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AL+: Extended argumentation logic
No full textThis paper shows how argumentation logic (AL) can be further extended to cover more fully paraconsistent forms of logical reasoning. The extension is based on the notion of non-acceptable, self-defeating arguments as a generalization of the Reductio ad Absurdum principle. In this case, a self-defeating argument is either in conflict with itself or with an argument that is needed for its defense against one of its counter-arguments. In the proposed extended AL, such self-defeating arguments are recognized as arguments that do not need to be explicitly defended against. Hence attacks on other arguments by self-defeating arguments can be ignored, thus extending the possibility of the attacked arguments to be acceptable
Matei Vișniec, specchio d'Europa
No full textEdoardo Giorgi, dottorando in Lingua e Letteratura romena e cultore della materia presso l’Università di Pisa, propone un’analisi di come l’apprezzato drammaturgo Matei Vișniec (1956) si possa collocare all’interno del teatro postdrammatico europeo. Tracciando le caratteristiche principali del retroterra teatrale europeo (molte delle quali rispecchiano le peculiarità autoriali), il fine ultimo è quello di definire chiaramente l’ideologia teatrale di Matei Vișniec all’interno di un triplice contesto, dittatoriale romeno, dell’esilio francese e francofono, e continentale in senso lato
Wireless Salinity Assessment in Liquid Using Auto-tuned RFID Tags
No full textA wireless salinity sensor based on RFID technology is presented. It uses an RFID tag as a transducer and an auto-tunable chip to detect salinity in liquids. Water samples with varying NaCl concentrations are brought into contact with the tag, where changes in salinity alter the sample’s conductivity (σ) and the tag’s capacitance, affecting impedance and power transfer to the chip. The auto-tuned chip compensates for mismatch by switching internal shunt capacitors, whose binary states are backscattered to the reader as a hexadecimal sensor code, indirectly reflecting salinity levels. Circuit modeling and full-wave simulations show that increased salinity results in a lower sensor code. Experimental validation was conducted up to a distance of 1 meter using custom PDMS-based sample holders and saline-soaked paper, confirming effective salinity sensing
A rational choice of technology in a strategic setting
No full textThis research tackles the issue of the rational (endogenous) choice of constant-return-to-scale (CRS) or decreasing-return-to-scale (DRS) technologies in a strategic setting. In this regard, the paper considers a simultaneous-move (Cournot) duopoly showing that the emerging sub-game perfect Nash equilibrium (SPNE) ranges from the prisoner's dilemma to the deadlock, passing through the anti-coordination game. The article also identifies the SPNE's social welfare outcomes, highlighting win-win solutions and policy implications. It finally introduces horizontal product differentiation and considers the technology decision game (TDG) in a Bertrand-rivalry setting, comparing it with the Cournot model. The TDG à la Cournot with iso-elastic demand and the sequential TDG à la Stackelberg are also considered
Damage control surgery in perforated diverticulitis reduces the stoma rate: A multicentre international retrospective cohort study
No full textAim: Perforated diverticulitis of the left colon with peritonitis remains life-threatening. However, the optimal surgical strategy is still under debate. The presented study compares the impact of a routinely applied two-stage damage control strategy (DCS) in perforated purulent or faeculent diverticulitis with currently used non-DCS strategies. Methods: This international multicentre retrospective cohort study was conducted in nine European hospitals. In five hospitals, the therapeutic algorithm covered the routine application of a two-stage DCS as a surgical standard for treating perforated diverticulitis. Four hospitals performed conventional one-stage surgeries and served as controls. The primary outcome was stoma rate at the end of the initial hospital stay. The key secondary outcomes were morbidity and mortality rates. Results: Overall, data from 558 patients were included, 365 of whom were from DCS centres with equally distributed sex. Patients treated in DCS centres were significantly younger (67 ± 14 vs. 70 ± 14, p = 0.007) but showed a higher Mannheim peritonitis index (22.3 ± 7.9 vs. 20.4 ± 8.0, p = 0.008). At discharge, patients treated in DCS hospitals had a significantly lower stoma rate (stoma-free: DCS, 45.6% vs. non-DCS, 20.8%; p = 0.001). Secondary outcome parameters showed no differences between the investigated cohorts, in addition to significantly longer ICU stays (7.28 ± 11.13 vs. 5.15 ± 9.60 days; p < 0.001) and an increased number of surgical interventions during the hospital stay in DCS centres (2.64 ± 1.89 vs. 1.51 ± 1.10; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients treated in DCS hospitals for perforated diverticulitis are significantly more likely to be discharged without a stoma than patients treated in hospitals using the current standard treatment
Governance for Pension Plans' Sustainable Transition: The Moderating Role of Corporate Social Identity
No full textPension plans may either limit their sustainability approach to commercial purposes or adopt governance practices aligned with
sustainability principles, thereby strengthening their Corporate Social Identity (CSI). This paper explores the moderating role
of CSI in the relationship between traditional corporate governance mechanisms and pension plans' sustainable investment
choices. The study covers a representative sample of Italian pension funds, social welfare funds, and individual pension plans.
