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Notulae to the Italian flora of algae, bryophytes, fungi and lichens: 19.
No full textIn this contribution, new data concerning algae, bryophytes, fungi and lichens of the Italian flora are presented. It includes new records, confirmations or exclusions for the algal genera Cladophoropsis, the bryophyte genera Bryum, Cinclidotus, Dicranella, and Pulvigera, the fungal genera Ascocoryne, Calycina, Echinoderma, Hohenbuehelia, Laccaria, Lasiosphaeria, Leucocoprinus, Neodasyscypha, Propolis, Psathyrella, and Sclerococcum, and the lichen genera Acarospora, Bryoplaca, Caloplaca, Candelariella, Catapyrenium, Cladonia, Lecanora, Lepra, Monerolechia, Mycobilimbia, Pertusaria, Pycnora, Spilonema, Thelopsis, and Xylopsora
Presentazione del libro: Giulia Menzietti, Ludovico Romagni "La cartiera Mondadori di Ascoli Piceno", Libria, 2024, presso Sede Centauroos, Ascoli Piceno, 03.04.2025, ore 18.00, con Stefano Panichi (Panichi s.r.l.), prof. Pippo Ciorra.
No full textAll'interno delle strutture della Cartiera Mondadori di Ascoli Piceno, in una zona dell'ex fabbrica oggi ristrutturata e sede della start up Cenaturos, è stato presentato il libro, che racconta la storia dell'eccellente architettura della Cartiera Mondadori, e ne ricostruisce le vicende che hanno profondamente inciso sulla situazione economica e occupazionale della zona, oltre ad entrare fortemente nell'immaginario collettivo della città; la presentazione del volume è stata accompagnato da un acceso dibattito e da riflessioni condivise da una ricco pubblico di ex dirigenti e dipendenti della fabbrica, che hanno reso calda e partecipata la presentazione, alla quale hanno preso parte anche il prof. Ciorra e il titolare della ditta Panichi, sponsor della pubblicazione
Enteric nervous system neuroplasticity in colon of animal models of obesity.
No full textAn altered functional innervation of the intestine by the enteric nervous system (ENS) has been demonstrated in different diseases. Pathological changes in histological features confirm neuronal plasticity in metabolic syndrome and related obesity conditions. Changes in functionality and composition of gut microbiota and intestinal dysbiosis seem closely linked to the degeneration of myenteric plexus in the ENS1. Animal models of genetic obesity (Obese Zucker’s rat), Diet-induced obesity (DIO rats) and Western diet-induced obesity (Cafeteria rats)2 were studied to appreciate the progression of changes in glial cells and neurons along the innervation of the gut, particularly at the level of colon. Using different markers through immunohistochemical and immunochemical techniques, the morphological and functional modulations of the heterogeneous neuronal population of the gut wall were evaluated and the histological damage, neurodegeneration, and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression were detected on the colon. Myenteric neurons showed a reduction in neuronal markers expression, suggesting a degeneration associated with obesity. An altered immunoreactivity of enteric glial cells (EGCs) was found in the obese rats, which pointed out a suffering condition of nervous tissue suggesting a degeneration related to lipotoxicity. Also, the cholinergic and nitrergic networks appear affected by dysmetabolic conditions. In conclusion, the obesity establishment seems to induce myenteric neurodegeneration. Also, gut dysbiosis promoted by an increment of intestinal permeability and related pro-inflammatory microenvironment makes an alteration of EGCs and neurons along the innervation of the gut in animal models of dysmetabolic conditions. However, further studies are needed to understand if the use a possible supplementation, such as prebiotic, probiotic or specific food are helpful in the management of intestinal disorders and resulting in a modulation of the ENS in the obese condition
Two Cases of Feather Dystrophy in Free-Living Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus fulvus) Associated with Viral-like Inclusion Bodies
No full textThe griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus fulvus) is a scavenger species that plays a vital ecological role in carrion removal. Successful survival and reproduction in captive and wildlife conditions require optimal physical status and plumage integrity. Nutritional and environmental factors, systemic diseases, and various etiological agents can influence feather alterations. Although frequently documented in captive psittacine species, feather abnormalities are extremely rare in wild birds. Since 2020, two free-living griffon vultures in northeastern Italy have been found in poor physical condition, unable to fly due to partial feather loss and malformation of remiges and rectrices. Histopathologic examination of follicles and peri-follicular tissue revealed atrophy, keratin replacement, vasculitis, and calamus dystrophy with lymphohistiocytic perivasculitis. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis identified the presence of virus-like particles in epithelial and inflammatory cells. Although virome analysis did not confirm the presence of this virus in pooled affected samples, this study provides the first report of an emerging plumage disorder in free-ranging griffon vultures, which requires further characterization
Integrating Urban Design, Healthy Habits, and Socio-Ecological Networks: A One Health and Well-Being Framework for Sustainable Cities
