Seismic fragility and dynamic behavior of atmospheric cylindrical steel tanks

The main purpose of the research carried out in the aim of this PhD dissertation has been the analysis of the dynamic behavior of on-grade cylindrical steel storage tanks. This has been done through two main research fields: the evaluation of tank seismic fragility and the analytical modeling of the tank dynamics when subjected to the ground acceleration. In the first part of the study, new fragility models have been proposed with the aim to overcome limits and week points of past researches. For this purpose, a large dataset of information on failures of atmospheric tanks during past earthquakes has been collected. Two sets of Damage States have then been used in order to characterize the severity of damage and the intensity of liquid releases. Empirical fragility curves have been fitted by using Bayesian regression. Different generalized linear models have been employed in order to investigate the effects of tank aspect ratio, filling level and base anchorage. Moreover, the effects of the interaction between these critical aspects is included in fragility analysis. The second section of the present PhD study has focused on the mechanical modeling of unanchored tanks dynamic. An investigation on inertial and centrifugal forces in the context of the interaction between tank rocking and translational motions is proposed. The simultaneous dynamic equations of a 2DOF model have been solved through a numerical software and results have been compared with those of experimental tests. Moreover, employing the dynamic properties governing the tank rocking-bulging motion into the 2DOF model equations, a simplified method to determine the tank bulging response and the measure in which it is reduced by the rocking appearance is provided. Validation of the proposed analysis is conducted comparing its results with those computed through an Explicit Finite Element Analysis on a sample tank

Robust quantum entanglement generation and generation-plus-storage protocols with spin chains

Reliable quantum communication and/or processing links between modules are a necessary building block for various quantum processing architectures. Here we consider a spin-chain system with alternating strength couplings and containing three defects, which impose three domain walls between topologically distinct regions of the chain. We show that - in addition to its useful, high-fidelity, quantum state transfer properties - an entangling protocol can be implemented in this system, with optional localization and storage of the entangled states. We demonstrate both numerically and analytically that, given a suitable initial product-state injection, the natural dynamics of the system produces a maximally entangled state at a given time. We present detailed investigations of the effects of fabrication errors, analyzing random static disorder both in the diagonal and off-diagonal terms of the system Hamiltonian. Our results show that the entangled state formation is very robust against perturbations of up to ∼10% the weaker chain coupling, and also robust against timing injection errors. We propose a further protocol, which manipulates the chain in order to localize and store each of the entangled qubits. The engineering of a system with such characteristics would thus provide a useful device for quantum information processing tasks involving the creation and storage of entangled resources

Extra virgin olive oil and cardiovascular diseases: benefits for human health

The cardioprotective properties of Mediterranean Diet were demonstrated for the first time from the Seven Country Study. In the last few decades, numerous epidemiological studies, as well as intervention trial, confirmed this observation, pointing out the close relationship between the Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular diseases. In this context, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the most representative component of this diet, seems to be relevant in lowering the incidence of cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. From a chemical point of view, 98-99% of the total weight of EVOO is represented by fatty acids, especially monounsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid. Tocopherols, polyphenols and other minor constituents represent the remaining 1-2%. All these components may potentially contribute to "health maintenance" with their beneficial effects by EVOOO

Brief notes on rural territoriality in the Lavalle desert, Mendoza (Argentina)

