Journals
2026 EN
Mazzoli Emiliano · Xu Jingwen · Barnett Lisa Michele
Background : Despite the benefits of physical activity, children’s compliance with physical activity recommendations is very low and this situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical literacy has been theorised as a factor that can enhance and sustain children’s engagement with physical activity. This study aimed to investigate whether physical literacy is associated with children’s adherence to the physical activity guidelines during COVID-19. Methods : Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from 648 Australian children (60% boys) aged 7–12 years ( M = 10 years; SD = 1.7) and their parents/carers. Recruitment was conducted through social media and panel sampling. Self-perceived physical literacy was measured using the pictorial Physical Literacy in Children Questionnaire. Children’s adherence to physical activity guidelines was collected using a two-item questionnaire asking parents/guardians about the number of days their children were active for at least 60 min in a typical week before and during COVID-19. The association between physical literacy (predictor) and physical activity (binary outcome: meeting/not meeting guidelines before/during COVID-19) was tested with logistic regressions while adjusting for relevant confounders. Results : Most parents spoke English at home (91%), over half had a university education (62%) and three quarters had paid employment (75%). Children’s physical literacy scores ranged from 32–120 ( M = 94; SD = 16). Physical literacy overall score was associated with significantly higher odds of meeting the physical activity recommendations during COVID-19 (OR = 1.03, 95% CI [1.02; 1.05]). Each of the physical literacy subdomains (i.e. physical, psychological, social, cognitive) was also significantly associated with children’s adherence to the physical activity guidelines (ORs = 1.07–1.22). Conclusions : These findings indicate that physical literacy is a predictor of physical activity and may act as a protective factor of such behaviour during limiting events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research could confirm this relationship using objective measures of physical activity and exploring whether interventions designed to improve physical literacy can benefit physical activity.
Resource
2026 EN
Fusacchia Camilla · Mancini Federica · Adamiano Alessio
+2 more
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of global mortality, with conventional therapies mainly providing symptomatic relief without targeting underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms. Additionally, limitations of systemic drug administration, including poor tissue targeting and low accumulation, highlight the need for innovative approaches. Nanomedicine offers promising strategies for CVDs. Among nanocarriers, calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP NPs) are particularly attractive due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, pH-responsive behavior, and versatility for drug incorporation. This report summarizes recent advances, identified through a literature search using Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus, on the application of CaP NPs for CVD therapy. Although still in its infancy, emerging evidence, including studies in large animal models, suggests the CaP NPs can selectively target cardiac tissues and efficiently deliver diverse bioactive molecules. CaP NPs represent a highly promising platform for cardiovascular therapy. Their safety and potential for noninvasive inhalation administration could enable precise, effective, and patient-friendly treatments. Future research, including comparative studies with other nanocarriers, will help to validate their therapeutic potential. Continued development of CaP NP-based strategies may transform CVD management by enabling molecular-level interventions that improve clinical outcomes, reduce systemic side effects, and allow rapid and convenient dosing.
Journals
2026 EN
Guelfi Rebecca · De Cesari Francesco · Maremmani Alice
+5 more
The structural map of Venaco-Altiani area features a well-preserved transect across the Alpine Corsica, ranging from the deepest structural level of the Schistes Lustrés Complex represented by the Upper Castagniccia and Morteda-Farinole Units, to the Inzecca Unit. Especially it provides an uninterrupted exposure of the Inzecca Unit, allowing the complete reconstruction of its lithostratigraphy and tectonic setting. It comprises high-pressure/low-temperature metamorphic ophiolites, which are overlain by a thick composite sequence of metasediments ranging from the Late Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous. From bottom to top, these include the metaradiolarites, Erbajolo, Petraggiolo and Bagliacone-Riventosa Formations. The latter two consist of siliciclastic and carbonatic metaturbidites that were deposited on top of the oceanic crust of the Ligurian-Piedmont basin. To the W, the Schistes Lustrés Complex is bounded by Hercynian Corsica via N–S trending strike-slip faults. All the mapped tectonic units were affected by Alpine deformation and metamorphism.
