High-speed mobility and social justice: the Italian State Railways between liberalization, high-speed train and abandoned railways: tools for critical assessment and identification of alternative models of mobility

Peer Reviewe

Computed tomographic findings in three Pinschers affected by incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle

Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle is a cause of forelimb lameness in dogs. Affected dogs are predisposed to humeral condylar fractures. Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle has been reported in breeds such as Spaniel, Rottweiler, Labrador and Pug. Diagnosis is made by a radiographic or computed tomographic study of the elbow, while treatment includes the placement of a bone screw across the humeral condyle. This paper discusses the computed tomography findings of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle in three Pinschers

Analgesic Effect of Butorphanol during Castration in Donkeys under Total Intravenous Anaesthesia

Pain management is necessary for all surgical procedures. Little scientific evidence about drug efficacy in donkeys is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic ef- fect of butorphanol in donkeys undergoing orchiectomy under total intravenous anaesthesia with guaifenesin-ketamine-detomidine. A randomized blinded prospective clinical trial (Protocol n. 2021/0000338), was carried out on 18 clinically healthy donkeys undergoing bilateral orchiectomy. Patients were assigned to Group D (n = 8) or Group DB (n = 10) if receiving intravenous detomidine or detomidine-butorphanol respectively, before induction of general anaesthesia with ketamine- diazepam. Intraoperative muscle relaxation, nystagmus, palpebral reflex, heart and respiratory rate, and non-invasive blood pressure were evaluated every 2 min; time to prepare the patient, duration of surgery and anaesthesia and recovery score were recorded. Group D had significantly longer surgical time, higher heart rate, higher systolic and mean blood pressure (p < 0.05; repeated measure ANOVA), increased muscle rigidity and expression of palpebral reflex (p < 0.05; Mann–Whitney U test) than group DB. Top-ups with thiopental were statistically higher in Group D. Butorphanol and detomidine together produced a more stable anaesthetic plan. The low dosage of opioid and alpha-2-agonists and reduced rescue anaesthesia are responsible for a safer and more superficial anaesthesia, which is mandatory under field conditions

Some like it hot: Thermal preference of the groundwater amphipod Niphargus longicaudatus (Costa, 1851) and climate change implications

Groundwater is a crucial resource for humans and the environment, but its global human demand currently exceeds available volumes by 3.5 times. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this situation by increasing the frequency of droughts along with human impacts on groundwater ecosystems. Despite prior research on the quantitative effects of climate change on groundwater, the direct impacts on groundwater biodiversity, especially obligate groundwater species, remain largely unexplored. Therefore, investigating the potential impacts of climate change, including groundwater temperature changes, is crucial for the survival of obligate groundwater species. This study aimed to determine the thermal niche breadth of the crustacean amphipod species Niphargus longicaudatus by using the chronic method. We found that N. longicaudatus has a wide thermal niche with a natural performance range of 7–9 °C, which corresponds to the thermal regime this species experiences within its distribution range in Italy. The observed range of preferred temperature (PT) was different from the mean annual temperature of the sites from which the species has been collected, challenging the idea that groundwater species are only adapted to narrow temperature ranges. Considering the significant threats of climate change to groundwater ecosystems, these findings provide crucial information for the conservation of obligate groundwater species, suggesting that some of them may be more resilient to temperature changes than previously thought. Understanding the fundamental thermal niche of these species can inform conservation efforts and management strategies to protect groundwater ecosystems and their communities.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

ANTEPARTUM DISTRESS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background: The present study investigates the impact of the Coronavirus diseases 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic on the subjective experience of pregnant women, as well as the impact of the pandemic on this population in terms of psychopathological correlates. Subjects and methods: Pregnant women referring to the Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the General Hospital of Perugia, Italy, were recruited from 1st May, 2021 to 15th June, 2021. Socio-demographic and clinical data was collected, as well as information regarding the Covid-19 pandemic impact on the subjective experience of pregnancy. Psychopathology was evaluated by means of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI-Y), the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Prenatal Distress Measure (Pre-DM). Descriptive analyses were performed. Significant associations between distress symptoms and the collected sociodemographic and clinical variables were assessed by using the Pearson correlation (p<0.05). Results: 25 women were included in the study. Among these, 18 (72%) reported that the Covid-19 pandemic negatively impacted their experience of pregnancy. Were detected an average Pre-DM total score of 7.28±4.33 and an average state anxiety scale value of 35.56+-9.21 and an average trait anxiety scale value of 34.04+-7.44 at the STAI-Y. A global severity index > 1 at SCL-90 was detected in 8.3% of the sample. Conclusions: The identification of antepartum distress and the early treatment of perinatal psychopathology represent a priority during the Covid-19 pandemic era

