On a modified-Lorentz-transformation based gravity model confirming basic GRT experiments

Implementing Poincar\'e's `geometric conventionalism' a scalar Lorentz-covariant gravity model is obtained based on gravitationally modified Lorentz transformations (or GMLT). The modification essentially consists of an appropriate space-time and momentum-energy scaling ("normalization") relative to a nondynamical flat background geometry according to an isotropic, nonsingular gravitational `affecting' function Phi(r). Elimination of the gravitationally `unaffected' S_0 perspective by local composition of space-time GMLT recovers the local Minkowskian metric and thus preserves the invariance of the locally observed velocity of light. The associated energy-momentum GMLT provides a covariant Hamiltonian description for test particles and photons which, in a static gravitational field configuration, endorses the four `basic' experiments for testing General Relativity Theory: gravitational i) deflection of light, ii) precession of perihelia, iii) delay of radar echo, iv) shift of spectral lines. The model recovers the Lagrangian of the Lorentz-Poincar\'e gravity model by Torgny Sj\"odin and integrates elements of the precursor gravitational theories, with spatially Variable Speed of Light (VSL) by Einstein and Abraham, and gravitationally variable mass by Nordstr\"om.Comment: v1: 14 pages, extended version of conf. paper PIRT VIII, London, 2002. v2: section added on effective tensorial rank, references added, appendix added, WEP issue deleted, abstract and other parts rewritten, same results (to appear in Found. Phys.

Una procedura per la valutazione dello stato di degrado di un'opera d'arte sulla base delle ispezioni visive

Viene illustrata una procedura per la programmazione delle ispezioni visive sulle costruzioni e per l’interpretazione dei risultati da esse forniti. La procedura, che è stata sviluppata specificamente per la gestione ottimale dei programmi di ispezione e di manutenzione delle opere d’arte di una linea ferroviaria, si propone di definire metodologie atte a: (a) classificare le opere d’arte della linea ferroviario in base alla valutazione dello stato di degrado attuale, alla previsione della sua evoluzione ed alla stima della rilevanza di ciascuna opera nell’intera rete; (b) identificare le opere su cui intervenire; (c) ottimizzare il programma di interventi, in relazione ai costi ed alle risorse economiche disponibili

Numerical study of the stopping of aura during migraine

This work is devoted to the study of migraine with aura in the human brain. Following [6], we class migraine as a propagation of a wave of depolarization through the cells. The mathematical model used, based on a reaction-diffusion equation, is briefly presented. The equation is considered in a duct containing a bend, in order to model one of the numerous circumvolutions of the brain. For a wide set of parameters, one can establish the existence of a critical radius below which the wave stops. The approximation scheme used for the simulations is first described and then a numerical study is realized, precising the dependence of the critical radius with respect to the different parameters of the model. Ce travail est consacré à l’étude de l’évolution d’une migraine avec aura dans le cerveau humain. Suivant [6], nous assimilons la migraine à une onde de dépolarisation attaquant les cellules du cerveau. Le modèle mathématique retenu, basé sur une équation de réaction-diffusion, est brièvement rappelé. Le domaine d’espace utilisé est constitué d’un conduit présentant un coude, afin de représenter l’une des nombreuses circonvolutions cérébrales. Pour une importante classe de paramètres, il est possible de mettre en évidence l’existence d’un rayon critique au delà duquel le front d’onde n’arrive pas à dépasser le coude. Après une description du schéma d’approximation utilisé, une étude numérique a été réalisée, visant à préciser la dépendance du rayon critique en fonction des différents paramètres du modèle