El presente artículo toma como zona de estudio al desierto de Lavalle, ubicado en la provincia de Mendoza, al centro oeste de Argentina. Como su nombre lo indica, constituye una extensa planicie árida con precipitaciones que oscilan entre los 80 y 130 mm. anuales y posee temperaturas que, en verano, pueden alcanzar los 48° C. La cría de ganado caprino es la actividad productiva más importante de la zona. Este lugar ha sido analizado desde diversas perspectivas e intereses teóricos, entre los que se destacan las modalidades de acceso, uso y control de los recursos, principalmente hídricos, y sus conflictos derivados; la pobreza y la exclusión social y su relación con problemáticas ambientales (desertificación); el desarrollo local y sustentable; así como la apropiación territorial, los procesos identitarios y la organización comunitaria. Luego de la revisión y lectura crítica de distintas fuentes de información, nos propusimos comprender a la luz de las categorías de territorio y territorialidad campesina de qué manera y en qué contexto los pobladores del desierto de Lavalle, al desplegar formas de reproducción social, definen y redefinen el territorio. Así, sostenemos que las prácticas que sinergizan los habitantes del desierto, deben ser comprendidas en un marco de mayor complejidad que involucre procesos económicos, sociales y políticos.This article focus on the Lavalle desert, located in the province of Mendoza, west central Argentina. This area is a vast arid plain with rainfall ranging between 80 and 130 mm per year, and temperatures that can reach 48° C on summer seasons. The goat production is the major activity in this area. Among the background of this area it stands the modalities of: access, use and control of resources, mainly water, and their derivatives conflicts; poverty and social exclusion and its relationship to environmental issues (desertification); sustainable and local development as well as territorial ownership, identity processes and community organization. The aim of this article is to understand how and in what context the Lavalle desert dwellers define and redefine the territory as they deploy forms of social reproduction. Based on this, it was used a methodological approach which has led to a critical review of the background, while proposes two theoretical categories that allow an alternative analytical perspective. It is concluded that the practices that synergize desert dwellers must be understood within a framework of greater complexity involving economic, social and political processes.Fil: Accorinti, Carla Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Pessolano, Daniela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Moreno, Marta Silvia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: D'amico, María Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; Argentin

Territoire et reproduction sociale: outils conceptuels pour repenser le désert de Lavalle (Argentine)

En este artículo partimos del supuesto de que los conceptos de territorio y reproducción social permiten pensar en términos materiales y simbólicos la complejidad de las relaciones de poder desplegadas en el espacio, posibilitando, de este modo, articular dimensiones biológicas y sociales y superar viejos dualismos (individuo/sociedad, familia/trabajo, cultura/naturaleza). En consecuencia, nos proponemos poner en diálogo estas dos categorías analíticas con algunas investigaciones sobre el desierto de Lavalle (Mendoza), a fin de visibilizar que, aun en el marco de importantes restricciones tanto ambientales como socioeconómicas, sus pobladores llevan adelante un entramado complejo de prácticas que aseguran su persistencia, a la vez que construyen territorio a partir de lógicas, en muchos casos, alternativas a la capitalista.BIn this article we assume that the concepts of territory and social reproduction allow thinking in material and symbolic terms the complexity of the power relationships deployed in space, making possible, in this way, articulating biological and social dimensions and overcoming old dualisms (individual / society, family / work, culture / nature). Consequently, we propose involving these two analytical categories in some research projects in the desert Lavalle (Mendoza) to show that, even in the context of major environmental and socio-economic constraints, its inhabitants carry on a complex scheme of practices that ensure their persistence, while they construct territory from lines of reasoning, in many cases, alternative to the capitalist logic.Dans cet article, on suppose que les concepts de territoire et de reproduction sociale permettent de penser en termes matériaux et symboliques la complexité des relations de pouvoir déployées dans l’espace, en permettant, de cette manière, articuler des dimensions biologiques et sociales et surmonter les vieux dualismes (individu/société, famille/travail, culture/nature). En conséquence, on a l’intention de mettre en dialogue ces deux catégories analytiques avec quelques recherches sur le désert de Lavalle (Mendoza), afin de savoir que, même dans le contexte de grandes contraintes environnementales et socio-économiques, sa population mène une ensemble de pratiques complexes qui assurent son persistance, au même temps qu’elles construisent de territoire à partir de logiques, dans des nombreux cas, alternatives à la capitaliste.Fil: D'amico, María Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de Zonas Aridas; ArgentinaFil: Moreno, Marta Silvia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de Zonas Aridas; ArgentinaFil: Pessolano, Daniela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de Zonas Aridas; ArgentinaFil: Accorinti, Carla Eugenia. Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Productiva. Agencia Nacional de Promoción Cientifíca y Tecnológica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de Zonas Aridas; Argentin

