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Burnout is psychological, physical, and emotional suffering that may affect students with low or inadequate resources to face stressful events at school. Although the existing instruments are used worldwide to assess school burnout risk, they show several flaws and mainly focus on the emotional facets of the syndrome. No previous studies have developed a multi-component tool to reveal students' burnout by simultaneously analyzing cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems. The central core of the current study is to adapt the Burnout Assessment Tool-Core symptoms (BAT-C; Schaufeli et al., 2020), comprising four subscales, exhaustion, mental distance, cognitive impairment, and emotional impairment, for a sample of Italian students. The factor structure, the reliability, and the validity of the scale are investigated. The participants are 745 middle school students (male, 52.2%; aged 9-13, M = 11.84, and SD = 1.21). Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the best fit of the second-order model (four first-order factors and one second-order factor). Specifically, four factors were loaded onto a main high-order factor, which constitutes the BAT-C. Our findings support the Italian adaptation of the BAT-C for students' samples as a valid instrument for measuring the core symptoms of school burnout.

We describe how young students situate themselves with respect to astronomy through an identity framework that features four dimensions: interest, utility value, confidence, and conceptual knowledge. Overall, about 900 Italian students, from 5th to 9th grade (9-14 years old), were involved in the study. We tested our model using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Differences between girls and boys and across school levels were also investigated. Results show that interest has both a direct and an indirect effect on astronomy identity. The indirect effect of interest on identity is mediated by utility value. Moreover, confidence mediates the effect of interest on conceptual knowledge. Concerning differences between girls and boys, we found that the effect of interest on identity is greater for girls than for boys and that the utility value mediates the effect of interest on identity for boys but not for girls. Finally, our findings show also that the students' interest in astronomy and confidence in their performance decrease with age, with a potential negative impact on conceptual knowledge and future career choice in astronomy. The astronomy identity framework can be employed to examine the role of affective variables on performance and persistence in astronomy and to improve the design of teaching-learning activities that can potentially stimulate a lasting interest in astronomy.

Italy had traditionally been considered a family-oriented culture where support from relatives is primary. The major purpose of this study was to clarify the benefits of social support inside and outside the family for schoolteachers in Italy, focusing on the teacher burnout and work engagement. Findings indicated that the family was by far the most significant source of support. School colleagues who felt close to each other resembled each other in terms of burnout and work engagement. Difficult interactions with colleagues were associated with burnout more extensively at later stages of the teaching career; supervisor support was linked with burnout at an early stage.

This international research project examined the value of utilizing an early childhood program assessment instrument as a tool for in-service professional development and self-reflection for kindergarten teachers in Parma, Italy. Teacher educators from universities in Italy and the USA conducted the study collaboratively. Goals of the study were to engage the kindergarten teachers in testing the ACEI-GGA tool in Italy for validity and reliability; utilize the tool as a means of self-reflection and study of the classroom context; and enhance the teachers' feelings and attitudes about the program assessment process. Data sources were the kindergarten teachers who utilized ACEI-GGA tool in their classrooms as a means of evaluating their practices and determining the clarity and ease of use of the assessment tool in Italian kindergarten classrooms. Teacher responses provided the researchers with helpful information on the clarity of the items across the five content areas or domains, especially the content area related to "serving children with special needs and their families." Results indicate that the kindergarten teachers benefited from the use of the program assessment tool for professional development purposes. In addition, the kindergarten teachers provided helpful feedback on the clarity and usefulness of the tool.

Mobile technologies are becoming ubiquitous in education, yet the wider implications of this phenomenon are not well understood. The paper discusses how mobile lifelong learning (mLLL) may be defined, and the challenges of forging a suitable definition in an ever-shifting technological and socio-economic landscape. mLLL appears as a ubiquitous concept that puts together mobile learning, essentially an ensemble of didactic practices based on the use of mobile technologies, and lifelong learning, a general vision of education in the knowledge society. Starting from the results of an EU-funded project, MOTILL, the paper situates mLLL within the more complex framework of the network society. This illuminates the difficulties in formulating a comprehensive definition, but also the relevance of this concept in the future of learning. We conclude that the future of mLLL can be understood only as a 360 degree vision that is able to take into account a range of pedagogical, managerial, political and ethical issues.

