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Time and length scales of pressure fluctuations in supersonic flow over swept ramps
No full textWe perform direct numerical simulations (DNS) of fully turbulent flow at an x-projected Mach number of 2.9 over a 24° compression ramp to investigate shock wave–boundary layer interactions (SBLI) with flow separation. By imposing a crossflow velocity corresponding to sweep angles of 0∘, 15∘, and 30∘, we reproduce three-dimensional interactions under cylindrical symmetry. Our study focuses on the wall pressure structure within the separated region, which is observed to enlarge under swept conditions. Increasing the sweep angle results in pressure fluctuations characterized by longer length scales and enhanced spatial coherence. Spectral analysis of wall pressure signal reveals large-scale disturbances with spanwise wavelength comparable to the separation length, which appear as coherent corrugations along the separation line associated with distinct dominant frequencies. In the unswept case, a low-frequency peak is observed at a separation length-based Strouhal number of 0.05, which shifts to higher frequencies and grows in amplitude with increased sweep. Spatio-temporal diagnostics further elucidates a dual mechanism driving pressure disturbances in the separated zone, comprising a two-dimensional ‘breathing’ motion of the separation bubble coupled with a spanwise drift at approximately 70% of the crossflow velocity. Last, we wind that the scaling law for the typical frequency of the shock motion developed by Ceci et al. [1] for swept interactions also works well for compression ramp flow upon suitable recalibration of the coefficients, as supported by existing experimental data
Ex fonderia didattica dell’Istituto Tecnologico di Terni: un progetto di riuso di archeologia industriale
No full textThe contribution presents the research and project developed for the two-stage competition for the restoration of the former teaching foundry of the Technical High School in Terni, inaugurated in 1959. The project aims to transform a piece of industrial archaeology into a narrative and educational device, consistent with the educational vocation of the complex dedicated to higher education. The pilot project focuses on two areas: enhancing the original character of the industrial space and restoring a new architectural image, with interventions capable of overwriting without erasing. The proposal is based on historical and critical archival research and is divided into three actions: conserving, updating and integrating. Preserving means preserving the testimonial value of the architecture and machinery, with a new exhibition itinerary that recounts the phases of the original production cycle. Integrating introduces new multifunctional spaces, located on a mezzanine floor suspended from the roof. Updating involves repurposing the spaces, ensuring energy efficiency with a new building envelope. The building thus serves not only as an industrial memory, but also as an infrastructure for education and culture
Motivations, experiences, and perceptions of being alone in childhood and adolescence: insights from a mixed-methods approach
No full textThis dissertation explores three central dimensions that emerged as critical for conceptualizing being alone in childhood and early adolescence: the motivations underlying time spent alone, the subjective experiences of loneliness and aloneliness, and the perceptions of peers regarding solitary behaviors. Combining variable-, person-, and interview-based methodologies, the four studies that make up this dissertation contribute to our understanding of the multifaceted nature of being alone in childhood and adolescence. Also, for the first time the construct of aloneliness was studied in the Italian context, opening up research to a greater focus on the positive aspects of being alone.
Study 1 examines the distinct pathways linking subtypes of social withdrawal to internalizing difficulties, mediated by loneliness and aloneliness in late childhood and early adolescence (N = 459; M = 11.24 years, SD = 1.66). Results show that shyness is indirectly associated with social anxiety and depression through loneliness, whereas unsociability is indirectly associated with depressive symptoms through aloneliness. These associations strengthen with age, highlighting developmental changes in the socioemotional costs of being alone.
Study 2 applies a person-oriented approach, to differentiate groups of children and early adolescents (N = 561; M = 11.32 years, SD = 1.63) characterized by their motivations for social withdrawal, personal experiences with time spent alone, internalizing difficulties, and personality traits. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) provided evidence of three distinct groups: (1) the shy group; (2) the unsociable group; and (3) the sociable group.
