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The present study aims to detect the main internal and external determinants that influence corporate environmental disclosure practices. The empirical methodology consists of the development and use of an environmental disclosure dictionary specifically designed to examine corporate annual reports, in a fixed effect panel data econometric model, and in a difference-in-differences analysis. The sample analyzed includes those firms belonging to the Euro Stoxx 50 index, whose annual reports have been examined over the 2010 – 2019 time period. The main results show the existence of a non-linear relationship between firm size and environmental disclosure, whilst other firm-specific variables do not seem to have a significant impact on disclosure. Furthermore, it emerges that the French Law 2015-992 on energy transition for sustainable growth and the Paris accords have contributed to increasing the levels of corporate environmental disclosure. Such analysis shows that national and international regulatory interventions can play an important role to increase firm transparency with reference to environmental matters.

We investigate whether the regulatory improvements made in the aftermath of the global financial crisis have been effective in limiting bank downward window dressing by means of repos in the United States. We find that a strict application of the Basel III regulation wipes out incentives to engage in window dressing to bolster the level of leverage Tier 1 ratio at quarter-end. We also show that the persistency of window dressing is related to the computation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessment base, which motivates banks to engage in window dressing to reduce the deposit insurance premium.

During the past decades a number of sequence stratigraphy studies illustrated how, during Quaternary, interaction between sea level changes and sediment supply controlled the depositional evolution along continental margins, giving a cyclic signature to the sedimentary infilling. However, as both deposition and erosion are processes ultimately controlled by balance between environmental energy and sedimentary influx, also the oceanographic regime takes part in controlling the sedimentary growth along the continental margin. This is exactly what occurs on physiographic settings as islands offshore areas, where bottom currents can be very energetic. In the western Sicily offshore, southwards of Egadi Islands, the sea floor is characterized by depositional and erosional features formed under a variety of sedimentary processes and offers opportunity to investigate as sea level change and oceanographic regime combine each other to control depositional evolution. In this area, located along the clockwise flow of the Levantine Intermediate Water around the western Sicily margin, the sea floor morphology is very irregular as consequence of isolated reliefs and narrow submarine valleys, such as the Marettimo Valley which separates Favignana and Marettimo islands. We analysed and interpreted a grid of high-resolution (1 kJ Sparker) seismic reflection profiles integrated with multibeam bathy-morphologic data of selected areas; a 270 cm long gravity core has been also collected for sedimentology and biostratigraphy. The sedimentary succession accommodated along the eastern flank of the Marettimo Valley shows two different seismic units: unit A displays reflection-free seismic facies and thin, low- amplitude, inclined reflectors with downlap terminations onto the lower boundary, and erosional truncation at the upper boundary; these seismic facies are referable to oblique-tangential clinoforms and show a wedge-shaped external geometry. Unit B shows continuous, parallel, slightly concave reflectors and, towards the central sector of the Valley, continuous, sub-horizontal reflectors that form a deposit having a very broad low-mounded geometry; lateral transition in between concave and sub-horizontal reflectors is characterized by channelized erosional truncations. The two seismic units can be interpreted as the sedimentary response of different depositional processes: unit A accumulated by progradation of shallow-water deposits during eustatic forced-regression; unit B is referable to contourite drifts deposited by bottom currents through the Marettimo Valley. This unusual interbedding of very shallow water contouritic and shelf margin deposits derives from enhanced sedimentary dynamics during sea-level fall and lowstand stages when, as consequence of decreased water depth of the Marettimo Valley, bottom currents accelerated scouring channelized erosional surfaces; in the same time, deposition of forced regression across the shelf margin buried contourite drifts.

