380 research outputs found
Emergenze collettive
No full textLe emergenze collettive s’inscrivono in complesse dinamiche globali a differenti
livelli di intervento; esse impattano sulla capacità di gestire la componente
di rischio insita sia nella morfologia dei territori sia nella pianificazione della vita
organizzativa e comunitaria, quindi sul senso di sicurezza generale, ponendo interrogativi sulle metodologie e tecniche per far fronte al loro impatto nefasto. A
livello etimologico, il termine ‘emergenza’ deriva dal latino emergere composto
di ‘e’ fuori di e ‘mergere’ affondare, tuffare (v. mèrgo). Indica in altre parole ‘ciò
che emerge’, ovvero che affiora dalla superficie (calma) delle acque e che può essere
tanto qualcosa di bello e positivo, quanto qualcosa di pericoloso e negativo.
Nel corso del tempo, tuttavia, e forse sotto l’influenza dell’inglese emergency, il
sostantivo ‘emergenza’ ha assunto il significato negativo di un’occorrenza critica,
un avvenimento inaspettato e perlopiù di una certa gravità, una situazione
di allarme e pericolo che necessita di un intervento (soprattutto nella locuzione
‘stato di emergenza’). E se l’emergenza rappresenta nel senso comune odierno un
pericolo improvviso, tanto da essere spesso usata come eufemismo per allarme,
la risposta per far fronte alla stessa è generalmente connotata da altrettanta immediatezza
e urgenza.
Quando oggi pensiamo alle emergenze le rappresentazioni sociali sono diverse
ma fanno per lo più riferimento a catastrofi naturali o ad eventi che destabilizzano
un sistema sociale che non ha immediate risposte di ripresa. L’emergenza è
data dunque dalla presenza di una minaccia per la quale non è possibile rispondere
in modo ordinario, ma comporta l’attivazione di interventi straordinari rispetto
all’improvviso manifestarsi di necessità materiali, bisogni reali e percepiti
e risorse disponibili. Tali emergenze si riferiscono a eventi dal potenziale traumatico
per gli individui e per la collettività, in grado di compromettere il tessuto
sociale di una comunità territoriale e talvolta globale.
Nella cultura generale, termini come disastro ed emergenza sono correlati a
disastri naturali o antropici, come terremoti, maremoti, esplosioni, inondazioni,
disastri nucleari e chimici. Tuttavia, nel corso della storia si sono registrate altre
emergenze dovute ai conflitti tra stati e/o gruppi diversi della popolazione, agli
attacchi terroristici e alle emergenze a carattere sanitario che hanno la portata del gli scenari in emergenza possono essere diversi e molteplici.
Per eventi naturali si intendono tutti quelli determinati da fenomeni che si
manifestano in natura: eruzioni, terremoti, alluvioni, esondazioni, ecc. e dunque
tutti eventi che nel loro manifestarsi sfuggono al controllo dell’uomo. Gli
eventi naturali colpiscono per la qualità dei danni provocati sia a livello del
territorio che della popolazione tutta, a seconda dell’intensità e della portata
dell’evento.
Diverso è il discorso per gli eventi antropici ovvero che derivano direttamente
dall’azione dell’uomo e che sono suddivisibili nelle seguenti sottocategorie:
• eventi antropici dovuti a conflittualità socio-politica: rientrano in tale categoria atti
terroristici, conflitti armati, rivoluzioni, ecc., quindi qualsiasi evento scatenato
per ottenere intenzionalmente degli effetti sul piano sociale o politico;
• eventi antropici dovuti a errori o inadeguato utilizzo della tecnologia: rientrano in
tale categoria grandi incendi, crolli di costruzioni, così come incidenti ferroviari
e aerei, o dispersioni di sostanze tossiche;
• eventi antropico naturali: in questa categoria rientrano invece quegli eventi che
sono sì naturali originariamente, ma che divengono disastrosi in virtù dell’intervento
dell’uomo. Esempio può essere un’esondazione dopo forti precipitazioni
che però segue alla restrizione del letto del fiume ad opera umana
Interactions of vinca alkaloid subunits with chiral amido[4]resorcinarenes: a dynamic, kinetic, and spectroscopic study
No full textBotta B, Fraschetti C, Novara FR, et al. Interactions of vinca alkaloid subunits with chiral amido[4]resorcinarenes: a dynamic, kinetic, and spectroscopic study. Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry. 2009;7(9):1798-1806.The stereoselectivity of the reaction between (R)-(-)-2-butylamine and the diastereomeric proton-bound complexes of (+)-catharanthine (C) or (-)-vindoline (V) with some chiral amido[4]resorcinarenes has been investigated in the gas phase by ESI-FT-ICR-MS. The reaction stereoselectivity (0.56 < k(homo)/k(hetero) < 16.9) is found to depend critically on the functional groups present in the chiral pendants of the hosts. Rationalisation of the kinetic results is based on careful computational and spectroscopic studies of the most stable conformations of (+)-catharanthine and its protonated form in the isolated state and in water, as well as in a representative host structure. The emerging picture points to the relevant diastereomeric proton-bound complexes as quasi-degenerate, thus suggesting that their stereoselectivity in the guest exchange reaction is mostly due to kinetic factors. The results of this study may represent a starting point for a deeper comprehension of the intrinsic factors that endow these molecules, and their dimeric forms, with their biochemical properties
