Localisation vs. globalisation of typical products and experiential consumption

The transformations taking place in the world economy can facilitate integration processes, both on a horizontal and vertical scale, and can be an opportunity for all businesses, of whatever size and sector. Nowadays, in this globalized economy consumers seem to be more and more interested in buying artisan products as synonymous of quality, tradition, culture and environment respect. The aim of this paper is to analyse and define characteristic local products in the framework of an economic model of experience. In this perspective, once having highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of this particular supply system, we intend to stretch the conceptual scheme of the typical product to the point of including in the concept of supply the relative experience connected to such specificity to be found only in their places of origin.Globalisation, local markets, typical products, experience economy.

Imaging characterization of non-hypersecreting adrenal masses. Comparison between MR and radionuclide techniques.

AIM: In patients with non-hypersecreting adrenal masses, tumor characterization is clinically relevant to establish the appropriate treatment planning. The aim of this study was to comparatively characterize such adrenal lesions using MR and radionuclide techniques. METHODS: Thirty patients with non-hypersecreting unilateral adrenal tumors underwent both MR and adrenal scintigraphy. MR was performed using SE T1- (pre- and post-gadolinium DTPA) and T2-weighted images as well as in- and out-phase chemical-shift imaging (CSI). MR qualitative and quantitative (signal intensity ratios) evaluation was performed. Radionuclide studies consisted of iodine-131 nor-cholesterol (n=20), iodine-131 MIBG (n=15) and fluorine-18 FDG PET (n=11) scans. Histology (n=16), biopsy (n=3) or clinical-imaging follow-up (n=11) demomstrated 13 adenomas, 3 cysts, 2 myelolipomas, 4 pheochromocytomas (pheos), 4 carcinomas, 1 sarcoma and 3 metastases. Comparative imaging analysis was focused on adenomas, pheos and malignant tumors. RESULTS: Qualitative MR evaluation showed: signal T2-hyperintensity in 46% of adenomas and in 100% of pheos and malignant tumors, no gadolinium enhancement in 92% of adenomas and definite signal intensity loss on CSI in 100% of such tumor lesions, gadolinium enhancement in 100% of pheos and in 63% of malignancies and no absolute change of signal intensity on CSI in 100% of both pheos and malignancies. Quantitative MR analysis demonstrated: significantly higher signal T2-hyperintensity of pheos compared to adenomas and malignancies as well as significantly higher enhancement after gadolinium in pheos compared to adenomas and malignancies (p<0.03). Radionuclide studies showed significantly increased nor-cholesterol uptake only in adenomas (n=13), significant MIBG accumulation only in pheos (n=4) and FDG activity only in malignant adrenal lesions (n=8). CONCLUSION: MR techniques may provide some presumptive criteria to characterize non-hypersecreting adrenal masses, such as no gadolinium enhancement and definite signal intensity loss on CSI in adenomas or quantitatively measured T2-hyperintensity and gadolinium enhancement in pheos. On the other hand, radionuclide modalities offer more specific findings in this setting since nor-cholesterol and MIBG scans are respectively able to reveal benign tumors such as adenoma and pheochromocytoma, while FDG imaging allows identification of malignant adrenal lesions. Adrenal scintigraphy is recommended in those patients, when MR images are uncertain or inconclusive

Frequency encoding for simultaneous display of multimodality images.

An original method for simultaneous display of functional and anatomic images, based on frequency encoding (FE), merges color PET with T1-weighted MR brain images, and grayscale PET with multispectral color MR images. A comparison with two other methods reported in the literature for image fusion (averaging and intensity modulation techniques) was performed. Methods: For FE, the Fourier transform of the merged image was obtained summing the low frequencies of the PET image and the high frequencies of the MR image. For image averaging, the merged image was obtained as a weighted average of the intensities of the two images to be merged. For intensity modulation, the red, green and blue components of the color image were multiplied on a pixel- by-pixel basis by the grayscale image. A comparison of the performances of the three techniques was made by three independent observers assessing the conspicuity of specific MRI and PET information in the merged images. For evaluation purposes, images from seven patients and a computer-simulated MRI/PET phantom were used. Data were compared with a chi-square test applied to ranks. Results: For the depiction of MRI and PET information when merging color PET and T1-weighted MR images, FE was rated superior to intensity modulation and averaging techniques in a significant number of comparisons. For merging grayscale PET with multispectral color MR images, FE and intensity modulation were rated superior to image averaging in terms of both MRI and PET information. Conclusion: The data suggest that improved simultaneous evaluation of MRI and PET information can be achieved with a method based on FE

Advanced Oxidation of Tert-Butanol with Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes and Hydrogen Peroxide

