Studio di stabilità e proposte di intervento sul versante di Bolognana (LU) in seguito all’ampliamento della S.P. Lodovica.

Questo lavoro di tesi è finalizzato all’analisi di stabilità del versante di Costa delle Calde, oggetto di vari studi in passato, in quanto interessato da vari movimenti gravitativi, verificatesi sin dagli inizi degli anni ’80, soprattutto in concomitanza con i lavori di ampliamento della Strada Provinciale di fondovalle. Lo studio si è concentrato sull’affioramento del Calcare Selcifero della Val di Lima che si estende per circa 130 m lungo il tracciato stradale. Le discontinuità rilevate in campagna sono state raggruppate in quattro sistemi, due a direzione appenninica (S0 ed S1) e due antiappenninica (S2 ed S3) e caratterizzate secondo le Raccomandazioni ISRM (1978): esse risultano essere persistenti-subpersistenti, di spaziatura ridotta e semiaperte-aperte (in alcuni tratti anche 40-50 cm), con riempimento di tipo incoerente, leggermente rugose e mediamente alterate. Ogni sistema è stato descritto in base alla stazione di appartenenza in cui l’affioramento è stato suddiviso (stazioni A, B e C). Per il valore della Resistenza a Compressione Monoassiale (UCS) è stato fatto riferimento ai risultati ottenuti dalla pressa a Compressione, trattandosi di una prova diretta, la quale ha dato i seguenti valori: 86 MPa per la stazione A, 90 MPa per la B e 51 MPa per la C. I valori della UCS ottenuti con le prove indirette (prova sclerometrica e Point Load Strenght Test) non si discostano molto tra di loro, e ricadono in un intervallo tra 50 MPa e 70 MPa. Tramite il software Dips 5.1 si sono individuati i possibili cinematismi, in base alle relazioni giaciturali tra i sistemi di discontinuità e il versante (Test di Markland). All’interno delle stazioni A e B è presente un cuneo di scivolamento dato dall’intersezione tra i sistemi S1-S2, mentre nella C uno scivolamento planare interessante il sistema S1 e un cuneo medio tra S1-S2 ed S3 (quest’ultima visibile solo in tale stazione). I cinematismi riferiti alla stazione C sono stati in seguito analizzati in maggior dettaglio tramite i software Rocplane 2.0 e Swedge 5.0 (per le altre due stazioni si fa riferimento alla tesi di laurea della collega Valentina Gambicorti); queste hanno conferito dei valori del fattore di sicurezza al di sotto di 1, situazione resa ancora più critica con l’aggiunta di forze sismiche e/o legate alla pressione dell’acqua all’interno delle fratture. Risultati simili e concordanti sono stati ottenuti con le classificazioni geomeccaniche di Bieniawski (1989) e Romana (1985), in rapporto alle quali la maggior parte dei sistemi di discontinuità ricade rispettivamente nella classe III ‘discreta’ e II ‘buona’; S1, come previsto, si colloca in entrambe all’interno della classe V ‘molto scadente’. Infine, considerando anche gli interventi di stabilizzazione proposti dalla stessa classificazione di Romana, si è ritenuto opportuno studiare una serie di soluzioni proponibili, al fine di mettere in sicurezza la parte di versante che insiste sulla strada di fondovalle. Sulla base di una raccolta di dati presenti in letteratura e considerando anche le analisi all’equilibrio limite svolte tramite il software Slide 5.0 dalla collega Valentina Gambicorti, si è ritenuto di poter proporre alcune soluzioni: intervenire con reti ancorate tramite chiodature (fase preceduta da una rimozione meccanica dei blocchi più instabili, ed eventualmente da iniezioni di miscele cementizie) e/o con un muro di sostegno nel primo tratto della sede stradale, tutto ciò in previsione al verificarsi di un evento sismico o meteorico molto intenso

A text classification framework based on optimized error correcting output code

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in using text classifiers for retrieving and filtering infomation from web sources. As the numbers of categories in this kind of software applications can be high, Error correcting Output Coding (ECOC) can be a valid approach to perform multi-class classification. This paper explores the use of ECOC for learning text classifiers using two kinds of dichotomizers and compares them to each corresponding monolithic classifier. We propose a simulated annealing approach to calculate the coding matrix using an energy function similar to the electrostatic potential energy of a system of charges, which allows to maximize the average distance between codewords |with low variance. In addition, we use a new criterion for selecting features, a feature (in this specific context) being any term that may occur in a document. This criterion defines a measure of discriminant capability and allows to order terms according to it. Three different measures have been experimented to perform feature ranking/selection, in a comparative setting. Experimental results show that reducing the set of features used to train classifiers does not affect classification performance. Notably, feature selection is not a preprocessing activity valid for all dichotomizers. In fact, features are selected for each dichotomizer that occurs in the matrix coding, typically giving rise to a different subset of features depending on the dichotomizers at hand

