Spatiotemporal profile of peri-saccadic contrast sensitivity

Sensitivity to luminance contrast is reduced just before and during saccades (saccadic suppression), whereas sensitivity to color contrast is unimpaired peri-saccadically and enhanced post-saccadically. The exact spatiotemporal map of these perceptual effects is as yet unknown. Here, we measured detection thresholds for briefly flashed Gaussian blobs modulated in either luminance or chromatic contrast, displayed at a range of eccentricities. Sensitivity to luminance contrast was reduced peri-saccadically by a scaling factor, which was almost constant across retinal space. Saccadic suppression followed a similar time course across all tested eccentricities and was maximal shortly after the saccade onset. Sensitivity to chromatic contrast was enhanced post-saccadically at all tested locations. The enhancement was not specifically linked to the execution of saccades, as it was also observed following a displacement of retinal images comparable to that caused by a saccade. We conclude that luminance and chromatic contrast sensitivities are subject to distinct modulations at the time of saccades, resulting from independent neural processes

Testing and modelling of multiple-leaf masonry walls under shear and compression

Predicting the behaviour of multiple-leaf masonry walls is a challenging issue, given the influence of a wide range of factors as the mechanical properties of the leaves, their dimensions and the way they are connected to each other. In the present paper, experimental results in large specimens are carefully reviewed together with numerical interpretation of the shear and compressive behaviour of multiple-leaf walls. Simplified calculations for practical assessment of existing walls are also addressed.MURST – Cof. 2000, 2002

Fast ion energy distribution from third harmonic radio frequency heating measured with a single crystal diamond detector at the Joint European Torus

Neutron spectroscopy measurements with a single crystal diamond detector have been carried out at JET, for the first time in an experiment aimed at accelerating deuterons to MeV energies with radio frequency heating at the third harmonic. Data are interpreted by means of the expected response function of the detector and are used to extract parameters of the highly non-Maxwellian distribution function generated in this scenario. A comparison with observations using a time of flight and liquid scintillator neutron spectrometers is also presented. The results demonstrate the capability of diamond detectors to contribute to fast ion physics studies at JET and are of more general relevance in view of the application of such detectors for spectroscopy measurements in the neutron camera of next step tokamak devices.EURATOM 63305

Control of field- and current-driven magnetic domain wall motion by exchange bias in Cr2 O3/Co/Pt trilayers

We investigate the motion of magnetic domain walls driven by magnetic fields and current-driven spin-orbit torques in an exchange-biased system with perpendicular magnetization. We consider Cr2O3/Co/Pt trilayers as a model system, in which the magnetization of the Co layer can be exchanged biased out-of-plane or in-plane depending on the field-cooling direction. In field-driven experiments, the in-plane exchange bias favors the propagation of the domain walls with internal magnetization parallel to the exchange-bias field. In current-driven experiments, the domain walls propagate along the current direction, but the domain wall velocity increases and decreases symmetrically (antisymmetrically) for both current polarities when the exchange bias is parallel (perpendicular) to the current line. At zero external field, the exchange bias modifies the velocity of current-driven domain wall motion by a factor of 10. We also find that the exchange bias remains stable under external fields up to 15 kOe and nanosecond-long current pulses with current density up to 3.5 × 1012 A/m. Our results demonstrate versatile control of the domain wall motion by exchange bias, which is relevant to achieve field-free switching of the magnetization in perpendicular systems and current-driven manipulation of domain walls velocity in spintronic device

