Cyber Risks and Costs for the Company.

The interest in the security of IT systems has grown in recent years, proportionally to their diffusion and to the role they play in the community. With the spread of computerization of society and services (public and private) the risk of cyber-attacks and accidents has increased. From the results of the analysis of the present study it is noted that only in Europe, more than 4 thousand computer attacks per day have occurred and also in Italy the phenomenon has recorded increasingly heavy consequences to the detriment of businesses. From the analyzes reported in the present study, the causes of the problem are multiple but in particular they are due to the scarce training of the personnel, which does not allow to notice in time of possible threats and intrusions in the control systems, to a cultural problem and to the inadequacy of the investments to face the problem, in fact, despite, a general concern of the companies about the risks of cyber security. The present study examines the main sector reports, including those in the international context of the World Economic Forum, Kaspersky, McAfee, Norton Cybercrime Report and at a European level, the recent Euro barometer research to investigate the risks of company and identify the tools that allow to improve the degree of knowledge of the real threats, to know the business costs in order to activate a series of measures able to guarantee the security of company data

Noncommutative gravity with self-dual variables

We build a noncommutative extension of Palatini-Holst theory on a twist-deformed spacetime, generalizing a model that has been previously proposed by Aschieri and Castellani. The twist deformation entails an enlargement of the gauge group, and leads to the introduction of new gravitational degrees of freedom. In particular, the tetrad degrees of freedom must be doubled, thus leading to a bitetrad theory of gravity. The model is shown to exhibit new duality symmetries. The introduction of the Holst term leads to a dramatic simplification of the dynamics, which is achieved when the Barbero-Immirzi parameter takes the value $\beta=-i$, corresponding to a self-dual action. We study in detail the commutative limit of the model, focusing in particular on the role of torsion and non-metricity. The effects of spacetime noncommutativity are taken into account perturbatively, and are computed explicitly in a simple example. Connections with bimetric theories and the role of local conformal invariance in the commutative limit are also explored.Comment: 52 pages; v2: added references, corrected minor typos; matches published versio

Optimization of PCL Polymeric Films as Potential Matrices for the Loading of Alpha-Tocopherol by a Combination of Innovative Green Processes

Active food packaging represents an innovative way to conceive food packages. The innovation lies in using natural-based and biodegradable materials to produce a system intended to interact with the food product to preserve its quality and shelf-life. Compared to traditional plastics, active packaging is designed and regulated to release substances in a controlled manner, mainly antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. Conventional technologies are not suitable for treating these natural substances; therefore, the research for innovative and green techniques represents a challenge in this field. The aim of this work is to compare two different polymeric structures: nanofibrous films obtained by electrospinning and continuous films obtained by solvent casting, to identify the best solution and process conditions for subjecting the samples to the supercritical fluids impregnation process (SFI). The supports optimized were functionalized by impregnating alpha-tocopherol using the SFI process. In particular, the different morphologies of the samples both before and after the supercritical impregnation process were initially studied, identifying the limits and possible solutions to obtain an optimization of the constructs to be impregnated with this innovative green technology in the packaging field

Atlas and Informative System of the Lagoon of Venice: updated tools for a higher management efficiency in Natura 2000 sites

La laguna di Venezia è un ecosistema complesso per comprendere il quale è necessario integrare dati ed informazioni provenienti da discipline diverse raccolti da differenti Enti ed Istituti di ricerca. L’Osservatorio Naturalistico della Laguna, del Comune di Venezia, nasce fondamentalmente per raccogliere queste informazioni ed organizzarle affinché possano essere fruibili sia dai vari Servizi e Direzioni dell’Amministrazione Comunale, sia dalle istituzioni scientifiche e dai cittadini. Per questo motivo è stato prodotto l’Atlante della Laguna, una raccolta di 103 mappe tematiche, ciascuna delle quali è corredata da una scheda esplicativa, suddivise in 5 sezioni: Geosfera, Biosfera, Antroposfera, Ambiti di Tutela e Analisi Integrate. L’Atlante rappresenta solo un primo passo verso la diffusione e la validazione dei dati ambientali. Attualmente si sta realizzando un Sistema Informativo della Laguna (SIL) che metterà a disposizione di vari utenti le informazioni, le elaborazioni ed i materiali raccolti dall’Osservatorio durante le sue attività (in parte già sintetizzati nell’Atlante). Il passo successivo sarà la raccolta e la diffusione delle informazioni e dei dati che altri soggetti proprietari vorranno inserire nel SIL, attraverso appositi protocolli di scambio. I vantaggi di un Sistema Informativo rispetto ad un volume cartaceo sono molteplici e noti, e vanno dall’aggiornabilità del dato alla possibilità di elaborarlo secondo necessità contingenti. L’utilizzo di questi strumenti per la gestione delle aree umide è esemplificato attraverso un caso studio: la Valutazione di Incidenza dell’area utilizzata per il tiro al piattello localizzata a Campalto (Venezia), attività dismessa ormai da diversi anni.The lagoon of Venice is a complex ecosystem that can be understood only by the integration of data and information with a multidisciplinary approach. The ‘Osservatorio Naturalistico della Laguna’ of Venice Municipality has been created with the aim of gathering and organizing all kinds of information, so that it can be used by administrators, scientific institutions and citizens. For this reason, the Lagoon Atlas was produced. The Atlas is composed by 103 tematic maps, each accompanied by an explicatory schedule, subdivided into 5 sections: Geosphere, Biosphere, Anthroposphere, Protection and Integrated Analysis. The Atlas represents a first step towards the distribution and validation of environmental data. An Informative System of the Lagoon (SIL) is currently under construction, and this will allow to obtain all kind of information, elaboration and materials gathered by the Osservatorio during its activities (already partially summarized in the Atlas). The next step will be to gather and distribute information and data that other subjects will include in the SIL, through specific protocols of exchange. The advantages of using an Informative System rather than paper materials are obvious, spanning from the possibility to update data to the possibility of elaborating them according to the needs. The use of these tools for wetland management is exemplified by a case study: the assessment of projects in the area of Campalto (Venice), that in the past was used for shooting

