded in each test and control position and the changes in RSHR area were expressed as percentage variations from the mean value absorbed in the pretest and post-test control position. Our data indicate that in man, as in animals, labyrinth and neck reflexes act in the opposite direction, and that in the static condition their contribution to postural stabilization is equal.

The kinetics of the reaction between calcium oxide and sulfur dioxide in a gas stream simulating flue gas were studied in a differential, fixed bed rea

Olive mill wastewater contains some phenolic compounds that cause antibacterial activity of a kind that prevents biological treatment without previous dilution. Among these phenolic compounds, p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHB) is considered to be one of the most representative. This work examines the biodegradation of PHB by aerobic microbial mixed cultures previously acclimatized to glucose, which was used as an easily biodegradable model compound. Microbial growth runs were carried out in a batch reactor in the PHB concentration range of 200-1000 mg/L. In all the runs the PHB proved to be completely degradable. The specific growth rates obtained were in the range of 0.16-0.35 l/h. Experimental runs showed that the functional relationship between the specific growth rate and PHB concentration was that proposed by Monod. The kinetic constants of the Monod equation (mu(max) and K(S)) and biomass yield coefficient (Y) were determined experimentally. With the parameter values thus obtained, a mathematical model that also takes account of the duration of the lag phase was employed to describe both the microbial growth and the consumption of PHB. The concentration values of the model fit well with the data obtained experimentally.

As a part of Ogliastra Project we present preliminary data about the first phase of an epidemiological survey led in a geographically, culturally and genetically isolated population of Sardinia. In particular, we focus our study in a region of Eastern-central Sardinia called Ogliastra, whose population has been demographically stable without massive immigration because of geographic barriers. Population structure of Ogliastra consists of 23 small isolated villages, presenting high endogamy and inbreeding. Furthermore, centenarian cultural isolation and conservatism has generated a great deal of homogeneity in life style and eating habits. Our survey took place in Perdasdefogu, an Ogliastra village of about 2400 inhabitants. Study design is a cross sectional survey aimed at determining prevalence of diseases presenting familial aggregation. Enrollment in the study is based on voluntary participation of the population who gave informed consent. Almost 1400 people, ranging from age 3 to 97 years, underwent an extensive evaluation comprehensive of blood sample tests, anthropometrical and blood pressure measurements, a structured interview to collect socio-demographic data, living habits, exposure to most common risk factors, medical and medication history, information about familial disorders and a physical examination. Clinics for examining people and collecting and analyzing blood samples are all located at the same center in Perdasdefogu. Our physicians examined all people participating in the study and they entered all data on PCs using an electronic medical record based on the structured interview drawn up by the study group. Such an electronic medical record is made of several modules allowing consultation of a pharmacological archive in order to correctly enter medicines taken by patients , consultation of the ICD IX for the correct pathological classification and of an anatomic and semeiotic archive in order to better define the physical examination. The common purpose of every module is to obtain standardized information. All collected data are then automatically transferred to a central database located in Cagliari where they are added to the genealogical and genetic information in order to be available, to authorized personnel, for statistical analysis. Preliminary results will be presented.

Oral mucositis is a common side effect of chemotherapy, with a multifactorial etiology: the direct toxicity of cancer therapy on the normal cells, reduced immunitary defences, presence of bacteria in the oral cavity. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical effectiveness of a preventive protocol of oral mucositis and periodontopathy during antineoplastic chemotherapy.The design of the study was a longitudinal evaluation of 30 patients undergoing antineoplastic chemotherapy at the out-patients Department of Oncology of the University of Sassari. The study lasted one year and was carried out at the Dentistry Department of the University of Sassari. The patients were motivated to home oral hygiene, underwent professional oral hygiene and clorexidine rinses were prescribed. Visible plaque index (VPI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were taken from each patient as periodontal indices, and the state of the mucosa was evaluated according to the WHO recommendations (1975). The control group was composed by 33 patients.The values of the bleeding and plaque indices were considerably diminished between the first and the last visit, in nearly all the patients; the incidence of oral mucositis in the treated group was 20%, while in the control group it was 66%. 5-fluoruracil was always involved.According to the results observed, the conclusion is drawn that the professional and home oral hygiene and the use of clorexidine, can reduce the incidence of oral mucositis as a side effect of antineoplastic chemotherapy.

To assess the current practice of pharmacological sedation and analgesia in patients admitted in Italian intensive care units.observational, prospective, cohort study, involving all patients admitted during a one-month period to participating Centers in 1994. All patients were followed-up for vital status until discharge and evaluated for pharmacological sedation and analgesia for the first week of ICU stay.128 Italian, adult, general, intensive care units, approximately representing 1/3 of all Italian Units.2932 patients were analyzed. They generated 22612 patient-days of intensive care unit stay, 11221 of which were evaluated.A total of 31 different sedative drugs were used in 1751 patients. On 64% of sedated days only one drug was utilized, whereas two or more drugs were administered in the remaining days. Propofol was the most widely prescribed drug, followed by fentanyl and diazepam, while morphine accounted for 14.8% of sedated days. The analysis of the pattern of sedation over time revealed a trend to linearly reduce the use of this practice.Our results depict a relatively low prevalence of sedation in Italy, with the use of large number of different agents. We also observed a larger than expected use of some drugs, like propofol and fentanyl, that could be due to the unavailability of new sedative and analgesic drugs in Italy on 1994. In conclusion, Italian intensivists seem to be very conservative about the practice of pharmacological sedation in critically ill patients.

Aim To assess whether under-use of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) affects patient outcome. Patients and Methods A prospective observational study was performed following up a cohort of patients, candidates for a revascularization procedure (either CABG or PTCA) after an index angiogram. A total of 1258 patients, candidates—according to explicit criteria—for either CABG or PTCA entered the study enrolled by 16 hospitals located in a Northern Italian region (Lombardia). Information on demographic and clinical characteristics, type of care received (i.e. CABG or PTCA performed Yes/No) and vital status was obtained from revascularization laboratories, patients' hospital medical records and local census offices of the town of patients' residence. The main outcome measure was total unadjusted and adjusted mortality at a minimum follow-up of 9 months after the index cardiac angiogram. Results Patients who received CABG or PTCA (n=863) had lower mortality than those who did not (n=350) (4·8% vs 10·6%, P =0·001). This held true after adjustment for relevant risk factors between the two groups such as extent of coronary artery disease, clinical symptoms, and cardiac surgical risk index (adjusted odds ratio=0·48; 95% confidence intervals=0·30–0·77) and after performing a survival analysis (adjusted hazard ratio=0·31; 95% confidence intervals=0·19–0·50). Conclusions Failure to perform a revascularization procedure when it was indicated led, in this study, to a significantly increased mortality showing that under-use of effective procedures may represent a significant quality of care problem even in areas where health care systems are well developed. Although the study was not specifically designed to identify determinants of under-use (i.e. reduced capacity leading to waiting lists, physicians' competence or patients' refusal to undergo a recommended procedure) our data suggest that limited capacity could have been the most important reason. Our findings also provide further evidence of the validity of the RAND method to assess the impact of under-use of coronary revascularization procedures.