Search Results (4,771)

Agriculture and manufacturing report the highest rate of occupational accidents and fatalities in Italy. Safety training provided through digital devices has been shown to be effective in promoting safety behaviors at work. This study aimed to investigate through a questionnaire the perceptions of working conditions, risks in using machines, and interest in using digital devices for safety training purposes in a group of vineyard workers (VWs, N = 40) and manufacturing workers (MWs, N = 39) in Northwest Italy. Referring to working conditions, VWs significantly differ compared to MWs (p < 0.05) in fatigue perception, repetitiveness, quantity and definition of tasks compared to the available time, work pace definition, and level of communication. Tractors and lathes were considered the most hazardous machinery for VWs and MWs, respectively. For both groups, workers’ age negatively correlated with digital device use (r = −0.399 p < 0.05 for VWs, r = −0.673 p < 0.01 for MWs) but not with interest in using them. Device adoption positively correlated with the perceived importance of gamification content (r = 0.193 and r = 0.164, p > 0.05 for VWs and MWs, respectively), but the video lessons reported a higher mean score by both groups as preferred content. These findings suggest that digital safety training requires customized content to effectively adapt to different productive sectors. Full article

Electrical stimulation (ES) is widely employed in both clinical therapies and research settings where it has shown promise in promoting tissue regeneration, wound healing, and inflammation control. Research has also highlighted ES as a regulator of DNA demethylation, which plays a critical role in nerve regeneration and cellular repair mechanisms. While the impact of ES on epigenetic processes is recognized, its broader effects on cellular functions, particularly in inflammation and wound healing, are less understood. We recently showed how ES impacts inflammatory states by modulating transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles in a 3Din vitromodel where human fibroblasts and keratinocytes are included in a collagen matrix, i.e., even in the absence of the nervous system. Here, we propose to deepen our exploration on the differential effects on DNA methylation, including an investigation of the correlation with age acceleration using a mitotic clock. These results confirm and caution on the differential effect of DC on inflamed and non-inflamed samples and suggest an involvement of direct current stimuli at 1 V ($DC1$) in the control of senescent processes associated with mitosis and inflammation; the mechanistic details of these will have to be clarified with additional experiments. Full article

The benefits and positive effects of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) on different urban dimensions have already been extensively recognized by scholars and practitioners so far. Even possible risks of these professional and non-professional activities have been discussed, especially in the field of landscape ecology and from a social perspective. However, how these benefits are measured, monitored and assessed is still a critical point and a less investigated issue that requires further studies, especially in the research fields that aim to measure and monitor sustainability of urban practices. The evidence on quantitative approaches to estimate benefits and risks of UPA is less advanced than others. This paper aims to define spatial criteria and indicators to evaluate benefits and possible risks of UPA, using the case study of Turin and its bordering municipalities (Italy). Based on the definition and testing of indicators, embracing a spatial approach, this research aims to verify the feasibility of a set of instruments, to define methods and techniques to collect useful data, to test the replicability and transferability of this approach in other urban contexts, as well as to identify its limitations and gaps. Selected indicators showed a good level of versatility and high potential in order to collect information on UPA and its benefits. Furthermore, results of the application on the case study highlighted a significant growth of UPA benefits, especially profit initiatives and the social and economic domains. Finally, the author outlines policy recommendations to improve the evaluation and monitoring of UPA advantages and risks, as well as a possible trajectory for future research. Full article

In the digital age, adolescents spend considerable time online, heightening their exposure to both cyberbullying and traditional bullying. However, few studies have investigated both forms of victimization simultaneously, particularly regarding their impact on adolescents in Middle Eastern countries such as Oman. This study used latent profile analysis to identify victimization profiles based on indicators of verbal, social, physical, and cyberbullying victimization. The participants included 1204 Omani students (604 girls, 50.2%; M = 14.04, SD = 0.20, aged 14–15). Three victimization profiles emerged: (1) non-victims (n = 989, 82.1%), (2) traditional victims (n = 156, 13.0%), and (3) dual victims (n = 59, 4.9%). The BCH approach revealed that adolescents in the non-victims profile, with the lowest levels of both traditional and cyberbullying victimization, reported the lowest levels of internalizing (M = 10.14, SD = 0.11) and externalizing symptoms (M = 10.36, SD = 0.10) and the highest academic performance (M = 4.59, SD = 0.02), whereas their prosocial behaviors were relatively low (M = 4.71, SD = 0.08). Adolescents in the traditional victims’ profile had moderate levels on nearly all outcomes. Adolescents in the dual victims’ profile, who experienced both traditional and cyberbullying, reported the highest levels of behavioral symptoms (M_{internalizing} = 11.94, SD_{internalizing} = 0.34; M_{externalizing} = 12.81, SD_{externalizing} = 0.38) and prosocial behaviors (M = 5.63, SD = 0.36), along with the lowest academic performance (M = 4.37, SD = 0.11). These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive, multi-level interventions to protect Omani adolescents from both traditional and cyberbullying and to support their academic and psychosocial well-being. Full article

