Fundraising in the Higher Education Context: A Topical and Theoretical Literature Review

This paper aims at design a topical and theoretical literature review about fundraising in the higher education context. Fundraising is a topic that deserves a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach relating to the focus of the analysis: there are some themes that have been investigated more than others, whereas others have been objects of analysis without any theoretical framework support. Hence, literature about fundraising is still lacking and calls for further investigations and analyses. This paper aims at identifying the state of the art about fundraising literature and the gap(s) that further investigation should try to fill

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is the most common chronic metabolic disease in children and adolescents. The etiology of T1D is not fully understood but it seems multifactorial. The genetic background determines the predisposition to develop T1D, while the autoimmune process against -cells seems to be also determined by environmental triggers, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Environmental EDCs may act throughout dierent temporal windows as single chemical agent or as chemical mixtures. They could aect the development and the function of the immune system or of the beta-cells function, promoting autoimmunity and increasing the susceptibility to autoimmune attack. Human studies evaluating the potential role of exposure to EDCs on the pathogenesis of T1D are few and demonstrated contradictory results. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize experimental and epidemiological studies on the potential role of exposure to EDCs in the development of T1D.We highlight what we know by animals about EDCs\u2019 eects on mechanisms leading to T1D development and progression. Studies evaluating the EDC levels in patients with T1D were also reported. Moreover, we discussed why further studies are needed and how they should be designed to better understand the causal mechanisms and the next prevention interventions

Long-Term Use of Temozolomide as Safe and Effective Therapy for an Aggressive Corticotroph Adenoma in a Very Old Patient

Background: Temozolomide (TMZ) is safe and effective in the treatment of aggressive pituitary adenomas (PAs). However, the optimal duration of TMZ therapy is still unknown. Moreover, data about administration of TMZ in elderly (≥65 years) people to treat aggressive PAs are scarce. We report the case of the oldest female patient undergoing the longest TMZ protocol described so far to treat an aggressive, initially silent corticotroph PA. Case report: The patient initially underwent partial surgical removal of the PA. Subsequent treatment with cabergoline was applied, but it was unsuccessful in controlling the growth of the residual tumor. Pasireotide and external radiation also showed to be ineffective; therefore, treatment with TMZ was started at the standard dose of 200 mg/m2/day for 5 days every 4 weeks for a total of 47 cycles. At the time of treatment's beginning, the patient was 83 years old. Radiological follow-up documented a progressive, remarkable reduction of the adenoma and the last imaging, after 39 cycles of TMZ, showed an intrasellar lesion with large areas of cystic degeneration. The patient also developed adrenal deficiency managed with glucocorticoid replacement. No major side effects were observed throughout the treatment, with exception of nausea, well controlled with anti-emetic medication. TMZ therapy was discontinued after 47 cycles; hormonal and imaging follow-up investigations documented sustained functional and dimensional response. Conclusions: Our case supports the long-term use of TMZ, confirming its safety and efficacy also for elderly patients

Oceanic giants in the Mediterranean: first mitochondrial analysis of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas

The leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761) is an occasional trophic visitor of the Mediterranean basin. So far, very few individuals have been genetically analysed from this sea and none from Italy. We sequenced a mitochondrial DNA fragment of three specimens of D. coriacea found in recent years along the North-Adriatic and Tyrrhenian shores. They were all females approaching adult stage. Causes of death were attributable to the main threats for sea turtles in Mediterranean waters, all related to human activities (collisions with boats, entanglement in fishing nets and plastic debris ingestion). Two different mitochondrial haplotypes were observed, with the two North-Adriatic turtles sharing the same one. Compared to known Dermochelys sequences and previous genetic characterization of rookeries, these results suggest that the most probable origin of at least two of the three leatherbacks was the western Atlantic

Isolated hypoaldosteronism as first sign of X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita caused by a novel mutation in NR0B1/DAX-1 gene: a case report

X-linked Adrenal Hypoplasia Congenita (AHC) is a rare cause of primary adrenal insufficiency due to mutations in the NR0B1 gene, causing a loss of function of the nuclear receptor protein DAX-1. Adrenal insufficiency usually appears in the first 2 months of life, but can sometimes emerge during childhood. Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism is often associated later in life and patients may develop azoospermia. We describe an unusual onset of AHC started with isolated hypoaldosteronism as first and only sign of the disease

Production of human platelet lysate by use of ultrasound for ex vivo expansion of human bone marrowederived mesenchymal stromal cells

