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Circular approaches to formulate sustainable biocomposites and efficient wood waste treatments
No full textFrom NUMMI DIGITALI to NUmmi DIgitali Towards Europe (NUDItEu)
No full textNUMMI DIGITALI is a project aimed at enhancing the numismatic collection of the Regional Archaeological Museum “A. Salinas” in Palermo. To this end, a digital, open-access database has been created, aligned with the national cataloguing standards of the Central Institute for Cataloguing and Documentation (ICCD) of the Italian Ministry of Culture (MiC). The goal is to ensure data interoperability and shareability, according to the Linked Open Data (LOD) paradigm. The database is connected to the web through a front-end interface that provides public access and a real user interaction via Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). More recently, NUDItEu has extended the original project with the novel features presented in this paper, focusing on geospatial visualization, contextual analysis, archaeometric data, interdisciplinary study of coins and with preparatory work for aligning the cataloguing standards with the Numismatic Description Standard (NUDS) of nomisma.org. This alignment will allow the transfer of data for coins catalogued into major thematic databases in Europe and America
Measures of Fuzziness and Information: Some Challenges from Reflections on æsthetic Experience
No full textThe aim of the present paper is to test a possible, fruitful interaction among such different topics as fuzziness (measures of fuzziness and information) and art (æsthetic theories). We have tried to condense in the title of this paper some remarks that should be critically reviewed: there are similarities and differences when trying to measure fuzziness and information, and there is some sort of relationship between the informal notion of information and the measures of fuzziness
Influence of Filamentous Fungi on Nectar Chemistry and Cascading Effects for the Longevity of the Insect Parasitoids Trissolcus basalis and Ooencyrtus telenomicida
No full textFlowering plants serve as a valuable source of nectar, which supports the survival and reproductive success of flower-associated insects, including adult parasitoids. Fermentation by nectar-inhabiting microbes can alter nectar chemistry, which in turn, could affect the performance of nectar-feeding parasitoids. Although there is growing evidence on how yeasts and bacteria influence flower-visiting insects, the potential role of other microbial taxa that can colonize nectar has been largely neglected. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that filamentous fungi isolated from the nectar of buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum, affect nectar chemistry with cascading effects for the longevity of insect parasitoids. As model organisms, we used Trissolcus basalis and Ooencyrtus telenomicida, two co-occurring egg parasitoids of the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula. Laboratory bioassays showed that the longevity of T. basalis was reduced when wasps were fed on synthetic nectar fermented by Cladosporium sp. SAAF 22.2.12 and Cladosporium sp. SAAF 22.3.29, compared with wasps that fed on non-fermented synthetic nectar. On the contrary, no effects of fermentation by nectar-inhabiting fungi were reported in terms of longevity for O. telenomicida. Chemical analyses revealed that nectar fermentation by filamentous fungi substantially increased the chemical diversity of the nectar medium, with a total of 12 sugars and sugar alcohols detected in the fermented products of the different fungal strains, although in varying proportions. Altogether, these findings highlight the potential of neglected microbial taxa to affect nectar chemistry and longevity of adult parasitoids, broadening our understanding of plant-microbe-insect interactions
Federated Learning for Pre-operative Detection of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer from Multiparametric MRI: Preliminary Results
No full textTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with poor prognosis and limited treatments, for which accurate pre-operative prediction is essential for guiding therapy. While multiparametric MRI is highly sensitive, its use in multi-center AI workflows is hampered by inter-scanner variability. This study explores Federated Learning with radiomic features from DCE-MRI, and assesses the role of image standardization in improving TNBC classification performance. Data were split across 5 virtual clients to simulate hospitals, each training locally within a federated MLP framework. Results show that image standardization markedly improves TNBC classification, highlighting the role of preprocessing in federated AI pipelines
Can Losartan controlled release improve the bio-hybrid cardiac patch in preventing left ventricular pathological remodeling?
