3D VIRTUAL CH INTERACTIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR A SMART WEB BROWSING EXPERIENCE FOR DESKTOP PCS AND MOBILE DEVICES

Abstract. Recently, the diffusion of knowledge on Cultural Heritage (CH) has become an element of primary importance for its valorization. At the same time, the diffusion of surveys based on UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technologies and new methods of photogrammetric reconstruction have opened new possibilities for 3D CH representation. Furthermore the recent development of faster and more stable internet connections leads people to increase the use of mobile devices. In the light of all this, the importance of the development of Virtual Reality (VR) environments applied to CH is strategic for the diffusion of knowledge in a smart solution. In particular, the present work shows how, s…

Omega 3 fatty acids: biological activity and effects on human health.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have an important role in human diet, both for the prevention and the therapy of different pathologies. In this review, a critical evaluation of PUFAs dietary sources and biological functions in human organism has been done. In particular, the efficacy of ω-3 fatty acids in the improvement of the lipidic pattern and in the excitability of myocardium has been analyzed, and therefore their usefulness in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and post-infarction arrhythmias. As PUFAs are precursors of prostaglandins and leucotriens, which are involved in phlogosis and immune response, a diet rich in fish oil reduces the production of PGE2 involved in many…

Effects of Environmental Lighting and Tryptophan Devoid Diet on the Rat Vaginal Cycle

Cerebral serotonin level influences luteinizing hormone release and, consequently, ovulation. The present study evaluated the effects of precooked maize meal (polenta), a diet almost devoid of tryptophan the serotonin precursor on the alterations of the estrus cycle as measured by vaginal smears analysis in Wistar rats. Several conditions of environmental lighting were used in order to modify ovarian cycle: 1) natural alternating light/dark cycle; 2) continuous darkness; 3) continuous light by sodium steams: 4) continuous light by fluorescent neon tubes. Rats bred in continuous lighting showed estrus-proestrus rate significantly greater than rats bred in normal lighting or in continuous dar…

Testosterone and aggressiveness.

Aggressiveness is an ancestral behavior common to all animal species. Its neurophysiological mechanisms are similar in all vertebrates. Males are generally more aggressive than females. In this review, aggressive behavior in rodents, monkeys, and man and the role of testosterone and brain serotonin levels have been considered. Interspecifi c aggressiveness in rats has been studied considering the mouse-killing behavior; the neonatal androgenization of females increases adult mousekilling as does the administration of testosterone in adults. Intraspecifi c aggressiveness was studied by putting two or more male rats (or mice) in the same cage; the condition of subjection or dominance is infl …

GLOBE BASED 3D GIS SOLUTIONS FOR VIRTUAL HERITAGE

Abstract. During the last years, many solutions have been proposed for 3D Virtual Heritage representations. Recently, also new technologies for online gaming evolved, based on javascript libraries (WebGL), used to create and publish virtual interactive environments. They are based on recent Web browser’s functionalities, surpassing some limitations of VRML technologies. On the side of geospatial information, technology has evolved from desktop GIS to 2D WebGIS and globe applications. The use of globe applications is, today, very diffused due to its immediate and at the same time impressive representation of the earth surface and territories. These technologies have been, also, applied to Vi…

MOBILE MAPPING FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE: THE SURVEY OF THE COMPLEX OF ST. JOHN OF THE HERMITS IN PALERMO (ITALY)

Abstract. During the 11th and 12th century, the Arab-Norman architectural style characterized the most beautiful and important Cultural Heritage buildings in Sicily, and especially in Palermo (Italy). The relevance of these monuments is highlighted by their inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List in 2015. For many years, the University of Palermo has been studying and documenting several Arab-Norman cultural assets, and in particular, the complex of St. John of the Hermits in Palermo (Italy). A first detailed 3D survey of the main structures of this complex was carried out using a terrestrial laser scanner while the 3D survey of the entire complex was made using a Mobile Mapping S…

Therapeutic Effectiveness of Nutrition Therapy in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases Awaiting Liver Transplantation

It is important to prevent protein/calorie malnutrition in children with end stage liver diseases prior to transplantation. This study involved 34 patients between the ages of 10 and 156 months (mean value 25.69 months ± 32.2) (13 females and 21 males) on the liver transplant waiting list. Data collected as of three months before transplant and up to ten months after the procedure concerned gender, age, weight, height, Pediatric End Stage Liver Disease Score, baseline pathology, type of nutrition, type of transplant, immunosuppression, pulse steroid therapy, length of stay, and post transplant complications. Linear regression analysis showed that the length of hospital stay was 24.5 days mo…

Plasma membrane redox system in the erythrocytes of rowers: Pilot study

The oxidative stress results from a change in the physiological balance between oxidant and antioxidant species. This type of stress is a chemical change in the redox state of cells. The increased production of reactive species is related to an excessive metabolic activation, for example, from an intense physical exercise or an excessive caloric intake (1). In physiological conditions, muscle fibers are provided with an antioxidant system able to keep under control the excessive production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).

