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Bovine coronavirus presence in domestic bovine and antelopes sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from Namibia
No full textBackgroundBovine coronavirus (BoCV) causes significant economic losses to cattle farming due to mortality in calves, reduced growth performances and milk production in feedlots and dairy cattle. Worldwide distribution of BoCV has been demonstrated, although knowledge of its epidemiology in Africa, especially in the sub-Saharan region, is limited.ResultsIn the present study, a total of 208 swab samples of wild ruminants and 435 bovines from different regions of Namibia were obtained and tested by a BoCV-specific qRT-PCR. Twenty-six bovine samples tested positive [26/435 (5.98%; 95CI: 3.94-8.64%)] while, among the wild ruminants, only Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) were shown to be positive [13/52 (25.00%; 95CI: 14.03-38.95%)] of which 8 showed clinical signs. Analysis of partial nucleoprotein and spike protein gene sequences and comparison with international reference sequences demonstrated the existence of a unique Namibian clade, resulting from a single introduction event around 2010 followed by local evolution. Although the introduction source remains unknown, contact between bovine and wild animals appears likely.ConclusionsThe present study represents the first report of BoCV circulation in southern Africa, which showed a relatively high frequency and the ability of persisting and evolving locally in the absence of further foreign introductions. The implications for disease spread among domestic bovines and the potential impact on wildlife should encourage broader investigations on BoCV involving other African countries. Moreover, the Greater Kudu's susceptibility to BoCV infection was also proven, further highlighting the host plasticity of this virus
Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption, Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Sociodemographic Correlates in an Italian Adult Population: The UFO Survey
No full textLa confisca del profitto al vaglio delle Sezioni Unite: verso nuovi equilibri applicativi
No full textLa sentenza della Cassazione penale n. 13783/2025 in esame si segnala all’attenzione dell’interprete non come ‘‘una delle tante’’ rese fin qui dalle Sezioni Unite in materia, quanto, piuttosto, come una decisione che, muovendo da un quesito specifico
(la ripartizione del profitto illecito nel concorso di persone nel reato), coglie l’occasione per estendere lo spettro di osservazione critica a territori più vasti e ad angoli rimasti ancora in penombra nell’economia dell’istituto ablativo: dalla natura delle forme di
confisca alla collocazione della confisca del denaro tra misura diretta e per equivalente. L’obiettivo ‘‘ultimo’’ delle Sezioni Unite è tentare di sciogliere tali nodi gordiani – che non di rado aggrovigliano la fluida interpretazione e applicazione della misura patrimoniale – lasciando registrare ora soluzioni innovative ora qualche insufficienza, come si dirà meglio nel corso del presente commento
Il Pinocchio di Paolo Fabbri
No full textPaolo Fabbri has dealt with Pinocchio over the years on several occasions, showing a passion for Collodi’s puppet that bordered on obsession. In this article I try to reconstruct Paolo Fabbri’s studies on Pinocchio, highlighting on the one hand the recurring themes and the main interpretative lines, on the other the tools used and the methodological choices. The survey was also carried out by consulting the materials collected by Fabbri, now preserved at the “Paolo Fabbri” Library in Palermo, in Palazzo Tarallo
C07 | Attività di controllo di parametri igienico-sanitari nella ristorazione collettiva dell’arma dei carabinieri
No full textPurpose. Hygiene and health parameters were monitored at several Carabinieri canteens in central and southern Italy in order to assess the management aspects related to collective catering services. Methods. Between February 2024 and March 2025, 89 food matrices normally served in 23 canteens located in six Italian regions (Abruzzo, Campania, Lazio, Marche, Molise and Puglia) were subjected to qualitative and quantitative microbiological assessments. Food samples (100-150 g) were taken under sterile conditions, transported in a refrigerated state and analysed within a maximum of six hours of collection. For each sample, the following were assessed: total mesophilic count (TMC) (ISO 4833-1:2013/AMD-1:2022), and, using qualitative and quantitative detection methods, pathogens such as: Listeria monocytogenes (ISO 11290-1/2:2017), Escherichia coli O157 (ISO 16654:2017) and Salmonella spp. (ISO 6579-1/2:2020). Suspicious colonies were identified biochemically using the Vitek 2 automated micro-method system (bioMérieux, Paris, France) and subsequently subjected to biomolecular confirmation (end-point uniplex or multiplex PCR). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the IBM® SPSS Statistics system. The descriptive part included: calculation of the mean and standard deviations (SD) and assessment of the normality of the data using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Finally, the two-tailed t-test was applied to compare the quantitative microbiological results (dependent variables) for the different canteens tested (independent variables), considering the values obtained to be statistically significant if the p-value was <0.05. Results. The mean CMT value was 2.65 log CFU/g (SD= 1.21); more specifically, the highest [3.22 log CFU/g (SD= 1.36)] was observed in Puglia, while the lowest, 1.74 log CFU/g (SD= 0.63), was observed in Molise. The t-test showed statistically significant differences between the CMT values obtained from the canteens tested in the following regions: Abruzzo-Puglia (p=0.038), Campania-Marche (p<0.001) and Lazio-Campania (p=0.04). No foodstuffs were found to contain Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli or Salmonella spp. From a qualitative point of view, 16 bacterial strains commonly found on human skin, such as Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Pseudomonas spp. and coagulase-negative staphylococci, were identified most frequently in 17.98% of the foods analysed. Conclusions. This work and the data obtained provide a picture of the good hygiene and health status of the Carabinieri canteens in central and southern Italy. However, the identification of bacterial strains of anthropogenic (skin) origin highlights the need for particular attention to be paid to the constant and careful application of good hygiene practices, aimed at ensuring the protection of the health of the military community
