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Il mondo estinto. Peter Weiss e la pittura
No full textPeter Weiss è stato uno dei protagonisti della letteratura di lingua tedesca del secondo Novecento. È stato autore di romanzi autobiografici che hanno rappresentato le inquietudini e la disperazione della generazione del secondo dopoguerra, di pièce teatrali di fama mondiale e non da ultimo di forme innovative di scrittura come il romanzo L’estetica della resistenza (1975-81), che è davvero una sinossi lirica del “secolo breve”. Peter Weiss è però anche un caso unico di “doppio talento” (Doppel- begabung) perché, oltre a essere un pittore tra i più significativi del secondo dopoguerra tedesco, è stato anche regista di opere filmiche, illustratore e grafico per le proprie opere letterarie, scenografo, autore di collage, murales, fototesti e iconotesti e ha costantemente accompagnato la propria produzione lette- raria con schizzi, diagrammi e disegni che rappresentano una vera e propria “forma del pensiero”, articolata per altro attraverso la costante contaminazione di verbale e visuale
Plankton Communities Behave Chaotically Under Seasonal or Stochastic Temperature Forcings
Get PDFChaos is observed in natural systems, especially in ecosystems with populations characterized by a short reproductive time scale, such as plankton. We examined if external forcings can be the origin of chaos in a state-of-the-art marine biogeochemical model. Both a seasonal temperature cycle and noise added to this cycle were studied as external forcings, and their interaction with the dynamics resulting from biological interactions, such as competition. Our findings indicate that deterministic periodic forcing can induce chaos in the ecosystem only when biological interactions have already established periodic oscillations within the system. We conclude that random temperature fluctuations can be a driver of chaos in plankton populations, due also to the stochastic nature of the marine environment. The stochastic mechanism for the occurrence of chaos could find wide application in natural systems as it requires no preconditions
When Real-World Outcomes Do Not Meet the Results of Clinical Trials: Transfemoral Transcatheter vs. Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in an Intermediate-Age Population (The Outstanding Italy Study)
Get PDFObjective: Aortic valve stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease in the elderly, and its treatment may be either surgical (SAVR) or transcatheter (TAVI). Although age is one of the main determinants of the therapeutic choice, current guidelines leave a “discrepancy area” between 65 and 75 years, with the American guidelines allowing TAVI for patients older than 65 years, while the European guidelines consider TAVI for patients older than 75 years. The present study addresses the outcomes of SAVR vs. TAVI in a real-world population aged 65 to 80 years, that is, one largely inclusive of the discrepancy area. Methods: This is a retrospective registry study based on data retrieved from administrative health databases of two large Italian regions (Lombardy and Puglia). Patients aged 65 to 80 years receiving either SAVR or a TAVI between 2018 and 2021 were selected. SAVR and TAVI outcomes (death, cardiac and non-cardiac events) were compared using a propensity-matching analysis, with a follow-up of 2 to 5 years and mortality as the primary outcome. Results: After propensity matching, two groups of 786 patients were compared in Lombardy and two groups of 321 patients were compared in Puglia. In both regions, at the end of follow-up, mortality was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in SAVR vs. TAVI (24.6% vs. 47.2% in Lombardy and 18.1% vs. 44.1% in Puglia). Conclusions: Our results are in contrast with the randomized controlled trials showing equivalence or even the superiority of TAVI vs. SAVR, but in agreement with other registry studies based on real-world data. With respect to the randomized controlled trials, the main difference is a better outcome in SAVR. Caution should be applied in addressing patients < 80 years with TAVI unless SAVR is contraindicated
Epibionts and Epiphytes in Seagrass Habitats: A Global Analysis of Their Ecological Roles
Get PDFSeagrass ecosystems support complex biological interactions that shape marine
