bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Employee Engagement for Small and Medium Enterprises in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Kuo-Tai , Chang Kirk
Published: October 2018

The aim of the research is to study the employee engagement strategies utilised in Taiwan's SMEs from the perspective of the employees. In doing so, a qualitative research method was employed using semi-structured interviews. Nine participants from five sectors of SMEs (electronics & information, metal transportation, machinery and equipment, food manufacturing, and textile) were interviewed. The authors' results reveal that having high levels of engagement amongst employees in Taiwan's SMEs will bring about an increase in work commitment amongst employees which encourages productivity for the organisation. These findings hold several important theoretical and practical implications.
The Improved SIFT Algorithm Based on Rectangular Operator and Its Parallel Implementation
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Yang Jing , Song Haifeng
Published: October 2018

The SIFT algorithm is one of the most widely used algorithm which bases on local feature extraction. But it could not meet the requirement of the real-time application due to the high time complexity and low execution efficiency. In order to improve these drawback, the authors optimized the SIFT algorithm by using the Gaussian convolution scale of adaptive scale space. The authors also provided the executive process of the improved SIFT algorithm on the MapReduce programming model and compared its performance in terms of the stand-alone and cluster environment. The experiment result showed that compared to the traditional algorithm, the improved algorithm had high execution efficiency, good speedup, scalability and is suitable for massive amounts of image data processing.
PLSA-Based Personalized Information Retrieval with Network Regularization
Authors: Zhu Qiuyu , Li Dongmei , Dai Cong , Han Qichen , Lin Yi
Published: October 2018

With the rapid development of the Internet, the information retrieval model based on the keywords matching algorithm has not met the requirements of users, because people with various query history always have different retrieval intentions. User query history often implies their interests. Therefore, it is of great importance to enhance the recall ratio and the precision ratio by applying query history into the judgment of retrieval intentions. For this sake, this article does research on user query history and proposes a method to construct user interest model utilizing query history. Coordinately, the authors design a model called PLSA-based Personalized Information Retrieval with Network Regularization. Finally, the model is applied into academic information retrieval and the authors compare it with Baidu Scholar and the personalized information retrieval model based on the probabilistic latent semantic analysis topic model. The experiment results prove that this model can effectively extract topics and retrieves back results more satisfied for users' requirements. Also, this model improves the effect of retrieval results apparently. In addition, the retrieval model can be utilized not only in the academic information retrieval, but also in the personalized information retrieval on microblog search, associate recommendation, etc.
The Research on the Osmotic Stress Gene Mining Model Based on the Arabidopsis Genome
Authors: Yu Xiao , Li Xiang , Deng Huihui , Tang Yuchen , Hou Zhepeng , Kong Qingming
Published: October 2018

In the field of the bioinformatics, during osmotic stress response genes mining processing, it is also very crucial to verify experimental data obtained in the course of complex experiments by using the computer. Aim of this paper is taking Arabidopsis thaliana as the experimental crop, designing technology roadmap, taking advantage of the skills of function and programming, then designing algorithms. After using the program to predict the transcription start point, the promoter sequence is extracted and simplified. In addition, different alignment methods are classified. Then, comparing the promoter sequence with the cis-element and using the formula for further processing. Finally, get the probability P value, which provide further help to experts and scholars on the basis of probability values to determine the correlation between the osmotic stress. The experimental data source of chromosomal sequences is received from Genbank database files, and cis-element sequence that associated with osmotic stress is collected from TRANSFAC and TRRD database. From this, the authors not only used the Arabidopsis promoter as the experimental data, but also use a variety of eukaryotic promoters include promoters GhNHX1 rice, cotton OsNHX1 promoter, as a comparison. Wherein the data obtained in the biological laboratory, which in the course of running the program, 70% have been verified. P value close to 0.8, this article will be treated as the promoter contains osmotic stress cis-elements, the expression of gene induced by osmotic stress. For thaliana, cotton and rice, programs running average time was 51s, 72s and 114s. Through the use of some commonly used bioinformatics gene mining algorithms, MEME algorithm and BioProspector algorithm for the same data have been processed, the average running time of the system is increasing with the increase of data. Running time of MEME algorithm increases from 60s to reach 198s, BioProspector algorithm increases from 45s to 150s model process used herein were 50s, 75s, 110s, 135s. At the same time, the authors can see in the three algorithms, the model algorithm used herein with respect to the first two more optimized. To ensure the accuracy rate, meanwhile has high speed and stabilization of higher.
RNA Splicing in the Transition from B Cells to Antibody-Secreting Cells: The Influences of ELL2, Small Nuclear RNA, and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Nelson Ashley M. , Carew Nolan T. , Smith Sage M. , Milcarek Christine
Published: October 2018

