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The ‘work of emotions’ in navigating the im-mobility experienced by migrants and asylum seekers
No full textStill little explored, the condition of existential im-mobility experienced by refugees and asylum seekers within and outside the so-called reception system is the main argument of this article. Looking at the “work of emotions” (Hochschild, 1979, Hollan, 1992), the article investigates how the im-mobility experienced by migrants can be ‘navigated’ through different emotions. The theoretical analysis of the im-mobility of refugees and migrants is deepened and reinterpreted in light of ethnographic data and results collected among refugees and migrants living in northern and southern Italy, both within and outside the reception system
Synergistic effects of light and plasma catalysis on Au-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays for enhanced non-oxidative coupling of methane
No full textThe direct conversion of methane into value-added hydrocarbons represents one of the most energetically efficient pathways to shift industrial processes towards more sustainable low-carbon technologies. In this study, we present a novel planar dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor equipped with a quartz window for catalyst illumination, to explore potential synergies between light and plasma in the catalytic non-oxidative coupling of methane (NOCM) reaction. Highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays were grown on a Ti mesh and further modified with Au nanoparticles to improve light absorption and reactivity, thereby acting as the DBD electrode and NOCM catalyst. The introduction of gold significantly enhances performances, achieving a substantial rise of 64% in plasma-assisted methane conversion compared to the bare support while shifting the selectivity towards alkanes and C3+ hydrocarbons. For the first time, we demonstrated the effect of light irradiation and its interaction with plasma, revealing an effective synergistic mechanism between plasma and light in gold-modified materials. Notably, a 21.5% increase in the intrinsic rate of the NOCM surface process under irradiation was achieved. This improvement is attributed to two factors: induced physical changes in the nature of the plasma micro-discharges and the creation of specific surface vibrational states on the catalyst
Assessing Double-Couple Moment Tensor Reliability of Recently Developed Bayesian Inversion Algorithms
No full textCircular economy in aquaculture: An Italian survey to understand perceptions, challenges and options for transition
No full textAquaculture is a rapidly growing sector that significantly contributes to global food security but faces environmental
challenges, including resource depletion, pollution, and waste generation. To address these issues,
circular economy (CE) principles are promoted to enhance sustainability by reducing resource use, reusing
materials, and recycling outputs. However, CE adoption at the farm level remains underexplored, particularly
regarding producers’ knowledge and perspectives. This study investigates the understanding and implementation
of CE practices among aquaculture producers in Italy, focusing on their preferences, challenges, and perceived
opportunities. A structured online survey was distributed to 220 members of the Italian Aquaculture Association
(API), achieving a 47 % response rate, encompassing both freshwater and marine systems. The findings reveal
that while many farmers are aware of CE principles, their understanding is largely confined to environmental
aspects, often neglecting economic and social benefits. Medium-sized farms in Central Italy and freshwater
producers show greater adoption of CE practices, whereas smaller farms face regulatory and technological
barriers. A lack of tools to measure the impact of circular practices emerged as a key obstacle, limiting effective
implementation. The study highlights that waste management is not seen as a significant cost barrier, and opportunities
for business diversification through CE practices are under-recognized. Addressing knowledge gaps,
providing practical tools, and streamlining regulations are crucial to overcoming barriers. This research offers
insights to guide future policies and initiatives aimed at fostering circularity in aquaculture, promoting a more
resilient and competitive industry
Varieties of maritime private security. Commercial vessel protection off the Horn of Africa and in the Gulf of Guinea
