CENTRE OF MASS TRAJECTORY IN SNOWBOARD GIANT SLALOM USING INERTIAL SENSORS: LABORATORY AND IN-FIELD PRELIMINARY EVALUATION

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reconstruction accuracy of the centre of mass during snowboard giant slalom using inertial sensors (Opal, APDM, 128 Hz). Two approaches were implemented and tested: i) a multi-segment model using 7 inertial sensors on the trunk, the pelvis, the thighs, the shanks, and the board; and ii) a double integration of the acceleration at L5 level measured with one inertial sensor. The accuracy of the algorithms was verified in two laboratory conditions: a) the multi-segment model approach was tested indoor during controlled movements using stereo-photogrammetry as gold standard, and b) the double integration of acceleration approach was tested outdoor in simulated movements on a longboard using GPS as gold standard. Successively, to verify the application in real conditions, an in-field acquisition of a forerunner athlete during a snowboard world cup competition was performed. The position of the centre of mass estimated indoor with multi-segmental model approach reported in the local reference frame of the board showed high correlation with respect to stereo-photogrammetry (r=0.87) and a RMS error of 3.8 [%] expressed as percentage of the range of motion during the trial (1.32m). For the simulated movements test in outdoor conditions on the longboard applying the double integration approach, high correlation was found with respect to the GPS data (r=0.95) on the trajectory but , for the 4 turns trial, a RMS difference on the distance equal to 15.3 [%] expressed as percentage of the whole distance covered (46m). Finally, the in-field acquisition showed how using inertial sensors is a viable option for collecting centre of mass data during training session useful for coaches and athletes. The approach using one sensors at L5 level showed low level of accuracy with respect to the one using a multi-segment model. Further developments should be performed in the direction of a better estimation of the orientation of the inertial sensors and of the boundary conditions for the integration algorithm

Potere, procedimento e funzione nella revisione referendaria

The paper assists in evaluating the impact of the last attempt to amend the Italian Constitution, putting forward a comprehensive critical analysis of the common opinions shared by scholars when considering the nature and extension of the procedures currently envisaged by art. 138 of Italian Constitution. From such perspective, the author contests in particular the common belief that amendment power, as set out by the same art. 138, is unitary, and, not to mention the special procedures passed in the ‘90ies, shows that in reality the Italian Constitution has introduced several different procedures to amend the Constitution (art. 132 Cost.; l. cost. 2/2001), and that such a plurality of procedures is born from the requirement to ensure that different interests, both general and those specifically affecting social and parliamentary minorities, are fully considered in the passing of a constitutional reform act. And stresses that the idea of a unitary power of constitutional amendment is mainly a remnant of the revolutionary doctrine of pouvoir constituant. Therefore, on the basis of the theory of public function, as developed in the different field of judicial review of administrative measures (A. Merkl, G. Berti), the author shows that the specific features of each different procedure entail different set of limits to the extension and use of legislative power aimed to produce a formal amendment, given that the function which lies behind any use of amendment power is conditioned by the procedure itself. On such basis the author then concludes that ‘organic’ reforms - i.e. legislation which allows for the passing, by one single act, of several different amendments to several different sections and areas of the Constitution - should be admitted only when that amendment procedure takes entirely place in the Houses of Parliament and with a qualified majority of 2/3 of M.P.’s. And that when such a majority is not reached, and the act must be devolved to popular vote, the law can only introduce individual amendments, in order to prevent against the unreasonable requirement of each voting citizen being compelled to vote on a plurality of issues at any one time with one single vote. Which would be a violation of political freedoms as granted by art. 48 Cost., as enforced by constant ruling of Italian Constitutional Court with reference to referendums set to produce a total or partial abrogation of parliamentary statutes

Evaluation of Fructooligosaccharides and Inulins as Potentially Health Benefiting Food Ingredients by HPAEC-PED and MALDI-TOF MS

This paper describes the complementarity of high-performance anion exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed electrochemical detection (HPAEC-PED) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) to evaluate commercial available fructans (fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulins), having different degrees of polymerization (DP) which are usually employed by food industry as functional ingredients either for their prebiotic properties or as a fat replacer, giving a fat-like mouth feel and texture. The developed HPAEC-PED methods are able to analyze FOS (fructans with DP 3–10) and inulins (DP ranging from 3 to 80) with a good resolution and relatively short retention times to evaluate structural differences between fructooligosaccharide and inulins and the possible presence of inulooligosaccharides as well as of branching. To characterize FOS and inulin at different degrees of polymerization and to assure correct molecular assignment, MALDI-TOF MS analysis was also investigated. The 2,5-dihydroxy benzoic acid (2,5-DHB) was found to be the best matrix for FOS analysis as Actilight and Raftilose P95 products, while 3-aminoquinoline (3-AQ) seems to be the best matrix for inulin with higher DP. The applicability of the optimized methods to the identification and determination of FOS contained in a symbiotic milk as well as a type of inulin added as functional ingredient to a cooked ham is demonstrated

International therapeutic guidelines for patients with HCV-related extrahepatic disorders. A multidisciplinary expert statement