The geological, geomorphological and sedimentological features of the north-western Sicily continental shelf are here illustrated with the aim to propose a geological model able to explain the Neogene-Quaternary evolution of the Sicilian continental margin in the context of the central Mediterranean region. Above the continental shelf and upper slope the sedimentary succession, showing along the different sectors of the margin considerably variable internal geometry and stratigraphic relationships with the underlying units, is interpreted as a IV order depositional sequence (Late Quaternary Depositional Sequence, LQDS) deposited during the last eustatic change (last 125 ky). The lower boundary of the LQDS is represented by a subaerial erosional surface formed during the last eustatic sea level fall ended in the LGM (20-18 ka). This unconformity lies above a seaward dipping Pleistocene succession whose depositional architecture is in turn controlled by Quaternary eustatic sea-level fluctuations. A dense dataset of morphobathymetric and high resolution seismic data allowed to recognize along the continental shelf to bathyal plain system different types of continental shelf with different stratigraphic and morphostructural settings, associated to both large-scale processes and specific factors related to more local control: a) predominantly rocky shelves, both accompanied by a moderate frontal sedimentary prism and with a structural edge, in the structural highs of the Monti di Palermo offshore and around the main rocky headlands (Capo San Vito, Monte Catalfano); b), depositional shelves, in the Castellammare, Palermo and Termini Imerese gulfs, both with a regular seaward deepening of the substrate and with a substrate uplift at the shelf break. We confirm that depositional sequences in this margin are the result of the interaction between sea level changes and sedimentation, but demonstrate that the tectonic activity has played a key role, not only in the creation of different types of continental shelves, but also to determine the different characters of each sequence in different areas. The general tectonic uplift during the Pleistocene, together with the episodic alternation of extensional and compressional events, often with strike-slip component, is responsible for the thickness and facies variation both onland, where residual Pleistocene marine deposits today outcrops, and in the continental shelf, where most of the depositional sequences developed and are now recognized. As well tectonic activity exerted a control on the geomorphological features (e.g. pockmarks and mounds) of the present day coastal areas and shelf-slope system, as well as for the submarine canyons and the mass failure processes.

Fibroleiomyoma is the most common benign tumour of the uterus and sometimes it may also be present during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to report 11 pregnant pazients with fibroleiomyomas larger than 5 cm submitted to myomectomy during cesarean section. No complications were observed and blood transfusion was given to only two patients with thrombocytopenia. This retrospective investigation would indicate that myomectomy during cesarean section can be performed without significant morbidity by expert surgeon and adopting careful and rigorous technique. © Copyright 2012, CIC Edizioni Internazionali.

Uterine fibroid is the most common benign tumor in women, above all in childbearing age because of estrogen-dependency. In fact, in this age group, it has an incidence of 25-30% and requires different management and treatment depending on various factors such as location, volume, number and symptoms. Fibroids originate from the uterine smooth muscle component, they can be single or more often multiple and their size can range from a few millimeters to more than 20 cm in diameter. Depending on their location within the uterine wall, they are classified into: submucosal fibroids which develop below the endometrium protruding, in some cases, into the uterine cavity; intramural fibroids which grow in the thickness of the myometrium; subserosal fibroids which originate below the peritoneal serosa. Our review takes into account the literature data on the various practical techniques for the treatment of uterine fibroids, emphasizing in particular those concerning the usefulness and effectiveness of uterine artery embolization (UAE). In fact, the UAE is an interventional radiologic technique of more recent introduction that, in appropriately selected cases, may represent a minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy procedures. © Copyright 2011, CIC Edizioni Internazionali.

