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Wireless Power Transfer for E-Mobility: Fundamentals and Design Guidelines for Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicles [Book News]
No full textSustainable Valorization of Chicken Feather Waste: Keratin Extraction for Advanced UV-Protective Textile and Antioxidant Applications and DFT- Guided Sodium Sulfide Dissolution
No full textChicken feather waste represents an underutilized resource of high-quality keratin biopolymer with significant commercial potential. This innovative study demonstrates a sustainable valorization pathway using sodium sulfide as an eco-friendly reducing agent for keratin extraction. The extracted keratin was extensively characterized, and its performance as an antioxidant and UV-protective agent was systematically assessed. The extracted keratin was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray fluorescence, revealing a semi-crystalline structure, fibrous morphology, and good thermal stability. A response surface methodology approach was employed to optimize extraction parameters (Na2S concentration, time, pH, temperature), achieving exceptional protein yields of 7.32 mg. mL-1 for the solid-phase fraction and 2.01 mg. mL-1 for the aqueous-phase fraction. Moreover, the application of keratin nanoparticles into wool fabrics markedly enhanced their ultraviolet protection factor, improving the classification from “very good” to “excellent”. The innovative integration of density functional theory with independent gradient model analysis provided unprecedented mechanistic insights into Na2S-mediated dissolution, revealing crucial synergistic cation-anion interactions. This multidisciplinary approach transforms abundant agricultural waste into high-purity keratin suitable for advanced material applications, establishing a circular economy pathway with significant environmental and commercial implications
BRPF1 inhibition reduces migration and invasion of metastatic ovarian cancer cells, representing a potential therapeutic target
No full textOvarian Cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy, characterized by peritoneal metastasis, directly linked to most OC-related deaths. Here, by interrogating CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function genetic screen data, we identified a list of genes essential for metastatic OC, including several well-known oncogenes (PAX8, CCNE1, WWTR1, WT1, KAT6A, MECOM, and SOX17) and others whose roles in OC have not yet been explored. Protein-protein interaction analysis of the selected genes revealed the presence of a protein network participating in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. For one of the network components, BRPF1, we found that its increased expression correlates with OC progression and a poor prognosis for OC patients. Functional assays demonstrated that BRPF1 inhibition significantly reduces cellular migration and invasion, supporting its role in metastatic progression. Pharmacological blockade of BRPF1 using small molecule inhibitors resulted in reduced proliferation of high-grade serous OC cells through mechanisms involving the activation of programmed cell death, cell cycle deregulation, and enhanced DNA damage. Furthermore, analysis of transcriptional changes induced by BRPF1 targeting showed that the growth inhibitory effects may be mediated by the deregulation of PPAR alpha signaling. The obtained results indicate that BRPF1 represents a novel potential therapeutic target for metastatic OC treatment
I buoni fruttiferi postali, in Trattato di diritto bancario, vol. I, diretto da F. Greco e G. Liace
No full textIl lavoro affronta la tematica dei buoni fruttiferi postali, in relazione al loro inquadramento nell'ambito dell'attività bancaria, nonché del contenzioso sviluppatosi in merito al loro rimborso. Vi è una analisi del dato normativo, giurisprudenziale e dei responsi dell'ABF
Development of de-icing/self-sensing structural composites via controlled Joule heating curing
No full textJoule heating curing is among the most promising strategies for obtaining cured structural components. This polymerization methodology consumes less than 1 % of the energy required by traditional oven/autoclave processes. In light of the relevant impact on the environmental sustainability of manufacturing processes, several aspects related to this curing methodology have been thoroughly investigated. Structural thermoset resins filled with a percentage of 3 % wt./wt. carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were produced by comparing two hardening processes: the classical thermal curing in the oven and the more recent Joule heating curing. The electrical resistance change ratio was monitored during the two curing processes to understand how the hardening reactions and the type of curing process affect the electrically conductive network in the composite. It was found that the alignment of CNTs, also previously detected for traditional curing performed under applied high electric field, mainly occurs in the fluid