1. Whole-body vibration transmission during resistance vibration exerciseRiccardo Sorrentino, Nina Verdel, Matej Supej, Urša Ciuha, Igor B. Mekjavić, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: Resistive exercise combined with whole-body vibration (WBV) and short-arm human centrifugation is being considered as a countermeasure to mitigate muscle and bone loss in astronauts during prolonged space missions. WBV may provide exercise benefits or adverse effects on organs and the lower back. These effects may result from vibration transmitted throughout the body. The objective of this study was to compare vibration transmission (VT) from the ground to the body during resistance vibration exercise (RVE) comprising squat and calf raise performed on a rotational vibration plate. Specifically, we compared VT during RVE in the upright position (URVE) and on a short-arm human centrifuge (artificial gravity, AG) establishing a similar ground reaction force. The latter (AGRVE) is considered a potential countermeasure for microgravity-induced musculoskeletal deconditioning. Methods: Fifteen healthy males participated. They were assigned to two groups: one (n = 8) performed URVE at 20% of 1 repetition maximum (RM) squat; the other (n = 7) performed horizontal RVE during AG exposure (AGRVE), with a matching ground reaction force. Both groups were exposed to vibration at 20 Hz and 3–4 mm displacement (RMS value: 4 ± 0.14 g). VT was recorded during two sets of squats and calf raises. Three accelerometers recorded VT at: (i) the platform surface at the feet, (ii) lower back (L5), and (iii) forehead. Results: In both conditions, the lower limbs attenuated vibration transmission to the lower back (p < 0.0001). During AGRVE, both VT and pelvis octave-band RMS values were lower compared to URVE in both squat (p = 0.008 and p = 0.01) and calf raise (p = 0.007 and p = 0.01), suggesting potentially greater safety for the lower back. Conclusion: During RVE, whether in URVE or AGRVE, lower limbs effectively attenuated vibrations, resulting in negligible pelvic exposure. AGRVE may represent a safer alternative to URVE due to reduced transmission to the lower back and adjacent sensitive regions. Keywords: simulator, vibration, vibration transmission, vibration exercise, resistance exercise, exercise, artificial gravity Published in DiRROS: 28.01.2026; Views: 142; Downloads: 81
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2. Development and field testing of a cavitation-based robotic platform for sustainable in-water hull cleaningUroš Puc, Andreja Abina, Edvin Salvi, Vlado Malačič, Janja Francé, Riccardo Zanelli, Aleksander Zidanšek, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Biofouling on ship hulls significantly increases hydrodynamic drag, fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, while also facilitating the spread of invasive species in regional and global waters, thereby threatening marine biodiversity. To address these environmental and economic issues, we developed an innovative robotic platform for in-water hull cleaning. The platform utilizes a cavitation-based cleaning module that removes biofouling while minimizing hull surface damage and preventing the spread of detached particles into the marine environment. This paper describes the design, operation, and testing of a developed robotic cleaning system prototype. Emphasis is placed on integrating components and sensors for continuous monitoring of key seawater parameters (temperature, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a, etc.) before, during, and after underwater cleaning. Results from real-sea trials show the platform’s effectiveness in removing biofouling and its minimal environmental impact, confirming its potential as a sustainable solution for in-water hull cleaning. Keywords: biofouling, ship hulls, in-water cleaning, undewater robot, sensor integration, field testing Published in DiRROS: 27.01.2026; Views: 110; Downloads: 59
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3. Discrimination of autochthonous pig breeds from meat and fat samples by FT-NIR spectraSilvia Parrini, Christos Dadousis, Francesco Sirtori, Maria Chiara Fabbri, Marjeta Čandek-Potokar, Juan M. García Casco, Bénédicte Lebret, Rosa Nieto, Chiara Aquilani, Riccardo Bozzi, 2025, original scientific article Keywords: pigs breeds, swine, authentication, near-infrared spectroscopy, discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), local breeds, near infrared spectroscopy, identification, vlassification Published in DiRROS: 23.12.2025; Views: 203; Downloads: 110
