Ancient Genes and Minority Languages in Italy. Book Review: Gli Italiani che non conosciamo. Lingue, DNA e percorsi delle comunità storiche minoritarie, eds. by G. Destro Bisol et al., Istituto Italiano di Antropologia—Edicions de l’Alguer: Roma, Italy; Alghero (Sassari), Italy, 2023; ISBN: 9788899504717

High-Temperature Catalytic Platform Powered by Thermophilic Microorganisms and Thermozymes

Thermophilic microorganisms, capable of thriving under high temperatures, are emerging as key platforms for next-generation industrial biotechnology (NGIB), driving innovations in lignin biorefining, bioplastics synthesis, biodiesel production, and environmental remediation. Enzymes derived from thermophilic microorganisms, thermozymes, exhibit remarkable stability and efficiency under extreme conditions, making them highly suitable for diverse industrial applications. This review highlights recent advances in leveraging thermophilic microorganisms and thermozymes for high-temperature catalysis, focusing on their economic and environmental benefits. It also emphasizes progress in high-throughput screening and artificial intelligence (AI), which have revolutionized the bioprospecting, engineering, and application potential of thermozymes. Challenges and potential solutions for industrial implementation of high-temperature catalytic platforms are also discussed, highlighting their transformative impact on sustainable biotechnology.

Motion Control of Floating Wind-Wave Energy Platforms

Mitigating wave-induced motions in floating multi-body systems is a critical challenge in ocean engineering. For single floating structures, such as floating platforms or vessels, applying active control requires considerable energy. It is also a common solution to add auxiliary structures and a power take-off (PTO) device, thereby forming a multi-body system that utilises passive control. However, the effectiveness of this method is limited due to varying phase differences between control forces and motions, which change across different wave frequencies. The present work proposes a novel semi-active structural control method, which can effectively provide optimised control force to the main body within a multi-body system. The key point of this method is tuning the phases between the forces and motions of floating bodies. Proper tuning can neutralise the main floating body’s wave-induced motion by utilising the wave-induced motion of the auxiliary structure. The controller is developed under an optimal declutching control framework, adjusting the damping coefficients of the PTO system to provide discrete resistance to the target body. A floating semi-submersible (SS) platform equipped with a heave ring as an auxiliary structure is selected and analysed as the case study. The results demonstrate the method’s efficacy in reducing motion for floating wind turbine (FWT) platforms and its applicability to various types of multiple floating bodies. Interestingly, our optimal declutching control can “kill two birds with one stone”. It can simultaneously enhance motion reduction and increase power capture. In the current study, the proposed controller achieved a maximum motion reduction of 30% for the platform.

Functionalization of 3D-Printed Plastics for the Photocatalytic Removal of Organic Pollutants in Air

The study explored the use of 3D-printed plastics as catalyst supports for gas-phase photocatalytic applications. Specifically, it compared three commonly used plastic materials: PLA, ABS, and PETG. The process involved 3D modeling, additive manufacturing through 3D printing, and functionalization via dip-coating with titanium dioxide (TiO₂). The study evaluated the loading capacity of the materials, the adhesion of the films, and the optical properties of the photocatalytic plates. Finally, the three plastic samples were tested as support materials in a laboratory-scale flat-plate reactor for the photocatalytic oxidation of dichloromethane in air. Loading capacities of around 3 mg/cm² for TiO₂ were achieved, along with radiation absorption capacities close to 65%. A correlation between loading and absorption fraction was identified, leading to the proposal of a simple saturation model; in turn, it allowed the predictive model of pollutant conversion as a function of the absorbed fraction of radiation. By analyzing both qualitative and quantitative properties and results, in order to determine the most suitable plastic material to be used in a photocatalytic wall reactor, PLA emerged as the best choice among the materials tested. These results show promise for the effective utilization of these plastics in the design of air decontamination devices.

