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Una nuova convenzione e una nuova raccomandazione ILO in tema di ambiente di lavoro: l’attenzione è verso i pericoli da agenti biologici
No full textInquadramento e analisi critica dei contenuti della disciplina, anche in confronto con il modello europeo
On network-based epidemiological models: Analysis, simulations, and continuum limit
No full textThis work focuses on network epidemic models that emphasise the role of social contact networks within a given population, coupled with biological processes governing the spread of infectious diseases. In particular, we address the modelling and analysis of disease dynamics on large networks. As a foundational epidemiological framework, we consider the SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed) model, which describes the transmission of infectious diseases among individuals partitioned into subpopulations. We investigate the long-term behaviour of this model while accounting for heterogeneity in infections and social interactions. Applying the theory of graphons, we explore the natural question of the large-population limit and analyze the model's behaviour as the network size approaches infinity. After establishing the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the selected models, we derive analytical results concerning the spectral properties of epidemiological networks. We also present preliminary numerical experiments. The proposed framework can be readily extended to other compartmental models in epidemiology. Given its ability to incorporate heterogeneous interconnections among individuals, it provides a natural approach for studying epidemic phenomena. Moreover, this framework can be further adapted to dynamic networks, including cases where biological parameters vary over time
Historical, current and future treatments for von Willebrand disease
No full textVon Willebrand disease (VWD) is a heterogeneous group of defects characterized by a spectrum of bleeding symptoms ranging from mild to severe, which remain difficult to identify and assess quantitatively. Despite significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, diagnosis and management remain challenging. This review examines the therapeutic landscape for VWD, discussing historical treatments, recent advancements and prospects. Decades of clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of replacement therapy will be critically presented, and preclinical data for emerging options will be examined. For many years, the standard of care for VWD has involved replacement therapy with blood-derived products and desmopressin. The introduction of recombinant von Willebrand factor represents a more recent development compared to other recombinant factors, and its use in certain populations of patients is still under investigation. Despite being relatively new, innovative therapeutic options are being explored and developed to address patients' unmet needs. Some of these therapies are currently undergoing or nearing clinical evaluation, while others remain in the preclinical phase of development. After years of neglected attention, innovation in the treatment of VWD is now rapidly expanding
Quale effettivo ruolo dell’amministrazione giudiziaria nel processo di cambiamento dell’impresa? Possibili itinerari di ricerca
No full textAutomated 3D cephalometry: A lightweight V-net for landmark localization on CBCT
No full textCephalometric analysis is a widely adopted procedure for clinical decision support in orthodontics. It involves manual identification of predefined anatomical landmarks on three-dimensional cone beam CT scans, followed by the computation of linear and angular measurements. To reduce processing time and operator dependency, this study aimed to develop a light-weight deep learning (DL) model capable of automatically localizing 16 anatomically defined landmarks. To ensure model robustness and generalizability, the model was trained on a dataset of 350 manually annotated CBCT scans acquired from various imaging systems, covering a wide range of patient ages and skeletal classifications. The trained model is a V-net, optimized for practical use in clinical workflows. The model achieved a mean localization error of 1.95 ± 1.06 mm, which falls within the clinically acceptable threshold of 2 mm. Moreover, the predicted landmarks were used to calculate cephalometric measurements and compare with manually derived values. The resulting errors was -0.15 ± 0.95° for angular measurements and 0.20 ± 0.28 mm for linear ones, with Bland-Altman analysis demonstrating strong agreement and acceptable variability. These results suggest that automated measurements can reliably replace manual ones. Given the clinical relevance of cephalometric parameters - particularly the ANB angle, which is critical for skeletal classification and orthodontic treatment planning - this model represents a promising clinical decision support tool. Additionally, its low computational complexity enables fast prediction, with mean inference time lower than 32 s per scan, promoting its integration into routine clinical settings due to both technical feasibility and robustness across heterogeneous datasets
Decarbonization through wood-based building material substitution in mountain territories
No full textForests are vital for mountain regions, offering both ecological and economic benefits. Using timber in construction can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing high-emission materials like concrete and steel, though the long-term impact of this substitution – especially amid broader economic decarbonization – remains uncertain. We analyzed how replacing mineral-framed with locally sourced timber-framed homes in Valle Camonica and Valtellina (Italian Alps) could impact emissions between 2025 and 2050, assuming sustainable forest management and harvest practices. We integrated data from satellite imagery, local forest management plans, and life-cycle assessments relative to (i) the buildings that will be constructed in the study area (ii) the potential of timber produced by forests in the study area. In calculating avoided emissions, we included the expected decarbonization pathways of industrial production up to 2050, revealing that timber substitution is most effective in the short term. In case of decarbonization, the avoided emissions related to mineral-timber substitution will decrease from 121 to 15.6 kg CO2eq m−2. In the study area, this will be associated with 25.4∙106 kg of CO2eq avoided, while the sustainable production from forests available for wood supply in the study area would result in 7∙108 kg of avoided CO2eq. This study demonstrates that the mitigation potential of timber declines as mineral material production becomes cleaner, but also that timber-framed houses offer an effective solution to reduce emissions during the construction phase. This study provides the first quantification of these time-sensitive trade-offs for Alpine forests, underscoring their role in supporting low-carbon construction during the transition
