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Spectroscopic Exploration of Squaraine Dyes: Molecular Characterization of Fundamental, Combination, and Overtone Bands
No full textA comprehensive vibrational analysis of squaraine dyes, a relevant class of molecules for dye-sensitized solar cell devices, is presented here. Exploiting density functional theory (DFT) in conjunction with second-order vibrational perturbation theory (VPT2), fundamental, overtone, and combination vibrational bands are computed and analyzed, comparing them directly to experimental infrared and Raman spectra. Our results unequivocally demonstrate that VPT2 calculations are mandatory for accurately interpreting the experiments, particularly in the 1100–1650 cm–1 region, where anharmonic effects such as frequency shifts, intensity redistribution, and mode couplings are most prominent. Only going beyond harmonic treatment, we were able to undoubtedly identify peculiar vibrational features among symmetric N,N-disubstituted squaraines and highlight the critical role of low-frequency modes and intramolecular hydrogen-bonding dynamics. These findings provide a refined framework for interpreting coherent vibrational phenomena in squaraine-based molecular systems, offering a transferable computational approach for the spectroscopic characterization of functional chromophores in energy and photonic applications
Condizioni di efficacia di politiche urbane innovative
No full textBreve rassegna critica di esperienze di innovative nell'ambito delel politiche urbane di alcune città Italiane in riferimento al problema della casa
Polyphenols-composed micelles: production, physicochemical characterization, in silico pharmacokinetics, and rheological behaviour of a new colloidal system for dual delivery of resveratrol and rutin
No full text: A new micellar delivery system for the dual loading of resveratrol and rutin (RES-RU-micelles) is described and characterized. Analyzes were carried out to determine the size parameters (mean particle size and polydispersity index) and surface electrical charge, 24 h after production and after 2 months of storage at two different temperatures (4 °C and 25 °C). In silico ADME predictions revealed striking differences in skin permeability between resveratrol (Log Kp = -5.47 cm/s) and rutin (Log Kp = -10.26 cm/s). Molecular analysis demonstrated that the contrasting physicochemical properties of RES (Log P = 2.57, TPSA = 60.69 Å) and RU (Log P = -2.11, TPSA = 269.43 Å) enable their spatial segregation within the micelles. RES is located predominantly in the hydrophobic core through hydrophobic interactions, while RU positions at the core-shell interface via hydrogen bonding with the hydrophilic components. The encapsulation efficiency achieved values above 98% for both bioactives in the dual loading. The viscoelastic profile showed that the G' was higher than the G′′ in the applied frequency range, demonstrating that the developed micelles are more elastic than viscous. DSC analysis showed the absence of peaks, corroborating that no bioactive crystallization happened when loaded into the micelles. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the morphology and spherical shape of the produced micelles
Current state and future directions of health services and service management research on transitions in older age: a field-focused narrative review
No full textBackground: A thorough understanding of later-life transitions is key to designing and providing healthcare services that can help older adults and their carers navigate such times in life. Yet, to date, little is known about which types of transitions have drawn the attention of healthcare services scholars and how these transitions have been explored, made sense of and narrated over time. To fill this gap, we conducted a field-based narrative review seeking to critically summarise prior health services and service management research on transitions in late life and reconstruct the main narratives elaborated in this area. Methods: Study retrieval entailed systematically searching the Web of Science database within pertinent journal categories to locate articles with a central focus on transition(s) characterising older age. Via citation mining, additional landmark papers were identified. The analysis and synthesis unveil how relevant research features (i.e. conceptualisations of transition adopted, study objectives, theoretical underpinnings, vocabularies, actors/places and methodological approaches) combine to give shape to distinct narratives about later-life transitions. Results: We find that the 335 included articles deal with four distinct conceptualisations of transition: in health states, across care settings/levels of care, relating to stressful/critical life events or end-of-life. Moreover, we identify two different, and partially contrasting, narratives. While the ‘healthcare consumption’ narrative primarily addresses health state and care transitions with a strong focus on cost containment, the ‘ageing experience’ narrative deals with the lived reality of a wide array of moments of transition, involving older adults immersed in a rich relational environment. Conclusions: Our review documents that the two narratives emphasise diverse views of ageing and of what the care system should do to accompany older adults through transitions. While emerging paradigms call for greater sensitivity to subjective stances, the challenges associated with reconciling individual and organisational demands appear evident. Clinical trial number: Not applicable
