Suchergebnisse

La sostenibilità è un tema ampio che non riguarda solo le politiche istituzionali e le scelte aziendali, ma anche persone qualunque e comportamenti di acquisto e di consumo. Per esempio, il cibo è un tema fortemente connesso alla sostenibilità. Avendo a che fare con la salute e la sensibilità ambientale, la sostenibilità influenza spesso scelte dietetiche, anche se non è ancora chiaro quanto sia forte il condizionamento della sostenibilità sulle persone, se queste siano effettivamente condizionate dal problema, e se il condizionamento provenga da processi diretti e coscienti o da scelte economiche o inconsce. Allo stesso tempo, ciò che emerge è una contraddizione generale tra conoscenze, convinzioni, opinioni, valori professati e comportamenti effettivi: i consumatori agiscono in modo diverso e incoerente rispetto alle loro intenzioni e dichiarazioni. Le loro opinioni e i loro atteggiamenti sono spesso contraddittori, e la coscienza della sostenibilità professata (anche nelle indagini) non corrisponde alle abitudini e comportamenti come consumatori (Biel e Dahlstrand, 2005). Lo scopo di questo lavoro è indagare il rapporto tra sostenibilità e consumo di cibo dal punto di vista dei processi di scelta dei consumatori (De Luca, 2006). Si tenta anche di capire se le scelte dei consumatori siano influenzate dai valori di sostenibilità e se e come questa relazione sia influenzata dalla rappresentazione mediatica della sostenibilità. Per raggiungere tali obiettivi abbiamo condotto diversi tipi di studio: una ricerca qualitativa – interviste con opinion leader e consumatori (giovani e adulti); una ricerca qualitativa con focus group nel Nord e nel Sud Italia; due indagini quantitative condotte nel 2010 e nel 2011 con il coinvolgimento, nel primo caso di circa mille persone di età compresa tra i 18 e i 65 anni e nel secondo di 1.000 giovani di età compresa tra i 18 e i 28 anni; un test sull'impatto della comunicazione sui processi di scelta del consumatore attraverso un esperimento di prefigurazioni di gusto. Il progetto è stato realizzato con il coinvolgimento di gruppi di ricerca dell'Università IULM di Milano, che ha coordinato l'intero progetto, e di gruppi di ricerca delle Università Statali di Milano, Catania e Palermo. ; Sustainability is a broad subject which concerns not only institutional policies and corporate choices, but also ordinary people purchase and consumption behaviors. For instance, food is an issue strongly connected to sustainability. Concerning health and environmental sensitivity, sustainability often influences diet choices, although it is still not clear how much people are actually conditioned by this issue, and whether such conditioning comes from direct and conscious processes or from profitable or unconscious choices. At the same time, what emerges is a general contradiction between knowledge, beliefs, opinions, professed values and actual behaviors; consumers act differently and inconsistently with respect to their intentions and declarations. Their opinions and attitudes are often contradictory, and the professed sustainability consciousness (in surveys too) doesn't match with their habits and behaviors as consumers (Biel e Dahlstrand, 2005). The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between sustainability and food consumption from the perspective of consumer choice processes (De Luca, 2006). It is also to understand if these consumer choices are influenced by the values of sustainability and whether, and how this relationship is influenced by media representation of the issue of sustainability. To achieve these objectives we conducted several types of study: qualitative research interviews with opinion leaders and consumers (youth and adults); qualitative research with focus groups in northern and southern Italy, two quantitative surveys conducted in 2010 and 2011 with involvement (in the first survey) about one thousand people aged between 18 and 65 years and (in the second survey) of 1.000 young people aged between 18 and 28 years; a survey on the influence of communication on the perception of taste and investigation techniques for implicit confirmation of the data collected using traditional methodology (the questionnaire). The project was implemented with theinvolvement of research teams from the IULM University of Milan, from the State University of Milan, Catania and Palermo.

