Applying partial virtualization on ELF binaries through dynamic loaders

The technology of partial virtualization is a revolutionary approach to the world of virtualization. It lies directly in-between full system virtual machines (like QEMU or XEN) and application-related virtual machines (like the JVM or the CLR). The ViewOS project is the flagship of such technique, developed by the Virtual Square laboratory, created to provide an abstract view of the underlying system resources on a per-process basis and work against the principle of the Global View Assumption. Virtual Square provides several different methods to achieve partial virtualization within the ViewOS system, both at user and kernel levels. Each of these approaches have their own advantages and shortcomings. This paper provides an analysis of the different virtualization methods and problems related to both the generic and partial virtualization worlds. This paper is the result of an in-depth study and research for a new technology to be employed to provide partial virtualization based on ELF dynamic binaries. It starts with a mild analysis of currently available virtualization alternatives and then goes on describing the ViewOS system, highlighting its current shortcomings. The vloader project is then proposed as a possible solution to some of these inconveniences with a working proof of concept and examples to outline the potential of such new virtualization technique. By injecting specific code and libraries in the middle of the binary loading mechanism provided by the ELF standard, the vloader project can promote a streamlined and simplified approach to trace system calls. With the advantages outlined in the following paper, this method presents better performance and portability compared to the currently available ViewOS implementations. Furthermore, some of itsdisadvantages are also discussed, along with their possible solutions.

<>: per una filosofia di liberazione dell'uomo in Alberto Manzi latinoamericano

This dissertation is aimed at analysing deeply and thoroughly the most significant topics and features reflected in the Latin American literary work of Alberto Manzi. His almost thirty years of travelling and volunteering in the indigenous communities of South America formed a background of knowledge and experiences, which turned out to be crucial for the genesis of his Latin American trilogy. In the light of this, not only are ‘La luna nelle baracche’, ‘El loco’ and ‘E venne il sabato’ a speaking testimony of Manzi’s life and inner development, but they also offer a privileged perspective on the social, historical and religious situation of the people of Latin America. For a better understanding of the books, chapter one provides an extensive historical and economic commentary stretching over a century, from the collapse of the Spanish Empire to the rise of modern dictatorships in the late ‘70s, and the long democratic transition of the ‘80s. As far as the religious background is concerned, it is important to mention the influence of the liberation theology in the shaping of Manzi’s revolutionary thought. Indeed, chapter two identifies the precursors of the liberation theology, considers the effects of the Second Vatican Council on Latin America’s Catholic Church, and presents the methodology and the most powerful intuitions of the liberation theology. Finally, chapter three employs a critical analysis of Manzi’s Latin American trilogy, which focuses on his personal journal of his time in the austral continent, and Sonia and Giulia Manzi’s testimony published in a book entitled ‘Non è mai troppo tardi’. Chapter three provides an in-depth analysis of the evolution of the author’s revolutionary thought and plot dynamics; it discusses the psychological profile of the characters, the cultural features of the indigenous traditions, and the author’s urge to involve the readership in a permanent process of self-questioning.

"Portugal Vale A Pena" Un ritratto senza tempo del portogallo attraverso il prisma dei giornalisti

This dissertation aims at enhancing the cultural and linguistic skills in Portuguese of the author of this work, as it is a third language. This activity is carried out starting from the analysis and research of topics mentioned in a number of texts within a particular literary work, “Portugal Vale A Pena”. In this work, many Portuguese personalities express their vision on their country and state why Portugal matters. Since these texts have many cultural references, it can be assumed that such work of analysis and research can lead to better linguistic skills as well as a greater knowledge of the Portuguese culture. All of the chosen texts were originally written by journalists. This choice originates from the important service these professionals provide to the public as well as from the special role their work has played in my interpreting studies over the last couple of years. Chapter 1 explains why I chose this dissertation and who are the target users of these texts. Chapter 2 focuses on the role of journalists. A brief history of modern journalism is presented and its functions are analysed. This chapter also includes a section that examines which values make an event newsworthy. Attention is then paid to the evolution of Portuguese journalism, from Salazar's dictatorship until today. Teaching of journalism in Portuguese academia is also presented. Then, a selection of Portuguese-language media is offered. Chapter 3 focuses on some aspects of Portugal, with particular attention to its history. Finally, Chapter 4 presents a selection of texts from the original book. This part provides a biography of the authors, a translation with a comment and a presentation of some of the topics from the texts. To conclude, a glossary with words and expressions from the original text is included and their translations into Italian, Spanish and English are provided.