Water-Tight IoT–Just Add Security

The security of IoT-based digital solutions is a critical concern in the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. These solutions are increasingly being used to support the interoperability of critical infrastructure, such as in the water and energy sectors, and their security is essential to ensure the continued reliability and integrity of these systems. However, as our research demonstrates, many digital solutions still lack basic security mechanisms and are vulnerable to attacks that can compromise their functionality. In this paper, we examine the security risks associated with IoT-based digital solutions for critical infrastructure in the water sector, and refer to a set of good practices for ensuring their security. In particular, we analyze the risks associated with digital solutions not directly connected with the IT system of a water utility. We show that they can still be leveraged by attackers to trick operators into making wrong operational decisions.publishedVersio

Protection of Water Distribution Networks against Cyber and Physical Threats: The STOP-IT Approach Demonstrated in a Case Study

Water critical infrastructures are undergoing a process of digital transformation that entails an increasing integration between the physical and cyber layers of the system. This integration brings efficiency and monitoring advantages, but it also exposes water systems to a new threat surface that includes cyberattacks. Formed in 2017, STOP-IT is Europe’s first project dedicated to developing cyber-physical security solutions tailored to the water sector. During the 4 years of collaboration, the STOP-IT team has codeveloped an extensive list of technologies that integrates cyber and physical layers of infrastructure, allowing water utilities to prevent, detect, assess, and treat risks, as well as simulate scenarios of attacks and explore how to react to increase preparedness. This article first introduces the overall aim and main outcomes of the STOP-IT project and then focuses on the risk management integrated framework composed of modeling solutions developed to help water utilities identify vulnerabilities and protect critical parts of their systems. The solutions are presented along with the results from the demonstration activities performed by a selected water utility concerning three risk scenarios that were assessed through the mentioned integrated framework.publishedVersio

A Risk-Based Approach in Rehabilitation of Water Distribution Networks

A risk-based approach to support water utilities in terms of defining pipe rehabilitation priorities is presented. In a risk analysis in the risk management process, the probability that a given event will happen and the consequences if it does happen have to be estimated and combined. In the quantitative risk analysis, numerical values are assigned to both consequence and probability. In this study, the risk event addressed was the inability to supply water due to pipe breaks. Therefore, on the probability side, the probability of pipes breaking was assessed, and on the consequence side, the reduced ability to satisfy the water demand (hydraulic reliability) due to pipe breakage was computed. Random Forest analysis was implemented for the probability side, while the Asset Vulnerability Analysis Toolkit was used to analyse the network’s hydraulic reliability. Pipes could then be ranked based on the corresponding risk magnitude, thereby feeding a risk evaluation step; at this step, decisions are made concerning which risks need treatment, and also concerning the treatment priorities, i.e., rehabilitation priorities. The water distribution network of Trondheim, Norway, was used as a case study area, and this study illustrates how the developed method aids the development of a risk-based rehabilitation plan.publishedVersio

Evaluating the stormwater management model for hydrological simulation of infiltration swales in cold climates

The Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) is a widely used tool for assessing the hydrological performance of infiltration swales. However, validating the accuracy of SWMM simulation against observed data has been challenging, primarily because well-functioning infiltration swales rarely produce surface runoff, especially over short monitoring periods. This study addresses this challenge by using measured subsurface water storage levels for calibration and validation. The study evaluated three SWMM modules, namely, the snowpack, aquifer, and low-impact development (LID) modules, to simulate subsurface water storage levels of an infiltration swale located in a cold climate region during snow and snow-free periods. Global sensitivity analysis was used to identify influential parameters within these modules. The findings revealed that only a few parameters significantly influenced model outputs. Moreover, the aquifer module outperformed the LID module in simulating subsurface water storage due to limitations in setting the initial saturation of the LID module. Furthermore, simulation accuracy was better during snow-free periods due to challenges in simulating snow dynamics during snow periods with the snowpack module. The calibrated models offer valuable insights into the long-term hydrological performance of infiltration swales, enabling practitioners to identify events that trigger flooding in these systems.publishedVersio

