68994 research outputs found
Sort by
Blending results from existing literature reviews on digital technologies in the Economia Aziendale domain
Get PDFArtificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation are currently the most influential forces in business and society. Although numerous studies have examined the impacts of various digital technologies in the field of Economia Aziendale, there is a need to consolidate and integrate these findings from different communities of practice. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview by conducting an integrative review of existing literature on digital technologies in Economia Aziendale, using Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify relevant studies. After careful selection, 25 literature reviews were analyzed. The analysis revealed limited connections among existing reviews, typically across different research communities, except within the AIS community. Some reviews cover multiple technologies using broad terminology, while others delve into specific technologies. Findings are organized within a comprehensive framework that delineates the antecedents and effects of digital technologies. Furthermore, the analysis identifies seven promising areas for future research exploration. This review aims to bridge gaps in the field by synthesizing knowledge across different communities, aiding scholars in contributing to broader discussions on digital technologies’ impact. For practitioners, the findings provide valuable insights for navigating the complexities of digital transformation, while policy-makers can use this review to prioritize interventions and allocate resources effectively
Conservare e prevenire. L’intervento di messa in sicurezza del Palazzo Comunale di Corinaldo come modello di buone pratiche
No full textNegli ultimi decenni, la conservazione preventiva degli edifici storici è stata spesso trascurata a favore di interventi d’emergenza. Il caso del Palazzo Comunale di Corinaldo (AN), danneggiato dal sisma che ha colpito il Centro Italia nel 2016, mostra come la riparazione possa diventare opportunità di prevenzione, migliorando ispezionabilità, sicurezza e manutenzione futura.In recent decades, preventive conservation of historic buildings has often been overlooked in favor of emergency interventions. The case of the Corinaldo Town Hall (AN), damaged by the 2016 Central Italy earthquake, demonstrates how repair works can become an opportunity for prevention, enhancing inspectability, safety, and future maintenanc
Experimental Campaigns for the Assessment of Indoor Personalized Comfort Based on a Multidomain Platform
No full textThis paper presents two extended experimental campaigns performed for the assessment of indoor personalized comfort in two different seasons, namely summer and winter. The tests have been integrally performed using a dedicated digital platform developed within the framework of the WEPOP project (WEarable Platform for Optimised Personal comfort, Prot. 2022RKLB3J). Tests were performed within the NEXT.ROOM, an innovative test room aimed at performing multidomain assessment. A dedicated platform guided the participants all along the test protocol, administering surveys for comfort assessment and acquiring and storing data from diverse sensors. Data can be post-processed and correlated to the comfort perceived by the subjects. In particular, the work describes in detail the platform, the experimental campaigns, and the lessons learnt for driving the improvement of tests execution and the consequent quality of the data acquirements. Finally, results are reported in terms of global data description and indications for similar tests. Thoroughly recording the timestamps of the single activities within the test protocol is crucial to post-process the collected data; additionally, the implementation of the whole campaign on a single platform proved to be pivotal to maximizing the participants' concentration and, hence, the data quality
Weekly carbon and oxygen isotope dynamics in black spruce: A case study in the northeastern boreal forest of Quebec, Canada
Get PDFThe stable isotopic composition of carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) in tree rings is widely used to explore tree eco-physiological dynamics across various time scales. However, interpreting these isotopic signals is challenging due to multiple interacting factors, including gas exchange at the leaf level, stored carbohydrate reserves, and xylem water, whose timing and interactions during the growing season remain poorly understood. In this study, weekly δ13C and δ18O signals were tracked within the cambial region and forming xylem of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP.) in boreal forests of Quebec, Canada. The study covered three consecutive growing seasons (2019–2021) at two forest sites with differing temperature and soil water content. Weekly isotopic profiles were developed for the cambial region (δ13Ccam and δ18Ocam) and developing xylem cellulose (δ13Cxc and δ18Oxc). Strong positive correlations were observed between δ13Ccam and δ18Ocam, with an increasing trend along the growing season. Conversely, negative relationships were observed between δ13Cxc and δ18Oxc, characterized by an increasing trend in δ13Cxc and a decreasing trend in δ18Oxc. The results illustrated that stomatal conductance is the dominant physiological factor controlling seasonal fractionation of δ13Ccam and δ18Ocam. Increasing proportional exchanges between xylem water and sugars at the sites of cellulose synthesis (i.e., Pex effect) are thought to be strong enough to completely blur the observed trends in δ18Ocam during the growing season. This suggests that δ18Oxc signals differ from those originating in the earlier cambium sink. These findings highlight the need to carefully consider the processes influencing isotopic signals to avoid misinterpretations in dendroclimatological studies
Sodium azide mutagenesis induces a unique pattern of mutations
