La figura dell’allenatore nel mondo greco dall’epoca classica a quella imperiale: contesti, ruoli, status

Il presente lavoro si propone di far luce sulla figura dell’allenatore nel mondo greco. Attraverso un’analisi sistematica delle fonti letterarie, epigrafiche e papiracee, arricchita da una selezionata ricerca iconografica, è stato possibile indagare i compiti, i ruoli e lo status di questi professionisti, nonché i diversi contesti in cui essi operavano. Le testimonianze raccolte sono riferibili a un vasto spazio geografico, che copre l’intero Mediterraneo greco, e a un altrettanto ampio arco cronologico, che si estende dalla fine del VI sec. a.C. al III sec. d.C. I risultati della ricerca sono esposti in tre capitoli organizzati su base tematica. Nel primo si affronta la complessa questione terminologica: l’esistenza, in greco, di più vocaboli (παιδοτρίβης, γυμναστής, ἀλείπτης, ἐπιστάτης) per indicare quella che sembra essere un’unica professione ha reso necessario unire, a una rassegna dei termini attestati, alcune considerazioni sui criteri che regolavano l’uso di un lessico così variegato. Nel secondo capitolo vengono invece illustrati ed esaminati i vari contesti in cui gli allenatori operavano. Ne emerge l’immagine di professionisti attivi nel campo dell’educazione, dell’addestramento degli efebi e, ancora, come preparatori e accompagnatori degli atleti in occasione dello svolgimento di competizioni locali, regionali o panelleniche. Vengono approfondite, allo stesso tempo, le loro conoscenze e abilità, con particolare attenzione al rapporto con la medicina, la disciplina che più di frequente, nel corso della storia greca, sembra essersi sovrapposta alla scienza dell’allenamento. I documenti raccolti, infine, spingono a interrogarsi sul rapporto tra gli allenatori e le comunità di cui facevano parte: quali erano le modalità di assunzione e retribuzione di questi professionisti? Che ruolo potevano giocare, in questo senso, le istituzioni cittadine? E come si posizionavano gli allenatori all’interno del corpo civico? Sono simili domande ad animare il terzo e ultimo capitolo di questo lavoro, che mira ad indagare la posizione sociale ed economica degli allenatori e le modalità di rappresentazione e autorappresentazione di questi professionisti. In conclusione, l’indagine condotta ha consentito di delineare, attraverso uno studio delle fonti quanto più possibile completo e sistematico, i contorni di una categoria professionale ben riconoscibile, attiva per lungo tempo nell’ambito dell’educazione dei giovani, della formazione dei futuri cittadini e della competizione atletica. Si va ad aggiungere così un tassello ancora mancante all’ampio e ricco mondo degli studi sull’atletica antica.This research aims to shed light on the figure of trainers in the ancient Greek world. Through a systematic analysis of literary, epigraphic and papyrological sources, enriched by a selected iconographic survey, it has been possible to investigate the duties, roles and status of these professionals, as well as the various contexts in which they operated. The collected evidence covers a wide geographical area, encompassing the entire Greek Mediterranean, and an equally wide chronological span, extending from the end of the 6th century BC to the 3rd century AD. The research results are presented in three thematically organized chapters. The first chapter addresses the complex issue of terminology: the existence, in ancient Greek language, of several words (παιδοτρίβης, γυμναστής, ἀλείπτης, ἐπιστάτης) to refer to what appears to be a single profession made it necessary to combine a survey of the single terms with an analysis of the criteria governing the employment of such a varied lexicon. The second chapter examines the different contexts in which trainers worked. These professionals emerge as key figures in several fields: they could, for instance, be responsible for children’s education or for the training of the ephebes, but they could also train and give their assistance to athletes taking part in local, regional or Panhellenic competitions. At the same time, their knowledge and skills are explored, with particular attention to their relationship with medicine, the discipline that most frequently seems to have overlapped with the science of training throughout Greek history. Finally, the collected evidence raises questions about the relationship between trainers and the communities they were part of: How were the recruitment and payment of these professionals organized? What role could civic institutions play in this regard? And how were trainers positioned within the civic body? Such questions animate the third and final chapter of this work, which aims to investigate the social and economic position of coaches and the ways in which they were represented and self-represented. In conclusion, this study has made it possible to outline, through a study of the sources as complete and systematic as possible, the contours of a clearly identifiable professional category, active for a long time in the education of children, the training of future citizens and in the field of athletic competition. This work thus adds a still missing piece to the broad and rich field of studies on ancient athletics