Depletion and Recovery of Soil Organic Matter: Ecological, Economic and Social Implications

Over the past decades, urbanization, industrialization and unsustainable management have impaired soil fertility and ecosystem functioning, thereby affecting ecological stability and economic development. The mechanistic coupling between pressures and effects lies in the loss of soil organic matter (SOM), which directly and indirectly controls the vast majority of soil properties and the functioning of the soil ecosystem. From the functions SOM exerts in the soil ecosystem, to the consequences of its depletion and the possibilities it offers for ecological restoration, this concise opinion offers a perspective on the multifaceted roles of SOM in sustaining ecosystem functioning and the services it generates. Indeed, SOM plays crucial roles in supporting soil long-term fertility and the provision of ecosystem services, such as food, water, genetic, medical and biochemical resources, religious, cultural and recreational values, as well as sequestration of carbon and regulation of climate. These roles foster the view of SOM as an ideal proxy for soil quality and health, and justify the interest in acting on SOM as a mean of enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of ecological restoration projects. The improvement of SOM to favor the onset of proper ecological dynamics in heavily degraded ecosystems, such as urban, industrial and agricultural soils, can be also coupled to the recovery of useful organic matter from wastes, integrating ecosystem restoration within waste management and sustainable circular economy strategies. Since, ultimately, the sustainability of our civilization depends upon proper ecological dynamics, soil quality rises to a topic of public concern and this opinion aims at providing a reference point of view on the intertwined implications of its preservation on the ecological, economic and social spheres.

Degradation of Metformin Hydrochloride and Glibenclamide by Several Advanced Oxidation Processes

The degradation of metformin hydrochloride (MET) and glibenclamide (GLI), widely used anti-diabetics, was performed using an electrochemical advanced oxidation process, namely electro-Fenton, and several other Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) of photocatalytic nature, like UV/H₂O₂, UV/persulfate, and UV/TiO₂. The electrochemical behavior of the drugs was first characterized by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. The data implied that both drugs present quasi-reversible oxidation. The effect of the applied current and the airflow in the electrogeneration of hydrogen peroxide was studied. Degradations of 60% of the initial drug were obtained for aqueous solutions of 30 mg·L⁻¹ of MET and 15 mg·L⁻¹ of GLI by using photoelectron-Fenton conditions with 1.0 A of current and a Fe²⁺ concentration of 3.5 mg·L⁻¹, although the removal of MET required 60 min of reaction while for GLI only 45 min were needed. The mineralization (organic carbon removal) percentages after 60 min of treatment were 20%and 30% for electro-Fenton and photo electro-Fenton processes, respectively. For UV/H₂O₂, UV/persulfate, and UV/TiO₂ treatments of MET solutions, the order of observed degradations was UV/PS > UV/H₂O₂ > UV/TiO₂ with maximum values of drug removal of 30% after 60 min of irradiation. This efficiency is lower than the removal observed with the electro-Fenton reaction. For GLI the order of degradation efficiency was UV/PS > UV/TiO₂ > UV/H₂O₂, with maximum values of drug removals of 99.5% after only 10 min of irradiation. This performance is clearly better that in the case of electro-Fenton or photo-electro-Fenton. The removals of the two drugs when dissolved in chemical matrices that mimic real hospital wastewaters and seawater were also studied. They showed a clear dependency on the pharmaceutical of choice. While the degradation of MET was hampered by the presence of other chemicals in the two water matrices, GLI removal was remarkable, pointing towards a possible application in real wastewaters.

Mechanics and Synergistic Signaling of Fibronectin, Integrins, and TGF-β Isoforms

Fibrotic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, and cancer are marked by an excess accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). This process involves the assembly of the ECM protein fibronectin (FN) into insoluble fibrils. FN fibril assembly is highly linked with integrin signaling, TGF-β1 signaling, and cellular contractility. This linkage consists of four stages: (i) Integrin binding and contractile forces facilitate the assembly of FN into insoluble fibrils; (ii) assembled FN fibrils bind the large latent complex of TGF-β1; (iii) activation of TGF-β1 from the latent complex requires integrin binding and contractile forces; and (iv) active TGF-β1 increases contractility, integrin expression, and FN assembly. The significance of integrin signaling and TGF-β1 signaling in fibrotic diseases is well-appreciated, as numerous clinical trials targeting integrins or TGF-β1 have been reported. However, despite a clear effort to target integrins and TGF-β1 clinically, the vast majority of these trials have failed or have been terminated. These suggest a potentially incomplete understanding of the synergistic effects of these pathways. Here we present a review of both FN fibrillogenesis and TGF-β1 signaling, as well as current opinions of under-explored areas of crosstalk related to these pathways that may explain why these have not been successfully targeted in many disease states including fibrosis.

