La luogotenenza regia nel regno di Sardegna in età aragonese

The Crown of Aragon, since his institution in the XII century, was an aggregation of States, ruled by the same monarch. The monarch was materially unable to be present simultaneously in all the States of the Crown, therefore the executive power was delegated by the sovereign to his deputy, who was present, in the quality of “alter ego”, in each State. The powers delegated to the deputies of the sovereign were not established. They were changing both with respect to the single delegated people and in each State of the Crown. The military campaign of 1323-1324, led from it Crown of Aragon for the conquest of the territory of the Republic of Pisa in Sardinia, was concluded with the birth of the Kingdom of Sardinia. After the departure, on July 18th, 1324, of the «procurator generalis regnorum», the “infante” Alfonso, the sovereign deputy was also introduced in the new State aggregated to the Crown. This research proposes a study of the sovereign power in the Kingdom of Sardinia in the XIV century. The sovereign deputy was governing in the Kingdom of Sardinia, for a period of variable time, and on the basis of delegated sovereign powers. The powers were established in the personal appointment act. In this act the titles and the duration of the task were also suitable. The institute of the sovereign deputyship remained operating up to 1847 when the Kingdom of Sardinia changed form, and passed from the compound form to the unitary one. The present study is developed through the method of the «doctrine of the statuality», applied to the State called Kingdom of Sardinia, whose name, without never losing of sight the statual entity, changed two times. The first time, in 1861, in Kingdom of Italy; the second time, after the constitutional referendum of June 2nd, 1946, it changed both form of government and title assuming the name of Repubblica Italiana.The Crown of Aragon, since his institution in the XII century, was an aggregation of States, ruled by the same monarch. The monarch was materially unable to be present simultaneously in all the States of the Crown, therefore the executive power was delegated by the sovereign to his deputy, who was present, in the quality of “alter ego”, in each State. The powers delegated to the deputies of the sovereign were not established. They were changing both with respect to the single delegated people and in each State of the Crown. The military campaign of 1323-1324, led from it Crown of Aragon for the conquest of the territory of the Republic of Pisa in Sardinia, was concluded with the birth of the Kingdom of Sardinia. After the departure, on July 18th, 1324, of the «procurator generalis regnorum», the “infante” Alfonso, the sovereign deputy was also introduced in the new State aggregated to the Crown. This research proposes a study of the sovereign power in the Kingdom of Sardinia in the XIV century. The sovereign deputy was governing in the Kingdom of Sardinia, for a period of variable time, and on the basis of delegated sovereign powers. The powers were established in the personal appointment act. In this act the titles and the duration of the task were also suitable. The institute of the sovereign deputyship remained operating up to 1847 when the Kingdom of Sardinia changed form, and passed from the compound form to the unitary one. The present study is developed through the method of the «doctrine of the statuality», applied to the State called Kingdom of Sardinia, whose name, without never losing of sight the statual entity, changed two times. The first time, in 1861, in Kingdom of Italy; the second time, after the constitutional referendum of June 2nd, 1946, it changed both form of government and title assuming the name of Repubblica Italiana

Sintesi di complessi di Au(III) con leganti azotati e studio della loro reattività

In the last twenty years, alkene and alkyne activation by gold catalysts has received considerable attention. Most of the applications of gold catalysts have concerned the addition of nitrogen‐ and oxygen‐nucleophiles to the C‐C multiple bond. Metal‐mediated olefin oxidation is still a subject of great interest for a number of researchers. Various classes of mechanisms have been envisaged for different metal systems. Among these, that one involving metallaoxetanes (1‐metalla‐2‐oxacyclobutanes), as key intermediates in the oxygen‐transfer reaction, has been recently corroborated by a number of experimental evidences. The synthesis of a series of gold(III) oxo complexes, [Au2(N,N)2(μ‐O)2][PF6]2, supported by bidentate 6‐substituted‐2,2’‐bipyridines, has been the main subject of this thesis. The oxygen atom transfer reaction to olefins from these unusual gold(III) complexes has been thoroughly studied. The reaction with styrene, chosen as a model, was studied first and an unprecedented gold(I) olefin complex of the type [Au(N,N)(η2‐CH2=CHPh][PF6] structurally characterized. Styrene oxygenated derivatives, contemporaneously formed, were identified as well. Analogous results have been successively obtained with other terminal olefins, while no reaction takes place with internal olefins. Although not isolated, formation of the olefin complexes and of the oxygenated species was attributed to the decomposition of an oxametallacyclic intermediate. Successively, from the reactions with cyclic alkenes, in particular norbornene, evidence for such intermediates was gained by the isolation and structural characterization of the unprecedented oxaauracyclobutane [Au(bipyMe)(κ2‐O,C‐2‐ oxynorbornyl)][PF6] and the gold(I) alkene complexes [Au(bipyR)(η2‐alkene)][PF6] (R = Me, alkene = norbornene). A plausible mechanism for the formation of these species, involving eliminative reduction reaction, was inferred by the reaction of the auraoxetane with excess norbornene: indeed, the gold(I) olefin complex and exo‐2,3‐epoxynorbornane were obtained. Structural and spectroscopic data of the new alkene complexes [Au(bipyR)(η2‐alkene)][PF6] and [Au2(bipyR)2(μ−η2,η2‐dialkene)][PF6]2 were collected and thoroughly analyzed. On the whole, they suggested an extent π‐back‐donation contribution to the olefin‐gold bond and this was corroborated of the theoretical calculations carried out at hybrid‐DFT level on the model compound [Au(bipy)(η2‐CH2=CH2)]+. A further insight into the structural features and electronic properties of these still rare gold derivatives can be of interest as for the design of new gold catalysts

