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Red ochre, typically derived from iron oxides and hematite, has been used since Pleistocene times for a range of different applications, practical as well as symbolic, including cave paintings and use in prehistoric burials. The importance to discover new methods for provenance determination, based on non-destructive portable techniques, represents a new challenge in the field of diagnostics of cultural heritage. This study presents the data obtained from the analysis of several non-flaked tools and ochre-stained bones, showing evidence of ochre processing at the Mesolithic site of S'omu e S'Orku in Sardinia (Italy). To investigate the provenance of the ochre (hematite phase) found on a massive stone from the site and also used to cover the bones, we propose three distinct approaches derived from high-resolution Raman spectra of ochres, aiming to identify the maximum number of observables that can be reconducted to unicity criteria. The reliability of this method enables the development of an automatic algorithm of Artificial Intelligence able to recognize the provenance of raw materials used in a range of activities. Furthermore, this study sheds light on one of the earliest and most distinctive Mesolithic burials uncovered in Sardinia to date, providing valuable insights into the human colonization of the island and the symbolic practices of its inhabitants during the Holocene epoch., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest 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., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Three-dimensional (3D) applications lead the digital transition toward more immersive and interactive multimedia technologies. Point clouds (PCs) are a fundamental element in capturing and rendering 3D digital environments, but they present significant challenges due to the large amount of data typically needed to represent them. Although PC compression techniques can reduce the size of PCs, they introduce degradations that can negatively impact the PC's quality and therefore the object representation's accuracy. This trade-off between data size and PC quality highlights the critical importance of PC quality assessment (PCQA) techniques. In this article, we review the state-of-the-art no-reference (NR) objective quality metrics for PCs, which can accurately estimate the quality of generated and compressed PCs solely based on feature information extracted from the distorted PC. These characteristics make NR PCQA metrics particularly suitable in real-world application scenarios where the original PC data are unavailable for comparison, such as in streaming applications.

Solution combustion (SC) remains among the most promising synthetic strategies for the production of crystalline nanopowders from an aqueous medium, due to its easiness, time and cost-effectiveness, scalability and eco-friendliness. In this work, this method was selected to obtain anisometric ceria-based nanoparticles applied as catalysts for the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate. The catalytic performances were studied for the ceria and Fe-doped ceria from SC (CeO 2 -SC, Ce 0.9 Fe 0.1 O 2 -SC) in comparison with the ceria nanorods (CeO 2 -HT, Ce 0.9 Fe 0.1 O 2 -HT) obtained by hydrothermal (HT) method, one of the most studied systems in the literature. Indeed, the ceria nanoparticles obtained by SC were found to be highly crystalline, platelet-shaped, arranged in a mosaic-like assembly and with smaller crystallite size (≈6 nm vs. ≈17 nm) and higher surface area (80 m 2  g -1 vs. 26 m 2  g -1 ) for the undoped sample with respect to the Fe-doped counterpart. Although all samples exhibit an anisometric morphology that should favor the exposition of specific crystalline planes, HT-samples showed better performances due to higher oxygen vacancies concentration and lower amount of strong basic and acid sites., (© 2024 The Author(s). ChemPlusChem published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWASs) have identified a huge number of variants associated with different traits. However, their validation through in vitro and in vivo studies often lags well behind their identification. For variants associated with traits or diseases of biomedical interest, this gap delays the development of possible therapies. This issue also impacts beta-hemoglobinopathies, such as beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD). The definitive cures for these diseases are currently bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy. However, limitations regarding their effective use restrict their worldwide application. Great efforts have been made to identify whether modulators of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and, to a lesser extent, hemoglobin A2 (HbA 2 ) are possible therapeutic targets. Herein, we performed the post-GWAS in vivo validation of two genes, cyclin D3 ( CCND3 ) and nuclear factor I X ( NFIX ), previously associated with HbF and HbA 2 levels. The absence of Ccnd3 expression in vivo significantly increased g (HbF) and d (HbA 2 ) globin gene expression. Our data suggest that CCND3 is a possible therapeutic target in sickle cell disease. We also confirmed the association of Nfix with γ-globin gene expression and present data suggesting a possible role for Nfix in regulating Kruppel-like transcription factor 1 ( Klf1 ), a master regulator of hemoglobin switching. This study contributes to filling the gap between GWAS variant identification and target validation for beta-hemoglobinopathies.

