Sapienza University Research Articles

A Nearly Zero-Energy Microgrid Testbed Laboratory: Centralized Control Strategy Based on SCADA System

Currently, despite the use of renewable energy sources (RESs), distribution networks are facing problems, such as complexity and low productivity. Emerging microgrids (MGs) with RESs based on supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) are an effective solution to control, manage, and finally deal with these challenges. The development and success of MGs is highly dependent on the use of power electronic interfaces. The use of these interfaces is directly related to the progress of SCADA systems and communication infrastructures. The use of SCADA systems for the control and operation of MGs and active distribution networks promotes productivity and efficiency. This paper presents a real MG case study called the LAMBDA MG testbed laboratory, which has been implemented in the electrical department of the Sapienza University of Rome with a centralized energy management system (CEMS). The real-time results of the SCADA system show that a CEMS can create proper energy balance in a LAMBDA MG testbed and, consequently, minimize the exchange power of the LAMBDA MG and main grid.

DVB‐T based passive radar for simultaneous counter‐drone operations and civil air traffic surveillance

The effectiveness of DVB-T based passive radar (PR) in counter drones operations is investigated in this study aiming at monitoring airport terminal areas. In particular, the authors demonstrate that such sensors could be effectively employed to provide simultaneous short-range surveillance against drones and long-range monitoring of aircraft from civil air traffic. To this purpose, several experimental tests have been performed with the DVB-T based AULOS® passive sensor developed by Leonardo S.p.A. using very small RCS drones as cooperative targets along with conventional air traffic as targets of opportunity. An appropriate signal processing architecture is proposed for the two search tasks to be accomplished simultaneously. This is extensively applied against the collected datasets, based on the algorithmic solutions devised by the research group at Sapienza University. The reported results clearly prove the capability of a DVB-T based PR of simultaneously detecting and localising drones flying around the airport area as well as the typical civil aircraft at longer distances.

Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease: Friend or Foe?

Neuroinflammation is part of the complex immune response within the central nervous system (CNS), whose details have been partially elucidated. The CNS immune response involves elements carried from the periphery and resident elements, mainly represented by glial cells. These cells drive neuroinflammation, which can be roughly defined as an articulated physiological response characterized by the production of a plethora of inflammatory mediators that alter the microenvironment. Growing evidence shows roles for neuroinflammation in the aging brain both in healthy and pathological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease of the brain, characterized, at the molecular level, by deposits of beta‐amyloid peptides in the extracellular space and of neurofibrillary tangles inside neurons. Together with abnormal protein deposits, it is now established that neuroinflammation represents the third hallmark found in AD patients’ brains. Many scientists agree that the neuroinflammatory process begins at the earliest phase of AD, bringing both positive and negative consequences. Indeed, the brain immune system recognizes the abnormal accumulation of proteins as injurious stimuli, so it initiates a physiological reaction to defend the brain that includes activation of glial cells and release of proinflammatory molecules. When these processes are protracted, they may contribute independently to neural dysfunction, cell death, thus fostering AD progression. Based on these considerations, targeting pathological gliosis seems to represent a valuable therapeutic approach. Compounds able to control glial activation with a combination of neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory effects constitute a pool of possible therapeutic drugs to study. By using different in vitro and in vivo models of AD, I demonstrated the presence of important alterations of cerebral homeostasis caused by glial abnormalities. Obtained results have contributed to clarify the possible consequences of glia activation and of the subsequent neuroinflammation, demonstrating the presence of significant (i) alterations of the cerebral cytoarchitecture, (ii) modifications of cerebral metabolism and (iii) neuronal death. My results support the notion that targeting pathological gliosis may represent a promising and innovative therapeutic approach for several brain diseases. However, the effect of therapeutic interventions targeting glial cells depends on reaching the perfect balance between attenuating the deleterious effects and maintain the beneficial mechanisms of brain defense.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by the Italian Ministry of Instruction, University and Research (MIUR) to LS, and the SAPIENZA University of Rome to CS.