Citizen science and spatial ecology analyses can inform species distributions, habitat preferences, and threats in elusive and endangered species such as seahorses. Through a dedicated citizen science survey submitted to the Italian diving centers, we collected 115 presence records of the two seahorses occurring along the Italian coasts: Hippocampus hippocampus and H. guttulatus. From this dataset, we used 85 seahorse valitaded records to identify the ecological features of these two poorly known species and quantify the effects of human activities on their habitat suitability through geographic information systems and species distribution modelling. Our results indicated a continuous suitable area for both seahorses along the Italian coasts, with a single major gap in the central Adriatic Sea (Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions). They co-occurred in most of their Italian range, particularly in the central and southern Tyrrhenian coasts, and their ecological niches resulted to be significantly similar, although not equivalent. The least-cost paths of both species were concentrated in southern Italy (Apulia, Calabria, and Sicily), suggesting that more data is needed to improve the spatial resolution of the available information, especially in the northern and central Italy. Human activities influenced 38% and 42% of the habitat suitability of H. hippocampus and H. guttulatus , respectively, while only 25% and 30% of their potential distributions, respectively, are protected by Italy's existing conservation area system, in accordance with the global average for seahorses. In particular, the central Adriatic Sea represents a critical area where the occurrence of these seahorses is lower and the anthropic impact is higher. Considering all the Italian regions, fishing effort is the main human activity impacting both species. These findings will support the implementation of more efficient conservation actions. We encourage the application and interaction of citizen science and spatial ecology analyses to facilitate the assessment and sustainable management of elusive organisms. [Display omitted] • A continuous suitable area for two seahorses exists along the Italian coasts, with major gaps in the central Adriatic Sea. • Ecological niches for both seahorses were similar, although not equivalent. • The least-cost paths of both species were concentrated on southern Italy (Apulia, Calabria, and Sicily regions). • Human activities affected 38% and 42% of the H. hippocampus ' and H. guttulatus ' habitat suitability. • Protected areas preserved 25% and 30% of the H. hippocampus ' and H. guttulatus ' potential distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prompts computer-mediated communication scholars to exploit the possibilities offered by new, powerful, and flexible analytic tools for collecting, organizing, and exploring digital data. Summarizes a case study on an Italian computer conference. Concludes with a short outline of the new graphical computer-mediated communication environments and their consequences for the rise of a multimedia cyber-anthropology. (RS)

Background: In health care, important phenomena of perceived incompatibility between professional and managerial values have emerged as consequences of New Public Management reforms. Although there is a growing evidence on the variation in the enactment of hybrid roles by medical managers, existing research in health care management is mostly descriptive with little emphasis on the conditions under which hybrid roles are enacted and, importantly, on the effects of this variation on performance. Purpose: In this article, we seek to fill this research gap by empirically examining (a) whether budgetary participation aligns professional and organizational values, (b) the impact of this alignment on employees' work-related feelings and managerial performance, and (c) the effect of professional identity on value congruence. Methodology: Data were collected by a survey conducted in an Italian hospital, and partial least square was used to test the relationships among variables. Results: Overall, results show that (a) high involvement in budgeting is instrumental in facilitating medical managers' value congruence, and this, in turn, positively effects managerial job engagement; (b) the effect of budgetary participation on value congruence depends on the extent of professional identity; and (c) as a result of enhanced value congruence and managerial job engagement, employees tend to deliver superior role performance. Practice implication: Findings of this study provide some guidance for managers on how organizations can take steps to guarantee effective support to hybrid professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs, were determined in the liver and salt gland of 19 loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta Linnaeus, Cheloniidae) stranded along the coasts of the south Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy, from 2019 to 2021. The 16 EPA's priority PAHs were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The average values of ΣPAHs in liver, 139 ± 55.0, were exceptionally high and up to one hundred times those of literature and appeared even more worrying in salt gland, 320 ± 97.6 ng/g, w.w. Naphthalene was the predominant contributor to PAHs richness and accounted for 90.0% and 93.7% of ΣPAHs in the two matrices, highlighting the petrogenic source of exposure. An overall higher bioaccumulation of NAP, more than two-fold, was detected in salt gland and especially in female and adults. Data of PAHs richness highlighted a potential risk of neoplastic disease development and that anthropogenic activities may seriously impair healthy state conditions of C. caretta. populations in south Tyrrhenian Sea. • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs, in liver and salt gland of Caretta c. • Exceptional high PAHs levels, hundred-fold higher than those of literature. • More significant salt gland bioaccumulation than liver. • Predominance of naphthalene in both organs reveals petrogenic source. • PAHs richness highlights serious risk of neoplastic disease in south Tyrrhenian Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The diaphragm changes in COPD lead to functional inefficiency correlated to lung function loss. Muscle-fiber shortening follows lung hyperinflation, which results in a chronic mechanical disadvantage that impairs diaphragmatic mobility that worsens in COPD exacerbations. OBJECTIVES: To correlate the diaphragmatic mobility loss to COPD severity by using M-mode ultrasonography and to verify if the diaphragmatic mobility can improve after in-patient pulmonary rehabilitation. METHODS: We used M-mode ultrasonography to access diaphragmatic mobility during normal breathing or breathing at rest and deep inspiration in 52 subjects with moderate to very severe COPD who underwent pulmonary rehabilitation and 16 healthy subjects. Lung function test, arterial blood gas analysis, and a 6-min walk test were also performed. The measurements were performed at rehabilitation admission and discharge. RESULTS: We screened 30 subjects with severe to very severe COPD who had completed pulmonary rehabilitation. At discharge, inspiratory capacity improved, from 1.58 ± 0.5L to 1.7 ± 0.6 L(P = .04). Diaphragmatic mobility during deep inspirations increased from (mean ± SD) 4.58 ± 1.83 cm to 5.45 ± 1.56 cm (P = .05) after pulmonary rehabilitation. The diaphragmatic mobility during rest breathing was higher in the subjects with COPD (2.25 ± 0.83 cm) than in the healthy subjects (1.27 ± 0.3 cm) (P = .01). The diaphragmatic mobility for the rest breathing and deep inspirations were correlated to an FEV1 decrease (r = -0.74, P < .001; and r = 0.8, P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated diaphragmatic mobility loss in the subjects with moderate to very severe COPD. These changes were correlated with COPD severity, and diaphragmatic mobility loss improved after in-patient pulmonary rehabilitation. (ClinicalTrial.gov registration NCT02838953.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SCENARIO: Official Italian Journal of ANIARTI is the property of ANIARTI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Species distribution models (SDMs) provide realistic scenarios to explain the influence of bioclimatic variables on plant pathogen distribution. Diplodia sapinea is most harmful to plantations of both exotic and native pine species in Italy, causing economic consequences expecially to edible seed production. In this study, we developed maximum entropy models for D. sapinea in Italy to reach the following goals: (i) to carry out the pathogen’s first geographical distribution analysis in Italy and determine which eco-geographical variables (EGVs) may influence its outbreaks; (ii) to detect the effect of climate change on the potential occurrence of disease outbreaks by 2050 and 2070. We used Maxent ver. 3.4.0 to develop SDMs. We used six global climate models (BCC-CSM1-1, CCSM4, GISS-E2-R, MIROC5, HadGEM2-ES and MPI-ESM-LR) for two representative concentration pathways (4.5 and 8.5) and two time projections (2050 and 2070) to detect future climate projections of D. sapinea . The most important EGVs influencing outbreaks were land cover, altitude, mean temperature of driest and wettest quarter, precipitation of wettest quarter, precipitation seasonality and minimum temperature of coldest month. The distribution of D. sapinea mostly expanded in central and southern Italy and shifted in altitude upwards on average by ca. 93m a.s.l. Moreover the fungus expanded the range where disease outbreaks may be recorded in response to an increase in the mean temperature of wettest and driest quarter by ca. 1.9 °C and 5.8 °C, respectively in all climate change scenarios. Precipitation of wettest quarter did not differ between current and any of future models. Under different climate change scenarios D. sapinea 's disease outbreaks will be likely to affect larger areas of pine forests in the country, probably causing heavy effects on the dynamics and evolution of these stands or perhaps constraining their survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the architectural works of Italian architect Guarino Guarini in Turin, Italy. Various topics discussed include authenticity of chapels in the region, preservation of Holy Shroud over there, contemporary art in Italy, symbolic aspects of the architecture and art installations in it.