Партисипативне бюджетирование на примере отдельных муниципалитетов

В последние годы партисипативный бюджет стал одним из наиболее динамично развивающихся институтов общественного участия. Партисипаторное бюджетирование направлено на вовлечение жителей конкретной территории в процессы принятия местными органами власти решений о расходовании бюджетных средств. Хорошо продуманный алгоритм партисипаторного бюджетирования должен задействовать максимально возможное количество жителей; такой подход приведет к рациональному и эффективному использованию бюджетных ресурсов местных территориальных образований. В статье анализируются проблемы партисипаторного бюджетирования в польских коммунах Явоже, Цешин, Кенты и Бельско-Бяла (юг Польши) и обсуждаются сопутствующие задачи. Была выдвинута гипотеза: низкая эффективности расходования бюджетных средств в анализируемых коммунах связана со сложностью алгоритма партисипаторного бюджетирования. В основе анализа лежит обзор литературы, касающейся поправок в польском законодательстве, определяющих понятие партисипативного бюджета и правила его функционирования. В статье сравниваются различные составляющие алгоритмов, применяемых в процессе партисипаторного бюджетирования в исследуемых коммунах. Результаты исследования показали, что для оптимизации расходов бюджетных средств, повышения удовлетворенности местного населения и развития коммун необходимо трансформировать модель партисипаторного бюджетирования. Данные результаты могут быть использованы для оценки эффективности расходования средств в рамках партисипативного бюджета в других муниципалитетах региона.In recent years, participatory budgets are one of the most dynamically developing institutions of social participation. The implementation of the participatory budget in local government units is an endeavor to increase the degree of involvement of the inhabitants of a given community to co-decide on spending budget funds. Implementation of a participatory budget requires a well-constructed procedure, which will engage the highest possible number of residents and lead to a more rational and efficient utilisation of budget resources of local government units. We analysed the problems of the implementations of participatory budgets in the Polish communes of Jaworze, Cieszyn, Kçty and Bielsko-Biala (South of Poland) and discussed challenges, which accompanied this process. We hypothesised that the complicated and ambiguous participatory budget procedure is the reason for a low efficiency of spending funds under participatory budgets in the analysed communes. The analysis was based on the literature review of amendments to Polish legislation that define the notion of the participatory budget and lay foundations for its functioning. We compared various constituents of the procedure applied in the examined communes, used in the process of the participatory budget implementation. Research results indicated that the participatory budget model should be changed to optimise expenditure of local funds, increase local community satisfaction and accelerate the development of the commune. The results may be used to assess the effectiveness of the spending of funds under the participatory budget in other municipalities of the region

Strengthening of three-leaf stone masonry walls: an experimental research

The paper summarizes the results of an experimental research carried out on three-leaf masonry walls of typical granite stone constructions from the North of Portugal. The research aimed at studying the behaviour under compression of this wall typology, as well as the improvements introduced by common strengthening techniques applied for the structural rehabilitation of masonry heritage buildings. Ten masonry specimens were tested, plain or strengthened by transversal tying of the external leaves, with GFRP bars, or/and by injection of the inner leaf, with a lime-based grout. The results obtained showed that these strengthening techniques were successful in increasing the compressive strength of the walls and in improving their behaviour under compressive loads.The authors would like to thank the technical staff of the Structural Laboratory of University of Minho for the help provided. Acknowledgements are also due to the companies Fradical, Mapei and Augusto de Oliveira Ferreira for providing raw materials and workmanship. Finally, the funding provided by the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, through the POCI/ECM/58987/2004 project, is gratefully acknowledged

Is the outpatient management of acute diverticulitis safe and effective? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: In Western countries, the incidence of acute diverticulitis (AD) is increasing. Patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis can undergo a standard antibiotic treatment in an outpatient setting. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the safety and efficacy of the management of acute diverticulitis in an outpatient setting. Methods: A literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Central and Web of Science up to September 2018. Studies including patients who had outpatient management of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis were considered. We manually checked the reference lists of all included studies to identify any additional studies. Primary outcome was the overall failure rates in the outpatient setting. The failure of outpatient setting was defined as any emergency hospital admission in patients who had outpatient treatment for AD in the previous 60 days. A subgroup analysis of failure was performed in patients with AD of the left colon, with or without comorbidities, with previous episodes of AD, in patients with diabetes, with different severity of AD (pericolic air and abdominal abscess), with or without antibiotic treatment, with ambulatory versus home care unit follow-up, with or without protocol and where outpatient management is a common practice. The secondary outcome was the rate of emergency surgical treatment or percutaneous drainage in patients who failed outpatient treatment. Results: This systematic review included 21 studies including 1781 patients who had outpatient management of AD including 11 prospective, 9 retrospective and only 1 randomized trial. The meta-analysis showed that outpatient management is safe, and the overall failure rate in an outpatient setting was 4.3% (95% CI 2.6%-6.3%). Localization of diverticulitis is not a selection criterion for an outpatient strategy (p 0.512). The other subgroup analyses did not report any factors that influence the rate of failure: previous episodes of acute diverticulitis (p = 0.163), comorbidities (p = 0.187), pericolic air (p = 0.653), intra-abdominal abscess (p = 0.326), treatment according to a registered protocol (p = 0.078), type of follow-up (p = 0.700), type of antibiotic treatment (p = 0.647) or diabetes (p = 0.610). In patients who failed outpatient treatment, the majority had prolonged antibiotic therapy and only few had percutaneous drainage for an abscess (0.13%) or surgical intervention for perforation (0.06%). These results should be interpreted with some caution because of the low quality of available data. Conclusions: The outpatient management of AD can reduce the rate of emergency hospitalizations. This setting is already part of the common clinical practice of many emergency departments, in which a standardized protocol is followed. The data reported suggest that this management is safe if associated with an accurate selection of patients (40%); but no subgroup analysis demonstrated significant differences between groups (such as comorbidities, previous episode, diabetes). The main limitations of the findings of the present review concern their applicability in common clinical practice as it was impossible to identify strict criteria of failure