The role of rapid solidification processing in the fabrication of fiber reinforced metal matrix composites

Advanced composite processing techniques for fiber reinforced metal matrix composites require the flexibility to meet several widespread objectives. The development of uniquely desired matrix microstructures and uniformly arrayed fiber spacing with sufficient bonding between fiber and matrix to transmit load between them without degradation to the fiber or matrix are the minimum requirements necessary of any fabrication process. For most applications these criteria can be met by fabricating composite monotapes which are then consolidated into composite panels or more complicated components such as fiber reinforced turbine blades. Regardless of the end component, composite monotapes are the building blocks from which near net shape composite structures can be formed. The most common methods for forming composite monotapes are the powder cloth, foil/fiber, plasma spray, and arc spray processes. These practices, however, employ rapid solidification techniques in processing of the composite matrix phase. Consequently, rapid solidification processes play a vital and yet generally overlooked role in composite fabrication. The future potential of rapid solidification processing is discussed

Intrahepatic persistent fetal right umbilical vein: a retrospective study

Introduction: To appraise the incidence and value of intrahepatic persistent right umbilical vein (PRUV). Methods: This was a single-center study. Records of all women with a prenatal diagnosis of intrahepatic PRUV were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were women with gestational age greater than 13 weeks of gestation. Exclusion criteria were fetuses with situs abnormalities, due to the hepatic venous ambiguity, and extrahepatic PRUV. The primary outcome was the incidence of intrahepatic PRUV in our cohort. The secondary outcomes were associated malformations. Results: 219/57,079 cases (0.38%) of intrahepatic PRUV were recorded. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 21.8 ± 2.9 weeks of gestations. PRUV was isolated in the 76.7%, while in 23.3% was associated with other major or minor abnormalities. The most common associated abnormalities were cardiovascular abnormalities (8.7%), followed by genitourinary abnormalities (6.4%), skeletal abnormalities (4.6%), and central nervous system abnormalities (4.1%). Within the cardiovascular abnormalities, the most common one was ventricular septal defect (six cases). Conclusion: In most cases PRUV is an isolated finding. Associated minor or major malformations are presented in the 23.3% of the cases, so this finding should prompt detailed prenatal assessment of the fetus, with particular regard to cardiovascular system

A Compendium of Brazed Microstructures For Fission Power Systems Applications

NASA has been supporting design studies and technology development for fission-based power systems that could provide power to an outpost on the Moon, Mars, or an asteroid. Technology development efforts have included fabrication and evaluation of components used in a Stirling engine power conversion system. This investigation is part of the development of several braze joints crucial for the heat exchanger transfer path from a hot-side heat exchanger to a Stirling engine heat acceptor. Dissimilar metal joints are required to impart both mechanical strength and thermal path integrity for a heater head of interest. Preliminary design work for the heat exchanger involved joints between low carbon stainless steel to Inconel 718, where the 316L stainless steel would contain flowing liquid metal NaK while Inconel 718, a stronger alloy, would be used as structural reinforcement. This paper addressed the long-term microstructural stability of various braze alloys used to join 316L stainless steel heater head to the high conductivity oxygen-free copper acceptor to ensure the endurance of the critical metallic components of this sophisticated heat exchanger. The bonding of the 316L stainless steel heater head material to a copper heat acceptor is required to increase the heat-transfer surface area in contact with flowing He, which is the Stirling engine working fluid

Optimal box-covering algorithm for fractal dimension of complex networks

The self-similarity of complex networks is typically investigated through computational algorithms the primary task of which is to cover the structure with a minimal number of boxes. Here we introduce a box-covering algorithm that not only outperforms previous ones, but also finds optimal solutions. For the two benchmark cases tested, namely, the E. Coli and the WWW networks, our results show that the improvement can be rather substantial, reaching up to 15% in the case of the WWW network.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figure

Survey of All Water Treatment Plant Operators Who Fluoridate Drinking Water in Ohio

Author Institution: Department of Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, and Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve UniversityOhio like several other states in the US is mandated by law to optimally fluoridate all public water systems serving over 5000 people. The purpose of this study was three-fold: 1) to determine if Ohioans on public water supplies are receiving optimally fluoridated water, 2) to determine the knowledge level of water treatment plant operators who fluoridate drinking water, and 3) to compare small and large water treatment plants. A pre-tested survey was sent to all 224 water treatment plants that adjust the fluoride concentration of drinking water in Ohio. A 100% response rate was accomplished, with 93 small and 131 large water treatment plants responding. A z-test was computed to compare proportions between small and large water treatment plants. Significance was assessed at p <0.05. Nearly 90% of water treatment plant operators correctly identified the optimal fluoride level, however almost 30% used incorrect means of determining the optimal level. Approximately three-quarters of the water treatment plant operators were able to maintain the fluoride concentration to within 0.1 mg F/L of their optimal level. A significantly greater proportion of large water treatment plant operators were able to maintain a fluoride concentration to within 0.1 mg F/L of their optimum level when compared to small water treatment plant operators (83.2% vs 60.2%, z = 3.60, p <0.05). Most water treatment plant operators are knowledgeable concerning fluoride levels, however small water treatment plant operators may need additional technical assistance to reach the level attained by large plants

