Environmental and economic sustainability of agricultural waste collection and valorization

Today it is estimated that 20% of the food produced in Europe is wasted (ASVIS, 2021). In particular, about 14% of food is globally lost after the harvesting phase, before reaching the retailing one, during operations carried out on farms or during storage and transport (Food and Agricultural Organisation, 2019). The causes are various such as unsuitable techniques and equipment, poor management skills, bad weather conditions or excess of stocks. This situation is certainly not in line with the Sustainable Development Goals signed by the United Nations in the 2030 Agenda and several actions to reduce waste should be taken yet (United Nations Development Programme, 2022). What could be the solutions? To answer this question, this study aims at carrying out a review of the possible strategies and technologies to reduce food wastage in agriculture or to valorise wasted raw materials taking into account the industrial technical feasibility and their environmental impact. The Scopus scientific database is used to perform the analysis, identifying articles and reviews published in English around the world in recent years, related both to pilot plants and industrial applications. A literature analysis has been firstly carried out to verify whether this issue has gained interest over the years, which are the main sources of publication and the main authors of research on food waste reduction and valorisation, always by considering only the agriculture and post harvested phases. Then, the main methodologies and strategies adopted in recent years, or under development today, to enhance food waste will be presented, deepening their characteristics, applications, advantages and disadvantages. The results of the review will be useful not only for researchers or companies to get an overview of the available technologies, but also for municipalities, for example, to understand which choices are the most sustainable from an environmental and economic point of view. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Plastic or glass: a new environmental assessment with a marine litter indicator for the comparison of pasteurized milk bottles

AbstractPurposeToday plastic is the most used material for food packaging, but its incorrect disposal is creating environmental issues to oceans, soil and air. Someone believes that the solution is to ban plastic and substitute it with glass packaging. Is it the right choice? This study aims at comparing the environmental impact of bottles made of PET, R-PET, non-returnable glass and returnable glass in order to understand which is the most environmental friendly packaging solution.MethodsA literature analysis on the environmental impact of glass and PET bottles is carried out, taking into account their production, transport and disposal phase. Then, an environmental assessment of PET, R-PET, glass and returnable glass bottles, used to package 1 l of pasteurized milk, has been carried out using the life cycle assessment methodology and a new indicator. Inventory data were provided by an important milk processing and packaging factory located in Italy. Results were estimated using some relevant impact categories of the ReCiPe 2016 MidPoint (H) method, then a marine litter indicator (MLI) has been proposed in order to evaluate the polluting potential of milk bottles dispersed into the Mediterranean Sea.Results and discussionLCA results show that R-PET bottle gives the lowest contribution to global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, terrestrial acidification, fossil resource scarcity, water consumption and human carcinogenic toxicity, followed by PET bottle, returnable glass bottle, and finally non-returnable glass bottle. Glass is the worst packaging option because of high energy demand in the bottle production and its weight and in the transport phase. Some improvements can be obtained with returnable glass, but even if we consider that a bottle could be reused eight times, results are not comparable to the PET or R-PET bottles used only once. However, according to the MLI, returnable glass bottles become the first option, because a lot of plastic bottles could potentially be dispersed into the sea.ConclusionsThe substitution of plastic with glass does not help to reduce the GWP and others LCI categories, while could contribute to reduce the marine litter: overall it is important to dispose correctly packaging materials, investing in recycling and reusing. In particular, great improvements can be obtained using bottles made with recycled materials, as R-PET. In conclusion, it is necessary to disadvantage waste dispersion, giving incentives to returnable packaging and raising people awareness of environmental problems

