DLSFEM–PML formulation for the steady-state response of a taut string on visco-elastic support under moving load

Meccanica - The numerical solution of the steady-state response of a uniform taut string on visco-elastic support under a concentrated transverse moving load is addressed. By recasting the...     

The Eta Invariant and the Connective K-Theory of the Classifying Space for Cyclic 2 Groups

We use the eta invariant to study the connective K-theory groups ko _m (B ) of the classifying space for the cyclic group where - 2 2.     

Chemometrical strategies for feature selection and data compression applied to NIR and MIR spectra of extra virgin olive oils for cultivar identification

The possibility provided by Chemometrics to extract and combine (fusion) information contained in NIR and MIR spectra in order to discriminate monovarietal extra virgin olive oils according to olive cultivar (Casaliva, Leccino, Frantoio) has been investigated.Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was applied as a classification technique on these multivariate and non-specific spectral data both separately and jointly (NIR and MIR data together).In order to ensure a more appropriate ratio between the number of objects (samples) and number of variables (absorbance at different wavenumbers), LDA was preceded either by feature selection or variable compression. For feature selection, the SELECT algorithm was used while a wavelet transform was applied for data compression.Correct classification rates obtained by cross-validation varied between 60% and 90% depending on the followed procedure. Most accurate results were obtained using the fused NIR and MIR data, with either feature selection or data compression.Chemometrical strategies applied to fused NIR and MIR spectra represent an effective method for classification of extra virgin olive oils on the basis of the olive cultivar.     

A combined analytical approach applied to Medieval wall paintings from Puglia (Italy): The study of painting techniques and its conservation state

A combined analytical approach has been applied to the wall paintings, dated from 10th to 14th centuries, of the Santi Stefani crypt at Vaste (Lecce, Southern Italy). These paintings are a precious testimony of Medieval art in Southern Italy. However, the church shows problems of damp as well as clear evidences of flora, fungi and mold presence, and there is little knowledge of the pictorial methodologies used. Raman spectroscopy allowed to determine the palette and to reconstruct the worksite and the chronological sequence of the various paint layers. Kaolinite, calcite, carbon black, hematite, massicot, goethite, indigo and azurite were identified as pigments along with synthetic pigments, like phthalocyanine blue and chrome yellow. Attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested the presence of egg as a binder in some pictorial layers. The conservation state of the crypt is poor, and detachments of pigmented layers are frequent because of the presence of subflorescence and efflorescence: nitrate, sulfate and chloride salts have been identified spectroscopically and quantified by ion chromatography. The extensive use of kaolinite in Santi Stefani, actually not uncommon in Medieval art, is observed for the first time in a crypt of Puglia: its use to stabilize some pigments and to improve their adhesion on substrate is proposed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A non-linear model for the dynamics of open cross-section thin-walled beams—Part I: formulation

A non-linear one-dimensional model of inextensional, shear undeformable, thin-walled beam with an open cross-section is developed. Non-linear in-plane and out-of-plane warping and torsional elongation effects are included in the model. By using the Vlasov kinematical hypotheses, together with the assumption that the cross-section is undeformable in its own plane, the non-linear warping is described in terms of the flexural and torsional curvatures. Due to the internal constraints, the displacement field depends on three components only, two transversal translations of the shear center and the torsional rotation. Three non-linear differential equations of motion up to the third order are derived using the Hamilton principle. Taking into account the order of magnitude of the various terms, the equations are simplified and the importance of each contribution is discussed. The effect of symmetry properties is also outlined. Finally, a discrete form of the equations is given, which is used in Part II to study dynamic coupling phenomena in conditions of internal resonance.     

Relativity of the dropouts measurement process

The paper shows that the variation of the relative sensitivity between different dropouts testers can defend solely on the different quality of the material at the time of the test. It is shown how this phenomenon can be determined by the dropouts frequency distribution, independently on their calibration status.     

Raman-shifted laser sources suitable for differential–absorption lidar measurements of ozone in the troposphere

Received: 21 January 1997/Revised version: 20 May 1997     

An airborne diode laser spectrometer for the simultaneous measurement of H2O and HNO3 content of stratospheric cirrus clouds

We describe a tunable diode laser spectrometer for the in situ simultaneous detection of the nitric acid and the water vapour by means of high resolution absorption spectroscopy on rovibronic lines, using a single laser emitting in the mid-infrared (5.8 μm) and a multipass cell. The instrument was designed to be installed on a high altitude aircraft, as a part of a composite payload for atmospheric aerosol studies. The instrument design criteria are discussed and the expected performances are compared with results of laboratory and field operation. Due to the high chemical activity of HNO₃, that makes difficult to use a reference cell, a fast sweep detection of direct absorption was used for the measurement. An absorption sensitivity of about 2×10⁻⁴ was achieved with an integration time of 2.5 s, corresponding to a concentration of about 4 ppb of HNO₃ in the cell and 0.1 ppb in the external aerosol. The data acquisition and processing techniques, based on the full molecular lineshape fitting are also shown and discussed, including some examples of the data acquired during the scientific flights.     

Optimization of DNA extraction from dental remains

Efficient DNA extraction procedures is a critical step involved in the process of successful DNA analysis of such samples. Various protocols have been devised for the genomic DNA extraction from human tissues and forensic stains, such as dental tissue that is the skeletal part that better preserves DNA over time. However DNA recovery is low and protocols require labor‐intensive and time‐consuming step prior to isolating genetic material. Herein, we describe an extremely fast procedure of DNA extraction from teeth compared to classical method. Sixteen teeth of 100‐year‐old human remains were divided into two groups of 8 teeth and we compared DNA yield, in term of quantity and quality, starting from two different sample preparation steps. Specifically, teeth of group 1 were treated with a classic technique based on several steps of pulverization and decalcification, while teeth of group 2 were processed following a new procedure to withdraw dental pulp. In the next phase, the samples of both group underwent the same procedure of extraction, quantification and DNA profile analysis. Our findings provide an alternative protocol to obtain a higher amount of good quality DNA in a fast time procedure, helpful for forensic and anthropological studies.