University of Udine
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Di titolario in titolario: per una riflessione su alcune problematiche di ricostruzione delle serie negli archivi di deposito
No full textProspects for dark matter observations in dwarf spheroidal galaxies with the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory
No full textThe dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs) orbiting the Milky Way are widely regarded as systems supported by velocity dispersion against self-gravity, and as prime targets for the search for indirect dark matter (DM) signatures in the GeV-to-TeV γ -ray range owing to their lack of astrophysical γ -ray background. We present forecasts of the sensitivity of the forthcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) to annihilating or decaying DM signals in these targets. An original selection of candidates is performed from the current catalogue of known objects, including both classical and ultrafaint dSphs. For each, the expected DM content is derived using the most comprehensive photometric and spectroscopic data available, within a consistent framework of analysis. This approach enables the derivation of novel astrophysical factor profiles for indirect DM searches, which are compared with results from the literature. From an initial sample of 64 dSphs, eight promising targets are identified – Draco I, Coma Berenices, Ursa Major II, Ursa Minor, and Willman 1 in the North, Reticulum II, Sculptor, and Sagittarius II in the South – for which different DM density models yield consistent expectations, leading to robust predictions. CTAO is expected to provide the strongest limits above ∼10 TeV, reaching velocity-averaged annihilation cross sections of ∼ 5 × 10−25 cm3 s−1 and decay lifetimes up to ∼ 1026 s for combined limits. The dominant uncertainties arise from the imprecise determination of the DM content, particularly for ultrafaint dSphs. Observation strategies are proposed that optimize either deep exposures of the best candidates or diversified target selections
Sphingomyelin regulates the transcriptional machinery in nuclear lipid microdomains
No full textNuclear lipid microdomains rich in sphingomyelin and cholesterol content regulate double-stranded exonuclease-resistant RNA. The study aimed to elucidate the importance of nuclear lipid microdomains in safeguarding nuclear RNA from digestion and to scrutinize all RNA present. Thus, we investigated the impact of sphingomyelinase on nuclear lipid microdomain RNA and conducted RNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing. Sphingomyelinase treatment makes the RNA susceptible to RNase treatment. Nuclear lipid microdomains exhibit a higher abundance of retained introns, small nuclear RNA, and long intergenic non-coding RNA compared to whole nuclei, with a notable enrichment in miRNA. The high concentration (20%) of miRNAs in nuclear lipid microdomains is justified by the presence of specific nuclear circular RNA as exons circularized with ‘retained’ introns, referred to as exon-intron circular RNA (EIciRNA) that act as a sponge for miRNAs. Moreover, we demonstrate the presence of ciRNA. The functional analysis indicates that all types of RNase-resistant RNA associated with nuclear lipid microdomains are involved in chromatin organization and brain pathophysiology. In conclusion, nuclear lipid microdomains represent a site of transcription regulation in which circular RNAs, miRNA, and double-stranded mRNA, all resistant to RNase, are stabilized by nuclear sphingomyelin. (Figure presented.
Assessing yield performance and stability of chickpea cultivars across cropping systems and sowing dates
No full textMASS TRANSFER IN BUBBLE-LADEN FLOWS
No full textWe develop and test a Volume of Fluid-based (VoF-based) numerical method to study mass transfer in bubbly flows. The numerical method employs an incompressible Navier-Stokes solver coupled with a VoF method to accurately track bubble interface dynamics. To model species (gas) transport, we implement an advection-diffusion equation that accounts for varying diffusivity and solubility between phases. This approach enables a detailed study of interfacial mass transfer and of the underlying physical mechanisms driving it. We first benchmark our numerical approach upon comparison with existing literature results for simplified cases (planar surface, single static bubble and single rising bubble). Then, we present preliminary results of the dynamics of a large swarm of bubbles in turbulence. Bubbles are initially fully saturated with a specific chemical species and are introduced into a flow where the species is initially not present. The proposed setup triggers mass transfer from the bubbles to the surrounding turbulent flow. The problem of mass transfer in bubble-laden flows is controlled by three main parameters: the Schmidt number, Sc (momentum to mass diffusivity ratio), the bulk Reynolds number, Reb (inertia to viscous forces ratio), and the Weber number, We (inertia to surface tension forces ratio). In particular, we keep Re and We constant and equal to Reb = 10000 and We = 3100, and we vary Sc (Sc = 1 and Sc = 4). Both qualitative and quantitative results highlight the key influence of Sc on the behaviour of the mass transfer rate, and pave the way for future deeper analysis in the field
Gray and White Matter Networks Predict Mindfulness and Mind Wandering Traits: A Data Fusion Machine Learning Approach