In the transition from B cells to Ab-secreting cells (ASCs) many genes are induced, such as ELL2, Irf4, Prdm1, Xbp1, whereas other mRNAs do not change in abundance. Nonetheless, using splicing array technology and mouse splenic B cells plus or minus LPS, we found that induced and “uninduced” genes can show large differences in splicing patterns between the cell stages, which could influence ASC development. We found that ∼55% of these splicing changes depend on ELL2, a transcription elongation factor that influences expression levels and splicing patterns of ASC signature genes, genes in the cell-cycle and N-glycan biosynthesis and processing pathways, and the secretory versus membrane forms of the IgH mRNA. Some of these changes occur when ELL2 binds directly to the genes encoding those mRNAs, whereas some of the changes are indirect. To attempt to account for the changes that occur in RNA splicing before or without ELL2 induction, we examined the amount of the small nuclear RNA molecules and found that they were significantly decreased within 18 h of LPS stimulation and stayed low until 72 h. Correlating with this, at 18 h after LPS, endoplasmic reticulum stress and Ire1 phosphorylation are induced. Inhibiting the regulated Ire1-dependent mRNA decay with 4u8C correlates with the reduction in small nuclear RNA and changes in the normal splicing patterns at 18 h. Thus, we conclude that the RNA splicing patterns in ASCs are shaped early by endoplasmic reticulum stress and Ire1 phosphorylation and later by ELL2 induction.
OMAN AND IBADISM FROM A RELIGIOUS REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Al-Salimi Abdulrahman
Published: October 2018

Questo paper affronta il tema dellâ€™identitÃ  Omanita e lâ€™ideologico religioso Islamico Ibadita. Fra gli elementi principali che caratterizzano lâ€™Oman, si possono considerare: 1. La sua particolare configurazione geografica. 2. La sua popolazione multi-culturale e multi-religiosa sin da epoche antichissime e precedent lâ€™Islam stesso. 3. La dottrina Islamica Ibadita. Conseguentemente, in primo luogo lâ€™Autore si sofferma sulle particolari connotazioni geografiche dellâ€™Oman e suoi molteplici â€˜paesaggiâ€™, i quali hanno indubbiamnete avuto un profondo impatto sugli habitat umani e la loro organizzazione allâ€™interno delle diverse nicchie ecologiche del Paese, risalendo a secoli se non a millenni or sono. Riguardo a questâ€™ultimo aspetto, una delle principali connotazioni Ã¨ stata quella del tribalismo e le sue complementarietÃ  allâ€™interno di una cornice che, in Oman, Ã¨ sempre stata caratterizzata da multi-culturalitÃ  e multi-religiositÃ . Quindi, con lâ€™avvento dellâ€™Islam, un nuovo fattore si Ã¨ imposto sulla scena storica omanita: lâ€™Ibadismo e le sue dinamiche. Dopo un breve schema storico e in ampia parte riferendosi al paper precedente, il discorso puntualizza i principÃ® base dellâ€™Ibadismo e della sua evoluzione nel tempo, il ruolo giocato in Oman nel corso dei secoli, il suo impatto sulla societÃ  locale e il modello politico-istituzionale che esso ha contribuito a forgiare e modellare. Si tratta di una ereditÃ  culturale tramandata nei secoli fino ad oggi. Infine, lâ€™Autore dÃ  un rapido ma chiaro affresco dellâ€™Ibadismo e del suo ideologico religioso oggi, il rapporto fra questa ideologia religiosa e il concetto di ModernitÃ  tecnologica e sociale, Corano e principÃ® guida religiosi di fronte alle diversitÃ , la risposta Ibadita di fronte a un nuovo modello di societÃ  inter-religiosa e inter-etnica.
SALUTO DEL PRESIDENTE DELLâ€™ISTITUTO LOMBARDO
Authors: Beretta Silvio
Published: October 2018

Non presente.
DEMATERIALIZZAZIONE DELLA FISICA
Authors: D'Ariano Giacomo Mauro
Published: October 2018

Quantum Mechanics has taught us a lesson that goes well beyond a set of new physical laws. It has provided us with genuine â€œtheorems of epistemologyâ€. We now know that there are situations when the observation of the world cannot be considered as the mere reading of a reality pre-existing the observation, whereas there are circumstances where the knowledge of the whole do not corresponds to the knowledge of the parts (holism). We know that there are incompatible properties that are complementary. We know that there exist properties of the whole that are incompatible with any property of each part. The notion of â€œobjectâ€ defined in terms of its â€œproperties â€ is in contrast with its mereologic connotation according to which objects can be composed to form new objects. The particle ontology as localizable unity is in contrast with the Malament theorem in quantum field theory. To the above add the fact that the two more general fundamental theories in physics â€“ the quantum theory of fields and the general relativity of Einstein â€“ are logically incompatible. In order to reconcile the logical coherence of the observations with their theoretical explanation we need a radical change of paradigm. The solution here proposed is to abandon the vision of the world as a â€œmechanismâ€ and to substitute it with that of â€œalgorithmâ€. This is the paradigm of the â€œuniverse as a huge computerâ€ that have been latent within the community since Richard Feynman, and nowadays is resurrecting in physics, showing its full theoretical power. In the new algorithmic vision the â€œmechanicsâ€ becomes an emergent phenomenology. Without the need of physical primitive, the new â€œinformationalâ€ program allows us to found physics on solid axiomatic grounds. The quantum theory of abstract systems along with the free quantum field theory are derived from information-theoretic axioms. The axioms of quantum theory all have an epistemological connotation, and pertain the possibility of falsifying the propositions of the theory. They reconnect holism with reductionism, probabilism and falsifiability, substituting the notion of â€œobjectâ€ with that of â€œsystemâ€ and of â€œeventâ€, and logically implying the theorem of quantum theory without the need of using the abstract Hilbert-spaces toolkit. The free quantum field theory (Weyl, Dirac e Maxwell) is obtained by adding axioms of minimization of algorithmic complexity. The informational framework well separates the notions of â€œexperimentâ€and â€œtheoryâ€: the theory connects input with output, the experiment being identified with the collection of input, output, and objective intermediate events. The objective reality (experiment) is made of â€œiconsâ€ with which we interact: the theory is the underlying algorithm. The paradigm describes the tapestry of reality as pure software, â€œsoftwareâ€. â€œSoftware without hardwareâ€: the dematerialization of physics. â€œReality without realismâ€ means pure logical coherentism.
LA RELATIVITÃ€ E LA REALTÃ€ DEL MOMENTO PRESENTE
Authors: Dorato Mauro
Published: October 2018

