IRIS Università degli Studi dell'Aquila
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Thermal pre-treatment of waste municipal sewage sludge for thermochemical valorizations: An experimental study on moisture reduction and sludge modifications
Get PDFSS valorization by thermochemical conversions (e.g., gasification) for power, heat or fuels production has an interesting development outlook. The literature suggests that SS moisture must be lowered below 20 wt% for conventional thermochemical conversions such as gasification. This work focuses on the experimental investigation of the effects of a thermal pre-treatment of SS with air, addressed to adjusting SS moisture. Semi-batch tests were performed on SS at a laboratory scale (40 g of SS, 2 NL/min air, 2 h, 75–250 °C). The temperature of thermal pre-treatment significantly influenced the elemental composition of solid residue, its moisture content, and the properties of liquid condensate, characterized by unprecedented analyses. Temperatures of 120 °C or higher ensured adequate moisture removal; however, a significant depletion of SS dry solids (C, H, N, S) was quantified above 200 °C. Condensed liquids were beyond Italian legislative limits for direct discharge into the environment. Finally, estimates of the heat contributions to the pre-treatment were performed. The collected results are a first step between fundamental understanding and process design, suggesting that the investigated pre-treatment may fit seamlessly into the schemes of traditional and innovative thermochemical processing plants
Effects of a 16-Week Green Exercise Program on Body Composition, Sleep, and Nature Connection in Postmenopausal Women
Get PDFPhysical activity, particularly when practiced in natural settings, has well-established benefits for overall health, sleep, and body composition. These effects are especially important for postmenopausal women, although research specifically targeting this population remains limited. The study evaluated a 16-week multicomponent outdoor exercise program (cardiorespiratory, strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility training) in postmenopausal women, consisting of three 60 min sessions per week. Participants were non-randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 55) and a control group (CG, n = 20). Measurements were taken at baseline and after 16 weeks, including body composition, sleep (duration and quality), and connection with nature. No significant differences were observed between groups at baseline. After the intervention, the EG and CG presented significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) in the rates of change in body mass, fat mass (FM; −9.26% and −1.21%, respectively), and visceral fat level (VFL; −13.46 points and −3.80 points). These differences were also observed for the sleep fragmentation index (p ≤ 0.01), but not for connection with nature. A significant interaction effect (p < 0.01) of time × group was observed for %FM, VFL, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass. Exercise duration had an effect (p = 0.043) on participants’ personal and affective identification with nature, and the time × group × medication interaction significantly influenced sleep efficiency (p = 0.034). The exercise program proved effective in reducing total and central adiposity levels; however, it did not lead to improvements in sleep duration, sleep quality, or connection with nature
Innovazione Clinica e Sostenibilità: L’utilizzo di Robot Sociali e della Tecnologia nella Valutazione e Intervento per Persone con Autismo.
Get PDFThis thesis investigates the contribution of digital and robotic technologies in cognitive assessment and the understanding of functional profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with a specific focus on social cognition and visuospatial abilities. Autism, a complex and highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition that lacks objective diagnostic biomarkers, is characterized by significant impairments in Theory of Mind (ToM) and Perspective Taking, skills that are fundamental to social functioning and autonomy and represent some of the most impactful aspects of adaptive functioning in people with ASD. This thesis is structured around three distinct studies aimed at exploring specific cognitive abilities and the potential clinical applicability of technologically advanced tools.
The first study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Object Perspective-Taking Test (OPT) and the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale (SBSOD), comparing the performance of individuals with ASD and typically developing (TD) individuals. The results highlighted lower visuospatial performance in the ASD group, emphasizing the clinical relevance of perspective-taking as a potential target for assessment and intervention.
The second study examined the ability of Generative Language Models (ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4) to tackle tasks related to cognitive and affective ToM, comparing their responses to those of individuals with ASD and TD. Although the models demonstrated high accuracy in ToM tasks, their verbose and repetitive conversational style showed similarities with that observed in high-functioning individuals with ASD.
