25 research outputs found
Per una educazione illuministica. I «Racconti morali» di Giambattista Biffi: le fonti
Get PDFThe article focuses on Giambattista Biffi (1736-1807), an Enlightenment nobleman and thinker of Cremona, member of the Accademia dei Pugni, and on the analysis of his unpublished autograph Racconti morali ad uso d’un fanciullo, held in the State Library of Cremona. These novellas were written with a pedagogical purpose for Daniele Ala, firstborn of Biffi’s friend marquis Gian Francesco Ala. After considering the family’s background and the historical context in which the novellas were composed – the period of the Habsburg reforms – the author dates them and identifies the press sources, both Italian and foreign, from which Biffi based the plot of the stories. Finally, she analyses the inspiring Enlightenment theory of virtue, seen as social utility for people’s wellbeing and happiness.L’articolo verte sulla figura dell’illuminista cremonese Giambattista Biffi (1736-1807), membro dell’Accademia dei Pugni, e sull’analisi dei suoi Racconti morali ad uso d’un fanciullo, autografi e inediti, conservati nella Biblioteca Statale di Cremona. Sono una decina di novelle scritte con un intento pedagogico per il marchesino Daniele Ala, primogenito del marchese Gian Francesco Ala, amico di Biffi. Dopo aver preso in esame il contesto familiare e quello storico in cui sono stati scritti – il periodo delle riforme asburgiche – e averne proposto una datazione, l’autrice identifica le fonti a stampa, sia italiane che straniere, dalle quali Biffi ricavò la trama delle novelle. Infine ne sottolinea la matrice illuministica che proponeva una educazione alla virtù intesa come utilità sociale, per il benessere e la felicità collettiva
Calcium Looping for Thermochemical Storage: Assessment of Intrinsic Reaction Rate and Estimate of Kinetic/Transport Parameters for Synthetic CaO/Mayenite Particles from TGA Data
Get PDFMayenite-supported CaO represents an affordable and safetycompliant candidate material for thermochemical storage processes. We here analyze the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) performance of synthetic CaO/mayenite micrometric powder under carbonatation/calcination looping and develop a model to interpret and analyze the experimental results. In the experimental campaign, calcination is run at 900 degrees C, while the carbonatation temperature is varied between 600 and 800 degrees C. For the carbonatation reaction, a generalized shrinking core model assuming a thermodynamically consistent first-order kinetic and a conversion-dependent diffusivity of CO2 inside the porous CaCO3 layer is validated through TGA carbonatation tests conducted with CO2/N-2 mixtures at different compositions. Interestingly, the kinetic constant of this reaction is found to be relatively insensitive to the temperature in the interval considered. In contrast, diffusion-limited regimes are never found for the calcination reaction so that this phase of the cycle can be predicted based on a single kinetic constant of the heterogeneous reaction. This constant is found to follow the typical Arrhenius-type dependence on temperature. Sizably different kinetic and transport parameters are obtained in the first carbonation performed on virgin CaO/mayenite particles with respect to those associated with subsequent cycles. When different parameters are afforded for the first and following cycles, the shrinking core model proposed closely predicts the TGA data over five CaO/CaCO3 cycles. The results found constitute an essential preliminary piece of information for designing equipment geometry and operating conditions of industrial-scale reactors. In this respect, knowledge of the parameters defining the intrinsic reaction rates and diffusive transport is essential in defining the optimal conversion of the material associated with minimal looping time
