10081 research outputs found
Sort by
Analysis of the long-term subsidence in the urban area of Bologna
Get PDFLand subsidence in urban areas represents a widespread geological hazard and a pressing challenge for modern society.
This research focuses on the subsidence process affecting the city of Bologna (Italy). Since the 1960s, Bologna has experienced ground deformation due to aquifers overexploitation that peaked during the 1970s with rates of 10 cm/year. Despite a general reduction in these rates over the subsequent decades, thanks to groundwater regulations policies, recent data underscore a substantial subsidence resurgence.
To reconstruct the subsurface stratigraphic architecture of Bologna’s urban area and generate a 3D geological model, a multidisciplinary approach centred on a stratigraphic analysis relying on the lithofacies criterion was adopted. The convergence of the analyses within this framework resulted in partitioning the study area into three geological domains exhibiting unique morphological features and depositional stacking patterns.
Subsequently, since long-term data are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of ongoing subsidence, a methodology was developed to generate cumulative ground displacement time series and maps by integrating ground-based and remotely-sensed measurements. While the reconstructed long-term subsidence field consistently aligns with the primary geological variations summarised in the 3D model, the generated cumulative displacement curves systematically match pluriannual trends observed in groundwater level and pumping monitoring data.
Lastly, to evaluate the expression of the observed relationships from a geotechnical perspective, a series of one-dimensional subsidence calculations were conducted considering the mechanical properties of the investigated deposits and piezometric data. These analyses provided valuable insight into the overall mechanical behaviour of the existing soils, as well as the post-pumping groundwater level and pore pressure distributions, consistent with field data.
The methodological approach employed enables a comprehensive analysis of land subsidence in urban areas, allowing the exploration of individual factors governing the deformation process and their interactions, even within complex stratigraphic and hydrogeological environments such as Bologna’s urban area
Microenvironment and therapeutic modulation of myelofibrosis in an experimental mouse model.
Get PDFPrimary myelofibrosis(PMF) is the most severe form of Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms(MPNs), characterized by splenomegaly, extramedullary hematopoiesis and bone marrow(BM) fibrosis, with disease progression to leukemia and low survival. The best therapy currently available includes treatment with a JAK inhibitor(Ruxolitinib), which only ameliorates symptoms. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of the disease is still poorly understood. It has been hypothesized that its progression may be determined by the presence of inflammatory cytokines produced by the bone marrow microenvironment that promote fibrosis. The three aims of this PhD thesis, using the Gata1low mouse model of myelofibrosis, were: 1. Investigate the presence of different cytokines in the bone marrow microenvironment; 2. Test the efficacy of treatment with Reparixin, a CXCR1/2 receptor inhibitor; 3. Test the efficacy of treatment with RB40.34 (P-selectin inhibitor), alone and in combination with Ruxolitinib.
In the first study, we demonstrated by immunohistochemistry(IHC) the presence in the BM of Gata1low mice of elevated levels of CXCL1, and its receptors CXCR1/2, and TGF-β1. Particularly, the cells with higher expression of these cytokines were the megakaryocytes. In the second study, we found that treatment with Reparixin in Gata1low mice showed dose-dependent efficacy in reducing bone marrow and splenic fibrosis. Furthermore, by IHC analysis we demonstrated that the treatment induced a decrease in the expression of TGF-β1. In the third study, we found that treatment with RB40.34 in combination with Ruxolitinib normalizes the phenotype of Gata1low mice, reducing fibrosis and the content of TGF-β and CXCL1 in the bone marrow, and restoring the architecture of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow and spleen. In summary, these data provide preclinical evidence that treatment with Reparixin and RB40.34 in combination with Ruxolitinib are effective on reversing the myelofibrotic trait in the Gata1low mouse model and encourage clinical trials to validate these compounds in human patients with PMF
Exact and heuristic algorithms for the integrated planning of multi-energy systems
Get PDFThe aim of this thesis is to present exact and heuristic algorithms for the integrated planning of multi-energy systems. The idea is to disaggregate the energy system, starting first with its core the Central Energy System, and then to proceed towards the Decentral part. Therefore, a mathematical model for the generation expansion operations to optimize the performance of a Central Energy System system is first proposed. To ensure that the proposed generation operations are compatible with the network, some extensions of the existing network are considered as well. All these decisions are evaluated both from an economic viewpoint and from an environmental perspective, as specific constraints related to greenhouse gases emissions are imposed in the formulation.
Then, the thesis presents an optimization model for solar organic Rankine cycle in the context of transactive energy trading. In this study, the impact that this technology can have on the peer-to-peer trading application in renewable based community microgrids is inspected. Here the consumer becomes a prosumer and engages actively in virtual trading with other prosumers at the distribution system level. Moreover, there is an investigation of how different technological parameters of the solar Organic Rankine Cycle may affect the final solution.
