Virtual museum enriched by GIS data to share science and culture. Church of Saint Stephen in Umm Ar-Rasas (Jordan)

[EN] Umm ar-Rasas is a Jordan archaeological site, located 30 km southeast of the city of Madaba, in the northern part of Wadi Mujib. It preserves findings dating back the period from the end of 3rd to the 9th century AD and, since 2004, it belongs to the world heritage list of UNESCO. In 2015 a multidisciplinary work was undertaken over the archaeological site, mainly focusing on the Church of Saint Stephen, with the main purpose of enhancing the knowledge and documenting the conservation state of the polychrome mosaic floor, which covers the entire surface of the hall and presbytery. A huge amount of data has been collected, coming from archaeological and historical investigations, geophysics and geodetic inspections and geomatics surveying, which produced also a true orthophoto of the mosaic floor. Data has been organized in a geo-database, facilitating the exchange of information between different actors. Moreover, the management of data within a dedicated Geographic Information System (GIS), has allowed in-depth analysis for understanding the evolution of the iconographic repertoire that, over the centuries, has undergone several disfigurements due to the iconoclastic age. The knowledge of the mosaic has also been vital for the implementation of multimedia applications and for the creation of virtual experiences, in which the information can be conveyed and visualized directly on the virtual reconstruction of the whole archaeological site. The innovation of the proposed work, is therefore in the management of a data flow that can be exploited by different actors through different platforms: experts, thanks to the use of GIS, and visitors with the use of multimedia applications (such as Augmented Reality (AR) or highresolution web visualization) for dissemination purposes, in order to preserve this priceless mankind heritage.Highlights:Definition of a complete pipeline ranging from data acquisition to visualization in multi-channel multimedia applications.Management of heterogeneous data in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their exploitation in Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR).GIS applied to the archaeological domain for expert and non-expert users.[ES] Umm er-Rasas es un sitio arqueológico de Jordania, ubicado a 30 km al sureste de la ciudad de Madaba, en la parte norte de Wadi Mujib. Conserva hallazgos que datan del período comprendido entre finales del siglo III y IX d.C. y, desde 2004, pertenece a la lista del patrimonio mundial de la UNESCO. En 2015, se realizó un trabajo multidisciplinar en el sitio arqueológico, que se centró principalmente en la Iglesia de San Esteban, con el propósito principal de mejorar el conocimiento y la documentación del estado de conservación del suelo con el mosaico policromado que cubre toda la superficie de la sala y el presbiterio. Se ha recopilado una gran cantidad de datos provenientes de investigaciones arqueológicas e históricas, inspecciones geofísicas y geodésicas y levantamientos geomáticos, que produjeron también una ortofoto verdadera del suelo con el mosaico. Los datos se han organizado en una geodatabase, facilitando el intercambio de información entre diferentes actores. Además, la gestión de los datos en un Sistema de Información Geográfica (SIG) dedicado, ha permitido un análisis profundo que facilita la comprensión de la evolución del repertorio iconográfico que, a lo largo de los siglos, ha sufrido varias desfiguraciones debido a la era iconoclasta. El conocimiento del mosaico también ha sido vital en la implementación de aplicaciones multimedia y en la creación de experiencias virtuales, en las que la información se puede transmitir y visualizar directamente en la reconstrucción virtual de todo el sitio arqueológico. La innovación del trabajo propuesto está, por lo tanto, en la gestión del flujo de datos que puede ser explotado por diferentes actores a través de diferentes plataformas: expertos, gracias al uso del SIG, y visitantes con el uso de las aplicaciones multimedia (como son la Realidad Aumentada (AR) o la visualización web de alta resolución) para fines de divulgación, con el fin de preservar este patrimonio incalculable de la humanidad.Malinverni, ES.; Pierdiccaa, R.; Di Stefano, F.; Gabrielli, R.; Albiero, A. (2019). Museo virtual enriquecido con datos GIS para compartir ciencia y cultura. La Iglesia de San Esteban en Umm er-Rasas (Jordania). Virtual Archaeology Review. 10(21):31-39. https://doi.org/10.4995/var.2019.11919SWORD31391021Anichini, F., Bini, D., Bini, M., Dubbini, N., Fabiani, F., Gattiglia, G., ... Steffè, S. (2012). MAPPAproject: Methodologies applied to archaeological potential predictivity. MapPapers, 1en-I, 23-43.Anichini, F., Fabiani, F., Gattiglia, G., & Gualandi, M. L. (2012). A database for archaeological data recording and analysis. MapPapers, 1en-II, 21-38.Baik, A., Yaagoubi, R., & Boehm, J. (2015). Integration of Jeddah historical BIM and 3D GIS for documentation and restoration of historical monument. International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, XL-5/W7, 29-34. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprsarchives-XL-5-W7-29-2015Barrile, V., Fotia, A., Bilotta, G., & De Carlo, D. (2019). Integration of geomatics methodologies and creation of a cultural heritage app using augmented reality. Virtual Archaeology Review, 10(20), 40-51. https://doi.org/10.4995/var.2019.10361Blanco-Pons, S., Carrión-Ruiz, B., Lerma, J. L., & Villaverde, V. (2019). Design and implementation of an augmented reality application for rock art visualization in Cova dels Cavalls (Spain). Journal of Cultural Heritage. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2019.03.014Bruno, F., Bruno, S., De Sensi, G., Luchi, M. L., Mancuso, S., & Muzzupappa, M. (2010). From 3D reconstruction to virtual reality: A complete methodology for digital archaeological exhibition. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 11(1), 42-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2009.02.006Colosi, F., Fangi, G., Gabrielli, R., Orazi, R., Angelini, A., & Bozzi, C. A. (2009). Planning the Archaeological Park of Chan Chan (Peru) by means of satellite images, GIS and photogrammetry. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 10 (SUPPL. 1), 27-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2009.08.002d'Annibale, E., Tassetti, A. N., & Malinverni, E. S. (2014). Finalizing a low-cost photogrammetric workflow: from panoramic photos to Heritage 3D documentation and visualization. International Journal of Heritage in the Digital Era, 3(1), 33-49. https://doi.org/10.1260/2047-4970.3.1.33Dilek, A. P. S. E., Doğan, M., & Kozbe, G. (2019). The Influences of the Interactive Systems on Museum Visitors' Experience: A Comparative Study from Turkey. Journal of Tourism Intelligence and Smartness, 2(1), 27-38. Retrieved from http://dergipark.org.tr/jtis/issue/44975/559246Felicetti, A., Albiero, A., Gabrielli, R., Pierdicca, R., Paolanti, M., Zingaretti, P.,& Malinverni, E. S. (2018). Automatic Mosaic Digitalization: a Deep Learning approach to tessera segmentation. In METROARCHEO, IEEE International Conference on Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage. Cassino.Gabrielli, R., Portarena, D., & Franceschinis, M. (2017). Tecniche di documentazione dei tappeti musivi del sito archeologico di Umm Al-Rasas-Kastron Mefaa (Giordania). Archeologia e Calcolatori, 28(1), 201-218.Gabrielli, R., & Greco, G. (2018). Umm Ar-Rasas: The Application of Integrated Methodologies for the Valorization of a Unesco Site. Global Journal of Archaeology & Anthropology, 6(3), 555688. https://doi.org/10.19080/GJAA.2018.06.555688Han, D.-I. D., Weber, J., Bastiaansen, M., Mitas, O., & Lub, X. (2019). Virtual and augmented reality technologies to enhance the visitor experience in cultural tourism. In M. C. tom Dieck & T. Jung (Eds.), Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (pp. 113-128). Cham: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-06246-0Hunter, J., Jateff, E., & van den Hengel, A. (2019). Using digital visualization of archival sources to enhance archaeological interpretation of the 'Life History'of Ships: The case study of HMCS/HMAS Protector. In J. McCarthy, J. Benjamin, T. Winton, & W. van Duivenvoorde (Eds.), 3D Recording and Interpretation for Maritime Archaeology (vol. 31, pp. 89-101). Cham: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03635-5_6Kyriakou, P., & Hermon, S. (2019). Can I touch this? Using natural interaction in a Museum Augmented Reality System. Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, 12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.daach.2018.e00088Malinverni, E. S., Pierdicca, R., Giuliano, A., & Mariano, F. (2018). A geographical information system to support restoration activities: a methodological approach experienced upon the case study of Ascoli Satriano Fortress. Applied Geomatics, 10(4), 427-439. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12518-018-0216-4Ognibene, S. (2002). Umm al-Rasas. L'Erma di Bretschneider.Piccirillo, M. (1991). Il complesso di Santo Stefano a Umm al-Rasas Kastron Mefaa in Giordania (1986-1991). Liber Annuus Studii Biblici Franciscani, 41, 327-357.Piccirillo, M. (2008). La Palestina cristiana: I-VII secolo. EDB.Piccirillo, M., & Alliata, E. (1994). Umm al-Rasas Mayfa'ah I: gli scavi del complesso di Santo Stefano.Pierdicca, R., Frontoni, E., Malinverni, E. S., Colosi, F., & Orazi, R. (2016). Virtual reconstruction of archaeological heritage using a combination of photogrammetric techniques: Huaca Arco Iris, Chan Chan, Peru. Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, 3(3), 80-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.daach.2016.06.002Pierdicca, R., Malinverni, E. S., Frontoni, E., Colosi, F., & Orazi, R. (2016). 3D visualization tools to explore ancient architectures in South America. Virtual Archaeology Review, 7(15), 44-53. https://doi.org/10.4995/var.2016.5904Rahaman, H., Champion, E., & Bekele, M. (2019). From photo to 3D to mixed reality: A complete workflow for cultural heritage visualisation and experience. Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, 13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.daach.2019.e00102Salonia, P., & Negri, A. (2003). Cultural Heritage emergency: GIS-based tools for assessing and deciding preservation. In Proceedings of the Twenty-Third Annual ESRI International User Conference, San Diego, CA, USA (pp. 7-11).Saygi, G., & Remondino, F. (2013). Management of architectural heritage information in BIM and GIS: State-of-the-art and future perspectives. Internationa