Variability in pottery production at Khalet al-Jam'a necropolis, Bethlehem (West Bank): From the Early-Middle Bronze to the Iron Age

Rescue excavations undertaken by Sapienza University of Rome and the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Department of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage (MOTA-DACH) revealed a huge necropolis in the site of Khalet al-Jam'a, south-east of Bethlehem. Tombs were used during the Early Bronze IV (2300–2000 BCE) to Middle Bronze I–III (2000–1500 BCE) periods, and up to the Iron Age IB–II (1050–700 BCE). This paper presents the results of the minero-petrographic and chemical characterization of ceramic material from this site, with the aim to reconstruct the technological level achieved by ancient populations living in Bethlehem from the Early Bronze IV to the Iron Age by means of optical microscopy, X-ray Powder Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis. Results show that two main supplies of raw materials can be recognized at Khalet al-Jam'a. The Early and Middle Bronze Age ceramic production is made with the so-called Moza-clay: a calcareous-rich clay with predominant limestone, diffuse grains of calcite, dolomite, and rare sedimentary siliceous rock fragments, quartz and microfossils. The latest production, namely that of the Iron Age, is more likely consistent with the calcareous-foraminiferous-Rendzina soil clay, with predominant silty quartz and few microfossils. The firing temperature was estimated from the mineralogical assemblage in each sample. Abundant calcite, clay minerals and the absence of neo-formed minerals suggest samples fired at temperatures lower than 800 °C. For those samples where calcite was found along with gehlenite and wollastonite, the temperature was indeed estimated to be in the range 850–950 °C. Finally, the firing atmosphere was uncontrolled, as testified by the extreme variability in colour of the matrix. The results of this study enable a preliminary characterization of pottery, whose production shows differences related to specific historical periods and contribute to improve the knowledge about specific ceramic production used in funerary contexts.

Gender and media studies in Italy: The GEMMA research programme

Abstract This multi-authored article presents new, investigative strands of the research unit GEMMA (GEnder and Media Matters, established in 2010) at the Department of Communication and Social Research of the Sapienza University of Rome. GEMMA's main objective is to explore the multi-layered relationships between gender and media in the peculiar conditions of the contemporary 'media saturated' environment, employing an approach that maps the media's potential for changing cultural representations of gender. Without renouncing the representational approach, the recent iterations of GEMMA research have shifted focus towards addressing new objects and paths of investigation. Ranging across a variety of media and genres, from television and advertising, to public communication campaigns, from web-based social networks to dating platforms, from documentary to fiction, from wellness reality to cooking shows, the latest works that have been conducted during the 2016–19 years investigate forms of agency displayed by individuals, groups or institutions directly involved and engaged in the production and consumption of media texts relevant to gender. In this article, the authors summarize their research as contributing to the composition of a polyphonic text on gender and media in Italy.

Retrospective and Randomized Analysis of Influence and Correlation of Clinical and Molecular Prognostic Factors in a Mono-Operative Series of 122 Patients with Glioblastoma Treated with STR or GTR.

Glioblastoma is a solid, infiltrating, and the most frequent highly malignant primary brain tumor. Our aim was to find the correlation between sex, age, preoperative Karnofsky performance status (KPS), presenting with seizures, and extent of resection (EOR) with overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and postoperative KPS, along with the prognostic value of IDH1, MGMT, ATRX, EGFR, and TP53 genes mutations and of Ki67 through the analysis of a single-operator series in order to avoid the biases of a multi-operator series, such as the lack of homogeneity in surgical and adjuvant nonsurgical treatments. A randomized retrospective analysis of 122 patients treated by a single first operator at Sapienza University of Rome was carried out. After surgery, patients followed standard Stupp protocol treatment. Exclusion criteria were: (1) patients with primary brainstem and spinal cord gliomas and (2) patients who underwent partial resections (resection < 90%) or a biopsy exclusively for diagnostic purposes. Statistical analysis with a simultaneous regression model was carried out through the use of SPSS 25® (IBM). Results showed statistically significant survival increase in four groups: (1) patients treated with gross total resection (GTR) (p < 0.030); (2) patients with mutation of IDH1 (p < 0.0161); (3) patients with methylated MGMT promoter (p < 0.005); (4) patients without EGFR amplification or EGFRvIII mutation (p < 0.035). Higher but not statistically significant survival rates were also observed in: patients <75 years, patients presenting with seizures at diagnosis, patients affected by lesions in noneloquent areas, as well as in patients with ATRX gene mutation and Ki-67 < 10%.

