1,721,065 research outputs found
Combining Hybrid Genetic Algorithms and Feedforward Neural Networks for Pallet Loading in Real-World Applications
No full textThe “Distributor’s Pallet Packing Problem” in a real industrial scenario is addressed in this paper. The main goal is to develop a two-stage algorithm capable to provide the spatial coordinates of the placed boxes vertices and also the optimal boxes input sequence, while guaranteeing geometric, stability, fragility constraints and a reduced computational time. Due to NP-hard complexity of the problem, a hybrid genetic algorithm coupled with a feedforward neural network is used. In the first stage, the hybrid genetic algorithm is run several times on each order within a large set of packing instances, using a different fitness weight vector at each iteration, and storing the best chromosomes to form a rich solution set. After its generation, the best solution is chosen for each order, optimizing a new global weighted function. The global optimal weight vector is tuned by hand, relying on a graphical user interface that allows to show, in real-time, the best solution as a function of the global weights. The dataset is then created, keeping track of both local and global weight vectors related to the optimal solution. Hence, the dataset is used to train, validate and test the neural network. In the second stage, the trained neural network is used to provide the optimal pair of fitness weight vectors, allowing to run the hybrid genetic algorithm only one time and to select directly the optimal solution in the set. The proposed algorithm has been tested and validated on several packing instances provided by an industrial company
Being the Father of a Preterm-Born Child: Contemporary Research and Recommendations for NICU Staff
Full text linkBackground: Most studies on parental reactions to a preterm birth and to hospitalization of the newborn in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) have involved mothers. However, emotional responses and behaviors of fathers are equally important. Usually, the father is the first to meet the preterm newborn, to find out information about baby's condition and to communicate to the mother and other family members. In this context he is often left alone and can show psychological difficulties including affective disorders such as depression or anxiety. This paper describes the role of fathers in the NICU, the best practices to support fathers, and to explain the role of a psychologist in the NICU staff. Considerations and suggestions are provided on the difficulties encountered to support parents, with a focus on the role of fathers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods and Discussion: Considering contemporary research data and following an attachment perspective, we analyze the role of the father of a preterm-born child in the relation with the partner and in newborn caring. Research has shown that involving fathers in newborn care in NICU and at home is essential not only because it promotes the father/son attachment relationship and has positive effects on the psychological and somatic development of the newborn, but also for the health of the mother and whole family. Conclusion: Recommendations are provided to enhance the functions of fathers in the NICU, promote their involvement in the care of their infant, and interventions to prevent the manifestation of psychological suffering and/or perinatal affective disorders. The commitments of a psychologist in a NICU team are presented and require not only clinical skills, but also the ability to manage the emotional and relational difficulties of fathers, family and NICU staff. Considerations and suggestions are provided on the difficulties encountered by parents in the NICU during the COVID-19 pandemic
Diffuse and severe ischemic injury of the extremities: a complication of umbilical vein catheterization.
No full textWe report a case of severe, peripheral, and diffuse tissue ischemia after umbilical vein catheterization (UVC) in a preterm newborn born to a preeclamptic mother. Nitroglycerin ointment was used to treat lesions. The recovery was good but partial loss of the distal phalange of one finger and one toe occurred. This is the first report of peripheral vasospasm occurring after UVC. Topical nitroglycerin, traditionally used to treat peripheral artery catheter-induced ischemic injury, may be useful to treat the same lesions occurring after UVC
A hybrid genetic algorithm for pallet loading in real-world applications
Full text linkThis paper addresses the so called "Distributor's Pallet Packing Problem"in a real industrial scenario. The main goal is to develop an algorithm for loading heterogeneous rectangular boxes on a bin, minimizing some objective functions and also satisfying geometric, stability and fragility constraints. The algorithm must be able to provide, in a reasonable time, the spatial coordinates of the vertices of the placed boxes and also the optimal boxes input sequence. Since this type of combinatorial problem is classified as NP-hard, classical optimization techniques are not suitable. For these reasons, a metaheuristic approach has been developed in order to reduce burden complexity. In particular, a genetic algorithm hybridized with an innovative heuristic technique has been used. The validity and the performance of this algorithm have been tested on several packing instances (orders) provided by an industrial company. The paper is intended as a preliminary study for future developments in the area of industrial container loading problems
Combined treatment with curosurf and beclomethasone in an ELBWI affected by severe chronic lung disease
No full textNEONATAL INVASIVE HERPES INFECTIONS. INBORN ERRORS OF IMMUNITY AND PHENOCOPIES AS PREDISPOSING FACTORS
No full textHerpetic infection is a condition with high rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality; to date, there is no universally recognized strategy for the perinatal management of the risk of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) transmission based on the prognostic value attributed to maternal risk factors. Starting from the analysis of a clinical case of neonatal herpes meningoencephalitis, a literature review was conducted concerning the management of herpetic infection during pregnancy and in the neonatal period in terms of prevention and early diagnosis. The paper describes a case of a newborn with neonatal herpes meningoencephalitis transmitted by a mother with recurrent herpetic infection without clinically evident genital lesions at birth, despite the correct application of gynecological-neonatal protocols stratified by risk categories. An integrative model to the current guidelines should consider the following prophylactic strategies: performance of serological screening for HSV between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy; provision of counseling regarding the main maternal-fetal and neonatal transmission risk factors for HSV; administration of antiviral prophylaxis with acyclovir to seropositive pregnant women starting from the 36th week of gestation; expansion of neonatal HSV-related screening tests even in cases where primary or recurrent genital lesions are present within ninety days before delivery. The diagnosis of neonatal herpetic meningoencephalitis suggests an underlying congenital error in innate immunity, related to an alteration in the TLR3/IFNα-β-λ axis, which presents with minimal/absent alterations in the immunological balance of I/II level, associated with infectious susceptibility to a restricted spectrum of viral pathogens, and deserves early immunological specialist evaluation
NIDCAP methodology for the prevention of developmental and relational risks in the preterm born baby: a study on an Italian sample.
