33145 research outputs found
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BEAR 2.0: Enhancing the Environment Model for Animating Environment-Aware BPMN Collaborations
No full textIn most scenarios, to fully understand how organizations work, it is fundamental to study the interplay between the collaboration among process participants and the environment in which they operate. To this aim, we propose BEAR 2.0, a tool for modeling, animating, and debugging environment-aware BPMN collaborations. This version of the tool enhances its predecessor mainly for what concerns (i) the supported environment model, extended with a logical layer to provide abstraction and different levels of granularity, and (ii) the integration of real-world geographic maps, simplifying both the modeling of the environment and the understanding of the process
Thickness dependent oxidation in CrCl 3 : a scanning X-ray photoemission and Kelvin probe microscopies study
No full textThe modifications in the electronic properties induced by the thickness and size of an individual flake of transition-metal halides on different substrates (silicon oxide or In-doped tin oxide) are of particular technological interest, even more in the case of chromium trihalides (CrX3, X = Cl, Br, and I), whose longer lifetime under ambient conditions is particularly intriguing. By using synchrotron-based scanning photoelectron microscopy with a resolution of 0.1 mu m and Kelvin probe force microscopy, we evaluated the surface modification reaction and the surface potential. Our results established the correlations of the two latter properties with the thickness of flakes, observing a natural tendency to preserve their characteristic when the flakes have significantly less thickness. This is in contrast to thicker flakes, which show alteration patterns similar to those observed in bulk-cleaved samples (Kazim, S.; Mastrippolito, D.; Moras, P.; Jugovac, M.; Klimczuk, T.; Ali, M.; Ottaviano, L.; Gunnella, R. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.2023, 25, 3806-3814. doi:10.1039/D2CP04586A). This preliminary study investigates interfaces made by dry transfer of CrCl3 flakes in an atmospheric environment. Cl vacancies and the formation of O/CrCl3 are induced, serving as dissociation centers that facilitate the migration of Cl vacancies between the top and bottom surfaces. By manipulating 2D atomic layers via surface oxidation or the introduction of surface vacancies, a novel and versatile approach is unveiled for the development of low-dimensional multifunctional nanodevices
Soluzioni integrate per l’adattamento climatico urbano
No full textIl contributo propone un framework multiscalare e data-driven per l’adattamento climatico urbano, fondato sull’integrazione tra soluzioni tecnologiche, nature-based e strumenti digitali avanzati. A partire dalla trasformazione del progetto ambientale in senso sistemico e adattivo, il saggio articola un modello interpretativo basato su tre assi – scala operativa, funzione climatica e supporto digitale – che consente di selezionare, combinare e verificare le strategie progettuali in relazione ai contesti e agli obiettivi prestazionali. Attraverso l’impiego di simulazioni microclimatiche, modelli energetici dinamici, GIS ambientali e piattaforme decisionali, il framework supporta l’evoluzione del progetto da approccio prescrittivo a processo informato e verificabile. Le Nature-based Solutions assumono un ruolo centrale come infrastrutture verdi e blu capaci di generare benefici climatici, ambientali e sociali lungo diverse scale spaziali. Il lavoro, sviluppato nell’ambito del progetto Vitality, dimostra come la convergenza tra transizione digitale e transizione verde abiliti pratiche progettuali capaci di affrontare in modo integrato mitigazione, adattamento e qualità della vita urbana
Explorative Analysis of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Intestinal Barrier Protective Effects of In Vitro Digested Chickpea- and Dark Chocolate-Based Snack: Insights from Caco-2 and THP-1 Cell Models
No full textChickpeas are used as alternative protein sources in healthy snacks due to their bioactive compounds beneficial for gut health. Combining chickpeas with dark chocolate improves palatability and may enhance biological functionality, although mechanistic evidence is still limited. In this explorative research, we evaluate the nutrigenomic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of a chickpea and chocolate snack using in vitro Caco-2 (colon adenocarcinoma cells) and THP-1 (monocyte-derived macrophages) models. The total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were measured after in vitro digestion (30.30 mg/mL to 1.9 mg/mL). Caco-2 epithelia and THP-1 were pre-treated for 4 days (2 h/day) with high (15.1 mg/mL) or low (3.8 mg/mL) concentrations of digests. Inflammation was induced for 3 h by LPS (Lipopolysaccharides) and IL-1β (Interleukin-1β). Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured to assess barrier integrity. Gene expression related to tight junctions and inflammation was analysed using qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction). Chocolate and snack digests showed the highest total polyphenol content and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl activity. Barrier integrity improved with all treatments. Chickpea upregulated tight junction gene expression. Chickpea and chocolate reduced IL-1β expression in both cell types. In THP-1, the chocolate and the snack upregulated CD206 (mannose receptor C-type 1) expression. IL-10 increased with all treatments. These results pave the way for future research that may support the potential use of this snack as a functional food with antioxidant, gut-protective and anti-inflammatory effects
Fossils on the Market: An Attempt to Characterise the Auction World (2010–2022)