New 3D cone beam CT imaging parameters to assist the dentist in treating patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Get PDF(1) Background: The aim of the work is to identify some imaging parameters in osteogenesis imperfecta to assist the dentist in the diagnosis, planning, and orthodontic treatment of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) using 3D cone beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and the Double Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) technique. (2) Methods: 14 patients (9 males and 5 females; aged mean ± SD 15 ± 1.5) with a clinical-radiological diagnosis of OI were analyzed and divided into mild and moderate to severe forms. The patients’ samples were compared with a control group of 14 patients (8 males and 6 females; aged mean ± SD 15 ± 1.7), free from osteoporotic pathologies. (3) Results: The statistical analysis allowed us to collect four datasets: in the first dataset (C1 sick population vs. C1 healthy population), the t-test showed a p-value < 0.0001; in the second dataset (C2 sick population vs. C2 healthy population), the t-test showed a p-value < 0.0001; in the third dataset (parameter X of the sick population vs. parameter X of the healthy population), the t-test showed a p-value < 0.0001; in the fourth dataset the bone mineralometry (BMD) value detected by the DEXA technique compared to the C2 value of the OI affected population only) the Welch–Satterthwaite test showed a p-value < 0.0001. (4) Conclusions: The research has produced specific imaging parameters that assist the dentist in making diagnostic decisions in OI patients. This study shows that patients with OI have a characteristic chin-bearing symphysis, thinned, and narrowed towards the center, configuring it with a constant “hourglass” appearance, not reported so far in the literature by any author
Incidence and effects of Colletotrichum acutatum J.H. Simmonds 1968, in Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yatsumatsu (Hymenoptera Cynipidae) galls on Castanea sativa Mill
Get PDFCastanea sativa Mill., is a typical nut crop of the Mediterranean basin and one of the most common forest trees in the hilly parts of Italy (Borghetti et al., 1986). In Lombardy, is present in Como, Lecco, Sondrio, Varese, Pavia and Brescia provincies mainly in mixed forests (Boriani et al.,2013). C.sativa is one of the best example of a forest tree species threatened by invasive pathogens and insect pests, with major impacts caused by Cryphonectria parasitica (Murrill M.E.) Barr, Phytophthora spp. and Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (ACGW) (Turchetti et al., 2008).
ACGW causes on C.sativa, galls on young twigs, on leaf petioles or on leaves. They measure 5-20 mm in diameter and are green or rose-colour and are readily detected on plants. In 2014, during the insect monitoring, the occurrence of Colletotrichum acutatum in necrotized galls of ACGW in chestnut stands was recorded for the first time in Italy (Gaffuri et al., 2015). Thus, the overall goal of this work, has been to investigate the necrotized galls in order to isolate and identify the causative agent. Consequently, it has been necessary to organize a monitoring and sampling of shoots bark and galls on C.sativa.
For the first time, we discoved C.acutatum in Lombardia and Trentino orchards, and from monitoring data, this fungus was found to be spread in all chestnut-growing areas monitored on necrotic galls. Furthermore, during this survey, single or few nuts showed a still undescribed symptom: “Pink rot”, a clear and sometimes intense pink coloration of the endosperm. This symptoms never been reported previously.
C.acutatum is commonly found on cultivated and weeds plants and it was associated to anthracnosis, with subsequent and progressive necrosis of green tissues. However, these symptoms were not observed on chestnut. Since this study represents the first reporting of C.acutatum in chestnut and galls of ACGW, other molecular analysis on barcode genes were necessary to confirm the identification. The genus Colletotrichum has undergone frequent taxonomic changes in the past decades with the merging and addition of many species (Baroncelli et al., 2017) and now are recognized as species complex (Damm et al., 2012).
A total of 360 samples from shoots and necrotic or healthy galls were taken in order to determine the presence of fungi. From the isolation it was possible to identify the presence of cultures referred to Colletotrichum sp. in nineteen area out of the monitored forty. Positive isolation of other fungi as Trichoderma sp, Fusarium sp., Cryphonectria parasitica and Gnomognopsis sp. were generally obtained in all the areas. Colletotrichum coltures were obtained from the province of Trento, Bergamo, Como and Lecco. Molecular analisys of Colletotrichum isolates have been identified as C. fioiriniae and the analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), tubulin (TUB) and calmodulin (CAL) nucleotide sequence data strongly supported these results.
