33145 research outputs found
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Insecticidal, behavioral, and biochemical effects of essential oils against Ephestia species: a systematic review
No full textSpecies of the Ephestia genus are among the most destructive pests attacking stored products. The control of these species relies on conventional harmful chemicals that provoke negative effects on human health and the envi- ronment. In the search for innovative tools to manage Ephestia species, essential oils (EOs) have shown promising effectiveness. This study aimed to review the current state of the art regarding the use of these products against different Ephestia species. Among these, Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller, 1879) is the most extensively studied, and the EOs tested against this species are primarily obtained from species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Many EOs were found to be effective against all stages of E. kuehniella, including eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Moreover, these products exhibited potent ingestion, contact, and fumigant toxicity, while eliciting repellent and anti- feedant effects. The mechanisms underlying the activity of EOs include the depletion of energy reserves, alter- ation in digestive processes, intermediary metabolisms, and detoxification enzymes. Furthermore, neurotoxic effects (diminution and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity), decreased hemocyte count, and induced DNA polymorphism were observed
Conjugation of Functionalized Gold Nanorods and Copper (I)-Based Drug: An Anisotropic Nano Drug Delivery System
No full text: Gold nanorods (AuNRs) were synthesized and optimized with the aim of obtaining strongly hydrophilic nanomaterials, suitable as a drug delivery system (DDS) for copper-based drugs. After careful purification, AuNRs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared spectroscopy (UV-Vis-NIR), showing two typical localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) bands in the range 550-750 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron (HR-XPS) spectroscopies verified the surface functionalization. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed AuNRs with regular shape and size, with an aspect ratio (AR) of 2.6. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements confirmed the size and the stability in water for up to 3 months. The AuNRs were conjugated with copper(I) drugs, i.e., [Cu(PTA)4]BF4 (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphadamantane). The drug loading procedures and efficiency were optimized, and the best loading was η (%) = 50 ± 7%. The non-covalent interactions of the Cu(I) complex with the AuNRs were studied by means of UV-Vis-NIR, ζ-potential, HR-TEM, FT-IR, synchrotron radiation-induced X-ray photoelectron (SR-XPS), and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy measurements. The MTT assay performed on Vero E6 cells showed that AuNRs and AuNR-Cu(I) conjugates had no significant effect on cell viability, being biocompatible, causing a reduction in cell viability only after prolonged exposure
The“New” Materiality of Reconstruction: On-Site Automated Recycling of Rubble Aggregates for Rebuilding Earthquake-StrickenVillages
No full textPost-disaster reconstruction remains largely excluded from circular-economy approaches. This gap is particularly evident in earthquake-affected inner territories, where reconstruction is constrained by severe logistical challenges—especially in relation to rubble management—and where debris is often composed of materials closely tied to local building cultures and community identities. In these contexts, rebuilding still predominantly follows linear, emergency-driven models that treat rubble primarily as waste. This study introduces Rubble as a Material Bank (RMB), a digital–material framework that reconceptualises earthquake rubble as a traceable and programmable resource for circular reconstruction. RMB defines a rubble-to-component chain that integrates material characterisation, data-driven management, robotic fabrication, and reversible architectural design. Selected downstream segments of this chain are experimentally validated through the TRAP project, developed within the European TARGET-X programme. The experimentation focuses on extrusion-based fabrication of dry-assembled wall components using rubble-derived aggregates. The results indicate that digitally governed workflows can enable material reuse, while also revealing technical and regulatory constraints that currently limit large-scale implementation
Picene, Roman, Medieval Walls and other subsequent construction stratifications in the defense system of the city of Ascoli Piceno: some contributions of knowledge.