No full textAcute myocardial infarction (AMI), commonly referred to as a heart attack, is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It typically results from a sudden reduction or complete obstruction of blood flow in an epicardial coronary artery, leading to ischemia and subsequent myocardial cell death. Following AMI, the heart undergoes a compensatory process known as left ventricular (LV) Pathological remodelling, which includes wall thinning, chamber dilation, and geometric distortion. While initially adaptive, prolonged remodelling can compromise cardiac function and ultimately progress to heart failure (HF). Current clinical strategies to limit pathological LV remodeling include pharmacological interventions (e.g., beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors), surgical approaches (e.g., Dor and Batista procedures), and mechanical restraint devices (e.g., Acorn, Paracor). Although these treatments can offer partial functional recovery, many patients continue to deteriorate, progressing to end-stage HF. Furthermore, mechanical devices that encapsulate the heart may limit long-term efficacy due to foreign body response and lack of adaptability. In recent years, biodegradable cardiac patches have emerged as a promising strategy for providing temporary mechanical support and modulating the post-infarction remodeling process. Various patch designs have been evaluated in preclinical models, incorporating features such as embedded cells, the release of bioactive molecules, pre-vascularization, immunomodulation, and electrical conductivity. Despite differing approaches, a common conclusion is that patches offering mechanical reinforcement and supporting cell integration are more likely to preserve LV structure and function. In a previous study, D’Amore et al. developed a bilayer (BL) biohybrid cardiac patch composed of poly (ester carbonate urethane) urea (PECUU) and Extracellular Matrix (ECM) that improved ventricular function and neovascularization in rats when implanted two- and eight-weeks post-MI. This biohybrid approach combined the mechanical benefits of isotropic PECUU with the biological cues of ECM, underscoring the potential of integrated strategies.This project aims to develop and evaluate this cardiac patch composed of a biodegradable polymer, PECUU, and ECM derived from porcine myocardium. Toenhance the regenerative potential, first, we incorporated a drug delivery system into the patch design, within the ECM layer to enable sustained, site-specific drug release by encapsulating losartan potassium, an Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARBs) commonly used in the treatment of hypertension and HF. Second, we introduced mechanical anisotropy to better mimic native myocardial mechanics and align patch anisotropy with native LV fiber orientation. Additionally, the patches were characterized in terms of their mechanical performance, kinetic degradation, drug release, and bioactivity in vitro.Further in vivo efficacy tests will be evaluated in a rat model of chronic myocardial infarction (MI) to determine the potential of the biohybrid patch in mitigating adverse ventricular remodeling and improving cardiac function
Sex disparities in tuberculosis outcomes: evidence from a multicenter Italian cohort (Italian South TB Network (ISTB-Net)
No full textBackground: Sex disparities in tuberculosis (TB) outcomes are not well characterized, especially in high-income countries where social vulnerability and migration influence access to care. Although men globally experience a higher TB burden, the interaction between sex, migration, and social determinants is complex and extends beyond biological factors. This study evaluated sex differences in clinical and programmatic TB outcomes in a high-income European country with a significant substantial migrant population. Methods: A retrospective multicentre cohort study was conducted across 16 Infectious Diseases Units in seven Italian regions from (January 2021 to September 2025). Outcomes included time to sputum conversion (in pulmonary TB), length of hospital stay (LOS), adverse events (AEs) and their severity, incomplete treatment (defined as failure, death, or loss to follow-up), and loss to follow-up (LTFU). Mixed-effects models were applied using two prespecified adjustment sets: sex, centre, and core confounders (Model A); and sex, centre, and clinically relevant baseline imbalances (Model B). Sub-analyses examined the impact of migration status. Results: Of 982 TB patients, 229 (23.3%) were women and 753 (76.7%) were men. Women exhibited lower rates of smoking (24.4% vs 36.7%), diabetes (7.9% vs 15.8%), and COPD/bronchiectasis (4.5% vs 10.3%). The median sputum conversion time was 21 days for both sexes. Adjusted analysesindicated shorter LOS among