The impact of action descriptions on attribution of moral responsibility towards robots.

In the era of renewed fascination with AI and robotics, one needs to address questions related to their societal impact, particularly in terms of moral responsibility and intentionality. In seven vignette-based experiments we investigated whether the consequences of a robot or human's actions, influenced participant's intentionality and moral responsibility ratings. For the robot, when the vignettes contained mentalistic descriptions, moral responsibility ratings were higher for negative actions consequences than positive action consequences, however, there was no difference in intentionality ratings.

Nanosized MCM-41 silica from rice husk and its application for the removal of organic dyes from water.

A novel synthesis of a nanometric MCM-41 from biogenic silica obtained from rice husk is here presented. CTABr and Pluronic F127 surfactants were employed as templating agents to promote the formation of a long-range ordered 2D-hexagonal structure with cylindrical pores and to limit the particle growth at the nanoscale level thus resulting in a material with uniform particle size of 20-30 nm. The physico-chemical properties of this sample (RH-nanoMCM) were investigated through a multi-technique approach, including PXRD, Si MAS NMR, TEM, -potential and N physisorption analysis at 77 K.

Comparing survival and outcomes in isolated versus polytrauma-associated TBI: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: One in four patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) also has other body district injuries (OBD). The impact of OBD on mortality and disability is debated. This study compared outcomes of TBI patients with polytrauma (p-TBI) versus isolated TBI (alone-TBI) and identified outcome determinants, focusing on survival time and prognosis.

Nb(V)-containing saponite: A versatile clay for the catalytic degradation of the hazardous organophosphorus pesticide paraoxon under very mild conditions.

A synthetic saponite clay containing structural Nb(V) metal centres (NbSAP) was investigated in the abatement of paraoxon-ethyl, an anti-cholinergic organophosphorus pesticide, under mild conditions (neutral pH, room temperature and ambient pressure) in heterogenous phase, without additional basic additives. The material was selected according to its high surface acidity and ease of preparation through a one-step hydrothermal synthesis. The presence of Nb(V) ions played a crucial role in efficiently catalysing the degradation of aggressive chemical substrates.

Emerging Radiopharmaceuticals in Pet Imaging for Mesothelioma: A Review of [F]FDG Alternatives.

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor associated primarily with asbestos exposure, characterized by an aggressive nature and poor prognosis. Accurate diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of therapeutic response are crucial for effective patient management. Along with a computed tomography (CT) scan, fluorodeoxyglucose labeled with fluorine-18 ([F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is commonly used in mesothelioma evaluation.

Unleashing precision: A review of targeted approaches in pleural mesothelioma.

This review delves into the intricate landscape of pleural mesothelioma (PM), emphasizing the need for nuanced therapeutic strategies. While platinum-based chemotherapy remains a cornerstone, the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), notably through the Checkmate 743 trial, has reshaped treatment paradigms. Challenges persist due to patient heterogeneity and a lack of specific biomarkers.

The PI3K/Akt Pathway and Glucose Metabolism: A Dangerous Liaison in Cancer.

Aberrant activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway commonly occurs in cancers and correlates with multiple aspects of malignant progression. In particular, recent evidence suggests that the PI3K/Akt signaling plays a fundamental role in promoting the so-called aerobic glycolysis or Warburg effect, by phosphorylating different nutrient transporters and metabolic enzymes, such as GLUT1, HK2, PFKB3/4 and PKM2, and by regulating various molecular networks and proteins, including mTORC1, GSK3, FOXO transcription factors, MYC and HIF-1α. This leads to a profound reprogramming of cancer metabolism, also impacting on pentose phosphate pathway, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, de novo lipid synthesis and redox homeostasis and thereby allowing the fulfillment of both the catabolic and anabolic demands of tumor cells.

Aldehyde-containing clays: a sustainable approach against the olive tree pest, .

A set of organic/inorganic layered materials was obtained by functionalizing a montmorillonite-containing bentonite natural clay with linear aliphatic C or C aldehydes through a cost-effective and technologically simple incipient-wetness deposition method. The solids were investigated by means of a multi-technique approach (X-ray powder diffraction, XRPD, scanning electron microscopy, SEM, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis, TGA, elemental analysis and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, ssNMR) to clarify the nature of the deposited organic species and the mode of interaction between the aldehyde and the clay. Since both natural clays and short-chain linear aldehydes find application as alternative strategies in the control of the olive fruit fly, , the hybrid layered materials were tested under real-life conditions and their insect-inhibiting capability was evaluated in open-field trials on olive tree orchards in Tuscany, Central Italy.

Tools and methods to study and replicate experiments addressing human social cognition in interactive scenarios.

