A Minimum problem for finite sets of real numbers with non-negative sum

Let $n$ and $r$ be two integers such that $0 < r \le n$; we denote by $\gamma(n,r)$ [$\eta(n,r)$] the minimum [maximum] number of the non-negative partial sums of a sum $\sum_{1=1}^n a_i \ge 0$, where $a_1, \cdots, a_n$ are $n$ real numbers arbitrarily chosen in such a way that $r$ of them are non-negative and the remaining $n-r$ are negative. Inspired by some interesting extremal combinatorial sum problems raised by Manickam, Mikl\"os and Singhi in 1987 \cite{ManMik87} and 1988 \cite{ManSin88} we study the following two problems: \noindent$(P1)$ {\it which are the values of $\gamma(n,r)$ and $\eta(n,r)$ for each $n$ and $r$, $0 < r \le n$?} \noindent$(P2)$ {\it if $q$ is an integer such that $\gamma(n,r) \le q \le \eta(n,r)$, can we find $n$ real numbers $a_1, \cdots, a_n$, such that $r$ of them are non-negative and the remaining $n-r$ are negative with $\sum_{1=1}^n a_i \ge 0$, such that the number of the non-negative sums formed from these numbers is exactly $q$?} \noindent We prove that the solution of the problem $(P1)$ is given by $\gamma(n,r) = 2^{n-1}$ and $\eta(n,r) = 2^n - 2^{n-r}$. We provide a partial result of the latter problem showing that the answer is affirmative for the weighted boolean maps. With respect to the problem $(P2)$ such maps (that we will introduce in the present paper) can be considered a generalization of the multisets $a_1, \cdots, a_n$ with $\sum_{1=1}^n a_i \ge 0$. More precisely we prove that for each $q$ such that $\gamma(n,r) \le q \le \eta(n,r)$ there exists a weighted boolean map having exactly $q$ positive boolean values.Comment: 15 page

Binding of anisotropic curvature-inducing proteins onto membrane tubes

Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs superfamily proteins and other curvature-inducing proteins have anisotropic shapes and anisotropically bend biomembrane. Here, we report how the anisotropic proteins bind the membrane tube and are orientationally ordered using mean-field theory including an orientation-dependent excluded volume. The proteins exhibit a second-order or first-order nematic transition with increasing protein density depending on the radius of the membrane tube. The tube curvatures for the maximum protein binding and orientational order are different and varied by the protein density and rigidity. As the external force along the tube axis increases, a first-order transition from a large tube radius with low protein density to a small radius with high density occurs once, and subsequently, the protein orientation tilts to the tube-axis direction. When an isotropic bending energy is used for the proteins with an elliptic shape, the force-dependence curves become symmetric and the first-order transition occurs twice. This theory quantitatively reproduces the results of meshless membrane simulation for short proteins, whereas deviations are seen for long proteins owing to the formation of protein clusters.Comment: 11 pages, 13 figure

Out-of-equilibrium mechanochemistry and self-organization of fluid membranes interacting with curved proteins

The function of biological membranes is controlled by the interaction of the fluid lipid bilayer with various proteins, some of which induce or react to curvature. These proteins can preferentially bind or diffuse towards curved regions of the membrane, induce or stabilize membrane curvature and sequester membrane area into protein-rich curved domains. The resulting tight interplay between mechanics and chemistry is thought to control organelle morphogenesis and dynamics, including traffic, membrane mechanotransduction, or membrane area regulation and tension buffering. Despite all these processes are fundamentally dynamical, previous work has largely focused on equilibrium and a self-consistent theoretical treatment of the dynamics of curvature sensing and generation has been lacking. Here, we develop a general theoretical and computational framework based on a nonlinear Onsager’s formalism of irreversible thermodynamics for the dynamics of curved proteins and membranes. We develop variants of the model, one of which accounts for membrane curving by asymmetric crowding of bulky off-membrane protein domains. As illustrated by a selection of test cases, the resulting governing equations and numerical simulations provide a foundation to understand the dynamics of curvature sensing, curvature generation, and more generally membrane curvature mechano-chemistry.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

La comunicazione della patologia fetale. Il punto di vista della donna, del medico e dell’équipe

