Export pricing strategy of Italian firms: from the depreciation of the lira to the euro.

In 1992 and 1995 Italy suffered two currency crisis, which were followed by a gradual recovery that ended with the entry of the lira in the single currency. The aim of this paper is to describe the export pricing strategy of Italian firms. To achieve this goal, a subset of 250 manufacturing firms (based in Northern Italy) out of the 1000 surveyed annually by the Bank of Italy was taken into account. By means of an additional questionnaire it was possible to collect information on a wide range of phenomena, such as the law of one price (LOP), the pass-through, and the pricing to market. Although a large part of the information is only qualitative, it would be appear that, while the 1992 devaluation induced firms to improve their competitiveness, the one that occurred in 1995 was used mainly to increase the mark up. The survey also shows that, in the long run, the LOP is followed only by 42 per cent of firms. Recently the convergence of the level of prices has increased amongst multinational firms and those producing intermediate goods. In February 2000, 45 per cent of firms were consistent with the LOP.

Addressing the sustainability of distributed ledger technology

The work proposes policies to improve the environmental sustainability of distributed ledger technology (DLT). While the proof-of-work (PoW) consensus protocol requires large amounts of electricity, several DLT protocols consume much less, while still being sufficiently reliable and decentralized. To move from a PoW protocol to a greener system, such as proof-of-stake (PoS) or proof-of-authority (PoA), the consensus of the majority of miners (measured by their computing power) is required during the transition period to preserve the security requirements. Given that miners have an incentive to maintain the status quo, this paper illustrates various policies designed to bring about the transition. We aim to show that the current policy approach adopted by banking and financial regulators, based on the principle of technological neutrality, may need a reappraisal in order to consider the ‘sustainability’ criterion. Policymakers should not stifle financial innovation; nevertheless they should intervene if technology is a source of negative externalities

Architectures for paediatric palliative care: how to improve quality of life and environmental well-being

Introduction. The influence of the environment on wellness, not only for patients themselves but for all care-givers as well, refers to the humanisation principles of spaces of care. Commencing with an analysis of existing paediatric hospices, the paper examines design suggestions for prosthetic environments, considered as a fundamental component in the healing process. Methodology. A prosthetic environment can be created only through a specific knowledge of the real needs of users. Therefore, some scholars have conducted research work for defining the best practices for healing environments, supported by an assessment and comparison of case studies. The methodology is based on two phases: the first is based on interviews with experts in hospice design and management and the second, through the application of a questionnaire to several users. Discussion and Results. The output of the work is the achievement of a logical, sequential and participatory broad-spectrum process in the design of health facilities in order to cause a sustainable awareness in paediatric hospices. Conclusion. Starting from the research work, it is necessary to define a scientific method for implementing knowledge on health, psychological, perceptual and behavioural needs to contribute towards proper planning for meeting the real requirements of users

mirnas may change rapidly with thoughts the relaxation response after myocardial infarction

Abstract Introduction Mental stress is potentially a major cardiovascular risk factor. Meditation and listening to music may be able to compensate by eliciting the Relaxation Response (RR) with a beneficial prognostic impact after myocardial infarction (MI), reducing the progression of the arteriosclerotic process and improving coronary blood flow. We aimed to study a possible epigenetic mechanism of the RR speculating that circulating microRNAs levels could change during relaxation. Methods We enrolled 150 consecutive patients after MI. 50 were trained to meditate, 50 given music appreciation and 50 served as controls. In addition, in order to rule out that the disease state could interfere with the possible movement of microRNAs, we enrolled 50 healthy volunteers (25 were trained to meditate and 25 had music appreciation). After training, and after 60 days of RR practice, we studied the individual variation, before and after the relaxation session, of some important cardiovascular circulating microRNAs: the microRNA-1, −16, −24, −33, −92, −144, −146, −155. Results As the RR appeared to be triggered in the same way irrespective of whether this was by music or meditation data was combined. After the RR, a reduction in microRNA-16, −33, −92, −144, −146, −155 (p  Conclusions The RR modulates some microRNAs levels suggesting that psychic activity may be an important epigenetic and pathophysiological factor in the arteriosclerotic process and in ischemic heart disease. In particular, the analyzed microRNAs levels seems to vary in relation to the state of stress or relaxation of the subjects

A method for classifying blockchains and crypto-assets using 'switching circuits’

The work provides a method for classifying blockchains and crypto-assets, facilitating their comparison for business and regulatory purposes. Blockchains - and more generally systems based on Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) - adopt different technologic configurations, each distinguished by the activities performed, technical characteristics, and governance structures. Particular noteworthy is the difference between some DLTs, which integrate automated organizational procedures with traditional decision-making processes, and others that adopt entirely algorithmic governance. Equally complex is the task of identifying types of crypto-assets, also known as digital tokens, generated and transferred through this technology. The work outlines the primary characteristics of DLTs and crypto-assets, utilizing ‘switching circuits’ to visually represent or express them in a simple formula. The proposed methodology, applicable both in the EU and in the US, untangles a given DLT/crypto ecosystem and reassembles it through logic maps, facilitating the identification of the technologic, economic, and legal features and overcoming the risk of a rigid and easily outdated taxonomy. The ultimate purpose of the paper is to propose a working method capable of accommodating every possible configuration of DLT and digital token and their potential evolutions. Practical examples of regulatory application and two case studies (Ethereum and Polkadot) are provided

