Search Results (178)

Background/Objectives: Art therapy is a psychotherapeutic technique that involves the creation of tangible visual arts and represents a coping strategy to support children with cancer. Evaluating the effects of such activities on children with cancer is essential for providing evidence of the value that creativity holds within healthcare systems. A dedicated tool for assessing the creative process is the Arts Observational Scale (ArtsObS), focusing on mood and emotional states as key indicators of psychosocial well-being. This study aims to validate a translated version of the ArtsObS in the Italian language. Methods: The translation process followed recommendations for translation and cultural adaptation. The distribution properties of the scores, internal consistency, sensitivity to change, reliability, and convergent validity were assessed through observations conducted by two different evaluators. Results: The ArtsObS in its Italian adaptation is proven to be an adequate tool for capturing changes following an intervention, with good internal consistency and low sensitivity to differences between operators. The analysis supports the reliability of the ArtsObS across different observers. Conclusions: The Italian ArtsObS is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the impact of art therapy on pediatric patients’ mood and emotional states. It provides a standardized tool for clinical and research settings to assess creative interventions in pediatric oncology. Full article

The ongoing decline in global biodiversity constitutes a critical challenge for environmental science, necessitating the prompt development of effective monitoring frameworks and conservation protocols to safeguard the structure and function of natural ecosystems. Recent progress in ecoacoustic monitoring, supported by advances in artificial intelligence, might finally offer scalable tools for systematic biodiversity assessment. In this study, we evaluate the performance of BirdNET, a state-of-the-art deep learning model for avian sound recognition, in the context of selected bird species characteristic of the Italian Alpine region. To this end, we assemble a comprehensive, manually annotated audio dataset targeting key regional species, and we investigate a variety of strategies for model adaptation, including fine-tuning with data augmentation techniques to enhance recognition under challenging recording conditions. As a baseline, we also develop and evaluate a simple Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) trained exclusively on our domain-specific dataset. Our findings indicate that BirdNET performance can be greatly improved by fine-tuning the pre-trained network with data collected within the specific regional soundscape, outperforming both the original BirdNET and the baseline CNN by a significant margin. These findings underscore the importance of environmental adaptation and data variability for the development of automated ecoacoustic monitoring devices while highlighting the potential of deep learning methods in supporting conservation efforts and informing soundscape management in protected areas. Full article

The innovation demand and supply matching requires an accurate and time-consuming analysis of patents and the identification of their technological domains; since these tasks can be particularly challenging, this is why recent studies have evaluated the possibility of adopting Artificial Intelligence based on NLP techniques. Here, we present an automated workflow for patent analysis and classification devoted to the Italian patent scenario. High-quality data from the online platform KnowledgeShare (KS) were investigated: KS is the first patent management platform on the Italian innovation scene. A not secondary aspect consisted in determining which words mostly influenced patent classification, thus characterizing the corresponding research areas. Several models were compared to ensure the workflow’s robustness; Logistic Regression (LR) resulted in the best-performing model, and its performance compared well with the State of the Art. For each technological domain in the KS database, we evaluated and discussed its characteristic words; furthermore, a further analysis was focused on explaining why some domains, such as “Packaging” and “Environment,” were particularly confounding. This last aspect is of paramount importance to identify cross-contamination effects among research areas. Full article

Triangular shapes have been studied from different perspectives over a wide temporal frame since ancient times. Initially, fundamental theorems were formulated to demonstrate their geometrical properties. Philosophy and art leveraged the peculiar aspects of triangles as building blocks for more complex geometrical shapes. This paper will review triangles by adopting a multidisciplinary approach, recalling ancient science and Plato’s arguments in relation to their connection with philosophy. It will then consider the artistic utilization of triangles, particularly in compositions created during the medieval era, as exemplified by the Cosmati Italian family’s masterpieces. Various scientific environments have explored triangular 2D and 3D shapes for different purposes, which will be briefly reviewed here. After that, Sierpiński geometry and its properties will be introduced, focusing on the equilateral shape and its internal complexity generated by subdividing the entire triangle into smaller sub-triangles. Finally, examples of triangular planar shapes that fulfill the Sierpiński geometry will be presented as an application in signal processing for high-frequency signals in the microwave and millimeter-wave range. Full article

