196,047 research outputs found
UNUSUAL UNIVERSALITY OF BRANCHING INTERFACES IN RANDOM-MEDIA
No full textWe study the criticality of a Potts interface by introducing a froth model which, unlike its solid-on-solid Ising counterpart, incorporates bubbles of different phases. The interface is fractal at the phase transition of a pure system. However, a position space approximation suggests that the probability of loop formation vanishes marginally at a transition dominated by strong random bond disorder. This implies a linear critical interface, and provides a mechanism for the conjectured equivalence of critical random Potts and Ising models
Effect of surface roughness on bulk disorder induced wetting
No full textTransfer-matrix results in 2D show that wetting of a rough, self-affine wall induced by bulk bond disorder turns discontinuous as soon as the wall roughness exponent zeta w exceeds zeta(0) = 2/3, the spatial anisotropy index of interface fluctuations in the bulk. For zeta(W) < 2/3 critical wetting is recovered, in the same universality class as for the flat-wall case. These and related findings suggest a free-energy structure such to imply first-order wetting also without disorder, or in 3D, whenever zeta(W) exceeds the appropriate zeta(0). The same thresholds should apply also with van der Waals forces, in cases when Co implies a strong-fluctuation regime
Evaluation of the impact of digitized first-party audit in a large retail company
No full textDigital transition is increasingly affecting the food industry production processes as well as the food safety management tools; among this latter, the auditing system, where digitalization means making use of digital technology to support its preparation, execution, data management, and communication with stakeholders. In this context, this study investigates the use of digitalization in internal audits and evaluates the impact on auditors’ working times and minor and major observed non-conformities (NCs). The survey was carried out from 2014 to 2019 within 27 stores of an important large-scale retail trade in the Tuscany Region (Italy), comparing a digitalized system with the traditional paper-based method. Results indicate a reduction of audit’s front office time by an average of 70% and back-office time by an average of 62%; the number of minor NCs has reduced by an average of 39% and major NCs has reduced by an average of 30%. The adoption of digital technologies in auditing can lead to significant improvement of audit procedures as its scheduling and reporting system. However, it should be noted that significant tecno-managerial investments may be required to fully realize these benefits, which represent challenges to implementation
Musica : dalla Resistenza al mood pre-partita
No full textLo scopo di questo studio è stato quello di verificare se l’ascolto di musica durante l’esercizio possa apportare benefici, partendo da un circuito di resistenza specifico per la pallacanestro fino ad arrivare al riscaldamento pre-partita. In particolare, i partecipanti sono stati divisi in maniera randomizzata in due gruppi, gruppo “Musica” e gruppo “No musica” e hanno effettuato un circuito di resistenza specifico per la pallacanestro. Sono stati valutati anche i mood nel warm-up pre-partita.
Comparando questi risultati con studi scientifici, si può ritenere che nel campione Musica si siano determinati un aumento motivazionale e una diminuzione dello sforzo percepito
Mesophyllum macroblastum (Hapalidiaceae, Corallinales, Rhodophyta) in the Northern Adriatic (Mediterranean Sea) and a key to Mediterranean species of the genus.
No full textThe coralline red alga Mesophyllum (Hapalidiaceae) is recorded for the first time from the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea) and gametangial plants of M. macroblastum are recorded for the first time from the Mediterranean Sea. A morphological-anatomical account is provided, including comparisons with specimens from the western coast of Italy and with published data. Distribution and habitat information, comparison with Mediterranean species of Mesophyllum, and a dichotomous key to Mediterranean species are included along with brief comments on other species in the genus known to produce volcano-like tetrasporangial conceptacles
Application of digital system in food safety chain management in Uzbekistan: a preliminary evaluation
No full textIt is estimated that augmented food demand and international trade will result in the increase
of food borne diseases with a rebound of important challenges for the global food safety, especially
in Regions where the agrifood system is expected to significantly grow. In Central Asia
agricultural and food production expanded rapidly over the last decades and in Uzbekistan the
expected enrichment of population will result in a higher food quality food demand. Innovation
could face the biggest challenges of the food sector and digital technologies could help in finding
solution to overcome problems related to food safety. In this work the application of innovative
food safety management system in Uzbekistan is analysed. Results show how innovation and
digital technologies could be helpful in addressing and solving problems related to food safety and
sustainability as well as competitiveness in international market
Analysis of two cross-contamination cases of Campylobacter jejuni foodborne disease in fragile subjects in the territory of a Local Health Authority in Tuscany, Italy
No full textCampylobacteriosis is the most reported foodborne disease in the European Union, with more than 100,000 confirmed cases annually. Human infection can be caused by a low infectious dose, and in fragile populations, the food disease can manifest itself in acute and severe forms. This study aims to analyze two cases of campylobacteriosis in fragile people caused by Campylobacter jejuni in 2023 in Tuscany and the actions of the Local Health Competent Authority. From the results of the related investigations, it was possible to attribute both cases of foodborne diseases to unsafe food management during preparation/administration. Given the peculiar characteristics of the etiological agent, it is necessary to focus the attention of the population, especially those who deal with fragile subjects, on the good hygiene practices to be followed both at home and in collective catering
"Problemi Inerenti l'Impiego della Risonanza Magnetica nei Pazienti Portatori di Metalli Correntemente Usati nelle Pratiche Ortopediche" “Inherent problems of the use of magnetic resonance in patients with metallic implants currently used in orthopedic practice”
No full textForty-eight patients with oncologic prosthetic devices (modular rotatory shoulder, Kotz, custom made) and metallic means of fixation (Sherman's plates, Ender's rods, etc.) underwent MRI in order to: 1) assess possible physical changes in the magnetic field or the alloys under examination; 2) detect the presence and type of artifacts, and 3) verify the onset of eventual noxious effects of the alloy on the patient. The diagnostic investigation was preceded by an experimental phase which was characterized by: A) a study of the temperature fluctuations of the alloys when submitted to the magnetic field and to radiofrequency; B) the identification and characterization of the artifacts, as well as C) their physical interpretation. During examination, there was no evidence of any mobilization of the means of fixation, sensation of endogenous heat, or other subjective complaints on the part of the patient. The authors observed that, even in the presence of artifacts, MRI provided good evaluation of the soft tissues around the devices by identifying tumor recurrences in the presence of an oncological prosthesis. MRI was also capable of showing trophic changes in the tissues surrounding the means of fixation. Thus, the method exhibits no contraindications in the study of these patients but, on the other hand, does not allow the evaluation of the integrity or mobilization of the prosthetic devices
La protesi di Atkinson nella terapia endoscopica palliativa delle stenosi neoplastiche esofago-cardiali
No full textSeventy-two consecutive patients with malignant and unresectable cardio-esophageal stenosis, were treated by endoscopic insertion of Atkinson prosthesis. Post-intubation mortality rate (within 30 days) was 8.3% (6 patients); early procedure related complications were 7 (9.7%): 1 perforation of the esophagus, 1 perforation of the stomach, 1 aspiration pneumonia and 4 dislocations of the prosthesis; none of these 7 died during the post-intubation period. Relief of dysphagia occurred in 100% of patients; satisfactory oral feeding was achieved in all patients but 6 with very advanced diseases. Late complications occurred in 17 patients out of 61 with a complete follow-up (27.8%): 7 food obstructions, 6 obstructions due to neoplastic overgrowth, 3 dislocations and 1 compression of the prosthesis. Average survival was 3.6 months (range 1-12). In our experience, endoscopic insertion of Atkinson prosthesis has shown to be a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of malignant and unresectable cardio-esophageal stenosis
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