SURVEY AND RESTORATION: NEW WAYS OF INTERACTION

The present paper analyses two cases exemplifying a possible use of survey and its elaborations in the field of conservation: the bell tower of the Basilica Santa Maria delle Vigne and the Chiesa di San Matteo, both situated in Genoa. In the first case, the threedimensional survey was used as a basis to build a model for the structural analysis. The need for an accurate database created with the three-dimensional survey allowed the research team to determine and highlight the critical points of the structure as the thickness of vaults and floors, the location of loads and the inclination of the walls. The data collected was used to create an accurate 3D model to be tested with simulations, in order to verify the stability of the bell tower when applying stress and limitations. In the second case, the three-dimensional survey was used as the basis for the collection, management and representation of the data derived from the survey on rising damp. The purpose was to test a dynamic data processing system that could be used as a tool to collect data on site as well as to access data remotely. By using software for three-dimensional representation and a node programming language, it was possible to define a system that offered dynamic viewing and was easy to use, through the use of chromatic scales and level curves, which can be generated starting from tables containing numerical data. Surveying, diagnostics, modelling and representation allow one to experiment with new ways of interaction within the common goal of conservation

HBIM TO VR. SEMANTIC AWARENESS AND DATA ENRICHMENT INTEROPERABILITY FOR PARAMETRIC LIBRARIES OF HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE

Recently we assist to an increasing availability of HBIM models rich in geometric and informative terms. Instead, there is still a lack of researches implementing dedicated libraries, based on parametric intelligence and semantically aware, related to the architectural heritage. Additional challenges became from their portability in non-desktop environment (such as VR). The research article demonstrates the validity of a workflow applied to the architectural heritage, which starting from the semantic modeling reaches the visualization in a virtual reality environment, passing through the necessary phases of export, data migration and management. The three-dimensional modeling of the classical Doric order takes place in the BIM work environment and is configured as a necessary starting point for the implementation of data, parametric intelligences and definition of ontologies that exclusively qualify the model. The study also enables an effective method for data migration from the BIM model to databases integrated into VR technologies for AH. Furthermore, the process intends to propose a methodology, applicable in a return path, suited to the achievement of an appropriate data enrichment of each model and to the possibility of interaction in VR environment with the model

Influence of micro-notches on the fatigue strength and crack propagation of unfilled and short carbon fiber reinforced PEEK

Short carbon fiber reinforced (SCFR) PEEK is a highly attractive material for lightweight structures; improving knowledge about the influence of local imperfections on its fatigue behavior is essential for the design of real components. To this aim, fatigue strength and crack propagation of two grades of SCFR PEEK and neat matrix were investigated by testing at different stress levels specimens with a micro-notch consisting of a small blind hole (range diameter 0.1–1 mm). Overall, the presence of a micro-notch resulted in a decrease of fatigue strength compared to un-notched condition, but with different sensitivity and crack propagation patterns; while a higher fiber volume fraction enhanced fatigue strength and resistance to crack propagation, the combination of a lower fiber content and inclusion of additive particles had a negative effect. Crack propagation in the notched region was also evaluated. The average values of Paris' law exponential coefficients were similar and within the range of literature values, without apparent correlation with reinforcement type. Preliminary investigations in the presence of the smallest micro-notches seem to indicate the presence of a threshold size below which the influence of a small notch is comparable with that of material inherent defects, but further testing is necessary

Effect of slow-moving landslides on a vaulted masonry building: The case of San Carlo Borromeo church in Cassingheno (Genova)

This paper presents the structural analysis of San Carlo Borromeo church, a masonry building located in Cassingheno (Genoa, Italy) in an area affected by a slow-moving landslide. A deep knowledge of the building in terms of geometry, structural configuration, history and construction phases was acquired by means of on-site surveys and archival research. The crack patterns were surveyed in detail and the deformations were studied through a point cloud obtained from a LIDAR survey. The comparison between the landslide direction and the damage observed showed discrepancies and suggested the presence of foundation settlements due to other phenomena. To identify the actual causes of damage, a finite element model (FEM) of the building in its hypothetical undeformed configuration was created. The geometry of such configuration was reconstructed starting from the point cloud obtained from the LIDAR survey and removing geometrical defects such as leaning of walls, deformation of vaults and inclination of tie-rods. To simulate the effects produced by the landslide and the foundation settlements on the building over time, nonlinear analyses were performed by imposing different displacement fields at the foundation plane in multiple steps. The damage predicted numerically was then compared with the one experienced by the building, showing good agreement

How can we assess positive welfare in ruminants?

