Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Patrizia Fughelli, Antonio V. Sterpetti
Summary: This report highlights the importance of collaboration and communication among scientists, showing that scientific progress can overcome prejudices, religious, and political differences, leading to common advancement and public benefits.
CURRENT PROBLEMS IN CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monica Gelzo, Sara Cacciapuoti, Biagio Pinchera, Annunziata De Rosa, Gustavo Cernera, Filippo Scialo, Marika Comegna, Mauro Mormile, Gabriella Fabbrocini, Roberto Parrella, Gaetano Corso, Ivan Gentile, Giuseppe Castaldo
Summary: Serum MCP-2 and P-selectin levels are associated with disease severity in COVID-19 patients. MCP-2 levels decrease and P-selectin levels increase in mild patients, while the opposite occurs in severe patients after 1 week of hospitalization. This suggests potential for targeted therapies based on these biomarkers.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Silvia R. M. Pereira, Gloria Conte, Lurdes Esteves, Alexandre N. Pais, Joao M. Mimoso
Summary: Azulejos, the unique art form of Portugal, have been used in architectural settings for the past five centuries. This article studies the chronology and typology of majolica azulejos produced by Lisbon workshops from the 16th to the 19th century. By using SEM-EDS, morphological and chemical information on the glazes, ceramic bodies, and their interfaces was obtained. The results reveal a transition from lead-rich to lead-alkali glazes in the 16th to 17th century, followed by the dominance of the same basic technology. The production of Lisbon tiles is also discussed in the context of Europe.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Economics
Ennio E. Piano
Summary: During the Italian Renaissance, painters were not only creative and talented, but also had to take on roles as managers and entrepreneurs to seek commissions. Research suggests that artists in this period faced a trade-off between delegation costs and gains from specialization, leading them to engage in entrepreneurial activities, perform non-artistic tasks, and establish firms to assist in executing certain tasks.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL ECONOMICS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pablo De Juan-Vela, Asja Alic, Vincenzo Trovato
Summary: This paper discusses the transposition of EU Directive on Renewable Energy Communities into Italian legislation and proposes a method to identify national provisions that do not comply with the EU law. The study reveals incorrect transposition of the EU law in Italy and calls for a revision of policy options for battery storage in Renewable Energy Communities. This work is important for supporting the development of new RECs and formulating appropriate policy options and techno-economic measures.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Irene Barba Castagnaro, Antonello Nucera, Riccardo Cristoforo Barberi, Marco Castriota
Summary: The pigments used in majolicas made between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries in Gerace have been analyzed using micro-Raman spectroscopy. This study examined ten samples, including vases, majolica fragments, and vases of uncertain origin. Raman spectroscopic analysis identified the majority of the pigments used in these cultural heritage pottery, allowing for differentiation between artwork made in Gerace and elsewhere.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jimmy A. Faria
Summary: Green ammonia synthesis via the Haber-Bosch process has become a major research field due to the drop in cost of renewable hydrogen, but its current implementation is limited to large scales, hindering its economic viability for financially strained economies.
CURRENT OPINION IN GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yunkai Xu, Xianyong Wu, Xiulei Ji
Summary: Proton's small size and ability to form hydrogen bonding make it an attractive charge carrier in electrochemical energy storage. Recent advancements have focused on reversible proton insertion in electrodes, emphasizing topotactic structural changes. While proton batteries may not compete with nonaqueous batteries in energy density, their major advantage lies in their rate capability.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael Gross
Summary: The success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 will allow mRNA companies to bring other products to market, including new mRNA therapies targeting various types of cancer, liver disease, and multiple sclerosis that have been in clinical trials for years prior to the pandemic.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Iliyan Kolev, Tanya Dimova, Ivan Iliev, Marin Rogozherov, Michael Bodensteiner
Summary: The article presents a method for synthesizing ITMBA and DITMBA compounds, along with the preparation of two different forms of DITMBA crystals. X-ray analysis revealed the formation of DITMBA dimer with toluene molecule and a solvent-free DITMBA catemer. UV and Raman spectral analysis confirmed the ortho effect, and quantum chemical computations provided accurate assignments of vibrational frequencies. The study also demonstrated the absence of photo- and cytotoxicity induced by ITMBA and DITMBA.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Karsten Ingmar Paul, Hannah Scholl, Klaus Moser, Andrea Zechmann, Bernad Batinic
Summary: Marie Jahoda's latent deprivation model suggests that unemployed individuals have poorer mental health compared to those who are employed. This is due to not only the absence of earning money but also the lack of five latent functions of employment, including time structure, social contact, collective purpose, status, and activity. A meta-analytic study was conducted to test the assumptions of this theory, and the results showed that employed individuals reported higher levels of both latent and manifest functions compared to unemployed individuals. The study also found that retired individuals experienced similar deprivation to the unemployed in terms of latent functions, while students displayed some manifest and latent deprivation. Homemakers did not show significant deprivation. The study concluded that employment is a key provider of latent functions, which are important predictors of mental health.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Athanasios A. Papaderakis, Robert A. W. Dryfe
Summary: The control of wetting on conducting surfaces is crucial for the operation of various technologies. Electrowetting is a change in contact angle of a liquid upon the application of a potential bias. While electrowetting has been known for almost a century, recent research focuses on its applications. This review discusses the purely electrochemical aspects of electrowetting on conductors and highlights the remaining open questions.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ilana F. Gareen, Roee Gutman, JoRean Sicks, Tina D. Tailor, Richard M. Hoffman, Amal N. Trivedi, Efren Flores, Ellen Underwood, Jerson Cochancela, Caroline Chiles
Summary: This retrospective study analyzed the significant incidental findings (SIFs) in patients undergoing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung screening. The study found a high prevalence of SIFs, most of which were considered reportable and required follow-up. Standardization of SIF reporting in future screening trials is recommended.
