Frequency analysis of beams with multiple dampers via exact generalized functions

Failla, Giuseppe Techno-Press 2016 Coupled systems mechanics Vol.5 No.2

This paper deals with frequency analysis of Euler-Bernoulli beams carrying an arbitrary number of Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic dampers, subjected to harmonic loads. Multiple external/internal dampers occurring at the same position along the beam axis, modeling external damping devices and internal damping due to damage or imperfect connections, are considered. The challenge is to handle simultaneous discontinuities of the response, in particular bending-moment/rotation discontinuities at the location of external/internal rotational dampers, shear-force/deflection discontinuities at the location of external/internal translational dampers. Following a generalized function approach, the paper will show that exact closed-form expressions of the frequency response under point/polynomial loads can readily be derived, for any number of dampers. Also, the exact dynamic stiffness matrix and load vector of the beam will be built in a closed analytical form, to be used in a standard assemblage procedure for exact frequency response analysis of frames.

Micellarization and Intestinal Cell Uptake of β-Carotene and Lutein from Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) Leaves

Mark L. Failla,Raghu Pullakhandam 한국식품영양과학회 2007 Journal of medicinal food Vol.10 No.2

The leaves and pods of the drumstick tree are used as food and medicine in some Asian and African coun-tries. Although relatively high concentrations of .-carotene and lutein have been reported in the leaves, the bioavailability ofthese carotenoids from this source is unknown. We have analyzed the digestive stability and bioaccessibility of carotenoidsin fresh and lyophilized drumstick leaves using the coupled in vitrodigestion/Caco-2 cell model. .-Carotene and lutein were

[PL-2] Coupled in vitro Digestion/Caco2 Intestinal Cell Model for Screening the Relative Bioavailability of Carotenoids from Foods and Supplements

Mark L. Failla 한국식품영양과학회 2005 한국식품영양과학회 학술대회발표집 Vol.2005 No.10

Trait − driven analysis of the 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome suggests a complex pattern of interactions between candidate genes

Miceli Martina,Failla Pinella,Saccuzzo Lucia,Galesi Ornella,Amata Silvestra,Romano Corrado,Bonaglia Maria Clara,Fichera Marco 한국유전학회 2023 Genes & Genomics Vol.45 No.4

Background Individuals with the 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome share a complex phenotype including neurodevelopmental delay, brain malformations, microcephaly, and autistic behavior. The analysis of the shortest region of overlap (SRO) between deletions in ~ 40 patients has led to the identification of two critical regions and four strongly candidate genes (BCL11A, REL, USP34 and XPO1). However, the delineation of their role in the occurrence of specific traits is hampered by their incomplete penetrance. Objective To better delineate the role of hemizygosity of specific regions in selected traits by leveraging information both from penetrant and non − penetrant deletions. Methods Deletions in patients that do not present a specific trait cannot contribute to delineate the SROs. We recently developed a probabilistic model that, by considering also the non − penetrant deletions, allows a more reliable assignment of peculiar traits to specific genomic segments. We apply this method adding two new patients to the published cases. Results Our results delineate an intricate pattern of genotype − phenotype correlation where BCL11A emerges as the main gene for autistic behavior while USP34 and/or XPO1 haploinsufficiency are mainly associated with microcephaly, hearing loss and IUGR. BCL11A, USP34 and XPO1 genes are broadly related with brain malformations albeit with distinct patterns of brain damage. Conclusions The observed penetrance of deletions encompassing different SROs and that predicted when considering each single SRO as acting independently, may reflect a more complex model than the additive one. Our approach may improve the genotype/phenotype correlation and may help to identify specific pathogenic mechanisms in contiguous gene syndromes.

On the fatigue behavior of support structures for offshore wind turbines

N. Alati,G. Failla,V. Nava,F. Arena,A. Santini 한국풍공학회 2014 한국풍공학회지 Vol.18 No.2

It is believed that offshore wind farms may satisfy an increasing portion of the energy demand in the next years. This paper presents a comparative study of the fatigue performances of tripod and jacket steel support structures for offshore wind turbines in waters of intermediate depth (20-50 m). A reference site at a water depth of 45 m in the North Atlantic Ocean is considered. The tripod and jacket support structures are conceived according to typical current design. The fatigue behavior is assessed in the time domain under combined stochastic wind and wave loading and the results are compared in terms of a lifetime damage equivalent load.

On the fatigue behavior of support structures for offshore wind turbines

Alati, N.,Nava, V.,Failla, G.,Arena, F.,Santini, A. Techno-Press 2014 Wind and Structures, An International Journal (WAS Vol.18 No.2

It is believed that offshore wind farms may satisfy an increasing portion of the energy demand in the next years. This paper presents a comparative study of the fatigue performances of tripod and jacket steel support structures for offshore wind turbines in waters of intermediate depth (20-50 m). A reference site at a water depth of 45 m in the North Atlantic Ocean is considered. The tripod and jacket support structures are conceived according to typical current design. The fatigue behavior is assessed in the time domain under combined stochastic wind and wave loading and the results are compared in terms of a lifetime damage equivalent load.

