Social network data analysis to highlight privacy threats in sharing data

AbstractSocial networks are a vast source of information, and they have been increasing impact on people's daily lives. They permit us to share emotions, passions, and interactions with other people around the world. While enabling people to exhibit their lives, social networks guarantee their privacy. The definitions of privacy requirements and default policies for safeguarding people's data are the most difficult challenges that social networks have to deal with. In this work, we have collected data concerning people who have different social network profiles, aiming to analyse privacy requirements offered by social networks. In particular, we have built a tool exploiting image-recognition techniques to recognise a user from his/her picture, aiming to collect his/her personal data accessible through social networks where s/he has a profile. We have composed a dataset of 5000 users by combining data available from several social networks; we compared social network data mandatory in the registration phases, publicly accessible and those retrieved by our analysis. We aim to analyse the amount of extrapolated data for evaluating privacy threats when users share information on different social networks to help them be aware of these aspects. This work shows how users data on social networks can be retrieved easily by representing a clear privacy violation. Our research aims to improve the user's awareness concerning the spreading and managing of social networks data. To this end, we highlighted all the statistical evaluations made over the gathered data for putting in evidence the privacy issues

Ophiolitic sequences from the central sector of the Catena Costiera (Calabria): stratigraphy, petrology and structural analyses

Mesozoic ophiolites crop out in the Catena Costiera (Northern Calabrian Arc). The Northern Calabrian Arc is characterized by the superposition of three structural elements (OGNIBEN, 1973): the uppermost Hercynian continental section intruded by late- Variscan granitoids (Calabrian Nappe), the intermediate ophiolitic Nappe and the lowermost Mesozoic passive margin carbonate sequences (Apenninic Units). The studied area is located in the central Catena Costiera (fig. 1) where the ophiolitic sequences are characterized by both aphyric and porphyritic metabasalts with a T-MORB affinity (LIBERI et alii, 2006). They represent the basement of a peliticarenaceous metasedimentary sequence, previously interpreted as a pre-Mesozoic continental basement (Bagni Unit of AMODIO MORELLI et alii, 1976). In the metasedimentary cover, a remarkable increase in the carbonatic supply is noticed moving from south to north of the study area. According to this evidence two stratigraphic sequences have been defined for the southernmost Cozzo Cervello area and the northernmost San Martino di Finita area. The Cozzo Cervello area ophiolitic sequence is characterized by: metabasites, thin levels of volcanoclastic metasediments, rare metacarbonates, metapelites and metarenites. The San Martino di Finita area ophiolitic sequence is instead characterized by: metabasites, volcanoclastic metasediments and calcschists. The studied rocks underwent a polyphase deformation history and the meso- and microstructural analyses allowed distinguishing three main (D1-D3) deformation phases: – D1, this phase is characterized by a S1 foliation locally developed and preserved as microlithons inside the S2 main foliation; – D2, a N-S trending isoclinal folding event (F2; fig. 2 a,b) is responsible for the formation of the S2 foliation (fig. 2 d), that represent the main surface recognizable in the field; – D3, this phase is characterized by asymmetric folds (F3) developed at different scales and showing a WNW-ESE trending axes. An incipient foliation (S3) is locally developed in the phyllosilicate-rich levels (fig. 2 c,d). *Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università della Calabria. ([email protected]) **Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Pisa The petrographic analysis allows to define the mineralogical assemblage of the different lithotypes and to determine the relationships between deformation and blastesis. The metabasites are characterized by the mineralogical assemblage: Epidote + Na-amphibole + Lawsonite + Phengite + Chlorite + Albite Calcite Quartz + Magnetite. Metapelites and metarenites are characterized by: Epidote + Phengite + Stilpnomelane + Na-Amphibole + Pumpellyite + Chlorite + Albite + Quartz + Magnetite. The calcschist are constituted by: Calcite + Phengite + Chlorite + Albite + Quartz + Magnetite. The described mineralogical assemblages suggest that the studied rocks underwent P-T conditions typical of the blueschist facies as suggested by the blastesis of Na-amphiboles, lawsonite, stilpnomelane and phengite along the S2 foliation. The blastesis of white mica can be observed along the S3 foliation also. The following metamorphic retrogression developed within the prehnitepumpellyite facies and is characterized by a static recrystalization. Fig. 1 – Tectonic sketch map of central sector of the Catena Costiera, after LIBERI et alii (2006). 64 OPHIOLITIC SEQUENCES FROM THE CATENA COSTIERA 65 Fig. 2 – a) isoclinal folds (F2) in the metapelites of Cozzo Cervello area; b) isoclinal folds (F2) in the calcschists of San Martino di Finita area; c) crenulation F3 in the metabasites; d) microscopic view of the main foliation S2 deformed by the later D3 phase in the metapelites. The white line indicates white mica flakes along S3. The field study and the tectonometamorphic evolution reconstructed for the ophiolitic sequences cropping out in the central sector of the Catena Costiera of Calabria show that a subduction and exhumation history inside an accretionary wedge can be proposed. In particular, the characterization and the definition of the complex relationships existing within the ophiolitic metasedimentary cover allow us to propose: 1. the source area was composite, with both carbonatic and siliciclastic contributions; 2. the presence of terrigenous deposit, even in the lowermost part of the sedimentary sequence, seem to indicate that this part of oceanic crust was located close to the continental margin; 3. the San Martino di Finita type sedimentary cover can be correlated with that of the Malvito ophiolitic unit (sensu AMODIO MORELLI et alii, 1976), cropping out in the northernmost sector of the Catena Costiera; 4. the subdivision between the Bagni and Gimigliano-Monte Reventino Units, as proposed by DIETRICH & SCANDONE (1972) and AMODIO MORELLI et alii (1976) for the study area, is not supported by the data collected in this work. REFERENCES AMODIO MORELLI L., BONARDI G., COLONNA V., DIETRICH D., GIUNTA G., IPPOLITO F., LIGUORI V., LORENZONI S., PAGLIONICO A., PERRONE V., PICCARRETA G., RUSSO M., SCANDONE P., ZANETTIN-LORENZONI E. & ZUPPETTA A. (1976) - L’arco Calabro-peloritano nell’orogene appenninicomagrebide. Mem. Soc. Geol. It, 17, 1–60. DIETRICH D. & SCANDONE P. (1972) - The position of the basic and ultrabasic rocks in the tectonic units of the southern Apennines. Atti Acc. Pont., 21, 61–75. LIBERI F., MORTEN L. & PILUSO E. (2006) - Geodynamic significance of the ophiolites within the Calabrian Arc. Island Arc, 15, 26–43. OGNIBEN L. (1973) - Schema geologico della Calabria in base ai dati odierni. Geologia Romana, 12, 243

