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L’architettura militare del Rinascimento nelle Marche. Il contributo di Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane e la Fortezza di Ancona
No full textLa regione Marche è caratterizzata da un'ampia presenza di opere d'arte e di architettura di epoca rinascimentale, essendo stata essa stessa luogo di sviluppo delle idee e dei movimenti di pensiero legati a questo importante periodo storico e culturale. Tuttavia, nella regione gli edifici sono diffusi e sparsi sul territorio con pochi luoghi di concentrazione (come ad esempio le città di Firenze, Venezia, ecc.); questa diffusione ha ostacolato la loro qualificazione, gestione e conoscenza. Da una ricerca bibliografica sono emersi diversi studi sull'architettura rinascimentale nelle Marche, ma alcuni di essi sono piuttosto datati; pochi testi considerano l'architettura nel suo complesso, cercando connessioni tematiche tra le opere sparse sul territorio. È necessario indagare le possibili reti di collegamento tra i vari elementi presenti sul territorio. Data la vastità dell'argomento, si è deciso di concentrarsi sull'architettura militare: l'evoluzione delle tecnologie militari e poliorcetiche durante il Rinascimento è stata infatti una delle principali svolte tecnologiche che hanno profondamente modificato le tecniche e le forme costruttive. Si è voluto inoltre analizzare il tema del cantiere e la sua gestione. Gli obiettivi principali di questa ricerca sono: - Analisi del contesto storico e territoriale delle Marche nel Rinascimento. - Inquadramento territoriale delle reti tematiche con particolare attenzione ai cantieri e alla circolazione delle maestranze. - Studio dell'architettura militare come esempio di rinnovamento delle forme e delle tecniche costruttive. - Analisi del cantiere, degli appaltatori e dei lavoratori. - Comprensione del contesto storico e locale della Fortezza del Sangallo nella città di Ancona - Analisi della Fortezza di Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane ad Ancona The Marche region is characterised by the extensive presence of works of art and architecture from the Renaissance period, having itself been a place of development of the ideas and movement of thought linked to this important historical and cultural period. However, the buildings are diffuse and scattered over the territory with few places of centralisation (such as the cities of Florence, Venice, etc.); this diffusion has hindered their qualification, management and knowledge.
A bibliographical search revealed a number of studies on Renaissance architecture in the Marche region, but some of them are rather dated; few texts consider architecture as a whole, searching for thematic connections between the works scattered across the territory. Possible networks connecting the various elements in the area need to be investigated.
due to the size of the topic, it was decided to focus on military architecture: indeed the evolution of military and poliorcetics technologies during the Renaissance was in fact one of the major technological breakthrough that profoundly changed techniques and forms of construction. The topic of construction sites and their management was also analysed.
The main objectives of this research are:
- Analysis of the historical and territorial context of the Marche region during the Renaissance
- Territorial framing of thematic networks with particular attention to building sites and the circulation of workers
- Study of military architecture as an example of the renewal of building forms and techniques
- Analysis of the construction site, contractors and workers
- Understanding the historical and local context of the Sangallo Fortress in the city of Ancona
- Analysis of the Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane Fortress in Ancon
Analysis of historic multi-leaf masonry behaviour under compressive load through Digital Image Correlation (DIC)
No full textThis research investigates historic multi-leaf masonry with a particular focus on the out-of-plane strains of historic masonry walls subjected to compressive loading. The specimens analyzed consist of two distinct types: three double-curtain walls with noncollaborating layers and three walls with two external curtains and an internal core. The primary objective is to study the behaviour of masonry under compressive load by comparing experimental results obtained using the traditional method of Linear Variable Displacement Transducers (LVDTs) with those derived from the novel technique of Digital Image Correlation (DIC). This comparison aims to identify the failure modes of multi-leaf masonry and to analyze the strains that develop when the walls are compressed. Another key aspect explored in this study are the data acquisition methodologies. Specifically, the research seeks to validate the innovative digital tool, DIC, employed in conjunction with the traditional LVDT method. It assesses the reliability of the DIC results by comparing them with those obtained from LVDTs, highlighting its numerous advantages. Unlike the traditional methodology, DIC, which employs optical cameras, does not require physical contact with the specimen during testing. It provides continuous data throughout the experiment and allows for the measurement of displacements and deformations across the entire specimen, as opposed to the localized areas monitored by LVDTs. Furthermore, this research contributes valuable insights into multi-leaf masonry and failure loads, which are essential for characterizing this type of masonry
Evaluating the cooling potential of urban greenery: an envi-met simulation case study in Italy
