1,720,993 research outputs found
Distinct Element Method Analyses for Damage Assessment: The Case of the Valverde Bulwark in the Venetian Fortress of Bergamo
No full textThe 16th-century Venetian Fortress of Bergamo is a complex defensive system over 5 km long with more than 70,000 m2 of masonry wall facing, inscribed to the UNESCO world heritage list in 2017. Today, the first causes of its deterioration are the vegetation growth and the lack of maintenance that have led to instabilities and local failures, particularly in the north-west portion. Thus, in 2019 and 2020, survey campaigns were carried out to assess the safety of one of the most damaged sections, the Valverde bulwark. The survey combines on-site observations, laboratory tests, and photogrammetric and laser scanner surveys to describe the state of the bulwark.
Some numerical simulations have been performed within a Distinct Element Approach (DEM). DEM has been conceived for geo-mechanical analysis, such as caves or mines; however, several researchers have widely proven its application to masonry structures. It assimilates the masonry to a system of discrete bodies consisting of blocks (usually rigid) interacting on their interfaces. DEM analyses are usually executed on simplified models, rarely considering the actual geometry of the masonry structure due to the extremely time-consuming and the usual lack of information. Within the research, a routine dedicated to defining a real-like geometrical model has been developed. The numerical analyses were run to understand the condition of the Valverde bulwark in the actual state, analysing the conditions under self-weight and earth pressure and the behaviour under seismic loading. Through the detailed survey and its automatic digitisation, it is possible to fully recognise and analyse the state of health of these historical structures as well as their mechanical behaviour
Physical disability and cognitive impairment evolution in benign multiple sclerosis: a five years prospective study
No full textBackground. Benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) definition is generally based on a minimum disease duration (DD) during which a maximum expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score is reached. However, EDSS does not account sufficiently for cognitive deficits, which may be as disabling as motor impairment
Objectives. To study prospectively the evolution of physical disability and cognitive performance of BMS patients
Methods. Among 300 patients seen at Verona MS Center between January and June 2008, 36 patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) course, DD ≥10 years, and EDSS score ≤2.0 were defined BMS cases. Of these, 24 gave consent for inclusion in the study along with 13 sex- and age-matched non-benign MS (n-BMS) patients with RR course, DD≥10 years and EDSS score from 2.5 to 4.5. The two groups were followed for 5 years with neurological examination at least every year and neuropsychological assessment at baseline and at study conclusion. Conventional MRI analysis was done for patients who had a brain scan with the same protocol in 2008 and 2013.
Results. At inclusion BMS subjects were 41±8 years old (mean±standard deviation) with median DD of 15 years (range 11-29) and median EDSS score 1.5 (range 0-2), while n-BMS patients were 46±8 years old, had median DD of 16 years (range 10-27) and median EDSS score 3.0 (range 2.5-4.5). At baseline 16% of patients in both groups failed two or more neuropsychological tests. After 5 years, 23 BMS and 12 n-BMS patients had completed the study. The EDSS score worsened in 8% and 46% of cases, respectively (p=0.008), while the proportion of patients with ≥2 failed neuropsychological tests at 5 years increased at 25% in both groups. BMS and n-BMS patients who failed ≥2 tests had a significantly worse work and financial status both at baseline and at 5 years follow-up even after excluding subjects with EDSS score >3.5. Brain MRI T2 lesion location and number increase over time were not significantly associated with neurological and cognitive outcomes.
Conclusions. Patients classified as having BMS according to widely used criteria had better physical disability outcome at 5 years compared to n-BMS cases. However, rates of initial cognitive impairment and neuropsychological decline over time did not differ between the two groups, including the possible impact on work and social functioning. Neuropsychological testing is essential even in MS patients with minimal or no physical disability given the distinct trajectories followed by disease progression in cognitive and motor domains
Two sisters with leukoencephalopathy, hearing loss and retinopathy: a familial case of Susac's syndrome?
No full textN.A
Insights for fostering resilience in young adults with multiple sclerosis in the aftermath of the COVID-19 emergency: an Italian survey
Full text linkObjective: Recent evidence has demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on the mental health of the general population. The psychological consequences might be even more severe for patients with special healthcare needs and psychological vulnerabilities due to chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Thus, we aimed to explore the psychological impact of this pandemic and of the subsequent healthcare service changes on young adults with MS living in Italy and to examine their coping strategies and preferences regarding psychological support in the aftermath of the pandemic. Methods: Data were collected using a cross-sectional, web-based survey advertised on social networks. We report both quantitative (descriptive statistics, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA) and qualitative data (inductive content analysis). Results: Two hundred and forty-seven respondents (mean age 32 ± 7 years), mainly with relapsing-remitting MS, from all Italian regions participated. Participants felt more worried, confused, sad, and vulnerable because of the disease "during" the pandemic in comparison to their self-evaluation of the period "before" the COVID-19 outbreak. Similarly, their perception of control over MS decreased "during" the pandemic in comparison to the retrospective evaluation of the period "before" the COVID-19 outbreak (p < 0.01). Canceled/postponed visits/exams were listed as the most frequent MS management changes, with modified/postponed pharmacological treatment representing the most stressful change. Psychological support in dealing with pandemic-related fears and improving MS acceptance and well-being was considered extremely important by almost 40% of the respondents. Different coping strategies were mentioned in the qualitative section of the survey, with social support, hobbies, and keeping busy being the most frequent ones. Conclusions: Considering the enormous impact of the pandemic on young adults with MS, we urge MS clinical centers to implement psychological support programs that address the potentially long-lasting psychological negative impact, thus fostering the therapeutic alliance that is being threatened by the infection prevention measures imposed during the pandemic, and promoting psychological resources for adaptively managing future waves of COVID-19
A geometric approach to evaluate the safety of masonry constructions: the case study of St. Scolastica Abbey in Subiaco
No full textThe paper presents the structural assessment of the neoclassical Church at the Abbey of St. Scholastica in Subiaco, located close to Rome, Italy. Here the Renaissance and gothic layers, along with the neoclassical reconstructions from 1769, are uncovered to study their role in the overall stability of the structure. With the aid of historic references, on-site visual inspection and a laser-scanning survey conducted, an understanding of the geometrical and structural configuration that defines this historic construction was established. Adopting an assessment methodology based on limit analysis and graphic statics, the structural evaluation was conducted for each of the individual structural elements i.e., by isolating the arches, vaults, buttresses, and for the integrated system as a whole. Through this analysis, the Geometric Factor of Safety (GFS) related to the global equilibrium of the church's section was calculated. Without any claim of comprehensiveness in the case study, this work stands as a paradigmatic example for people intending to check the stability of historical buildings. In fact, the purpose of the research is to present, through a case study and with the aid of limit analysis approach, how the use of GFS can characterise the degree of safety in a simple and straightforward manner
2017 McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis: Earlier diagnosis with reduced specificity?
No full textBACKGROUND: McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis were revised in 2017. OBJECTIVE: Aim of our study was to evaluate and compare the sensitivity and specificity of 2017 and 2010 McDonald criteria in patients presenting with an initial demyelinating event (IDE). METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients with an IDE and collected clinical, MRI and CSF data in order to demonstrate fulfilment of 2010 and 2017 McDonald criteria. RESULTS: 2017 McDonald criteria showed 100% (86.8-100%) sensitivity and 13.8% (3.9-31.7%) specificity. CONCLUSION: 2017 McDonald criteria appear to have higher sensitivity but reduced specificity compared to 2010 McDonald criteria
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
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