The documentation of cultural heritage, particularly built heritage, represents a critical component in ensuring its preservation, sustainable management, and effective transmission to future generations. As the field increasingly undergoes a digital transformation, there is a growing need for structured, standardised approaches that can guide professionals and stakeholders through the complexities of documentation practices. Despite the availability of numerous standards and charters, a clear synthesis of consolidated methodologies and recent technological shifts remains limited. This study addresses this gap by conducting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to assess current documentation practices. The research is part of a larger initiative funded by the FSE REACT-EU programme under the Italian PON Ricerca e Innovazione 2014–2020, specifically aiming to support public and private stakeholders in developing practical documentation strategies. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework, over 266 publications were analysed to reconstruct the state of the art. The findings confirm widely adopted practices among research groups while also highlighting emerging trends driven by technological advancements in geomatics. These insights will contribute to the formulation of practical guidelines to support operators in the field and reinforce the integration of innovative tools in Cultural Heritage documentation workflows. Full article

Among its various targets on restoring natural habitats and ecosystems in the EU, the recently adopted Nature Restoration Law (NRL) introduces ambitious targets for restoring surface water bodies (SWBs) as well. Simultaneously, the Italian CAP Strategic Plan for the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027 has been designed to enhance sustainable agricultural practices, including water resource management. This paper provides a comparative analysis of the synergies, gaps, and challenges between these two regulatory frameworks, focusing on sustainable water use in Italian agriculture. A two-level comparative matrix methodology is employed to evaluate the alignment between the NRL’s objectives for freshwater ecosystems and the measures taken by the Italian CAP Strategic Plan on water resources. The results highlight key areas of convergence, existing shortcomings, and necessary steps for aligning Italian agricultural policies with the EU’s water restoration goals. The findings offer insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders engaged in water governance, biodiversity conservation, and agricultural sustainability. Full article

The classical Laocoön and His Son (ca. 50 CE), rediscovered in 1506 in Rome, is arguably the most illustrious artwork anchoring the entire canon of art history. Less is known about the eighth-century Chinese Laocoön that predates the Italian rediscovery of the classical prototype by seven centuries. The tale of the two Laocoöns is a story of canon formation: the Italian work becomes one of the best-known artworks in the world; the Chinese one is hardly known. Why should that be the case? How do artworks become canonical? How does art acquire its canon? Does canon necessarily mean a collection of exemplary artworks? Or is canonization largely a process of ranking artists and corralling object-centered narratives? Is the Western concept of canon universally applicable or are there other ways of canonization that lead to a canon without particular objects? For these questions, the long history of Chinese art provides answers. Full article

This paper presents the development and analysis of a bridge bearing database consistent with the 2020 Italian Guidelines (LG2020), currently enforced by the Italian law for risk classification and management of existing bridges. The database was developed by putting together the contribution of 24 research teams from 18 Italian universities in the framework of a research project foreseen by the agreement between the High Council of Public Works (CSLP, part of the Italian Ministry of Transportation) and the research consortium ReLUIS (Network of Italian Earthquake and Structural Engineering University Laboratories). This research project aimed to apply LG2020 to a set of about 600 bridges distributed across the Italian country, in order to find possible issues and propose modifications and integrations. The database includes almost 12,000 bearing defect forms related to a portfolio of 255 existing bridges located across the entire country. This paper reports a preliminary analysis of the dataset to provide an overview of the bearings installed in a significant bridge portfolio, referring to major highways and state roads. After a brief state of the art about the main bearing types installed on the bridges, along with inspection procedures, the paper describes the database structure, showing preliminary analyses related to bearing types and defects. The results show the prevalence of elastomeric pads, representing more than 55% of the inspected bearings. The remaining bearings are pot, low-friction with steel–Teflon surfaces and older-type steel devices. Lastly, the study provides information about typical defects for each type of bearing, while also underscoring some issues related to the current version of the LG2020 bearing inspection form. Full article

Pollutants information can be retrieved from visible (VIS) and ultraviolet (UV) diffuse solar spectra exploiting Multi-AXis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) instruments. In May 2021, the Italian research institute CNR-ISAC acquired and deployed a MAX-DOAS system SkySpec-2D. It is located in the “Giorgio Fea” observatory in San Pietro Capofiume (SPC), in the middle of the Po Valley, where it has constantly acquired zenith and off-axis diffuse solar spectra since the 1st October 2021. This work presents the retrieved tropospheric NO₂ and aerosol extinction profiles (and their columns) derived from the MAX-DOAS measurements using the newly developed DEAP retrieval code. The code has been validated both using synthetic differential Slant Column Densities (dSCDs) from the Fiducial Reference Measurements for Ground-Based DOAS Air-Quality Observations (FRM4DOAS) project and real measured data. For this purpose, DEAP results are compared with the ones obtained with three state-of-the-art retrieval codes. In addition, an inter-comparison with satellite products from Sentinel-5P TROPOMI, for the tropospheric NO₂ Vertical Column Densities (VCDs), and MODIS-MAIAC for the tropospheric Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), is performed. We find a bias of −0.6 × 10¹⁵ molec/cm² with a standard deviation of 1.8 × 10¹⁵ molec/cm² with respect to Sentinel-5P TROPOMI for NO₂ tropospheric VCDs and of 0.04 ± 0.08 for AOD with respect to MODIS-MAIAC data. The retrieved data show that the SPC measurement site is representative of the background pollution conditions of the Po Valley. For this reason, it is a good candidate for satellite validation and scientific studies over the Po Valley. Full article