Giornata di Studi su Costantino Dardi. La tassellatura urbana - Convegno Scientifico

La giornata di studi cercher\ue0 di focalizzare le principali tematiche della sua composizione alla base del progetto di architettura, dei metodi e delle idee con cui pensava al paesaggio, ridisegnando la geografia, e al suo \u201cdisegnare\u201d come pensiero e teoria del progetto

Semisolid Wet Sol–Gel Silica/Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose Formulation for Slow Release of Serpin B3 Promotes Wound Healing In Vivo

Foot ulcerations are a disabling complication of diabetes and no treatment is currently available based on disease mechanisms. The protein serpin B3 (SB3) was identified as a positive biomarker of successful diabetic wound healing; therefore, its exogenous administration may promote healing. The topical administration of SB3 is challenging due to its protein nature. Physical entrapment in wet sol–gel silica can stabilize the protein’s conformation and permit its sustained delivery. However, irreversible syneresis and poor viscoelastic properties hamper wet sol–gel silica application as a semisolid vehicle. To overcome these limits, a sol–gel silica/hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) hydrogel blend was developed. SB3 entrapped in 8% SiO2 wet sol–gel silica preserved its structure, was stabilized against denaturation, and was slowly released for at least three days. Blending a silica gel with an HPMC–glycerol (metolose-G) hydrogel permitted spreadability without affecting the protein’s release kinetics. When administered in vivo, SB3 in silica/metolose-G—but not in solution or in metolose-G alone—accelerated wound healing in SB3 knockout and diabetic mouse models. The results confirmed that SB3 is a new pharmacological option for the treatment of chronic ulcers, especially when formulated in a slow-releasing vehicle. Silica–metolose-G represents a novel type of semisolid dosage form which could also be applied for the formulation of other bioactive proteins

The molecular signature of impaired diabetic wound healing identifies serpinB3 as a healing biomarker.

Aims/hypothesis Chronic foot ulceration is a severe complication of diabetes, driving morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms underlying delaying wound healing in diabetes are incompletely understood and tools to identify such pathways are eagerly awaited. Methods Wound biopsies were obtained from 75 patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Matched subgroups of rapidly healing (RH, n = 17) and non-healing (NH, n = 11) patients were selected. Proteomic analysis was performed by labelling with isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification and mass spectrometry. Differentially expressed proteins were analysed in NH vs RH for identification of pathogenic pathways. Individual sample gene/protein validation and in vivo validation of candidate pathways in mouse models were carried out. Results Pathway analyses were conducted on 92/286 proteins that were differentially expressed in NH vs RH. The following pathways were enriched in NH vs RH patients: apoptosis, protease inhibitors, epithelial differentiation, serine endopeptidase activity, coagulation and regulation of defence response. SerpinB3 was strongly upregulated in RH vs NH wounds, validated as protein and mRNA in individual samples. To test the relevance of serpinB3 in vivo, we used a transgenic mouse model with alpha 1-antitrypsin promoter-driven overexpression of human SERPINB3. In this model, wound healing was unaffected by SERPINB3 overexpression in non-diabetic or diabetic mice with or without hindlimb ischaemia. In an independent validation cohort of 47 patients, high serpinB3 protein content was confirmed as a biomarker of healing improvement. Conclusions/interpretation We provide a benchmark for the unbiased discovery of novel molecular targets and biomarkers of impaired diabetic wound healing. High serpinB3 protein content was found to be a biomarker of successful healing in diabetic patient

