The megalithic building of S.Erasmo di Cesi: architecture, astronomy, and landscape

Abstract. One of the most enigmatic megalithic buildings of Italy is the structure which lies on the S. Erasmo hill near Cesi, in Umbria, a huge complex encompassing an area of around 8000 square meters and enclosed by refined cyclopean walls. Although its date is uncertain, suggested dates comprise the Iron Age and archaic period, down to the third century B.C. The building’s function is also uncertain. Usually identified as a fortified structure, in fact there is a megalithic platform at the southern end of the enclosure which could have served as foundation of a temple or palace and, from the top of Monte Torre Maggiore, a complex of temples dating from the fourth century B.C. overlooks the hill. Similar combinations of megalithic buildings resting half-way to temples placed on high peaks are known to exist. In order to clarify the function of this structure and its position in relation to the surrounding landscape, with particular attention to its visibility and to the directions of visibility from the complex, as well as to the possible astronomical alignments, we present a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of the S. Erasmo complex, which includes the mapping of the sky at the various possible epochs of construction, the creation of a digital model of the landscape in forms of digital maps using Geographic Information System technologies, and a 3D model using various 3D software packages

A model-based approach for vulnerability analysis of IoT security protocols: The Z-Wave case study

IoT (Internet of Things) devices are extensively used in security-critical services, as for example home door opening, gas monitoring, alarm systems, etc. Often, they use communication protocols with no standardisation and no security guarantee. Unsecured use of connected devices can cause threats or damages to the users, so security assurance, which can be ensured by the use of formal methods, must be guaranteed. Unfortunately practical usage of formal methods during the protocol design is very limited or missing at all. To address the problem of providing the designer with a user-friendly but rigorous design approach based on the use of formal methods, supporting security assurance already at the model level, but hiding the complexity of formal notations and verification techniques, in this paper we propose an approach, based on the Abstract State Machine formal method, for the specification and verification of security protocols. Specifically, we introduce a set of built-in primitives to model communication protocols and their security properties. Security verification can be carried out under the hypothesis of either a passive or an active attacker. The effectiveness of this approach is shown by means of its application to the Z-Wave protocol, claimed to be one of the most secure protocol for IoT devices communication thanks to the addition of the S2 Security class. We show the formal specification of the Z-Wave protocol and the security verification process

Expression of luteal estrogen receptor, interleukin-1, and apoptosis-associated genes after PGF2α administration in rabbits at different stages of pseudopregnancy

The dynamic expression for estrogen receptor subtype-1 (ESR1), interleukin-1beta (IL1B), and apoptosis-associated genes, as well as nitric oxide synthase activity, were examined in corpora lutea (CL) of rabbits after prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) administration on either day 4 or day 9 of pseudopregnancy. By reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, the steady-state level of ESR1 transcript was lower (P < 0.01) and that of anti-apoptotic B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) -like 1 (BCL2L1) was greater in day 4 (P < 0.01) than in day 9 CL. Western blot analysis revealed that BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) abundance was greater in day 4 (P < 0.01) than in day 9 CL, whereas BCL2L1 protein was undetectable at both luteal stages. After PGF(2alpha), ESR1 transcript decreased (P < 0.01) in day 9 CL, whereas IL1B mRNA showed a transitory increase (P < 0.01) at both stages. The pro-apoptotic tumor protein p53 (TP53) gene had diminished (P < 0.01) on day 4 and on day 9 after a transitory increase (P < 0.01), whereas the BAX/BCL2L1 expression ratio increased (P < 0.01) in day 9 CL 24 h after treatment. Following PGF(2alpha), TP53 protein increased (P < 0.01) at both luteal stages, and BAX decreased (P < 0.01) in day 4 CL but increased (P < 0.01) 24 h later in day 9 CL; BCL2L1 became detectable 6 h later in day 4 CL. Nitric oxide synthase activity temporarily increased (P < 0.01) following PGF(2alpha). These findings suggest that PGF(2alpha) regulates luteolysis by ESR1 mRNA down-regulation and modulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic pathways in CL that have acquired a luteolytic capacity

Hybrid cellulose–Basalt polypropylene composites with enhanced compatibility. The role of coupling agent

This study deals with the development and optimization of hybrid composites integrating microcrystalline cellulose and short basalt fibers in a polypropylene (PP) matrix to maximize the mechanical properties of resulting composites. To this aim, the effects of two different coupling agents, endowed with maleic anhydride (MA-g(grafted)-PP) and acrylic acid (AA-g-PP) functionalities, on the composite properties were investigated as a function of their amount. Tensile, flexural, impact and heat deflection temperature tests highlighted the lower reactivity and effectiveness of AA-g-PP, regardless of reinforcement type. Hybrid formulations with basalt/cellulose (15/15) and with 5 wt. % of MA-g-PP displayed remarkable increases in tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus, and notched Charpy impact strength, of 45% and 284%, 97% and 263%, and 13%, in comparison with neat PP, respectively. At the same time, the thermo-mechanical stability was enhanced by 65% compared to neat PP. The results of this study, if compared with the ones available in the literature, reveal the ability of such a combination of reinforcements to provide materials suitable for automotive applications with environmental benefits

