Three-Dimensional Thermal Mapping from IRT Images for Rapid Architectural Heritage NDT

Thermal infrared imaging is fundamental to architectural heritage non-destructive diagnostics. However, thermal sensors’ low spatial resolution allows capturing only very localized phenomena. At the same time, thermal images are commonly collected with independence of geometry, meaning that no measurements can be performed on them. Occasionally, these issues have been solved with various approaches integrating multi-sensor instrumentation, resulting in high costs and computational times. The presented work aims at tackling these problems by proposing a workflow for cost-effective three-dimensional thermographic modeling using a thermal camera and a consumer-grade RGB camera. The discussed approach exploits the RGB spectrum images captured with the optical sensor of the thermal camera and image-based multi-view stereo techniques to reconstruct architectural features’ geometry. The thermal and optical sensors are calibrated employing custom-made low-cost targets. Subsequently, the necessary geometric transformations between undistorted thermal infrared and optical images are calculated to replace them in the photogrammetric scene and map the models with thermal texture. The method’s metric accuracy is evaluated by conducting comparisons with different sensors and the efficiency by assessing how the results can assist the better interpretation of the present thermal phenomena. The conducted application demonstrates the metric and radiometric performance of the proposed approach and the straightforward implementability for thermographic surveys, as well as its usefulness for cost-effective historical building assessments

Monitoring Moisture Diffusion after Contact Sponge Application

The contact sponge method is applied on a piece of clay brick. According to the standard, the sponge is moistened with water, applied on the surface of the material by means of a cup, and weighted before and after the application. It allows us to determine the amount of water absorbed by the porous material by unit area and unit time. After the application, the moistened area begins to evaporate and cool down. The IR camera is used to monitor the temperature variation of the imprint of the sponge. Meanwhile, moisture diffuses on the material as well. The IR camera is used to monitor the in-plane diffusion of moisture by following the imprint of the sponge that enlarges with time. A suitable model is used to evaluate the shape of the imprint that varies with time

3D Thermal Mapping of Architectural Heritage

The combination of thermographic and geometric recording has always been an issue for architectural heritage diagnostic investigations. Multidisciplinary projects often require integrating multi-sensor information—including metric and temperature data—to extract valid conclusions regarding the state-of-preservation of historical buildings. Towards this direction, recent technological advancements in thermographic cameras and three-dimensional (3D) documentation instrumentation and software have contributed significantly, assisting the rapid creation of detailed 3D thermal-textured results, which can be exploited for non-destructive diagnostical surveys. This paper aims to briefly review and evaluate the current workflows for thermographic architectural 3D modeling, which implement state-of-the-art sensing procedures and processing techniques, while also presenting some applications on case studies of significant heritage value to help discuss current problems and identify topics for relevant future research

Paracoccidioidomycosis in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul

Background and Objectives: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic disease caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Latin America. This study aimed to perform a retrospective analysis of PCM cases from the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: A total of 200 records of PCM cases from 1995 to 2015 were analyzed, diagnosed at the local reference pathology laboratory. Results: Of the patients, 185 were male and 15 female. Patients ranged in age from 31 to 80 years, the largest proportion (35,5%) being aged between 51 and 60 years and living or working in the countryside. Clinical samples were mostly obtained from the oral cavity, followed by the oropharynx, lungs, brain, skin, and prostate. Conclusion: PCM is endemic in the south of Brazil, as the local economy is largely based on agricultural activities, favoring the contact of the population with P. brasiliensis. Due to the great similarity between PCM symptoms and other respiratory diseases, the differential diagnosis is essential for the correct treatment of the disease and to avoid its progression

Rilievo 3D multisensore e indagini diagnostiche per lo studio della vulnerabilità sismica del Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie (località Varoni, Amatrice)

Il santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie di Varoni per le sue peculiarità è stato prescelto come caso campione di struttura storica da sottoporre a indagini comparate. Il valore storico culturale del santuario è dovuto all’impianto della chiesa (XV secolo), ma soprattutto è significativo il richiamo devozionale dovuto al culto mariano, che sollecita una urgente esigenza di conservazione, anche per confermare il riferimento religioso come stimolo alla rigenerazione del centro. Per garantire la salvaguardia dell’organismo, è stato realizzato un rilievo 3D con tecniche innovative terrestri ed aeree integrate, oltre ad indagini diagnostiche di caratterizzazione meccanica di murature e malte, completati da indagini termografiche. L’integrazione e il confronto del complesso di analisi mirano a restituire un quadro di conoscenza dello stato di conservazione sul quale basare la valutazione della vulnerabilità sismica, a supporto dei futuri propositi di rifunzionalizzazione della fabbrica

Genome-wide association analysis on normal hearing function identifies PCDH20 and SLC28A3 as candidates for hearing function and loss

Hearing loss and individual differences in normal hearing both have a substantial genetic basis. Although many new genes contributing to deafness have been identified, very little is known about genes/variants modulating the normal range of hearing ability. To fill this gap, we performed a two-stage meta-analysis on hearing thresholds (tested at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 kHz) and on pure-tone averages (low-, medium-and high-frequency thresholds grouped) in several isolated populations from Italy and Central Asia (total N = 2636). Here, we detected two genome-wide significant loci close to PCDH20 and SLC28A3 (top hits: rs78043697, P = 4.71E-10 and rs7032430, P = 2.39E-09, respectively). For both loci, we sought replication in two independent cohorts: B58C from the UK (N = 5892) and FITSA from Finland (N = 270). Both loci were successfully replicated at a nominal level of significance (P <0.05). In order to confirm our quantitative findings, we carried out RT-PCR and reported RNA-Seq data, which showed that both genes are expressed in mouse inner ear, especially in hair cells, further suggesting them as good candidates for modulatory genes in the auditory system. Sequencing data revealed no functional variants in the coding region of PCDH20 or SLC28A3, suggesting that variation in regulatory sequences may affect expression. Overall, these results contribute to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying human hearing function.Peer reviewe

2017 update of the WSES guidelines for emergency repair of complicated abdominal wall hernias

Emergency repair of complicated abdominal wall hernias may be associated with worsen outcome and a significant rate of postoperative complications. There is no consensus on management of complicated abdominal hernias. The main matter of debate is about the use of mesh in case of intestinal resection and the type of mesh to be used. Wound infection is the most common complication encountered and represents an immense burden especially in the presence of a mesh. The recurrence rate is an important topic that influences the final outcome. A World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) Consensus Conference was held in Bergamo in July 2013 with the aim to define recommendations for emergency repair of abdominal wall hernias in adults. This document represents the executive summary of the consensus conference approved by a WSES expert panel. In 2016, the guidelines have been revised and updated according to the most recent available literature.Peer reviewe

Genome-wide analysis identifies 12 loci influencing human reproductive behavior.

The genetic architecture of human reproductive behavior-age at first birth (AFB) and number of children ever born (NEB)-has a strong relationship with fitness, human development, infertility and risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, very few genetic loci have been identified, and the underlying mechanisms of AFB and NEB are poorly understood. We report a large genome-wide association study of both sexes including 251,151 individuals for AFB and 343,072 individuals for NEB. We identified 12 independent loci that are significantly associated with AFB and/or NEB in a SNP-based genome-wide association study and 4 additional loci associated in a gene-based effort. These loci harbor genes that are likely to have a role, either directly or by affecting non-local gene expression, in human reproduction and infertility, thereby increasing understanding of these complex traits