University of Bari Aldo Moro
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The Effects of Multicomponent Training on Clinical, Functional and Psychological Outcomes in Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review
No full textCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally. In
recent years, interest in multicomponent interventions has grown as a response to the multifactorial complexity of CVDs. However, the literature still shows little systematic investigation into the effectiveness of multicomponent training (MCT) in the field of CVDs, accompanied by terminological confusion. This study aims to summarize and critically appraise the recent literature through a narrative review. A narrative review was conducted, synthesizing evidence from studies published between 2010 and January 2025. The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using predefined search terms related to CVDs and MCT, and medical subject headings (MeSHs) and Boolean syntax.
Two team authors independently extracted relevant information from the included studies. MCT significantly improved hemodynamic parameters in CVD patients, with reductions in systolic, diastolic, mean blood pressure, and heart rate. Physical fitness measures showed consistent enhancements whereas anthropometric improvements often corresponded with blood pressure reductions. Psychological outcomes varied across studies, with intervention duration emerging as a key factor in effectiveness. MCT interventions could lead to improvements in clinical outcomes, risk factor reduction, and patient adherence. Although findings on psychological parameters remain inconsistent, the overall evidence supports
their integration into both clinical and community settings
ONC201-derived Tetrahydropyridopyrimidindiones as powerful ClpP protease activators to tackle diffuse midline glioma
No full textPediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), classified under diffuse midline glioma, is a deadly tumor, with no effective treatments. The human mitochondrial protease hClpP is a potential DIPG therapeutic target, and this study describes the synthesis of two new series of tetrahydropyridopyrimidindiones (THPPDs) as hClpP activators. Among the tested compounds, we have identified 36 (THX6) that shows a strong hClpP activation (EC50 = 1.18 μM) and good cytotoxicity in ONC201-resistant cells (IC50 = 0.13 μM). Studying the oxidation mechanisms on cell membranes, the treatment of DIPG cells with 36 (THX6) causes a change in levels of fatty acids (PUFAs, MUFAs, and SFAs) compared to untreated cells and dysregulates the level of proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation, biogenesis, and mitophagy that lead to a global collapse of mitochondrial integrity and function suggesting this as the mechanism through which 36 (THX6) accomplishes its antitumor activity in DIPG cell lines
Microencapsulation of Probiotics for Enhanced Stability and Health Benefits in Dairy Functional Foods: A Focus on Pasta Filata Cheese
No full textProbiotics provide significant health benefits, but their viability is often compromised during production, storage, and passage through the gastrointestinal tract. These challenges hinder their effective incorporation into functional applications, particularly in dairy functional foods, in which factors such as acidity, oxygen exposure, and storage conditions negatively impact cell survival. The focus was on functional dairy foods, particularly on pasta filata cheeses. Indeed, the use of probiotics in pasta filata cheeses presents significant challenges due to the specific manufacturing processes, which encompass the application of high temperatures and other harsh conditions. These factors can adversely affect the viability and availability of probiotic microorganisms. However, microencapsulation has emerged as a promising solution, offering a protective barrier that enhances probiotic stability, improves survival rates, and facilitates targeted release in the gastrointestinal environment. This review examines the pivotal role of microencapsulation in stabilising probiotics for functional applications, emphasising its relevance in high-value food systems. Functional applications, including foods designed to offer essential nutritional benefits and promote host health, play a crucial role in disease prevention and immune system support, reducing the risk of infections and other physiological impairments. Key microencapsulation technologies are analysed, focusing on their benefits, limitations, and challenges related to scalability and industrial implementation. Additionally, this review discusses strategies to optimise formulations, ensure the sensory quality of final products, and explore future opportunities for expanding innovative applications that align with growing consumer demand for health-promoting solutions
Hydrodynamics of Partly Vegetated Channels: New Approaches for Flow Discharge Prediction and Sustainable Development
Get PDFVegetation is a fundamental component of riverine ecosystems, playing various valuable physical, ecological, and biological roles. Consequently, the presence of vegetation and its interaction with the flow alters the mean velocity and turbulent flow field, which has implications for flow resistance, water conveyance, and the transport of mass and energy. The proper understanding of these vegetation-influenced processes is essential for solving the existing and future river management challenges concerning both societal needs and ecosystem requirements.
