68994 research outputs found
Sort by
Transport Properties of Self-Assembling G-Hydrogels: Evidence for a Tunable Fickian Diffusivity
Get PDFThe mixing of Guanosine (Gua) and Guanosine 5′-monophosphate (GMP) in water in selected compositions yields highly hydrated, transparent, and self-healing self-assembled supramolecular G-hydrogels, attractive for biomedical applications. This work investigates how hydrogel composition affects solute transport, including diffusion, binding, loading, and release properties, using a set of fluorescent probes with varying size and polarity. Although small/wide-angle X-ray scattering techniques showed that no structural changes are induced by probe addition, even when intercalation into G-quadruplexes is expected, the internal mesh structure of the hydrogel, modulated by the Gua:GMP ratio, directly impacts probe diffusivity and loading. Tighter networks (e.g., 1:1) slow diffusion and enhance retention compared to looser configurations (e.g., 1:4). Moreover, UV-visible titrations revealed markedly different binding affinities (Kb ≈ 5.7 × 104 M-1 for DAPI, 8.0 × 103 M-1 for ThT, and 1.4 × 102 M-1 for RhB), which are expected to result in lower diffusion coefficients and slower release, especially for DAPI and ThT. Indeed, diffusion coefficients, obtained via fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, reach 90, 20, and 60 μm2/s for FITC-dextran, ThT, and RhB, respectively. Probe release kinetics, modeled via Weibull fitting, indicated sustained release with characteristic times (τ) between 9.6 and 23.2 h and β ≈ 1 in 1× PBS, consistent with predominantly Fickian diffusion. Remarkably, switching to 10× PBS significantly accelerated release (τ reduced by ≈ 40-50%), suggesting that ionic strength and/or pH changes critically affect not only probe-hydrogel interactions but also the internal gel architecture, altering porosity, mesh size, and network tortuosity, thus enhancing molecular mobility. Overall, the G-hydrogel system offers a structurally tunable and composition-dependent platform capable of finely regulating molecular transport and release profiles, making it highly suitable for controlled drug delivery and adaptive biomaterial applications
Exogenous dsRNAs against chitin synthase and glucan synthase genes suppress the virulence of the pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea
No full textBotrytis cinerea, the causative agent of the gray mold disease, causes crop failures of many economically important crops worldwide and its control is usually difficult. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of RNA interference (RNAi)-based control strategy to suppress the growth of B. cinerea, through exogenous application of double-strand RNA (dsRNA) targeting single and multiple genes encoding crucial enzymes for the fungal cell wall development. The dsRNA molecules were designed to target three single chitin synthase (BcCHSI, BcCHSIIIa, BcCHSVI) and two glucan synthase (alpha-1, 3-glucan synthase (Bcags), β-1, 3-glucan synthase (Bcbgs)), genes. Furthermore, two dsRNA chimeras targeting multiple Chitin synthase (BcCHSI/IIIa/VI) and Glucan synthase genes (Bcags/bgs) have been produced to inhibit Botrytis infection. Here we show that the dsRNAs treatments strongly affect the virulence of the fungus and result in the downregulation of BcCHSI, BcCHSIIIa, BcCHSVI, Bcags, and Bcbgs genes. Overall, our data indicate that exogenous application of dsRNAs can compromise the virulence of B. cinerea and that RNAi-based strategy targeting genes important for B. cinerea cell wall synthesis may provide an effective means to halt the growth of B. cinerea and consequently limit the infection
Contextual differences, contrasting trends? Sustainable development, economic performances, and divergence in land resource depletion
No full textSpatial convergence of ecological/environmental processes has attracted an increasing interest of geo-economic disciplines and social science at large. In this perspective, a quantitative assessment of convergence (or divergence) in specific variables across space is particularly challenging in a context of global change and may contribute to delineate and clarify both linear and more complex processes of natural resource depletion and their underlying factors. In this contribution, we reviewed the theoretical notion of “convergence” in environmental processes, discussing the role of geographical scales as reflective of political, economic, and territorial heterogeneities. Convergence processes have been also disentangled according to the specific background context, and the most relevant implications for policy implementation have been finally discussed. In line with the empirical studies testing for convergence in economic and social variables, our contribution indicates that an “ecological convergence” analysis requires an integrated, multidisciplinary approach aimed at a thorough understanding of socio-environmental systems' complexity
Oral Glucocorticoids for Skin Fibrosis in Early Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis: A Target Trial Emulation Study From the European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group Database
