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Comitato di fondazione e Comitato direttivo della Rivista internazionale Monitor ecclesiasticus – Nova series.
No full textModeling investigation of the amyloid precursor protein C-terminal domain effects on mouse CA1 pyramidal neurons
No full textNeuronal excitability and ion channel dynamics are increasingly recognized as key markers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression, alongside well-established synaptic dysfunction. Recent evidence implicates the amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain (AICD) in modulating both intrinsic excitability and synaptic properties of hippocampal pyramidal neurons.
To investigate these effects, we analyzed in vitro recordings from hippocampal slices exposed to physiologically relevant AICD concentrations, revealing significant alterations in single-neuron electrophysiological properties.
To dissect the underlying mechanisms and their implications for AD-related circuit dysfunction, we developed two complementary computational modeling frameworks. First, biophysically detailed, morphologically accurate, NEURON cellular models incorporating realistic ion channel distributions revealed that AICD exposure selectively perturbs key conductances — including Na+, KM, and KCa channels — resulting in altered firing frequency adaptation and excitability profiles. These models captured both passive and active membrane dynamics and provided mechanistic insight into AICD-induced shifts in input-output behavior.
Second, we implemented Adaptive Generalized Leaky Integrate-and-Fire (A-GLIF) models optimized against experimental data, which reproduced subthreshold voltage trajectories and spike timing with high accuracy. Critically, these reduced models will enable the generation of full-scale CA1 network models reflecting the heterogeneity observed in both control and AICD-treated cells. The A-GLIF framework further supports scalable network simulations, paving the way for circuit-level exploration of AICD-related dysfunction.
These findings demonstrate that physiologically relevant levels of AICD are sufficient to drive measurable shifts in neuronal excitability, with clear implications for disease progression and therapeutic targeting. Furthermore, the multiscale modeling
approach bridges cellular-level electrophysiological alterations with network-level computational feasibility, establishing a powerful framework to quantify and simulate AICD-related pathophysiology in AD
Influence of Representative Volume Element Size on Inferred Properties of Random Heterogeneous Materials from X-Ray Microtomography
No full textIn the present work, an insight into the identification of an appropriate representative volume element (RVE) size for random heterogeneous materials is carried out because it is not straightforward and no standard methods can be found in the literature. The influence of RVE size on the properties of a heterogeneous material characterized by random double porosity microstructure [i.e., lightweight cemented soils (LWCS)] is studied using X-ray microtomography. LWCS are prepared by mixing air foam with soil, water, and cement, and are characterized by a large pore system induced by foam in a cemented porous matrix. Data derived from scans of LWCS samples prepared at two different foam percentages (i.e., 20% and 40%) are used to evaluate foam-induced porosity and its dependency on the RVE size. The influence of RVE size on the homogenized elastic stiffness of LWCS is evaluated through a numerical model based on 3D scans of the samples. RVE size selection is validated by comparing LWCS elastic stiffness derived from computational homogenization with available experimental results and with results from mean field homogenization methods. The results show that, regardless of foam content and curing time, a proper RVE size can be set equal to 80% of the sample volume, both considering porosity analysis and numerical simulation on LWCS homogenized elastic stiffness
Condirettrice della Collana “Migrazioni euromediterranee, sistemi normativi e scambi internazionali”, Luigi Pellegrini editore, Cosenza.