Background: Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancestral retroviral infections integrated into the human genome, some of which maintain a residual active expression and retain physiological relevance. HIV-1 infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are known to modulate HERV expression, yet their specific effects during pregnancy remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the peripartum transcriptional activity of selected HERV sequences in HIV-1-positive women receiving ART and their newborns exposed to the therapy and HIV-1-negative healthy controls. Methods: We quantified the expression of pol regions of HERV-H, -K, and -W and of Syncytin 1 and Syncytin 2 in peripheral blood samples collected at delivery using real-time PCR. Results: In HIV-1-positive mothers on ART therapy, we observed a significant downregulation in the pol gene expression of HERV-H, HERV-K, and HERV-W, as well as of Syncytin 1 and Syncytin 2, compared to healthy mothers. In contrast, no differences in the expression of the different targets were found in the two groups of newborns. All the HERV genes analyzed were also found to be expressed at significantly higher levels in the newborns compared to their mothers. Discussion: The results obtained suggest that antiretroviral therapy may influence and modulate HERV expression during pregnancy in both the mother and the fetus. Full article

Bone graft substitutes combining the mechanical features of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and the bioactivity of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) have been widely reported in the literature. Surprisingly, however, very little is known about the incorporation of carbonate at a biomimicking level. The authors studied β-TCP/PCL composites at 20 wt.% and 40 wt.%, either enriched or not with sodium bicarbonate (at 2 wt.% and 4 wt.%), through SEM and EDX analyses; surface free energy estimation; pH measurement after 1, 2, and 3 days of incubation in cell media; nanoindentation; and a protein adsorption test with bovine serum albumin. The early biological response was assessed using adipose mesenchymal stem cells, as an established in vitro model, via cellular adhesion (20 min), spreading (24 h), and viability assays (1, 3, 7 days). By increasing the β-TCP content, the composites’ hardnesses and Young’s moduli (EiT) were improved, as well as their protein adsorption compared to neat PCL. Sodium bicarbonate increased the polar component of the surface energy, alkalinized the composite with a higher β-TCP content, and attenuated its early negative cell response. Further investigation is needed to deepen the knowledge of the mechanisms underpinning the mechanical features and long-term biological behavior. Full article

Introduction: While influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) in children remains a serious concern, recent evidence suggests a shift in its epidemiology, with a possible decline in incidence and severity over time. Methods: This retrospective review includes patients aged 0–18 admitted to a tertiary hospital in Northern Italy between November 2023 and February 2025. Inclusion criteria were a positive influenza test, influenza-like symptoms, and neurological involvement. Findings are interpreted alongside current literature. Results: Twenty-five unvaccinated children met criteria for IAE (11 in 2023/24; 14 in 2024/25). Neurological comorbidities were present in 40%. All patients had pathological EEGs. Lumbar puncture was performed in 40%, with abnormalities in 33%. Brain imaging was conducted in 56% of cases, revealing findings in 15%. All received oseltamivir; 60% were also treated with dexamethasone. Severe complications occurred in 16%, while 12% had persistent symptoms or required therapy at discharge. After adjusting for seasonal peak timing, no significant inter-seasonal difference was observed. Discussion: Although IAE continues to present serious risks, recent trends suggest a changing burden. The lack of vaccination among cases underscores the need for prevention. Study limitations include its single-center design and the absence of long-term follow-up. Broader prospective studies are needed. Full article

