Università degli Studi eCampus
Archivio istituzionale della ricerca - eCampus Università TelematicaNot a member yet
15106 research outputs found
Sort by
Comprehensive study of GFRP bar-concrete bond behavior using pull-out and three-point bending tests
No full textThe GFRP bar-concrete bond behavior is known to be influenced by factors such as bar surface
treatment, bar diameter, and concrete strength. This study aims to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the bond behavior of GFRP bars embedded in concrete. Pull-out specimens are
cast from two concrete batches with different compressive strengths. Two surface coating conditions
are considered, i.e., one with a lacquer finish and one without. Specimens with three
bonded lengths are used to determine the role of the bonded length in the bond mechanism (i.e.,
5db, 10db, and 20db, where db = nominal bar diameter). Two free end conditions of the pull-out
specimens are examined: one with the bar protruding at the free end and another with the bar cut
at the free end (i.e., the bar is cut flush with the concrete surface). The pull-out test responses are
analyzed in terms of applied load versus loaded end slip and free end slip. Three-point bending
(TPB) tests are conducted on concrete notched beams with two different widths (75 mm and 150
mm). Beams are either reinforced with a single GFRP bar or they are not reinforced and used as
benchmark. Notched beams are only cast from one of the concrete batches used for the pull-out
test specimens. This study shows how the protrusion of the bar can affect the bond strength in
pull-out tests. In addition, the different bond behavior of the GFRP bars observed in pull-out tests
and TPB tests of notched beams is discussed considering the length of the stress transfer zone for
bars with different surface conditions
Demand response for renewable energy communities: Exploring coordination of prosumer-generated PV and flexible aggregated demand in the Italian framework
No full textMultilevel modelling, location and property valuations: an application to the Italian residential market
No full textPurpose – The use of statistical methods in the field of real estate appraisals presents a trade-off between the efficiency of the estimates (that would require the use of sophisticate econometric models) and the ease of the economic interpretation of the outcomes (that characterises the hedonic pricing models). This paper shows that multilevel modelling (MLM) can represent a suitable solution to this trade-off.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses the so-called “multilevel modelling” (henceforth MLM). MLMcan represent a further step forward in the use of statistical methods in property appraisals.MLMis easy to implement and the MLM estimates have a clear economic meaning. Furthermore, MLM provides more efficient estimates of hedonic prices (the prices of housing attributes) with respect to standard hedonic pricing models. Finally, MLM is particularly suitable for the housing market analysis, where the feature “location” plays a key role.
Findings – For the Italian context, characterised by many “benchmark locations” (small municipalities that share similar geographic, historic, and socioeconomic characteristics), the paper finds that multilevel modelling (MLM) is needed to correctly estimate the hedonic prices also in a micro-area.
Practical implications – MLM allows to further enhance the key role of “location”. Location is indeed used as the “grouping variable” in MLM, instead of being treated as a generic housing attribute in hedonic pricing models. When the benchmark locations are many, therefore, MLM represents a very effective compromise between the estimates’ efficiency and the ease of outcomes’ economic interpretation.
Originality/value – Unlike the related literature that, basically, use MLM to investigate what are the main determinants (levels) of housing prices, this paper uses MLM to make more efficient the estimation of hedonic prices
Valutazione degli effetti protettivi della somministrazione in vivo di Lactobacillus fermentum sui danni causati dallo stress ossidativo indotto dal trattamento con etanolo
No full textChronic alcohol consumption alters the morpho-functional characteristics of skeletal muscle, causing pain, chronic inflammation and loss of muscle mass, which in terms of skeletal fiber seems to be related to micronutrient deficiency. Based on the gut-muscle axis, alcohol-induced dysbiosis alters the composition of the intestinal microbiota, promoting its intestinal permeability and allowing the passage of microbial products, including lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the bloodstream. Endotoxins and unmetabolized alcohol also reach the systemic circulation and other organs, including skeletal muscle, leading to reduced muscle mass, quality and function. We hypothesized that probiotic supplementation could play a key role in protecting against alcohol damage by modulating the intestinal microbiota and indirectly acting on skeletal muscle through the gut-muscle axis. The aim of this thesis was therefore to study the protective effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum) against oxidative stress damage and inflammation induced by chronic consumption of ethanol (EtOH), using a mouse model of alcohol abuse.
Young female mice were fed daily with EtOH for 8 (n=10) and 12 (n=10) weeks to induce oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Twenty mice received only EtOH daily for 8 (n=10) and 12 (n=10) weeks, to induce oxidative stress and cause skeletal muscle damage; twenty mice received simultaneously EtOH and L. fermentum daily for 8 (n=10) and 12 (n=10) weeks to study the effectiveness of probiotics in alcohol-induced damage. Both groups were compared with control mice for 8 (n=10) and 12 (n=10) weeks, fed a standard diet.