Performance Impacts of Rainwater Tanks on Stormwater Drainage Systems

This article explores the impact of using rainwater tanks on the performance of a stormwater drainage system and the possible challenges posed by climate change and future rainfall projections. This project examines a residential development in Aldinga, South Australia. The study sets clear research objectives that include the creation and simulation of drainage systems with different conditions (e.g., with and without rainwater tanks, historical data, and projected data). The aim is to analyze performance changes in the drainage network after the inclusion of rainwater tanks. Furthermore, the incorporation of projected rainfall data is considered to study possible implications of climate change on the system performance. The methodology follows a quantitative approach, with data collection, creating different models with the use of software, and simulating various conditions such as storms with different annual exceedance probabilities and varying proportions of roof area connected to rainwater tanks. Several findings are identified in this project. When roof areas of all residential allotments are connected to rainwater tanks, substantial benefits are observed in reducing peak flows within the network and runoff volumes. This proportion of connected roof area is directly correlated with reductions in peak flow. Also, while the use of projected rainfall data slightly affects benefits in peak flow and volume reduction, they will remain relatively high at least until 2050. Other performance features, such as hydraulic gradient line, long sections, and time to peak, are also explored. Study validates the hypothesis that rainwater tanks have a significant impact on runoff reductions and flood management, particularly when 100% of roof area is connected with rainwater tanks. Also, there is an impact when projected data is used, but it remains manageable and should be considered under specific contexts to decide whether these impacts are significant. Several opportunities for future research are suggested. These include the examination of larger areas, projections to a more distant future, the use of different rainfall patterns, and the consideration of extreme rainfall events.

Landslides in the Himalayas: A Comprehensive Review of Hazards, Impacts, and Adaptive Strategies

The Himalayas, known as the ‘Third Pole’, are facing an escalating crisis due to landslides driven by climate change and human activity. The settlements in the Himalayas are increasingly vulnerable due to a surging prevalence of landslides. This systematic review investigates the repercussions of landslide hazards on the inhabitants of the Himalayan Arc and explores the causes and adaptive strategies focusing on the period from 2002 to 2022. Data dealing with the impact of landslides were systematically extracted from Scopus, Web of Science, Pascal & Francis, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. The review adhered to the prescribed guidelines of reporting standards for systematic evidence systems (ROSES). The frequency and severity of landslides in the Himalayas are notably high, potentially exceeding those observed in other global regions, due to a combination of specific geological, climatic, and human-induced factors. Thematic categorization identifies that the Himalayan communities confront a multifaceted challenge involving social, natural, economic, human, and physical losses induced by landslides. However, they lack adaptive capacity. The origins of these landslides are diverse, emanating from natural forces, geological phenomena, and human activities within the Himalayas. The review contributes to the understanding of the profound impact that landslides inflict upon the Himalayan region. By consolidating data from diverse databases, the study illuminates the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to bolster resilience and mitigate the escalating threats posed by landslides in this vulnerable geographic expanse.

Perspectives of Drug Therapy for Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis-Related Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis (LF) is an adverse event of the natural course of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) since its progression leads to the development of liver cirrhosis, which is associated with poor prognosis. In addition, there is evidence that the presence of advanced LF may be a strong independent predictor and risk factor for cardiovascular disease in NASH patients, which is the main cause of their death. Based on the severity of the problem, the study and implementation of drugs for the treatment of NASH-related LF is extremely necessary. The purpose of this review was to describe phase II and III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of drug therapy for NASH-related LF. To date, the possibilities for pharmacological treatment of NASH-related LF are very limited. However, in recent years, several drugs have been evaluated in NASH patients with LF (F2–3), and in some cases with compensated liver cirrhosis, in large phase II and III RCTs, and they have shown promise. It can be assumed that drugs that have shown efficacy and safety in phase II and III RCTs will be recommended for testing and confirming practical benefits in phase IV RCTs. Besides, an in-depth study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of NASH-related LF will contribute to the development of new medications, the introduction of which will expand the possibilities of its drug therapy.