JAMA INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Roberto Erro, Andrea Pilotto, Marcello Esposito, Enrica Olivola, Alessandra Nicoletti, Giulia Lazzeri, Luca Magistrelli, Carlo Dallocchio, Roberta Marchese, Matteo Bologna, Alessandro Tessitore, Salvatore Misceo, Angelo Fabio Gigante, Carmen Terranova, Vincenzo Moschella, Lazzaro di Biase, Raffaella Di Giacopo, Francesca Morgante, Francesca Valentino, Anna De Rosa, Assunta Trinchillo, Maria Chiara Malaguti, Livia Brusa, Angela Matinella, Francesca Di Biasio, Giulia Paparella, Rosa De Micco, Elena Contaldi, Nicola Modugno, Alessio Di Fonzo, Alessandro Padovani, Paolo Barone
Summary: The TITAN study is a multicenter data collection platform aimed at assessing the phenomenology and natural history of tremor syndromes. The study found that the frequency and characteristics of tremor syndromes vary. Patients with ET-plus were older and had a higher age at onset but a shorter disease duration compared to ET, suggesting that ET-plus is not a disease stage of ET.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Hematology
Nicola J. Mutch, Robert L. Medcalf
Summary: The fibrinolytic system is responsible for removing fibrin deposits and blood clots in the vasculature. It has associations with infection and immunity and has potential for novel therapeutics and applications.
JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Natalia Rovella, Nevin Aly, Valeria Comite, Luciana Randazzo, Paola Fermo, Donatella Barca, Monica Alvarez de Buergo, Mauro Francesco La Russa
Summary: This study focused on the impact of air pollution on archaeological buildings in Historic Cairo, with an emphasis on the chemical composition of black crusts and their correlation with air pollution sources. The research identified vehicular traffic and industrial activities as the main polluting sources affecting the conservation of the studied sites. By comparing with previous studies, important insights were gained into the primary and secondary sources of pollution contributing to sulphation processes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vittoria Guglielmi, Martina Andreoli, Valeria Comite, Anna Baroni, Paola Fermo
Summary: The study aimed to identify the painter's materials used in wall decorations of destroyed buildings dating between the 1st century B.C. and the 1st century A.D. Analytical investigations were conducted using SEM-EDX, Raman, FTIR spectroscopies, and visible reflectance measurements, highlighting the use of non-destructive techniques in archaeological studies. The study revealed the use of well-known pigments like cinnabar, red ochre, hematite, and yellow ochre, as well as the possible use of bone white as a pigment in Roman wall decorations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eleonora Pargoletti, Valeria Comite, Paola Fermo, Valentina Sabatini, Luisa Annunziata, Marco Aldo Ortenzi, Hermes Farina, Giuseppe Cappelletti
Summary: The study focused on synthesizing low-fluorine content methacrylic-based (MMA) polymeric resins to improve hydrophobicity and protection of cultural heritage, showing potential in inhibiting atmospheric pollutants penetration and preventing sulfate formation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose Santiago Pozo-Antonio, Carolina Cardell, Valeria Comite, Paola Fermo
Summary: The study characterized black crusts (BCs) collected from historic buildings in two Spanish cities, revealing that BCs from Granada have a more complex structure and higher carbon content than those from Vigo, corresponding to the difference in air pollution levels and the mineralogy of the stones between the two cities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sebastiano D'Amico, Valeria Comite, Giuseppe Paladini, Michela Ricca, Emanuele Colica, Luciano Galone, Sante Guido, Giuseppe Mantella, Vincenza Crupi, Domenico Majolino, Paola Fermo, Mauro Francesco La Russa, Luciana Randazzo, Valentina Venuti
Summary: This study successfully applied multimethodological analysis on the large oil painting "St. Michael defeating Evil" by Mattia Preti, located in Malta. Through various diagnostic techniques, the execution technique of the painter, the artist's palette, and possible interventions were identified. The 3D photogrammetric survey allowed the evaluation of restoration areas and mapping of different canvasses.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paola Fermo, Mario Colella, Marco Malagodi, Giacomo Fiocco, Michela Albano, Silvia Marchioron, Vittoria Guglielmi, Valeria Comite
Summary: The surface coating on a marble statue from the Renaissance period stored in Milan was studied and found to have a degradation layer composed of gypsum, likely due to exposure to outdoor environment and atmospheric pollution. Additionally, it was suggested that the chemical nature of the coating applied in the late 19th century could have contributed to the surface alteration.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Claudia Invernizzi, Lavinia de Ferri, Valeria Comite, Paola Fermo, Marco Malagodi, Giulio Pojana
