University Of Naples Research Articles

The Role of Regulatory Agencies in Agenda-Setting Processes: Insights from the Italian Response to the COVID-19 Infodemic.

International organizations such as the WHO have worked to raise awareness of the massive infodemic that accompanied the COVID‐19 outbreak and made it hard for people to find trustworthy sources of information and reliable guidance for their decisions. Our contribution focuses on the Italian case, where the Communications Regulatory Authority (AGCOM) was able to act as first mover in its field so as to strategically frame the problem of disinformation in the absence of a pre‐existing policy intervention. An emerging body of research shows that the activity of formally independent regulators is not necessarily limited to the implementation of delegated regulatory competencies. We discuss the implications of the activity of independent regulators for the fight against disinformation during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We find that as a political actor in its own right, the Italian media regulator claimed control over sectoral expertise in order to shape the crucial first steps of the response to the infodemic.

Lateral Force Resisting Systems Made of Cold-Formed Steel Material: Proposal of Seismic Design Criteria for 2nd Generation of Eurocode 8

The current edition of Eurocode 8 does not cover the design of the Cold-Formed steel (CFS) building structures under the seismic design condition. As part of the revision process of Euro-code 8 to reflect the outcomes of extensive research carried out in the past decade, University of Naples “Federico II” is involved in the validation of existing seismic design criteria and development of new rules for the design of CFS systems. In particular, different types of Lateral Force Resisting System (LFRS) are analyzed that can be listed in the second generation of Eurocode 8. The investigated LFRS’s include CFS strap braced walls and CFS shear walls with steel sheets, wood, or gypsum sheathing. This paper provides the background information on the research works and the reference design standards, already being used in some parts of the world, which formed the basis of design criteria for these LFRS systems. The design criteria for the LFRS-s common to CFS buildings would include rules necessary for ensuring the dissipative behavior, appropriate values of the behavior factor, guidelines to predict the design strength, geometrical and mechanical limitations.

Обучението по словашки език в Италия в контекста на словашко-италианските културни взаимоотношения

The initial part of the paper describes the history of Slovak language and culture teaching in Italy, namely, Slovak lectorates at University of Naples L´Orientale, University of Rome Sapienza, and University of Bologna in Forlì. The central part of the paper discusses the foundation, development and activities of the most recent lectorate, founded in 2006, and currently affiliated with the Department of Interpreting and Translating at University of Bologna in Forlì. The paper mentions the circumstances related to the foundation of the lectorate, especially the message of Alexander Dubček (1921 – 1992) upon whom University of Bologna conferred the honorary doctorate in 1988. The paper discusses various activities of the lectorate (language teaching, research and publishing, promoting Slovakia and Slovak culture). It mentions the collaboration with Slovak and Italian institutions, including the Embassy of Slovak Republic in Rome, Slovak Institute in Rome and Honorary Consulate of Slovak Republic in Forlì. The final part of the paper mentions the current situation and perspectives of Slovak studies in Italy.

