33145 research outputs found
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Life Cycle Assessment di una pompa dosatrice EMEC e supporto allo sviluppo di un nuovo prodotto secondo i criteri di Ecodesign
No full textIl lavoro di ecodesign condotto dallo spin-off di Unicam, EcodesignLab srl, per l'azienda EMEC srl di Rieti, ha riguardato una duplice analisi ambientale a ciclo di vita per due modelli di pompa dosatrice: una dotata di una coppia di motori elettromagnetici e una che lavora con due motori peristaltici. Le due pompe dosatrici hanno la funzione di dosare il PH ed il REDOX all’interno di un circuito idraulico e monitorare il quantitativo di chemicals all’interno di una vasca o piscina. I prodotti sono stati valutati e analizzati secondo la metodologia LCA per comprendere i principali impatti ambientali e individuare le criticità associate al ciclo di vita ("from cradle to use"). Tale attività ha consentito di tracciare una serie di linee guida progettuali per sviluppare e ideare un nuovo prodotto in grado di migliorare le proprie performance tecnico-funzionali riducendo al contempo l’utilizzo delle risorse e le emissioni che gravano sull’ambiente
Laxity index measurement on stress radiographs obtained using the Vezzoni-modified Badertscher distension device technique: repeatability and reproducibility in a large cohort of dogs
No full textIntroduction: The Vezzoni-modified Badertscher distension device (VMBDD)
technique is a radiographic method used to assess hip joint laxity, and it is widely used
across Europe. While the intra-observer and inter-observer variability of the laxity
index (LI) measured on stress radiographs obtained using the VMBDD technique
has been reported, it has never been evaluated in a large cohort of patients. The
study aims to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of the LI measured on stress
radiographs obtained using the VMBDD technique in a large cohort of dogs.
Methods: Stress radiographs obtained using the VMBDD method were analyzed
for medium to large breed dogs, aged between 4.5 and 6 months and presented
between 2021 and 2024 for screening of hip dysplasia. The LI for each hip was
blindly measured by three observers with different levels of experience. Significant
intra- and inter-observer variability was evaluated to assess the repeatability and
reproducibility of the LI, respectively. Statistical testing was performed, and a pvalue
of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Inter-observer and intraobserver
intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were evaluated.
Results: A total of 195 stress radiographs (390 hip joints) were included.
The inter-observer ICC showed moderate agreement (ICC = 0.55, 95% CI
0.50–0.59). Estimated marginal means (EMMeans) indicated that Observer 3
consistently provided higher LI values compared to Observers 1 and 2 across all
time points (e.g., at T1: 0.484 vs. 0.410 and 0.438, p < 0.001 for Observer 1 vs.
Observer 3). The repeatability within each observer was excellent for all three
observers (Observer 1: ICC = 0.94, 95% CI 0.93–0.96; Observer 2: ICC = 0.99,
95% CI 0.99–0.99; Observer 3: ICC = 0.95, 95% CI 0.94–0.96).
Conclusion: In-house evaluation of the LI on stress radiographs obtained using
the VMBDD technique showed that it was a highly repeatable procedure but
a moderate reproducible measurement due to a systematic upward bias by an observer with less experience. Nevertheless, the mean differences could be considered negligible in a clinical setting due to their low impact on the definitive diagnosis
Fecal Glucocorticoid and Androgen Metabolites in Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) Adapting to a New Environment
No full textPianificazione urbanistica a supporto dell'adattamento climatico
No full textL’emergenza climatica è una realtà conclamata. Sebbene la ne-
cessità di quadri conoscitivi sia imprescindibile, il loro supporto alla
pianificazione urbanistica per mitigare gli impatti del cambiamento
climatico e accrescere la resilienza urbana rimane un campo di inda-
gine teorica e disciplinare. La pianificazione tradizionale, operando
nel rispetto delle zone omogenee come definite dal D.M. 1444/1968,
ha perseguito logiche di destinazione d’uso per bilanciare interessi
economici e sociali. Tuttavia, questo approccio mostra i suoi limiti
di fronte alla complessità dei cambiamenti in atto
Inverdimento e paesaggio urbano
No full textIl contributo è parte della pubblicazione finale del ‘Progetto VITALITY – Ecosistema dell’Innovazione (PNRR)’, sviluppato nello Spoke 6 ‘Innovation and safeness in living environments in the digital and green transition era’ e, in particolare, nel WP1 ‘Context: indoor and outdoor at the center of the digital and green transition of living environments’. Il lavoro affronta la sfida centrale di dotare le città di conoscenze e strumenti adeguati per rispondere al cambiamento climatico.
