Wake control of a 3D bluff body

Bluff bodies are characterized by massive flow separation responsible of most of the pressure drag. Three main contributions roughly determine the total amount of the body drag : 30% is due to the rolling tire, 45% derive from the rear base and 25% comes from the underbody flow and interferences. In the case of large and medium size trucks employed for short and long distance of transportations the fuel consumption can be considerable reduced through the control of the flow separation from the base. The afterbody geometry plays a key role for the drag contributions as showed by Ahmed [1]. Aider et al. [2] used passive vortex generators while piezoelectric vortex generators were investigated by Orazi et al. [3]. Continuous blowing slots as done by Rouméas et al. [4] have been also used on a semi-infinite body. The present investigation considers a simplified 3D car with square-back rear shape. The wake control consist in the injection of continuous jets through four rectangular slots mounted around the perimeter of the rear part. Furthermore, four curved slots are disposed near the wheel to control the flow separation in this region. The flow analysis is performed by means of CFD commercial code (STAR CCM+® by Cd-Adapco). Results of this preliminary investigation will be presented. The effects of the independent rear slots orientation (i) and of the jet velocity (Vi) are analyzed as well as the effects of the jets around the wheels. The study will be also carry out on a physical model that will be tested in a wind tunnel. In figure 1 the expanded model and a portion of the longitudinal section of the rear part of the body are shown

Wind tunnel investigation on a squared–back commercial vehicle

The assessment of an appropriate methodology for a wind tunnel investigation on a square back vehicle model is presented and discussed. The CD−Re curve is evaluated in order to identify the adequate range of Reynolds number for the tests. The drag coefficient value is attested at CD = 0.465 which is in accordance with the literature results for the same category of vehicles considered. The repeatability and the accuracy of the CD have been analyzed through a campaign of measurements and an error propagation analysis is dedicated to associate the correct uncertainty to the drag coefficient values. The analysis of statistical convergence of the measured quantities is also carried out in order to fix the adequate acquisition time. The results of the experimental investigation regarding the measurement methodology, drag coefficient, base pressure distribution, position of the center of pressure, and wake measurements are presented highlighting the main natural flow features. Moreover, the pressure fluctuations measured by microphone sensors allowed to evidence the unsteadiness and possible flow configurations involving the entire rear part

Functional Role of miR-155 in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications

Substantial evidence indicates that microRNA-155 (miR-155) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. A number of clinical studies reported low serum levels of miR-155 in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Preclinical studies revealed that miR-155 partakes in the phenotypic switch of cells within the islets of Langerhans under metabolic stress. Moreover, miR-155 was shown to regulate insulin sensitivity in liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle. Dysregulation of miR-155 expression was also shown to predict the development of nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy in DM. Here, we systematically describe the reports investigating the role of miR-155 in DM and its complications. We also discuss the recent results from in vivo and in vitro models of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and T2D, discussing the differences between clinical and preclinical studies and shedding light on the molecular pathways mediated by miR-155 in different tissues affected by DM

Network Analysis of the HLS19-Q12 Health Literacy Questionnaire: insights from an Italian Pilot Study

Background. The widespread use of the internet and social media has transformed how people access health information impacting health literacy. Health literacy, the ability to access, understand, and use health information, is crucial to promote and maintain good health. This study is the first exploring with network analysis the correlation and distribution of the items of the Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-Q) 12 short form to verify their correspondence to the principal domains of the health literacy conceptual model proposed by Sorensen et al. in 2013. Materials and Methods. A digital version of the Italian HLS19-Q12 questionnaire was distributed online through social media and informal channels in May 2024. The sample consisted of 352 participants from the metropolitan area of Cagliari, Italy. Network analysis was employed to examine the clustering and relationships between the questionnaire items, via JASP using the Ising Fit method. Results. Key findings include significant difficulties in accessing professional help and understanding medical emergencies. Network centrality measures highlighted the prominence of items related to understanding medical emergencies and making health decisions. Three clusters corresponding to healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion, were visually identified with the last two closely interconnected. The item “making decisions to improve health” is crucial, acting as a bridge between clusters. Some items traditionally belonging to one domain shifted to another. Conclusions. The network analysis provided a clear depiction of health literacy as complex system, emphasizing interactions. Health literacy involves accessing, evaluating, and applying information, with empowerment playing a key role according to our findings. By addressing identified needs and focusing on prominent items, healthcare professionals and policymakers can enhance health literacy and improve health outcomes for individuals and communities. This pilot study’s findings could benefit future research and interventions to improve health literacy