Get PDFThe nature and effect of mutations are of fundamental importance to the evolutionary process. The generation of mutations with mutagens has also played important roles in genetics. Applications of mutagens include dissecting the genetic basis of trait variation, inducing desirable traits in crops, and understanding the nature of genetic load. Previous studies of sodium azide-induced mutations have reported single nucleotide variants (SNVs) found in individual genes. To characterize the nature of mutations induced by sodium azide, we analyze whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 11 barley lines derived from sodium azide mutagenesis, where all lines were selected for diminution of plant fitness owing to induced mutations. We contrast observed mutagen-induced variants with those found in standing variation in WGS of 13 barley landraces. Here, we report indels that are two orders of magnitude more abundant than expected based on nominal mutation rates. We found induced SNVs are very specific, with C → T changes occurring in a context followed by another C on the same strand (or the reverse complement). The codons most affected by the mutagen include the sodium azide-specific CC motif (or the reverse complement), resulting in a handful of amino acid changes and few stop codons. The specific nature of induced mutations suggests that mutagens could be chosen based on experimental goals. Sodium azide would not be ideal for gene knockouts but will create many missense mutations with more subtle effects on protein function
The impact of oral anticoagulants on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis risk and prognosis: a population study
No full textInterpretation of pavement skid resistance based on the advanced analysis of surface texture
Get PDFThe World Health Organization estimates that about 1.3 million lives are lost every year worldwide due to road accidents. Pavement skid resistance/friction is one of the most important factors that contribute to road safety, as it ensures the vehicle control during manoeuvres that could give rise to accidents (e.g., turning, emergency braking). It is known that skid resistance changes over time under the action of traffic and weather, and the accident rate increases significantly when the skid resistance falls below a certain threshold. In this regard, this study focuses on the investigation of the friction properties of three types of asphalt mixtures for wearing courses (open-graded, dense-graded and semi-porous) typically employed in Italian motorway pavements. These mixtures were characterized by the same type of coarse aggregates (basalt) from the same quarry. The skid resistance of laboratory-compacted slabs was assessed at increasing polishing levels with the Wehner-Schulze (WS) machine. To interpret the results of the WS tests, an advanced methodology based on photogrammetry was developed to analyze the surface texture of the slabs. It was found that, if the same coarse aggregates are considered, pavement skid resistance mainly depends on the surface texture properties. Specifically, the skid resistance decreases as the contact area between rubber/tyre and sample/pavement decreases, which can be explained by a reduction of the skid resistance contributions due to adhesion. These findings, which underline the importance of texture characteristics on pavement friction, can help shedding light on the skid resistance values typically measured in the field for different types of asphalt mixtures
Channelling and taxation in European online gambling markets: evolution and policy implications
Get PDFBackground Taxation can be used to direct consumption and provision of harmful commodities. Prior research on gambling taxation has nevertheless been inconclusive on whether this can also apply to gambling. In gambling policy, optimal taxation rates have particularly been debated from the perspective of channelling consumption from offshore markets to regulated markets. Prior industry-sponsored reports have suggested that lower tax rates may be correlated with higher channelling rates. Methods We analyse data on two cross-sections (2018; 2021) derived from 29 European countries. The data consist of estimated channelling rates, information on taxation levels, and controls including blocking policies. We produce a descriptive overview of the recent evolution of market channelling and taxation for online gambling products across Europe. We also produce a multivariate regression analysis on the extent that market channelling is correlated with taxation of online gambling. Results Our results show important divergence in taxation of online gambling markets in Europe. We also found that over time, the market share of offshore markets has declined in relative terms. However, this decline is explained by a more rapid growth in the regulated market in absolute terms. The regression analysis found no evidence of a negative correlation between that taxation rates and channelling rates within Europe. Conclusions Gambling policy needs to be based on empirical, impartial evidence. Misleading estimates may result in increased harms to societies. Channelling objectives are important for better regulation and harm reduction, but taxation levels do not appear to be correlated to the success of channelling policies
Exploring the Impact of Biologic Therapies on Small Airway Function in Severe Asthma
No full textL'asma è una condizione infiammatoria cronica delle vie aeree caratterizzata da sintomi respiratori e dalla limitazione variabile e reversibile del flusso espiratorio, che può essere spesso controllata con trattamenti appropriati. Nonostante i progressi nelle strategie di gestione, tra cui le nuove terapie biologiche implementate, la piccola disfunzione delle vie aeree (SAD) rimane un aspetto critico dell'asma che è spesso sottodiagnosticato e mal compreso. Le tecniche emergenti, come l'oscilometria, offrono una via promettente per valutare la SAD.
Questo studio longitudinale ha esplorato il ruolo dell'oscillometria nella gestione dell'asma, in un contesto reale, concentrandosi sulla sua integrazione nella pratica clinica di routine. L'obiettivo primario era di valutare l'impatto del dupilumab sulle piccole vie respiratorie in pazienti con asma, con o senza polipi nasali comorbi. Gli obiettivi secondari includevano la valutazione degli effetti di dupilumab su esiti asmatici più ampi, come la funzione polmonare (spirometria), biomarcatori (eosinofilo del sangue, ossido nitrico esalato frazionato), controllo dei sintomi, frequenza delle esacerbazioni e uso orale di corticosteroidi. Inoltre, lo studio ha esaminato le correlazioni tra variabili oscillometriche e gli altri risultati clinici, funzionali e di laboratorio.
