612 research outputs found
Agri-food exports and challenges of foreign markets for a small region: A network approach
No full textOver the last decades, the agri-food sector has been involved in a substantial process of internationalisation. For many agri-food firms, internationalisation has become a significant element of competitiveness and an essential condition for their survival and success in spite of the possible initial difficulties in competing and organising activities in uncertain and complex environments. These challenges concern mainly agri-food small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that, due to their size, are in a more vulnerable position in relation to trade barriers compared to larger firms. Based on these premises, we investigated the structure of the agri-food exports of a small region by exploring its characteristics and evolution over time. While this research is relevant per sé, it can also explain the macroeconomic dynamics of the whole area and determine the further development of agri-food exports of a small region to non-EU countries. The analysis concentrates on exports to extra-EU countries from agri-food firms located in the province of Foggia (the south-east of Italy), a small area characterised by a large presence of SMEs and micro firms that are mainly devoted to agricultural production and food processing. To answer the research question, we employ the social network analysis, a method increasingly used for analysing international trade patterns. The use of this methodology has allowed us to conduct an in-depth analysis of firms and countries that occupy a strategic position in the network. These actors are crucial for the network’s survival since their removal could make the network more fragmented and disconnected. The analysis has been conducted in a dynamic way by exploring the characteristics of the network in 2014–2019, allowing us to assess its evolution over time. The results show that the structural properties of the analysed network have remarkably enhanced over time. However, the current network structure is not satisfactory yet since it relies, for the most part, on the connections among a few leading firms and a limited number of destination countries
Focus on biological therapies in pediatric allergy
No full textBiological therapies targeting specific cytokines and receptors provide successful treatment options for pediatric patients with allergic diseases. Defining their indications, dosing, and safety profiles is essential for optimizing outcomes and improving the quality of life for children with allergic chronic conditions
Dupilumab to Treat Type 2 Inflammatory Diseases in Children and Adolescents
No full textDuring the past decade, significant therapeutic progress has been made in the field of allergic diseases, mainly concerning the pathogenic role of type 2 inflammation. Biologics targeting specific key cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, as well as IgE, have emerged as promising innovative therapies for allergic disorders. In this context, dupilumab has emerged as one of the most successful therapies targeting the IL-4R axis. Dupilumab is a human IgG4 antibody anti-IL-4 receptor (IL-4R) α-subunit that blocks IL‐4R signaling induced by both IL‐4 and IL‐13, downregulating the molecular pathways that drive type 2 inflammatory diseases, including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and eosinophilic esophagitis. This review presents the most recent evidence on dupilumab for the treatment of type 2 inflammatory diseases and discusses the future perspective, focusing on the pediatric age group and adolescents
ELEMENTI DI INFORMATICA, PRINCIPI, HARDWARE, DATABASE (Appunti dalle lezioni)
No full textIntroduzione all'Informatica. Strutture dei dati. Dall'Analogico al digitale. Sistemi di numerazione posizionale. Cenni di Algebra di Boole: Reti di interruttori. Codifica dei caratteri e dei simboli. Hardware: CPU, Memorie, Interfacce, Tassonomia. Cenni di Basi di Dat
ELEMENTI DI INFORMATICA, PRINCIPI, HARDWARE, DATABASE (Appunti dalle lezioni)
No full textIntroduzione all'Informatica. Strutture dei dati. Dall'Analogico al digitale. Sistemi di numerazione posizionale. Cenni di Algebra di Boole: Reti di interruttori. Codifica dei caratteri e dei simboli. Hardware: CPU, Memorie, Interfacce, Tassonomia. Cenni di Basi di Dat
Immunomodulation in pediatric asthma
No full textChildhood asthma is actually defined as a heterogeneous disease, including different clinical variants and partially sharing similar immune mechanisms. Asthma management is mainly focused on maintaining the control of the disease and reducing the risk of adverse outcomes. Most children achieve good control with standard therapies, such as low doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and/or one or more controller. These medications are targeted to suppress bronchial inflammation and to restore airway responsiveness. However, they are not disease-modifying and do not specifically target inflammatory pathways of asthma; in addition, they are not significantly effective in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma. The aim of this review is to update knowledge on current and novel therapeutic options targeted to immunomodulate inflammatory pathways underlying pediatric asthma, with particular reference on biologic therapies
Current recommendations and emerging options for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
No full textAllergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common diseases and represents a global health problem, currently affecting up to 30% of the general population, with a continuously increasing prevalence and significant comorbidities and complications. The aim of this review is to provide an update on AR treatment, with a focus on current therapies defined by AR and its impact on asthma guidelines and with a particular emphasis on new and future therapeutic perspectives
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