ARUd’A (Università “G. d’Annunzio CHIETI -PESCARA)
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Il silenzio: una forma antica di violenza sull'azione delle donne.
No full textTra gli archetipi che il mondo greco antico ha consegnato all'esperienza culturale, politica e sociologica del mondo occidentale figura anche il prototipo di una specifica forma di violenza di genere: il modo particolare di parlare delle donne in quanto donne, un processo di sommersione sistematica della donna nella tradizione storiografica e letteraria. Si propone qui l'esempio di Aspasia, donna che segnali nelle fonti indicano come dotata di raro spessore intellettuale, ma oggetto di una denigrazione nella tradizione coeva che conoscerà una continuità impressionante nei secoli successivi, fino a una parte degli studi dei nostri giorni
Lycian and the Achaemenid Empire
No full textThe chapter deals with the relationships between Lycian and the languages used in the Achaemenid Empire, particularly Old Persian and Aramaic
Low Phosphatidylserine+ Cells Within the CD34+/CD45dim/CD117(c-kit)+ Subpopulation Are Associated with Poor Outcomes in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
No full textBackground: Colorectal cancer is among the most prevalent causes of tumor-related deaths worldwide. Antiangiogenic therapy represents a cornerstone of metastatic CRC treatment, and biomarkers are advocated for the optimization of this therapeutic strategy. Methods: In this observational prospective study, we employed an optimized flow cytometry protocol to investigate the prognostic and predictive potential of blood circulating endothelial cells (CECs), circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs), and related subsets in a cohort of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (n = 40). Results: Computational FC analysis revealed a differential enrichment of blood cell clusters with a CD34+/CD45dim/CD117(c-kit)+ phenotype between responders and non-responders both to antiangiogenic and non-antiangiogenic treatments. Intriguingly, our results show that a high percentage of annexin V-negative cells in a putative circulating progenitor population with a CD34+/CD45dim/CD117+ phenotype was correlated with a reduced response to systemic anticancer treatments (p = 0.015) and worse overall survival (log-rank p = 0.03). In addition, we observed increased blood concentrations of CD34+/CD45dim/CD117+/annexin V- cells in patients with a higher number of metastatic sites (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Overall, these findings hold promise for the identification of novel circulating biomarkers to develop more personalized treatment approaches in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Internet Search for Illicit Drugs in Italy: Infodemiological Analysis of Six Years of Research
No full text2is study explores the potential of Internet search data from Google Trends and Wikipedia as innovative tools for monitoring
public interest and behavior related to illicit drug information. Employing a cross-sectional study design, this research investigates
the correlations between search patterns on these platforms and provides insights into public health monitoring. Our analysis
indicates signi9cant correlations between searches for various illicit drugs, with correlation coe:cients ranging from 0.71 to 0.83,
suggesting that these searches can not only re>ect but also potentially predict public interest and shifts in drug use patterns. 2is
approach highlights speci9c periods and demographics showing increased interest in drugs, thereby allowing for targeted public
health interventions. 2e study found that searches related to drugs like cannabis, cocaine, and opioids are not only frequent but
also show a tendency to be conducted in tandem, possibly due to synergistic e?ects. Moreover, the data underscore the importance
of providing timely and accurate information to the public through authoritative online sources. With the vast reach of the
Internet, ensuring that institutional websites and social networks o?er correct information becomes crucial to prevent the spread
of misinformation. 2is study supports Internet-based data as a complementary tool to traditional drug monitoring systems,
which can enhance public health response capabilities by providing real-time, nonintrusive insights. 2is research advocates for
integrating big data analytics into public health strategy, emphasizing the role of Internet searches in shaping public health policies
and practices. 2e 9ndings suggest that properly leveraged, Internet search data could greatly assist in the precision and effectiveness
of public health interventions and preparedness
A network-based fuzzy clustering approach to classify Delphi outputs in scenario development
No full textThis study introduces an advanced statistical methodology for analyzing Delphi outputs in scenario development, employing a novel combination of network-based fuzzy clustering and centrality measures. The approach captures intricate relationships and the possibility of overlapping clusters by conceptualizing Delphi outputs as nodes within a network, with edges defined by correlations among expert responses. Unlike traditional clustering methods, this framework allows items to belong to multiple clusters with varying intensities, mirroring the complex interconnections characteristic of future scenarios. Additionally, integrating community detection algorithms, such as Louvain’s method, and centrality metrics enhances the analysis by uncovering the network’s structural properties, offering deeper insights into constructing scenario narratives. The proposed methodology is demonstrated in a case study on future family dynamics in northeast Italy, where expert assessments of social and demographic trends inform scenario development. By addressing the key limitations of conventional Delphi clustering approaches, this network-based framework improves both the robustness and interpretability of scenario planning, serving as a versatile tool for decision-makers grappling with complex and uncertain futures
