Measures In Italy Research Articles

Tele-Psychiatry Assessment of Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms in 100 Patients With Bipolar Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic Social-Distancing Measures in Italy.

The acute phase of the COrona VIrus Disease-19 (COVID-19) emergency determined relevant stressful burdens in psychiatric patients, particularly those with chronic mental disorders such as bipolar disorder (BD), not only for the threat of being infected but also for the strict lock-down and social-distancing measures adopted, the economic uncertainty, and the limited possibilities to access psychiatric services. In this regard, telepsychiatry services represented a new important instrument that clinicians could adopt to monitor and support their patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate acute post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) reported by patients with BD followed in the framework of a telepsychiatry service, set up in the acute phase of the COVID-19 outbreak at the psychiatric clinic of the University of Pisa (Italy). A sample of 100 patients were consecutively enrolled and assessed by the IES-r, GAD-7, HAM-D, and YMRS. Patients reported a mean (±SD) IES-r total score of 18.15 ± 13.67. Further, 17% of the sample reported PTSS (IES-r > 32), 17% depressive symptoms (HAM-D > 17), and 26% anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 > 10). Work and financial difficulties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and anxiety symptoms appeared to be positively associated with the development of acute PTSS. Acute manic symptoms appeared to be protective. The data of the present study suggest the relevance of monitoring patients with BD exposed to the burden related to the COVID-19 outbreak for prompt assessment and treatment of PTSS.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Socio-Economic Consequences of Social Distancing Measures in Italy.

The lock-down measures adopted in all countries of the world have led to far-reaching social and economic changes. The health emergency had immediate repercussions first on the social system and then on the economic one. The social repression measures taken to limit the infection have generated a drastic change in daily life, detaching ourselves from the other emotionally and physically. The already difficult situation that Italy was experiencing from an economic and social point of view is immediately exposed by the health emergency, and then worsened and extended to all sectors. In this context, it is important to study different types of phenomena: the suspension of commercial activities and the consequent repercussions on the work sector, smart-working and infrastructural and cultural digital divide, the new forms of interaction and relationship that transform the emotions and, finally, the enormous fluctuation of world markets. To face such a far-reaching crisis, the measures taken not only at national level, but also supranational and international will be decisive.

Anti-Poverty Measures in Italy: A Microsimulation Analysis

Introduced in 2019, the Reddito di cittadinanza (RdC) has replaced the Reddito di inclusione (ReI) as a universal minimum income scheme in Italy. In this paper, we use BIMic, the Bank of Italy’s static (non-behavioural) microsimulation model, to measure the effects of the RdC in terms of inequality reduction and, as a novel contribution, of absolute poverty alleviation. Our results, which do not account for behavioural responses to policy changes, show that the RdC is effective in reducing inequality, and attenuating the incidence, and even more so the intensity, of absolute poverty. We also document how certain features of the design of this benefit affect the distribution of these effects across the population. For this purpose, we simulate two hypothetical changes to the current design of the RdC: one that directs more resources to large households with minors (on average more in need than other households) and the other that takes into account the differences in the cost of living according to geographical areas and municipality size.

COVID-19 В СИЦИЛИИ: ЭКЗИСТЕНЦИАЛЬНЫЕ «МЕДИЦИНА» И ПРАКТИКИ – ОБРАЩЕНИЕ К ТРАДИЦИИ

Summary: This article analyzes the empirics of mental and behavioral models of Sicilians in existential conditions, namely in February – May 2020 during the coronavirus epidemic and quarantine measures in Italy. The study is based on the author’s field material. In the course of the paper, the author addresses such aspects of traditional culture as folk medicine, local cuisine and rituals. Analysis of the realities clearly demonstrates the devotion of a large part of Sicilian society to the ancient cultural strata that have a particular connotation: the ancient remedies, rational and magical, and prevention of diseases and demonic apparitions, as well as therapeutic practices aimed at healing various ailments, but mainly plague and dysentery, which repeatedly struck Sicily. The dietary changes of alimentary habits of the Sicilians, and appeal to certain "health" and cleansing rites have the same focus. The study of empirical material reveals the medieval roots of beliefs and recipes, which the Sicilians appeal to, the role of historical memory, which guarantees preservation of archaic culture, the predominantly folk nature of the cultural substrate addressed by representatives of local society, and the oral way of information transmission. The theory and concepts of anthropology of fear and anthropology of disasters allow to understand the mechanism of this behaviour and the reasons for the revitalization of such a specific culture in these existential for Sicilians conditions, and also to focus on other social issues (the assertion of the society’s identity and the problems of relationships with other communities).

