Effects of floaters on the free surface profiles of river flows

The presence of floaters should be taken into account when dealing with hydraulic analyses, e.g. when boats are moored along the river banks or large wood is expected to be conveyed by the river flow during floods. Many approaches have been proposed so far in order to consider the effects of floaters upon the flow features. Usually, they rely on the numerical resolution of the governing equation for both the fluid and the solid phases. Hence, their computational cost can be inadequate at the early stage of hydraulic studies or when large scale analyses have to be performed. A simplified method to compute the value of the resistance coefficient able to reproduce the effects of floaters upon the flow levels is proposed herein. The method is intended to provide the hydraulic parameters to be used within standard hydraulic simulations for which the effects of floaters must be accounted for; this is obtained by means of a modified resistance coefficient

Cervical syringomyelia secondary to single space-occupying intracranial lesions in dogs: magnetic resonance imaging findings and risk factors

This study has identified risk factors for the development of SCSM in dogs with a single space-occupying intracranial lesion. When one or more of these risk factors are identified, it is advisable to extend the MRI study to the cervical spine, to investigate the presence of SCSM. Conversely, in dogs with SCSM and no concurrent cervical or congenital caudal fossa disease, the MRI study should be extended to the brain to investigate for a potential mass lesion

Real-time inversion of tsunamis generated by landslides

Abstract. In this paper, we test a method for forecasting in real-time the properties of offshore propagating tsunami waves generated by landslides, with the aim of supporting tsunami early warning systems. The method uses an inversion procedure, that takes input data measurements of water surface elevation at a point close to the tsunamigenic source. The measurements are used to correct the results of pre-computed numerical simulations, reproducing the wave field induced by different landslide scenarios. The accuracy of the method is evaluated using the results of laboratory experiments, aimed at studying tsunamis generated by landslides sliding along the flank of a circular shoreline island. The paper investigates what the optimal position is of where to measure the tsunamis, what the effects are, the accuracy of the results, and of uncertainties on the landslide scenarios. Finally, the method is successfully tested using partial input time series, simulating the behaviour of the system in real-time during the tsunami event when forecasts are updated, as the measurements become available

Investigating the potential of the anti-epileptic drug imepitoin as a treatment for co-morbid anxiety in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy

Abstract Background Behavioural changes associated with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) have been identified in dogs, with fear and anxiety-related problems seen in both drug-naïve dogs and dogs treated with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Treating anxiety-related behaviour in dogs with IE may be challenging, as seizures are a contraindication for many conventional anxiolytic drugs. In addition, many dogs with IE are already treated with AEDs to reduce their seizure frequency, which may have negative effects if used in polytherapy. Imepitoin is low-affinity partial agonist at the benzodiazepine (BDZ) site of the GABAA receptor, and has been demonstrated to have both anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects in laboratory rodents. Imepitoin has been developed for the treatment of IE in dogs, with demonstrated anticonvulsant effects and high tolerability and safety. To date, imepitoin’s potential to reduce anxiety in dogs with IE has not been investigated. An online survey was conducted to investigate the effect of imepitoin on fear and anxiety-related behaviours in dogs with IE. Eighty-five valid responses were received from owners of dogs with IE currently treated with imepitoin. Anxiety-related behaviour was quantified before and during imepitoin treatment using a validated questionnaire tool (C-BARQ). Results No differences were observed in the five fear/anxiety-related measures between the two time periods (before vs. during treatment) for dog directed fear, stranger directed fear, non-social fear, pain sensitivity and separation related behaviour. A median 45% reduction in seizure frequency/month was observed following imepitoin treatment; however, imepitoin did not appear effective in reducing seizure frequency in a minority of cases. Polyphagia was the most common chronic side effect, and more side effects were reported in polytherapy cases. Conclusions Imepitoin does not appear to improve anxiety-related behaviour in dogs with IE treated with this medication for its anti-epileptic effects. Investigating the effects of imepitoin upon the behaviour of dogs with recognised behavioural anxiety-related problems (e.g. specific fears and phobias, separation related behaviours), in both healthy dogs and dogs with epilepsy is required to further explore any potential anxiolytic effects of this medication