women (Model A: − 22% [95%CI − 32 to − 10]; Model B: − 19% [95%CI − 28 to − 9]). Time to sputum conversion was slightly shorter in women in Model A (− 13%; 95%CI −23% to −1%) but not in Model B (− 9%; 95%CI −17% to 1%). The risk and severity of AEs were similar between sexes. In Model B, women had lower odds of incomplete treatment (OR 0.64 [95%CI 0.41 to 0.99]) and LTFU (OR 0.62 [95%CI 0.38 to 0.99]). Migrants experienced worse overall outcomes, but the effect of sex did not differ by migration status. Conclusion: Women had consistently shorter hospital stays and greater treatment continuity without increased toxicity, indicating that sex differences in TB outcomes are likely attributable to social and behavioural factors rather than biological differences. Supportive associative networks and non-governmental organisations may help reduce sex disparities, underscoring the importance of sex- and migration-responsive TB care models in Europe
Global and regional conservation status of vascular wetland plants in Mediterranean islands: a collaborative network to improve knowledge and awareness
No full textMediterranean wetlands are highly sensitive ecosystems, particularly vulnerable to human pressure and shifts in precipitation and temperature regimes. Wetland plants can be particularly threatened in Mediterranean insular contexts, where such habitats are naturally smaller and more fragmented than in their continental counterparts. This study investigated 275 species of vascular wetland plants that were considered to be at least regionally threatened across 2217 islands and islets in the Mediterranean. We provided both global and local IUCN conservation assessments (summarized in a ‘conservation concern’ index) and ‘assessment completion’ (i.e. knowledge level) for each taxon as well as a geographic distribution among islands, wetland types, and life forms. Most of wetland plants were threatened at the regional level, although assessment completion was generally low, except for endemics. Inland and endemic wetland plants were more threatened than the rest. A phylogenetic signal was detected, highlighting that Orchidaceae and Apiaceae were of particularly high conservation concern, while other families, especially Amaranthaceae, exhibited low levels of assessment completion. No geographical patterns were found in terms of conservation concern and assessment completion. Our findings provide critical insights into biodiversity patterns, identify conservation gaps and priorities and contribute to the development of targeted strategies for the protection of wetland plants, which are crucial indicators of the entire natural capital of Mediterranean island ecosystems
Double stochastic resonance in stink bug sexual communication
No full textStochastic resonance (SR) is a phenomenon where noise enhances the detection of weak signals in nonlinear systems. In this study, we investigate the role of environmental noise in facilitating acoustic communication during mating in the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.), a globally distributed and highly polyphagous pest species. Using behavioral experiments and the source-direction movement (SDM) ratio as a metric, we demonstrate that environmental noise can significantly improve signal recognition between individuals of opposite sex. Notably, the SDM ratio exhibits a nonmonotonic response with two distinct peaks, indicating the presence of a double behavioral stochastic resonance -a phenomenon previously predicted theoretically but not observed
in biological systems. The noise intensity levels used in laboratory experiments closely match those recorded in natural habitats, reinforcing the ecological relevance of our findings. These results suggest that environmental noise may play a constructive role in enhancing mating communication in N. viridula, offering new insights into pest control strategies based on acoustic signaling
Beyond Recognition: Towards Sonic Opacity as Algorithmic Resistance
No full textThe doctoral thesis Beyond Recognition: Towards Sonic Opacity as Algorithmic Resistance, presents an intervention at the intersection of critical theory, media studies, sound studies and artistic research that seeks to critically assess recognition as a regime traversing epistemological, ethical, aesthetic and technological domains. In particular, the thesis concentrates on listening as a sensory-specific mode of recognition; on human voice as the overdetermined object of auditory recognition; and on algorithms as contemporary technologies of recognition. Adopting a feminist, new materialist philosophical framework, Beyond Recognition understands recognition (in all of its modes) as a process that produces, rather than merely observes, its objects and subjects. Listening-as-recognition is