The approximate number system cannot be the leading factor in the acquisition of the first symbolic numbers

When learning the meaning of symbolic numbers, children learn the numbers up to 4 sequen-tially. A prominent account of this learning process proposes that the increasing sensitivity of the preverbal approximate number system (ANS) allows for reliable discrimination of increasingly large neighboring numbers, which, consequently, leads to the sequential acquisition of the first symbolic numbers. In this work, a more complete quantitative description of this account is provided. This description is based on the mathematical model of the ANS and on additional relevant parameter values reported in the literature. The quantitative description demonstrates that, in the time period during which children learn the meaning of the first number words, the improvement of ANS sensitivity cannot provide the assumed changes in the discriminability of these numbers. The present result challenges the role of the ANS as a leading factor in the acquisition of the first symbolic numbers

Crack identification in rods and beams under uncertain boundary conditions

This paper deals with the inverse problem of identifying a crack in a rod in axial vibration with partially unknown end conditions from a minimum number of resonant frequency variations. It is assumed that the crack is small and is modelled by an elastic spring acting along the rod axis. A first set of results concerns a uniform bar with both ends restrained by means of elastic springs having unknown flexibility. Under the hypothesis that the flexibility caused by the crack is small and of the same order of the flexibility of the elastic end constraints, it is shown that the inverse problem can be formulated in terms of the variations of the first three natural frequencies measured from the undamaged bar under ideal condition of fixed ends. It is proved that knowledge of this set of eigenfrequency variations can uniquely determine the overall flexibility induced by the end conditions, and the position (up to symmetry) and severity of the crack, by means of closed form expressions. The identification method can be also applied to axial vibrations of uniform cantilevers with elastically restrained end condition, and to transversely vibrating uniform beams either under elastic transverse support at both ends or under cantilever end conditions. The method was verified by numerical simulation and, in the case of the cantilever in bending vibration, by experimental data. Numerical analysis allowed to study in detail some singular situations occurring in the mathematical formulation of the inverse problem and to test the robustness of the method to errors on the data

Dynamic Testing in Support of the Seismic Assessment of a Century Old Masonry Building Complex

The vulnerability assessment of existing masonry buildings is a largely investigated research topic with some aspects still to be faced. In historic towns, masonry buildings are aggregated and together confined, and their final appearance is derived from interventions and additions during their lives in different times and with different masonry textures or different construction materials. Demolitions and reconstructions of some parts were frequent, with the difficulty of now understanding the effectiveness of the mutual constraints. The seismic assessment of a case study of a 175-year-old building complex in Udine (Italy) provides an opportunity to use the results of ambient vibration tests to face the problem of modelling aggregate buildings for their seismic assessment. The “Padiglione Lodi” building complex was built in 1847 and extended and renovated several times afterwards. It was built mostly using URM with limited use of reinforced concrete. It consists of a main building and three wings (western, central and eastern). The inspections, experimental survey and analysis of the available documentation are used to suitably calibrate a Finite Element Model of the whole complex. Moreover, this allows the singling out of the central wing, as the unit needs more careful investigation. Non-destructive dynamic testing is then applied to the central wing in order to further validate the model and improve the knowledge of the interaction of the unit with the rest of the building. General remarks on the effective application of non-destructive dynamic analysis in conjunction with other methods to the seismic assessment of large URM building complexes are drawn

Mass detection in nanobeams from bending resonant frequency shifts

anobeams are frequently used as vibration based-sensors to detect mass changes caused, for instance, by attachment of foreign atoms/molecules or chemical/molecular absorption. This paper deals with the bending vibration of a uniform nanobeam carrying a single point mass (direct problem) as well as the identification of the attached mass (inverse problem). The nanobeam is described using the modified strain energy theory adapted to the Euler-Bernoulli beam model, and the natural vibration frequencies have been obtained. Under the assumption of small intensity of the concentrated mass, a solution of the inverse problem based on the measurement of the mass-induced shifts in the first two eigenfrequencies is proposed. Both the cases of simply supported and cantilever end conditions are discussed in detail. The theoretical method is verified by numerical simulation and numerical tests agree well with analytical results

DAVID The First 6U Cubesat Mission of the Italian Space Agency Programme Iperdrone as Demonstration of New On Orbit Services Performed by Space Drones

The Italian Space Agency is promoting a roadmap for the design, manufacturing and operation of a new space reentry drone. The Iperdrone program will qualify a new type of operative mission, through an incremental phased approach. The program includes, as first step, the demonstration of inspection services for the International Space Station, optimizing the EVA activities and increasing the in space experimentation opportunities. The paper will present the status of development of the first mission, which will demonstrate the system\u27s capabilities such as proximity operations, inspection and interaction with a target, including a close rendez-vous demonstration. The first mission, DAVID to be launched within 2023, is based on a 6U cubesat architecture

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance to Predict Cardiac Mass Malignancy: The CMR Mass Score

