University of Udine
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Large-eddy simulation of the flow over a realistic riverine geometry
Get PDFIn this paper, we discuss the transport of sediment and the formation of bedforms in turbulent river flows, under flow conditions typical of flooding events. Through the implementation of an immersed boundary method, a wall model and a morphological model, we were able to simulate complex and mobile geometries under high Reynolds numbers at an affordable computational cost. In particular, we examined the evolution of bedforms on a loose sediment bed under turbulent flow conditions, using input parameters obtained from laboratory measurements. Over time, the bedforms become more three-dimensional and irregular in shape, leading to changes in the shear layer, crest angle and separation patterns. The bedforms continue to evolve until a quasi-steady equilibrium is reached. Our simulations highlight the crucial role played by the small-scale bedforms, which significantly affect the flow dynamics: an increase in the total drag is observed, related to the form drag generated by the local recirculation and the increased size of the large-scale recirculation bubble. Furthermore, a stronger turbulent activity ensues from the shear layers forming on the crests of the small-scale bedforms. Finally, a wider shedding angle of the shear layer is caused by the irregular crest line
Jeanne-Marguerite de Montmorency, la Solitaire des Pyrénées : fortune et controverses d’une correspondance spirituelle
Get PDFLa biographie et l’œuvre de Jeanne-Marguerite de Montmorency (1645-1700 ?), connue sous le nom de «la Solitaire des Pyrénées», font l’objet d’un débat persistant quant à leur authenticité. Anachorète et pénitente d’origines nobles, elle est surtout connue pour sa correspondance spirituelle avec Luc de Bray, curé de la Trinité à Châteaufort. Toutefois, plusieurs critiques considèrent ces lettres comme unefabrication destinée à nourrir la propagande anti-quiétiste. Adoptant une approche neutre, cet article s’attache à examiner la richesse éditoriale et interprétative de la correspondance, révélatrice de la fascination et des controverses que suscite cette figure depuis plus de trois siècles. Après un aperçu biographique mettant en lumière les incertitudes entourant son identité, l’étude se concentre sur l’histoire éditoriale et la réception de son œuvre, ainsi que sur son inscription dans le débat théologique sur le quiétisme au XVIIe siècle. Enfin, une étude des extraits marquants de la correspondance permettra d’identifier les moments clés de ce parcours spirituel exemplaire, qui, malgré les doutes concernant l’authenticité de l’œuvre, a suscité l’intérêt d’un large public à travers les époques
Comparative analysis of curcumin and β-carotene as bioactive additives in melt electrowritten PLLA biomedical scaffolds
No full textThis study investigates the effects of incorporating curcumin and β-carotene as bioactive additives in poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) biomedical scaffolds fabricated using melt electrowriting. A fixed concentration of 2.5 wt% for each additive was integrated into the PLLA matrix. Comprehensive characterization of the modified scaffolds was performed utilizing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), contact angle measurements, and mechanical testing under tensile conditions. Additionally, cytotoxicity assays were conducted to evaluate the biocompatibility of the scaffolds. The results revealed that β-carotene incorporation led to a significant reduction in the crystallinity and mechanical strength of PLLA, indicating a detrimental effect on its structural integrity. In contrast, curcumin was found to enhance the mechanical properties of PLLA without adversely affecting its crystallinity. Importantly, both curcumin and β-carotene functionalized scaffolds exhibited no cytotoxic effects, affirming their potential for biomedical applications. This comparative analysis underscores the distinct influences of curcumin and β-carotene on the properties of PLLA scaffolds, highlighting the promise of curcumin as a beneficial bioactive additive for enhancing scaffold performance in tissue engineering
Life cycle assessment of biochar and hydrochar derived from sewage sludge: Material or energy utilization?
