The Unusual Universality of Branching Interfaces in Random Media

We study the criticality of a Potts interface by introducing a {\it froth} model which, unlike its SOS Ising counterpart, incorporates bubbles of different phases. The interface is fractal at the phase transition of a pure system. However, a position space approximation suggests that the probability of loop formation vanishes marginally at a transition dominated by {\it strong random bond disorder}. This implies a linear critical interface, and provides a mechanism for the conjectured equivalence of critical random Potts and Ising models.Comment: REVTEX, 13 pages, 3 Postscript figures appended using uufile

Interfacial Structural Changes and Singularities in Non-Planar Geometries

We consider phase coexistence and criticality in a thin-film Ising magnet with opposing surface fields and non-planar (corrugated) walls. We show that the loss of translational invariance has a strong and unexpected non-linear influence on the interface structure and phase diagram. We identify 4 non-thermodynamic singularities where there is a qualitative change in the interface shape. In addition, we establish that at the finite-size critical point, the singularity in the interface shape is characterized by two distint critical exponents in contrast to the planar case (which is characterised by one). Similar effects should be observed for prewetting at a corrugated substrate. Analogy is made with the behaviour of a non-linear forced oscillator showing chaotic dynamics.Comment: 13 pages, 3 figure

Renal Measures in Healthy Italian Trotter Foals and Correlation Between Renal and Biometric Measures: Preliminary Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate ultrasonographic renal measures in healthy foals aged 1–6 weeks and to verify the correlation between biometric measures to ultrasonographic renal ones. A total of nine Italian trotter foals born in the same stud farm and underwent similar management conditions were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were normal gestation time, unassisted delivery, and normal physical examination at all evaluation times. Length and height of both kidneys were measured by ultrasound weekly from 1 to 6 weeks of life, along with the thoracic and the middle third of the metacarpal area circumferences. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation, and distribution was evaluated. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to verify differences related to time. The Pearson correlation test was carried out to evaluate the linearity between time versus all the parameters measured. Student's t test was used to verify differences in ultrasound measures between right and left kidney at all recorded times. The Pearson test was applied to a mean-variance matrix to verify the correlation between each biometrical versus all renal measures. Significance level was set at P <.05. One-way ANOVA showed differences in biometric and renal measures related to time. Correlation test revealed a linear growth. Differences in ultrasound renal measures between right and left kidney were obtained. Correlation was found between biometrical parameters versus kidney measures. Renal measures and differences between left and right kidneys were in line with literature. Correlation test revealed a linear growth. Renal growth is correlated with age and biometric measure

Recent Trends and Perspectives on Defect-Oriented Testing

Electronics employed in modern safety-critical systems require severe qualification during the manufacturing process and in the field, to prevent fault effects from manifesting themselves as critical failures during mission operations. Traditional fault models are not sufficient anymore to guarantee the required quality levels for chips utilized in mission-critical applications. The research community and industry have been investigating new test approaches such as device-aware test, cell-aware test, path-delay test, and even test methodologies based on the analysis of manufacturing data to move the scope from OPPM to OPPB. This special session presents four contributions, from academic researchers and industry professionals, to enable better chip quality. We present results on various activities towards this objective, including device-aware test, software-based self-test, and memory test

Application of digital system in food safety chain management in Uzbekistan: a preliminary evaluation

It is estimated that augmented food demand and international trade will result in the increase of food borne diseases with a rebound of important challenges for the global food safety, especially in Regions where the agrifood system is expected to significantly grow. In Central Asia agricultural and food production expanded rapidly over the last decades and in Uzbekistan the expected enrichment of population will result in a higher food quality food demand. Innovation could face the biggest challenges of the food sector and digital technologies could help in finding solution to overcome problems related to food safety. In this work the application of innovative food safety management system in Uzbekistan is analysed. Results show how innovation and digital technologies could be helpful in addressing and solving problems related to food safety and sustainability as well as competitiveness in international market

"Problemi Inerenti l'Impiego della Risonanza Magnetica nei Pazienti Portatori di Metalli Correntemente Usati nelle Pratiche Ortopediche" “Inherent problems of the use of magnetic resonance in patients with metallic implants currently used in orthopedic practice”

Forty-eight patients with oncologic prosthetic devices (modular rotatory shoulder, Kotz, custom made) and metallic means of fixation (Sherman's plates, Ender's rods, etc.) underwent MRI in order to: 1) assess possible physical changes in the magnetic field or the alloys under examination; 2) detect the presence and type of artifacts, and 3) verify the onset of eventual noxious effects of the alloy on the patient. The diagnostic investigation was preceded by an experimental phase which was characterized by: A) a study of the temperature fluctuations of the alloys when submitted to the magnetic field and to radiofrequency; B) the identification and characterization of the artifacts, as well as C) their physical interpretation. During examination, there was no evidence of any mobilization of the means of fixation, sensation of endogenous heat, or other subjective complaints on the part of the patient. The authors observed that, even in the presence of artifacts, MRI provided good evaluation of the soft tissues around the devices by identifying tumor recurrences in the presence of an oncological prosthesis. MRI was also capable of showing trophic changes in the tissues surrounding the means of fixation. Thus, the method exhibits no contraindications in the study of these patients but, on the other hand, does not allow the evaluation of the integrity or mobilization of the prosthetic devices