I risultati hanno mostrato cambiamenti nella Resistenza e Reattanza, dopo l'inizio del dupilumab, specialmente nella fase espiratoria, che potrebbero riflettere l'impatto di questo trattamento sulle piccole vie aeree. Questi risultati hanno il potenziale per migliorare la nostra comprensione di SAD e del suo ruolo nella patofisiologia dell'asma, sostenendo l'uso dell'oscilometria come strumento prezioso per la caratterizzazione precisa della malattia e gli interventi terapeutici mirati.Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways characterized by respiratory symptoms and variable and reversible expiratory flow limitation, which can be often controlled with appropriate treatments. Despite advancements in management strategies, including the new deployed biologic therapies, small airway dysfunction (SAD) remains a critical aspect of asthma that is often underdiagnosed and poorly understood. Emerging techniques, such as oscillometry, offer a promising avenue for assessing SAD.
This longitudinal study explored the role of oscillometry in asthma management, in a real-world setting, focusing on its integration into routine clinical practice. The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of dupilumab on small airways in patients with asthma, with or without comorbid nasal polyps. Secondary objectives included assessing dupilumab's effects on broader asthma outcomes, such as lung function (spirometry), biomarkers (blood eosinophil, fractional exhaled nitric oxide), symptom control, exacerbation frequency, and oral corticosteroid use. Additionally, the study investigated correlations between oscillometric variables and the other clinical, functional, and laboratory outcomes.
The results showed changes in Resistance and Reactance, after the start of dupilumab, especially in the expiratory phase, that might reflect the impact of this treatment on the small airways. These findings have the potential to enhance our understanding of SAD and its role in asthma pathophysiology, supporting the use of oscillometry as a valuable tool for precise disease characterization and targeted therapeutic interventions
Investigation of glyoxalase 2 localization and its role as a survival factor in cancer cells
No full textQuesta tesi presenta un lavoro esteso sulla gliossalasi 2 e sui suoi ruoli aggiuntivi in linee cellulari di cancro al seno e non. La gliossalasi 2 (Glo2) è un enzima del sistema delle gliossalasi, critico per la detossificazione del metilgliossale (MGO) e attivo in parallelo alla glicolisi, utilizzando il glutatione come cofattore. Codificata dal gene HAGH, la Glo2 è presente sia nei mitocondri che nel citoplasma e svolge una funzione importante in numerose specie e tessuti, sia procarioti che eucarioti. Questo studio approfondisce nuovi aspetti della funzione di Glo2 nelle cellule di carcinoma mammario (MCF7) rispetto alle cellule normali (HDF), esplorando la sua localizzazione nucleare e il suo ruolo nella proliferazione cellulare e nella resistenza alla chemioterapia. I risultati indicano una sovraespressione di Glo2 nelle cellule tumorali, con livelli che aumentano durante le fasi proliferative (S e G2/M) del ciclo cellulare, suggerendo un coinvolgimento diretto nella crescita tumorale. Inoltre, è stato osservato che Glo2 partecipa alla S-glutationilazione, una modifica post-traslazionale potenziata nelle cellule tumorali sia nel citoplasma che nel nucleo. L'inibizione di Glo2 mediante l'inibitore P-nitrocarbobenzoxyglutathione (p-NCBG) ha aumentato la sensibilità delle cellule tumorali alla doxorubicina, suggerendo che Glo2 può contribuire alla resistenza tumorale modulando lo stress ossidativo. Questi risultati identificano Glo2 come un potenziale bersaglio terapeutico per migliorare l'efficacia dei trattamenti contro il cancro e suggeriscono un ruolo più ampio di Glo2 nei meccanismi di regolazione cellulare e nelle patologie associate. This thesis presents an extended work concerning the glyoxalase 2 and additional roles in breast cancer and non-cancer cell lines. Glyoxalase 2 (Glo2) is an enzyme of the glyoxalase system, critical for detoxification of methylglyoxal (MGO) and active in parallel with glycolysis, using glutathione as a cofactor. Encoded by the HAGH gene, Glo2 is present in both mitochondria and cytoplasm and plays an important function in numerous species and tissues, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. This study delves into new aspects of Glo2 function in breast carcinoma cells (MCF7) compared with normal cells (HDF), exploring its nuclear localization and its role in cell proliferation and chemotherapy resistance. The results indicate overexpression of Glo2 in cancer cells, with levels increasing during the proliferative (S and G2/M) phases of the cell cycle, suggesting direct involvement in tumor growth. In addition, Glo2 has been observed to participate in S-glutathionylation, an enhanced post-translational modification in cancer cells in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Inhibition of Glo2 by the inhibitor P-nitrocarbobenzoxyglutathione (p-NCBG) increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to doxorubicin, suggesting that Glo2 may contribute to tumor resistance by modulating oxidative stress. These findings identify Glo2 as a potential therapeutic target for improving the efficacy of cancer treatments, and suggest a broader role of Glo2 in cellular regulatory mechanisms and pathologies associated with oxidative stress.