The paper presents the analysis of the water distribution system of the town of Chiaravalle, in Central Italy. A hydraulic model of the network is implemented and calibrated to improve the system management. Besides the possibility of reducing the service pressure by inserting some pressure reducing valves, the economic convenience of coupling the valves with the pumps as turbines to covert energy dissipation in energy production is investigated. The determination of the number, location, and setting of such valves and machines are described together with the effects of the pressure control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which topics within the issue are discussed including the island of Lampedusa, Italy, mass tourism on the island and the Arab Spring and the influx of immigrants in the region.

The assessment of population trends is a key point in wildlife conservation. Survey data collected over long period may not be comparable due to the presence of environmental biases (i.e. inadequate representation of the variability of environmental covariates in the study area). Moreover, count data may be affected by both overdispersion (i.e. the variance is larger than the mean) and excess of zero counts (potentially leading to zero inflation). The aim of this study was to define a modelling procedure to assess long-term population trends that addressed these three issues and to shed light on the effects of environmental bias, overdispersion, and zero inflation on trend estimates. To test our procedure, we used six bird species whose data were collected in northern Italy from 1992 to 2019. We designed a multi-step approach. First, using generalised additive models (GAMs), we implemented a full factorial design of models (eight models per species) taking or not into account the environmental bias (including or not including environmental covariates, respectively), overdispersion (using a negative binomial distribution or a Poisson distribution, respectively), and zero inflation (using or not using zero-inflated models, respectively). Models were ranked according to the Akaike Information Criterion. Second, annual population indices (median and 95% confidence interval of the number of breeding pairs per point count) were predicted through a parametric bootstrap procedure. Third, long-term population trends were assessed and tested for significance fitting weighted least square linear regression models to the predicted annual indices. To evaluate the effect of environmental bias, overdispersion, and zero inflation on trend estimates, an average discrepancy index was calculated for each model group. The results showed that environmental bias was the most important driver in determining different trend estimates, although overlooking overdispersion and zero inflation could lead to misleading results. For five species, zero-inflated GAMs resulted the best models to predict annual population indices. Our findings suggested a mutual interaction between zero inflation and overdispersion, with overdispersion arising in non-zero-inflated models. Moreover, for species having flocking foraging and/or colonial breeding behaviours, overdispersed and zero-inflated models may be more adequate. In conclusion, properly handling environmental bias, which may affect several data sets coming from long-term monitoring programs, is crucial to obtain reliable estimates of population trends. Furthermore, the extent to which overdispersion and zero inflation may affect trend estimates should be assessed by comparing different models, rather than presumed using statistical assumption. • Modelling population trends from count data characterised by environmental bias. • Assessing the effects of overdispersion and zero inflation on trend estimates • Multi-step approach to predict annual population indices and estimating trends • Ignoring environmental bias causes an underestimation of the magnitude of trends. • Zero-inflated models performed well and should be considered in trend analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the economic role of the burial in Piedmont region of Italy in the eighteenth century with specific reference to the wax of the dead. It clarifies the economic role of burial and wax in particular, on the funerary practice in Savoy territories during the period. It analyzes the documents preserved in the archives the Collegiate of Chieri and the Turin State Archives in relation to ecclesiastical matters.

