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Wavefront solutions for reaction–diffusion–convection models with accumulation term and aggregative movements
No full textIn this paper we analyze the wavefront solutions of parabolic partial differential equations of the type (Formula presented.) where the reaction term ρ is of monostable-type. We allow the diffusivity D and the accumulation term g to have a finite number of changes of sign. We provide an existence result of travelling wave solutions (t.w.s.) together with an estimate of the threshold wave speed. Finally, we classify the t.w.s. between classical and sharp ones
Advanced Online State-of-Health Prediction and Monitoring of Na-Ion Battery for Electric Vehicles Application
No full textNa-ion batteries are growing interest due to their sustainability and low cost. A wide implementation in stationary applications, but also for short range transportation, is envisaged. This is further supported by the recent progress on Na-ion cells with increased energy density. To this regards the development of procedures for real-time assessment of batteries state of health is of crucial relevance. The present paper provides an innovative procedure to assess sodium-ion battery capacity fading based on the application of Discrete Wavelet Transform to voltage signals, acquired once a certain load pattern is applied at the battery terminals. The procedure development is provided through Na-ion cell aging test. During all the test battery capacity measurements are carried out. RMSE between assessed and measured values equals 1.18%. Moreover, during the aging test significant differences between performance evolution of Na-ion and NCR Li-ion cells are highlighted and discussed
Corrigendum: Nickel oxide nanoparticles exposure as a risk factor for male infertility: “In vitro” effects on porcine pre-pubertal Sertoli cells
No full textIn the published article, there was an error in Figure 6 panel A as published. Duplicate image for four loading controls that were used by our group one year before in Figure 5A of Mancuso et al., 2022, where the conditions are different (TiO2-NPs). The corrected Figure 6 panel A and its caption “Caspase-3 Evaluation by WB analysis. (A) Immunoblots of caspase-3 p35, p19, and p17 in SCs at 24h and 1, 2, and 3 weeks of incubation with NiO-NPs at 1 and 5mg/ml” appear below. Caspase-3 Evaluation by WB analysis. (A) Immunoblots of caspase-3 p35, p19, and p17 in SCs at 24h and 1, 2, and 3 weeks of incubation with NiO-NPs at 1 and 5mg/ml. Densitometric analysis of the protein bands of caspase-3 p35 (B), p19 (C), and p17 (D) in SCs at 24 h and 1, 2, and 3 weeks of incubation with NiO NPs 1 and 5 μg/ml. Data represent the mean ± SEM (**p < 0.001 vs. 0 NiO NPs of three independent experiments, each performed in triplicate). The authors apologize for this error and state that this does not change the scientific conclusions of the article in any way. The original article has been updated
CO2 Emission Avoidance in Organic Waste Management: Co-Digestion of Brewery’s Spent Grain Pulp with Lemna minor
No full textThis study focuses on biogas production within lab-scale semi-batch bioreactors using
agro-industrial wastes and dry biomass of an invasive aquatic species. In particular, the
primary objective is to increase the yield of anaerobic digestion processes, with a specific
focus on reducing CO2 emissions associated with the degradation of biomass, by co-di
gesting different raw biomasses and agro-industrial wastes. In detail, the experiments
concerned the pulp of Brewery’s Spent Grain (BSGp), consisting of the residual of Brew
ery’s Spent Grain after fiber deconstruction with ionic liquids–based treatment, and Lemna
minor L. (LM). The two biomasses were studied separately and then co-digested. Co-di
gestion was carried out using a 1:1 (VS basis) mixture of Lemna minor and Brewery’s Spent
Grain pulp. Due to the lack of organic nitrogen, BSGp showed low biogas production if
compared with untreated BSG (1.14 × 10−3 vs. 1.71 × 10−3 Nm3/gVS). Differently, LM has a
high nitrogen content and, when digested alone, produced 9.79 × 10−4 Nm3/gVS. The co
digestion tests allowed us to reach the highest performance: 2.94 × 10−3 Nm3/gVS. In terms
of bioenergy production, the two biomasses showed high synergy when used in co-diges
tion. The amount of energy produced was calculated using a lower heating value (LHV)
of CH4 equal to 52 MJ. The results showed that co-digestion yielded 64.9 ± 0.6 MJ/kgVS,
followed by BSG (43.3 ± 5.3 MJ/kgVS), BSGp (25.6 ± 0.3 MJ/kgVS), and LM (19.3 ± 1.0
MJ/kgVS). In addition, in terms of CO2 avoided, the following results were achieved: 0.38
0.40 gCO2/gVS with BSGp, 0.73–0.8 gCO2/gVS with LM. Conversely, co-digestion tests
allowed for the avoidance of 1.68–1.91 gCO2/gVS. In conclusion, co-digesting BSGp with
Lemna minor yields more methane and less CO2 per unit processed, providing an effective
way to convert readily available waste and biomass into bioenergy
Assessing Changes in Root Architecture, Developmental Timing, Transcriptional and Hormonal Profiles in Rice Co-Cultivated with Azolla filiculoides
