University of Bari Aldo Moro
Archivio istituzionale della ricerca - Università di BariNot a member yet
151277 research outputs found
Sort by
The Valorization of Potato Peels as a Functional Ingredient in the Food Industry: A Comprehensive Review
No full textPotato peels (PPs) represent a significant agro-industrial by-product with
notable potential for valorization due to their rich composition of bioactive compounds,
including phenolics, glycoalkaloids, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. This review
explores the functional applications of PPs in the food industry by examining their
chemical profile, extraction methods, and biological activities. Phenolic compounds,
mainly chlorogenic acid and its derivatives, are the most abundant bioactives and
contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Glycoalkaloids, such as α-
solanine and α-chaconine, exhibit antimicrobial activity but require careful monitoring
due to their potential toxicity, although recent evidence suggests that controlled doses
may provide health benefits. The choice of extraction technique influences the recovery of
these compounds, with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted
extraction (MAE) proving to be efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to
conventional methods. The incorporation of PP-derived ingredients into food
formulations, including cereal, dairy, meat, and fish products, as well as vegetable oils,
has shown promising results in the improvement of nutritional quality, oxidative stability
and functional properties. However, challenges remain with regard to the standardization
of PP composition, bioavailability of bioactive compounds and their stability within food
matrices. Advancing research on PPs will not only contribute to circular economy goals
but also provide innovative solutions for the food industry, reinforcing the link between
sustainability and human health
Inequalities under ambiguity
No full textThis paper explores the impact of risk and ambiguity on wealth redistribution through an experimental dictator game. The findings show that wealth redistribution significantly declined with heightened perceived risk, suggesting that increased risk and ambiguity may reduce altruistic behavior. Gender differences in risk aversion were observed under conditions of risk but disappeared under conditions of ambiguity. This study highlights the importance of risk perception in shaping social preferences and the potential use of ambiguity as a moral justification to avoid engagement in pro-social behaviors and wealth redistribution
Alcune riflessioni sull’utilizzo del criterio della proporzionalità alla qualità e quantità del lavoro per la determinazione del compenso nel lavoro autonomo
No full textIl compenso del lavoro autonomo costituisce tradizionalmente un
aspetto particolarmente delicato e problematico: da un lato la cultura
giuridica del lavoro sembra refrattaria ad ogni regolamentazione ete-
ronoma nel campo del lavoro non subordinato, anche in ragione del
rilievo solo relativo del fattore tempo quale misura dell’adempimento;
dall’altro lato, l’indiscusso bisogno di tutela economica che promana
dal contesto sociale ha dato luogo a interventi legislativi sul compenso
delle lavoratrici e dei lavoratori autonomi, sia ordinisti sia non ordini-
sti, molto tardivi ed estremamente frammentati. L'A. si misura con questi aspetti concentrandosi sui criteri della determinazione del
corrispettivo, alla luce delle più recenti innovazioni legislative e giurisprudenziali
Leishmania infantum and other zoonotic pathogens associated with captive lemurs (Lemur catta) in southern Italy
No full textSafari-style zoological collections, particularly walk-in enclosures, offer visitors the unique experience of a close interaction with wildlife. However, these interactions can increase the risk of exposure to zoonotic infectious agents. In this study, we assessed the occurrence of zoonotic pathogens in ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), as well as the presence of Leishmania spp. in phlebotomine sand flies collected in the same zoological park (Fasano, southern Italy). Blood (n = 30), feces (n = 29), and sand flies were collected and analyzed using molecular and serological techniques. In addition, copro-parasitological analysis was performed on fecal samples. Two lemurs tested seropositive for L. infantum using SNAP® Leish 4Dx® (n = 2/30 [6.67 %; 95 % CI: 1.85–21.34]), with one also confirmed positive by qPCR. Sand flies were morphologically identified as Phlebotomus perniciosus (n = 71) and Sergentomyia minuta (n = 1), with one P. perniciosus female positive for L. infantum by qPCR. Fecal samples scored positive at molecular analysis for Giardia duodenalis (assemblage B, sub-assemblage BIV) (n = 13/29 [44.83 %; 95 % CI: 27.63–63.09]; n = 2/29 [6.90 %; 95 % CI: 1.91–22.57]), respectively), Blastocystis sp. (subtype 8) (n = 2/29 [6.90 %; 95 % CI: 1.91–22.57]), and Entamoeba coli (n = 8/29 [27.59 %; 95 % CI: 14.59–45.96]). The detection of L. infantum in lemurs and P. perniciosus suggests that in areas where L. infantum is endemic this animal species may be infected, also demonstrating that SNAP® Leish 4Dx® is effective for screening L. infantum in zoological settings. The identification of G. duodenalis (assemblage BIV), and Blastocystis sp. (ST8) raises concerns about contamination in enclosures, water, and food sources, overall highlighting the importance of sanitary protocols to avoid the risk of infection among animals, zookeepers and visitors
Conditions for Achieving Digital Justice. Enhancing Inclusivity and Participation in Governance
No full textArtificial intelligence represents a transformative force destined to re-ontologise
all human interaction environments, including the legal space, adapting
their internal structure to technological efficiency within a socio-technical system.