Abstract: Presence-only models can aid conservation and management of threatened, elusive species. We developed a Maxent model for the rare cerambycid beetle Rosalia longicorn Rosalia alpina L. in Italy and neighbouring regions and identified the variables best explaining the species’ occurrence on a large scale. Once successfully validated, we used the model to (a) evaluate the current degree of fragmentation of R. alpina range in Italy; and (b) quantify the amount of the Italian territory with the highest probability of beetle presence within the existing national conservation areas (Natura 2000 network, parks and reserves). Low (<0.5) probability scores of R. alpina presence corresponded to 89% of the total area considered, whereas high scores (>0.9) covered only 2.5%. R. alpina was predicted to occur mostly in broadleaved deciduous forest at 1000–1700m a.s.l. with warm maximum spring temperatures and May and November precipitation >80mm. We found a high degree of fragmentation; gaps were mainly covered with farmland or other unsuitable habitat. Over 52% of potential habitat is unprotected. While the Natura 2000 network protects 42% of potential habitat, parks and reserve covers less than 29%. To preserve R. alpina, we urge to create, or restore, forest corridors to bridge the otherwise impermeable gaps our model detected and grant protection to the still largely unprotected area of the Italian territory e.g. by including it in further Natura 2000 sites. Models such as ours may also help focus field surveys in selected areas to save resources and increase survey success. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dynamic stocks and flows analysis was applied to the anthropogenic aluminum cycle in Italy in order to detect and quantify metal flows and in-use stocks over the years 1947–2009. The model utilized a top-down approach, including data for production, consumption, loss, and trade flows of aluminum. Seven end-use markets were considered, namely buildings and construction, transportation, consumer durables, machinery and equipment, electrical engineering, containers and packaging, and miscellaneous appliance types. The results of this dynamic stocks and flows analysis model quantified the contemporary anthropogenic reservoirs (or in-use stocks) of aluminum at about 320kg per capita, mainly embedded within the transportation and building and construction sectors. Cumulative in-use stock represents approximately 11 years of supply at current usage rates (about 20Mt versus 1.7Mt/year), implying significant potential for recycling in the future as this stock comes out of use. Flow analysis revealed that Italy imports mainly unwrought aluminum and exports final products, while the main material losses occur during alumina refining and collection of old scrap: specifically, containers and packaging have the highest old scrap generation rate, but for the lowest recovery rate (50%). Increasing support to collection of scrap and initiatives oriented to aluminum recovery specifically would allow Italy to increase its reliance on domestic material, and may also allow a decline of the country import-dependence on primary sources. The dynamic stocks and flows model created here provides a quantitative historical record of the aluminum required by Italian society during important periods of development and provides guidance for future decision-making around the use of domestic secondary resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Levoglucosan was present in all samples and its concentrations showed a pronounced annual cycle with maximum levels in the cold season. The annual percentage of ratios of levoglucosan to OC ranged from 0.04 to 9.75% evidencing a major contribution of biomass burning to the aerosol OC during the winter. In the urban-background site, OC was strongly correlated with EC in winter, suggesting that the major fraction of OC was generated as primary particles along with EC. A background levoglucosan component showed that biomass burning was continuously taking place in all the investigated sites. The biomass burning contribution to the Tuscany aerosol was made up of a background component and an additional component during winter probably due to wood burning for domestic heating. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A 56-hour gravity sequence, recorded in the crater area of Stromboli volcano, is presented. Data were acquired during a period of “normal” Strombolian activity. High-frequency gravity anomalies (up to 20μGal; T = tens of seconds) are observed. Comparison with independent data reveals that these changes reflect the response of the gravimeter excited by seismic waves during Strombolian explosions. Correlated changes in the energy distribution over time appear in the continuous wavelet transforms of gravity and RMS-tremor, but over different scales, corresponding to periods centered at about 50 and 25min, for gravity and tremor, respectively. We infer that the rate of fresh magma supply to the shallow feeding system controls the energy distribution over time of the coupled components in gravity and RMS-tremor signals. In particular, the gravity signal (with an average amplitude of 1–2μGal) could be induced by temporary accumulations, at shallow depth, of the volatiles discharged by quiescent degassing. Changes in the rate of explosions from the summit craters correlate with changes in the amplitude of the coupled gravity and volcanic tremor oscillations, implying that, even though the slug-genesis process behind the explosions occurs at deeper levels, it is also controlled by the rate of gas-rich magma supply from below. Negative gravity anomalies of about 20μGal, over intervals of some hours, are also observed, separated by intervals of about 24h. They could be induced by increases in magma vesicularity in the uppermost part of the conduit plexus, a view supported by (i) changes in the time/space distribution of tremor amplitudes and (ii) increases in spattering activity from a summit vent, both occurring during the development of the negative gravity anomalies. The processes behind mild Strombolian explosions do not trigger measurable gravity changes. Nevertheless, the slug ascent before a major explosion could induce a precursory gravity signal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article provides an overview of the merchants and political institutions in early-modern Venice, Italy. It cites examples of states where merchandizing is established to be the school where they gather their first principles and served as the foundation of political government. An overview of the clan structure and the ruling class during the medieval Venice is provided. A discussion on the implications of the government convoy system for the Venetian trade is given. It notes that merchants saved from transaction costs through the support of Venetian overseas authorities and the presence of convoys.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated to PM2.5 particles were monitored at three sites in the region of Tuscany, Italy, during the period March 2009–March 2010. PAH concentrations ranged between 0.92 ng m−3 and 13 ng m−3. The spatial and seasonal differences observed at the three sites are discussed and attributed to specific PAH sources. Benzo[a]Pyrene average annual values were below the EU limit value of 1.0 ng m−3. The results of this study suggest that emissions from commuting and work related traffic play an important role for the city of Florence, whereas for the city of Livorno, the harbor activities seem to impact the PAH burden substantially, as well. The PAH cancer risk (expressed as the “BaPE index”) has shown a 6-fold decline compared to early 1990''s concentrations and 2- to 3-fold decline compared to the late 1990''s. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the history of soldiers and conscription in Italy during the period of the Italian Unification, including views of writers, politicians, and journalists. Topics discussed include the history of mandatory conscription in Europe, including in Russia and Prussia; the image of conscription and soldiers presented in the works of 19th century Italian writer Edmondo De Amicis, and details on the contribution of the population of the Piedmont region of Italy to the conscription forces.

Abstract: Background: The Liver Match is an observational cohort study that prospectively enrolled liver transplantations performed at 20 out of 21 Italian Transplant Centres between June 2007 and May 2009. Aim of the study is to investigate the impact of donor/recipient matching on outcomes. In this report we describe the study methodology and provide a cross-sectional description of donor and recipient characteristics and of graft allocation. Methods: Adult primary transplants performed with deceased heart-beating donors were included. Relevant information on donors and recipients, organ procurement and allocation were prospectively entered in an ad hoc database within the National Transplant Centre web-based Network. Data were blindly analysed by an independent Biostatistical Board. Results: The study enrolled 1530 donor/recipient matches. Median donor age was 56 years. Female donors (n =681, median 58, range 12–92 years) were older than males (n =849, median 53, range 2–97 years, p <0.0001). Donors older than 60 years were 42.2%, including 4.2% octogenarians. Brain death was due to non-traumatic causes in 1126 (73.6%) cases. Half of the donor population was overweight, 10.1% was obese and 7.6% diabetic. Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) was present in 245 (16.0%) donors. The median Donor Risk Index (DRI) was 1.57 (>1.7 in 35.8%). The median cold ischaemia time was 7.3h (≥10 in 10.6%). Median age of recipients was 54 years, and 77.7% were males. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was the most frequent indication overall (44.4%), being a coindication in roughly 1/3 of cases, followed by viral cirrhosis without HCC (28.2%) and alcoholic cirrhosis without HCC (10.2%). Hepatitis C virus infection (with or without HCC) was the most frequent etiologic factor (45.9% of the whole population and 71.4% of viral-related cirrhosis), yet hepatitis B virus infection accounted for 28.6% of viral-related cirrhosis, and HBcAb positivity was found in 49.7% of recipients. The median Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) at transplant was 12 in patients with HCC and 18 in those without. Multivariate analysis showed a slight but significant inverse association between DRI and MELD at transplant. Conclusions: The deceased donor population in Italy has a high-risk profile compared to other countries, mainly due to older donor age. Almost half of the grafts are transplanted in recipients with HCC. Higher risk donors tend to be preferentially allocated to recipients with HCC, who are usually less ill and older. No other relevant allocation strategy is currently adopted at national level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of UNISCI Discussion Papers is the property of Unidad de Investigaciones Sobre Seguridad y Cooperacion International (UNISCI) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Forms of 'otherness' and marginalized sectors of society are prevailing social themes in contemporary Italian documentaries. Women directors are increasingly exploring how to represent transnational mobility. Their documentaries draw attention to the complexity and cultural specificity of migration experiences from different locations of origin and at different times. In this article, we focus on two documentaries that engage with such complexities and which, we argue, are both political and poetic. Sidelki/Badanti (2007) by Katia Bernardi and La stoffa di Veronica (2005) by Emma Rossi Landi and Flavia Pasquini explore transnational mobility by presenting a search for a new notion of home that requires spatial and mental mobility away from familiar spaces into new territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of egg weight loss and shell abnormalities found in an intensive Hy-Line layer chicken farm in Northern Italy. There egg abnormalities detected in approximately 1.3 percent ot 1.8 percent of the eggs in one flock. Using serologic, cultural and molecular techniques, researchers found mycoplasma synoviae in birds from both the affected flocks. The chickens were treated with tylosin which resulted to improvements in eggshell quality and egg weight.