The third study evaluated the effectiveness of a digital administration via a mobile app and the social robot Pepper compared to the traditional paper-based version of Raven's Progressive Matrices in an ASD sample. This was complemented by heart rate (bpm) monitoring through wearable devices. The results indicated significantly shorter completion times in the digital condition, without an increase in physiological response, suggesting good emotional tolerance and high acceptability of the technology.
In summary, the results of the three studies suggest that the integration of digital, robotic, and AI-based tools into clinical practice may support a more personalized, sustainable, and neurodiversity-aware approach to assessment for individuals with ASD. Although exploratory in nature, these findings offer valuable insights for the development of innovative protocols that integrate technology, clinical expertise, and ecological sensitivity
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation After Three Decades: Mechanistic Insight or Just a Technological Race?
Get PDFAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained supraventricular arrhythmia, affecting 2–3% of the adult population and contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. Catheter ablation has become a cornerstone in the treatment of symptomatic, drug-refractory AF, with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) established as the standard approach, especially in paroxysmal AF. Over the past three decades, ablation technologies have evolved considerably—from radiofrequency and cryoballoon to the recent advent of pulsed field ablation—enhancing procedural safety, efficiency, and lesion durability. Despite these technological advancements, long-term outcomes have plateaued, suggesting that success may depend not just solely on the energy source used, but also on a more individualized, mechanism-based approach. The classification of AF based on duration alone fails to capture the complexity of its underlying pathophysiology. Tailored strategies that consider arrhythmic mechanisms, electrophysiological triggers, and patient-specific substrates—especially in persistent AF—are increasingly recognized as essential for durable results. Tools such as high-density mapping, autonomic modulation, and substrate-targeted ablation are expanding therapeutic horizons. Moreover, special populations, such as athletes, present unique arrhythmic profiles influenced by structural and autonomic remodeling, requiring nuanced management. The integration of lifestyle interventions, neuromodulation techniques, and emerging genetic and pharmacological insights further supports a comprehensive, personalized approach. In this paper, we explore whether future success in AF ablation lies more in refining technology or in advancing our understanding of arrhythmic mechanisms to guide patient-specific therapy
An extragradient algorithm for a lifted reformulation of projected solutions for quasiequilibria
No full textProjected solutions of a quasiequilibrium problem are shown to coincide with the (canonical) solutions of an auxiliary problem, that is obtained by doubling the variables and adding suitable penalty terms to the equilibrium bifunction. Unfortunately, the assumptions of existing algorithms for computing quasiequilibria are never met by this lifted reformulation due to its peculiar structure. Therefore, an ad-hoc version of the hyperplane extragradient algorithm is devised and its parameters are tuned appropriately to cope with the auxiliary problem. Finally, preliminary numerical results show the behaviour of the algorithm
Switch from fingolimod to ozanimod for safety or intolerance reasons
Get PDFIntroduction: Ozanimod is a new-generation sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) modulator, approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), offering higher selectivity for S1P receptor 1 and 5 (SPR1-5), minimizing potential safety concerns related to S1P3 receptor activation, compared to fingolimod.Objectives: We aimed to compare the adherence and persistence on treatment in MS patients switched to ozanimod from fingolimod for safety reasons (mainly lymphopenia or liver enzymes increase).Methods: We retrospectively recruited patients treated with fingolimod who switched to ozanimod for safety reasons, with at least 12 months of follow-up. We collected demographic, clinical, biochemistry, and safety data during fingolimod and after switching to ozanimod to evaluate (1) lymphocytes and liver enzymes dynamics, (2) persistence on ozanimod over 6 months, (3) proportion of patients with no adverse events (NADE) on ozanimod and no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3).Results: We recruited 60 relapsing-remitting MS patients (mean age of 42 +/- 7.9 years) who were treated with fingolimod for an average of 5.7 years (61.6% female) and switched to ozanimod due to lymphopenia (70%) or hypertransaminasemia (21.6%). A total of 58/60 (96%) patients persisted on treatment with ozanimod for a mean of 1.50 +/- 0.49 years; mean lymphocyte count increased from 0.39 to 0.56 (p = 0.025) in patients who switched due to lymphopenia; hypertransaminasemia decreased from 21.6% in fingolimod to 9.3% in ozanimod. NADE was recorded in 93% patients during ozanimod treatment and NEDA-3 in 88.3% of patients after 1 year. Overall, patients with complete control of disease (NEDA) in the absence of adverse events (NADE) were 83.7% (NEDA3/NADE).Discussion and conclusion: Our findings suggest that switching from fingolimod to ozanimod may mitigate lymphopenia or hypertransaminasemia and ameliorate effectiveness on disease activity
