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Abstract The use of light detection and ranging technologies, i.e. terrestrial laser scanner (TLS), airborne laser scanner (ALS) and mobile laser scanner (MLS), together with the unmanned aerial vehicles digital photogrammetry (UAV-DP) and satellite data are proving to be fundamental tools to carry out reliable muographic measurement campaigns. The main purpose of this paper is to propose a workflow to correctly plan and exploit these types of data for muon radiography aims. To this end, a real case study is presented: searching for hidden tombs in the Etruscan necropolis of Palazzone (Umbria, Italy). A high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) and three-dimensional models of the ground surface/sub-surface of the study area were created by merging data obtained using different survey methods to achieve the most accurate three-dimensional environment. Indeed, the simulated muon flux transmission used to infer relative transmission values, and the estimated density distribution, depends on the reliability of the three-dimensional reconstructed ground surface model. The aim of this study is to provide knowledge on the use of TLS and UAV-DP data and GPS-acquired points within the transmission-based muography process and how these data could improve or worsen the muon imaging results. Moreover, this study confirmed that muography applications require a multidisciplinary approach.

Abstract Muon radiography (muography) is an imaging technique based on atmospheric muon absorption in matter that allows to obtain two and three-dimensional images of internal details of hidden objects or structures. The technique relies on atmospheric muon flux measurements performed around and underneath the object under examination. It is a non-invasive and passive technique and thus can be thought of as a valid alternative to common prospecting techniques used in archaeological, geological and civil security fields. This paper describes muon radiography measurements, in the context of archaeological and geological studies carried out at the Temperino mine (LI, Tuscany, Italy), for the search and three-dimensional visualisation of cavities. This mine has been exploited since Etruscan times until recently (1973), and is now an active tourist attraction with public access to the tunnels. Apart from the archaeological interest, the importance of mapping the cavities within this mine lies in identifying the areas where the extraction ores were found and also in the safety issues arising from the tourist presence inside the mine. The three-dimensional imaging is achieved with two different algorithms: one involving a triangulation of two or more measurements at different locations; the other, an innovative technique used here for the first time, is based on the back-projections of reconstructed muon tracks. The latter requires only a single muographic data tacking and is to be preferred in applications where more than one site location can be difficult to access. Finally the quality of the three-dimensional muographic imaging was evaluated by comparing the results with the laser scan profiles obtained for some known cavities within the Temperino mine.

On 13 January 2012, the Italian vessel Costa Concordia wrecked on the shore of Giglio Island, about 15 km off the coast of southern Tuscany (Italy), causing the loss of 32 lives. It is considered one of the worst disasters in maritime history. Salvage operations started immediately after the wreck with the coordination of the Italian National Civil Protection Department and the technological support of several Research Centers, which were activated for the management of the consequent emergency phase. A multi-parametric and multiplatform monitoring system was promptly implemented, involving several advanced remote sensing techniques, among which was Infrared Thermography (IRT). In this framework, IRT monitoring was performed during a 35-day period (25 January–1 March 2012), using a terrestrial, hand-held thermal camera. Six different thermal images were acquired daily from the island’s coastline in three different positions, both in daylight and night times. The aim was to detect thermal anomalies connected to possible deformations of the vessel and oil spills. Between 3–4 February, IRT successfully revealed on oil spill drifting from the stern of the wreck towards the island harbor. Furthermore, the wreck’s thermal dilatation was also analyzed during a 24-day close-range monitoring, providing interesting insights for the interpretation of the deformation monitoring results. This paper presents the outcomes of these innovative and experimental monitoring activities, with the aim of testing the potential of IRT as a versatile and operative tool to be used in maritime and environmental disaster response.

The osteopathic community has long hypothesized that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) represents one of the putative substrates through which osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can improve body functions that have been altered by musculoskeletal alterations. Heart rate variability (HRV) is an important physiological measure of cardiac ANS activity. Emerging evidence suggests that OMT is associated with HRV changes that (i) are indicative of a larger cardiac vagal modulation, (ii) are independent from the part of the body needing treatment, (iii) occur even in the absence of musculoskeletal alterations. Yet, many questions remain unanswered, the duration of these effects and the specificity of HRV responses to different OMT techniques being perhaps the most critical. Therefore, this paper discusses prospects for future applications of HRV for the study of the influence of OMT on ANS function. Moreover, based on existing studies and preliminary data on the effects of OMT on HRV in specific pathological (hypertension) and physiological (stress exposure and recovery from sport competition) conditions that are commonly associated with increased sympathetic and/or decreased vagal activity, we propose that HRV analysis could be exploited to evaluate the effectiveness of OMT as a preventive or complementary strategy in clinical and non-clinical conditions characterized by ANS imbalance.