In the last decade, scientists investigating human social cognition have started bringing traditional laboratory paradigms more "into the wild" to examine how socio-cognitive mechanisms of the human brain work in real-life settings. As this implies transferring 2D observational paradigms to 3D interactive environments, there is a risk of compromising experimental control. In this context, we propose a methodological approach which uses humanoid robots as proxies of social interaction partners and embeds them in experimental protocols that adapt classical paradigms of cognitive psychology to interactive scenarios.

Silica-based monoliths functionalized with DTPA for the removal of transition and lanthanide ions from aqueous solutions.

Transition and rare earth metals serve as indispensable raw materials across a broad spectrum of technological applications. However, their utilization is frequently linked to substantial waste production. Consequently, the recycling and recovery of these metals from end-of-life products or metal-contaminated aqueous environments hold significant importance within the framework of a circular economy.

Effect of a quality improvement program on compliance to the sepsis bundle in non-ICU patients: a multicenter prospective before and after cohort study.

Objective: Sepsis and septic shock are major challenges and economic burdens to healthcare, impacting millions of people globally and representing significant causes of mortality. Recently, a large number of quality improvement programs focused on sepsis resuscitation bundles have been instituted worldwide. These educational initiatives have been shown to be associated with improvements in clinical outcomes.

Theta synchronization as a neural marker of flexible (re-)use of socio-cognitive mechanisms for a new category of (artificial) interaction partners.

Previous work shows that in some instances artificial agents, such as robots, can elicit higher-order socio-cognitive mechanisms, similar to those elicited by humans. This suggests that these socio-cognitive mechanisms, such as mentalizing processes, originally developed for interaction with other humans, might be flexibly (re-)used, or "hijacked", for approaching this new category of interaction partners (Wykowska, 2020). In this study, we set out to identify neural markers of such flexible reuse of socio-cognitive mechanisms.

Continuous chest compressions are associated with higher peak inspiratory pressures when compared to 30:2 in an experimental cardiac arrest model.

Background: Ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has long been a part of the standard treatment during cardiac arrests. Ventilation is usually given either during continuous chest compressions (CCC) or during a short pause after every 30 chest compressions (30:2). There is limited knowledge of how ventilation is delivered if it effects the hemodynamics and if it plays a role in the occurrence of lung injuries.

Cultural differences in joint attention and engagement in mutual gaze with a robot face.

Joint attention is a pivotal mechanism underlying human ability to interact with one another. The fundamental nature of joint attention in the context of social cognition has led researchers to develop tasks that address this mechanism and operationalize it in a laboratory setting, in the form of a gaze cueing paradigm. In the present study, we addressed the question of whether engaging in joint attention with a robot face is culture-specific.

Immunotherapy in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Current Evidence and Perspectives.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. Surgery is the most potentially curative therapeutic option for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The five-year survival for these patients remains poor and variable, depending on the stage of disease at diagnosis, and the risk of recurrence following tumor resection is high.

Case report: Successful use of mepolizumab for immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced hypereosinophilic syndrome in two patients with solid malignancies.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) represents a group of blood disorders characterized by an absolute eosinophil count (AEC) > 1.5 × 103/μl in the peripheral blood, which eventually extravasate and cause organ damage. It can be primary or secondary to infections or tumors.

Eu and Tb @ PSQ: Dual Luminescent Polyhedral Oligomeric Polysilsesquioxanes.

The synthesis and characterization of novel luminescent amorphous POSS-based polysilsesquioxanes (PSQs) with Tb and Eu ions directly integrated in the polysilsesquioxane matrix is presented. Two different Tb/Eu molar ratios were applied, with the aim of disclosing the relationships between the nature and loading of the ions and the luminescence properties. Particular attention was given to the investigation of site geometry and hydration state of the metal centers in the inorganic framework, and of the effect of the Tb → Eu energy transfer on the overall optical properties of the co-doped materials.

Environmental Factors in Northern Italy and Sickle Cell Disease Acute Complications: A Multicentric Study.

Background: Environmental factors seem to influence clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease (SCD), but few studies have shown consistent findings. We conducted a retrospective multicentric observational study to investigate the influence of environmental parameters on hospitalization for vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) or acute chest syndrome (ACS) in children with SCD.

Methods: Hospital admissions were correlated with daily meteorological and air-quality data obtained from Environmental Regional Agencies in the period 2011-2015.

Suction cup on a piston-based chest compression device improves coronary perfusion pressure and cerebral oxygenation during experimental cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Introduction: The presented study aimed to investigate whether a mechanical chest compression piston device with a suction cup assisting chest recoil could impact the hemodynamic status when compared to a bare piston during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Methods: 16 piglets were anesthetized and randomized into 2 groups. After 3 minutes of induced ventricular fibrillation, a LUCAS 3 device was used to perform chest compressions, in one group a suction cup was mounted on the device's piston, while in the other group, compressions were performed by the bare piston.