In this paper I examine the problem of scientific realism from the viewpoint of the question of reality of time, and of the present moment in particular. For this purpose, I examine four different views about the reality of time, corresponding in the debate on scientific realism to theory realism, entity realism, structural realism and what we could call â€œweak realismâ€ (intersubjectice agreement). I conclude that the relational character of â€œbeing presentâ€ need not entail the reducibility of mental states to physical states, but rather the necessity of considering together the objective succession of physical events perceived by our brain and the awareness of this succession made possible by our brain.
FISICA E REALISMO
Authors: ZanghÃ¬ Nino
Published: October 2018

The question of realism in physics is addressed by following the path laid out by Einstein and Bell. After an exposition of the problem of the completeness of quantum mechanics and a discussion of some aspects of the debate between Einstein and Bohr, we outline what are the requirements of a formulation of quantum mechanics that is not based on such vague and imprecise notions as â€œ measurementâ€ or â€œ observer.â€ Finally , we show that a physical theory that describes â€œstuffâ€ in the space that evolves over time makes transparent the relationship between theory and empirical reality. The conclusion has a Kantian flavor.
LA REALTÃ€ FISICA, MON BEAU SOUCI
Authors: Perinotti Paolo
Published: October 2018

The personal viewpoint of a theoretical physicist about the relation between reality and physical science is exposed, starting from his personal experience in the context of quantum foundations and quantum information theory. The effectiveness of an axiomatic approach is argued as a navigation system between the abstract landscape of quantum theory and the reality of facts, along a road that is intrinsically unaccessible to classical conceptual maps. The present approach requires physics to accept the notion of information at its deepest level, in place of matter and space-time, that are recovered only as an effective description of phenomena on a secondary level. As a result of the above operation, a simplified conceptual scenario is achieved, where new possibilities are available for facing the open challenges of theoretical physics.
EQUITÃ€ SENZA EGUAGLIANZA: UN ROMPICAPO ARISTOTELICO
Authors: Vegetti Mario
Published: October 2018

In the book V of Ethica nicomachea, in the context of the discourse on â€œdistributive justiceâ€ (a subsystem of â€œjustice in generalâ€ or â€œpolitical justiceâ€, essentially consisting in the respect for the law), Aristotle addresses the question of the fair distribution of social assets such as power functions, prestige positions, public wealth. The democratic deception of a perfectly egalitarian distribution must be avoided as it does not correspond to the real social hierarchies of class and merit, and also to the greed (pleonexia) that distinguishes the oligarchic regimes: both classlessness and greed are seeds of social conflicts. Aristotle therefore proposes a concept of â€œproportionalâ€ equity, a kind of fairness with variable geometry in the distribution of social goods, which is able to take into account the real differences among members of the political community, while not allowing the powerful to abuse their power. Aristotle then extends this concept of â€œproportionalâ€ equity to apparently strange areas, such as trade and â€œcorrective justiceâ€, namely the provision of penalties for crimes affecting the harmony of the community.
Lâ€™IDEA DI EQUITÃ€ NELLE TEORIE DELLA GIUSTIZIA
Authors: Veca Salvatore
Published: October 2018

The author examines the role that the idea of fairness plays in theories of social justice. Referring to the fundamental theoretical contribution of John Rawls, he focuses on the connections between the two principles of justice as fairness and offers an interpretation that combines an intuitive argument in favor of the principles with an analytical argument and the theory of collective choice. In conclusion, he cites cases of the extension of the concept of justice as fairness, stressing in particular the importance of and difficulty in establishing a coherent idea of global justice.
SALUTO DELLâ€™ASSESSORE ALLA CULTURA DEL COMUNE DI MILANO
Authors: Del Corno Filippo
Published: October 2018

Non disponibile.
PARTENARIATO TRA PUBBLICO E PRIVATO NELLA TUTELA E NELLA VALORIZZAZIONE DEI BENI CULTURALI
Authors: Petraroia Pietro
Published: October 2018