Finally, the thesis introduces a tactical optimization model for the maintenance operations’ scheduling phase of a Combined Heat and Power plant. Specifically, two types of cleaning operations are considered, i.e., online cleaning and offline cleaning. Furthermore, a piecewise linear representation of the electric efficiency variation curve is included. Given the challenge of solving the tactical management model, a heuristic algorithm is proposed. The heuristic works by solving the daily operational production scheduling problem, based on the final consumer’s demand and on the electricity prices. The aggregate information from the operational problem is used to derive maintenance decisions at a tactical level
Adaptable security in the cloud-to-thing continuum
No full textRecent technological advancements have played a key role in seamlessly integrating cloud, edge, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, giving rise to the Cloud-to-Thing Continuum paradigm. This cloud model connects many heterogeneous resources that generate a large amount of data and collaborate to deliver next-generation services. While it has the potential to reshape several application domains, the number of connected entities remarkably broadens the security attack surface. One of the main problems is the lack of security measures to adapt to the dynamic and evolving conditions of the Cloud-To-Thing Continuum.
To address this challenge, this dissertation proposes novel adaptable security mechanisms. Adaptable security is the capability of security controls, systems, and protocols to dynamically adjust to changing conditions and scenarios. However, since the design and development of novel security mechanisms can be explored from different perspectives and levels, we place our attention on threat modeling and access control.
The contributions of the thesis can be summarized as follows. First, we introduce a model-based methodology that secures the design of edge and cyber-physical systems. This solution identifies threats, security controls, and moving target defense techniques based on system features.
Then, we focus on access control management. Since access control policies are subject to modifications, we evaluate how they can be efficiently shared among distributed areas, highlighting the effectiveness of distributed ledger technologies. Furthermore, we propose a risk-based authorization middleware, adjusting permissions based on real-time data, and a federated learning framework that enhances trustworthiness by weighting each client's contributions according to the quality of their partial models.
Finally, since authorization revocation is another critical concern, we present an efficient revocation scheme for verifiable credentials in IoT networks, featuring decentralization, demanding minimum storage and computing capabilities.
All the mechanisms have been evaluated in different conditions, proving their adaptability to the Cloud-to-Thing Continuum landscape
Role of neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of CDKL5 deficiency disorder
Get PDFCyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD), a rare neurodevelopmental disease caused by mutations in the X-linked CDKL5 gene, is characterized by early-onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autistic features. To date, little is known about the etiology of CDD and no therapies are available. When overactivated in response to neuronal damage and genetic or environmental factors, microglia – the brain macrophages – cause damage to neighboring neurons by producing neurotoxic factors and pro-inflammatory molecules. Importantly, overactivated microglia have been described in several neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that active neuroinflammation may account for the compromised neuronal survival and/or brain development observed in these pathologies. Recent evidence shows a subclinical chronic inflammatory status in plasma from CDD patients. However, it is unknown whether a similar inflammatory status is present in the brain of CDD patients and, if so, whether it plays a causative or exacerbating role in the pathophysiology of CDD. Here, we show evidence of a chronic microglia overactivation status in the brain of Cdkl5 KO mice, characterized by alterations in microglial cell number/morphology and increased pro-inflammatory gene expression. We found that the neuroinflammatory process is already present in the postnatal period in Cdkl5 KO mice and worsens during aging. Remarkably, by restoring microglia alterations, treatment with luteolin, a natural anti-inflammatory flavonoid, promotes neuronal survival in the brain of Cdkl5 KO mice since it counteracts hippocampal neuron cell death and protects neurons from NMDA-induced excitotoxic damage. In addition, through the restoration of microglia alterations, luteolin treatment also increases hippocampal neurogenesis and restores dendritic spine maturation and dendritic arborization of hippocampal and cortical pyramidal neurons in Cdkl5 KO mice, leading to improved behavioral performance. These findings highlight new insights into the CDD pathophysiology and provide the first evidence that therapeutic approaches aimed at counteracting neuroinflammation could be beneficial in CDD
The war criminality underlying the partial transfer of the civilian population of and/or by an occupying power into an occupied territory – a case study of occupied/colonised Palestine
