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Islamic Finance and Sustainable Development: Key Ethical Features and Proactive Initiatives Promoting Financial Inclusion: Islamic Finance and Sustainable Development
No full textThe 17 Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the UN 2030 Agenda require the adoption of proactive initiatives by countries in a global partnership and by companies, consumers, and citizens. SDGs recognise that ending poverty is strictly intertwined with strategies to reduce inequality and spur economic growth, all while tackling climate change and preserving the environment. In this context, the lack of financial inclusion increases poverty and frustrates economic development since access to essential financial services helps people nurture their education and financial plans, and financial inclusion can help alleviate poverty and lift economic development. The study highlights how, within this scenario, Islamic finance can play an important role in promoting sustainable and ethical development and financial inclusion, specifically in environmental sustainability, by increasing the so-called “green sukuk” or “ESG Sukuk.” Accordingly, the article analyses, from the comparative law perspective, the context of two Asian countries, Malaysia and Indonesia, that are pivotal markets for developing Islamic financial instruments and that of Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the potentialities of Islamic finance to foster sustainable development (in particular, SDG-01 No Poverty; SDG-05 Gender Equality; SDG-08 Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG-09 Industry Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG-10 Reduced Inequalities; SDG-11 Sustainable Cities and Communities). It also provides significant examples of initiatives adopted by Malaysia and Indonesia, grounded on the tools of Islamic finance, to support sustainable economic and social development in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, the article stresses, through the adoption of the comparative law methodology, the importance of a proper transnational legal framework – in a broad sense, including legal language and formation of scholars and practitioners - to promote Islamic finance and financial inclusion: such aspect tends to be neglected in current literature, seemingly more focused on techno-economic aspects
Purepofo: A Cutting-Edge Tool for Comprehensive Halal and ESG Screening with Multi-Faceted Stock Performance Assessment
No full textThis article examines the application of the stock screening tool “purepofo” (www.purepofo.com), which integrates Halal and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria with a comprehensive performance assessment based on widely used financial metrics. The article evaluates Purepofo’s ability to align Shariah compliance and ESG standards with performance-driven investing, addressing ethical and financial imperatives. The study presents a comparative analysis of the financial performance of stocks screened using a combined screening approach versus non-screened counterparts, while also outlining methodological limitations. Key findings reveal that Halal and ESG-screened stocks outperformed peers in several financial dimensions, including operational efficiency, dividend reliability, and resilience to market volatility. Notably, these stocks demonstrated higher Sharpe Ratios, more substantial gross margins, and consistent revenue growth, challenging the perception of a trade-off between ethical compliance and financial performance. However, limitations, such as the underrepresentation of high-growth stocks and valuation complexities, highlight the need for further methodological refinement. The discussion emphasises the potential of a customised financial metrics model to support investors in achieving competitive returns without compromising ethical integrity. The results suggest that Halal-ESG stocks offer more than symbolic ethical Value; they exhibit measurable financial resilience, governance, and sustainability strength. While alignment with Maqasid al-Shariah principles remains central, the data—rather than ideals alone—positions Islamic finance as a leader in sustainable investing. This article contributes to the growing discourse on Halal-ESG integration by offering actionable insights for Islamic finance portfolio managers, Shariah scholars, and thought leaders. Bridging ethical compliance, sustainability, and financial performance highlights the role of integrated tools in advancing innovation and inclusivity in global finance
Vāhanas on the Bharhut stūpa: Remarks on animal and hybrid figures between art and texts
No full textThrough animals, both real and imaginary, something new can be said about human cultural and historical dynamics. As is well known, an animal, be it real or imaginary (hybrid), is associated with most of the Hindu deities as their vāhana. Such a distinctive feature of Hindu divine representations is a phenomenon whose genesis or matrix remains a yet unsolved Indological knot. To shed some light on the issue, a valid research direction seems to be the investigation of attestations relating to the formative phase of the divine ‘vehicles.’
This paper analyses a series of life-size sculptures of yakṣas, yakṣīs, and ‘devatās’ standing on animal, hybrid, and anthropomorphic figures on pillars of the vedikā of the Bharhut stūpa. Many are identified by proper names thanks to the accompanying Brāhmī inscriptions. This undoubtedly reflects their ongoing presence and power in local cults. The monument, constructed suganaṃ raje ‘during the Śuṅga reign’ according to an inscription (CII II/II: 11-12 [A1]), is only partially preserved. Nonetheless, thanks to the richness of its iconographic and epigraphic fabric, it weaves a vivid glimpse into the world of beliefs of the centuries around the turn of the Common Era. These lithic documents are indeed an expression of a tradition that is presumably more ancient than the extant Pāli Canon.