Journals
2026 EN
Marrese Pasquale · Paglia Giorgio · Buccolini Marcello
+10 more
This paper presents a geomorphological analysis and landslide susceptibility assessment of the Valcarene drainage basin (Elba Island, Northern Tyrrhenian Sea). Morphometric analysis, geomorphological field mapping, and landslide susceptibility evaluation were carried out supported by literature data and GIS-based techniques. Field mapping was performed by students of the ‘Applied Geomorphological Field Survey & GIS' course (Master's Degree in Geological Sciences and Technologies of Earth and Planets - University ‘G. d'Annunzio’ of Chieti-Pescara). Landslide susceptibility was assessed using a heuristic approach. Eight landslide controlling parameters were weighted based on expert judgement and combined via cartographic overlay process, to produce the final five-level susceptibility map (from Very low to Very high). This study emphasizes the educational value of experiential learning in geo-hydrological hazards-oriented activities, equipping students with pratical methodologies. Moreover, it provides insights for local administrations and decision-makers for proper territorial planning, as well as a useful basis for further scientific studies and research.
Journals
2026 EN
D’Angeli Chiara · Ceralli Dora · Varricchione Marco
+6 more
The map of habitats of the municipality of Campobasso (Italy), at a scale of 1:5,000, was produced through the interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery, complemented by thematic maps, field surveys, and literature reviews. A total of 28 habitat types were identified according to the European Nature Information System (EUNIS). The spatial composition and configuration of EUNIS habitat types were analyzed across the study area along a natural–agricultural–artificial gradient and among six forest categories. The results indicate that native forests persist only in medium to large patches, whereas land-use–driven fragmentation leads to their replacement by smaller patches dominated by invasive alien species. This study represents one of the first high-resolution applications of EUNIS-based habitat classification in urban environments, adopting an ecosystem-based approach that may be useful for the implementation of European policies such as the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Nature Restoration Law.
Journals
2026 EN
Sardo Giacomo · Calabrò Monica · Falsone Fabio
+6 more
In November 2023 and February 2024 juvenile specimens of Zu cristatus (Bonelli, 1819) and Trachipterus trachypterus (Gmelin, 1789) were caught in the Strait of Sicily during two different bottom trawl surveys. The Z. cristatus specimen measured 420 mm in total length and 87.01 g in weight whereas the T. trachypterus measured 315 mm in total length and 15.64 g in weight. The present study constitutes the deepest record of Z. cristatus in the Strait of Sicily. In addition, an age estimation and an update on the geographical distribution of these Trachipteridae species in this region were also presented. Based on the growth increments of calcified structures (vertebrae), the estimated age was 3 years for the Z. cristatus specimen and 2 years for T. trachypterus . Rarely reported species often lack economic value, which may underestimate their abundance. Therefore, more studies and research surveys are necessary to fill the information gap on the biology of these deep-water species.
Journals
2026 EN
Pagella Giorgio · Urso Tiziana · Mirra Michele
+2 more
This study explored the most employed techniques for the assessment of the state of conservation of traditional wooden foundation piles in Amsterdam and Venice. The techniques were evaluated for their relevance and effectiveness in assessing decay impact on centuries-old waterlogged wooden piles. The techniques adopted in Amsterdam and Venice were complementary. In Amsterdam, underwater micro-drilling was employed to accurately estimate the amount of decay and the remaining strength of the piles. In contrast, the techniques in Venice were based on microscopic and mechanical testing of small wood samples to provide a detailed decay analysis. The successful use of underwater micro-drilling in Amsterdam, which allows for fast and accurate pile decay assessment, presents an opportunity to enhance the piles conservation database of Venice. Adopting this technique in Venice could support more timely and effective preservation strategies.
