IRIS UNIME
Not a member yet
103940 research outputs found
Sort by
Peripheral Prosthetic Vascular Graft Infection: A 5-Year Retrospective Study
No full textBackground/Objectives: Peripheral prosthetic vascular graft infection represents a very serious complication after lower limb revascularization, with amputation and mortality rates up to 70% and 30%, respectively. This study was designed to determine the incidence of prosthetic graft infection, amputation, and mortality rate in our institution, analyzing different types of treatment. Methods: A retrospective cohort single institution review of peripheral prosthetic bypass grafts evaluated patient demographics, comorbidities, indications, location of bypass, type of prosthetic material, and case urgency and evaluated the incidence of graft infections, amputations, and mortality. Results: Between January 2016 and December 2021, a total of 516 bypasses were recorded (318 male, 198 female, mean age 74.2): 320 bypasses in venous material and 196 prosthetic bypasses using Dacron or PTFE. Among patients with a prosthetic bypass, 16 (8.2%) presented a graft infection at a mean follow-up of 39 months. Thirteen other patients who submitted to prosthetic peripheral bypass in other centers presented to our institution with a graft infection, so a total of 29 infected grafts were treated. Infected grafts were removed in 20 patients (68.9%), while a conservative treatment was helpful in nine cases (31.1%). The germs involved were Gram-negative in 27.6% and Gram-positive in 41.4%. During follow-up, we recorded five deaths (17.2%) and six amputations (20.7%) directly after bypass excision; another two amputations (6.9%) occurred after failure of the new bypass replacing the prosthesis removed. Conclusions: Redo-bypass, active infection at the time of bypass, and advanced gangrene were associated with a higher risk for prosthetic graft infection and major extremity amputation. Complete graft removal and replacement by venous material or Omniflow II represents the typical treatment. However, aggressive local treatment including drainage, debridement, vacuum-assisted closure therapy application, and muscle transposition seem to be a better solution in selected patients without the need for graft removal and with rates of limb salvage superior to those obtained with excisional therapy
Oropharyngeal Adverse Events to Drugs and Vaccines: Pharmacovigilance Data From Italy (2019–2021)
No full textObjectives: The aim of this study was to perform a descriptive analysis of oropharyngeal adverse events (AEs) related to drugs and/or vaccines in order to provide useful information for clinicians. Methods: Data related to three regions of Italy were analyzed from 2019 to 2021 by using the National Pharmacovigilance database. Results: Among overall 67,384 cases, 2773 (4.1%) reported at least one oropharyngeal AE. Most cases referred to females (71.0%) and adults (70.8%). The majority of cases were reported as not serious (68.4%) and the outcome was mainly positive (73.5%). The cases related to drugs (52.2%) were slightly more than those related to vaccines (47.8%), the latter nearly completely represented by COVID-19 vaccines. Among 3324 oropharyngeal AEs, the most commonly reported were oropharyngeal conditions (65.9%). The most reported AEs related to vaccines were paresthesia oral and oropharyngeal pain, whereas the most reported AEs related to drugs were throat tightness and angioedema. A marked under-reporting of osteonecrosis of the jaw (2.9%) was observed, despite this risk was well documented in the same country. Conclusions: This analysis suggested an under-reporting of oropharyngeal AEs and the need to better train dentists, dental hygienists, and also general practitioners
First measurement of D*+ vector meson spin alignment in Pb–Pb collisions at TeV
No full textThe first measurement of prompt D*+-meson spin alignment in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions with respect to the direction orthogonal to the reaction plane is presented. The spin alignment is quantified by measuring the element ρ00 of the diagonal spin-density matrix for prompt D*+ mesons with 4 1/3 has been found for pT> 15 GeV/c and 0.3 < |y| < 0.8 with a significance of 3.1σ. The measured spin alignment of prompt D*+ mesons is compared with the one of inclusive J/ψ mesons measured at forward rapidity (2.5 < y < 4)
Long-term trajectories of Hepatic and Metabolic biomarkers after switching from TDF to TAF in ART-Experienced PWH with and without Hepatic Coinfection: Data from the ICONA Cohort
