Calibration of Ground Pressure on Tunnel Lining in Genetic Algorithm Application for Structural Monitoring

This article presents the evolution of an algorithm that can be applied to a diagnostic systems for tunnels developed by the same authors. The aim of this work is the analysis of typical ground trust shape functions to be introduced in the library of a genetic algorithm in order to calculate the forces acting on tunnel lining starting only from the quantities measured by a set of clinometers and pressure sensors placed inside the lining itself, without any other knowledge of geotechnical or geological parameters. The knowledge of proper trust shapes, derived from geotechnical simulations, increases the performance of the algorithm in terms of convergence and correctness of the result. Some benchmarks of the genetic algorithm applied on geotechnical f.e.m. results is also given

Analytical calculation of the frequency-dependent litz wire resistance considering the wire connectors

Eddy-current effects have an impact on the resistance of litz wire. They reduce the utilization of the wire cross section. In a certain parameter range, the dominant influencing factor is the current distribution in the wire connectors. The connector itself does not significantly contribute to the wire resistance but it results in an inhomogeneous current distribution among the strands. We quantify the resistance increase by introducing a connector skin-effect factor and give a mathematical derivation. Taking the twisting of the strands into account requires a probabilistic model of the radial strand position. Resistance measurement results validate the calculation approach. We discuss the assumptions and derive the parameter range where the model is valid

Social Commerce in the Wine Sector: An Exploratory Research Study of the Italian Market

The development of Web 2.0 technologies and social media, along with the emergence of wikis, blogs, online communities, and social networks, has rapidly transformed e-commerce. This phenomenon is commonly known as social commerce, an evolution of e-commerce characterized by a strong customer orientation. The aim of this paper is to understand the support of social commerce for e-commerce. We conducted an exploratory analysis of the Italian wine market via in-depth interviews with experts in the wine business: three wine producers and three companies running an online wine business. The interviews were recorded with the consent of the interviewees and transcribed, and their content was analyzed through content analysis. In particular, an analysis grid was created, following a closed procedure, with an ex-ante definition of the categories of analysis. Our results reveal that the COVID-19 outbreak has given a significant boost to digital transformation and online purchases in the wine sector. While some operators in the sector have merely undergone this change, others have been riding the wave, trying to benefit from it

Modification of micro-channel filling flow by poly(dimethylsiloxane) surface functionalization with fluorine—Substituted aminonaphthols

Microfluidics based on the capillarity-induced filling of elastomeric channels by a suitable liquid or solution represents a useful route for realizing portable diagnostic devices designed without additional mechanical or electrical micropumps. In this study, an elastomeric mold made of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), containing relief patterns placed in intimate contact with a silicon substrate, is utilized to create a continuous network of rectangular micro-channels for the motion of water fluid. The immobilization on activated PDMS surface of suitable functional molecules such as hydrophilic and hydrophobic fluorine-containing aminonaphthols, obtained through a straightforward and versatile synthetic procedure, allowed us to modulate PDMS surface properties depending on the structural characteristics of the employed derivative. In this context, the incorporation of fluorine groups is important for improving biocompatibility of the resulting device, providing surfaces that could be chemically and biologically inert as well as resistant to surface adhesion phenomena. The functionalization from liquid phase of PDMS replicas, involving a covalent derivatization via silanization reaction of the above mentioned compounds to an oxidized PDMS surface, resulted in a successful modification of microfluidic motion of water in rectangular capillaries, moreover contact angle values evidence also how wettability of PDMS films could be modulated, with the fluorinated aminonaphthols fuctionalized PDMS exhibiting higher contact angles. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Parkinson’s disease-linked Parkin mutations impair glutamatergic signaling in hippocampal neurons

Background Parkinson’s disease (PD)-associated E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin is enriched at glutamatergic synapses, where it ubiquitinates multiple substrates, suggesting that its mutation/loss-of-function could contribute to the etiology of PD by disrupting excitatory neurotransmission. Here, we evaluate the impact of four common PD-associated Parkin point mutations (T240M, R275W, R334C, G430D) on glutamatergic synaptic function in hippocampal neurons. Results We find that expression of these point mutants in cultured hippocampal neurons from Parkin-deficient and Parkin-null backgrounds alters NMDA and AMPA receptor-mediated currents and cell-surface levels and prevents the induction of long-term depression. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that Parkin regulates NMDA receptor trafficking through its ubiquitination of GluN1, and that all four mutants are impaired in this ubiquitinating activity. Furthermore, Parkin regulates synaptic AMPA receptor trafficking via its binding and retention of the postsynaptic scaffold Homer1, and all mutants are similarly impaired in this capacity. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that pathogenic Parkin mutations disrupt glutamatergic synaptic transmission in hippocampal neurons by impeding NMDA and AMPA receptor trafficking. Such effects may contribute to the pathophysiology of PD in PARK2 patients

Reversible splenial lesion and complex visual disturbances due to carbamazepine withdrawal.

No abstract availabl

Superhydrophobicity Due to the Hierarchical Scale Roughness of PDMS Surfaces

Wettability control has been widely investigated in the last decades for technological applications such as microfluidic devices and self-cleaning surfaces by modifying both the chemical composition and the geometric structure of the surfaces. Inspired by the typical morphology of superhydrophobic leaves (such as lotus leaves), we have developed a dual-scale roughness, micro- and nanosized, on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces. By combining different geometric parameters and plasma treatment conditions, the structures were controlled hierarchically, at different independent length scales. Both the microsized replicated pillars and the nanosized etched posts tuned the wettability of the PDMS surfaces in a very simple way, up to contact angles of 170°. Furthermore, changes in the influence of micro- and nanoscale geometrical structures were investigated. Hysteresis and contact angles of water droplets are evaluated as a combined effect of micropillars and a superimposed roughness, resulting in high advan..