Neurobiological After-Effects of Low Intensity Transcranial Electric Stimulation of the Human Nervous System: From Basic Mechanisms to Metaplasticity

Non-invasive low-intensity transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) of the brain is an evolving field that has brought remarkable attention in the past few decades for its ability to directly modulate specific brain functions. Neurobiological after-effects of tES seems to be related to changes in neuronal and synaptic excitability and plasticity, however mechanisms are still far from being elucidated. We aim to review recent results from in vitro and in vivo studies that highlight molecular and cellular mechanisms of transcranial direct (tDCS) and alternating (tACS) current stimulation. Changes in membrane potential and neural synchronization explain the ongoing and short-lasting effects of tES, while changes induced in existing proteins and new protein synthesis is required for long-lasting plastic changes (LTP/LTD). Glial cells, for decades supporting elements, are now considered constitutive part of the synapse and might contribute to the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. This review brings into focus the neurobiological mechanisms and after-effects of tDCS and tACS from in vitro and in vivo studies, in both animals and humans, highlighting possible pathways for the development of targeted therapeutic applications

Protein Hydrolysates from Animal or Vegetal Sources Affect Morpho-Physiological Traits, Ornamental Quality, Mineral Composition, and Shelf-Life of Chrysanthemum in a Distinctive Manner

Protein hydrolysates (PHs) are a prominent category of plant biostimulants, mainly constituted of amino acids, oligopeptides and polypeptides, obtained by partial hydrolysis of animal or plant protein sources. Despite scientific evidence supporting the biostimulant action of PHs on vegetables, the morphological, physiological, and shelf-life performances underlying the PH action on cut flowers are still poorly explored. Accordingly, the aim of this research is to assess the effects of three commercial biostimulants, one animal PH (PH A, Hicure®) and two plant PHs (PH V1, Trainer®and PH V2, Vegamin©), on two chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) cultivars (Pinacolada and Radost). In both cultivars, only the plant-derived PH (V1 and V2) treatments recorded significantly higher fresh plant biomass than the control (on average +18%, in both cultivars). The foliar application of the vegetal-derived PHs but not the animal one, particularly in Pinacolada, improved the status of plants, stimulating stem elongation and the apical flower diameter. In Pinacolada, applications with PH V1 resulted in a significant increase in nitrate and P concentration in leaves and Ca content in flowers compared with the control (+43%, +27%, and +28% for nitrate, P, and Ca, respectively). In Radost, PH A and PH V2 applications caused a significant reduction in nitrate concentration in both leaves and flowers compared with the control. One week after harvest, in both cultivars, PH A applications caused flower stems to wilt faster than the control. In contrast, plants treated with PH V1 revealed significantly slower flower stem senescence compared to the control. Flower wilting during vase life was correlated to a decrease in the K-to-Na ratio in flowers due to an inability to transport K to the flowers from the leaves rather than an increase in Na in the flowers themselves

Protein Hydrolysates from Animal or Vegetal Sources Affect Morpho-Physiological Traits, Ornamental Quality, Mineral Composition, and Shelf-Life of Chrysanthemum in a Distinctive Manner

