TECNOLOGIA E APPLICAZIONI DEI SISTEMI DI VIDEOCONFERENZA

Tesi riguardante la videoconferenza. Si parla di desktop videoconference, cioè di videoconferenza su scrivania quella che si può effettuare con il proprio PC. Ho elencato quali siano i vantaggi di tale comunicazione, quali siano le specifiche e gli standard trasmissivi, in particolare H.320 e H.323, e le codifiche utilizzate. Mi sono quindi interessato delle tecnologie di trasmissione su IP in particolare della tecnologia MULTICAST. Ho effettuato delle prove di Videoconferenza con tre software diversi per valutare sia le prestazioni della rete che dei software stessi

Stand structure attributes in potential Old-Growth Forests in the Apennines, Italy

The aim of this paper is to provide early feedback on stand structure attributes in Italian Apennines forests that could be considered Old Growth Forests in the Mediterranean Eco-Region. Few data are nowadays available relating to this Region. 10 forest reserves across the Apennines were selected and a census of trees and structural parameters was conducted in permanent plots (0.16-1.0 ha), one plot for each selected forest stand. Dimensional and structural characters indicate a large variability among the investigated forest stands. The considered parameters are compared with those reported for other European countries. Old growth features and characteristics of each indicator should be revised and referred to the particular climatic and biogeographic context. The chosen forest study sites are to be considered old if related to common Apennine stands but, in some cases, their development stage is not so close to “truly” Old Growth Forest. Permanent plots allow future investigations on dynamic processes leading to real Old Growth Mediterranean Forests in Italian Apennines

L'impianto, la gestione e la valorizzazione multifunzionale dei boschi periurbani

I boschi periurbani, come tutti gli spazi verdi prossimi agli agglomerati urbani, migliorano le condizioni ambientali e la qualit\ue0 dell'aria, contribuiscono alla conservazione della biodiversit\ue0, possono favorire l'aggregazione sociale. I boschi prossimi ai centri urbani rivestono inoltre un ruolo importante dal punto di vista paesaggistico e turistico e contribuiscono a contrastare i cambiamenti climatici. Questa pubblicazione, redatta con il supporto tecnico-scientifico dell'Accademia italiana di scienze forestali di Firenze, si propone di fornire linee guida per la progettazione, la realizzazione e la gestione dei boschi periurbani e delle fasce verdi nelle aree prossime agli agglomerati urbani ed agli insediamenti industriali

Using C. elegans to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders

Prova tipográfica (uncorrected proof)Neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, intellectual disability (ID), and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) occur in over 2 % of the population, as the result of genetic mutations, environmental factors, or combination of both. In the last years, use of large-scale genomic techniques allowed important advances in the identification of genes/loci associated with these disorders. Nevertheless, following association of novel genes with a given disease, interpretation of findings is often difficult due to lack of information on gene function and effect of a given mutation in the corresponding protein. This brings the need to validate genetic associations from a functional perspective in model systems in a relatively fast but effective manner. In this context, the small nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, presents a good compromise between the simplicity of cell models and the complexity of rodent nervous systems. In this article, we review the features that make C. elegans a good model for the study of neurodevelopmental diseases. We discuss its nervous system architecture and function as well as the molecular basis of behaviors that seem important in the context of different neurodevelopmental disorders. We review methodologies used to assess memory, learning, and social behavior as well as susceptibility to seizures in this organism. We will also discuss technological progresses applied in C. elegans neurobiology research, such as use of microfluidics and optogenetic tools. Finally, we will present some interesting examples of the functional analysis of genes associated with human neurodevelopmental disorders and how we can move from genes to therapies using this simple model organism.The authors would like to acknowledge Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) (PTDC/SAU-GMG/112577/2009). AJR and CB are recipients of FCT fellowships: SFRH/BPD/33611/2009 and SFRH/BPD/74452/2010, respectively