No full textObjective: Long-term effects of switching from Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) to Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) on hepatic, renal, and metabolic parameters remain poorly characterized, especially in people with HIV (PWH) and HBV coinfection. Methods: We analyzed 24-month trajectories before and after the switch to TDF/TAF in ART-experienced, virologically suppressed participants from the ICONA cohort, excluding those who started antiviral treatment or had detectable HCV-RNA during the study period. Mean values at 18 (T-18) and 6 months (T-6) pre-switch, at switch, and 6, 12, and 24 months post-switch (T+6, T+12, T+24) were assessed using adjusted mixed linear models. Results: At 6 months, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) decreased modestly by -3.05 [-6.42, 0.31] U/L, remaining stable at T+24; similar toother liver damage markers. In participants with chronic liver enzyme elevation, ALT reductions were more marked (-20.5 to -22.6 U/L from T+6 to T+24). Total cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, and triglycerides increased by 14.46, 10.70, and 11.56 mg/dL, respectively, at T+6, and then stabilized thereafter. PWH with baseline LDL-Cholesterol <100 mg/dL showed larger LDL increases. Compared to HIV-monoinfected, HBsAg+ individuals had higher ALT and lower eGFR on TDF, differences attenuated after switching to TAF(p<0.001 and p=0.002). No lipid trajectory differences emerged by coinfection status. Conclusions: Greater hepatic improvement was noticed after TDF to TAF switch in PWH with HBV coinfection, with no differences in lipid increases compared to monoinfected patients
The network contract as a tool to foster the creation of "sustainable" products and services. Some considerations
No full textCurrent environmental issues have a growing influence on the business sector and their corporate social responsibility. The creation of products and services that are a "sustainable" as possible, and therefore, in line with the objectives of "industry 4.0", has made collaboration between companies essential to reduce associated costs. The resources and know-how that a single organization possesse within, several times, are nit enough for the purpose of supplyng eco-friendly services. The purpose of the paper is, therefore, to highlight the main characteristics of the network contract, as a tool aimed at promoting the "green" reputation of companies within these network. Specifically, it focuses on promoting the market introduction of products and services aligned with principles of environmental sustainability. Through such a negotiational operation, companies, in fact, can increase, individually and collectively, their innovative capacity and their competitiveness on the market committing themselves, on the basis of a common network program, to collaborate and exchange information of services or fan industrial, commercial, technica or technological nature useful for the creation of fully "sustainable" products and services. This collaborative approach, facilited by network contracts, not only enables firms to share resources and experives but also fosters a collective commitment to sustainability, postioning them as a leaders in the trensition towards a more environmentally responsible and competitve business landscap
Exploring the impact of gentle stroking touch on psychophysiological regulation of inhibitory control
No full textTouch has been shown to regulate emotions, stress responses, and physical pain. However, its impact on cognitive functions, such as inhibitory control, remains relatively understudied. In this experiment, we explored the effects of low-force, slow-moving touch-designed to optimally activate unmyelinated cutaneous low-threshold mechanoreceptor C-tactile (CT) afferents in human hairy skin-on inhibitory control and its psychophysiological correlates using the Stroop Task, a classic paradigm commonly employed to assess inhibitory control capacity. The Stroop Task was repeated twice before and once after receiving either gentle touch or no-touch. Participants were assigned to two groups: the touch group (n = 36), which received low-force, slow-moving touch on their forearms at a stroking velocity of ~3 cm/s, and the no-touch group (n = 36), which did not receive any touch stimulation. Changes in autonomic nervous system activity were also assessed by measuring heart rate variability (HRV) and skin conductance levels before and during cognitive performance. Compared to the no-touch group, participants who received gentle, low-force, slow-moving touch demonstrated faster responses and higher HRV during the Stroop Task. Additionally, within the touch group, individuals with higher HRV exhibited even quicker performance on the cognitive task. While we cannot draw definitive conclusions regarding the CT velocity-specific effect, these results provide preliminary evidence that low-force, slow-moving touch may influence cognitive processes involved in the inhibitory control of goal-irrelevant stimuli
Emerging Contaminants as a Trigger of Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Metabolic Dysfunction
No full textUnveiling the Paradox: Navigating the Visibility and Invisibility of Gender-Based Violence
No full textThis comprehensive study delves into the complex interplay between
gender-based violence (GBV), privacy, visibility, and transparency within contem-
porary societal and legal contexts. It examines the dual nature of visibility—its
power to advocate for GBV awareness while risking survivor/victim privacy—and
the issues arising from the invisibility of such violence. The work emphasizes the
necessity for nuanced approaches that honor privacy yet advocate for transparency
and accountability. It calls for intersectional and inclusive strategies, integrating
technology, legal reforms, and societal engagement to address the multifaceted
challenges of GBV
La difesa dello Stretto di Messina nel XIX secolo: le torri martello come baluardo all'espansione francese.