The Bharhut stūpa assumes importance far beyond the domain of ancient Buddhism. It has been argued that this is probably the earliest firm visual evidence of an association between deities and vehicles (van der Geer 2008: 37; Dallapiccola 2012), which, from then on, will be common in South Asian visual arts across regional and religious contexts. While this monument has been the object of several studies, research that systematically investigates these vāhana figures in the light of the iconographic and literary vocabulary of ancient India remains a desideratum. Through the examination of a few textual passages from both Buddhist and Hindu literature, this paper advances some remarks on the formative phase of the vāhana phenomenon
Animal names in the history of the Indo-Aryan languages: Hereditary traits and innovative trends
No full textAnimal names represent a privileged field of research for the study of the lexicon of both ancient and modern Indo-Aryan languages. This is particularly true with regard to lexical enrichment strategies, as certain animals, occupying a prominent position in Indian culture (i.e. cow, elephant, monkey, etc.), acted as true centers of synonymic attraction. The main goal of the paper is therefore to explain one specific lexical enrichment strategy of Indo-Aryan starting by showing the difference, in this respect, between Vedic and Sanskrit and then highlighting the role of Middle Indo-Aryan in shaping the lexicon of New-Indo-Aryan. It will thus be possible to observe how alongside borrowings from the alloglot element there are other means in the inception of new words or new meanings of ancient words. Can these means be considered “areal trends” (i.e. concerning not only Indo-Aryan languages, but also Dravidian and Munda languages in particular), thus providing further evidence of South Asia as a “linguistic area”? An attempt to answer such a question will be also considered in this paper
Experimenting with Ṭabaqāt and Muʿğam: A history of modern Egypt through the biographies of ordinary citizens in Ḥadīṯ al-ṣabāḥ wa-l-masāʾ by Nağīb Maḥfūẓ
No full textInspired by the search for an authentic literature, several Arab writers have experimented with their literary tradition after the cultural turn that followed 1967. Among them, the Egyptian novelist Nağīb Maḥfūẓ (1911-2006), who, determined to find alternatives to the hegemonic model of the Western novel in the post-Naksa period, has interacted with premodern forms of writing. In this paper, we will analyse one of his last fictional experiments, Ḥadīṯ al-ṣabāḥ wa-l-masāʾ (‘Morning and Evening Talk,’ 1987), the novelisation of a subgenre of Islamic historiography, i.e., the biographical dictionary (ṭabaqāt, muʿğam). Drawing upon scholarship on palimpsestuous textuality and dialogism as theories suitable for postcolonial intertextuality, we will put the novel in dialogue with its antecedents to highlight how the chronotope, the non-linear structure, the narrative techniques, the conception of history and death endorsed by the precursors are interrogated by Maḥfūẓ in order to reflect on the outputs of modern Egyptian history on ordinary citizens. As it will emerge, the result is a fictional biographical dictionary that claims for the distinctiveness of the Arab novel and that, at the same time, aspires to participate in modern world culture
La digitalizzazione delle istruzioni operative e promozione della Cultura della Sicurezza nei luoghi di lavoro
No full textLa sicurezza nei luoghi di lavoro è essenziale per tutelare la salute dei lavoratori e prevenire infortuni. Con l'avanzare delle tecnologie, si è creata l'opportunità di migliorare la formazione sulla sicurezza e l'accesso alle informazioni sui rischi, aiutando a sensibilizzare i lavoratori sui comportamenti appropriati da adottare. Questo studio intende analizzare l'efficacia della digitalizzazione delle istruzioni operative nella promozione della cultura della sicurezza in un'azienda di stampaggio a caldo.La digitalizzazione è stata realizzata attraverso la creazione ed il successivo l'uso di QR code che rimandano a istruzioni dettagliate sui comportamenti sicuri, azioni da evitare e pittogrammi di sicurezza, con l'obiettivo di facilitare la comprensione delle informazioni da parte dei lavoratori, inclusi quelli non madrelingua
Ecosystem-based adaptation as a strategy to increase climate resilience of small island communities in Indonesia
No full textThe climate crisis is a global challenge significantly affecting the sustainability of both human system and ecosystem. Due to their geographical circumstances, communities on small islands are more vulnerable to its impacts. This study critically examines the potential of the ecosystem-based climate change adaptation model (Ecosystem-Based Adaptation) to increase climate resilience in small island communities, particularly in Indonesia. Through a semi-systematic literature review of 31 key studies, this research analyzes the characteristics of small island climate vulnerability and resilience, then compare the findings to Indonesia context. Ecosystem-Based Adaptation has several advantages compared to other climate adaptation models; however, some challenges and limitations associated with its implementation are also identified. Findings suggest that for Ecosystem-Based Adaptation to be effective, it needs to be community-led alongside empowerment, integrative-collaborative, and adaptive. Furthermore, the literature review identified critical gaps in current research on Ecosystem-Based Adaptation on small islands, offering valuable avenues for further exploration and advancement of this vital adaptation approach
Changes in pain perception in women undergoing Breast Screening Mammograms: a Study based on Breast structure.