In Italian legislation on cultural heritage, collaboration between publicand private bodies is more important than it is believed. However, the word â€œprivateâ€has many meanings, as well as the word â€œpublicâ€. This essay tells the evolution of therules on public-private cooperation for the enhancement of cultural assets from 1980up today. Unfortunately, still there are no technical standards and guidelines to pro-mote clarity and effectiveness in the collaboration between public and private bodies.
I BENI CULTURALI TRA RICERCA TUTELA VALORIZZAZIONE E GESTIONE
Authors: Manacorda Daniele
Published: October 2018

The cultural heritage of Italy is so widespread that it can not be managed bythe State alone. We must look at the heritage with the eyes of citizens, without giving upa single inch on the role of technical and professional skills. Research, protection,enhancement and management are four very different things, that go, however, hand inhand: because the research helps us understand the meaning of things; the protection tellsus how to safeguard them; enhancement tells us how to preserve the sense of the heritagedisseminating its social perception; the management tells us how to keep doing it.
DALLE COSE Dâ€™ARTE ALLâ€™INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE PERCORSI DI â€œDEMATERIALIZZAZIONEâ€ (ANCHE) GIURIDICA
Authors: Fusar Poli Elisabetta
Published: October 2018

In the history of (not only national) law protection of cultural heritage,â€œimmaterialityâ€ acquires specific significance with regard to at least two perspectives.From one â€œstaticâ€ side, which is coessential to â€œcultural goodsâ€: the intrinsic aestheti-cal-cultural value, detectable since the origins at least in its identity declination. Fromthe other â€œdynamicâ€ side, typical of the contemporary age: the progressive extension togoods without a corpus, tangible substance, of the category of â€œcultural goodsâ€ consid-ered worth of protection (in a de-reification direction). Both of these two profiles havesignificant impacts on the juridical sphere, in particular on the normative choices aimedat the (national and global) cultural heritage protection. Thereâ€™s a major example of thisrelevance: the so called â€œintangible cultural heritageâ€ shaped at an international level(UNESCO), whose safeguarding should be included among the aims of the human rights protection, sharpening the dialectic between individual and collective dimen-sions of â€œcultural rightsâ€.
LE NUOVE SOPRINTENDENZE E IL PRINCIPIO RICOGNITIVO DELLA TUTELA
Authors: Ranaldi Antonella
Published: October 2018

The author asks herself about the future of the Superintendences, looking atthe unification of the specialised fields (archeology, fine arts and landscape) as a mean tostrengthen the national system of Superintendences. She focuses on the principle of pro-tection reaffirming the predominance of the recognition of the value in itself in the iden-tification of the cultural heritage. Is the value the one which is perceived, as someonerecently claims in favour of more participative models? Or is the one which is recognized,in other words the result of an operation up to the specialists and the bodies responsiblefor the protection entitled to represent the communityâ€™s interest? In this wide-rangingdebate the author also highlights the legal risks that the subjective position of the per-ceived value brings with it. The complex matter of the cultural heritage, sometime con-troversial in giving preference to different interests, benefits of an ultra-centennial tradi-tion, going back to the national protection rules by Giovanni Rosadi, who in the act n.364 of 1909 used to call the objects protected with the word â€œthingsâ€. The term â€œthingâ€had been preferred to â€œmonumentsâ€, â€œpropertiesâ€, â€œmovablesâ€, as more opened toinclude the above meanings and any other which were not included: in those items it wastherefere open to further meanings, not perceived at that moment, but possibly to be dis-cerned in the future, as it happened thanks to the far-sightedness of the progressive atti-tude towards the â€œmatters of interestâ€, that didnâ€™t change in the present protection reg-ulation. The author confirms in conclusion the cultural value of the identifications of theobjects to be protected, not only to forbiel, but to direct and spur energies.
UNâ€™ESPERIENZA PERSONALE
Authors: Galateri di Genola Marco
Published: October 2018

Non disponibile.
LA PSICOLOGIA DELLE MENTI DI CARLO CATTANEO. UN SALUTO E UNâ€™INTRODUZIONE
Authors: Beretta Silvio
Published: October 2018

Non disponibile.
SALUTO DEL PRESIDENTE DEL COMITATO ITALO-SVIZZERO PER LA PUBBLICAZIONE DELLE OPERE DI CARLO CATTANEO
Authors: Masoni Franco
Published: October 2018

Non disponibile.
LE IDEE SCIENTIFICHE COME PROTESI DELLA MENTE
Authors: Mazzarello Paolo
Published: October 2018

The reflection on the nature of science and the investigation concerning the modalities of its development in a society, are at the center of the volume of Carlo Cattaneo Psicologia delle menti associate (Psychology of the associated minds). Introduced by Carlo Lacaita and organized by Barbara Boneschi, the work derivesabove all from the mosaic of lectures, linked by a unitary vision, held by the author atthe Istituto Lombardo between 1859 and 1866. This series of readings were an important moment of his intellectual elaboration, a space of investigation that went to theheart of his cultural interests, the scientific knowledge that involved all his voraciouscognitive tension. In this comment, particular emphasis will be given to two particularaspects of Cattaneoâ€™s scientific psychology. On the one hand, the idea of scientificknowledge as a collective enterprise, therefore as a collaborative synthesis of several associated minds; on the other hand, the concept of science as a cognitive device thatmakes it possible to amplify the possibility of exploration and perception of the world.
Lâ€™EDIFICIO DELLA SCIENZA Ãˆ Lâ€™OPERA DELLE MENTI ASSOCIATE
Authors: Silvestri Andrea
Published: October 2018