Effect of pasture and intensive feeding systems on the carcass and meat quality of buffalo

Contò Michela,Cifuni Giulia Francesca,Iacurto Miriam,Failla Sebastiana 아세아·태평양축산학회 2022 Animal Bioscience Vol.35 No.1

Objective: This work was carried out to evaluate the effect of pasture (PA) feeding on buffalo meat quality compared with buffaloes reared intensively with the use of corn silage as a forage base or alternatively with polyphite meadow hay (PH). Methods: Thirty Mediterranean bull buffaloes were distributed into three experimental diet groups: maize silage (MS), PH, and PA. The animals were slaughtered at a live weight of 250 kg, and carcass and meat quality were evaluated. After 7 days of ageing, physical and chemical parameters of longissimus thoracis muscle were determined. To evaluate lipid oxidation the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was tested at 7 and 14 days, and also the fatty acid profile was recorded by gas chromatography. Results: The PA group, even if it showed carcass parameters lower than those of the silage maize group, reported a good meat percentage (60.59% vs 58.46%, respectively) and lower fat percentage (p<0.001). PA-fed animals showed meat redness, and even if only on raw meat, shear force was higher than the others. Low values of conjugate linoleic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and n-3 were reported in the silage maize group. Principal component analysis (PCA) clearly showed the influence of different diets on meat quality, and PCA1 and PCA2 explained 82% of the variability. Conclusion: Buffaloes reared on PA had meat with high nutritional value even if they showed poor carcass performance compared to the animals fed on MS. Buffaloes fed on polyphite hay were in an intermediate position, similar to grazing animals, according to the same nutritional determinations. Objective: This work was carried out to evaluate the effect of pasture (PA) feeding on buffalo meat quality compared with buffaloes reared intensively with the use of corn silage as a forage base or alternatively with polyphite meadow hay (PH).Methods: Thirty Mediterranean bull buffaloes were distributed into three experimental diet groups: maize silage (MS), PH, and PA. The animals were slaughtered at a live weight of 250 kg, and carcass and meat quality were evaluated. After 7 days of ageing, physical and chemical parameters of longissimus thoracis muscle were determined. To evaluate lipid oxidation the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was tested at 7 and 14 days, and also the fatty acid profile was recorded by gas chromatography.Results: The PA group, even if it showed carcass parameters lower than those of the silage maize group, reported a good meat percentage (60.59% vs 58.46%, respectively) and lower fat percentage (p<0.001). PA-fed animals showed meat redness, and even if only on raw meat, shear force was higher than the others. Low values of conjugate linoleic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and n-3 were reported in the silage maize group. Principal component analysis (PCA) clearly showed the influence of different diets on meat quality, and PCA1 and PCA2 explained 82% of the variability.Conclusion: Buffaloes reared on PA had meat with high nutritional value even if they showed poor carcass performance compared to the animals fed on MS. Buffaloes fed on polyphite hay were in an intermediate position, similar to grazing animals, according to the same nutritional determinations.

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Extracts of Thai Spices and Herbs with Lipopolysaccharide-Activated RAW 264.7 Murine Macrophages

Siriporn Tuntipopipat,Channarong Muangnoi,Mark L. Failla 한국식품영양과학회 2009 Journal of medicinal food Vol.12 No.6

Nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) play important roles in inflammatory processes. This study examined whether 13 spices/herbs commonly used in Thai dishes modulate the production of NO and TNF-α by the RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell line pretreated with plant extracts (1–100μg/mL) prior to activation by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Tested plant tissues were extracted with ethanol with the exception of roselle, which was extracted with 70% acetone. Eight of the 13 plant extracts inhibited NO and TNF-α production in a dose-dependent manner without exerting cytotoxicity. Extract from Limnophila aromatica (Kyeng) was the most robust suppressor of NO production, followed by dill, kaffer lime, chili, Teaw, mint, sweet basil, and pea eggplant, respectively (range of 50% inhibitory concentration [IC50]=11.4–74.6μg/mL). Kyeng also exhibited the greatest inhibition of TNF-α production (IC50=10.5μg/mL). IC50 values for NO and TNF-α production in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells for these extracts were highly correlated (r=0.772, P=.025). These results suggest that extracts from some spices/herbs in the habitual Thai diet possess anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, the results support the use of NO production in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells as a rapid and cost-effective tool for screening the anti-inflammatory activity of extracts of spices/herbs.