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Experimental Analysis on the Effect of Contact Pressure and Activity Level as Influencing Factors in PPG Sensor Performance
No full textPhotoplethysmographic (PPG) sensors are small and cheap wearable sensors which open the possibility of monitoring physiological parameters such as heart rate during normal daily routines, ultimately providing valuable information on health status. Despite their potential and distribution within wearable devices, their accuracy is affected by several influencing parameters, such as contact pressure and physical activity. In this study, the effect of contact pressure (i.e., at 20, 60, and 75 mmHg) and intensity of physical activity (i.e., at 3, 6, and 8 km/h) were evaluated on a sample of 25 subjects using both a reference device (i.e., an electrocardiography-based device) and a PPG sensor applied to the skin with controlled contact pressure values. Results showed differing accuracy and precision when measuring the heart rate at different pressure levels, achieving the best performance at a contact pressure of 60 mmHg, with a mean absolute percentage error of between 3.36% and 6.83% depending on the physical activity levels, and a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of between 0.81 and 0.95. Plus, considering the individual optimal contact pressure, measurement uncertainty significantly decreases at any contact pressure, for instance, decreasing from 15 bpm (at 60 mmHg) to 8 bpm when running at a speed of 6 km/h (coverage factor k = 2). These results may constitute useful information for both users and manufacturers to improve the metrological performance of PPG sensors and expand their use in a clinical context
AHP AND DEA: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO EVALUATING ONLINE REVIEWS
No full textThe use of the Internet and its applications has radically transformed the ways in which
consumers communicate, obtain information and make purchasing decisions. This work
aims to identify innovative solutions to facilitate and make the process of searching and
booking restaurant services by users who use digital platforms more efficient. The main
objective is to analyze the intrinsic complexity of the user’s decision-making process,
highlighting the main critical issues and difficulties with perception and possible
information distortions, in order to design a support tool capable of offering a highly
personalized and high-quality choice experience. The contribution proposes an advanced
decision-making model that integrates the use of two multi-criteria methodologies: the
Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). These
tools make it possible to simultaneously consider a multiplicity of qualitative and
quantitative criteria, configuring an evaluation much more adherent to the real
preferences of users. The combined adoption of these two approaches constitutes a
methodological innovation capable of providing each user with a dynamic, personalized
and efficient search path, significantly improving the quality of decisions and the level of
perceived satisfaction. This model, which overcomes the limitations of traditional
recommendation systems based on simple averages is proposed as a reference tool for the
design of online platforms dedicated to catering, with potential extensions to other
service sectors
Enhancing the Built Environment Resilience: Integrating the MULTICLIMACT CREMA Tool, Sensing and Digital Solutions for Building Protection and Occupants' Well-Being Assessment
No full textAs climate conditions worsen and extreme events become more frequent, it is urgent to design, retrofit, and plan for the built environment resilience to present and future risks. Too often, the built environment is a source of vulnerability rather than a safe heaven. Therefore, mitigation and adaptation strategies must focus on resilience in both the built environment and human well-being. The MULTICLIMACT project (GA n. 101123538) aims to develop a mainstream framework and tool to help public and private stakeholders assess resilience across multiple scales (buildings, urban areas, territories), addressing local natural and climate hazards. It also supports enhancing preparedness and responsiveness throughout the built environment lifecycle, integrating aspects like human wellbeing, health, and quality of life into the analysis. This paper explores the application of MULTICLIMACT strategies through the CREMA tool, focusing on resilience at the building scale, while also considering the broader urban and territorial scales. Key parameters are identified for evaluating the resilience of the building-occupant ecosystem. Integration of CREMA with local data from the Camerino demo site provides insights into resilience performance across different hazard scenarios. This case study highlights the role of integrated tools in supporting adaptive and resilient building design and operations
Genitori zerosei anni e tecnologie tra percezione d’uso e datificazione: i trend nei Rapporti Cisf 2017, 2019, 2022 e 2024
No full textThis study contributes to the ongoing debate on the relationship between digital technologies and early childhood (0-6 years) by analyzing data on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) from the 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2024 reports of the International Family Studies Center (CISF). The dataset, representative of the Italian population based on gender, age, geographical distribution, municipality size, and family structure, was filtered to include only households with at least one child aged 0-6 years. By examining longitudinal trends (2017-2024) in key indicators – namely, the average levels of digital media enjoyment and perceived constraints, the heteronomy index, and the classification of user profiles (marginalized, constrained, adapted, and hybridized) – the study outlines the evolving parental attitudes toward digital technology. Findings indicate a growing inclination toward media enjoyment, often accompanied by a sense of necessity-driven constraint. These trends suggest that the “hybridized family”, characterized by an integration of interpersonal relationships with technology-mediated interactions, is increasingly evolving into a “postdigital family” within a data-driven environment. The second part of the study, leveraging the 2024 CISF dataset on families with at least one child aged 0-6, investigates the extent to which Artificial Intelligence has permeated Italian households. This analysis employs the Artificial Intelligence Homing Index (AIHI), with a focus on voice assistants (smart speakers), home automation, and other Internet of Things applications for domestic use. The findings, together with historical trends in Italian family structures, offer insights for media education research, particularly in relation to the concept of “domestication”
Il Board Observer nella prassi operativa delle società di capitali statunitensi
No full textIl Board Observer è un soggetto nominato dall’assemblea d’una società di capitali, che ha il diritto d’assistere alle adunanze dell’organo d’amministrazione – anche se non è formalmente amministrato- re – senza avere diritto di voto.