Journals
2026 EN
Nocetti Michela · Aminti Giovanni · Brunetti Michele
+3 more
The growing interest in cultivating paulownia highlights the need for the characterization of its wood from a technological perspective. Sawing yield and board appearance, physical and mechanical properties and the effect of thermal modification on mechanical properties and durability of paulownia from three plantations were evaluated. A 1-metre-long-trunk section was used to prepare small-clear specimens of natural and thermally modified wood. Paulownia, due to its cylindric shape, achieved a high sawing yield (57%), but a significant limitation was the hollow pith, which affected 41% of the boards. Late pruning was also identified as a major issue, leading to the rapid development of large knots. Only 44% of the boards were classified as first quality according to the European Standard EN 975-2:2005. In terms of physical properties, one of the primary characteristics of paulownia wood is its lightness, with a measured density of approximately 220 kg m −3 . The low density contributed to very low shrinkage coefficients but resulted in low mechanical performance, which was further reduced by thermal modification. Both natural and thermally modified wood were found to be nondurable. Uses that do not demand high mechanical properties but instead leverage on its lightness could be the most suitable.
Journals
2026 EN
Daly Michele B · Spandau Micah · Edwards Tiancheng E
+7 more
Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for men who have sex with men at high risk for sexually transmitted infections. Accurate doxycycline measures ensure consistent evaluation of adherence and efficacy. Participants received 200 mg doxycycline (blood collected in citrate [n = 20] or heparin [n = 14] tubes). Ex vivo analyses compared exogenous doxycycline spiked into blood from matched donors collected in citrate and heparin (n = 8) or EDTA and heparin (n = 9). Plasma doxycycline was quantified with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and reported as geometric mean [95% CI]. After dosing, plasma doxycycline AUC 24–72 h from citrate blood (17.07 µg/mL*hr [13.89–20.99]) was 3-times lower than heparin blood (54.57 [44.18–67.40]). Similarly, reduced plasma doxycycline was observed when drug was spiked into citrate (0.062 µg/mL [0.059–0.065]) versus heparin blood (0.084 µg/mL [0.077–0.092]) from matched donors ( p = 0.0002). EDTA blood, also showed significantly lower plasma doxycycline (0.052 µg/mL [0.049–0.054]) than heparin blood (0.078 µg/mL [0.071–0.084]) ( p < 0.0001). Chelating anticoagulants significantly reduce plasma doxycycline concentrations, likely through disruption of doxycycline–metal ion complexes and increased drug partitioning in red blood cells. Pharmacologically focused doxycycline research should prioritize blood collection in non-chelating anticoagulants or apply a correction factor if chelating anticoagulants are used. NCT04860505, NCT05853120, and NCT06545656.
Journals
2026 EN
Jing Kangjian · Zhang Miao · Wu Bingfang
+9 more
The in-season monitoring of crop conditions via remote sensing is vital for assessing crop health and forecasting yields. However, accuracy suffers when static masks fail to capture annual changes in cropping patterns. Inter-annual fluctuations in crop type proportions alter regional vegetation index signals, leading to biased interpretations; however, despite their influence on regional monitoring accuracy, such dynamics are rarely considered. In this study, we developed a framework to identify and quantify the errors and biases arising from ignoring changes in annual crop patterns. Using U.S. Corn Belt Cropland Data Layer products (2018–2023), we created static masks and simulated eight scenarios with varying inter-annual crop proportions. By comparing the crop-specific NDVI from Sentinel-2 and MODIS with regional averages, we quantified the bias introduced by the static masks. Errors persisted throughout the season, peaking during early growth and senescence, with NDVI anomaly errors reaching 0.25 (42% of the absolute NDVI). Regions with high crop variability showed the largest biases, whereas stable areas had minimal errors. Both satellite datasets revealed consistent temporal error patterns, although MODIS produced lower values. In conclusion, incorporating annually updated crop type maps is essential for accurate crop condition monitoring because static masks introduce significant spatiotemporally variable biases.