The abnormal deposition of protein in the brain is the central factor in neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). These detrimental aggregates, stemming from the misfolding and subsequent irregular aggregation of α-synuclein protein, are primarily accountable for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. Two-photon-excited (TPE) probes are a promising tool for the early-stage diagnosis of these pathologies as they provide accurate spatial resolution, minimal intrusion, and the ability for prolonged observation. To identify compounds with the potential to function as diagnostic probes using two-photon techniques, we explore three distinct categories of compounds: Hydroxyl azobenzene (AZO-OH); Dicyano-vinyl bithiophene (DCVBT); and Tetra-amino phthalocyanine (PcZnNH 2 ). The molecules were structurally and optically characterized using a multi-technique approach via UV-vis absorption, Raman spectroscopy, three-dimensional fluorescence mapping (PLE), time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), and pump and probe measurements. Furthermore, quantum chemical and molecular docking calculations were performed to provide insights into the photophysical properties of the compounds as well as to assess their affinity with the α-synuclein protein. This innovative approach seeks to enhance the accuracy of in vivo probing, contributing to early Parkinson's disease (PD) detection and ultimately allowing for targeted intervention strategies.

Long afterglow phosphors constitute an emerging class of compounds with wide application in several fields, from photonic to dosimetry, solar energy storage and photocatalysis. In this study, we synthesized and thoroughly characterized a new class of persistent emitting materials, Ca 3 Ga 4 O 9 : xBi 3+ , yZn 2+ , zTb 3+ . Through the utilization of X-ray and Raman spectroscopy, as well as optical measurements including static and time-resolved luminescence, thermoluminescence, and phosphorescence, the effects of the Tb concentration on the optical and structural properties of the material has been deeply studied. A suitable mechanism was proposed to account for the long afterglow emission, wherein Tb3+ and Bi3+ ions occupying the Ca2+ sites serve as recombination centers, facilitating the generation of oxygen defects. Zn 2+ in the Ga 3+ sites, contribute to the charge balance and generates hole traps in the matrix. The enduring phosphorescence persists for over 3 h following the cessation of UV irradiation, discernible to the naked eye in low-light conditions., 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).)

Fluorescent lighting and optical techniques have been widely utilized to enhance the detection of latent fingerprints. However, the development of new techniques is imperative to expand the range of surfaces from which latent fingerprints can be detected. When relying on traditional methods, fingerprint evidence can remain undetected or even disregarded due to insufficient detection and limited detail, especially when dealing with a luminescent background. In this study, we propose the utilization of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) applied to a Ba 2 SiO 4 matrix, co-doped with Eu 2+ and Dy 3+ , as a powerful method for visualizing latent fingerprints on various surfaces, including thin plastic bags, rigid duct tape, thin aluminum foil, and glass slices. This technique effectively eliminates any luminescent background and significantly enhances optical imaging. This represents the first successful application of OSL in the development of latent fingerprints, thus paving the way for more efficient and effective forensic techniques in the future., 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., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by the homozygous beta-globin gene mutation that can lead to ischemic multi-organ damage and consequently reduce life expectancy. On the other hand, sickle cell trait (SCT), the heterozygous beta-globin gene mutation, is still considered a benign condition. Although the mechanisms are not well understood, clinical evidence has recently shown that specific pathological symptoms can also be recognized in SCT carriers. So far, there are still scant data regarding the morphological modifications referable to possible multi-organ damage in the SCT condition. Therefore, after genotypic and hematological characterization, by conventional light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we investigated the presence of tissue alterations in 13 heterozygous Townes mice, one of the best-known animal models that, up to now, was used only for the study of the homozygous condition. We found that endothelial alterations, as among which the thickening of vessel basal lamina, are ubiquitous in the lung, liver, kidney, and spleen of SCT carrier mice. The lung shows the most significant alterations, with a distortion of the general tissue architecture, while the heart is the least affected. Collectively, our findings contribute novel data to the histopathological modifications at microscopic and ultrastructural levels, underlying the heterozygous beta-globin gene mutation, and indicate the translational suitability of the Townes model to characterize the features of multiple organ involvement in the SCT carriers.

It is well known that viruses cannot replicate on their own but only inside the cells of target tissues in the organism, resulting in the destruction of the cells or, in some cases, their transformation into cancer cells. While viruses have relatively low resistance in the environment, their ability to survive longer is based on environmental conditions and the type of substrate on which they are deposited. Recently, the potential for safe and efficient viral inactivation by photocatalysis has garnered increasing attention. In this study, the Phenyl carbon nitride/TiO 2 heterojunction system, a hybrid organic-inorganic photocatalyst, was utilized to investigate its effectiveness in degrading the flu virus (H1N1). The system was activated by a white-LED lamp, and the process was tested on MDCK cells infected with the flu virus. The results of the study demonstrate the hybrid photocatalyst's ability to cause the virus to degrade, highlighting its effectiveness for safe and efficient viral inactivation in the visible light range. Additionally, the study underscores the advantages of using this hybrid photocatalyst over traditional inorganic photocatalysts, which typically only work in the ultraviolet range.

