Showing papers by "Università degli Studi eCampus published in 2022"

Human Brain Networks in Physiological and Pathological Aging: Reproducibility of Electroencephalogram Graph Theoretical Analysis in Cortical Connectivity

Abstract: Background: Physiological and pathological brain aging plays a central role in brain network modulation. The aim of the present article was to assess the stability of a proposed method for evaluation of small-world (SW) characteristics for the study of the human connectome. Subjects and Methods: Eighty subjects were recruited: 36 young healthy controls, 32 elderly healthy controls, and 12 patients affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD). Electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded during six separate sessions (480 recordings) at an average intersession interval of 3.8 ± 0.2 days. We applied graph theory functions to the weighted and undirected networks obtained by the lagged linear coherence estimated by exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA). We explored the following frequency bands: delta (2-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha 1 (8-10.5 Hz), alpha 2 (10.5-13 Hz), beta 1 (13-20 Hz), beta 2 (20-30 Hz), and gamma (30-40 Hz). Results: The proposed method for evaluation of SW characteristics exhibited good reproducibility and stability. Furthermore, results showed the pattern, Young>Elderly>AD, in low-frequency delta and theta bands and vice versa in the higher alpha band. Finally, a correlation with age was confirmed in healthy subjects, showing that the older the age, the higher the SW values for alpha 2. Discussion: Evidences from the present study confirm the stability of the SW index and suggest that the analysis of connectivity patterns evaluated from EEGs can be supported by the graph theory. The proposed method for evaluation of SW characteristics has shown good reproducibility and stability. This technique, applied to patient data, could provide more information on the pathophysiological processes underlying age-related brain disconnection, as well as on administration of rehabilitation treatments at the right time, which could allow patients to avoid unnecessary interventions. Impact statement The graph analysis tools described in this study represent an interesting approach to study the distinctive characteristics of physiological aging by focusing on functional connectivity networks. The proposed method for evaluation of small-world characteristics has shown good reproducibility and stability. This technique, applied to patient data, could provide more information on the pathophysiological processes underlying age-related brain disconnection, as well as on delivery of rehabilitation treatments at the right time, which could allow patients to avoid unnecessary interventions.

Assessment of the deformation behavior of a tensegrity floor through photogrammetry

Abstract: Abstract Tensegrity structures are interesting elements that can be used to create innovative building components. In this work, the deformation behavior of a new type of tensegrity floor (patent n. 0001426973) was investigated through image analysis and photogrammetry, using stereoscopic algorithms. The main innovation of the proposed tensegrity floor is the structural cooperation between glass tiles and steel components, obtained using suitable adhesive joints. In order to evaluate the deformation of the floor under different loading conditions a non-contact measurement system was developed and validated on a scale prototype of the floor. The used method is a stereoscopic optical technique based on the grid method, the validation was performed comparing the measured displacement with the one measured in the same floor with linear displacement sensors. The stereoscopic images were processed with Matlab®, furthermore, a combination of interpolation algorithms were employed to generate the full-field map of the displacement. Two configurations of the floor (with and without the adhesive joints) and three loading conditions were investigated. The analysis demonstrates that the adhesive joints produce a reduction of the overall deflection of the floor of about 60%, falling within the admissible values established by Italian building code. The measurement system is reasonably accurate and can be used in future applications where linear transducers cannot be installed.

Supporting Smart Workers During a Pandemic. Lessons Learned from a Case Study

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to analyze the adoption of practices and tools finalized to support smart workers to improve their work conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Indeed, we believe that such a peculiar situation has represented an important “opportunity” for companies to reaffirm the centrality of the wellbeing of their people and the need to take care of it, to put at the heart of internal policies wellbeing and inclusion reinforcing - and in some cases redesigning - their already existing systems. In detail, our research aims to examine how some practices even more fostered through electronic channels have been used and how these are expected to change the usual people management with an impact on future organizational behaviours. The analysis was carried out on the case study of a big MNC. During the pandemic, this company has implemented an ongoing survey articulated in three waves (April 2020, July 2020, and October 2020) to understand employees’ feelings toward working in the new situation and their perception of organizational inclusion in conditions of physical distance – being aware that the “new” approach represents a no-return point in the evolution of HRM. These results offer interesting stimuli for practitioners and scholars in the field of HRM and OB towards the new normal.