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Ensuring the structural integrity of buildings is essential for their longevity and safety. Traditional methods of surface monitoring, crucial for detecting potential damages that could lead to structural failures, are often labour-intensive, subjective, and challenging to document comprehensively. This paper proposes an innovative, automated approach to address these challenges by leveraging advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence. The method focuses on the detection of cracks in masonry building elements, a common but critical indicator of building surface wear. Utilizing a robust AI model trained on a diverse dataset of real crack images, the crack area is identified, and the system is able to accurately determine crack dimensions, encompassing both width and length, by analysing the contour of this area. An analysis was carried out on synthetically generated images to determine which parameters most significantly affect the detection capabilities of the AI model, and validation of real crack images was performed. Our approach redefines building monitoring by combining the precision of machine learning and vision systems techniques with the strategic insights provided by a comprehensive platform, setting a new standard for structural health management in the construction industry.

In a seismic context, it is fundamental to deploy distributed sensor networks for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). Indeed, regularly gathering data from a structure/infrastructure gives insight on the structural health status, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies can help in exploiting this information to generate early warnings useful for decision-making purposes. With a perspective of developing a remote monitoring platform for the built environment in a seismic context, the authors tested self-sensing concrete beams in loading tests, focusing on the measured electrical impedance. The formed cracks were objectively assessed through a vision-based system. Also, a comparative analysis of AI-based and statistical prediction methods, including Prophet, ARIMA, and SARIMAX, was conducted for predicting electrical impedance. Results show that the real part of electrical impedance is highly correlated with the applied load (Pearson's correlation coefficient > 0.9); hence, the piezoresistive ability of the manufactured specimens has been confirmed. Concerning prediction methods, the superiority of the Prophet model over statistical techniques was demonstrated (Mean Absolute Percentage Error, MAPE < 1.00%). Thus, the exploitation of electrical impedance sensors, vision-based systems, and AI technologies can be significant to enhance SHM and maintenance needs prediction in the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background: Research was carried out in the years 2002–2003 into food, flavouring and feed folk traditions of plants in the Tyrrhenian part of the Basilicata region (southern Italy). This area was colonized in ancient times by Greeks. Data was collected through field interviews, especially of farmers. Methods: Field data were collected through structured interviews. The informants, numbered 49, belonged to families which had strong links with the traditional activities of the area. Results: 61 taxa are cited, belonging to 26 botanical families, amongst which 44 used as food or flavouring and 22 for animal alimentation. Besides 7 taxa are involved in rituals especially connected with agriculture and plant growth. Conclusion: The preservation of some rituals especially concerning agricultural plants is noteworthy in the area, together with a certain degree of continuity in food uses. Knowledge and rediscovery of recipes in human and animal diet could represent an economic potential for the area.

Abstract Background Research was carried out into agricultural and domestic-handicraft uses in folk traditions in the Tyrrhenian sector of the Basilicata region (southern Italy), as it is typically representative of ethnobotanical applications in the Mediterranean area. From the point of view of furnishing a botanical support for the study of local "material culture" data was collected through field interviews of 49 informants, most of whom were farmers. Results The taxa cited are 60, belonging to 32 botanical families, of which 18 are employed for agricultural uses and 51 for domestic-handicraft folk uses. Data show a diffuse use of plants for many purposes, both in agricultural (present uses 14%; past uses 1%) and for domestic-handicraft use (present uses 40%; past uses 45%); most of the latter are now in decline. Conclusion 60 data look uncommon or typical of the places studied. Some domestic-handicraft folk uses are typical of southern Italy (e.g. the use of Ampelodesmos mauritanicus for making ties, ropes, torches, baskets or that of Acer neapolitanum for several uses). Other uses (e.g. that of Inula viscosa and Calamintha nepeta for peculiar brooms, and of Origanum heracleoticum for dyeing wool red) are previously unpublished.

In order to improve the floristic knowledge of the Italian territory, we report the inventory of the taxa collected during the annual field trip of the working group for Floristics, Systematics and Evolution of the Italian Botanical Society held in 2015 in eastern Irpinia and Vulture-Melfese area (South Italy). The investigated territories are located in southern Apennines, along the border between the Campania and Basilicata administrative regions. These areas are scarcely known in terms of vascular flora. The floristic samplings were performed in 19 sites selected as representative of the local environmental diversity as regards to climate, litho-morphology and land-use. The research led to the identification of 4,137 specimens of vascular plants, belonging to 815 species and subspecies, 399 genera, and 85 families. Among these taxa, 42 were endemic to Italy, 38 were included in the IUCN Red List of the Italian Flora, 28 were alien and 5 were cryptogenic in Campania and/or Basilicata administrative regions. Two taxa, Aquilegia coerulea (casual alien, native to North America) and Lolium ×boucheanum (native), were found to be new for Italy. On the basis of the available floristic literature the first one is also to be considered new for the European flora. At regional scale, we have found 18 taxa new for the Campania and 15 new for the Basilicata region. Finally, 10 taxa were confirmed for Campania. Data obtained during this study, confirmed the important role of a collaborative approach among botanists and the great relevance of these territories for plant diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inventory of the taxa collected during the annual field trip of the working group for Floristics, Systematics and Evolution of the Italian Botanical Society is reported. It was held in 2013 along the Maddalena Mountains, a mountain ridge of the southern Apennines located between the Basilicata and Campania administrative regions (southern Italy), considered as being poorly characterized in terms of vascular flora. A total of 701 units belonging to 74 plant families were recorded including two varieties and four hybrids. Thirty-five taxa resulted endemic to Italy and only 11 alien species were detected, while 36 taxa are new or confirmed for the regional floras of Basilicata and/or Campania. In particular, 12 taxa are new for Basilicata, while four are confirmed. Regarding Campania, 14 taxa resulted new for the regional flora and five were confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Research was carried out in the years 2002-2003 into food, flavouring and feed folk traditions of plants in the Tyrrhenian part of the Basilicata region (southern Italy). This area was colonized in ancient times by Greeks. Data was collected through field interviews, especially of farmers. Methods:Field data were collected through structured interviews. The informants, numbered 49, belonged to families which had strong links with the traditional activities of the area. Results:61 taxa are cited, belonging to 26 botanical families, amongst which 44 used as food or flavouring and 22 for animal alimentation. Besides 7 taxa are involved in rituals especially connected with agriculture and plant growth. Conclusion:The preservation of some rituals especially concerning agricultural plants is noteworthy in the area, together with a certain degree of continuity in food uses. Knowledge and rediscovery of recipes in human and animal diet could represent an economic potential for the area [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Field ethnobotanical survey was undertaken for the period of 2002–2003 in the Tyrrhenian part of the Basilicata region of southern Italy. Data of 56 species of plants belonging to 29 families where gathered through interviews; among the species, 47 are used in human therapy, 6 as insect repellents, 15 in veterinary medicine, 1 for its ichthyotoxic properties and 3 for magic therapeutic purposes. The most important findings in ethnomedicine relate to Nasturtium officinale (renal colic, liver diseases), Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum (mouth ulcers), Leopoldia comosa (toothache, headache), Micromeria graeca subsp. graeca (coughs) and Ceterach officinarum (malaria), while in the ethnoveterinary field, we have Pteridium aquilinum (wolf bites) and Spartium junceum (fractures of animal limbs). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Research was carried out into agricultural and domestic-handicraft uses in folk traditions in the Tyrrhenian sector of the Basilicata region (southern Italy), as it is typically representative of ethnobotanical applications in the Mediterranean area. From the point of view of furnishing a botanical support for the study of local "material culture" data was collected through field interviews of 49 informants, most of whom were farmers. Results: The taxa cited are 60, belonging to 32 botanical families, of which 18 are employed for agricultural uses and 51 for domestic-handicraft folk uses. Data show a diffuse use of plants for many purposes, both in agricultural (present uses 14%; past uses 1%) and for domestic-handicraft use (present uses 40%; past uses 45%); most of the latter are now in decline. Conclusion: 60 data look uncommon or typical of the places studied. Some domestic-handicraft folk uses are typical of southern Italy (e.g. the use of Ampelodesmos mauritanicus for making ties, ropes, torches, baskets or that of Acer neapolitanum for several uses). Other uses (e.g. that of Inula viscosa and Calamintha nepeta for peculiar brooms, and of Origanum heracleoticum for dyeing wool red) are previously unpublished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tradition of floristic studies in Italy has made it possible to obtain a good knowledge of plant diversity both on a national and regional scale. However, the lack of knowledge for some areas, advances in plant systematics and human activities related to globalization, highlight the need for further studies aimed at improving floristic knowledge. In this paper, based on fieldwork and herbaria and literature surveys, we update the knowledge on the Italian vascular flora and analyze the floristic similarities between the administrative regions. Four taxa, all exotic, were recorded for the first time in Italy and Europe. In detail, Elaeodendron croceum, Kalanchoë blossfeldiana, and Sedum spathulifolium var. spathulifolium were found as casual aliens, while Oxalis brasiliensis was reported as historical record based on some herbarium specimens. Furthermore, Kalanchoë laxiflora was confirmed as a casual alien species for Italy and Europe. Status changes for some taxa were proposed at both national and regional levels, as well as many taxa were reported as new or confirmed at the regional level. Currently the Italian vascular flora comprises 9150 taxa of which 7547 are native (of which 1598 are Italian endemics) and 1603 are exotic at the national level. The multivariate analysis of updated floristic data on a regional scale showed a clear distribution along the latitudinal gradient, in accordance with the natural geographical location of the regions in Italy. This pattern of plants distribution was not affected by the introduction of alien species. Despite some taxonomic and methodological issues which are still open, the data obtained confirm the important role of floristic investigations in the field and in herbaria, as well as the collaborative approach among botanists, in order to improve the knowledge of the Italian and European vascular flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the large number of data published in Italy on WEPs, there is no database providing a complete knowledge framework. Hence the need to design a database of the Italian alimurgic flora: AlimurgITA. Only strictly alimurgic taxa were chosen, excluding casual alien and cultivated ones. The collected data come from an archive of 358 texts (books and scientific articles) from 1918 to date, chosen with appropriate criteria. For each taxon, the part of the plant used, the method of use, the chorotype, the biological form and the regional distribution in Italy were considered. The 1103 taxa of edible flora already entered in the database equal 13.09% of Italian flora. The most widespread family is that of the Asteraceae (20.22%); the most widely used taxa are Cichorium intybus and Borago officinalis. The not homogeneous regional distribution of WEPs (maximum in the south and minimum in the north) has been interpreted. Texts published reached its peak during the 2001–2010 decade. A database for Italian WEPs is important to have a synthesis and to represent the richness and complexity of this knowledge, also in light of its potential for cultural enhancement, as well as its applications for the agri-food system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response by Mario Falsaperla and colleagues to a letter to the editor about haemostatic agents during laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery is presented.

A response by Mario Falsaperla and colleagues to a letter to the editor about haemostatic agents during laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery is presented.

In the aquaculture industry, biocides are routinely used to treat parasitosis in fish, and researchers are continually developing sustainable alternatives that can replace these harsh chemicals. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new natural compound, BiokosTM, for the treatment against Epistylis sp. in Carassius auratus fish. The infestation was identified by the presence of whitish plaques on the integument of five animals, and the diagnosis was confirmed through skin scrapings. BiokosTM is a lipopeptide derived from the bacteria Pseudomonas that can destroy the functionality of the cell membrane of ciliated protozoa. The action of BiokosTM does not harm animals and the environment because the compound degrades into amino acids and fatty acids within days. A 0.15 m3 (150 L) aquarium was treated with an Ich-AwayTM water conditioner manufactured by the Danish company Sundew ApS, which has BiokosTM as the active ingredient. Six tablets were added to the water daily for two days, and new skin scrapings were performed. The fish were clinically well and no longer possessed lesions or parasites. The results obtained indicate that BiokosTM can be an innovative and more sustainable alternative for controlling epistyliasis in ornamental fish.

This study introduces a pioneering framework for modeling students' cognitive processes in mathematics education through Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs). By integrating key educational theories-Duval's Semiotic Representation Theory, Niss's Mathematical Competencies, Marton's Variation Theory, and the broad Engagement, Motivation, and Participation framework- the model offers a comprehensive and holistic understanding of students' cognitive landscapes. This research underscores the necessity of a multidimensional approach to capturing the intricate interplay of cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in students' mathematical learning experiences. The novelty lies in its methodological innovation, employing FCMs to transcend traditional qualitative analyzes and facilitate quantitative insights into students' cognitive processes. This approach is particularly relevant in the current era dominated by digital learning environments and artificial intelligence, where real-time, automated analysis of student interactions is increasingly vital. The proposed FCM has been developed over the years with a data-driven approach; the concepts and relationships in it have been derived from the literature and refined by the author's experience in the field. Illustrated through case studies, the framework's utility is demonstrated in diverse contexts, highlighting how the quantitative data obtained are confirmed by qualitative approach: analyzing the impact of remote learning during the Covid-19 pandemic on student engagement and exploring Augmented Reality's role in enhancing mathematical conceptualization. These applications show the framework's adaptability and its potential to integrate new technologies in educational practices. However, the transition from qualitative to quantitative methodologies poses a challenge, given the prevalent use of qualitative approaches in mathematics education research. Additionally, the technological implementation of the FCM model in educational software presents practical hurdles, necessitating further development to ensure ease of integration and use in real-time educational settings. Future work will focus on bridging these methodological gaps and overcoming technological challenges to broaden the FCM model's applicability and enhance its contribution to advancing mathematics education., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Blood cancers encompass a group of diseases affecting the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system, representing the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Leukemias are characterized by the dysregulated proliferation of myeloid and lymphoid cells with different rates of progression (acute or chronic). Among the chronic forms, hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare disease, and no drugs have been approved to date. However, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most aggressive malignancies, with a low survival rate, especially in cases with FLT3-ITD mutations. Epigenetic modifications have emerged as promising strategies for the treatment of blood cancers. Epigenetic modulators, such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, are increasingly used for targeted cancer therapy. New hydroxamic acid derivatives, preferentially inhibiting HDAC6 ( 5a-q ), were developed and their efficacy was investigated in different blood cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM), HCL, and AML, pointing out their pro-apoptotic effect as the mechanism of cell death. Among the inhibitors described, 5c , 5g, and 5h were able to rescue the hematopoietic phenotype in vivo using the FLT3-ITD zebrafish model of AML. 5c ( leuxinostat ) proved its efficacy in cells from FLT3-ITD AML patients, promoting marked acetylation of α-tubulin compared to histone H3, thereby confirming HDAC6 as a preferential target for this new class of hydroxamic acid derivatives at the tested doses., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 American Chemical Society.)

Soluble heterocomplexes consisting of sodium hydride in combination with trialkylaluminum derivatives have been used as anionic initiating systems at 100 °C in toluene for convenient homo-, co- and ter-polymerization of myrcene with styrene and isoprene. In this way it has been possible to obtain elastomeric materials in a wide range of compositions with interesting thermal profiles and different polymeric architectures by simply modulating the alimentation feed and the (monomers)/(initiator systems) ratio. Especially, a complete study of the myrcene-styrene copolymers (PMS) was carried out, highlighting their tapered microstructures with high molecular weights (up to 159.8 KDa) and a single glass transition temperature. For PMS copolymer reactivity ratios, r myr = 0.12 ± 0.003 and r sty = 3.18 ± 0.65 and r myr = 0.10 ± 0.004 and r sty = 3.32 ± 0.68 were determined according to the Kelen-Tudos (KT) and extended Kelen-Tudos (exKT) methods, respectively. Finally, this study showed an easy accessible approach for the production of various elastomers by anionic copolymerization of renewable terpenes, such as myrcene, with commodities.

Background: Balanced sporting activity should be considered a resource in the treatment of eating disorders (ED), in particular of the BED and in obesity and, if conducted and guided by expert preparers and rehabilitators, in some forms of anorexia and in bulimia., Objective: To assess the role of excessive physical activity, predominantly interfering with daily activities by ultimately resulting in greater energy consumption leading to weight loss, and study the diagnostic criteria of bulimia and anorexia nervosa., Methods: A number of literature studies also report the presence of ED among athletes. A 2004 study reported that the prevalence of eating disorders in sports would be 13.5% compared to 4.5% of the control subjects., Results: In general, nutrition is used as a tool for improving performance not only of athletes but also of technicians and coaches. But in the presence of factors of vulnerability towards ED, the tendency to manipulate the weight can result in an eating disorder or the so-called athletic anorexia or the RED-S., Conclusion: It is important to emphasize that not only do professional athletes suffer from it, but also good-looking amateurs and laypersons., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: Traditional quantitative structure-activity relationship models usually neglect the molecular alterations happening in the exposed systems (the mechanism of action, MOA), that mediate between structural properties of compounds and phenotypic effects of an exposure., Results: Here, we propose a computational strategy that integrates molecular descriptors and MOA information to better explain the mechanisms underlying biological endpoints of interest. By applying our methodology, we obtained a statistically robust and validated model to predict the binding affinity to human serum albumin. Our model is also able to provide new venues for the interpretation of the chemical-biological interactions., Conclusion: Our observations suggest that integrated quantitative models of structural and MOA-activity relationships are promising complementary tools in the arsenal of strategies aiming at developing new safe- and useful-by-design compounds.