Protein hydrolysates (PHs) are a prominent category of plant biostimulants, mainly constituted of amino acids, oligopeptides and polypeptides, obtained by partial hydrolysis of animal or plant protein sources. Despite scientific evidence supporting the biostimulant action of PHs on vegetables, the morphological, physiological, and shelf-life performances underlying the PH action on cut flowers are still poorly explored. Accordingly, the aim of this research is to assess the effects of three commercial biostimulants, one animal PH (PH A, Hicure®) and two plant PHs (PH V1, Trainer® and PH V2, Vegamin©), on two chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) cultivars (Pinacolada and Radost). In both cultivars, only the plant-derived PH (V1 and V2) treatments recorded significantly higher fresh plant biomass than the control (on average +18%, in both cultivars). The foliar application of the vegetal-derived PHs but not the animal one, particularly in Pinacolada, improved the status of plants, stimulating stem elongation and the apical flower diameter. In Pinacolada, applications with PH V1 resulted in a significant increase in nitrate and P concentration in leaves and Ca content in flowers compared with the control (+43%, +27%, and +28% for nitrate, P, and Ca, respectively). In Radost, PH A and PH V2 applications caused a significant reduction in nitrate concentration in both leaves and flowers compared with the control. One week after harvest, in both cultivars, PH A applications caused flower stems to wilt faster than the control. In contrast, plants treated with PH V1 revealed significantly slower flower stem senescence compared to the control. Flower wilting during vase life was correlated to a decrease in the K-to-Na ratio in flowers due to an inability to transport K to the flowers from the leaves rather than an increase in Na in the flowers themselves

An Italian Online Survey Regarding the Use of Hyaluronidase in Previously Hyaluronic Acid-Injected Noses Looking for Surgical Rhinoplasty

Background: Nonsurgical nasal reshaping (nSNR) with hyaluronic acid (HA) filler is a well-established procedure performed to ameliorate nasal appearance and is considered a valid alternative to surgical rhinoplasty in selected patients. Objectives: The aim of our study is to evaluate the decision-making process and management of patients undergoing rhinoplasty, with previous HA filler injection, and evaluate if consensus could be achieved to recommend guidelines. Methods: Between April and May 2021, an online survey was sent to 402 Italian surgeons of different specialties. The survey collected information regarding the types of treatment of patients who have previously undergone nSNR, who should undergo surgical rhinoplasty. For those surgeons using hyaluronidase, an additional information was collected. Results: In a range of time of 2 months (April and May 2021), a total of 72 surgeons replied and completed the survey: out of the 402 questionnaires sent, the response rate was approximately 18%. The majority of respondents (61.5%) replied to inject hyaluronidase (HYAL) in patients who had to undergo a rhinoplasty but reported previous nSNR. Of the surgeons who use HYAL, 70% performed rhinoplasty after a waiting time of 3 to 4 weeks. Conclusions: Either direct surgical approach or hyaluronidase injection first seems to be a viable options. The use of HYAL before surgery is the choice with the broadest consensus in our survey. However, a larger case-control study with long follow-ups is necessary to understand if in patient seeking surgical rhinoplasty who already received nSNR, the injection of hyaluronidase before surgery is mandatory, recommended, or not

Neural plasticity and adult neurogenesis: the deep biology perspective

The recognition that neurogenesis does not stop with adolescence has spun off research towards the reduction of brain disorders by enhancing brain regeneration. Adult neurogenesis is one of the tougher problems of developmental biology as it requires the generation of complex intracellular and pericellular anatomies, amidst the danger of neuroinflammation. We here review how a multitude of regulatory pathways optimized for early neurogenesis has to be revamped into a new choreography of time dependencies. Distinct pathways need to be regulated, ranging from neural growth factor induced differentiation to mitochondrial bioenergetics, reactive oxygen metabolism, and apoptosis. Requiring much Gibbs energy consumption, brain depends on aerobic energy metabolism, hence on mitochondrial activity. Mitochondrial fission and fusion, movement and perhaps even mitoptosis, thereby come into play. All these network processes are interlinked and involve a plethora of molecules. We recommend a deep thinking approach to adult neurobiology

Renal Function Outcomes in Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma Patients Treated with Chemotherapy or Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: An Unexpected Scenario

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) are effective therapeutic agents for the palliative treatment of metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC); the aim of our study was to investigate the acute and chronic renal toxicities in this setting. We collected data on 292 patients who received cisplatin (35%), carboplatin-based regimens (25%), or ICI monotherapy (40%). The primary and secondary outcomes were compared to the acute kidney injury (AKI) rate and the mean estimated GFR (eGFR) decay between groups, respectively, over a mean follow-up duration of 15 weeks. We observed 26 AKI events (8.9%), mostly stage I AKI (80.7%); 15% were stage II AKI, 3.8% were stage III, and none required renal replacement therapy or ICU admission. The AKI rates were 10.9%, 6.8%, and 8.9% for the cisplatin, carboplatin, and ICI groups, respectively, and no significant differences were observed between the groups (p = 0.3). A global mean eGFR decay of 2.2 mL/min was observed, while for the cisplatin, carboplatin, and ICI groups, the eGFR decay values were 2.3 mL/min, 1.1 mL/min, and 3.5 mL/min, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the groups. Cisplatin/carboplatin-based CT and ICIs resulted in a similar incidence of AKI and eGFR decay, suggesting the safety of their cautious use, even in CKD patients