Beginning in the 13th century, rivalry among Italian city-states intensified, transforming cultural competition into a strategic tool for asserting identity. Roman heritage was often contested, with cities emphasising their claims as the true heirs of Rome. Siena has faced criticism for its lack of major historical sites. In response, its municipal authorities and citizens developed the legends of the “she-wolf” and Saint Ansanus. These legends reinforced Siena’s urban identity through historical narratives and public art. During the Renaissance, Siena redefined its history to assert its legitimacy by drawing on classical culture. This re-articulation of identity addressed historical rivalries and revealed the enduring complexity of local identity formation in Italy. This study examines historical legends and uses historical materials, such as city archives and artworks, to research the Italian city of Siena during the Renaissance and to investigate the origins of urban legends, their controversies, and how Siena created the legends of the “she-wolf” and Saint Ansanus. Full article

The article examines the changes to Italian legislation on assisted reproductive technology (ART) resulting from rulings by Italian courts, highlighting unresolved ethical–legal issues and potential future regulatory approaches consistent with these decisions. Additionally, it addresses the amendment defining surrogacy as “universal crime”, effective as of 18 November 2024. Through an analysis of decisions by the Constitutional Court and the Court of Cassation, it emerges that Law No. 40/2004 has been deemed unconstitutional in relation to the following: heterologous fertilization, the number of embryos that can be created, cryopreservation, the implantation of only healthy embryos, and access to ART for fertile couples. Controversial aspects include the fate of surplus embryos, access to ART for single individuals, and the recognition of parenthood for same-sex couples. The “universal crime” classification of surrogacy raises the possibility of legal consequences for individuals engaging in surrogacy abroad, even where it is lawful. Courts are unlikely to legislate on the allocation of surplus embryos without parliamentary intervention or to allow single individuals access to ART, given the perceived inconsistency with the child’s best interests. However, case-by-case evaluations are essential for recognizing non-biological or non-genetic parents in same-sex relationships and for assessing the effectiveness of the universal crime approach in safeguarding rights and public health. Full article

Medicine is struggling with the constantly rising incidence of breast cancer. The key to this fight is to be able to speed up diagnosis, as rapid diagnosis reduces the number of aggressive or advanced cases. For this process to be effective, it is necessary to have the right attitude toward diagnosis as a research practice. Our critical analysis of diagnosis, as a methodology of medical science, reflects on it as a research practice that is regulated in a socio-subjective way by a methodological culture. This position allows us to contrast critical methodological culture with the habitual–practical, or methodical, culture of practicing diagnosis. We point to the interpretative status of medical analyses performed by medical historians by referring to Italian Renaissance paintings and historical–artistic interpretations. In this field, analyzing disputes between researchers as a clash of methodologies in the ways interpretation transforms signs into meaning is a critical methodological reflection. Medicine is a diverse scientific discourse with a paradigmatic structure in which new ways of conducting diagnostic tests may appear. It is only possible to see this from the methodological level. In addition, passive respect for existing patterns of conduct hinders an exchange of views between researchers, which limits the possibility of correcting research procedures. The ultimate consequence of such passivity is an inability to improve diagnosis, which, in turn, harms the interests of patients. In this regard, it is worth remembering that the paramount objective of diagnosis is not the disease, but the patient. Full article

