Parthenope University of Naples
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On the second anisotropic Cheeger constant and related questions
In this paper we study the behavior of the second eigenfunction
of the anisotropic p-Laplace operator
−Qpu := − div
F
p−1
(∇u)Fξ(∇u)

,
as p → 1+, where F is a suitable smooth norm of Rn. Moreover, for any
regular set Ω, we define the second anisotropic Cheeger constant as
h2,F (Ω) := inf 
max 
PF (E1)
|E1|
,
PF (E2)
|E2|

, E1, E2 ⊂ Ω, E1 ∩ E2 = ∅

,
where PF (E) is the anisotropic perimeter of E, and study the connection with
the second eigenvalue of the anisotropic p-Laplacian. Finally, we study the
twisted anisotropic q-Cheeger constant with a volume constrain
Monotonicity of the Laplace Transform in Tomography dissipative systems
Magnetic Induction Tomography (MIT) is a proven technique for looking inside conductive
materials, using low-frequency electromagnetic fields. However, analyzing MIT data is mathematically
complex because of the non-linear and ill-posed nature of the inverse problem. In this framework, the
Monotonicity Principle is recognized as an effective approach to solve the inverse obstacle problem in realistic
situations and real-time operations.
To date, the Monotonicity Principle has been found for elliptic and hyperbolic PDEs, even in the presence
of nonlinearities. Magnetic Induction Tomography is modeled by a parabolic PDE. The physics of
this dissipative system pose severe challenges from the theoretical and applied perspectives. To date, the
Monotonicity Principles for MIT have been found only for proper asymptotic approximations or source-free
problems.
This article recognizes that the operator mapping the Laplace transform of the applied source onto the
measured quantity (Transfer Operator) satisfies a Monotonicity Principle on a real semi-axis of the complex
plane. Therefore, this article introduces the concept of transfer operator in Magnetic Induction Tomography,
proves a Monotonicity Principle for the transfer operator evaluated on a proper real semi-axis of the complex
plane, and provides a description of the related (real-time) imaging method
G3C: a non magnetic, reflectometry - based plasma boundary reconstruction algorithm for control purposes
Nanoparticle-mediated laser ablation: an integrated phantom experimental-computational framework for selective cancer therapy
Minimally invasive thermal ablation treatments (TATs) offer a promising alternative to conventional cancer therapies, delivering precision and reduced side effects. This study introduces an integrated approach to enhancing laser thermal ablation (LTA) by combining nanoparticle (NP) mediation, thermal monitoring, and advanced numerical modeling. Four types of gold based NPs, i.e., nanorods and nanocages with tunable optical properties, are experimentally tested in agarose-based phantoms to evaluate their effects on LTA technique at a wavelength of 1064 nm, showing potential to selectively enhance heat deposition within tumor tissues while protecting surrounding healthy structures. Laser irradiation was performed with a literature-consistent setting of 3 W power and 120 s of exposure time. These irradiation conditions are selected to reach cytotoxic temperatures while avoiding phantom degradation and allowed for properly showing the differences between NP formulations. Real-time temperature monitoring by Fiber Bragg Grating sensors (FBGs) ensured precise thermal control, with 34 sensors deployed in four arrays and positioned near the laser applicator, at a minimum distance of 2 mm from the laser tip, providing a temperature resolution of 0.1 °C. Among the tested NPs, silver/gold nanocages with absorption maximum located at 816.9 nm exhibit the highest photothermal conversion efficiency. Meanwhile, advanced numerical modeling was employed, integrating the optical and thermal coupled processes, based on the optical diffusion approximation and the dual phase lag model, respectively. The model was refined with empirical data, validating and supporting the approach by predicting thermal mapping. This integrated framework shows promises for achieving selective and effective TAT, paving the way for selective cancer treatments
Exploring Marketing in the Metaverse: A Paper Collection on Phygital Experiences and Virtual Practices
L’impatto degli shock climatici sulla salute. Un’analisi dei dati regionali italiani
L’impatto crescente degli shock termici estremi sui Sistemi Sanitari Regionali italiani richiede un’analisi integrata che coniughi dati climatici con indicatori sanitari ed economici. Questo studio propone un framework innovativo basato sulla costruzione di un Indice Composito di Severità degli Shock Termici (SevShoT) e su un Indice di Resilienza Sanitaria Regionale (ReSaR) che sintetizza capacità infrastrutturale, dotazione di personale ed efficienza gestionale. Utilizzando modelli econometrici su dati panel, il lavoro si concentra sulle patologie più sensibili agli stress termici secondo la letteratura scientifica, evidenziando come la resilienza regionale moduli in modo significativo gli impatti sanitari. L'analisi identifica fattori cruciali nella mitigazione degli effetti avversi, con particolare riferimento alle dotazioni infrastrutturali e alle scelte di governance. I risultati suggeriscono l'opportunità di interventi mirati di adattamento climatico e di rafforzamento dei servizi sanitari territoriali
Failure Analysis and Regularized Fracture Models
We present a comparison between a global energy approach à la Griffith and a gradient-regularized damage formulation named graded damage for simulating quasi-static fracture in brittle and quasi-brittle solid materials. Though intrinsically different, the two methods share a number of common features emanating from the underlying potential structure. In the Griffith-like approach the fractured state of a solid is obtained from incremental stationarity of the total free energy resulting from the sum of the bulk elastic energy and the surface energy required for crack advancement. On the other side, the graded damage model inherits the variational properties of generalized standard models, whereby the solution of the evolution problem amounts to minimize incrementally a global energy potential with convex inequality constraints. A numerical example that refers to a typical benchmark problem is presented that allows showing the features of the two approaches and their ability to reproduce experimental results as well
Annurca Apple By-Products at Different Ripening Stages Inhibit AGE Formation and Protect Against AGE-Induced Cytotoxicity Through Antioxidant Activity.
Annurca apple extract is gaining growing attention for its beneficial properties, partic-ularly its outstanding antioxidant activity. Using a combination of biophysical, cell, and molecular biology techniques, this study investigates the sustainable valorization of Annurca apple by-products at different ripening stages and their role in the for-mation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), as well as in protection against AGE-related cytotoxicity. AGEs are a class of compounds formed by non-enzymatic reactions between reducing sugars and proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids. They can be produced endogenously or ingested through dietary sources and tobacco smoke. AGEs accumulate in nearly all mammalian tissues and are linked to various health issues, such as diabetes and its related complications, cardiovascular disease, and neuro-degenerative disorders. Our data show that Annurca apple by-products at different ripening stages differentially counteract AGEs’ formation by inhibiting protein gly-cation and protect against AGE-induced cytotoxicity in endothelial cells. In particular, the extracts reduce AGE-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, thereby inhibiting MAPK signaling pathways and caspase-3 activation. Moreover, ripening significantly enhances the concentration of bioactive compounds and the extent of cellular protection. This study highlights new beneficial properties of Annurca apple extracts and suggests that adopting nutritional interventions may support health and potentially reduce the risk of complications associated with AGE accumulation
EDUCATING FOR CARE: THE PEDAGOGICAL CORE IN MEDICAL EDUCATION
The article reflects on the integration of a “diffused pedagogical core” into medical training, considering clinical practice as intrinsically educational. It links therapeutic effectiveness (to cure) to the ethical and relational quality of care (to care), framing the latter as a paradigm of professional identity. In the field of Medical Humanities, storytelling, simulation and counselling emerge as methods for promoting reflexivity and ethical responsibility in healthcare