Get PDFThe first introductory chapter recounts the drafting history of the sixth paragraph of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention and authoritatively interprets it concerning the prohibition against deporting or transferring parts of the civilian population of and/or by an Occupying Power into an occupied territory. The second chapter reifies the war crime underpinning the deportation and transfer of parts of the civilian population of and/or by an Occupying Power into an occupied territory. The third chapter is divided into two sections. The first section begins with a depiction of four violations of the laws and customs of war that amount to war crimes: (i) extensive destruction of property without military necessity (ii) extensive appropriation of property likewise without military necessity (iii) unlawful requisitions in kind or services and (iv) pillage. The second section aims to answer the question as to whether, under what conditions, and to what extent, was the war crime of deporting or transferring parts of the occupant’s civilian population into occupied/colonised Palestine preceded by or accompanied by one or more of the four war crimes being investigated. Through the fourth chapter, the forms of individual criminal responsibility are explored. The penultimate chapter unearths the individual criminal responsibility for the war crime of the partial transfer of the civilian population of/by the Occupying Power into occupied/colonised Palestine and the preceding or accompanying war crimes under consideration. The final chapter broaches the international law of immunity
Internet of data: fundamental rights in the context of the IoE and big data
Get PDFSharing genomic data for research purposes can benefit both the individual as well as society as a whole. Genomic data is however also sensitive data and as such needs to be protected. Responsible sharing of genomic data for research purposes therefore requires careful balancing between the potential benefits and risks
The generazione dell'Ottanta and France. Exchanges in the Italian and French music press between 1900 and 1920
Get PDFQuesta ricerca si concentra sul rapporto tra i compositori della "generazione dell'Ottanta" e la Francia durante i primi due decenni del XX secolo. Gli aspetti musicali sono analizzati nel contesto delle relazioni culturali e politiche tra i due Paesi.
La ricerca si articola in tre parti. La prima parte ripercorre la ricezione italiana della musica francese da Debussy a Ravel, evidenziando giudizi e contraddizioni ricorrenti e collocando il dibattito all'interno delle discussioni critiche ed estetiche dell'epoca.This research focuses on the relationship between the composers of the 'generazione dell'Ottanta' and France during the first two decades of the twentieth century. Musical aspects are analyzed in the context of the cultural and political relations between the two countries.
The research is divided into three parts. The first part traces the Italian reception of French music from Debussy to Ravel, highlighting recurrent judgments and contradictions, and situating the debate within the critical and aesthetic discussions of the time.
The second part explores previously unpublished aspects of the biographies of the composers of the 'generazione dell'Ottanta' to illuminate their personal relationships with France and French culture.
Finally, the third part analyzes the reception of the music by the composers of the 'generazione dell'Ottanta' in France, demonstrating how their music contributed to redefining the identity of Italian music among French critics and highlighting the influence of political events on the reception of Italian music
The legal framework of abnormal insider loans in limited companies: systemisation and practical effects
Get PDFDal 2003 ad oggi, le regole di postergazione del rimborso del finanziamento concesso in favore di società a responsabilità limitata e società eterodiretta sono state oggetto di svariate interpretazioni e hanno visto mutare al contempo i propri referenti normativi. Nel presente lavoro, si tenta di portare alla luce l’originaria volontà del legislatore per verificare la possibilità di applicare tali regole a società diverse, tenendo conto delle evoluzioni normative e sociali nel frattempo registratesi all’interno dell’ordinamento.From 2003 to the present, the rules of subordination of the repayment of the loan granted in favor of limited liability companies and subsidiary companies have been subject to a variety of interpretations, at the same time facing changes in the regulations to which they were connected. The paper attempts to bring to light the original will of the legislator to verify the possibility of applying these rules to different companies, taking into account the regulatory and social developments that have since occurred in the legal system
Exploiting molecular simulations as an atomic-level microscope to elucidate clinically relevant cation chloride cotransporters
Get PDFThe cation chloride cotransporters (CCCs) represent a vital family of ion transporters, with several members implicated in significant neurological disorders. Specifically, conditions such as cerebrospinal fluid accumulation, epilepsy, Down’s syndrome, Asperger’s syndrome, and certain cancers have been attributed to various CCCs. This thesis delves into these pharmacological targets using advanced computational methodologies. I primarily employed GPU-accelerated all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, deep learning-based collective variables, enhanced sampling methods, and custom Python scripts for comprehensive simulation analyses. Our research predominantly centered on KCC1 and NKCC1 transporters. For KCC1, I examined its equilibrium dynamics in the presence/absence of an inhibitor and assessed the functional implications of different ion loading states. In contrast, our work on NKCC1 revealed its unique alternating access mechanism, termed the rocking-bundle mechanism. I identified a previously unobserved occluded state and demonstrated the transporter's potential for water permeability under specific conditions. Furthermore, I confirmed the actual water flow through its permeable states. In essence, this thesis leverages cutting-edge computational techniques to deepen our understanding of the CCCs, a family of ion transporters with profound clinical significance