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Mitochondrial Stress, Melatonin, and Neurodegenerative Diseases: New Nanopharmacological Approaches
No full textNeurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are characterized by progressive neuronal loss, which is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. These pathologies involve a complex interplay of genetics, protein misfolding, and cellular stress, culminating in impaired energy metabolism, an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), and defective mitochondrial quality control. The accumulation of damaged mitochondria and dysregulation of pathways such as the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) are central to the pathogenesis of these conditions. This review explores the critical relationship between mitochondrial stress and neurodegeneration, highlighting the molecular mechanisms and biomarkers involved. It delves into the multifaceted role of melatonin as a potent neuroprotective agent. Melatonin, a lipophilic indoleamine, is produced both in the pineal gland and locally within mitochondria, where it exerts powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Its unique ability to neutralize multiple free radicals and its cascade-based antioxidant action make it superior to conventional antioxidants. Its mechanisms of action are discussed, including signaling pathway modulation and enhancement of the brain’s clearance system (the glymphatic system). Despite its potential, melatonin’s low bioavailability and rapid metabolism limit its therapeutic efficacy. In this context, nanopharmacology emerges as a promising strategy. Nanoparticles such as liposomes, polymers, and solid lipids can encapsulate melatonin and protect it from degradation, facilitating its transport across the blood-brain barrier. Preclinical evidence has shown that melatonin-loaded nanoparticles significantly improve cognitive function, reduce oxidative stress, and restore mitochondrial homeostasis in models of AD, PD, and ALS. In conclusion, the synergistic combination of melatonin and nanopharmacology offers a multimodal and highly targeted approach for mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction in NDs. While challenges remain in optimizing the formulation and safety of these nanocarriers, this combination represents a crucial frontier for developing more effective and specific treatments in the future
Bridging the Intention-Behaviour Gap in Sustainable Tourism: A Sociological and Managerial Perspective
No full textCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is increasingly recognized as an essential element in business strategies, particularly for engaging socially conscious consumers like Millennials and Generation Z, as there is an ever-growing demand from this generational cohort for transparency and ethical practices from organizations. The objective of this paper is to determine the perception of CSR among Millennials and Gen Z. To achieve this objective, the study employs a quantitative approach through the case study of the Rimini Social Club, a network of businesses and entities based in Rimini, Italy, utilizing a 5-point Likert scale quantitative survey. The survey both had a generic section on CSR with the aim of investigating the level of knowledge and importance that the sample attributes to socially responsible activities carried out by business companies and a specific section on the Rimini Social Club, which aimed to explore the knowledge, perception, and interest of respondents regarding the Rimini network. Key findings suggest that respondents support CSR practices and would be willing to pay a higher price for products from companies that support local culture and products, environmental protection, and the local community
ALGORITMI DI RACCOMANDAZIONE E MANIPOLAZIONE: UN APPROCCIO SISTEMICO ALL’ECONOMIA DELL’ATTENZIONE
No full textThis dissertation examines the pivotal role of recommendation algorithms in the attention economy, which is a framework that treats attention as a scarce and monetizable resource. The dissertation argues that these algorithms, which are used to personalize content on social media platforms and other digital spaces, can be used to manipulate users and exploit their attention for profit. By exploring the historical and theoretical underpinnings of this phenomenon, the dissertation highlights how the development of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, has transformed the way people consume and interact with information. While these algorithms offer undeniable advantages in enhancing user experience, the text underscores the inherent risks associated with their design and deployment, calling for more critical reflection and regulatory measures to mitigate their potential for abuse.This dissertation examines the pivotal role of recommendation algorithms in the attention economy, which is a framework that treats attention as a scarce and monetizable resource. The dissertation argues that these algorithms, which are used to personalize content on social media platforms and other digital spaces, can be used to manipulate users and exploit their attention for profit. By exploring the historical and theoretical underpinnings of this phenomenon, the dissertation highlights how the development of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, has transformed the way people consume and interact with information. While these algorithms offer undeniable advantages in enhancing user experience, the text underscores the inherent risks associated with their design and deployment, calling for more critical reflection and regulatory measures to mitigate their potential for abuse
Natura, fede e artificio nella decorazione a stucco di Villa Caprile
No full textIl contributo analizza la decorazione della galleria degli stucchi di Villa Caprile realizzati da Antonio Trentanove alla fine del secolo XVIII, con soggetti tratti dagli Atti degli apostoli. L'impresa decorativa viene contestualizzata nel clima politico di quegli anni, tenendo in considerazione i rapporti tra la famiglia Mosca, proprietaria della villa, e Napoleone, e viene letta in parallelo agli ideali della vivace cultura artistica pesarese dell'epoca
Identity, Purity, and Liberty: The Early Modern Roots of (Anglo-)Saxon Nationhood
No full textIn recent years, several British politicians have tried to flaunt a more or less mythical, more or less idealized “Anglo-Saxon identity” for propagandistic reasons. While exposing the shaky ethnographic and linguistic foundations of their concepts is easy enough, it is interesting to find that their slogans have a long history. This chapter tells the story of the birth and political exploitation of “Anglo-Saxonism” in Early Modern England, and argues, incidentally, that no academic terms should be outlawed because politicians use them for their devious purposes
L’impegno civico in Italia: Un esame comparativo sullo stato del volontariato
No full textIl contributo analizza lo stato del volontariato in Italia, con particolare attenzione alle sue dimensioni territoriali e sociodemografiche, collocandolo nel contesto europeo in ottica comparativa. L’indagine si basa sui dati degli ultimi due Round dell’European Social Survey (2023 e 2025) e si concentra sul volontariato sia periodico sia saltuario, non retribuito ma svolto all’interno di organizzazioni non profit e caritatevoli – escludendo le forme di impegno puramente individuali. I risultati evidenziano come l’Italia presenti un tasso di partecipazione volontaria inferiore alla media europea (14,3% contro 18,4%) e in diminuzione negli ultimi anni, con un calo accentuato nel Nord-Est. Resiste, invece, nelle regioni del Centro Italia, che conoscono oggi il più alto tasso di partecipazione. L’impegno volontario appare comunque socialmente e territorialmente diseguale: più diffuso tra donne, giovani e soggetti con più alto reddito; più stabile tra i praticanti religiosi assidui, nelle periferie delle grandi città o nei piccoli paesi, e sovente legato a un orientamento politico. Rispetto all’Europa, il volontariato italiano risulta più ancorato a risorse economiche, capitale sociale tradizionale e pratica religiosa, e meno alimentato da orientamenti laici o da cittadini politicamente «non collocati». Tanto in Italia quanto in Europa nel suo insieme, l’attività di volontariato appare inferiore nei ‘centri’ delle grandi città. Il quadro complessivo ci restituisce un volontariato italiano non in buona salute, con una partecipazione civica più disomogenea rispetto al contesto europeo