Conservative Management in End-Stage Kidney Disease between the Dialysis Myth and Neglected Evidence-Based Medicine
No full textIn the last few decades, the aging of the general population has significantly increased the number of elderly patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who require renal replacement therapy. ESKD elders are often frail and highly comorbid with social issues and seem to not benefit from dialysis in terms of survival and quality of life. Conservative management (CM) could represent a valid treatment option, allowing them to live for months to years with a modest impact on their habits. Despite these possible advantages, CM remains underused due to the myth of dialysis as the only effective treatment option for all ESKD patients regardless of its impact on quality of life and survival. Both CM and dialysis remain valid alternatives in the management of ESKD. However, assessing comorbidities, disabilities, and social context should drive the choice of the best possible treatment for ESKD, while in elderly patients with short life expectancies, referring them to palliative care seems the most reasonable choice
Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the growth of dental plaque on the surfaces of removable orthodontic aligners after the use of different cleaning methods
No full textAdvances in orthodontics are leading to the use of minimally invasive technologies, such as transparent removable aligners, and are able to meet high demands in terms of performance and esthetics. However, the most correct method of cleaning these appliances, in order to minimize the effects of microbial colonization, remains to be determined.Background: Advances in orthodontics are leading to the use of minimally invasive technologies, such as transparent removable aligners, and are able to meet high demands in terms of performance and esthetics. However, the most correct method of cleaning these appliances, in order to minimize the effects of microbial colonization, remains to be determined. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to identify the most effective method of cleaning removable orthodontic aligners, analyzing the growth of dental plaque as observed under scanning electron microscopy. Methods: Twelve subjects were selected for the study. All were free from caries and periodontal disease and were candidates for orthodontic therapy with invisible orthodontic aligners. The trial had a duration of 6 weeks, divided into three 2-week stages, during which three sets of aligners were used. In each stage, the subjects were asked to use a different method of cleaning their aligners: 1) running water (control condition); 2) effervescent tablets containing sodium carbonate and sulfate crystals followed by brushing with a toothbrush; and 3) brushing alone (with a toothbrush and toothpaste). At the end of each 2-week stage, the surfaces of the aligners were analyzed under scanning electron microscopy. Results: The best results were obtained with brushing combined with the use of sodium carbonate and sulfate crystals; brushing alone gave slightly inferior results. Conclusion: On the basis of previous literature results relating to devices in resin, studies evaluating the reliability of domestic ultrasonic baths for domestic use should be encouraged. At present, pending the availability of experimental evidence, it can be suggested that dental hygienists should strongly advise patients wearing orthodontic aligners to clean them using a combination of brushing and commercially available tablets for cleaning oral appliances
Educational Innovation for Social Transformation. Building Inclusive Cultures and Profession alism through University Service Learning
No full textThe promotion of universities as hubs for fostering citizenship presents a nuanced challenge, balancing the core
mission of developing competencies and human capital with the imperative to nurture democratic citizenship attitudes,
dispositions, and functionalities. The Service Learning Approach emerges as a promising response to this
challenge, offering an innovative, philosophically grounded, and socially responsible teaching methodology that
resonates with universities’ commitment to integrating social responsibility into their mission.
This paper delves into the institutionalization process of Service Learning at the University of Palermo, focusing on
the development of an evaluative framework and the implementation of a Service Learning initiative within the
Master’s Degree in Pedagogical Sciences. Service Learning, characterized by its deliberate integration of theory
and practice, empowers future pedagogists to engage in transformative service that meets community needs while
fostering deeper reflection on classroom experiences and cultivating a robust sense of civic engagement essential
for democratic societies.