Practical implications of GPR investigation using 3D data reconstruction and transmission tomography

Non-destructive investigation using ground penetrating radar is becoming more popular in the inspection of civil structures. Currently, traditional 2D imaging is used as a preliminary tool to fi nd possible areas of interest for more detailed inspection, which can be accomplished by more advanced techniques like 3D image reconstruction or tomography. In this paper, a general overview of the work done at University of Minho regarding these techniques is presented, together with their limitations and advantages over typical radargrams, with implications for civil engineering applications. For this purpose, data acquisition on two large masonry walls and one large concrete specimen have been carried out, using refl ection mode, 3D reconstruction and transmission tomography. The specimens have been specially built for non-destructive inspection techniques testing, incorporating different materials and internal voids. Radar tomography and 3D image reconstruction techniques provided much more detailed information about structural integrity and shapes and location of the voids, when compared to 2D imaging originally used for potential target identification.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - POCTI SFRH/BD/6409/2001"Sustainable Bridges" European project - FP6-PLT-0165

Is the outpatient management of acute diverticulitis safe and effective? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: In Western countries, the incidence of acute diverticulitis (AD) is increasing. Patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis can undergo a standard antibiotic treatment in an outpatient setting. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the safety and efficacy of the management of acute diverticulitis in an outpatient setting. Methods: A literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Central and Web of Science up to September 2018. Studies including patients who had outpatient management of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis were considered. We manually checked the reference lists of all included studies to identify any additional studies. Primary outcome was the overall failure rates in the outpatient setting. The failure of outpatient setting was defined as any emergency hospital admission in patients who had outpatient treatment for AD in the previous 60 days. A subgroup analysis of failure was performed in patients with AD of the left colon, with or without comorbidities, with previous episodes of AD, in patients with diabetes, with different severity of AD (pericolic air and abdominal abscess), with or without antibiotic treatment, with ambulatory versus home care unit follow-up, with or without protocol and where outpatient management is a common practice. The secondary outcome was the rate of emergency surgical treatment or percutaneous drainage in patients who failed outpatient treatment. Results: This systematic review included 21 studies including 1781 patients who had outpatient management of AD including 11 prospective, 9 retrospective and only 1 randomized trial. The meta-analysis showed that outpatient management is safe, and the overall failure rate in an outpatient setting was 4.3% (95% CI 2.6%-6.3%). Localization of diverticulitis is not a selection criterion for an outpatient strategy (p 0.512). The other subgroup analyses did not report any factors that influence the rate of failure: previous episodes of acute diverticulitis (p = 0.163), comorbidities (p = 0.187), pericolic air (p = 0.653), intra-abdominal abscess (p = 0.326), treatment according to a registered protocol (p = 0.078), type of follow-up (p = 0.700), type of antibiotic treatment (p = 0.647) or diabetes (p = 0.610). In patients who failed outpatient treatment, the majority had prolonged antibiotic therapy and only few had percutaneous drainage for an abscess (0.13%) or surgical intervention for perforation (0.06%). These results should be interpreted with some caution because of the low quality of available data. Conclusions: The outpatient management of AD can reduce the rate of emergency hospitalizations. This setting is already part of the common clinical practice of many emergency departments, in which a standardized protocol is followed. The data reported suggest that this management is safe if associated with an accurate selection of patients (40%); but no subgroup analysis demonstrated significant differences between groups (such as comorbidities, previous episode, diabetes). The main limitations of the findings of the present review concern their applicability in common clinical practice as it was impossible to identify strict criteria of failure

A contribution for the understanding of load-transfer mechanisms in multi-leaf masonry walls : testing and modelling

Predicting the behaviour of multiple-leaf masonry walls is a challenging issue, given the influence of a wide range of factors as the mechanical properties of the leaves, the leaves dimensions and the way the leaves are connected to each other. In the present paper, novel experimental results in large three-leaf wallets subjected to shear and compression are introduced together with a careful numerical interpretation. Two types of collar joints (with and without shear keys) and two types of stone (weak limestone and strong sandstone) are considered in the tests. The influence of the boundary conditions on the numerical response is thoroughly investigated and good agreement with the experimental results is found. Moreover, a discussion on simplified calculations for practical assessment of existing walls is addressed.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology - SFRH/BD/5002/2001.MURST - cofin. 2000/2002