It employs proprietary survey data collected through ad-hoc questionnaires for the period 2021–2023, combined with detailed
hand-collected information on governance structures and board members' characteristics. The results confirm the main assumptions of the Upper Echelons Theory, showing that directors' demographic and cognitive characteristics significantly shape
the sustainability orientation of pension funds. CSI further amplifies these effects by moderating the relationship between governance attributes and ESG investment choices. The study highlights the role of internal governance mechanisms and organisational culture in the sustainable transition of pension funds and extends the application of the Upper Echelons Theory by
introducing CSI as a complementary governance dimension
Introduction
No full textThe angiogenic process is complex and characterized by the formation of capillary blood vessels in physiological and pathological conditions such as tumors. In this chapter, we provide a brief introduction to the book about the history of angiogenesis and its state-of-the-art overview, with a focus on the discoveries of the past 20 years, including lymphangiogenesis. After an introductory section dealing with historical notes and pioneer approaches, recent concepts and innovative pro- and antiangiogenic therapeutic strategies are reported and commented. Furthermore, a particular attention is paid to the different types of the process, as well as to experimental models. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserve
A novel chemical reaction model for safety analysis of lithium–lead/water interaction in water cooled lithium lead breeding blankets using SIMMER code
No full textMolecular Investigations on Angiogenesis and Oxidative Stress in Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Bucks' Testes Throughout the Reproductive Cycle
No full textAnimals with seasonal reproductive cycles, as the Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), have developed mechanisms to synchronize reproduction with the environmental cycle in order to optimize reproductive success through melatonin. Angiogenesis and oxidative stress are key processes in spermatogenesis, contributing to testicular remodeling and recovery after reproductive effort. This study carried out a gene expression analysis on 18 samples of mature male Roe deer testicles, collected during the local hunting season in pre-rut (N = 9) and post-rut (N = 9) periods. A quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) array targeting 84 genes involved in oxidative stress and 84 in angiogenesis were used, followed by validation through individual qPCR of selected genes and related protein quantification by ELISA assays. Post-rut animals showed upregulation of several antioxidant genes: Peroxiredoxin-4 (PRDX4), Scavenger receptors class A member 3 (SCARA3), Superoxide Dismutase 3 (SOD3). Instead, Leptin (LEP) and Thrombospondin II (THBSII), a known angiogenesis inhibitor, are downregulated. A novel insight is represented by the upregulation of Neuropilin (NRP2) in post-rut period that, given to its posttranscriptional silencing too, needs better investigations. The pleiotropic nature of NRP2, including roles in neurodevelopment, immune modulation, and vascular remodeling, makes this gene an interesting candidate for further study, cause its function in reproductive tissues remains poorly understood
Emerging opportunities in ROP therapy: from inhibiting pathological vessel growth to promoting physiological vascularization
No full text: Despite continuous advances in the care of preterm infants, therapeutic management of ROP has made limited progress in recent years and remains a source of frustration for neonatologists. The current approach largely relies on the spontaneous resolution of the disease, limiting clinical intervention to observation and monitoring, with little capacity to significantly intervene on the pathological progression of retinal vascularization. Similarly, ophthalmologists often adopt a watchful waiting strategy, with invasive treatments reserved only for preventing imminent retinal detachment. As a result, ROP remains an orphan disease in terms of targeted pharmacological therapies that address its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. However, recent years have brought significant advances in understanding the biological mechanisms that regulate retinal vascularization, pointing to the catecholaminergic stimulation of specific β-adrenoceptors (β-ARs). Indeed, after birth, β2-ARs appear to play a predominant role in coupling hypoxia to excessive vascular growth in the proliferative phase of ROP as it occurs in infantile hemangioma in which β2-AR blockade with propranolol, a non-selective β-AR antagonist, is the treatment of choice to prevent chaotic vessel proliferation. In this line, propranolol-based ophthalmic solutions may offer a promising balance of efficacy and safety in ROP. However, preclinical studies have shown that β2-AR blockade with propranolol suppresses pathological vascularization without promoting vessel regrowth in the avascular area. Additional therapeutic opportunities can be provided by our project regarding the role of β3-AR activation in promoting the revascularization of the central retina otherwise vaso-obliterated in response to hyperoxia, through recovered astrocyte template, which is likely to play an important role in vasculature recovery. This possibility paves the way for preventive pharmacological strategies using β3-AR agonists against ROP. It is likely that in the coming years an approach similar to that leading to explore the potential of propranolol in ROP, might be used to extend to preterm infants the results of preclinical studies on the efficacy of β3-AR agonism. In this case, the goal would be to stimulate the physiological process of vascularization rather than to slowing down the progression of ROP