Search results for "Moda"

Adaptive memory programming for constrained global optimization

2010

The problem of finding a global optimum of a constrained multimodal function has been the subject of intensive study in recent years. Several effective global optimization algorithms for constrained problems have been developed; among them, the multi-start procedures discussed in Ugray et al. [1] are the most effective. We present some new multi-start methods based on the framework of adaptive memory programming (AMP), which involve memory structures that are superimposed on a local optimizer. Computational comparisons involving widely used gradient-based local solvers, such as Conopt and OQNLP, are performed on a testbed of 41 problems that have been used to calibrate the performance of su…

Scheduling Multimodal Transportation Systems

2004

Abstract In this paper a Lagrangian based heuristic procedure for scheduling transportation networks is presented. The solution procedure schedules a single line at a time, possibly correcting the previous decisions at each step.

Fractional differential equations and related exact mechanical models

2013

Creep and relaxation tests, performed on various materials like polymers, rubbers and so on are well-fitted by power-laws with exponent β ∈ [0, 1] (Nutting (1921), Di Paola et al. (2011)). The consequence of this observation is that the stress-strain relation of hereditary materials is ruled by fractional operators (Scott Blair (1947), Slonimsky (1961)). A large amount of researches have been performed in the second part of the last century with the aim to connect constitutive fractional relations with some mechanical models by means of fractance trees and ladders (see Podlubny (1999)). Recently, Di Paola and Zingales (2012) proposed a mechanical model that corresponds to fractional stress-…

Dynamic shakedown by modal analysis

1984

Dynamic shakedown of discrete elastic-perfectly plastic structures under a specified load history is studied using the dynamic characteristics of the structure provided by modal analysis. Several statical and kinematical theorems are presented, including lower and upper bound theorems for the minimum adaptation time of the structure. In the formulation of the kinematical theorems a crucial role is played by the appropriate definition of ≪admissible plastic strain cycle≫.

Rationing and triage of scarce, lifesaving therapy in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional, social media-driven, scenario-based on…

2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe recent COVID-19 pandemic made us aware that medical resources are limited. When demand for essential resources surpasses availability, difficult triaging decisions are necessary. While algorithms exist, almost nothing is known on societal attitudes regarding triage criteria.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted via social media channels to query a broad sample of society. Participants were asked to make triage decisions in case-based vignettes, exploring a variety of factors. They also were asked to assess how sure they were about their decisions, and how such decisions should be reached.ResultsThe survey was completed in full by 1626 participants in April 2020…

Leaping across Modalities: Speed Regulation Messages in Audio and Tactile Domains

2010

This study examines three design bases for speed regulation messages by testing their ability to function across modalities. Two of the design bases utilise a method originally intended for sound design and the third uses a method meant for tactile feedback. According to the experimental results, all designs communicate the intended meanings similarly in audio and tactile domains. It was also found that melodic (frequency changes) and rhythmic (segmentation) features of stimuli function differently for each type of message.

L'abolizione delle Province in Sicilia: resoconto semiserio di un rivoluzione in progress

2014

Pharmacological Neuroenhancement: Substances and Epidemiology

2013

Pharmacological neuroenhancement (PN) refers to the general use of psychoactive substances with the purpose of cognitive enhancement (e.g. enhancement of vigilance, concentration, memory or mood) by healthy subjects. Substances for PN include Over-the-Counter- (OTC-) substances such as coffee, caffeinated drinks/energy drinks, caffeine tablets and Ginkgo biloba as well as prescription drugs and illicit drugs (e.g. (psycho-) stimulants). “Brain doping” refers to the illicit use of a subcategory of these substances. On the one hand, this subcategory includes prescription drugs for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and depres…

Some Implications for Developing Learners’ Figurative Language Competence Across Modalities: Metaphor, Metonymy and Blending in the Picture Modality

2014

The paper argues for developing learners’ figurative language competence across modalities. Specifically, focusing on the picture modality, the article attempts to show the importance of figurative thinking in the new media age multimodal communication. The sample analysis of pictures and images representing the recent issue of the EU crisis addresses the significance of three conceptual phenomena, namely, metaphor, metonymy, and blending, in the conceptualization of such a highly abstract phenomenon. In general, it is argued that language users almost invariably turn to figurative language resources to conceptualize abstract phenomena that cannot be conceptualized by means of literal langu…

Early root surface colonization by human periodontal ligament fibroblasts following treatment with different biomaterials

2013

The present in-vitro study examined the effects of different biomaterials on early root surface colonization by human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts using confocal-laser-scanning-microscopy (CLSM).Fifteen periodontally-diseased teeth were extracted, treated with scaling/root planing and longitudinally cut to obtain 30 root fragments. Fragments were treated either with 24% EDTA following application of enamel matrix derivative (EMD), 24% EDTA or EMD only, nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (NHA) paste or oily calcium hydroxide suspension (OCHS) for 1 h each. The analogue untreated root specimens served as controls. Root fragments were incubated with human PDL fibroblasts and cellular pro…