Preface

The 2020 UIT (Italian Union of Thermo-Fluid Dynamics) Seminar on Heat Transfer, hereafter referred as 2020 UIT-HTS, was organized by the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering of the University of Cassino (Italy), in collaboration with the UIT, on September 28th 2020.The 2020 UIT-HTS was organized by the Organizing Committee of the 38th UIT Heat Transfer Conference, initially scheduled for June 22nd-24th 2020 at the Castello di Gaeta, Italy. Considering the criticalities induced by the spread of COVID-19, difficulties in travelling, social distancing, and strict rules to follow, the Organizing Committee made the difficult decision to postpone 38th UIT Heat Transfer Conference, while organizing the 2020 UIT-HTS event to give the opportunity to the authors to introduce their valuable papers in 7 online parallel technical sessions. The 2020 UIT-HTS event was completely free of charge and was organized virtually using the platform Google Meet. A total of 90 abstracts were originally submitted to the 38th UIT Heat Transfer Conference and the 2020 UIT-HTS offered the opportunity to researchers to share their papers through digital platform without any restriction.The 2020 UIT-HTS program scheduled a plenary lecture given by Prof. Paolo Vigo from the University of Naples “Parthenope” while each author confined his talk in 10 minutes, followed by questions and answers. The majority of participants were from Italy, with a total number of about 100 researchers connected to the 2020 UIT-HTS event. The 2020 UIT-HTS was a useful occasion to stimulate discussion, further the understanding of heat transfer and related phenomena, present the state-of-the-art of some topics, discuss emerging trends and promote collaborations. The Organizing Committee hope that the event results constituted significant contribution to the knowledge in the following fields: computational fluid dynamic and heat transfer; conduction, radiation and thermophysical properties; heat and mass transfer in energy systems and nuclear plants; heat transfer in porous media; measurement techniques for heat and mass transfer, micro and nano scale thermo-fluid dynamics; natural, forced and mixed convection; and two-phase/multiphase fluid dynamics, heat transfer and interface phenomena.A special tank to UIT, international advisory committee, local organizing committee and all the participants.With Kind RegardsPaolo Vigo, Università di Napoli “Parthenope”, ItalyMarco Dell’Isola, Università degli Studi di Cassino e del Lazio Meridionale, ItalyFausto Arpino, Università degli Studi di Cassino e del Lazio Meridionale, ItalyAlfonso Niro, Politecnico di Milano, ItalyList of Committees, Contact details for the declaration are available in this Pdf.

A novel azelaic acid formulation for the topical treatment of inflammatory rosacea: A multicentre, prospective clinical trial

BackgroundTopical azelaic acid (AzA) is a common treatment for mild/moderate inflammatory rosacea.AimsTo assess the efficacy and tolerability of a novel formulation cream containing 15% AzA (anti‐inflammatory/anti‐oxidant/anti‐microbial agent) combined with 1% dihydroavenanthramide D (anti‐inflammatory/anti‐itch) in inflammatory rosacea using clinical/instrumental evaluation.MethodsIn this multicentre, prospective, open‐label trial, 45 patients with mild/moderate inflammatory rosacea enrolled at the Dermatology Clinic of the University of Catania, Naples, and Rome (Italy) were instructed to apply the cream twice daily for 8 weeks. Clinical evaluation was performed at baseline (T0) and at 8 weeks (T1) by (1) Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score based on a 5‐point scale (from 0 = clear/no erythema/papules/pustules to 4 = severe erythema/several papules/pustules) and (2) inflammatory lesions count. Instrumental evaluation of erythema degree was performed by erythema‐directed digital photography (EDDP) by a 5‐point scale (from 0 = no redness to 4 = severe redness) at all time points. Tolerability was assessed by a self‐administered questionnaire at 8 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.ResultsForty‐four patients completed the study. At week 8, a significant decrease in baseline of IGA scores [median from 3 (T0) to 1 (T1)] and inflammatory lesions count [median from 8 (T0) to 1 (T1)] was recorded along with a significant reduction of erythema scores [median from 2 (T0) to 1 (T1)]. No relevant side effects were recorded.ConclusionsOur results suggest that this new non‐irritating product represents a valid therapeutic option for mild/moderate inflammatory rosacea, and EDDP is able to provide a more defined evaluation of erythema changes.

Childhood traumatic experiences and functioning of both neurobiological components of the endogenous stress response system in adult people with eating disorders

IntroductionA large body of literature suggests that childhood trauma exposure is a non-specific risk factor for development of eating disorders (EDs) later in life. One potential mechanism through which early traumatic experiences may increase the risk for EDs is represented by long-lasting changes in the body stress response system.ObjectivesWe investigated the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and of the sympathetic nervous system in adult ED patients with or without a history of childhood trauma exposure.MethodsWe recruited 35 women with EDs, admitted to the Eating Disorders Center of the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Naples “Luigi Vanvitelli”. Participants filled in the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), to assess exposure to childhood trauma. They were instructed to collect saliva samples at awakening and after 15, 30 and 60 minutes, in order to measure cortisol levels and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), a marker of the sympathetic nervous system activity.ResultsAccording to the CTQ cut-off scores, 21 ED women were classified as maltreated (Mal) participants and 14 women as no-maltreated (noMal) ED participants. Compared to noMal ED women, Mal ED participants showed significantly decreased cortisol awakening response (CAR) and sAA morning secretion.ConclusionsPresent findings confirm that childhood trauma exposure impairs the CAR of adult patients with EDs and show that also the morning secretion of sAA is decreased in childhood maltreated adult ED patients. Therefore, our study shows for the first time a dampening in the basal activity of both components of the endogenous stress response system in childhood maltreated adult ED women.

