Asymptotic monotonicity of the orthogonal speed and rate of convergence for semigroups of holomorphic self-maps of the unit disc

We show that the orthogonal speed of semigroups of holomorphic self-maps of the unit disc is asymptotically monotone in most cases. Such a theorem allows to generalize previous results of D. Betsakos and D. Betsakos, M. D. Contreras and S. D\'iaz-Madrigal and to obtain new estimates for the rate of convergence of orbits of semigroups.Comment: Final version. To appear in Rev. Mat. Iberoa

Mentalizing Diabetes in the Mother-Child Dyad

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a life-threatening chronic illness, the management of which is demanding for both children and their caregivers. It is widely accepted that psychological aspects play a crucial role in its course. T1D affects and is affected by psychosocial issues, both directly, through behaviour, and indirectly, through the metabolic effects of stress. However, previous studies of T1D have not considered the role of interpersonal and attachment relationships in regulating these effects, despite the valuable understanding such research has offered in the case of other chronic, stress-related conditions. In response, the present PhD thesis aims to develop a theoretical model for the understanding of T1D in children and their caregivers from a contemporary psychodynamic perspective, rooted in attachment and mentalizing approaches, and to empirically test the key assumptions of this model. To this end, three observational, cross-sectional studies were performed. Study 1 investigated the relationship between attachment, mentalizing, stress and diabetes outcomes and self-report measures in a sample of 77 mother-child dyads. In Study 2, initial validation of a measure for testing diabetes-specific Reflective Functioning (RF) was carried out with a sample of 91 mother-child dyads. Study 3 compared levels of maternal and child RF from observer-rated measures in two dyad groups (N=55): one with good and another with poor diabetes control. Overall, both mother and child’s mentalizing, attachment and stress appear to have an impact on diabetes outcomes, with important gender differences. However, the mechanisms that mediate the relationship between these factors require further elucidation. Our results support the theoretical model proposed and establish an empirical framework for further research on this topic, while also highlighting the need and feasibility of developing mentalization-based interventions for diabetic children and their caregivers. At the same time, findings from these studies point to important limitations of the proposed theoretical approach, and directions for future research

Classification-Based Screening of Parkinson’s Disease Patients through Graph and Handwriting Signals

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, affecting millions of people worldwide, especially among the elderly population. It has been demonstrated that handwriting impairment can be an important early marker for the detection of this disease. The aim of this study was to propose a simple and quick way to discriminate PD patients from controls through handwriting tasks using machine-learning techniques. We developed a telemonitoring system based on a user-friendly application for drawing tablets that enabled us to collect real-time information about position, pressure, and inclination of the digital pen during the experiment and, simultaneously, to supply visual feedback on the screen to the subject. We developed a protocol that includes drawing and writing tasks, including tasks in the Italian language, and we collected data from 22 healthy subjects and 9 PD patients. Using the collected signals and data from a preexisting database, we developed a machine-learning model to automatically discriminate PD patients from healthy control subjects with an accuracy of 77.5%

Low-Temperature Behaviour of Charge Transfer Excitons in Narrow-Bandgap Polymer-Based Bulk Heterojunctions

Photoluminescence studies of the charge transfer exciton emission from a narrow-bandgap polymer-based bulk heterojunction are reported. The quantum yield of this emission is as high as 0.03%. Low temperature measurements reveal that while the dynamics of the singlet exciton is slower at low temperature, the dynamics of the charge transfer exciton emission is temperature independent. This behavior rules out any diffusion process of the charge transfer excitons and energy transfer from these interfacial states toward lower lying states. Photoluminescence measurements performed on the device under bias show a reduction (but not the total suppression) of the charge transfer exciton recombination. Finally, based on the low temperature results the role of the charge transfer excitons and the possible pathways to populate them are identified

Population Saturation in Trivalent Erbium Sensitized by Organic Molecular Antennae

We investigate sensitization efficiency of near-infrared emission and population saturation of trivalent erbium in erbium quincilinolato complexes photoexcited into the absorption band of the organic sensitizer. At low excitation levels, we find high (similar to 80%) sensitization efficiencies. We observe excited state population saturation at inversion threshold under subnanosecond pumping at the level of one injected photoexcitation per complex

