Antonino Mario Oliveri

Bio: Antonino Mario Oliveri is an academic researcher from University of Palermo. The author has contributed to research in topics: Internal medicine & Genotype. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 19 publications receiving 160 citations.

Structure-Property Relationships in Bionanocomposites for Pipe Extrusion Applications.

Abstract: In this work, bionanocomposites based on different biodegradable polymers and two types of nanofillers, namely a nanosized calcium carbonate and an organomodified nanoclay, were produced through melt extrusion, with the aim to evaluate the possible applications of these materials as a potential alternative to traditional fossil fuel-derived polyolefins, for the production of irrigation pipes. The rheological behavior of the formulated systems was thoroughly evaluated by exploiting different flow regimes, and the obtained results indicated a remarkable effect of the introduced nanofillers on the low-frequency rheological response, especially in nanoclay-based bionanocomposites. Conversely, the shear viscosity at a high shear rate was almost unaffected by the presence of both types of nanofillers, as well as the rheological response under nonisothermal elongational flow. In addition, the analysis of the mechanical properties of the formulated materials indicated that the embedded nanofillers increased the elastic modulus when compared to the unfilled counterparts, notwithstanding a slight decrease of the material ductility. Finally, the processing behavior of unfilled biopolymers and bionanocomposites was evaluated, allowing for selecting the most suitable material and thus fulfilling the processability requirements for pipe extrusion applications.

Tourist mobility and destination competitiveness .

Abstract: Twenty-five centuries ago Pythagoras stated that science has to lead observed diversity to unity, and Protagoras attributed to measurement the task of qualifying all contemporary science. Hume, heir to the new science where empiricism and quantitative methods mingle, enhanced observation and measurement as the only processes able to lead diversity to unity. Nowadays, it is commonly accepted (in Feyerabend’s terms) that, as Poincare pointed out, science consists of the relationship between facts, and statistics is not an exception. Statistics yet, moving from rationalism to empiricism, does not always attribute the meaning of revealed truth to its summaries; on the contrary it acknowledges they may have a conventional value and are considered able to “indicate” missing information on objects through available ones. Indicators are consequently used in place of indicated objects, even though the “strong” cause-and-effect relationships are replaced with simple associations. Multi-causality is at the root of the large amount of simple and composite indicators that computer technology allows to arrange and manage, so that they seem able to give proper answers to our research issues. In doing so, multicausality is supported by the linearity principle according to which the more is the better and if linearity is lost on observations, it is retrieved by means of operational tricks or, what’s worse, it is ignored so as to generate elegant but obliterating explanatory and forecast models.

The role of EHP-30 as specific instrument to assess the quality of life of Italian women with endometriosis.

Abstract: AIM Our goals were to assess the psychometrical characteristics of EHP-30, to test its higher degree of appropriateness compared to the generic Quality of Life-assessment tools for Italian women suffering from endometriosis, and to determine its ability to identify the disease's effects on the patients' psychosocial condition, highlighting critical points that can be modified for future linguistic validation. METHODS Participants to our study were 98 women between 19 and 51-year-old (M=34.4, SD=7.5), selected from patients of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ARNAS Civico Hospital, Palermo, Italy. All of them had a surgical diagnosis of endometriosis with histological confirmation. Quality of Life was assessed through generic (SF-36) and specific (EHP-30) instruments. RESULTS Our study shows that the current Italian version of EHP-30 is affected by overall weaker construct validity than the English one; it seems that this has to be ascribed to the inadequacy of the EHP-30 translation into Italian. In particular, unsatisfactory reliability levels have been observed for social support and self-image scales. An incorrect order of response categories has been in addition found out for several items of the Italian version of EHP-30. Research results suggest solutions to adopt for a revision of the EHP-30 Italian version that can satisfy the requirements of validity and reliability. CONCLUSION Although requiring a structural and linguistic revision, also the Italian version of a specific measurement instrument as EHP-30 is, appears to be more appropriate than generic tools to assess the quality of life of Italian women suffering for endometriosis.

A 10-year literature review of family caregiving for motor neurone disease: Moving from caregiver burden studies to palliative care interventions

Abstract: Background:There is growing awareness that different terminal diseases translate into different family caregiver experiences, and the palliative and supportive care needs of these families are both similar and unique. Family members caring for people with motor neurone disease may experience exceptional strain due to the usually rapid and progressive nature of this terminal illness.Aim:The purpose of this review is to synthesize contemporary research and provide a comprehensive summary of findings relevant to motor neurone disease family caregivers, as well as highlight some of the suggested interventions to alleviate burden and improve quality of life for this group.Design:We conducted a comprehensive review of empirical research on family caregiving for people with motor neurone disease in peer-reviewed journals published in English, January 2000–April 2011. Fifty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria.Results:This comprehensive literature review was consistent with previous research documenting the su...

Burden, depression, and anxiety in caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons The burden for ALS caregivers is quite high There are still few studies that have investigated the emotional impact of ALS care We conducted a cross-sectional study among 40 ALS caregivers, assessing general worries, burden of care, depression, anxiety, perception of social support, and patients' severity of disease Caregiver burden, depression, and anxiety were positively related with each other, and all these variables had a negative relation with social support Patient's loss of physical functions was positively related with caregiver burden, anxiety, and somatic expression of depression Caregivers expressed worries for their own health conditions Given these results, we consider the hypothesis of an emotional-somatic impact of ALS care The implications and limitations are discussed

Psychological wellbeing and quality of life in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A review

Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with a progressive and rapid course that, so far, cannot be stopped or reversed. The psychological impact of the disease is huge, on both patients and caregivers. This review summarizes studies that have investigated quality of life, depression, anxiety, pain, spiritual and existential issues, hope, and hopelessness in the ALS field, with attention to both patients and their caregivers. Psychological support and the possible role of psychologists in the ALS field are also discussed.

Assessing quality of life in ALS.

Abstract: The issue of quality of life is important for the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and his or her family. Although initial thoughts frequently are that quality of life will be poor, there are strong data to support a relatively good quality of life despite the inexorable decline in strength and loss of function with disease progression. This article discusses how quality of life can be measured in ALS patients and caregivers, the results of studies, and factors affecting quality. It ends with 10 suggestions for clinicians who care for ALS patients and their caregivers.