Economic Impact of Rural Development Plan 2007 2013 in Tuscany

In 2007 in every European Union region, involved in the planning of Rural Development Plan (RDP), an independent evaluator should asses the impact of the plan in term of value added and productivity. Each region has adopted different methodologies but few of them have followed the indications of Common and Monitoring Evaluation Framework (CMEF) to evaluate the net value deriving by direct and indirect effect. IRPET, the Independent evaluator of Tuscany, utilising REMI-IRPET model has assed the impact of RDP on the main economic variables until 2020. Among 30 different measures it has been chosen only 5 of them that cover more than 54% of total amount of public and private investments. The economic impacts are also evaluated at provincial level.evaluation, regional model, rural development, Community/Rural/Urban Development,

Microstructure and chemical composition of Roman orichalcum coins emitted after the monetary reform of Augustus (23 B.C.)

A collection of ancient Roman orichalcum coins, i.e., a copper-zinc alloy, minted under the reigns from Caesar to Domitianus, have been characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). We studied, for the first time, coins emitted by Romans after the reforms of Augustus (23 B.C.) and Nero (63-64 A.D). These coins, consisting of asses, sestertii, dupondii and semisses, were analysed using non- and invasive analyses, aiming to explore microstructure, corrosive process and to acquire quantitative chemical analysis. The results revealed that the coins are characterized by porous external layers, which are affected by dezincification and decuprification processes. As pictured by the X-ray maps, the elemental distribution of Cu and Zn shows patterns of depletion that in some cases penetrate in deep up to 1 mm. The composition of the un-corroded nucleus is a Cu-Zn alloy containing up to 30% of Zn, typical of coins produced via cementation process

Pi3k/pten/akt signaling pathways in germ cell development and their involvement in germ cell tumors and ovarian dysfunctions

Several studies indicate that the PI3K/PTEN/AKT signaling pathways are critical regulators of ovarian function including the formation of the germ cell precursors, termed primordial germ cells, and the follicular pool maintenance. This article reviews the current state of knowledge of the functional role of the PI3K/PTEN/AKT pathways during primordial germ cell development and the dynamics of the ovarian primordial follicle reserve and how dysregulation of these signaling pathways may contribute to the development of some types of germ cell tumors and ovarian dysfunctions

Remote colorimetric measurements by hyperspectral lidar compared to contact conventional colorimetry

Lidars have many applications in different fields, including the field of Cultural Heritage. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a scanning hyperspectral lidar prototype developed at ENEA Center of Frascati as a useful tool for colorimetric analysis when samples cannot be studied with standard contact instruments. A certified X-Rite Color-checker sample, consisting of 24 colored blocks with a coordinated colorimetric certificate, was analyzed. In order to obtain colorimetric data from the reflectance spectra, the precepts of the Commission de l'Éclairage were followed and an algorithm was developed to calculate the color difference between the certified values of the Color-checker and commercial and non-commercial spectrophotometers and those obtained by the lidar, confirming this latter as a useful tool for remote colorimetry

MYCO-TB: the first IVD kit suitable for the digestion and decontamination of extra-pulmonary specimens to detect Mycobacteria

Extra-pulmonary mycobacterial infections are characterized by a paucibacillary nature and extra-pulmonary samples consist of different matrices; the processing of these samples requires a high level of manual skills and non-standardized procedures. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of MYCO-TB with MycoPrep on extra-pulmonary samples in terms of Mycobacteria detection, culture contamination and suitability for molecular assay. This prospective study was conducted on 201 extra-pulmonary samples from suspected cases of mycobacterial infection. Specimens were divided into two equal aliquots; one was decontaminated with MYCO-TB the other with MycoPrep. The contamination rate of liquid cultures was significantly different: 2.5% (5/201) for MYCO-TB and 7.5% (15/201) for MycoPrep (p = 0.036). At least 1 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBc) positive culture was detected in 6 specimens treated with MYCO-TB and 8with MycoPrep, without significant differences in times to positivity (TTP) in liquid culture. No Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra invalid results were obtained with samples decontaminated with MYCO-TB. The MYCO-TB kit had greater activity than MycoPrep in the digestion and decontamination of extra-pulmonary specimens for the detection of Mycobacteria, supporting the use of MYCO-TB in this type of sample. Ready-to use reagents, rapid protocol and single-sample formulation of MYCO-TB reduced the level of manual skills required as well as the risk of sample contamination

ROUNDHOUSE KICK WITH AND WITHOUT IMPACT IN KARATEKA OF DIFFERENT TECHNICAL LEVEL

The purpose of this study was to compare two different Karate roundhouse kicks performed by athletes of different technical level. The combination of high movement velocities and a high technical difficulty, qualify these actions as a good model to quantify the ability of a Karateka to execute complex movements. The first kick, directed to the face, entails a strong braking action to avoid the impact (NI), the other, directed to the chest, is concluded by an impact (IM). Technical aspects and the role of muscular co-activation as joint protector were investigated in six top level Karateka (KA) and six practicing karate amateurs (CO), by estimating joint kinematics and neuromuscular activity patterns. KA presented a faster execution for both tasks, prevalently due to a faster knee extension, supported by a low co-activation of the antagonist Biceps Femoris. This behaviour confirms that elite KA tend to lower the co-activation of antagonist muscles during fast movements, partially in contrast with the antagonists possible role in maintaining knee stability. The NI task, requiring higher technical competence and entailing a high target, is performed by KA athletes using a peculiar technique, based on a wide hip flexion-extension range, with a peak hip ab-adduction occurring earlier than in CO. A lower co-activation presented by CO during knee flexion is presumably due to their difficulty in mastering this complex kick

Real time control of EC heating & current drive systems on TCV

The ability to control, in real time, the electron cyclotron heating & current drive systems for the control of MHD instabilities is particularly important for large tokamaks operating at high performance. Several algorithms have been developed and tested on TCV to explore possible control techniques, first in simple experiments to control the plasma current and elongation and subsequently in experiments to control the sawtooth instability and profile parameters. A summary of these experiments are presented in this paper together with the application of the break-in-slope technique as a possible real time calculation of the location of EC deposition

The main critical issues of the gym environment in an Italian city

BACKGROUND: The lack of a consistent national regulation regarding gym facilities, combined with the growth and transformation of the world of fitness, has led to an uncontrolled situation, where, especially in metropolitan areas, low cost gyms are continuously popping up, often not respecting the structural and hygienic requirements. AIM OF THE STUDY: Objective of this study is to evaluate the results of a monitoring programme about the gym environment, to highlight the main critical issues. METHODS: In 2018 a randomized sample of 90 gyms was inspected in Milan, using a checklist with three sections of inquiry and the resulting data were analysed through a series of multivariate regression models. RESULTS: As per the various aspects analysed, many outcomes with low scores concerned franchised gyms, which have shown to be unsatisfactory in many respects; in addition, the lack of L. pneumophila risk containment procedures has been observed in the facilities without a swimming pool, compared to those with it. CONCLUSIONS: The study results offer a clear picture of the gym environment, identifying many inadequacies for different hygienic and safety aspects; therefore, it has been possible to understand which issues need particular attention in order normalize the situation, which should be checked by future investigative steps