Architectures for paediatric palliative care: how to improve quality of life and environmental well-being

Introduction. The influence of the environment on wellness, not only for patients themselves but for all care-givers as well, refers to the humanisation principles of spaces of care. Commencing with an analysis of existing paediatric hospices, the paper examines design suggestions for prosthetic environments, considered as a fundamental component in the healing process.Methodology. A prosthetic environment can be created only through a specific knowledge of the real needs of users. Therefore, some scholars have conducted research work for defining the best practices for healing environments, supported by an assessment and comparison of case studies. The methodology is based on two phases: the first is based on interviews with experts in hospice design and management and the second, through the application of a questionnaire to several users. Discussion and Results. The output of the work is the achievement of a logical, sequential and participatory broad-spectrum process in the design of health facilities in order to cause a sustainable awareness in paediatric hospices. Conclusion. Starting from the research work, it is necessary to define a scientific method for implementing knowledge on health, psychological, perceptual and behavioural needsto contribute towards proper planning for meeting the real requirements of users

The performance of the Italian housing market and its effects on the financial system

Developments in the real-estate sector are of crucial importance for the business cycle and financial stability. This study analyses developments in the Italian housing market on the basis of both real and financial variables. Following the sharp contraction of the market during the financial crisis and the more general fall in economic activity, a few signals suggests that the recession in the housing market is easing somewhat. However, the degree of uncertainty remains considerable. In recent months the ratio between the flow of bad debts to total outstanding loans to households and construction firms has reached the highest levels since the beginning of the decade. The paper also investigates three issues of a more structural nature. First, it examines the performance and the regulatory framework of real-estate investment funds in Italy. Second, it analyses the main characteristics of the taxation of residential housing, with reference to ownership, rentals and transactions. Finally, the paper estimates the impact on residential house prices of the growing demand for housing services by immigrants.housing market cycle, transactions, rentals, residential house prices, mortgages, real-estate investment funds, taxation of residential housing

Formazione di giovani leader di sanità pubblica: un’esperienza sperimentale dell’Accademia Lombarda di Sanità Pubblica

Introduzione L’Accademia Lombarda di Sanità Pubblica (ALSP), Associazione no-profit fondata nel 2017, ha come obiettivo quello di promuovere il progresso in Sanità Pubblica (SP) attraverso il coinvolgimento di studiosi impegnati a vario titolo nei molteplici ambiti della SP come quello dell’igiene, dell’epidemiologia, della prevenzione, dell’ambiente, della direzione sanitarie, dell’edilizia sanitaria, del management, del diritto e dell’economia sanitaria. A tale scopo l’Accademia ha promosso, all’inizio del 2019, l’iniziativa Academy of Young Leader in Public Health (AYLPH). Si tratta di un percorso didattico-scientifico di un anno rivolto a 10 giovani con background formativo differente, fortemente motivati a sviluppare competenze di leadership in SP e già avviati a carriere professionali e di ricerca. Metodi Questo percorso formativo per i 10 giovani, selezionati con bando competitivo aperto ai soci, basa il suo metodo didattico-formativo su incontri con riconosciuti leader nazionali e internazionali di SP; visite a istituzioni; collaborazione a progetti di ricerca; training specifico sulla scrittura di lavori scientifici; opportunità di partecipare a convegni nazionali internazionali e a corsi brevi ad hoc. Risultati A metà programma, le attività condotte sono state: esperienza di team building in località montana; incontro con alcune importanti figure impegnate, a vari livelli, nella sanità pubblica come l’ex Ministro della salute Beatrice Lorenzin, l’Editor-in-chief della rivista European Journal of Public Health Peter Allebeck, il Presidente EUPHA Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat oltre ai past-Presidenti EUPHA Walter Ricciardi e Martin Mc Kee. Ha fatto seguito un corso intensivo sulle revisioni sistematiche che ha visto l’attivazione di 6 gruppi di ricerca coinvolti in altrettanti progetti di revisione sistematica della letteratura. Ulteriori attività sono state: la partecipazione all’Assemblea Generale dell’Organizzazione Mondiale della Sanità, la partecipazione al Deans’ and Directos’ Retreat dell’ASPHER e al Congresso Americano di Sanità Pubblica (APHA). Sono in programma anche un corso di Public speaking, presso l’Università di Pisa ed alcuni incontri ad hoc. Conclusioni Nel contesto attuale, in cui la salute delle persone è minata da un senso di sfiducia nei confronti delle Istituzioni, dalla mancata equità nell’accesso alle cure e da stili di vita scorretti, la SP ha necessità di formare nuovi leaders in grado di promuovere valori e guidare al cambiamento individuale, organizzativo e politico. La AYLPH rappresenta un’occasione formativa di alto livello per giovani professionisti interessati a conoscere e attuare strategie di leadership in SP