Our analysis showed that the administration of EtOH for 8 and 12 weeks induced muscle atrophy in all types of muscle fibers analyzed (type 1, 2A and 2B), a condition reversed following treatment with L. fermentum which seems to be fibro-specific and act mainly on oxidative fibers, both slow and fast, compared to glycolic fibers. Since alcohol consumption induces inflammation, levels of some cytokines such as IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA, revealing the ability of probiotic to reduce alcohol-induced systemic inflammation, although histological analyses showed no signs of muscle fibrosis in the ethanol treated groups. An interesting correlation has emerged between oxidative stress induced muscle atrophy and the processes of fiber differentiation and repair damaged by chronic alcohol-mediated consumption of satellite cells. Analyzing the levels of HSP60, a well-known marker of oxidative stress, it was found that its expression was reduced following the administration of L. fermentum, hypothesizing a possible antioxidant role for the probiotic, counteracting the harmful effects of alcohol-mediated ROS overproduction. In addition, the reduction of oxidative stress was very well correlated with the ability to differentiate and repair satellite cells (SCs), evidenced by the high number of MyoD-positive cells following the administration of the probiotic. These data therefore indicate that L. fermentum could have antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects, suggesting its possible application in the treatment of muscular pathologies, such as sarcopenia and cachexia. the administration of L. fermentum, hypothesizing a possible antioxidant role for the probiotic, counteracting the harmful effects of alcohol-mediated ROS overproduction. In addition, the reduction of oxidative stress was very well correlated with the ability to differentiate and repair satellite cells (SCs), evidenced by the high number of MyoD-positive cells following the administration of the probiotic.
These data therefore indicate that L. fermentum could have antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects, suggesting its possible application in the treatment of muscular
pathologies, such as sarcopenia and cachexia
Transcranial direct current stimulation for rehabilitation in stroke sufferers with upper limb deficit
No full textStroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, often resulting in significant motor impairments, particularly affecting the upper limbs. These impairments severely impact the quality of life for stroke survivors. Recovery of motor function is highly variable, and traditional rehabilitation approaches often provide limited improvements. Therefore, there is a growing interest in the use of advanced neurorehabilitation techniques to promote neuroplasticity.
One of the key tools used to study and understand brain function during stroke recovery is electroencephalography (EEG). EEG is a non-invasive technique that records the brain's activity, providing insights into the neurophysiological changes that occur after a stroke.
Further to this, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a novel non-invasive brain stimulation approach which has received significant notice in stroke rehabilitation. For tDCS, a low electric current is applied in order to modulate cortical excitability and has been shown to lead to functional improvement. Bihemispheric tDCS, where one electrode is placed over the affected hemisphere to facilitate activity and another on unaffected side to decrease its dominance, have shown a potential for restoring disturbed interhemipsheric balance in stroke patients. This dual modulation can improve motor function by facilitating neuroplastic changes in the brain.
This PhD thesis, titled "Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Rehabilitation in Stroke Sufferers with Upper Limb Deficit," is divided into two main parts. The first part provides an overview of stroke, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms and an in-depth exploration of EEG and tDCS as tools for neurorehabilitation for stroke.
The second part of the thesis focuses on the experimental works developed over the three years of this PhD. It includes a detailed presentation of four preliminary studies that laid the basis for the core project. The first study focused on the changes of single hemisphere network connectivity in subacute stroke patients, emphasizing their role as predictive markers for functional recovery after stroke.
Building on this, the second study explores the potential of EEG-based functional connectivity measures in combination with Artificial Intelligence algorithms. This approach aims to classify stroke patients, identify the affected hemisphere and predict functional recovery outcomes.
The third study provides an innovative approach by investigating entropy as a measure of brain complexity. The study of hemispheric asymmetries in entropy adds a new dimension to the understanding of stroke-related brain changes.
The fourth study represents the important transition to an experimental stroke model using mice treated with bihemispheric tDCS, where a preliminary investigation was conducted to validate the procedure explored in human subjects in the core project of the PhD thesis.