Background: Multimodality imaging is currently suggested for the noninvasive diagnosis of cardiac masses. The identification of cardiac masses' malignant nature is essential to guide proper treatment. We aimed to develop a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived model including mass localization, morphology, and tissue characterization to predict malignancy (with histology as gold standard), to compare its accuracy versus the diagnostic echocardiographic mass score, and to evaluate its prognostic ability. Methods: Observational cohort study of 167 consecutive patients undergoing comprehensive echocardiogram and CMR within 1-month time interval for suspected cardiac mass. A definitive diagnosis was achieved by histological examination or, in the case of cardiac thrombi, by histology or radiological resolution after adequate anticoagulation treatment. Logistic regression was performed to assess CMR-derived independent predictors of malignancy, which were included in a predictive model to derive the CMR mass score. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used to investigate the prognostic ability of predictors. Results: In CMR, mass morphological features (non-left localization, sessile, polylobate, inhomogeneity, infiltration, and pericardial effusion) and mass tissue characterization features (first-pass perfusion and heterogeneity enhancement) were independent predictors of malignancy. The CMR mass score (range, 0-8 and cutoff, ≥5), including sessile appearance, polylobate shape, infiltration, pericardial effusion, first-pass contrast perfusion, and heterogeneity enhancement, showed excellent accuracy in predicting malignancy (areas under the curve, 0.976 [95% CI, 0.96-0.99]), significantly higher than diagnostic echocardiographic mass score (areas under the curve, 0.932; P=0.040). The agreement between the diagnostic echocardiographic mass and CMR mass scores was good (κ=0.66). A CMR mass score of ≥5 predicted a higher risk of all-cause death (P<0.001; hazard ratio, 5.70) at follow-up. Conclusions: A CMR-derived model, including mass morphology and tissue characterization, showed excellent accuracy, superior to echocardiography, in predicting cardiac masses malignancy, with prognostic implications

Socio-geographical disparities of obesity and excess weight in adults in Spain: insights from the ENE-COVID study

Background: In Spain, differences in the prevalence of obesity and excess weight according to sex and sociodemographic factors have been described at the national level, although current data do not allow to delve into geographical differences for these conditions. The aim was to estimate national and regional prevalences of adult obesity and excess weight in Spain by sex and sociodemographic characteristics, and to explore difference sources of inequalities in its distribution, as well as its geographical pattern. Method: ENE-COVID study was a nationwide representative seroepidemiological survey with 57,131 participants. Residents in 35,893 households were selected from municipal rolls using a two-stage random sampling stratified by province and municipality size (April-June 2020). Participants (77.0% of contacted individuals) answered a questionnaire which collected self-reported weight and height, as well as different socioeconomic variables, that allowed estimating crude and standardized prevalences of adult obesity and excess weight. Results: Crude prevalences of obesity and excess weight were higher in men (obesity: 19.3% vs. 18.0%; excess weight: 63.7% vs. 48.4%), while severe obesity was more prevalent in women (4.5% vs. 5.3%). These prevalences increased with age and disability, and decreased with education, census tract income and municipality size. Differences by educational level, relative census income, nationality or disability were clearly higher among women. Obesity by province ranged 13.3-27.4% in men and 11.4-28.1% in women; excess weight ranged 57.2-76.0% in men and 38.9-59.5% in women. The highest prevalences were located in the southern half of the country and some north-western provinces. Sociodemographic characteristics only explained a small part of the observed geographical variability (25.2% obesity). Conclusion: Obesity and overweight have a high prevalence in Spain, with notable geographical and sex differences. Socioeconomic inequalities are stronger among women. The observed geographical variability suggests the need to implement regional and local interventions to effectively address this public health problem.This study was supported by Spanish Ministry of Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, and Spanish National Health System.S

A roadmap for amphibious drilling at the Campi Flegrei caldera: insights from a MagellanPlus workshop

Large calderas are among the Earth's major volcanic features. They are associated with large magma reservoirs and elevated geothermal gradients. Caldera-forming eruptions result from the withdrawal and collapse of the magma chambers and produce large-volume pyroclastic deposits and later-stage deformation related to post-caldera resurgence and volcanism. Unrest episodes are not always followed by an eruption; however, every eruption is preceded by unrest. The Campi Flegrei caldera (CFc), located along the eastern Tyrrhenian coastline in southern Italy, is close to the densely populated area of Naples. It is one of the most dangerous volcanoes on Earth and represents a key example of an active, resurgent caldera. It has been traditionally interpreted as a nested caldera formed by collapses during the 100–200 km3 Campanian Ignimbrite (CI) eruption at ∼39 ka and the 40 km3 eruption of the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (NYT) at ∼15 ka. Recent studies have suggested that the CI may instead have been fed by a fissure eruption from the Campanian Plain, north of Campi Flegrei. A MagellanPlus workshop was held in Naples, Italy, on 25–28 February 2017 to explore the potential of the CFc as target for an amphibious drilling project within the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) and the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP). It was agreed that Campi Flegrei is an ideal site to investigate the mechanisms of caldera formation and associated post-caldera dynamics and to analyze the still poorly understood interplay between hydrothermal and magmatic processes. A coordinated onshore–offshore drilling strategy has been developed to reconstruct the structure and evolution of Campi Flegrei and to investigate volcanic precursors by examining (a) the succession of volcanic and hydrothermal products and related processes, (b) the inner structure of the caldera resurgence, (c) the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the hydrothermal system and offshore sediments, and (d) the geological expression of the phreatic and hydromagmatic eruptions, hydrothermal degassing, sedimentary structures, and other records of these phenomena. The deployment of a multiparametric in situ monitoring system at depth will enable near-real-time tracking of changes in the magma reservoir and hydrothermal system

Long non-coding antisense RNA controls Uchl1 translation through an embedded SINEB2 repeat.

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