All’interno di questo dibattito complesso, il testo analizza l’integrazione della natura negli insediamenti urbani come strategia centrale per contrastare la crisi ambientale ed esplora l’apporto delle competenze progettuali nelle discipline dell’architettura e del paesaggio. Viene proposto un superamento delle tradizionali soluzioni di retrofit energetico e di greening applicate agli edifici - come nel caso delle pareti e tetti verdi - che tendono a migliorare principalmente le prestazioni dell’involucro edilizio, senza incidere in modo significativo sulle qualità spaziali e relazionali degli ambienti costruiti.
Si introduce invece un innovativo dispositivo spaziale, denominato Green Room, il quale agisce sugli organismi edilizi attraverso un decremento volumetrico associato a un processo di inverdimento. L’azione progettuale sottrattiva della Green Room interessa le unità abitative e si concentra sui bordi dell’oggetto architettonico e sugli spazi comuni, alterando le tradizionali dicotomie interno–esterno, aperto–chiuso, figura–sfondo. Ne deriva una trasformazione rigenerativa che reinterpreta il tipologico e la morfologia urbana e ridefinisce la relazione tra outdoor e indoor.
I benefici e le opportunità già riconosciuti a tetti e pareti verdi sono inclusi nella Green Room, ma gli sviluppi procedurali, normativi, urbani e architettonici risultano ampliati, con rilevanti implicazioni culturali e sociali
INNOVATIVE COMPOSITE FORMULATIONS FOR THERMAL REGULATION: A Synergy of Computational Design and Waste Material Valorisation to Enhance Outdoor Thermal Comfort
No full textThe role of computational design in developing composite materials to mitigate urban heat island (UHI) effects is the main objective of this study. Utilizing the CES GRANTA material selector, the research systematically evaluates various composite formulations that integrate waste materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate(PET), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and Glass into concrete matrices. The methodology comprises four key steps: matrix material selection, particulate definition, simulation for data generation, and comparative analysis of thermal properties. The software facilitates the identification of optimal material compositions by analysing thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and other relevant characteristics.By running simulations based on defined parameters, the software generates updated material properties, allowing for thorough comparisons between newly designed composites and original matrix materials. Results indicate that incorporating waste materials significantly enhances the thermal efficiency of concrete, contributing to sustainability goals while addressing UHI challenges. The findings underscore the potential of computational methods in material design, enabling architects and engineers to develop innovative solutions tailored to specific environmental needs. By leveraging advanced software tools, this research demonstrates how computational approaches can transform material selection processes, ultimately promoting more sustainable urban environments and improving overall urban life quality
Peri-Operative Nursing of Patients with Malignant Hyperthermia: A Narrative Literature Review
No full textBackground/Objectives: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is an uncommon but potentially fatal pharmacogenetic syndrome triggered by specific anesthetic agents, including certain muscle relaxants and volatile anesthetics. The clinical presentation of MH varies widely, making timely recognition challenging but essential to patient survival. Perioperative nurses have a critical role in MH prevention, crisis recognition, and effective management. This review aimed to identify and summarize current evidence on the perioperative nursing management of MH, emphasizing preventive measures, staff education, and the adoption of innovative strategies to enhance patient outcomes. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed–Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The methodological quality was ensured using the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA), and the review process adhered to the PICOS framework. For transparency, the protocol has been reported to the Open Science Framework (OSF). Results: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The key findings underscored the vital role of perioperative nurses in conducting thorough preoperative risk assessments to identify susceptible individuals. Simulation-based training emerged as highly beneficial, improving staff preparedness, crisis recognition, teamwork, and communication skills. The integration of cognitive aids, such as emergency checklists, and the use of activated charcoal filters to rapidly reduce anesthetic gas concentrations were also highlighted as effective management strategies. Nonetheless, significant gaps in MH knowledge among nursing staff persist, indicating the need for ongoing education and training. Conclusions: Effective management of MH critically depends on comprehensive nurse-led assessments, regular simulation drills, and continuous staff education. The adoption of cognitive aids and activated charcoal filters further enhances crisis response capabilities. Future research should continue to explore innovative training methods and strategies to mitigate knowledge deficits among perioperative nursing teams
A.A.A. Good Wines WANTED: Blockchain, Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Techniques and Soil Health Assessment for Wine Traceability
No full textThe wine industry faces increasing challenges related to authenticity, safety, and sustainability due to recurrent fraud, shifting consumer preferences, and environmental concerns. In this study, as part of the B.I.O.C.E.R.T.O project, we integrated blockchain technology with ultrasonic spectroscopy and soil quality data by using the arthropod-based Soil Biological Quality Index (QBS-ar) to enhance traceability, ensure wine quality, and certify sustainable vineyard practices. Four representative wines from the Marche region (Sangiovese, Maceratino, and two Verdicchio PDO varieties) were analyzed across two vintages (2021 and 2022). Ultrasound spectroscopy demonstrated high sensitivity in distinguishing wines based on ethanol and sugar content, comparably to conventional viscosity-based methods. The QBS-ar index was applied to investigate the soil biodiversity status according to the agricultural management practices applied in each vineyard, reinforcing consumer confidence in environmentally responsible viticulture. By recording these data on a public blockchain, we developed a secure, transparent, and immutable certification system to verify the geographical origin of wines along with their unique characteristics. This is the first study to integrate advanced analytical techniques with blockchain technology for wine traceability, simultaneously addressing counterfeiting, consumer demand for transparency, and biodiversity preservation. Our findings support the applicability of this model to other agri-food sectors, with potential for expansion through additional analytical techniques, such as isotopic analysis and further agroecosystem sustainability indicators
Soil and legumes of the Sibillini for high quality pasta. Application of the arthropod-based Biological Soil Quality Index (QBS-ar) for soil health assessment
No full textAlthough progress has been made in recognizing the importance of soil, the crucial role that soil biota
plays in providing essential ecosystem services is still largely overlooked and underestimated. Among
the most abundant soil organisms, soil microarthropods are closely linked to plant health, crop
production, and soil fertility. They contribute to organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling,
making them effective and reliable indicators of soil health. As a result, these organisms are
increasingly being used in global assessments of soil quality and monitoring programs.
