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Hybrid superconducting energy pipelines: key cost thresholds and system implications for Italy
Get PDFHydrogen is a key vector for energy-sector decarbonization by 2050, yet large-scale transmission options are limited. This study evaluates the cost-competitiveness of a hybrid SuperConducting Energy Pipeline (SCEP) simultaneously delivering electricity and liquid hydrogen, firstly introduced in a scenario-based capacity expansion analysis within a multi-vector energy system model. A multi-region optimization model of the Italian power and hydrogen sectors is developed using the open-source TEMOA-Italy framework. Multiple scenarios to 2050 explore emission targets, hydrogen generation options, and techno-economic parameters to assess SCEP deployment relative to conventional transmission lines. Results show the specific SCEP configuration becomes cost-effective below a capital cost around 610 M€/km/MW, or 1430 M€/km/MW if conventional line costs double. When adopted, SCEP promotes centralized hydrogen generation in high-renewable regions, increasing 2050 electrolysis output in Sardegna by ~10 times. Findings highlight SCEP's potential role in the Italian energy transition under specific economic and policy conditions
Innovative Model for Energy Assessment of New Crystalline Silicon Technologies Tested Under Different Climates
No full textUnpacking public support for nuclear energy: A twin conjoint experiment on innovative nuclear fusion and next-generation fission technologies
Get PDFThe transition to sustainable energy systems is a critical priority for European countries. Among the most debated solutions are nuclear technologies, including innovative fusion and next-generation fission power plants. However, public support for these technologies is complex and influenced by a range of factors, including economic considerations, environmental concerns, and perceived social impacts; yet the majority of the studies conducted on these technologies are observational and mono-dimensional. To address this gap, we conduct the first-ever twin conjoint experiment designed to assess public support for both fission and fusion nuclear energy development plans. The conjoint fielded among a highly representative sample of the French, German, Italian, British, Spanish and Polish populations in May 2025. Our results reveal that public preferences for nuclear energy development plans, whether for innovative fusion or next-generation fission technologies, are shaped by place (topos), governance (nomos) and effectiveness (logos) oriented considerations. Respondents slightly favored fusion rather than fission development plans
Tea-polyphenols coatings on AZ31 and AZ91 magnesium alloys for degradation control and improvement of the biological response
Get PDFMagnesium alloys are promising materials for biodegradable orthopedic and cardiovascular implants, avoiding second interventions and related complications. Magnesium is a biocompatible and key element for numerous physiological processes; however, its degradation rate is too rapid, accompanied by strong hydrogen development, pH rise, and consequent inflammation. In this context, innovative strategies to modulate the degradation of magnesium and its alloys are an urgent clinical need. Natural green tea polyphenols were explored in this research work as a promising and sustainable strategy for obtaining organic protective coatings on AZ31 and AZ91 Mg-alloys for cardiovascular and orthopedic applications. Coatings were obtained by soaking samples in a water-based polyphenolic solution and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy, tape adhesion tests, static soaking degradation tests, electrochemical corrosion measurements, and preliminary cytocompatibility tests. Results suggest that surface preparation plays a crucial role in obtaining stable and homogeneous coatings. In optimized conditions, globular-shaped coatings free of cracks were obtained on both alloys. These coatings significantly reduced the corrosion rate in electrochemical tests and had a protective effect on cells
Exploring the Potential of AR in Simulating Central Vision Loss: An Experimental Study with HoloLens2
No full textCentral vision loss (CVL) is an increasingly prevalent condition that significantly affects essential daily activities such as reading and visual search. This study simulates a central scotoma in a controlled experimental setting using the Microsoft HoloLens 2 augmented reality (AR) headset, enabling the investigation of compensatory mechanisms when the foveal region is compromised. Thirty-three participants performed a reading task (Task 1) and a visual search task (Task 2) under both normal vision and AR-simulated defect conditions, while eye-tracking data were recorded to analyze differences in visual behaviour and compensatory strategies. Key performance metrics included error rates, task completion times, and eye movement metrics such as the number and duration of fixations and saccades. Results showed that simulated central vision loss induced a more effortful visual exploration strategy, with an increased number of fixations and saccades, as well as longer total fixation duration, while saccadic timing remained stable. Specifically, the mean number and total duration of fixations during the reading task were approximately 14 and 8 s under normal vision, and 18 and 11 s under CVL condition, respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential of AR-based methods to replicate visual impairments in research settings. Future work could expand on the use of extended reality technologies for assistive and rehabilitative applications in individuals with central vision deficits
Industry 4.0 enablers in food industry: a framework based on stakeholder challenges in quality and sustainability
Get PDFPurpose: Digital transformation is a key driver for promoting circular economy practices in organizations. This study examines emerging challenges faced by food industry companies, including manufacturers, machinery producers, and packaging suppliers, across the product lifecycle, with a focus on sustainability and quality management.