No full textStrategies for increasing rice yield are needed to keep pace with the expected global population growth and sustainably address the challenges posed by climate change. In Southeast Asian countries, rice farming benefits from the use of Azolla spp. for nitrogen supply. By virtue of their symbiosis with the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Trichormus azollae, Azolla spp. are ferns that release nitrogen into the environment upon biomass decomposition. However, whether and to what extent actively growing Azolla plants influence the development of co-cultivated rice seedlings remains unclear. To address this, rice (Oryza sativa L. var. Kitaake) seedlings were co-cultivated hydroponically with Azolla filiculoides for up to two months. Morphological changes in rice roots and aerial organs were assessed alongside nitric oxide assays in rice roots, root transcriptomics, and targeted hormonomics of rice roots, leaves, and growth media. Here, we showed that co-cultivation with actively growing A. filiculoides alters rice root architecture by inducing a nitric oxide boost and accelerates leaf and tiller differentiation and proliferation. Overall, this study provides an in-depth analysis of the morphogenetic effects of co-cultivated A. filiculoides on rice during early vegetative growth. It also paves the way for studies assessing whether A. filiculoides co-cultivation primes rice plants to better withstand abiotic and biotic stresses
Diroximel Fumarate-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (DRF-SLNs) as Potential Carriers for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: Preformulation Study
No full textDiroximel fumarate (DRF) is an orally administered prodrug used in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. Although it exhibits better gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability than its analogues, many patients still discontinue therapy due to frequent GI adverse events. To overcome these limitations, alternative drug delivery systems that bypass the GI tract are needed. Direct nose-to-brain delivery represents a promising approach to circumvent the blood–brain barrier and target the central nervous system; however, limited nasal mucosal absorption and the small volume of the nasal cavity pose significant challenges. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) can potentially overcome these obstacles by enhancing drug bioavailability and protecting against enzymatic degradation. This research aimed to develop an innovative intranasal nanoformulation of DRF to improve brain targeting and patient compliance. DRF-loaded SLNs were prepared using a solvent-diffusion technique with stearic acid as the lipid phase and Poloxamer 188 as the surfactant. The obtained nanoparticles displayed favorable technological characteristics, with a mean diameter of 210 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.17, and a zeta potential of −36 mV, suggesting good long-term stability. Interactions between SLNs and biomembrane models (MLV) were also studied to elucidate their cellular uptake mechanism. Future work will focus on evaluating the in vivo efficacy of this novel nanoformulation
Structural setting and multiphase volcanism in the Shaban Deep, Northern Red Sea
No full textShaban Deep (ShD) is one of several axial depressions discovered in the northern Red Sea, some considered sites of incipient seafloor spreading. Understanding the evolutionary history and salt tectonics of ShD is essential for constraining the rift-to-drift transition. This study integrates 2D seismic reflection profiles, gravity, magnetic, and bathymetric data to investigate the regional structural framework, salt tectonics, and volcanism in ShD. The seismic data clearly image the post-evaporite (Plio-Quaternary) strata, while reflections within the igneous basement are variable. Faults are at least partly inferred from progressively steepening reflectors, indicative of growth stratigraphy. Two main extensional fault systems, trending NW-SE and NE-SW, have been identified around an elongate NW-SE neo-volcanic axial ridge. The dominant NE-SW faults, perpendicular to the Red Sea rift axis, form several basement-controlled arcuate half-grabens. The structural framework varies across ShD. In the southeastern region, major NE-SW extensional faults dip to the NW and are interpreted as listric faults that experienced several reactivation phases between the Late Miocene and Quaternary. In contrast, the primary faults in the northwestern ShD likely developed after the deposition of Plio-Quaternary sediments and exhibit steeper dip angles. Despite the lack of strong evidence for the presence of salt diapirs near ShD, likely due to the formation of a volcanic caldera, significant seafloor bending and deformed evaporites on the easternmost area suggest salt movement, which likely began during the Late Miocene. Seismic interpretation, supported by previous geochemical studies, indicates that the axial volcanic ridge formed through multiphase volcanism, as evidenced by chemically heterogeneous basaltic lavas. This ridge is surrounded by a caldera measuring 5.7 × 8.5 km
Tra materiale e immateriale. Un’introduzione
No full textChe cosa significa oggi parlare di “materiale” e “immateriale”?