Die Rezeption des Zweiten Vatikanums in Italien

Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die Rezeption des Zweiten Vatikanischen Konzils in Italien und zeichnet dessen Auswirkungen auf kirchliche Strukturen, den theologischen Diskurs und die pastorale Praxis von seinem Abschluss bis in die Gegenwart unter dem Pontifikat von Papst Franziskus nach. Auf der Grundlage neu zugänglicher Archivdokumente und der neuesten wissenschaftlichen Forschung bietet diese Arbeit eine beispiellos detaillierte Rekonstruktion der komplexen Dynamiken der Konzilsrezeption im italienischen Kontext. Die Anfangsphase (1965–1978) war von dem Anliegen getragen, die Konzilsreformen, insbesondere in Liturgie und Katechese, umzusetzen. Die liturgische Erneuerung, inspiriert von Sacrosanctum Concilium, stieß innerhalb der Kurie und konservativerer Kreise auf Widerstand, während die Ausarbeitung des nachkonziliaren Katechismus (Catechismo per la vita cristiana, 1970) die Herausforderung annahm, die konziliare Ekklesiologie in eine für Laien zugängliche Form zu übersetzen. Die 1980er und 1990er Jahre waren von Spannungen zwischen progressiven und konservativen Interpretationen des Zweiten Vatikanums geprägt. Die Wahl Johannes Pauls II. markierte eine Wende hin zu einer betont katholischen Identität, die der doktrinalen Kontinuität Vorrang vor Innovationen einräumte. Theologische Debatten dieser Zeit, insbesondere über die Liturgiereform und die Katechese, machten den zunehmenden Einfluss des Vatikans auf die Italienische Bischofskonferenz (CEI) sichtbar. Die Außerordentliche Bischofssynode von 1985 bekräftigte die Hermeneutik der Kontinuität und betonte, dass das Konzil im Einklang mit der Tradition der Kirche stehe, anstatt einen Bruch mit ihr zu markieren. Ab den 2000er Jahren durchlief die italienische Kirche weitere Transformationsprozesse, die von den Pontifikaten Benedikts XVI. und Franziskus geprägt wurden. Während Benedikt XVI. die doktrinale Klarheit betonte und eine Hermeneutik der Reform in Kontinuität förderte, legte Franziskus verstärkten Fokus auf pastorales Engagement, soziale Gerechtigkeit, Synodalität und Dialog. Diese Ansätze sind nicht als Bruch zu verstehen, sondern als unterschiedliche, jedoch eng miteinander verknüpfte Dimensionen des Erbes des Zweiten Vatikanischen Konzils, die auf sich wandelnde historische und kirchliche Kontexte reagieren. Die Rezeption des Konzils ist weiterhin ein dynamischer Prozess, begleitet von anhaltenden Debatten über die Rolle der Laien, den Klerikalismus und die praktische Umsetzung der Konzilsprinzipien in einer sich rapide verändernden Welt. Die vorliegende Studie bietet eine umfassende Analyse dieser Entwicklungen und wirft neues Licht auf die historische und theologische Entwicklung der Konzilsrezeption in der italienischen Kirche, während sie ihr Erbe im Kontext des gegenwärtigen globalen Katholizismus verortet. This study examines the reception of the Second Vatican Council in Italy, tracing its impact on ecclesiastical structures, theological discourse, and pastoral practice from the Council's conclusion to the present day, under the pontificate of Pope Francis. Drawing on newly available archival documentation and cutting-edge scholarly research, this work offers an unprecedentedly detailed reconstruction of the complex dynamics of conciliar reception within the Italian context. The initial phase (1965–1978) saw fervent attempts to implement conciliar reforms, particularly in liturgy and catechesis. The liturgical renewal, inspired by Sacrosanctum Concilium, encountered resistance within the Curia and among more conservative factions, while the drafting of the post-conciliar catechism (Catechismo per la vita cristiana, 1970) sought to translate conciliar ecclesiology into an accessible framework for the laity. The 1980s and 1990s were marked by tensions between progressive and conservative interpretations of Vatican II. The election of John Paul II catalyzed a shift towards a more assertive Catholic identity, prioritizing doctrinal continuity over innovation. Theological debates of the period, particularly concerning liturgical reform and catechetical instruction, revealed the Vatican’s growing influence over the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI). The 1985 Extraordinary Synod of Bishops reinforced the hermeneutic of continuity, emphasizing the Council’s alignment with the Church’s tradition rather than a departure from it. From the 2000s onward, the Italian Church has undergone further transformations, shaped by the papacies of Benedict XVI and Francis. While Benedict XVI emphasized doctrinal clarity and promoted a hermeneutic of reform in continuity, Francis has prioritized pastoral engagement, social justice, synodality, and dialogue. These approaches, rather than representing a rupture, reflect distinct yet interconnected dimensions of Vatican II’s legacy, responding to evolving historical and ecclesial contexts. The reception of the Council remains an ongoing process, with continuing debates surrounding the role of the laity, clericalism, and the practical implementation of conciliar principles in a rapidly changing world. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of these developments, shedding new light on the historical and theological trajectory of the Italian Church’s reception of Vatican II, and situating its legacy within contemporary global Catholicism