No full textObjective: The objective of this study is to evaluate whether adding oral glucocorticoids to immunosuppressive therapy improves skin scores and ensures safety in patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). Methods: We performed an emulated randomized trial comparing the changes from baseline to 12 ± 3 months of the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS: primary outcome) in patients with early dcSSc receiving either oral glucocorticoids (≤20 mg/day prednisone equivalent) combined with immunosuppression (treated) or immunosuppression alone (controls), using data from the European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group. Secondary end points were the difference occurrence of progressive skin or lung fibrosis and scleroderma renal crisis. Matching propensity score was used to adjust for baseline imbalance between groups. Results: We matched 208 patients (mean age 49 years; 33% male; 59% anti-Scl70), 104 in each treatment group, obtaining comparable characteristics at baseline. In the treated group, patients received a median prednisone dose of 5 mg/day. Mean mRSS change at 12 ± 3 months was similar in the two groups (decrease of 2.7 [95% confidence interval {95% CI} 1.4–4.0] in treated vs 3.1 [95% CI 1.9–4.4] in control, P = 0.64). Similar results were observed in patients with shorter disease duration (≤ 24 months) or with mRSS ≤22. There was no between-group difference for all prespecified secondary outcomes. A case of scleroderma renal crisis occurred in both groups. Conclusion: We did not find any significant benefit of adding low-dose oral glucocorticoids to immunosuppression for skin fibrosis, and at this dosage, glucocorticoid did not increase the risk of scleroderma renal crisis
Fortune favors the bold: firms involvement in patent opposition
No full textPatent opposition is a key strategic weapon used in intellectual property (IP) battles. While existing literature primarily focuses on the characteristics of the opposed patents to explain the occurrence of opposition proceedings, the role of firms’ characteristics remains less explored. We argue that a firm’s experience with opposition proceedings reflects its IP capabilities, both in defending its own patent portfolio and in challenging the patents of competitors. Using a dataset of EPO oppositions filed between 1980 and 2015 in the field of cosmetic technologies, we examine whether previous outcomes of opposition proceedings are associated with the likelihood of being involved in future opposition cases. Our findings show that patent holders with a higher rate of past success in opposition proceedings are less likely to be involved in subsequent oppositions. In contrast, (potential) opponents with a higher rate of past success are more likely to engage in future opposition proceedings
A modified algorithm for a loudspeaker line array multi-lobe control
Get PDFThe creation of personal sound zones is an effective solution for delivering personalized auditory experiences in shared spaces. Their applications span various domains, including in-car entertainment, home and office environments, and healthcare functions. This paper presents a novel approach for the creation of personal sound zones using a modified algorithm for multi-lobe control in loudspeaker line array. The proposed method integrates a pressure-matching beamforming algorithm with an innovative technique for reducing side lobes, enhancing the precision and isolation of sound zones. The system was evaluated through simulations and experimental tests conducted in a semi-anechoic environment and a large listening room. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in creating two separate sound zones
Efficiency and environmental impacts of biogas vs. biomethane in combined heat and power applications
No full textThe increasing demand for low-carbon energy carriers is increasingly driven by the urgent need to address climate change and reduce the environmental impact of conventional energy systems. In this context, biogas and biomethane are emerging as key renewable solutions within the global energy transition. This study investigates a biogas plant located in northern Italy equipped with an Ingeniapatented system designed to reduce ammoniacal nitrogen and CO2, thereby improving biogas quality and enabling its upgrade to biomethane. A comparative energy and environmental analyses are carried out to evaluate the use of either biogas or biomethane as fuels in combined heat and power units having an electrical and thermal power output of 410 kW and 400 kW, respectively, focusing on primary energy requirements and greenhouse gas emissions comparison. Results show that biomethane, due to its higher lower heating value, requires less fuel consumption than biogas to produce the same useful energy output (both electrical and thermal), thereby improving overall system efficiency. Specifically, the lower primary energy demand of biomethane leads to annual savings of up to 1.35 GWh. Moreover, if biomethane production matches the volume of biogas needed to deliver the same useful energy, the excess biomethane, approximately 142,400 Sm3, can be injected into the gas grid, contributing to enhanced national energy self-sufficiency. From an environmental perspective, results show that biogas use achieves an annual emissions reduction of approximately 880 tCO2 equivalent, while biomethane slightly improves the performance, reaching about 900 tCO2 equivalent avoided per year. Overall, the study demonstrates that biomethane offers enhanced energy efficiency and climate benefits, confirming its role as a valuable option for integrated low-carbon energy systems