La consuetudine di nominare un Board Observer è diffusa in presenza di investitori – in particolare Venture Capital o Private Equity Fund –, che, in forza della loro significativa partecipazione al capitale della società, richiedono un qualche diritto all’interno dell’organo amministrativo, in sostituzione o in aggiunta a quello di nominare un membro dell’organo stesso.
Il Board Observer è una figura sempre più adoperata nell’esperienza delle società di capitali nordame- ricane ma, nonostante la sua potenziale rilevanza, non ha ancora ricevuto alcuna regolamentazione giuridica, nemmeno a livello di soft law.
Il presente lavoro si propone di delineare le caratteristiche basilari della figura del Board Observer, attraverso la determinante ricognizione della prassi contrattuale statunitense, essenziale per un’analisi della principale interpretazione operatane nel sistema giuridico statunitense.The Board Observer is a person appointed by a limited company’s general meeting, who has the right to attend meetings of the board of directors – even if he or she is not formally a director – without hav- ing the right to vote.
The practice of appointing a Board Observer is widespread in the presence of investors – in particular Venture Capital or Private Equity Funds -, who, by virtue of their significant participation in the compa- ny’s capital, require some right within the administration, instead of or in addition to that of appoint- ing a member of the board itself.
The Board Observer is a figure increasingly used in the experience of North American limited corpora- tionsbut, despite its potential relevance, it has not yet received any legal regulation, not even at the level of soft law.
This paper aims to outline the basic characteristics of the figure of the Board Observer, through the decisive survey of the American contractual practice, essential for an analysis of the main interpreta- tion made in the American legal system
Homeownership and Equilibrium Unemployment (Chapter 7)
No full textThis chapter delves into the role of homeownership in the equilibrium unemployment theory studied in Chapter 1. Specifically, this chapter introduces in the so-called Beveridge curve (that determines the unemployment rate), the finding that outright homeowners exert less effort in searching for a job than tenants. Also, this chapter introduces in the so-called Job Creation Condition (which determines the equilibrium value of market tightness), the hypothesis that outright homeowners invest more in human capital, since they are usually wealthier than tenants. Eventually, the “net” effect of homeownership on (un)employment is, a priori, ambiguous and will depend on the strength of the two opposite effects: the “search intensity” effect, and the “labour productivity” effect
COVID-19 infection is a significant risk factor for death in patients presenting with acute cholecystitis: a secondary analysis of the ChoCO-W cohort study
No full textBackground: During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been a surge in cases of acute cholecystitis. The ChoCO-W global prospective study reported a higher incidence of gangrenous cholecystitis and adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Through this secondary analysis of the ChoCO-W study data, we aim to identify significant risk factors for mortality in patients with acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the role of COVID-19 infection in patient outcomes and treatment efficacy." Methods: The ChoCO-W global prospective study reported data from 2546 patients collected at 218 centers from 42 countries admitted with acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic, from October 1, 2020, to October 31, 2021. Sixty-four of them died. Nonparametric statistical univariate analysis was performed to compare patients who died and patients who survived. Significant factors were then entered into a logistic regression model to define factors predicting mortality. Results: The significant independent factors that predicted death in the logistic regression model with were COVID-19 infection (p < 0.001), postoperative complications (p < 0.001), and type (open/laparoscopic) of surgical intervention (p = 0.003). The odds of death increased 5 times with the COVID-19 infection, 6 times in the presence of complications, and it was reduced by 86% with adequate source control. Survivors predominantly underwent urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (52.3% vs. 23.4%). Conclusions: COVID-19 was an independent risk factor for death in patients with acute cholecystitis. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy has emerged as the cornerstone of treatment for hemodynamically stable patients
Indocyanine green fluorescence-guided surgery in the emergency setting: the WSES international consensus position paper
