Search Results (297)

Construction cost estimation often relies on subjective expert judgment, which introduces variability and inconsistency. Standardizing data and procedures can improve reliability and enable repeatable workflows. This research investigates how price lists used for public construction can be semantically linked to Building Information Modeling (BIM) via the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard to support objective, repeatable, semi-automated model-to-cost estimation. By an inductive case-based design, the work uses Veneto Region price list and maps selected cost items to IFC properties. Six representative price list items (slabs, partition walls, plasterboards, plasters, doors, and windows) are examined to identify discriminating parameters (e.g., material, thickness, dimensions, fire rating) that are mappable to IFC entities and property sets. The methodology distinguishes primary charges from surcharges, then assesses the model-ability of parameters and their semantic coherence within BIM’s object-based paradigm. Findings show that through formalization and standardization of cost item characteristics via IFC properties, the approach reduces subjectivity, enabling structured and objective matching and laying the groundwork for future automated workflows. Limitations are discussed, including incomplete representation of some cost-driving attributes, reliance on naming conventions, and opportunities associated with Digital Product Passport implementation (DPP). Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread, persistent pollutants that can be sequestered within human adipose tissue due to their lipophilic nature. While this accumulation poses toxicological risks depending on dose and individual susceptibility, the specific morphological impact of chronic PAH storage on tissue architecture remains poorly defined. Here, we performed a histopathological and morphometric analysis on human subcutaneous adipose tissue samples characterized by high pyrene levels. We evaluated tissue organization, collagen distribution, the presence of inflammatory, neural, and vascular alterations and adipocyte morphometry to assess the structural response to PAH sequestration. Despite high pyrene concentrations, PAH-positive tissues maintained preserved overall architecture with normal collagen distribution, absence of lymphocytic infiltration, low macrophages, unaltered nerve fiber patterns, without evidence of vascular remodeling. Morphometry revealed smaller adipocyte area in PAH-positive samples, although not statistically significant. Our experimental data indicate that high PAH accumulation does not necessarily induce subcutaneous adipose tissue remodeling, suggesting that biochemical or metabolic alterations might occur even in the absence of evident histological changes. Further studies, with a broadened cohort, are needed to define the threshold at which PAHs’ presence translates into permanent tissue damage. Full article

Among the ten local breeds of the Veneto region in Italy, Pepoi (PP) and Ermellinata di Rovigo (ER) hens start laying eggs earlier than the others. The egg laying rate (27–34 weeks of age) is higher (p < 0.01) in PP than in ER hens. Egg quality (at 33 weeks of age, 120 eggs/breed) was studied in fresh 1 day-old eggs and in preserved 21 day-old eggs according to breed and storage temperature (12 and 21 °C). Fresh ER eggs showed higher (p < 0.01) egg weights, yolk pH, Haugh units and yolk indices and lower (p < 0.01) eggshell lightness and thickness, surface area-to-volume ratios, and albumen pH than PP eggs, but the yolk-to-albumen ratio was similar between the breeds. After 21 days of storage, the egg traits showed the same trend for significant differences between breeds, with the exception of albumen pH and Haugh units, which were similar. Eggs stored at 21 °C showed lower (p < 0.01) Haugh units and yolk index values and higher (p < 0.01) albumen and yolk pH, albumen yellowness, and weight loss than eggs stored at 12 °C. Stored PP and ER eggs also differed in terms of observed changes in Haugh units, yolk pH and yolk index values with storage temperature: ER eggs showed higher (p < 0.01) yolk index values than PP eggs at both storage temperatures. Eleven weeks after the onset of laying, significant differences were observed in several traits of fresh and stored eggs from the studied breeds, particularly regarding the strength of the vitelline membrane. These preliminary results contribute to the characterization of the storage suitability of eggs from local breeds and to future crossbreeding programmes for enhancing chicken biodiversity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Legume allergy is increasingly recognized as plant-based diets expand and legume proteins are widely used in processed foods. We aimed to characterize the clinical features, sensitization profiles, and management outcomes of IgE-mediated legume allergy in Italian children. Methods: This retrospective single-center study (January 2022–January 2024) included children (<18 years) allergic to ≥1 index legume (pea, lentil, chickpea, common bean, or soy). Diagnosis required a compatible clinical history and evidence of IgE sensitization. Clinical and allergy characteristics were analyzed. Results: Fifty-five children (63.6% male) were included; all had atopic comorbidities, and 96.4% had additional food allergies. Median age at first reaction was 18 months; anaphylaxis occurred at onset in 12.7%, most frequently triggered by pea. Pea (70.9%) and lentil (69.1%) were the most prevalent allergies, with pea causing 50% of index-legume anaphylaxis. Multi-legume allergy predominated (74.5%), with frequent co-allergy among pea, lentil, and chickpea (56–86%). Soy allergy was less frequent and mainly associated with Gly m 4 sensitization. Single-legume allergy (25.5%) was associated with later onset (54 vs. 15 months; p = 0.013) and liver transplantation (21% vs. 2%; p = 0.047). Peanut co-allergy occurred in 25.5%. Among 34 oral food challenges (OFCs), 23.5% were positive, including one case of pea-induced anaphylaxis. Of 16 oral immunotherapy (OIT) protocols initiated, 31.3% reached the full target maintenance dose, 37.5% remained on a lower, partial maintenance dose, and 31.3% were discontinued due to oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Conclusions: Pediatric legume allergy is characterized by early onset, frequent multi-legume involvement, and common co-allergies. In this cohort, pea allergy was associated with the highest proportion of severe reactions. Species-specific differences in severity, patterns of multi-legume involvement, and OIT outcomes should be interpreted cautiously given the limited sample size, while highlighting the need for tailored management and improved risk assessment across legume species. Full article