These four preliminary studies were essential in shaping the core PhD project, which focuses on evaluating the effects of bihemispheric tDCS in a clinical context of subacute stroke patients. The knowledge gained from analyzing hemispheric dynamics, in terms of functional connectivity and entropy measures in both human and animal model guided the trajectory of the core project. The goal of this core project is to assess how bihemispheric tDCS influences neural recovery, specifically by targeting hemispheric imbalance and promoting reorganization of brain networks
Tele-Exercise for Fitness: Physical and Psychological Outcomes in Athletes and Non-Athletes’ Trainees
No full textBackground: This research explored how tele-exercise influenced physical fitness and mental well-being in individuals with and without disabilities and with different training habits. Methods: One hundred and ninety-three participants were categorized into two groups: athletes and non-athletes. Participants were involved in either synchronous or asynchronous tele-exercise programs of two or three sessions of workouts per week, lasting eight weeks. Psychological well-being was evaluated pre- vs. post-intervention by the WHO-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Fitness assessment tools included the 2-minute step test, curl-up test, forward bending test, and squat test. Body weight was also assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: The analysis showed a significant increment in all fitness scores (p-value ranged from <0.001 to 0.015) with no change in body weight. Psychological tests indicated an overall increment in the participants’ well-being measured by the WHO-5 and unexpectedly, also in the stress level assessed through PSS-10. Conclusions: Enabled by technology, tele-exercise provides a flexible and convenient complementary approach to conventional workouts, helping individuals maintain an active lifestyle and improve their well-being. Positive effects on the sedentary population’s lifestyles are discussed
Housing Tenure, Job Search Intensity, and Labour Market Outcomes (Chapter 6)
No full textTo study the labour market outcomes of homeowners (both mortgage-free and with a mortgage) and tenants, this chapter introduces the feature known as “job search intensity”. Intuitively, searching for a job more intensively makes a job match easier. More effort in searching for a job, however, is costly. In choosing the optimal level of intensity, therefore, the unemployed, both homeowners and tenants, face a trade-off between marginal benefits and costs. Since the labour market surpluses of homeowners and tenants are different, the same trade-off will lead to different labour market outcomes. This chapter shows that the job search intensity of outright homeowners is lower than the job search effort of both tenants and homeowners with a mortgage, while the comparison between the job search effort of tenants and the job search effort of homeowners with a mortgage crucially depends on the difference between rent and mortgage burden
Sarcopenia and osteoporosis
No full textBackground: Sarcopenia and osteoporosis are common age-related conditions that frequently coexist, forming a syndrome known as osteosarcopenia. Sarcopenia is defined by the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, while osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone mineral density and altered bone quality. Together, they significantly increase the risk of falls, fractures, and functional decline in older adults. Summary: Osteosarcopenia arises from shared pathophysiological mechanisms, including chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal changes, and nutritional deficiencies. These factors contribute to a cycle of musculoskeletal deterioration. In addition to systemic pathways, local muscle-bone crosstalk mediated by myokines and osteokines plays a critical role. Management requires a comprehensive approach. Nutritional interventions such as adequate protein, calcium, and vitamin D intake, along with anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, support musculoskeletal health. Resistance and weight-bearing exercises are essential to maintain muscle and bone mass. Pharmacological treatments for osteoporosis include bisphosphonates, denosumab, and anabolic agents, while investigational therapies for sarcopenia, such as selective androgen receptor modulators and myostatin inhibitors, offer potential benefits. Key Messages: Sarcopenia and osteoporosis share risk factors and often coexist in older adults. Early diagnosis and integrated treatment strategies are essential. Nutrition, exercise, and pharmacologic interventions can mitigate the burden of osteosarcopenia. A combined approach is more effective than treating each condition separately and may reduce falls and improve quality of life
Combining non-invasive brain stimulation techniques and EEG markers analysis: an innovative approach to cognitive health in aging
No full textIn an era marked by a rapidly aging global population, delving into the intricate neurophysiological changes that accompany the aging process assumes paramount importance. This narrative review offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between electromagnetic neuromodulation and electroencephalography (EEG) within the context of aging. Moreover, it showed the promising landscape of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, encompassing established methodologies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct and alternating current stimulation (tDCS/tACS). These modalities are analyzed for their potential to shape EEG marks in the aging population. These associations not only could broaden our understanding of the aging brain but could also suggest exciting scenarios for therapeutic interventions and cognitive enhancement among the elderly. Consequently, the comprehension of these mechanisms emerges as a critical key player for the development of precisely tailored interventions, aimed at mitigating age-associated cognitive decline and supporting robust brain health in the elderly
Uncertainty analysis in the estimation of construction and demolition wastes emissivity through infrared thermography
No full textConstruction and demolition wastes (CDWs) represent one of the largest slices of global waste and can be a significant source of reusable materials in the context of sustainable and circular construction practices. The accurate characterization of these materials can be critical to improve recycling and valorisation processes. In this study, a measurement procedure is proposed for the characterization of CDWs using active infrared thermography to estimate the emissivity of the materials commonly used in this context. The material classes analysed are concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramic, wood, plastic, metals, paper and cardboard, and mixed CDWs. An experimental test protocol is defined for heating specimens and acquiring thermal images, allowing the accurate estimation of their emissivity based on a paint and a tape with known emissivity used as reference. To ensure the reliability and robustness of the estimated emissivity values, an uncertainty analysis is performed using a Monte Carlo simulation evaluating the impact of the uncertainty (u(xi)) related to the known emissivity value of the reference paint (0.89 ± 0.01, reported as mean ± standard deviation) on the results. The results show that the input uncertainty propagates along the measurement chain, leading to an output uncertainty (ui(y)) at least doubled for all classes, and more than doubled for the plastic class