In the first part of this thesis, we attempt to experimentally investigate the flow turbulence structure in a partly vegetated channel. To achieve this objective, various configurations were carried out, varying the contraction and aspect ratios. The contraction ratio is defined as the ratio of the width of the vegetated (obstructed) area to the width of the unvegetated (unobstructed) area, while the aspect ratio is the ratio of the flow depth to the width of the unvegetated area.
The experiments were conducted in a very large channel at the Coastal Engineering Laboratory of the Department of Civil, Environmental, Building Engineering and Chemistry at the Polytechnic University of Bari, Italy. Extensive measurements of flow velocities were conducted vertically and transversally, both within and outside the vegetated area for each configuration. The instantaneous three flow velocity components were accurately measured using a 3D-Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV)-Vectrino system at high frequency. Flow behaviors through the vegetated area, at the interface, and in the unobstructed area were analyzed by time-averaged velocities, turbulence intensity, correlation properties, and spectral analysis.
Experimental results showed the development of three distinct characteristic flow zones: i) a vegetated area of low streamwise velocity, high turbulence intensities, dominant inward interactions, and more intense power spectrum, ii) a shear layer zone of increasing streamwise velocity, more enhanced transverse flow motion, exponential decrease in turbulence intensities, and frequent ejection and/or outward interaction events, and iii) a free-stream zone of higher and almost constant streamwise velocity, lower turbulence intensities, frequent sweep and/or inward interaction events, and less intense streamwise power spectrum. The findings of this study provided further insights into the flow dynamics in these characteristic flow zones.
In the second part, this thesis provides new insights into predicting the flow discharges of partly vegetated channels with emergent vegetation by adapting the Interacting Dividing Channel Method (IDCM) and applying it to a curved interface plane. The total and zonal discharges of the partly vegetated channel were predicted using the IDCM method and validated against the experimental results of this study, as well as data from previous studies in the literature. The IDCM method, considering lateral momentum transfer in terms of apparent shear stress at the curved interface plane, showed better performance than diagonal and vertical interfaces. In the comparison of IDCM and Divided Channel Method (DCM), the IDCM method with a curved interface plane performed significantly better than the DCM method with curved, diagonal and vertical divisional planes
Fumetto e graphic novel
No full textIl fumetto rappresenta un medium (Chute, Dekoven, 2012) provvisto di un’autorevole forma espressiva e comunicativa che si presenta attraverso una varietà di formati e generi rivolti a un pubblico eterogeneo di lettori. La struttura del fumetto, inteso come un «sistema complesso di interazioni fra autore e pubblico, fra il pubblico e l’oggetto e fra codici e codici» (Bindi, Raffaelli, 2021, p. 13), è composta da «una particolare forma di racconto che si avvale simultaneamente del segno letterario e dell’immagine, in un rapporto di interdipendenza, con la contemporanea presenza
dei balloons» (Nobile, 2009, p. 172)
Regole di filiera e pratiche di slealtà. Sfide globali e istanze locali
No full textIl presente lavoro propone una lettura della disciplina sulle pratiche commerciali sleali nella filiera agricola e alimentare, sia attraverso la lente del quadro regolativo della politica agricola comune, che peraltro vive una stagione di significativi mutamenti, sia alla luce dell’esperienza domestica maturata nell'ambito dei rapporti tra imprese nella filiera agroalimentare, in un momento in cui la Commissione europea si propone di elaborare nuove, ulteriori risposte politiche, per guidare la transizione verso un sistema agroalimentare sostenibile, equo, prospero, attrattivo per le generazioni future e resiliente di fronte alle sfide globali
Il limite come categoria pedagogica e diritto della persona in educazione
No full textLa crescente sensibilità per le violazioni dei diritti umani fondamentali e
l’esigenza di salvaguardare o promuovere beni come la pace, lo sviluppo, la
solidarietà, l’identità di un popolo diventano i tratti caratteristici che connotano
il piano sociale della pedagogia, e rappresentano oggi una delle
emergenze educative più interessanti per la ricerca scientifica. Come rimarcato