Background: Vestibular tests are critical for an early detection of balance disorders, thereby reducing the risk of falls, particularly in older adults. The present is an ecologic study where the units of observation are the Italian Regions. Regional scores of access to essential levels of care (LEAs) were employed as predictors to investigate the hypothesis that vestibular examinations supplied by the Italian National Health Service (NHS) were insufficient to meet the needs of the Italian population. Methods: The number of first-level (clinical evaluations of vestibular function) and second-level (recorded spontaneous nystagmus, induced nystagmus, or rotary stimulation) vestibular tests per 100 K population was estimated by Italian region and calendar year during the 2021–2023 period. The odds (i.e., number of any second-level vestibular tests divided by difference between number of first- and second-level tests) by region and calendar year were investigated as a proxy for regional propensity to refer patients to a second-level test following a first-level vestibular assessment. A logistic regression investigated the odds by region and calendar year. Lastly, the regional number × 100 K population (prevalence) of vestibular examinations underwent linear regression analysis, using LEAs as predictors. Results: Descriptive analysis showed that first-level assessments were the most common vestibular tests in Italy during the 2021–2023 period. Prevalence of first-level vestibular examinations was not associated with any indicator of access to healthcare in linear regression. By contrast, the prevalence of second-level vestibular tests decreased with social inequality yet increased with the indicator of higher access to hospital care. In logistic regression, referral propensity to second-level vestibular tests progressively decreased from 2021 to 2023 and exhibited considerable regional variability, being lower than in Lombardy (reference) in all other Italian regions but Veneto (aOR = 4.826; 95%CI: 4.445; 5.329) and Trento autonomous province (aOR = 1.488; 1.363; 1.624). Conclusions: The number of vestibular function tests supplied by the National Health Service in Italy during the 2021–2023 period was probably insufficient to meet the care needs of the general population, forcing more than 66.8% of patients to forgo vestibular evaluation or turn to private audiological services with out-of-pocket payments. The shortfall was greater for more costly instrumental (second-level) vestibular tests, whose supply was influenced by social inequalities and barriers to accessing audiology care at the regional level. The National Recovery and Resiliency Plan has allocated EUR 20.23 billion for healthcare services in Italy, with the aim of addressing patient care requirements in every area of the country. Full article

Background: In Italy, Departments of Prevention (Dipartimenti di Prevenzione, DPs) are primary organizational units for disease prevention, health promotion, and environmental health. Constitutional decentralization (2001) generated significant regional variability. While national data exist, in-depth regional analyses are lacking. Objectives: To provide a systematic descriptive analysis of organizational structure, governance mechanisms, and workforce composition of DPs in the Triveneto area (Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano), contextualized within national and international frameworks. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study using 2022 Italian Prevention Observatory national survey data. A structured 87-item questionnaire assessed organizational structure, governance, staffing, and quality systems. Results: A total of 10 of 14 DPs participated (71.4% coverage; 5.2 million inhabitants, 87% of Triveneto population). All maintained three mandated core services (Public Health and Hygiene, Veterinary Public Health, and Occupational Health and Safety), employing medians of 35%, 23%, and 14% of staff, respectively. Management Committees were active in 80% of DPs (vs. 77.6% nationally). Quality certification (30%) and institutional accreditation (50%, Veneto only) showed inconsistent implementation. The workforce was predominantly non-executive (65% vs. 67% nationally), reflecting progressive task reallocation. Median staff density: 3235 inhabitants/staff member (vs. 2608 nationally). Conclusions: Participating DPs—predominantly from the Veneto Region—demonstrate comprehensive service coverage and established governance structures, yet face standardization challenges. Findings should be interpreted in light of Veneto overrepresentation (8/10 participating DPs). Alignment with territorial care reforms (Ministerial Decree 77/2022) and National Recovery Plan investments could enhance integration, digital infrastructure, and preparedness capacity. Full article