No full textThe defensive system of Ascoli Piceno, located in the Marche Region, represents an emblematic example of architectural and historical stratification, demonstrating both continuity of use and significant transformations spanning more than two millennia. This paper aims to provide an updated synthesis of current knowledge regarding the city’s defensive walls, with particular attention to the Picene, Roman, and Medieval sections. It analyses their construction characteristics, building techniques, and chronological development. The earliest evidence of fortifications dates back to the Picene period, recognisable by the use of irregular sandstone blocks and dry-stone construction. With Romanisation, beginning in the 1st century BCE, the defensive system was reorganised: more advanced construction techniques appeared, such as opus reticulatum and opus quadratum, reflecting both a desire for monumentalisation and improved strategic functionality. In the Middle Ages, the walls were expanded, heightened, or reinforced, often employing spolia and adapting wall typologies to new military requirements, with the addition of towers, walkways, and fortified gates. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the fortifications were further strengthened to accommodate developments in military technology. In the
following centuries, the papal authorities maintained a strong interest in preserving the city’s defences, which were strategically important for regional control. The analysis of wall typologies and construction techniques, supported by direct surveys, stratigraphic comparisons, and archival sources, enables a diachronic interpretation of the various construction phases. Each era left distinct traces, often overlapping
or incorporated into later structures. This research aims to highlight not only the evolution of the concept of urban defence, but also the city’s capacity to renew and adapt its fortification system in response to shifting historical, social, and political contexts
Impact of different brewing methods on bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and color in green, dark teas and fruit infusion teas by using HPLC-MS/MS triple quadrupole and spectrophotometric assays
No full textTea infusions are valuable sources of polyphenolic compounds that contribute to their nutritional and functional qualities. This study examined the impact of three brewing methods: Gaiwan (GW), Pure Brew (PB) and French Press (FP) - on the extraction of bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and color parameters in green tea, dark tea and fruit infusions. Quantitative analysis of flavan-3-ols, flavonols, anthocyanins and phenolic acids was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS), while spectrophotometric and colorimetric assays were used to determine total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity and physicochemical parameters. Then, GW yielded the highest concentrations of catechin (14.19 ± 1.04 mg·kg−1) and epicatechin (18.18 ± 1.50 mg·kg−1) in green tea, corresponding to superior antioxidant potential. FP promoted the extraction of phenolic acids and anthocyanins, notably in fruit infusions (delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside: 73.71 ± 24.57 mg·kg−1), whereas dark tea brewed with GW retained the highest rutin content (1457.41 ± 72.87 mg·kg−1). Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between TPC, total dissolved solids (TDS%), and color parameters (L*, a*, b*), confirming the interdependence of chemical composition and physical properties. These findings confirm that brewing technique strongly influences the extraction efficiency and functional quality of tea beverages. The GW method is recommended for maximizing catechin and antioxidant recovery in green teas, while the FP enhances phenolic acid and anthocyanin extraction in fruit infusions. Understanding these interactions provides a scientific basis for optimizing brewing conditions to improve both the health-promoting and sensory properties of tea infusion
Bacterial Bovine Respiratory Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Management Strategies
No full textBovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) represents one of the largest causes of economic loss and animal morbidity in the global cattle industry, second only to neonatal diarrhea. Its etiology is complex, originating from a multifactorial combination of host susceptibility, environmental stressors, viral infections, and secondary bacterial pathogens. Although viruses are often the initial cause of disease, suppressing the host’s respiratory defense mechanisms, most of the severe pneumonic damage and clinical signs can be attributed to bacterial infections. This review provides an overview of the primary bacterial agents identified within the BRD complex, including Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis. We discuss their role as commensals that then become opportunistic pathogens, and further how they interact in a synergistic relationship with a primary viral insult, leading to the resulting pathogenesis and the development of pneumonia. This manuscript discusses in further detail some of the challenges in BRD management, such as the limitations of current diagnostic methodologies, overreliance on antimicrobial therapy, and the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance. Lastly, the need for integrated approaches in management, better husbandry and biosecurity, coupled with the development of novel therapeutic alternatives, is underlined as a means of assuring a sustainable control of this serious syndrome
Biology Meets Design: From Observation to Computational Design Through Interdisciplinary Approaches in Bio-Inspired Design
No full textThe growing interest in bio-inspired design has fostered interdisci-plinary collaborations between biology, design, and technology, aiming to address sustainability challenges in innovative ways. This paper explores three case stud-ies where biological observation, computational modeling, and digital fabrication are integrated to translate natural principles into cutting-edge design solutions.