Effect of Crestal Position on Bone–Implant Stress Interface of Three-Implant Splinted Prostheses: A Finite Element Analysis
Get PDFOptimizing stress distribution at the bone–implant interface is critical to enhancing the long-term biomechanical performance of dental implant systems. Vertical misalignment between splinted implants can result in elevated localized stresses, increasing the risk of material degradation and peri-implant bone resorption. This study employs three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the mechanical response of peri-implant bone under oblique loading, focusing on how variations in vertical implant platform alignment influence stress transmission. Four implant configurations with different vertical placements were modeled: (A) all crestal, (B) central subcrestal with lateral crestal, (C) lateral subcrestal with central crestal, and (D) all subcrestal. A 400 N oblique load was applied at 45° simulated masticatory forces. Von Mises stress distributions were analyzed in both cortical and trabecular bone, with a physiological threshold of 100 MPa considered for cortical bone. Among the models, configuration B exhibited the highest cortical stress, exceeding the physiological threshold. In contrast, configurations with uniform vertical positioning, particularly model D, demonstrated more favorable stress dispersion and lower peak values. Stress concentrations were consistently observed at the implant–abutment interface across all configurations, identifying this area as critical for design improvements. These findings underscore the importance of precise vertical alignment in implant-supported restorations to minimize stress concentrations and improve the mechanical reliability of dental implants. The results provide valuable insights for the development of next-generation implant systems with enhanced biomechanical integration and material performance under functional loading
A Methodological Proposal for Health Technology Assessments: A Case Study on Biosimilar Drugs
Get PDFThis work proposes a methodological approach that could be useful in multi-disciplinary health technology assessments (HTAs). Mathematical models based on real data were used to make predictions for the initial price and actual cost of three classes of biological drugs. Through a comparison of real data, with the data derived through this approach, degree coefficients were formulated to rank the negotiating capabilities of Italian regions. The proposed method could represent a valid means of support for healthcare decisionmakers in planning and reducing pharmaceutical spending, evaluating data, and finding uses for particular medical technologies. This study could be a useful tool for achieving the objectives of HTAs, providing a means of analysis that can be adapted to any data, which may be useful for rationalizing the use of health technologies, reducing waste, and optimally reallocating resources. © 2025 by the authors
Le città di Marco Polo. Antologia del Milione
No full textCosa accade se spremiamo il Milione di Marco Polo dentro la griglia geometrica delle Città invisibili di Italo Calvino? Ne viene fuori qualcosa di simile a ciò che qui si propone: un’antologia con le più belle città del Milione; quelle più cariche di significato, quelle che danno più appigli alla fantasia, quelle che, semplicemente, dilatano meglio i confini del nostro sogno sul mondo. Città utopiche e distopiche, come nel progetto di Calvino; straordinariamente capaci di entrare in dialogo con le nostre esperienze quotidiane, con gli spettri della civilizzazione, con le minacce di un pianeta che può rivelarsi ostile. Dentro uno scenario di questo tipo, la città rimane il punto d’intersezione di ogni convivenza possibile
Human Performance and Health in Sport and Exercise
No full textFor people of all ages and genders, participating in physically demanding sports, whether competitive or recreational, has significant health benefits. According to research, playing sports on a regular basis strengthens bones and muscles, lowers the risk of developing chronic illnesses including diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure, and improves cardiovascular health [1,2]. Furthermore, sports are important for mental health since they improve social integration and cognitive performance while lowering stress, anxiety, and depression [2]. However, because athletes must strain their bodies to the maximum, competitive sports frequently have a price tag, increasing the likelihood of injuries, exhaustion, and psychological discomfort [3]. A balanced approach to training and rehabilitation is also necessary because retired athletes often face long-term physical and mental health issues, such as joint issues, cardiovascular risks, and post-career identity conflicts [4].