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4. From rock waste to reactive surfaces: : natural gabbro rocks for solar remediation of gaseous and aqueous contaminantsGregor Žerjav, Muhammad Ashraf Sabri, Samar Al Jitan, Riccardo Tribuzio, Hebah Jarusheh, Albin Pintar, Khalid Al-Ali, Andrea Ceriani, Alessandro Decarlis, Giovanni Palmisano, 2026, original scientific article Published in DiRROS: 22.12.2025; Views: 217; Downloads: 119
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5. Conservation hints for Pinna nobilis from a century-old genetic time capsuleIlenia Azzena, Chiara Locci, Noemi Pascale, Ilaria Deplano, Riccardo Senigaglia, Edoardo Batistini, Daniela Caracciolo, Mariachiara Chiantore, Saul Ciriaco, Maria Paola Ferranti, Daniele Grech, Arianna Liconti, Monica Montefalcone, Alice Oprandi, Valentina Pitacco, Marco Segarich, Rym Zakhama-Sraieb, Ahmed Ben Hmida, Salma Zribi, Fabio Scarpa, Marco Casu, Daria Sanna, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The noble pen shell, Pinna nobilis, is an iconic marine bivalve endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, playing a key role as an ecosystem engineer. Over the past century, it has faced severe threats from overharvesting, pollution, and catastrophic mass mortality events. This study analysed 119 mitochondrial COI gene sequences from historical (1700s, 1920s, 1970s, 1990s) and modern (2000s) samples, including survivors of recent mass mortality crises. We standardised a protocol to extract DNA from ancient byssus samples over a century old and dated the emergence of the mitochondrial lineages of Pinna nobilis, uncovering its evolutionary history in unprecedented detail. Our findings suggest two main temporal origins for the species’ genetic variation: (i) a group of modern lineages directly descended from Pinna nobilis early ancestors originating 2.5 mya, and (ii) a large group derived from the first Pleistocene radiation of the species, approximately 1.5 mya. Importantly, our research depicts the evolutionary response of Pinna nobilis to three major challenges in the last century: human overexploitation, pollution, and environmental changes. Our results highlight the species’ remarkable resilience, likely mediated by Pleistocene genetic traits, whose persistence over time mainly depends on the maintaining of a high effective population size to ensure successful recruitment. Keywords: noble pen shell, genetic variability, evolutionary response, species conservation Published in DiRROS: 19.11.2025; Views: 452; Downloads: 211
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6. Non-destructive ultrasonic inspections of small-scale mock-ups provided with advanced tungsten armours for DEMO divertor targetRiccardo De Luca, Emanuele Cacciotti, Marco Cerocchi, Aljaž Iveković, Petra Jenuš, Marius Wirtz, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium, the Characterization of armour, heat sinks materials and joints sub-project of the Work Package Material (WP-MAT) has been dedicated to the development of different tungsten (W) monoblock mock-ups equipped with advanced materials for divertor target applications in the EU-DEMO fusion reactor. Assessing the status of the relevant joining interfaces of these mock-ups, not only after fabrication but throughout the whole component lifetime, plays a key role in the qualification process. At the ENEA Special Technologies Laboratory (TES), a number of facilities have been built to perform non-destructive inspections of plasma-facing components for fusion applications by ultrasonic testing (UT). The present work reports on the results of the UT inspections assessing the structural integrity of the relevant joining interfaces of three small-scale mock-ups provided with advanced W armour materials, specifically W-matrix with W2C inclusions consolidated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS), K-doped rolled W and K-doped laminated W. The UT examinations are carried out after fabrication and after the high heat flux tests (HHFT) at the neutral beam facility GLADIS. All results confirm the high-quality joining achieved by HIP and HRP. During the HHF tests of mock-ups, after a few hundred HHFT cycles defects are detected at the joining interfaces, due to debonding, delamination and W material cracks mainly affecting the loaded zone. The ultrasonic pulse-echo technique provides not only the size and position of the defects in the plane orthogonal to the ultrasonic beam, but also their depth in the material. During the analysis, the probe is inserted inside the pipe and the mock-up is examined in a cylindrical configuration. The coupling medium (demineralized water) is poured only inside the pipe. The main inspection parameters and the piezoelectric probes are chosen to obtain the maximum resolution in accordance with the thickness and joining interfaces to be analyzed. Keywords: DEMO, divertor, advanced tungsten, high heat flux test, non-destructive test, ultrasonic examination Published in DiRROS: 03.09.2025; Views: 374; Downloads: 179