No full textIn recent decades, the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon has become one of the main environmental challenges in urban areas. The intensification of temperatures in city centres, compared to surrounding rural areas, represents a concrete threat to public health, thermal comfort and urban sustainability. This paper discusses the use of the holistic three-dimensional software ENVI-met to evaluate how vegetation can mitigate UHI, focusing on a case study involving a parking lot near a supermarket in a municipality in the centre of Italy. It details the simulation process, including the selection of appropriate tree species, and two different arrangements within the parking area to enhance cooling effects. Simulations were carried out starting at 6:00 am for a duration of 24 hours, with the aim of evaluating the potential air temperature at 2:00 pm and the PMV and PPD comfort indices for the statistically representative summer and winter day; a comparison with the state-of-the-art with no greenery was then performed. The study emphasizes the importance of creating realistic models to assess temperature and comfort indices effectively. Results indicate that strategic planting can significantly lower temperatures and improve comfort levels in urban settings; it can be stated that the most suitable tree for the creation of a green parking lot is the Acer Campestre, thanks to its ability to lower the temperature by approximately 1.5°C and improve comfort indices; moreover, it is shown that the optimal arrangement of trees can significantly influence the microclimatic conditions of the parking lot
Decoding the Puzzle of Male Infertility: The Role of Infection, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity
Get PDFBackground/Objectives: Male infertility is a complex, multifactorial condition influenced by infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune components. Immunological factors, though implicated in reproduction, remain poorly understood. This study aims to deepen the understanding of infections, inflammation, and autoimmune factors in male infertility, with a focus on immune-related disorders affecting the testes and epididymis—immunologically privileged but vulnerable sites. These factors can impair sperm quality through oxidative stress (ROS) and antisperm antibodies (ASA), further compromising fertility. Methods: A narrative review was conducted by analyzing scientific literature from the past 10 years conducted on PubMed using keywords such as “male infertility”, “autoimmunity”, and “inflammatory disease”. Studies focusing on testicular and epididymal disorders, immunological impacts, and therapeutic approaches were included. Results: Our research highlights that conditions like epididymitis, vasectomy, testicular trauma, and previous surgeries can trigger inflammatory responses, leading to ASA formation and oxidative stress. ASA, particularly sperm-immobilizing antibodies, inhibits sperm motility and migration in the female reproductive tract. Infections caused by sexually transmitted bacteria or urinary pathogens frequently induce epididymo-orchitis, a primary contributor to male infertility. While standardized methodologies for ASA testing remain elusive, assisted reproductive treatments such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intrauterine insemination (IUI) show promise in overcoming immune-mediated infertility. Conclusions: This review underscores the critical role of infection, inflammation, and autoimmune responses in male infertility. It highlights the necessity of improving diagnostic methods, understanding immune-pathological mechanisms, and addressing medicolegal issues associated with male infertility. This knowledge could pave the way for innovative therapies, ultimately enhancing fertility outcomes, and mitigating the societal and legal repercussions of infertility
Seasonal variation influences fibromyalgia severity in terms of widespread pain among female patients: data from a large national registry
Get PDFIntroduction/objectives: Seasonal variation may influence musculoskeletal pain, and fibromyalgia is primarily characterized by widespread chronic pain. This study aimed to assess whether symptom severity in fibromyalgia varies by season. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis was conducted on patients from the Italian Fibromyalgia Registry. Patients were grouped based on the season of their clinical evaluation. Disease severity was measured using disease-specific clinimetric tools: the Polysymptomatic Distress Scale (PSD), including the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), as well as the revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) and the modified Fibromyalgia Assessment Status (FASmod). Statistical analyses included the Kruskal-Wallis test and pairwise comparisons using the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner test. Results: A total of 2614 patients were evaluated. Significant seasonal differences were found for both WPI (p = 0.042) and FASmod (p = 0.037). In female patients, these differences were more pronounced (WPI, p = 0.016; FASmod, p = 0.018), while no significant variation was observed in males. Pairwise analysis showed higher symptom severity in autumn compared to summer for both WPI (W = -4.009; p = 0.024) and FASmod (W = -3.800; p = 0.037). Conclusion: In fibromyalgia, widespread pain appears more severe in autumn than in summer, particularly among female patients. These findings highlight the potential role of seasonality in symptom modulation and underscore the importance of incorporating seasonal factors into patient management and education
Hidden Vibrational Bistability Revealed by Intrinsic Fluctuations of a Carbon Nanotube
Get PDFWe demonstrate that a quiet state and large-amplitude self-sustained oscillations can coexist in a carbon nanotube subject to time-independent drive. A feature of the bistability is that it would be hysteresis free in the absence of noise, and the oscillatory state would not be seen. It is revealed by random switching between the stable states, which we observe in the time domain. We attribute the switching to fluctuations in the system and show that it displays Poisson statistics. We propose a minimalistic model that relates the emergence of the bistability to a nonmonotonic variation of nonlinear friction with the vibration amplitude. This new type of dynamical regime and the means to reveal it are generic and are of interest for various mesoscopic vibrational systems
To flow or to grow? Impacts of tapping on sugar maple