epoxy mixture's initial curing stage and is maintained thanks to the stiffening caused by the polymerization reactions. CNT alignment was verified through tunneling atomic force microscopy (AFM-TUNA). Furthermore, when the heating occurs in the oven, the resistance (R) of the sample increases sensitively, showing a typical positive temperature coefficient behavior. An opposite behavior (negative temperature coefficient) is manifested when the temperature increases via Joule heating by applying an electrical field, obtaining a strong reduction of the sample resistance. Joule heating cured glass fiber reinforced composites manifest the intrinsic coexistence of smart properties (self-heating, de-icing, and self-sensing). The peculiar anisotropic electrical properties conferred by the Joule heating to the glass fiber reinforced composites can be exploited to enhance the efficacy of the self-sensing function in the direction normal to CNTs alignment. The high gauge factor of 39 ± 4 (in the linear region between 0 % and 0.33 % of strain) was detected. These composites exhibit enhanced smart functions compared to traditionally hardened ones, opening up new possibilities for safety and efficient industrial applications
Dapagliflozin’s Effects on Urinary Albumin and Non-Albumin Proteins in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Kidney Transplant Recipients
No full textBackground: SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) lower glucose and have renoprotective effects, including reducing proteinuria. In kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), proteinuria impacts graft and patient survival. While SGLT2is benefits have been reported in diabetic KTRs, the data on non-diabetic KTRs are poor, and no data are available for albuminuria and non-albumin proteinuria. This study assessed the effects of dapagliflozin on urinary protein excretion in KTRs with and without diabetes. Methods: This analysis, from the Salerno CKD Cohort Study, included 66 KTRs (≥1 year post-transplant) with proteinuria despite renin–angiotensin system inhibitor therapy. The patients received dapagliflozin (10 mg/day) for six months, with assessments at the baseline (T0), three months (T1), and six months (T2); adverse events were monitored. The primary outcomes were changes in the urinary total, albumin, and non-albumin proteins. The secondary outcomes included weight, blood pressure, and eGFR. Results: At T1, the urinary total, albumin, and non-albumin proteins were significantly decreased, with a greater reduction in the non-albumin proteins vs. albumin (−27% vs. −9.4%, p = 0.001). No further changes occurred at T2. The patients’ weight and blood pressure also declined, while their eGFR and glucose remained stable. The non-albumin protein reduction was correlated with weight loss and diastolic blood pressure changes. Two patients discontinued use due to adverse events (one with a urinary tract infection, one with hypotension). Conclusions: Dapagliflozin reduces proteinuria, particularly non-albumin proteins, in KTRs with and without diabetes, with a low incidence of adverse effects. Further studies are needed to confirm the long-term benefits, especially in non-diabetic recipients
Innovative Solidification and Stabilization Techniques Using Industrial By-Products for Soil Remediation
No full textIn recent decades, heavy industrial discharges have caused severe soil and groundwater pollution. Many areas previously occupied by industries are now represented by lands contaminated by the accumulation of toxic metals, which pose serious risks to human health, plants, animals, and surrounding ecosystems. Among the various potential solutions, the solidification and stabilization (S/S) technique represents one of the most effective technologies for treating and disposing of a wide range of contaminated wastes. This study focuses on the theoretical definition of a green material mix, which will subsequently be used in the solidification process of contaminated industrial soils, optimizing the mix to ensure treatment effectiveness. The mix design was developed through a literature analysis, representing a preliminary theoretical study. This paper explores the application of the S/S process using various additives, including Portland cement, fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and other industrial waste materials, to create an innovative mix design for the treatment of contaminated soils. The main objective is to reduce the permeability and solubility of contaminants while simultaneously improving the mechanical properties of the treated materials. The properties of the studied soils are described along with those of the green materials used, providing a comprehensive overview of the optimization of the resulting mixtures
Nel mite splendore del ghiacciaio, la speranza per l'uomo, secondo la poetessa walser Luciana Favre
No full textAnalisi e interpretazione dell'opera poetica walser di Luciana Favre, in merito alle questioni del rapporto fra lingua e natura in una società tecnocratica in crisi