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A Novel Integrated Biorefinery for the Valorization of Residual Cardoon Biomass: Overview of Technologies and Process Simulation
Lignocellulosic biomass is currently widely used in many biorefining processes. The full exploitation of biomass from uncultivated or even marginal lands for the production of biobased chemicals has deserved huge attention in the last few years. Among the sustainable biomass-based value chains, cardoon crops could be a feedstock for biorefineries as they can grow on marginal lands and be used as raw material for multipurpose exploitation, including seeds, roots, and epigeous lignocellulosic solid residue. This work focused on the technical analysis of a novel integrated flowsheet for the exploitation of the lignocellulosic fraction through the assessment of thermochemical, biochemical, and extractive technologies and processes. In particular, high-yield thermochemical processes (gasification), innovative biotechnological processes (syngas fermentation to ethanol), and extractive/catalyzed processes for the valorization of cardoon roots to FDCA and residual solid biomass were modeled and simulated. Inulin conversion to 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid was the main conversion route taken into consideration. Finally, the novel process flowsheet, treating 130,000 t/y of residual biomass and integrating all proposed technologies, was modeled and assessed using process simulation tools to achieve overall mass and energy balances for comparison with alternative options. The results indicated that cardoon biorefining through the proposed flowsheet can produce, per 1000 tons of input dry biomass, 211 kg of 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid and 140 kg of ethanol through biomass gasification followed by syngas fermentation. Furthermore, a pre-feasibility analysis was conducted, revealing significant and potentially disruptive results in terms of environmental impact (with 40 ktCO2eq saved) and economic feasibility (with an annual gross profit of EUR 30 M/y)
Preventing early school leaving: risk factors, effective interventions and policies
Preventing early school leaving represents a key priority in European and Italian policy. The Council Resolution 2021/C 66/01 established a target of reducing school dropout below 9% by 2030, while Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR, 2021) highlighted dropout reduction and educational poverty prevention as strategic objectives within Mission 4 and Mission 5. With Italy’s current dropout rate at 13.1%, significantly above EU targets, addressing this issue is crucial given its documented individual, social, and economic consequences (European Commission/EACEA/Eurydice/Cedefop, 2014).
The general objective of this panel aimed to focus on three areas related to the phenomenon of early school leaving: investigations of risk factors; evaluations of interventions; and analyses of international, national, and local policie
Evaluation of Long-Term Stability and Performances of Eco-Friendly and Low-Power Temperature Sensor Based on Hydrogel Nanocomposite
A low-cost nanocomposite material, comprising gelatin and graphene, has been used to fabricate an environmentally friendly temperature sensor. Operating within a temperature range of 260 to 310 K, the sensor maintained a consistent sensitivity of approximately −19 mV/K over two years. Additionally, it demonstrated the capability to detect ice formation at sub-zero temperatures. Experimental evidence indicates that aged sensors can be regenerated by water uptake at a temperature exceeding the gelation point of the hydrogel nanocomposite. After the hydration procedure, the aged sensor displays improved conductivity and partially restores its performance. Both in its pristine and aged states, the electrochemical sensor shows a fast response time and low power consumption within the micro-watt range. Its regenerative potential offers sustainability and reusability benefits for temperature monitoring and environmental sensing
Dalla non discriminazione alle pari opportunità. Intelligenza Artificiale e nuove Tecnologie, Sostenibilità e Gender Gap: Il ruolo dell’Università
The Lung Cancer Autochthonous Model Gene Expression Database Enables Cross-Study Comparisons of the Transcriptomic Landscapes Across Mouse Models
Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer mortality, exhibits diverse histologic subtypes and genetic complexities. Numerous preclinical mouse models have been developed to study lung cancer, but data from these models are disparate, siloed, and difficult to compare in a centralized fashion. In this study, we established the Lung Cancer Autochthonous Model Gene Expression Database (LCAMGDB), an extensive repository of 1,354 samples from 77 transcriptomic datasets covering 974 samples from genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM), 368 samples from carcinogen-induced models, and 12 samples from a spontaneous model. Meticulous curation and collaboration with data depositors produced a robust and comprehensive database, enhancing the fidelity of the genetic landscape it depicts. The LCAMGDB aligned 859 tumors from GEMMs with human lung cancer mutations, enabling comparative analysis and revealing a pressing need to broaden the diversity of genetic aberrations modeled in the GEMMs. To accompany this resource, a web application was developed that offers researchers intuitive tools for in-depth gene expression analysis. With standardized reprocessing of gene expression data, the LCAMGDB serves as a powerful platform for cross-study comparison and lays the groundwork for future research, aiming to bridge the gap between mouse models and human lung cancer for improved translational relevance.
Significance: The Lung Cancer Autochthonous Model Gene Expression Database (LCAMGDB) provides a comprehensive and accessible resource for the research community to investigate lung cancer biology in mouse models
Prefazione
Il volume prende le mosse dall’incontro di studi tenutosi nel
maggio 2023, a chiusura del corso di lezioni di Diritto Privato.
