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Microgravimetric and GPR surveying for the detection of building foundations: the case of the “Basilica dello Spirito Santo” in Naples (Italy)
No full textThis study shows that microgravity investigation can be a successful strategy to detect deep buried foundation in an urban context. Specifically, we focused on the challenging archaeological and engineering case of the “Basilica dello Spirito Santo” in Naples (Italy) where the foundation system was debated in last centuries due to its complex historical development. Here we show that microgravity data, processed through the Depth from Extreme Points (DEXP) transformation, inferred a quadrangular pattern consistent with the expected foundation reinforcements. Modelling indicates that the structure is located at ∼5 m depth, shallower than originally designed. Further geophysical investigations employing Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) reveal numerous shallow voids, interpreted as crypts and burial sites, although they did not yield conclusive evidence regarding the foundation structures. This would be likely due to weak permittivity contrasts with surrounding soils. Moreover, the data suggest the presence of a deeper elongated anomaly of uncertain origin, which could represent either a geological channel-like feature or an undocumented structure. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of multimethodological approaches in complex urban archaeological contexts, providing crucial information for both cultural heritage knowledge and restoration planning
Diritto e famiglia nell'età tardoantica
No full textLa ricerca si propone lo scopo di realizzare un'operazione di analisi sistematica dell'evoluzione dei rapporti familiari in età tardoantica, a cominciare dalle importanti riforme rinvenibili nella legislazione costantiniana
componente del del Comitato di direzione della rivista Rivista AIC della Associazione italiana dei costituzionalisti
No full textChrysin and Luteolin from Moroccan Propolis to Prevent Aggressive Periodontitis Caused by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Leukotoxin: A Computer-Aided Drug Design Approach
No full textBackground: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, immobile oral bacterium responsible for the secretion of virulence factors, namely leukotoxin (LtxA), a large exotoxin of the RTX family that enables the bacterium to evade the immune system by destroying leukocytes, resulting in aggressive periodontitis (AP) leading to tooth loss. Methods: This study aimed to screen 106 molecules derived from Moroccan propolis in order to identify potential inhibitors of the active sites of LtxA based on molecular docking, ADMET property evaluation, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Results: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), used as a reference compound, showed binding energies of −6.9 kcal/mol, −6.1 kcal/mol, −6.5 kcal/mol, and −5.9 kcal/mol with the four active sites P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively. By establishing conventional hydrogen bonds, pi-alkyl bonds, and non-covalent pi–pi bonds. Chrysin and luteolin showed favorable binding affinities with the four active sites, named as follows: P1–P4 (P1–chrysin = −7.5 kcal/mol; P2–chrysin = −7.9 kcal/mol; P3–chrysin = −8.1 kcal/mol; P4–chrysin = −6.9 kcal/mol; P1–luteolin = −7.3 kcal/mol; P2–luteolin = −7.6 kcal/mol; P3–luteolin = −8.1 kcal/mol; P4–luteolin = −7.3 kcal/mol). The binding affinity of these two propolis derivatives was stabilized by pi−sigma bonds, pi−alkyl bonds, conventional hydrogen bonds, pi-cation interactions, non-covalent pi–pi bonds, and carbon–hydrogen bonds. According to free energy calculations performed with Prime MM-GBSA, the complexes formed by chrysin demonstrated the most stable interactions due to Van der Waals and lipophilic forces. Luteolin formed significant interactions, but slightly weaker than those of chrysin. These results reveal the inhibitory potential of chrysin and luteolin with protein active sites. MD simulations corroborated the excellent stability of complexes formed by chrysin, as indicated by low RMSD values, suggesting favorable dynamic behavior. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential of chrysin as a versatile inhibitor capable of interacting with the four active sites. These findings are a strong foundation for further experimental confirmations
Effects of lighting technologies on the physiology of a marine diatom, Cocconeis scutellum var. parva (Bacillariophyceae): 2. production of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds
No full textDiatoms are microalgae showing a remarkable functional diversity, but their chemical composition is strongly influenced by environmental factors. Knowledge of benthic diatom physiology remains limited compared to planktonic taxa. Light and temperature are key environmental cues affecting biochemical pathways, suggesting that bioactive compound production may vary under different conditions. This study investigated the influence of four light spectra on the growth and secondary metabolite production of the benthic diatom Cocconeis scutellum var. parva . Led lamps demonstrated to be quite efficient in terms of biomass productivity, promoting a significantly higher biomass production with lower energy consumption. Extracts from cultures were characterized and evaluated for cytotoxicity on human cell lines, antioxidant activity, and radical scavenging capacity. Our results revealed marked differences in bioactivity depending on the light spectrum, with neon lamps and one LED system, rich in red light, promoting the highest biological activity. These findings demonstrate that optimizing light conditions is crucial for enhancing the quality of diatom-derived bioactive compounds. Spectral modulation under constant irradiance specifically altered antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities, highlighting the biotechnological potential of C. scutellum var. parva for medical, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and aquaculture applications
