2,508 research outputs found
Thermal Modeling of a Historical Building Wall: Using Long-Term Monitoring Data to Understand the Reliability and the Robustness of Numerical Simulations
Thermal modeling of building components plays a crucial role in designing energy efficiency measures, assessing living comfort, and preventing building damages. The accuracy of the modeling process strongly depends on the reliability of the physical models and the correct selection of input parameters, especially for historic buildings where uncertainties on wall composition and material properties are higher. This work evaluates the reliability of building thermal modeling and identifies the input parameters that most affect the simulation results. A monitoring system is applied to a historic building wall to measure the temperature profile. The long-term dataset is compared with the result of a simulation model. A sensitivity analysis is applied for the determination of the influential input parameters. A two-step optimization is performed to calibrate the numerical model: the first optimization step is based on an optimized selection of the database materials, while the second optimization step uses a particle swarm algorithm. The results indicate that the output of the simulation model is largely influenced by the coefficients describing the coupling with the boundary conditions and by the thermal conductivities of the materials. Very good results are obtained already after the first optimization step ((Formula presented.) while the second optimization step improves further the agreement ((Formula presented.). The parameter values reported in the datasheets do not match those found through optimization. Even with extensive optimization using an algorithm, starting with monitoring data is insufficient to identify material parameter values
The Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI). Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the italian version
SUMMARY
Introduction. The Italian version of the Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) may
help assess shoulder function in patients with shoulder problems, especially athletes.
Objective. Translate and cross-culturally adapt UEFI into Italian; verify
UEFI validity and reliability in professional and amateur athletes
with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders, shoulder, in particular.
Methods. This study was conducted with 150 participants with musculoskeletal
disorders of the upper limb. UEFI, the short version of the Disability of the
Arm, Shoulder and Hand scale (Quick DASH), the Shoulder Pain and Disability
Index, and the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) were administered.
Acceptability was assessed in terms of refusal rate, rates of missing responses,
and administration time; test-retest reliability was assessed with intraclass
correlation coefficient (ICC); internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s
alpha coefficient, and validity was assessed by Pearson’s correlation coefficients.
Results. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the UEFI on test and retest were
α = 0.979 and α = 0.985, respectively. The average measure ICC was 0.917.
The UEFI score demonstrated strong negative correlations with SPADI
total score (-0.636), Quick DASH score (-0.685), and SF-36 score (-0.327).
Conclusions. The Italian version of UEFI is acceptable, valid, and reliable
Tests of Universality of Baryon Form Factors in Holographic QCD
We describe a new exact relation for large QCD for the long-distance
behavior of baryon form factors in the chiral limit, satisfied by all 4D
semi-classical chiral soliton models. We use this relation to test the
consistency of the structure of two different holographic models of baryons.Comment: 4 pages. Talk presented by MN at Light Cone 2009: Relativistic
Hadronic and Particle Physics, 8-13 Jul 2009, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazi
A paraoxonase gene polymorphism, PON 1 (55), as an independent risk factor for increased carotid intima-media tickness in middle-aged women.
Plasma creatinine levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate and carotid intima media thickness in middle-aged women: A population based cohort study.
Benzisothiazolyliminothiazolidin-4-ones with chondroprotective properties: searching for potent and selective inhibitors of MMP-13.
Relation of body mass index with carotid intima-media thickness and diameter is independent of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal Mediterranean women.
A Software Suite for Conjunction Analysis Assessment in Space Surveillance and Tracking Applications
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