C. fioriniae, as shown in Baroncelli et al., 2014, belongs to C. acutatum species complex and from recorded data, we can state that C.fioriniae is present in Italy on C.sativa. Despite C.fioriniae causes anthracnose on different plants (Pszczółkowska et al.,2016) to date, there is still no correlation between symptoms and the presence of C.acutatum on C.sativa though it was observed a specific symptom called “pink rot“ (Gaffuri et al., 2016). The discovering of this almost worldwide pathogen associated to a new symptomatology on chestnuts confirms a possible risk related to its presence, because the endophytic isolates showed the same pathogenicity of those obtained from infected nuts. Considering the potential pathogenic role of this fungus, many questions still remain unanswered: its presence on healthy chestnut trees opens interesting views on its ecological role and impact both on chestnut ecosystem and on other host
Corrigendum to “Instrumentation for diagnostics and control of laser-accelerated proton (ion) beams“ [Phys Med 30 (2014) 255-270]
Get PDFDue to an error in the manuscript submission process Dr. Francesca Fiorini of the Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology was not included in the list of authors of the published work entitled “Instrumentation for diagnostics and control of laser-accelerated proton (ion) beams”. We deeply regret the occurrence and inconvenience of this error. This corrigendum is our published correction to the erroneous omission in which we include Dr. F. Fiorini as a listed author of this work. The correct complete list of the authors of the paper, “Instrumentation for diagnostics and control of laser-accelerated proton (ion) beams” (Phys Med 2014; 30: 255–270) is the following: P.R. Bolton, M. Borghesi, C. Brenner, D.C. Carroll, C. De Martinis, F. Fiorini, A. Flacco, V. Floquet, J. Fuchs, P. Gallegos, D. Giove, J. S. Green, S. Green, B. Jones, D. Kirby, P. McKenna, D. Neely, F. Nuesslin, R. Prasad, S. Reinhardt, M. Roth, U. Schramm, G.G. Scott, S. Ter-Avetisyan, M. Tolley, G. Turchetti, and J.J. Wilken
Intravitreal Injection of Ozurdex® Implant in Patients with Persistent Diabetic Macular Edema, with Six-Month Follow-Up
Get PDFAim To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone injections in diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods A 700 μg slow-release intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) was placed in the vitreal cavity of 17 patients (19 eyes) affected with persistent DME. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed through Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). Central macular thickness (CMT) was measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. BCVA and CMT examinations were carried out at baseline (TO) and repeated after three days, one month (T1), three months (T3), four months (T4), and six months (T6) post injection. Results Dexamethasone implant induced an improvement in ETDRS at T1, T3, T4, and T6 post injection. CMT was reduced at T1, T3, and T4, while at T6, CMT values were not statistically different from baseline. No complications were observed during the follow-up. Conclusion Our data suggest that dexamethasone implant is effective in reducing DME symptoms within a six-month frame
Damage assessment of bridge piers subjected to multiple earthquakes : Markov model vs regression models
Get PDFRecently developed methodologies based on a probabilistic seismic demand model (PSDM) and based on a Markovian model for the prediction of damage accumulation in structures subjected to multiple earthquakes within their lifetime are compared. A stochastic earthquake hazard model is used for generating sample sequences of ground motion records providing the reference solution and then used to estimate the probabilistic distribution of the damage accumulated during the time interval of interest. Besides evaluating the effectiveness of each approach, possible improvements of the cumulative demand model are tested. A reinforced concrete bridge model with a single pier is examined as case study and Park-Ang damage index is considered to describe the damage accumulation. The results demonstrate the importance of considering the occurrence of multiple shocks.Recently developed methodologies based on a probabilistic seismic demand model (PSDM) and based on a Markovian model for the prediction of damage accumulation in structures subjected to multiple earthquakes within their lifetime are compared. A stochastic earthquake hazard model is used for generating sample sequences of ground motion records providing the reference solution and then used to estimate the probabilistic distribution of the damage accumulated during the time interval of interest. Besides evaluating the effectiveness of each approach, possible improvements of the cumulative demand model are tested. A reinforced concrete bridge model with a single pier is examined as case study and Park-Ang damage index is considered to describe the damage accumulation. The results demonstrate the importance of considering the occurrence of multiple shocks
Intrafamilial communication of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genetic information in Italian women: towards a personalised approach
No full textGenomic testing expansion is accompanied by an increasing need for genetic counselling and intrafamilial communication.
Genetic counselling can play an important role in facilitating intrafamilial communication and relationships. We conducted a
cross-sectional, multicenter study including 252 Italian women, using a questionnaire divided in two sections, the first one to
be filled after the pre-test counselling and the second after receiving BRCA test results. We assessed the factors influencing
intrafamilial disclosure of genetic information for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, family members with whom
probands are more prone to share genetic information, and the perceived understanding of information received by
counselees during genetic counselling. Women were accompanied to the counselling more often by their husband/partner.
