179 research outputs found
A neural network-based automated methodology to identify the crack causes in masonry structures
No full textMost masonry constructions exhibit significant crack patterns caused by differential foundation settlements. While modern numerical methods effectively address forward displacement-based problems, identifying the settlement causing a specific crack pattern remains an unsolved yet crucial challenge. For the first time, this research solves this highly non-linear back-engineering problem by proposing a robust and automated methodology synergizing artificial neural networks (ANNs) and the piecewise rigid displacement (PRD) method. The PRD’s fast computational solving allows the generation of large datasets used to train specific ANNs through Levenberg–Marquardt and conjugate gradient algorithms. Using the location and widths of the main structural cracks as input, the proposed approach offers an instantaneous and accurate ANN-based identification of foundation settlements that cause the detected damage scenario. The method is first validated on semicircular arches, and after that, its potential and effectiveness are demonstrated in a real engineering scenario, represented by the Deba bridge in Spain
Voids identification by isogeometric boundary element and neural network algorithms
No full textThis paper investigates the potential of the concomitant use of both Isogeometric Boundary Element Method (IGABEM) and Artificial Neural Networks Algorithm (ANN) to determine the number, position and geometric shapes of voids in a plate subjected to lateral pressure. In the proposed approach the boundary conditions are given, and the displacements of a finite number of points provide the information required to define the geometric characteristics of one or more internal voids. Exploiting the potentialities of IGABEM, it is possible to achieve also complex geometries with a level of accuracy unthinkable with the shape functions commonly used in other numerical methods. Besides, the richness of the space of configurations obtainable with the isogeometric approach can be successfully handled by the ability of ANN to solve inverse problems with a high level of complexities. The concurrent use of both returns a powerful tool whose potentialities in solving inverse problems are here explored and discussed
Studio multidisciplinare sullo stato di inquinamento del fiume Musone.
No full textFor a comprehensive evaluation of the quality of a river-system, it is necessary to carry out a multidisciplinary research. The investigation of the degree of pollution in the river Musone was conducted in this way. Chemical, physico-chemical and bacteriological analyses, as well as biological monitoring with benthic macroinvertebrates, were carried out. The first part of the river Musone, between the spring and the town of Osimo, presents good characteristics, both chemlcal and biological.
The situation changes rapidly after that, when the river receives urban sewage and industriai effluents from the catchment area of Osimo. The tributaries Fiumicello, Vallato and Aspio, whicn carry a high pollution loading, flow one after another into the river, aggravating the already serious situation.
Because of this, the river Musone reaches its mouth with a quality of Class V. Untreated urban sewage and industrial effluents are the most important causes of the river's pollution
erectile dysfunction in kidney transplated patients
No full textIntroduzione. La disfunzione erettile (DE) è definita come l’incapacità di ottenere e/o mantenere un’erezione sufficiente per un rapporto sessuale soddisfacente. La DE è frequente (50%) nei pazienti con insufficienza renale cronica in trattamento dialitico. Gli effetti del trapianto renale sulla DE non sono noti.
Metodi. In questo studio è valutata la prevalenza della DE in pazienti sottoposti a trapianto di rene.
La funzione erettile era studiata usando l’Indice Internazionale della Funzione Erettile (IIEF). I domini principali presi in considerazione sono: (1) funzione erettile; (2) funzione orgasmica; (3) desiderio sessuale; (4) soddisfazione nel rapporto; (5) soddisfazione generale. Insieme con il questionario erano raccolti anamnesi e dati biochimici del paziente, il quale era sottoposto ad esame clinico generale ed a visita urologica e neurologica. Il questionario era compilato da 115 pazienti (89%).
Risultati. La DE era riscontrata in 63 pazienti (55%). Non erano osservate differenza nei dati clinici e biochimici tra i pazienti con e senza DE. La presenza di ipertensione arteriosa era egualmente distribuita tra i due gruppi. L’impiego dei beta-bloccanti era più frequente (p0,01) solo con l’età anagrafica dei pazienti.