A survey on knowledge and awareness on the issue "microplastics": a pilot study on a sample of future public health professionals.

Microplastics pollution represents a global public health concern. Since the greatest amount of microplastics are of anthropogenic origin, one of the most relevant strategies to reduce microplastics pollution is to raise awareness among the population and this is even more important for all those involved in public health prevention interventions. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and awareness on microplastics of a samples of future healthcare workers. A cross-sectional study was performed on 151 university students in the field of Public Health, both pre- and post-graduate, attending the Sapienza University of Rome courses. A questionnaire consisting of three sections was administered to the participants. The first section assessed knowledge and awareness on microplastics, the second consisted of an informative brochure on microplastics, the third evaluated the awareness after reading the brochure, and interventions considered useful to manage microplastics pollution. About 25% of participants had never heard of microplastics. The scores on knowledge about microplastics were low, and differences between the investigated courses were not statistically significant (p-Value=0.134). Internet was the main source of information on microplastics, while the scores describing concern about the investigated issue resulted always higher after reading the informative brochure respect to before reading. The lack of knowledge about microplastics pollution highlights that future public health workers should be better informed and, therefore, able to transfer essential information to the population. Increasing general population's knowledge and awareness would increase risk perception and make all individuals more active actors for reducing microplastics pollution.

Profiling the Acute Effects of Modified Risk Products: Evidence from the SUR-VAPES (Sapienza University of Rome-Vascular Assessment of Proatherosclerotic Effects of Smoking) Cluster Study.

Modified risk products (MRP) are promoted as a safer alternative to traditional combustion cigarettes (TCC) in chronic smokers. Evidence for their lower hazardous profile is building, despite several controversies. Yet, it is unclear whether individual responses to MRP differ among consumers. We hypothesized that different clusters of subjects exist in terms of acute effects of MRP. Pooling data from a total of 60 individuals, cluster analysis identified at least three clusters (labelled 1 to 3) of subjects with different electronic vaping cigarettes (EVC) effects and at least two clusters (labelled 4 to 5) of subjects with different heat-not-burn cigarettes (HNBC) effects. Specifically, oxidative stress, platelet aggregation, and endothelial dysfunction after EVC were significantly different cluster-wise (all p < 0.05), and oxidative stress and platelet aggregation after HNBC were significantly different (all p < 0.05). In particular, subjects belonging to Cluster 1 appeared to have less detrimental responses to EVC usage than subjects in Cluster 2 and 3, as shown by non-significant changes in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and less marked increase in Nox2-derived peptide (NOX). Conversely, those assigned to Cluster 3 had the worst reaction in terms of changes in FMD, NOX, and P-selectin. Furthermore, individuals belonging to Cluster 4 responded unfavorably to both HNBC and EVC, whereas those in Cluster 5 interestingly showed less adverse results after using HNBC than EVC. Results for main analyses were consistent employing different clusters, tests, and bootstrap. Individual responses to MRP differ and smokers aiming at using EVC or HNBC as a risk reduction strategy should consider trying different MRP aiming at finding the one which is less detrimental, with subjects resembling those in Cluster 1 preferably using EVC and those resembling Cluster 5 preferably using HNBC.

Art for improving skills in medical education: the validation of a scale for measuring the Visual Thinking Strategies method.

The skills needed in the medical and nursing field are considered both for the cognitive and the personal and interpersonal aspects. There are many studies that suggest using artistic practices and pedagogical methods such as Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) or Artful Thinking in the medical education. The main aim of this research is to validate a grid to evaluate impact of art activities for improving skills in medical education sector. The VTSkill grid was created by research group of Sapienza University, selecting the relevant dimension on the basis of literature analysis. To evaluate the validity and reliability, the grid was used in a quasi-experimental study involving the pediatric ward personnel, the nursing and medicine course students of Sapienza University of Rome. This analytic rubric was used to evaluate the written assessment form, composed by open-ended basic question related to the VTS method, administered in association with two images, a work of art and a clinical image. The Number of responders of the validation study was 105. Although obtained from a small sample, both construct validity and reliability analysis showed coherent and statistically significant results. On one hand, the construct validity results showed a relationship path consistent with the hypothesised one derived from previous literature, with relevant p-values (n = 78). On the other hand, the VTSkill reliability was first analysed through the inter-rater evaluation data. This reliability coefficient showed a high degree of convergence of judgments between different evaluators on both image data (n = 55), with statistically significant values ranging from good (r = .77) up to excellent for objectively observable items (r = 1). Similarly, the test-retest reliability coefficients calculated for both clinical and artwork image data resulted statistically significant (n = 95), although ranging from weak to adequate entity (up to r = .77). Taking into account the high degree of coherence and the stability of measurement of VTSkill in combination with its consistent construct validity, this study suggest the opportunity to implement this measurement tool to research the effect of VTS protocol in future investigations on the field. Therefore, the results of this study will constitute the basis to collect further evidences on how arts-based learning methods can contribute in medical education to improve skills suitable to the health professionals.

Peripherally inserted central catheters in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Central venous catheters (CVC) are essential for the management of patients with hematologic malignancies, facilitating chemotherapy infusion, antibiotics, parenteral nutrition, blood products, and blood samples collection. In this population, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) seem to be associated with lower complications, compared with conventional percutaneously inserted devices (CICC). Data on the PICC in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients (allo-HSCT) are limited. We have prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of 100 polyurethanes or silicone PICC, inserted into 100 adult allo-HSCT recipients, at the Hematology of Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), between October 2012 and August 2017. The median duration of PICC placement was 117days. Overall, 68% of patients maintained the device for the entire transplant procedure and PICC were removed after day 100 from allo-HSCT; of these, 44% did not experienced any PICC-related complications. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) occurred in 32% of patients (2.5/1000 PICC days), associated with thrombosis in 8 cases. CRBSI were observed in 42% of patients with polyurethane and 20% with silicone PICC (p = 0.02). Catheter-related thrombosis occurred in 9% of patients, never requiring anticipated PICC removal. Mechanical complications occurred in 15% of cases (1.2/1000 PICC days). On the whole, adverse events were manageable and did not affect transplant outcome. No deaths related to PICC-complications were observed. PICC are a safe and reliable long-term venous access in allo-HSCT recipients.

Editorial introductions

Editorial introductions

К 90-летию со дня рождения В.В. Давыдова

The present study aims to stress the meaning of the psychodidactical conception of the outstanding Russian psychologist V.V. Davydov through the analysis of the 5 following points, enumerated hereby. An account is given about the first encounters among Davydov and the Italian colleagues and the further development of the forms of present-day joint university programmes. 1. Methodological references of the Davydov’s didactical conception. 2. Presence and dissemination of the upper referred conception in Italy. 3. About the cooperation among the Institute of Psychology of the Russian Academy of Education and the Sapienza University until the present. 4. The conception of Davydov at MSUPE and a new school in Russia. 5. A school for the creation of projects as a school for future.