Study 3 explores definitions and experiences of loneliness interviewing children and early adolescents in Italy (N = 139; M = 10.76 years, SD = 1.71). The coding process revealed that loneliness is a multidimensional construct, encompassing cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal dimensions, with younger children describing it as physical separation and older youths framing it as emotional or cognitive disconnection from others. Overall, the present study offers a richer understanding of the meanings and experiences of loneliness in youth.
Study 4 extends the investigation to preschoolers (N = 117; M = 54.88 months, SD =10.78), examining how they perceive peers with different solitary or social preferences. Using vignettes, the study shows that even at this age, children differentiate between lonely and alonely peers, preferring sociable peers but expressing greater sympathy toward lonely ones.
By focusing on underexplored age groups (i.e., preschoolers and early adolescents) this work advances both theory and practice, offering insights for family, educational, and clinical contexts aimed at supporting adaptive solitary experiences and promoting socio-emotional well-being
Estensioni semantiche e metafora: il caso di ‘prendere’ nelle costruzioni a verbo supporto
No full textIl contributo si pone l’obiettivo di approfondire la polisemia dei significanti esprimenti il concetto di ‘prendere’ in riferimento al loro utilizzo all’interno delle costruzioni a verbo supporto, strutture formate di norma da un verbo di significato generico e da un sintagma nominale con valore predicativo (ad es. FR. prendre une douche ‘fare una doccia’, IT. prendere una decisione). Contrariamente alla concezione tradizionale dei verbi supporto come elementi desemantizzati, all’interno della linguistica cognitiva essi sono considerati come estensioni semantiche che si realizzano a partire dal significato lessicalmente pieno del verbo, attraverso mutamenti di dominio (domain shifts) e un sostanziale impoverimento della matrice. In questa prospettiva, i verbi che esprimono il concetto di ‘prendere’ sono stati analizzati in letteratura principalmente come conversi di ‘dare’, con spostamento della focalizzazione della prospettiva dall’Agente al Ricevente (ad es. IT. dare fuoco ~ prendere fuoco), ma la semantica del ‘prendere’ rivela una maggiore complessità, arrivando a esprimere valori che sembrano totalmente grammaticalizzati in senso diatetico (in forme medie quali il FR. prendre une douche ‘fare una doccia’ o l’ING. take a walk ‘fare una passeggiata’) o in senso azionale (IT. prendere fuoco). A partire dalla matrice di domini ascrivibile ai verbi di ‘prendere’, nell’articolo se ne analizza il graduale svuotamento in termini di per- corsi metaforici, sulla base dell’interazione con la semantica del nome che cooccorre. Il lavoro riguarda principalmente l’italiano, con alcune osservazioni sulle lingue romanze e la considerazione dell’inglese, dato l’amplissimo uso dei taking verbs nelle costruzioni a verbo supporto. La chiave contrastiva per- mette di porre in rilievo le diversità concettuali alla base di scelte interlinguisticamente diverse (ad es. FR. prendre une douche ~ IT. fare una doccia)
Development of an Integrated HS-SPME/GC–MS and a Chemometric Method for the Classification of Specialty Arabica Coffee Beans
No full textThe study and characterization of specialty coffees are essential to ensure the superior quality and traceability of these premium products, given growing market demand, the lack of standardized quality, and the risk of fraud. This study investigates the volatile profiles of specialty coffee beans from different producing countries, obtained with various post-harvest processing methods and different roasting levels. To analyze the samples, an integrated approach using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC–MS) and chemometric techniques, including principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA), was developed and optimized. Considering the limited number of samples for each class, the LDA models achieved a 100% correct classification rate in training for all classes, except for Ethiopian green beans, which were classified correctly with a rate above 85%. The results of the validation process are also acceptable, with a minimum correct classification of 50%. Furthermore, some volatile compounds
could be considered potential product or process markers, such as furan compounds, mainly associated with the degree of roasting. These compounds also contribute to the flavor of the final beverage. Preliminary results suggest that the optimized method could represent an important tool for authenticity assessment and environmental valorization of specialty coffees, with potential applications in quality control and product or process certification
From Waste to Treasure: Therapeutic Horizons of Polyhydroxyalkanoates in Modern Medicine
