Coming Back to Sustainability: Technological Solutions for an nZEB

When man needed the first time to find a shelter, he conformed himself to environmental context, finding in it resources and benefits. Then progress brought man to see Nature as a servant rather than as a valuable ally. The abuse of natural resources has revealed how critical the concept of renewability is and forced man to review his actions. In the last decade sustainability in building design stopped being just an ideal and turned into a duty to fulfill. In order to reduce energetic consumption and CO2 emissions, according to the new European directives, a sustainable building must satisfy performance and functional needs, with the minimal environmental negative effect. Rely on technology is not enough: a valid architectural solution depends strictly on the study of materials, architectural technologies, typological forms of environmental context, which becomes again the best guideline for the designer to draw a proper design, comparing tradition and innovation. For this reason, numerous energy volunteer protocols were developed to meet the demand for high energy-efficient buildings, the nZEB. This study shows how the German Passivhaus is applied to a scholastic building. The strict requirements of the standard are achieved thanks to a reasoned development, which leads to tailored technological, material and plant design solutions of the location where it is applied. After considerations about form and orientation, the building envelope is the main part to focus on: it has to be conceived as a complex multi-functional filter between internal and external environment, responding to structural and performance targets but also to energy efficiency. Man has to cooperate with nature to design energy efficient buildings and environmentally friendly with the users, but mostly to meet new needs for environmental compatibility

MICROBIAL CULTURES AND LEAF EXTRACTS OF MYRTUS COMMUNIS L., STRATEGIES DESIGNED TO ENSURE QUALITY, SAFETY AND HEALTHY PROPERTIES OF FOOD PRODUCTS

Food quality is a wide topic, made up of several attributes such as health and hygiene safety, the correct nutrient intake and the sensory satisfaction. In their totality these properties correspond to the ability to meet the health expectations and answer hedonistic needs. As result of this awareness was the born of a new binomial, often inseparable, well defined by the term "safety-health food", which emphasizes the role of safety as an intrinsic part of the quality from which it cannot be separated due to the great impact on human health. Therefore, it can be affirmed that food security represent a precondition of food quality. This correspond to the absence of any danger to the consumer who uses food properly prepared, stored and handled. Despite the advances in technology, food safety is still an open question, not only for developing countries, but also for the industrialized world. Food represent given their physical and chemical properties a supportive environment for the growth and the proliferation of spoilage and pathogenic microbial species which are able to enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract where the often occur first symptoms of infection. The severity of the food diseases in humans varies, moving from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions and the hazard intensity depends by several key factors moving from the health state, the immunity system conditions of the host and the antimicrobial resistance of bacteria, corresponding to the ability of microbes to resist the effects of drugs. The risks of contamination are ever present for this reason requires prevention and monitoring throughout the food chain. The food industry increasingly tends to produce food with high organoleptic standards, with a long shelf life and with suitable nutritional values. At the same time the consumer requires intensified food security, food products minimally processed and that improve their state of health, in combination with a reduction of the use of chemical additives. The increasing interest in the substitution of synthetic additives by natural ones and also the awareness that the prolonged use of antibiotics increase the resistance of many microorganisms to drugs, have encouraged research on preservatives coming from natural sources such as secondary metabolites of bacteria and plants. Therefore aim of this PhD thesis was to investigate the antimicrobial properties in vitro and in situ of an hydro-alcoholic extract obtained from leaves of Myrtus communis L. and of Lb. curvatus strain producing-bacteriocin(s). Myrtus communis leaves extract obtained through maceration at ambient temperature for 24 hours was tested against 105 indicators strains tested among which food borne pathogens and spoilage bacteria belonging to different species, evaluating the chance to use it in food system through a development of an active packaging. The in vitro results showed a wide spectrum against both Gram positive (Br. thermosphacta, L. monocytogenes, L. innocua, S. aureus) and Gram negative bacteria (C. jejuni, C. coli and P. fragi). Among the pathogenic Gram positive bacteria Listeria monocytogenes OH was found more sensitive to the myrtle effect with MIC and MLC values respectively of 12.5 and 25 mg DM/ml, recording a diameter of inhibition zone of 26 ± 0.05 mm and a titer of 25600 AU ml-1. Results obtained through in vitro assays have been also confirmed by a challenge study carried out, inoculating L. monocytogenes OH in gorgonzola cheese added of myrtle leaves extract in concentration of 12.5 mg/g and stored at refrigerating temperature for 2 weeks, where the initial concentration of the pathogenic strain gradually decreased during 9 days until to disappear after 15 days. Among Gram negative bacteria, P. fragi and Campylobacter spp. seems to appear equally sensitive to the myrtle leaves hydroalcoholic extract. Surprisingly, in literature there are no previous findings about the effect of myrtle on Campylobacter, in spite of its importance as a foodborne pathogen. Therefore, positive data obtained against this specie result very remarkable and interesting. Polyphenols characterized by mass spectrometry are the main molecules responsible of the antimicrobial activity of this hydroalcoholic myrtle leaves extract. One of their mode of action is the cellular membrane damage which was determined by spectrofluorimetric assay of cell viability assay. Another pertinent objective of this thesis was to study the antagonistic activity Lb. curvatus 54M16 isolated from fermented sausage of Vallo di Diano in vitro and in situ against a pathogen strain of great food interest which is L. monocytogenes. Moreover, the technological characteristics were determined in order to investigate its suitability to be used as starter and protective culture for sausage fermentation. The strain was found to possess the gene that encodes the production of different bacteriocins, including the sakTα, the sakTβ, the curvacina A, the sakX and the SAKP, identified by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. The production of bacteriocins was monitored in MRS broth and evaluated for different temperature conditions (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 ° C) and times (0, 24, 48 and 72 hours). The strain was able to produce the bacteriocin(s) and in all the conditions listed above, except when incubated at a temperature of 10 ° C, recording the maximum activity 6400 (AU ml -1) after 24 hours at 20, 25 and 30 ° C . The antilisterial activity has also been investigated in situ, adding the strain to the fermented sausage samples which were intentionally inoculated with the strain of L. monocytogenes ATCC 7644. The results show the end of the maturation period, a reduction of the microbial load of 0.5 Log compared to the sample without the 54M16 strain. Finally, to evaluate the potential use of this strain as a starter culture in the sausage fermentations were also determined its technological characteristics, resulting that L. curvatus 54M16 strain has a good acidifying and proteolytic activities being able to hydrolyze the sarcoplasmic proteins