thus decoupled from its purported neutrality, and exposed as contingent on ingrained racial, colonial, classed and gendered premises. The first Part of the thesis takes up the methodology of situating to offer a critical genealogy of recognition as an episteme sustaining its operations across philosophical, colonial, and computational apparatuses of capture. Throughout this Part, the thesis aims to show how recognition is uncritically inscribed in philosophical and aesthetic models, as well as in technological assemblages such as algorithms. In a contrapuntal theoretical movement, Beyond Recognition aims to propose opacity (Glissant) as a conceptual and performative tool able to actively resist recognition. The second Part of Beyond Recognition builds on the previous to substantiate it through a case study. This Part unfolds as a detailed critical audition of the “accent recognition” algorithm in use at the German Migration Office to process undocumented asylum seekers’ applications, doing so by engaging with artist and researcher Pedro Oliveira’s work. This critical assessment of the algorithm is grounded, on one hand, in media archeological methodologies and Actor Network Theory’s practice of script analysis; on the other, it proposes a second-degree interpretation of Oliveira’s own methodology, to highlight his radical and innovative approach to algorithmic audition, especially when confronted with the epistemological and practical limits of classic methods of analysis. In this case as well, opacity offers the conceptual and pragmatic not only to overcome this impasse, but actively resist to the voice recognition algorithm. The thesis concludes with an analysis of Oliveira’s live sound art work DESMONTE (2022), first, framing it in the broader context of contemporary artistic research practice on voice/recognition/algorithm, and lastly by adopting a participatory perspective as a privileged listener, to put to the test sonic opacity as a practice able to move beyond recognition.The doctoral thesis Beyond Recognition: Towards Sonic Opacity as Algorithmic Resistance, presents an intervention at the intersection of critical theory, media studies, sound studies and artistic research that seeks to critically assess recognition as a regime traversing epistemological, ethical, aesthetic and technological domains. In particular, the thesis concentrates on listening as a sensory-specific mode of recognition; on human voice as the overdetermined object of auditory recognition; and on algorithms as contemporary technologies of recognition. Adopting a feminist, new materialist philosophical framework, Beyond Recognition understands recognition (in all of its modes) as a process that produces, rather than merely observes, its objects and subjects. Listening-as-recognition is thus decoupled from its purported neutrality, and exposed as contingent on ingrained racial, colonial, classed and gendered premises. The first Part of the thesis takes up the methodology of situating to offer a critical genealogy of recognition as an episteme sustaining its operations across philosophical, colonial, and computational apparatuses of capture. Throughout this Part, the thesis aims to show how recognition is uncritically inscribed in philosophical and aesthetic models, as well as in technological assemblages such as algorithms. In a contrapuntal theoretical movement, Beyond Recognition aims to propose opacity (Glissant) as a conceptual and performative tool able to actively resist recognition. The second Part of Beyond Recognition builds on the previous to substantiate it through a case study. This Part unfolds as a detailed critical audition of the “accent recognition” algorithm in use at the German Migration Office to process undocumented asylum seekers’ applications, doing so by engaging with artist and researcher Pedro Oliveira’s work. This critical assessment of the algorithm is grounded, on one hand, in media archeological methodologies and Actor Network Theory’s practice of script analysis; on the other, it proposes a second-degree interpretation of Oliveira’s own methodology, to highlight his radical and innovative approach to algorithmic audition, especially when confronted with the epistemological and practical limits of classic methods of analysis. In this case as well, opacity offers the conceptual and pragmatic not only to overcome this impasse, but actively resist to the voice recognition algorithm. The thesis concludes with an analysis of Oliveira’s live sound art work DESMONTE (2022), first, framing it in the broader context of contemporary artistic research practice on voice/recognition/algorithm, and lastly by adopting a participatory perspective as a privileged listener, to put to the test sonic opacity as a practice able to move beyond recognition