Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca- Università degli Studi di Foggia
Not a member yet
55976 research outputs found
Sort by
Evolving Educational Horizons: Integrating AI with Innovative Teaching and Assessment Strategies
No full text
Implementing proximity care for people with multiple sclerosis in Italy: the bottom-up approach of the StayHome project
No full textObjective: In Italy, around 137,000 people live with multiple sclerosis, facing organizational complexities due to the current model's limited focus on proximity care. This project aims to define a proximity model, in accordance with recent developments in the Italian healthcare landscape, engaging over 150 healthcare stakeholders and potentially impacting approximately 14,000 patients.
Methods: An analysis was pursued to map the multiple sclerosis pathway, followed by interviews to capture the actual implementation in Italian Multiple Sclerosis Centers. Through the experts' insights, an optimal proximity care pathway and a Maturity Model framework were defined. This model was piloted in 14 centers, and a preliminary pre-post analysis was performed to evaluate initial improvements. Finally, a two-round Delphi method validated the Maturity Model dimensions and a set of key performance indicators. A scientific board including neurologists, patient associations and scientific associations, supervised project progresses and methodologies.
Results: The Pilot study results show an overall increase in the centers' positioning within the Maturity Model levels after adopting center-specific action plans. To generalize the model, the Delphi panel validated a subset of process, volume, outcome and patient experience indicators (9 of 26 proposed) along with qualitative dimensions defining the Maturity Model (13 of 20 proposed), therefore, outlining a comprehensive monitoring framework for the multiple sclerosis patient pathway.
Conclusion: This study shows, for the first time in Italy, the efficacy of a bottom-up approach in addressing organizational challenges within the current multiple sclerosis scenario. This integrated model offers future opportunity for replication across various care pathways and settings.
Keywords: Multiple sclerosis care pathway; Organizational improvement; Proximity care
Glasswort as a Strategic Crop in Coastal Wetlands: Intercropping Results with Swiss Chard
No full textBioactive Sulfonamides Derived from Amino Acids: Their Synthesis and Pharmacological Activities
No full textCurrently, the synthesis of bioactive sulfonamides using amino acid as a starting reagent has become an area of research interest in organic chemistry. Over the years, an amine-sulfonyl chloride reaction has been adopted as a common step in traditional sulfonamide synthetic methods. However, recent developments have shown amino acids to be better precursors than amines in the synthesis of sulfonamides. Although amines and amino acids have some structural similarities, using amino acids rather than amines in the synthesis of sulfonamides minimizes several drawbacks. Comparatively, amino acids are preferred to amines as starting reagents in sulfonamide synthesis due to their biological relevance, chirality, stereochemistry, diversity of side chains, orthogonality in functional group manipulation, the potential for peptide and protein synthesis, mild reaction conditions, alignment with green chemistry principles, diverse synthetic applications, easy availability, and economic viability. Amino acids, having the aforementioned properties, offer a versatile platform for the synthesis of sulfonamides with tailored structures. The reaction mechanism of the synthesis of amino acid-derived sulfonamides involves a nucleophilic attack by the amino group on the activated sulfonyl species to produce a sulfonamide functional group. Amino acid-based sulfonamides have numerous pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-plasmodial, antimalarial, anti-trypanosomal, and insect growth regulatory properties. This review discusses several synthetic processes, emphasizing established ways, cutting- edge techniques, and novel approaches that emphasize the significance of amino acids in the synthesis of sulfonamides. The structure-activity relationship of amino acid-derived sulfonamides and their pharmacological activities are also highlighted
Possible accumulation of emerging contaminants of concern in treated wastewater on the soil plant system of a processing tomato-wheat succession
No full textTreated wastewater (TWW) is increasingly recognized as a valuable resource for agriculture and water management in the Mediterranean region. However, its use can pose significant risks due to the potential presence of emerging contaminants of concern (ECCs), including personal care products, pesticides, food additives, and pharmaceuticals. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of irrigation with TWW on the accumulation of ECCs within the soil-plant system during a processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)-durum wheat (Triticum turgidum spp. durum) crop succession. The experiment was carried out on Petrocalcic Palexerolls soil. Over two experimental years, both crops were irrigated using two water sources: TWW and freshwater (FW) as a control. Of the 17 compounds detected in the TWW, only 8 were found in the soil (clarithromycin, carbamazepine, fluconazole, climbazole, flecainide, sitagliptin, telmisartan and venlafaxine). The use of TWW effluent led to a significant increase in the soil of carbamazepine up to 3.3 ± 0.5 ng g−1, sitagliptin up to 9.4 ± 0.4 ng g−1, flecainide up to 8.3 ± 1.6 ng g−1, and clarithromycin up to 5.3 ± 0.6 ng g−1, highlighting their potential accumulation during the two tomato-wheat cycles. Crop uptake varied depending on the specific ECC, with different levels detected in plant roots, leaves, and stems. Importantly, no ECCs were detected in the edible parts of either crop, with concentrations below the limit of quantification. These findings underscore the potential of using TWW for irrigation without compromising food safety in crops like tomatoes and durum wheat. However, continued monitoring and further research are essential to fully understand the long-term effects of ECCs on agricultural systems and ensure the protection of both human health and the environment
A critical analysis of global warming potential of data centers in the digital era
No full textPurpose
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with a theoretical data center in Italy. Through the analysis of four different scenarios that vary the energy mix, the IT attributes (i.e., server, storage, and networking refresh interval) and the physical infrastructure (i.e., power system, UPS mode, annual generator use, power distribution, and cooling system), this research intends to identify the best strategies for reducing the environmental impacts of a data center.