Randomized clinical trial between two sedation protocols during transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures: Ketamine and Propofol versus Remifentanil and Dexmedetomidine
No full textObjectives To compare efficacy and safety of two different sedation protocols during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR); Ketamine and Propofol (KETOFOL) versus Remifentanil and Dexmedetomidine (REMIDEX). Design Monocentric, prospective, randomized and controlled trial. Setting University hospital. Participants 231 patients were enrolled in the trial. 198 patients were included in the final analysis. Interventions Patients enrolled underwent procedural sedation according to one of the two possible drug combinations, KETOFOL vs REMIDEX, assigned through randomization. During the procedure intervention times and clinical parameters were recorded. After the procedure incidence of postoperative adverse events were recorded. Measurements and main results REMIDEX group showed a higher trend in the raw incidence of respiratory acidosis (67.7 % vs 54.3 %). The correlation was confirmed in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, with an increased risk of developing respiratory acidosis in the REMIDEX group (OR 1.864 %, 95 % CI 1.014–3.427). Patients in the REMIDEX group showed significantly longer induction times. REMIDEX group required a greater number of pharmacological adjustments, had a higher incidence of intraoperative agitation, and more episodes of desaturation. No other differences were observed in any of the other intraoperative or postoperative safety indicators. Conclusions Both protocols showed a low and comparable incidence of cardiovascular adverse events and postoperative complications such as POD and POCD. KETOFOL protocol appears to offer greater sedative stability and seems to be more protective regarding the incidence of respiratory adverse events
Production of uncommon carotenoids and lipids by red yeasts utilizing agri-food residues and waste cooking oil
No full textIn recent years, the biotechnological production of carotenoids and lipids by yeasts emerges as a valuable strategy at the industrial level, also fitting the circular economy pillars when agri-food waste can be used as the main components of the culture media. In this study, bioprocesses employing red yeasts were developed using cost-effective agri-industrial residues, such as soy okara (a soybean industry byproduct). This low-cost substrate was investigated as a source of carbohydrates and essential nutrients, with its enzymatic pre-treatment optimized to create a balanced and efficient fermentation medium. The screening of a collection of red oleaginous yeasts identified Rhodotorula paludigena CBS 6565 and Rhodotorula diobovata CBS 324 as promising strains capable of efficiently producing both lipids and uncommon carotenoids. These two strains were cultivated in a lignocellulose hydrolysate-based medium supplemented with urea, validating the promising results of the screening. Urea, a cost-effective nitrogen source, was found to enhance carotenoid production compared to ammonium sulfate. Finally, soy okara was used as the fermentation medium for Rhodotorula paludigena CBS 6565. Soy okara underwent optimized enzymatic hydrolysis to maximize fermentable sugar release, while the addition of waste cooking oil and syrup from candied fruit processing significantly boosted carotenoid production, reaching 262.4 mg/L in 90 h. Among these, β-carotene and torularhodin contributed 140 mg/L and 72.5 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, the yeast cells accumulated lipids, constituting 56% of their dry weight, with a final concentration of 18 g/L. Overall, this study underscores the synergy between agri-food waste valorization and the sustainable production of yeast biomass enriched in carotenoids and lipids, offering a versatile and high-value resource for various industrial applications. KEY POINTS: • β-carotene, torulene, and torularhodin levels are highly strain-dependent in yeasts • R. paludigena CBS 6565 achieved high carotenoid-lipid co-production yields • Fed-batch with multiple agri-food residues enabled a sustainable bioprocess design
Quantum Vibrational Spectroscopy with Classical Trajectories
No full textVibrational spectroscopy is a technique of wide use in fields like analytical chemistry, biomedical applications, and pharmacology. The technique is cost-effective and very popular. However, a reliable assignment of vibrational spectra may be hard to achieve for large molecular systems or when nuclear quantum effects (NQEs) are sizeable. These aspects hamper the effectiveness of vibrational spectroscopy as an analytical and characterization tool. Computational approaches may help overcome the shortcomings of a purely experimental investigation. For instance, classical molecular dynamics is computationally cheap and easy to perform also by a non-expert user, but it cannot account for NQEs. The latter can be included in an affordable way if approximate quantum mechanical methods based on classical trajectories are employed. Here we review the main theoretical approaches based on classical trajectories and able to deal with NQEs in vibrational spectroscopy. We start by reporting on the possibility to employ methods derived from the path integral representation of quantum mechanics, i.e. semiclassical (SC) dynamics, centroid molecular dynamics (CMD), ring polymer molecular dynamics (RPMD), and their variants. Then, other techniques like the quantum thermal bath (QTB) and the quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) method are highlighted. All but SC methods are based on a fully classical real-time propagation. This review aims at increasing the awareness of useful and ready-to-use classical-trajectory-based computational techniques among the broader community of experimental researchers, developers, and applied scientists, who employ vibrational spectroscopy in their everyday’s activity