AgNO3 catalysed oxidation of aromatic amines in the presence of hydrogen peroxide
No full textAn operationally simple complementary oxidative dimerization of anilines to the corresponding azoxy derivatives by means of AgNO3 catalysis in the presence of H2O2 as the oxidant is described. Unusual activation of C[sbnd]C triple bonds in the presence of AgNO3-H2O2 and amines is expected to facilitate advancements in the applications for silver catalysis in organic synthesis
Effetti immunomodulanti di Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 inattivato termicamente: indagini in vitro
No full textThe present study aimed to evaluate the immunodulatory effects of heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 (HK-L137) on IPEC-J2, and PBMC-derived cells and MARC145. Overall, HK-L137 did not affect cell viability, while it modulated gene expression in both cell types. Notably, HK-L137 drove PBMC-derived macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory functional phenotype, potentially useful in immune defence against pathogenic viruses and bacteria
Insights on the role of performance measurement systems in the digital servitization landscape: a longitudinal case study
No full textPurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of performance measurement systems (PMS) within the context of digital servitization (DS), especially in collaborations involving multiple actors. The paper adopts a bottom-up ecosystem perspective to gain insights into how companies can effectively manage the complexities of digital transformation in the servitization domain.Design/methodology/approachThis research draws upon a longitudinal case study within the wine and spirit supply chain. It focuses on a logistics company, "GR", which has promoted a DS strategy to offer advanced services and enhance the competitiveness of the entire ecosystem.FindingsThe study offers valuable insights into the evolution of PMS roles throughout the DS journey, promoting cooperation, coordination, collaboration and control among ecosystem actors, thereby facilitating the development of a DS strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is focused on a logistics company with unique capabilities and networks. Future research should include a broader range of contexts. Furthermore, our analysis focuses on the initial stages of ecosystem emergence, particularly the initiation and momentum phases. Further research should explore how DS impacts organizations in the following ecosystem phases.Practical implicationsThis research offers valuable insights for managers, particularly in the development of DS strategy. It underscores the significance of PMS as key facilitators in crafting DS strategy and in the broader ecosystem evolution. The findings demonstrate that PMS is instrumental across different phases of the servitization process, improving aspects such as performance monitoring, resource allocation, collaboration and communication. Moreover, this study emphasizes the importance for small and medium-sized enterprises manufacturers and logistics firms to build and nurture collaborative relationships with various supply chain stakeholders to successfully implement a servitization strategy. In the wine industry, embracing a multiactor perspective is crucial. The delivery of advanced services necessitates a wide spectrum of knowledge and skills on one hand, and adaptability and flexibility in developing relationships on the other.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the literature on management accounting by exploring the role of PMS in DS. It reveals that PMS acts as a fundamental enabler, promoting seamless coordination and collaboration among various actors involved in DS. This sheds light on the transformative potential of PMS in creating a collaborative environment, where multiple organizations work together to offer value-added services
Consumers’ perceptions and willingness to pay for a hypothetical microplastics-free labelled bottled water: an empirical study in Italy
No full textThe surge of global plastic production has led to the rise of microplastics that have contaminated primary terrestrial ecosystems and various food sources, including bottled water. This study explores consumers’ perceptions of microplastic contamination in bottled water and assesses their willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical “microplastic-free” label. Data were collected from a sample of 344 Italian consumers using an online questionnaire and analysed with a single-bounded dichotomous choice method to determine respondents’ purchase intentions for a 1.5-litre water bottle with a hypothetical microplastic-free label. Surveyed participants were given the choice between a standard water bottle priced at €0.42 and a water bottle labelled microplastic-free priced randomly between €0.43 and €2.00. A probit model was used to analyse factors that influence the respondents’ WTP. The results of the study indicate that consumers prefer microplastic-free water, which is reflected in their WTP a premium price for such a product. A positive correlation was found between the WTP and the awareness of the microplastic issue, consumers’ pro-environmental attitudes and their concerns about potential negative health effects associated with microplastic ingestion. However, consumers remain price sensitive, and a higher price negatively impacts the WTP. This study contributes to the economic literature by describing implications for marketing strategies, manufacturing practices, and policy design
