66 research outputs found
Finite Element Modelling of the Archaeological Colonnade in Pompeii
No full textIn this paper, the seismic behaviour of an archaeological monumental colonnade under earthquake actions is examined through planar numerical simulations (nonlinear finite element analyses). The colonnade has two storeys with multi-drum columns and multi-blocks segmented trabeations. The scope of the analyses is to improve the knowledge on the structural behaviour of the innovative solution of segmented trabeation adopted in the ancient era for this colonnade and to evaluate the added vulnerability related to the effects of water leakage and pollutants in between the stone blocks of the structure as a result of the current degradation.
The ancient city of Pompeii in Italy, is a partially buried Roman town-city; after suffering many earthquakes in the past it was destroyed during a long catastrophic eruption of the Vesuvius volcano in 79 A.D. and remained covered until its accidental rediscovery in 1749. Nowadays, the ruins of the ancient town present many partially collapsed buildings, not only as a result of other earthquakes during the last three centuries, but also as a consequence of rapid degradation of the archaeological material. Numerical analyses show the seismic vulnerability of a colonnade, in order to understand how a UNESCO World cultural heritage site can be preserved, avoiding risks for cultural heritage and human life
Experimental investigation of the seismic performances of IMG reinforcement on curved masonry elements
No full textIn recent years, several new materials and technologies have been developed to limit the effects of earthquakes on the structures. In particular, for the structural reinforcement of masonry elements, the use of composite materials has shown to be effective. The experimental results of an innovative reinforcement technique based on inorganic matrixes, namely Inorganic Matrix composite Grid (IMG) are herein presented. The reinforcement has been applied to a full-scale masonry vault. Several shaking table tests (before and after the IMG reinforcement application) have been performed. The structural performance of the vault has been evaluated comparing the damages detected in the case of unreinforced and reinforced specime
Gli interventi combinati di by-pass aorto- coronarico e di sostituzione valvolare: prospettive in assicurazione vita
No full textNeuronal activity in the premotor cortex of monkeys reflects both cue salience and motivation for action generation and inhibition
No full textReward prospect weighs on motor decision processes, enhancing the selection of appropriate actions and the inhibition of others. While many studies have investigated the neuronal basis of reward representations and of cortical control of actions, the neuronal correlates of the influences of reward prospect on motor decisions are less clear. We recorded from the dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) of 2 male macaque monkeys performing a modified version of the Stop-signal (countermanding) task. This task challenges motor decisions by requiring responding to a frequent Go stimulus, but to suppress this response when a rare Stop signal is presented during the reaction time. We unbalanced the motivation to respond or to suppress the response by presenting a cue informing on three different rewards schedules: In one case, Go trials were rewarded more than Stop trials; in another case, Stop trials were rewarded more than Go trials; in the last case, both types of trials were rewarded equally. Monkeys adopted different strategies according to reward information provided by the cue: The higher the reward for Stop trials, the higher their ability to suppress the response and the slower their response to Go stimuli. PMd neuronal activity evolved in time and correlated with the behavior: PMd signaled first the cue salience, representing the chance to earn the highest reward at stake, then reflected the shaping of the motor choice by the motivation to move or to stop. These findings represent a neuronal correlate of the influence of reward information on motor decision
The ProTect device in the treatment of severe fecal incontinence: Preliminary results of a multicenter trial
No full textBackground: Patients suffering from severe fecal incontinence (FI) in whom surgical treatment has either failed or is inappropriate due to high operative risks and those who refuse to undergo surgery are condemned to living with their embarrassing symptoms, often responsible for progressive social isolation. ProTect is a new, relatively simple, medical device intended for selected patients suffering from severe FI. It consists of a pliable, silicone catheter with an inflatable balloon that seals the rectum at the anorectal junction, acting like an anal plug. The proximal part of the catheter incorporates two contacts that monitor the rectum for the presence of feces. The patient is alerted to an imminent bowel movement and, hence, a potential fecal accident, through a beeper. Methods: A multicenter trial has been set up to assess the reliability of the device in preventing episodes of FI and to evaluate its impact on quality of life. Patients with significant FI (CCF>10) were prospectively entered into this 14-day study. Two quality of life questionnaires and a daily log of bowel activity and incontinent episodes were completed before and during the study. Results: Currently, the study enrolled 17 patients and 11 patients (9 women, 2 men) with a mean age of 66 years (range, 46-85) completed the trial. In these 11 subjects, there was an overall significant improvement in the quality of life (p<0.05) and a significant reduction in incontinence scores (p<0.001) while using ProTect compared to baseline. Conclusions: The ProTect is a safe non-surgical device that is able to prevent episodes of FI. It is unique because it can be used according to a patient's needs without interfering with activities of daily living. © 2007 Springer-Verlag
Analisi comparativa dei criteri valutativi dei più diffusi barèmes per la stima del danno alla persona
No full textNeuronal dynamics of signal selective motor plan cancellation in macaque dorsal premotor cortex
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