Against this background, Service Learning embodies a “pedagogical formula” that develops generative connections
between the world of university education and societal needs, blending innovative teaching methodologies
with a profound understanding of the university’s social responsibility. Specifically for the Master’s Degree in Pedagogical
Sciences, this approach – stemming from the valorization of the pedagogical culture of inclusion and the
values that underpin it in terms of participation, belonging, democracy, equity, solidarity, and plurality – offers a
unique opportunity to position the university at the forefront of pedagogical services and policies aimed at advancing
social progress. By engaging both faculty and students in a dynamic teaching and learning process that challenges
conventional academic knowledge, Service Learning emerges as a vital tool for promoting inclusive processes
and fostering active citizenship in our increasingly diverse and complex societies
A kinetic study of guest displacement reactions on a host-guest complex with a photoswitchable calixarene
No full textLetzel M, Schäfer C, Novara FR, et al. A kinetic study of guest displacement reactions on a host-guest complex with a photoswitchable calixarene. Journal of Mass Spectrometry. 2008;43(11):1553-1564.The displacement processes of several guests, incorporated in a calixarene host system, were investigated in the gas phase by electrospray ionization-Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance (ESI-FT-ICR) mass spectrometry. The complexes resulting from a resorcin[4]arene host with ammonia and sec-butylamine guests were isolated in an ICR-cell, separately using both states of the photos-witch as well as two reference systems for the open and closed forms of the photoswitchable host. The isolated complexes were forced to exchange the guest by using methylamine, ethylamine and sec-butylamine, resulting in different reaction rates for all the measured systems. Especially, the reaction rates of both states of the photoswitch are dependent on the provided guest. Potential side effects like proton exchanges were examined by an H/D-exchange experiment. The results were investigated and supported by quantum chemical calculations (DFT). Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The experience of leaving a valuable object: An investigation of emotional processes related to Hoarding disorder features
No full textOne of the core features of hoarding is a significant resistance to discarding objects, which is fueled by dysfunctional beliefs and unwarranted negative emotions that hoarders tend to feel when disposing of their possessions. To our knowledge, longitudinal studies investigating the psychological effects that people who hoard experience after separating from their valuable possessions have yet to be conducted. Our study's principal aim was to explore psychological processes that individuals with high hoarding features (n = 53; 49.1%) and individuals with low hoarding features (n = 55; 50.9%) experienced when they had to separate from a valuable possession. To do this, we evaluated participants' thoughts and feelings at several time points after they had to leave a valuable object at the University laboratory (evaluations were specifically conducted at baseline, during the week, and at the end of the week). To investigate hoarding and anxiety, as well as depressive, obsessive-compulsive, and emotional processes-related features, a mixed-method approach was employed involving self-report questionnaires, ad hoc surveys, and a daily self-monitoring schedule. Our findings showed that compared to participants with low hoarding features, participants with high hoarding traits: 1) scored higher for anxiety sensitivity, distress tolerance, and emotional dysregulation; 2) reported having more negative emotions when leaving their object; 3) had more intrusive object-related beliefs; and 4) experienced a higher frequency of negative emotions as well as a higher level of distress during the week. Both groups experienced more negative emotions in the first part of the week, which decreased as the time at which participants could receive their object back drew closer. Finally, dysfunctional beliefs about leaving a personal object (Saving Cognitions Inventory), sensitivity to anxiety (Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3), and distress tolerance (Distress Tolerance Scale) contributed to the level of discomfort that participants with higher hoarding scores reported when they had to leave their possession. These results highlight the relevance of emotional processes in the hoarding disorder framework as well as underscore the importance of assessing and treating them in clinical settings
Gadolinium-Based Contrast Media Nephrotoxicity in Kidney Impairment: The Physio-Pathological Conditions for the Perfect Murder
No full textGadolinium-based contrast media (GBCM) toxicity in patients with kidney disease is a concern for the possible development of systemic nephrogenic fibrosis and possible renal complications. This review focuses on the pathological mechanisms underlying the potential kidney toxicity of gadolinium. Gadolinium, as a free compound (Gd3+), is highly toxic in humans because it competes with divalent calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions, interfering in some relevant biologic pro-cesses. Its toxicity is blunted by the complexing of Gd3+ with a carrier, allowing its use in magnetic resonance imaging. The binding reaction between gadolinium and a carrier is thermodynamically reversible. Consequently, under some conditions, gadolinium can be released in the interstitial space as a free Gd3+ compound with the possibility of toxicity. Other metals such as iron, copper, and calcium can interfere with the binding between gadolinium and its carrier because they compete for the same binding site. Thi..
Wolfram syndrome 2: a novel CISD2 mutation identified in Italian siblings.
No full textWolfram syndrome, also referred to as Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy and Deafness (DIDMOAD), is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder. Affected individuals had childhood insulin-requiring non-autoimmune diabetes mellitus and bilateral progressive optic atrophy, usually occurring during the first and second decade of life, respectively. Neurological clinical features include sensorineural hearing loss (slowly progressive high-frequency deafness), ataxia, dementia and psychiatric disease; olfactory defects are also frequent; central apnoea is a common cause of mortality. Further, neuronal degeneration might be involved in gastrointestinal dysmotility and a number of urinary tract dysfunctions (hydroureter, detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, detrusor overactivity, urinary tract atony)
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