No full textBackground: Mindfulness and mind wandering are cognitive traits central to attentional control and psychological well-being, yet their neural underpinnings are yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to identify structural brain networks comprising gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) that predict individual differences in mindfulness and distinct mind wandering tendencies (deliberate and spontaneous). Methods: Using structural MRI data and self-report measures from 76 participants, we applied an unsupervised data-fusion machine learning technique (parallel independent component analysis) to identify GM and WM networks associated with mindfulness and mind wandering traits. Results: Our analysis revealed several distinct brain networks linked to these cognitive constructs. Specifically, one GM network involving subcortical regions, including the caudate and thalamus, positively predicted mindfulness and deliberate mind wandering, while negatively influencing spontaneous mind wandering through the mediating role of the mindfulness facet “acting with awareness.” In addition, two separate WM networks, predominantly involving frontoparietal and temporal regions, were directly associated with reduced spontaneous mind wandering. Conclusions: These findings advance our current knowledge by demonstrating that specific GM and WM structures are involved in mindfulness and different forms of mind wandering. Our results also show that the “acting with awareness” facet has a mediating effect on spontaneous mind wandering, which provides supporting evidence for attentional and executive control models. These new insights into the neuroanatomical correlates of mindfulness and mind wandering have implications for ongoing research in the growing topic of mindfulness and mind wandering, mindfulness-based interventions, and other clinical applications
EPSAS: Is there another way? An upstream hypothesis. EPSAS: esiste un'altra via? Ipotesi contro corrente
No full textContext. The European governance framework is based on National Accounting (NA), a macroeconomic accounting system. Its outputs are achieved through a complex process that begins with the consolidation of Government Accounts (GA), particularly those of central administrations, and subsequently aggregating those of the other public entities. This process involves two macro-level reclassifications: a formal one, aimed at representing the results of government accounts according to the European System of Accounts (ESA 2010), and a substantive one, which recalculates accounting entries following NA principles. The process is characterized by a statistical component, which becomes even more evident when NA outputs - particularly the public deficit and debt - are compared to their respective Gross Domestic Products, which are also statistic measures. Objective. This article aims to explore a possible solution that allows European governance to be conducted while minimizing the economic and social impacts on the EU Member States. This alternative approach could serve as a substitute for Accrual accounting and the European Public Sector Accounting Standards (EPSAS), currently under review by the European Commission through Eurostat. The main idea is that, since the standardization advocated by EPSAS cannot bypass the statistical component inherent in European surveillance parameters, simpler approach to guiding GA toward Accrual-based measures can be explored. Research methodology. To achieve the research results, this study employs a strictly deductive method within an exploratory approach, aimed at developing working hypotheses subject to empirical validation. Specifically, by arithmetically decomposing and reassembling cash accounting figures, the study finds out some proxy of Accrual accounting outputs. Originality and limitations. This study has not undergone empirical validation, which constitutes an intrinsic limitation that can only be addressed through case studies analysis and, subsequently, quantitative research. Nevertheless, it is innovative both theoretically and practically. From a theoretical perspective, it lays the groundwork for empirical verification of the formulated hypotheses and their refinement. From a practical perspective, if confirmed, the proposed solutions could help overcome the current deadlock in the EPSAS debate, while also avoiding the significant economic and social costs associated with their implementation-costs
Emotional Text Mining. Elementi di metodo e applicazioni
No full textQuesto volume presenta le basi teoriche e metodologiche dell’Emotional Text Mining (ETM), un metodo di profilazione socio-culturale che mira a colmare il divario tra procedure di natural language processing e ricerca sociale. L’idea di fondo è che l’essere umano sia unico e irripetibile, ma al tempo stesso cresca e viva all’interno di un contesto sociale e culturale che ne orienta profondamente il pensiero e le interazioni, contribuendo a dare forma alla struttura sociale. Se una parte dei nostri pensieri è individuale, l’altra è intrinsecamente sociale e dà forma a ciò che diciamo e facciamo. Il metodo, quindi, attraverso l’analisi della comunicazione, individua le strutture simboliche e culturali che organizzano il pensiero e le prassi nei contesti sociali.
Frutto di ricerche e collaborazioni internazionali, il volume presenta un approccio innovativo per estrarre informazioni utili da piccole o grandi quantità di dati testuali, fornendo strumenti per comprendere i processi sociali, orientare le politiche e progettare interventi. Propone, inoltre, una guida operativa all’ETM, con casi di studio e applicazioni nel campo della sociologia