HIV incidence fall in Italy: a –20% fall in 2018 to be explained

Abstract Background HIV is still a critical public health threat in Europe, especially in some at-risk populations. Stigma keeps undermining access to prevention, diagnosis, and care. Treatment as Prevention (TasP) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) have spread heterogeneously across the continent. The study aimed to compare recent HIV incidence trends in five European countries (Italy, Spain, Germany, France, UK), and to speculate about TasP and PrEP's relative contribution as preventive measures in Italy. Methods We collected incidence data by consulting the ECDC HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report 2019, and a preliminary Italian 2019 report issued by the National Institute of Health. We used the latest ECDC Continuum of HIV care data to appraise European trends in HIV viral suppression. Results All the considered European countries reported a decreasing trend in 2018, compared to 2017. In Italy, according to raw preliminary data, the number of new HIV infections dropped from 3,561 (5.9/100,000) to 2,847 (4.7/100,000), thus resulting in a -20% fall. Interestingly, Spain shows an even sharper decrease of -22%, dropping from 3,795 new cases in 2017 to 2,527 in 2018, that is from a rate of 8.2/100,000 to 6.4/100,000. Conclusions Since 2008, when the coordinated ECDC/WHO Regional Office for Europe HIV/AIDS surveillance system was set up, Italy has never witnessed such a sharp yearly fall in incident cases, thus representing, together with Spain, an epidemiological peculiarity in the European context. TasP could have played a major role in Italy. Indeed, Continuum of HIV care data show a positive trend in viral suppression in European countries. PrEP has been introduced in the Italian guidelines in 2016 and is nowadays adopted in a few urban areas, as a co-pay, on-demand service for high-risk populations with limited diffusion. It is thus plausible that PrEP carries a much lower epidemiologic weight in the Italian 2018 incidence reduction. Key messages We need to spread PrEP, TasP and screening programs, especially in at-risk populations. We must search for a causal association between preventive measures and decreasing incidence.

Results from the PolarquEEEst missions

The PolarquEEEst scientific programme consists in a series of measurements of the cosmic ray flux up to the highest latitudes. It started in Summer 2018, when three telescopes made out of scintillators readout by SiPMs were built and installed in Italy, Norway and on a sailboat leaving from North Island, to circumnavigate the Svalbard archipelago and land in Tromsø. They collected data on a latitude range from 44° N up to 82° N, with a dense sampling of the Northernmost interval. The PolarquEEEst mission continued afterwards with a series of measurements in Italy, Southward reaching Lampedusa, and in Germany.In May 2019 the PolarquEEEst collaboration accomplished another important result, installing a cosmic ray observatory for the detection of secondary cosmic muons at Ny Alesund, at 79° N, made of three independent identical detectors positioned a few hundred meters from each other, and synchronized in order to operate together as a network. The configuration used will allow high precision measurements never performed before at these latitudes on a long term, also interesting for their connection with environmental phenomena. The network will also complement the existing stations for the detection of cosmic neutrons at the Svalbard archipelago, enlarging by far the physics scope that is possible to pursue in this field at this peculiar location.Here the various missions are presented, and some preliminary results from the measurements performed are shown.

Impact of COVID-19 outbreak measures of lockdown on the Italian Carbon Footprint

Stringent lockdown measures implemented in Italy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 are generating unprecedented economic impacts. However, the environmental consequences associated with the temporary shutdown and recovery of industrial and commercial activities are still not fully understood. Using the well-known carbon footprint (CF) indicator, this paper provides a comprehensive estimation of environmental effects due to the COVID-19 outbreak lockdown measures in Italy. Our aim was to quantify the CF associated with the consumption of energy by any economic activity and region in Italy during the lockdown, and then compare these environmental burdens with the CF calculated for analogous periods from 2015 to 2019 (~March and April). Complementarily, we also conducted a scenario analysis to estimate the post-lockdown CF impact in Italy. A consumption-based approach was applied according to the principles of the established Life Cycle Assessment method. The CF was therefore quantified as a sum of direct and indirect greenhouse gases (GHGs) released from domestically produced and imported energy metabolism flows, excluding the exports. Our findings indicate that the CF in the lockdown period is ~−20% lower than the mean CF calculated for the past. This means avoided GHGs in between ~5.6 and ~10.6 Mt CO2e. Results further suggest that a tendency occurs towards higher impact savings in the Northern regions, on average ~230 kt CO2e of GHGs avoided by province (against ~110–130 kt CO2e in central and Southern provinces). Not surprisingly, these are the utmost industrialized areas of Italy and have been the ones mostly affected by the outbreak. Despite our CF estimates are not free of uncertainties, our research offers quantitative insights to start understanding the magnitude generated by such an exceptional lockdown event in Italy on climate change, and to complement current scientific efforts investigating the relationships between air pollution and the spread of COVID-19.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Italian mobility.