What do young people know about HIV? Results of a cross sectional study on 18-24-year-old students

Introduction: Increasing people's knowledge of transmission, prevention, early diagnosis, and available treatments is a key step toward HIV control; it means setting the conditions for empowerment and enabling individuals to make aware choices about the prevention strategy best suited to their needs. This study aims to identify unmet needs on HIV knowledge among freshman students. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out at the University of Cagliari, which is an Italian public state university. Data were collected by means of an anonymous questionnaire; the final sample included 801 students. Results: Results offer a detailed picture of students' knowledge and perceptions of HIV. Several topics deserve to be better understood by students, but the main gaps relate to the pre-exposure prophylaxis and the decreased likelihood of sexually transmitting HIV due to early treatments. Students' vision of the quality of life of people living with HIV was negatively affected by perceiving as relevant the effects of HIV on physical health or on sexual/affective domains, while conversely, it seemed positively affected by knowing that current treatments are useful for counteracting physical symptoms and decreasing the possibility of transmitting HIV. Conclusion: Being aware of the potential benefits of current therapies could favour a less negative view, in line with the current state of the beneficial effects of HIV treatment. Universities are a valuable setting to bridge the HIV knowledge gap and thus also contribute to tackling stigma and actively promoting HIV testing

Trapped vortex cell for aeronautical applications: flow analysis through PIV and Wavelet transform tools.

Abstract Results of the application of a trapped vortex cell to an airfoil with the aim of improving the aerodynamic performances are presented for two complementary experiments arranged at CIRA and at Politecnico di Torino. In the CIRA experiments, PIV measurements on a simplified configuration were carried out to characterize the trapped vortical structure and its effect on the separating flow downstream of the cell. In the experimental investigation at Politecnico di Torino, static pressure distributions were measured around a complete airfoil model, to yield lift and pitching moment coefficients. Wake surveys were also carried out to measure the drag. To study the unsteady phenomena inside the cavity pressure fluctuations signals were also investigated using Kulite sensors. In both experiments, the angle of attack of the airfoil and the Reynolds number were varied. It is shown that the flow inside the cell is highly unsteady with significant shedding of flow structures downstream. This phenomenon results in a large region of separated flow, in higher drag and lower lift. By contrast, the cell flow is considerably stabilized and regularized by applying distributed suction over the cell wall. As a result, the flow downstream of the cell reattaches and lower drag and larger lift are observed

Alcohol-related behaviour in freshmen university students in Sardinia, Italy

This study aims to provide a picture of University of Cagliari students’ alcohol-related behaviour and to explore factors associated with it. Data were collected by administering a questionnaire to 992 freshmen university students from different programs consisting of twelve closed questions, including three questions from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for Consumption (AUDIT-C short form). Three subgroups of alcohol-related behaviour were distinguished (risky drinkers, social drinkers and abstainers). In order to explore factors associated with patterns of alcohol consumption, a multivariate logistic regression was performed. The prevalence of risky drinkers was 35%. A binge-drinking behaviour at least once in the last twelve months was declared by 65% (more widespread in men and in students living away from their parents). Risky consumption is significantly associated with age of onset of alcohol use, living away from parents’ home, drinking outside meals and attending health courses. Regarding the levels of daily alcohol consumption perceived as a health risk, 66% of men and 88% of women indicate values higher than those recommended. The results underline the need for tailored prevention measures. University could be a promising setting to implement actions according to a health promotion perspective, to empower students to control their alcohol consumption

Order out of chaos: Sense of coherence and the mediating role of coping resources in explaining mental health during COVID-19 in 7 countries