The article discusses a study which confirmed and detected the presence of crayfish plague caused by Aphanomyces astaci in white clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes obtained from three watercourses of central Italy. The causative agent of the disease was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture methods. PCR and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing identified two strains of Aphanomyces species, which are Aphanomyces astaci and Aphanomyces repetans. Result of histological examination revealed the infiltration of the exoskeleton with hyphae affecting the underlying tissue, epidermis, hypodermis and skeletal muscle. The presence of aseptate with spots of melanisation in different areas of soft cuticle was also observed.

This paper focuses on the assessment of the hazards and safety critical areas and equipment related to the integral circulation experiments to be conducted on a molten lead-bismuth-eutectic-alloy facility, the CIRCulation Experiment (CIRCE) facility in Brasimone, Italy, for heavy-liquid-metal technology development. A well-structured failure mode and effect analysis procedure, customary in risk assessment studies, has been adopted to address the task, in order to obtain a complete picture of all the failure modes pertaining to the system, to determine its effects on the system and to classify them according to their severity. The analysis identified a major hazard relative to the facility in the experimental configuration to be the risk related to the water-lead-bismuth reaction, although with a very low probability, with the potential for steam explosion within the main vessel. This conclusion necessitates additional research on the concerned phenomena, both at the experimental and analytical levels, the results of which should help analysts quantify the risk and designers take the necessary provisions to cope with this risk. The analysis provides a set of accident initiators, that is, events postulated to initiate an accident situation, together with the total frequency and the list of component failures that could induce it. For any of them a deterministic analysis is suggested in order to verify the plant behavior with respect to accident transients, in terms of the parameters that can have an impact on accident analysis and modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article introduces a doctoral thesis on the American influence of the Marshall Plan in the spheres of political economy, executives, and business management in Italy from 1948 to 1960.