Until now, most research has focused on the development of indicators of negative welfare, and relatively few studies provide information on valid, reliable, and feasible indicators addressing positive aspects of animal welfare. However, a lack of suffering does not guarantee that animals are experiencing a positive welfare state. The aim of the present review is to identify promising valid and reliable animal-based indicators for the assessment of positive welfare that might be included in welfare assessment protocols for ruminants, and to discuss them in the light of the five domains model, highlighting possible gaps to be filled by future research. Based on the existing literature in the main databases, each indicator was evaluated in terms of its validity, reliability, and on-farm feasibility. Some valid indicators were identified, but a lot of the validity evidence is based on their absence when a negative situation is present; furthermore, only a few indicators are available in the domains of Nutrition and Health. Reliability has been seldom addressed. On-farm feasibility could be increased by developing specific sampling strategies and/or relying on the use of video- or automatic-recording devices. In conclusion, several indicators are potentially available (e.g., synchronisation of lying and feeding, coat or fleece condition, qualitative behaviour assessment), but further research is required

How Can We Assess Positive Welfare in Ruminants?

Until now, most research has focused on the development of indicators of negative welfare, and relatively few studies provide information on valid, reliable, and feasible indicators addressing positive aspects of animal welfare. However, a lack of suffering does not guarantee that animals are experiencing a positive welfare state. The aim of the present review is to identify promising valid and reliable animal-based indicators for the assessment of positive welfare that might be included in welfare assessment protocols for ruminants, and to discuss them in the light of the five domains model, highlighting possible gaps to be filled by future research. Based on the existing literature in the main databases, each indicator was evaluated in terms of its validity, reliability, and on-farm feasibility. Some valid indicators were identified, but a lot of the validity evidence is based on their absence when a negative situation is present; furthermore, only a few indicators are available in the domains of Nutrition and Health. Reliability has been seldom addressed. On-farm feasibility could be increased by developing specific sampling strategies and/or relying on the use of video- or automatic-recording devices. In conclusion, several indicators are potentially available (e.g., synchronisation of lying and feeding, coat or fleece condition, qualitative behaviour assessment), but further research is required

Evaluation of Maine Coon cat behavior during three different management situations

Today, cats are one of the most widespread and beloved companion animals: they share their life with people and are perceived as social partners by their owner. The knowledge and understanding of cat-human communication and of the behavior exhibited in response to different emotions is essential to improve the management of housed cats. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the behavior of cats in three different situations that can occur in house cats' lives. Ten Maine Coon cats, four males and six females, ranging in age from one to 13 years, belonging to a single private owner and managed under the same conditions, were exposed randomly to three different contexts for five minutes (waiting for food, isolation in unknown environment, and brushing). All the situations were video-recorded and subsequently analyzed. The behaviors oriented to environment, oriented to food bowl, locomotion, active interactions, yawning, lip licking and swallowing, and salivation mainly characterized waiting for food, while isolation appears principally characterized by behaviors such as hiding, scratching, worried positions, and exploration. Withdrawal, passive interactions, aggressive behaviors, facial discomfort, and purring characterized brushing. Vocalizations were significantly more frequent during isolation and brushing than during waiting for food, but it is possible that the characteristics of the vocalizations in these two situations are different. Our principal finding is that cats showed different behavioral patterns in the three situations and, in particular, their behavior during brushing was very different than in the two other situations. It can be hypothesized that these different behavioral responses are due to the different emotional states elicited by each of the three challenging and potentially stressful situations. Further investigation is being carried out to better understand cats' behaviors and emotions to improve cats' management in the household

Muscle MRI in <i>TRPV4-</i> related congenital distal SMA

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Arginine : glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) deficiency in a newborn: Early treatment can prevent phenotypic expression of the disease

Arginine:glycine amidinotransferase deficiency is a treatable inborn error of creatine synthesis, characterized by mental retardation, language impairment, and behavioral disorders. We describe a patient in whom arginine:glycine amidinotransferase was diagnosed at birth and treated at 4 months with creatine supplementation. In contrast with his 2 older sisters, he had normal psychomotor development at 18 months