Conclusioni. Lo studio evidenzia che il trapianto renale non cura completamente la DE, e che la DE può apparire “ex novo” anche in pazienti con un trapianto renale ben funzionante
Admissibility of Evidence of Co-defendant’s Bad Character under s. 101(1)(e) Criminal Justice Act 2003: Irrelevance of Common Law Authorities R v Platt [2016] EWCA Crim 4
No full textAn efficient Artificial Neural Network algorithm for solving boundary integral equations in elasticity
No full textThis study presents a novel numerical integration technique based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithms to overcome intrinsic limitations characterizing the Boundary Element Method (BEM). The proposed approach, taking advantage of some peculiar properties of the BEM equations, provides an effective alternative to traditional numerical techniques for evaluating the integrated kernels required to compute the displacements and stresses of a two-dimensional solid. Assuming isotropy and homogeneity, and modeling both the geometry and the mechanical parameters using quadratic shape functions, all the integrals in the classical BEM formulation can be expressed as the sum of two terms that are independent of the constitutive properties and solely dependent on four geometric parameters: three components of two distance vectors and a parameter representing the element's curvature. This interesting property of boundary integral equations in elasticity makes them particularly amenable to numerical evaluation using artificial neural networks. Results from numerical tests, which were conducted using increasingly complex integrals, demonstrate the high precision of the proposed approach as long as the integration and collocation points are sufficiently separated to avoid issues with singularity
A cloud-edge smart infrastructures for road safety
No full textThis paper presents a cloud-edge solution for smart road safety monitoring and control that has been released as commercial product and service. We introduce the hardware and software architecture and its operation in real environments. Finally we discuss the application of an original methodology for security assessment
Weight-in-Motion System for Traffic Overload Detection: Development and Experimental Testing
No full textA new load cell-based Weight-in-Motion (WIM) equipment for detecting traffic overload conditions on the roadway structure is proposed. The system consists of two load detection sensors, a supporting and stiffening steel structure, a reinforced concrete (RC) basement, and a steel covering plate. Embedded within the road pavement at grade with the top asphalt surface, the sensors are offset to avoid missing values while gathering the data from the passing vehicle. This strategy ensures the passage of both the axle’s wheels through the measuring area, which is the top surface of a steel beam supported by four load cells. Being the beam width smaller than the wheel’s contact surface, a tailored algorithm has been implemented to process the gathered data and return the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). More than 500 experimental tests have been performed to assess the system’s performance. A relatively rigid basement reduces the noise related to the vibrations generated by the system itself, which might affect the data analysis. Nonlinear dynamical FE analyses have been performed to support the structural design. A reduction in operating costs is allowed by the streamlined low-maintenance configuration of the system, along with its robustness
Erectile dysfunction in kidney transplanted patients: efficacy of sildenafil
No full textBACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual performance. The effects of kidney transplantation on pre-existing ED are poorly understood, as well as the onset of new ED cases after kidney transplantation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of kidney transplantation on pre-existing ED, to assess the onset of new ED cases after renal transplantation and to assess both the efficacy and safety of sildenafil. METHODS: Erectile function was assessed using the self-administered International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) to kidney transplanted patients. A 50 mg dose of sildenafil was prescribed. Sildenafil efficacy was assessed by re-administering the questionnaire after 4 weeks of therapy. Blood chemistry and serum cyclosporine concentration were evaluated at the beginning of the study and, in patients treated with sildenafil, after 4 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen patients (87.5%) completed the questionnaire. Fifty-three patients (47%) did not complain of ED, the remaining 60 patients (53%) reported ED. ED was already present during dialysis in 40 patients; it appeared ex novo in 20 patients after transplantation. Pre-existing ED disappeared in 8 patients (20%), ameliorated in 13 patients (32.5%), worsened in 2 patients (5%), and remained unchanged in 17 patients (42.5%) after transplantation. The IIEF score significantly improved in sildenafil-treated patients (n=20); there were no observed changes in blood chemistry, blood pressure (BP), renal function and cyclosporine concentration. The side-effects were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: ED was still present in a large cohort of kidney transplanted men. Renal transplantation cures few ED cases. ED can appear ex novo after transplantation. Sildenafil is an effective ED treatment in kidney transplanted men
Mandibular Asymmetry, Generalized Joint Hypermobility, and Temporomandibular Disorders in Pre-Orthodontic Growing Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Clinical-Radiographic Study
No full textObjective: This study aims to explore the relationship between mandibular asymmetry (MA), generalized joint hypermobility (GJH), and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in pre-orthodontic growing individuals. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 74 pre-orthodontic individuals aged 8–16 years. Mandibular asymmetry was evaluated through posteroanterior cephalometric analysis, using menton deviation ≥ 4 mm as the threshold for asymmetry. GJH was assessed using the Beighton Score (BS ≥ 4 = GJH-positive), while TMD was diagnosed based on Axis I of the DC/TMD. Associations among the variables were tested using a chi-square test (p < 0.05; SPSS v.24). Results: The study included 74 patients (25.7% males; mean age 12.7 ± 2.16 years). The GJH-positive group (n = 41) showed a higher prevalence of TMD (85.4%) compared to the GJH-negative group (51.5%) (p = 0.002). MA was more frequent in the GJH-positive group (68.3% vs. 45.5%; p = 0.041). A significant association was also found between TMD and MA (71.2% vs. 27.3%; p < 0.001). In both groups, patients with TMD were more likely to present MA (GJH-negative p = 0.022; GJH-positive p = 0.046). Conclusions: MA emerged as a key factor associated with the presence of TMD, particularly when combined with GHJ. These findings indicate that MA alone is significantly related to the occurrence of TMD, regardless of joint hypermobility status. However, the risk appears to be amplified in individuals who also present with GJH. Effect size analysis indicated that most associations were small, with only the one between TMD and MA reaching a moderate level. This highlights the importance of evaluating statistical significance in the context of effect size to better assess clinical relevance
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