An Iterative Procedure for Combining the Advantages of a Multi-Frequency and Multi-Resolution Inversion Algorithm

Starting from the iterative multi�]scaling approach previously studied for monochromatic illuminations, two multi�]resolution strategies for dealing with multi�]frequency inverse scattering experiments have been developed. The first procedure is based on the integration of the iterative multi�]scaling algorithm into a frequency�]hopping reconstruction scheme, while in the second one the multi�]frequency data are simultaneously processed exploiting a multi�]resolution expansion of the problem unknowns. The numerical and the experimental analysis presented in this contribution concern with a preliminary assessment of the reconstruction effectiveness of the proposed approaches in comparison with a monochromatic multi�]step process. This is the author's version of the final version available at IEEE

Effects of a trapped vortex cell on thick wing profile

Experimental investigation on the effects originated from a trapped vortex cell on the NACA0024 airfoi

Recent Advances in the Iterative Multizooming Reconstruction of Nonmeasurable Equivalent Current Densities for Non-Invasive Diagnostic Applications

In the framework of the inversion of electromagnetic data, several methodologies consider the introduction of an equivalent current density defined into the dielectric domain to be reconstructed

Phytobalneotherapy: When traditional herbal medicine meets spa therapy

Phytobalneotherapy (or hay baths) is a balneological treatment which combines the effects of thermal baths and the properties of fermenting herbs. Alpine hay, made of many different herbs harvested in mountain fields, is traditionally used for this treatment. Some studies have investigated the effects of hay baths on health, underscoring potential their benefits for rheumatic conditions. In conclusion, phytobalneotherapy seems an interesting way to harness therapeutic properties of medicinal herbs in a way which appears to be tolerable and sustainable. Further investigation is needed

Effects of lavender on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Anxiety is one of the uprising psychiatric disorders of the last decades and lavender administration has been traditionally suggested as a possible treatment. The objective of this review is to assess the efficacy of lavender, in any form and way of administration, on anxiety and anxiety-related conditions. Methods The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Retrieved data were qualitatively and quantitatively synthesized. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Non-Randomized Studies (NRSs) which investigated the efficacy of lavender, in any form and way of administration, on patients with anxiety, involved in anxiety-inducing settings or undergoing anxiety-inducing activities, compared to any type of control, without language restrictions, were identified through electronic database searches. Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were systematically searched. All databases were screened up to November 2018. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the following domains were considered: randomization, allocation sequence concealment, blinding, incomplete outcome data, selective outcome reporting, and other biases. Results 65 RCTs (7993 participants) and 25 NRSs (1200 participants) were included in the qualitative synthesis and 37 RCTs (3964 participants) were included in the quantitative synthesis. Overall, the qualitative synthesis indicated that 54 RCTs and 17 NRSs reported at least a significant result in favor of lavender use for anxiety. The quantitative synthesis showed that lavender inhalation can significantly reduce anxiety levels measured with any validated scale (Hedges' g = −0.73 [95% CI −1.00 to −0.46], p  Discussion The most important limitation of this review is the low average quality of available studies on the topic. The majority of included RCTs were characterized by a high overall risk of bias. Another limitation regards the heterogeneity of study designs, especially with regard to non-oral ways of administration. Overall, oral administration of lavender essential oil proves to be effective in the treatment of anxiety, whereas for inhalation there is only an indication of an effect of reasonable size, due to the heterogeneity of available studies. Lavender essential oil administered through massage appears effective, but available studies are not sufficient to determine whether the benefit is due to a specific effect of lavender. Further high-quality RCTs with more homogeneous study designs are needed to confirm these findings. Available information outlines a safe profile for lavender-based interventions, although more attention should be paid to the collection and reporting of safety data in future studies. Considering these findings, since treatments with lavender essential oil generally seem safe, and, in the case of inhalation, also simple and inexpensive, they are a therapeutic option which may be considered in some clinical contexts. Other The present systematic review was not funded and was registered in PROSPERO under the following number: CRD42019130126

Schisandra chinensis for dementia: a narrative overview of reviews

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Trapped vortex cell for aeronautical applications: flow analysis through PIV and Wavelet transform tools