community structure and ecosystem functioning. Thanks to their structural complexity, they support heterogeneous communities and interact with associated benthic invertebrates and fish populations, establishing complex relationships that influence the performance and fitness of the involved organisms. This study, through a systematic review, investigated the existing potential biotic interactions between seagrasses and epibionts–epiphytes on
a global scale. We created a complex search string and ran it in the online databases Scopus and Web of Science, yielding a total of 62 final outcomes spanning from 1984 to 2024. Our results revealed both positive and negative effects of different biotic interactions among these habitat formers and their associated symbionts. The review showed that the most studied interactions referred to Posidonia oceanica (Delile, 1813) L. and Zostera marina (Linnaeus, 1753), which provide refuge and habitat to different epiphytes and epibionts. The reviewed studies highlighted the importance of epiphytes, their potential
role in seagrass growth, nutrient dynamics, and their implications for light absorption, while epibionts enhance canopy structure and can protect seagrasses from predation, but potential drawbacks remain poorly understood. Understanding and preserving these intricate biotic interactions is critical to ensuring the long-term functionality and resilience of seagrass ecosystems in a continuously changing environment
Development of sustainable gypsum biocomposites upcycling mussel shells: an ecological alternative for green construction
No full textIn recent years, the increasing focus on environmental sustainability resulted in the adoption of strategies increasingly geared towards reducing the environmental impact of building materials, in line with the European Green Deal, Agenda 2030, and the principles of the circular economy. In this context, construction is one of the main areas for action, as it is responsible for a high consumption of natural resources and the production of a considerable amount of waste. In response to these challenges, European and national regulations promote the reuse of waste materials and the adoption of Minimum Environmental Criteria (MEC), which incentivise the use of sustainable and low environmental impact materials in the construction sector.
To mitigate climate change and boost green innovation in construction this study discusses the development of innovative and environmentally friendly gypsum mortars, in which the traditional sand aggregate is completely replaced by mussel shells, a by-product of the fishing and canning industry. The proposed solution offers a dual opportunity: on the one hand, it contributes to the reduction of the environmental impact linked to the disposal of this waste, which is often destined for landfills and potentially dangerous for its organic charge; on the other hand, it allows for a reduction in the harvesting of natural sand, an increasingly scarce resource that is subject to restrictions for sustainable use. The experimental activity was divided into three main phases. Initially, a physic-chemical characterisation of the mussel shells was performed to assess their compatibility with the gypsum-based binder and evaluate their potential. Subsequently, four mortar mixtures were prepared: two containing mussel shells with grain sizes of 0.00-1.00 mm and 0.00-4.00 mm and two reference mixtures with sand having the same grain size distribution. Production was carried out under standard environmental conditions (20 °C, 65% RH), which can be easily replicated on an industrial scale for practical applications. Finally, workability tests, mechanical tests of flexural and compressive strength, and thermal conductivity measurements were performed to assess the engineering performance of the mortars. Preliminary results suggest that mussel shells can be reused as a valid alternative to traditional (commercial) aggregate and can offer competitive performance with respect to traditional mortars, with advantages in terms of lightness and thermal insulation, as well as lower environmental impact. Furthermore, the reuse of waste from the food industry perfectly aligns with the principles of the circular economy, promoting the valorisation of waste materials in new production cycles and reducing dependence on virgin raw materials.