No full textPolyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable polyesters produced through microbial fermentation of carbon-rich residues, are emerging as attractive alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Their appeal lies in their exceptional biocompatibility, inherent biodegradability, and tunable physicochemical properties across diverse applications. These materials are environmentally friendly not just at the end of their life, but throughout their entire production–use–disposal cycle. This mini-review presents an update on the expanding biomedical relevance of PHAs, with emphasis on their utility in tissue engineering and drug delivery platforms. In addition, current clinical evaluations and regulatory frameworks are briefly discussed, underscoring the translational potential of PHAs in meeting unmet medical needs. As the healthcare sector advances toward environmentally responsible and patient-focused innovations, PHAs exemplify the convergence of waste valorization and biomedical progress, transforming discarded resources into functional materials for repair, regeneration, and healing
Mechanisms and data-driven detection of ozone-induced vegetation disturbances: from photosynthetic function to satellite-based monitoring
No full textAir pollution is one of the growing pressures on terrestrial ecosystems. Ground-level ozone (O3) is among the most impactful pollutants affecting vegetation function. This dissertation explores how vegetation responds to O3 stress across scales – from leaf physiology to regional satellite observations – by integrating atmospheric modelling, plant experiments, and remote sensing.
First, we trained machine learning models using Sentinel-5P TROPOMI and ERA5-Land data. The models showed strong agreement with in-situ observations (R2 ≈ 0.9) and produced spatially continuous O3 maps, revealing regional and seasonal patterns, especially in areas lacking ground stations.
Second, we explored the potential of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) as a proxy for vegetation productivity. SIF correlated more strongly with gross primary productivity (GPP) than traditional greenness indices across most of observed climates and vegetation types.
Third, combining soybean experiments and satellite data we analyzed how the timing of O3 exposure within the growing season affects plant responses. Results showed that early-season O3 episodes suppressed photosynthesis and fluorescence before visible injury occurred, identifying a reversible “strain phase”.
Finally, citrus experiments under contrasting humidity regimes revealed stomatal and non-stomatal O3 deposition pathways. In humid air, high stomatal conductance led to rapid fluorescence decline, whereas in dry air, reduced conductance delayed but did not prevent oxidative damage. Regional SIF patterns mirrored these dynamics, confirming that climate modulates both O3 uptake and vegetation response.
With these studies we establish a cross-scale framework linking O3 modelling, plant physiology, and satellite fluorescence for assessing vegetation resilience under atmospheric stress. We demonstrate SIF as a functional, rather than structural, indicator of photosynthetic function and show that subtle O3 episodes can have significant, yet often undetected, impacts on crops. The results advocate for revising current O3 risk thresholds, and emphasize the need for interdisciplinary collaboration – from remote sensing to atmospheric chemistry and plant physiology – to sustain ecosystem productivity in a changing atmosphere
Le quote di genere nelle società italiane: profili giuridici e prospettive europee alla luce della Direttiva Women on Boards
No full textLa questione della rappresentanza di genere negli organi sociali ha acquisito crescente rilevanza nel dibattito pubblico, anche alla luce dell’attenzione internazionale riservata al tema attraverso strumenti come l’Agenda 2030 delle Nazioni Unite per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile. In particolare, l’obiettivo di promuovere l’empowerment femminile e garantire la piena ed effettiva partecipazione delle donne ai processi decisionali costituisce oggi un pilastro fondamentale delle politiche per la parità di genere. Le quote di genere, in questo contesto, rappresentano una misura correttiva volta a favorire l’equilibrio tra uomini e donne in ambito societario, raggiungendo direttamente il risultato auspicato di parità sostanziale.
Lo scopo della presente ricerca è analizzare la disciplina giuridica delle quote di genere introdotte a livello nazionale, con particolare riferimento alle società quotate e a partecipazione pubblica (Capitolo 2), senza tralasciare l’estensione di tali misure ad altri settori regolati, come quello bancario (Capitolo 3). L’analisi si sviluppa anche attraverso un confronto critico con la Direttiva (UE) 2022/2381 (“Women on Board”), al fine di evidenziarne le differenze.