Il Labgeo Caraci e l’alta formazione. Corsi di Master e Summer School per la conservazione e valorizzazione dei beni culturali

Scopo del presente lavoro è quello di offrire una ricostruzione delle finalità formative di due percorsi post lauream dell’Università Roma Tre (il Master di secondo livello Digital Earth e Smart Governance: strategie e strumenti GIS per la gestione dei beni territoriali e culturali e le Summer school dipartimentali Visualizing San Saba e Visualizin g “Terrae Caetani”, dalla loro istituzione sino ad oggi, allo scopo di coglierne le qualità peculiari e le caratteristiche problematiche, ma anche al fine di ipotizzare eventuali correttivi per una migliore struttura organizzativa e un coordinamento più funzionale alle richieste della società attuale

Coking resistant Ru supported on Sm-substituted CaZrO3 catalyst for dry reforming of methane: The effect of Ru loading on catalytic activity

Dry reforming of methane has industrially appealing advantages over other routes towards syngas production: CH4 and CO2 DRM conversion simultaneously tackles two main greenhouse gases to obtain a H2/CO ratio close to unity, ideal for long-chain hydrocarbons production via Fischer-Tropsch method. Designing high-performing and stable catalysts is pivotal for long-lasting operation. Ni-supported systems are by far the most used, owing to their outstanding activity and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, Ni promotes carbon deposition which results in severe deactivation. Supported noble metals combine high performance to coking resistance but this comes at a high cost. Here, the effects on DRM activity of low (≤3.0 wt%) ruthenium strategical loading onto a calcium zirconate perovskite oxide were investigated. In the CaZrO3, Zr substrate was partially substituted with samarium (CaZr0.85Sm0.15O3-δ, CZSm) to increase the extent of oxygen vacancies, favoring reactants adsorption on a highly basic surface. Ru was added during the perovskite synthesis to obtain RxCZSm (x = 0.5, 1.5, 3.0 wt% Ru). Structural and textural analyses revealed partial Ru inclusion in the oxide lattice leading to a net surface area increase (>50%). Different DRM activity depending on Ru oxidation state, substrate NPs coverage and reaction temperature was observed. R0.5CZSm displayed higher CH4 conversion (97.6 %) at 850 °C, while R3.0CZSm outperformed the lower Ru-loaded compounds at 550 °C, showing an H2/CO ratio of 0.77. Durability tests revealed high stability of all RxCZSm catalysts, with no carbon deposition. Low Ru loading on a tailored oxide substrate is an effective alternative for active and durable DRM catalysts

Air pollution-related neurodegeneration: effects of magnetite nanoparticles on cultured human astrocytes and neurons