One of the main constraints in assessing shallow landslide hazards through physically based models is the need to characterize the geotechnical parameters of the involved materials. Indeed, the quantity and quality of input data are closely related to the reliability of the results of every model used, therefore data acquisition is a critical and time-consuming step in every research activity. In this perspective, we reviewed all official certificates of tests performed through 30 years at the Geotechnics Laboratory of the Earth Science Department (University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy), compiling a dataset in which 380 points are accurately geolocated and provide information about one or more geotechnical parameters used in slope stability modeling. All tests performed in the past (in the framework of previous research programs, agreements of cooperation, or to support didactic activities) were gathered, homogenized, digitalized, and geotagged. The dataset is based on both on-site tests and laboratory tests, it accounts for 40 attributes, among which 13 are descriptive (e.g., lithology or location) and 27 may be of direct interest in slope stability modeling as input parameters. The dataset is made openly available and can be useful for scientists or practitioners committed to landslide modeling.

Abstract Background Rockfall events are one of the most dangerous phenomena that often cause several damages both to people and facilities. During recent years, the scientific community focused the attention at evaluating the effectiveness of seismological methods in monitoring these phenomena. In this work, we present a quick and practical method to locate the rebounds of some man-induced boulders falls from a landslides crown located in the Northern Apennines (Central Italy). The reconstruction of the trajectories was obtained by means of back analysis performed through a Matlab code that takes into account both the DEM (Digital Elevation Model) of the ground, the geotechnical-geophysical characteristics of the slope and the arrival times of the seismic signals generated by the rock impacts on the ground. Results The localization results have been compared with GPS coordinates of the points and videos footage acquired during the simulations, in order to assess the reliability of the method. In most cases, the retrieved impact points match with the real trajectories, showing a high reliability. Furthermore, four different cases have been identified as a function of the geomechanical, geophysical and morphological conditions. Due to the latter ones, in some case it was necessary to assume different values for the propagation velocity of the elastic waves in the ground, here assumed to be isotropic and homogeneous. Conclusions This work aims at evaluating the effectiveness of a quick and practical method to locate rockfall events using a small-aperture seismic network. The obtained results indicate that the technique can provide quantitative information about the area most prone to impact of detached blocks. The method still presents some uncertainty, but reducing some of the approximations (e.g. by better constraining the velocity model), it could lead to prompt and more accurate results, easily applicable to hazard estimates.

Abstract Background On March 25th, 2015, a rapid landslide occurred upstream of the village of Gessi-Mazzalasino, in the municipality of Scandiano, affecting two buildings. Rapid landslides, due to their high velocity and mobility, can affect large areas and cause extensive damage. Considering the often unpredictable kinematics of landslides, the post-failure behavior has been studied by many authors to predict the landslide runout phase for hazard assessment. Findings With the aim of characterizing the Gessi-Mazzalasino landslide, field surveys were integrated with the results of laboratory tests. The geometric characteristics (thickness, area and volume) and kinematic aspects of the landslide were estimated by using a laser scanning survey and geomorphological data. To model the landslide and obtain its rheological parameters, a back analysis of the event was performed by means of a depth-averaged 3D numerical code called DAN3D. The results of the back analysis of the landslide propagation were validated with field surveys and velocity estimations along selected sections of the landslide. Finally, potential areas prone to failure or reactivation were identified, and a new simulation was performed that considered the back-calculated rheological parameters. Conclusions Rapid landslides are one of the most dangerous natural hazards and are one of the most frequent natural disasters in the world. Therefore, prediction of post-failure motion is an essential component of hazard assessment when a potential source of a mobile landslide it is located. To assess the risk affecting the area, both numerical and empirical methods have been proposed, in order to predict the runout phase of the phenomenon. For the numerical modelling of the landslide, carried out with DAN-3D code, the best results were obtained by using a Voellmy reological model, with a constant turbulence parameter (ξ) of 250 m/s2 and a friction parameter (μ) comprised between 0.15 and 0.19. The rheological parameters obtained through dynamic back analyses were used to evaluate the propagation phase and the deposition areas of new potential landslides, that could affect the same area of the 25th March 2015 event. The predicted runout length obtained by the DAN3D software was compared to runout lengths predicted by the Corominas (Can Geotech J 33:260–271, 1996), (Nat. Hazards 19, 47-77) and (UNICIV Report, R-416, School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney Australia 2003) empirical relations. All the data confirm that the impact area of possible future events will be smaller than the 2015 event, probably due to the safety measures established after the landslide.