La comunicazione della patologia fetale riveste una serie di significati con implicazioni psicologiche e sociali importanti che richiedono al medico capacità comunicativa, attitudine alla comprensione della paziente e delle dinamiche istituzionali. La donna: la patologia ostetrica è una crisi dentro la crisi. Nella patologia ostetrica le aspettative di vivere la nuova condizione di madre e di sentirsi più compiutamente famiglia vengono frustrate e tradite. In seguito alla diagnosi di patologia, alla perdita del bambino immaginario può seguire la perdita del bambino reale. Nel caso in cui la coppia decida di proseguire la gravidanza, il sentimento di lutto può prolungarsi per tutta la vita. Il medico: dal momento della prima diagnosi per la donna inizia l’elaborazione del lutto. Anche il medico che comunica la diagnosi vive questo momento con disagio. Inoltre, il medico sente il disagio dell’incertezza: l’incertezza può essere accolta e ascoltata. Raramente in questa situazione è possibile comunicare in modo efficace le informazioni necessarie. È importante comunicare gradualmente e dedicare un secondo incontro alle richieste di spiegazioni. L’équipe: è importante che gli operatori possano condividere questa esperienza all’interno dell’equipe. L’equipe che si occupa di diagnosi prenatale dovrebbe essere composta da persone che hanno scelto liberamente di occuparsi di questo aspetto della medicina. L’equipe diviene un contenitore per le emozioni estreme delle pazienti e degli operatori

effect of temperature on production of ochratoxin a by aspergillus niger in orange juice

This challenging study was carried out to evaluate the temporal production of ochratoxin A (OTA) byAspergillus nigerATCC 16404 and wild typeA. nigerAM at different temperatures in fresh squeezed orange juice (Citrus sinensis[L.] Osbeck cv Tarocco). Each strain, inoculated into the filtered orange juice, was incubated at 4°C, 20°C, and 26°C for 28 days. In the juice, at 26°C and 20°C, the concentration ofA. nigerATCC 16404 increased by more than 2 log10up to the 21st day. At 4°C it remained constant. The microbial load ofA. nigerAM decreased at all temperatures. At 26°C, the maximum OTA accumulation found was 3.44 ng/mL on the 21st day forA. nigerATCC 16404 and 8. 44 ng/mL on the 7th day forA. nigerAM. The OTA synthesis seemed to be an intrinsic strain-dependent mechanism.A. nigerATCC 16404 produced OTA in accordance with the higher temperatures and the biomass concentrations, whereasA. nigerAM produced the toxin at all temperatures regardless of its biomass. These results showed that fresh orange juice contaminated withAspergillus nigeraggregate strains may contain OTA levels

Electromagnetic Fields, Oxidative Stress, and Neurodegeneration

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) originating both from both natural and manmade sources permeate our environment. As people are continuously exposed to EMFs in everyday life, it is a matter of great debate whether they can be harmful to human health. On the basis of two decades of epidemiological studies, an increased risk for childhood leukemia associated with Extremely Low Frequency fields has been consistently assessed, inducing the International Agency for Research on Cancer to insert them in the 2B section of carcinogens in 2001. EMFs interaction with biological systems may cause oxidative stress under certain circumstances. Since free radicals are essential for brain physiological processes and pathological degeneration, research focusing on the possible influence of the EMFs-driven oxidative stress is still in progress, especially in the light of recent studies suggesting that EMFs may contribute to the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders. This review synthesizes the emerging evidences about this topic, highlighting the wide data uncertainty that still characterizes the EMFs effect on oxidative stress modulation, as both pro-oxidant and neuroprotective effects have been documented. Care should be taken to avoid methodological limitations and to determine the patho-physiological relevance of any alteration found in EMFs-exposed biological system