No full textTuning electrochemical properties of 3D-printed PLA/carbon black electrodes via diamondized nanocarbon functionalization
Get PDFThis work investigates the influence of diamondized nanocarbon (DNC) surface charge on the performance of 3D-printed carbon black (CB) / polylactic acid (PLA) electrodes for paracetamol detection. Three filaments were prepared by the thermal method, incorporating DNCs with different zeta potentials, one positive (+20 mV) and two negative (-30 mV and -45 mV). Surface characterization by XPS and Raman spectroscopy revealed that DNC charge affects dispersion, polymer coverage, and the exposure of CB domains, whereas SEM images showed that positively charged DNCs tend to aggregate, whereas negatively charged DNCs remain well-dispersed. Contact angle measurements indicated increased hydrophilicity for electrodes containing negatively charged DNCs. Electrochemical analysis demonstrated lower charge-transfer resistance and superior current response for these electrodes, with an extended linear range and improved detection limits for paracetamol (∼1.5 times higher than positively charged DNCs). Overall, the results highlight that the DNC zeta potential is a key parameter for optimizing 3D-printed electrodes, providing a simple, low-cost strategy for the fabrication of portable and high-performance electrochemical sensors. Importantly, this is the first report demonstrating that DNC zeta potential significantly influences filament synthesis for electrochemical applications, opening new opportunities for the incorporation of various nanoparticles into filament composite
Effects of the Menstrual Cycle Phase on Lower-Limb Isometric and Vertical Jumping Force-Time Characteristics in Eumenorrheic and Naturally Menstruating Women: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground: Eumenorrheic and naturally menstruating females experience cyclic variations in ovarian hormones attributed to the menstrual cycle (MC) which may impact neuromuscular function, musculoskeletal properties, and lower-limb performance. This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of MC phases on lower-limb multi-joint isometric and vertical jumping force-time characteristics derived from force platform or sensor assessments in eumenorrheic and naturally menstruating females, to establish whether a particular MC phase may impact performance.
Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to Dec 15th, 2025, for studies examining MC phase effects on lower-limb multi-joint isometric and/or vertical jumping force-time characteristics. Inclusion criteria were: 1) injury-free females (16-40 years); 2) performed multi-joint isometric and/or vertical jumping assessments that collected force-time characteristics using force platforms/sensors; 3) observational comparative study designs that compared ≥ 1 force-time metric across ≥ 2 defined MC phases.
Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria, primarily examining team-sport or recreationally active female athletes. Most studies utilised vertical jumping tasks, observing generally non-significant, trivial differences in global outcome measures (e.g., jump height) between MC phases. However, conflicting phase-dependent fluctuations were noted in ratio and kinetic metrics (e.g., flight-time-to-contraction-time ratio, power), where superior performance was occasionally observed in either the mid-luteal or follicular phases. One study reported greater isometric relative peak force in the mid-luteal phase, yet markers of rapid force production (e.g., early-phase impulse) were superior during the early follicular phase. Methodological quality was generally moderate; however, inconsistent biochemical phase verification, limited reporting of reliability or familiarisation, and infrequent consideration of measurement error when interpreting changes in performance limit the certainty of these findings.
Conclusion: While fluctuations in ovarian hormones may theoretically modulate physiological mechanisms and therefore force-generating capacity, evidence does not support consistent performance differences across MC phases. No phase was found to consistently enhance or inhibit isometric or vertical jump force-time characteristics. Practitioners should therefore avoid blanket, phase-based training adjustments and instead prioritise individualised autoregulatory monitoring strategies. Until higher-quality research integrates biochemical phase verification with detailed kinetic and kinematic analyses, lower-limb force-time performance can be considered relatively stable across the MC
Switch Off and Swim
Get PDFIn 2019 students from Liverpool University School of Architecture used their imagination to explore ideas for how Withington Baths could be developed. Lecturer Anna Gidman was working with Withington Baths on projects to conserve and develop the existing building. Through this connection, students met staff, visited the existing facilities and developed projects creating a future vision for the building and surrounding site. Collaborating with an independent community-based client and exploring how to work with an existing historic building were extremely valuable to the students. The drawings and models exhibited here are some of the highlights of ideas and designs they developed. Working on this project was a great experience for both tutors and students to consider these challenges in a creative way. We are very grateful to Withington Baths for welcoming us, sharing their ideas and giving us access to the building
Height and phytotelm size affect the invertebrate communities of epiphytic bromeliads in the Amazon rainforest
