Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca- Università degli Studi di Foggia
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Immune Signaling and Neurobehavioral Regulation: Dissecting the Roles of Complement Receptors and Regulatory T Cells in Neuroinflammation
No full textNeuroimmune communication is fundamentally important to the regulation of brain function and Behaviours. The current thesis explores the contribution of C3aR and C5aR complement receptors and Tregs to neuroimmune responses and anxiety-like behavior, using genetically modified mice. The primary goals for this work were to investigate the behavioral and inflammatory effects of C3aR-deficiency in response to systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Characterize the behavioral phenotype of C5aR KO mice in different regimes. Examine Treg depletion effects on stress hormones and anxiety-like behavior in the FoxP3-DTR model. Approaches utilized a combination of behavioral (open field test, elevated plus maze, acoustic startle response, spontaneous alternation), biochemical (multiplex ELISA measurement of serum cytokines and chemokines), and histological (immunohistochemistry of astrocyte activation and colocalization of cytokines) methods. Our main findings indicated that in the absence of C3aR, astrocyte activation and cytokine colocalization in the brain were reduced in the face of severe peripheral inflammation, implicating C3aR in central neuroimmune signaling. Genotype- and sex-specific C5aR deletion impacted locomotion, anxiety-like behavior, as well as sensorimotor gating, indicating a bi-phasic mechanism of C5aR in the modulation of emotional and cognitive processing. Furthermore, the ablation of Tregs in FoxP3-DTR mice resulted in enhanced anxiety-like behavior and corticosterone levels, especially during stress, which suggested the involvement of Tregs in the control of the neuroendocrine stress response. All these results extend our knowledge of how immune signaling pathways affect brain function and behavior and may not be specific to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. These findings emphasize the role of complement receptors and Tregs in neuroimmune regulation and provide novel therapeutic options for controlling central immune responses without compromising systemic inflammation
Ecological modeling for effective policy making and green economy development in Gargano area, south Italy
No full textPlace-based approaches and tailored solutions are essential for fostering sustainable development in
peripheral and marginalised rural areas. This kind of development strategy valorises local assets,
enhances social cohesion and increases communities’ capacities to handle the social, economic and
ecological challenges they face, strengthening the local system’s resilience. This study explores the
potential of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGP) model as a possible sustainable development
strategy for Gargano, lagging behind rural area in the South of Italy, renowned for its biodiversity,
cultural heritage, and geological diversity. Notwithstanding its unique social, cultural and natural
capital, Gargano struggles with persistent socio-economic challenges, environmental degradation
compounded by a lack of social cohesion.
The current research seeks to evaluate the social acceptability of the UGGP model among local
stakeholders, addressing two research questions:1) To what extent do stakeholders perceive the
UGGP model as a driver for sustainable development? 2) What actions can foster greater acceptance
of the UGGP model in the region?
A mixed-methods approach combining SWOT-SOr analysis and Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM)
was used to evaluate stakeholder perceptions. The study also incorporates Stakeholder Analysis and
examination of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes to contextualize socio-ecological
interactions.
The findings of the research reveal that UGGP-related variables are not widely perceived by
stakeholders as effective development drivers compared to tangible economic interventions through
established development agencies. This underscores the following: 1) there is the need to raise
awareness of the UGGP model’s benefits, especially economic; 2) strengthen key stakeholder
participation; and 3) to align UGGP initiatives with local priorities set by stakeholders. Key insights
from the research include leveraging local knowledge and entrepreneurship mindset to enhance the
model’s acceptability while addressing the untapped potential of UGGP policies through
complementary strategies.
The research identifies a methodological gap in integrating stakeholder perceptions with UGGP-
specific drivers and contributes to the academic discourse on sustainable development frameworks.
