VERY HIGH-RESOLUTION 3D SURVEYING AND MODELLING EXPERIENCES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

In this paper some experiences in 3D modelling of objects with very high-resolution are described, carried out by the DICAM Geomatics group of the University of Bologna in multi-disciplinary contexts within the field of the Civil Engineering. In all the addressed case studies the main aim is the generation of a 3D model of the surface at a sub-millimetric scale, allowing a very accurate characterization of the surface geometry, useful for different purposes. 3D scanning and Structure from Motion photogrammetry have been used to generate the 3D models. In the paper the encountered problems and the adopted solutions in data surveying and processing are underlined, also discussing the added value of very high-resolution 3D modelling in multi-disciplinary activities

Development, Implementation, Evaluation, and Comparation Toward ELT Curriculum (A Case in Indonesia)

The study aims to shed light on the multifaceted landscape of English Language Teaching (ELT) curriculum in the context of its development, implementation, evaluation, and comparative analysis. The first phase of the study delves into the developmental aspect of ELT curriculum, examining the underlying theories, methodologies, and best practices that inform its construction. Through content analysis, and document review, the research seeks to uncover the pedagogical innovations, curricular adaptations, and the development of ELT curriculum. In the subsequent phase, the study investigates the practical implementation of ELT curriculum within the classroom environment. By employing classroom observations, content analysis, the research scrutinizes the translation of curriculum design into instructional practice, including the strategies used, the learning materials selected, and the student-centered approaches employed. The third phase of this study centers on the evaluation of ELT curriculum effectiveness. It utilizes assessment tools, outcome measurements, and student and teacher evaluations to gauge the impact of the curriculum on language proficiency, teaching effectiveness, and learning outcomes. Through a systematic review of different curriculum models, the study seeks to identify disparities, strengths, and weaknesses in diverse ELT approaches. This comparative perspective helps inform recommendations for potential improvements and adjustments in curriculum design and implementation. In summation, this qualitative study contributes to the ongoing discourse on ELT curriculum by unraveling its development, implementation, evaluation, and comparative aspects. By gaining a deeper understanding of the intricacies and variations within ELT curriculum, educators and policymakers can make informed decisions to enhance the quality of English language education

VERY HIGH-RESOLUTION 3D SURVEYING AND MODELLING EXPERIENCES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

Abstract. In this paper some experiences in 3D modelling of objects with very high-resolution are described, carried out by the DICAM Geomatics group of the University of Bologna in multi-disciplinary contexts within the field of the Civil Engineering. In all the addressed case studies the main aim is the generation of a 3D model of the surface at a sub-millimetric scale, allowing a very accurate characterization of the surface geometry, useful for different purposes. 3D scanning and Structure from Motion photogrammetry have been used to generate the 3D models. In the paper the encountered problems and the adopted solutions in data surveying and processing are underlined, also discussing the added value of very high-resolution 3D modelling in multi-disciplinary activities

Characterisation of wine yeasts isolated at different temperatures using the enrichment technique

Research NoteSaccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from fermenting grape must incubated at extreme fermentation temperatures (40 and 5 degrees C) were oenologically characterised. These cultures compared with S. cerevisiae wine strains, show a wider optimum temperature for growth and can ferment vigorously in a wider temperature range (27 to 35 degrees C)

Radiation therapy for atypical and anaplastic meningiomas: an overview of current results and controversial issues

Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors. Most meningiomas are WHO grade 1 tumors whereas less than one-quarter of all meningiomas are classified as atypical (WHO grade 2) and anaplastic (WHO grade 3) tumors, based on local invasiveness and cellular features of atypia. Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of meningioma therapy and represents the definitive treatment for the majority of patients; however, grade 2 and grade 3 meningiomas display more aggressive behavior and are difficult to treat. Several retrospective series have shown the efficacy and safety of postoperative adjuvant external beam radiation therapy (RT) for patients with atypical and anaplastic meningiomas. More recently, two phase II prospective trials by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG 0539) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC 2042) have confirmed the potential benefits of fractionated RT for patients with intermediate and high-risk meningiomas; however, several issues remain a matter of debate. Controversial topics include the timing of radiation treatment in patients with totally resected atypical meningiomas, the optimal radiation technique, dose and fractionation, and treatment planning/target delineation. Ongoing randomized trials are evaluating the efficacy of early adjuvant RT over observation in patients undergoing gross total resection. © 2022, The Author(s

Sulodexide counteracts endothelial dysfunction induced by metabolic or non-metabolic stresses through activation of the autophagic program