The circular design for a school in conditioned Quercus cerris hardwood glulam

[EN] The Design for Sustainability of building processes and products is closely connected to Design for Adaptability, to Design for Disassembling and Design for Recycling, in a global perspective of Circular Economy that has at his centre the enhancement of renewable resources in specific environmental contexts, economic, social and cultural. This contribution is part of a research aimed at validating experiences already made in the direction of pre-competitive development, also with the purpose of patenting process and products, with a Cerro Lucano supply chain that could constitute an important environmental protection factor, for social equity and economic development. In a series of previous researches, the application of this new material was hypothesized both in the field of conservation and refurbishment of building heritage, and for new ways of designing new buildings, even of considerable height. In this contribution it refers to its application to the design of a new nZEB school complex in Rionero in Vulture (Potenza), according to the principles of circular design.Thanks to prof. Felice C. Ponzo, Director and Scientific Manager of the Materials and Structures Test Laboratory (SisLab, SI-Unibas), for having allowed its use to perform the necessary tests on the model developed, and for the help provided in studying the structural aspects and the assessment of seismic vulnerability. Thanks also goes to PhD. Eng. Antonio Di Cesare, Researcher at SisLab, for the consultancy he gave on the design and calculation of the building’s earthquake-resistant system.Marino, FPR.; Lembo, F.; Di Lucchio, C. (2021). The circular design for a school in conditioned Quercus cerris hardwood glulam. VITRUVIO - International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability. 6(1):72-91. https://doi.org/10.4995/vitruvio-ijats.2021.15403OJS729161Arnette, A.N., Brewer, B.L., & Choal, T. 2014. 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Circular Economy in cities: project guide.Ellen MacArthur Foundation - ARUP. 2019b. Designing Buildings for Adaptive Use, Durability, and Positive Impact.Ellen MacArthur Foundation. 2021. Universal circular economy policy goals. Enabling the transition to scale.Finnish Innovation Fund (SITRA). 2021. The Winning Recipe for a Circular Economy. What can inspiring examples show us? SITRA Studies 182.Geldermans, R.J. 2016. 'Design for change and circularity - accommodating circular material & product flows in construction'. Energy Procedia, 96, 301-311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2016.09.153IISD - International Institute for Sustainable Development. 2018. Estimating Employment Effects of the Circular Economy. Retrieved from https://iisd.org/publications/estimating-employment-effects-circular-economyIISD - SITRA. 2020. Effects of the Circular Economy on Jobs, Retrieved from https://media.sitra.fi/2021/01/13120019/effects-of-thecircular-economy-on-jobs.pdfJackson, T. 1993. Clean Production Strategies: Developing Preventive Environment Management in the Industrial Economy, CRC Press Inc.Jockwer, R., Goto, Y., Scharn, E., & Crona, K. 2020. 'Design for adaption - Making timber buildings ready for circular use and extended service life', IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 588(5), pp. 15-19. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/588/5/052025Lembo, F., & Marino, F.P.R. 2007. 'Un nuovo procedimento per il condizionamento delle latifoglie'. In: A. Passaro, La produzione industriale eco-orientata per l'edilizia. Napoli, Luciano Editore, p. 279-286, ISBN: 9788860260581.Lembo, F., & Marino, F.P.R. 2008. 'Floors realized in Quercus cerris laminated timber in buildings with structure in masonry, performing anti-seismic functions'. In: 8th International seminar on structural masonry. Congress Proceedings. Istanbul, Çizgi Basim Yayin Ltd. Sti, pp. 441-448, ISBN: 9789755613420.Lembo, F., & Marino, F.P.R. 2015. 'The Environment-Friendly Architecture come through wooden architecture'. In: A.Y. Oral, Z.B. Bahsi, M. Ozer (edited by), ENEFM 2014 - 2nd International Congress on Energy Efficiency and Energy Related Materials. Springer Proceedings in Energy, Springer Inter. Publ. Switzerland, pp.281-289, ISBN 978-3-319-16900-2, ISSN 2352-2534, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16901-9_34Lembo, F., & Marino, F.P.R. 2016. 