No full textThe Martello towers, located along the Sicilian coast north of Messina, represent an important historical and architectural testimony at the beginning of the nineteenth century during the British protectorate constituting a key element of their defensive strategy. These defensive structures, designed to stem the expansion of Napoleon Bonaparte, are named after the Torre di Mortella, a Genoese tower located in Corsica on the coast near Punta Mortella in the municipality of Saint-Florent, Haute-Corse. Built in a cylindrical or truncus-conical shape and made of sturdy stone material, the towers were equipped with thick walls that guaranteed significant resistance to bombing. Their strategic location along the coast allowed to monitor and protect critical points of the area, in particular the Strait of Messina, a sea passage of great strategic importance. Today, many of these towers are objects of interest and need a programmed conservation in order to preserve their memory and the surviving physical consistency. This paper explores the history, architecture and strategic importance of the Martello towers in the Strait of Messina, analysing their role in coastal defence and their current state of conservation
How Iot Is Revolutionizing The Twin Transition: A Game-Changer For Environmental Sustainability
No full textThe digital age has ushered in a profound societal shift, redefining the foundations upon which modern life is based and pushing us towards a visionary societal model called "Society 5.0" (Carayannis et al., 2023). This model, conceived in Japan, represents a vision of an advanced society in which digital technologies are harmoniously integrated to meet social and environmental needs, creating an inclusive and sustainable environment (Deguchi et al., 2020). Among the key technologies driving this change are technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, robotics, augmented reality, and virtual reality. These technologies leverage an enabling technology such as IoT not only for its direct applications but, more importantly, for its ability to collect data in a way that enhances sophisticated analytical and predictive capabilities (Lee et al., 2015). In fact, IoT, which plays a central role in this study, is considered a network of connected smart devices that collects and transmits real-time data, supporting resource optimization and continuous process monitoring (Ahmad et al., 2021). Given its characteristics, IoT represents also a key tool for addressing global sustainability challenges. Indeed, as stated by Nižetić et al. (2020), IoT facilitates a continuous and dynamic interaction between the physical world and digital environments, enabling innovative solutions to promote environmental sustainability.
Tracing the steps that have led to this Society 5.0, it is evident that the input came from digital transformation, a process that has been evolving since the early 2000s, marked by the widespread adoption of digital technologies and their integration into every aspect of business operations (Hanelt et al., 2021). This transformation has become a pillar of contemporary organizational strategy, fundamentally altering the way companies operate and compete in the modern economy (Nadkarni et al., 2021). The term digital transformation refers to the adoption and integration of digital technologies across all aspects of an organization, enhancing efficiency and promoting innovation, resulting in increased value creation (Vial, 2021). However, digital transformation also implies a profound change in business processes, business models, and organizational culture. Consequently, adopting a digital approach requires flexibility, as companies must be ready to continuously review their processes, adapt their operational strategies, and promote a culture of continuous innovation (Warner et al., 2019). This flexibility also contributes to the development of new revenue streams, the improvement of operational resilience, and the rapid adaptation to market changes, fostering greater agility and proactive responses to emerging challenges (Li et al., 2021). Leadership plays a crucial role in this process, as it must drive change, encourage experimentation, and support a long-term vision for digital adoption (Westerman, 2014; Hanelt et al., 2017). Indeed, without a cultural hange, digital technologies risk being underutilized and failing to reach their full transformative potential (Westerman, 2014). To illustrate some changes that are recently taking place within companies thanks to digital transformation, we can observe that AI is providing predictive analysis tools that enable companies to make data-driven decisions more quickly and accurately (Bohnsack et al., 2022). Blockchain, with its security and transparency features, is revolutionizing supply chain management and increasing trust in transactional processes, while 5G is bringing advanced connectivity that allows for more sophisticated real-time industrial and IoT applications (Reuter, 2021). Thus, the challenge lies in strategically integrating these technologies to create a more efficient operational environment capable of enhancing customer interaction and product quality (Porter et al., 2015).
Furthermore, digital transformation fosters cross-sector collaboration and dynamic skills management, enabling organizations to better adapt and innovate. This phenomenon allows companies to adapt more efficiently to new market demands and foster an innovative environment (Wibowo, 2023). Indeed, digital platforms enable unprecedented knowledge and resource sharing, enhancing open innovation and co-creation with external partners (Trabucchi et al., 2023). Several companies are developing digital ecosystems involving startups, suppliers, and customers to accelerate the development of new technological solutions and address common challenges such as environmental sustainability and energy efficiency (European Commission, 2022). This collaborative approach is essential for remaining competitive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global context.