No full textINTRODUCTION
The study involved 100 women taking part to a Breast Screening session carried out by one Mammographer. Participants answered a questionnaire related to pain perception experienced during the mammogram. Breast density has been detected by Quantra Software. The study aims to explore the potential association between breast density, breast thickness and pain perception experienced during the Mammogram. Quality technical standards have been evaluated by two technical experts of Referring Regional Mammography Centers of Turin.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Pain, in order to be detected, has been measured through the Visual Analogical Scale. Breast examinations have been performed using a digital Mammo-Machine, while density was evaluated using Quantra software. A Systematic Literature Review about the subject has been carried out.
RESULTS
Results demonstrated that the average pain perception was light-moderate, and mainly due to the compression applied during the Mammogram. It was observed that Women with higher breast density experienced more pain than women with less density; however, no correlation was found between pain and breast thickness.
CONCLUSIONS
The study observes that pain perception during mammography is not solely dependent on subjective factors, such as psychological influences, but is also affected by breast density. Indeed, higher densities are associated to higher pain. However, no direct correlation between pain and breast thickness was identified. The finding suggests that a subjective component plays a significant role in pain perception
Dolore addominale e vomito per dissecazione dell’arteria vertebrale: un case report di stroke chameleon.
No full textINTRODUZIONE
Le cause di nausea, vomito e dolore addominale possono essere molteplici, comprendendo talvolta anche le malattie neurologiche, soprattutto se sono coinvolte le strutture della fossa cranica posteriore.
DESCRIZIONE DEL CASO CLINICO
Un uomo di 46 anni accede in Pronto Soccorso per insorgenza improvvisa di sudorazione algida, cefalea, vertigini, vomito e forte dolore addominale.
Il work up diagnostico risulta negativo per problematiche gastroenteriche ed il paziente viene trattenuto in osservazione. Il giorno seguente il paziente sviluppa una sindrome di Bernard-Horner destra.
MATERIALI E METODI
È stato eseguito l'imaging eco-color-Doppler e neuro-radiologico dei vasi cerebro-afferenti con riscontro di dissecazione dell'arteria vertebrale destra.
La risonanza magnetica (RM) cerebrale ha evidenziato lesioni a diffusione ristretta nell'emisfero cerebellare destro e nella regione dorso-laterale del bulbo, indicative per ictus ischemico.
RISULTATI
Il paziente è progressivamente migliorato e l’esame neurologico era normale alla dimissione. Ha eseguito un angio-RM dei vasi intra ed extra-cranici a sei mesi di follow-up con persistenza di occlusione dell'arteria vertebrale destra, in assenza di ematoma di parete o pseudo-aneurisma.
DISCUSSIONE
Si stima che la dissecazione dell’arteria vertebrale sia la causa di circa il 2% di tutti gli ictus ischemici, con un'incidenza annuale stimata di 2,6-2,9 per 100.000 individui.
Gli eventi si verificano soprattutto in individui giovani che tipicamente presentano sintomi non specifici come vertigini, cefalea e cervicalgia, pertanto un esordio associato ad intenso dolore addominale è estremamente raro.
CONCLUSIONI
Riconoscere che i sintomi gastrointestinali possono essere, raramente, attribuibili all'ictus è utile per evitare una gestione medica inefficace e indirizzare il giusto processo diagnostico e terapeutico.
Lo studio conferma l'importanza della collaborazione interprofessionale nel migliorare l'assistenza ai pazienti, promuovendo una comunicazione e collaborazione efficace tra le varie discipline sanitarie nel contesto della riabilitazione
Aspetti genetici e biomarcatori nella demenza frontotemporale: stato dell’arte e prospettive future.
No full text Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the third most common dementia after Alzheimer's and Levy body Dementia. It affects the cortex of frontal and temporal lobes, has an early onset, and according to the latest criteria is classified into behavioral variant and primary progressive aphasia, the latter further sub divided into three in turn diversified into three: semantic, non-fluent and logopenic.
30-50% of cases are familial, with several genetic mutations identified. The pathological mechanisms underlying FTD are highly heterogeneous, but the most common causes are TDP-43 proteinopathies and tauopathies.