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the universal chaos created by it, this study explores the role of sense of coherence (Soc, Antonovsky, 1979) and how it enables coping with a stressful situation and staying well. SOC is a generalized orientation which allows one to perceive the world as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful. In an attempt to understand 'how does the SOC work' we employed the salutogenic assumption that a strong SOC allows one to reach out in any given situation and find those resources appropriate to the specific stressor. Thus, we hypothesized that the positive impact of SOC on mental health outcomes would be mediated through coping resources that are particularly salient in times of crisis. One resource is related to the micro level (perceived family support) and the other concerns the macro level (trust in leaders and social-political institutions). Data collection was conducted in different countries during May-June 2020 via online platforms. The data included 7 samples of adult participants (age 18-90) from Israel (n ​= ​669), Italy (n ​= ​899), Spain (n ​= ​476), Germany (n ​= ​708), Austria (n ​= ​1026), Switzerland (n ​= ​147), and the U.S. (n ​= ​506). The questionnaires included standard tools (MHC-SF, SOC-13) as well as questionnaires of perceived family support and trust that were adapted to the pandemic context. As expected, SOC was associated with mental health in all the samples. Perceived family support and trust in leaders and social-political institutions mediated the relationships between SOC and mental health, controlling for age, gender, and level of financial risk. It appears that SOC has a universal meaning, not limited by cultural and situational characteristics. The discussion focuses on the theoretical, social, and political applications of the salutogenic model - and its core concept of SOC - in the context of coping with a global pandemic across different cultural contexts and countries

Telemonitoring in heart failure patients treated by cardiac resynchronisation therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D): the TELECART Study

Aim: Telemonitoring (TM) is a safe and efficient monitoring system for internal cardioverter defibrillator device (ICD) recipients. TM has been used to track info on the clinical status of heart failure patients treated by ICD and/or cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillator (CRT-D). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of TM on clinical outcomes in a population of CRT-D patients with heart failure. Methods: In a multicentre, randomised study, patients with chronic heart failure, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II or III, left bundle branch block, severe left ventricle ejection fraction reduction (LVEF < 35%) have been identified and screened. Results: One hundred and ninety-one patients have been randomised to receive either a CRT-D with TM or a CRT-D with traditional ambulatory monitoring (control group) and completed the 12-month study follow-up. Primary endpoints were all cause death, cardiac death and hospital admission for heart failure. Secondary endpoints were atrial fibrillation, sustained episodes, non-sustained and self terminated ventricular tachyarrhythmia, sustained ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation, ICD shocks and percentage of CRT-D responder patients. Univariate analysis identified the following factors predicting hospitalisation: TM, age, chronic kidney disease, hypercholesterolaemia, LVEF and NYHA class. At multivariate analysis, TM was the only factor predicting heart failure hospitalisation (hazard ratio 0.6, 0.42–0.79, 95% CI, p = 0.002), without affecting overall mortality and cardiac deaths events. Conclusions: Taken together, our data indicate the importance of TM in predicting heart failure hospitalisation in patients treated with CRT-D

Preoperative assessment of cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery: The Orion study

In patients undergoing noncardiac surgery risk indices can estimate patients' perioperative risk of major cardiovascular complications. The indexes currently in use were derived from observational studies that are now outdated with respect to the current clinical context. We undertook a prospective, observational, cohort study to derive, validate, and compare a new risk index with established risk indices. We evaluated 7335 patients (mean age 63±13 years) who underwent noncardiac surgery. Based on prospective data analysis of 4600 patients (derivation cohort) we developed an Updated Cardiac Risk Score (UCRS), and validated the risk score on 2735 patients (validation cohort). Four variables (i.e. the UCRS) were significantly associated with the risk of a major perioperative cardiovascular events: high-risk surgery, preoperative estimate glomerular filtration rate &lt;30 ml/min/1.73 m2, age ≥75 years, and history of heart failure. Based on the UCRS we created risk classes 1,2,3 and 4 and their corresponding 30-day risk of a major cardiovascular complication was 0.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5-1.7), 2.5 (95% CI 1.6-5.6), 8.7 (95% CI 5.2-18.9) and 27.2 (95% CI 11.8-50.3), respectively. No significant differences were found between the derivation and validation cohorts. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrate a high predictive performance of the new index, with greater power to discriminate between the various classes of risk than the indexes currently used. The high predictive performance and simplicity of the UCRS make it suitable for wide-scale use in preoperative cardiac risk assessment of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery