What is the IQ of your data transformation system?

Mapping and translating data across different representations is a crucial problem in information systems. Many formalisms and tools are currently used for this purpose, to the point that devel- opers typically face a difficult question: “what is the right tool for my translation task?” In this paper, we introduce several techniques that contribute to answer this question. Among these, a fairly gen- eral definition of a data transformation system, a new and very effi- cient similarity measure to evaluate the outputs produced by such a system, and a metric to estimate user efforts. Based on these tech- niques, we are able to compare a wide range of systems on many translation tasks, to gain interesting insights about their effective- ness, and, ultimately, about their “intelligence”

Fog Detection Based on Meteosat Second Generation-Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager High Resolution Visible Channel

In this study, the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG)-Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) High Resolution Visible channel (HRV) is used in synergy with the narrow band MSG-SEVIRI channels for daytime fog detection. A new algorithm, named MSG-SEVIRI SatFog, has been designed and implemented. MSG-SEVIRI SatFog provides the indication of the presence of fog in near real time and at the high spatial resolution of the HRV channel. The HRV resolution is useful for detecting small scale daytime fog that would be missed in the MSG-SEVIRI low spatial resolution channels. By combining textural, physical and tonal tests, a distinction between fog and low stratus is performed for pixels identified as low/middle clouds or clear by the Classification-MAsk Coupling of Statistical and Physical Methods (C-MACSP) cloud detection algorithm. Suitable thresholds have been determined using a specific dataset covering different geographical areas, seasons and time of the day. MSG-SEVIRI SatFog is evaluated against METeorological Aerodrome Reports (METAR) data observations. Evaluation results in an accuracy of 69.9%, a probability of detection of 68.7%, a false alarm ratio of 31.3% and a probability of false detection of 30.0%

Perinatal outcomes in women with cystic fibrosis: Data from the Italian Cystic Fibrosis Registry

Introduction: Data from the Italian Cystic Fibrosis Registry concerning pregnancies in the period 2010–2015 were used to investigate the association between the pre- conception clinical status and perinatal outcomes of women with cystic fibrosis (CF). Material and methods: The assessed clinical variables were genotype, age at the time of conception, body mass index (BMI) and the percentage of predicted forced expira- tory volume in the first second (ppFEV1). The analyzed outcomes were gestational age, birthweight and the frequency of cesarean deliveries. A generalized linear mixed model (GLIMMIX) was used to evaluate the association between type of delivery and age at the time of becoming pregnant, BMI, ppFEV1 and gestational age. Robust mul- tivariable regression was used to evaluate the relation between gestational age and age at the time of becoming pregnant, BMI and ppFEV1. Multivariable linear regres- sion was performed to verify association between birthweight and BMI, and ppFEV1. Results: Complete information concerning mother and child was available for 56 completed pregnancies. Median age at the time of conception was 30.8 years (range: 18.7–42.3); median BMI was 21.5 kg/m2 (range: 16.5–26.8); and median ppFEV1 was 73.9 (range: 30–128). In all, 31 women (55.36%) had a genotype consisting of two CF-causing variants. Eight were homozygous for the F508del mutation (14.28% of the total). The median duration of pregnancy was 37 weeks (range: 31–41) and the frequency of prematurity (<37 weeks of gestational age) was 28.30%. Median birthweight was 2910 g (range: 1300–3650). The overall frequency of cesarean sec- tions was 63.64%. A low preconception ppFEV1 was associated with prematurity (p = 0.014), and birthweight was positively related to ppFEV1 (p = 0.04). There was no association between the clinical variables or gestational age and the type of delivery. Conclusions: Maternal preconceptional respiratory function correlates with the du- ration of pregnancy and the birthweight of newborns. Cesarean deliveries are also frequent among young women with CF with normal respiratory function

Dynamic response of a volcanic shelter subjected to ballistic impacts

This paper presents the results of a series of experimental tests, aimed at investigating the impact and dynamic response of a volcanic shelter. Similar shelters are to be installed in the Stromboli island (Aeolian archipelago, Sicily, Italy), to protect human lives from the pyroclastic eruptions of the volcano. Basically, the Shelter consists of two homologous reinforced concrete shells, interconnected by rubber-based special devices, which absorb and dissipate most of the impact energy. The Shelter has been specifically designed to resist, without damage, an impact with a 150 kg mass rock, knocking the surface of the external shell at 62.5 m/s speed. The experimental tests were carried out on a 1:2-scale model, using a testing apparatus purposely realised to simulate impact conditions comparable with those considered in the design. Impact energy and mass ratio between projectile and reinforced concrete shell were assumed as main experimental parameters and varied during the tests. A finite element model of the Shelter was also implemented and direct-integration time-history analyses were performed, to validate the experimental results. Reference to the Hertz’s law was made to simulate the impact between the two bodies. The experimental tests proved the ability of the Shelter to resist impacts without damage. Acceptable agreement between numerical predictions and experimental results was found