Francesco Finazzi and Alessandro Fassò use location data collected by an earthquake‐monitoring app to gauge compliance with lockdown measures in Italy

Compliance with Covid-19 Social-Distancing Measures in Italy: The Role of Expectations and Duration

We study how intentions to comply with the self-isolation restrictions enacted in Italy in response to the COVID-19 crisis respond to the length of their possible extension. Based on a survey of a representative sample of Italian residents (N=894), we find that respondents who are positively surprised by a given hypothetical extension (i.e. the extension is shorter than what they expected) are more willing to increase their self-isolation. In contrast, negative surprises (extensions longer than expected) relate with a lower willingness to comply. In a context where individual compliance has collective benefits, but full enforcement is costly and controversial, communication and persuasion have a fundamental role. Our findings provide insights to public authorities on how to announce lockdown measures and manage people's expectations.

Compliance with COVID-19 Social-Distancing Measures in Italy: The Role of Expectations and Duration

We study how intentions to comply with the self-isolation restrictions introduced in Italy to mitigate the COVID-19 epidemic respond to the length of their possible extension. Based on a survey of a representative sample of Italian residents (N=894), we find that respondents who are positively surprised by a given hypothetical extension (i.e. the extension is shorter than what they expected) are more willing to increase their self-isolation. In contrast, negative surprises (extensions longer than expected) are associated with a lower willingness to comply. In a context where individual compliance has collective benefits, but full enforcement is costly and controversial, communication and persuasion have a fundamental role. Our findings provide insights to public authorities on how to announce lockdown measures and manage people's expectations.

The Role of Asymptomatic Individuals in the COVID-19 Pandemic <i>via</i> Complex Networks

Background: Recent seroprevalence studies have tried to estimate the real number of asymptomatic cases affected by COVID-19. It is of paramount importance to understand the impact of these infections in order to prevent a second wave. This study aims to model the interactions in the population by means of a complex network and to shed some light on the effectiveness of localised control measures in Italy in relation to the school opening in mid-September.} Methods: The formulation of an epidemiological predictive model is given: the advantage of using this model lies in that it discriminates between asymptomatic and symptomatic cases of COVID-19 as the interactions with these two categories of infected individuals are captured separately, allowing for a study on the impact of asymptomatic cases. This model is then extended to a structured nonhomogeneous version by means of the Watts-Strogatz complex network, which is adopted widely to model societal interactions as it holds the small world property. Finally, a case study on the situation in Italy is given: first the homogeneous model is used to compare the official data with the data of the recent seroprevalence study from Istat; second, in view of the return to school in mid-September, a study at regional level is conducted. Findings: The proposed model captures an aspect of COVID-19 which is crucial in controlling the further spread of the contagion and in preventing a second wave: \lss{the interactions with undetected cases who have therefore not been isolated}, mostly asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic, namely 1-2 symptoms without anosmia or ageusia, and their impact on latent infections. The evolution of the pandemic is well captured by model fitting with official data from the Protezione Civile, both at a national level as well as regional level. The case study provides insight on the potential effects of localised restrictions, without the coordination at a national level. The results of this study highlight the importance of coordinating the deployment of appropriate control measures that take into account the role of asymptomatic infections, especially in younger individuals, and inter-regional connectivity in Italy. Interpretation: It is vital to adhere to the prescribed public health measures in order to delay the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and prevent a second wave with potential disruptive national lockdowns. Asymptomatic infected are estimated to be around a third of the official data, but their real number can be much higher if the individuals with one or two minor symptoms are included. The results emphasise the need for coordinated control measures that account for the interactions among different regions in Italy, and potentially among the countries in Europe.} Funding: None.Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Representaciones del suelo rural metropolitano en el planeamiento italiano durante el siglo XX: el caso de Bolonia

Las orientaciones del planeamiento urbanistico se reajustan notablemente a lo largo del siglo XX. El suelo rural, durante tanto tiempo sometido a presion urbanistica, se descubre recientemente como estructura cargada de valores y dimension multifuncional. En este texto examinamos los principales cambios en su tratamiento en los planes, leyes y otras medidas relevantes en Italia, desde las primeras iniciativas de proteccion paisajistica (1905), hasta la ultima generacion de planes provinciales (2000). Para ello distinguimos cuatro etapas. En la primera se sientan las bases para la tutela ambiental y cultural del paisaje italiano. Durante la segunda, las dinamicas de desruralizacion, concentracion y dispersion urbana provocan una percepcion de profunda dicotomia ciudad-campo. En la tercera, el planeamiento asume un papel relevante en la preservacion de la biodiversidad. En la actual, se busca la simbiosis de logicas urbanas y rurales de las areas metropolitanas. Para cada una de las etapas revisamos las principales medidas planteadas en la provincia de Bolonia, referente del planeamiento europeo. Este repaso historico permite observar como se ha articulado la categoria de suelo rural metropolitano en el contexto italiano, entorno donde la cultura urbanistica presta especial atencion a la dimension historica y humana del territorio.