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7. Assessment of heterozygosity in european local and cosmo-politan pig populationsMaria Chiara Fabbri, Katherine D. Arias, Marcos P.G. Rezende, Francesco Tiezzi, Stefano Biffani, Felix Goyache, Giuseppina Schiavo, Samuele Bovo, Luca Fontanesi, Marjeta Čandek-Potokar, Maria Muñoz, Cristina Ovilo, Klavdija Poklukar Žnidaršič, Martin Škrlep, Riccardo Bozzi, 2025, original scientific article Keywords: pigs, autochthonous breed, fitness, heterozygosity-rich regions, runs of heterozygosity, Sus scrofa Published in DiRROS: 18.08.2025; Views: 476; Downloads: 268
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8. Non–skin related symptoms are common in chronic spontaneous urticaria and linked to active and uncontrolled disease : results from the chronic urticaria registryPolina Pyatilova, Yana Hackler, Felix Aulenbacher, Riccardo Asero, Andrea Bauer, Mojca Bizjak, Cascia Day, Aurélie Du-Thanh, Joachim Dissemond, Daria Fomina, 2024, original scientific article Keywords: chronic spontaneous urticaria, non-skin-related symptoms, malaise, feverjoint, bone, muscle pain Published in DiRROS: 09.07.2025; Views: 443; Downloads: 288
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9. Contact urticaria and related conditions: clinical reviewOlivier Aerts, David Pesqué, Melba Munoz, Riccardo Asero, Margarida Gonçalo, Thomas Rustemeyer, Mark Kačar, Ana M. Giménez-Arnau, 2025, review article Abstract: Contact urticaria (CoU) is an immediate contact reaction occurring within minutes to an hour after exposure to specific proteins or chemicals. CoU is categorised into non-immunologic (NI-CoU) and immunologic (I-CoU) types, with I-CoU potentially leading to anaphylaxis. Both forms of CoU can be associated with protein contact dermatitis and the CoU syndrome. Patients with I-CoU may also have other type I (immediate) allergic diseases, such as allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis, asthma or food allergy. This review provides a detailed overview of CoU and related conditions, focusing on triggers, diagnostic methods and management strategies. NI-CoU is typically triggered by low molecular weight chemicals, while I-CoU involves IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to both high molecular weight proteins and low molecular weight chemicals. Early diagnosis is crucial, though CoU is often underrecognized. The diagnostic approach includes a thorough medical history, physical examination, evaluation of photographs, (non)invasive skin tests and in vitro assessments. Management strategies prioritise trigger avoidance and pharmacological treatments when avoidance is not fully possible. For I-CoU, second-generation H1-antihistamines are the first-line treatment. Severe cases of I-CoU may benefit from anti-IgE therapy (omalizumab). Patients at risk of anaphylaxis should carry an adrenaline auto-injector and wear a medical alert bracelet. Keywords: inducible urticaria, occupational urticaria, protein contact dermatitis Published in DiRROS: 09.07.2025; Views: 525; Downloads: 410
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10. ≠An ≠insight into the diet of the bull ray, Aetomylaeus bovinus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817) in the Northern Adriatic SeaLovrenc Lipej, Riccardo Battistella, Borut Mavrič, Danijel Ivajnšič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This study provides baseline information on the feeding habits of the bull ray, Aetomylaeus bovinus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817), in the Gulf of Venezia. Among 1557 prey items isolated from the stomachs of bull ray specimens, gastropods represented the overwhelming majority (93.8%). Within gastropods, Aporrhais pespelecani was the dominant species, followed by Gibbula magus and Bolinus brandaris – all characteristic elements of the biocoenosis of the muddy detritic bottom. We observed differences in prey structure between juveniles and adults, as well as sexes. Among fishes that proved to be particularly important in terms of biomass, the majority of prey items consisted of small pelagic fish, including pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) and horse mackerel (Trachurus sp.). This paper contributes new data on the feeding ecology of a lesser known and critically endangered batoid species. Keywords: myliobatids, feeding ecology, nursery, Gulf of Venice, batoids, endangered species, marine biology Published in DiRROS: 03.07.2025; Views: 620; Downloads: 298
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