Active mobility in peri-urban areas is influenced by sprawl, limited public transportation, and reliance on private vehicles. This study redefines active mobility in peri-urban and low-density contexts from a territorial perspective and reframes micro-hubs as socially oriented, network-integrated elements rather than scaled-down urban hubs. This study adopts a qualitative, theory-driven methodology combining a multidisciplinary review of the active mobility concept with thematic analysis to identify mobility hub characteristics, followed by analytical synthesis, the classification of mobility hub types, and a set of social indicators for analyzing their performance. These methods are used to develop a framework for understanding micro-hubs as socio-spatial components of active mobility networks. Results indicate that a network of minor roads and micro-hubs can support shifts toward active mobility when aligned with daily mobility patterns and supported by multi-level governance. This study conceptualizes micro-hubs as socio-spatial nodes embedded within dispersed mobility networks and, drawing on the Veneto region as an analytical context, employs an existing typological classification—network, welfare, and civic—to interpret their roles in shaping a context-sensitive framework for active mobility in peri-urban and low-density areas. Micro-hubs become socially integrated spaces that may contribute to strategies for reducing car dependency while providing transferable policy-oriented actions for similar peri-urban and low-density areas. Full article

Macrozoobenthic communities function as important bioindicators of natural and anthropogenic pressures in transitional ecosystems and contribute to ecosystem processes. Transitional systems, such as lagoons, estuaries and coastal ponds, exhibit strong physico-chemical variability, often intensified by anthropogenic pressures and climate change. Changes in macrozoobenthic communities across five Veneto Po Delta lagoons were assessed through long-term monitoring (2008–2025) conducted within the Water Framework Directive and additional monitoring activities. The macrozoobenthic communities were analysed to assess temporal variability and inter-lagoon differences in the Po Delta system; ecological indices were generally stable, but organism density showed significant interannual fluctuations, with marked declines in 2008, 2009, 2024, and 2025. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified phases of community restructuring driven by temporal shifts in species composition and relative abundance. These patterns may reflect the interacting effects of multiple stressors, including long-term anthropogenic pressures and the recent expansion of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus, although causality was not assessed. Increases in water temperature and suspended solids were observed across all lagoons, potentially affecting benthic communities. Overall, this study provides an assessment of macrozoobenthic variability and a preliminary analysis of the factors that may have influenced it, highlighting patterns that warrant further investigations to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Full article

Background: The use of food supplements (FS) is rapidly increasing, particularly in Italy, which leads the European market. This trend is driven by various factors, including the pursuit of physical well-being, the influence of advertising, and concerns about disease prevention. This exploratory pilot descriptive study aimed to characterize FS use among patients attending general practitioner (GP) offices and examine potential patterns with psychophysical well-being. Methods: Two questionnaires were administered to participants: one on FS use and another on physical and mental health (SF-12 questionnaire). General information and anthropometric characteristics were also collected. Results: 230 questionnaires on FS use and 192 on psychophysical well-being were analyzed. The majority of participants (73.5%) reported using FS, primarily for general well-being (21.0%), immune system support (12.2%), and increased energy (11.4%). The most commonly consumed FS were vitamins (19.4%), minerals (16.9%), and probiotics (15.7%). Only 57.4% of patients reported informing their doctor about FS use, while 66.3% engaged in self-prescription. The SF-12 questionnaire revealed lower mental health scores (mood, energy, anxiety, and depression) in the studied population, while physical health remained unaffected. Importantly, no significant associations were observed between FS use and either physical or mental health scores, suggesting these patterns are independent of supplement consumption. Conclusions: FS use is prevalent among patients attending GP offices. The observed decrease in mental health scores may indicate psychological distress though this pattern was not associated with FS consumption. Given the exploratory nature of this study, findings should be interpreted with caution. This study highlights the need for improved health education and professional training to promote safer and more informed FS use. Further research is required to expand upon these initial findings. Full article