PLASMA MEMBRANE REDOX SYSTEM IN THE ERYTHROCYTES OF ROWERS: PILOT STUDY

Background: The oxidative stress results from a change in the physiological balance between oxidant and antioxidant species. The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to investigate the effects of long-term training in sports with high energy requirements on the redox balance which exists between the plasma vs. the erythrocytes; second, to study the activity of the PMRS (Plasma Membrane Redox System), which is a compensatory mechanism of cellular redox homeostasis, in the rowers’ erythrocytes in order to determine the rowers’ counteraction to oxidative stress. Methods: Venous blood samples was collected from rowers and control group; then FRAP (Ferric Reducing Activity Power) method has …

Evaluation of plasma antioxidant status after red wine intake

Several studies report that the plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) increases after a single ingestion of red wine. However, data on the different behaviour of PAC after food intake in subjects of the same sex are still lacking. On the basis of these observations some investigations were undertaken in order to evaluate the effects of red wine intake on PAC in a homogeneous groups of healthy female volunteers (n=18). Additionally, the possible correlation between increase of PAC values and increase in uric acid levels was also assessed. PAC and uric acid concentrations were determined before wine intake and 50, 120 and 240 minutes thereafter. The results obtained following these studied highli…

Restoration of the feudal castle of Ventimiglia family in Castelbuono (PA)

This paper concerns the restoration of the castle of Ventimiglia family in Castelbuono; the initial part, come from the medieval period (XIVth century), underwent considerable transformations in the XVth century by Giovanni Ventimiglia, Count of Geraci. He transformed the old castle, which is primarily defensive, in their own home and restored the chapel dedicated to S. Anna, then reconfigured in 1683. Since the XIXth century the castle had a progressive deterioration and in 1920 it was purchased by the Municipality of Castelbuono. The postwar years were characterized of a further deterioration of the castle; it was remedied with partial actions since 1978. These interventions have been coo…

Influence of quercetin and luteolin on the activity of the catalase: study ex vivo about erythrocytes in smokers and non-smokers

Flavonoids are a group of polyphenolic compounds with different chemical structure and properties. These compounds may scavenge free radical species and other oxidants. In previous studies, we have observed that some polyphenols are able to cross the erythrocyte’smembrane and this process is influenced by the plasmatic albumin; in fact quercetin intracellular concentrations is albumin dose depending. The influence of flavonoids on catalase activity has been reported in some papers but the results are contradictory. Some authors have found an increase of catalase activity in cell in the presence of flavonoids. Others have observed any effect or even a decrease of catalase activity.The presen…

THE VIRTUALIZATION OF CH FOR HISTORICAL RECONSTRUCTION: THE AR FRUITION OF THE FOUNTAIN OF ST. GEORGE SQUARE IN VALLETTA (MALTA)

Abstract. Improving accessibility to Cultural Heritage (CH) is an increasingly urgent challenge today. It is not only a matter of physical inaccessibility but also temporal, considering that part of CH now lost. Fortunately, the most modern technological tools are helping to break down both space and time barriers. In facts, recent advances in representation, 3D modelling and survey methodologies opened new scenarios for valorization and conservation of CH. In particular, the improvement of quality in resolution and sensor sensitivity of cameras allowed to achieve the right level of 3D reconstruction through digital photogrammetry procedures. In the same field, terrestrial laser scanners (T…

AUGMENTED REALITY FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE: THE REBIRTH OF A HISTORICAL SQUARE

Abstract. The case study, faced in this paper, arises in the context of Interreg Italia-Malta European project named I-Access, dedicated to the improvement of accessibility to Cultural Heritage (CH). Accessibility considered not only as the demolition of physical architectural barriers, but also as the possibility of fruition of CH through technological tools that can increase its perception and knowledge. Last achievements in photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) technology offered new methods of data acquisition in the field of CH, giving the possibility of monitoring and processing big data, in the form of point clouds. Ever in this field, reverse engineering techniques and …

MAIN FEATURES OF A 3D GIS FOR A MONUMENTAL COMPLEX WITH AN HISTORICAL-CULTURAL RELEVANCE

Abstract. The last achievements of technologies in geomatics especially in survey and restitution of 3D models (UAV/drones and laser scanner technologies) generated new procedures and higher standards of quality in representation of archaeological sites. Together with Geomatics, the recent development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) strongly contribute to document and the Cultural Heritage (CH). The representation and documentation of CH using these new technologies has became necessary in order to satisfy different needs: – for restorers in order to acquire a deep knowledge of the cultural good and to define possible strategies of restoration; – for the conservation of …

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY, TLS SURVEY and 3D MODELLING for VR and AR APPLICATIONS in CH

Abstract. The world of valorization of Cultural Heritage is even more focused on the virtual representation and reconstructions of digital 3D models of monuments and archaeological sites. In this scenario the quality and the performances offered by the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) navigation take primary importance, improving the accessibility of cultural sites where the real access is not allowed for natural conditions or human possibilities. The creation of a virtual environment useful for these purposes requires a specific workflow to follow, combining different strategies in the fields of survey, 3D modelling and virtual navigation. In this work a specific case of stu…

A research on the action of testosterone propionate and of ciproterone acetate on the mouse-killing behaviour of the adult rat.