No full textThis article examines the role of urban design in integrating biodiversity preservation with the enhancement of environmental and human health and quality of life in urban and peri-urban areas. Building on three complementary perspectives—urban design, the Healthy Habits framework, and socio-ecological networks—the review seeks to bridge short- to medium-term actions for improving the quality of life with long-term strategies for biodiversity preservation. While partial connections between these domains exist, they remain fragmented, underscoring the need for a holistic and transdisciplinary approach to urban socio-ecological health. The study employs a two-stage methodology, combining a scoping review to map existing evidence with a qualitative thematic review across SCO- PUS-indexed research, European and international policy frameworks, and practical ap- plications. The One Health paradigm is used as the principal integrative tool to link urban design, the Healthy Habits framework, and the socio-ecological networks. The topics of European environmental policies, evolutionary pillars, and social cohesion are incorpo- rated to strengthen the interrelations between environmental and societal health and well- being. The ndings highlight the importance of a holistic approach, behavioural insights, urban nudges, and participation, which can become key elements in fostering social co- hesion, ecological resilience, and overall health. The research concludes that health-ori- ented urban design must go beyond traditional planning paradigms and tools, adopting adaptive, relational, and transdisciplinary approaches to address the challenges posed by contemporary times
Sex-dependent role of Neuropeptide-S on anxiety, fear conditioning, and alcohol seeking in alcohol preferring rats
No full textAlcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a global health concern, with stress playing a crucial role in its development and persistence. Currently, no pharmacotherapies specifically targeting stress are approved for AUD treatment. Neuropeptide S (NPS) plays a dual role in stress regulation, exhibiting both anxiolytic and stress-enhancing effects. While NPS reduces alcohol self-administration (ASA) in alcohol preferring rats, its role in AUD-related stress and anxiety remains unclear. This study investigated the behavioral effects of NPS in male and female Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) rats. To assess its impact on locomotion, anxiety, and fear memory, we conducted an open-field, an elevated plus maze (EPM), and a fear conditioning (FC) paradigm following intracerebroventricular administration of NPS. Furthermore, we examined the effects of NPS on ASA and yohimbine-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking in msP rats. Our results indicate that NPS administration increased locomotor activity in both sexes and selectively alleviated generalized anxiety levels in male rats in the EPM test. In the FC task, administration of NPS immediately after FC test facilitated the extinction of fear memories in females but not in males. Notably, NPS reduced ASA in both female and male rats but did not alter yohimbine-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking. In conclusion, NPS modulates anxiety in a sex-dependent manner. Since both alcohol and NPS alleviate anxiety and fear conditioning in msP rats, NPS may reduce alcohol intake by replacing the anxiolytic properties of alcohol. These effects appear to be sex-dependent, with NPS primarily alleviating generalized anxiety in males and facilitating fear extinction in females
A methodology for extracting and decoding smart contracts data
No full textBlockchain technology has been widely adopted to enhance the security and the decentralisation of smart applications in large-scale pervasive systems. In such a context, data extraction is crucial as it provides a better understanding of the system's behaviours. However, several challenges arise in automatically extracting data, due to the variety of data sources, such as transactions, events, contract storage, and the complexity of the blockchain structure. In particular, retrieving smart contract state changes remains unexplored despite its potential usage for discovering unexpected behaviour. For such reasons, in this work, we propose a novel methodology and a supporting application for extracting smart contract state changes and other execution-related data. The obtained data is then decoded and offered in a standard format to be easily reused. The methodology provides additional functionalities such as transaction filtering and capabilities for querying over extracted data. The effectiveness and the performance of the methodology were evaluated on three real-world projects from different EVM-based blockchains
The Role of Probiotics in Preventing Gestational Diabetes: An Umbrella Review
No full textBackground/Objectives: Gestational diabetes (GD), which affects approximately 15% of pregnancies worldwide, poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health, underscoring the need for effective prevention and management strategies. This umbrella review aims to evaluate the role of probiotics in the prevention of GD. Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Manual for Evidence Synthesis. A comprehensive literature search was performed in November 2024 across four databases: PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL. A total of 307 articles were identified, of which 6 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final synthesis. Results: Probiotic supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of GD in selected populations, particularly in women with a body mass index (BMI) < 26, age < 30 years [Relative Risk (RR): 0.58], and p < 0.05 in the other studies included, alongside improvements in several metabolic parameters. However, consistent benefits on maternal or neonatal complications were not observed but a 33% reduction in GD was confirmed (RR 0.67). The combination of probiotics with healthy lifestyle behaviors appeared to exert a stronger protective effect against GD and its potential complications. Conclusions: This umbrella review suggests that probiotics—particularly multi-strain formulations—may have a potential role in reducing the risk of GD in certain populations. However, the findings across the included studies are inconsistent and sometimes conflicting. While probiotics are generally considered safe and have recognized benefits for metabolic health, their efficacy as an adjunct intervention for GD prevention remains not fully clear. Further well-designed research is needed to clarify which specific probiotic interventions may be effective and to better guide clinical practice
Pietroni, L., Balsamo, M. F., Cangelosi, G. F., Design through Nature. Le strategie di sopravvivenza attuate dalla natura utili al design di prodotto, in Pietroni, L., Turrini, D. (a cura di), Design for Survival. Proposte responsabili per un futuro oltre la crisi, Giunti, 2025, pp. 94-97.