COMPETENZE PSICOLOGICHE DEGLI EDUCATORI E CONDUZIONE DI GRUPPO

La presente ricerca muove da una sperimentazione didattica in corso dal 2006 presso l’insegnamento di Processi e Dinamiche di Gruppo a Reggio Emilia (Mineo, 2007): accanto al corso obbligatorio per gli iscritti al II anno di Scienze dell’Educazione, viene offerto un percorso ‘avanzato’ con la possibilità di sperimentare de vivo le dinamiche evolutive dei gruppi di grande formato e, attraverso la conoscenza analitica dei processi sottesi al funzionamento degli stessi, la formazione in un contesto a conduzione psicodinamica.Il focus della ricerca è quello di esplorare e ripensare il metodo di intervento con i grandi gruppi, ritenendo inadeguata la letteratura sulle finalità e sugli obiettivi di tali dispositivi, che elude un ragionamento approfondito sulle dinamiche proprie della fondazione dei gruppi e sulle motivazioni che la sottendono. Tali dinamiche, nel gruppo di formazione, rimandano alla questione del primary task (Miller & Rice, 1990): compito che si declina a seconda dello stadio evolutivo del gruppo (Tuckman, 1965), del set/ting specifico (Lo Verso, 1994) e dello “spazio mentale ed esperenziale che coinvolge gli universi soggettivi e transpersonali” dei partecipanti e dei conduttori (Di Maria, Formica, 2009, p.101).La sperimentazione didattica, che deve fare i conti con un curricolo accademico e una dimensione istituzionale che marginalizza la psicologia dinamica nel profilo in uscita, consta di tre fasi: nella prima, lo studente, oltre ad assistere alle lezioni frontali che inquadrano i temi della psicodinamica in una cornice teorica e metodologica che va da Lewin a Bion, da Foulkes a Kaes, dalla Klein a Rice, partecipa a gruppi mediani ed allargati, lavora in piccoli gruppi alla presentazione di approfondimenti tematici e si incontra su un forum online moderato dalla docente. Nella seconda fase, intraprende un percorso di osservazione dei gruppi, offre consulenza agli studenti junior sui lavori di piccolo gruppo e partecipa ad un gruppo di supervisione. Nella terza infine, co-conduce i gruppi e partecipa alle sessioni di supervisione. Il percorso formativo, dunque, prevede un graduale passaggio da ruoli discenti a ruoli di co-responsabilità dei contenuti del corso, offrendo l’opportunità di giocare ruoli diversi e differenziati, a servizio del gruppo: in questa altalena di funzioni, si attiva un processo di esplorazione e di contaminazione di attese, desideri, ansie, consapevolezze e tecniche, che diventano oggetto del percorso individuale di crescita e formazione alla conduzione di gruppi educativi.Rimane da verificare quanto il percorso formativo sia sufficiente all’elaborazione di un profilo di educatore in grado di progettare e realizzare gruppi a vertice psicodinamico.Tuttavia, l’opportunità di esplorare il campo controtransferale da una molteplicità di punti di vista –partecipante, osservatore, co-conduttore, facilitatore, esperto, consulente-, attiva ed esplicita un pensiero riflessivo sulle relazioni inter-soggettive, sui fenomeni di risonanza, sui rispecchiamenti, sulle co-responsabilità del processo e dei compiti. Il gruppo di formazione diventa così uno spazio di transito, di elaborazione rituale di eventi critici, e “assume una valenza emotiva e una presenza tanto più forte quanto più nel sociale sembrano scomparire i luoghi culturalmente deputati all’organizzazione e ritualizzazione dei passaggi evolutivi del singolo e della comunità” (Profita et al., 2007, p.118)

“Triplets of Different Ages”: the experience of motherhood through the adoption of siblings

A experiência da maternidade por adoção de um grupo de irmãos pode se configurar como um desafio no pós-adoção, mas a literatura sobre o assunto é escassa. Pensando nisso, o objetivo do presente estudo foi compreender como se construiu a relação mãe-filhos, em um caso de adoção de grupo de irmãos, ao longo de dez sessões de psicoterapia de referencial teórico psicanalítico e da teoria do apego. Utilizou-se a Análise Temática nas transcrições das sessões para buscar aspectos específicos da adaptação mãe-três filhos e identificar padrões de temas e subtemas. Os resultados ressaltaram um período de idealização dos filhos mais novos, sustentado por dificuldades na adaptação com o filho mais velho. Essas dificuldades iniciais foram superadas na medida em que a mãe pode ver com os filhos mais novos de forma menos idealizada e pode construir uma identificação com o mais velho. Foi necessário um período de intensa disponibilidade emocional materna às necessidades individualizadas dos seus três filhos, como se fossem trigêmeos de idades diferentes. Ressaltou-se a importância prévia da preparação da família para a adoção de irmãos e a necessidade de um cuidado maior com o filho que desempenhou o papel parental com o grupo de irmãos antes da adoção.The experience of motherhood by adopting a group of biological siblings can be a challenge during the post-adoption, but the literature on the subject is scarce. The objective of the present study was to understand how to build a mother-child relationship in a case of adoption of a group of siblings during ten psychotherapy sessions with a psychoanalytic and attachment-based theoretical framework. Thematic Analysis was used in psychotherapy transcriptions to look for the effects of mother-three child adaptations and to identify patterns of themes and subthemes. The results highlighted a period of idealization of the youngest children, sustained by difficulties with the older child. These difficulties were overcome when the mother saw younger children as more accurate and identified herself with the older one. It took a period of intense maternal emotional availability for the individualized needs of her three children as if they were triplets of different ages. The results emphasized the importance of pre-adoption preparation for the family to adopt siblings. Also, it is essential to pay special attention to the child who played a parental role before the adoption