Advanced modeling of materials with PAOFLOW 2.0:New features and software design

Recent research in materials science opens exciting perspectives to design novel quantum materials and devices, but it calls for quantitative predictions of properties which are not accessible in standard first principles packages. PAOFLOW, is a software tool that constructs tight-binding Hamiltonians from self consistent electronic wavefunctions by projecting onto a set of atomic orbitals. The electronic structure provides numerous materials properties that otherwise would have to be calculated via phenomenological models. In this paper, we describe recent re-design of the code as well as the new features and improvements in performance. In particular, we have implemented symmetry operations for unfolding equivalent k-points, which drastically reduces the runtime requirements of first principles calculations, and we have provided internal routines of projections onto atomic orbitals enabling generation of real space atomic orbitals. Moreover, we have included models for non-constant relaxation time in electronic transport calculations, doubling the real space dimensions of the Hamiltonian as well as the construction of Hamiltonians directly from analytical models. Importantly, PAOFLOW has been now converted into a Python package, and is streamlined for use directly within other Python codes. The new object oriented design treats PAOFLOW's computational routines as class methods, providing an API for explicit control of each calculation.</p

ANTEPARTUM DISTRESS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background: The present study investigates the impact of the Coronavirus diseases 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic on the subjective experience of pregnant women, as well as the impact of the pandemic on this population in terms of psychopathological correlates. Subjects and methods: Pregnant women referring to the Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the General Hospital of Perugia, Italy, were recruited from 1st May, 2021 to 15th June, 2021. Socio-demographic and clinical data was collected, as well as information regarding the Covid-19 pandemic impact on the subjective experience of pregnancy. Psychopathology was evaluated by means of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI-Y), the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Prenatal Distress Measure (Pre-DM). Descriptive analyses were performed. Significant associations between distress symptoms and the collected sociodemographic and clinical variables were assessed by using the Pearson correlation (p<0.05). Results: 25 women were included in the study. Among these, 18 (72%) reported that the Covid-19 pandemic negatively impacted their experience of pregnancy. Were detected an average Pre-DM total score of 7.28±4.33 and an average state anxiety scale value of 35.56+-9.21 and an average trait anxiety scale value of 34.04+-7.44 at the STAI-Y. A global severity index > 1 at SCL-90 was detected in 8.3% of the sample. Conclusions: The identification of antepartum distress and the early treatment of perinatal psychopathology represent a priority during the Covid-19 pandemic era

Assessing spatial and temporal changes in diversity of copepod crustaceans. A key step for biodiversity conservation in groundwater-fed springs

Despite the close attention springs have received from a hydrologic perspective and as biodiversity hotspots, the multiple dimensions of spring meiofaunal assemblage diversity are still poorly investigated. Knowledge of beta diversity patterns and drivers can inform and improve management decisions on biodiversity conservation. Here, we analyzed beta diversity of copepod assemblages in karst springs in Central Italy by focusing on: 1) relative contributions of turnover and nestedness components to taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity; 2) temporal variation of species richness and beta diversity within and between the target springs in conjunction with models of the influence of physical-chemical parameters on within-spring diversity changes; 3) expected risk of habitat loss due to variation in groundwater recharge under climate change. To this end, we gathered data from 168 samples collected in four karst springs from 2004 to 2016. Overall, we found 48 copepod species, 22 of which are obligate groundwater dwellers while the remaining 26 usually occur in surface freshwaters. All springs showed significant changes in taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity over time. Total beta diversity was high for both the taxonomic and phylogenetic dimensions, and turnover was the main component. Inter-site variability in dissolved oxygen explained a noticeable part of temporal variation in beta diversity, likely reflecting the role of microhabitat heterogeneity in shaping site-specific assemblages. However, most of the temporal variation in species richness and beta diversity remained unexplained, suggesting a major role of other factors, such as seasonal discharge variations. Modelling of recharge rates for all the four springs over 2001–2020 suggested a potential &gt;40% recharge deficit under dry conditions. Moreover, Cellular Automata-based modelling of rainfall over the Gran Sasso-Sirente hydrogeologic unit (feeding three of the four springs) predicted an overall precipitation decrease in the 2081–2095 period. Such changes could produce severe effects on springs’ microhabitats and related communities. Our results indicate that partitioning beta diversity, monitoring its temporal changes and assessing its environmental drivers are critical to evidence-based conservation of springs. Particularly, the high species turnover we have observed suggests that conservation strategies should seek to preserve as many microhabitats as possible within and among karst springs