Recent developments in lighting and display technologies have led to an increased focus on materials and phosphors with high efficiency, chemical stability, and eco-friendliness. Mechanoluminescence (ML) is a promising technology for new lighting devices, specifically in pressure sensors and displays. CaZnOS has been identified as an efficient ML material, with potential applications as a stress sensor. This study focuses on optimizing the mechanoluminescent properties of CaZnOS:Tb through microwave-assisted synthesis. We successfully synthesized CaZnOS doped with Tb3+ using this method and compared it with samples obtained through conventional solid-state methods. We analyzed the material's characteristics using various techniques to investigate their structural, morphological, and optical properties. We then studied the material's mechanoluminescent properties through single impacts with varying energies. Our results show that materials synthesized through microwave methods exhibit similar optical and, primarily, mechanoluminescent properties, making them suitable for use in photonics applications. The comparison of the microwave and conventional solid-state synthesis methods highlights the potential of microwave-assisted methods to optimize the properties of mechanoluminescent materials for practical applications.

The differences between bare carbon dots (CDs) and nitrogen-doped CDs synthesized from citric acid as a precursor are investigated, aiming at understanding the mechanisms of emission and the role of the doping atoms in shaping the optical properties. Despite their appealing emissive features, the origin of the peculiar excitation-dependent luminescence in doped CDs is still debated and intensively being examined. This study focuses on the identification of intrinsic and extrinsic emissive centers by using a multi-technique experimental approach and computational chemistry simulations. As compared to bare CDs, nitrogen doping causes the decrease in the relative content of O-containing functional groups and the formation of both N-related molecular and surface centers that enhance the quantum yield of the material. The optical analysis suggests that the main emission in undoped nanoparticles comes from low-efficient blue centers bonded to the carbogenic core, eventually with surface-attached carbonyl groups, the contribution in the green range being possibly related to larger aromatic domains. On the other hand, the emission features of N-doped CDs are mainly due to the presence of N-related molecules, with the computed absorption transitions calling for imidic rings fused to the carbogenic core as the potential structures for the emission in the green range.

In this work, we unveil the fluorescence features of citric acid and urea-based Carbon Dots (CDs) through a photo-physical characterization of nanoparticles synthesized, under solvent-free and open-air conditions, within silica-ordered mesoporous silica, as a potential host for solid-state emitting hybrids. Compared to CDs synthesized without silica matrices and dispersed in water, silica-CD hybrids display a broader emission in the green range whose contribution can be increased by UV and blue laser irradiation. The analysis of hybrids synthesized within different silica (MCM-48 and SBA-15) calls for an active role of the matrix in directing the synthesis toward the formation of CDs with a larger content of graphitic N and imidic groups at the expense of N-pyridinic molecules. As a result, CDs tuned in size and with a larger green emission are obtained in the hybrids and are retained once extracted from the silica matrix and dispersed in water. The kinetics of the photo-physics under UV and blue irradiation of hybrid samples show a photo-assisted formation process leading to a further increase of the relative contribution of the green emission, not observed in the water-dispersed reference samples, suggesting that the porous matrix is involved also in the photo-activated process. Finally, we carried out DFT and TD-DFT calculations on the interaction of silica with selected models of CD emitting centers, like surface functional groups (OH and COOH), dopants (graphitic N), and citric acid-based molecules. The combined experimental and theoretical results clearly indicate the presence of molecular species and surface centers both emitting in the blue and green spectral range, whose relative contribution is tuned by the interaction with the surrounding media., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest 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., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Porous organic polymers are versatile platforms, easily adaptable to a wide range of applications, from air filtering to energy devices. Their fabrication via vat photopolymerization enables them to control the geometry on a multiscale level, obtaining hierarchical porosity with enhanced surface-to-volume ratio. In this work, a photocurable ink based on 1,6 Hexanediol diacrylate and containing a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) is presented, employing PLURONIC F-127 as a surfactant to generate stable micelles. Different parameters were studied to assess the effects on the morphology of the pores, the printability and the mechanical properties. The tests performed demonstrates that only water-in-oil emulsions were suitable for 3D printing. Afterwards, 3D complex porous objects were printed with a Digital Light Processing (DLP) system. Structures with large, interconnected, homogeneous porosity were fabricated with high printing precision (300 µm) and shape fidelity, due to the addition of a Radical Scavenger and a UV Absorber that improved the 3D printing process. The formulations were then used to build scaffolds with complex architecture to test its application as a filter for CO 2 absorption and trapping from environmental air. This was obtained by surface decoration with NaOH nanoparticles. Depending on the surface coverage, tested specimens demonstrated long-lasting absorption efficiency.