Abstract. The EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility on Support to Operational Hydrology and Water Management (H-SAF) was established by the EUMETSAT Council on 3 July 2005, starting activity on 1 September 2005. The Italian Meteorological Service serves as Leading Entity on behalf of twelve European member countries. H-SAF products include precipitation, soil moisture and snow parameters. Some products are based only on satellite observations, while other products are based on the assimilation of satellite measurements/products into numerical models. In addition to product development and generation, H-SAF includes a product validation program and a hydrological validation program that are coordinated, respectively, by the Italian Department of Civil Protection and by the Polish Institute of Meteorology and Water Management. The National Center of Aeronautical Meteorology and Climatology (CNMCA) of the Italian Air Force is responsible for operational product generation and dissemination. In this paper we describe the H-SAF precipitation algorithms and products, which have been developed by the Italian Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (in collaboration with the international community) and by CNMCA during the Development Phase (DP, 2005–2010) and the first Continuous Development and Operations Phase (CDOP-1, 2010–2012). The precipitation products are based on passive microwave measurements obtained from radiometers onboard different sun-synchronous low-Earth-orbiting satellites (especially, the SSM/I and SSMIS radiometers onboard DMSP satellites and the AMSU-A + AMSU-B/MHS radiometer suites onboard EPS-MetOp and NOAA-POES satellites), as well as on combined infrared/passive microwave measurements in which the passive microwave precipitation estimates are used in conjunction with SEVIRI images from the geostationary MSG satellite. Moreover, the H-SAF product generation and dissemination chain and independent product validation activities are described. Also, the H-SAF program and its associated activities that currently are being carried out or are planned to be performed within the second CDOP phase (CDOP-2, 2012–2017) are presented in some detail. Insofar as CDOP-2 is concerned, it is emphasized that all algorithms and processing schemes will be improved and enhanced so as to extend them to satellites that will be operational within this decade – particularly the geostationary Meteosat Third Generation satellites and the low-Earth-orbiting Core Observatory of the international Global Precipitation Measurement mission. Finally, the role of H-SAF within the international science and operations community is explained.

Abstract. The development phase (DP) of the EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility for Support to Operational Hydrology and Water Management (H-SAF) led to the design and implementation of several precipitation products, after 5 yr (2005–2010) of activity. Presently, five precipitation estimation algorithms based on data from passive microwave and infrared sensors, on board geostationary and sun-synchronous platforms, function in operational mode at the H-SAF hosting institute to provide near real-time precipitation products at different spatial and temporal resolutions. In order to evaluate the precipitation product accuracy, a validation activity has been established since the beginning of the project. A Precipitation Product Validation Group (PPVG) works in parallel with the development of the estimation algorithms with two aims: to provide the algorithm developers with indications to refine algorithms and products, and to evaluate the error structure to be associated with the operational products. In this paper, the framework of the PPVG is presented: (a) the characteristics of the ground reference data available to H-SAF (i.e. radar and rain gauge networks), (b) the agreed upon validation strategy settled among the eight European countries participating in the PPVG, and (c) the steps of the validation procedures. The quality of the reference data is discussed, and the efforts for its improvement are outlined, with special emphasis on the definition of a ground radar quality map and on the implementation of a suitable rain gauge interpolation algorithm. The work done during the H-SAF development phase has led the PPVG to converge into a common validation procedure among the members, taking advantage of the experience acquired by each one of them in the validation of H-SAF products. The methodology is presented here, indicating the main steps of the validation procedure (ground data quality control, spatial interpolation, up-scaling of radar data vs. satellite grid, statistical score evaluation, case study analysis). Finally, an overview of the results is presented, focusing on the monthly statistical indicators, referred to the satellite product performances over different seasons and areas.

Background: DNA methylation at the GFI1-locus has been repeatedly associated with exposure to smoking from the foetal period onwards. We explored whether DNA methylation may be a mechanism that links exposure to maternal prenatal smoking with offspring's adult cardio-metabolic health.Methods: We meta-analysed the association between DNA methylation at GFI1-locus with maternal prenatal smoking, adult own smoking, and cardio-metabolic phenotypes in 22 population-based studies from Europe, Australia, and USA (n= 18,212). DNA methylation at the GFI1-locus was measured in whole-blood. Multivariable regression models were fitted to examine its association with exposure to prenatal and own adult smoking. DNA methylation levels were analysed in relation to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting glucose (FG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), diastolic, and systolic blood pressure (BP).Findings: Lower DNA methylation at three out of eight GFI1-CpGs was associated with exposure to maternal prenatal smoking, whereas, all eight CpGs were associated with adult own smoking. Lower DNA methylation at cg14179389, the strongest maternal prenatal smoking locus, was associated with increased WC and BP when adjusted for sex, age, and adult smoking with Bonferroni-corrected P < 0.012. In contrast, lower DNA methylation at cg09935388, the strongest adult own smoking locus, was associated with decreased BMI, WC, and BP (adjusted 1 x 10(-7) < P < 0.01). Similarly, lower DNA methylation at cg12876356, cg18316974, cg09662411, and cg18146737 was associated with decreased BMI and WC (5 x 10(-8) < P < 0.001). Lower DNA methylation at all the CpGs was consistently associated with higher TG levels.Interpretation: Epigenetic changes at the GFI1 were linked to smoking exposure in-utero/in-adulthood and robustly associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors. Fund: European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 633595 DynaHEALTH. (c) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Background:DNA methylation at theGFI1-locus has been repeatedly associated with exposure to smoking fromthe foetal period onwards. We explored whether DNA methylation may be a mechanism that links exposure tomaternal prenatal smoking with offspring's adult cardio-metabolic health.Methods:We meta-analysed the association between DNA methylation atGFI1-locus with maternal prenatalsmoking, adult own smoking, and cardio-metabolic phenotypes in 22 population-based studies from Europe,Australia, and USA (n= 18,212). DNA methylation at theGFI1-locus was measured in whole-blood. Multivari-able regression models werefitted to examine its association with exposure to prenatal and own adult smoking.DNA methylation levels were analysed in relation to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fastingglucose (FG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL—C), triglycerides (TG), diastolic, and systolic blood pres-sure (BP).Findings:Lower DNA methylation at three out of eightGFI1-CpGs was associated with exposure to maternal pre-natal smoking, whereas, all eight CpGs were associated with adult own smoking. Lower DNA methylation atcg14179389, the strongest maternal prenatal smoking locus, was associated with increased WC and BP when ad-justed for sex, age, and adult smoking with Bonferroni-correctedPb0·012. In contrast, lower DNA methylationatcg09935388,thestrongest adultownsmokinglocus, wasassociated with decreasedBMI, WC,and BP (adjusted1×10−7bPb0.01). Similarly, lower DNA methylation at cg12876356, cg18316974, cg09662411, andcg18146737 was associated with decreased BMI and WC (5 × 10−8bPb0.001). Lower DNA methylation at allthe CpGs was consistently associated with higher TG levels.Interpretation:Epigenetic changes at theGFI1were linked to smoking exposurein-utero/in-adulthood and ro-bustly associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors.Fund:European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 633595DynaHEALTH.

Background: DNA methylation at the GFI1-locus has been repeatedly associated with exposure to smoking from the foetal period onwards. We explored whether DNA methylation may be a mechanism that links exposure to maternal prenatal smoking with offspring's adult cardio-metabolic health. Methods: We meta-analysed the association between DNA methylation at GFI1-locus with maternal prenatal smoking, adult own smoking, and cardio-metabolic phenotypes in 22 population-based studies from Europe, Australia, and USA (n = 18,212). DNA methylation at the GFI1-locus was measured in whole-blood. Multivariable regression models were fitted to examine its association with exposure to prenatal and own adult smoking. DNA methylation levels were analysed in relation to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting glucose (FG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL—C), triglycerides (TG), diastolic, and systolic blood pressure (BP). Findings: Lower DNA methylation at three out of eight GFI1-CpGs was associated with exposure to maternal prenatal smoking, whereas, all eight CpGs were associated with adult own smoking. Lower DNA methylation at cg14179389, the strongest maternal prenatal smoking locus, was associated with increased WC and BP when adjusted for sex, age, and adult smoking with Bonferroni-corrected P < 0·012. In contrast, lower DNA methylation at cg09935388, the strongest adult own smoking locus, was associated with decreased BMI, WC, and BP (adjusted 1 × 10−7 < P < 0.01). Similarly, lower DNA methylation at cg12876356, cg18316974, cg09662411, and cg18146737 was associated with decreased BMI and WC (5 × 10−8 < P < 0.001). Lower DNA methylation at all the CpGs was consistently associated with higher TG levels. Interpretation: Epigenetic changes at the GFI1 were linked to smoking exposure in-utero/in-adulthood and robustly associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors. Fund: European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 633595 DynaHEALTH.

Abstract Background: DNA methylation at the GFI1-locus has been repeatedly associated with exposure to smoking from the foetal period onwards. We explored whether DNA methylation may be a mechanism that links exposure to maternal prenatal smoking with offspring's adult cardio-metabolic health. Methods: We meta-analysed the association between DNA methylation at GFI1-locus with maternal prenatal smoking, adult own smoking, and cardio-metabolic phenotypes in 22 population-based studies from Europe, Australia, and USA (n = 18,212). DNA methylation at the GFI1-locus was measured in whole-blood. Multivariable regression models were fitted to examine its association with exposure to prenatal and own adult smoking. DNA methylation levels were analysed in relation to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting glucose (FG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL—C), triglycerides (TG), diastolic, and systolic blood pressure (BP). Findings: Lower DNA methylation at three out of eight GFI1-CpGs was associated with exposure to maternal prenatal smoking, whereas, all eight CpGs were associated with adult own smoking. Lower DNA methylation at cg14179389, the strongest maternal prenatal smoking locus, was associated with increased WC and BP when adjusted for sex, age, and adult smoking with Bonferroni-corrected P < 0·012. In contrast, lower DNA methylation at cg09935388, the strongest adult own smoking locus, was associated with decreased BMI, WC, and BP (adjusted 1 × 10⁻⁷ < P < 0.01). Similarly, lower DNA methylation at cg12876356, cg18316974, cg09662411, and cg18146737 was associated with decreased BMI and WC (5 × 10⁻⁸ < P < 0.001). Lower DNA methylation at all the CpGs was consistently associated with higher TG levels. Interpretation: Epigenetic changes at the GFI1 were linked to smoking exposure in-utero/in-adulthood and robustly associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors. Fund: European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 633595 DynaHEALTH.