The title is a quote taken by Cattaneoâ€™s lessons in Lugano, as BarbaraBoneschi indicates in her Introduzione of the innovative critical edition of the Lecturesof Cattaneo at Istituto Lombardo; but the same concepts are slightly modified in thefirst Lecture. Starting from the Cattaneoâ€™s statement that the origin of every scientificconstruction stays inside a society, rather in many societies differently active into timeand space, my work identifies and contextualizes the presence, into the Lectures, oftechnical â€œartsâ€ (as Carlo Lacaita describes into his masterful opening essay, Cattaneo modern philosopher), not subordinate but coordinate with â€œsocial artsâ€, â€œmental artsâ€and â€œfine artsâ€. Mathematics, physics, thermodynamics, chemistry, astronomy, optics,electrical and magnetic phenomena, agriculture, geology, metallurgy, hydraulic andnautical â€œartsâ€, architecture are the most mentioned of the â€œpolytechnicâ€ disciplines,referring with this adjective to the modern polytechnic schools, forthcoming or just founded in Italy at the time of Lectures; but referring also to the disciplines debated inthe review â€œIl Politecnicoâ€, disciplines that had always significance in Cattaneoâ€™s ideasand works.
IN QUESTO STESSO LUOGO CENTOCINQUANTA ANNI FA
Authors: Boneschi Barbara
Published: October 2018

This conference for the newly published critical edition of the six lecture son psychology of the associated minds, reconstructed and integrated with new materials, takes place in the same meeting room where one hundred and fifty years ago Carlo Cattaneo gave his last lecture at Istituto Lombardo. Cattaneoâ€™s lectures keep intact their theoretical vitality and imaginative impetus in a broad intellectual context that goes from individual and social psychology to scientific thought and methodology of thought. Cattaneo was in favour of the unity of knowledge and argued for a synthesis between humanistic and scientific culture; in the lectures philosophy and science are closely intertwined.
IL DOLORE, GLI OPPIACEI E I PROBLEMI NEL LORO USO
Authors: Panerai Alberto
Published: October 2018

Several reasons recently lead to a dramatic increase in the use of opiate analgesics all over the world. Italy has always been a Country where opiates were prescribed less than in other Countries, even those incorrectly called â€œunder-developed Countriesâ€. The reason has to be searched in cultural, regulatory (detention, transport) factors, as well in the caution of practitioners for the side effects of opiates or the fear of inducing addiction. Recently rules have become easier also in Italy and here, aswell as abroad, mainly in the United States, the use of opiates has been rapidly increasing. However, the enthusiasm was followed by several serious doubts that are prompting a reversal of this trend. At present, the suggestion is to use opiates, but to pay a lot of attention to when use them and in which patients. Moreover, this â€œsocialâ€ caution, was matched by the observation of a number of problems before unknown that make the use of opiates more difficult than it was previously thought.
PAOLO MANTEGAZZA E LA NASCITA DELLâ€™UNIVERSITÃ€ DEGLI STUDI DI MILANO â€“ BICOCCA
Authors: Fontanesi Marcello
Published: October 2018

In the late 80â€™s, the number of students enrolled at the University of Milano was close to 90.000. Teaching rooms, labs, studying areas, libraries, canteens, were definitively insufficient for the appropriate development of the activities. In addition, were emerging new multidisciplinary training and research areas that aspired to develop and needed new spaces. To fulfil the need, a new university born in the context of the decongestioning program for Mega-Athenaei and the development plans of the Ministry, seemed to be the best answer. The dean Paolo Mantegazza gave an essential contribution to the start of the new university of Milano-Bicocca by providing the approval of both the academic and institutional bodies and by following along its constitution process.
TESTIMONIANZE
Authors: Meldolesi Jacopo
Published: October 2018

Not available.
TESTIMONIANZE
Authors: Pozza Guido
Published: October 2018

Not available.
TESTIMONIANZE
Authors: Vitale Maurizio
Published: October 2018

Not available.
CONSIDERAZIONI CONCLUSIVE
Authors: Decleva Enrico
Published: October 2018

Not available.
THERMAL PROPERTIES OF TPD-BASED ORGANIC GLASSES
Authors: Dettori Riccardo , Colombo Luciano
Published: October 2018

Glassy materials are condensed matter systems showing physical properties in between solids and liquids and retaining information about the thermal history they have been subjected to and the way they have been prepared. Formally, this implies that their configurational energy landscape is a complex multi-dimensional surface, showing quite a few basins with different depths, widths, and shapes: the system can be trapped in any of them, assuming very unlike physical properties. Recently, it has been demonstrated experimentally that a glassy system can be grown by physical vapor deposition of organic molecules on a substrate. The physics of such organic glasses is enriched by a new feature, namely: the anisotropic molecular structure of the basic building blocks used to assemble the film. TPD-based organic glasses have been generated by atomistic simulations that mimic vapor deposition and their thermal properties have been accordingly calculated. Simulations generate a rational phenomenology, providing robust evidence that heat transfer is not isotropic but, rather, correlated to an inherent molecular property, namely the axial structure of the TPD molecule. Furthermore, we present the first theoretical prediction of the specific heat trend versus temperature, showing in the quantum regime an intriguing anomaly with respect to crystalline systems.
GEOMETRIA ED ELASTICITÃ€: FOLDING DI UN SOLIDO, DRIPPING DI UNâ€™ASTA ELASTICA E STRUTTURE SELF-OSCILLATING
Authors: Bigoni Davide
Published: October 2018