Sedimentary dynamics of the Marettimo continental shelf and Marettimo Channel (Egadi Island – Western Mediterranean), have been unveiled based on the erosive and depositional features observed at the seafloor. Different morphologic features were recognized through side scan sonar, multibeam and high-resolution seismics, acquired in the framework of national Research Projects (CARG, GebecSud, MaGIC) carried out by the Department of Earth and Marine Science (former Department of Geology and Geodesy) of the University of Palermo. Sediment samples have been also collected and analyzed. The Egadi Islands are part of the NW Sicilian offshore, and belong to the mountain chain that connects the Sicilian chain to the Maghrebides one. The Marettimo Island represents an isolated portion of the Egadi continental shelf and is separated from the rest of the archipelago by the Marettimo Channel. Previous studies allowed to recognize different kind of sedimentary structures along the seafloor. Lo Iacono and Guillén (2008) described extensive field of subaqueous dunes (Ashley, 1990) along the Marettimo inner shelf, forming on gravelly and pebbly sediments and related to strong storm events (H:5.5 m, T: 12 s). Larger dunes have been observed in the north-western sector of the inner shelf with wavelengths ranging from 1 to 2.5 m, heights between 15 cm and 30 cm and extending laterally for hundreds of meters. Moreover in the north-eastern sector of the inner shelf, sorted bedforms have been detected at a depth of 40 m: they are characterized by a width varying between 15 m and 50 m and a length that reaches hundreds of meters. In the south-eastern sector of the Marettimo outer shelf, Colantoni et al. (1993) map two groups of sedimentary structures. In the same area, Lo Iacono (2004) recognized two-dimensional and three-dimensional subaqueous dunes. 2D dunes are found at depths between 60 and 90 m and show a wavelength variable between 15 and 50 m. 3D dunes, which are found at a depth of 80 m, are characterized by a wavelength of 30 m and a lateral extent of 50 m. Morphological evidences of a strong hydrodynamic regime come also from the morphobathymetric analysis of the Marettimo Channel, that is a 24 km long submarine valley oriented NNW-SSE, with a depth ranging from a minimum of 180 m to a maximum of 370 m and a width from 2 km to 14 km. Inside the channel, south of its narrowest point, a 180 m deep bathymetric threshold separates two areas, which deepens towards opposite directions: north-west and south. The flanks of the sector that deepens towards the NW are affected by mass-wasting features (Lo Iacono et al., 2007). The western flank of the channel, which delimits the Marettimo continental shelf, is carved by gullies, making the shelf-edge very uneven. Gullies develop to a maximum depth of 280 m and have a length of 250 m and a width of 50 m. At the bottom of the channel a linear incision 20 m deep, 400 m wide and almost 3 km long, is probably generated by erosive bottom currents. On the whole, the morpho-sedimentary structures here described reveal a strong hydrodynamic regime. The morphological and textural features of the bedforms observed on the Marettimo inner continental shelf suggest the occurrence of sporadic medium to strong storm events coming from western sectors. The morphological characteristics of the Marettimo Channel reveal the occurrence of strong bottom currents probably related to the severe interchange of water masses between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Sicily Channel. References: Ashley, G., 1990. Journal of Sedim. Petrology 60, 160–172. Colantoni, P., Ligi, M., Morsiani, M.P., Penitenti, D., 1993. UNESCO Reports in Mar. Science 58, 93–98. Lo Iacono, C., 2004. Università di Napoli ‘‘Federico II,’’ Naples, Italy. Ph.D. Thesis, 150pp... Lo Iacono, C., Catalano, R., Agate, M., 2007. VI Conv. FIST GeoItalia, Rimini (Italy), 12-14 Sept. Lo Iacono C., Guillén J., 2008. Continental Shelf Research 28, 245–256.

Introduction. During routine vaginal ultrasound in postmenopausal women it is frequently to find fluid collections in uterine cavity. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical significance of this find, using as diagnostic methods hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. Materials and methods. Twenty postmenopausal patients (mean age 60.6±8.9 years) with endometrial fluid collections diagnosed by intravaginal ultrasound have been studied. Endometrial thickness was less than 5 mm in 16 patients, greater than 5 mm in the other 4 patients. All patients underwent to hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. Results. Histological examination of patients with endometrial ultrasound 5 mm deposed for endometrial hyperplasia. At ultrasound follow-up performed after one month, three months and six months from hysteroscopy, patients that showed endometrial atrophy had no more fluid collections, respectively, in 37.5%, in 43.75% and in 56, 25% of cases; in patients with endometrial hyperplasia, however, the fluid collection remained. Conclusion. Ultrasonographic finding of endometrial fluid collections when endometrium had not preneoplastic characteristics can presumably be attributed to impaired motility of the uterus and / or cervical stenosis. © Copyright 2012, CIC Edizioni Internazionali.