L’intento era quello di sollecitare negli studenti in Economia e
Management dell’Università degli Studi di Salerno l’interesse
e la curiosità verso un tema classico della materia privatistica,
quale è la responsabilità civile, emblematicamente rappresenta-
tivo della permeabilità degli istituti giuridici ai mutamenti della
realtà sociale e culturale
Novel PVDF mixed matrix membranes incorporated with green synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles for enhanced dye removal: Optimization using RSM, SOLVER, and ANN approach
The application of nanofiltration membrane technology for removing pollutant dyes from industrial wastewater represents a significant advance in environmental remediation. This research explores the development and performance evaluation of a novel PVDF/MgO mixed matrix membrane, synthesized using Arbutus Unedo leaf extract as an eco-friendly and sustainable approach for removing dye contaminants from aqueous solutions. The membrane’s efficiency in removing Bemacid Turquoise dye was optimized through a synergistic combination of artificial neural networks,response surface methodology, and SOLVER. The mixed matrix membrane was comprehensively characterized using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, mechanical properties, point of zero charges, and water contact angle measurements. The optimum conditions were achieved with a membrane composition of 0.6 %, a tem- perature of 40 ◦C, and an initial dye concentration of 100 mg. L− 1. The findings indicated that the ANN model outperformed the RSM model, demonstrated by its lower values for mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean Squared error (RMSE), along with a higher R2 value. Based on SOLVER, the highest filtration of Bemacid Turquoise was achieved under an initial concentration of 94.08 g. L− 1, membrane composition of 0.51 %, and temperature of 50.12 ◦C. This study highlights the innovative potential of this green- synthesized PVDF/MgO membrane as an effective and sustainable solution for industrial wastewater treatment
Metaverso e Intelligenza Artificiale
Nell’era dominata dal Metaverso e dall’Intelligenza Artificiale le relazioni socio-giuridiche sembrano ormai svolgersi su un piano ibrido di vita online e vita offline: tempo e spazio sono cristallizzati nell’eterno presente di Internet che travalica qualsiasi dimensione o confine. Il volume è una monografia scientifica di diritto comparato - aggiornata all'Ai Act, il Regolamento (UE) 2024/1689 sull’Intelligenza Artificiale - caratterizzata da un linguaggio sempre chiaro, preciso e appassionante. Si rivolge a studenti e docenti di giurisprudenza, scienze giuridiche, scienze della comunicazione, scienze politiche e di altri corsi di studio affini e rappresenta anche una fonte attualissima e completa riguardante tematiche quali: Metaverso, responsabilità dell’avatar, Intelligenza Artificiale, algoritmo, machine learning, reti neurali, Big Data, social media, social network, privacy e data subject protection, IA generativa, diritto d'autore
Bond Behaviour of Flax and Jute PLA Coated Fibers Embedded in Lime-Based Mortar
The use of natural reinforcement as a substitute for conventional reinforcing fabrics within Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) technology is an increasingly addressed topic in research. This choice was made to improve the sustainability of such reinforcement interventions on structures. The main problems encountered with respect to this solution are inherent to the characteristics of the natural fabric itself: in fact, the latter presents on the one hand mechanical characteristics suitable for structural use, in particular for masonry; on the other hand, aspects such as variability in physical and mechanical characteristics and durability represent “weak” points to be investigated and addressed. The study carried out deal with these issues, applying the polymer coating technique to the natural fabric/yarns. However, to avoid compromising the sustainability of the intervention, rather than using conventional polymers (mainly epoxy resin), bio-polymer (Poly-Lactic Acid, PLA) has been chosen. As a matter of fact, although coating/impregnation is a commonly used technique in TRM to improve the characteristics of the reinforcement, the possibility of using bio-polymers has not been effectively addressed yet in the literature. The physical and mechanical characterization of the fabric elements thus treated was then carried out. One of the analyses concerned the study of the bond behaviour between the impregnated fabric-yarns and the lime-based mortar with which the latter will have to interact. Two phases of pull-out tests were then carried out, designing specific test configurations for the required needs, and in these the bond between the fabric and the matrix was recorded by varying different parameters (different impregnation concentrations, different anchoring lengths, different type of natural yarns). The results obtained represented a failure mechanism between impregnated cord and mortar mainly related to the interaction between the matrix and the PLA present on the surface of the cord. In general, however, the behaviour of the fabric presents promising characteristics for use within TRM systems
Efficacy of Momelotinib in Myelofibrosis Patients: Results From a Multicenter Study
Momelotinib, a novel JAK1/2 inhibitor with inhibitory activities on activin A receptor type I, has shown breakthrough clinical efficacy in patients with myelofibrosis (MF) and anemia, a disease-related manifestation of challenging management. In this retrospective real-life multicenter Italian study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of momelotinib in a cohort of 39 consecutive MF patients, regardless of prior therapy. The median duration of treatment was 7 months, and the overall response rate was 56% in transfusion-dependent patients and 46% in the transfusion-independent group. At 24 weeks of treatment, a hemoglobin increase > 1.5 g/dL was observed in 26% of patients, and constitutional symptom improvement was reported in 51% of cases, with a spleen volume reduction > 35% in 28%. Therapy discontinuation occurred in 18% of patients, with only one leukemia progression and three deaths during follow-up. The safety profile was similar to that reported in clinical trials, with most toxicities of grade I-II. In conclusion, our real-life results support the use of momelotinib as an effective and safe therapeutic option for heavily pre-treated, cytopenic MF patients in real-world clinical practice