Among those with a positive BRCA test result, 49% intended to communicate it to their offspring and 27% to their husband/
partner. Younger women, those living with their husband/partner, and those who described family communication as open/
profound and spontaneous/sincere had a higher probability of being accompanied during genetic counselling and discuss
about it with relatives. Spontaneous/sincere or open/profound family communication and joyful/happy familial relationships
were associated with the decision to undergo genetic testing as a responsibility towards relatives. Women had a good
understanding of counselling contents (mean score 9.27 in a scale 1–10). Genetic counselling providers should consider that
genetic information disclosure does not depend only on the clarity of the information provided, but also on pre-existing
intrafamilial communication and relationships, family structure and marital status, indicating the need for a personalised
approach accounting for these factors
Servizio di Conservazione e Ampliamento delle Banche regionali della Biodiversità annualità 2009-2010
No full textIn questo anno si celebra a livello mondiale la Biodiversità quale elemento fondamentale per il mantenimento dei delicati equilibri ambientali e quindi della stessa vita sul nostro pianeta. La Regione Umbria, consapevole del valore di questa tematica ha
voluto destinare per il 2010 parte dei fondi del Piano di Sviluppo Rurale 2007-2013 ad una attività di ricerca, conservazione e valorizzazione del ricco patrimonio di varietà e razze locali che contraddistingue il territorio regionale. Patrimonio che negli ultimi
decenni, dato il diffondersi di un’agricoltura intensiva e l’avvio di vasti programmi di miglioramento genetico, si è andato progressivamente depauperando con il rischio che la sua scomparsa definitiva renda oltremodo critico il settore agricolo locale da sempre caratterizzato da quell’elemento di tipicità che solo può far risaltare la nostra agricoltura nel più vasto panorama del commercio nazionale e mondiale. Alla Società 3A Parco Tecnologico Agroalimentare dell’Umbria è stato affidato il
compito di coordinare il “Servizio di Conservazione e Ampliamento delle Banche regionali della Biodiversità”, avvalendosi della preziosa esperienza dei Dipartimenti di
Biologia Applicata e di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali della Facoltà di Agraria dell’Università degli Studi di Perugia. Una partnership importante che mi piacerebbe definire i “Custodi della Biodiversità regionale”. Dobbiamo fornire delle risposte alle crescenti preoccupazioni in materia di sicurezza alimentare dal momento che una agricoltura di natura intensiva e sempre più industriale sta portando alla selezione e conseguente riduzione delle varietà vegetali coltivate. Il Servizio e la nostra Banca del Germoplasma in vitro, insieme a quelle dell’Università degli Studi di Perugia vogliono essere uno strumento decisivo per la salvaguardia di questo importantissimo patrimonio. Garantendo l’accesso a diversità genetiche possiamo aiutare gli agricoltori e l’agricoltura a mantenere rigorose e produttive le colture anche in condizioni climatiche mutevoli, come sta accadendo per il nostro pianeta.
Per questo, le attività che di seguito vengono ampiamente descritte sono il risultato non di un progetto come tanti ma di un “Servizio” pensato per il territorio ed per coloro che contribuiscono al suo sviluppo. L’agrobiodiversità si tutela e valorizza solo coltivandola: il nostro compito è quello di sostenere gli agricoltori interessati favorendo l’accesso al materiale genetico conservato nelle collezioni ex situ
Health Technology Assessment of belimumab: a new monoclonal antibody for the treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Get PDFOBJECTIVE. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is treated with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs and off-label biologics. Belimumab is the first biologic approved after 50 years as an add-on therapy for active disease. This paper summarizes a health technology assessment performed in Italy. METHODS. SLE epidemiology and burden were assessed using the best published international and national evidences and efficacy and safety of belimumab were synthesized using clinical data. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed by a lifetime microsimulation model comparing belimumab to standard of care (SoC). Organizational and ethical implications were discussed. RESULTS. Literature review showed that SLE affects 47 per 100,000 people for a total of 28,500 patients in Italy, 50% of whom are affected by active form of the disease despite SoC. These patients, if autoantibodies and anti-dsDNA positive with low complement, are eligible for belimumab. SLE determines work disability and a 2–5-fold increase in mortality. Belimumab with SoC may prevent 4,742 flares in three years being cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €32,859 per quality adjusted life year gained. From the organizational perspective, the development of clear and comprehensive clinical pathways is crucial. CONCLUSIONS. The assessment supports the use of belimumab into the SLE treatment paradigm in Italy