DWI and PRECISE criteria in men on active surveillance for prostate cancer: A multicentre preliminary experience of different ADC calculations

PurposeThe PRECISE score estimates the likelihood of radiological progression in patients on active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer (PCa) with serial multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). A PRECISE score of 1 or 2 denotes radiological regression, PRECISE 3 indicates stability and PRECISE 4 or 5 implies progression.We evaluated the inter-reader reproducibility of different apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) calculations and their relationship to the PRECISE score. Material and methodsBaseline and follow-up scans (on the same MR systems) of 30 patients with visible lesions from two different institutions (University College London and Sapienza University of Rome) were analysed by two radiologists (one from each site). The PRECISE score was initially assessed in consensus. At least six weeks later, to reduce the likelihood of being influenced by the consensus PRECISE reading, each radiologist independently calculated ADC for the following: lesion, non-cancerous tissue and urine in the bladder. Normalised ADC ratios were calculated with respect to normal prostatic tissue (npADC) and urine. Spearman's correlation (ρ), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), differences in ADC and ROC curves were computed. ResultsInterobserver reproducibility was very good (ρ > 0.8; ICC > 0.90). Lesion ADC (0.91 vs 0.73 × 10−3 mm2/s; p=0.025) and npADC ratio (0.68 vs 0.53; p=0.012) at follow-up mpMRI were different between patients with radiological regression or stability vs progression. Cut-offs of 0.77 × 10−3 mm2/s (lesion ADC) and 0.59 (npADC ratio) could differentiate the two groups (area under the curve: 0.74 and 0.77, respectively). ConclusionThe ADC, npADC ratio and the PRECISE score should be recorded for MRI-based AS.

BOOK REVIEW Paul Nanu and Emilia Ivancu (Eds.) Limba română ca limbă străină. Metodologie și aplicabilitate culturală. Turun yliopisto, 2018. Pp. 1-169. ISBN: 978-951-29-7035-3 (Print) ISBN: 978-951-29-7036-0 (PDF).

BOOK REVIEW Paul Nanu and Emilia Ivancu (Eds.) Limba română ca limbă străină. Metodologie și aplicabilitate culturală. Turun yliopisto, 2018. Pp. 1-169. ISBN: 978-951-29-7035-3 (Print) ISBN: 978-951-29-7036-0 (PDF).

Influence of Oxidant Agent on Syngas Composition: Gasification of Hazelnut Shells through an Updraft Reactor

This work aims to study the influence of an oxidant agent on syngas quality. A series of tests using air and steam as oxidant agents have been performed and the results compared with those of a pyrolysis test used as a reference. Tests were carried out at Sapienza University of Rome, using an updraft reactor. The reactor was fed with hazelnut shells, waste biomass commonly available in some parts of Italy. Temperature distribution, syngas composition and heating value, and producible energy were measured. Air and steam gasification tests produced about the same amount of syngas flow, but with a different quality. The energy flow in air gasification had the smallest measurement during the experiments. On the contrary, steam gasification produced a syngas flow with higher quality (13.1 MJ/Nm3), leading to the best values of energy flow (about 5.4 MJ/s vs. 3.3 MJ/s in the case of air gasification). From the cold gas efficiency point of view, steam gasification is still the best solution, even considering the effect of the enthalpy associated with the steam injected within the gasification reactor.

Sapienza Space debris Observatory Network (SSON): A high coverage infrastructure for space debris monitoring

Optical observations represent a passive method for space debris tracking and monitoring. Although being constrained to limited time intervals, e.g. when the target is in sunlight and the observatory is in darkness, a debris observatory network distributed over multiple locations can improve the observational interval and favor the data integration for more consistent and significant results. The Sapienza Space Systems and Space Surveillance Laboratory (S5Lab) At Sapienza University of Rome has established Sapienza Space debris Observatory Network (SSON), an international network of optical observatories addressed at debris surveillance. The network is composed of six observatories owned and controlled by Sapienza, plus five observational sites controlled by collaborators (mainly University of Michigan and the University of Bern). The network operations have been carried out during several observations campaign, including the Tiangong-1 space station re-entry campaign performed in support of the Inter-Agency space Debris Committee (IADC). The heterogeneous capabilities of the different observatories represent an advantage for acquiring a wider set of debris monitoring data with different techniques. A strong synergy between our institution and the Italian specialized industry has also revealed to be very productive in the context of the network establishment.The present paper will describe the SSON infrastructure and the opportunities, improvements and future perspectives for research institutions or space industry of this wide observatories network will be discussed.