Tert-butanol (TBA), a versatile chemical widely used in industrial processes, poses exposure risks through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Environmental contamination, often from industrial activities, emphasizes the importance of robust waste management and monitoring to protect water supplies from potential TBA migration and ensure drinking water safety. This study employed hydrogen peroxide (H2O2): TBA molar ratios of 100, 200, 400, and 500:1 in a Continuous Flow Stirred-Tank Reactor (CSTR) with UV-LED as the TBA degradation mechanism in an Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP). The UV-LEDs and H2O2 were synergistically employed to generate hydroxyl radicals in an advanced oxidation process. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS) was employed for concentration analysis, providing insight into mass ratios, while Density Functional Theory (DFT) was utilized to identify potential reaction byproducts and elucidate TBA degradation pathways. The findings highlight the efficacy of UV-LED and H2O2 synergy in degrading TBA, yet the studied molar ratios exhibit limited impact, achieving a 40% reduction in concentration. The DFT analysis predicted that acetone and 2-methylpropene were likely degradation products during the advanced oxidation process. Diversifying the investigation into various oxidation pathways for TBA is important to gain a comprehensive understanding of its degradation mechanisms. This exploration can contribute valuable insights for optimizing treatment processes and addressing potential challenges associated with TBA removal. To the best of the author\u27s knowledge, this study represents the inaugural application of a blend of experimental observations and DFT to examine the TBA removal process in an AOP

Non-invasive vulnerable plaque imaging: how do we know that treatment works?

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disorder that can evolve into an acute clinical event by plaque development, rupture, and thrombosis. Plaque vulnerability represents the susceptibility of a plaque to rupture and to result in an acute cardiovascular event. Nevertheless, plaque vulnerability is not an established medical diagnosis, but rather an evolving concept that has gained attention to improve risk prediction. The availability of high-resolution imaging modalities has significantly facilitated the possibility of performing in vivo regression studies and documenting serial changes in plaque stability. This review summarizes the currently available non-invasive methods to identify vulnerable plaques and to evaluate the effects of the current cardiovascular treatments on plaque evolution

The influence of fashion blogger credibility, engagement and homophily on intentions to buy and e-WOM. Results of a binational study

Purpose – The study aims to contribute to the knowledge on the role of the fashion bloggers in the product adoption process in both advanced and emerging markets. Specifically, the study investigates the impact of credibility, engagement and homophily on intentions to buy fashion products recommended by the blogger. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical research builds on an online survey with a sample of 402 consumers (189 Italian and 213 Taiwanese). The proposed model was tested through structural equationmodeling. Findings – Results showed that homophily and the fashion blogger credibility positively influenced the engagement within the blog. Moreover, perceived similarity with the other blog’s followers (homophily) and a higher engagement with the blog both translated in a stronger intention to buy the sponsored products and to spread a positive word-of-mouth about the fashion blogger. Practical implications – The study has practical implications since it identifies strategic suggestions for both companies that create partnerships with famous fashion bloggers and bloggers who have turned their diary-style websites into a business. Originality/value – The study contributes to a better understanding of the influence exerted by blog engagement on intentions to follow blogger’s recommendations. The study also examines credibility and homophily as antecedents of engagement, which have not been extensively researched in the past with respect to blogs

Effects of fashion blogger credibility, engagement and risk-taking behaviour on followers' shopping intentions. A study of Italian consumers

The present study investigates the impact of blogger credibility, homophily, engagement and risk-taking behaviour on readers’ shopping intentions. Despite the growing relevance of these issues, past studies have neglected the relevance of a joint analysis of such dimensions. To fill this gap, the study proposes and tests a model that explains blog followers’ intentions to buy products sponsored by the fashion blogger. Results from a survey on Italian consumers show that blogger credibility and homophily have a significant effect on blog engagement, which, in turn, positively affects both e-word-of-mouth and purchase intentions toward blogger’s sponsored products. Finally, theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed

The role of store brand love in online shopping behavior. An application of the S-O-R model to the online fashion retailing

The paper aims to enhance the knowledge on the phenomenon of brand love in the fashion online retailing context. It builds on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model in order to identify the determinants of store brand love and its impact on patronage intention and store loyalty. By including price, assortment, global service and communication as stimuli, the adopted theoretical framework may shed light on the mechanism underlying the formation process of love toward the store brand and its role in the consumer’s decision-making process. Data were collected through an online survey with a sample of 323 Italian consumers. Results showed that assortment, global service and price convenience act as stimuli for brand love, which in turn is capable of positively influence patronage intention and store loyalty. At the theoretical level, the study supports the adequacy of the S-O-R model for explaining the role of store brand love in the online consumer decision-making process. From a managerial perspective, the findings highlight the factors that practitioners can leverage to increase store brand love and, consequently, loyalty and purchase intention

Including myocardial flow reserve by PET in prediction models: Ready to fly?

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