Toward Semantics-aware Representation of Digital Business Processes

An extended enterprise (EE) can be described by a set of models each representing a specific aspect of the EE. Aspects can for example be the process flow or the value description. However, different models are done by different people, which may use different terminology, which prevents relating the models. Therefore, we propose a framework consisting of process flow and value aspects and in addition a static domain model with structural and relational components. Further, we outline the usage of the static domain model to enable relating the different aspects

Towards a Characterization of Late Talkers: The Developmental Profile of Children with Late Language Emergence through a Web-Based Communicative-Language Assessment

Children acquire language naturally, but there is variation in language acquisition patterns. Indeed, different internal and external variables play a role in acquiring language. However, there are open research questions about the contribution of different variables to language development. Moreover, with societal changes and due to the pandemic situation, there has been a growing interest in testing digitalization related to indirect language acquisition assessment. In this study, a web-based assessment survey was developed to (1) describe the relation between expressive vocabulary, Socio- Conversational Skills (SCS), gender, parental education, executive functions (EFs), and pretend play; (2) determine whether the survey can detect differences between late talkers (LTs) and children with typical language development; (3) identify children with “overall high” and “overall low” communicative-language scores to test the validity of expressive vocabulary as a main indicator to detect LTs. The parents of 108 Italian children (51 males) aged 24–36 months participated in the study. The results showed that expressive vocabulary correlates with measures of SCS (assertiveness and responsiveness) and is reliable in identifying LTs (d = 2.73). Furthermore, SCS and EFs contribute to better characterizing the developmental profile of children aged 24–36 months

O2CMF: UM FRAMEWORK PARA EXPERIMENTAÇÃO FEDERADA EM NFV

Testbeds federados ocupam um papel importante no desenvolvimento de inovações em redes, fornecendo aos pesquisadores um laboratório distribuído para a realização de provas de conceito. Isso é possível através de frameworks que transformam recursos físicos em um serviço de experimentação. Contudo, para que um testbed continue adequado aos objetivos da comunidade de pesquisa, é necessário evoluir seu serviço de experimentação, incorporando tecnologias emergentes. Uma dessas tecnologias é a virtualização de funções de rede (Network Functions Virtualization NFV), que possibilita que funções de rede tradicionalmente ligadas a dispositivos de hardware sejam executadas na infraestrutura de computação em nuvem. Embora frameworks (como o GCF, OCF e OMF) tenham contribuído fortemente para o estabelecimento de federações de testbeds de redes, eles não apresentam as características necessárias para suportar NFV. Isso se deve ao emprego de virtualização simples, monitoramento insuficiente e ausência de recursos no catálogo de serviços que possibilitem a construção funções de rede virtuais, além da carência de funcionalidades para sua orquestração. Portanto, esse trabalho propõe um novo framework destinado a habilitar a experimentação em NFV. O resultado foi o O2CMF, um framework baseado na plataforma de computação em nuvem OpenStack, interoperável com a infraestrutura do Fed4FIRE. Para validar o O2CMF, são apresentadas demonstrações das funcionalidades de gestão do testbed, compatibilidade com o Fed4FIRE, isolamento de tráfego, orquestração de NFV e integração com outros domínios (robótica, redes sem fio e OpenFlow). Através dessas provas de conceito, demonstramos que o O2CMF foi capaz de habilitar a experimentação federada em NFV, combinando a interoperabilidade provida por SFA com a flexibilidade e robustez da nuvem, e provendo mecanismos de orquestração de funções de rede virtuais. O O2CMF foi utilizado na implantação de um testbed na UFES, através do qual tem apoiado o desenvolvimento de atividades de pesquisa e educação em redes. Além disso, sua documentação de operação e tutoriais de uso motivaram sua adoção na implantação de um testbed na Universidade de Bristol

Vascular dysfunction and fibrosis in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats: the aldosterone-mineralocorticoid receptor-Nox1 Axis