Scalable Quantum Spin Networks from Unitary Construction

Spin network systems can be used to achieve quantum state transfer with high fidelity and to generate entanglement. A new approach to design spin-chain-based spin network systems, for shortrange quantum information processing and phase-sensing, has been proposed recently in [1]. In this paper, we investigate the scalability of such systems, by designing larger spin network systems that can be used for longer-range quantum information tasks, such as connecting together quantum processors. Furthermore, we present more complex spin network designs, which can produce different types of entangled states. Simulations of disorder effects show that even such larger spin network systems are robust against realistic levels of disorder.Comment: 17 pages, 24 figure

Depositación y erosión inducida por obras portuarias en los estuarios

Las propuestas de valorización de un puerto a nivel nacional, regional e internacional implican la ampliación o transformación de su infraestructura, lo cual afecta su área de influencia. En este trabajo presentamos el recorte territorial del Puerto La Plata (Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina) a partir de la implementación del Plan Director por el Consorcio de Gestión en el año 2000. En esta aproximación, se parte de la descripción de la geomorfología e hidrografía de este sector de la costa del estuario del Río de la Plata deteniéndonos en los procesos geomorfológicos (depositación y erosión), para luego ponerlos en relación con aquellas obras portuarias que modifican su dinámica. Para ello, se focaliza en las transformaciones de la costa de la Isla Paulino, surgida a partir de la construcción del puerto a fines del siglo XIX. Se utilizan herramientas de análisis cartográfico, bibliográfico y de observación en campo que permiten interrogarse sobre el reconocimiento y comprensión de estos procesos en el territorio.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació

Scalable Quantum Spin Networks from Unitary Construction

Spin network (SN) systems can be used to achieve quantum state transfer with high fidelity and to generate entanglement. A new approach to design spin-chain-based spin network systems, for short-range quantum information processing and phase-sensing, has been proposed recently in Advanced Quantum Technologies. In this paper, the scalability of such systems is investigated, by designing larger SN systems that can be used for longer-range quantum information tasks, such as connecting together quantum processors. Furthermore, more complex SN designs, which can produce different types of entangled states, are presented. Simulations of disorder effects show that even such larger SN systems are robust against realistic levels of disorder

Glucocorticoids impair platelet thromboxane biosynthesis in community-acquired pneumonia

Previous reports suggest that community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is associated with an enhanced risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and that enhanced platelet activation may play a role. Aims of this study were to investigate if urinary excretion of 11-dehydro-thromboxane (Tx) B2, a reliable marker of platelet activation in vivo, was elevated in CAP and whether glucocorticoid administration reduced platelet activation. Three-hundred patients hospitalized for CAP were recruited and followed-up until discharge. Within the first 2 days from admission, urinary 11-dehydro-TxB2and serum levels of methylprednisolone and betamethasone were measured. 11-Dehydro-TxB2was also measured in a control group of 150 outpatients, matched for age, sex, and comorbidities. Finally, in-vitro studies were performed to assess if glucocorticoids affected platelet activation, at the same range of concentration found in the peripheral circulation of CAP patients treated with glucocorticoids. Compared to controls, CAP patients showed significantly higher levels of 11-dehydro-TxB2(110 [69-151] vs. 163 [130-225] pg/mg creatinine; p < 0.001). During the in-hospital stay, 31 patients experienced MI (10%). A COX regression analysis showed that 11-dehydro-TxB2independently predicted MI (p = .005). CAP patients treated with glucocorticoids showed significantly lower levels of 11-dehydro-TxB2compared to untreated ones (147 [120-201] vs. 176 [143-250] pg/mg creatinine; p < 0.001). In vitro, glucocorticoids-treated platelets showed a dose-dependent decrease of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, TxB2production, cPLA2phosphorylation and arachidonic acid release from the platelet membrane. In conclusion, platelet TxB2is overproduced in CAP patients and may be implicated in MI occurrence. Glucocorticoids reduce platelet release of TxB2in vitro and urinary excretion of 11-dehydro-TxB2in vivo and may be a novel tool to decrease platelet activation in this setting