132051 research outputs found
Sort by
Idee e progetti per il recupero architettonico e funzionale del Forte Monte Antenne a Roma
No full textPotential output versus target unemployment in the EU fiscal framework: implications for the Italian economy of a change in perspective
No full textThe overall macroeconomic performance of the Eurozone in the last 25 years has not been brilliant. One major cause can be seen in the fiscal rules and their impact, particularly after the great financial crisis. The recently approved EU’s “New Economic Governance” framework has proven less innovative than expected. This paper critically assesses the revised framework, focusing on the central role of potential output. We argue that its methodology introduces a self-reinforcing circularity, as potential output converges quickly towards actual output. This approach risks driving EU economies onto a declining growth path, as actual output growth heavily depends on public spending, constrained to remain below potential output projections. Drawing on the Italian case and earlier fiscal adjustments, we highlight the shortcomings of this framework and its implications for sustainable economic growth. To address these limitations, we propose a fiscal strategy centered on achieving a “target” GDP level consistent with a low, feasible unemployment rate. Using simulations inspired by Fontanari et al. (2022), Carnazza et al. (2023), and Uxò et al. (2024), we evaluate the trajectory of the Italian economy under different scenarios of fiscal multipliers and interest rates. The analysis explores whether a growth-oriented fiscal policy, aimed at reducing unemployment, can simultaneously satisfy EU requirements for reducing debt-to-GDP and deficit-to-GDP ratios within a five-year adjustment period. Our findings suggest that progressive, employment-focused policies might reconcile economic and social goals with fiscal sustainability, offering a viable alternative to traditional austerity-driven approaches
Happiness and Well-Being in Customer Experience: Transformative Research in the Time of AI
No full textInnovative characterization and application of biochar for sustainable water treatment
No full textBiochar is the carbon based material rising from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass in an oxygen limited environment. Biochar’s production process affords for thermal degradation of biomass, enhancing its recalcitrance, as a consequence of carbon condensation. This transformation can establish biochar as a mean of stable carbon storage. Biochar’s physical-chemical properties also make it compelling for many applications, both novel and as an alternative to conventional carbon based materials. Among these, biochar gained traction as water sorbent on account of shared beneficial characteristics with activated carbon in high surface area, extensive surface functionality and affinity for common contaminants. Real-world, large scale deployment of such a technology is currently hindered by two key challenges: biochar variability and lack of real case studies. The aim of this Ph.D. thesis is to bridge the gap between laboratory and real world through characterization and use of commercial biochar for water treatment in real case studies. In particular, the objective was to provide evidence and best practices for use of widely available biochar in real-world scenarios. This provides support to biochar’s legacy as a sustainable material and directly contributes to Goal 6, 7, 12 and 13 of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Nine commercial biochar types have been characterized by means of elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTG), surface analysis (BET-BJH) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Moreover, micro-Raman spectroscopy and organic petrography have been employed as novel methods for biochar characterisation, on the base of analogies of biochar’s production process to natural degradation pathways of organic matter dispersed in sediments. Supporting techniques in ion coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and ion coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) have been used to survey changes in contaminant concentrations in both biochar and aqueous solutions. Characterization results underscored commercial biochar’s heterogeneity, concerning both physical-chemical structure and available market products. Such an heterogeneity stems from feedstock and production process and must be addressed in order to make biochar use consistent and reliable. It is suggested that this can be achieved through implementation of standardized, application-focused characterization. In this regard, micro-Raman spectroscopy and organic petrography through reflectance analysis, can be instrumental for process optimization, quality control and evaluation of carbon sequestration potential. Case studies dealt with both real surface waters and industrial wastewaters. Surface waters did not allow testing of biochar’s sorption potential as a consequence of low contaminant concentrations, in contrast with published data from the local environmental authority. This fact has highlighted the presence of a lower contaminant threshold for detection of sorption through biochar sorbents. In this context, leaching experiments on biochar were conducted to ensure its safety in presence of unpolluted matrixes. Leaching of chemicals from biochar into solution was recorded, but did not impact water quality. This reinforces biochar use for water treatment as a safe practice. Real industrial wastewaters were characterized by concurrent presence of multiple competing contaminants at varying concentrations, ranging from mg/L down to μg/L. Results of sorption experiments testify biochar’s viability for metal removal both at high and low concentration. Nevertheless, ion competition and biochar’s affinity towards a few species may skew sorption in favour of specific contaminants. Additionally, sorption experiments conducted with all of the nine commercial biochar types and synthetic solutions of Pb2+ and Cr3+, have highlighted the role of biochar’s porosity structure in the sorption process, potentially inhibiting it at high concentrations. The Ph.D. project provides a hands-on approach to biochar use for water treatment by employing widely available materials in real case studies, providing results instrumental to scale-up of biochar technologies. Characterization fills in the current lack of data of commercial biochar for water treatment purposes and proposes ways to standardize biochar production and classification through novel methods, also for the sake of carbon sequestration. Real case studies and synthetic follow-ups testify biochar’s potential for water treatment and point out constraints for the achievement of efficient contaminant removal. Therefore, the present study can serve as a stepping stone for real-world deployment of biochar technologies for water treatment, fostering sustainable development
3. La città ‘verde’ nei processi di rigenerazione urbana
No full textThis article examines the relationship between urban regeneration and policies
