University of Udine
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Inventaria bonorum: una fonte privilegiata per lo studio della cultura materiale
No full textFra le fonti primarie per lo studio della cultura materiale nel Medioevo, gli inventaria bonorum offrono una serie di dati fondamentali a supporto della restituzione digitale degli spazi abitativi. Non si tratta di una mera elencazione di oggetti ma, con specifici strumenti e una appropriata metodologia, di una guida attraverso la quale è possibile, a distanza di secoli, affiancarsi all’estensore nel suo percorso e così ricostruire l’originaria disposizione spaziale. Su queste basi, in seno al Dipartimento di studi umanistici e del patrimonio culturale (DIUM) e del Laboratorio informatico per la documentazione storico artistica (LIDA) dell’Università degli studi di Udine, è stata realizzata la restituzione 3D degli interni di Palazzo Vanni degli Onesti in Mercatovecchio a Udine così come si presentavano secondo l’inventario redatto dal notaio Matteo Clapiceo tra il 4 e il 17 dicembre del 1437. In questo modo è stato possibile il recupero della perduta suddivisione degli ambienti, la ridistribuzione tipologica di arredi e suppellettili, la ricollocazione virtuale dei soffitti lignei dipinti oggi smontati, la ricostruzione della correlata decorazione parietale a fresco. Ciò ha permesso di ottenere un’esperienza immersiva che consente di rivivere usi e abitudini, scelte di gusto e cromatiche da tempo dimenticate, proponendo la possibile dimensione abitativa quattrocentesca
Transfer Dynamics of Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Surfactants in Turbulent Oil-Water Emulsions
Get PDFWe investigate the transfer dynamics of hydrophilic and lipophilic surfactants in turbulent oil-in-water emulsions, in which oil droplets are dispersed in a continuous water phase, with the surfactant hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) influencing its solubility in both phases. Using direct numerical simulations, we solve the turbulence dynamics in a closed channel, while the time evolution of the emulsion morphology and surfactant concentration field is obtained using a phase-field method (PFM) based on two Cahn-Hilliard-like equations obtained from a Ginzburg-Landau free energy functional. The effect of surfactant on interfacial tension is modeled via an equation of state. The PFM can account for varying solubility, distinguishing between water-soluble (high HLB), equally soluble (intermediate HLB), and oil-soluble (low HLB) surfactants. Our results show that while the overall topology of the dispersed phase remains relatively unaffected, significant differences arise in the surfactant distribution at the interface and in the bulk of the two phases. Oil-soluble surfactants exhibit higher concentrations at the interface compared to water-soluble ones. By analyzing surfactant concentration, transfer fluxes, and free energy, we identify the key mechanisms governing surfactant transport in turbulent emulsions
First Report of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora Causing Grapevine Trunk Disease in Northeastern Italy
No full textConoscenza e conservazione di superfici fragili nei complessi fortificati del Trentino: antichi problemi e nuove sfide
No full textArchitectural surfaces allow reflection on the expressive capacities of the traditional work, the anthropic and natural transformations and conservation techniques. Some researchers have reiterated that the surface registers change and must therefore be preserved. In fact, the restoration project is one of the opportunities to understand technical knowledge and the physical phenomena expressed by the material. The attention paid to architectural surfaces in the Trentino area is evidenced by some studies in which the existence of a high quantity of mortar joints finishes was revealed. However, the poor maintenance of many of these sites, the loss of traditional techniques knowledge and the effects of the current climate crisis make it more urgent, and sometimes very difficult, to preserve the cultural values that these fragile surfaces represent. This paper discusses cases of good and bad conservation practices for the architectural surfaces of Trentino's castles. The research boasts of some in-depth archaeometric and dating studies and could be structured in its future updates as the basis of preservation activities planning
Remote sensing assessment of the weed adaptability to soil salinization induced by extreme droughts on coastal agriculture
Get PDFSalinization and drought pose significant challenges to agriculture in coastal regions, yet their combined impact on crop production and weed proliferation remains understudied. This study investigated the influence of salinity caused by extreme droughts on agricultural ecosystems in the Po River Delta (Italy), using remote sensing techniques and soil measurement, focusing on crop health and weed resilience. Our findings reveal that prolonged drought conditions are exacerbated by saline water intrusion and elevated soil salinity levels, particularly in fields closer to the coast. While crops, notably soybeans, exhibited susceptibility to salinity stress, weeds displayed remarkable resilience, thriving in adverse conditions and outcompeting crops. Notably, weed populations showed increased density and adaptability, even in areas of high salinity and drought. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impact of salinity and drought on crop productivity and manage weed infestations in coastal agricultural areas
Impact of Environmental Humidity on Instant Coffee Stability: Defining Moisture Thresholds for Quality Degradation and Shelf Life Prediction
Get PDFInstant coffee powder is highly sensitive to environmental humidity, which can significantly affect its quality during storage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the storage stability of instant coffee by assessing the moisture uptake and monitoring the evolution of key quality indicators under different environmental relative humidity (ERH) conditions. To this purpose, instant coffee was removed from its original packaging and stored at 11, 32, and 65% relative humidity (ERH) at 20 °C. Quality parameters related to both the powder (visual appearance and solubilization time) and the resulting brew (pH) were monitored over time. The coffee stored at 11% ERH demonstrated stability throughout the observation period. Storage at 32% ERH resulted in short-term powder stability, but a notable pH decline after six months. At 65% ERH, critical moisture levels were exceeded within one week, resulting in rapid visual degradation, impaired solubilization, and reduced brew quality within three months. The acquired findings on the behavior of a dry food powder under various storage conditions are particularly relevant in the context of the increasing application of compostable packaging with low moisture barriers, in conjunction with the need to manage the secondary shelf life of dry food powders whose use is often parceled