Environmental and social aspects of geothermal energy in Italy

Geothermal plants have been producing power in Italy for more than a century. Since local opposition to geothermal development is often fuelled by incomplete and inaccurate environmental information, this paper provides a comprehensive description of the effect of geothermal development on the air, water and soil and investigates potential disturbance from noise, subsidence, and seismicity, as well as the visual impact on the local area. After discussing the risks associated with the geothermal development and the reference data, the paper describes the wide-reaching environmental monitoring and mitigation measures in Italy that have maintained impact values below the thresholds defined by European and Italian regulation. The social benefits for areas where geothermal energy is developed are also described, with the aid of case studies highlighting that citizens do not feel that they are sufficiently informed to have a voice in the innovation process. A regular and comprehensive review of the geothermal environmental and safety regime, as the one carried out in this paper, and a mutual exchange of knowledge between the different stakeholders should be strongly encouraged.

Comparison of Satellite Rainfall Estimates and Rain Gauge Measurements in Italy, and Impact on Landslide Modeling

Landslides can be triggered by intense or prolonged rainfall. Rain gauge measurements are commonly used to predict landslides even if satellite rainfall estimates are available. Recent research focuses on the comparison of satellite estimates and gauge measurements. The rain gauge data from the Italian network (collected in the system database “Verifica Rischio Frana”, VRF) are compared with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) products. For the purpose, we couple point gauge and satellite rainfall estimates at individual grid cells, evaluating the correlation between gauge and satellite data in different morpho-climatological conditions. We then analyze the statistical distributions of both rainfall data types and the rainfall events derived from them. Results show that satellite data underestimates ground data, with the largest differences in mountainous areas. Power-law models, are more appropriate to correlate gauge and satellite data. The gauge and satellite-based products exhibit different statistical distributions and the rainfall events derived from them differ. In conclusion, satellite rainfall cannot be directly compared with ground data, requiring local investigation to account for specific morpho-climatological settings. Results suggest that satellite data can be used for forecasting landslides, only performing a local scaling between satellite and ground data.

Audience behaviours and digital television policy measures in Italy: A qualitative investigation

Abstract A transition process to new Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) technologies is in progress in Europe, connected to the release of the 700 MHz band. In the management of this new technological transition, the experience gained in the previous transition process (from analogue to digital) could provide useful insight to help reduce costs and promote citizens’ uptake of new technologies. This article presents an investigation into the use behaviour of adults not using the Internet during the DTT transition and their future expectations regarding TV services. As a broad reference, we adopted both user experience and user acceptance models, in particular the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Following a qualitative methodological approach, three focus groups were carried out, involving adult non-Internet users. The results confirm that user segmentation is critical not only on the basis of socio-demographic variables but also according to the definition of appropriate cultural models. A segmentation into four micro-cultures (‘Ideologically against’, ‘Inadequates’, ‘Enthusiasts’, ‘Indigents’) emerges. This segmentation can inspire different tactical interventions to encourage the adoption of digital media and different policy measures, such as communication campaigns, specific support modalities and economic incentives. In order to face the 700 MHz band transition process, it is advisable to carry out ad hoc qualitative surveys with the direct involvement of citizens, in order to identify the most appropriate measures to be implemented in favour of the corresponding user segments.

Enzootic bovine leukosis: Report of eradication and surveillance measures in Italy over an 8-year period (2005–2012)

Bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) is associated with enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL). BLV causes malignant lymphoma and lymphosarcoma; however, most BLV infections remain clinically silent in an aleukaemic state. EBL is a notifiable disease, and official control measures include screening or monitoring, precautions at borders, control of movement inside the country, and stamping out.The objective of this study was to evaluate EBL eradication and surveillance measures in Italy from 2005 to 2012. One-hundred twenty-three outbreaks were recorded (1 January 2006 to 31 December 2012) in the National Veterinary Information System (SIMAN) on 7 November 2013. Of these, 101 had occurred in southern Italy. An outbreak usually lasted for a few days, but sometimes lasted for weeks. Some areas were subjected to normal eradication measures, whereas others were subjected to additional eradication measures as a consequence of persisting EBL outbreaks. During the study period, we noted an overall annual decrease from 0.21% in 2005 to 0.08% in 2012 in the herd prevalence rate, from 0.06% in 2005 to 0.04% in 2012 in the herd incidence rate, and from 0.027% in 2005 to 0.015% in 2012 in the animal prevalence rate. Regions officially recognised as EBL-free areas were found to have their own surveillance plans. Differences in their surveillance plans include the type of sample (serum, milk, or both), age at which the animals must be tested (12 or 24 months), and test frequency of herds (annually or every 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 years). The eradication programme for EBL is difficult to implement in some Italian areas because of several factors such as incomplete herd registry, geographical location and socio-economic conditions of the region.

