From GeoVisualization to visual-analytics: methodologies and techniques for human-information discourse

2010 - 2011The objective of our research is to give support to decision makers when facing problems which require rapid solutions in spite of the complexity of scenarios under investigation. In order to achieve this goal our studies have been focused on GeoVisualization and GeoVisual Analytics research field, which play a relevant role in this scope, because they exploit results from several disciplines, such as exploratory data analysis and GIScience, to provide expert users with highly interactive tools by which they can both visually synthesize information from large datasets and perform complex analytical tasks. The research we are carrying out along this line is meant to develop software applications capable both to build an immediate overview of a scenario and to explore elements featuring it. To this aim, we are defining methodologies and techniques which embed key aspects from different disciplines, such as augmented reality and location-based services. Their integration is targeted to realize advanced tools where the geographic component role is primary and is meant to contribute to a human-information discourse... [edited by author]X n.s

From perfect to fractal transmission in spin chains

Perfect state transfer is possible in modulated spin chains, imperfections however are likely to corrupt the state transfer. We study the robustness of this quantum communication protocol in the presence of disorder both in the exchange couplings between the spins and in the local magnetic field. The degradation of the fidelity can be suitably expressed, as a function of the level of imperfection and the length of the chain, in a scaling form. In addition the time signal of fidelity becomes fractal. We further characterize the state transfer by analyzing the spectral properties of the Hamiltonian of the spin chain.Comment: 8 pages, 10 figures, published versio

Can a fully integrated approach enclose the drainage system design and the flood risk analysis?

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Making the Communication of CCS more "human"

CCS communication has proven a tough challenge, particularly for the difficulty in raising interest for the technology, which is still unknown to the majority of the population, and for the complexity of conveying information about its potential for reducing emissions. In this paper we present a research based effort for bringing CCS nearer to people, through visual material developed taking into account emotional needs related to the technology. The production of a short introductory film on CCS is illustrated and its testing with a sample of 700 high school students

Preliminary results of geological characterization and geochemical monitoring of Sulcis Basin (Sardinia), as a potential CCS site

The Sulcis Basin is an area situated in SW Sardinia (Italy) and is a potential site for the development of CCS in Italy. This paper illustrates the preliminary results of geological characterization of fractured carbonate reservoir (Miliolitico Fm.) and the sealing sequence, composed by clay, marl and volcanic rocks, with a total thickness of more than 900 m. To characterize the reservoircaprock system an extensive structural-geological survey at the outcrop was conducted. It was also performed a study of the geochemical monitoring, to define the baseline conditions, measuring CO2 concentrations and flux in the study site

Will We Have a Cohort of Healthcare Workers Full Vaccinated against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella?

Healthcare workers are a population exposed to several infectious diseases, and an immunization programme is essential for the maintenance of good vaccination coverage to protect workers and patients. A population of 10,653 students attending degree courses at Padua Medical School (medicine and surgery, dentistry and health professions) was screened for vaccination coverage and antibody titres against rubella, mumps, and measles. The students were subdivided into five age classes according to their date of birth: those born before 1980, between 1980 and 1985, between 1986 and 1990, between 1991 and 1995, and after 1995. Vaccination coverage was very low in students born before 1980, but the rate of positive antibody titre was high due to infection in infancy. Increasing date of birth showed increased vaccination coverage. In contrast, immune coverage was high for rubella (more than 90%) but not for mumps and measles (approximately 80%). An "anomaly" was observed for mumps and measles in the cohort born between 1991 and 1995, probably due to the trivalent vaccine formulation. Students born after 1990 showed vaccination coverage that exceeded 90%. It is therefore very likely that we will have a future generation of healthcare workers with optimal vaccination coverage

Massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding from a pancreatic pseudocyst rupture: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Bleeding from pancreatic pseudocyst's rupture into adjacent organs is a rare, but potentially fatal, complication of chronic pancreatitis requiring quick management. Timing of the rupture is unpredictable; early diagnosis and correct management is essential in preventing the bleeding. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 53 years old male patient successfully treated with emergency surgery for massive hematemesis due to a rupture of a bleeding pseudocyst into the stomach. Patient underwent emergency laparotomy and suture of the bleeding vessel. At 5 years follow-up patient is in healthy condition. CONCLUSION: This case shows to surgeons that pancreatic pseudocyst cannot be managed strictly with one rule and prompt surgical treatment is mandatory in case of haemodinamic instability

A thorough annotation of the krill transcriptome offers new insights for the study of physiological processes

The krill species Euphausia superba plays a critical role in the food chain of the Antarctic ecosystem. Significant changes in climate conditions observed in the Antarctic Peninsula region in the last decades have already altered the distribution of krill and its reproductive dynamics. A deeper understanding of the adaptation capabilities of this species is urgently needed. The availability of a large body of RNA-seq assays allowed us to extend the current knowledge of the krill transcriptome. Our study covered the entire developmental process providing information of central relevance for ecological studies. Here we identified a series of genes involved in different steps of the krill moulting cycle, in the reproductive process and in sexual maturation in accordance with what was already described in previous works. Furthermore, the new transcriptome highlighted the presence of differentially expressed genes previously unknown, playing important roles in cuticle development as well as in energy storage during the krill life cycle. The discovery of new opsin sequences, specifically rhabdomeric opsins, one onychopsin, and one non-visual arthropsin, expands our knowledge of the krill opsin repertoire. We have collected all these results into the KrillDB2 database, a resource combining the latest annotation of the krill transcriptome with a series of analyses targeting genes relevant to krill physiology. KrillDB2 provides in a single resource a comprehensive catalog of krill genes; an atlas of their expression profiles over all RNA-seq datasets publicly available; a study of differential expression across multiple conditions. Finally, it provides initial indications about the expression of microRNA precursors, whose contribution to krill physiology has never been reported before

BIM for infrastructure: an efficient process to achieve 4D and 5D digital dimensions

Introduction of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach in Civil Engineering practices allows a design optimization through both an improved control of all the components of a project and an increased efficiency in the collaboration between all professionals involved. In Italy, major attention is being paid by scientists and professionals on this subject area, especially after the implementation of the national law DM 560/2017. This document will gradually rule the integration of BIM-based procedures for contractors in major public tenders. The present paper aims to propose a methodology for implementing an optimization dynamic model of time (4D) and costs (5D) across different project phases. To achieve this aim, the process relies on several authoring tools and 4D/5D modeling software, capable to incorporate a variety of project data in a unique and shared environment. The most effective methodology to maximize the interoperability between various codes will be presented. In this regard, a dynamic model involving an optimizationoriented approach for both the quantity surveying and the definition of the design management timeline is introduced. It is important to emphasize that these aspects are two of the major issues for the evaluation criteria in a civil engineering project. Also, this bidirectional process allows for a more accurate estimation of project costs as well as to achieve an optimized timeline of construction activities. Finally, it worth reminding that in case of constrained changes during the design phase, a dynamic model permits to effectively reiterate the process with a significant reduction of the overall computational time