No full textThe re-emergence of maritime crime has urged shipping companies to increasingly rely on private military and security companies (PMSCs). The maritime private security market has been shaped by the complex patchwork of overlapping legal regimes that regulate the maritime space worldwide. Specifically, this chapter shows that the legal distinction between piracy – widespread off the coast of Somalia – and armed robbery at sea – commonplace in the Gulf of Guinea – has translated into the development of two different maritime private security markets. In the Western Indian Ocean, where PMSCs have been tasked with protecting vessels transiting international waters, their employment has been solely restrained by relatively lenient flag state regulations. In the Gulf of Guinea, the fact that attacks occur primarily in littoral states’ territorial waters has imposed tighter legal obligations, ultimately making maritime private security in the region the preserve of local companies with close connections to national authorities
Brodalumab efficacy in psoriasis patients with inadequate response to IL-23 or IL-12/23 inhibitors: multicenter Italian retrospective analysis - IL PSO (Italian Landscape Psoriasis)
No full textIntroduction: The use of brodalumab in patients with psoriasis who have failed other biologic drugs is an underexplored topic. Objectives: To evaluate the safety and the efficacy of brodalumab in a subgroup of psoriasis patients who already failed anti-IL23 or anti-IL12/23 treatment. Methods: Using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), we retrospectively evaluated a cohort of 23 patients with psoriasis who underwent a change in therapy with brodalumab exclusively following primary or secondary therapeutic failure of anti-IL-23 or anti-12/23 drugs. Results: The mean PASI decreased significantly following the introduction of brodalumab after four weeks of treatment, continuing to decrease at 16 and 36 weeks, reaching the nadir at 52 weeks (base-line PASI baseline: 14.6 ± 9.2 vs. 52 weeks PASI: 1.1 ± 1.8; P<0.001). Sixty-three point six percent of patients reached PASI 100 just after 16 weeks. The same trend of improvement was also observed for the DLQI. The adverse effects observed in our study population were generally mild. Conclusions: Our results are in line with the current literature and suggest that patients who have failed therapy with IL-23 or IL-12/23 inhibitors may benefit from switching to brodalumab, which could be considered a good choice for patients who need a rapid resolution of the inflammatory skin condition
Sustainable herbal teas from fig (Ficus carica L.) waste leaves: volatile fingerprinting, sensory descriptors, and consumer acceptability
No full textHerbal teas made from agricultural waste or by-products are gaining attention as eco-friendly alternatives to support circular economy practices. Fig (Ficus carica L.) leaves are well known for their biological activities. The research aims to investigate the possibility of using fig waste leaves to produce healthy and sustainable herbal teas. Different drying technologies have been used, including air drying (AD) and microwave drying (MWD), and consumer acceptability was tested and related to the sensory features and volatile odor compounds. Sensory descriptive analysis and hedonic consumer tests were carried out. Odor volatiles were analyzed by headspace-solid-phase microextraction-mass spectrometry-gas chromatography (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The teas were also evaluated for their phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Results indicate that MWD increases the total phenolic compound amount by 20%, reduces C6 alcohols and aldehydes responsible for green and herbaceous sensory notes, and increases pentanal, octanal, nonanal, ketones (especially 6 methyl-5-hepten-2-one) and terpenes, such as beta-cyclocitral, which are related to the fruity and honey odors; this leads to a more appreciated color and taste. This study demonstrated that dehydrated fig waste leaves, especially those processed through the eco-friendly microwave drying method, can be utilized to produce herbal teas with favorable sensory and nutritional properties. This approach aligns with sustainability objectives and presents a promising strategy for diversifying the herbal tea market while promoting the valorization of agricultural wastes
Riflettendo intorno a metaverso e Costituzione
No full textLo scritto mira ad indagare le principali questioni che pone il metaverso rispetto alla Costituzione italiana. Dopo aver provato a definire cosa si intenda per metaverso e ad illustrare le modalità operative di quest’ultimo, l’Autore mette in luce i benefici ma soprattutto i rischi che ad esso si accompagnano. Inoltre, si tenta di verificare se e come gli elementi costitutivi dello Stato “resistono” alla prova del metaverso e si riflette sulla compatibilità di quest'ultimo rispetto alla Costituzione (profilo centrale dello studio), in riferimento al principio di separazione dei poteri e alla tutela dei diritti fondamentali. Si indaga come il metaverso si ponga rispetto ai valori di dignità, libertà ed eguaglianza