«Fascismo antico». Alcune note a margine di una conferenza salernitana di Emanuele Ciaceri

In 1933, during a conference at the Institute of Fascist Culture in Salerno, Emanuele Ciaceri, professor of Ancient History at the University of Naples, proposes an unusual comparison between Pythagorism and Fascism, hypothesizing that the Pythagoreans may have been precursors of the Mussolinian movement.

Higher baseline TSH levels predict early hypothyroidism during cancer immunotherapy

Background and purposeImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies that enhance the immune response against cancer cells. ICIs are generally well tolerated, although endocrine immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are common. We investigated the risk factors for thyroid irAEs in patients treated with ICIs. Moreover, we evaluated the clinical outcome of subjects who became hypothyroid compared to euthyroid patients.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed a series of 195 consecutively subjects treated with ICIs for metastatic tumors at the University of Naples “Federico II” between January 2014 and March 2020. Only subjects tested for thyroid function before and during the treatment with ICIs were included.ResultsIn the 96 patients treated with ICIs who were included [66 males, median age: 62 years (27–87)], thyroid irAEs occurred in 36 (37.5%), 16 (16.7%) a transient thyrotoxicosis, and 20 (20.8%) an hypothyroidism (in nine subjects hypothyroidism was preceded by a transient thyrotoxicosis). Only baseline TSH levels above 1.67 mIU/L and positive anti-thyroid antibodies (Ab-T) were associated with a higher risk of hypothyroidism. Patients with hypothyroidism during ICI treatment showed an improved 2-year PFS (HR = 0.82 CI 0.47–1.43; p = 0.0132) and OS (HR = 0.38 CI 95% 0.17–0.80; p = 0.011) compared to euthyroid patients.ConclusionsBaseline TSH levels above 1.67 mIU/L and presence of Ab-T are risk factors for the development of thyroid irAEs. Patients affected by thyroid irAEs showed a longer survival than patients who remained euthyroid.

Paolo Cimadomo, The Southern Levant During the First Centuries of Roman Rule (64 BCE-135 CE). Interweaving Local Cultures

In this book, which is an edited version of Paolo Cimadomo’s doctoral dissertation (University of Naples “Federico II”, 2017), the author seeks to examine the Southern Levant during the two first centuries of Roman domination. The Southern Levant, which for most authors extends from the border between Lebanon and Israel, in the North, and to Gaza, in the South, is narrowed down by the author, without explanation, to a much smaller region. In this manner, this work actually deals with a well-d...

Innovative UHS Steel Material for Tension-Only Braced CFS Walls

Lightweight Steel (LWS) systems, made of Cold Formed Steel (CFS) profiles, are widespread in seismic areas and often preferred to traditional systems. Improving structural performances in order to have higher building is now the goal, which could be achieved thanks to the use of steel innovative material. In particular, to increase the seismic performances of CFS buildings, the University of Naples “Federico II”, in cooperation with the Italian company Lamieredil S.p.A., has developed an innovative Lateral Force Resisting System (LFRS). The LFRS mainly consists of CFS frame (studs and tracks) braced by “V” shaped pre-tensioned Ultra High Strength (UHS) steel bars. The bracing was designed to be able to limit global displacement of structure, working as elastic spring, and to dissipate seismic energy by yielding. In order to prove the effectiveness of the new system, an extensive experimental campaign has been conducted. This paper focuses on material and component tests, describing tension tests on traditional materials and UHS steel, creep tests on UHS steel and nut-bar assembly tests.