A metabolomic approach to animal vitreous humor topographical composition: A pilot study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a 1H-NMR-based metabolomic approach to explore the metabolomic signature of different topographical areas of vitreous humor (VH) in an animal model. Five ocular globes were enucleated from five goats and immediately frozen at 280uC. Once frozen, three of them were sectioned, and four samples corresponding to four different VH areas were collected: the cortical, core, and basal, which was further divided into a superior and an inferior fraction. An additional two samples were collected that were representative of the whole vitreous body. 1H-NMR spectra were acquired for twenty-three goat vitreous samples with the aim of characterizing the metabolomic signature of this biofluid and identifying whether any site-specific patterns were present. Multivariate statistical analysis (MVA) of the spectral data were carried out, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). A unique metabolomic signature belonging to each area was observed. The cortical area was characterized by lactate, glutamine, choline, and its derivatives, N-acetyl groups, creatine, and glycerol; the core area was characterized by glucose, acetate, and scyllo-inositol; and the basal area was characterized by branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), betaine, alanine, ascorbate, lysine, and myo-inositol. We propose a speculative approach on the topographic role of these molecules that are mainly responsible for metabolic differences among the as-identified areas. 1H-NMR-based metabolomic analysis has shown to be an important tool for investigating the VH. In particular, this approach was able to assess in the samples here analyzed the presence of different functional areas on the basis of a different metabolite distribution.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a 1H-NMR-based metabolomic approach to explore the metabolomic signature of different topographical areas of vitreous humor (VH) in an animal model. Five ocular globes were enucleated from five goats and immediately frozen at -80°C. Once frozen, three of them were sectioned, and four samples corresponding to four different VH areas were collected: the cortical, core, and basal, which was further divided into a superior and an inferior fraction. An additional two samples were collected that were representative of the whole vitreous body. 1H-NMR spectra were acquired for twenty-three goat vitreous samples with the aim of characterizing the metabolomic signature of this biofluid and identifying whether any site-specific patterns were present. Multivariate statistical analysis (MVA) of the spectral data were carried out, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). A unique metabolomic signature belonging to each area was observed. The cortical area was characterized by lactate, glutamine, choline, and its derivatives, N-acetyl groups, creatine, and glycerol; the core area was characterized by glucose, acetate, and scyllo-inositol; and the basal area was characterized by branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), betaine, alanine, ascorbate, lysine, and myo-inositol. We propose a speculative approach on the topographic role of these molecules that are mainly responsible for metabolic differences among the as-identified areas. 1H-NMR-based metabolomic analysis has shown to be an important tool for investigating the VH. In particular, this approach was able to assess in the samples here analyzed the presence of different functional areas on the basis of a different metabolite distribution. © 2014 Locci et al

Early amniotomy after cervical ripening for induction of labor: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE DATA: Timing of artificial rupture of membranes (ie, amniotomy) in induction of labor is controversial, because it has been associated not only with shorter labors, but also with fetal nonreassuring testing, at times necessitating cesarean delivery. The aim of this systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized trials was to evaluate the effectiveness of early amniotomy vs late amniotomy or spontaneous rupture of membranes after cervical ripening. STUDY: The search was conducted with the use of electronic databases from inception of each database through February 2019. Review of articles included the abstracts of all references that were retrieved from the search. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Selection criteria included randomized clinical trials that compared early amniotomy vs control (ie, late amniotomy or spontaneous rupture of membranes) after cervical ripening with either Foley catheter or prostaglandins at any dose. The primary outcome was the incidence of cesarean delivery. The summary measures were reported as summary relative risk with 95% of confidence interval with the use of the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird. RESULTS: Four trials that included 1273 women who underwent cervical ripening with either Foley catheter or prostaglandins and then were assigned randomly to either early amniotomy, late amniotomy, or spontaneous rupture of membranes (control subjects) were included in the review. Women who were assigned randomly to early amniotomy had a similar risk of cesarean delivery (31.1% vs 30.9%; relative risk, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-1.56) compared with control subjects and had a shorter interval from induction to delivery of approximately 5 hours (mean difference, -4.95 hours; 95% confidence interval, -8.12 to -1.78). Spontaneous vaginal delivery was also reduced in the early amniotomy group, but only 1 of the included trials reported this outcome (67.5% vs 69.1%; relative risk, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.93). No between-group differences were reported in the other obstetrics or perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: After cervical ripening, routine early amniotomy does not increase the risk of cesarean delivery and reduces the interval from induction to delivery