The leitmotiv of the described research activity is the situation in which an elastic solid or an elastic structure can spontaneously generate complex geometrical patterns, when subjected to extreme deformation. In this context, folding and faulting are described for a three-dimensional elastic solid with extreme anisotropy. The dripping of an elastic rod is presented (as generated by configurational forces) and finally the possibility of a self-oscillating elastic system is introduced, where an elastic structure oscillates with a given frequency when subject to a steady energy input.
INTERVENTI
Authors: SalenÃ§on Jean
Published: October 2018

As a Foreign Associate Member I wish to thank and congratulate the Istituto Lombardo for having organised this one-full-day meeting on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Italian Association for Theoretical and Applied mechanics, AIMETA. It has been a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the versatility of mechanical rationales ranging from biological cells to the solar system. Within 4 years, Milan will host ICTAM 2020, the International Conference on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. On this occasion researchers from all over the world will meet in a place famous for its long lasting tradition of excellence in Mechanics and no doubt make this gathering a success.
CONCLUSIONI
Authors: Cinquini Carlo
Published: October 2018

Not available.
Magnetic resonance imaging as an adjunct to computed tomography in the diagnosis of pulmonary Hydatid cysts
Authors: Tandur Roopa , Irodi Aparna , Chacko Binita Riya , Vimala Leena Robinson , Christopher Devasahayam Jesudas , Gnanamuthu Birla Roy
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Although pulmonary hydatid cysts can be diagnosed on computed tomography (CT), sometimes findings can be atypical. Other hypodense infective or neoplastic lesions may mimic hydatid cysts. We proposed that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may act as a problem-solving tool, aiding the definite diagnosis of hydatid cysts and differentiating it from its mimics. The aim of this study is to assess the findings of pulmonary hydatid cysts on CT and MRI and the additional contribution of MRI in doubtful cases. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 90 patients with suspected hydatid cysts. CT and MRI findings were noted and role of MRI in diagnosing hydatid cysts and its mimics was studied. Descriptive statistics for CT findings and sensitivity and specificity of MRI were calculated using surgery or histopathology as gold standard. Results: Of the 90 patients with suspected pulmonary hydatid cysts, there were 52 true-positive and 7 false-positive cases on CT. Commonest CT finding was unilocular thick-walled cyst. In the 26 patients who had additional MRI, based on T2-weighted hypointense rim or folded membranes, accurate preoperative differentiation of 14 patients with hydatid cysts from 10 patients with alternate diagnosis was possible. There was one false-positive and one false-negative case on MRI. Conclusion: Although hydatid cyst can be diagnosed on CT on most occasions, sometimes there are challenges with certain mimics and atypical appearances. T2-weighted MRI can act as a problem solving tool to conclusively diagnose hydatid cyst or suggest an alternate diagnosis.
Characteristic changes of the ablation zone on contrast-enhanced computed tomography after radiofrequency ablation of hepatic metastases
Authors: Zimmermann Markus , Kuhl Christiane , Keil Sebastian
Published: October 2018

Purpose: Size and density measurements of the ablation zones on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic metastases of primary breast or colorectal cancer were acquired over time. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five liver metastases [colorectal cancer (CRC): n = 16; mean size: 19.6 ± 8.5 mm; breast cancer (BC): n = 9; 27.9 ± 13.6 mm] in 15 patients (CRC: n = 11; age: 65.4 ± 6.5 years; BC: n = 4; 62.0 ± 13.8 years) treated by RFA were included in this retrospective study. All patients had undergone postinterventional serial follow-up using multidetector CT (MDCT) (1 day/1/4/7/10/14/18/23/>24 months) without evidence of local tumor recurrence during the follow-up. The ablation zones were evaluated using a commercial software tool (Syngo CT Oncology) in order to determine volumetric, RECIST-, WHO- and density changes over the course of time. Results were compared by applying repeated measures analysis of variance and displayed graphically. Results: The RF ablation zones demonstrated significant shrinkage (P ≤ 0.05) over the first 7 months (volume, RECIST, WHO) of the follow-up. Follow-up after 7 months did not show any significant changes in size (P > 0.05) (mean volume (ml): 55.2/34.7/26.3/16.5/12.7/10.0/8.9/8.1/7.5; RECIST (mm): 58.7/49.3/43.7/37.8/34.2/31.3/29.1/27.3/24.8; WHO (mm2): 2458.3/1769.3/1341.8/1027.1/870.1/720.2/649.0/570.4/511.3). Mean density values decreased significantly between 1 day (58.9 HU) and 1 month (47.5 HU) after the procedure. Conclusion: Typical changes in size and density values of RF-induced, recurrence-free ablation zones after RFA of hepatic metastases of colorectal and breast cancer were acquired, showing a significant decrease in density of the ablation zone within the first month and significant shrinkage within the first 7 months after RFA.
Triple-phase MDCT of liver: Scan protocol modification to obtain optimal vascular and lesional contrast
Authors: Sween Sheoran , Samar Chatterjee , Binu Sekhar
Published: October 2018