Near Time-Optimal Trajectories with ISO Standard Constraints for Human–Robot Collaboration in Fabric Co-Transportation
Get PDFEnabling robots to work safely close to humans requires both adherence to safety standards and the development of appropriate strategies to plan and control robot movements in accordance with human movements. Collaboration between humans and robots in a shared environment is a joint activity aimed at completing specific tasks, requiring coordination, synchronisation, and sometimes physical contact, in which each party contributes its own skills and resources. Among the most challenging tasks of human–robot cooperation is the co-transport of deformable materials such as fabrics. This paper proposes a method for generating the trajectory of a collaborative manipulator. The method is designed for the co-transport of materials such as fabrics. It combines a near time-optimal control strategy that ensures responsiveness in following human actions while simultaneously guaranteeing compliance with the safety limits imposed by current regulations. The combination of these two elements results in a viable co-transport solution which preserves the safety of human operators. This is achieved by constraining the path of the robot trajectory with prescribed velocities and accelerations while simultaneously ensuring a near time-optimal control strategy. In short, the robot movement is generated in such a way as to ensure both the tracking of humans in the co-transportation task and compliance with safety limits. As a first attempt to adopt the proposed approach to integrate time-optimal strategies into human–robot interaction, the simulations and preliminary experimental result obtained are promising
Safety and Well-Being Monitoring System for Multi Residential Scenarios
No full textThe efficient delivery of health and care services is one of the key challenges posed by the aging population worldwide. This challenge becomes even more difficult due to the growing incidence of neurological disorders among the elderly, resulting from longer life expectancies. In response to these concerns, smart home environments are often equipped with various sensors designed to monitor the activity and health status of elderly residents. However, the implementation of these sensor-based systems introduces a significant obstacle when multiple individuals share the same household, particularly when attempting to correlate sensor-generated events with the specific resident whose actions caused them. Conventional methods frequently depend on extensive prior knowledge, including detailed sensor layouts, floor plans, and annotated data, or on the use of evaluation boards or non-commercial devices. However, both methods tend to have significant limitations in real-world applications. To address these challenges, a lightweight and easy-To-use safety and well-being monitoring system based on Bluetooth Low energy Tags is introduced. The effectiveness of the multi-residential monitoring system is demonstrated in real scenarios in which a couple of elderly people have been monitored during their daily life for twenty-one days
Occupant Behaviour and Daily Indoor Environmental Profiles in Residential Buildings: Evaluation Through Clustering and Decision Tree Approaches
No full textUnderstanding occupant behaviour and the resulting impact on Indoor Envi-ronmental Quality (IEQ) is crucial for achieving low-energy use in buildings. However, this is a complex task, due to the stochastic and unpredictable nature of human behaviour. Internet of Things and smart devices have made a larger amount of real-time IEQ data available and Data Mining techniques offer advantages for knowledge discovery by extracting patterns from extensive raw data more easily than conventional statistical methods do. This study aims at investigating if and how combining some paramount Data Mining techniques (i.e. clustering and decision trees) can provide useful insights in the context of occupant behaviour and IEQ , focusing on residential buildings. To this end, data on IEQ, outdoor climatic conditions and occupant be-haviour, collected in summer 2022 in four flats of two multistorey social housing buildings were analysed. Firstly, a cluster analysis was adopted to extract meaningful daily indoor temperature patterns from 495 time-series data curves. Secondly, a decision tree was computed for classification issues, to improve the interpretability of clustering results and evaluate the connection between dynamic influencing factors (e.g., outdoor conditions, spatial characteristics, human behaviour) and IEQ patterns. The findings suggest that the proposed coupled methodology is suitable for detecting occupant behaviour and IEQ profiles, offering valuable insights for enhancing the comprehension of the influencing factors in residential buildings