0000000000211020
AUTHOR
Giuseppina Rizzo
Interventions for Improving Long COVID-19 Symptomatology: A Systematic Review
Introduction: Although the understanding of several aspects of long COVID-19 syndrome is increasing, there is limited literature regarding the treatment of these signs and symptoms. The aim of our systematic review was to understand which therapies have proved effective against the symptoms of long COVID-19. Methods: A systematic search for randomized controlled or clinical trials in several databases was conducted through 15 May 2022. Specific inclusion criteria included: (1) intervention studies, either randomized controlled (RCTs) or clinical trials; (2) diagnosis of long COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization criteria; (3) presence of long COVID-19 for at least 12 weeks af…
Analysis on sarcoglycans expression as markers of septic cardiomyopathy in sepsis-related death
The post-mortem assessment of sepsis-related death can be carry out by many methods recently suggested as microbiological and biochemical investigations. In these cases, the cause of death is a multiple organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated inflammatory response occurring after the failure of infection control process. It was highlighted also that the heart can be a target organ in sepsis which determines the so-called septic cardiomyopathy characterized by myocardial depression. Several mechanisms to explain the pathophysiology of septic cardiomyopathy were suggested, but very few studies about the structural alterations of cardiac cells responsible for myocardial depression were carried…
Loss framing effect on reducing excessive red and processed meat consumption: Evidence from Italy
A reduction of meat consumption is crucial for addressing public health problems, especially in industrialized countries. Among low-cost interventions, emotionally provocative health-information strategies could be effective options in fostering meat reduction. Through an online experimental survey, administrated to a quota-based national sample (N = 1142), this study analysed the profile of Italians consuming red/processed meat above World Health Organization (WHO) recommended amounts. Via a between-subjects design, the research tested whether two health frame-nudges (societal impact and individual impact of over consumption) persuaded these individuals to reduce future meat consumption. R…
UNDERSTANDING SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION ADOPTION IN THE FOOD SECTOR. THE PERSPECTIVES OF ENTREPRENEURS AND CONSUMERS
In economic theory, innovation is a key tool for the growth of a company, allowing access to new markets and long-term sustainable development. Companies, driven by increased competition from global markets and unprecedented levels of interest in sustainable development practices, are seeking to implement more advanced sustainability practices and, at the same time, to maintain high-value products and services through innovation. Literature recognizes that companies adopting and developing innovations are more likely to thrive in highly competitive environments and that entrepreneurial figure, collaboration channels, and adopted marketing strategies play a fundamental role in these mechanis…
Can Dried Fruits Replace Unhealthy Snacking among Millennials? An Empirical Study on Dried Fruit Consumption in Italy
The consumption of dried fruits in place of unhealthy snacks, which are rich in sugars, salt, and fats, could represent a valid option for reaching the daily intake recommended by the WHO for fruits and for encouraging the adoption of a sustainable diet. However, the consumption of dried fruits is lower than that of unhealthy snacks, especially among young people. Therefore, to foster young people’s intentions to consume dried fruits instead of unhealthy snacks, it is important to identify the factors underlying millennials’ consumption intentions. Using a convenience sample of 174 Italian millennials, this paper aimed to understand the factors influencing young people’s i…
Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Agri-Food Products Delivered with Electric Vehicles in the Short Supply Chains
This study aims at investigating the consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for agri-food products delivered in the farmers markets with electric vehicles (EVs). The empirical analysis has been carried out by administering an online questionnaire to 273 consumers within a hypothetical context. A multiple price list has been provided in order to measure the price premium for 1 kg of oranges transported by EVs comparing with the ones transported by traditional vehicles. A Tobit regression model has been used for the data analysis in order to identify the most influential factors affecting the consumers’ WTP. Results suggest that consumers’ WTP is mainly influenced by environmental attitudes, kn…
Understanding the consumption of plant-based meat alternatives and the role of health-related aspects. A study of the Italian market
One possible solution to address some of the current health and environmental challenges we are facing is to choose plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs). However, from the literature, the role of PBMA products in the consumer’s diet and whether they are a substitute for red meat consumption or if they only represent an enrichment function is not clear. Moreover, little is known about how health-related aspects affect consumer choices. This study tries to understand the role of PBMAs in consumption habits and the effects of health-related aspects in PBMA consumption. The results show that PBMA consumption occurs in substitution to red meat, and it is associated mainly with healthy and susta…
The Value of Organic plus. Analysing Consumers’ Preference for Additional Ethical Attributes of Organic food Products
AbstractOrganic Plus attributes strengthen the sustainability of the organic products and differentiate them from the ‘conventionalized’ organic ones. Products with Organic Plus attributes seem appreciated by organic consumers. However, research on consumers’ preference for Organic Plus is still scarce, leaving gaps in the understanding of the consumers’ characteristics of organic products with Plus attributes. In order to enrich the knowledge of consumers’ preference for organic products with Plus attributes, the present study aims to achieve three Objectives: (1) identifying which Plus attributes, among fair prices to local farmers, integration of people with disabilities and eco-friendli…
Assessing the economic profitability of Paulownia as a biomass crop in Southern Mediterranean area
The increase of renewable energy production worldwide, occurred in the last years, is also attributable to some agroforestry species cultivated according to the short rotation coppice technique. Although these species are able of enhancing abandoned or marginal land leading to numerous environmental benefits, an increasing number of farmers are introducing them in place of agricultural crops. Therefore, since for a farmer economic sustainability is one of the main factors to introduce a biomass crop, the study aimed at evaluating the profitability of Paulownia, a species that has been spreading in recent years. In particular, an economic analysis has been carried out in a Southern Italian f…
Peripheral circulating cells with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria phenotype after a first episode of cerebral sinus vein thrombosis: Results from a multicentre cross-sectional study
Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, potentially fatal disorder of haematopoietic stem cells caused by mutations in an X-linked gene called phosphatidylinositol glycan class A, characterised by intravascular haemolysis, bone marrow failure and thrombotic events. The disease can occur at any age, although preferentially it affects young adults; its estimated prevalence is about 1/500,000 [1]. Clinical symptoms are variable and can include haemolytic anaemia, moderate to severe impairment of haematopoiesis and, in approximately 40% of patients, thrombosis of the vessels of the abdomen, brain and skin [2]. Rare, atypical site thrombosis of the splanchnic veins or cerebral sinu…