Aerosol vertical stratification significantly influences the Earth’s radiative balance and particulate-matter-related air quality. Continuous vertically resolved observations remain scarce compared to surface-level and column-integrated measurements. This work presents and makes available a novel, long-term (2016–2022) aerosol dataset derived from continuous (24/7) vertical profile observations from three selected stations (Aosta, Rome, Messina) of the Italian Automated Lidar-Ceilometer (ALC) Network (ALICENET). Using original retrieval methodologies, we derive over 600,000 quality-assured profiles of aerosol properties at the 15 min temporal and 15 metre vertical resolutions. These properties include the particulate matter mass concentration (PM), aerosol extinction and optical depth (AOD), i.e., air quality legislated quantities or essential climate variables. Through original ALICENET algorithms, we also derive long-term aerosol vertical layering data, including the mixed aerosol layer (MAL) and elevated aerosol layers (EALs) heights. Based on this new dataset, we obtain an unprecedented, fine spatiotemporal characterisation of the aerosol vertical distributions in Italy across different geographical settings (Alpine, urban, and coastal) and temporal scales (from sub-hourly to seasonal). Our analysis reveals distinct aerosol daily and annual cycles within the mixed layer and above, reflecting the interplay between site-specific environmental conditions and atmospheric circulations in the Mediterranean region. In the lower troposphere, mixing processes efficiently dilute particles in the major urban area of Rome, while mesoscale circulations act either as removal mechanisms (reducing the PM by up to 35% in Rome) or transport pathways (increasing the loads by up to 50% in Aosta). The MAL exhibits pronounced diurnal variability, reaching maximum (summer) heights of >2 km in Rome, while remaining below 1.4 km and 1 km in the Alpine and coastal sites, respectively. The vertical build-up of the AOD shows marked latitudinal and seasonal variability, with 80% (30%) of the total AOD residing in the first 500 m in Aosta-winter (Messina-summer). The seasonal frequency of the EALs reached 40% of the time (Messina-summer), mainly in the 1.5–4.0 km altitude range. An average (wet) PM > 40 μg m⁻³ is associated with the EALs over Rome and Messina. Notably, 10–40% of the EAL-affected days were also associated with increased PM within the MAL, suggesting the entrainment of the EALs in the mixing layer and thus their impact on the surface air quality. We also integrated ALC observations with relevant, state-of-the-art model reanalysis datasets (ERA5 and CAMS) to support our understanding of the aerosol patterns, related sources, and transport dynamics. This further allowed measurement vs. model intercomparisons and relevant examination of discrepancies. A good agreement (within 10–35%) was found between the ALICENET MAL and the ERA5 boundary layer height. The CAMS PM₁₀ values at the surface level well matched relevant in situ observations, while a statistically significant negative bias of 5–15 μg m⁻³ in the first 2–3 km altitude was found with respect to the ALC PM profiles across all the sites and seasons. Full article

Background: On 20 March 2024, the Italian Minister of Health, in collaboration with the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità) and the National Health Council (Consiglio Superiore di Sanità), issued updated guidelines for assisted reproduction technologies (ART). They introduced two key changes: (1) permitting post-mortem embryo transfers, allowing a woman to proceed with the procedure after her male partner’s death, and (2) permitting embryo transfer even if the male partner is alive but the relationship has ended. Objectives: This study explores the ethical and medico-legal challenges posed by the updated Italian ART Guidelines, with a specific focus on the complexities of informed consent and the ethical dilemmas introduced by these provisions. Methods: This study employs a comprehensive review of legislation, case law, and a comparative analysis of national and international norms. Primary and secondary sources include laws, regulations, court decisions, and key ethical and medico-legal perspectives. Results were organized into two thematic areas: the medico-legal dimension, focusing on informed consent, and the ethical dimension, addressing post-mortem and ex-partner embryo transfers. Results: The new guidelines exacerbate the already intricate ART landscape in Italy. Post-mortem and post-relationship embryo transfers raise significant ethical concerns and amplify legal uncertainties. Conclusions: These updates highlight the pressing need for legislative reform to address unresolved ethical and legal issues in ART. Full article

This article examines nomadism through the conceptual framework of philosopher Rosi Braidotti, analyzing its implications for contemporary artistic practices. By focusing on case studies, including Italian artist Mario Merz’s igloos and Peruvian artist Jimena Kato’s perilous constructions, this article explores material precariousness and material agency as a means of engaging politically with topics such as migration, diasporic cultures, and the contested notion of home. It seeks to elucidate the dynamic interplay between balance and imbalance, revealing the transformative essence of being. Central to this discussion are three key concepts drawn from Braidotti’s work: (1) the nomadic subject, (2) performativity, and (3) potentiality. These categories are crucial for understanding how nomadism, as both a theoretical and practical approach, redefines subjectivity and materiality in art. The analysis suggests that these artistic practices embody a nomadic ontology, where movement and instability become generative forces for creation, challenging traditional notions of fixed identity and static form. The article contributes to the ongoing discourse concerning the intersection of philosophy and contemporary art, proposing that nomadism offers a valuable lens through which to view the evolving relationship between the artist, their materials, and the broader socio-cultural context. Full article