Arnold Toynbee, Moon Landing Could Substitute for World War III (1969) (https://www.academia.edu/146028455/Arnold_Toynbee_Moon_Landing_Could_Substitute_for_World_War_III_1969_)
No full textADDITIONS, INTEGRATIONS, CORRECTIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO THE BIBLIOGRAPHY OF ARNOLD JOSEPH TOYNBEE,
Nos. 577-578, Additions to Part I, Works by Arnold J. Toynbe
The Angevin-Aragonese Castle of Gaeta: Historical Sources and Restoration Insights through Paterna Baldizzi’s Drawings
No full textThis paper examines the conservation status of the Angevin-Aragonese Castle of Gaeta in the early 20th century through partly unpublished textual and graphic materials by Leonardo Paterna Baldizzi. These sources provide critical insight into the processes of knowledge, preservation, and reuse of Mediterranean fortified heritage. Constructed in 1266 by Charles I of Anjou over a former Swabian fortification, the castle became a strategic stronghold under Alfonso of Aragon and underwent multiple transformations across centuries. Converted into a Bourbon penal colony in 1734, it continued to be militarily targeted throughout the 19th century. In 1908, as part of a survey for the Regional Office for the Conservation of the Southern Provinces, Paterna Baldizzi—engineer and professor at the University of Naples—produced a technical and historical report accompanied by six detailed drawings. He emphasized preserving the fortress’s military character while acknowledging its potential as a social and civic space for the city. His annotated sketches reveal both a personal and scholarly understanding of the castle as a landmark. This contribution reframes the role of Mediterranean fortresses as not only historical subjects but also active elements in contemporary restoration and cultural valorisation strategies
Kombucha SCOBY as a Fermentation-Derived Biofilm Matrix: Species-Resolved Microbial Communities and Multidimensional In Vitro Bioactivities
No full textKombucha fermentation is driven by a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY), a cellulose-rich biofilm that hosts a complex microbial consortium. While most kombucha studies focus on the liquid beverage, the SCOBY pellicle itself remains underexplored, particularly with respect to species-level microbial resolution and its intrinsic biological activities. In this study, a commercial kombucha SCOBY was characterized using full-length 16S rRNA gene and ITS amplicon sequencing based on Oxford Nanopore Technology, enabling species-level taxonomic resolution. In parallel, hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of dried SCOBY biomass were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays), antidiabetic-related enzyme inhibition (α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-4, DPP4), and anti-aging-related enzyme inhibition (tyrosinase and elastase). The SCOBY bacterial community was strongly dominated by acetic acid bacteria, with Komagataeibacter saccharivorans and Acetobacter tropicalis accounting for more than 60% of total reads, reflecting a biofilm structure optimized for cellulose production and oxidative metabolism. The yeast community showed marked unevenness, with Brettanomyces bruxellensis representing over 80% of reads, consistent with its known role in ethanol production and stress tolerance within kombucha systems. In vitro assays revealed that hydroalcoholic SCOBY extracts consistently exhibited higher biological activity than aqueous extracts across all tested assays. However, both extracts showed substantially lower potency than purified reference compounds, indicating moderate but measurable bioactivity typical of complex fermented matrices. These findings support the potential valorization of SCOBY as a fermentation-derived biomaterial and functional ingredient while underscoring the need for further chemical characterization, mechanistic studies, and biological validation beyond enzyme-based assays
Prolonging the shelf life of “Sfogliatella Riccia” using modified atmosphere packaging
No full textThe classic Italian pastry known as “Sfogliatella Riccia” is typically sold in bulk and hasa short shelf life of 2–3 d at room temperature. To expand the market for this widelyrecognized product abroad, some companies offer it as frozen raw pastry; however, thisapproach involves high energy consumption. In an effort to extend the shelf life moresustainably, this study evaluated the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)with two different CO2/N2 ratios (30/70 and 50/50) at two storage temperatures (5 and20°C). The packaged samples were evaluated for microbial growth, physicochemicalproperties and sensory properties until mold growth was observed. A sample packagedin air was used as the control. Microbial quality was maintained the longest in the 50/50CO2 to N2 ratio, up to 49 and 42 d of storage at 5 and 20°C, respectively. The levels ofindicators of fat oxidation (fat acidity, peroxide values, and total polar compounds) didnot significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increase. Firmness did not significantly increase after14 d. Smell and flavor remained acceptable (score of 6, “slightly liked”) after35 d. However, crispness and overall acceptability were the most affected parameters,with a significant decrease observed after 21 d. In conclusion, the use of modifiedatmosphere packaging, particularly a 50/50 CO2 to N2 ratio at 5°C, effectively preservedthe quality and extended the shelf life of “Sfogliatella Riccia” in a sustainable manner