Understanding torquetenovirus (TTV) as an immune marker

Torquetenovirus (TTV), a small, single stranded anellovirus, is currently being explored as a marker of immunocompetence in patients with immunological impairment and inflammatory disorders. TTV has an extremely high prevalence and is regarded as a part of the human virome, the replication of which is controlled by a functioning immune system. The viral load of TTV in plasma of individuals is thought to reflect the degree of immunosuppression. Measuring and quantifying this viral load is especially promising in organ transplantation, as many studies have shown a strong correlation between high TTV loads and increased risk of infection on one side, and low TTV loads and an increased risk of rejection on the other side. As clinical studies are underway, investigating if TTV viral load measurement is superior for gauging antirejection therapy compared to medication-levels, some aspects nevertheless have to be considered. In contrast with medication levels, TTV loads have to be interpreted bearing in mind that viruses have properties including transmission, tropism, genotypes and mutations. This narrative review describes the potential pitfalls of TTV measurement in the follow-up of solid organ transplant recipients and addresses the questions which remain to be answered.</p

Chemical regeneration of thermally conditioned basalt fibres

The disposal of fibre reinforced composite materials is a problem widely debated in the literature. This work explores the ability to restore the mechanical properties of thermally conditioned basalt fibres through chemical treatments. Inorganic acid (HF) and alkaline (NaOH) treatments proved to be effective in regenerating the mechanical strength of recycled basalt fibres, with up to 94% recovery of the strength on treatment with NaOH. In particular, HF treatment proved to be less effective compared to NaOH, therefore pointing towards a more environmentally sustainable approach considering the disposal issues linked to the use of HF. Moreover, the strength regeneration was found to be dependent on the level of temperature experienced during the thermal treatment process, with decreasing effectiveness as a function of increasing temperature. SEM analysis of the fibres' lateral surfaces suggests that surface defects removal induced by the etching reaction is the mechanism controlling recovery of fibre mechanical properties. In addition, studies on the fracture toughness of the regenerated single fibres were carried out, using focussed ion beam (FIB) milling technique, to investigate whether any structural change in the bulk fibre occurred after thermal exposure and chemical regeneration. A significant increase in the fracture toughness for the regenerated fibres, in comparison with the as-received and heat-treated basalt ones, was measured

A process model of the formation of spatial presence experiences

In order to bridge interdisciplinary differences in Presence research and to establish connections between Presence and “older” concepts of psychology and communication, a theoretical model of the formation of Spatial Presence is proposed. It is applicable to the exposure to different media and intended to unify the existing efforts to develop a theory of Presence. The model includes assumptions about attention allocation, mental models, and involvement, and considers the role of media factors and user characteristics as well, thus incorporating much previous work. It is argued that a commonly accepted model of Spatial Presence is the only solution to secure further progress within the international, interdisciplinary and multiple-paradigm community of Presence research

Acquisition of L2 morphology by adult language learners

Learning a new language requires the acquisition of morphological units that enable the fluent use of words in different grammatical contexts. While accumulating research has elucidated the neural processing of native morphology, much less is known about how second-language (L2) learners acquire and process morphology in their L2. To address this question, we presented native speakers as well as beginning and advanced learners of Finnish with spoken (1) derived words, (2) inflected words, (3) novel derivations (novel combinations of existing stem + suffix), and (4) pseudo-suffixed words (existing stem + pseudo-suffix) in a passive listening EEG experiment. An early (60 msec after suffix deviation point) positive ERP response showed no difference between inflections and derivations, suggesting similar early parsing of these complex words. At 130 msec, derivations elicited a lexical ERP pattern of full-form memory-trace activation, present in the L2 beginners and advanced speakers to different degrees, implying a shift from lexical processing to more dual parsing and lexical activation of the complex forms with increasing proficiency. Pseudo-suffixed words produced a syntactic pattern in a later, 170 240 msec time-window, exhibiting enhanced ERPs compared to well-formed inflections, indicating second-pass syntactic parsing. Overall, the L2 learners demonstrated a gradual effect of proficiency towards L1-like responses. Advanced L2 learners seem to have developed memory traces for derivations and their neurolinguistic system is capable of early automatic parsing. This suggests that advanced learners have already developed sensitivity to morphological information, while such knowledge is weak in beginners. Discrepancies in ERP dynamics and topographies indicate partially differing recruitment of the language network in L1 and L2. In beginners, response differences between existing and novel morphology were scarce, implying that representations for complex forms are not yet well-established. The results suggest successful development of brain mechanisms for automatic processing of L2 morphology, capable of gradually attaining L1-like functionality with increasing proficiency. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer reviewe

Riparian Forests as Nature-Based Solutions within the Mediterranean Context: A Biophysical and Economic Assessment for the Koiliaris River Watershed (Crete, Greece)

The Mediterranean Basin is severely impacted by anthropogenic changes affecting both natural ecosystems and human livelihoods. The region is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, with floods being considered the most important, due both to their frequency and impacts. Koiliaris watershed (northwest of Crete Island, Greece) represents a relevant case study as past land-use changes via deforestation and intense cultivation practices induce soil organic matter losses, making soils susceptible to water erosion and desertification. The restoration of native riparian forests has been identified as the most effective nature-based solution (NBS) for the area. Through modeling, our study assessed the effectiveness of this NBS in addressing flood risk and erosion while providing additional ecosystem services (carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation). A cost–benefit analysis has been then implemented to also investigate the sustainability of the investment from an economic point of view. Our results show the NBS would be successful in ensuring a better flow of targeted ecosystem services compared to the business-as-usual conditions. The associated investment would result in economic sustainability and associated costs would be paid back in five years. Though site-specific, our study provides lessons learned for dealing with future land-restoration challenges in the Mediterranean to cope with climate change-related challenges