1. Editorial: Philosophy and Geography

After “Erasmian Science” and “Gastronomy and Revolution”, the Journal of Interdisciplinary History of Ideas has again issued a Call for Paper, for a special issue dedicated to the historical relations of Philosophy and Geography. It will be guest-edited by Ernesto Sferrazza Papa and Simone Mammola, and appear end 2017. In the Editorial we present the contents of the Call, that can also be found, together with practical information for submission, in the News of the JIHI

Kinematic collapse load calculator: Circular arches

[EN] Masonry arches and their typical failure do not fall elegantly into standard design and analysis methods. The system is highly dependent on geometry and failure is dominated by mechanization, not material strength. Focusing directly on the mechanized failure, this work presents the kinematic collapse load calculator (KCLC) for circular arches. The KCLC, a MATLAB® based graphical user interface, provides a simple interactive limit analysis of any ideal semi-circular masonry arch subjected to either an asymmetric point load or constant horizontal acceleration. After defining key geometric factors, the KCLC analyses the arch for any selected and kinematically admissible hinge configuration. For a selected configuration, an equilibrium approach to the upper bound theorem of limit analysis is used to calculate the collapse load multiplier and hinge reactions. The resulting collapse condition values are displayed and used to plot the thrust line that maintains a zero moment at the hinges. Designed primarily as an educational tool, the KCLC also provides a simple and efficient foundation for adapting to different arch geometries and loading conditions.Stockdale, G.; Tiberti, S.; Camilletti, D.; Sferrazza Papa, G.; Basshofi Habieb, A.; Bertolesi, E.; Milani, G.... (2018). Kinematic collapse load calculator: Circular arches. SoftwareX. 7:174-179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.softx.2018.05.006S174179

Prenatal and postnatal urinary tract dilation: advantages of a standardized ultrasound definition and classification

Urinary tract dilatation is identified sonographically in 1-2% of fetuses and reflects a spectrum of possible nephro-uropathies. There is significant variability in the clinical management of individuals with prenatal urinary tract dilatation to postnatal urinary pathologies, because of a lack of consensus and uniformity in defining and classifying urinary tract dilation. Ultrasonography is the first step to screen and diagnose kidneys and the urinary tract diseases of the children. The need for a correct ultrasound approach led to the realization of algorithms aimed at standardizing the procedures, the parameters and the classifications. Our objective was to highlight the strengths of the Classification of Urinary Tract Dilation (UTD) suggested by the Consensus Conference which took place in 2014 with the participation of eight Scientific Societies and was subsequently published on the Journal of Pediatric Urology. Before its spread out, the definition of UTD was not uniform and the ultrasonographic measurements were not clearly defined, leading to misunderstandings between physicians. The Classification by the Consensus Conference of 2014 represents a revolutionary tool for the diagnosis and management of UTD. Furthermore, the parameters suggested by the classification proposed are applicable for both prenatal and postnatal classification, ensuring a correct follow-up in children with UTD whose diagnosis had been already made during pregnancy