A tal fine, il lavoro prende le mosse da un inquadramento sistematico delle disposizioni nazionali ed europee finalizzate a promuovere l’uguaglianza di genere, soffermandosi in particolare sulle condizioni di legittimità che, secondo la giurisprudenza costituzionale e quella europea, giustificano l’introduzione di azioni positive “forti” come le quote di genere. Tali condizioni includono: i) la neutralità della formulazione normativa; ii) la natura temporanea delle misure; iii) il carattere non automatico né incondizionato della preferenza, che deve tener conto di altri criteri rilevanti, come ad esempio il merito.
Dopo una breve analisi di alcuni strumenti normativi volti a promuovere la parità di genere, la ricerca si concentra sulla prima azione positiva introdotta in ambito societario, la cui prospettiva si estende tuttavia oltre il mero obiettivo equitativo, includendo anche una ratio di tipo utilitaristico: la legge n. 120/2011 (cd. Legge Golfo-Mosca), che ha previsto – in via temporanea – l’obbligo di riservare una quota al genere meno rappresentato di almeno il 33% (oggi innalzata al 40%) dei posti negli organi di amministrazione e controllo delle società quotate e a controllo pubblico. L’analisi della disciplina evidenzia alcune criticità rispetto agli obiettivi prefissati, tra cui la principale riguarda la mancata estensione delle norme sull’equilibrio di genere ai ruoli esecutivi. I dati empirici mostrano infatti una presenza femminile ancora limitata in tali posizioni, suggerendo che l’adeguamento alla normativa possa avvenire prevalentemente in via formale, senza determinare un effettivo cambiamento sostanziale, con il rischio peraltro di vanificare la ratio utilitaristica sottesa alla misura.
Un ulteriore aspetto critico della normativa emerge dal confronto con la Direttiva Women on Boards, cui l’analisi si è dedicata, e riguarda la natura rigida ed incondizionata della quota di genere nazionale, priva di una valutazione del merito individuale degli esponenti. La Direttiva, infatti, affianca agli obiettivi quantitativi un processo di selezione trasparente e chiaramente definito, che effettui una valutazione comparativa oggettiva delle qualifiche in termini di idoneità, competenza e rendimento professionale. L’analisi discute quindi il mancato recepimento di tali principi in Italia, giustificato dall’assunto che gli obiettivi della normativa europea sarebbero già stati raggiunti. Attraverso un breve confronto comparatistico con la normativa di recepimento spagnola, invece, si evidenzia come tale condizione valga solo sul piano quantitativo, risultando invero solo parzialmente compatibile con lo spirito della riforma.
Nel terzo capitolo, l’analisi si focalizza sul settore bancario, preliminarmente inquadrato nella cornice prudenziale che ne definisce il contesto operativo, entro cui devono essere collocate le misure introdotte dalla Banca d’Italia. In questo ambito, l’introduzione della hard quota si inserisce in un contesto in cui la diversità intesa in senso ampio rappresenta già un elemento rilevante – pur non prevalente rispetto all’idoneità individuale – per la composizione adeguata degli organi sociali delle banche. L’analisi evidenzia come la previsione della quota di genere (inserita nella Circolare 285) presenti talune criticità, principalmente legate alla difficoltà di conciliare l’obiettivo dell’equilibrio di genere con i requisiti di idoneità previsti dall’art. 26 TUB e delineati nel D.M. n. 169/2020. Questa problematica risulta particolarmente accentuata nel contesto attuale, caratterizzato dall’emergere di nuovi rischi, tra cui quello informatico, e dall’introduzione di normative quali il Regolamento DORA, che richiedono una governance solida, dotata di competenze tecniche specialistiche, meno diffuse, secondo dati statistici, tra le candidate di genere femminile. Il richiamo all’idoneità individuale degli esponenti aziendali ha altresì permesso di mostrare come, nel settore bancario, il merito – profilo, come osservato, del tutto assente nella Legge Golfo-Mosca – venga valorizzato attraverso il necessario possesso da parte dei singoli membri dei requisiti di professionalità e dei criteri di competenza previsti dall’art. 26 TUB. Ciò non implica tuttavia, in senso stretto, che tale idoneità coincida con la selezione dei candidati più meritevoli secondo l’accezione promossa dalla Direttiva Women on Board.