ACAES systems to enhance the self-consumption rate of renewable electricity in sustainable energy communities

This paper aims to evaluate the optimal configuration of an Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage (ACAES) system designed to achieve the best matching between power production from non-programmable Renewable Energy Sources (RES) power plants and power demand from final users. The electrical energy demand of a small town, with a maximum power load of about 10 MW, has been considered as case study. The electrical energy can be supplied by both a photovoltaic (PV) power plant and the grid. For the ACAES system, different sizes for compressor, turbine, thermal energy storage (TES) system and air storage reservoir have been evaluated by varying the air mass flow rate of turbomachines and the charging and discharging duration times, to enhance the share of the PV energy supplied to the end user. The best performance is achieved with a PV power plant rated at about 35 MW and an ACAES section characterized by a compressor/turbine rated power of about 25-35% of the maximum power load of the end user, with a charging time of about 10 hours and a discharging time of about 20 hours. The average round-trip efficiency of the ACAES system is around 70%. On the overall, the integrated PV-ACAES system allows to cover 66% of the yearly electrical energy demand

Effect of a daily dose of <i>Lactobacillus brevis</i> CD2 lozenges in high caries risk schoolchildren

Objectives A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed to validate the hypothesis that the use of lozenges containing Lactobacillus brevis CD2 (Inersan®, CD Investments srl) may reduce plaque pH, salivary mutans streptococci (ms) and bleeding on probing, during a 6-week period, in a sample of high caries risk schoolchildren. Methods A total of 191 children (aged 6–8 years), presenting two to three carious lesions and a salivary ms concentration of ≥105 CFU/ml, were enrolled and divided into two groups, an L. brevis CD2 lozenge group and a no L. brevis lozenge group, and examined at baseline (t0), after 3 weeks (t1), after 6 weeks of lozenge use (t2) and 2 weeks after the cessation of lozenge use (t3). Plaque pH was assessed using the microtouch technique following a sucrose challenge. The area under the curve (AUC5.7 and AUC6.2) was recorded. Salivary ms were counted, and bleeding on probing was assessed. Results At t0, the plaque-pH and ms concentration values were similar in both groups. Mean areas (AUC5.7 and AUC6.2) were significantly greater in the control group at t1, t2 and t3. L. brevis CD2 lozenges significantly reduced salivary ms concentrations and bleeding. The subjects from the test group showed a statistically significant decrease (p=0.01)in salivary ms concentration. At t2, a statistically significantly lower bleeding value was recorded in the test group compared with the control group (p=0.02). Conclusions Six weeks’ use of lozenges containing L. brevis CD2 had a beneficial effect on some important variables related to oral health, including a reduction in plaque acidogenicity, salivary ms and bleeding on probing.</br

Metabolic profile and root development of Hypericum perforatum L. in vitro roots under stress conditions due to chitosan treatment and culture time

