The computerization of archaeology: survey on AI techniques

This paper analyses the application of artificial intelligence techniques to various areas of archaeology and more specifically: a) The use of software tools as a creative stimulus for the organization of exhibitions; the use of humanoid robots and holographic displays as guides that interact and involve museum visitors; b) The analysis of methods for the classification of fragments found in archaeological excavations and for the reconstruction of ceramics, with the recomposition of the parts of text missing from historical documents and epigraphs; c) The cataloguing and study of human remains to understand the social and historical context of belonging with the demonstration of the effectiveness of the AI techniques used; d) The detection of particularly difficult terrestrial archaeological sites with the analysis of the architectures of the Artificial Neural Networks most suitable for solving the problems presented by the site; the design of a study for the exploration of marine archaeological sites, located at depths that cannot be reached by man, through the construction of a freely explorable 3D version

Pediatric laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 2.3 mm Percutaneous Surgical System (MiniLap®): A new frontier for pediatric mini laparoscopy?

Abstract Mini-laparoscopy represents an evolving and attractive field both in general and in pediatric surgery, with a pressing and increasing technical demand. Although the advantages of the mini-laparoscopic approach (reduced morbidity, less incisional pain and discomfort, better cosmetic results) are well recognized, its technical difficulties due to the lack of suitable and comfortable instruments brought to a limited use. Moreover, in the pediatric population, the need of ergonomic mini-invasive but efficient devices is the key of a widespread use of mini-laparoscopic surgery performed with an effective and safe technique. We aim to highlight the first case of pediatric laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed with 2.3 mm percutaneous instruments (MiniLap ® Percutaneous Surgical System, Teleflex Incorporated, USA) that represents a significant advance in minimally invasive surgery

RC BEAMS SHEAR-STRENGTHENED WITH FABRIC-REINFORCED-CEMENTITIOUS-MATRIX (FRCM) COMPOSITE

The interest in retrofit/rehabilitation of existing concrete structures has increased due to degradation and/or introduction of more stringent design requirements. Among the externally-bonded strengthening systems fiber-reinforced polymers is the most widely known technology. Despite its effectiveness as a material system, the presence of an organic binder has some drawbacks that could be addressed by using in its place a cementitious binder as in fabric- reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) systems. The pur- pose of this paper is to evaluate the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened in shear with U-wraps made of FRCM. An extensive experimental program was undertaken in order to understand and characterize this composite when used as a strengthening system. The labo- ratory results demonstrate the technical viability of FRCM for shear strengthening of RC beams. Based on the experi- mental and analytical results, FRCM increases shear strength but not proportionally to the number of fabric plies installed. On the other hand, FRCM failure modes are related with a high consistency to the amount of external reinforcement applied. Design considerations based on the algorithms proposed by ACI guidelines are also provided

Video assisted sclerosis of endoabdominal lymphangiomas with OK432: An effective, safe and minimally invasive choice

Abstract Lymphatic malformations (LM) or lymphangiomas are congenital errors in vascular embryogenesis. Percutaneous sclerosis is considered the best treatment for LM with external localization and yields excellent results. Surgical resection for deep LM is currently the mainstay of therapy, but high recurrence and morbidity rates are reported. Uniform therapeutic protocols are still unavailable. We describe two cases of abdominal LM treated by video-assisted sclerosis with OK432. The first case was a 5-month-old girl with pre-natal diagnosis of a left retroperitoneal LM with vascular encasement. A laparoscopic approach was used to expose the mass and a video-assisted injection of OK-432 in major cysts was performed. A remarkable reduction of the lesion size was observed after 18 months. The second case was a 15-year-old boy who presented at the ER acute abdominal pain. A mesenteric LM was diagnosed and a video-assisted sclerosis of the lesion with OK432 was performed. The LM completely disappeared. Follow-up was of 12 months. In our experience, video-assisted sclerosis of abdominal LM with OK-432 is a valid alternative to surgical resection. The procedure is feasible, safe, effective and minimally invasive; complete resolution may be observed in some cases. Long-term follow-up is required to rule out recurrences

Peculiar type 1 congenital pyloric atresia: a case report

Pyloric atresia (PA) is a very rare condition. Its incidence is approximately 1 in 100,000 newborns and constitutes about 1% of all intestinal atresias. We describe the neonatal course of a peculiar case of type 1 pyloric atresia, in which the pyloric membrane was connected to a second duodenal membrane through a virtual duodenal lumen in a premature newborn. The atypical variant required an unusual side to side gastroduodenostomy. We emphasize the importance of a prompt diagnosis to avoid potentially fatal complications and to warrant a good outcome even in the presence of a strange form of PA in the neonatal period

Complete Resolution of Retroperitoneal Lymphangioma with a Single Trial of OK-432 in an Infant

Retroperitoneal lymphangioma is extremely rare. Although these neoplasms are benign, they can grow progressively with subsequent compression and infiltration of the adjacent structures. Surgical excision is demanding when the lesion surrounds vital structures and it is generally fraught with a high recurrence and morbidity rate. We report the case of a huge retroperitoneal lymphangioma in a newborn treated successfully with intracystic injection of OK-432

Can partial splenectomy preserve humoral immunity in pediatric patients? Risks and benefts of partial splenectomy

Te spleen plays an important role in removing normal and abnormal cells from the blood and in providing an immunologic response to encapsulated bacteria. Surgical splenectomy provides efective treatment for several pediatric disorders, such as congenital and acquired hemolytic anemias, abdominal traumas and immunological and metabolic disorders, but it is associated with an immediate and lifelong risk of overwhelming infection. An alternative to conventional splenectomy is partial splenectomy, recommended especially in children younger than 5 years of age. Recommendations for the prevention of overwhelming post-total splenectomy infection include: Pneumococcal, Haemophilus infuenzae type B and Meningococcal immunizations, antimicrobial prophylaxis and prompt antibiotic treatment of acute febrile illness; conversely, there is no clear evidence indicating which prevention measures are to be performed in patients undergoing partial splenectomy