Get PDFIn this work, alternative process chains for sewage sludge treatment by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and pyrolysis and the subsequent utilization of biochar and hydrochar were investigated by means of a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA). The mono-incineration of sewage sludge was defined as the benchmark process, being the main valorization route in several countries. The results revealed an advantage for HTC compared to pyrolysis and mono-incineration in most environmental impact categories, thanks to the higher char yield and the lower energy request. The global warming potential (GWP) of using hydrochar ranged from −71.4 to 7.7 g CO2-eq. kg-1 sewage sludge. However, the direct material application of the hydrochar in agriculture showed an increased toxicity potential, so that an energy utilization appears to be more environmentally friendly. For the pyrolysis route, a slightly higher energy demand and thus a higher environmental impact was determined, whereby GWP was between −11.7 to 9.1 g CO2-eq. kg-1 sewage sludge. The direct material application of the biochar in agriculture also showed low toxicity potentials while achieving nutrient recycling for phosphorus and a long-term carbon sequestration potential. Overall, ecological advantages were demonstrated for both thermochemical processes, making pyrolysis and HTC promising alternatives for sustainable sludge management
Public perspectives on healthcare professional-directed communication of hereditary genetic risks: a mixed-method systematic review
No full text: Genetic testing has revolutionized the identification of individuals at increased risk for various hereditary conditions, enabling early intervention and preventive measures. However, effective cascade counseling and testing depends on successful intra-familial communication. This mixed-method systematic review aimed to explore the general population's perspectives and preferences regarding the communication of potential genetic risk information by healthcare professionals. This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (CRD42024532829). A comprehensive search of six databases yielded 17,292 records. After removing duplicates and screening for relevance, nine studies were included in the final analysis, conducted across diverse Western countries using both qualitative and quantitative designs. Results indicated a preference for healthcare-mediated communication, particularly through formal methods as letters, valued for their clarity and reliability. The role of family-mediated communication is nuanced, influenced by interpersonal relationship quality and the emotional burden of disclosing sensitive information. Ethical and legal considerations highlighted public support for overriding confidentiality in treatable conditions, while emphasizing respect for individual privacy and autonomy in untreatable conditions. This review underscores the importance of understanding public preferences to develop tailored communication strategies that balance professional involvement with respect for individual and familial dynamics. Healthcare professionals should be trained to provide empathetic, clear, and accurate information, considering the specific needs and contexts of at-risk individuals
Nutritional and Microbiome Effects of a Partial Substitution of Poultry Meat with Hydrolyzed Feather Meal in Dog Diets
Get PDFThis study investigated the use of hydrolyzed feather meal as a substitute for poultry meat in dog diets. Two groups of four English Setters, two male and two female each, were fed two different diets over 45 days. The control group was fed with poultry meal as the protein source and one treated group with a mix of poultry meal and hydrolyzed feather meal. Body weight, body condition, muscle condition, and fecal consistency scores did not differ between groups and sex. Beta diversity varied significantly between the control and treated groups, as well as between sex. Fourteen bacterial taxa were different between diet and 25 between sex. Overall, the study highlights the influence of hydrolyzed feather meal and sex on gut microbiota in dogs, suggesting potential implications for dog nutrition and microbiome research
Grammatiche sincroniche dei volgari italiani medievali: modelli, metodi, esperienze a confronto [Synchronic Grammars of Medieval Italian Vernaculars: A Comparison of Models, Methods, and Experiences]
No full textIl saggio esamina le principali implicazioni teoriche ed empiriche di un approccio sincronico allo studio delle lingue del passato, con particolare attenzione al contributo offerto dalla Grammatica dell’italiano antico (GIA) di G. Salvi e L. Renzi alla conoscenza del fiorentino delle origini. Nel corso dell’analisi vengono considerate le critiche piú rilevanti mosse da una parte della comunità scientifica ai presupposti teorici dell’opera. Successivamente, si approfondisce l’esame di un’altra grammatica // The paper explores the main theoretical and empirical implications of a
synchronic approach to the study of historical languages, with particular focus on the contribution of the Grammatica dell’italiano antico (GIA), ed. by G. Salvi and L. Renzi, to the understanding of Old Italian. The analysis addresses the most significant criticisms put forward by some scholars regarding the theoretical premises of the work. Subsequently, the discussion examines another synchronic grammar dedicated to an Old Italian variety, the Grammatica del Veneto delle Origini (GraVO), by Jacopo Garzonio, highlighting how the analytical model developed by Salvi and Renzi can be effectively extended and adapted to other medieval vernaculars. Finally, the essay reflects on the theoretical framework of the Sintassi dell’italiano antico (SIA), ed. by
M. Dardano, to assess whether it can be regarded as a fully-fledged synchronic grammar.
sincronica dedicata a una varietà italiana antica, la Grammatica del Veneto
delle Origini (GraVO), diretta da Jacopo Garzonio, evidenziando come il modello di
analisi elaborato da Salvi e Renzi possa essere proficuamente esteso e adattato ad altri
volgari medievali. Infine, si riflette sull’impostazione teorica della Sintassi dell’italiano
antico (SIA) a cura di M. Dardano, per valutare se essa possa essere considerata a
pieno titolo una grammatica sincronic
Teachers' Perspectives and Practices on Teaching the Properties of Matter
Get PDFThis study investigates the perspectives and practices of teachers regarding teaching the properties of matter in elementary and middle schools in Italy and Turkey. The study employed a quantitative research design, utilizing questionnaire to gather data from a sample of teachers. The findings indicate that there are differences in the subtopics and concepts that teachers prioritize when teaching about the properties of matter, as well as in the methods and techniques they use. The study also found that there was a significant difference in the perspectives of teachers based on the country they worked in, but no significant difference was observed in the practices of teachers based on the country and school they worked in. These findings suggest that the country in which a teacher works has a greater impact on their perspectives on teaching the properties of matter than the level of school they work in. Future research may explore additional factors or variables that could influence teachers' perspectives and practices on teaching the properties of matter in different countries