No full textIl contributo si incentra sulle relazioni tra biomimesi, design di prodotto e sostenibilità ambientale, evidenziando quanto oggi più che mai la natura sia mentore, misura e modello per il design sostenibile e circolare. Le strategie di sopravvivenza attuate dalla natura rappresentano un’importante fonte di ispirazione per la progettazione di prodotti industriali sostenibili. Nel corso della loro evoluzione, le specie hanno sviluppato strategie adattative per resistere a condizioni ambientali critiche. Il design bio-ispirato, basato sull’osservazione scientifica dei meccanismi naturali e sulla loro traduzione in criteri progettuali, consente di incrementare l’efficienza, l’adattabilità e la sostenibilità degli artefatti. Il contributo esplora alcune delle strategie di sopravvivenza osservabili in natura di particolare interesse per il design e ne analizza la potenziale trasposizione nel processo progettuale. Tra queste, la strategia della modularità, che consente una configurazione adattabile e duratura, attraverso la ripetizione di segmenti e moduli dotati di funzioni autonome, o la strategia della ridondanza che consente agli esseri viventi di avere solidità e tolleranza alle avversità. Il trasferimento di tali strategie al design può avvenire attraverso un’osservazione e lettura multiscalare: il livello meso ispira l’integrazione di criteri e funzioni nel prodotto, il micro suggerisce configurazioni morfologiche-strutturali dei materiali, mentre il macro offre modelli cooperativi per sistemi complessi. Le strategie di sopravvivenza della natura possono essere tradotte in linee guida utili per promuovere una cultura del design orientata alla sostenibilità e all’economia circolare. In questa prospettiva, l’Unità di Ricerca in Design della Scuola di Architettura e Design dell’Università di Camerino ha avviato il progetto di un Laboratorio di “Bio-ispirazione per Designer” in collaborazione con biologi e fisici dell’Ateneo. Il laboratorio intende offrire uno spazio di ricerca e sperimentazione per facilitare l’osservazione dei fenomeni naturali e la loro traduzione in soluzioni progettuali
Sustainable Energy Storage and Conversion Materials for the Energy Transition
No full textAddressing the needs of billions of people while fighting climate change requires a fundamental
shift in how we approach economic systems and sustainability. The current global challenges
demand a rethinking of traditional business practices to prioritize sustainability and resilience. This
transformation must be driven by an interdisciplinary approach that integrates socio-technical
innovations, effective management strategies, and environmental responsibility across global value
chains.
In the realm of energy storage and conversion, technologies such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs),
sodium-ion batteries (NIBs), supercapacitors (SCs) and Fuel Cells (FCs) play a critical role. As
these technologies continue to penetrate the market, ensuring their sustainability becomes
imperative. Sustainability in this context involves not only improving durability and performance
but also minimizing the reliance on critical and scarce raw materials.
With a focus on the principles of the circular economy and the goal of achieving cost-effective and
scalable processing, several innovative materials have been synthesized. These include a modified
Mg- and Zr-doped LNMO cathode for lithium-ion batteries, a waste-valorized MOF-derived
carbonaceous material for sodium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, and a series of doped Fe2O3
composites for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) applications. Each material was developed using
low-cost resources and/or synthetic methodologies, demonstrating their potential for sustainable and
economical energy solutions.
All the materials were thoroughly investigated at both structural and electrochemical levels,
showcasing their potential across various applications. The modified LNMO cathode for lithium-ion
batteries demonstrated significant enhancements in stability, achieving outstanding capacity
retention. At room temperature and 1C, the material retained 60.7% of its capacity after 1000
cycles, while at 50°C and 2C, it maintained 72.8% capacity retention over the same cycle count.
The MOF-derived carbon exhibited exceptional performance as a supercapacitor, sustaining 36,000
cycles with 91% capacity retention and 99.7% coulombic efficiency, and also performed well in
symmetric cell configurations. Beyond supercapacitors, the MOF-derived carbon excelled in
sodium-ion batteries, delivering good rate performance and effective sodium-ion storage.
Additionally, the doped Fe2O3 nanoparticles grafted onto graphene oxide, with 6% magnesium and
6% nickel doping, showed superior peroxide scavenging properties during oxygen reduction
reactions. When combined with FePc600 as supporting catalysts, the doped composites achieved a
ring current density of 5.75 mA/cm2 and reduced peroxide formation to 2.8%, outperforming pure
FePc600, which exhibited a ring current density of 4.75 mA/cm2 and peroxide 6 formation of 5.1%.
These results highlight the impact of advanced material engineering in enhancing electrochemical
performance across diverse energy storage and catalytic systems.
In the framework of the energy transition, a fuel cell test bench with unique features has been
developed, designed to perform quality and performance tests on membrane electrode assemblies
and fuel cell stacks. The research and development of this bench spanned several years, involving
continuous problem identification and resolution. The project culminated in the completion of the
test bench in October 2024, followed by its successful final installation