Statistical analysis of the angle of linear polarization for the winding angle measurement in carbon fibre components
Get PDFIn this work, the problem of determining the winding angle in a cylindrical carbon fiber piece, obtained through a filament winding process, is investigated. A polarization camera is used for the measurement, and the winding angle is determined by statistically analyzing the angle of linear polarization in each pixel of the region under study. The main influence parameters are considered, like non-planarity and superficial state of the piece, with the aim of reducing the measurement uncertainty. For this purpose, two different types of data processing approaches are tested and compared
Transcriptomic and electrophysiological alterations underlying phenotypic variability in SCN1A-associated febrile seizures
Get PDFFebrile seizures (FS) are a common childhood neurological condition triggered by fever in children without prior neurological disorders. While generally benign, some individuals, particularly those with complex FS or genetic predispositions, may develop epilepsy or other neurological comorbidities. The mechanisms underlying this transition remain unclear. Mutations in SCN1A, encoding the Na(V)1.1 sodium channel alpha-subunit, have been linked to several epilepsy syndromes associated with FS. This study examines phenotypic variability in individuals carrying the same SCN1A c.434T > C mutation, using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons from two siblings with FS. Despite sharing the mutation, only the older sibling developed temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Transcriptomic analysis revealed downregulation of GABAergic pathway genes in both siblings' neurons, aligning with SCN1A-associated epilepsy. However, neurons from the sibling with TLE exhibited additional abnormalities, including altered AMPA receptor subunit composition, changes in GABA(A) receptor subunits and chloride cotransporters expression, and reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, indicative of developmental immaturity. Voltage-clamp recordings confirmed impaired GABAergic and AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic activity. These findings suggest that combined GABAergic dysfunction, aberrant AMPA receptor composition, and reduced BDNF signaling contribute to the more severe phenotype and increased epilepsy susceptibility
Solar loading infrared thermography method for the non-invasive inspection of movable arts: The contribution of Multivariate Fast Iterative Filtering and Multidimensional Fast Iterative Filtering for 2D data techniques
Get PDFThis work is focalized on the application of two recent techniques, i.e. Multivariate Fast Iterative Filtering (MvFIF) and Multidimensional Fast Iterative Filtering for 2D data (FIF2), that have demonstrated their ability in the pre-processing phase of raw thermal images acquired under the so-called solar loading scenario applied to movable arts (i.e., ancient books and paintings on canvas). The thermographic acquisitions lasted several hours during two separate days. On the one hand, weather forecasts were held in high regard because MvFIF and FIF2 work well in case of signal oscillations caused, in our case, by wind and/or shadows cast. On the other hand, the sun is needed to generate heat transfer through the samples under test (SUT) exposed outdoors. The application of principal component thermography (PCT) to raw and pre-processed thermal images highlights the contribution of MvFIF and FIF2 as a useful step in defect detection. The mathematical part behind FIF2 and MvFIF is underlined in the work, as well as pros and cons of their application in thermographic image processing
Optical analysis of composite materials: metrological issues
Get PDFIn this paper, a procedure to improve the winding angle measurement of a filament winded composite component is proposed. The procedure is based on the use of a polarized camera that can acquire information on the direction of the light. This vision system has been proven to be suitable for the analysis of a carbon fibre surface due to the physical property of this material. It reflects light with a polarization angle equal to the orientation of the fibres. A statistical analysis of the angle of linear polarization (AoLP) for each pixel within the examined regions enables the evaluation of the winding angle. For improving this measurement, some geometrical and methodological aspects are examined in detail. A procedure for identifying a region of interest (RoI) in surface acquisition is proposed, and the impact of integrating multiple images of the same area is assessed. The result is a reduction in the variability of the measured distribution of the fiber angles