Calidad urbana, movilidad, calidad de vida. Una gramática para el renacimiento de la ciudad. Una propuesta para el nuevo “barrio de la industria” en Sant Adrià del Besòs, Barcelona

A strict connection exists between mobility patterns and urban quality. You don’t need to be an expert to appreciate how some places are more welcoming than others and how, most of the times, those same places are the ones deprived of an object that has been affecting our lives for decades: the car.The automobile allowed the diffusion of settlement patterns characterized by urban sprawl - clearly inspired by the United States - which, where not well regulated, became a “mandatory” instrument for transportation.The big contemporary cities, dominated by the car, have grown following the model of “urban sprawl” in which public space has completely lost its role of “urban armor” and the criteria of urban quality have been completely set apart.Following this growth pattern, the city appears today comprised of fragments that, integrating with the consolidated or historical fabric, produce friction.Today the concept of “sustainability” imposes a change in the settlement patterns, abandoning the globalized culture of suburbanization in favor of urban regeneration.Within this context, public space must once again play a fundamental role in mending the urban fragments produced during the decades of incessant growth of the city and in restoring its quality.Furthermore, urban fragments and residual spaces, too little valued and often forgotten, represent today for the communities that inhabit them an opportunity to rescue their own feeling of belonging and community.Citizens must therefore “reclaim” these parts of the city through the (re)construction of public space, basing on criteria that ensure the urban quality of the project:- participation: since the inclusion of the people who will have to animate those spaces cannot be underestimated, but rather, plays a key role;- cultural valuation: since the recovery of what were the places of memory, the foundation of the community, cannot have a marginal function;- quality of the environment: since guaranteeing biodiversity and the requalification of the existing one in favor of a healthy and revitalized environment is one of the pillars on which the very concept of urban recovery is based.The cities that have favored public transport, bicycles and pedestrians at the expense of private cars, are those today characterized by a superior urban quality.Today, more than ever, mobility planning is an effective urban regeneration tool.Therefore, it is proposed in this context to investigate the evolution that mobility planning, urban policies and government of the territory have registered in recent years, with the aim of dealing with the degradation caused by urban fragmentation, mobility models and the degradation of public space.To achieve that, it is presented a study on the contemporary city and the elements that compose it in order to understand the role that each of them plays in planning. Always with a look at the international scientific scene, studying in detail the phenomenon object of this work, the causes that generate it and the aspects to take into account to stop or interrupt it.As an intervention tool, inspired by a hypothesis developed by the Italian urban planner Marcello Vittorini in 1988, an “urban grammar” is proposed, expressed through a “theoretical grid” aiming to reconfigure urban mobility structures, and oriented towards the regeneration and sustainable development of the city.Taking into account the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, where mobility plans consistent with the criteria of the theoretical grid have already been implemented, a study is presented on the municipality of S. Adrià de Besòs (in the AMB), an urban fragment consisting of a former industrial area of approximately 4 square kilometers. This study is intended to mend this urban fragment and insert it between the fabrics of the municipalities of Barcelona and Badalona, so to re-connect the consolidated city through the application of the “theoretical grid”.Existe un vínculo estrecho entre patrones de movilidad y calidad urbana. No hace falta tener un ojo experto para apreciar como algunos lugares