Position Paper: On the Role of Abductive Reasoning in Semantic Image Segmentation

This position paper provides insights aiming at resolving the most pressing needs and issues of computer vision algorithms. Specifically, these problems relate to the scarcity of data, the inability of such algorithms to adapt to never-seen-before conditions, and the challenge of developing explainable and trustworthy algorithms. This work proposes the incorporation of reasoning systems, and in particular of abductive reasoning, into image segmentation algorithms as a potential solution to the aforementioned issues

Multi-context systems in time

In this paper we consider how to enhance flexibility and generality in Multi-Context Systems (MCS) by considering that contexts can evolve over time, that bridge-rule application can be proactive (according to a context's specific choice), and not instantaneous but requiring an execution mechanism. We introduce bridge-rule patterns to make bridge-rules parametric w.r.t. the involved contexts

The effect of X-ray dust-scattering on a bright burst from the magnetar 1E 1547.0-5408

A bright burst, followed by an X-ray tail lasting ~10 ks, was detected during an XMM-Newton observation of the magnetar 1E 1547.0-5408 carried out on 2009 February 3. The burst, also observed by SWIFT/BAT, had a spectrum well fit by the sum of two blackbodies with temperatures of ~4 keV and 10 keV and a fluence in the 0.3-150 keV energy range of ~1e-5 erg/cm2. The X-ray tail had a fluence of ~4e-8 erg/cm2. Thanks to the knowledge of the distances and relative optical depths of three dust clouds between us and 1E 1547.0-5408, we show that most of the X-rays in the tail can be explained by dust scattering of the burst emission, except for the first ~20-30 s. We point out that other X-ray tails observed after strong magnetar bursts may contain a non-negligible contribution due to dust scattering.Comment: 8 pages, 2 tables and 10 figures; accepted to publication in MNRA

Features of the Primordial Universe in f(R)-gravity as viewed in the Jordan frame

We analyze some relevant features of the primordial Universe as viewed in the Jordan frame formulation of the f(R)-gravity, especially when the potential term of the non-minimally coupled scalar field is negligible. We start formulating the Hamiltonian picture in the Jordan frame, using the 3-metric determinant as a basic variable and we outline that its conjugated momentum appears linearly only in the scalar constraint. Then, we construct the basic formalism to characterize the dynamics of a generic inhomogeneous cosmological model and specialize it in order to describe behaviors of the Bianchi Universes, both on a classical and a quantum regime. As a fundamental issue, we demonstrate that, when the potential term of the additional scalar mode is negligible near enough to the initial singularity, the Bianchi IX cosmology is no longer affected by the chaotic behavior, typical in vacuum of the standard Einsteinian dynamics. In fact, the presence of stable Kasner stability region and its actractive character are properly characterized. Finally, we investigate the canonical quantization of the Bianchi I model, using as time variable the non-minimally coupled scalar field and showing that the existence of a conserved current is outlined for the corresponding Wheeler-DeWitt equation. The behavior of a localized wave-packet for the isotropic Universe is also evolved, demonstrating that the singularity is still present in this revised quantum dynamics.Comment: 20 pages, 8 figure

Psychosocial Interventions for the Enhancement of Psychological Resources among Dyslexic Adults: A Systematic Review

Dyslexic employees are likely to be more at risk of low levels of personal resources because of their cognitive makeup compared to their non-dyslexic counterparts. Low personal resources, in turn, may lead to low employability because of difficulties in positively facing transitions. This research aimed to systematically review evidence on interventions for improving psychological resources in dyslexic adults. We searched Scopus, ERIC EBSCOhost, PsycINFO, Social Science Citation Index Web of Science, and Universe up to May 2020. We also examined the reference lists of published studies. We included studies that compared any intervention format against no intervention, any other intervention considered as a comparator by the authors, or that had no control group. Participants were dyslexic adults aged minimum 18 years old. We included four studies with 278 participants. Studies were run in the UK, Sweden, and Finland. Two studies involved a control group, and two studies were observational. Interventions varied between studies in intensity, duration, and format (individual and small groups). Risk of bias was unclear for most risk criteria. Findings from this review show that there is initial evidence suggesting initiatives can be effective in supporting a set of personal resources, i.e., self-confidence, organization, time, and stress-management, which are important in allowing dyslexic adults\u2019 positive adjustment in the workplace. Yet, more studies are needed to improve outcome assessment and study design