Results of the application of a trapped vortex cell to an airfoil with the aim of improving the aerodynamic performances are presented for two complementary experiments arranged at CIRA and at Politecnico di Torino. In the CIRA experiments, PIV measurements on a simplified configuration were carried out to characterize the trapped vortical structure and its effect on the separating flow downstream of the cell. In the experimental investigation at Politecnico di Torino, static pressure distributions were measured around a complete airfoil model, to yield lift and pitching moment coefficients. Wake surveys were also carried out to measure the drag. To study the unsteady phenomena inside the cavity pressure fluctuations signals were also investigated using Kulite sensors. In both experiments, the angle of attack of the airfoil and the Reynolds number were varied. It is shown that the flow inside the cell is highly unsteady with significant shedding of flow structures downstream. This phenomenon results in a large region of separated flow, in higher drag and lower lift. By contrast, the cell flow is considerably stabilized and regularized by applying distributed suction over the cell wall. As a result, the flow downstream of the cell reattaches and lower drag and larger lift are observed

Empathic disconnection and the patient-physician relationship in clinical practice

Empathy markedly influences the patient-physician relationship and, consequently, the patient’s experience. When relating with patients, empathic disconnection (ED), a condition characterized by a reduction of the empathic response, often occurs. During clinical practice, it is important to recognize and possibly avoid ED in order to improve the patient-physician relationship. Some of the most common scenarios which lead to ED in clinical practice are countertransference hate, moral judgement, reactive physical discomfort, and labelling. Although many strategies may be adopted by the physician to empower empathy in the patient-physician relationship, the focus should be in the first place on paying attention to communication process during clinical practice. Being able to recognize situations characterized by ED in order to prevent them can improve the patient’s experience. Further research is needed to investigate this aspect of the patient-physician relationship and its impact on clinical outcomes

Severe Milk-Alkali Syndrome in a Patient with Hypoparathyroidism Associated with 1,25(OH)2D, Hydrochlorothiazide and Anthranoid Laxative Consumption

Background: Milk-alkali syndrome is a life-threatening condition defined by the triad of hypercalcaemia, metabolic alkalosis and acute renal failure, and is associated with consumption of calcium and absorbable alkali. Methods: We report the case of a patient admitted to a step-down unit of a large hospital in Italy. Results: The patient was a 59-year-old woman with hypoparathyroidism and mild chronic kidney insufficiency, treated for a preceding episode of hypocalcaemia with high doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate, who was also taking hydrochlorothiazide and unreported herbal anthranoid laxatives. The patient was admitted to hospital with severe hypercalcaemia, severe metabolic alkalosis and acute renal insufficiency. The patient was successfully treated with urgent dialysis, loop diuretics and calcitonin administration. Conclusions: This case underlines the need for caution when treating patients with impaired calcium metabolism regulation, and suggests that herbal anthranoid laxatives might act as triggers for milk-alkali syndrome.

Validation Study of the Spanish Version of the Measure of Happiness (MH) Questionnaire

This study aims to validate the Spanish version of the Measure of Happiness (MH), a questionnaire that identifies the specific areas of an individual’s life that are related to experienced happiness. The sample consisted of 458 Spanish native speakers (65.7% women, 34.3% men; mean age = 24.14, SD = 8.45) and was divided into two groups: Sample 1 (N = 226) underwent Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Sample 2 (N = 232) underwent Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The convergent and discriminant validity of the Spanish version of the MH and its subscales was assessed by calculating Pearson correlations between the MH factors and the Subjective Happiness Scale, the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the WHOQOL-BREF. The EFA and CFA confirmed the original five-factor structure of the MH questionnaire. The only difference in the Spanish version of the MH is that Item 4, which was originally assigned to Factor 2 “Financial Status”, was reallocated to Factor 1 “Psychophysical Status”. The reliability of the Spanish version of the MH questionnaire was also confirmed, and the factors correlated in the expected direction with the constructs of quality of life, happiness, anxiety, and depression. The MH questionnaire demonstrated excellent psychometric properties among Spanish respondents