Air pollution is a critical global public health problem deeply entangled with social, economic and legislative factors worldwide and it is exacerbated by the rapid rate of urbanisation and industrialisation (Olloquequi J et al., 2024). A major contributor to global air pollution are the traffic-related air pollutants (TRAPs), including magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs). Air pollution is estimated to have caused 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019, 89% of which occurred in low- and middle-income countries. It is thus imperative to investigate whether the exposure to airborne PM-derived MNPs may pose a risk to human health. The causes reported for these premature deaths are mostly cardiovascular diseases, ischaemia and cancers (WHO, air quality guidelines, 2021). Nevertheless, to date, a bunch of clinical and epidemiological studies are increasingly demonstrating also the adverse association between TRAPs and neurological diseases (Gómez-Budia M et al., 2020). Indeed, recent studies have shown that in highly trafficked and industrialised urban areas (e.g. Mexico City, Manchester) dementia cases at a younger age increased (Maher BA et al., 2019). Airborne particulate matter (PM) pollution is considered as an important environmental risk factor for neurotoxicity and may potentiate the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neurodegenerative diseases are constantly increasing as the world’s population ages. In the early stages, these diseases can be triggered by different types of stimuli, all leading to chronic oxidative stress. Among TRAPs, PM2.5, which include MNPs, can be inhaled and directly reach the brain promoting the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inducing oxidative stress, one of the hallmarks of AD (Jankowska-Kieltyka M et al., 2021). In this work we focussed our attention on the biological impact of magnetite nanoparticles pollution on the promotion and development of neurodegenerative diseases, while also exploring the potential role of astrocytes in this context. In light of these considerations, the effects of MNPs and Amyloid-β (Aβ1-42) were evaluated on human astroglial and neuronal cell models. Firstly, we demonstrated that MNPs do not directly affect neuronal viability, whereas astrocyte viability is impaired. Otherwise, amyloid impairs the viability of both astrocytes and neurons. The interaction between magnetite nanoparticles and amyloid has a dual impact on astrocytes: in addition to reducing the viability of these cells, MNPs and amyloid also exert a synergistic effect when used in combination. In the brain, astrocytes can efficiently counteract oxidative stress through the activation of an antioxidant response (Baxter PS et al., 2016) and are crucial for neuronal function. Indeed, they provide structural and metabolic support to neurons, maintaining homeostasis of the extracellular space of the brain parenchyma (Durkee CA et al., 2019). Moreover, glial cells play a pivotal role in iron homeostasis in the central nervous system through the action of ferroportin (Fpn), the only known mammalian iron exporter, and ceruloplasmin (Cp), an enzyme with ferroxidase activity (Hohnholt MC and Dringen R, 2013). Cp is required for Fpn function; indeed, it is thought that this protein may play a protective role in neurodegenerative diseases. In this study we demonstrated that astrocytes activate a response that culminates in the up-regulation of System Xc- and ceruloplasmin, while the iron exporter ferroportin is not up-regulated. These modifications may precipitate an elevation in extracellular glutamate release, impaired iron efflux, thereby leading to an augmented intracellular labile iron pool and diminished cellular viability. Taken together these data suggest a potential correlation between iron homeostasis, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in this context. Given the numerous essential functions that astrocytes fulfil, any dysfunction in these cells has the potential to contribute to the development of several neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases such as AD (Sofroniew MV et al., 2010). Therefore, following an evaluation of the impact of magnetite nanoparticles and amyloid on astrocyte behaviour, it was essential to ascertain whether the observed alterations in astrocytes could potentially influence neurons, as part of this research project. The results show that astrocyte supernatant has a harmful impact on neuronal viability that lasts over time. The synergistic effect of MNPs and amyloid on neuronal death may be due to the release of soluble factors by astrocytes that accumulate over time, highlighting the exacerbating effect that MNPs may have in chronic conditions. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that under identical experimental conditions, the viability of astrocytes is also adversely affected. Consequently, the reduction in neuronal viability may likewise be attributable to the diminished trophic support rendered by astrocytes. Our findings collectively suggest that while exposure of neurons to MNPs does not directly affect their viability, it can potentially induce neurotoxicity through the action of astrocytes. The role of astrocytes may be attributed to their capacity to produce and release soluble factors that affect neuronal function. In conclusion, these findings suggest that airborne pollution-derived magnetite nanoparticles may contribute to the increased prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases observed in highly trafficked and industrialised urban areas

Diversity of isotopic composition of anthropogenic radioactivity on glaciers in the Alps

: The dark sediment on the surface of glaciers, called cryoconite, plays an important role in accumulating various contaminants during glacier melting. One of the high-risk is anthropogenic fallout radioisotopes, which have been accumulating since 1945. The melting of alpine glaciers is accelerating, rapidly releasing stored pollutants, and becoming secondary sources of radioisotopes for nearby ecosystems. This study indicates the potential sources of radioisotopes based on their signatures with global and local signals using wide sampling covering eight glaciers in distinct regions of the Alps. For this purpose, the activity ratios of anthropogenic radionuclides (238Pu/239+240Pu, 239+240Pu/137Cs, 241Am/239+240Pu) and mass ratios (240Pu/239Pu) were determined. The activity ratio of 238Pu/239+240Pu in Alpine glaciers shows that plutonium-related radioactivity is mostly from global fallout, with an additional contribution from the atmospheric re-entry of the SNAP 9A satellite. 240Pu/239Pu atomic ratio suggests the heterogeneous contribution of low- and high-yielded nuclear detonations. The activity ratios of 241Am/239+240Pu are partly comparable to the reference isotopic ratio for global fallout, but the impact of unknown local radioactive contamination source(s) is also considered. The post-Chernobyl and global fallout account of 137Cs in the examined glacial area of the Alps. The results confirm the ability of cryoconite to accumulate artificial radioisotopes while recording the influence of multiple regional and global sources. Cryoconite is confirmed as an extremely valuable environmental matrix for studying radioactive contamination in glacial environments

Considerazioni in tema di protezione della vulnerabilità e giustizia costituzionale

Il contributo prende le mosse dalla tradizionale protezione dei soggetti deboli assicurata dal principio di uguaglianza al fine di elaborare una serie di considerazioni ulteriori in ordine alla protezione delle persone vulnerabili posta in essere dalla Corte costituzionale. Tali considerazioni, in particolare, riguardano la questione del fondamento costituzionale della vulnerabilità, il processo di internazionalizzazione dei sistemi di protezione dei diritti fondamentali ed il rapporto tra prerogative delle Corti e compiti del legislatore politico.The paper moves from the traditional protection of disadvantaged persons ensured by the principle of equality. On that basis, it develops further considerations on the protection of vulnerable persons by the Constitutional Court. Moreover, such considerations deal with the identification of the constitutional foundations of vulnerability, the internationalising process of rights protection and the relationship among prerogatives of the Courts and duties of the political legislator