Starting from the basics, assessing physical performance parameters is a fundamental aspect of sports and health science that provides directions to athletes, coaches, and researchers to understand and optimize training methodologies for strength, endurance, power, asymmetry in performance, preventing injuries, and enhancing competitive results [5]. Accordingly, a growing number of scientific investigations highlight the multiple methods available to quantify health, sport, and tactical performance, each focusing on different aspects of an individual’s capabilities and skills. For example, critical information on a subject’s endurance, recovery potential, and exercise prescription are provided by training load and physiological metrics, such as maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), lactate threshold, and heart rate variability (Contributions 1, 2, 3, 4). The importance of these parameters is evident across different sporting contexts and health settings.
This Special Issue includes 15 papers, comprising 12 original articles and 3 reviews, covering several parameters and variables used to quantify physical performance, from physiological and biomechanical determinants of athletic performance to strategies for optimizing recovery, injury prevention, and adapted sports participation. The findings in this Special Issue underscore the necessity of a multidimensional approach to evaluating sport performance, integrating physical, physiological, body composition, biomechanical, and recovery-based assessments, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of athletic performance and overall health. In particular, these findings provide a scientific base for developing training methodologies tailored to specific sports and individual needs in different settings. The overview and general conclusions of papers published in this Special Issue will be presented in the following text.
2. An Overview of Published Articles
When it comes to performance analysis, Radaković et al. (Contribution 1) reported a strong correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and performance in football players, where total match distance and high-intensity running are linked to aerobic capacity. Similarly, in handball, elite players display better reaction times and hand–eye coordination compared to sub-elite athletes, underlining the importance of psychomotor abilities in high-performance play (Contribution 5). Accordingly, analyzing movement dynamics, reaction speed, and gameplay effectiveness is crucial in high-level sports. Prieto-Lage et al. (Contributions 6, 7) explored padel and pickleball by showing that short rally durations and net proximity significantly influence point-winning strategies, providing indications on tactical training. Furthermore, as reported by Macedo et al. (Contribution 4), monitoring training load is important for quantifying the demand on psychological and physiological responses of athletes. Various external and internal load metrics, including GPS-based tracking, accelerometers, heart rate variability, and session rating of perceived exertion, are widely implemented in both team sports (e.g., soccer, rugby) and individual disciplines (e.g., endurance sports, resistance training); therefore, these tools enhance physical performance, injury risk assessment, training monitoring, and exercise management (Contribution 4).
Beyond traditional competitive sports, physiological assessments and training monitoring also play an important role in rehabilitation [6] and adapted exercise programs [7]. In para-sports, Álvarez-Hernández et al. (Contribution 2) demonstrated that para-footballers with cerebral palsy who have lower impairment levels achieve higher speeds and cover greater distances, indicating potentially greater match performance. Generally, these considerations emphasize the role of physiological monitoring in optimizing training programs, ensuring that athletes, both in competitive sports or rehabilitation settings, achieve high adaptation and performance.
Together with physical performance, anthropometric characteristics can also influence health performance, sport success, and injury occurrence [8]. For example, a retrospective study conducted by Ginszt et al. (Contribution 8) analyzed the relationship between climbing experience, anthropometric data, and the best result in sport climbing achieved by male sport climbers in bouldering and lead climbing, suggesting that lower body mass and lower body height are correlated with the better performance in sport climbing. On the same topic, Śliż et al. (Contribution 5) examined handball players and found that body fat percentage, fat-free mass, and total body water influence reaction time, movement time, and response accuracy.