Abstract Background aims. A medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS) is of common use for the expansion of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). However, its use is discouraged by regulatory authorities because of the risk of zoonoses and immune reactions. Human platelet lysate (PL) obtained by freezing/thawing disruption of platelets has been proposed as a possible substitute of FBS. The process is time-consuming and not well standardized. A new method for obtaining PL that is based on the use of ultrasound is proposed. Methods. Platelet sonication was performed by submerging platelet-containing plastic bags in an ultrasonic bath. To evaluate platelet lysis we measured platelet-derived growth factor-AB release. PL efficiency was tested by expanding bone marrow (BM)-MSCs, measuring population doubling time, differentiation capacity and immunogenic properties. Safety was evaluated by karyotyping expanded cells. Results. After 30 minutes of sonication, 74% of platelet derived growth factor-AB was released. PL enhanced BM-MSC proliferation rate compared with FBS. The mean cumulative population doubling (cPD) of cells growth in PL at 10%, 7.5% and 5% was better compared with cPD obtained with 10% FBS. PD time (hours) of MSCs with PL obtained by sonication was shorter than for cPD with PL obtained by freezing/thawing (18.9 versus 17.4, P < 0.01). BM mononucleated cells expressed MSC markers and were able to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages. When BM-MSCs and T cells were co-cultured in close contact, immunosuppressive activity of BM-MSCs was maintained. Cell karyotype showed no genetic alterations. Conclusions. The proposed method for the production of PL by sonication could be a safe, efficient and fast substitute of FBS, without the potential risks of FBS

Prilog poznavanju kseno-raznolikosti životinja duž obale Kalabrije (južna Italija, srednji Mediteran)

In this paper a contribution to the knowledge of marine and brackish water alien species recorded along the Calabrian coasts (Southern Italy, Central Mediterranean) during the period 2000-2013 is given. The study area is located in the center of the Mediterranean. Records of alien species come from 13 years of both field and opportunistic fishing surveys. Also a bibliographical search in the scientific literature and public and private archives was performed. Eighteen of marine alien species recorded: 1 cnidarian, 11 molluscs, 3 crustaceans, and 4 bony fishes; in addition to these, was considered also the presence of four bony fish, that have naturally spread into the Mediterranean: Sphoeroides pachygaster, Gymnothorax moringa, Pseunes pellucidus and Zenopsis conchifera. The highest number of records comes from the Messina Strait. The most common and widest observed species were Percnon gibbesi, Callinectes sapidus, Fistularia commersonii and Procambarus clarckii. The record of Ruditapes philippinarum in the Foce Crati is the first for the Ionian Sea and for the Central Mediterranean. Gymnothorax moringa is here recorded for the first time in the Mediterranean.Ovaj rad predstavlja prilog poznavanju stranih vrsta pronađenih u morskoj i boćatoj vodi duž Kalabrijske obale (južna Italija, Središnji Mediteran) u razdoblju od 2000. do 2013. godine. Područje istraživanja se nalazi u središtu Mediterana. Evidencija stranih vrsta je proizišla iz 13 godina terenskog rada i oportunističkih istraživanja. Također su izvršena bibliografska pretraživanja u znanstvenoj literaturi u javnim i privatnim arhivima. Ukupno je zabilježeno 18 morskih stranih vrsta: 1 cnidaria, 11 mekušaca, 3 raka i 4 ribe koštunjače koje su se prirodno proširile u Mediteranu: Sphoeroides pachygaster, Gymnothorax moringa, Pseunes pellucidus i Zenopsis conchifera. Najveći broj nalaza dolazi iz Mesinskog tjesnaca. Najčešće i najšire promatrane vrste su Percnon gibbesi, Callinectes sapidus, Fistularia commersonii i Procambarus clarkii. Zapis o nalazu vrste Ruditapes philippinarum, kod mjesta Foce Crati, je prvi za Jonsko more i središnji Mediteran. Gymnothorax moringaje po prvi put zabilježena u Mediteranu

