Properties of unconventional SFS Josephson junctions

In this work I present novel experimental characterization of two different kind of unconventional ferromagnetic Josephson junctions. The first set of experiments refers to a SIsFS junction suitable for memory applications. Besides a temperature characterization, I performed a study on the effect of RF fields on the switching dynamics of the device. The second set of experiment is a complete characterization of low dissipation ferromagnetic junctions, namely spin filter junctions. I present results that indicate the presence of unconventional transport mechanisms in these devices

What is Behind Counterproductive Work Behaviors in the Nursing Profession? A Systematic Review

LETTURA CONSIGLIAT

A 70-year long lessepsian colonization: the conquest of Malta by Amphistegina lobifera

The highly invasive Amphistegina lobifera (Larsen, 1976), a non-indigenous benthic foraminifera coming from the Red Sea through the Suez Canal, has colonized the Eastern Mediterranean during the last decades and in 2006 it was recorded for the first time from the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean). Here, we report new data from a sediment core collected in May 2018 near the northern coast of Malta. Results show that A. lobifera reached Malta between 1950 and 1955; then it progressively increased in abundance with time, probably favoured by the rising of Mediterranean SST during the last 40 years.peer-reviewe

Violare le norme organizzative e sociali nei luoghi di lavoro: Studio correlazionale nel contesto infermieristico

Obiettivi: L’obiettivo principale di questo studio è stato di valutare le relazioni esistenti tra le variabili del contesto organizzativo (per esempio, carichi di lavoro, conflitti interpersonali, vincoli organizzativi), il burnout, il disimpegno morale e i comportamenti controproduttivi (CWB) degli infermieri, negli specifici ambiti clinici in cui lavorano. Metodo: Uno studio descrittivo correlazionale è stato condotto su un campione di 347 infermieri di diverse realtà operative di una grande struttura ospedaliera universitaria del centro Italia. Per l’indagine è stato utilizzato un questionario composto da scale per la misurazione delle variabili di contesto organizzativo, delle dimensioni del burnout, del sovraccarico relazionale, del disimpegno morale e dei comportamenti contro produttivi. Risultati: Gli ambiti clinici influenzavano il benessere organizzativo vissuto dagli infermieri che, a loro volta, influenzavano l’attuazione di CWB. Le aree ambulatoriali e di day hospital risultavano quelle in cui gli infermieri mettevano meno in pratica i CWB, diversamente da quelle di pronto soccorso e di medicina generale in cui i CWB venivano attuati più frequentemente. Conclusioni: I risultati di questo studio sono importanti per chi si occupa del benessere dei lavoratori e per i dirigenti delle professioni infermieristiche perché mettono in luce quanto gli ambiti clinici e le variabili di contesto organizzativo possano spingere gli infermieri ai CWB. Le variabili di contesto organizzativo devono essere tenute in seria considerazione perché si riflettono sulla qualità delle cure offerte ai malati

Improvement of Analytical Methods for the Determination of Polyphenolic Bioactive Compounds in Berry Fruits

Berry fruits contain high levels of different phytochemicals, most of which are phenolic molecules. Fruits of the same cultivar from different locations and different harvest years have different chemical compositions, particularly related to polyphenols. The difference may be due to specific climatic conditions, the type of soil in which the plants grow, and the stresses to which the plants were subjected because these phytochemicals are produced as a defense mechanism through a secondary metabolic process. For this reason, it is important to establish simple and reliable procedure to determine polyphenolic compounds in berry fruits considering the increasing attention on these compounds for different potential uses. In order to choose and to improve the most adequate analytical procedure for the determination of the polyphenolic substances in berry fruits, different methods were applied and compared on samples of elderberry and blackberry

Conventional and organic foods: A comparison focused on animal products

AbstractThe term "organic" denotes a product of a food production system that is socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable. The organic food market is growing in response to an ever increasing demand for organic products. They are often considered more nutritious, healthier, and free from pesticides than conventional foods. However, the results of scientific studies do not show that organic products are more nutritious and safer than conventional foods. In this work a comparison between conventional and organic foods is made, the focus is on animal products. The data available in the existing literature is often conflicting, even if the differences are often associated with breeds suited to organic vs. conventional production systems. In order to have a clear understanding of the role that "organic effect" plays on animal foods, further research is necessary

Halyomorpha halys in Emilia, prime risposte dal monitoraggio

OSSERVAZIONI IN CAMPO CONDOTTE NEL 2013-2014. Dopo la sua comparsa in Italia, accertata nel 2012, è stato attivato nella zona di ritrovamento un programma di monitoraggio teso a studiare l’insetto e il suo comportamento nell’ambiente. La specie desta maggiori preoccupazioni nel settore frutticolo, dove il danno rappresentato dalle tipiche deformazioni può giungere al 100

Moderately Escalated Hypofractionated (Chemo) Radiotherapy Delivered with Helical Intensity-Modulated Technique in Stage III Unresectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose: To assess clinical outcomes and toxicities in patients with stage III unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with a moderately escalated hypofractionated radiotherapy delivered with Helical Intensity-Modulated Technique in combination with sequential or concurrent chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: Sixty-one consecutive patients considered non-progressive after two cycles of induction chemotherapy were treated with a moderately escalated hypofractionated radiation course of 30 daily fractions of 2.25–2.28 Gy each administered in 6 weeks up to a total dose of 67.5–68.4 Gy (range, 64.5–71.3 Gy). Thirty-two received sequential RT after two more cycles (total = 4 cycles) of chemotherapy, while 29 were treated with concurrent chemo-radiation. The target was considered the gross tumor volume and the clinically proven nodal regions, without elective nodal irradiation. Results: With a median follow up of 27 months (range 6–40), 1-year and 2-year OS rate for all patients was 77 and 53%, respectively, with a median survival duration of 18.6 months in the sequential group and 24.1 months in the concomitant group. No Grade ≥4 acute and late toxicity was reported. Acute Grade 3 treatment-related pneumonitis was detected in 10% of patients. Two patients, both receiving the concurrent schedule, developed a Grade 3 acute esophagitis. The overall incidence of late Grade 3 lung toxicity was 5%. No patients experienced a Grade 3 late esophageal toxicity. Conclusion: A moderately hypofractionated radiation course delivered with a Helical Intensity-Modulated Technique is a feasible treatment option for patients with unresectable locally advanced NSCLC receiving chemotherapy (sequentially or concurrently). Hypofractionated radiotherapy with a dedicated technique allows safely dose escalation, minimizing the effect of tumor repopulation that may occur with prolonged treatment time