Università degli Studi eCampus

About: Università degli Studi eCampus is a education organization based out in Novedrate, Italy. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Anxiety & Planck. The organization has 124 authors who have published 538 publications receiving 21483 citations. The organization is also known as: Universita degli Studi eCampus.

Exploiting continuous scanning laser Doppler vibrometry (CSLDV) in time domain correlation methods for noise source identification

Abstract: This paper proposes the use of continuous scanning laser Doppler vibrometry (CSLDV) in time domain correlation techniques that aim at characterizing the structure-borne contributions of the noise emission of a mechanical system. The time domain correlation technique presented in this paper is based on the use of FIR (finite impulse response) filters obtained from the vibro-acoustic transfer matrix when vibration data are collected by laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) exploited in continuous scan mode (CSLDV). The advantages, especially in terms of source decorrelation capabilities, related to the use of CSLDV for such purpose, with respect to standard discrete scan (SLDV), are discussed throughout the paper. To validate this approach, vibro-acoustic measurements were performed on a planetary gear motor for home appliances. The analysis of results is also supported by a simulation.

Mechanical properties and formability of metal–polymer–metal sandwich composites

Abstract: Mechanical properties and formability of a three-layer metal–polymer–metal sandwich composite were studied as a function of the angle of the sample axis with respect to the rolling direction. Sandwich was obtained by bonding a polymer core, 0.4 mm in thickness, between two steel sheets, each of them with a thickness of 0.2 mm. The strength-deformation characteristics and anisotropic behavior were investigated by performing uniaxial tensile tests. Hemispherical punch tests were also carried out in order to evaluate both formability, in terms of limiting dome height and forming limit curves, and thinning attitude of the metal–polymer–metal sandwich composite. Finally, the fracture surfaces of both tensile and hemispherical punch-formed samples were analyzed by means of the scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that the samples oriented at 45° to rolling direction are characterized by the highest mechanical properties and formability as compared to the ones at 0° and 90°. Such results were related to the debonding mechanism occurring at the interfaces between steel sheet and plastic core as the angle of the sample axis was 0° and 90°.

Association of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D with physical performance in physically active children.

Abstract: Vitamin D is thought to regulate skeletal muscle function and boost physical performance. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between vitamin D and physical performance in physically active children. This cross-sectional study included 125 children who practice football as a leisure activity. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) was assessed using a chemiluminescence immunoassay method. Vitamin D inadequacy was defined as 25-OHD < 20 ng/mL. Physical performance testing included measurements of muscle strength (maximal isometric contraction), jumping ability (vertical jump, standing broad jump, triple hop test), linear sprint (10 m and 20 m), and agility (9 × 4-m shuttle run). Plasma 25-OHD concentrations were positively correlated with muscle strength (r = 0.539; p < 0.001), vertical jump (r = 0.528; p < 0.001), and standing broad jump (r = 0.492; p < 0.001) but inversely correlated with sprint performance (r = -0.539; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis models, plasma 25-OHD concentrations were associated with each physical performance parameter independently of age, maturity status, body mass index, fat mass, and protein and calcium intakes. In conclusion, a low plasma 25-OHD level was associated with decreased muscle strength, agility, and jumping and sprinting abilities in physically active children. Vitamin D inadequacy may limit exercise performance. Further research should verify whether correction of vitamin D deficiency enhances physical performance.

Can a Repeated Sprint Ability Test Help Clear a Previously Injured Soccer Player for Fully Functional Return to Activity? A Pilot Study.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of fatigue induced by a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test on the neuromuscular responses of soccer players with a recent history of lower limb injuries (CH) and a matched control group in good fitness condition (GH). DESIGN: This was a case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: Nine CH and 9 GH. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: Allocation to CH or GH. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Each player was assessed for blood lactate concentration and jumping performance [squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ)] before/after RSA. Post-RSA rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to calculate RSA sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing between CH and GH. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess reliability. RESULTS: No baseline differences were found for any variable. ΔSJ before/after RSA was -14 ± 2% and -5 ± 2% in CH and GH, respectively (P CONCLUSIONS: Repeated sprint ability is a simple, low-cost field test potentially able to assist in clinical decision making for return to sport. Language: en

AAL Technologies for Independent Life of Elderly People

Abstract: Assistive technologies have the objective to improve the people quality of life of in daily living, with a special aim to those who suffer of physical disabilities or cognitive impairment, which may be caused by an accident, disease or the natural process of ageing. The present paper describes the main results of a study realized for the INTERREG IVC INNOVAGE project, where the domain target addressed are: home and building automation and assistive robotics. The project provides a quick overview of the typical needs of elderly people, describes the state-of-the-art technologies which can be adopted to satisfy these needs and presents a critical analysis of the functionalities, which present and future assistive technologies should possess. The result of this study is a detailed assessments of requirements and limits of nowadays domotics and robotics technologies aimed to improve people quality of life.