Archetypal Use of Artificial Intelligence for Bridge Structural Monitoring

Structural monitoring is a research topic that is receiving more and more attention, especially in light of the fact that a large part our infrastructural heritage was built in the Sixties and is aging and approaching the end of its design working life. The detection of damage is usually performed through artificial intelligence techniques. In contrast, tools for the localization and the estimation of the extent of the damage are limited, mainly due to the complete datasets of damages needed for training the system. The proposed approach consists in numerically generating datasets of damaged structures on the basis of random variables representing the actions and the possible damages. Neural networks were trained to perform the main structural monitoring tasks: damage detection, localization, and estimation. The artificial intelligence tool interpreted the measurements on a real structure. To simulate real measurements more accurately, noise was added to the synthetic dataset. The results indicate that the accuracy of the measurement devices plays a relevant role in the quality of the monitoring

New Data on the Archaeological Obsidians of the Banat and Transylvania

Società per la Preistoria e Protostoria della Regione Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Quaderno 12 - ISSN

lHuman cytotoxic T lymphocytes with reduced sensitivity to Fas-induced apoptosis

Effector-memory T cells expressing Fas (Apo-1/CD95) are switched to an apoptotic program by cross-linking with Fas-ligand (FasL). Consequently, tumors that express FasL can induce apoptosis of infiltrating Fas-positive T lymphocytes and subdue any antitumor host immune response. Since Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated tumors such as Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) express FasL, we determined whether EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (EBV-CTLs) could be modified to resist this evasion strategy. We show that long-term down-modulation of Fas can be achieved in EBV-CTLs by transduction with small interfering RNA (siRNA) encoded in a retrovirus. Modified T cells resisted Fas/FasL-mediated apoptosis compared with control cells and showed minimal cleavage of the caspase3 substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein after Fas engagement. Prolonged Fas stimulation selected a uniformly Fas(low) and FasL resistant population. Removal of responsiveness to this single death signal had no other discernible effects on EBV-CTLs. In particular, it did not lead to their autonomous growth since the modified EBV-CTLs remained polyclonal, and their survival and proliferation retained dependence on antigen-specific stimulation and on the presence of other physiologic growth signals. EBV-CTLs with knocked down Fas should have a selective functional and survival advantage over unmodified EBV-CTLs in the presence of tumors expressing FasL and may be of value for adoptive cellular therapy. (c) 2005 by The American Society of Hematology

SEISMO-ELECTROMAGNETIC PHENOMENA IN TECTONICALLY ACTIVE REGIONS

This work presents a research plan that aims to monitor seismo-electromagnetic signals in seismic active regions. Two effects will be considered: electromagnetic field emissions and radio broadcastings. Our study will be focused in the analysis of low magnitude earthquakes almost completely disregarded in literature. We aim to collect novel seismo-electromagnetic emission data emerging from seismic activity. We expect to address the time variation of electromagnetic properties of the crust in relation with the strain field and complement it with the development of proper models. Experimental studies based on the electrical properties of rocks will also be done aiming the understanding of pressure stimulated currents and voltages that produce detectable electromagnetic radiation and can be a cause for seismo-electromagnetic signals

Seismo-electromagnetic phenomena in the western part of the Eurasia-Nubia plate boundary

This paper presents a future research plan that aims to monitor Seismo-electromagnetic (SEM) phenomena in the western part of the Eurasia-Nubia plate boundary (WENP). This region has a significant tectonic activity [1] combined with relatively low electromagnetic noise levels and for that reason presents the possibility to perform high quality SEM measurements. Further, it is known that low-frequency [ultra (ULF), very (VLF), and low-frequencies (LF)] electromag- netic (EM) waves produce more convincing earthquake precursors (compared to higher frequencies) because of less contamination, large skin depth, and low attenuation [2]. Thus, two SEM effects will be considered: ULF electromagnetic field emissions [3], and VLF/LF radio broadcastings [4]. With respect to the ULF measurements, as a start, three ULF sensors are planned to be installed in the South of Iberian Peninsula supported by the existing networks of seismic research stations. Subsequent devel- opment of this initial plan could result in the implementation of a lager ULF monitoring network not only in the Iberian Peninsula, but also in the rest of Europe. Possible integration in the SEGMA array is now under consideration. Another perspective is to use a portable station to track seismic events. Regarding the VLF/LF radio broadcastings, a receiver is planned to be mounted in University of Évora. Radio signals from up to 10 transmitters (in these bands) of interest to study the seismic activity in the WENP region will be monitored. Actually, the radio path from the transmitter to the receiver should cross the epicentral area, therefore two possible transmitters are the ones installed in Monaco (France) and Sicily (Italy). Furthermore, the system will integrate the INFREP network and in this context it will not be restricted to WENP region. With the development of these research plans we aim to collect novel SEM data emerging from the seis- mic activity in the WENP region. We expect to address the time variations of EM properties of the crust/plate in relation with the strain field, and in space in relation with composition and temperature and stress fields. Further, the interplay between atmospheric (and solar) perturbations with crust perturbations will be monitored, to observe geomagnetic perturbations at different locations. Our study will be focused in the analyses of low magnitude earthquakes with M =< 4, these events are frequent in the WENP region, but have been almost completely disregarded in literature [5,6]. [1] J. Borges, A. J. S. Fitas, M. Bezzeghoud, and P. Teves-Costa, Tectonophysics 337, 373 (2001). [2] V. Chauhan, O.P. Singh, V. Kushwah, V. Singh, B. Singh, Journal of Geodynamics 48, 68 (2009). [3] L. Telesca, V. Lapenna, M. Macchiato, and K. Hattori, Earth and Planet. Science Lett. 268, 219 (2008)