Aims: We questioned whether aldosterone and oxidative stress play a role in vascular damage in severe hypertension and investigated the role of Nox1 in this process. Materials and methods: We studied mesenteric arteries, aortas and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from WKY and SHRSP rats. Vascular effects of eplerenone or canrenoic acid (CA) (mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blockers), ML171 (Nox1 inhibitor) and EHT1864 (Rac1/2 inhibitor) were assessed. Nox1-knockout mice were also studied. Vessels and VSMCs were probed for Noxs, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-fibrotic/inflammatory signaling. Key findings: Blood pressure and plasma levels of aldosterone and galectin-3 were increased in SHRSP versus WKY. Acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation was decreased (61% vs 115%) and phenylephrine-induced contraction increased in SHRSP versus WKY (Emax 132.8% vs 96.9%, p < 0.05). Eplerenone, ML171 and EHT1864 attenuated hypercontractility in SHRSP. Vascular expression of collagen, fibronectin, TGFβ, MCP-1, RANTES, MMP2, MMP9 and p66Shc was increased in SHRSP versus WKY. These changes were associated with increased ROS generation, 3-nitrotyrosine expression and Nox1 upregulation. Activation of vascular p66Shc and increased expression of Nox1 and collagen I were prevented by CA in SHRSP. Nox1 expression was increased in aldosterone-stimulated WKY VSMCs, an effect that was amplified in SHRSP VSMCs (5.2vs9.9 fold-increase). ML171 prevented aldosterone-induced VSMC Nox1-ROS production. Aldosterone increased vascular expression of fibronectin and PAI-1 in wild-type mice but not in Nox1-knockout mice. Significance: Our findings suggest that aldosterone, which is increased in SHRSP, induces vascular damage through MR-Nox1-p66Shc-mediated processes that modulate pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory signaling pathways

Determinants of invasiveness and ability to cause invasive pneumococcal disease, pneumonia and acute otitis media of different serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae

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Documenting Complexity for the 20TH Century Heritage: the Enriched 3d Models of the Turin Exposition Nervi's Halls Digitization

Abstract. Great attention is increasingly paid to the heritage belonging to the XX century, particularly for the spatial structures made of concrete, that are a significant trait of this modern movement architecture. Since they demand today urgent conservation plans sustaining their deterioration, the multidisciplinary researches should devotes a profound investigations for tailored approaches providing a clear indication of best practices and recommendation for correct 3D documentation, information management and structural assessment and monitoring. In this framework, the Geomatics approaches are advancing the interests toward the multi-scale and multi-sensor digitization and for supporting management of complex information in enriched 3D models. The iconic halls B and C in Torino Esposizioni (Italy), designed by Pier Luigi Nervi, is the case study presented. It was recently awarded by the Getty Keeping it Modern grant. The multi-disciplinary research conducted, still in progress, focuses a particularly into the investigation of the structural analysis and consistency of ferrocement elements of the vaulted system finalized to the structural condition assessment. Here the role of multi-scale and multi-sensor 3D models is investigated, such as the development of a digital twin of the halls as a starting point to create an enriched informative system. The reconstruction of this model particularly considering the large extension and the complexity of the spaces, is addressed to works as a collector of 3D multi-sensor data and information related to the diagnostic investigation on structural health monitoring for the durability of ferrocement elements

Monitoring of masonry historical constructions: 10 years of static monitoring of the world's largest oval dome

This paper presents the analyses conducted on the data acquired by the monitoring system of the “Regina Montis Regalis” Basilica of Vicoforte (Italy) in the decade 2004–2014. The Basilica is a building of great historical, architectural, and structural significance, owing its fame to its impressive masonry oval dome, the world's largest of this shape (internal axes of 37.23 by 24.89 m). The dome-drum system of the Basilica has suffered over the years of significant structural problems, partly due to the settlements of the building induced progressively by newly built masses and also to the sliding of the underground. In 1983, concerns over the severe settlements and cracking phenomena affecting the structure prompted the decision to undertake strengthening interventions. A special hooping system, consisting of 56 tie bars, placed around the oval perimeter of the dome, was thus conceived to limit the crack opening. The monitoring system of the Basilica installed in the early 1980s underwent several renovations, and in 2004, its acquisition procedure was automatized. One hundred twelve instruments, consisting of temperature sensors, crackmeters, load cells, pressure cells, wire gauges, hygrometer, piezometers, and hydrometer, are currently installed on the Basilica. This study is primarily focused on data acquired by the crackmeters, the extensometers along the main axes of dome, and the load cells placed at the ends of the tie bars. The main aim of the reported analysis is to evaluate the possible progression of the cracks on the Basilica, and the structural performance of the strengthening interventions put in place in 1985–1987