Exploring hydrophilic and lipophilic components of Ceterach officinarum Willd. in calcium oxalate crystal transformation for renal protection
Get PDFThis study investigates the aqueous extract of Ceterach officinarum (Co-AE) for its potential to regulate calcium oxalate crystallization, a key factor in kidney stone formation. Fractionation of Co-AE into hydrophilic and lipophilic components revealed their synergic roles in inhibiting calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystal formation while promoting calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals. Time-resolved light scattering revealed that high molecular weight fractions (Co-CONC) were highly effective in inhibiting COM formation, achieving an
EC50 of 0.3 ± 0.1 μg/mL. Conversely, low molecular weight fractions (Co-UF) demonstrated limited efficacy. Analytical techniques including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectrometry identified key active components, including polysaccharides and lipids. Polysaccharides and lipids, particularly waxes and phthalates, displayed significant activity in reducing crystal size and inducing COD formation influencing crystal morphology. Additionally, Co-AE and its fractions exhibited robust antioxidant and iron-chelating capacities, as demonstrated by DPPH and ORAC assays. The iron-chelating activity of phenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid, may further contribute to reducing oxidative stress and modifying crystal growth pathways. This research highlights the synergistic effects of polysaccharides and lipids in Co-AE, providing new insights into its mechanistic role in kidney stone prevention. The findings suggest that Co-AE holds promise as a natural therapeutic agent, with further studies needed to explore its clinical applications
Identification of novel autoantibodies in Sjögren's disease
Get PDFIntroduction: The diagnosis of Sjögren's disease (SjD) in patients without autoantibodies against Ro/SSA is a major challenge. We aimed to identify novel autoantibodies in SjD that may facilitate the diagnostic procedure for Ro/SSA negative SjD. Methods: IgG and IgA autoantibody reactivity of 94 potential candidate autoantigens for SjD, selected from a discovery screen of 1,629 human antigens coupled to Luminex beads and prior knowledge about potential biological relevance, were examined in serum of SjD patients (n=347) using Luminex and ELISA technology. Healthy (HC, n=118) and non-Sjögren's sicca syndrome (NSS, n=44) individuals served as controls. To assess disease specificity, the novel autoantibodies were also measured in serum of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA, n=50), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE, n=49), and Systemic Sclerosis (SSc, n=37). Results: 45 novel autoantibodies were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) more prevalent in SjD than in HC and were detected in up to 19% of the SjD cohort. The most common autoantibodies were against CCL4, M5, TMPO and OAS3. Some of the novel autoantibodies were associated with extraglandular disease manifestations, such as anti-TONSL or anti-IL6 with pulmonary involvement. We have developed a three and five marker panel for the detection of Ro/SSA negative patients, consisting of anti-FNBP4, anti-SNRPC, anti-CCL4, anti-M3 and anti-KDM6B, which had a sensitivity of up to 46% with a specificity of 95% (SjD vs. HC). Both panels discriminate these patients from HC, whereas the three-marker more effectively differentiates between Ro/SSA negative patients and NSS. Discussion: Novel autoantibodies will facilitate the diagnosis of Ro/SSA negative patients with SjD, in particular our predictive panel will be useful in the diagnosis and differentiation of these patients from healthy and NSS individuals in a clinical context. In addition, the autoantibodies may also be useful for risk stratification of extraglandular manifestations
Imatinib and norimatinib therapeutic monitoring using dried blood spots: Analytical and clinical validation, and performance comparison of volumetric collection devices
No full textTherapeutic drug monitoring during imatinib treatment is recommended to optimize patient clinical outcomes. This study aimed to develop a novel LC-MS/MS method to quantitate imatinib and its active metabolite N-desmethyl-imatinib, in volumetric dried blood spots (DBS) using the HemaXis DB10 and Capitainer B devices. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an XTerra MS C18 column and detection occurred with a SCIEX 4000QTrap tandem mass spectrometer using electrospray positive-mode ionization. Analytical validation was successfully performed adhering to the latest guidelines. The assay was linear over the range 240–6000 ng/mL for imatinib and 48–1200 ng/mL for its metabolite, accurate (89 %–113 %) and precise (≤17 % imprecision) across a hematocrit range of 22–55 % for both devices. Recovery ranged from 84 % to 92 %, with no influence of matrix components. Stability was confirmed after at least 43 days in desiccator conditions (20 °C, ≤35 % humidity), and in conditions that mimed home-sampling. Clinical validation, conducted on 52 paired DBS and plasma samples from 28 patients, revealed that the DBS-to-plasma ratio can be used to convert DBS measurements into plasma concentrations. Bland-Altman and Passing-Bablok analyses indicated strong agreement between the estimated and actual plasma concentrations for both imatinib and its metabolite across both devices. The conversion method was further tested on an additional set of 25 to 31 samples, with 80 to 97 % of the samples falling within ±20 % difference. This study proved that DBS collected using either HemaXis DB10 or Capitainer B devices can be reliably implemented as an alternative to plasma for therapeutic drug monitoring during imatinib therapy