Body mass index, personality traits, and body image in Italian pre-adolescents: An opportunity for overweight prevention

We investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and personality traits, socioeconomic status (SES), and body image (BI) at the beginning of preadolescence. Data were collected from 238 Italian children aged 10?11 years using self-report scales. Information about SES was derived from parental education and professional status. BI was the variable the most strongly associated with BMI. Controlling for BI, SES, and gender, Agreeableness was inversely associated with BMI, whilst Extroversion was related to BMI in girls only. Gender did not moderate the associations between BI and BMI at this age. The relationship of certain personality traits with BMI is likely to emerge during preadolescence. Early interventions to reduce overweight and obesity could consider the interplay of Agreeableness and Extroversion with gender, BI, and SES

Atypical Bilateral Femur Fractures in a Long-Term Bisphosphonate Therapy: A Case Report

Atypical Femur Fractures (AFF) are associated with Bisphosphonate Osteoporosis Therapy. Bisphosphonate therapy is widely used as the Gold-Standard Therapy for Osteoporosis: it increases bone density and reduce the risk of vertebral, non-vertebral and hip fractures. However, long-term alendronic acid administration can causes severely suppressed bone turnover and finally non-traumatic stress fractures. Here we present a case of Non-Traumatic stress fractures of bilateral femoral shafts in a Long-Term Alendronic Acid Therapy

Dynamics of soil available carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus pools after burying innovative bio-based mulching films

The use of plastic mulching films is rapidly increasing in agriculture to enhance crop productivity and control weeds. However, their non-biodegradability and long-lasting presence in soil have raised serious concerns regarding their environmental impact. Typically composed of non-biodegradable materials like polyethylene, these films can persist in the soil for several years after use, enhancing the plastic pollution and posing challenges for sustainable agricultural practices. Consequently, there is a pressing need to explore alternative materials that are both biodegradable and environment-friendly. In this context, the PRIN mulching+ project aims to make innovative mulching films based on carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, and sodium alginate, enriched with N and P salts acting as slow-release fertilizers in the soil. Thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the degradation of these innovative films after burial in the soil on the dynamics of available N and P and on the microbial biomass C (MBC) and N (MBN)for assessing their suitability as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic mulch films. Four types of mulch films were used in the study. They were prepared with either 1:1 or 17:3 mass ratio of chitosan to cellulose, both with and without the addition of 90% by weight of NH4H2PO4, in order to investigate the influence of material ratios and nutrient addition on the biodegradation processes and soil microbial component. The experiment involved burying 0.1% by weight of the film in pre-wetted soil, to simulate the field conditions. Soil samples were collected 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after burial to evaluate as variables MBC and MBN, available ammonium, nitrate and phosphate, but also the composition and abundance of major microbial groups in the soil. The results showed significant changes in soil parameters, with ammonium, nitrate and phosphate levels influenced by the presence of NH4H2PO4. Moreover, an increase in soil MBC and MBN over time occurred, suggesting the assimilation of film organic matter by soil microorganisms. Overall, results were promising for the use of these innovative bio-based films in agriculture. Ongoing activities include the use of 13C- and 15N-labeled films to track the fate of film-derived C and N in soil and to identify which main microbial groups are responsible for their degradation

