Sensorimotor integration and faces recognition in a model of altered face sensory information: neurophysiological study in patients with dentofacial deformities

Objective To explore the excitability and sensory motor integration of the face and masticatory primary motor cortex (M1), and recognition of face expressions in individuals with dentofacial deformities (IDD). Methods Short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), short-afferent inhibition (SAI) of masticatory and face M1, the blink reflex and face expressions recognition (FER) ability were assessed in 18 healthy subjects (HS) (24.56±1.02 years old) and in 18 IDD (27.36±1.39 years) before and after 1 month from surgery. Results In IDD, SICI (p=0.033) and SAI (p=0.008) were significantly reduced in the masticatory, but not face, M1 and the blink reflex was normal. IDD also exhibited deficits in FER before surgery (p=0.033), which was still present after surgery (p=0.015), although improved. Conclusion Results evidence that alterations of sensory afferents due to dentofacial deformities modulates sensorimotor integration of masticatory M1, with topographic specificity. The altered sensory information from face not only influences motor inhibitory control but also FER. Significance The integration of sensory inputs with motor outputs depends topographically on the type of sensory afferents stimulated as well as on the target muscle and its respective representation area in M1. Afferent information from face also plays a role in FER ability

What Do Farmers Need from Agricultural Robots?

In the context of smart agriculture, new and advanced machines are emerging to be implemented in the agricultural field, such as mobile field robots. These systems are usually lightweight machines compared to conventional tractors and can be categorized according to their structural components, functionalities, and applications. In addition, both commercial systems and academic prototypes have been developed and advanced in recent years. The reasons that influence the low adoption of commercial mobile robots have been investigated, as well as the challenges that need to be addressed. In addition, the factors influencing the adoption of agricultural robots have been investigated. However, less attention has been paid to the specific capabilities that a mobile field robot should have from the farmer's point of view, and for which agricultural activities it should be used profitably. Therefore, the objective of this study is to define the needs and requirements of farmers for mobile agricultural field robots. A survey method was used to obtain responses from farmers from different areas and specializations. The questionnaire, composed of three sections, was deployed both online and as paper printed version to Italian farmers. The first section collected general information about the farmer, farm type, and equipment currently used. The second one focused on the farmers’ knowledge of the mobile field robot, providing also an exemplificative video at the ending. The third one collected the needs and feedback of the farmers for robots. A total of 51 farmers responded to the survey indicating a good knowledge of mobile field robot. Considering farmers’ needs, variable rate technology and tillage operations were identified as the best practices that can be effectively implemented by field robots. The key features indicated were fast recharge time and an autonomy of 7–9 h for electric robots, as well as a minimum forward speed of 2–5 kmh−1. The primary issue for investing in agricultural robots were to reduce labor costs, increase farm profitability, and prioritize worker safety. In contrast, the availability of incentives and environmental sustainability appear to be less important factors. The main concerns were related to the need for specialized knowledge, ensuring safe operating practices, and the investment costs associated with the technology

The effect of single versus group culture on cumulus-oocyte complexes from early antral follicles

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of single versus group culture strategies for cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) derived from early antral follicles (EAFs), with the goal of optimizing culture conditions to increase oocyte availability for assisted reproductive technologies. Methods: COCs isolated from EAFs (350–450 μm) from sheep ovaries were cultured in TCM199 medium supplemented with 0.15 μg/mL Zn++ as zinc sulfate, 10−4 IU/mL FSH, 10 ng/mL estradiol, 50 ng/mL testosterone, 50 ng/mL progesterone, and 5 μM Cilostamide. After 5 days of long in vitro culture (LIVC), COCs underwent in vitro maturation. This study investigated the effects of single and group culture conditions on COCs, focusing on morphology (integrity of oocyte-granulosa cell complex), viability, oocyte diameter, chromatin configuration, and ultrastructure. Additional factors influencing developmental competence were assessed, including global transcriptional activity, gap junction communication, and meiotic competence. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial activity were also measured. Results: No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of morphology, viability, oocyte diameter, chromatin configuration, ROS levels, or mitochondrial activity. However, group culture resulted in ultrastructural changes, with a notable reduction in global transcriptional activity, an increase in active gap junctions, and a higher rate of meiosis resumption (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Overall, group culture of COCs derived from sheep EAFs promoted meiosis resumption, suggesting that this approach could improve in vitro culture techniques, increase the availability of mature gametes, and support fertility preservation programs

Strategic Projects and Technological Transfer Processes for the Competitiveness of the European Market

In a global context where technological innovation and sustainability are essential drivers of tourism competitiveness and the enhancement of cultural heritage, this study aims to identify and analyse innovative European models that are adaptable to the Sardinian context. Starting with a scouting mission on 69 European start-ups, a representative sample of 28 initiatives was constructed, selected according to geographic, thematic and innovation criteria. The research asked, “How can the innovative approaches and technologies employed by successful European innovative projects in the tourism and hospitality sectors be adapted to enhance cultural heritage, tourism engagement, and economic development in the Sardinian regional context?”. The qualitative methodology allowed for analysis of start-ups that integrate emerging technologies (e.g., AI, AR, VR, Blockchain NTF) and sustainable practices into their business models. The results highlight replicable models and opportunities for local implementation. The research’s relevance lies in the systemic approach and the framework that integrates technological innovation and territorial identity, offering new perspectives for the sustainable growth of the regional cultural tourism sector

Sui contratti di finanziamento con tasso di interesse indicizzato all'Euribor le Sezioni Unite rinviano in attesa della pronuncia della Corte di Giustizia

A seguito di un contrasto giurisprudenziale sorto all'interno della Corte di Cassazione, era stata rimessa alle Sezioni Unite la questione della legittimità delle clausole contenute nei contratti di finanziamento, di indicizzazione del tasso di interesse all'Euribor. La questione trae origine dall'accertamento, da parte della Commissione Europea, del tentativo, da parte di alcune banche, di manipolare il suddetto tasso interbancario a seguito di un'intesa anticoncorrenziale. Le Sezioni Unite, preso atto del rinvio pregiudiziale ex art. 267 TFUE alla Corte di Giustizia della U.E. da parte della Corte di Appello di Cagliari, hanno ritenuto di rinviare ogni decisione

Microbial players in autoimmunity: multicentric analysis of the association between Mycoplasma hominis serostatus and rheumatoid arthritis

Resident mucosal pathogens may induce immune tolerance breach, specific autoimmune response, and the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in susceptible individuals. Despite a number of studies linking infections by Mollicutes bacteria to autoimmune disorders’ onset and progression, the role of Mycoplasma hominis, a common urogenital mucosa colonizing bacterium, in inducing a specific humoral response in RA has been seldom addressed. This study reports M. hominis seroprevalence in RA patients compared to healthy controls (HC) by testing two separate cohorts sampled in two distinct geographical settings (Italy and Vietnam). The amount of circulating anti-lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs) antibodies was significantly higher in RA patients than HC in both cohorts. Also, a significantly higher seroprevalence of anti-M. hominis antibodies in RA patients compared to HC in both cohorts was observed. Notably, neither ELISA OD values nor positivity of anti-LAMPs were significantly associated with RA­specific variables. Further studies are essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which Mycoplasma species may contribute to the pathogenesis of RA, thereby advancing our understanding of the potential causal links between Mollicutes and autoimmune disorders