In-Operation Experimental Modal Analysis of a Three Span Open-Spandrel RC Arch Bridge

This paper presents the results of the dynamic tests conducted on a historical reinforced concrete arch bridge located in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, in the province of Parma (Italy). The design of the sensors location was determined in order to investigate the possible separation into bodies operated by the joints between the different spans. The ambient vibration data allowed the dynamic characterization of the 3-span arch bridge with the total length of 146 m and 18 m in width. The interpretation of the main global modes, distinctly detected through time domain identification methods, indicates that the horizontal response is governed by the deformability of the joints. The results show that the obtained modal features provide a reliable reference for the subsequent updating of the bridge FE model

Education of physical and rehabilitation medicine specialists across Europe: a call for harmonization

BACKGROUND: Physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) is well established in Europe and officially recognized by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). The European PRM Board works to promote patient safety and quality of care through the development of the highest standards of medical training and healthcare across Europe as well as the harmonization of PRM specialists' qualifications. In its Action Plan for 2014-2018, the UEMS PRM Board has included the harmonization of the PRM curriculum among the EU countries, as one of its main goals. Based on a European Directive, the Belgian Superior Council is envisaging a reform of the PRM curriculum. AIM: The aim of this paper is to present the current situation of PRM education in Europe according to the survey carried out by the Belgium Task Force. DESIGN: An online survey was posted on May 3rd 2015 to all delegates of the UEMS PRM Section and Board. Two questions were formulated: 1) What is the duration and curriculum of PRM training in your country? 2) Does a Postgraduate Rehabilitation training exist for other medical specialties? RESULTS: The majority of the PRM training programs in Europe have a duration ranging from 4 to 5 years, and are not aiming at downsizing the duration to the European minimal training period of 3 years. The vast majority (70%) of the responding countries don't offer an additional accreditation of Rehabilitation for other medical specialties CONCLUSIONS: Comparing PRM training programs in Europe can support the long-awaited reform of the PRM postgraduate curriculum in Belgium and gives perspective to agree on a transparent and comparable specialty training throughout Europe. Providing a more comparable training promotes the establishment of PRM and its rehabilitation service provisions in the world

The application of structural retinal biomarkers to evaluate the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab and dexamethasone intravitreal implant on treatment of diabetic macular edema

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effect of intravitreal treatment with ranibizumab and dexamethasone using specific swept-source optical coherence tomography retinal biomarkers in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: 156 treatment-naïve patients with DME were divided in two groups: 75 patients received 3 monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab 0.5 mg (Lucentis®) (Group 1) and 81 patients received an intravitreal implant of dexamethasone 0.7 mg (Ozurdex®) (Group 2). Patients were evaluated at baseline (V1), at three months post-treatment in Group 1, and at two months post-treatment in Group 2 (V2). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and swept source-OCT were recorded at each interval. Changes between V1 and V2 were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test and differences between the two groups of treatment were assessed using the Mann-Whitney test. Multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate the possible OCT biomarker (CRT, ICR, CT, SND, HRS) as predictive factors for final visual acuity improvement. Results: In both groups, BCVA improved (p-value < 0.0001), and a significant reduction in central retinal thickness, intra-retinal cysts, red dots, hyper-reflective spots (HRS), and serous detachment of neuro-epithelium (SDN) was observed. A superiority of dexamethasone over ranibizumab in reducing the SDN height (p-value = 0.03) and HRS (p-value = 0.01) was documented. Conclusions: Ranibizumab and dexamethasone are effective in the treatment of DME, as demonstrated by functional improvement and morphological biomarker change. DME associated with SDN and HRS represents a specific inflammatory pattern for which dexamethasone appears to be more effective