After carefully analyzing how digital transformation reshapes business processes and strategic objectives, it is important to comprehend how these changes fit into a broader sustainability framework, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the SDGs are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015, designed to address major global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, peace, and justice. These goals provide a common framework for promoting a sustainable future for all, encouraging countries, organizations, and individuals to contribute to social, economic, and environmental progress. In this regard, when discussing sustainability, it is important to specify that it involves the interaction of three fundamental dimensions: environmental, economic, and social sustainability (UN 2015). Environmental sustainability emphasizes the responsible management of natural resources to ensure their availability for future generations while minimizing negative impacts such as pollution and biodiversity loss (Cabezas et al., 2003). Economic sustainability aims to ensure long-term economic growth without negatively affecting environmental or social aspects (Foy, 1990). Social sustainability, meanwhile, focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals and communities, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and promoting social inclusion (Geissdoerfer, 2017). This thesis focuses particularly on environmental sustainability, emphasizing the responsible management of natural resources to minimize environmental impacts such as pollution, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss (Gallo et al., 2020). As pressures on environmental sustainability increase, companies are increasingly required to adopt practices such as decarbonization, waste reduction, and lean production methods to ensure resilience and adaptability to the challenges of climate change (Beier et al., 2022; Muench et al., 2022). According to the review of Gissi et al., (2021), the average global temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C since the late 19th century, and greenhouse gas emissions have reached record levels, contributing to the intensification of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, and wildfires (Legg - IPCC, 2021). These climatic disruptions pose significant risks to both ecosystems and economic stability, underlining the urgent need for sustainable practices and technology has the potential to significantly advance sustainability efforts (Minz et al., 2024).
Consequently, it is evident that a comprehensive, integrated approach is essential to drive systemic change effectively. This approach is encapsulated by the concept of the twin transition which refers to the concurrent digital and green transformations that are increasingly recognized as a strategic necessity to promote a sustainable and resilient economy. This transition emphasizes the synergy between digital transformation and environmental sustainability, demonstrating that the adoption of digital technologies can effectively promote and accelerate sustainable practices (European Commission, 2022). To move towards the twin transition, leader must balance economic objectives with environmental and social needs by creating integrated strategies (Chen et al., 2023). The twin transition offers industries the chance to improve operational efficiency while reducing their environmental footprint (Costa, 2024). Beyond efficiency gains, it also fosters innovation in business models, such as transitioning from linear to circular economies, where sustainability is central to value creation (Asgari et al., 2021). Effective leadership is key in guiding this transition, cultivating a strategic vision that seamlessly integrates digital and environmental objectives (Mehmood, 2024). Aligning digital and green goals helps organizations meet regulatory standards and achieve a sustainable competitive edge, linking profitability with environmental responsibility (Mäkitie et al., 2023). In fact, adopting digital innovations and sustainable practices allows companies to be better equipped to cope with external shocks, such as those caused by climate change or economic crises (Khurana et al., 2022). At the technological level, IoT, AI, Blockchain, big data, cloud computing, and digital twin are identified among the main components of twin transition and can be leveraged not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to promote more sustainable use of energy resources, thereby improving overall efficiency and environmental impact (Appio et al., 2024). Specifically, IoT was chosen as the focus of this research due to its distinct capability to enable advanced technologies like Big Data and Artificial Intelligence through its real-time data collection and transmission (Plageras et al., 2018). This detection capability makes IoT an essential technology in key sectors for sustainability, such as those related to natural resource management, transport optimization, and carbon emission reduction (Bibri et al., 2024). Indeed, the continuous data stream from IoT devices enables the development of sophisticated analytical and predictive systems, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of digital solutions aimed at promoting environmental sustainability (Ghobakhloo et al., 2022).
Although academia extensively explores the potential of digital technologies and their broader applications, it has paid less attention to the specific intersection between these technologies and environmental sustainability. The field tends to analyze the two dimensions—digital innovation and sustainability—more as separate phenomena rather than focusing on their growing integration and synergies (Costa, 2024). This represents a gap in the literature, as a deeper understanding of how digital technologies, such as IoT, can be leveraged to address environmental challenges is essential. It is precisely in this work of analyzing the relationship between IoT and environmental sustainability that several gaps have emerged, which have slowed the full understanding and application of this technology in promoting sustainable practices (Mois et al., 2017). One of the primary challenges lies in identifying the most impactful IoT applications for achieving specific environmental objectives (Alalwan et al., 2024). For instance, while patented technologies for traffic management and energy control have demonstrated a significant contribution to urban sustainability, it remains to be explored how these can be adapted to meet the needs of diverse industrial sectors and specific regional contexts (Gopi et al., 2021). Furthermore, in the context of the manufacturing industry, this challenge is exacerbated by the difficulty in rigorously measuring the impact of IoT technologies on operational efficiency and emission reduction (Acquaye et al., 2017). The lack of standardized metrics and assessment tools that can quantify the ecological benefits of IoT complicates the justification of investments and limits the large-scale adoption of such solutions (Brous et al., 2020).
This study aims to address these gaps by exploring the following research questions: the role of digital technologies in achieving environmental sustainability, the most effective applications of these technologies for addressing environmental challenges, and the future innovation trajectories that can contribute to environmental sustainability. The objective is to investigate these questions through a progressive analysis, starting with an examination of corporate perceptions, followed by a review of academic literature, and culminating in a mapping of emerging technological innovations