The main objective of the study was to evaluate soil quality across various agroecosystems using the
arthropod-based soil quality index (QBS-ar). Three distinct projects were presented, each focusing
on a specific research question regarding the application and functionality of the QBS-ar index in
different contexts within the Marche region, encompassing both protected and unprotected sites.
Specifically, the QBS-ar index was used to: i) explore the relationship between soil quality and the
quality of crops and food, with an emphasis on organic legume cultivation in the Sibillini Mountains;
ii) examine and compare soil quality and the conditions of the soil arthropod community across
different organic agroecosystems – arable lands, vineyards and olive groves - within Conero Park
(AN); and iii) assess the impact of agricultural practices over time, in the framework of the Sentina
Reserve in San Benedetto del Tronto (AP).
The QBS-ar index has demonstrated its usefulness for various applications. Notably, a potential link
was identified between soil quality, the chemical and physical composition of the soil, and the
centesimal composition of chickpeas. Furthermore, higher soil quality was observed in arable land,
followed by olive groves and vineyards. Similarly, soil quality was found to be higher in less intensive
agricultural systems that exhibit higher landscape diversity and specific chemical and physical
attributes, such as higher sand and potassium (K) content.
Nonetheless, to evaluate and compare performance and results, the QBS-ar index has been used
alongside various metrics based on specific groups of soil microarthropods including, abundance,
density (ind/m2 and ind/m3), community composition, the number of biological forms (BFs) and
euedaphic forms (EFs), the Acari/Collembola (A/C) ratio, the percentage of Oribatid mites out of the
total mite population (OA%), and Collembola morphological traits. Additionally, the QBS-ar index
was also applied in conjunction with other soil bioindicators, such the Soil Biological Quality index
based on earthworms (QBS-e), soil rhizospheric bacteria (16S), fungi (ITS), and protists (18S), as
well as ecotoxicological tests, including earthworm avoidance tests (ISO Standard 17512-1:2008)
and soil functional test, including bait lamina tests (ISO Standard 18311:2016).
Through this study, we aim to enhance the understanding of the QBS-ar index and provide valuable
information that can contribute to both theoretical discussions and practical applications across
various fields
Structural Upgrading and Architectural Conservation of a Historic Timber and Masonry Venetian Sawmill
No full textThis work presents an extensive static and seismic retrofitting intervention performed on a relevant historic case-study building, the Venetian sawmill of Vallaro (Brescia, Italy). This heritage construction from the end of the 19th century features three building portions, two realized in timber and one consisting of a masonry structure with timber floors and roofs. The building has been neglected for decades and was in a poor state of conservation, despite representing a valuable example of the typical historic architectures of the mountainy area in the Province of Brescia. With the support of the local municipality, a complete restoration of the sawmill has started, with the objective of transforming it into a territorial museum. To this end, a series of reversible and compatible interventions were planned in consultation with the local superintendence for architectural heritage. Integrated timber- and steel-based retrofitting systems were designed, aimed at preserving the historic value of the sawmill, especially in its original timber components, such as trusses, braced columns, and diaphragms. The present case study enables to showcase the advantages of the applied reversible integrated strengthening methods in such a complex architectural restoration and the importance of tailored structural detailing, combining the improvement in static and seismic performance with the protection and preservation of ancient members. This work can contribute to the promotion of timber-based techniques in the integrated structural, seismic, and conservation upgrading of existing buildings belonging to the architectural heritage of seismic-prone countries