2,292 research outputs found
A mixed-mode cohesive model accounting for small to large openings transition
No full textThis work addresses the formulation of a new mixed-mode cohesive model, able to handle the transition from small to large openings: the proposed model is an extension of the isotropic damage model formulated in [Confalonieri and Perego, JSSCM, 11-2, 2017] for the simulation of mixed-mode delamination with variable mode-ratio, under the assumption of small relative displacements
Entity linking on philosophical documents
No full textEntity Linking consists in automatically enriching a document by detecting the text fragments mentioning a given entity in an external knowledge base, e.g., Wikipedia. This problem is a hot research topic due to its impact in several text-understanding related tasks. However, its application to some specfiic, restricted topic domains has not received much attention. In this work we study how we can improve entity linking performance by exploiting a domain-oriented knowledge base, obtained by filtering out from Wikipedia the entities that are not relevant for the target domain. We focus on the philosophical domain, and we experiment a combination of three different entity filtering approaches: one based on the Philosophy" category of Wikipedia, and two based on similarity metrics between philosophical documents and the textual description of the entities in the knowledge base, namely cosine similarity and Kullback-Leibler divergence. We apply traditional entity linking strategies to the domainoriented knowledge base obtained with these filtering techniques. Finally, we use the resulting enriched documents to conduct a preliminary user study with an expert in the area
A phase-field gradient-based energy split for the modeling of brittle fracture under load reversal
No full textIn the phase-field modeling of fracture, the search for a physically reasonable and computationally feasible criterion to split the elastic energy density into fractions that may or may not contribute to crack propagation has been the subject of many recent studies. Within this context, we propose an energy split - or energy decomposition - aimed at accurately representing the evolution of a crack under load reversal. To this purpose, two key assumptions are made. First, the damage gradient direction is interpreted as being representative of the normal-to- crack direction, as already assumed in previous works in the literature. The second assumption consists of considering the sign of the projection of the stress tensor onto the damage gradient direction at a point as an indicator of whether this point should behave as an opening or as a closing crack. We associate the latter case (crack closing) to both (a) a complete recovery of elastic energy density of the intact material (i.e., perfectly rough crack surfaces) and (b) a zero crack driving force at that point. The first case (crack opening) is treated classically as a damageable material point at which damage can increase. The implementation of the proposed approach turns out to be remarkably simple and computationally robust. For the evaluation of the displacements and damage gradients at nodes, the classical Z2 2 technique is used, and a new effective and computationally convenient iterative strategy is implemented to guarantee convergence of the staggered scheme. Four examples are presented in order to assess the suitability of the present model by using both AT1 and AT2 regularization models. Results show the desired effect of limiting crack propagation to prevailing tensile states, as well as of recovering the initial intact stiffness upon load reversal, even when two of the most common energy splits fail
Vocatives in subitles: A survey across genre
No full textThe purpose of this contribution is to investigate the function of vocatives and their translation in interlinguistic subtitles over different film genres. Our previous investigation (Bruti, Perego 2005) was based on a small corpus that included 2 British and 2 American films, belonging approximately to the same genre, i.e. COMEDY (with the exception of "The Talented Mr Ripley", which begins as a COMEDY but turns into a DRAMATIC MYSTERY STORY). This project aims to investigate the various roles vocatives play in the construction of the narrative according to the different needs that different film genres aim to fulfil. The corpus has therefore been extended to include: a full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures ("Bambi", D. Hand, 1942), an action film ("Lethal Weapon 4", R. Donner, 1998), an adaptation from a literary masterpiece ("Sense and Sensibility", A. Lee, 1996), a popular comedy series (two episodes of "Sex and the City", Season 4, “The Agony and the Ex-tasy”, M.P. King, 2001 and “I heart NY”, M.P. King 2002) and an animated series (two episodes of "The Simpsons", “Homer in the night”, R. Moore, 1989-90; “Homer the Moe”, J. Kamerman, 2001-02)
Successful treatment of 15 cases of canine traumatic aural hematoma using autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP)
No full textPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from whole blood, is characterized by platelet (PLT) concentrations above baseline in a small volume of plasma that can accelerate the healing process [1] by providing elevate concentration of platelet-derived growth factors [2] which can stimulate cell proliferation and decrease of inflammatory reaction. Following the excellent results obtained on a small number of subjects previously reported in a preliminary study [3], in this prospective in vivo study we aimed to describe the clinical efficacy of autologous PRP in the treatment of canine traumatic aural hematoma secondary to otitis externa. After approval by the Ethics Committee of the University of Milan and with the owner informed consent, 20 ml of citrate whole blood were obtained from the cephalic vein of 15 dogs with traumatic aural hematoma of different breeds, 6 males and 9 females, with a age range of 1 -15 years (mean ± DS: 7,4 ± 3,7 years). All subjects had a history of multiple centesis, sometimes associated with injections of cortisone in situ, with subsequent recurrences of hematoma. PRP was produced using a semi-automatic closed system (CPUNT 20, Eltek group, Casale Monferrato, Alessandria, Italy) for veterinary use [4]. The serum-hematic content of the auricular pinna was completely drained using one or more 20G needles (depending of hematoma organization) and, using the same hole of the drainage inlet, the PRP was then injected. The dogs were subjected to weekly follow up for a minimum of 45 days from the first treatment. In case of partial or total recurrence of the aural hematoma of the first follow-up, the treatment was repeated with the same procedure. No dog has been subjected to anaesthesia during the procedures. At D0 the aural hematoma was present for 17 ± 13 days and the mean of the drained serum-hematic content was 23 ± 30 ml. Four dogs had a partially organized aural hematoma. 1.3 ± 0.6 ml of PRP were injected, with a mean concentration of 1185 ± 908 x 103/μl PLT (minimum value: 308 x 103/μl PLT maximum value: 4141 x 103/μl PLT, 500% mean increase compared to whole blood). 12/15 subjects were treated with a single application (Group A1), 3/15 with two applications (Group A2). 2/15 subjects were lost after the first follow up. For the remaining 13/15 the mean healing time was 15.8 ± 8.1 days (A1) and 24 ± 5.2 days (A2). No subjects showed recurrences at 45 days follow up. No side effects have been registered. The in situ administration of PRP was effective in the treatment of traumatic aural hematoma secondaty to otitis externa in dogs, leading to complete resolution of the disease in all treated subjects.