Johannes Bronkhorst (trans. and ed.). A Śabda Reader. Language in Classical Indian Thought. pp. 376. New York: Columbia University Press 2019.—Reviewed by Anita Maria Borghero (University of Naples ‘L’Orientale’/University of Cagliari)

Johannes Bronkhorst (trans. and ed.). A Śabda Reader. Language in Classical Indian Thought. pp. 376. New York: Columbia University Press 2019.—Reviewed by Anita Maria Borghero (University of Naples ‘L’Orientale’/University of Cagliari)

Community Knowledge About the Use, Reuse, Disinfection and Disposal of Masks and Filtering Facepiece Respirators: Results of a Study Conducted in a Dermatology Clinic at the University of Naples in Italy

In Italy, as well as in almost all countries, the use of masks in public with several other measures has been an important health measure during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The correct use of masks is essential, as a wrong use and disposal may increase the rate of contagious. Herein, we report a descriptive study evaluating the knowledge and use, reuse and disposal of masks in community settings. An anonymous questionnaire called MaSK (Mask uSe and Knowledge) questionnaire was developed and offered to patients referring at our dermatologic outpatient clinic. A total of 2562 full complete patients’ questionnaires were considered for the study. Our results showed that awareness and information campaigns aimed at the general population are urgently needed in order to implement a correct use of masks and limit as much as possible the infection rate.

Artists Residencies, Challenges and Opportunities for Communities’ Empowerment and Heritage Regeneration

The paper debates the results of a research carried out by the Department of Architecture of the University of Naples “Federico II” (DiARC), as part of the Creative Europe 2018 Artists in Architecture, Re-activating modern European houses program (entitled EACEA 32/2017 and EACEA 35/2017; scientific coordinator: Maria Rita Pinto; project manager: Serena Viola). The research investigates the relationships between creativity and sharing as tools of a new form of social sustainability. These elements can induce positive effects on the settlement qualities of the places, acting as engines of the custody of the settlement values and the collaborative regeneration of the built environment. The methodology is based on participatory approaches able to restore the levels of cohesion, care, and creativity that the experimentation typology of the Artists Residencies is able to trigger on the territory and on the communities who inhabit it. The results return in the form of the complex process of the artist exhibition reception a significant strategy of sustainable development, capable of influencing the community by entrusting it with the role of custodian of the existing heritage and of renewing local entrepreneurship with innovative productions.

First occurrence of <em>Lindenia tetraphylla</em> (Vander Linden, 1825) for Northern Lazio (Odonata, Gomphidae)

[The presence of the Bladetail, Lindenia tetraphylla, is reported in the Mignone River Valley, Tarquinia (VT) (ZSC IT6010035 “River Mignone - lower course”) reconfirming this gomphid for Lazio. This rare dragonfly is localized in Italy and is reported in a few locations in Tuscany, Campania, Umbria, Molise, Abruzzo, Puglia, Sicilia and Sardinia. Lindenia tetraphylla was previously reported for a locality in southern Lazio (Lago di Fondi, LT) on the basis of two preserved specimen in the Entomological Collection A. Costa of the Museum of Zoology of the Naples University in and dating back to the midnineteenth century. The habitat of the species is made up of the gravelly shore and the curtain of willows, poplars and tamarisks of one of the best-preserved rivers in Lazio]. 
 [Article in Italian]

Impact of epicardial adipose tissue increase after ST elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) on IL-13 and left ventricular remodelling

