Numerical Modelling of the Brain Poromechanics by High-Order Discontinuous Galerkin Methods

We introduce and analyze a discontinuous Galerkin method for the numerical modelling of the equations of Multiple-Network Poroelastic Theory (MPET) in the dynamic formulation. The MPET model can comprehensively describe functional changes in the brain considering multiple scales of fluids. Concerning the spatial discretization, we employ a high-order discontinuous Galerkin method on polygonal and polyhedral grids and we derive stability and a priori error estimates. The temporal discretization is based on a coupling between a Newmark $\beta$-method for the momentum equation and a $\theta$-method for the pressure equations. After the presentation of some verification numerical tests, we perform a convergence analysis using an agglomerated mesh of a geometry of a brain slice. Finally we present a simulation in a three dimensional patient-specific brain reconstructed from magnetic resonance images. The model presented in this paper can be regarded as a preliminary attempt to model the perfusion in the brain

Giustizia e letteratura II

The book explores and links different cultures, disciplines and perspectives, with a far more original and broad approach to the relations between “Justice” and “Literature” than more traditional works focused on “Law” and “Literature”. The many contributions from writers, literature and movie critics, psychologists, and criminal law practitioners and scholars, draw a complex and interdisciplinary path through primary texts of Italian and international literature, with the aim of prompting readers’ reflections about core issues related to law, crime, and responsibility. Through the analysis of masterpieces of literature, theatre and cinema, this book aims at stimulating dialogue and debate, as well as critical abilities and a deep-rooted sense of justice, amongst both law professionals and citizens at large. Literature and other forms of narration are presented here as a privileged key to approach long-standing questions about (amongst other) causes and consequences of crime; victimization and coping mechanisms; the role of criminal law and criminal proceedings; legalism and equity; law and ethics; the ‘time’ of justice; freedom, responsibility, culpability and forgiveness; rules, legality, socialization and culture; language and images as mediums for justice issues; the impact of prejudice and of existing balances of power on the application of the law; social and legal mechanisms of exclusion and inclusion; gender issues and legal systems; and so on. A whole section (Part V) is devoted to crimes against humanity and how the literary testimony may be understood both as a strategy to resist injustice and to seek justice, and as a way to prevent further horrors. Through this quest for justice in literature and arts, the volume proposes a wider cultural and research project which defies traditional formalistic and retributive approaches to criminal law, in order to open new perspectives for restorative and reintegrative strategies

High order discontinuous Galerkin methods on simplicial elements for the elastodynamics equation

In this work we apply the discontinuous Galekin (dG) spectral element method on meshes made of simplicial elements for the approximation of the elastodynamics equation. Our approach combines the high accuracy of spectral methods, the geometrical flexibility of simplicial elements and the computational efficiency of dG methods. We analyze the dissipation, dispersion and stability properties of the resulting scheme, with a focus on the choice of different sets of basis functions. Finally, we apply the method on benchmark as well as realistic test cases

The Age of Science-Tech Universities

Analysing past and ongoing trends that have shaped the landscape of universities worldwide, this book explores the possible paths for the future of universities along three main dimensions characterizing key strategic choices: knowledge creation and dissemination, relationships within society and governance mechanisms. By sharing reflections and offering directions on the changing role of technical universities, especially in Europe, this book considers the change and disruption that are causing universities to reconsider their role. This book: provides an up-to-date picture of the role of technical universities in the European context critically discusses the strengths and weaknesses of technical universities identifies emerging challenges that will shape their evolution going forward provides insight into how current models can be adapted and adopted for future use Impinging on extensive transdisciplinary research, this book highlights the need of the technical university within society and its role not only to improve skills, but education in the most articulated sense, to train future citizens and professionals. The book is a must-read for all those interested in the future of technical universities

Decision making in Parkinson's disease: An analysis of the studies using the Iowa Gambling Task