Seismo-electromagnetic phenomena in the western part of the Eurasia-Nubia plate boundary

This paper presents a future research plan that aims to monitor Seismo-electromagnetic (SEM) phenomena in the western part of the Eurasia-Nubia plate boundary (WENP). This region has a significant tectonic activity [1] combined with relatively low electromagnetic noise levels and for that reason presents the possibility to perform high quality SEM measurements. Further, it is known that low-frequency [ultra (ULF), very (VLF), and low-frequencies (LF)] electromag- netic (EM) waves produce more convincing earthquake precursors (compared to higher frequencies) because of less contamination, large skin depth, and low attenuation [2]. Thus, two SEM effects will be considered: ULF electromagnetic field emissions [3], and VLF/LF radio broadcastings [4]. With respect to the ULF measurements, as a start, three ULF sensors are planned to be installed in the South of Iberian Peninsula supported by the existing networks of seismic research stations. Subsequent devel- opment of this initial plan could result in the implementation of a lager ULF monitoring network not only in the Iberian Peninsula, but also in the rest of Europe. Possible integration in the SEGMA array is now under consideration. Another perspective is to use a portable station to track seismic events. Regarding the VLF/LF radio broadcastings, a receiver is planned to be mounted in University of Évora. Radio signals from up to 10 transmitters (in these bands) of interest to study the seismic activity in the WENP region will be monitored. Actually, the radio path from the transmitter to the receiver should cross the epicentral area, therefore two possible transmitters are the ones installed in Monaco (France) and Sicily (Italy). Furthermore, the system will integrate the INFREP network and in this context it will not be restricted to WENP region. With the development of these research plans we aim to collect novel SEM data emerging from the seis- mic activity in the WENP region. We expect to address the time variations of EM properties of the crust/plate in relation with the strain field, and in space in relation with composition and temperature and stress fields. Further, the interplay between atmospheric (and solar) perturbations with crust perturbations will be monitored, to observe geomagnetic perturbations at different locations. Our study will be focused in the analyses of low magnitude earthquakes with M =< 4, these events are frequent in the WENP region, but have been almost completely disregarded in literature [5,6]. [1] J. Borges, A. J. S. Fitas, M. Bezzeghoud, and P. Teves-Costa, Tectonophysics 337, 373 (2001). [2] V. Chauhan, O.P. Singh, V. Kushwah, V. Singh, B. Singh, Journal of Geodynamics 48, 68 (2009). [3] L. Telesca, V. Lapenna, M. Macchiato, and K. Hattori, Earth and Planet. Science Lett. 268, 219 (2008)

A simplified method for assessing the response of RC frame structures to sudden column removal

Column loss is a type of damage that can occur in frame structures subjected to explosions or impacts. The response of such structures largely depends on the capacity of the assembly of elements and on the inertia effects due to the sudden nature of the phenomenon. Frame structures are able to develop various resisting mechanisms that prevent the collapse to progress. The assessment of the robustness often requires complex and detailed numerical modelling. For the preliminary design of a robust frame, simplified methods to assess the effectiveness of the redistribution of the loads after the removal of a member are welcome. In the present paper, an approach based on the idealisation of the damaged structure into a single degree-of-freedom system with an elastic-plastic compliance law is proposed. The output of the method is the dynamic response of a target point, which can serve for assessing the residual safety of the structure. Comparing the obtained results with the outputs of a more sophisticated FE (Finite Elements) analysis, a satisfying accuracy is found

Optimization of extraction of drugs containing polyphenols using an innovative technique

The role of polyphenols in human health nowadays is well established and these natural products, found in many plant species, are the active ingredients of drugs, food supplements and cosmetics. Extraction procedure is pivotal to obtain high quality herbal products but paradoxically this factor is often underrated and obsolete techniques are used. In this work we compared the classic and most used method of maceration and an innovative and standardized technique of extraction, Estrattore Naviglio((R)), processing ten common medicinal plants containing polyphenols and for each analysing specific biological markers such as flavonoids, anthocyanosides and caffeic derivatives in addition to total polyphenols content. Estrattore Naviglio((R)) guaranteed a significant improvement of the chemical quality of extracts combining effectiveness with rapidity and reproducibility. In this work we further investigated the optimization of drug extractions by replicating operations varying parameters setting on Estrattore Naviglio((R)) instrument

Excavations at the High Altitude Mesolithic Site of Laghetti del Crestoso (Bovegno, Brescia - Northern Italy)

Final report of the excavations carried ou at the Late Mesolithic, Castelnovian campo of Laghetti del Crestoso, located at 2000m of altitide in the upper Valcamonica alpine gang