Context: With advances in 16-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), the entire liver can be scanned in 4–6 s and a single breath-hold dual-phase scan can be performed in 12–16 s. Consequently, optimizing the scan window has become critical. Aim: The purpose of our study was to optimize scan delays using bolus-tracking techniques for triple-phase CT of the liver. Settings and Design: Fifty patients with liver lesions were randomly divided into two groups with 25 patients each. The patients were subjected to triple-phase MDCT of liver with two different scan protocols. Materials and Methods: They were administered 1.5 mL/kg of 300 mg/mL of iohexol at a rate of 3.0 mL/s with a pressure injector. Using bolus-tracking program, scans were commenced at 4, 19, and 44 s and 8, 23, and 48 s for the first, second, and third phases, respectively. The mean CT values [Hounsfield unit (HU)] were measured in the aorta, hepatic artery, portal vein, hepatic vein, liver parenchyma, and lesion using circular region of interest cursor ranging in size from 5 to 20 mm in diameter on all phases. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was carried out using paired Student's t-test. Results: In hepatic arterial phase, hepatic artery has shown better enhancement in Group B (8 s) (P = 0.0498) compared with Group A (4 s). In portal venous phase, there were no significant differences in contrast enhancement index (CEI) values at any of the six measured regions between the groups. In the hepatic venous phase, liver parenchyma has shown nearly significant (P = 0.0664) higher CEI values in Group B (48 s) when compared with Group A (44 s). Conclusion: A scan delay of 8 s, after trigger threshold (100 HU) is reached in the lower thoracic aorta, is optimal for the early arterial phase imaging, this phase being most helpful for assessment of hepatic arterial tree (CT angiography). The liver parenchyma showed maximum enhancement at 48 s scan delay.
Lessons to Improve Quality in Oncology Practice: Road Map to Fill the Global Gaps
Authors: Mula-Hussain Layth , Duimering Adele , Al-Khyatt Muzahm , AlKaabi Khalifa , Roa Wilson , Pearcey Robert
Published: October 2018

Oncology is a medical branch devoted to the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. Cancer prevalence is increasing. By 2030, the global cancer burden is expected to grow to 21.7 million new cases and 13 million deaths. Developing as well as developed nations have cancer burden, but there is a gap. Ideally, cancer management involves a multidisciplinary team composed of qualified individuals from different specialties collaborating to optimize the care. This team must follow evidence-based medicine principles, considering three questions: What is the problem? How can we manage it? And why are we selecting this pathway? To fill the gaps in care, we present 10 questions that can help those who are managing patients with cancer globally. We concluded that although there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach, adhering to basic principles can help guide provision of evidence-based patient-centered care and fill some of the gaps in oncology.
Coping strategies and social environment of patients with sudden hearing loss
Authors: Hricová Monika
Published: October 2018

Background

Hearing impairment has a significant physiological, psychological, and social impact on one’s life. The primary aim of this study was to explore which coping strategies are most frequently used by patients with a sudden hearing impairment within the period of just a few days after the first symptoms appear.

Participants and procedure

Sixty-four patients were asked to complete the coping inventory COPE between the first and the fifth day following the diagnosis of hearing loss.

Results

The start of hearing impairment acts as a trigger for the use of a problem-solving coping strategy. Social support from the family represents an important source of help for patients with sudden hearing loss. Humour as a coping strategy was found to be used as a means of easing the current unfavourable situation and concealing one´s emotions from others.