Ethane-beta-Sultam Modifies the Activation of the Innate Immune System Induced by Intermittent Ethanol Administration in Female Adolescent Rats

Intermittent ethanol abuse or ‘binge drinking’ during adolescence induces neuronal damage, which may be associated with cognitive dysfunction. To investigate the neurochemical processes involved, rats were administered either 1 g/kg or 2 g/kg ethanol in a ‘binge drinking’ regime. After only 3 weeks, significant activation of phagocytic cells in the peripheral (alveolar macrophages) and the hippocampal brain region (microglia cells) was present,as exemplified by increases in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the macrophages and of iNOS in the microglia. This was associated with neuronal loss in the hippocampus CA1 region. Daily supplementation with a taurine prodrug, ethane-β-sultam, 0.028 g/kg, during the intermittent ethanol loading regime, supressed the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and of reactive nitrogen species, as well as neuronal loss, particularly in the rats administered the lower dose of ethanol, 1 g/kg. Plasma, macrophage and hippocampal taurine levels increased marginally after ethane-β-sultam supplementation. The ‘binge drinking’ ethanol rats administered 1 g/kg ethanol showed increased latencies to those of the control rats in their acquisition of spacial navigation in the Morris Water Maze, which was normalised to that of the controls values after ethane-β-sultam administration. Such results confirm that the administration of ethane-β-sultam to binge drinking rats reduces neuroinflammation in both the periphery and the brain, suppresses neuronal loss, and improved working memory of rats in a water maze study

Correlation between US-PSV and 64-Row MDCTA with Advanced Vessel Analysis in the Quantification of 50–70% Carotid Artery Stenosis

Purpose. To correlate ultrasonographic peak systolic velocity (US-PSV) and 64-row multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) with advanced vessel analysis (AVA) software in the quantification of 50–70% carotid artery stenosis. Materials and methods. 199 consecutive patients (247 arteries) with internal carotid artery (ICA) or third proximal bifurcation stenosis. Each patient was studied by duplex US (DUS) and 64-row MDCTA with AVA software. Results. DUS showed PSV measurements less than 125 cm/s in 51 carotid stenosis and a value greater than this in 196 arteries. 64-row MDCTA AVA software showed a grade of stenosis less than 50% in 42 carotid arteries while a greater 70% was found in 4 carotid arteries; then, carotid arteries with stenosis percentage between 50% and 70% were 201. Linear regression analysis showed a good linear correlation (r = 0.88) between MDCTA-AVA software percentage stenosis and PSV: between 50% grade of stenosis and PSV value corresponding to 133,6 cm/sec and between 70% stenosis and PSV value corresponding to 268 cm/sec. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV), negative predictive value(NPV) of this analysis were 93%, 82%, 97%, 75%, respectively. Conclusion. Linear correlation between PSV data and grade of stenosis from 50% to 70% obtained with 64-row MDCTA AVA software. Main PSV value corresponding to 50% and 70% grade of stenosis at AVA analysis

