Parthenope University of Naples
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The Impact of Multisensory Learning Approaches on Cognitive and Emotional Development in Children with Intellectual Disabilities
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Biosurfactants, Polyhydroxyalkanoates, and Other Added-Value Products from Wastewater Electro-bioremediation: A New Biorefinery Concept
No full textElectro-bioremediation of wastewater is a novel, nature-based solution towards clean water, based on microbial electrochemical technologies (METs). Electro-bioremediation technologies for wastewater treatment, except enhanced bioremediation results and renewable energy generation, offer an unlocked opportunity for harvesting by-products and using them in other applications. This concept contributes to circularity, sustainability, and environmental compatibility, mitigating the impact of climate change. In addition, wastewater valorization and, thus, water resilience are possible thereby leading to protection of water resources. Compounds and metabolites naturally synthesized by the microorganisms involved in the wastewater electro-assisted biodegradation, can result in the enhancement of both extracellular electron transfer (EET) and bioremediation. Such microbial products are added-value, natural, non-toxic and biodegradable such as biosurfactants (BSFs) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). In this chapter, the effect of the presence of BSFs and PHAs in MET during electro-bioremediation, as well as when fed with conventional substrates, are exhaustively evaluated. The significance of BSFs even when they are added exogenously is also examined. The major categories of by-products biosynthesis including organic acids, biopolymers, recovered heavy metals and phenazines such as pyocyanin during electro-bioremediation processes are also discussed. Consequently, a future direction in wastewater electro-bioremediation is proposed
Green Practices for Reducing Emissions in Port Services: Evidence from a Pilot Study
No full textThis paper focuses on operational practices that can reduce emissions in port services, especially within nautical operations. By using theoretical and empirical approaches, the research adopts a mixed-method design that integrates desk research, stakeholder surveys, and case study analysis. This study identifies and classifies twelve optimal operational practices through an innovative multidimensional framework, which considers environmental, economic, social, technical, and institutional dimensions. The findings highlight the relevant importance of promoting behavioural changes among port service operators to ensure the effective adoption of sustainable practices. To this end, the study highlights the need to develop specific and targeted training programs. They aim to raise public awareness of environmental issues and improve personnel operational efficiency. Such programs are identified as crucial elements to facilitate the transition towards more sustainable and efficient operating models. This fosters a long-term positive impact on both environmental performance and the entire maritime logistics chain. This research concludes by recommending how ports can incorporate these practices into training programs that promote sustainable behaviour and improve operational decision-making
Backtesting Expected Shortfall for Bitcoin: A Joint Combined LSTM-Based Approach
No full textThis work aims to identify the most accurate model in passing the joint-combined backtesting procedure for Value-at-Risk and Expected Shortfall forecasts for Bitcoin. First, GARCH and Markov Switching GARCH are estimated and used to forecast the corresponding VaR and ES. Next, the Long Short-Term Memory model is applied to refine these risk measures. Finally, four models (GARCH, Markov-Switching GARCH, Joint-Combined, Long-Short Term Memory Joint-Combined) are compared based on average loss and backtesting performances. Results suggest that the LSTM-Joint-Combined model apparently represents the best model delivering the lowest average predictive loss across the evaluated settings. Furthermore, it considerably enhances the efficacy of the J-C approach
B-flow imaging in abdominal ultrasound: a pictorial essay
No full textB-Flow technology represents a significant advancement in vascular ultrasound imaging, offering high-resolution visualization of blood flow without the limitations inherent in conventional Doppler techniques. By employing Coded Excitation and Tissue-Blood Equalization (TBE) technologies, B-Flow enhances the detection of low-velocity and microvascular blood flow while minimizing aliasing artifacts and angle dependency. This innovative technique proves especially useful in abdominal ultrasound, enabling the accurate assessment of vascularization in organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and bowel. B-Flow’s ability to depict fine vascular details is particularly beneficial in evaluating focal lesions, vascular malformations, portal hypertension, and transplant perfusion. Furthermore, the technique’s application extends to both parenchymal and vascular pathologies, demonstrating significant advantages over traditional Doppler methods in terms of spatial resolution and real-time flow visualization. This pictorial essay aims to describe the technological basis of the B-Flow technique, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the main clinical applications in abdominal diagnostics
Lack of pre-movement facilitation as neurophysiological hallmark of fatigue in patients with Parkinson's disease: A single pulse TMS study
No full textBackground: Fatigue is a debilitating symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD), significantly affecting quality of life. Despite its prevalence, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that deficits in cortical motor preparation processes may contribute to PD-related fatigue. Methods: This study investigated premovement facilitation (PMF), a marker of corticospinal excitability during motor preparation, in 20 healthy subjects (HS) and 28 PD patients, subdivided into those with fatigue (PDwF, n = 14) and without fatigue (PDwoF, n = 14). Participants performed a reaction time (RT) task involving thumb abduction following a visual go signal, while transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied over the primary motor cortex (M1) at intervals of 50, 100, and 150 ms before movement onset. Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and the task-irrelevant abductor digiti minimi (ADM). Results: In HS and PDwoF, MEP APB amplitude increased progressively when TMS was applied at 150, 100, and 50 ms before movement onset, reflecting intact PMF, with the greater MEP APB amplitude at the shorter interval (50 ms). However, in PDwF patients, PMF was absent on the most affected side, while it remained preserved on the less affected side. Furthermore, the absence of PMF correlated with fatigue severity (FSS scores) and rigidity subscores, highlighting a link between impaired motor preparation and clinical symptoms. Conclusion: These findings suggest that cortical dysfunction in motor preparation contributes to PD-related fatigue, particularly in the most affected hemisphere. The observed PMF deficits provide a potential neurophysiological marker for fatigue in PD, supporting future investigations into targeted therapeutic interventions to restore motor excitability and alleviate fatigue symptoms