This paradigm shift also alters the concept of the rule of law because it
affects the communicative participation of the subject in decision-making processes.
Judicial decision-making also experiences these changes. That is a vital
space considered by the ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ as central to promoting
peaceful and inclusive societies oriented towards sustainable development
within an effective and accountable institutional framework. The chapter
aims to problematise and theorise some conditions that could make digital
justice sustainable, emphasising human-machine cooperation as a symbiotic
procedural interaction capable of methodologically leading judicial decisionmaking
in a human-led socio-technical ecosystem in which technical practices
serve not only to design but also to understand and use those techniques. In
this view, formal conditions of the judgment validity remain decisive
Food Ice Hygienic Quality Investigation from Public and Collective Catering
No full textIn recent years, the global demand for food ice cubes has increased. The aim of the study was to evaluate the hygienic quality of both ice and water used for its production. During January–October 2023, 108 ice and water samples were collected in catering locations in Apulia Region and examined for Escherichia coli, Enterococci, total bacterial count (TBC) and fungi. Median counts of E. coli, Coliforms and Enterococci were 0 CFU/100 mL both for ice and water samples, collected in bars (n = 78) and restaurants (n = 30). The median TBCs in ice and water samples were 175 and 43 CFU/mL (p < 0.0001) at 22 °C, and 80 and 30 CFU/mL (p < 0.0001) at 36 °C. Total fungi counts were 4 and 0 CFU/mL for ice and water (p < 0.0001). In restaurants, differences were found between ice and water only for fungal contamination, whereas for bars, a difference was found between ice and water for Coliforms, Enterococci, TBC at 22 °C and fungi. The only statistically significant difference between bars and restaurants was observed for the TBCs at 22 °C (p = 0.017) and 36 °C (p = 0.036). Ice contamination does not appear to be directly related to the hygienic quality of water, but likely linked to the production, storage and maintenance of ice machines
NPPA-Associated Atrial Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Genotypic and Phenotypic Insights From an Ultrarare Inherited Disorder
Get PDFBackground: Atrial standstill is a rare arrhythmogenic disorder characterized by complete atrial electrical and mechanical inactivity. We report the 15th documented case of atrial dilated cardiomyopathy associated with the homozygous c.449G>A (p.Arg150Gln) NPPA mutation. Case summary: A 31-year-old woman presented with persistent atrial fibrillation, biatrial enlargement, and junctional rhythm. Electrophysiological studies confirmed atrial inexcitability. Despite preserved ventricular function, she required permanent His-bundle pacing. Genetic testing later revealed a homozygous NPPA mutation, whereas heterozygous family members remained asymptomatic. Discussion: This case highlights the diagnostic value of genetic testing in young patients with atrial fibrillation and no structural heart disease. Early recognition of NPPA-related atrial dilated cardiomyopathy may guide arrhythmia management and anticoagulation strategies, reducing thromboembolic risk. Take-home message: Broader implementation of genetic screening in selected individuals with isolated atrial dysfunction may support earlier diagnosis, personalized treatment, and better outcomes in this ultrarare condition
One-pot assembling pyrroloquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase with polydopamine to overcome the reproducibility issues of layer-by-layer electrode development
