ARUd’A (Università “G. d’Annunzio CHIETI -PESCARA)
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Anti-inflammatory activity of magnetic fields emitted by graphene devices on cultured human cells
No full textBackground: Inflammation plays a key role in various diseases such as pancreatitis, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. Acute inflammation involves processes like vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and leukocyte accumulation, which lead to cellular damage due to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) have shown potential in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This study assesses the effectiveness of a new wearable device containing graphene quantum dots in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in Jurkat T cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The device is evaluated for its impact on ROS production and inflammation.
Results: The results show that the device significantly lowers ROS levels and reduces the inflammatory response by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Additionally, the device inhibits LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 activity and modulates NF-κB signaling, indicating its potential as a therapeutic tool for managing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the device's ability to combat inflammation, offering a non-invasive and effective approach for inflammatory diseases
Producing and processing word combinations in an L2: An eye-tracking study exploring the individual learner experience
No full textIntegration between production data and processing data has generally been based on
the combination between corpus-based measures and psycholinguistic experiments.
The main limitation of this approach is that the sample of participants providing these
two kinds of data will be different, thus entailing the impossibility of investigating how
production and processing are related at the level of the individual. This is particularly
true when it comes to a key component in second language development such as
word combinations, which has attracted attention in both corpus linguistics and
psycholinguistics, without ever addressing the individual learner experience. To tap
into this area, we conducted a preliminary study by eliciting written texts from a group
of learners of Italian as a second language (L2), identified a set of correct verb + noun
(object) combinations in each text, performed lexical and grammatical manipulations
and built individualised eye-tracking experiments for each of the same participants. We
found that originally produced verb + noun (object) combinations are processed faster
than manipulated combinations, that lexical manipulation affects processing more
than grammatical manipulation and that a higher strength of association between the
components of the combination determines a processing advantage in learners with
an advanced level of proficiency. Theoretical and methodological implications for the
analysis of production and processing in an L2 are discussed
Generative pre-trained transformers for climate scenarios: a statistical coefficient for future policy development
No full textEnvironmental risks, driven by anthropogenic activities, pose critical challenges for ecosystems and human societies. Climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss are accelerating due to unsustainable industrial and agricultural practices, necessitating urgent scientific and policy interventions. In Futures Studies, scenario development is an essential tool in addressing these challenges, enabling policymakers to anticipate risks and develop adaptive strategies. The Delphi method, a structured, expert-based technique, plays a crucial role in scenario development by identifying emerging trends and critical uncertainties. However, a common limitation in scenario-based studies is the gap between scenario construction and actionable policy recommendations, as deriving concrete strategies remains a resource-intensive process. To bridge this gap, this study integrates generative pre-trained transformers into a spatial version of the Delphi method, namely the Real-Time Spatial Delphi, optimizing AI to assist experts in drafting policy recommendations based on scenario insights. Considering a statistical coefficient based on spatial and importance scores, this approach reduces expert workload while maintaining human oversight and refinement by automating the initial policy formulation. The proposed methodology is applied to a case study on climate adaptation strategies for Dublin 2050, demonstrating how AI-assisted policy generation can enhance decision-making in environmental planning
Geophysical and Remote Sensing Techniques for Large-Volume and Complex Landslide Assessment
No full textLandslides pose significant risks to human life and infrastructure, driven by a complex interplay of geological and hydrological factors. This study investigates the ongoing slope instability affecting the village of Borrano, in Central Italy, where large-scale landslides are triggered or reactivated by extreme rainfall and seismic activity. A multidisciplinary approach was employed, integrating traditional geological surveys, direct investigations, and advanced geophysical techniques—including electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and seismic refraction tomography (SRT)—to characterize subsurface structures. Additionally, Sentinel-1 interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) was employed to parametrize the deformation rates induced by the landslide. The results reveal a complex geological framework dominated by the Teramo Flysch, where weak clayey facies and structurally controlled dip-slopes predispose the area to gravitational instability. ERT and SRT identified resistivity and velocity contrasts associated with shallow and depth sliding surfaces. At the same time, satellite-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data confirmed persistent slow movements, with vertical displacement rates between −10 and −24 mm/year. These findings underscore the importance of lithological heterogeneity and structural settings in the evolution of landslides. The integrated geophysical and remote sensing approach enhances the understanding of slope dynamics. It can be used to cross-check interpretations, capture displacement trends, characterize the internal structure of unstable slopes, and resolve the limitations of each method. This synergy provides a more comprehensive assessment of complex slope instability, offering valuable insights for hazard mitigation strategies in landslide-prone areas
Uncovering ethical biases in publicly available fetal ultrasound datasets
No full textWe explore biases present in publicly available fetal ultrasound (US) imaging datasets, currently at the disposal of researchers to train deep learning (DL) algorithms for prenatal diagnostics. As DL increasingly permeates the field of medical imaging, the urgency to critically evaluate the fairness of benchmark public datasets used to train them grows. Our thorough investigation reveals a multifaceted bias problem, encompassing issues such as lack of demographic representativeness, limited diversity in clinical conditions depicted, and variability in US technology used across datasets. We argue that these biases may significantly influence DL model performance, which may lead to inequities in healthcare outcomes. To address these challenges, we recommend a multilayered approach. This includes promoting practices that ensure data inclusivity, such as diversifying data sources and populations, and refining model strategies to better account for population variances. These steps will enhance the trustworthiness of DL algorithms in fetal US analysis
Il femminile come "figura" del divino: l'enigma di Rachele
No full textIntervento presentato al convegno internazionale "Le donne / la donna in Dante", Barcellona-Lugano 24-26 ottobre 2024. Il saggio si sofferma sulla figura biblica di Rachele nella "Divina Commedia" di Dante proponendone una interpretazione come emblema della femminilità materna
Exploring the Role of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transcriptional Factors Involved in Hematological Malignancy and Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground: The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process in which epithelial cells lose their polarity and adhesion characteristics, and adopt a mesenchymal phenotype. While the EMT naturally occurs during tissue fibrosis, wound healing, and embryonic development, it can be exploited by cancer cells and is strongly associated with cancer stem cell formation, tissue invasiveness, apoptosis, and therapy resistance. Transcription factors (TFs) such as SNAIL, ZEB, and TWIST play a pivotal role in driving the EMT. This systematic review aims to assess the impact of EMT-TFs on hematological malignancy and solid tumors. Methods: English-language literature published between 2010 and 2024 was systematically reviewed, utilizing databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Results: A total of 3250 studies were extracted. Of these, 92 publications meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed to elucidate the role of EMT-TFs in cancer. The results demonstrated that the EMT-TFs play a critical role in both hematological and solid tumor development and progression. They promote invasive, migratory, and metastatic properties in these tumors, and contribute to therapeutic challenges by enhancing chemoresistance. A strong correlation between EMT-TFs and poor overall survival has been identified. Conclusions: Our research concluded that EMT-TFs may serve as important predictive and prognostic factors, as well as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate cancer progression
Legalità e proporzionalità nel reperimento di dati telefonici
No full textUna recente sentenza della Corte di giustizia dell’Unione Europea offre spunti per riflettere sui rapporti tra legalità e proporzionalità, ed, in particolare, sul grado e sui limiti dell’ingerenza dell’autorità nella sfera dei singoli interessati dall’attività inquirente. Il caso riguardava l’accesso ai dati di un telefono cellulare e le ricadute sul diritto al controllo sui dati personali del proprietario, indagato per traffico di stupefacenti