5 research outputs found
INTERMEDIARIES BOOSTING THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF SMES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN ITALY AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
No full textThe article aims at investigating the role of entrepreneurial associations as intermediaries in supporting the digital transformation of small and medium-enterprises in Italy and the Russian Federation. The state-of-the-art is analyzed taking into account the level of digitalization of SMEs in both countries and the activities and features of the most relevant entrepreneurial associations in their role as intermediaries between private businesses and public rulers. The article adopts a comparative method based on the Italian and Russian experience: Confindustria and Confartigianato in Italy are considered in comparison to Opora in the Russian Federation. The findings of the research show high expectations on the role of entrepreneurial intermediaries in supporting the digital transformation of SMEs. Accordingly, directions for the further development of their role are drawn
A comparative analysis between Italian and Russian measures supporting the digital transformation of SMEs
No full textPurpose. This paper aims at providing a comparative analysis of the main policy measures introduced by Italy and the Russian Federation for supporting the digital transformation (DX) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Methods. The research collects data from Italian, European and Russian sources in order to carry out a full-fledged comparative analysis based on the desk analysis of the latest financial measures that promote the DX of SMEs. Empirical data about the performance of SMEs are examined in order to discuss the effectiveness and efficiency of the national support measures.
Results. The crucial role of SMEs in fostering growth and well-being is recognized at different levels in both countries. However, the analysis of facts and figures highlights a lack of strategic and integrated approach, along with a fluctuating trend, of Russian support towards SMEs, which lags behind the EU average in different fields, including digitization. Accordingly, Italian directions can be of help for the Russian experience in different areas, such as the elaboration of targeted and goal-oriented strategies, facilitation of the access to funding, socio-economic reforms and introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies through entrepreneurial associations. Scientific novelty. Considering the Italian case, possible applications in the Russian Federation are identified. Since the critical assessment of the implementation of specific measures can be better carried out through comparative research, the adding value of this research relies on the opportunity for both sides to learn from other experiences
On the Universal Power of Socioeconomic Rights: A Comparison Between Thomas Pogge and Rainer Forst
No full textIntroduction. This article investigates the universal power of socioeconomic rights assessing their theoretical conceptualization and practical implication. Methods. Taking theoretical and empirical research into account – at the level of public ethics and political theory – the article carries out a comparative analysis of the elements of global economic justice theory, moral universalism and institutional understanding of human rights of Thomas Pogge and the critical theory of political and social justice and the moral constructivist conception of human rights of Rainer Forst. Analysis. On the one hand, Pogge’s cosmopolitan approach underlines serious noncompliance of socioeconomic rights at the global level because of the unjust distribution of rights and duties enforced by the current global institutional order. In this vein, the protection of socioeconomic rights is conceived as a (moral) negative duty not to deprive people of secure access to a basic human rights object, and socioeconomic rights, by imposing upon them unjust coercive social institutions. On the other hand, Forst’s perspective maintains that each right needs to be constructed on the very basic moral right to reciprocal and general justification which is conceived as the most universal and basic claim of every human being. Results. Drawing on the above-mentioned outlooks on socioeconomic rights, the universal power of socioeconomic rights is assessed in light of the satisfaction of universal basic needs, whose object is also the object of socioeconomic rights – a ‘conditio sine qua non’ for a worthwhile life – and the justification of the assigned duties at the global level
Changes in body weight and composition, metabolic parameters, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with subcutaneous semaglutide in real-world clinical practice
No full textSubcutaneous once-weekly (ow) semaglutide is a recent treatment option for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, but real-world data on weight loss and associated changes in body composition, nutrients intake, and quality of life are still scarce. This observational, prospective clinical study involved all T2D patients starting ow semaglutide according to routine care between December 2021 and February 2022. Clinical information was collected after 6 months (T6) and 12 months (T12) from semaglutide initiation (T0). Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) was performed to measure changes in body composition. Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) and the 36 - items Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were administered as patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Changes in continuous endpoints (weight, body composition, nutrients intake, other clinical parameters, and PROs) were assessed using mixed models for repeated measurements. Overall, 90 patients (age 63.0 +/- 10.0 years; diabetes duration 7.6 +/- 5.9 years; 58.9% men; HbA1c 7.7 +/- 1.1%; weight 95.4 +/- 19.4 Kg, BMI 34.6 +/- 6.4 Kg/m2; 36.7% na & iuml;ve to diabetes treatment, 43.3% on metformin, 10.0% on dual oral therapy, and 10.0% treated with schemes including insulin) were included in the study. After 6 months from semaglutide initiation, body weight significantly decrease by -4.69 Kg (95%CI -6.19;-3.19) (primary endpoint). After 12 months, body weight was further reduced (-5.38 Kg; 95%CI -7.79;-2.97). At BIA, fat mass was significantly reduced by 2.1 Kg after 6 months but only slightly reduced after 12 months vs. baseline; lean mass was also significantly reduced by over 3 Kg both at 6 and 12 months. Intake of all nutrients declined in the first 6 months of therapy, although only lipids reduction reached the statistical significance (-6.73 g; p=0.02). Statistically significant improvements in BMI, waist circumference, glycemic control, blood pressure and lipid profile were documented. Satisfaction with treatment (DTSQ questionnaire) and mental health (MCS score of SF-36 questionnaire) significantly increased during the follow-up. The study documented real-world benefits of semaglutide for treating obesity in T2D subjects, with important changes on clinical and patient-reported outcomes. Loss of lean mass associated with weight loss warrants attention; parallel strategies to preserve skeletal muscle and improve physical function, i.e. nutritional education and structured exercise, are of great importance
Evaluation of Clinical and Quality of Life Effects of Oral Semaglutide Use in Type 2 Diabetes from a Public Health View: A Prospective Study in Italy
No full textBackground and Aim: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) continues to pose a significant public health challenge worldwide. Among therapeutic options, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have proven effective in optimizing glycemic control and improving cardiometabolic profiles. Semaglutide, now available in an oral formulation, represents a modern strategy to improve patient adherence while supporting glucose and weight regulation. This study primarily investigated the effects of oral semaglutide on key metabolic indicators and secondary endpoints included cardiovascular risk markers (blood pressure and lipid profile) and patient-reported quality of life (QoL). Study Design and Methods: A longitudinal, prospective observational study was conducted involving patients with T2D across two Italian healthcare facilities. Participants were assessed at baseline (T0) and at three subsequent intervals—6 months (T1), 12 months (T2), and 18 months (T3)—following the initiation of oral semaglutide use. Key Findings: Out of 116 participants enrolled, 97 had complete and analyzable data. Across the 18-month follow-up, significant improvements were observed in glycemic parameters, with a notable reduction in HbA1c levels (T0 vs. T3, p = 0.0028; p ≤ 0.05, statistically significant). Self-reported outcomes showed enhanced quality of life, especially in treatment satisfaction and perceived flexibility (T0 vs. T3, p Conclusions: Daily administration of 14 mg oral semaglutide in individuals with T2D resulted in substantial benefits in glycemic regulation, weight reduction, cardiovascular risk management, and overall patient satisfaction. These findings reinforce its potential role as a sustainable and effective option in long-term diabetes care from both a clinical and public health perspective