RELATIVISMO MORAL NAS CIÊNCIAS SOCIAIS COMPREENDIDO A PARTIR DAS IDEIAS E PERSPECTIVAS DE KUHN A ARENDT

The present essay has the purpose of explaining, though the perspectives of six different thinkers and scientists, what is the philosophical idea of Moral Relativism within Social Sciences – with a special focus on International Relations –, how might it be useful in understanding its (philosophical) implications for future research, and what could be the possible alternatives. The thinkers and authors discussed are Thomas Kuhn, Hannah Arendt, Charles Wright Mills, Arnold Brecht, Kees Van Der Pijl and Jeppe Nicolaisen. Some of them don’t discuss directly about Moral Relativism, while others deal specifically with the theme. Ideas of what power and truth are also discussed. By the end of the essay it is affirmed how this philosophical idea was and is used by the elite to influence unconsciously the opinion and moral ideas for their own benefits, and to keep the status-quo.O presente ensaio tem por objetivo explicar, através das perspectivas de seis diferentes pensadores e cientistas, o que é a ideia filosófica de Relativismo Moral nas Ciências Sociais - com especial enfoque nas Relações Internacionais -, como pode ser útil a sua compreensão (filosófica), quais as implicações para pesquisas futuras, e quais poderiam ser as alternativas possíveis. Os pensadores e autores discutidos são Thomas Kuhn, Hannah Arendt, Charles Wright Mills, Arnold Brecht, Kees Van Der Pijl e Jeppe Nicolaisen. Alguns deles não discutem diretamente sobre o Relativismo Moral, enquanto outros tratam especificamente do tema. Idéias sobre o que é poder e verdade também são discutidas. Ao final do ensaio afirma-se como essa ideia filosófica foi e ainda é utilizada pelas elites para influenciar inconscientemente a opinião e as ideias morais em seu próprio benefício, ou seja para manter o status-quo

L’ITALIANO ALL’UNIVERSITÉ DE SAVOIE

Il lavoro traccia un profilo degli studenti iscritti al corso di laurea triennale in Lingua, letteratura e cultura italiana della facoltà di Lettere, lingue e scienze umane dell’Université de Savoie (Chambéry, Francia). Basandosi su informazioni raccolte presso un campione di ventisei studenti tramite un apposito questionario, l’articolo delinea un ritratto degli apprendenti e ne analizza le esperienze passate e presenti di apprendimento linguistico; i contatti che essi hanno con l’Italia e con parlanti italofoni; le motivazioni di ordine culturale, professionale e personale che li hanno spinti all’apprendimento della lingua italiana. A partire dal loro profilo che i dati fanno emergere si stabilisce un confronto, in merito alle dinamiche di studio e alle motivazioni all’apprendimento dell’italiano, tra gli studenti di Chambéry e l’utenza dei corsi di lingua italiana organizzati dagli Istituti italiani di cultura nel mondo.  Italian at the Université de Savoie The article profiles students enrolled in the undergraduate program in Italian language, literature and culture at the Faculty of Arts, Languages and Humanities at the Université de Savoie (Chambéry, France). Based on information gathered from a sample of twenty-six students through a questionnaire, the article outlines a portrait of the learners and analyzes their past and present experience regarding language learning, contact they have with Italy and Italian speakers and the cultural, professional and personal reasons that brought them to study the Italian language. Based on the data, a comparison regarding the dynamics of Italian language learning and motivation among students in Chambéry and users of Italian language courses organized by the Italian Cultural Institutes in the world can be made