Diagnosis remails challenging and is based on clinical and neuroradiological criteria.
Although no specific biomarker has yes been identified intensive efforts are underway to develop a new diagnostic and clinical progression assessment approaches for FTD through a multimodal model of fluid biomarkers (cerebrospinal fluid and plasma/serum), using new devices, Lab-on-Chip, for the immunometric and molecular detection of specific analytes.
Objective
To provide a state of the art to provide a state-of-the-art overview of FTD pathogenesis by integrating established findings with the most recent data, in the light of the diagnostic criteria with particular focus on biomarkers on biological fluids through the use of miniaturized devices.
Methodology
Advances in genetics were reviewed and evaluated in relation to them, in relation to both clinical manifestations and histopathological findings; in addition, current diagnostic criteria have been explored with particular attention in biomarkers in biological fluids.
Results
The analysis of the data available in the literature shows that the diagnosis of FTD is difficult, especially in the early stages, due to the absence of specific clinical signs and symptoms.
In this context, laboratory medicine, through the search for biomarkers in biological fluids, also using miniaturized Lab-on-Chip can be of considerable importance in detecting and differentiating neurodegenerative disorders.
Conclusions
The data found in the literature confirm that biomarkers can indicate the pathological mechanisms underlying FTD and, in this regard, intense efforts are underway to introduce high-sensitivity analytical methods such as the multimodal use of fluid biomarkers, making use of new devices, Lab-on-Chip for the immunometric and molecular detection of specific analytes.
These miniaturized devices offer a solution for conducting biological and biochemical analyses on multiple samples in a single platform, resulting in reduced costs, increased speed and sensitivity, and improved diagnostic accuracy.Introduzione
La demenza frontotemporale (FTD) rappresenta la terza demenza più comune dopo quella di Alzheimer e a Corpi di Levy. Colpisce la corteccia dei lobi frontali e temporali, è ad esordio precoce e, secondo l’ultimo criterio, è classificata in variante comportamentale e afasia progressiva primaria, quest’ultima a sua volta diversificata in tre sottotipi: semantica, non fluente e logopenica.
Il 30-50% è di origine familiare con diverse mutazioni genetiche identificate. I meccanismi patologici alla base della FTD sono altamente eterogenei ma le cause più comuni sono le proteinopatie TDP-43 e le tauopatie.
La diagnosi è ancora difficile e si basa su criteri clinici e neuroradiologici.
Anche se non esiste alcun biomarcatore specifico, sono in corso intensi sforzi per sviluppare un nuovo approccio alla diagnosi e alla valutazione della progressione clinica nella FTD, attraverso un modello multimodale di biomarcatori di fluido (liquido cerebrospinale e plasma/siero), avvalendosi di nuovi dispositivi, Lab-on-Chip, per la rilevazione immunometrica e molecolare di specifici analiti.
Obiettivo
Fornire uno stato dell’arte sulla patogenesi della FTD, partendo dai risultati consolidati ed integrandoli con quelli più recenti, alla luce dei criteri diagnostici con particolare riguardo ai biomarcatori su fluidi biologici, attraverso l’uso di dispositivi miniaturizzati.
Metodologia
Sono stati esaminati i progressi nel campo della genetica, valutandoli in relazione sia alle manifestazioni cliniche che ai risultati istopatologici; inoltre sono stati esplorati gli attuali criteri diagnostici con particolare riguardo ai biomarcatori su fluidi biologici.
Risultati
Dall’analisi dei dati reperibili in letteratura è emerso che la diagnosi di FTD è difficile, soprattutto nelle fasi iniziali, a causa dell’assenza di segni e sintomi clinici specifici.
In questo contesto, la medicina di laboratorio, attraverso la ricerca di biomarcatori su fluidi biologici anche tramite i dispositivi miniaturizzati Lab-on-Chip, può rivestire un ruolo di notevole importanza nel rilevare e differenziare i disturbi neurodegenerativi.
Conclusioni
I dati reperiti in letteratura confermano che i biomarcatori possono indicare i meccanismi patologici alla base della FTD e, a tal riguardo, sono in corso intensi sforzi per introdurre metodi analitici ad alta sensibilità, come l’utilizzo multimodale di biomarcatori di fluido, avvalendosi di nuovi dispositivi, i Lab-on-Chip, per la rilevazione immunometrica e molecolare di specifici analiti.
Tali dispositivi miniaturizzati offrono la soluzione per condurre analisi biologiche e biochimiche su più campioni in un’unica piattaforma, comportando una riduzione dei costi, aumento della velocità e della sensibilità, nonché una maggiore accuratezza diagnostica