Abstract: Multi-temporal series of satellite SPOT-VEGETATION normalized difference of vegetation index (NDVI) and normalized difference infrared index (NDII) data from 1998 to 2003 were exploited for studying persistence in mediterranean ecosystems of the Sardinia region (southern Italy). Three different vegetation covers (shrub-land, transitional and forest) were analysed. The NDVI and NDII provide information on the vegetation status and water content, respectively. The detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), which permits the detection of persistent properties in nonstationary signal fluctuations, was applied to the NDVI and NDII time series for the three vegetation covers. Our findings point out that the investigated ecosystems are characterized by persistent behaviour of NDVI and NDII, which means that they are governed by positive feedback mechanisms, which tend to destabilize the systems under external forces. The NDII exhibits a more persistent behaviour than NDVI, and the shrub-land shows a more persistent feature than the other two cover types. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Atmospheric deposition represents a significant source of heavy metals entering soil and aquatic ecosystems. The evaluation of their vulnerability can be carried out by the Critical Load criterion. In this work we focus the attention on the terrestrial ecosystems in the Province of Bologna, estimating the maximum tolerable load of cadmium and lead they are able to bear without sustain the occurrence of harmful ecotoxicological effects. To this aim the Steady-State Mass Balance method is applied on a small scale (10×10 Km EMEP grids) and the more suitable approach to define critical limits for the Province condition, effect-base or stand-still, is discussed. The opportunity of simplifying the input data collection is also considered, trying to deduce soil properties from geological information. Finally, the environmental risk due to the present deposition of Pb and Cd on provincial soils is described as exceedances over the critical loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial distribution of 414 earthquakes (1.0 ≤ ML ≤ 4.6), recorded from 1994 to 2002 in southeastern Sicily (Italy), has been analyzed. The seismicity generally coincides with mapped Plio-Quatemary faults, including the north-northwest-south-southeast striking offshore fault system, which is the most important tectonic structure of the area. For the best located events, we computed 70 focal mechanisms by combining P-wave polarities with S-wave polarizations. A predominance of strike slip and normal faults was observed. Focal mechanisms were then inverted for stress tensor parameters by using the algorithm of Gephart and Forsyth. The results highlighted a region governed mainly by a north-northwest-south-southeast to northwest-southeast compressional stress regime. Moreover, anisotropy analysis of shear waves showed a polarization of fast S waves coherently aligned with this stress direction. A finer-scale analysis of the stress tensor evidenced three regions characterized by slightly differing orientation of the greatest principal stress axis, σ1. The eastern sector displays a nearly horizontal σ1 trending northwest-southeast; the central sector is affected by a low-dip north-northwest-south-southeast σ1; whereas, in the western sector, a north-northwest-south-southeast-oriented σ1 with a higher dip angle, was detected. Finally, the comparison of the spatial distribution of seismicity occurring during 1994-2002, with locations of previous instrumental earthquakes and larger (M ≥ 5.0) historical events showed that the seismicity patterns are persistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluates the performance of Papanicolaou smear combined with speculoscopy in improving the predictive value of minor grade cervical cytological abnormalities.Materials and Methods: A total of 3,300 asymptomatic women who had routine cervical smears were studied in 32 Italian centers. All these women underwent Pap smear and speculoscopy. The women positive at Pap smear or speculoscopy (n = 908) were referred for colposcopy and directed punch biopsy/endocervical curettage was performed when appropriate.Results: Of the 908 patients referred for colposcopy, 538 underwent biopsy; 92 of these had a cervical lesion (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN]) confirmed on histology (67 CIN1 and 25 CIN2-3). Speculoscopy pointed out an area to biopsy in 84% of the CIN1 and in 75% of the CIN2-3 cases among women who showed minor (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or less) cytological abnormalities.Conclusions: The potential combination of cytology and speculoscopy as an intermediate test in patients with minor grade cytologic (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) cervical changes may decrease the number of recalls and directed biopsies in a cost-effective manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litter are ubiquitous and increasing in the coastal and marine environments. Entanglement with litter is one of the principal causes of mortality in seabirds, but the population-level consequences are unknown. Currently, all seabirds collect litter for nesting material. Northern Gannets are not the exception and there are several cases where elevated percentages of polymers are part of the life cycle of gannets, especially during breeding. This baseline paper presents an analysis of litter content and its related impacts on the two gannet nests located in South France (Carry-Le-Rouet) and Northwest Italy (Portovenere) from 2017 to 2019. 654 items from both gannet nests were collected with 277 items (42%) being of natural origin, while 377 items (58%) were litter. Most of the nesting material was nautical cordage, which appears to be used preferentially. A more restrictive litter management regulation must be adopted to reduce litter generation from fishing/aquaculture-related activities. • Analysis of litter content of two Mediterranean gannet nests in France and Italy • Litter always was found in both nests, and its impact on the birds highlighted. • Portovenere was the most polluted in terms of litter percentage in the nest. • Four typologies of polymeric items accounted for 73% of all litter in both nests. • Restrictive management regulation to reduce litter from fishing/aquaculture [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a pervasive form of pollution largely affecting wildlife, from individual behaviour to community structure and dynamics. As nocturnal mammals, bats are often adversely affected by ALAN, yet some "light-opportunistic" species exploit it by hunting insects swarming near lights. Here we used two potentially competing pipistrelle species as models, Kuhl's (Pipistrellus kuhlii) and common (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) pipistrelles, both known to forage in artificially illuminated areas. We set our study in a mountainous area of central Italy, where only recently did the two species become syntopic. We applied spatial modelling and radiotracking to contrast potential vs. actual environmental preferences by the two pipistrelles. Species distribution models and niche analysis showed a large interspecific niche overlap, including a preference for illuminated areas, presenting a potential competition scenario. Pipistrellus pipistrellus association with ALAN, however, was weakened by adding P. kuhlii as a biotic variable to the model. Radiotracking showed that the two species segregated habitats at a small spatial scale and that P. kuhlii used artificially illuminated sites much more frequently than P. pipistrellus , despite both species potentially being streetlamp foragers. We demonstrate that ALAN influences niche segregation between two potentially competing species, confirming its pervasive effects on species and community dynamics, and provide an example of how light pollution and species' habitat preferences may weave a tapestry of complex ecological interactions. [Display omitted] • Two pipistrelles recently became syntopic in a mountain region. • We used spatial modelling and radiotracking to explore bat habitat preferences. • Models supported an interspecific competition scenario. • In the field, one bat mostly fed near streetlamps, the other often hunted in dark habitat. • Light pollution influences species interactions and niche segregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of Hymenolepis diminuta infection in a 2-year-old child living in a suburban area of Catania, Italy. This case was initially referred to us as Dipylidium caninum infection, which was not cured after being treated twice with mebendazole. However, by analyzing the clinical presentation and stool samples we arrived to the diagnosis of H. diminuta infection. The case presented with atypical allergic manifestations which had never been reported as clinical features of symptomatic H. diminuta infection; remittent fever with abdominal pain, diffuse cutaneous itching, transient thoracic rash, and arthromyalgias. The patient was treated with a 7-day cycle of oral niclosamide, which proved to be safe and effective. This case report emphasizes that a correct parasitological diagnosis requires adequate district laboratories and trained personnel. In addition, we recommend the importance of reporting all H. diminuta infection cases, in order to improve knowledge on epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Majella National Park in Italy, through its ex situ plant conservation facilities (seed bank, botanical gardens and nurseries) plays an important role in preventing biodiversity loss, especially those rare and endemic species. Among the various conservation strategies, the Park developed a useful way to increase ex situ collections through a nursery chain and selling/giving indigenous species to the local people and community also for ornamental purposes. To date, more than 500 individuals of indigenous species are given every year. This spread of native plants contributes to the diffusion of the rare and endemic species in the protected area and its surroundings enhancing their survival chances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consensual non-monogamies, where partners agree to pursue other romantic or sexual relationships, have gained greater visibility with the advent of online communication tools. How is the diffusion of social network sites linked to the spread of consensual non-monogamous relationships? This study is based on the analysis of 22 semi-structured interviews with people who define themselves as "polyamorous" and are active members of the two biggest polyamory groups on Facebook in Italy. The results suggest that people come to the decision to engage in non-monogamous relationships before they join online groups dedicated to this topic. Moreover, specific online groups do not constitute a privileged base from which to recruit new romantic or sexual partners. However, the availability of shared online spaces is important for "giving things a name", making it easier to share experiences with other group members and more generally off-line, sometimes helping in coming out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The marked improvements in medical technology and healthcare, lead an increasing number of elderly patients to take advantage of even complex surgical. Recently, laparoscopic surgery has been accepted as a minimally invasive treatment to reduce the morbidity after conventional surgery, and a number of studies have demonstrated the feasibility of laparoscopy with significant advantages also in the elderly. On the other side, the laparoscopic procedure has some drawbacks, including prolonged operation time and impact of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on circulatory and respiratory dynamics. This paper will review the physiopathological implications of laparoscopy, as well as the current literature concerning the most common laparoscopic procedures that are increasingly performed in elderly patients.Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the current literature was performed using the search engines EMBASE and PubMed to identify all studies reporting the physiopathological implications of laparoscopy in the elderly. The MeSH search terms used were "laparoscopy in the elderly", "physiopathology of laparoscopy", and "pneumoperitoneum". Multiple combinations of the keywords and MeSH terms were used with particular reference to elderly patients.Results: Although laparoscopy is minimally invasive in its dissection techniques, the increased physiologic demands present particular challenges among elderly patients.Conclusions: Laparoscopy and its safety in the elderly patients remains a challenge and the evaluation of this approach is therefore mandatory. Although many studies have demonstrated the applicability and advantages of the laparoscopy also in the geriatric population, with low rates of morbidity and mortality, in elderly patients undergoing general surgical procedures the physiologic demands of laparoscopy should be carefully considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a description of a late 15th-century Italian altarpiece for the Como Cathedral in Como, Italy, designed by Tommaso Rodari, depicting the deposition of Jesus Christ from the cross. Topics addressed include an overview of the history of the cathedral's construction and decoration features, analysis of the materials and techniques used by Rodari for the work, and accounts of which analysis techniques were used by the research team.