'The refurbishment of the Basilicata constructive historical models through the refurbishment of the medieval historic centre of Brienza (PZ, Italy)'. In: Rogério Amoêda, Sérgio Lira & Cristina Pinheiro (Eds.), HERITAGE 2016 - Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Heritage and Sustainable Development. Green Lines Institute (Publisher), Vol.2, Chapter 7: Preservation of historic building and structures, pp.1355-1365, ISBN 978-989-8734-15-0, eBook ISBN: 978-989-8734-14-3.Lembo, F., Marino, F.P.R., & Cennamo, V. 2007. 'Refurbishment and rehabilitation: example of application of new materials and modern constructive techniques on a Southern Italy XIX century theatre'. In: XXXV IAHS World Congress on Housing Science - Congress Proceedings. Melbourne, RMIT University, ISBN: 9781921166686.Lembo, F., Marino, F.P.R., & Varuolo, M. 2016. Progettare una scuola per l'infanzia con bilancio di sostenibilità ambientale positivo. PROTECTA, Speciale 30 anni «Energia Efficienza Ecomobilità» Edizione n. 12, dicembre 2016, Ecoedizioni Internazionali s.r.l., pp. 116-117, ISSN: 1121-3124.Lembo, F., Marino, F.P.R., & Cancellara, C. 2018. Conservation of the Church and the Friary of "Santa Maria degli Angeli" in Atella (Potenza, Italy). Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction (JCEC), 7(4), pp.178-191. https://doi.org/10.32732/jcec.2018.7.4.178Lembo, F., Marino, F.P.R., & Pietrafesa, P. 2019. 'Energy Efficiency Upgrade & Conservation - the Marsico Palace in Pignola (PZ)'. In: Rogério Amoêda, Sérgio Lira & Cristina Pinheiro (Eds.), Proceedings of REHAB2019 - 4th International Conference on Preservation, Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Historical Buildings and Structures. Green Lines Institute (Publisher). Chapter 4: Preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings and structures, pp.269-279, ISBN: 978-989-8734-41-9, eBook ISBN: 978-989-8734-42-6.Lyle, J.T. 1994. Regenerative design for sustainable development. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken.Local Research 2002. Prospettive di impiego del legno di provenienza locale: produzione di profili lamellari in cerro e roverella per serramenti esterni. University of Basilicata, La.Te.C. (Laboratory of Construction Technology), research group: F. Lembo, F.P.R. Marino, A. Videtta.Local Research 2003. Filiera del legno di cerro per l'edilizia in Basilicata. University of Basilicata, La.Te.C,, research group: F. Lembo, F.P.R. Marino, A. De Fina.Local Research 2004. Colle ecocompatibili per le opere in legno lamellare di cerro modificato: stato dell'arte e proposte di ricerca. University of Basilicata, La.Te.C., research group: F. Lembo, F.P.R. Marino, C. Di Dio.Local Research 2006. Le colle ecocompatibili per le opere in legno lamellare in commercio oggi in Europa. University of Basilicata, La.Te.C., research group: F. Lembo, F.P.R. Marino, V. Catalano.Local Research 2008. Minieolico ad asse verticale: stato dell'arte e progetto campione. University of Basilicata, La.Te.C., research group: F. Lembo, F.P.R. Marino, T. Lamaina.Local Research 2012. Valutazione analitica della compatibilità ambientale dei componenti edilizi. University of Basilicata, La.Te.C., research group: F. Lembo, F.P.R. Marino, D. Ioanni.Local Research 2015. Progettazione di un insediamento residenziale bioclimatico. Valutazione analitica della sua sostenibilità ambientale. (Edificio in legno). University of Basilicata, La.Te.C., research group: F. Lembo, F.P.R. Marino, S. Cerroni. Local Research 2016. Progetto di un edificio bioclimatico di grande altezza, con struttura a trave pilastro post-compressa e controventi dissipativi, in cerro lamellare modificato. Aspetti strutturali e tecnologici. University of Basilicata, La.Te.C., research group: F. Lembo, F.P.R. Marino, A. D'Andrea.Lovins, A.B., Lovins, L.H., & Hawken P. 2010. Natural Capitalism: The Next Industrial Revolution, Earthscan Publications Ltd., London.Marino, F.P.R., Auletta, G., Baldantoni, F., Ponzo, F.C., & Lembo, F. (2021, in print). 