Conclusions

Active coping and seeking social support were the most frequently used coping strategies.
Aerosol chemistry, transport, and climatic implications during extreme biomass burning emissions over the Indo-Gangetic Plain
Authors: Singh Nandita , Banerjee Tirthankar , Raju Made P. , Deboudt Karine , Sorek-Hamer Meytar , Singh Ram S. , Mall Rajesh K.
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The large-scale emissions of airborne
particulates from burning of agricultural residues particularly over the
upper Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) have often been associated with frequent
formation of haze, adverse health impacts, and modification in aerosol
climatology and thereby aerosol impact on regional climate. In this study,
short-term variations in aerosol climatology during extreme biomass burning
emissions over the IGP were investigated. Size-segregated particulate
concentration was initially measured and submicron particles (PM1.1)
were found to dominate particulate mass within the fine mode (PM2.1).
Particulate-bound water-soluble ions were mainly secondary in nature and
primarily composed of sulfate and nitrate. There was evidence of gaseous
NH3 dominating neutralization of acidic aerosol species
(SO42-) in submicron particles, in contrast to
crustal-dominating neutralization in coarser particulates. Diurnal variation
in black carbon (BC) mass ratio was primarily influenced by regional
meteorology, while gradual increase in BC concentration was consistent with
the increase in Delta-C, referring to biomass burning emissions. The
influence of biomass burning emissions was established using specific organic
(levoglucosan), inorganic (K+ and NH4+), and
satellite-based (UV aerosol index, UVAI) tracers. Levoglucosan was
the most abundant species within submicron particles (649±177 ng m−3), with a very high ratio (> 50) to other
anhydrosugars, indicating exclusive emissions from burning of agriculture
residues. Spatiotemporal distribution of aerosol and a few trace gases (CO
and NO2) was evaluated using both spaceborne active and passive
sensors. A significant increase in columnar aerosol loading (aerosol optical
depth, AOD: 0.98) was evident, with the presence of absorbing aerosols
(UVAI > 1.5) having low aerosol layer height (∼ 1.5 km).
A strong intraseasonality in the aerosol cross-sectional altitudinal profile
was even noted from CALIPSO, referring to the dominance of smoke and polluted
continental aerosols across the IGP. A possible transport mechanism of
biomass smoke was established using cluster analysis and
concentration-weighted air mass back trajectories. Short-wave aerosol
radiative forcing (ARF) was further simulated considering intraseasonality in
aerosol properties, which resulted in a considerable increase in atmospheric
ARF (135 W m−2) and heating rate (4.3 K day−1) during extreme
biomass burning emissions compared to the non-dominating period
(56 W m−2, 1.8 K day−1). Our analysis will be useful to improve
understanding of short-term variation in aerosol chemistry over the IGP and
to reduce uncertainties in regional aerosol–climate models.
The impacts of regional shipping emissions on the chemical characteristics of coastal submicron aerosols near Houston, TX
Authors: Schulze Benjamin C. , Wallace Henry W. , Bui Alexander T. , Flynn James H. , Erickson Matt H. , Alvarez Sergio , Dai Qili , Usenko Sascha , Sheesley Rebecca J. , Griffin Robert J.
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The air quality of the Texas Gulf Coast region historically has been
influenced heavily by regional shipping emissions. However, the effects of
the recently established North American Emissions Control Area on aerosol
concentrations and properties in this region are presently unknown. In order
to better understand the current sources and processing mechanisms
influencing coastal aerosol near Houston, a high-resolution time-of-flight
aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) was deployed for 3 weeks at a
coastal location during May–June 2016. Total mass loadings of organic and
inorganic non-refractory aerosol components during onshore flow periods were
similar to those published before establishment of the regulations. Based on
estimated methanesulfonic acid (MSA) mass loadings and published biogenic
MSA / non-sea-salt sulfate (nss-SO4) ratios, an average of over 75 %
of the observed nss-SO4 was from anthropogenic sources, predominantly
shipping emissions. Mass spectral analysis indicated that for periods with
similar backward-trajectory-averaged meteorological conditions, air masses
influenced by shipping emissions had an increased mass fraction of ions
related to carboxylic acids and larger oxygen-to-carbon ratios than those
that avoided shipping lanes, suggesting that shipping emissions increase
marine organic aerosol (OA) oxidation state. Amine fragment mass loadings
were correlated positively with anthropogenic nss-SO4 during onshore
flow, implying anthropogenic–biogenic interaction in marine OA production.
Model calculations also suggest that advection of shipping-derived aerosol
may enhance inland aqueous-phase secondary OA production. These results imply
a continuing role of shipping emissions on aerosol properties over the Gulf
of Mexico and suggest that further regulation of shipping fuel sulfur content
will reduce coastal submicron aerosol mass loadings near Houston.
Long-term trends of instability and associated parameters
over the Indian region obtained using radiosonde network
Authors: Chakraborty Rohit , Venkat Ratnam Madineni , Basha Ghouse
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Long-term trends of the parameters related to convection and instability obtained from 27 radiosonde stations across 6 sub-divisions over Indian region during the period 1980–2016 is presented. A total of 16 parcel and instability parameters along with moisture content, wind shear, and thunderstorm and rainfall frequencies have been utilized for this purpose. Robust fit regression analysis is employed on the regional average time series to calculate the long-term trends on both seasonal and yearly basis. The Level of Free Convection (LFC) and Equilibrium Level (EL) height is found to ascend significantly in all Indian sub-divisions. Consequently, the coastal regions (particularly the western coasts) experience strengthening in Severe Thunderstorm (TSS) and Severe Rainfall Frequencies (SRF) in the pre-monsoon while the inland regions (especially central India) experience an increase in Ordinary Thunderstorm (TSO) and Weak Rain Frequency (WRF) during the monsoon and post-monsoon. The 16–20 year periodicity is found to dominate the long-term trends significantly compared to other periodicities and the increase in TSS, SRF and CAPE is found more severe after the year 1999. The enhancement in moisture transport and associated cooling at 100 hPa along with dispersion of boundary layer pollutants is found to be the main cause for the increase in Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) which leads to more convective severity in the coastal regions. However, in inland regions moisture-laden winds are absent and the presence of strong capping effect of pollutants on instability in the lower troposphere has resulted in more Convective Inhibition Energy (CINE). Hence, TSO and weak rainfall occurrences have increased particularly in these regions.