aimed at transforming urban areas into “green cities”. From a legal perspective, the
key concepts in this field remain under-defined. The analysis therefore begins by
clarifying the scope and meaning of the terms “urban green spaces”, “green city” and “urban regeneration”. It then explores the interplay between “urban regeneration” and “urban green spaces” from a theoretical standpoint, drawing on a selection of projects funded under Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The discussion subsequently considers how this relationship is reflected in sector-specific legislation at both national and regional levels. The article concludes with a set of summary findings and broader systemic considerations arising from the analysis
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa DedA protein PA4029 is an undecaprenyl phosphate flippase important for polymyxin resistance
No full textUndecaprenyl phosphate (C55-P) is a critical lipid carrier required for the transport of cell envelope precursors across the cytoplasmic membrane in bacteria. Recent studies have identified proteins of the DedA family and DUF368 domain family as C55-P flippases in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. However, their roles remain undefined in many clinically relevant pathogens. Here, we screened for DedA and DUF368 proteins in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and assessed their functional importance. We show that PA4029, a DedA family membrane protein, is involved in C55-P recycling. Deletion of PA4029 sensitizes cells to fosmidomycin and limits the emergence of spontaneous colistin-resistant mutants. Using native mass spectrometry, we demonstrate that PA4029 binds C55-P with high affinity and selectivity over membrane phospholipids, and that this interaction is disrupted by the C55-P targeting antibiotic amphomycin. We also show that a DUF368 protein, found in some Pseudomonas species lacking PA4029 orthologs, can functionally substitute for PA4029 in P. aeruginosa, suggesting divergent strategies for C55-P recycling in this genus. Together, these findings position PA4029 within the conserved DedA-mediated lipid carrier pathway and highlight its importance for cell envelope homeostasis and antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa.IMPORTANCEBacteria use lipid carrier undecaprenyl phosphate (C55-P) to build and maintain their cell envelope, which is necessary for survival and is the target of many antibiotics. Recent studies have implicated DedA family proteins in C55-P transport, but how these proteins function in important pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains uncharacterized. In this work, we uncover a specific DedA protein, PA4029, and show its involvement in C55-P recycling and importance for bacteria's ability to develop resistance to the last-resort antibiotic colistin. These findings extend the relevance of DedA-mediated lipid transport to one of the most dreaded human pathogens
The Crisis of Anschaulichkeit and Cassirer’s Interpretation of Schrödinger’s Wave Mechanics with Benedetta Spigola
No full textIn this paper we discuss Cassirer’s interpretation of Schrödinger’s wave mechanics within the broader context of his account of the “crisis of intuition”. According to Cassirer, quantum mechanics chal-lenged the extent to which the conceptual apparatus of physics could still be grounded in, or made ad-equate to, the Kantian forms of human intuition. After having introduced his account of the structure of physical theories – based on the distinction between statements of measurement, statements of laws and statements of principles and causal statements – we explain why he regarded Schrödinger’s wave mechanics as an attempt to eliminate certain ad hoc assumptions of the theory and to derive the quantum rules from the formal structure of quantum mechanics
Una bussola per la democrazia
No full textNel tempo delle transizioni, la democrazia liberale vive una fase turbolenta della sua storia travagliata ed appare in preda a disorientamento. Sono in atto dinamiche che inducono il logoramento dei suoi caratteri fondamentali, particolarmente grave negli USA ed anche in Europa e nel nostro Paese preoccupante. Il saggio prende in esame
alcuni tra i segnali che più eloquentemente testimoniano il malessere della democrazia e propone, quale terapia capace di migliorarne la condizione, la riaffermazione chiara del valore essenziale di alcuni limiti, da considerarsi invalicabili, connaturati al modello di democrazia parlamentare che la nostra Costituzione ha accolto e conformato
Il dilemma dell’obbedienza. I funzionari della pubblica amministrazione tra diritto e ordini nel caso dei Cancellati
No full textIl contributo analizza l’obbedienza agli ordini illegittimi nella pubblica amministrazione, concentrandosi sui funzionari di prima linea confrontati con direttive contrarie al diritto. Sebbene i sistemi giuridici prevedono regole che impongono disobbedienza, nella pratica spesso prevale l’adesione agli ordini. Integrando psicologia, teoria delle organizzazioni e il concetto di potere disciplinare, l’autore avanza due ipotesi: (i) la forza disciplinare delle strutture organizzative e dell’addestramento spesso prevalgono sull’autorità delle norme; (ii) l’intensità di questa disposizione vari a seconda dei contesti organizzativi. Il caso dei Cancellati sloveni illustra l’argomentazione.The chapter examines obedience to illegitimate orders within public administration, focusing on frontline officials confronted with directives that contravene higher law. Although legal systems provide rules requiring disobedience, in practice adherence to orders often prevails. Drawing on psychology, organization theory, and the concept of disciplinary power, the author advances two hypotheses: (i) the disciplinary force of organizational structures and training often outweighs the authority of legal norms; and (ii) the intensity of this obedience disposition varies across organizational contexts. The case of the Slovenian Erased illustrates the argument
Trasvases 'napolitanos' de lo cómico español. Zabaleta, Solís, Moreto y la figura del donaire
No full textThe article deals with three case studies on the appropriation of Spanish comedy in the so-called “Spanish-style comedy” from the second half of the seventeenth century to the beginning of the eighteenth century. The textual samples relating to the figures of the donaire in De Leonardis (Il finto incanto), Carlo Celano (Proteggere l’inimico), Andrea Belvedere (Difendere l’inimico) and in the play attributed to Domenico Antonio Parrino, Amare e fingere, show variations in the configuration of the character and in the way of domesticating verbal humour with respect to their Spanish sources, namely El hechizo imaginado by Juan de Zabaleta, Amparar al enemigo by Antonio de Solís and Fingir y amar by Agustín Moreto. These partial data are added to others in the attempt to define the evolution of the spagnoleggiante genre, such as the gradual autonomy of the figure of the Neapolitan servant. They also corroborate the interest in this type of high comedy and in the genre even when a new taste was emerging and theatrical reform was being considered