Abstract Background The role of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in myocardial diseases is well established, and several evidence suggest that EAT may negatively affect left ventricular (LV) remodelling through an imbalanced production and secretion of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Of these, the IL-13 it is known to play a positive activity on cardiac remodelling. Nowadays, the crosstalk between EAT and the myocardium is still poorly understood and the effects of myocardial ischemia on morphological and functional properties of EAT are almost unknown. Purpose In the present study we explored whether an increase of EAT thickness after STEMI might be associated with unfavourable LV remodelling at 3 months (T1). We also evaluated the relationship between changes (Δ) of EAT thickness and systemic levels of Interleukin (IL)-13 which is known to play a favourable activity on LV remodelling after STEMI. Methods We enrolled 66 patients with first STEMI, undergoing primary percutaneous angioplasty. At baseline and at 3 months we performed a complete echocardiogram, including EAT maximal thickness assessment, and determined circulating levels of IL-13. Results At 3 months after STEMI, the population was stratified into two groups according to different EAT remodelling after cardiac event: Group 1, patients with an increased EAT thickness (Δ EAT>1; 30 patients) and Group 2, patients with unchanged or decreased EAT thickness (Δ EAT<1). The two groups did not differ for age, gender and atherosclerotic risk factors. Group 1 had a worse LV remodelling at 3 months with higher LV diastolic and systolic volumes, lower LV ejection fraction (p=0.003; p=0.013; p=0.013 respectively) and worse diastolic function (E/e'; p=0.011). Of interest, EAT thickness increase was paralleled by circulating IL-13 reduction (p=0.022). Conclusion Myocardial injury can result in EAT increase which is associated to worse LV remodelling probably through the loss of the protective role of IL-13. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This research has been funded by the University of Naples “Federico II” and “Compagnia di San Paolo e l'Istituto Banco di Napoli” within the competitive grant STAR 2018; Valentina Parisi is the principal investigator

Natural Law and the Chair of Ethics in the University of Naples, 1703–1769

AbstractThis articles focuses on a significant change to the curriculum in “ethics” (moral philosophy) in the University of Naples, superintended by Celestino Galiani, the rector of the university (1732–53), and Antonio Genovesi, Galiani's protégé and the university's professor of ethics (1746–54). The article contends that Galiani's and Genovesi's sympathies lay with the form of “modern natural law” pioneered by Hugo Grotius and his followers in Northern Europe. The transformation of curricular ethics in Protestant contexts had stemmed from an anxiety about its relevance in the face of moral skepticism. The article shows how this anxiety affected a Catholic context, and it responds to John Robertson's contention that Giambattista Vico's use of “sacred history” in hisScienza nuova(1725, revised 1730, 1744) typified a search among Catholics for an alternative to “scholastic natural law,” when the latter was found insufficiently to explain the sources of human sociability.

The history of geothermal electric power plants on the Island of Ischia, Italy

Many articles have been published on the pioneering activity carried out in Larderello for the exploitation of the geothermal resources present there.Little is known, however, of the equally pioneering activities carried out in Italy around 500 km south of Larderello for the exploitation of the warm waters found on the Ischia island in front of the Gulf of Naples. With this article we want to analyze the technological evolution that since the 1930s has made it possible to produce electricity from hot water. There are many factors that have made this pioneering development possible. The first one is linked to the geological conditions present on the island, the second one concerns the evolution of the drilling activity which has made available more and more hot water and then steam. The third is linked to the presence, at the engineering faculty of the "Federico II" University of Naples, of creative minds who have designed and made possible the realization of prototypes of binary fluid systems. Starting from a small size of 10 CV (1 CV = 0,98631 HP) working with pure fluids, reaching a size of 300 kW working with immiscible fluids mixtures. In this way they have anticipated the future development of this technology. The article analyzes all these factors to describe the birth, development and decline of this unique experience from which valid lessons can be drawn even in our day.

Diagnosis of congenital Hyperinsulinism can occur not only in infancy but also in later age: a new flow chart from a single center experience

BackgroundCongenital Hyperinsulinism typically occurs with a neonatal hypoglycemia but can appear even in childhood or in adolescence with different types of glucose metabolism derangements. Current diagnostic algorithms don’t take into account cases with a late presentation.Patients and methodsClinical and laboratory data of twenty-two subjects diagnosed at Federico II University of Naples have been described: patients have been divided according to the molecular defect into channel defects, metabolic defects and unidentified molecular defects. A particular focus has been made on three cases with a late presentation.Results and conclusionsLate presentation cases may not be identified by previous diagnostic algorithms. Consequently, it seems appropriate to design a new flow-chart starting from the age of presentation, also considering that late presentation cases can show glucose metabolism derangements other than hypoglycaemic crises such as diabetes, glucose intolerance, postprandial hypoglycaemia and gestational diabetes.