[1] Marx R.E. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), what is PRP and what is not PRP? Implant Dentistry 2001, 10, 225-228. [2] Souza T.F. et al. Healing and expression of growth factors (TGF-β and PDGF) in canine radial ostectomy gap containing platelet-rich plasma. Vet Comp Orthop Trauma, 2012, 25, 445-452. [3] Perego R. et al. Efficacia clinica del plasma ricco di piastrine (prp) autologo ottenuto con metodo chiuso semi-automatico nel trattamento dell’otoematoma nel cane. 2017. 56° Congresso AIVPA, Piacenza. [4] Perego R. et al. Evaluation of a commercial closed system for autologous platelet-rich plasma production in dog. 2016. ESVCP-ESVONC Congress, Nantes
A framework to support the selection of front-end and back-end solutions in omnichannel retailing
No full textThe goal of this paper is to address the operational challenges of omnichannel (OC) retailing, a popular model that merges online and offline channels to provide a seamless service experience to consumers throughout their customer journey. Embracing OC implies (i) deciding which shopping alternatives should be offered (front-end solutions), and (ii) designing appropriate logistics processes (back-end solutions). The study presents a framework supporting the configuration of omnichannel (OC) strategies through an empirical approach. After identifying possible front-end and back-end OC solutions, a series of OC retailing experiences were examined. These cases were mapped and positioned on two matrices (one for front-end and the other for back-end solutions) where product, network and service drivers were compared to derive insights on the type of retailers more likely to adopt each solution. OC drivers and alternatives were identified through a literature review; informati on about the cases was collected through direct interviews and secondary sources. Four front-end OC solutions (i.e. Click and Collect, InfoStore, InfoCommerce and InStore Support) and three back-end OC solutions (i.e. Store Picking, Warehouse Picking and Dropshipping) were identified. The front-end framework highlights six possible clusters based on product and network complexity. The back-end framework identifies three configurations, grouped by service and product complexity. This paper addresses a meaningful topic, as OC continues to disrupt operations management in most retail segments, from apparel to grocery. The studies in this area are increasing as a signal of growing interest in the theme. Still, most of the extant contributions either focus on logistics underlying OC or front-end aspects separately. This study originally contributes by jointly considering the double back-end and front-end perspectives of OC. This research is also useful for practitioners, as it aims to support retailers in the configuration of their overall OC strategy
Dark, cloud and ghost kitchens: a logistics perspective
No full textIn recent years multiple countries have witnessed the dramatic diffusion of the so-called “on-demand food delivery”, i.e., a model based on online platforms offering the delivery of freshly prepared meals from restaurants to the customers’ home. In these ecosystems, novel solutions referred to as “Kitchens for Delivery” are being created, which are aimed to fulfil these orders. Differently from traditional restaurants, these are kitchens dedicated to the preparation of online orders only, with no offline customers.
This being the context, the present research has a twofold goal. First, identifying and describing the major different models existing in the field (i.e., Dark, Cloud and Ghost Kitchens). Second, estimating their performances from a logistics perspective, by means of an evaluation of their impact on the on-demand food delivery logistics problem.
The implemented approach is multi-method, as it combines: (i) the analysis of (black, grey and white) literature, to understand the state of art and map the main solutions; (ii) a simulation study, to assess the changes implied by introducing Ghost Kitchens into the network in terms of delivery performances; (iii) interviews with practitioners, to validate and interpret the results. The research is expected to have both academic and managerial implications. Considering academia, it sheds light on a field that is under-investigated in literature, proposing a classification of extant models, as well as a model to estimate their logistics implications. Considering industry, it provides an estimation of the impact that implementing Ghost Kitchens could have on the most significant logistics performances
A quantitative assessment of the collaborative logistics benefits
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this analysis is to study the Collaborative Logistics process, its implementation within the Consumer Electronics and Household Appliances Sup- ply Chain and to assess the benefits stemming from it. Methodology: To achieve the objectives the Activity-Based-Cost logic has been used. Each single defined activity has been associated to its most appropriate cost drivers. Moreover, an analytic simulation model has been built and implemented through a simplified representation of the Supply Chain composed of three actors: a retailer, a logistics operator and a manufacturer. Findings: The benefits stemming from the Collaborative Logistics project are equal to 35.51%. The majority of Supply Chain benefits comes from the reduction in Stock- Out costs and Inventory Management costs. Originality: The analytical model has been developed to foster the diffusion of this process by showing the potential benefits achievable through its implementation
- …