No full textThe reproducibility of enzyme-based biosensors remains a critical challenge, particularly in clinical and wearable applications. Here, we present a novel one-pot polydopamine (PDA)-assisted immobilization strategy for pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (PQQ-GDH) on graphite electrodes to address the limitations of conventional layer-by-layer (LbL) methods. The (PQQ-GDH/PDA)OPA/G platform demonstrated a uniform and nanostructured enzyme-polymer matrix, confirmed by SEM and spectroscopic characterization, resulting in enhanced surface coverage and enzyme stabilization. Electrochemical analyses revealed an onset potential of +0.19 ± 0.01 V and a maximum current of 0.87 ± 0.08 μA in the presence of glucose. Amperometric calibration yielded a linear range of 0.4-1.2 mM, a sensitivity of 0.47 μA mM−1, and a low detection limit of 26 ± 2 μM. Michaelis-Menten kinetic analysis provided an Imax of 1.13 ± 0.07 μA and a KappM of 3.11 ± 0.59 mM. Reproducibility was excellent, with relative standard deviations below 8% for all key parameters. The biosensor retained full functionality under physiological conditions (pH 7.2, 37 °C) and exhibited high selectivity against common interferents, including dopamine, uric acid, and ascorbic acid, with signal variations below 5%. Remarkably, the sensor maintained stable responses in artificial serum for over 67 days, confirming its long-term operational stability. These findings highlight the one-pot PDA-based approach as a scalable, reproducible, and biocompatible platform for next-generation glucose biosensors suitable for real-world biomedical monitoring
Relational Water in Virginia Woolf’s The Waves: An Elemental Reading
No full textThis essay situates The Waves within the Blue Humanities, illustrating how liquid and gaseous water permeates Woolf’s novel as an inherently relational element. First, I will discuss how the shifting focalisation and the vignettes of the natural world create a blend of prose and poetry. Then, I will examine how the various states of water invite the reader to acknowledge the transitions across human and nonhuman scales. As the essay seeks to demonstrate, «The Waves» can be read as a modernist water story that reflects the uncertainties of the Anthropocene, advocating for a reconnection between humans and the environment
Detection and isolation of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania tarentolae in sand flies from a canine leishmaniasis endemic area
No full textSand flies are blood feeding insects known as vectors of Leishmania spp. worldwide, with Leishmania infantum being the most relevant species in Southern Europe. The sympatric occurrence of L. infantum, which causes canine leishmaniasis (CanL), along with the reptile-associated Leishmania tarentolae, triggered the interest to investigate their transmission dynamics in sand fly vectors. Sand flies were collected over two consecutive years (2023–2024) in a CanL endemic area using CDC light traps and were morphologically identified. Female specimens were either screened for Leishmania spp. DNA by quantitative PCR (qPCR) or dissected alive for microscopic detection of flagellates. A total of 3477 sand flies (2076 males and 1401 females) were collected, and the most prevalent species were Sergentomyia minuta (n = 2379) and Phlebotomus perniciosus (n = 1020), followed by Phlebotomus neglectus (n = 44), Phlebotomus perfiliewi (n = 12), andPhlebotomus papatasi (n = 2). Promastigotes were observed microscopically in 13 S. minuta and one P. perniciosus, with L. infantum isolated from the latter. The qPCR analysis revealed that 50.0 % (n = 55/110) and 1.8 % (n = 2/110) of the S. minuta pools scored positive for L. tarentolae and L. infantum, respectively, whereas 25.0 % (n = 3/12) of P. perniciosus pools were positive for L. infantum. Among the individually tested engorged female sand flies, L. tarentolae and L. infantum were amplified from 35.8 % (n = 24/67) and 3.0 % (n = 2/67) of S. minuta, respectively, while 15.5 % (n = 9/58) of the Phlebotomus spp. (i.e., eight P. perniciosus and one Phlebotomus sp.) were positive for L. infantum. These findings confirm the co-circulation of L. infantum and L. tarentolae in sand flies, with a notably high detection rate of trypanosomatids in S. minuta through molecular and microscopic methods