Design of Approaches for Dependability and Initial Prototypes

The aim of CONNECT is to achieve universal interoperability between heterogeneous Networked Systems. For this, the non-functional properties required at each side of the connection going to be established must be fulfilled. By the one inclusive term "CONNECTability" we comprehend properties belonging to all four non-functional concerns of interest for CONNECT, namely dependability, performance, security and trust. We model such properties in conformance with a meta-model which establishes the relevant concepts and their relations. Then, building on the conceptual models proposed in the first year in Deliverable D5.1, in this document we present the approaches developed for assuring CONNECTability both at synthesis time and at runtime. The contributions include: the Dependability&Performance analysis Enabler, for which we release a modular architecture supporting stochastic verification and state-based analysis; incremental verification and event-based monitoring for runtime analysis; a model-based approach to interoperable trust management; the Security-by-Contract-with-Trust framework, which guarantees and enforces the expected trust levels and security policies

Un approccio alla gravita massiva con il gruppo di rinormalizzazione: la teoria non Fierz-Pauli

Nel 1916 Albert Einstein regalò al mondo una delle teorie più eleganti e predittive nella storia della fisica: la Relatività Generale. Allo stesso tempo però lasciò in eredità ai fisici due grandi questioni aperte legate ad essa: il problema della costante cosmologica e la ricerca di una teoria della gravità quantistica completa. Un modo per affrontare la questione della costante cosmologica potrebbe essere dotare di una massa molto piccola il quanto legato alla gravità: il gravitone; invece un metodo per cercare una teoria quantistica completa può essere attraverso il gruppo di rinormalizzazione funzionale. Entrambi i metodi interpretano la teoria della relatività generale come una teoria di campo efficace, ovvero una teoria valida al di sotto di una certa scala di energia. In letteratura sono quasi inesistenti le ricerche basate sulle teorie efficaci della gravità massiva con un approccio del gruppo di rinormalizzazione, questa tesi inizia a colmare questa mancanza studiando una teoria massiva diversa da quella di Fierz-Pauli attraverso i metodi del gruppo di rinormalizzazione. In 1916 Albert Einstein provided the world with what would become one of the most elegant and predictive theory of physics: General Relativity. However, he also bequeathed every physician two open questions, bound to General Relativity: the cosmological constant problem, and the pursuit of a complete quantum theory of gravity. A method to approach the cosmological constant problem could be applying a tiny mass to the quantum linked to gravity: the graviton; on the other hand, as far as the research of a complete theory of quantum gravity is concern, a solution could be found in the functional renormalization group. Both methods interpret the general relativity as an effective field theory, trustworthy only below a specific energy scale. Researches based on effective theories of massive gravity with a renormalization group approach are very scarce, almost nonexistent. This thesis is an attempt to fill this lack by analyzing a massive theory, which is different from Fierz-Pauli's approach, through the methods of the renormalization group

Realizzazione di un portale pubblico mediante SAP NetWeaver Portal ed analisi formale di processi di business

In questa tesi è stato analizzato il modulo NetWeaver Portal della piattaforma NetWeaver di SAP AG per l'accesso integrato al sistema informativo aziendale ed è stato implementato un semplice portale pubblico accessibile via Internet basandosi su una realtà esistente. Parallelamente alla definizione delle funzionalità fornite dal portale, è importante definire anche i processi di business ad esso collegati. Partendo da tali definizioni è infatti possibile analizzarne la correttezza ed eventuali ottimizzazioni. Per tale scopo è stata esaminata la possibilità di simulazione ed analisi formale dei processi definiti all'interno di tale piattaforma NetWeaver. E' stato implementato un simulatore semplificato di processi descritti mediante il linguaggio BPEL, utilizzando il sistema di specifica e verifica formale PVS

Optimised Extraction of Archaeological Features from Full 3-D GPR Data

The use of non-invasive methodologies is becoming essential for archaeological research, and ground penetrating radar is one of the most important techniques to obtain high resolution information. In this paper we present the analysis of a full 3-D GPR dataset integrated with a high-resolution photogrammetric survey acquired in a Roman archaeological site located in Aquileia (Northeast Italy) within the partially excavated area known as “Fondo Pasqualis”. We evaluated the importance of dense and accurate data collection and of processing of the GPR signal for characterization of the archaeological features. We further discuss the parametrization and the applicability of GPR attributes, in particular amplitude-based and coherence attributes, to better identify and characterise the archaeological buried targets. Furthermore, autopicking procedures for isosurfaces mapping were critically evaluated with the objective of detecting complex structures. The final interpretation of all the GPR features, with the support of digital terrain modelling and orthophotos from unmanned aerial vehicles, guided the archaeologists to open and excavate newly selected areas, which revealed interesting structures and contributed to the understanding of the historical events that characterized the Aquileia city

Protein Glycosylation through Sulfur Fluoride Exchange (SuFEx) Chemistry: The Key Role of a Fluorosulfate Thiolactoside

International audienceProtein glycosylation is the most complex post-translational modification process. More than 50 % of human cells proteins are glycosylated, whereas bacteria such as E. coli do not have this modification machinery. Indeed, the carbohydrate residues in natural proteins affect their folding, immunogenicity, and stability toward proteases, besides controlling biological properties and activities. It is therefore important to introduce such structural modification in bioengineered proteins lacking the presence of carbohydrate residues. This is not trivial as it requires reagents and conditions compatible with the protein's stability and reactivity. This work reports on the introduction of lactose moieties in two natural proteins, namely ubiquitin (Ub) and l-asparaginase II (ANSII). The synthetic route employed is based on the sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) coupling of a lactose tethered arylfluorosulfate (Lact-Ar-OSO2 F) with the ϵ-NH2 group of lysine residues of the proteins. This metal-free click SuFEx reaction relies on the properties of the fluorosulfate employed, which is easily prepared in multigram scale from available precursors and reacts chemoselectively with the ϵ-NH2 group of lysine residues under mild conditions. Thus, iterative couplings of Lact-Ar-OSO2 F to Ub and ANSII, afforded multiple glycosylations of these proteins so that up to three and four Lact-Ar-OSO2 groups were introduced in Ub and ANSII, respectively, via the formation of a sulfamoyl (OSO2 -NH) linkage

Genetics and pharmacogenetics of aminergic transmitter pathways in functional gastrointestinal disorders

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are highly prevalent syndromes, without evident underlying organic causes. Their pathogenesis is multifactorial in nature, with a combination of environmental and genetic factors contributing to their clinical manifestations, for which most of current treatments are not satisfactory. It is acknowledged that amine mediators (noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin) play pivotal regulatory actions on gut functions and visceral sensation. In addition, drugs of therapeutic interest for FGIDs act on these transmitter pathways. The present article reviews current knowledge on the impact of genetics and pharmacogenetics of aminergic pathways on FGID pathophysiology, clinical presentations, symptom severity and medical management, in an attempt of highlighting the most relevant evidence and point out issues that should be addressed in future investigations

A review of pharmacotherapy for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

reserved11noIntroduction: Medical therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is based on the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as first choice treatment. Despite their effectiveness, about 20â30% of patients report an inadequate response and alternative drugs are required. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of current pharmacotherapy for treating GERD by showing the results of PPIs, reflux inhibitors, antidepressants and mucosa protective medications. Expert opinion: Medical therapy of GERD does not definitely cure the disease, because even PPIs are not able to change the key factors responsible for it. However, they remain the mainstay of medical treatment, allowing us to alleviate symptoms, heal esophagitis and prevent complications in the majority of cases. Nevertheless, many patients do not respond, because acid does not play any pathogenetic role. Prokinetics and reflux inhibitors have the potential to control motor abnormalities, but the results of clinical trials are inconsistent. Antidepressant drugs are effective in specific subgroups of NERD patients with visceral hypersensitivity, but larger, controlled clinical studies are necessary. Protective drugs or medical devices have been recently adopted to reinforce mucosal resistance and preliminary trials have confirmed their efficacy either combined with or as add-on medication to PPIs in refractory patients.mixedSavarino, Edoardo*; Zentilin, Patrizia; Marabotto, Elisa; Bodini, Giorgia; Della Coletta, Marco; Frazzoni, Marzio; de Bortoli, Nicola; Martinucci, Irene; Tolone, Salvatore; Pellegatta, Gaia; Savarino, VincenzoSavarino, Edoardo; Zentilin, Patrizia; Marabotto, Elisa; Bodini, Giorgia; Della Coletta, Marco; Frazzoni, Marzio; de Bortoli, Nicola; Martinucci, Irene; Tolone, Salvatore; Pellegatta, Gaia; Savarino, Vincenz