Beach drainage system: a comprehensive review of a controversial soft-engineering method

The beach drainage can be included among the soft engineering methods aimed to counteract the shoreline retreat related to the sediment redistribution along the beach profile. The idea that the groundwater table plays a role in the mobilization of the sediment grains underlies the application of the beach drainage system (BDS) as a tool able to modify the natural dynamics of groundwater table at sandy beaches. Indeed, BDS consists of a series of alongshore buried drains aimed to lower the groundwater table. Due to the drainage, the thickening of the layer of dry sand makes the solid grains less prone to be mobilized by the action of the waves at the swash zone, where interaction phenomena between the percolating and the incoming water lens take place. This tool had a troubled history. Its first applications were encouraging. Since then, controversial performances of both experimental and prototype scale experiences have been observed around the world. This paper aims to present an up-to-date full review of the studies and experiments carried out so far, in order to provide the reader with a complete perspective on its strength and weakness as well as open challenges to be faced in the near future

Inter-observer agreement of canine and feline paroxysmal event semiology and classification by veterinary neurology specialists and non-specialists

Background: Advances in mobile technology mean vets are now commonly presented with videos of paroxysmal events by clients, but the consistency of the interpretation of these videos has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the level of agreement between vets (both neurology specialists and non-specialists) on the description and classification of videos depicting paroxysmal events, without knowing any results of diagnostic workup. An online questionnaire study was conducted, where participants watched 100 videos of dogs and cats exhibiting paroxysmal events and answered questions regarding: epileptic seizure presence (yes/ no), seizure type, consciousness status, and the presence of motor, autonomic and neurobehavioural signs. Agreement statistics (percentage agreement and kappa) calculated for each variable, with prevalence indices calculated to aid their interpretation. Results: Only a fair level of agreement (kappa = 0.40) was found for epileptic seizure presence. Overall agreement of seizure type was moderate (kappa = 0.44), with primary generalised seizures showing the highest level of agreement (kappa = 0.60), and focal the lowest (kappa = 0.31). Fair agreement was found for consciousness status and the presence of autonomic signs (kappa = 0.21-0.40), but poor agreement for neurobehavioral signs (kappa = 0.16). Agreement for motor signs ranged from poor (kappa = <= 0.20) to moderate (kappa = 0.41-0.60). Differences between specialists and non-specialists were identified. Conclusions: The relatively low levels of agreement described here highlight the need for further discussions between neurology experts regarding classifying and describing epileptic seizures, and additional training of non-specialists to facilitate accurate diagnosis. There is a need for diagnostic tools (e.g. electroencephalogram) able to differentiate between epileptic and non-epileptic paroxysms

Neurological signs and MRI findings in 12 dogs with multiple myeloma

Vertebral lesions and associated neurological signs occur in dogs with multiple myeloma, however, veterinary literature describing MRI findings is currently lacking. The objective of this multicenter, retrospective, case series study was to describe neurological signs and MRI findings in a group of dogs that presented for spinal pain or other neurological deficits and had multiple myeloma. Electronic records of four veterinary referral hospitals were reviewed. Dogs were included if they had a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of multiple myeloma, had presented for spinal pain or other neurological signs, and had undergone MRI of the vertebral column. The MRI studies were evaluated and the anatomical location of lesion(s), signal intensity, presence of extra‐dural material, degree of spinal cord compression, extent of vertebral lesions, and contrast enhancement were recorded. Twelve dogs met inclusion criteria. Most dogs (n = 8) had a chronic progressive history, with varying degrees of proprioceptive ataxia and paresis (n = 11), and spinal pain was a feature in all dogs. The MRI findings were variable but more consistent features included the presence of multiple expansile vertebral lesions without extension beyond the outer cortical limits of affected vertebrae, and associated extradural material causing spinal cord compression. The majority of lesions were hyper‐ to isointense on T2 (n = 12) and T1‐weighted (n = 8) sequences, with variable but homogeneous contrast‐enhancement (n = 12). These described MRI characteristics of multiple myeloma may be used to aid early identification and guide subsequent confirmatory diagnostic steps, to ultimately improve therapeutic approach and long‐term outcome