Enhancing Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalytic Activity Using a Sub‐Stoichiometric CaTiO3−δ Additive

AbstractInvited for this month's cover picture is the group of Dr. Maria Assunta Navarra at the Chemistry Department of Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), in collaboration with CNR‐ITAE and CNR‐ISC. The cover picture shows a rotating disk electrode pinball where, thanks to the presence of the sub‐stoichiometric calcium titanate perovskite, the oxygen reduction reaction is facilitated to proceed via the four‐electron pathway. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/celc.201901292.

RELAP5-3D Three-Dimensional Analysis Based on PHÉNIX Dissymmetric Transient Test

Abstract Before the final shutdown of the PHÉNIX fast reactor, the CEA carried out a final set of experimental tests to gather data and additional knowledge on relevant sodium fast reactors (SFR) operation and safety aspects. One of these experiments conducted was the dissymmetrical configuration test, which was selected as benchmark transient within the H2020 SESAME project. ENEA and Sapienza University of Rome are participating in the benchmark using the RELAP5-3D© code. The thermal hydraulic analysis focuses on adequate core cooling prediction in accidental scenario. With the goal of investigating asymmetric thermal hydraulic behavior inside of the reactor pool, two different nodalization approaches have been applied for the RELAP5-3D model, which adopt the same geometrical scheme for the primary flow path, with the exception of the hot and cold pools and the core bypass. The first scheme has been developed using vertical parallel pipes with cross junctions for the hot and cold pools and an equivalent pipe to reproduce the core bypass. The second model includes a multidimensional (MULTID) component, which simulates the pools and provides a detailed nodalization of the core bypass. This study aims at assessing whether the two modeling approaches are equally capable to predict the asymmetrical temperature evolution over the test, caused by the azimuthal asymmetry of the boundary conditions. Blind calculation results are presented and discussed. The paper will be a first step toward the RELAP5-3D code assessment against the experimental results collected as part of the PHÉNIX dissymmetric test.

In memory of Augusto Vigna Taglianti (1943-2019)

On the evening of June 7th, 2019, Augusto Vigna Taglianti died in Rome at the age of almost 76 years, after a long illness, tenderly assisted by his wife Giuliana. Formerly a Professor of Entomology at the Sapienza University of Rome, he was a Full Member of the Italian National Academy of Entomology and of the National Academy of Sciences (the “Accademia dei XL”) [...]

Energy Refurbishment of the General Physiology Institute at Sapienza University Campus

The energy requalification of the existing building heritage is one of the pillars European Union energy policy. A large part of the building heritage was built without taking into consideration the problem of energy consumption. With the aim of energy efficiency and energy savings in electrical uses, there are wide and diversified possibilities for improvement, including interventions on the building envelope and on the systems, with the introduction, where possible, of renewable energy sources. In this context, the redevelopment of historic buildings constitutes an important challenge, which involves both historical-artistic aspects and technological aspects relating to the improvement of energy efficiency and comfort. A critical analysis of every possibility is essential to preserve the balance between efficiency and architecture. The purpose of the study is the energy retrofitting of the Institute of General Physiology located within the “Sapienza” University campus. The proposed interventions include the renovation of the whole building envelope, investigated by thermographic surveys, and the installation of new heating and cooling systems. The results were analysed to identify the best intervention for a sustainable energy renovation of the historic building, taking into account the preservation of its architectural values and making it suitable for modern use.