resulten más acogedores que otros y como la mayoría de las veces estos lugares son los que se ven privados de un objeto que desde hace décadas afecta nuestras vidas: el automóvil.El automóvil permitió la difusión de patrones de asentamiento caracterizados por la dispersión urbana – de clara inspiración norteamericana – y que, allí donde no ha sido bien regulado, se ha convertido en un instrumento “obligatorio” de transporte.Las grandes ciudades contemporáneas, justo dominadas por el coche, han crecido siguiendo el modelo de “ciudad dispersa” (“urban sprawl”) en la que el espacio público ha totalmente perdido su papel de “armadura urbana” y los caracteres de calidad urbana han sido completamente apartados.Un crecimiento por el cual la ciudad hoy aparece también constituida por fragmentos que producen fricciones, físicas y sociales.Hoy en día el concepto de “sostenibilidad” impone un cambio de los patrones de asentamiento, abandonando la cultura – globalizada – de la suburbanización a favor de la de regeneración urbana.El espacio público debe volver a desempeñar un papel fundamental para remendar fragmentos urbanos producidos durante las décadas de crecimiento incesante de la ciudad y restaurar la calidad de las ciudades.Además, los fragmentos urbanos, espacios residuales, demasiado poco valorados y frecuentemente olvidados, constituyen hoy una oportunidad para las comunidades que los habitan, a través del cual la ciudadanía puede rescatar su propio sentimiento de pertenencia y de comunidad: rescata su ciudad.Los ciudadanos deben por lo tanto “reclamar” estas partes de ciudad por medio de la (re)construcción del espacio público sobre la base de criterios que aseguren la calidad urbana del proyecto:- participación: ya que la inclusión de las personas que tendrán que animar aquellos espacios no puede subestimarse, sino al contrario, desempeña un papel clave;- valoración cultural: puesto que la recuperación de los que eran los lugares de la memoria, el fundamento de la comunidad, no pueden tener una función marginal;- calidad del medio ambiente: puesto que garantizar la biodiversidad y la recalificación del existente en favor de un entorno saludable y revitalizado constituye uno de los pilares en que se fundamenta el concepto mismo de recuperación urbana.Las ciudades que han favorecido el transporte público, las bicicletas y los peatones frente al utilizo del coche privado, son las que hoy en día se caracterizan por una calidad urbana superior.Hoy más que nunca la planificación de la movilidad constituye una herramienta eficaz de regeneración urbana.Por consiguiente, en ese contexto se propone, por un lado, investigar la evolución que la planificación de la movilidad, las políticas urbanas y el gobierno del territorio han registrado durante los últimos años con el objetivo para hacer frente a la degradación producida por los fragmentos urbanos, los patrones insostenibles de movilidad y la degradación del espacio público.Para lograr este objetivo, se presenta un estudio sobre la ciudad contemporánea y los elementos que la componen, para comprender el papel que cada uno de ellos desempeña en la planificación, con una mirada hacia los paisajes científicos internacionales, estudiando en detalle el fenómeno objeto de nuestro trabajo, las causas que lo generan y los aspectos a tener en cuenta para detenerlo o interrumpirlo.Como herramienta de intervención, inspirada en una hipótesis desarrollada por el urbanista italiano Marcello Vittorini en 1988, se propone una “gramática urbana” que se expresa a través de una “grilla teórica” que apunta a reconfigurar las estructuras de movilidad urbana y está orientada a la regeneración y el desarrollo sostenible de la ciudad.Teniendo en cuenta el Área Metropolitana de Barcelona, donde ya se han implementado planes de la movilidad coherentes con los criterios de la grilla teórica, se presenta un estudio sobre el municipio de S. Adrià de Besòs (en el AMB), donde hay un fragmento urbano constituido por una ex zona industrial de aproximadamente 4 kilómetros cuadrados. Este estudio tuvo el objetivo de remendar ese fragmento urbano, insertado entre los tejidos consolidados de los municipios de Barcelona y Badalona, y re-conectarlo a la ciudad consolidada por medio de la aplicación de la “grilla teórica”