a più riprese da Musaio (2020), ogni buon educatore deve farsi interprete
del limite, un confine oltre il quale non si dovrebbe andare per tutta
una serie di motivi che affondano il proprio senso nei costrutti propri della
pedagogia sociale: il rispetto dell’altro, il concetto di dignità e identità -
propria e altrui -, la pratica di solidarietà, la relazione educativa d’aiuto. Il
presente contributo, sulla scorta di queste sollecitazioni, mira ad analizzare
il senso del limite in termini educativi, quale categoria pedagogica sociale
tra le più importanti, protagonista del percorso progettuale di costruzione
del cittadino del presente e del futuro
Exploring Selenium-Functionalized Hydroxyapatite Using Organic Selenocystine for Antitumor Applications
No full textSelenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient, recognized for its role in cellular redox systems and its therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. Organic selenium compounds, particularly selenocystine (SeCys), have demonstrated anticancer efficacy due to the ability to induce apoptosis and enhance the effects of chemotherapy agents. Recent studies have shown that SeCys exhibits selective toxicity against cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Unfortunately, its clinical application is limited by stability and solubility concerns. A possible solution to overcome these hurdles comes from recent advances in functionalized nanomaterials. In this study, we investigate the possible incorporation of SeCys with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HASeCys) via various methods (adsorption, co-precipitation, and co-precipitation through thermal decomplexation), resulting in the formation of nanocomposites with elemental selenium. The highest elemental selenium yield was achieved with a thermal decomplexing co-precipitation, highlighting the influence of synthesis parameters on Se allotrope formation. Finally, as a preliminary investigation, the HASeCys samples were tested on a panel of cancer cell lines, showing an interesting activity when the hydroxyapatite nanocrystals were functionalized with both crystalline gray and amorphous red selenium
Does Non-conventional Water Use Impact the Performance of Irrigation Communities in Water-Scarce Regions?
No full textIrrigation Communities (ICs) are pivotal to sustainable agricultural water management, especially in water-scarce regions like the Mediterranean. To address increasing water scarcity, many ICs have incorporated Non-Conventional Water (NCW) sources, such as reclaimed and desalinated water, into their strategies. However, their impact on IC performance remains largely unexplored. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by examining the relationship between NCW use and IC performance in 19 communities across the Region of Murcia (southeastern Spain), one of Europe’s driest areas. A benchmarking framework based on eight key performance indicators covering operational, economicf inancial, productive, and environmental dimensions was applied. Principal component analysis reduced dimensionality, followed by agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis to group ICs with similar performance. Finally, multiple regression analysis was applied to identify the main determinants of performance. Results reveal substantial heterogeneity in IC performance. The best-performing ICs excelled in operational and financial indicators but showed low productivity, while the second-best group, comprising the largest and most modernized ICs, achieved high water-use efficiency and productivity despite experiencing water supply variability and applying deficit irrigation. Although NCW improves crop water availability and overall performance, its higher costs (particularly for desalination) negatively impact gross margin. Ensuring the long-term viability of NCW requires advancements in treatment technologies, renewable energy integration, and supportive governance. The study offers valuable insights for ICs and policymakers in other semi-arid regions facing similar water challenges
Avviso orale e nuove competenze cognitive.
No full textSommario: -1. L’eterno ritorno dell’avviso orale come strumento preventivo. Le varianti della forma aggravata - 2. Gli effetti del dictum di incostituzionalità sull’art. 3, comma 4, d.lgs. n. 159/2011 tra riserva di legge e riserva di giurisdizione. -3. Il profilo garantista della valutazione del Tribunale in composizione monocratica. - 3.1. Segue. L’adeguatezza dell’intervento giurisdizionale in rapporto all’età e alla vulnerabilità del soggetto nel rispetto dei diritti fondamentali