The responses of Hypericum perforatum root cultures to chitosan elicitation had been investigated through 1H-NMR-based metabolomics associated with morpho-anatomical analyses. The root metabolome was influenced by two factors, i.e., time of culture (associated with biomass growth and related “overcrowding stress”) and chitosan elicitation. ANOVA simultaneous component analysis (ASCA) modeling showed that these factors act independently. In response to the increase of biomass density over time, a decrease in the synthesis of isoleucine, valine, pyruvate, methylamine, etanolamine, trigonelline, glutamine and fatty acids, and an increase in the synthesis of phenolic compounds, such as xanthones, epicatechin, gallic, and shikimic acid were observed. Among the xanthones, brasilixanthone B has been identified for the first time in chitosan-elicited root cultures of H. perforatum. Chitosan treatment associated to a slowdown of root biomass growth caused an increase in DMAPP and a decrease in stigmasterol, shikimic acid, and tryptophan levels. The histological analysis of chitosan-treated roots revealed a marked swelling of the root apex, mainly due to the hypertrophy of the first two sub-epidermal cell layers. In addition, periclinal divisions in hypertrophic cortical cells, resulting in an increase of cortical layers, were frequently observed. Most of the metabolic variations as well as the morpho-anatomical alterations occurred within 72 h from the elicitation, suggesting an early response of H. perforatum roots to chitosan elicitation. The obtained results improve the knowledge of the root responses to biotic stress and provide useful information to optimize the biotechnological production of plant compounds of industrial interest

Does a social/behavioural gradient in dental health exist among adults? A cross-sectional study

Objective To explore the potential presence of a social/behavioural gradient in dental health among Italian adults using a cross-sectional study. Methods Caries indices were recorded among 480 subjects (52.9% men, 47.1% women) who also completed a structured self-administered social and behavioural questionnaire. A social/behavioural gradient was generated as the sum of the worst circumstances recorded on the questionnaire (cariogenic diet, smoking, lowest occupational profile, brushing teeth < twice daily, lowest educational level, uneven dental examination attendance). Results Caries figures (DMFT) and the number of filled sound teeth (FS-T) were statistically significantly linked to the social/behavioural gradient (DMFT: χ(2)(9) = 20.17 p = 0.02, Z = 0.02 p = 0.99; FS-T: χ(2)(9) = 25.68 p < 0.01, Z = -4.31 p < 0.01). DMFT was statistically significantly associated with gender and with social and behavioural variables. FS-T was higher in women (p = 0.03) and was linked to smoking ( p < 0.01). Conclusions The proposed social/behavioural gradient demonstrated how subjects reporting the worst circumstances on the questionnaire exhibited the worst dental health. The use of the gradient demonstrates that health promotion and prevention cannot be compartmentalized

Il nuraghe San Marco-Genuri (VS): il riuso tra Bronzo finale e primo Ferro

Riassunto: Nell'ambito del progetto di scavo pluriennale nel sito del nuraghe San Marco di Genuri, la campagna di scavo del 2010 ha consentito di indagare i livelli di occupazione di età nuragica. La stratigrafia del cortile, in particolare, ha evidenziato la presenza di tre fasi distinte riferibili rispettivamente ad un momento di passaggio tra BF e FI, ad un BF più tipico ed al BR. Il dato interessante è che il passaggio dal BR al BF sembra segnato da un evento distruttivo, testimoniato da estesi crolli e successive ristrutturazioni, che richiama episodi analoghi documentati in un numero crescente di  nuraghi in tutta l'isola. Ciò impone una riflessione sulle possibili cause che hanno determinato una situazione di crisi che appare ormai generalizzata, e sull'eventualità che questa abbia avuto un ruolo diretto nei cambiamenti epocali che segnano la società nuragica sullo scorcio del II millennio cal. BC. Abstract: In the framework of the multi-year excavation project at the site of Nuraghe San Marco-Genuri, the excavation campaign of 2010 made it possible to investigate the Nuragic Age occupation levels. The stratigraphy of the courtyard has revealed the presence of three distinct phases, respectively related to a moment of transition between Final Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, a more typical Final Bronze Age and the Late Bronze Age. The interesting fact is that the transition from Late Bronze Age to Final Bronze Age seems marked by a destructive event, testified by extensive collapses and subsequent restorations, which recall similar episodes increasingly documented in a relevant number of Nuraghi across the island. This calls for a reflection on the causes of a crisis situation apparently widespread and on its possible direct role in the momentous changes that mark the Nuragic society at the end of the 2nd millennium cal. BC

Inequalities in caries among pre-school Italian children with different background.

