Optimal ship hull via optimal parameterisation

Numerical optimisation of a ship hull requires, like every shape design optimisation problem, the definition of a parametric expression of the object to be deformed. In this phase, some decisions are taken regarding the shape variability and the portion of the hull to be modified: the parameterisation of the hull is problem-dependent, with implications from the performances to be optimised (objective functions), and the right choice is not easy.

On the numerical solution of a nonlocal boundary value problem

We study a nonlinear boundary value problem involving a nonlocal (integral) operator in the coefficients of the unknown function. Provided sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of the solution, for its approximation, we propose a numerical method consisting of a classical discretization of the problem and an algorithm to solve the resulting nonlocal and nonlinear algebraic system by means of some iterative procedures. The second order of convergence is assured by different sufficient conditions, which can be alternatively used in dependence on the given data.

Stability analysis of linear Volterra equations on time scales under bounded perturbations

We analyze the stability of the zero solution to Volterra equations on time scales with respect to two classes of bounded perturbations. We obtain sufficient conditions on the kernel which include some known results for continuous and for discrete equations. In order to check the applicability of these conditions, we apply the theory to a test example.

The emerging role of ECM crosslinking in T cell mobility as a hallmark of immunosenescence in humans

Immunosenescence is thought to result from cellular aging and to reflect exposure to environmental stressors and antigens, including cytomegalovirus (CMV). However, not all of the features of immunosenescence are consistent with this view, and this has led to the emergence of the sister theory of "inflammaging". The recently discovered diffuse tissue distribution of resident memory T cells (TRM) which don't recirculate, calls these theories into question. These cells account for most T cells residing in barrier epithelia which sit in and travel through the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Asymptotic high order schemes for dissipative hyperbolic systems

We consider finite difference schemes which approximate one-dimensional dissipative hyperbolic systems. Using precise analytical time-decay estimates of the local truncation error, we show that it is possible to introduce some suitable modification in standard upwinding schemes to design schemes which are increasingly accurate for large times when approximating small perturbations of stable asymptotic states, respectively, around stationary solutions and in the diffusion (Chapman-Enskog) limit.

Matematica & Ambiente. L'esplorazione dei ghiacciai polari.

Nell'ambito del workshop d'inaugurazione dell'anno accademico dell'Associazione Matematica & Realta', la presentazione intende offrire alla platea degli insegnanti di matematica delle scuole superiori di secondo grado un esempio realmente implementato di attivita' di studio e ricerca di matematica applicata. Vi si trovano ben delineati i passi fondamentali che conducono dal problema reale alla soluzione numerica proposta, manifestando la necessita' di conoscenze interdisciplinari per giungere all' uso critico ed efficace dello strumento matematico.

Risk assessment of atherosclerotic plaques based on global biomechanics

We present the results of a computational study of the entire left coronary system simulated both at Newtonian level and at red blood cell resolution for a sizeable number of physiological conditions. We analyze the cardiovascular implications of stenotic plaques and show that the standard clinical criterion for surgical or percutaneous intervention, based on the fractional flow reserve (FFR), is significantly affected by system-dependent, local hemodynamic factors.

Novel risk predictor for thrombus deposition in abdominal aortic aneurysms

The identification of the basic mechanisms responsible for cardiovascular diseases stands as one of the most challenging problems in modern medical research including various mechanisms which encompass a broad spectrum of space and time scales. Major implications for clinical practice and pre-emptive medicine rely on the onset and development of intraluminal thrombus in which effective clinical therapies require synthetic risk predictors/indicators capable of informing real-time decision-making protocols.

JETSPIN: A specific-purpose open-source software for simulations of nanofiber electrospinning

We present the open-source computer program JETSPIN, specifically designed to simulate the electro-spinning process of nanofibers. Its capabilities are shown with proper reference to the underlying model, as well as a description of the relevant input variables and associated test-case simulations. The various interactions included in the electrospinning model implemented in JETSPIN are discussed in detail. The code is designed to exploit different computational architectures, from single to parallel processor workstations.