L’analisi estende quindi il proprio campo di osservazione anche agli altri intermediari sottoposti alla vigilanza della Banca d’Italia, con brevi riferimenti al settore assicurativo, al fine di individuare, sotto un profilo strettamente normativo, i soggetti per i quali risulterebbe astrattamente ipotizzabile l’introduzione di una misura analoga.
L’analisi finale si sofferma sui limiti all’autonomia statutaria e alla sovranità dei soci derivanti dalla quota di genere, sollevando dubbi circa la sua proporzionalità, soprattutto in confronto alla Direttiva Women on Board, dove la quota è vista come un obiettivo da raggiungere tramite processi selettivi trasparenti e non discriminatori.
La ricerca evidenzia infine che la sola Legge Golfo-Mosca non è sufficiente a garantire il pieno raggiungimento della parità di genere e che l’assenza di una politica pubblica integrata ed efficace potrebbe ridurre tale misura ad un mero adempimento formale
Decoding RNA triple helices: identification from sequence and secondary structure
No full textThe discovery of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) has revealed additional layers of gene-expression control. Specific interactions of lncRNAs with DNA, RNAs, and RNA-binding proteins enable regulation in both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments; e.g. a conserved triple-helix motif is essential for MALAT1 stability and oncogenic activity. Here, we present a secondary-structure-based framework to annotate and detect RNA triple helices. First, we extend the dot-bracket formalism with a third annotation line that encodes Hoogsteen contacts. Second, we introduce TripleMatcher, which searches for a triple-helix pattern, filters candidates by C1'-C1' distance thresholds, and merges overlaps into region-level zones. Using telomerase RNAs and RNA-stability elements with experimentally established triple helices (8 RNAs), TripleMatcher localized all annotated regions (structure-wise detection 8/8); geometric filtering removed most spurious candidates and improved precision (positive predictive value from 0.42 to 0.81) and overall accuracy (F from 0.42 to 0.62) while maintaining sensitivity. Benchmarking eight predictors showed that pseudoknot-aware methods most reliably reproduce the local architecture required for detection, aligning secondary-structure quality with downstream triple-helix recovery. Applied prospectively, the framework identified candidate regions directly from predicted secondary structures and scaled to a screen of 4160 RNAs, where distance filtering reduced 150 990 (median per molecule: 108 [20-270]) raw candidates to 97 geometrically feasible regions across seven molecules, including human telomerase complexes. Together, the notation and TripleMatcher provide a concise route from secondary structure to a small, interpretable set of triple-helix candidates suitable for targeted experimental validation
CHALCOLITHIC AND EARLY BRONZE AGE ECONOMIES OF MESOPOTAMIA (4th and 3rd Millennia BCE)
No full texthe Element reconstructs economic developments in the
crucial phase of state formation in Mesopotamia, from the fourth to
early third millennium BCE, trying to understand how interrelating
environmental, social, economic, and political factors in the two main
areas of Mesopotamia profoundly changed the structures of societies
and transformed the relations between social components, giving rise
to increasing inequality and strengthening political institutions. The
interrelation between economic changes and state formation and
urbanization is analyzed. Mesopotamia represents a foundational case
study to understand the processes that transformed the function of
economy from being an instrument to satisfy community needs to
become a means of producing“wealth” for privileged categories. These
processes varied in characteristics and timescales depending on
environmental conditions and organizational forms. But wherever they
took place, far-reaching changes occurred resulting in emergent
hierarchies and new political systems. Reflecting on these changes
highlights phenomena still affecting our societies today