Get PDFTank bromeliads are found in rainforests across the Neotropics and harbour diverse invertebrate communities between their leaf axes. Various factors influence the invertebrate species richness and differences in composition in bromeliad phytotelmata, most notably, habitat size. However, there has been little work on invertebrate communities in bromeliads in western Amazonia or at different heights in the canopy. We collected 63 epiphytic bromeliads (Aechmea hoppii (Harms) L.B.Sm, A. nidularioides L.B.Sm) on the eastern edge of the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot in Ecuador and explored which biological and physical variables explained the differences in invertebrate composition among bromeliads. We extracted a total of 7524 individual aquatic and terrestrial macroinvertebrates and identified 300 morphospecies belonging to 27 orders, within the phyla Arthropoda, Annelida and Platyhelminthes. We recorded information on bromeliad location within the forest (height in canopy, primary or secondary forest), plant size (phytotelmata volume, base circumference, length of longest leaf), phytotelm pH and temperature and counted the number of leaves as a measure of habitat complexity. Overall, our results indicate that height in the canopy and phytotelm size explained statistically significant portions of the variation in different parts of the bromeliad community. Bromeliad size was positively correlated with alpha diversity of both terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, whereas height in the canopy affected beta diversity. The sampling time of year in which bromeliads were collected affected the aquatic community, suggesting biological seasonality in the absence of climatic seasonality. By extending the height from the ground at which most bromeliad studies have been carried out, our work has highlighted the potential importance of vertical variation of bromeliad invertebrate communities throughout the canopy. Additionally, we fill in a geographic gap in this body of work
Rethinking informal circularity through metanarratives: Tensions, insights and directions for management research
Get PDFThis study explores the intersection of the informal and circular economies and its implications for business, management and organization (BMO) scholarship and practice. Informal circularity, practices of collecting, reusing, repairing, recycling and repurposing materials outside formal economic, legal and regulatory arrangements, constitutes a critical yet underexplored dimension of sustainability transitions. We reviewed 102 studies across BMO, urban studies, geography, sociology, economics, sustainability science and others to synthesise fragmented insights into storylines (metanarratives) of informal circularity. Our analysis identifies four interrelated metanarratives: (1) the ambivalence of informal circularity in terms of its sustainability implications, (2) its entanglement with reproduction of urban poverty and governance, (3) the agency of informal actors through entrepreneurship and advocacy amid marginalisation, and (4) the interdependent yet contradictory relationship between informal and formal systems. These metanarratives surface intersecting tensions that both enable and constrain sustainability outcomes and invite deeper inquiry into how circularity is organised beyond formal structures and economies. We offer three contributions. First, we synthesise inter- and transdisciplinary perspectives on informal circularity, identifying metanarratives that capture its tensions and invite BMO research through our future directions. Second, we advance research on tensions in organising for circularity by showing how informal circularity challenges assumptions about organising, strategy and operations. Third, we respond to calls for boundary-crossing sustainability research by integrating intra-, inter- and transdisciplinary perspectives. Finally, we problematise the dominant policy and corporate circularity narratives that exclude informality from the circular transitions and advocate a more inclusive, context-sensitive understanding of informal practices that maintain circularity
Long-term segregation in mental health hospitals: qualitative study of its impact and human rights implications
No full textBackground:
Long-term segregation (LTS) is used in mental health hospitals in England to manage individuals perceived to pose a sustained risk of harm to others. Increasing evidence indicates that LTS causes significant psychological and physical harm and may breach international human rights standards. The HOPE(S) programme (2022–2025) was introduced nationally to reduce, and ultimately end, the use of LTS for autistic people, individuals with learning disabilities and children and young people.
Aims:
To explore the experiences of LTS from different perspectives and to examine its impact through a human rights lens.
Method:
Qualitative data were collected from 73 participants, including people with lived experience of LTS, family members, HOPE(S) practitioners, clinical staff, commissioners and regulators. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted as part of a wider, mixed-methods evaluation of the HOPE(S) programme.
Results:
LTS was described by most participants as harmful, dehumanising and lacking in therapeutic value. Four interrelated themes emerged: (a) dehumanisation and erosion of personhood; (b) safeguarding and systemic failure; (c) psychological and relational harm; and (d) loss of hope and systemic inertia. These experiences reflected breaches of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Conclusions:
LTS is not a therapeutic intervention and is associated with profound psychological harm and human rights violations. Systemic reform and implementation of rights-based, trauma-informed alternatives, such as the HOPE(S) model, are urgently required to safeguard well-being and dignity in mental healthcare