No full textThe collection of fossils supports a thriving market that is largely unknown to the academic community. The fossil market is characterised by fairs, online shops, physical stores and auction sales that attract hundreds of thousands of people each year. The sale of fossils to private individuals is often perceived as a threat by professional palaeontologists, who fear that valuable, maybe unique, specimens are being removed from scientific inquiry. In this paper we explore the global fossil market based on data shared online by international auction houses. We analysed the sales of fossils made by 115 auction houses over a period of 12 years (January 2010 to December 2022) whose auction results were still available online in 2022. Thirty parameters were collected for each auctioned item, including taxonomic identification, provenance, estimates and realised prices, etc. A total of 10.471 records were analysed. The database also includes high profile auction results, such as the Stan auction (Tyrannosaurus rex sold by Christie's in 2020 for around 30 million US dollars). Even if many (54%) of the auctioned fossils come from Africa and Asia, only a small minority of the auction houses operates from these continents. These results are useful not only to learn more about the international fossil trade and to provide relevant information to auction houses, fossil preparators and sellers, but also to better assess the economic value of fossils from an insurance point of view, which is useful information for museum and university collections. They also provide a basis to address legal and policy issues of the private fossil trade
SICUREZZA. IL CONCETTO DI SICUREZZA NEL DESIGN DI ARREDI SALVA-VITA IN CASO DI SISMA
No full textNella storia dell’uomo la “sicurezza” è inquadrata come un bisogno istintivo in grado di influenzare e guidare molte delle scelte antropiche, specialmente nelle pratiche progettuali orientate allo sviluppo di artefatti deputati alla salvaguardia della vita in caso di pericolo. Nella disciplina del Design, la progettazione finalizzata alla sicurezza personale e della collettività, ossia il Design for Safety, è stata, e rappresenta ancora oggi, una sfida progettuale di particolare interesse nella comunità dei designer e dei ricercatori, toccando diverse specializzazioni e settori merceologici e, generando al contempo, nuove riflessioni e scenari di sviluppo. Il saggio indaga il tema della sicurezza legata alle prati-che progettuali per lo sviluppo di soluzioni innovative per la salvaguardia della vita in caso di pericolo, specialmente nei contesti edilizi ad alto rischio sismico e ad uso collettivo. Infatti, tra le catastrofi naturali, il terremoto rappresenta ancora oggi, una delle principali minacce per intere comunità e paesi, purtroppo anche per la nostra Penisola. Storicamente, è l’ambito disciplinare dell’ingegneria sismica che si è occupato del problema terremoto, tuttavia, negli ultimi dieci anni la visione progettuale del concetto di sicurezza di una struttura architettonica si è fortemente allargata, riconoscendo anche agli elementi non
strutturali, specialmente alcune tipologie di arredo, un ruolo strategico in chiave antisismica. In questo contesto, gli arredi posso-no infatti incrementare le possibilità di salvezza e proteggere la vita delle persone dai possibili crolli degli edifici
Tailoring the Electrochemical Performance of SnO2‐Based Anodes for Li‐Ion Batteries: Effect of Morphology and Composite Matrix
No full textThree different composite anodes, based on SnO2 , are investigated as potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Three different strategies have been employed to stabilize SnO 2 upon cycling, i.e., i) use of an inorganic matrix (TiO2 ), ii) use of an amorphous carbon matrix, and iii) use of SnO 2 with a tailored morphology (nanorod) and a carbon coating. Specific capacities, ranging from 700 up to 1000 mAh g−1 , are obtained during galvanostatic cycles with high-capacity retentions. Furthermore, this work sheds light on the interfacial and transport properties of such electrode materials, given by cyclic voltammetry at different scan rates, galvanostatic intermittent titration technique, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Barriers and Facilitators to Artificial Intelligence Implementation in Diabetes Management from Healthcare Workers’ Perspective: A Scoping Review
No full textBackground and Objectives: Diabetes is a global public health challenge, with increasing prevalence worldwide. The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the management of this condition offers potential benefits in improving healthcare outcomes. This study primarily investigates the barriers and facilitators perceived by healthcare professionals in the adoption of AI. Secondarily, by analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data collected, it aims to support the potential development of AI-based programs for diabetes management, with particular focus on a possible bottom-up approach. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines for reporting and registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) database. The study selection process was conducted in two phases—title/abstract screening and full-text review—independently by three researchers, with a fourth resolving conflicts. Data were extracted and assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. The included studies were synthesized narratively, combining both quantitative and qualitative analyses to ensure methodological rigor and contextual depth. Results: The adoption of AI tools in diabetes management is influenced by several barriers, including perceived unsatisfactory clinical performance, high costs, issues related to data security and decision-making transparency, as well as limited training among healthcare workers. Key facilitators include improved clinical efficiency, ease of use, time-saving, and organizational support, which contribute to broader acceptance of the technology. Conclusions: The active and continuous involvement of healthcare workers represents a valuable opportunity to develop more effective, reliable, and well-integrated AI solutions in clinical practice. Our findings emphasize the importance of a bottom-up approach and highlight how adequate training and organizational support can help overcome existing barriers, promoting sustainable and equitable innovation aligned with public health priorities
Un ambiente unico e un paesaggio “umano”ad elevata biodiversità
No full textValorizzare la bellezza di uno scenario agrario significa patrocinare la
conservazione della sua biodiversità, delle funzioni ecologiche del sistema nonché
garantire uno sviluppo economico sostenibile ed in linea con le tradizioni storicoculturali
dei luoghi. rinascere da tutta questa ricchezza storico-culturale e ambientale,
grazie ai servizi ecosistemici, che forniscono acqua pulita alle città costiere mitigando
gli effetti del cambiamento climatico, assorbendo grandi quantità di CO2 con le
sue foreste appenniniche, scrigni di biodiversità assieme alle sue praterie montane
secondarie create dai pastori neolitici già 6000 anni fa, alle sue gole rupestri, forre e
montagne scavate da fiumi che qui nascono per sfociare nel mare Adriatico