OBJECTIVE: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) predisposes to venous thrombosis (VT) and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), a long-term VT-related complication. Sulodexide (SDX) is a highly purified glycosaminoglycan with antithrombotic, pro-fibrinolytic and anti-inflammatory activity used in the treatment of chronic venous disease (CVD), including patients with PTS. SDX has recently obtained clinical evidence in the “extension therapy” after initial-standard anticoagulant treatment for the secondary prevention of recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Herein, we investigated how SDX counteracts ED. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used. Metabolic and non metabolic-induced ED was induced by treating with methylglyoxal (MGO) or irradiation (IR), respectively. Bafilomycin A1 was used to inhibit autophagy. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for cell viability, terminal de-oxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay for cell apoptosis, Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis for gene and protein expression were used. RESULTS: SDX protected HUVEC from MGO- or IR-induced apoptosis by counteracting the activation of the intrinsic and extrinsic caspase cascades. The cytoprotective effects of SDX resulted from a reduction in a) ROS production, b) neo-synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL1, IL6, IL8), c) DNA damage induced by MGO or IR. These effects were reduced when autophagy was inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: Data herein collected indicate the ability of SDX to counteract ED induced by metabolic or non-metabolic stresses by involving the intracellular autophagy pathway. Our experience significantly increases the knowledge of the mechanisms of action of SDX against ED and supports the use of SDX in the treatment of CVD, PTS and in the secondary prevention of recurrent DVT

HIGH RESOLUTION 3D ACQUISITION AND MODELLING IN CULTURAL HERITAGE KNOWLEDGE AND RESTORATION PROJECTS: THE SURVEY OF THE FOUNTAIN OF NEPTUNE IN BOLOGNA

In 2016, the Municipality of Bologna (Italy) has undertaken the restoration of one of the symbols of the entire city, the Fountain of Neptune, in evident state of degradation. The works have touched upon all the aspects of this complex object and the project has seen involved the Municipality and the University of Bologna, the Istituto Superiore per la Conservazione e il Restauro (ISCR) (Rome) and the Visual Computing Lab of the CNR – ISTI (Pisa), in a modern and highly multi-disciplinary approach.One of the key elements of the project was made up by the creation of an information system ad hoc developed to permit, in an innovative, efficient and user-friendly way, the collection, sharing, management and analysis of all the information and data related to diagnostics and restoration actions. The base of the information system is a very detailed 3D model of the monument, realized by means of the most modern techniques for objects 3D modelling (laser scanning, digital photogrammetry and 3D scanning) integrated together with the aim to obtain a photo-textured 3D model characterized by a sub-millimetre precision level in the geometric description and a high perceptive fidelity of colour reproduction.The surveying activities and data processing, performed by the DICAM Geomatics group of the University of Bologna (with the collaboration of the MCM Company of Rome), are described in the paper, with considerations on the problems encountered and the procedures and solutions adopted. The information system has been developed by CNR-ISTI.</p

The X-ray Cluster Dipole

We estimate the dipole of the whole sky X-ray flux-limited sample of Abell/ACO clusters (XBACs) and compare it to the optical Abell/ACO cluster dipole. The X-ray cluster dipole is well aligned ($\le 25^{\circ}$) with the CMB dipole, while it follows closely the radial profile of its optical cluster counterpart although its amplitude is $\sim 10 - 30$ per cent lower. In view of the fact that the the XBACs sample is not affected by the volume incompleteness and the projection effects that are known to exist at some level in the optical parent Abell/ACO cluster catalogue, our present results confirm the previous optical cluster dipole analysis that there are significant contributions to the Local Group motion from large distances ($\sim 160h^{-1}$Mpc). In order to assess the expected contribution to the X-ray cluster dipole from a purely X-ray selected sample we compare the dipoles of the XBACs and the Brightest Cluster Sample (Ebeling et al. 1997a) in their overlap region. The resulting dipoles are in mutual good aggreement with an indication that the XBACs sample slightly underestimates the full X-ray dipole (by $\le 5$ per cent) while the Virgo cluster contributes about 10 - 15 per cent to the overall X-ray cluster dipole. Using linear perturbation theory to relate the X-ray cluster dipole to the Local group peculiar velocity we estimate the density parameter to be $\beta_{c_{x}} \simeq 0.24 \pm 0.05$.Comment: 16 pages, latex, + 4 ps figures, submitted to Ap

Cultivation area affects the presence of fungal communities and secondary metabolites in Italian durum wheat grains

In this study, durum wheat kernels harvested in three climatically different Italian cultivation areas (Emilia Romagna, Umbria and Sardinia) in 2015, were analyzed with a combination of different isolation methods to determine their fungal communities, with a focus on Fusarium head blight (FHB) complex composition, and to detect fungal secondary metabolites in the grains. The genus Alternaria was the main component of durum wheat mycobiota in all investigated regions, with the Central Italian cultivation area showing the highest incidence of this fungal genus and of its secondary metabolites. Fusarium was the second most prevalent genus of the fungal community in all cultivation environments, even if regional differences in species composition were detected. In particular, Northern areas showed the highest Fusarium incidence, followed by Central and then Southern cultivation areas. Focusing on the FHB complex, a predominance of Fusarium poae, in particular in Northern and Central cultivation areas, was found. Fusarium graminearum, in the analyzed year, was mainly detected in Emilia Romagna. Because of the highest Fusarium incidence, durum wheat harvested in the Northern cultivation area showed the highest presence of Fusarium secondary metabolites. These results show that durum wheat cultivated in Northern Italy may be subject to a higher FHB infection risk and to Fusarium mycotoxins accumulation