1,721,030 research outputs found
Exploring body uneasiness in severe and enduring eating disorders: insights from clinical practice
Full text linkIntroduction: Body uneasiness is a central facet of body image disturbances observed in individuals with eating disorders (EDs). This study aimed to address gaps in understanding body uneasiness in severe and enduring eating disorders (SE-EDs) and explore variations in psychopathology between individuals with different durations of the disorder. We hypothesized that patients with SE-ED might develop habitual behaviors that contribute to ambivalence toward treatment and the persistence of symptoms. Methods: A sample of 360 ED patients was evaluated at the beginning and end of a specialized intensive rehabilitation program. All patients completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT). They were divided into two groups: SE-ED (> 7 years) and acute (aED, < 3 years) duration. Results: Compulsive self-monitoring showed a significant change between the start and end of treatment, differing between groups, with a larger change observed in SE-ED (p < 0.048). In SE-ED, it was associated with lower chances of dropout (p = 0.044), opposite to aED (p = 0.009). Treatment responses were primarily related to eating psychopathology, further highlighting differences between the two groups. Conclusions: This study underscores the possible presence of a habit in SE-ED and the importance of tailoring interventions to address unique needs based on the duration of the disorder. Furthermore, it highlights the need for further research to improve treatment outcomes in SE-EDs
Correlation between psychometric and biological parameters in anorexic and bulimic patients during and after intensive day-hospital treatment
No full textEarthquake-proofing history: seismic assessment of Caserta Vecchia medieval bell tower
No full textThis study presents an integrated approach for the seismic assessment of the 13th-century San Michele Arcangelo Cathedral Bell Tower in Caserta Vecchia, Italy, utilizing a detailed photogrammetric survey and Finite Element (FE) modelling. The analysis focuses on the structural vulnerability and seismic response of the historical masonry tower to assess its response against earthquake-induced damage. By employing Ambient Vibration Tests (AVTs) present in literature and calibrating the FE model accordingly, the research identifies the principal vibrational modes and natural frequencies of the tower, enhancing the model's accuracy. Various earthquake intensities were inputted to the structural model to evaluate the bell tower's structural performance and potential collapse mechanisms. The findings reveal a significant susceptibility of damage under severe seismic conditions, emphasizing the critical need for tailored conservation strategies to preserve such irreplaceable cultural heritage. The study underscores the importance of integrating historical documentation, structural analysis, and modern engineering techniques to safeguard historical architecture in seismically active areas
Understanding Bone Density Loss in Eating Disorders: Contributions of Weight Suppression and Speed of Weight Loss
No full textBackground/Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED), are associated with bone density loss. Weight suppression (WS) and weight loss speed (WLS) are two critical weight-related factors that may influence bone health, yet their relationship with bone density remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the associations between WS, WLS, and bone density in individuals with EDs, focusing on total body and spinal bone density. Methods: We examined 270 individuals with EDs (AN: n = 187, BN: n = 57, BED: n = 26) at the onset of inpatient treatment. WS and WLS were calculated from weight history, and bone density was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Regression analyses were performed separately for each diagnosis. Results: In AN, both WS and WLS were significant predictors of total (p = 0.001) and spinal (p = 0.007) bone density. WS and WLS independently predicted total bone density, with WS significantly predicting spinal bone density. In BN and BED, only WLS showed significant associations with bone density. Minimum weight was a key predictor of bone density in AN, underscoring the importance of avoiding extremely low body weight. Conclusions: WS and WLS significantly affect bone density in AN, with WLS also predicting bone density in BN and BED. These findings highlight the need to monitor weight-related factors across ED populations. In AN, avoiding extremely low body weight is crucial for preserving bone health, while in BN and BED, managing WLS is key to mitigating bone density loss
Seismic performance assessment of the church of SS. Annunziata in Paestum through finite element analysis
No full textThis paper presents a comprehensive study on the Church of Ss. Annunziata in Paestum (Italy), focusing on its historical reconstruction, current condition analysis, and dynamic characterization. An extensive photogrammetric survey employing terrestrial and aerial photography was conducted to establish an accurate geometric model of the church. Subsequently, the model was set up into Abaqus ambiance for dynamic characterization, material modelling and assessment of potential local failure mechanisms through nonlinear dynamic analysis under varying seismic intensities. The research provides valuable insights into the structural behaviour of the church and its vulnerability to seismic events, aiding in informed decision-making for preservation and restoration efforts
Influence of the seismic shear proportioning factor on steel MRFs seismic performances
No full textThe work herein present has the purpose of investigating the influence of the shear proportioning factor for the design of Moment Resisting Frames where the most severe condition for the design of dissipative zones is the seismic action. This situation often happens when the frames are arranged parallel to the warping of secondary beams, i.e. when vertical loads are not relevant for the dimensioning of the beam sections. The shear proportioning factor is used to distribute the base shear among all the storeys of steel moment-resisting frames to design the beam sections according to the required storey seismic action. To this scope, reference is made to several MR-Frame structures designed by Theory of Plastic Mechanism Control design approach and Eurocode 8 where shear proportioning factors variable along with the structure height and equal to 1 are assumed. A shear proportioning factor variable has the scope of promoting the simultaneous activation of dissipative zones in plastic range while the constant one should time-spread the yielding of dissipative zones. The seismic performances of these frames are investigated using both push-over and dynamic non-linear analyses
Macromechanical Failure Criteria: Elasticity, Plasticity and Numerical Applications for the Non-Linear Masonry Modelling
No full textSometimes it is difficult to choose the most appropriate failure criterion for the problem analyzed. For brittle materials, attention must be paid to the availability of experimental data and the calibration of the representative parameters, within the chosen failure criterion. The work herein presented, starting with an overview on machromechanical failure criteria, analysed in the Haigh-Westergaard Stress Space, investigates the suitability of Mohr-Coulomb, Drucker-Prager and Concrete Damaged Plasticity failure criteria of masonry structures, underlining their specific characteristics and implementation in FEM simulations. The Pavia Door Wall experimental campaign under pseudo-static cyclic test is considered as benchmark study. The results of the experimental tests are compared with a FE model developed with ABAQUS computer program considering several failure criteria and equivalent frame approach. Among the investigated failure criteria Concrete Damaged Plasticity is able to capture the actual behaviour of the masonry walls under monotonic excitation. In particular, thanks to the adaptability of the Guo’s model in the definition and calibration of the uniaxial behavior, the model suitability in catching the variation of the cohesion and the evolution of the damage is better in comparison with the other addressed failure criteria
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