No full textIntroduction: Aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of the NIDCAP methodology (Als, 1984), an early intervention program in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for reducing the risk of low psycho-motor development of the preterm born baby and difficulties in the parent-child relationship.
Materials and methods: 78 families of preterm infants (gestational age <30; birth weight <1500 g.) were studied, dividing them into two groups: 1) A Group, composed by 39 families assisted by the NICU of the Rimini Hospital following the NIDCAP methodology; 2) B Group, composed by 39 families assisted by the NICU of the Brescia Hospital following the standard Care methodology. The families were studied up to 24 months corrected age of the baby. Both parents, at discharge, were given the PSS-NICU, which assesses the perception of parental stress caused by the NICU physical and psycho-social environment. At 3 months corrected age of the child, mother-child and father-child dyads were subjected to the CARE-Index (Crittenden 1979-2004), a videotaped procedure for the assessment of the parental sensitivity and precursors of attachment. During the follow-up consultations (at 3-6-9-12-l8-24 months corrected age) both parents were given the CES-D, for the assessment of depression, and the STAI Y-2, for the assessment of trait anxiety. Psychomotor development of infants was assessed using the Bayley Scales III.
Results and conclusions: Preliminary data of the study will be presented. The NIDCAP method, based on care of the family of the born preterm, seems a valuable tool for prevention of child development pathology and attachment difficulties, providing a guide for the training of parents and NICU health professional.
References
Als H: Manual for the naturalistic observation of newborn behaviour NIDCAP (pre-term and full-term). Boston, The children's Hospital, 1984.
Crittenden P.M. (1979-2007). CARE-Index: Coding Manual (unpublished). Family Relations Institute, Miami, FL
DTPA-Functionalized silica-based monoliths for the removal of transition and lanthanide ions from aqueous phase
Full text linkTransition and rare-earth metals are essential raw materials used in a wide range of technological applications; moreover, their consumption is often associated with high production of wastes. Therefore, their recycling and recovery from end-of-life products or metal-contaminated aqueous environments is of considerable importance from a circular economy perspective. In our study, synthetic mesoporous silica monoliths, obtained by sol-gel synthesis[1] and functionalized with chelating groups are used for the recovery of metal ions from aqueous matrices (MONO-DTPA). The monoliths were characterized using a multi-technique approach and were tested in the recovery of paramagnetic Gd3+, Cu2+ and Co2+ ions from aqueous solutions, using 1H-NMR relaxometry to evaluate their uptake performance in real time and in simple conditions[2]. Detailed information on the kinetics of the capture process was also extrapolated. Finally, the possibility to regenerate the solid sorbents was evaluated. The modified silica monoliths were able to recover an appreciable amount of both di- and trivalent metal ions. The best results were obtained in the case of Cu2+ after 24 hours of contact, with a recovered amount of 0.29 mmol/g corresponding to 18.48 mg/g (Fig. 1, A).
The capture performance of MONO-DTPA has been shown to be superior to that of natural or synthetic materials commonly used for metal ion removal (Fig 1, B).
[1] V. Miglio, C. Zaccone, C. Vittoni, I. Braschi, E. Buscaroli, G. Golemme, L. Marchese and C. Bisio, Molecules 2021, 26, 1316
[2] S. Marchesi, S. Nascimbene, M. Guidotti, C. Bisio and F. Carniato, Dalton Trans. 2022, 51, 4502–4509
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