This study compared the DuoStim protocol with two conventional follicular phase stimulations for vitrified oocyte accumulation in poor-prognosis patients undergoing PGT-A. A retrospective analysis of 112 IVF cycles was conducted, with 66 cycles among patients undergoing DuoStim (DS-Group) and 46 among patients undergoing conventional follicular phase stimulations (DF-Group). The primary outcome was the time to live birth, while secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, and cumulative live birth rate. The final analysis included 66 patients in the DS-Group and 40 in the DF-Group, as 6 women (13%) in the DF-Group discontinued treatment after the first stimulation. Oocyte yield was similar between groups (8.4 ± 3.9 in DS-Group vs. 8.2 ± 4.0 in DF-Group, p = 0.80), as was the number of euploid blastocysts (0.9 ± 1.2 vs. 1.1 ± 1.1, p = 0.37). The cumulative live birth rate was 22.7% in the DS-Group and 25% in the DF-Group (multivariate odds ratio adjusted for maternal age and male factor: 1.05, p = 0.93). The time to live birth was significantly shorter in the DS-Group (81.5 ± 15.5 days) compared to the DF-Group (153.7 ± 78.2 days, p < 0.001). DuoStim showed similar efficacy but a shorter time to live birth. Full article

Over the last three decades, the once-distinct terms ‘asylum’ and ‘immigration’ have become conceptually intertwined. This process is almost complete in Europe, where politicians, media, the public, and even academia often speak of these concepts interchangeably. Blurring these concepts has implications for migratory people: it removes legal rights borne by the state and diminishes the claims of humanitarian protection seekers within these movements. We have simultaneously witnessed the recategorization and reinterpretation of the statuses of vulnerable populations on the move, using geolegality to exclude them from otherwise legally entitled protections. We speak to the problems with narrowing the eligibility for protection through geolegality while simultaneously contributing to conceptual indistinction between people that discredits their identities as rights bearers. This short essay reflects on the ethical dilemmas of language use by researchers in shaping and contributing to this situation. Full article

The present study investigated how the quality of teacher–student relationships and students’ social status among peers relate to bullying experiences in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and those with typical development (TD). A sample of 135 students (27 with ADHD and 108 with TD; M = 11.37, SD = 1.25) participated. Using a structural equation model, we examined whether ADHD predicted students’ relationships with teachers and peers and whether these variables, in turn, predicted bullying victimization and perpetration. The model showed a good fit. Children with ADHD reported more conflictual relationships with teachers, lower peer preference, and higher social impact compared to their typically developing peers. These relationship characteristics were differentially associated with bullying outcomes, with teacher–student conflict and peer visibility emerging as social risk factors. Although preliminary, the results suggest that the relational context—particularly teacher attention and peer dynamics—may play a critical role in shaping the social experiences of students with ADHD and could have unintended consequences within peer groups. Full article

Oral caries is one of the most common oral diseases worldwide, affecting about 2.4 billion people. This phenomenon always starts with enamel demineralization, eventually progressing to tooth cavitation and loss when not properly treated. Nowadays, the standard diagnostic techniques to detect demineralization strongly depend on the operator’s expertise and are characterized by fairly low sensitivity and specificity, and/or involve ionizing radiation. This study investigates the feasibility of a non-invasive, effective, rapid, and radiation-free approach employing impedance spectroscopy for early caries detection. Two binary classifiers were developed for automated assessment and validated using a dataset obtained by in vitro demineralization of human teeth. A computationally efficient single-neuron classifier, utilizing a single impedance phase measurement at 15 Hz, achieved 88% accuracy, offering a lightweight, low-power solution suitable for microcontroller implementation and rapid measurements. A Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) classifier, utilizing equivalent circuit element values, yielded a similar accuracy of 86%. A prototype of a diagnostic portable tool was developed and characterized, demonstrating reliable impedance phase measurement (uncertainty < 2°). The performance of these classifiers meets or exceeds the existing AI-based methodologies for caries detection relying on radiographic data. This work introduces a novel application of AI to tooth impedance spectra, addressing a significant research gap in non-invasive diagnostics and laying the foundation for a novel, accessible, and accurate tool for early caries management. Full article