At Arizona State University, spaces such as NatureSpace and The Biomimicry Center provide support for transforming biological insights into design concepts. NatureSpace offers inspiration through its collection of natural history speci-mens and visualization tools, enabling exploration, sketching, and creative support for research projects. The Biomimicry Center provides foundational training in biomimicry, teaching approaches to integrate nature into design while promoting cross-sector collaboration. The computational and digital fabrication phase takes place at the University of Camerino, where the SaadLab Prototype, a digital fab-rication laboratory, translates natural concepts into digital models and physical prototypes using technologies such as 3D printing.
This research highlights how the synergy between biologists and designers fos-ters a holistic approach to bio-inspired design, advancing sustainable innovation across various sectors. By converging biology and design, these collaborations offer solutions to environmental challenges and contribute to the development of resource-efficient materials and products. This interdisciplinary research inte-grates theory and practice to highlight how bio-inspired design acts as a driver of innovation by identifying sustainable strategies and developing nature-inspired solutions
From full-scale composting of Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) with compostable plastic packaging to field application: Effects on wheat growth and rhizosphere microbiome structure
No full textGlobal efforts toward a circular bioeconomy have promoted compostable plastics (CPs) as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based materials. CPs can be co-composted with the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) to produce compost for agricultural use, potentially reducing reliance on mineral fertilizers. Yet, their impacts on soil microbial dynamics and crop performance remain poorly characterized. In this study, we evaluated the impact of compost (BioP) derived from industrial-scale co-composting of OFMSW and 2.6 % (w/w) CP food packaging (Mater-Bi) on wheat (Triticum aestivum) performance and rhizosphere microbial communities, compared to standard OFMSW compost (Comp). A single field trial (November 2021–July 2022) tested three treatments: no fertilization (Ctrl), Comp, and BioP amendments. Wheat traits were not significantly affected by compost treatments. Compost application, however, influenced the structure and composition of rhizosphere microbial communities, promoting beneficial taxa linked to nutrient cycling and plant health. Both composts promoted carbon-linked metabolisms (e.g., fermentation, > 20 % increase), and metabolisms linked to aromatic compounds degradation (up to a + 193 %). BioP, in particular, enriched several plastic-degrading microorganisms, shaped a distinct microbial network, and harboured unique bacterial (84 genera) l and fungal (35 genera) taxa, including genera known for their role in bioplastic degradation, like Alcanivorax, Cupriavidus, Saccharomonospora, Themomonospora, Amycolatopsis, Emericellopsis, Knufia, and Rhodotorula. Within the limits of a single-season field trial, our results indicate that compostable plastic packaging can be co-composted with OFMSW without adverse short-term effects on compost quality, wheat growth, or rhizosphere microbial communities, supporting its potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics
Development of a synbiotic snack for gut-brain axis health
No full textSnacks are ideal vehicles to intervene in the diet of consumers as they are becoming a staple in the modern diet. This study aimed to develop a synbiotic snack capable of delivering both prebiotics and live probiotics with potential positive impact on supporting the gut-brain axis system by incorporating chickpea and red lentil flour as a source of protein and fibre, specialty fibres as sugar and fat/saturated fat substitutes, and dark chocolate enriched with a probiotic formulation (SLAB51®) with proven neuroprotective properties in a mouse model. Compared with a conventional wheat snack, the developed snacks presented not only better nutritional composition (high in proteins, fibres, unsaturated fatty acids, and low in sugars, total/saturated fats) but were also characterised by high prebiotic potential towards SLAB51® multi-strain probiotic formulation, low glycaemic index, and the ability to induce slightly increased satiety. The developed snacks had a good shelf life with minimal chocolate blooming, and high probiotic viability after six months of storage at both 25°C and 4°C (41.7% and 88.0% survival, respectively). Positive consumer response was observed among the senior population (> 65 years old), with moderate acceptability and high willingness to buy in the senior population upon disclosure of pulse ingredients and potential health benefits. This research provides comprehensive scientific evidence for developing nutritional and healthy food products with a potential synbiotic effect tailored to an ageing population, without neglecting the pleasure of treating yourself to a good chocolate-coated cookie