'From the cure of the simple structural analysis to the control of the final technological quality. The conservation of "Santa Maria degli Angeli" Orphanage in Castelgrande (Potenza, Italy)'. In: P. Roca, L. Pelà and C. Molins (Eds.), Proceedings of SAHC 2021 - 12th International Conference on Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions. Barcelona (Spain), postponed due to Covid-19, from 16-18 September 2020 to 29, 30 September - 1 October 2021.Marino, F.P.R., & Lembo, F. 2017. How to define a design methodology able to achieve anti-seismic and functional upgrades of building heritage. In: Rogério Amoêda, Sérgio Lira & Cristina Pinheiro (Eds.), REHAB2017 - Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Preservation, Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Historical Buildings and Structures. Green Lines Institute (Publisher). Chapter 3: Preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings and structures: case studies, pp.309-321, ISBN: 978-989-8734-24-2, eBook ISBN: 978-989-8734-23-5.Marino, F.P.R., Lembo, F., & Fanuele, V. (2019a). 'Towards more sustainable patterns of urban development'. In: SBE19 - Emerging Concepts for Sustainable Built Environment. IOP Publishing - IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 297 2019. 012028. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/297/1/012028Marino, F.P.R., Lembo, F., & Lisi, C. (2019b). 'The Refurbishement of former Remand Home "E. Gianturco" in Avigliano (Potenza, Italy), upgrading its seismic resistance and transforming it in a nZEB Elderly People and Social House'. In: Rogério Amoêda, Sérgio Lira & Cristina Pinheiro (Eds.), Proceedings of REHAB2019 - 4th International Conference on Preservation, Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Historical Buildings and Structures. Green Lines Institute (Publisher). Chapter 4: Preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings and structures, pp.257-268, ISBN: 978-989-8734-41-9, eBook ISBN: 978-989-8734-42-6.Marino, F.P.R., Lembo, F., Videtta, A., & La Notte, C. 2006. 'Quercus cerris glued laminated timber: a novel material derived from wood. Tests on thermoigrometric conditioning, wood adhesives and flexion breakout tension'. In: Sustainable Housing Design Emphasizing Urban Housing - XXXIV IAHS World Congress. Napoli, 20-23 settembre 2006. Napoli, Luciano Editore, ISBN: 9788860260307.Marino, F.P.R., & Marrone, P. 2020. 'From lifespan to useful life, towards a new paradigm of durability for sustainable construction', TECHNE - Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment, (20), pp. 148-156. https://doi.org/10.13128/techne-8259.Mazria, E. 1980. Sistemi solari passivi. Franco Muzzio & C. Editore, Padova, pag. 15.Ministère de l'Environnement 2017., 10 indicateurs clés pour le suivi de l'économie circulaire, statistiques.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/2018-10/datalab-18-economie-circulaire-edition-2017-c.pdf.Mitchell, P., & Morgan, J. 2015., Employment and the circular economy. Job creation in a more resource efficient Britain, WRAP & Green Alliance. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.1026.5049PACE - Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy. 2020. Annual Report, Retrieved from https://pacecircular.org/sites/default/ files/2021-03/21.2_REP_Pace%20Annual_March23.pdf.Pauli, G. 2010. The Blue Economy, 10 Years 100 Innovations 100 Million Jobs. Report to the Club of Rome, Taos, New Mexico, Paradigm Publications.Pearce, D.W., & Turner, R.K. 1989., Economics of Natural Resources and the Environment, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.Raworth, K. 2018., Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21-Century Economist, London: Random UK.SITRA. 2021. How does the Circular Economy change jobs in Europe?, Retrieved from https://media.sitra.fi/2021/03/27163705/sitra-howdoes-the-circular-economy-change-jobs-in-europe-v2.pdf.Stahel, W.R. 2019, The Circular Economy: A User's Guide, London: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429259203Villani, G. 2008. Complesso e organizzato. Sistemi strutturati in fisica, chimica, biologia ed oltre, Milano: Franco Angeli.Weetman, C. 2020., A Circular Economy Handbook: How to Build a More Resilient, Competitive and Sustainable Business, London: Kogan Page

The impact of generative linguistics on psychology: Language acquisition, a paradigm example

Noam Chomsky's early work was at the core of the “cognitive revolution” in the 1950s-60s, leading to a paradigm shift from a behavioralist to a mentalistic approach to human psychology. Central to this revolution has been the question of how infants learn language. Here, we provide an overview of how the generative enterprise has shaped research on language acquisition over the last decades. We argue that a large body of empirical knowledge about infants' representation of grammar has accumulated. Many of these questions would most likely not have been investigated empirically without the impetus of such a mentalistic approach