Background: The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, is one of the main pests of oak forests worldwide and causes extensive defoliation during its periodic outbreaks. In the Mediterranean region, control of gypsy moth populations in cork oak forests is based on application of Bacillus thuringiensis serovar kurstaki (Btk) formulations. This research investigated the effects of Btk applications carried out in two different population development phases on gypsy moth population dynamics. With this aim, temporal and spatial fluctuation patterns of L. dispar egg density were monitored in cork oak forests treated with Btk applications from 2004 to 2009 in Sardinia (Italy)., Results: Applications undertaken during the progradation and culmination phases protected the oak canopies equally in the year of application, leading to a similar decrease in pest population density in the following year. However, the medium-term effectiveness of Btk differed between the two application timings, because only applications in the culmination phase caused a gradual decrease in L. dispar infestations throughout subsequent years. By contrast, when the application was undertaken during the progradation phase, population density increased again after 2-3 years. Moreover, Btk applications in the culmination phase reduced significantly the number of years in which gypsy moth density was damaging compared with those done in progradation., Conclusions: Our results indicate that Btk applications during the culmination phase were more effective than those in the progradation period, because application in the latter case did not suppress the population, but only postponed the outbreak peak by 2-3 years. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.)

An expeditious strategy to resolve turmerone, the lipophilic anti-inflammatory principle of turmeric (Curcuma longa), into its individual bisabolane constituents (ar-, α-, and β-turmerones, 2-4, respectively) was developed. The comparative evaluation of these compounds against a series of anti-inflammatory targets (NF-κB, STAT3, Nrf2, HIF-1α) evidenced surprising differences, providing a possible explanation for the contrasting data on the activity of turmeric oil. Differences were also evidenced in the profile of more polar bisabolanes between the Indian and the Javanese samples used to obtain turmerone, and a novel hydroxylated bicyclobisabolane ketol (bicycloturmeronol, 8) was obtained from a Javanese sample of turmeric. Taken together, these data support the view that bisabolane sesquiterpenes represent an important taxonomic marker for turmeric and an interesting class of anti-inflammatory agents, whose strict structure-activity relationships are worth a systematic evaluation.