VALUTAZIONE DELLA RESISTENZA DI ADESIONE E DELLA LUNGHEZZA EFFICACE DI INCOLLAGGIO NEI GIUNTI ADESIVI TRAMITE LE LEGGI DELL’EFFETTO SCALA

In recent years, growing attention has been paid by researchers in structural mechanics to bonded joints in order to provide theoretical and numerical tools for better understanding the interfacial bonding/debonding phenomena. The research efforts in this area regard the formulation of reliable bond-slip models based on experimental data coming from laboratory tests performed on small specimens [1, 2]. As reported in [3], the mechanical quantities characterizing any interface constitutive law can be derived from the results of the experimental pull tests by a simple procedure making use of a schematization of the structural problem. The application to some single lap joint tests, carried out at the DISAG Laboratory of Palermo University, shows the effectiveness of the procedure

Explaining Local Action Groups Heterogeneity in a South Italy Region within Measure 311 Axis III Notice of LDP

Abstract Providing programmes to modernize and to sustain both agricultural and non-agricultural activities in rural areas is the main aim deriving from EU and national policies. The Local Action Groups (LAGs) implement local development strategies processing the Measures of Local Development Programme (LDP) and managing financial funds for Firms Modernization Plans (FMP) in order to increase the farm income sources. Starting from our previous work ( Fiore et al., 2014 ), here we address the problem related to the impact of some variables on the farm income; we try to analyze in more detail the influence of these variability sources and their interactions. Our case study is Apulia Region - in Southern Italy – where 25 Local Action Groups cover entirely it. This paper provides suggestions on possible heterogeneity sources between the LAGs. After a policies and literature review on the role of the LAGs for enhancing economic and sustainable competitiveness of rural areas, we present our case study. Statistical analysis and a tree classification method are carried out

Methods to Evaluate Lighting Quality in Educational Environments

Abstract The current standard for lighting of indoor work places (EN 12464-1) essentially prescribes values of photometric quantities (illuminance, Unified Glare Index, etc.); therefore it does not allow a comprehensive analysis of the luminous environment. In Italy, educational buildings do not always comply with the standard requirements for lighting. Therefore an analysis of their current state is needed and this paper illustrates two methods, developed by the authors, to carry out this investigation: the former is based on the analysis of luminance maps obtained through the HDR imaging technique whereas the latter focuses on the evaluation of non-visual effects of light

Households’ Food Waste Behavior at Local Scale: A Cluster Analysis after the Covid‐19 Lockdown

Abstract: The reduction of food waste, especially in households where more than half of its global quantity is generated, has become an increasing economic, social and environmental concern, and represents one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals within the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. In this context, the Covid‐19 lockdown has significantly changed life, work and food consumption habits all over the world, highlighting food waste as a multi‐sectorial issue. This paper explores current attitudes, perception and behavioral patterns related to food waste reduction at domestic consumption at the local scale (Apulia region, Italy), with the aim of identifying different types of “food wasters”. Through an online questionnaire and the application of a k‐means clustering model, the authors focus on four emerging constructs in terms of food consumption and food waste habits after the Covid‐19 lockdown at household level. Among three theoretical clusters, results have highlighted: (i) the paradox of the “green wasters”, which declared a high level of awareness of the food waste issue but also generates huge amounts of thrown away food; (ii) the “positive unawareness” of the “red wasters”, which have a slight notion of environment and sustainability but waste low quantities of food; (iii) the consistency of the “blue wasters”, which know of the food waste issue and convert theory into practice

Effect of cadmium on anion exchange capability through Band 3 protein in human erythrocytes

The efficiency of Band 3 protein, mediating HCO3-/Cl- exchange across erythrocytes membrane, is reduced by oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to verify whether Band 3 protein efficiency is compromised by treatment with Cadmium (Cd2+), an extremely toxic heavy metal known to interfere with antioxidant enzymes, energy metabolism, gene expression and cell membranes. To this end, the rate constant for SO4= uptake through Band 3 protein (accounting for velocity of anion exchange) was measured along with membrane –SH groups, Malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and Band 3 protein expression levels in Cd2+ -treated human erythrocytes (300 µM, 1 mM). Our results show that Cd2+ reduced the rate constant for SO4= uptake, with a significant increase in MDA levels at both concentrations and with a reduction in –SH groups observed after 1 mM Cd2+ treatment, whereas Band 3 protein expression levels were unchanged in both conditions. In conclusion: i) Cd2+ reduces Band 3 protein efficiency via different mechanisms depending on metal concentration and with unchanged expression levels; ii) the assessment of Band 3 protein anion exchange capability is a good tool to assay the impact of heavy metals on cell homeostasis and, possibly, useful for diagnosis and monitoring of devalopment of Cd2+ toxicity-related pathologies

A systematic review of metacognitions in Internet Gaming Disorder and problematic Internet, smartphone and social networking sites use

The use of new technologies is growing, and some authors have suggested that frequent use might hide a non-chemical addiction (i.e., technological addiction). Over the last five years several studies investigating the role of metacognitions in technological addictions have been published. We aim to provide the first systematic review focused on this topic, by updating the initial evidence highlighted by a previous systematic review on metacognitions across addictive behaviors (Hamonniere & Varescon, 2018). Electronic literature databases (Pubmed, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) were searched to identify studies that examined the relationship between metacognitions and four different technological addictions (Internet Gaming Disorder, IGD; problematic Internet use, PIU; problematic smartphone use, PSU; and problematic social networking sites use, PSNSU). We found 13 empirical studies published between 2018 and 2021. Positive low-to-moderate cross-sectional associations between the four technological addictions and both generic and specific metacognitions were found, in accordance with the metacognitive model of addictive behaviors. Positive beliefs about worry, negative beliefs about thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger, beliefs about the need to control thoughts, and a lack of cognitive confidence were associated with IGD, PIU, PSU, and PSNSU. The absence of longitudinal studies prevent us from providing definitive answers about the role of metacognitions in technological addictions. Despite this limitation, interventions that target metacognitions could be beneficial for people presenting with technological addictions. [Abstract copyright: This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

R&D Expenditure for New Technology in Livestock Farming: Impact on GHG Reduction in Developing Countries

The achievement of the objectives of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has increasingly received attention and support from decision makers and research by scholars. The livestock sector has always been one of the major sources of GHG emissions, especially in developing countries that do not have green technologies to improve the management of livestock waste. In order to achieve an absolute reduction in emissions, developed countries have applied a wide range of mitigation options; however, there are few studies from the developing world, although greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries have registered a rapid growth. Therefore, this research aims to assess and understand whether public R&D investments can affect emissions deriving from the livestock sector in developing countries. We made use of the FAOSTAT data (FAO Statistical Databases United Nations) and ASTI data set (Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators), collecting data from 29 Africa countries, in 2014 (latest data available). The data were analyzed by means of a Generalized Propensity Scores (GPS) approach, an increasingly widespread technique that is more robust than regression models, especially in small datasets. Our analysis suggests that the livestock sector in these countries shows an improvement in its relationships with the environment and GHG emission levels when the level of public R&D (Research and Development) investment on agriculture is greater. Therefore, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by investing in research and development can lead to more efficient and sustainable resource management for developing countries