Several studies in the present Special Issue investigated the impact of different specific training regimens on health and physical performance (Contributions 2, 4, 9, 10). In fact, the research conducted by Gavala-González et al. (Contribution 9) on adolescent rowers reveals that specific ergometer-based training enhances power output more effectively than general strength exercises, demonstrating the importance of a sport-specific training program. Furthermore, the improvement in velocity, command, and deception metrics may also be attributed to external facilitator, as shown by Crotin et al. (Contribution 10) in baseball players through the use of intra-abdominal pressure belts, suggesting innovative tools for enhancing performance. Finally, regarding sport-specific skills, Busuttil et al. (Contribution 11) investigated tennis coaching practices, examining how tennis coaches perceive and approach the development of grip positions, a foundational skill in tennis. The findings suggest that teaching grip positions early in training, using physically constraining tools, could improve stroke development while reducing the risk of overtraining injuries.
However, although exercise training and sports participation have been recognized for their positive impact on health, by contributing to physical and mental well-being across different age groups and performance levels, achieving peak performance often requires significant sacrifices, exposing subjects to risks such as injuries, chronic fatigue, and mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, exercise addiction, and body dissatisfaction [9]. Additionally, it is worth noting that beyond physical training, athletes and physically active subjects’ quality of life is influenced by sleep hygiene, dietary habits, and mental health, all playing integral roles in athletic success and health performance achievements (Contributions 11, 12, 13). In line with these influencing factors, Migliaccio et al. (Contribution 14) showed the importance of sleep hygiene for the health and performance of physically active individuals, demonstrating how good sleep hygiene, sleep quality and quantity, and a regular sleep routine are associated with a range of benefits for health and performance including recovery, less risk of injuries, enhanced concentration and attention, improved coordination and muscle strength, mental well-being, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Similarly, dietary strategies play an important role in recovery. As demonstrated by Bozbay et al. (Contribution 12), pomegranate–black carrot juice supplementation significantly improved mineral metabolism and fatty acid profiles, indicating that an antioxidant-rich dietary intervention can help reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress and promote more efficient recovery.
Beyond high-performance sports and elite athletes, sport and structured physical activity plays a fundamental role in prevention [10] and management [11] of non-communicable diseases, particularly in childhood and adolescent populations, having a big impact on public health [12]. In fact, Uvacsek et al. (Contribution 15) investigated sport and physical activity participation among school-aged Hungarian children, examining the differences in engagement based on weight groups. Their findings revealed that overweight and obese children had almost the same participation rates in sport activities as children in other weight classifications, reinforcing the importance of daily physical education in schools and governmental support of sport in fostering engagement in exercise and reducing obesity risk.
Accordingly, whether in competitive, recreational, home, or green settings, engaging in structured physical activity and sports promotes cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and psychophysiological well-being independently from age and clinical condition [13]. In fact, Papamichail et al. (Contribution 13) examined the impact of exercise on balance, functional ability, and depression in a patient with progressive supranuclear palsy, showing significant improvements in mental well-being. This is further confirmed from a study conducted by Gavala-González (Contribution 3) on breast cancer survivors engaging in rowing, indicating improvements in cardiovascular function and overall fitness, underscoring the role of structured exercise as not only essential for athletic performance, but also for clinical populations to recover and long-term health benefits.
3. Conclusions
In conclusion, the studies in this Special Issue collectively highlight the importance of a multidimensional approach to assessing and enhancing health and sport performance. By integrating physical, physiological, body composition, biomechanical, and recovery-based assessments, researchers and practitioners can gain deeper understandings into the factors influencing both athletic achievement and overall health. Moreover, these papers underscore the significance of tailored training methodologies, holistic athlete monitoring, and the valuable role that structured exercise plays in prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization. As such, the body of work presented in this Special Issue provides a foundation for advancing best practice in sport, exercise, and health, benefiting athletes, coaches, clinical populations, and overall society.
We extend our gratitude to all contributors whose efforts have enriched this collection and look forward to further advancements in the topic of human performance and health in sport and exercise