The integration of secondary materials in construction represents a concrete strategy to achieve the SDGs and MEC compliance, favouring the use of products with a lower environmental impact and improving resource efficiency. In particular, the use of these gypsum mortars with alternative natural aggregates can be an efficient solution for the production of environmentally friendly plasters, contributing to the transition towards more sustainable and responsible building
Shielding the Environment: Perfluoroalkylated Pyrenes Prevent Lead Leakage from Perovskite Solar Cell
Get PDFLead leaching from perovskite solar cells remains a critical environmental concern, particularly in humid conditions that accelerate degradation. This study investigates the role of perfluorinated pyrene compounds in the Hole Transport Layer (HTL) as a promising strategy to reduce lead release from perovskite solar cells. For the first time, at the best of our knowledge, the tests were carried out by using the normalized condition dictated by standard UNI EN 12457-2. The Atomic Force Microscopy analyses reveal that the incorporation of perfluoroalkylated pyrene compounds reduced surface roughness and enhanced film uniformity, thereby preventing lithium salt aggregation and maintaining the structural integrity of the HTL without significantly altering the efficiency of the photovoltaic device. Moreover, a decrease in lead leaching was observed, from 5.5 to 3.0 mg/L, in the photovoltaic modules when Perfluoroalkylated Pyrenes were added. Furthermore, the hydrophobic nature of these compounds significantly limits lead leaching, by approximately 45%, compared to conventional perovskite solar cells. As a result, the addition of perfluoroalkylated pyrene compounds effectively decreases lead leaching, contributing to improved environmental stability and device longevity. These findings highlight a promising strategy for reducing lead contamination in perovskite photovoltaics, paving the way for more sustainable and stable solar cell technologies
Acute splenic torsion in an adolescent with polysplenia syndrome: case report
Get PDFBackground
Splenic torsion is a rare but potentially serious event. It can occur in association with various anatomical anomalies, such as polysplenia. The presence of multiple small spleens is often associated with other abdominal and chest abnormalities, defining a condition known as Polysplenia Syndrome (PSS).
Case presentation
We report on a 14-year-old girl who presented with a 3-day history of left lower abdominal pain and vomiting, with a known history of congenital heart disease associated with Situs Viscerum Inversus and polysplenia. She was found to have normal vital signs but elevated C-reactive protein, and leukocytosis with neutrophilia. In light of the clinical and laboratory data, in addition to the suggestive imaging findings revealed on US and contrast-enhanced abdominal CT, a splenic torsion was suspected. The patient underwent a laparotomy, which confirmed a pedunculated mass in the left flank and iliac fossa, consistent with torsion of one of the spleens, and allowing complete resection of the lesion. The postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged after 10 days.
Conclusions
Splenic torsion in PSS is an extremely rare condition that may present in a time-critical manner, with nonspecific clinical manifestations and abnormal laboratory results, representing a real diagnostic challenge
Porzia veste l'ermellino. Per la Cassazione l'art. 603 bis c.p. non si applica al lavoro intellettuale
No full textL'articolo si sofferma su una recente decisione della Corte di Cassazione in cui si afferma la non applicabilità della fattispecie di intermediazione illecita e sfruttamento del lavoro nell'ambito delle professioni intellettuali. Nel formulare alcune osservazioni critiche sulla soluzione interpretativa proposta dalla Corte, il contributo offre anche una riflessione sui limiti che talora sconta il canone letterale
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Their Clinical Implications: Preliminary Results
Get PDFBackground/Objectives: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma represents one of the most common head and neck cancers with a five-year survival rate that, despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, has not shown any significant improvement in recent decades. Oxidative stress, generated by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and cellular antioxidant systems, is considered a central mechanism in the carcinogenesis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, causing DNA damage and genomic alterations. Methods: This prospective observational paired case–control study focused on the evaluation of antioxidant proteins, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, heme-oxygenase 1, vimentin, metallothionein, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, in cancer tissues from fifteen patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, using adjacent healthy tissues as controls. Results: The results show a statistically significant overexpression of all proteins analyzed in cancer tissues compared to controls, with relevant correlations between specific biomarkers and clinical characteristics, age, sex, smoking habits, and degree of tumor differentiation. Conclusions: These preliminary studies, while limited by sample size and the complexity of molecular regulation, indicate that the overexpression of antioxidant enzymes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues, along with their correlations with key clinical parameters, underscores a context-dependent role of oxidative stress in tumor progression. A deeper understanding of oxidative stress mechanisms could contribute to advance personalized management strategies for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, potentially improving treatment outcomes and patient prognosis
Transformative educational practices: an Occupational Health & Safety project in Mongolia
No full textThis paper briefly presents the «Lifelong Learning for Mongolian Occupational, Health & Safety» (3L4MOHS) project. It is a three-year project co-financed by the European Union. The authors of this paper are the scientific directors of the project. This contribution aims at presenting the actions and tasks of the University of Palermo within the project activities