Performance prediction of swept stepped hulls in calm water
No full textSteps can improve the hydrodynamic performance of planing boats in both calm and rough conditions. While transverse steps have been widely studied, the influence of swept (V-shaped) steps remains less understood. This paper presents a mathematical model to predict the calm-water performance of a hard-chine planing boat equipped with forward-swept steps. The method is based on the 2D+T approach and uses a linear wake assumption to estimate the ventilation length behind each step. Model predictions are validated against experimental measurements and CFD results. The validated model is then applied to assess the hydrodynamic performance of swept-stepped hulls in early-stage design and to support designers in optimizing step height, sweep angle, and longitudinal position for improved trim, reduced resistance, and enhanced overall performance. The study extends and validates the 2D+T method for forward-swept configurations, offering a fast and practical tool for concept evaluation, while CFD remains essential for final design refinement
A Structure-preserving rational integrator for the replicator dynamics on the probability simplex
No full textIn this work, we introduce a quadratically convergent and dynamically consistent integrator specifically designed for the replicator dynamics. The proposed scheme combines a two-stage rational approximation with a normalization step to ensure confinement to the probability simplex and unconditional preservation of non-negativity, invariant sets and equilibria. A rigorous convergence analysis is provided to establish the scheme’s second-order accuracy, and an embedded auxiliary method is devised for adaptive time-stepping based on local error estimation. Furthermore, a discrete analogue of the quotient rule, which governs the evolution of component ratios, is shown to hold. Numerical experiments validate the theoretical results, illustrating the method’s ability to reproduce complex dynamics and to outperform well-established solvers in particularly challenging scenarios
Green Hydrogen Production for Decarbonizing the Steel Industry: Energy and Economic Assessment of Electrolysis and Ammonia Cracking Systems
No full textThe global transition toward a low-carbon economy has intensified the interest in green hydrogen as a key enabler of industrial decarbonization. In particular, the steel sector, one of the most carbon-intensive industries, offers significant opportunities for emissions reduction through H2-based technologies. This study presents a techno-economic assessment of alternative green hydrogen supply pathways, namely alkaline electrolysis and ammonia cracking, and evaluates their integration into hydrogen-based direct reduction (HyDR) routes. Process simulations are performed using Aspen Plus® V14 to quantify the energy consumption, hydrogen demand, and associated CO2 emissions across multiple configurations and case studies. A comprehensive 3E (energy, economics, and environmental) evaluation framework is applied to compare system performance and assess the suitability of each pathway for large-scale deployment. The results indicate that ammonia cracking represents a technically viable and potentially competitive hydrogen supply option for steel decarbonization under the assumed operating conditions, highlighting its relevance as a transitional pathway toward low-carbon steel production
«La pertenencia polifónica en la escritura de las autoras argentinas del concurso Lingua Madre»
No full textNel quadro delle recenti migrazioni di ritorno dall'Argentina all'Italia, si intende analizzare come il tema dell'appartenenza culturale ai due Paesi prenda forma nella scrittura delle autrici di origine argentina che hanno partecipato al Concorso letterario Lingua Madre tra il 2005 e il 2025
Modulating the radical scavenging/generation ability of light-responsive melanin-like nanoplatforms by ascorbic acid treatment
No full textRedox-active nanomaterials represent powerful tools for therapeutics due to either antioxidant or pro-oxidant behavior that is essential in regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the biological systems. A promising way to design and realize bioinspired versatile redox-active nanoplatforms is offered by melanin polymers, which are widely available hydrophobic pigments made of poly(hydroxy indole) planar structures produced by oxidative polymerization of the monomeric precursors. Melanins can radically change the redox activity as a response to external stimuli such as acidification or light irradiation, thus exhibiting ROS-generating ability. Herein, the design of versatile light-triggered redox-active melanin-based nanoplatforms is proposed through a green photocatalytic/solvothermal approach. Extensive physicochemical characterization and radical scavenging assays are conducted to define the main properties of such nanomaterials. They exert a significant paramagnetic behavior together with a strong radical scavenging activity benefitting from post-reduction with ascorbic acid, due to increase in the colloidal stability at high concentrations. ROS generation by 2D melanin-based biointerfaces obtained by depositing thin layers on glass slides is activated by IR and UV light irradiation but quenched after redox exchange with ascorbic acid. This study contributes to the future development of sustainable light-responsive bioelectronic devices