miR-30c-5p regulates macrophage-mediated inflammation and pro-atherosclerosis pathways

Aims Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease wherein cholesterol-loaded macrophages play a major role. MicroRNAs and microparticles propagate inflammatory pathways and are involved in cardiovascular disease. We aimed to screen and validate circulating microRNAs correlated with atherosclerosis development in humans, and to dissect the molecular mechanisms associated with atherogenesis using in vitro and in vivo approaches. Methods and results A panel of 179 secreted microRNAs was screened in plasma samples of patients with and without atherosclerosis, and validated cross-sectionally and prospectively in patients followed for up to 11 years. miR-30c-5p was inversely correlated with total and LDL cholesterol, carotid intimal media thickness (CIMT), presence and future development of plaques. Using a human macrophage line and in vitro gene silencing strategies, we found that miR-30c-5p was downregulated by oxidized LDL (oxLDL) via the scavenger receptor CD36 and inhibition miR processing by Dicer. In turn, miR-30c-5p downregulation was responsible for the effects of oxLDL on macrophage IL-1\uce\ub2 release, caspase-3 expression, and apoptosis. miR-30c-5p loaded into microparticles was uptaken by macrophages and regulated target genes, like caspase-3, at transcriptional level. To establish the relevance of this pathway on endothelial damage as the earliest step of atherogenesis, we show that systemic miR-30c-5p knockdown induced caspase-3 and impaired endothelial healing after carotid injury in C57Bl/6 J mice. Conclusions With an unbiased screening of secreted microRNAs, we identify reduction of miR-30c-5p in microparticles as a promoter of early atherosclerosis, by conveying pro-inflammatory pro-apoptotic signals and impairing endothelial healing. Therefore, stimulation of miR-30c-5p is a candidate direct anti-atherosclerotic therapy

Higher levels of IgA and IgG at sepsis onset are associated with higher mortality: results from the Albumin Italian Outcome Sepsis (ALBIOS) trial

Background: The role of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) during sepsis is controversial, as different trials on IVIG have observed inconsistent survival benefits. We aimed to elucidate the possible association and clinical significance between circulating levels of immunoglobulins. Methods: In a subset of 956 patients with severe sepsis and septic shock of the multicentre, open-label RCT ALBIOS, venous blood samples were serially collected 1, 2, and 7 days after enrolment (or at ICU discharge, whichever came first). IgA, IgG and IgM concentrations were assayed in all patients on day 1 and in a subgroup of 150 patients on days 2 and 7. Ig concentrations were measured employing a turbidimetric assay, OSR61171 system. Results: IgA on day 1 had a significant predictive value for both 28-day and 90-day mortality (28-day mortality, HR: 1.50 (95% CI 1.18-1.92); 90-day mortality, HR: 1.54 (95% CI 1.25-1.91)). IgG, but not IgM, on day 1 showed similar results for 28-day (HR 1.83 (95% CI 1.33-2.51) and 90-day mortality HR: 1.66 (95% CI 1.23-2.25)). In addition, lower levels of IgG but not of IgA and IgM, at day 1 were associated with significantly higher risk of secondary infections (533 [406-772] vs 600 [452-842] mg/dL, median [Q1-Q3], p = 0.007). Conclusions: In the largest cohort study of patients with severe sepsis or septic shock, we found that high levels of IgA and IgG on the first day of diagnosis were associated with a decreased 90-day survival. No association was found between IgM levels and survival. As such, the assessment of endogenous immunoglobulins could be a useful tool to identify septic patients at high risk of mortality. Trial registration #NCT00707122, Clinicaltrial.gov, registered 30 June 2008