Slow to extremely slow landslides in urban areas may cause severe damage to buildings and infrastructure that can lead to the evacuation of local populations in case of slope accelerations. Monitoring the spatial and temporal evolution of this type of natural hazard represents a major concern for the public authorities in charge of risk management. Pariana, a village with 400 residents located in the Apuan Alps (Massa, Tuscany, Italy), is an example of urban settlement where the population has long been forced to live with considerable slope instability. In the last 30 years, due to the slope movements associated with a slow-moving landslide that has affected a significant portion of the built-up area, several buildings have been damaged, including a school and the provincial road crossing the unstable area, leading to the need for an installation of a slope monitoring system with early warning capabilities, in parallel with the implementation of mitigation works. In this paper, we show how satellite multi-temporal interferometric synthetic aperture radar (MT-InSAR) data can be effectively used when coupled with a wireless sensor network made of several bar extensometers and a borehole inclinometer. In fact, thanks to their wide area coverage and opportunistic nature, satellite InSAR data allow one to clearly identify the spatial distribution of surface movements and their long-term temporal evolution. On the other hand, geotechnical sensors installed on specific elements at risk (e.g., private buildings, retaining walls, etc.), and collected through Wi-Fi dataloggers, provide near real-time data that can be used to identify sudden accelerations in slope movements, subsequently triggering alarms. The integration of those two-monitoring systems has been tested and assessed in Pariana. Results show how a hybrid slope monitoring program based on the two different technologies can be used to effectively monitor slow-moving landslides and to identify sudden accelerations and activate a response plan.

Pre- event and event landslide deformations have been detected and measured for the landslide that occurred on 3 December 2013 on the south-western slope of the Montescaglioso village (Basilicata Region, southern Italy). In this paper, ground displacements have been mapped through an integrated analysis based on a series of high resolution SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) images acquired by the Italian constellation of satellites COSMO-SkyMed. Analysis has been performed by exploiting both phase (through multi-image SAR interferometry) and amplitude information (through speckle tracking techniques) of the satellite images. SAR Interferometry, applied to images taken before the event, revealed a general pre-event movement, in the order of a few mm/yr, in the south-western slope of the Montescaglioso village. Highest pre-event velocities, ranging between 8 and 12 mm/yr, have been recorded in the sector of the slope where the first movement of the landslide took place. Speckle tracking, applied to images acquired before and after the event, allowed the retrieval of the 3D deformation field produced by the landslide. It also showed that ground displacements produced by the landslide have a dominant SSW component, with values exceeding 10 m for large sectors of the landslide area, with local peaks of 20 m in its central and deposit areas. Two minor landslides with a dominant SSE direction, which were detected in the upper parts of the slope, likely also occurred as secondary phenomena as consequence of the SSW movement of the main Montescaglioso landslide.

Ground-based synthetic aperture radar interferometry (GBInSAR) remote sensing technique has been repeatedly proved an effective tool for monitoring built environment affected by structural and geological criticalities. In this paper, it is described how this technique can be successfully applied for early-warning procedures and detection of ongoing deterioration processes on archeological and cultural heritage sites. An integrated approach of GBInSAR and terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) technologies was performed on Volterra test site (Tuscany, Italy), where a sudden collapse of a 35-m wide section of city walls occurred on January 31, 2014. The installed early-warning monitoring system is capable of an accurate and focused real-time displacement detection of the south-western side of the city including walls, buildings, and monuments, thus allowing prompt interventions for citizens safety and conservation purposes. The effectiveness of this alert technique became evident when the precursors of a second impressive wall collapse were clearly detected. From the beginning of the GBInSAR monitoring, we measured a constant displacement velocity of 0.1 mm/h in correspondence to a 15-m high wall sustaining the Acropolis and lying an underground parking. After a sudden increase of velocity values up to 1.7 mm/h, the local authorities were alerted so that they had time to interdict the area to citizens and to take adequate safety countermeasures two days before the collapse.

Hand detection and gesture recognition are two of the most studied topics in human–computer interaction (HCI). The increasing availability of sensors able to provide real‐time depth measurements, such as time‐of‐flight cameras or the more recent Kinect, has helped researchers to find more and more efficient solutions for these issues. With the main aim to implement effective gesture‐based interaction systems, this study presents an approach to hand detection and tracking that exploits two different video streams: the depth one and the colour one. Both hand and gesture recognition are based only on geometrical and colour constraints, and no learning phase is needed. The use of a Kalman filter to track hands guarantees system robustness also in presence of many persons in the scene. The entire procedure is designed to maintain a low computational cost and is optimised to efficiently execute HCI tasks. As use cases two common applications are described: a virtual keyboard and a three‐dimensional object manipulation virtual environment. These applications have been tested with a representative sample of non‐trained users to assess the usability and flexibility of the system.