evaluation of a centralised collection of clinical data (Service) within cancer screening programmes in Piedmont based on a hubspoke model and its impact on process indicators.assessment of an organisational intervention, through a non-controlled pre-post design.organised screening programmes within the Piedmont Region, divided into 9 departments.clinical data (extracted from medical charts for mammography screening and from excision histology reports for cervical screening) obtained through the Service were quantified and their completeness was assessed. The Service impact on the detection rate (DR) was evaluated, comparing the DR pre- (2005-2008) and post-Service (2009- 2012) within breast screening; the DR was computed through histological diagnosis made during colposcopy (pre-Service method) or through the worst diagnosis between the latter and that reported from excision histology (post-Service method) within cervical screening (data available for department 1, year 2013). Some hints on human resources employed in pre- and post-Service periods were reported.within mammography screening, the Service obtained 53.1% of extra-department medical charts and 45.8% of extra-region ones; the percentage of missing diagnoses changed from 5.5% (pre- Service) to 3.7% (post-Service). The age standardised DR for malignant tumours in the post-Service period is 1.3 times the DR of the pre-Service period per 1,000 screening tests. Within cervical screening, 51.7% of histological reports was recorded. Crude DR for high-grade lesions changed from 3.9 (pre-Service) to 4.7 (post-Service) per 1,000 screened women. The system centralisation did not imply an increase in the dedicated personnel.the Service is an operational core which coordinates the collection of clinical data, impacting on process indicators without an increase in human resources at departmental level.

Copper nanoparticles embedded into TiO2 showed promising photocatalytic hydrogen production using water/methanol solution. Preformed metal nanoparticles, surrounded by a porous TiO2 matrix, were prepared by microemulsion method. XRD and HRTEM analysis indicated the presence of the anatase polymorph with minor traces of ruble and brookite. The performances of this nanostructured system were compared with those of a similar material prepared by conventional impregnation method. Using TiO2 with identical structural and textural properties, a significantly lower CO chemisorption was measured for the impregnated sample with respect to the embedded one. Even though it is not possible to discriminate between the different ratio of the Cu containing species in the two samples, this is an indication that the embedded system presents highly accessible copper species and in a slightly larger quantity with respect to the corresponding impregnated sample. Consistently XRD and preliminary HRTEM investigations indicates presence of smaller Cu/CuOx particles in the embedded catalyst. A CO adsorption capacity similar to that of the embedded system was obtained by impregnating with copper nitrate a TiO2, obtained by sol gel method. This last system present however a more significant contribution of the ruble phase. Notably, Cu embedded material showed significantly superior performances with respect to all the other samples. In this regard an optimal combination of low particle size, accessible active phase, ratio of Cu/CuOx, presence of the more active anatase phase and excellent interfacial contact between Cu and surrounding TiO2 particles was found critical. This latter aspect can lead to a better synergic electron/hole transfer which allow improved activity.

The possibility of controlling the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 nanoparticles by tailoring their crystalline structure and morphology is a current topic of great interest. In this study, a broad variety of well-faceted particles with different phase compositions, sizes, and shapes have been obtained from concentrated TiOCl2 solutions by systematically changing temperature, pH, and duration of the hydrothermal treatment. The guide to select the suitable experimental conditions was provided by thermodynamic modeling based on available thermochemical data. By combining the results of TEM, HRTEM, XRD, density, and specific surface area measurements, a complete structural and morphological characterization of the particles was performed. Correlation between the photocatalytic activity in the UV photodegradation of phenol solutions and the particle size was established. Prismatic rutile particles with length/width ratio around 5 and breadth of 60-100 nm showed the highest activity. The surface chemistry of the particles was also investigated. Treatments that decrease the surface acidity, such as washing the powders with ammonia solution and/or calcining at 400 °C, have detrimental effect on photocatalytic activity. The overall results suggest correlation between particle morphology and photocatalytic activity and indicate that both electron-hole recombination and adsorption at the surface can be rate-controlling processes. The systematic approach presented in this study demonstrates that a substantial improvement of the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 can be achieved by a careful design of the particle morphology and the control of the surface chemistry. © 2007 American Chemical Society.

29th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition; 1542-1544, A new synthesised triphenylamine-based dye was anchored to mesoporous pure anatase TiO2 thorough the OH-ending branch of its first generation dendritic structure. We present the optical properties of the dye-titania hybrid material and compare its performances with those of the same sensitizer on the commercial Degussa P25, which contains a rutile phase component. The optical and chemical properties of the dye make it a promising candidate as a metal-free dye for DSSCs.