Summary: This study investigated modifications of IR spectral features on surfaces with different average roughness using non-contact infrared reflection spectroscopy. The study found that the ER spectra were generally more resolved and cleaner compared to the DR ones, providing a more effective reflection of surface roughness variations.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Paola Fermo, Valeria Comite, Mauro Francesco La Russa
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Andrea Bergomi, Valeria Comite, Laura Santagostini, Vittoria Guglielmi, Paola Fermo
Summary: Currently, the ISO 3632 technical standard is used to assess the quality of saffron, but this study proposes a new multi-analytical approach. The results showed that the commercial grading based on the ISO 3632 method did not always match the observations made with other techniques. Additionally, two new techniques, SEM-EDX and ICP-OES, were found to be effective in determining elemental composition and metal content, which are important parameters in assessing spice quality.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chiara Andrea Lombardi, Valeria Comite, Paola Fermo, Andrea Bergomi, Luca Trombino, Vittoria Guglielmi
Summary: This study focuses on the analysis of the color palette used in the decoration of an Egyptian sarcophagus cover. Raman spectrometer and laboratory techniques such as microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and luminescence imaging were employed. The results revealed the presence of specific pigments such as calcite, red ochre, black carbon, and Egyptian blue. The findings provide insights into the authenticity and composition of the sarcophagus.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Bergomi, Valeria Comite, Vittoria Guglielmi, Mattia Borelli, Chiara Andrea Lombardi, Roberto Bonomi, Concetta Pironti, Maria Ricciardi, Antonio Proto, Carlo Mariani, Paola Fermo
Summary: In this study, the microclimatic conditions and air quality inside the Santuario della Beata Vergine dei Miracoli in Saronno (VA) were monitored. The results showed that despite lower indoor pollutant concentrations compared to the outdoor values, the microclimatic conditions often did not meet the regulations and standards in Italy.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mattia Borelli, Andrea Bergomi, Valeria Comite, Vittoria Guglielmi, Chiara Andrea Lombardi, Stefania Gilardoni, Biagio Di Mauro, Marina Lasagni, Paola Fermo
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop a new method to quantify carbonaceous fractions that contribute significantly to darkening of snow and ice samples. Snow samples were collected at two Italian locations and analyzed using different techniques. The results showed a correlation between the nature of the sample and the experimental results, validating the proposed method.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vittoria Guglielmi, Chiara Andrea Lombardi, Giacomo Fiocco, Valeria Comite, Andrea Bergomi, Mattia Borelli, Monica Azzarone, Marco Malagodi, Mario Colella, Paola Fermo
Summary: This research aimed to characterize the pigments used in a 15th-century polychrome earthenware bas-relief artwork. Various analysis methods such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy were used to identify the materials underneath the coating and discover different natural and synthetic pigments. In addition, portable Raman spectrometer measurements revealed the use of specific pigments and previous restoration traces, while the background was made with true gold, highlighting the significance and value of the artwork.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vittoria Guglielmi, Valeria Comite, Chiara Andrea Lombardi, Andrea Bergomi, Elisabetta Boanini, Roberto Bonomi, Elisa Monfasani, Letizia Sassi, Mattia Borelli, Paola Fermo
Summary: The cleaning of historical tapestries is usually done using standard methods. A new hydro-aspiration method was developed to improve efficiency and compared to traditional cleaning methods. The new method was found to be more effective in removing dirt and preserving the structure of the tapestry's metallic threads, while being less invasive to the fragile surface patina.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Valeria Comite, Andrea Bergomi, Chiara Andrea Lombardi, Mattia Borelli, Paola Fermo
Summary: Salt crystallization is a dangerous form of degradation for frescoes, leading to cracking, flaking, and detachment of the pictorial layer. Characterization of soluble salts through chemical analysis can determine the condition of the artifact and guide restoration and/or conservation strategies. A study on the frescoes by Saturnino Gatti in the church of San Panfilo in Villagrande di Tornimparte conducted the first-ever characterization of soluble salts and degradation phenomena. Chemical characterizations using ion chromatography and infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of efflorescence consisting of newly formed gypsum, carbonate, and sodium chloride. Capillary rise and infiltration were identified as the main sources of soluble salts. This information is crucial for future restoration or conservation operations.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)