Endometritis associated with Enterococcus casseliflavus in a mare: A case report

Abstract Infectious endometritis is one of the main causes of subfertility/infertility in the mare. In this report, we present the first case of endometritis in mare associated with a strain of Enterococcus casseliflavus, an unusual gram-positive bacterium which can also be a zoonotic agent. Furthermore, the isolated strain showed a worrying multidrug-resistant profile. The accurate finding of a successful antimicrobial treatment and consequently, the pregnancy diagnosis indicate the importance to isolate, identify and define the antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria associated with endometritis

Exploring the Feasibility of Polysaccharide-Based Mulch Films with Controlled Ammonium and Phosphate Ions Release for Sustainable Agriculture

Bio-based polymers are a promising material with which to tackle the use of disposable and non-degradable plastics in agriculture, such as mulching films. However, their poor mechanical properties and the high cost of biomaterials have hindered their widespread application. Hence, in this study, we improved polysaccharide-based films and enriched them with plant nutrients to make them suitable for mulching and fertilizing. Films were produced combining sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), chitosan (CS), and sodium alginate (SA) at different weight ratios with glycerol and CaCl2 as a plasticizer and crosslinker, respectively, and enriched with ammonium phosphate monobasic (NH4H2PO4). A polysaccharide weight ratio of 1:1 generated a film with a more crosslinked structure and a lower expanded network than that featuring the 17:3 ratio, whereas CaCl2 increased the films’ water resistance, thermal stability, and strength characteristics, slowing the release rates of NH4+ and PO43−. Thus, composition and crosslinking proved crucial to obtaining promising films for soil mulching

Towards Sustainable Agriculture: Preparation and Characterization of Biodegradable Composite Films for Agricultural Mulching

Over the past 20 years, the world's population has grown exponentially1. Consequently, the demand for agricultural products has increased annually. To meet this need, the prolonged use of mulching films based on low-density polyethene resulted in significant environmental pollution events, leading to serious side effects on human health2. Based on this, there is a great interest in developing biodegradable polymeric films that can be tilled directly into the soil after use thus improving their environmental sustainability. Here, we present the preparation and characterization of biodegradable sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, and sodium alginate-based composite films in the presence of glycerol as a plasticizer and calcium chloride as cross-linker and their enrichment with the NH4H2PO4 salt, as N and P are generally the most deficient nutrients in the soil. The effects of the composition and the cross-linking agent on some water interaction properties and the thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated. To rationalise the macroscopic behaviour of the films, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry were applied to gain information on the interactions and structural changes induced by the salt and the cross-linker. This approach allowed for the identification of the best quality films for which the release kinetics of NH4+ and PO43- ions as a function of film thickness were studied. The latter aspect is of great importance as the release of N and P helps to improve the nutrient supply to the soil, reducing the use of synthetic fertilisers. Bibliografia 1 Chieng, B. et al.; J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013, 130, 4576-4580 2 Akhtar, H.M.S. et al.; Int. J. Biol. Macromol., 2018, 118, 469-47

From micro to macro: Physical-chemical characterization of wheat starch-based films modified with PEG200, sodium citrate, or citric acid

Needing to extend the shelf-life of packaged food and the evolving consumer demands led researchers to seek innovative, eco-friendly, and biocompatible packaging solutions. Starch is among the most promising natural and renewable alternatives to non-degradable plastics. Here, we deeply study the structural features of starch films modified by adding citric acid (CA) or sodium citrate (SC) as a cross-linker and polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200) as a plasticizer and obtained through solvent casting. The substances' influence on starch films was evaluated through Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) and Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (ss-NMR) spectroscopies. Films' macroscopic properties, such as swelling index, solubility, thermo-mechanical features, and moisture absorption, were also assessed to foresee potential applications. Proper amounts of CA, CS, and PEG200 improve film properties and inhibit starch chains' retrogradation and recrystallization. Besides, the chemical neighbourhood of nuclei observed through ss-NMR significantly changed alongside the polymer chains' mobility. The latter result indicates a different polymer chain structural organization that could justify the film's higher resistance to thermal degradation and elongation at the break. This methodological approach is effective in predicting the macroscopic behaviour of a polymeric material and could be helpful for the application of such products in food preservation