The straightforward, continuous-flow synthesis of cyclopropyl carbaldehydes and ketones has been developed starting from 2-hydroxycyclobutanones and aryl thiols. This acid-catalyzed mediated procedure allows access to the multigram and easily scalable synthesis of cyclopropyl adducts under mild conditions, using reusable Amberlyst-35 as a catalyst. The resins, suitably ground and used for filling steel columns, have been characterized via TGA, ATR, SEM and BET analyses to describe the physical-chemical properties of the packed bed and the continuous-flow system in detail. To highlight the synthetic versatility of the arylthiocyclopropyl carbonyl compounds, a series of selective oxidation reactions have been performed to access sulfoxide and sulfone carbaldehyde cyclopropanes, oxiranes and carboxylic acid derivatives.

Heterogeneous photocatalysts have garnered extensive attention as a sustainable way for environmental remediation and energy storage process. Water splitting, solar energy conversion, and pollutant degradation are examples of nowadays applications where semiconductor-based photocatalysts represent a potentially disruptive technology. The exploitation of solar radiation for photocatalysis could generate a strong impact by decreasing the energy demand and simultaneously mitigating the impact of anthropogenic pollutants. However, most of the actual photocatalysts work only on energy radiation in the Near-UV region (<400 nm), and the studies and development of new photocatalysts with high efficiency in the visible range of the spectrum are required. In this regard, hybrid organic/inorganic photocatalysts have emerged as highly potential materials to drastically improve visible photocatalytic efficiency. In this review, we will analyze the state-of-art and the developments of hybrid photocatalysts for energy storage and energy conversion process as well as their application in pollutant degradation and water treatments.

Cadmium yellow degradation afflicts numerous paintings realized between the XIXth and XXth centuries. The degradation process and its kinetics is not completely understood. It consists of chalking, lightening, flaking, spalling, and, in its most deteriorated cases, the formation of a crust over the original yellow paint. In order to improve the comprehension of the process, mock-up samples of CdS in yellow and orange tonalities were studied by means of structural analysis and optical characterization, with the principal techniques used in the field of cultural heritage. Mock ups were artificially degraded with heat treatment and UV exposure. Relevant colorimetric variation appears in CIE Lab coordinates from reflectance spectra. XRD, SEM-EDS, and Raman spectroscopy revealed the formation of cadmium sulfate, whilst time-resolved photoluminescence and pump-probe transient absorption spectroscopy suggest the formation of a defective phase, compatible with Cd vacancies and the formation of both CdO and CdSO 4 superficial clusters.

The need to find a rapid and worthwhile technique for the in situ detection of the content of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in Cannabis sativa L. is an ever-increasing problem in the forensic field. Among all the techniques for the detection of cannabinoids, Raman spectroscopy can be identified as the most cost-effective, fast, noninvasive, and nondestructive. In this study, 42 different samples were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy with 1064 nm excitation wavelength. The use of an IR wavelength laser showed the possibility to clearly identify THC and CBD in fresh samples, without any further processing, knocking out the contribution of the fluorescence generated by visible and near-IR sources. The results allow assigning all the Raman features in THC- and CBD-rich natural samples. The multivariate analysis underlines the high reproducibility of the spectra and the possibility to distinguish immediately the Raman spectra of the two cannabinoid species. Furthermore, the ratio between the Raman bands at 1295/1440 and 1623/1663 cm -1 is identified as an immediate test parameter to evaluate the THC content in the samples.

The introduction of N doping atoms in the carbon network of Carbon Dots is known to increase their quantum yield and broaden the emission spectrum, depending on the kind of N bonding introduced. N doping is usually achieved by exploiting amine molecules in the synthesis. In this work, we studied the possibility of introducing a N-N bonding in the carbon network by means of hydrothermal synthesis of citric acid and hydrazine molecules, including hydrated hydrazine, di-methylhydrazine and phenylhydrazine. The experimental optical features show the typical fingerprints of Carbon Dots formation, such as nanometric size, excitation dependent emission, non-single exponential decay of photoluminescence and G and D vibrational bands in the Raman spectra. To explain the reported data, we performed a detailed computational investigation of the possible products of the synthesis, comparing the simulated absorbance spectra with the experimental optical excitation pattern. The computed Raman spectra corroborate the hypothesis of the formation of pyridinone derivatives, among which the formation of small polymeric chains allowed the broad excitation spectra to be experimentally observed.

The current pandemic situation has led to an extraordinary increase in remote working activities all over the world. In this paper, we conducted a research study with the aim to investigate the Quality of Remote Working Experience (QRWE) of workers when conducting remote working activities and to analyse its correlation with implicit emotion responses estimated from the speech of video-calls or discussions with people in the same room. We implemented a system that captures the audio when the worker is talking and extracts and stores several speech features. A subjective assessment has been conducted, using this tool, which involved 12 people that were asked to provide feedback on the QRWE and assess their sentiment polarity during their daily remote working hours. ANOVA results suggest that speech features may be potentially observed to infer the QRWE and the sentiment polarity of the speaker. Indeed, we have also found that the perceived QRWE and polarity are strongly related., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s) 2022.)