BACKGROUND The study was aimed to describe caries prevalence and severity and health inequalities among Italian preschool children with European and non-European background and to explore the potential presence of a social gradient. METHODS The ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) was recorded at school on 6,825 children (52.8% females). Caries frequency and severity was expressed as a proportion, recording the most severe ICDAS score observed. Socioeconomic status (SES) was estimated by mean a standardized self-submitted questionnaire filled-in by parents. The Slope Index of Inequality (SII) based on regression of the mid-point value of caries experiences score for each SES group was calculated and a social gradient was generated, children were stratified into four social gradient levels based on the number of worst options. Multivariate regression models (Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial logistic and logistic regression) were used to elucidate the associations between all explanatory variables and caries prevalence. RESULTS Overall, 54.4% (95%CI 46.7-58.3%) of the children were caries-free; caries prevalence was statistically significant higher in children with non-European background compared to European children (72.6% vs 41.6% p < 0.01) and to the area of living (p = 0.03). A statistically significant trend was observed for ICDAS 5/6 score and the worst social/behavioral level (Z = 5.24, p < 0.01). Children in the highest household income group had lower levels of caries. In multivariate analysis, Immigrant status, the highest parents' occupational and educational level, only one kid in the family, living in the North-Western Italian area and a high household income, were statistically significant associated (p = 0.01) to caries prevalence. The social gradient was statistically significant associated (p < 0.01) to the different caries levels and experience in children with European background. CONCLUSIONS Data show how caries in preschool children is an unsolved public health problem especially in those with a non-European background

Assessing the Predictive Performance of Probabilistic Caries Risk Assessment Models: The Importance of Calibration

Probabilistic caries risk assessment models (P-CRA), such as the Cariogram, are promising tools to planning treatments in order to control and prevent caries. The usefulness of these models for informing patients and medical decision-making depends on 2 properties known as discrimination and calibration. Current common assessment of P-CRA models, however, ignores calibration, and this can be misleading. The aim of this paper was to provide tools for a proper assessment of calibration of the P-CRA models and improve calibration when lacking. A combination of standard calibration tools (calibration plot, calibration in-the-large, and calibration slope) and 3 novel measures of calibration (the Calibration Index and 2 related metrics, E50 and E90) are proposed to evaluate if a P-CRA model is well calibrated. Moreover, an approach was proposed and validated using data from a previous follow-up study performed on children evaluated by means of a reduced Cariogram model; Platt scaling and isotonic regression were applied showing a lack of calibration. The use of the Cariogram overestimates the actual risk of new caries for forecast probabilities 0.6. Both Platt scaling and isotonic regression were able to significantly improve the calibration of the reduced Cariogram model, preserving its discrimination properties. The average specificity and sensitivity for both Platt scaling and isotonic regression using the cut-off point p= 0.5 were >83 and their sum well exceeded 160. The benefits of the proposed calibration methods are promising, but further research in this field is required

Efficacy of HAF toothpastes in primary and permanent dentitions. A 2-years triple-blind RCT

Objectives: The aim of this RCT was to compare the caries preventive efficacy and the slowing down of previous caries lesions of toothpastes containing fluoride biomimetic hydroxyapatite (HA) complex compared to sodium monofluorophosphate fluoridated toothpastes in Italian schoolchildren. To validate this hypothesis a triple-blind randomized clinical trial was designed. Methods: In total 610 children (4-5 and 6-7 years) were enrolled. Four toothpastes, two containing fluoride-substituted hydroxyapatite (HAF) (1000 and 1450 ppmF) and magnesium-, strontium-, carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite, in a chitosan matrix and two Mono fluoridated toothpastes (1000 and 1450 ppmF) were randomly administered during 24 months to two groups with younger children (Gyoung) and to two groups with older children (Gold), those containing 1450 ppmF. ICDAS was used to score lesions as initial (up to score 2), moderate (scores 3-4) and severe (scores 5-6). The children were instructed to brush for two minutes three times/day. Caries examination was repeated at 12 and 24 months. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed by calculating the reduction in Risk Ratio (RR) and the number needed to treat (NNT). Results; Overall, 518 patients (Gyoung = 268; Gold = 250) concluded the trial. The drop-rate was 11.84% for Gyoung and 17.22% for Gold. The caries increment at 24-month evaluation was statistically lower in the primary dentition in the HAF arms compared to the traditional fluoridated arms (0.18 vs 0.27 p = 0.04 in Gyoung and 0.16 vs 0.30 p = 0.01 in Gold for severe lesions). In the permanent dentition (Gold), caries increase was also statistically lower in the HAF arm, both for initial and severe lesions (0.09 vs 0.17 p = 0.02 and 0.18 vs 0.28 p = 0.01, respectively). In primary dentition, children receiving HAF Toothpaste had a RR of 39% (Gyoung) and 38% (Gold), compared to children receiving traditional Toothpastes. The RR in the permanent dentition was 29% in children treated with HAF toothpaste. Conclusions; The use of toothpastes containing biomimetic hydroxyapatite and fluoride reduces caries increment in children over a period of 2 years more than traditional fluoridated toothpastes. Keywords: Caries; Fluoride; Hydroxyapatite; Pediatric de