Background: Population-level evidence on delivery of neuro-oncology care is essential for evaluating access, equity, and quality of treatment pathways. However, real-world data describing how patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors, especially with glioblastoma, are managed across healthcare systems remain limited. This study aimed to characterize treatment pathways using linked registry and administrative data within a regional care network. Methods: All adult CNS tumors diagnosed between 2016 and 2020 were identified in the Veneto Cancer Registry. Tumor grading was derived using a validated text-mining algorithm, and surgical, radiotherapy, and systemic treatments were captured through linkage with regional healthcare utilization databases. Patterns of care were evaluated by tumor subtype, grade, and diagnostic pathway. Results: Among 1634 histologically confirmed tumors, glioblastoma represented the largest group. Surgical intervention was widely implemented, with high resection rates in glioblastoma and meningioma. Combined chemoradiotherapy constituted the primary adjuvant approach for glioblastoma and high-grade diffuse gliomas, whereas management of lower-grade tumors showed greater variability. Approximately one-third of patients received no oncologic therapy, primarily associated with older age or diagnostic uncertainty. Analysis of recurrent glioblastoma showed heterogeneous systemic treatment use, reflecting evolving therapeutic practice. Conclusions: Linking population-based registry and administrative data provides actionable insight into real-world delivery of neuro-oncology care, in particular for glioblastoma patients. This approach enables monitoring of treatment variability, identification of potential access gaps, and evaluation of system-level performance, supporting data-driven planning of multidisciplinary services and future quality improvement initiatives. Full article

The key to implementing IPM of wireworms effectively is to associate feasible, reliable and affordable sampling methods with well-defined damage thresholds. As wireworms live underground, they cannot be observed directly, thus estimating population levels can be challenging. Soil sampling to ascertain larval density is very time-consuming, and although the use of bait traps is much more time-effective, it is unclear how wireworm numbers in bait traps are associated with wireworm density. The work described herein was conducted between 1993 and 1999 in two regions of Northern Italy: Veneto and Piedmont. The experimental protocol involved placing soil bait traps in a 15–30 m × 10 m grid in selected cultivated fields and taking a soil sample 3 m from the location of each bait trap. The number of monitoring points ranged from 12 to 48 per site. Both trap contents and soil cores were put in funnels to dry out, forcing the wireworms to move and fall into a vial, according to the Berlese method. A moderate association was found between the number of wireworms (Agriotes brevis, A. sordidus and A. ustulatus) caught by the bait traps and by soil sampling, indicating a potential for reciprocal estimation between methods. In other words, the number of bait-trap catches can be estimated by soil sampling (e.g., when bait traps cannot be used due to low temperatures or when growing plants cover a field) and vice versa. The potential of bait traps for catching wireworms was shown to be 5 to 25 times higher than the potential of soil sampling. The threshold values for soil samples, which were derived from the original bait-trap values, range between 15 and 20 larvae/m². Full article