Methods
This study estimates the environmental impacts of a data center in Italy by focusing on its global warming potential. The functional unit is a theoretical data center of 8650 m2, with an IT capacity of 5000 kW, an IT load of 85%, a rack power density of 5 kW, and a lifespan of 10 years. The environmental impact assessment highlights (i) the yearly total CO2eq by distinguishing among direct and indirect emissions; (ii) the yearly total CO2eq by lifecycle phase (i.e., manufacturing, distribution, installation, use and end-of-life); and (iii) the yearly total CO2eq by system (i.e., IT, core and shell, electrical, mechanical and other). Moreover, this research provides insights in the environmental impacts associated with capital goods, fuel and energy, upstream transportation, and waste in operations.
Results and discussion
In the baseline scenario, the global warming potential of the data center is 677,724 tCO2eq, with a cumulative energy consumption of 558,894 MWh and an emission factor of 925 kg/MWh per year. In Scenario 1, which considers a change in the server, storage, and networking refresh interval, the environmental impacts are 602,197 tCO2eq, but the cumulative energy consumption is equal to the baseline scenario. In Scenario 2, which implements a more efficient physical infrastructure and a generator use of 8760 h/year, the global warming potential is reduced by 28%, and the emission factor is 719 kg/MWh per year. Last, Scenario 3 considers the average European energy mix. It, other conditions being equal, represents the most impactful scenario from an environmental standpoint (686,575 tCO2eq).
Conclusion
The implementation of a more efficient physical infrastructure should consider a natural gas power system instead of a diesel one and an annual generator use of 8760 h/year. Environmental benefits can be achieved through intervention on the cooling system, by substituting chilled water with DX systems. In the case of a Tier IV data center, the energy mix does not affect the environmental performance, and Scope 2 emissions are equal to zero
Fungicide sensitivity assessment and susceptibility of newly bred olive lines, to improve anthracnose management in South Africa
No full text. Olive anthracnose is an important disease in South Africa, which can result in high yield losses and reduced oil quality. This study aimed to identify the Colletotrichum species associated with olive anthracnose in South Africa, determine the in vitro efficacy of four fungicides against the fungi, and evaluate the susceptibility of newly bred olive lines to anthracnose. Olive fruit with typical anthracnose symptoms and twigs showing dieback were collected from olive farms in the Western Cape region. Isolations were made, and causal fungi were identified by amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacers, partial (3-tubulin and actin genes as well from their morphological characteristics. All isolates were identified as Colletotrichum acutatum sensu stricto. Fungicide sensitivity of mycelium growth and conidium germination were assessed for dodine, thiram and the mixtures of boscalid + pyraclostrobin and cyprodinil + fludioxinil. Mycelium growth and conidium germination of C. acutatum were strongly inhibited by boscalid + pyraclostrobin and cyprodinil + fludioxonil. The three most virulent C. acutatum isolates were assessed in a wounded fruit droplet inoculation trial on the olive cultivars Manzanilla (susceptible) and Mission (moderately susceptible). These isolates were also used to assess susceptibility of 18 newly bred olive lines and six reference cultivars. Unwounded fruit samples were dip inoculated with a mixture conidium suspension of the three C. acutatum isolates, and lesion development was recorded. Four potential oil lines and three green table olive lines showed resistance to the fungi. This study reports the first sequence confirmation of C. acutatum s.s. associated with anthracnose of olives in South Africa. Furthermore, the identification of the seven resistant olive lines enabled their selection for further evaluation and development. Fungicide sensitivity, together with newly bred line susceptibility results, will aid in development of integrated disease management for olive anthracnose
Are scientists heroes or villains? The fascinating case of DC and Marvel superheroes comics
No full textThe enduring stereotype of the mad scientist, wholly dedicated to research but emotionally unstable and prone to malevolent purposes, is well-established in the realm of popular culture. This harmful stereotype seems to have permeated the world of superhero comic books. Because of their immense popularity and fandom subculture, dominating even the movie industry and consistently reaching new audiences, superhero comics have been regarded by scholars as a valuable resource for conveying the value of science in popular culture. However, a closer examination of prominent DC and Marvel stories raises concerns about the portrayal of scientists in superhero narratives, prompting questions about the public image of science conveyed through these stories. In this paper, we analyze scientist characters in the DC and Marvel universes, identifying 313 characters among 2459 cases. These two publishers, representing the largest and most popular superhero platforms globally, are examined to explore the connotations associated with scientists in comics and the traits ascribed to them. Drawing on statistical econometric methods and aligning with existing literature, our findings indicate that, while comics could play a substantial role in promoting science as a positive force, they tend to perpetuate the stereotype of the 'mad scientist', thereby potentially undermining the representation of science