Three essays of Fundraising as a tool to reinforce university's outcome

The recent economic downturn has slowed down public sector severely and the situation is expected to get worse until the economy recovers. This is the main reason why also public higher education has grown to appreciate added support from charitable gifts. Therefore, the competition for private charitable donations has become fierce and donors are exposed to an increasing number of solicitations for support. Moreover, fundraising has been acknowledged as “a persuasive activity that seeks to convince donors to a worthy cause”. Furthermore, in a wider perspective, fundraising is not only the science of raising funds, but also the science of financial sustainability of a social cause. From that reasoning, this research is focused on the public sector, with a particular regard to public universities. The mission of a governmental organization defines the value that the organization intends to produce for its stakeholders and for society at large. The former, in order to get its mission and to create value, needs funds, which are not totally delivered by central governments. Therefore, public universities have to fulfill needs through their functions, supported by fundraising activities, trying to involve several types of stakeholders. The research aim of this study is basically to understand, interpret and explain the fundraising phenomenon, process, and activities and how they works within the Italian higher education context. General results will be discussed considering the Resource Dependence Theory framework developed by studies within higher education context. In order to get the research’s aim and to answer to the previous questions, the following chapters will compose the dissertation thesis. First of all, a general introduction about the context, main objectives and contents of the study will be delivered. This section is followed by a general literature review on the topic, with a description of what is the original contribution of the chapters. Afterwards, three essays about the topic are presented, with a specific introduction for each of them and the links to the overall objectives of the thesis. Finally, general conclusions will be stated in the last chapter.The recent economic downturn has slowed down public sector severely and the situation is expected to get worse until the economy recovers. This is the main reason why also public higher education has grown to appreciate added support from charitable gifts. Therefore, the competition for private charitable donations has become fierce and donors are exposed to an increasing number of solicitations for support. Moreover, fundraising has been acknowledged as “a persuasive activity that seeks to convince donors to a worthy cause”. Furthermore, in a wider perspective, fundraising is not only the science of raising funds, but also the science of financial sustainability of a social cause. From that reasoning, this research is focused on the public sector, with a particular regard to public universities. The mission of a governmental organization defines the value that the organization intends to produce for its stakeholders and for society at large. The former, in order to get its mission and to create value, needs funds, which are not totally delivered by central governments. Therefore, public universities have to fulfill needs through their functions, supported by fundraising activities, trying to involve several types of stakeholders. The research aim of this study is basically to understand, interpret and explain the fundraising phenomenon, process, and activities and how they works within the Italian higher education context. General results will be discussed considering the Resource Dependence Theory framework developed by studies within higher education context. In order to get the research’s aim and to answer to the previous questions, the following chapters will compose the dissertation thesis. First of all, a general introduction about the context, main objectives and contents of the study will be delivered. This section is followed by a general literature review on the topic, with a description of what is the original contribution of the chapters. Afterwards, three essays about the topic are presented, with a specific introduction for each of them and the links to the overall objectives of the thesis. Finally, general conclusions will be stated in the last chapter

Three essays of Fundraising as a tool to reinforce university's outcome

The recent economic downturn has slowed down public sector severely and the situation is expected to get worse until the economy recovers. This is the main reason why also public higher education has grown to appreciate added support from charitable gifts. Therefore, the competition for private charitable donations has become fierce and donors are exposed to an increasing number of solicitations for support. Moreover, fundraising has been acknowledged as “a persuasive activity that seeks to convince donors to a worthy cause”. Furthermore, in a wider perspective, fundraising is not only the science of raising funds, but also the science of financial sustainability of a social cause. From that reasoning, this research is focused on the public sector, with a particular regard to public universities. The mission of a governmental organization defines the value that the organization intends to produce for its stakeholders and for society at large. The former, in order to get its mission and to create value, needs funds, which are not totally delivered by central governments. Therefore, public universities have to fulfill needs through their functions, supported by fundraising activities, trying to involve several types of stakeholders. The research aim of this study is basically to understand, interpret and explain the fundraising phenomenon, process, and activities and how they works within the Italian higher education context. General results will be discussed considering the Resource Dependence Theory framework developed by studies within higher education context. In order to get the research’s aim and to answer to the previous questions, the following chapters will compose the dissertation thesis. First of all, a general introduction about the context, main objectives and contents of the study will be delivered. This section is followed by a general literature review on the topic, with a description of what is the original contribution of the chapters. Afterwards, three essays about the topic are presented, with a specific introduction for each of them and the links to the overall objectives of the thesis. Finally, general conclusions will be stated in the last chapter.The recent economic downturn has slowed down public sector severely and the situation is expected to get worse until the economy recovers. This is the main reason why also public higher education has grown to appreciate added support from charitable gifts. Therefore, the competition for private charitable donations has become fierce and donors are exposed to an increasing number of solicitations for support. Moreover, fundraising has been acknowledged as “a persuasive activity that seeks to convince donors to a worthy cause”. Furthermore, in a wider perspective, fundraising is not only the science of raising funds, but also the science of financial sustainability of a social cause. From that reasoning, this research is focused on the public sector, with a particular regard to public universities. The mission of a governmental organization defines the value that the organization intends to produce for its stakeholders and for society at large. The former, in order to get its mission and to create value, needs funds, which are not totally delivered by central governments. Therefore, public universities have to fulfill needs through their functions, supported by fundraising activities, trying to involve several types of stakeholders. The research aim of this study is basically to understand, interpret and explain the fundraising phenomenon, process, and activities and how they works within the Italian higher education context. General results will be discussed considering the Resource Dependence Theory framework developed by studies within higher education context. In order to get the research’s aim and to answer to the previous questions, the following chapters will compose the dissertation thesis. First of all, a general introduction about the context, main objectives and contents of the study will be delivered. This section is followed by a general literature review on the topic, with a description of what is the original contribution of the chapters. Afterwards, three essays about the topic are presented, with a specific introduction for each of them and the links to the overall objectives of the thesis. Finally, general conclusions will be stated in the last chapter