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is both hepatotrophic and lymphotropic virus that causes liver as well extrahepatic manifestations including cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, the most frequent and studied condition, lymphoma, and neurologic, cardiovascular, endocrine-metabolic or renal diseases. HCV-extrahepatic manifestations (HCV-EHMs) may severely affect the overall prognosis, while viral eradication significantly reduces non-liver related deaths. Different clinical manifestations may coexist in the same patient. Due to the variety of HCV clinical manifestations, a multidisciplinary approach along with appropriate therapeutic strategies are required. In the era of interferon-free anti-HCV treatments, international recommendations for the therapeutic management of HCV-EHMs are needed. This implies the need to define the best criteria to use antivirals and/or other therapeutic approaches. The present recommendations, based on qualified expert experience and specific literature, will focus on etiological (antiviral) therapies and/or traditional pathogenetic treatments that still maintain their therapeutic utility

Implementing an evidence-based computerized decision support system linked to electronic health records to improve care for cancer patients: the ONCO-CODES study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Computerized decision support systems (CDSSs) are computer programs that provide doctors with person-specific, actionable recommendations, or management options that are intelligently filtered or presented at appropriate times to enhance health care. CDSSs might be integrated with patient electronic health records (EHRs) and evidence-based knowledge. METHODS/DESIGN: The Computerized DEcision Support in ONCOlogy (ONCO-CODES) trial is a pragmatic, parallel group, randomized controlled study with 1:1 allocation ratio. The trial is designed to evaluate the effectiveness on clinical practice and quality of care of a multi-specialty collection of patient-specific reminders generated by a CDSS in the IRCCS Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) hospital. We hypothesize that the intervention can increase clinician adherence to guidelines and, eventually, improve the quality of care offered to cancer patients. The primary outcome is the rate at which the issues reported by the reminders are resolved, aggregating specialty and primary care reminders. We will include all the patients admitted to hospital services. All analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle. DISCUSSION: The results of our study will contribute to the current understanding of the effectiveness of CDSSs in cancer hospitals, thereby informing healthcare policy about the potential role of CDSS use. Furthermore, the study will inform whether CDSS may facilitate the integration of primary care in cancer settings, known to be usually limited. The increasing use of and familiarity with advanced technology among new generations of physicians may support integrated approaches to be tested in pragmatic studies determining the optimal interface between primary and oncology care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02645357

Impact of safety-related dose reductions or discontinuations on sustained virologic response in HCV-infected patients: Results from the GUARD-C Cohort

BACKGROUND: Despite the introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, peginterferon alfa/ribavirin remains relevant in many resource-constrained settings. The non-randomized GUARD-C cohort investigated baseline predictors of safety-related dose reductions or discontinuations (sr-RD) and their impact on sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients receiving peginterferon alfa/ribavirin in routine practice. METHODS: A total of 3181 HCV-mono-infected treatment-naive patients were assigned to 24 or 48 weeks of peginterferon alfa/ribavirin by their physician. Patients were categorized by time-to-first sr-RD (Week 4/12). Detailed analyses of the impact of sr-RD on SVR24 (HCV RNA <50 IU/mL) were conducted in 951 Caucasian, noncirrhotic genotype (G)1 patients assigned to peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin for 48 weeks. The probability of SVR24 was identified by a baseline scoring system (range: 0-9 points) on which scores of 5 to 9 and <5 represent high and low probability of SVR24, respectively. RESULTS: SVR24 rates were 46.1% (754/1634), 77.1% (279/362), 68.0% (514/756), and 51.3% (203/396), respectively, in G1, 2, 3, and 4 patients. Overall, 16.9% and 21.8% patients experienced 651 sr-RD for peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, respectively. Among Caucasian noncirrhotic G1 patients: female sex, lower body mass index, pre-existing cardiovascular/pulmonary disease, and low hematological indices were prognostic factors of sr-RD; SVR24 was lower in patients with 651 vs. no sr-RD by Week 4 (37.9% vs. 54.4%; P = 0.0046) and Week 12 (41.7% vs. 55.3%; P = 0.0016); sr-RD by Week 4/12 significantly reduced SVR24 in patients with scores <5 but not 655. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, sr-RD to peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin significantly impacts on SVR24 rates in treatment-naive G1 noncirrhotic Caucasian patients. Baseline characteristics can help select patients with a high probability of SVR24 and a low probability of sr-RD with peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin

Prolonged higher dose methylprednisolone vs. conventional dexamethasone in COVID-19 pneumonia: a randomised controlled trial (MEDEAS)

Dysregulated systemic inflammation is the primary driver of mortality in severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Current guidelines favor a 7-10-day course of any glucocorticoid equivalent to dexamethasone 6 mg·day-1. A comparative RCT with a higher dose and a longer duration of intervention was lacking

E. Forsthoff, Lo Stato della società industriale, Milano Giuffré 2011

Il volume, dopo una Introduzione del Curatore che esamina la questione dei rapporti tra Stato, tecnica e potere politico nella prospettiva della dottrina generale dello Stato, presenta la traduzione italiana dell'ultimo lavoro di E. Forsthoff, Der Staat der Industriegesellschaft , Muenchen 197

E. Forsthoff, Lo Stato della societ\ue0 industriale, Giuffr\ue9, Milano 2011

Il volume esamina la questione dei rapporti tra Stato, tecnica e potere politico nella prospettiva della dottrina generale dello Stat