No full textBackground: Decision-making in emergency settings is inherently complex, requiring surgeons to rapidly evaluate various clinical, diagnostic, and environmental factors. The primary objective is to assess a patient's risk for adverse outcomes while balancing diagnoses, management strategies, and available resources. Recently, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has emerged as a valuable tool to enhance surgical vision, demonstrating proven benefits in elective surgeries. Aim: This consensus paper provides evidence-based and expert opinion-based recommendations for the standardized use of ICG fluorescence imaging in emergency settings. Methods: Using the PICO framework, the consensus coordinator identified key research areas, topics, and questions regarding the implementation of ICG fluorescence-guided surgery in emergencies. A systematic literature review was conducted, and evidence was evaluated using the GRADE criteria. A panel of expert surgeons reviewed and refined statements and recommendations through a Delphi consensus process, culminating in final approval. Results: ICG fluorescence imaging, including angiography and cholangiography, improves intraoperative decision-making in emergency surgeries, potentially reducing procedure duration, complications, and hospital stays. Optimal use requires careful consideration of dosage and timing due to limited tissue penetration (5-10 mm) and variable performance in patients with significant inflammation, scarring, or obesity. ICG is contraindicated in patients with known allergies to iodine or iodine-based contrast agents. Successful implementation depends on appropriate training, availability of equipment, and careful patient selection. Conclusions: Advanced technologies and intraoperative navigation techniques, such as ICG fluorescence-guided surgery, should be prioritized in emergency surgery to improve outcomes. This technology exemplifies precision surgery by enhancing minimally invasive approaches and providing superior real-time evaluation of bowel viability and biliary structures-areas traditionally reliant on the surgeon's visual assessment. Its adoption in emergency settings requires proper training, equipment availability, and standardized protocols. Further research is needed to evaluate cost-effectiveness and expand its applications in urgent surgical procedures
Unravelling the small number bias: the role of pseudoneglect and frequency of use in random number generation
No full textWhen asked to produce random numbers individuals generate more small numbers than large ones, a phenomenon known as “Small Number Bias” (SNB; Loetscher & Brugger, 2007). This bias has been associated with a spatial preference known as “pseudoneglect,” where attention is biased towards the left side of the mental number line during numerical processing (Loetscher & Brugger, 2009). Another potential explanation for SNB is the higher frequency of use of small compared to large numbers in daily life (Dehaene & Mehler, 1992). This study aims to determine which of these two explanations better accounts for SNB. Participants were asked to generate random numbers from 1 to 12 while viewing either a regular or an inverted clockface. On a regular clockface smaller numbers are on the right, whereas on an inverted clockface they are on the left. Both theories predict SNB for the inverted clockface. However, for the regular clockface, frequency of use would predict SNB, while pseudoneglect would predict a bias towards larger numbers. Results showed SNB in the inverted clockface condition, but no bias in the regular clockface condition. These findings suggest that SNB arises when pseudoneglect and frequency of use align but is absent when they conflict. Overall, the results indicate that both pseudoneglect and frequency of use contribute to SNB in some degrees
Resilience as a mediator of quality of life in cancer patients in healthcare services
No full textQuality of life is a critical outcome in oncology, influencing treatment adherence and patient satisfaction. Haematology patients face psychological challenges, including emotional distress, depression and PTSD, which can affect their quality of life. Resilience and social support are protective factors that help patients cope with these challenges. This study aimed to assess the psychological adjustment of haematology patients by examining psychological outcomes (PTSD and depression), psychological resources (resilience and perceived social support), and quality of life. It also examined correlations between demographic variables, psychological outcomes and resources to identify predictors of quality of life and whether resilience mediates these effects. A sample of 110 haematology patients from three hospital centers in central/southern Italy participated. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires measuring PTSD, depression, resilience, social support and quality of life. Correlational analyses and hierarchical multiple regression were used to explore the relationships between variables, followed by a mediation analysis to examine the role of resilience. Results indicated that QOL was negatively associated with gender, age, PTSD and depression, but positively associated with resilience. Regression analyses showed that quality of life was significantly predicted by resilience, age, depressive symptoms and gender. The mediation model showed that resilience partially mediated the effects of age, gender and depression on QoL. These findings highlight the protective role of resilience in improving quality of life in haematology patients. Despite limitations related to sample size and the use of self-report questionnaires, this study provides valuable insights into the psychological adjustment of haematology patients and highlights the importance of considering psychological resources in oncology care