In Parkinson's disease (PD) impairments in decision making can occur, in particular because of the tendency toward risky and rewarding options. The Iowa Gambling Task has been widely used to investigate decision processes involving these options. The task assesses the ability to manage risk and to learn from feedback. The present paper aims at critically examining those studies in which this task has been administered to PD patients, in order to understand possible anomalies in patients' decision processes and which variables are responsible for that. A meta-analysis has been conducted as well. Features of the task, sociodemographic and clinical aspects (including daily drugs intake), cognitive conditions and emotional disorders of the patients have been taken into account. Neural correlates of decision-making competences were considered. It emerged that PD patients show a trend of preference toward risky choices, probably due to an impairment in anticipating the unrewarding consequences or to an insensitiveness to punishment. The possible role played by dopamine medications in decision making under uncertain conditions, affecting basal ganglia and structures involved in the limbic loop, was discussed. Attention has been focused on some aspects that need to be investigated in further research, in order to delve into this issue and promote patients' quality of life

Decision‑making under ambiguity and risk and executive functions in Parkinson’s disease patients: A scoping review of the studies investigating the Iowa Gambling Task and the Game of Dice

Evidence shows that patients affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD) display the tendency toward making risky choices. This is due, at least in part, to the pathophysiological characteristics of the disease that affects neural areas underlying decision making (DM), in which a pivotal role is played by nonmotor corticostriatal circuits and dopamine. Executive functions (EFs), which can be impaired by PD as well, may sustain optimal choices in DM processes. However, few studies have investigated whether EFs can support PD patients to make good decisions. Adopting the scoping review approach, the present article is designed to deepen the cognitive mechanisms of DM under conditions of ambiguity and risk (that are conditions common to everyday life decisions) in PD patients without impulse control disorders. We focused our attention on the Iowa Gambling Task and the Game of Dice Task, because they are the most commonly used and reliable tasks to assess DM under ambiguity and under risk, respectively, and analyzed the performances in such tasks and their relationships with EFs tests in PD patients. The analysis supported the relationships between EFs and DM performance, especially when a higher cognitive load is required to make optimal decisions, as it happens under conditions of risk. Possible knowledge gaps and further research directions are suggested to better understand DM mechanisms in PD sustaining patients’ cognitive functioning and preventing negative consequences in everyday life derived from suboptimal decisions

Temporal trends and differences of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody responses in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects: a longitudinal study from Umbria in Italy

Objectives Dynamics of antibody responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection are controversial in terms of immunity and persistence. We aimed to assess longitudinally the trend of antibody serological titres, their correlation with clinical severity as well as clinical reinfection during a follow-up.Design Longitudinal cohort, 12 months follow-up study.Setting USL Umbria 2.Participants Consecutive subjects aged 15–75 who were discharged with the diagnosis of Sars-Cov-2 from the hospitals of the AUSL Umbria 2, or resulted positive to a PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 infection with or without symptoms were recruited. SARS-CoV-2 serological testing for antibodies targeting the Nucleocapside and Spike proteins were determined.Results Of 184 eligible subjects, 149 were available for evaluation: 17 were classified as oligo/asymptomatic, 107 as symptomatic, 25 as hospital admitted. Participants differed in terms of signs and symptoms as well as treatment. Overall there was a significant difference in terms of antibody titres between groups (anti-S: p<0.00; anti-N: p=0.019). Median anti-S titres in the symptomatic and hospital admitted participants were significantly higher compared with the oligo/asymptomatic participants. During follow-up, the median titre of anti-S antibodies did not show significant variations (p=0.500) and the difference within groups remained constant overtime. Subjects that showed an anti-S titre above the threshold of 12 U/mL were 88.7% at first visit and 88.2% at last follow-up. Anti-N values were higher in the hospital admitted participants compared with the other two groups. Anti-N titre reduced constantly overtime (p<0.001) and across the three groups of participants. The percentage of the subjects with serological titre above threshold (<1.4 U/mL) decreased from 74.5%% to 29.2% (p<0.001). None of the participants developed clinically evident reinfection.Conclusion Anti-N and anti-S correlate well with clinical severity. While anti-N declines overtime, anti-S antibodies persist for at least 1 year