Is there any gender difference in epidemiology, clinical presentation and co-morbidities of non-functioning pituitary adenomas? A prospective survey of a National Referral Center and review of the literature.

Gender differences in patients diagnosed with non-functioning Pituitary Adenomas (NFPA) in a National Referral Center for Pituitary Tumors at the Federico II University of Naples, Italy. Patients newly diagnosed with non-functioning sellar masses found on pituitary Magnetic Resonance Imaging from January 1st 2016 to December 31th 2018 underwent anthropometric measurements, basal evaluation of pituitary function, and metabolic assessment. Fatty live index (FLI) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were calculated. Seventy-three patients (35 males, 51.1 ± 17.0years; 38 females, 41.8 ± 18.1years) presented with NFPA. Lesions > 1cm (85.7% vs. 47.3%; χ2 = 10.26, p = 0.001) and hypopituitarism (77.1% vs. 7.9%; χ2 = 33.29, p = 0.001) were more frequent in males than females. The highest sizes of pituitary adenomas were significantly associated with male gender (OR = 1.05, p = 0.049; R2 = 0.060; IC 1.00-1.10). Headache (62.8% vs. 31.6%; χ2 = 5.96, p = 0.015) and visual field deficits (57.1% vs. 26.3%; χ2 = 5.93, p = 0.015) were significantly more frequent in males than in females. There was no sex difference in obesity prevalence, but the metabolic syndrome was more common among males than females (60.6% vs. 26.3%; χ2 = 7.14, p = 0.001). FLI was also higher in males (69.6 ± 27.3 vs. 49.2 ± 31.3; p < 0.001), while there were no differences in VAI. Apart from the possible delay in the diagnosis induced by the gender differences in symptom presentation, the higher prevalence of macroadenomas amongst NFPA in males compared with females let to hypothesize a key role of the sex hormone profile as predictive factors of their biological behavior and metabolic profile. Further studies are, however, mandatory to better support the influence of gender differences on onset, progression, and metabolic consequences of NFPA.

Sodium intake in Italy from 2008 to 2019: results of the CUORE Project-Health Examination Surveys

Abstract Background The WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention of NCDs recommends a 30% relative reduction in mean population intake of salt/sodium. To this end, the Italian Ministry of Health (MoH) has strengthened prevention and health promotion through the “Gaining health: making healthy choices easy” Programme and the National Preventive Plan 2014-2019, in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Working group for Salt Reduction in Italy. To estimate the habitual salt intake and its trend in the general adult population, national surveys, funded by the MoH-CCM, are conducted within the CUORE Project. Methods Baseline salt intake by the use of 24h urine collections was assessed in 2008-2012 from representative random samples of residents in all Italian Regions. A new survey was conducted in 2018-2019 involving random samples of residents in 10 Regions. Urinary sodium excretion is assayed by a central lab at Federico II University of Naples, subjected to strict quality controls. Comparisons are made considering, for both periods, the first seven regions examined in the 2018-2019 survey and the age range of 35-74 years. Results Within the 2008-2012 survey, mean level of sodium chloride per day in 642 men and 627 women were 10.6 g (10.3-11.0 g) and 8.0 g (7.7-8.3 g) respectively, whereas in the 2018-2019 survey the corresponding mean levels in 673 men and 709 women were 9.3 g (95% C.I.: 9.1-9.6 g) and 7.1 g (6.9-7.3 g), respectively. A sodium chloride intake level lower than the WHO recommended target of 5g/day (or 85 mmol/day) was detected in 5% (3-6%) of men and 16% (13-19%) of women examined in 2008-2012 vs 9% (6-11%) of men and 24% (20-27%) of women examined in 2018-2019. Conclusions These preliminary data show that the average habitual sodium intake in Italy is still higher than recommended but a significant reduction seems to occur. These results fully justify and encourage the ongoing preventive initiatives of MoH, facilitating the meeting of the WHO-NCD target. Key messages Habitual salt intake in the Italian general adult population is still higher than the recommended by the WHO. If confirmed, in the last ten years a reduction of habitual salt intake in Italian general adult population seems to be occurred.