Design/methodology/approach: A mixed-method approach was adopted. First, a systematic literature review to identify relevant Industry 4.0 enablers was performed. Second, semi-structured interviews were conducted under a common protocol with a cross-section of senior practitioners from diverse firms along the food supply chain. The Gioia method and structured assessments were used to analyse interviews and develop a framework
linking Industry 4.0 technologies to sustainability and quality challenges in the food sector.
Findings: The study identifies sustainability and quality management challenges across different product lifecycle stages. The proposed framework connects these challenges with Industry 4.0 enablers, demonstrating how digital transformation enhances circular economy practices, operational efficiency, resilience and competitive advantage.
Originality/value: This research develops an integrative framework that combines sustainability, quality challenges and digital transformation in the food industry. It offers practical guidance for decision-makers on adopting Industry 4.0 enablers to drive sustainability and quality improvements while advancing circular economy objectives
Oncologic and survival outcomes of pT2N0 rectal adenocarcinoma treated by transanal local excision: a retrospective cohort study
Get PDFBackground: The optimal management of pT2N0 rectal adenocarcinoma remains controversial, especially when tumours are incidentally diagnosed after local excision. Although total mesorectal excision (TME) is the standard approach, its associated morbidity has led to the exploration of conservative strategies. This study compares oncologic outcomes amongst three post-excision management options: salvage surgery, adjuvant radiotherapy, and no further treatment. Methods: This retrospective cohort comprised 90 patients with pT2N0 rectal adenocarcinoma who were treated by transanal excision at a single tertiary centre from 1993 to 2025. All patients were staged N0 on MRI and divided into three groups: Group A (no further treatment), Group B (adjuvant radiotherapy), and Group C (completion salvage surgery). The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), with additional analyses of histopathologic prognostic factors. Results: Median follow-up was 31 months. OS varied significantly across groups (p = 0.015), with the highest survival in Group B, followed by Group C and Group A. DFS showed no significant difference between groups. Patients in Group B had the lowest mortality (8.7%) and recurrence (30.4%) rates. Tumour budding was a significant predictor of poor prognosis in multivariate analysis. Local excision alone was associated with higher recurrence and mortality rates. Conclusion: In selected patients with pT2N0 rectal cancer discovered after transanal excision, adjuvant radiotherapy may provide outcomes comparable to salvage surgery and serve as an alternative in patients not suitable for surgery. High-risk histopathologic features should inform further management, as local excision alone was associated with worse outcomes. Multidisciplinary evaluation remains crucial for treatment planning
Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: The Effectiveness of Dupilumab in Mixed Endotypes
No full textObjective: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a complex and heterogeneous condition. Cluster analyses identified mixed endotypes underlying CRSwNP, characterized by overlapping inflammatory markers, such as the co-expression of T2 and neutrophilic markers. The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dupilumab for CRSwNP in a real-life setting, comparing different nasal endotypes. Methods: Thirty-one patients with uncontrolled type 2 CRSwNP who underwent biologic therapy with dupilumab were included. Endoscopic examinations, nasal cytology, smell (Visual Analogue Scale—VAS), blood eosinophils, evaluation of quality of life (SNOT-22 questionnaire), and asthma severity (Asthma Control Test—ACT) were performed before starting the treatment (T0) and after 3 (T1), 6 (T2), and 12 months (T3). Results: A mixed endotype (neutrophil and eosinophil) was observed in 51.6% of cases at T0. An increase of neutrophil infiltrate between T0 and T3 was observed in 51.6% of patients. Such an increase could be present both in patients with a mixed endotype and pure eosinophil endotype at T0. A smaller improvement was observed for SNOT-22 physical symptoms, SNOT-22 nasal symptoms, SNOT-22 total score, and VAS for smell loss in patients with a neutrophil increase. However, such individuals had lower scores in these parameters at T0 and then reached the values of other subjects at T3. Conclusion: Dupilumab is an effective treatment also in mixed neutrophil-eosinophil endotypes. A peculiar clinical condition with fewer symptoms and better quality of life is present in patients that will have a neutrophil increase at nasal cytology during the treatment. Level of Evidence: 3
Districting in last‐mile delivery with stochastic customers
No full textDue to the peculiarities of city streets, last-mile logistics is typically organized using territory-based routing approaches, which divide the city into a set of districts and assign drivers to deliver in one or more of them. This allows drivers to develop a deep understanding of the characteristics of each district, and clients benefit from consistent service. However, these advantages must be carefully weighed against the flexibility of daily customer assignments, which enable planners to maximize driver utilization and minimize routing costs. In this paper, we propose a new holistic framework for defining districts, considering the impact on the quality of logistics decisions and fleet capacity usage. Specifically, we address how districting decisions affect the demand distribution within each district. Computational experiments on both simulated and realistic instances demonstrated a significant reduction in costs compared to benchmark techniques