Recommendations emphasize community-centric strategies, improved awareness campaigns, and
future research to monitor the evolving perceptions of UGGP policies. By aligning UGGP initiatives
with local economic goals, this study highlights the model’s potential to drive meaningful progress
in sustainable development while fostering greater acceptance and support among stakeholders
Evolution of soil organic matter pools during Martian regolith terraforming, with a focus on organo-Fe (oxyhydr)oxide interactions
No full textThe poor fertility of Martian regolith, due to its lack of organic matter (OM) and nitrogen (N), limits its suitability as a plant substrate. While compost amendment enhances short-term fertility, the mechanisms underlying long-term OM stabilization, particularly through interactions with iron (Fe) minerals, remain poorly understood. This study explores OM fractionation and Fe mineral transformations in Mojave Mars Simulant (MMS-1), both pure (R100) and amended with compost (R70C30), across two consecutive cropping cycles (potato followed by Vicia faba). Following Vicia faba cultivation, total C increased 12-fold in R70C30 (18.8 g kg−1) compared to R100 (1.6 g kg−1), with a 140 % increase in amended and 90 % in pure regolith relative to post-potato levels. Both particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) also increased substantially: POM-C rose 7-fold, while MAOM-C increased by 947 %, suggesting the formation of organo-mineral complexes. MAOM also exhibited a 447 % rise in total N and the lowest C/N ratio (∼9), consistent with more microbially processed and stabilized OM. Fe speciation via Fe K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) revealed compost-driven enrichment of ferrihydrite and hematite, with distinct mineral profiles across POM and MAOM fractions. EXAFS further identified lepidocrocite and magnetite, phases undetected by XANES, highlighting the complementary role of reactive and crystalline Fe minerals in stabilizing OM in mineral matrices. These findings underscore the potential of organic amendments and leguminous crops to promote biologically functional, nutrient-rich substrates from Martian regolith simulants, offering critical insights for in situ resource utilization in space agriculture
Digital Learning e formazione iniziale e in servizio dei docenti: qualità ed efficacia di metodologie, di modalità di valutazione dei risultati di apprendimento e di feedback formativi
No full textThe Hidden Harvest: An Efficiency Indicator for Agricultural Residues Production
No full textThis study assesses the efficiency of agricultural residue production across regions within the framework of a circular economy. The objective is to identify the key factors driving performance and to provide insights for optimising resource use in line with the European Green Deal and the Common Agricultural Policy (2023-2030). We have integrated Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA-DEA), developing a composite efficiency indicator that enables the design of targeted policies based on the main determinants of regional performance. This indicator was applied to the Poland’s NUTS-2 regions and incorporates variables such as irrigation, agricultural land, employment, machinery, and crop type, allowing for a more refined evaluation of efficiency. Our approach offers a robust tool to support evidence-based policymaking. The findings underscore Poland’s potential to capitalise on significant agricultural residue surpluses for bioenergy and bio-based products, and advocate for tailored policy interventions, integrated evaluation methodologies, and enhanced support to address economic, environmental, and logistical challenges – thereby fostering a resilient circular economy
Renato Corrado e le istanze economico-sociali a fondamento della pubblicità
No full textIl pensiero di Corrado alla verifica del tempo
Innovating in complexity: training, motivation and virtual reality in the pedagogies of the future.
No full textIn recent years, the educational system has undergone profound transformations, ac-celerated by the pandemic and the growing integration of digital technologies. These changes have highlighted the challenges faced by students with disabilities and specific learning disorders, re-quiring a rethinking of educational environments from an inclusive perspective. In this context, Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as an innovative tool capable of fostering accessibility, personal-ization, and active learning. However, the mere availability of technological resources is not suffi-cient: continuous teacher training, professional motivation, and pedagogical awareness remain essential. The study explored the relationship between digital training, motivation, and teachers’ perceptions of the usefulness and ease of use of VR, involving 28 participants through an online questionnaire based on validated scales and specific instruments. The results indicate a positive relationship between teachers’ digital competence and motivation, showing a greater tendency to adopt educational technologies and to perceive VR as an effective and inclusive resource. When consciously integrated into teaching practice, VR can promote dy-namic, participatory, and accessible learning environments. This evidence supports the idea that educational innovation depends primarily on the professional development and intrinsic motiva-tion of teachers, rather than solely on technological availability
Algerian Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Gene Banks
No full textConservation of biodiversity is the ultimate solution to many of the future problems facing humanity, and field gene banks represent one of the solutions. The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is incontestably considered a founding component of the oasis. The conservation of its genetic resources has emerged as a crucial concern regarding advancing date production and its significance for ensuring food security in numerous countries. In Algeria, the “ITDAS Féliache” date palm ex situ gene bank was created in 1995 and belongs to the “Technical Institute of Development of Saharian Agriculture.” The collection is located in Biskra, southeastern Algeria, where the noncompetitive Deglet Noor dates are intensively produced, resulting in severe genetic erosion. The collection contains 382 palms from 90 cultivars collected throughout the region, many of which are rare or have already disappeared. After several rehabilitation projects, the collection plays a crucial role in preserving, multiplying, and propagating cultivars and is working hard to set up other in situ collections. This chapter aims to describe the date palm gene banks in Algeria, focusing on the largest ex situ collection in the country, where the research unit supervises studies on morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterization, as well as evaluation of yield, earliness, date quality, and cultivar response to various stresses. At the same time, a database and documentation system are being built to support scientific research and ensure the sustainability of date palm cultivation in Algeria