Muon absorption radiography is an imaging technique based on the measurement of the absorption of cosmic ray muons. This technique has recently been used successfully to investigate the presence of unknown cavities in the Bourbon Gallery in Naples and in the Chephren Pyramid at Cairo. The MIMA detector (Muon Imaging for Mining and Archaeology) is a prototype muon tracker for muon radiography for application in the fields of archaelogy and mining. It is made of three pairs of X-Y planes each consisting of 21 scintillator bars with a silicon photomultiplier readout. The detector is compact, robust, easily transportable, and has a low power consumption: all of which makes the detector ideal for measurements in confined and isolated environments. With this detector, a measurement from inside the Temperino mine in the San Silvestro archaeo-mining park in Tuscany was performed. The park includes about 25 km of mining tunnels arranged on several levels that have been exploited from the Etruscan time. The measured muon absorption was compared to the simulated one, obtained from the information provided by 3D laser scanner measurements and cartographic maps of the mountain above the mine, in order to obtain information about the average density of the rock. This allowed one to confirm the presence of a partially accessible exploitation opening and provided some hints regarding the presence of a high-density body within the rock.

In this paper, the potential of Infrared Thermography (IRT) as a novel operational tool for landslide surveying, mapping and characterization was tested and demonstrated in different case studies, by analyzing various types of instability processes (rock slide/fall, roto-translational slide-flow). In particular, IRT was applied, both from terrestrial and airborne platforms, in an integrated methodology with other geomatcs methods, such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and global positioning systems (GPS), for the detection and mapping of landslides’ potentially hazardous structural and morphological features (structural discontinuities and open fractures, scarps, seepage and moisture zones, landslide drainage network and ponds). Depending on the study areas’ hazard context, the collected remotely sensed data were validated through field inspections, with the purpose of studying and verifying the causes of mass movements. The challenge of this work is to go beyond the current state of the art of IRT in landslide studies, with the aim of improving and extending the investigative capacity of the analyzed technique, in the framework of a growing demand for effective Civil Protection procedures in landslide geo-hydrological disaster managing activities. The proposed methodology proved to be an effective tool for landslide analysis, especially in the field of emergency management, when it is often necessary to gather all the required information in dangerous environments as fast as possible, to be used for the planning of mitigation measures and the evaluation of hazardous scenarios. Advantages and limitations of the proposed method in the field of the explored applications were evaluated, as well as general operative recommendations and future perspectives.

This paper presents the main results of the GB-InSAR (ground based interferometric synthetic aperture radar) monitoring of the Capriglio landslide (Northern Apennines, Emilia Romagna Region, Italy), activated on 6 April 2013. The landslide, triggered by prolonged rainfall, is constituted by two main adjacent enlarging bodies with a roto-translational kinematics. They activated in sequence and subsequently joined into a large earth flow, channelizing downstream of the Bardea Creek, for a total length of about 3600 m. The displacement rate of this combined mass was quite high, so that the landslide toe evolved with velocities of several tens of meters per day (with peaks of 70–80 m/day) in the first month, and of several meters per day (with peaks of 13–14 m/day) from early May to mid-July 2013. In the crown area, the landslide completely destroyed a 450 m sector of provincial roadway S.P. 101, and its retrogression tendency exposed the villages of Capriglio and Pianestolla, located in the upper watershed area of the Bardea Creek, to great danger. Furthermore, the advancing toe seriously threatened the Antria bridge, representing the “Massese” provincial roadway S.P. 665R transect over the Bardea Creek, the only strategic roadway left able to connect the above-mentioned villages. With the final aim of supporting local authorities in the hazard assessment and risk management during the emergency phase, on 4 May 2013 aerial optical surveys were conducted to accurately map the landslide extension and evolution. Moreover, a GB-InSAR monitoring campaign was started in order to assess displacements of the whole landslide area. The versatility and flexibility of the GB-InSAR sensors allowed acquiring data with two different configurations, designed and set up to continuously retrieve information on the landslide movement rates (both in its upper slow-moving sectors and in its fast-moving toe). The first acquisition mode revealed that the Capriglio and Pianestolla villages were affected by minor displacements (at an order of magnitude of a few millimeters per month). The second acquisition mode allowed to acquire data every 28 seconds, reaching very high temporal resolution values by applying the GB-InSAR technique.