Short-, mid- and long-term efficacy of dupilumab in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis: a real life multicenter Italian study on 2576 patients

Background: The efficacy and safety of dupilumab in atopic dermatitis (AD) have been defined in clinical trials but limited real-world evidence on long term treatment outcomes are currently available to inform clinical decisions. Objectives: to describe long-term effectiveness and safety of dupilumab up to 48 months in patients with moderate-to-severe AD. Methods: a multicenter, retrospective, dynamic cohort study was conducted to assess long term effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in patients with moderate to severe AD in a real-world setting. Predictors of minimal disease activity (MDA) optimal treatment target criteria (defined as the simultaneous achievement of EASI90, itch NRS score ≤1, sleep NRS score ≤1 and DLQI ≤1) were investigated. Results: 2576 patients were enrolled from June 2018 to July 2022. MDA optimal treatment target criteria were achieved by 506 (21.91%), 769 (40.63%), 628 (50.36%), 330 (55.37%) and 58 (54.72%) of those that reached 4, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months of follow-up, respectively. Logistic regression revealed a negative effect on MDA achievement for conjunctivitis and food allergy at all timepoints. Adverse events (AE) were mild and were observed in 373 (15.78%), 166 (7.02%), 83 (6.43%), 27 (4.50%) and 5 (4.55%) of those that reached 4, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months of follow-up. Conjunctivitis was the most frequently reported AE during the available follow-up. AE led to treatment discontinuation in <1% of patients during the evaluated time periods. Conclusion: High long-term effectiveness and safety of dupilumab were confirmed in this dynamic cohort of patients with moderate to severe AD, regardless of clinical phenotype and course at baseline. Further research will be needed to investigate the effect of Th2 comorbidities and disease duration on the response to dupilumab and other newer therapeutics for AD

Worldwide comparison of survival from childhood leukaemia for 1995–2009, by subtype, age, and sex (CONCORD-2): a population-based study of individual data for 89 828 children from 198 registries in 53 countries

Background Global inequalities in access to health care are reflected in differences in cancer survival. The CONCORD programme was designed to assess worldwide differences and trends in population-based cancer survival. In this population-based study, we aimed to estimate survival inequalities globally for several subtypes of childhood leukaemia. Methods Cancer registries participating in CONCORD were asked to submit tumour registrations for all children aged 0-14 years who were diagnosed with leukaemia between Jan 1, 1995, and Dec 31, 2009, and followed up until Dec 31, 2009. Haematological malignancies were defined by morphology codes in the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, third revision. We excluded data from registries from which the data were judged to be less reliable, or included only lymphomas, and data from countries in which data for fewer than ten children were available for analysis. We also excluded records because of a missing date of birth, diagnosis, or last known vital status. We estimated 5-year net survival (ie, the probability of surviving at least 5 years after diagnosis, after controlling for deaths from other causes [background mortality]) for children by calendar period of diagnosis (1995-99, 2000-04, and 2005-09), sex, and age at diagnosis (< 1, 1-4, 5-9, and 10-14 years, inclusive) using appropriate life tables. We estimated age-standardised net survival for international comparison of survival trends for precursor-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Findings We analysed data from 89 828 children from 198 registries in 53 countries. During 1995-99, 5-year agestandardised net survival for all lymphoid leukaemias combined ranged from 10.6% (95% CI 3.1-18.2) in the Chinese registries to 86.8% (81.6-92.0) in Austria. International differences in 5-year survival for childhood leukaemia were still large as recently as 2005-09, when age-standardised survival for lymphoid leukaemias ranged from 52.4% (95% CI 42.8-61.9) in Cali, Colombia, to 91.6% (89.5-93.6) in the German registries, and for AML ranged from 33.3% (18.9-47.7) in Bulgaria to 78.2% (72.0-84.3) in German registries. Survival from precursor-cell ALL was very close to that of all lymphoid leukaemias combined, with similar variation. In most countries, survival from AML improved more than survival from ALL between 2000-04 and 2005-09. Survival for each type of leukaemia varied markedly with age: survival was highest for children aged 1-4 and 5-9 years, and lowest for infants (younger than 1 year). There was no systematic difference in survival between boys and girls. Interpretation Global inequalities in survival from childhood leukaemia have narrowed with time but remain very wide for both ALL and AML. These results provide useful information for health policy makers on the effectiveness of health-care systems and for cancer policy makers to reduce inequalities in childhood survival