AbstractData demonstrate exactly that testosterone favour above all the killing behaviour of castrate males at birth in comparison with control males while ciproterone acetate turns out to be more effective in diminishing the killing behaviour of males having integral testicle and of androgenized females at birth in comparison with castrated males.The results point out that the killing behaviour of rats is affected by the presence of testosterone in the first days of life, and in the grown-up animal.

Development of a Virtual CH Path on WEB: Integration of a GIS, VR, and Other Multimedia Data

Recent advances in computer science allowed people to explore new possibilities for the fruition of CH all around the world. The development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the field of territorial systems and the evolution of Virtual Reality (VR) solutions opened new scenarios for the valorization of cultural goods. At the same time, recent advances in digital photogrammetry and 3D interactive navigation models on WEB-based on WebGL technologies offered new opportunities of digital fruition of CH. Considering this panorama, the presented work shows how the integration of these technologies gives a precious added value to the virtual fruition of CH. In particular, it has been con…

Maize based diets and possible neurobehavioural after-effects among some populations in the world

Maize is a cereal particularly lacking in tryptophan, which is the precursor of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter. Altough complementary foods may eliminate tryptophan deficiency, serotonin deficiency may often continue to exist because of competition made by other Large Neutral Amino Acids (LNAA) against tryptophan for neuron access, since they use the same carrier to cross the blood-brain barrier. Thus serotonin synthesis depends on two variables: the amount of tryptophan and the trp/LNAA ratio (R). “R” is lowest for common maize, low for beans and, as a rule, for most vegetable foods, higher for meat. So, when maize is the preponderant food in the meal, the “R” value lowers and so…

Definition of a Workflow for Web Browsing of 3D Models in Archaeology

The Cultural Heritage (CH) is a fundamental element of promotion of territories and of tourism development. Publishing 3D models of archaeological sites and their three-dimensional reconstruction on the Web is one of the best ways to spread their knowledge. However, many recent scientific researches in this field have highlighted the limitations and difficulties related to the networking of interactive 3D models. The main difficulties are related to the complexity and the size of models, which influence the access speed, and the cost of software and hardware needed for the publication on the WEB. In light of this background, this article describes the further advances of research activities…

Sharing on web 3D models of ancient theatres. A methodological workflow

Abstract. In the last few years, the need to share on the Web the knowledge of Cultural Heritage (CH) through navigable 3D models has increased. This need requires the availability of Web-based virtual reality systems and 3D WEBGIS. In order to make the information available to all stakeholders, these instruments should be powerful and at the same time very user-friendly. However, research and experiments carried out so far show that a standardized methodology doesn’t exist. All this is due both to complexity and dimensions of geometric models to be published, on the one hand, and to excessive costs of hardware and software tools, on the other. In light of this background, the paper describ…

Nutritional quality of extra virgin olive oil determined by the application of a new functional matematic index

The extra virgin olive oil is very important in the Mediterranean diet. From the nutritional point of view, the high energy content and an optimal ratio between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, together with the presence of minor compounds such as phenols and tocopherols and the related antioxidant capacity, confer to this product a high healthy value.The extra-virgin oil’s nutritional properties depend on the pedoclimatic conditions, cultivar and the production process. In the last years many studies have been performed to remark and describe the safety and nutritional quality of the extra-virgin olive oils but it is difficult to compare different parameters representative of oil’s n…

The Influence of Sex, of Castration in New-Born Males and of Androgen Treatment in New-Born Females on the Mouse-Killing Behaviour of the Rat

AbstractThe results we have got on the mouse-killing behaviour of the rat point out the remarkable percentage difference between control males and control females, between integral males and males castrated at birth, and between normal females and females under the effects of androgens.Such results make us believe that the appearance of the killer behaviour is affected by the presence of testosterone in the first days of life of the rat.

3D DATA INTEGRATION FOR WEB BASED OPEN SOURCE WebGL INTERACTIVE VISUALISATION

Abstract. Recent advances in open-source geospatial technologies in WebGIS allowed the visualization of a 3D complex environment on the web, exploiting realistic Globe reproduction of the real territorial asset. At the same time, in the field of gaming technologies, the new possibilities offered by open-source WebGL JavaScript libraries allowed the creation of Virtual Reality navigation models on the web. The integration between 3D GIS globe navigation models and VR environment navigation is a solution that offers a further level of detail in web navigation, exploiting the capabilities of web browsers in the best way. This research further contributes to this field, showing a workflow to in…

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