Otolaryngologic symptoms in multiple sclerosis: a review

Many symptoms of multiple sclerosis may affect the ear, nose and throat. The most common otolaryngologic symptoms of multiple sclerosis are speech disorders, followed by sleep disorders, vertigo and disequilibrium, dysphagia, smell alterations, and hearing loss. Less common symptoms include sialorrhea, facial palsy, taste alterations, trigeminal neuralgia and tinnitus. The origin of otolaryngologic symptoms in multiple sclerosis is mainly central, although increasing evidence also suggests a peripheral involvement. Otolaryngologic symptoms in multiple sclerosis may have different clinical presentations; they can appear in different stages of the pathology, in some cases they can be the presenting symptoms and their worsening may be correlated with reactivation of the disease. Many of these symptoms significantly affect the quality of life or patients and lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Otolaryngologic symptoms are common in multiple sclerosis; however, they are often overlooked. In many cases, they follow the relapsing-remitting phases of the disease, and may spontaneously disappear, leading to a delay in multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Clinicians should be aware of otolaryngologic symptoms of multiple sclerosis, especially when they are associated to neurologic symptoms, as they may be early signs of a still undiagnosed multiple sclerosis or could help monitor disease progression in already diagnosed patients

Relationship between prolactin plasma levels and white matter volume in women with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND: The role of prolactin (PRL) on tissue injury and repair mechanisms in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unclear. The aim of this work was to investigate the relationship between PRL plasma levels and brain damage as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: We employed a chemiluminescence immunoassay for measuring plasma levels of PRL. We used a 1.5 T scanner to acquire images and Jim 4.0 and SIENAX software to analyse them. RESULTS: We included 106 women with relapsing remitting (RR) MS and stable disease in the last two months. There was no difference in PRL plasma levels between patients with and without gadolinium enhancement on MRI. PRL plasma levels correlated with white matter volume (WMV) (rho = 0.284, p = 0.014) but not with grey matter volume (GMV). Moreover, PRL levels predicted changes in WMV (Beta: 984, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Our data of a positive association between PRL serum levels and WMV support the role of PRL in promoting myelin repair as documented in animal models of demyelination. The lack of an increase of PRL in the presence of gadolinium enhancement, contrasts with the view considering this hormone as an immune-stimulating and detrimental factor in the inflammatory process associated with MS

High taxonomic level fingerprint of the human intestinal microbiota by Ligase Detection Reaction - Universal Array approach

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Affecting the core functional microbiome, peculiar high level taxonomic unbalances of the human intestinal microbiota have been recently associated with specific diseases, such as obesity, inflammatory bowel diseases, and intestinal inflammation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In order to specifically monitor microbiota unbalances that impact human physiology, here we develop and validate an original DNA-microarray (HTF-Microbi.Array) for the high taxonomic level fingerprint of the human intestinal microbiota. Based on the Ligase Detection Reaction-Universal Array (LDR-UA) approach, the HTF-Microbi.Array enables specific detection and approximate relative quantification of 16S rRNAs from 30 phylogenetically related groups of the human intestinal microbiota. The HTF-Microbi.Array was used in a pilot study of the faecal microbiota of eight young adults. Cluster analysis revealed the good reproducibility of the high level taxonomic microbiota fingerprint obtained for each of the subject.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The HTF-Microbi.Array is a fast and sensitive tool for the high taxonomic level fingerprint of the human intestinal microbiota in terms of presence/absence of the principal groups. Moreover, analysis of the relative fluorescence intensity for each probe pair of our LDR-UA platform can provide estimation of the relative abundance of the microbial target groups within each samples. Focusing the phylogenetic resolution at division, order and cluster levels, the HTF-Microbi.Array is blind with respect to the inter-individual variability at the species level.</p

Neuropsychiatric performance and treatment of hepatitis C with direct-acting antivirals: a prospective study

Background: Since direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have been approved for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a small series of patients with new-onset neuropsychiatric alterations have been referred to us. We therefore set out to study neuropsychiatric function in relation to DAAs prospectively. Methods: Ten patients with cirrhosis and 12 post-liver transplant (post-LT) patients were enrolled. All underwent wake electroencephalography (EEG) and a neuropsychological evaluation (paper and pencil battery, simple/choice reaction times, working memory task) at baseline, at the end of treatment with DAAs and after 6 months. At the same time points, full blood count, liver/kidney function tests, quantitative HCV RNA, ammonia and immunosuppressant drug levels were obtained, as appropriate. Results: Patients with cirrhosis were significantly older than post-LT patients (65\ub112 vs 55\ub17 years; P<0.05). Neuropsychological performance and wake EEG were comparable in the two groups at baseline. At the end of a course of treatment with DAAs, a significant slowing in choice reaction times and in the EEG (increased relative delta power) was observed in patients with cirrhosis, which resolved after 6 months. In contrast, no significant changes over time were observed in the neuropsychiatric performance of post-LT patients. No significant associations were observed between neuropsychiatric performance and stand-alone/combined laboratory variables. Conclusion: Some degree of neuropsychiatric impairment was observed in relation to treatment with DAAs in patients with cirrhosis, but not in post-LT patients, suggesting that the former may be sensitive to mild DAA neurotoxicity