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The Nuances of a Myth. On Henze’s Interest in the Figure of Orpheus
No full textHans Werner Henze’s copious output offers a fertile ground to investigate encrypted queer meanings. Although Henze spoke openly about the relationship between his homosexuality and his work during an interview in 1991, the musicological literature devoted to gender and sexuality issues in his output has developed only over the past decade. There are therefore plenty of opportunities for further research in this area. Two works separated in time by 27 years, namely the opera «Boulevard Solitude» (1952) and the ballet «Orpheus» (1979), lend themselves particularly well to investigating Henze’s purpose in encrypting the theme of homosexuality. The aim of this paper is to show the connection between the homosexual themes of the Orpheus myth and several dramaturgical elements of the two works. The analysis shows that investigating Henze’s output through a queer lens can bring to light dramaturgical aspects that open new perspectives on his music
Impaired calcium oscillations and PLCζ dysfunction as key contributors to the low efficiency of ICSI and artificial activation in sheep
No full textIntracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is less effective in ovine oocytes than in vitro fertilization (IVF), but the reasons remain unclear. Calcium oscillations, driven by phospholipase C zeta 1 (PLCζ1), are critical for fertilization success. This study evaluated Ca2+ wave dynamics in ovine oocytes matured in vitro and fertilized via IVF or ICSI. Metaphase II oocytes were fertilized by IVF (n = 140) or ICSI (n = 105) using frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa. Calcium oscillations were monitored by time-lapse microscopy with Fluo-4 pentapotassium salt, and PLCζ1 expression/localization was analysed via immunofluorescence. IVF-fertilized oocytes exhibited prolonged Ca2+ oscillations lasting up to 16 h, with peaks persisting during pronuclear formation. ICSI-fertilized oocytes showed restricted Ca2+ responses, with peaks limited to the first 4 h. In frozen-thawed sperm, PLCζ1 was mainly in the acrosomal region but relocated to the subequatorial region after ionomycin-induced acrosome reaction, mimicking IVF conditions. In contrast, in PVP-treated sperm used for ICSI, PLCζ1 mislocalized or was depleted, likely due to premature acrosome loss. These findings indicate that abnormal Ca2+ responses underlie ICSI's poor performance in ovine oocytes. Our preliminary results suggest that PLCζ1 mislocalization in sperm during ICSI could impair Ca2+ signalling. This study, the first to describe Ca2+ patterns in sheep oocytes fertilized via IVF, highlights key fertilization failure mechanisms in ICSI and underscores the need to optimize reproductive biotechnologies in farm animals
Model Driven Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and DevOps for Software and Systems Engineering: A Systematic Mapping Study of Synergies and Challenges
No full textProtamine sequence determines species-specific nuclear shape and histone retention
No full textThe nuclear shape observed after the forced expression of mouse or human protamine 1 (PRM1) in fibroblasts led us to propose the hypothesis that the PRM1 sequence plays an important role in imposing the overall shape of the protaminized nucleus. Comparison of mouse and human PRM1 sequences pointed to cysteines 15 and 29 as potential critical residues in the mouse PRM1 sequence, inducing the characteristic mouse “hooked” nuclear sperm shape. To explore this idea, mice with mutations in PRM1 Cys15 and Cys29 were generated. These mice remained fertile with no significant changes in sperm count or protamine expression levels. However, modifications in sperm head shape were observed. Transmission electron microscopy revealed disrupted chromatin condensation in mutant sperm, with several morphological changes and a remarkable increase in histone retention. Overall, the findings suggest that species-specific PRM1 cysteine residue positions are crucial for nuclear shape determination and histone retention in spermatozoa
Stati di emergenza e tenuta degli ordinamenti democratici. La giurisprudenza della "Cour constitutionnelle" belga sulla legislazione pandemica
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Effect of Flowering Shading on Grain Yield and Quality of Durum Wheat in a Mediterranean Environment
No full textThe phenomenon known as “dimming” or shading, caused by the increase in aerosols, air pollutants, and population density, is reducing global radiation, including both direct solar radiation and radiation scattered by the atmosphere. This phenomenon poses a significant challenge for agricultural production in many regions worldwide, with a global radiation decrease estimated between 1.4% and 2.7% per decade in areas between 25◦ N and 45◦ N. In particular, in Mediterranean regions, the production of
durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. Durum) is increasingly constrained by abiotic factors, such as spring/summer heat stress and drought, as well as reductions in solar radiation. Field experiments were conducted in Mosciano Sant’Angelo, Italy, over two cropping seasons (2016–2017 and 2017–2018) to evaluate the effects of photosynthetically
active radiation (PAR) availability and nitrogen (N) fertilization on durum wheat. A split-plot design was used with two PAR levels (100% and 20% PAR) and three N rates (0, 100, and 250 kg ha−1). Results highlighted that full sunlight (NoSh) significantly increased grain yield (+25%), thousand kernel weight (+46%), and total gluten fractions (+16%) compared to shaded conditions (Sh). Chlorophyll content and NDVI values were
highest under Sh combined with 250 kg N ha−1. Rainfall patterns strongly influenced productivity, with better vegetative growth in 2016–2017 and improved grain filling in 2017–2018. Nitrogen application significantly enhanced grain protein content, particularly under arid conditions. These findings emphasize the interaction between light availability and nitrogen management, suggesting that optimizing these factors can improve yield and quality in durum wheat under Mediterranean conditions
L’ultima guerra “stellare”: brevi cenni sul rischio di confusione tra marchi del settore calzaturiero
No full textLa Corte di cassazione è tornata ad esprimersi in materia di segni distintivi e in particolare sulla potenziale interferenza tra un marchio figurativo applicato sulla tomaia di alcuni modelli di sneakers e un segno simile utilizzato come decorazione nella medesima posizione. Il commento, dopo aver analizzato la categoria dei marchi di posizione, evidenzia i punti rilevanti della decisione e propone un breve confronto con casi simili nel panorama nazionale ed europeo.The Supreme Court of Cassation has once again addressed the issue of distinctive signs, focusing in particular on the potential interference between a figurative mark applied to certain sneakers and a similar sign used as decoration in the same position. This commentary, examines the category of position marks, highlights the key points of the decision, and offers a brief comparison with similar cases in Italian and European jurisprudence
Cybersecurity in France, Poland and Italy
No full textPresently, cyberspace dominates private lives and is extensively used for business activities, including providing services and implementing public tasks. It facilitates conducting various activities, both public and non-public, reducing costs as well as increasing accessibility. Cyberspace also enables faster communication. Therefore, its importance can hardly be overestimated. However, with the development of new technologies and the widespread use of the Internet, cyberthreats are intensifying. Measures to combat them should be vital parts of any entrepreneur’s or web user’s activities, and public policies at the central, local and regional levels. Through adequate cybersecurity management using cyberspace can be optimised and the threats it poses countered