Questo volume nasce dal convegno tenutosi a Perugia nel 2024, nell’ambito
del progetto VITALITY, e raccoglie contributi di studiosi provenienti da ambiti
scientifici e umanistici. L’obiettivo è esplorare il rapporto tra ciò che è tangibile e ciò che non lo è, in un’epoca segnata dalla transizione digitale e dalla
datificazione della società, ma anche dall’incessante ricerca di nuovi materiali, dai nanostrutturati ai biomateriali.
Il libro affronta questioni cruciali: dalla smaterializzazione delle attività umane alla creazione di gemelli digitali, dalle implicazioni etiche e sociali della
tecnologia alle sfide della contaminazione dei saperi. Un percorso che va dagli atomi ai bit e ritorno, per comprendere come la dialettica tra materialità e
immaterialità plasmi il nostro presente e il futuro della conoscenza.
Un’opera che invita a superare le barriere tra discipline, per riscoprire il senso
autentico dell’Universitas: coltivare la complessità, generare nuove prospettive e praticare l’arte del dialogo
Comunicazione e narrazione interattiva per la valorizzazione e l’accessibilità del patrimonio culturale. Il caso di Campo del Sole a Tuoro sul Trasimeno
No full textL’evoluzione delle digital humanities ha portato allo sviluppo di strumenti narrativi capaci di integrare immagini, mappe e contenuti testuali per migliorare l’accessibilità e la comunicazione del patrimonio culturale all’aperto. Tra questi, la storymap si configura come dispositivo efficace per valorizzare luoghi di particolare complessità, articolando narrazioni multimediali e geolocalizzate. Campo del Sole a Tuoro sul Trasimeno, parco di sculture en plein air nato su iniziativa di Pietro Cascella, rappresenta un caso emblematico per sperimentare tale approccio. Il progetto di una storymap dedicata al sito si inserisce in una strategia di valorizzazione integrata che unisce lettura critica, documentazione storica e interazione con il pubblico, potenziando la fruizione autonoma e a distanza. L’interfaccia narrativa, sviluppata con software open source, consente di esplorare il complesso artistico attraverso schede descrittive, materiali iconografici d’archivio e mappatura interattiva, contribuendo alla costruzione di un’esperienza partecipativa e consapevole. In un contesto territoriale già attivo su progetti di arte pubblica e percorsi culturali diffusi, la storymap si propone come modello replicabile, capace di rafforzare le politiche locali di accessibilità e comunicazione attraverso linguaggi visivi e digitali.The evolution of digital humanities has led to the development of narrative tools capable of integrating images, maps, and textual content to improve the accessibility and communication of open-air cultural heritage. Among these, the storymap stands out as an effective tool for enhancing complex sites by weaving multimedia and geolocated narratives. Campo del Sole in Tuoro sul Trasimeno –an open-air sculpture park conceived by Pietro Cascella– serves as an emblematic case for experimenting with this approach. The creation of a storymap dedicated to the site is part of a broader integrated enhancement strategy that combines critical interpretation, historical documentation, and audience engagement, thus supporting autonomous and remote exploration. The narrative interface, developed with open-source software, allows users to explore the artistic complex through descriptive entries, archival visual materials, and interactive mapping, fostering a participatory and informed experience. Within a regional context already engaged in public art initiatives and widespread cultural itineraries, the storymap is proposed as a replicable model, capable of strengthening local policies on accessibility and communication through visual and digital languages
The Gut Microbiome as a Possible Mediator in Autoimmunity and Cardiovascular Disease: Shared Pathways and Therapeutic Implications
No full textThis review explores the emerging role of the gut microbiome in bridging autoimmunity and cardiovascular diseases. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut microbial composition, disrupts immune regulation, metabolic pathways, and vascular health, likely contributing to both autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N-oxide, tryptophan derivatives, and bile acids, play critical roles in modulating inflammation, lipid metabolism, and endothelial function. Specific bacterial species, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Akkermansia muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium species., exhibit dual protective effects against autoimmune and cardiovascular pathologies. By elucidating these interconnected mechanisms, this work highlights the potential of microbiome-targeted therapies, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary interventions, to concurrently address autoimmune diseases and reduce cardiovascular risk. Understanding the complex interactions between the gut microbiota, immune system, and cardiovascular health opens new avenues for developing innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring microbial balance and improving patient outcomes