Classical-path integral adaptive resolution in molecular simulation: towards a smooth quantum-classical coupling

Simulations that couple different classical molecular models in an adaptive way by changing the number of degrees of freedom on the fly, are available within reasonably consistent theoretical frameworks. The same does not occur when it comes to classical-quantum adaptivity. The main reason for this is the difficulty in describing a continuous transition between the two different kind of physical principles: probabilistic for the quantum and deterministic for the classical. Here we report the basic principles of an algorithm that allows for a continuous and smooth transition by employing the path integral description of atoms.Comment: 8 pages 4 figure

Satisfaction with democracy in Europe: assessing the role of public support measures and institutional trust

This article analyses the role played by the perceived public support measures introduced during Covid-19 and institutional trust in the mechanism linking the impact of economic hardship suffered by European citizens and their satisfaction with democracy. To this aim, we use the European Living, Working and Covid-19 survey conducted by Eurofound (Eurofound 2020). Firstly, Ancova tests over different waves are conducted to delve into the citizens' perceptions of proximity to institutions from the beginning of spring 2020 to the spring of 2021. Secondly, we estimate a mediation model on the wave that has registered the lowest rate of democracy satisfaction and public trust. The results show that, since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been an overall detachment of citizens from institutions, resulting from an overall decline in institutional trust and democracy satisfaction over time. They also suggest that European citizens' financial and economic difficulties affect their satisfaction with democracy in heterogeneous ways, depending on the degree to which they perceive the quality of public support and the level of trust in institutions: a deterioration in the levels of trust in institutions and in the evaluation of the public support, lead to a stronger negative effect of economic-distress on the citizens’ satisfaction with democracy. This study contributes to advancing our understanding of what contributes to citizens' trust and satisfaction with democracy. It suggests that the deterioration of satisfaction with democracy and trust in institutions may limit the citizens’ propensity to cooperate with public authorities and, as consequence, the ability of governments to deal effectively with health and socio-economic crises

Good governance and subjective well-being in Europe: the mediating role of trust in other people and institutions

This paper investigates the determinants of subjective well-being in Europe during the Covid-19 pandemic using the European Living, Working and COVID-19 Survey carried out by Eurofound (2021). Particular attention is paid to how the quality of governance influences individual wellbeing through the mediation of trust in other people (interpersonal trust) and in the public institutions (institutional trust). To this end, we outline an index of quality of governance that considers the dimensions that characterize good governance and promote institutional and interpersonal trust. In particular, this index assesses both the competencies of the state, such as responsiveness and reliability, as well as the values of fairness and integrity. The findings show that the quality of governance has a positive impact on individual well-being, and that institutional and interpersonal trust play a primary role in enhancing the positive influence of public interventions. Finally, we examine the evidence in support of the claim that young people (18-34 year age group) tend to react differently to public interventions dealing with socio-economic distress by means of different channels of trust with respect to individuals over 34 years of age

ASSESSING SPREADABILITY OF WARM SEASON SPECIES USED FOR TURFGRASS ON THREE TYPES OF SUBSTRATE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN ENVIRONMENT

The aim of the study was to examine the performance of turfgrass warm season species, including 6 varieties of Cynodon dactylon in comparison with Zoysia japonica and Paspalum vaginatum in three substrates with different soil textures (sandy loam, sandy clay loam, clay), to find the one or the ones that adapt best in the Mediterranean environment. The results showed the best perfomances in sandy loam substrate and for C.dactylon cv. Transcontinental, Capriola and La Paloma. Z. japonica, Zenith, had lower values

Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: From Cytology to Molecular Testing

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of thyroid nodules has become the gold standard procedure, in terms of cost and efficacy, for guiding clinicians towards appropriate patients’ management. One challenge for cytopathologists is to accurately classify cytological specimens as benign or malignant based on cytomorphological features. In fact, with a frequency ranging from 10% to 30%, nodules are diagnosed as indeterminate. In recent years, the mutational landscape of thyroid tumors has been extensively described, and two molecular profiles have been identified: RAS-like (NRAS, HRAS, and KRAS mutations; EIF1AX mutations; BRAF K601E mutation; and PPARG and THADA fusions) and BRAFV600E-like (including BRAFV600E mutation and RET and BRAF fusions). The purpose of this review is to discuss the latest molecular findings in the context of indeterminate thyroid nodules, highlighting the role of molecular tests in patients’ management

Engineering Polymeric Nanosystems against Oral Diseases

Nanotechnology and nanoparticles (NPs) are at the forefront of modern research, particularly in the case of healthcare therapeutic applications. Polymeric NPs, specifically, hold high promise for these purposes, including towards oral diseases. Careful optimisation of the production of polymeric NPs, however, is required to generate a product which can be easily translated from a laboratory environment to the actual clinical usage. Indeed, considerations such as biocompatibility, biodistribution, and biodegradability are paramount. Moreover, a pre-clinical assessment in adequate in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo model is also required. Last but not least, considerations for the scale-up are also important, together with an appropriate clinical testing pathway. This review aims to eviscerate the above topics, sourcing at examples from the recent literature to put in context the current most burdening oral diseases and the most promising polymeric NPs which would be suitable against them

Engineering polymeric nanosystems against oral diseases

Nanotechnology and nanoparticles (NPs) are at the forefront of modern research, par-ticularly in the case of healthcare therapeutic applications. Polymeric NPs, specifically, hold high promise for these purposes, including towards oral diseases. Careful optimisation of the production of polymeric NPs, however, is required to generate a product which can be easily translated from a laboratory environment to the actual clinical usage. Indeed, considerations such as biocompati-bility, biodistribution, and biodegradability are paramount. Moreover, a pre-clinical assessment in adequate in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo model is also required. Last but not least, considerations for the scale-up are also important, together with an appropriate clinical testing pathway. This review aims to eviscerate the above topics, sourcing at examples from the recent literature to put in context the current most burdening oral diseases and the most promising polymeric NPs which would be suitable against them

Self-perceived Difficulties With Suicidal Patients in A Sample of Italian General Practitioners

BACKGROUND: Suicidal behaviours are relatively common among primary care patients, but suicide ideation seems to be poorly detected by GPs. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the frequency of issues related to suicidal behaviour in GPs' setting and to inquire the level of difficulties perceived by physicians when dealing with suicidal patients. METHODS: A survey on 88 GPs in Rovigo (Italy) has been conducted through the use of a self-administered questionnaire inquiring about suicidal behaviour in patients, personal history and outside professional lives. RESULTS: Four out of 5 doctors have encountered at least a case of suicide in their professional career, and 3 out of 4 recorded at least a case of suicide attempt in a working year. The frequency of personal history of suicidal ideation/behaviour was 2.3%. One third of GPs have come into contact with suicides or suicide attempts outside the professional setting. Sixty one per cent of doctors admitted difficulties in exploring suicidal ideation, but tended to ascribe it to a reluctant attitude of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores GPs' need of being helped in the difficult task of recognising suicidal patient