The correct valuation of collateral supporting real estate loans has always been a key issue for the stability of the credit system. Substandard lending practices and the absence of uniform valuation approaches have historically contributed to the accumulation of non-performing loans. In recent years, several regulatory measures operating at both the European and national level have introduced principles, rules and procedures aimed at standardizing the valuation of properties pledged as collateral for credit exposures. These interventions seek to promote greater transparency, consistency, and prudence in property appraisals, thereby enhancing the soundness and resilience of the financial system. In January 2025, the updated Regulation (EU) 575/2013 came into force, incorporating the Basel III reform (also referred to as Basel 3+ or Basel IV). Among the innovations introduced, the concept of property value (PV) is particularly relevant, a prudential value that excludes expectations of price growth and considers the sustainability of the value over time in relation to the duration of the loan. PV is defined as a derived value with respect to market value (MV), determined by considering the main current and forward-looking risk factors that may arise during the life of the loan, including environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks, the intrinsic characteristics of the property and expectations regarding the economic cycle. This paper proposes a quantitative model for the determination of PV, applied to a practical case involving a residential property located in a medium-sized city in Italy’s Veneto region. The model adopts a deterministic and a probabilistic approach, the latter implemented through Monte Carlo simulation, which is indeed a generalization of the deterministic one. The model links the assessment of PV to the possible evolution of the property’s key parameters and the real estate cycle over the duration of the loan. It was tested under the assumption of a twenty-year mortgage originated in 2025 for the purchase of a residential property in Italy, considering two alternative locations: a suburban area and a city-centre area. The analysis conducted showed a substantially higher MV haircut for the suburban property compared with the central location. This difference reflects the fact that PV is less sensitive to real estate cycle fluctuations in more premium, central locations. Furthermore, the use of Monte Carlo simulation in the probabilistic approach enabled the calibration of the haircut according to a predefined confidence level, confirming the pattern observed in the deterministic framework. The combined evidence strengthens the empirical robustness of the model and highlights the importance of locational and cyclical dynamics in collateral valuation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with food allergy (FA) may exhibit dysfunctional eating behaviours and/or food aversions that extend beyond the necessary allergen elimination diet and may result in avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) or food neophobia (FN); however, no data are available on adults. This study aimed to explore ARFID, FN, FA anxiety, and eating styles in adults with FA, analysing influences of sociodemographic and clinical factors. Methods: This cross-sectional preliminary study involved 79 adults with FA, who completed the Nine Item ARFID screen (NIAS), Food Neophobia Scale (FNS), Scale of Food Allergy Anxiety (SOFAA), and Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ—brief). Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients and multiple linear regressions were performed (p < 0.05). Results: In total, 25% and 73% of participants scored positively for ARFID and FN, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between FN and ARFID levels (p < 0.006), and between FN and FA anxiety (p < 0.001). Current psychological problems positively correlated with ARFID (p = 0.004), FN (p = 0.006), and FA anxiety scores (p = 0.03). Restrained eating was positively associated with female gender (p < 0.001), and ARFID (p = 0.002) and FN scores (p = 0.028). External eating was negatively correlated with ARFID (p = 0.004). Adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) prescription was negatively associated with ARFID (p < 001) and restrained eating (p = 0.006), while previous anaphylaxis was negatively associated with ARFID (p = 0.020) and positively associated with external eating (p = 0.021). Multiple logistic regression models confirmed that restrained eating was associated with a higher probability of both ARFID (p = 0.031) and FN (p = 0.074). Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of the risk of ARFID and FN among adult patients with FA and recommend appropriate psychological and dietary support. Further studies are needed to better understand the protective and precipitating factors of ARFID and FN to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Full article

Background: Self-awareness is a core psychosocial competence supporting emotional regulation, adaptive coping, and psychological well-being during late adolescence and emerging adulthood—a developmental period marked by identity exploration and heightened vulnerability to stress. Life skills education programs, such as UNICEF’s Basic Life Skills Training Program (BLSTP), aim to strengthen these competencies; however, empirical evidence on the effectiveness of structured self-awareness interventions remains limited in low- and middle-income countries, leaving a significant gap in culturally grounded preventive research. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 Pakistani university students aged 18–24 years, randomly assigned to an experimental group or a waitlist control group. The experimental group received the self-awareness module of the BLSTP, targeting self-esteem, stress management, emotional regulation, and positive thinking through structured group sessions. Standardized self-report measures were administered at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Compared to the control group, participants in the experimental group showed significant improvements across all self-awareness subdomains, with large effect sizes (partial η² = 0.46–0.84). Gains were maintained at follow-up, indicating sustained intervention effects. Conclusions: The BLSTP self-awareness module appears to be an effective and culturally appropriate preventive intervention for enhancing key psychosocial competencies in late adolescents and emerging adults. Full article

Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory characteristics in adult patients with neuroinvasive West Nile virus (WNDD). We also studied the phylogeny and molecular characteristics of some of the WNV strains. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted at “Annunziata” Hub Hospital, a secondary referral facility in Calabria region, in Southern Italy. Sample pre-processing, sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were carried out at IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital in Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto region in North-East Italy. Results: Nine cases of WNDD were analyzed, involving eight males and one female, with a mean age of 70.33 years (range 60–85). The overall average hospital stay was 20.6 days (range 6–46). Six patients made a full recovery after a mean of 35.3 days of acute care. Thirty-day mortality rate was 23%. VNDD in some of our patients manifested itself in the form of cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in three patients, causing lethality in two patients and other unusual manifestations, such as Guillain–Barré syndrome with fatal outcome and severe facial palsy. Phylogenetic analysis shows that our sequences are closely related to other southern-Italian and cluster with Central–Southern–Eastern European sequences, while being evidently separated from northern Italian and Central–Western European ones, belonging to the sub-lineage 2a of the WNV-2, clustering with sequences from the Central–South–Eastern clade, mainly to Hungary. Conclusions: Cerebrovascular complications of WNE may be an important clinical manifestation of WNV neuroinvasive infection. Preliminary data do not allow us to determine whether our strains, closely related to other southern-Italian and cluster with Central–Southern–Eastern European sequences, really presented an increased neurovirulence. Full article