Seedling Establishment of Tall Fescue Exposed to Long-Term Starvation Stress

In germinating seeds under unfavorable environmental conditions, the mobilization of stores in the cotyledons is delayed, which may result in a different modulation of carbohydrates balance and a decrease in seedling vigor. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) caryopses grown at 4˚C in the dark for an extended period in complete absence of nutrients, showed an unexpected ability to survive. Seedlings grown at 4˚C for 210 days were morphologically identical to seedlings grown at 23˚C for 21 days. After 400 days, seedlings grown at 4˚C were able to differentiate plastids to chloroplast in just few days once transferred to the light and 23˚C. Tall fescue exposed to prolonged period at 4˚C showed marked anatomical changes: cell wall thickening, undifferentiated plastids, more root hairs and less xylem lignification. Physiological modifications were also observed, in particular related to sugar content, GA and ABA levels and amylolytic enzymes pattern. The phytohormones profiles exhibited at 4 and 23˚C were comparable when normalized to the respective physiological states. Both the onset and the completion of germination were linked to GA and ABA levels, as well as to the ratio between these two hormones. All plants showed a sharp decline in carbohydrate content, with a consequent onset of gradual sugar starvation. This explained the slowed then full arrest in growth under both treatment regimes. The analysis of amylolytic activity showed that Ca2+ played a central role in the stabilization of several isoforms. Overall, convergence of starvation and hormone signals meet in crosstalk to regulate germination, growth and development in tall fescue

Clinical approaches and removal of cast metallic posts for their replacement by the fiberglass posts: a concise systematic review

Introduction: A successful placement of an intraradicular post needs a good endodontic treatment. Consideration should also be given to the possibility of its future removal. Authors have shown that approximately 10% of cases of teeth indicated for endodontic retreatment require removal of intraradicular posts. Objective: To carry out a concise systematic review to analyze the reasons for replacing intraradicular posts, the most effective and used techniques for removing the metallic post, the manufacture of the fiberglass post, and the difference between the two types of posts. Methods: The present study followed a systematic review model, following the rules of systematic review – PRISMA. The search strategy was performed in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Results and Conclusion: A total of 112 articles were found. A total of 56 articles were fully evaluated and 18 were included in this study. Based on the objective and results found in the present study, the review demonstrated the main advantages and disadvantages of the clinical performance of cast metal posts and fiberglass posts, as well as the reason for switching from metal to fiberglass posts. Despite the wear caused by endodontic treatment, it is important to check the remaining dentin to choose the best retainer, observing the amount of this remaining structure, as it directly influences the selection of the post. Regarding the removal of the metallic pin, wear, ultrasound, and seizure/removal with some traction device are used. The replacement of the metallic post can opt for fiberglass posts because they have a greater advantage compared to the metallic post, mainly for aesthetics, the manufacturing technique is more agile, they do not generate risks of root fracture and if, for any eventuality, it needs to be removed. to portray the channel, the technique is smooth and easy

SARS-CoV-2 infection predicts larger infarct volume in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Background and purpose: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a fearful complication of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). Aims of this study were to compare clinical/radiological characteristics, endothelial and coagulation dysfunction between acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with and without COVID-19 and to investigate if and how the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) was implicated in triggering platelet activation. Methods: We enrolled AIS patients with COVID-19 within 12 h from onset and compared them with an age- and sex-matched cohort of AIS controls without COVID-19. Neuroimaging studies were performed within 24 h. Blood samples were collected in a subset of 10 patients. Results: Of 39 AIS patients, 22 had COVID-19 and 17 did not. Admission levels of Factor VIII and von Willebrand factor antigen were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients and positively correlated with the infarct volume. In multivariate linear regression analyses, COVID-19 was an independent predictor of infarct volume (B 20.318, Beta 0.576, 95%CI 6.077-34.559; p = 0.011). SP was found in serum of 2 of the 10 examined COVID-19 patients. Platelets from healthy donors showed a similar degree of procoagulant activation induced by COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients' sera. The anti-SP and anti-FcγRIIA blocking antibodies had no effect in modulating platelet activity in both groups. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to play a major role in endothelium activation and infarct volume extension during AIS

Our future with clean air: ClairCity

In the European project ClairCity (www.claircity.eu), we apply a societal approach to behaviour change towards reducing air pollution and carbon emissions in cities. The project is engaging with citizens and policymakers from six European cities/regions. Several public engagement strategies are being employed, including crowdsourcing issues and solutions in each city, an interactive policy game, a mobile app for businesses, schools competitions and workshops for action. The project doesn’t aim to change individual behaviour in its lifetime, but is instead aiming to influence city development in order to ensure that low emission patterns of behaviour are encouraged, enabled and supported sufficiently for them to become new normals. Policy packages will be generated for each city that will reflect how changes can be made to the social and structural organisation of the city to ensure that low emission options can become embedded in citizens’ everyday lives. This presentation shows the process and challenges in this approach, so that others can learn from the project developments