Get PDFMaple sugaring is a rapidly growing industry in North America. Maples are tapped annually, thus undergoing repeated wounding and resource reduction for sap water collection. We aim to understand the effects of tapping and sap exudation on annual radial wood growth and xylem traits in sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), utilizing eight mature trees monitored during 2018-2021 in Simoncouche, Canada. Compared to the first year of tapping, trees exhibited a 49.7% drop in tree-ring width. Vessel density, potential hydraulic conductivity and hydraulic vessel diameter decreased, but not lumen area. We showed evidence of a trade-off among sap extraction, resource depletion and reduced tree growth. The repeated reduction of resources through tapping can have a detrimental effect on tree growth, even if the effect on the hydraulic function remains marginal. These insights underscore the need for sustainable tapping practices that consider the long-term health and productivity of sugar maple trees
3D-Printed Boron-Nitrogen Doped Carbon Electrodes for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment via MPECVD
Get PDFA novel approach combining 3D printing, phase inversion, and microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition is presented. This technique enables the creation of carbon-based electrodes with precise micro- and nanoscale control, offering potential for sustainable and high-performance wastewater treatment applications. The synthesized 3D carbon scaffolds, enriched with B,N-doped carbon nanostructures, demonstrated superior performance in the electrochemical oxidation of β-blockers. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were used to optimize electrode design, leading to improved mass transport and reaction kinetics. This research provides a sustainable and scalable solution for removing emerging contaminants from wastewater. The catalyst-free approach simplifies the fabrication process and reduces potential material contamination, making it a promising technology for advanced water treatment applications
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Clinical Validation of TIME Criteria to Detect Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults: Methodological Report from the TIME International Study Group
No full textBackground: Various explicit screening tools, developed mostly in central Europe and the USA, assist clinicians in optimizing medication use for older adults. The Turkish Inappropriate Medication use in oldEr adults (TIME) criteria set, primarily based on the STOPP/START criteria set, is a current explicit tool originally developed for Eastern Europe and subsequently validated for broader use in Central European settings. Reviewed every three months to align with the latest scientific literature, it is one of the most up-to-date tools available. The tool is accessible via a free mobile app and website platforms, ensuring convenience for clinicians and timely integration of updates as needed. Healthcare providers often prefer to use their native language in medical practice, highlighting the need for prescribing tools to be translated and adapted into multiple languages to promote optimal medication practices. Objective: To describe the protocol for cross-cultural and language validation of the TIME criteria in various commonly used languages and to outline its protocol for clinical validation across different healthcare settings. Methods: The TIME International Study Group comprised 24 geriatric pharmacotherapy experts from 12 countries. In selecting the framework for the study, we reviewed the steps and outcomes from previous research on cross-cultural adaptations and clinical validations of explicit tools. Assessment tools were selected based on both their validity in accurately addressing the relevant issues and their feasibility for practical implementation. The drafted methodology paper was circulated among the study group members for feedback and revisions leading to a final consensus. Results: The research methodology consists of two phases. Cross-cultural adaptation/language validation phase follows the 8-step approach recommended by World Health Organization. This phase allows regions or countries to make modifications to existing criteria or introduce new adjustments based on local prescribing practices and available medications, as long as these adjustments are supported by current scientific evidence. The second phase involves the clinical validation, where participants will be randomized into two groups. The control group will receive standard care, while the intervention group will have their treatment evaluated by clinicians who will review the TIME criteria and consider its recommendations. A variety of patient outcomes (i.e., number of hospital admissions, quality of life, number of regular medications [including over the counter medications], geriatric syndromes and mortality) in different healthcare settings will be investigated. Conclusion: The outputs of this methodological report are expected to promote broader adoption of the TIME criteria. Studies building on this work are anticipated to enhance the identification and management of inappropriate medication use and contribute to improved patient outcomes
Leveraging LLMs to Discover Causal Dependencies: A Case Study on a University Program
No full textDefining a process model is essential for understanding organizational workflows and guiding future activities. While process discovery techniques can derive models from event logs, designing a process model from scratch remains challenging, as it relies on human experts to interpret requirements. This work explores process model elicitation in the educational domain, where courses in a university program are treated as activities with prerequisite relationships. We propose a methodology leveraging Large Language Models to automatically infer causal dependencies among courses by analyzing their syllabi. Using pairwise prompting with step-back and chain-of-thought reasoning, the extracted dependencies are used to build a Directly-Follows Graph, subsequently evaluated by domain experts. Experimental results show that Large Language Models can effectively identify and justify course dependencies, providing valuable insights that can enhance curriculum design and provide students with clearer guidance on course sequencing. The approach also highlights gaps in prerequisite structures, suggesting a broader application in educational planning and dynamic learning environments