Objectives: The Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a cornerstone of cancer prevention, yet uptake remains suboptimal in many countries. This study analyzed the factors influencing HPV vaccine acceptance among adults, including a focused analysis of parental behaviors. Methods: Data were collected through a web-based survey using a questionnaire. We performed univariable analysis and three logistic regression analyses to investigate the determinants in the overall sample and among parents. Results: A total of 1821 participants were surveyed. HPV vaccination uptake was low, with only 6.9% of the total sample and 7.6% of young adults (18–35 yo) vaccinated. Among parents, 47.9% had vaccinated children aged 12–17, and 21.1% those aged 18 and over. Higher health literacy was associated with positive attitudes (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.48–2.79), while receiving information from pediatricians or gynecologists was linked to children’s vaccination status (OR 7.30, 95% CI 2.29–23.31) and parents’ intentions for future HPV vaccination (OR 5.86, 95% CI 1.85–18.50). Adequate knowledge emerged as a strong predictor of positive attitudes (OR 6.50, 95% CI 4.91–8.61) and parents’ intentions (OR 4.89, 95% CI 2.21–10.84). Vaccination status was a key factor influencing parental decisions and overall vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical role of health professionals and the need for targeted communication to address persistent knowledge gaps and promote HPV vaccine confidence within general population. Full article

Developing control systems for high aspect ratio aircraft can be challenging due to the flexibility of the structure involved in the control loop design. A model-based approach can be straightforward to tune the control system parameters and, to this aim, a reliable aircraft flexible model is mandatory. This paper aims to present the approach pursued to design a control strategy considering the flexible aircraft simulator in the loop. Once the elastic model for the longitudinal dynamics has been set up, genetic algorithms are used to determine-together with a Linear Quadratic Regulator controller—a logic to improve the dynamic behaviour whilst encountering a gust. A relatively low order elastic model is developed for the dynamics in the longitudinal plane, including both rigid body and elastic degrees of freedom defined in a vehicle-fixed reference frame. The rigid body degrees of freedom and the associated states are the same as those of the rigid vehicle, whilst the additional states represent the elastic degrees of freedom. Modal characteristics are calculated from a finite element model of the aircraft using a commercial code, with the weight distribution added as lumped masses on grid points, while the aerodynamic rigid properties are described with a nonlinear database. Using the 2-D strip theory and neglecting the unsteady effects, the aeroelastic stability derivatives, i.e., elastic influence coefficients, are computed to superimpose the elastic effects on the rigid body degrees of freedom and vice versa. The flexible dynamics is compared to the rigid one in order to highlight the relevant changes in the aircraft modes. Following is herein proposed a control strategy combining genetic algorithms and Linear Quadratic Regulator controller to reduce the load factor, also considering the oscillation amplitude due to a deterministic gust encountered in a predefined flight condition. Full article

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, variable airflow obstruction, and persistent inflammation. While its pathophysiology is well established, growing evidence highlights significant sex-based differences in its prevalence, severity, and treatment response. Epidemiological studies indicate that asthma is more common in prepubertal boys but shifts toward a female predominance after puberty, with adult women experiencing higher morbidity and greater healthcare utilization. These disparities suggest a crucial role for sex hormones, genetic predisposition, and epigenetic regulation in asthma pathogenesis. Sex hormones modulate immune responses, contributing to disease progression. Estrogen enhances type 2 inflammation, increases eosinophilic infiltration, and upregulates IL-4 and IL-13 expression, leading to greater airway hyperreactivity in women. Additionally, progesterone fluctuations correlate with perimenstrual asthma exacerbations, while testosterone appears to exert a protective effect by dampening Th2-driven inflammation and airway remodeling. These hormonal influences contribute to sex-specific asthma phenotypes and treatment responses. Genetic and epigenetic factors further shape sex-related differences in asthma. The X chromosome harbors immune-regulatory genes, including TLR7 and TLR8, which amplify inflammatory responses in females. The sex-dependent expression of IL13 and ORMDL3 influences eosinophilic inflammation and airway remodeling. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and microRNA regulation, further impact immune activation and corticosteroid responsiveness. For instance, Let-7 miRNAs modulate IL-13 expression, contributing to sex-specific inflammatory profiles. Environmental factors, including air pollution, obesity, and diet, interact with hormonal and genetic influences, exacerbating sex disparities in asthma severity. Obesity-related metabolic dysfunction promotes systemic inflammation, airway remodeling, and steroid resistance, disproportionately affecting women. Given these complex interactions, sex-specific approaches to asthma management are essential. Personalized treatment strategies targeting hormonal pathways, immune regulation, and metabolic health may improve outcomes for both men and women with asthma. Future research should focus on sex-based therapeutic interventions to optimize disease control and mitigate healthcare disparities. Full article