Evidence that chronic hypoxia causes reversible impairment on male fertility

Aim: To evaluate the effect of chronic hypoxia on human spermatogenic parameters and their recovery time. Methods: Seminological parameters of six male healthy mountain trekkers were evaluated in normoxia at sea level. After 26 days exposure to altitude (ranging from 2 000 m to 5 600 m, Karakorum Expedition) the same parameters were again evaluated after returning to sea level. These parameters were once again evaluated after 1 month and then again after 6 months. Results: Sperm count was found to be lower immediately after returning to sea level (P = 0.0004) and again after a month (P = 0.0008). Normal levels were reached after 6 months. Spermatic motility (%) shows no reduction immediately after returning to sea level (P = 0.0583), whereas after 1 month this reduction was significant (P = 0.0066). After 6 months there was a recovery to pre-hypoxic exposure values. Abnormal or immature spermatozoa (%) increased immediately after returning to sea level (P = 0.0067) and then again after 1 month (P = 0.0004). After 6 months there was a complete recovery to initial values. The total number of motile sperm in the ejaculate was found to be lower immediately after returning to sea level (P = 0.0024) and then again after 1 month (P = 0.0021). After 6 months there was a recovery to pre-hypoxic exposure values. Conclusion: Chronic hypoxia induces a state of oligospermia and the normalization of such seminological parameters at the restoration of previous normoxic conditions after 6 months indicate the influence of oxygen supply in physiological mechanisms of spermatogenesis and male fertility. (Asian J Androl 2008 Jul; 10: 602–606

Involvement of GTA protein NC2β in Neuroblastoma pathogenesis suggests that it physiologically participates in the regulation of cell proliferation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The General Transcription Apparatus (GTA) comprises more than one hundred proteins, including RNA Polymerases, GTFs, TAFs, Mediator, and cofactors such as heterodimeric NC2. This complexity contrasts with the simple mechanical role that these proteins are believed to perform and suggests a still uncharacterized participation to important biological functions, such as the control of cell proliferation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>To verify our hypothesis, we analyzed the involvement in Neuroblastoma (NB) pathogenesis of GTA genes localized at 1p, one of NB critical regions: through RT-PCR of fifty eight NB biopsies, we demonstrated the statistically significant reduction of the mRNA for NC2β (localized at 1p22.1) in 74% of samples (p = 0.0039). Transcripts from TAF13 and TAF12 (mapping at 1p13.3 and 1p35.3, respectively) were also reduced, whereas we didn't detect any quantitative alteration of the mRNAs from GTF2B and NC2α (localized at 1p22-p21 and 11q13.3, respectively). We confirmed these data by comparing tumour and constitutional DNA: most NB samples with diminished levels of NC2β mRNA had also genomic deletions at the corresponding locus.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our data show that NC2β is specifically involved in NB pathogenesis and may be considered a new NB biomarker: accordingly, we suggest that NC2β, and possibly other GTA members, are physiologically involved in the control of cell proliferation. Finally, our studies unearth complex selective mechanisms within NB cells.</p

Teaching and learning key concepts of Community Psychology by means of Photovoice

Undergraduate students, coming from School of Psychology and School of Political Sciences of University of Florence, have deepened during their course key concepts in Community Psychology, working particularly on topics that are at present particularly relevant for civic life in our country, as injustice and – on the other side –social inclusion and feelings of belonging. Helped by their tutors, they have learned how to use Photovoice for expressing opinions and reflections about these subjects. They produced impressive videos and photo-reports that were able to represent youth thinking about these topics and that have been used to communicate the meaning of community psychology approach to other students of the schools. Creative methods in learning and teaching, so, may help a better understanding of community problems and may build a cohesive group among undergraduate students, even coming from different academic tracks and from different experiences

Ultrastructural modifications and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase expression and activity in myocardial tissue deriving from rats in different experimental conditions

Oxygen supply is essential in the maintenance of the physiological cell metabolism. In fact, both lower and higher O2 concentrations induce modifications of the enzymatic activity of the cell which determine, in turn, morphological changes at nuclear and cytoplasmic level. Among the molecules involved in the maintenance of the cellular homeostasis, the signal transduction pathway PI-3-kinase/AKT-1 should be included. Here we suggest a relationship between the modulation of this pathway and the morphological modifications occurring "in vivo" in myocardial tissue upon hypoxic and hyperoxic stress. In particular, down regulation of this pathway, which when activated is known to deliver an anti-apoptotic signal, is concomitant to the maintenance of the apoptotic events occurring in these cells in response to oxidative stresses

A Cyber-Physical All-Hazard Risk Management Approach: The Case of the Wastewater Treatment Plant of Copenhagen

The ongoing digitalization of critical infrastructures enables more efficient processes, but also comes with new challenges related to potential cyber-physical attacks or incidents. To manage their associated risk, a precise and systematic framework should be adopted. This paper describes a general methodology that is consistent with the Risk Management ISO (31000-2018) and builds on specific tools developed within the H2020 digital-water.city (DWC) project. The approach has been demonstrated for a digital solution of the DWC project that allows to visualize inflow predictions for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in the city of Copenhagen. Specifically, the risk assessment and risk treatment steps are demonstrated in the case of the spoofing of the web interface where misleading forecast data may turn into fallacious maintenance schedules for the operators. The adopted methodology applied to the selected use case led to the identification of convenient measures for risk mitigation