Mapping and classification of ports and marinas for the definition of long-term development strategy

Mapping and classification of ports may be of great help to define effective development strategies based on the concept of “intelligent, green and integrated port”, within the frame of sustainable development. To this end, classification tools and knowledge of the initial situation are crucial points needed, just as an example, to boost the maritime and short-sea connectivity by promoting the creation of regional touristic port network, capable of implementing a smart, green, and integrated transport system. This work deals with the mapping and classification of ports and marinas. A possible methodology to define a priority matrix intervention rank is proposed and applied to all the harbors in the Puglia region, as a case study. The collected open data aim to describe several aspects: the services, the urban planning whereby the port is thought, the facilities and structures, the connection with multi-modal local transport. The mapping activity has been performed within the frame of the AI-SMART project funded by the European Regional Development Fund that aims to implement and develop a common port network in the Adriatic-Ionian area. The case study served to highlight the feasibility and applicability of the proposed method to a real case

Connected minds in disconnected bodies. Exploring the role of interoceptive sensibility and alexithymia in problematic use of the internet

Introduction: The ever-increasing prominence of the internet and digital technology in our society requires a deeper examination of how these developments alter perception of our bodies and emotions. One such consequence is the emergence of Problematic Use of the Internet (PUI) - an array of compulsive or addictive behaviors mediated by the web that detrimentally affect an individual's functioning. This suggests that some people may be shifting their consciousness from the physical realm to the digital world. The objective of this study was to investigate how shortcomings in interoception (the sensibility to bodily signals) and alexithymia (an inability to identify and express emotions) might contribute to PUI. Methods: The Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) were used to assess a sample of 1076 adolescents and young adults aged between 16 and 26&nbsp;years via an online survey. Data analysis was based on t-test, correlations and multivariate regression. Results: 26.8% (n&nbsp;=&nbsp;288) of participants met the criteria for moderate PUI. Individuals with PUI displayed higher levels of alexithymia (p&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.001) and diminished abilities in certain aspects of interoceptive sensibility, including placing trust in their own bodily signals (p&nbsp;=&nbsp;0.006), not responding excessively to uncomfortable sensations with worry (p&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.001), and not denying them (p&nbsp;=&nbsp;0.006). Multivariate modelling revealed associations between PUI and the following factors: having a boyfriend/girlfriend (aOR&nbsp;=&nbsp;5.70), substance use (aOR&nbsp;=&nbsp;1.78), difficulty in identifying feelings (aOR&nbsp;=&nbsp;1.09), externally oriented thinking (aOR&nbsp;=&nbsp;1.05), low disposition in perceiving body sensations (aOR&nbsp;=&nbsp;0.25), tendency to become distracted (aOR&nbsp;=&nbsp;0.82) or excessively worried (aOR&nbsp;=&nbsp;0.11) in the face of pain. Furthermore, the analysis indicated how these aspects of body perception may be interrelated, either enhancing or reducing the risk of PUI when examined individually, collectively, or in combination. Conclusions: This study underlines the potential connection between difficulties in the mind-body interaction and the development of PUI. It suggests a bidirectional relationship between excessive digital device use and distorted bodily interoceptive processes in PUI, reinforcing the notion that individuals struggling with emotion identification and expression may be more prone to excessive internet usage. To further comprehend the relevance of these constructs in PUI, it is necessary to conduct more targeted investigations and longitudinal studies