Migration, Sex Work and Exploitative Labor Conditions: Experiences of Nigerian Women in the Sex Industry in Turin, Italy, and Counter-Trafficking Measures

This article undertakes a critical analysis of counter-trafficking measures in Italy, particularly the Social Protection Program introduced under the 1998 Migration Law for victims experiencing violence and “extreme exploitation”, in relation to the experiences of Nigerian sex workers in the city of Turin. The experiences of Nigerian sex workers in Turin are diverse and complex, as most of the women are undocumented, making them highly vulnerable to exploitative debt and labor contracts, as well as abuse and violence from employers, clients and government authorities. This research found that while the protection program has been fortunate for some beneficiaries, it fails to address the vulnerabilities faced by migrant sex workers. One of the shortcomings of the program is that it protects victims only if they suffer severe forms of violence, provide information that helps in the arrest of traffickers, and tell a “convincing story” that underscores their role as “innocent victims.” It ignores the complexity of the experiences of undocumented migrants who engage in commercial sex work and the multiple challenges they face. It overemphasizes a particular and narrowly defined form of victimization while rendering other forms of victimization invisible. Counter-trafficking measures may offer a modicum of protection for a specific and small group of undocumented migrants in the sex industry. However, when combined with increasing restrictions on migration and sex work, the counter-trafficking measures actually increase the vulnerability of the majority of migrant sex workers, and strengthen the networks of traffickers.

P03-165 - Coercive measures in acute inpatient care in Italy

ObjectivesTo provide a comprehensive review of past and current implementation of coercive measures in Italy.MethodsLiterature review (cross-referencing in PubMed, Embase, and Index Medicus) concerning the application of coercive measures in Italy. Description of the past and current regulations as well as of the routine implementation of coercive measures in Italy has been also empirically summarized.ResultsThe Italian 1978 reform law on mental health care clearly established that medical treatment and tests are mainly voluntary. Only under special circumstances, the medical authority can order a patient involuntary admission and the physician is obliged to provide necessary tests and medical treatment. However, even if coercive measures are usually placed without patient's consent, the first objective should remain to protect patient's interest and rights, in accordance to the Italian Constitution. In Italy, there are no officially recognised protocols on coercive measures for acute inpatient care and each psychiatric ward adopts its own rules and internal norms.ConclusionsIn Italy, patients with aggressive or dangerous behaviours are approached by the staff according to a “de-escalating” model, in which physical and mechanical restraint should be adopted only when any other therapeutic options previously failed. Proposals aimed to improve the implementation of coercive measures in clinical practice will be provided.

Distribution of Illiquid Financial Products: The Case of Italy

The investment in illiquid financial products introduces multiple profiles of criticality related to the perception of the effective profiles of risk and to the intermediaries’ distributive policies. However, the notion of illiquid product could be affected by some misunderstanding such as the tendency (which constitutes a simplification) to identify it to the trading venue, for which are illiquid only those products negotiated over the counter. In actual fact, it is necessary to estimate an instrument on the base of its characteristics, those of the issuer and the eventual market of negotiation. From a substantial point of view, this has some important implications regarding the regulatory profiles of investor’s protection. The Mifid in Europe set conduct rules to align the behavior of the intermediary regarding the objective to best serve the investor. The harmonization of the conduct rules passes from the implementation of level 3 measures. This paper examines the problem to the light of the implementation of level 3 measures in Italy.

The structure of convective rain cells at mid-latitudes

Abstract. Rain cells are structures which represent an important component of convective precipitation and a study of their properties represents a necessary step both towards improved stochastic models of small-scale precipitation and for the verification of deterministic high resolution local-area models. The case of intense convective precipitation in the tropics has been analysed in a recent study (von Hardenberg et al., 2003). Here we extend the analysis to mid-latitudes and we present results on the structure of convective rain cells observed by radar measurements in Italy. In particular we consider the average shape of precipitation cells and its dependence on radar resolution and the distributions of ellipticities.