MEErP Preparatory Study on Taps and Showers. Final report

Following the publication of the Working Plan for the Ecodesign Directive (2012-2014), in April 2013 the European Commission launched a preparatory study on the product group taps and showers. The preparatory study on taps and showers has been developed by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) following the Commission’s Methodology for the Evaluation of Energy-related Products (MEErP). The research is based on available scientific information and data, adopts a life cycle thinking approach and has engaged with stakeholder experts in order to discuss key issues and to develop a wide consensus. As a final result, the JRC has produced a comprehensive techno-economic and environmental assessment with which to evaluate a possible favourable mix of policy instruments for this product group. In summary, the study has pointed out that: - Water consumption and scarcity is and will be a problem in many areas of the European Union. - The water- and energy-saving potential of taps and showers at European level is significant. - A large number of taps and shower models are on the market which offer consumers the possibility of choosing between different levels of water and energy consumption. - Water-saving technologies represent technically effective, economically affordable and flexible product options. - Market transformation and current policy instruments and industry initiatives are already generating some environmental benefits for this product group. - Increased environmental improvement could be achieved through additional environmental product policy instruments. - A strategic communication policy would be needed because user behaviour is a key issue for ensuring the effective achievement of a potential benefit with any initiative. - Harmonised standards for measuring and calculating the water/energy efficiency of taps and shower systems would also be an important element to integrate in any policy option although this may require a considerable amount of time.JRC.J.5-Sustainable Production and Consumptio

Ecodesign and Energy Label for Household Washing machines and washer dryers

The European Commission launched in 2014 the revision of the ecodesign and energy-/resource label implementing measures for the product group 'household washing machines and household washer dryers (WM-WD)'. The revision study follows the Commission’s Methodology for the Evaluation of Energy related Products (MEErP) consisting of: Scope definition, standard methods and legislation, Market analysis, Analysis of user behaviour and system aspects, Analysis of technologies, Environmental and economics, Design options and Policy analysis and scenarios The comprehensive analysis of the product group following the steps above will feed as research evidence basis into the revision of the existing Energy Label Regulation (EC) 1060/2010 and the Ecodesign Regulation (EC) 1015/2010 on household washing machines. The research is based on available scientific information and data, uses a life-cycle thinking approach, and has engaged stakeholder experts in order to discuss key issues, and to the extent possible reach consensus on the proposals.JRC.B.5-Circular Economy and Industrial Leadershi

Novel fragile X syndrome 2D and 3D brain models based on human isogenic FMRP-KO iPSCs

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by intellectual disability and sensory deficits, caused by epigenetic silencing of the FMR1 gene and subsequent loss of its protein product, fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Delays in synaptic and neuronal development in the cortex have been reported in FXS mouse models; however, the main goal of translating lab research into pharmacological treatments in clinical trials has been so far largely unsuccessful, leaving FXS a still incurable disease. Here, we generated 2D and 3D in vitro human FXS model systems based on isogenic FMR1 knock-out mutant and wild-type human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines. Phenotypical and functional characterization of cortical neurons derived from FMRP-deficient hiPSCs display altered gene expression and impaired differentiation when compared with the healthy counterpart. FXS cortical cultures show an increased number of GFAP positive cells, likely astrocytes, increased spontaneous network activity, and depolarizing GABAergic transmission. Cortical brain organoid models show an increased number of glial cells, and bigger organoid size. Our findings demonstrate that FMRP is required to correctly support neuronal and glial cell proliferation, and to set the correct excitation/inhibition ratio in human brain development

The Promotoer, a brain-computer interface-assisted intervention to promote upper limb functional motor recovery after stroke: a statistical analysis plan for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) allow to modulate the sensorimotor rhythms and are emerging technologies for promoting post-stroke motor function recovery. The Promotoer study aims to assess the short and long-term efficacy of the Promotoer system, an EEG-based BCI assisting motor imagery (MI) practice, in enhancing post-stroke functional hand motor recovery. This paper details the statistical analysis plan of the Promotoer study. Methods: The Promotoer study is a randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, single-centre, superiority trial, with two parallel groups and a 1:1 allocation ratio. Subacute stroke patients are randomized to EEG-based BCI-assisted MI training or to MI training alone (i.e. no BCI). An internal pilot study for sample size re-assessment is planned. The primary outcome is the effectiveness of the Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UE-FMA) score. Secondary outcomes include clinical, functional, and user experience scores assessed at the end of intervention and at follow-up. Neurophysiological assessments are also planned. Effectiveness formulas have been specified, and intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations have been defined. Statistical methods for comparisons of groups and for development of a predictive score of significant improvement are described. Explorative subgroup analyses and methodology to handle missing data are considered. Discussion: The Promotoer study will provide robust evidence for the short/long-term efficacy of the Promotoer system in subacute stroke patients undergoing a rehabilitation program. Moreover, the development of a predictive score of response will allow transferring of the Promotoer system to optimal clinical practice. By carefully describing the statistical principles and procedures, the statistical analysis plan provides transparency in the analysis of data. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04353297 . Registered on April 15, 2020