A Smart Assistant for Visual Recognition of Painted Scenes

Nowadays, smart devices allow people to easily interact with the surrounding environment thanks to existing communication infrastructures, i.e., 3G/4G/5G or WiFi. In the context of a smart museum, data shared by visitors can be used to provide innovative services aimed to improve their cultural experience. In this paper, we consider as case study the painted wooden ceiling of the Sala Magna of Palazzo Chiaramonte in Palermo, Italy and we present an intelligent system that visitors can use to automatically get a description of the scenes they are interested in by simply pointing their smartphones to them. As compared to traditional applications, this system completely eliminates the need for indoor positioning technologies, which are unfeasible in many scenarios as they can only be employed when museum items are physically distinguishable. Experimental analysis aimed to evaluate the performance of the system in terms of accuracy of the recognition process, and the obtained results show its effectiveness in a real-world application scenario

Sliding Mode Control of Quadratic Boost Converters Based on Min-Type Control Strategy

The paper deals with the control of a quadratic boost converter supplied by low-voltage energy sources, such as photovoltaic panels, fuel cells, or batteries. The control scheme consists of two control loops. A min-type controller governs the inner loop to force the current state of the nominal model to converge in a neighborhood of the equilibrium state. The external loop processes the output tracking error using an integrator, and it allows reconfiguring the converter's working point by changing the equilibrium state given in the input to the internal loop. This configuration assures both zero tracking error of the output voltage and robustness against load and input voltage variations and converter parameter uncertainties. The stability of the whole system is investigated using the hybrid system framework. The proposed control technique has been tested experimentally in a suitably developed (low-cost) setup, and the results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach

A distributed analysis of vibration signals for leakage detection in Water Distribution Networks

It is well known that Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) are very inefficient and, in Italy, 40% of water is lost during distribution. In this paper, we present a solution for detecting leakages in WDNs, based on three main components: i) an innovative sensing element to be deployed at the sensor nodes, which analyses vibrations in the acoustic range for classifying external noise sources, induced by water leakages, by means of suitable machine learning techniques; ii) an Internet of Things (IoT) system of sensors, deployed at the junctions of the WDNs, for comparing the measurements collected at different critical points of the network; iii) a machine learning algorithm for processing the data. After the definition of the WDN structure, we introduce some numerical simulation tools suitable for studying our system and modeling the proposed sensing solution. Given the geometry, physical properties (pipe lengths, diameters, roughness, reservoir shapes and levels, pump and valve characteristic curves) and nodal demands, the simulation tool is able to compute leakages in pipes or nodes over time. In parallel, we simulate our IoT system coupled to the WDN, by logging partial information about the WDN status, which corresponds to the demand readings at the edge nodes or at some junction nodes, together with the (optional) measurements of the deployed sensing elements. On the basis of this data, we analyze the possibility of identifying the leakages in the network, even without knowing the exact or complete topology of the WDN. Our solution exploits different machine learning techniques devised to indirectly retrieve topological information, by correlating the balance of the flows as the water demand varies over time

Vibration-based water leakage detection system for public open data platforms

Water Distribution Networks are known to lose a consistent percentage of drinkable water due to the presence of leakages. In this paper it is proposed a solution to detect water leaks consisting of: i) a new sensing equipment able to acoustically monitor the external surface of a newly laid underground pipe; ii) a training of several machine learning models able to analyse the data collected by the new sensing equipment; iii) a user dashboard to give the final user the possibility to monitor the pipe’s condition. The research process included the generation of artificial leakages capable to produce a suitable dataset necessary to properly train machine learning models onto

Las fallas y pliegues recientes y activos de la parte centro-oriental de las Zonas Internas de la Cordillera Bética

The most recent tectonic structures of the central-eastern Internal Zones of the Betic Cordillera (from 3.1ºW to 1.7ºW and to the south of 37.525ºN) include fault and folds developed from the Late Miocene onwards, which are related to N-S/NW-SE directed continental collision and moderate thickening of a crust that is relatively hot at depth. In this setting, E-W to WSW-ENE folds, with locally associated E-W transpressive right-lateral and reverse faults, favoured the emersion of the northern Alborán basin palaeomargin and the progressive intramontane basin disconnection. The NNE-SSW to NE-SW trending regional left-lateral Palomares and Carboneras fault zones are dominant structures in the easternmost part of the cordillera. In addition, NW-SE to WNWESE trending normal and oblique-slip normal faults are widespread. The collision is still active and continues to drive active folds and faults, some probably being the likely source of moderate-sized earthquakes. The Campo de Dalías and surrounding sectors, deformed by active ENE-WSW folds and NW-SE to WNW-ESE oblique-slip normal faults, are probably the sites with the largest concentration of significant earthquakes during recent years. Moderate-magnitude earthquakes (Mw 5.0 to 6.5) have occurred there at fairly regular intervals, in 1804, 1910, and 1994. Toward the east, NW-SE trending normal faults extending from Almería to the Tabernas basin deform the Quaternary rocks with associated moderate seismicity (the 2002 Gergal Mw 4.7 earthquake, and possibly the 1894 Nacimiento earthquake, felt with intensity VII). In the Sorbas-Vera basin, the Palomares fault zone is also responsible for moderate-sized earthquakes (1518 Vera earthquake). In the Almanzora corridor, NW-SE to WNW-ESE trending Lúcar-Somontín faults also could be considered one of the possible source of moderate-magnitude seismicity (1932 Lúcar, Mw 4.8 earthquake felt with intensity VIII). Toward the east, between Albox and Partaloa, several small reverse faults and associated compressive structures deform Quaternary alluvial and fluvial sediments. Although some of these folds reveal a slow and progressive deformation from the Middle Pleistocene onwards, some of these reverse fault segments that deform the western Huércal-Overa basin could host the 1972 NW Partaloa, mbLg 4.8 earthquake, felt with intensity VII.Las estructuras tectónicas más recientes que deforman la parte centro-oriental de las Zonas Internas de Cordillera Bética (entre 3.1º y 1.7ºO y al sur de 37.525ºN) son fallas y pliegues que comenzaron a formarse aproximadamente en el Mioceno superior en un contexto de colisión continental N-S/NO-SE y moderado engrosamiento cortical. En este marco tectónico, pliegues y fallas transpresivas dextras e inversas de direcciones E-O/OSO-ENE favorecieron la emersión del borde norte de la paleocuenca de Alborán y la progresiva desconexión de pequeñas cuencas intramontañosas. Además, comenzaron a formarse las grandes zonas de falla de Palomares y Carboneras, con direcciones NNE-SSO y NE-SO respectivamente y movimientos sinistros, que también han condicionado la evolución de la Cordillera Bética oriental desde el Mioceno superior. Algunas fallas con salto normal/normal-oblicuo y trazas NO-SE/ONO-ESE también se han desarrollado ampliamente en toda la zona de estudio. La colisión, aún activa, permite que algunos pliegues y fallas continúen propagándose en la actualidad, eventualmente causando terremotos con magnitudes moderadas. El Campo de Dalías y los sectores adyacentes, deformados por pliegues activos de direcciones ENE-OSO y fallas NO-SE/ONOESE normales-oblicuas, probablemente representan la zona con mayor concentración de terremotos importantes (Mw 5.0-6.5) con eventos recurrentes en 1804, 1910 y 1994. Al este del Campo de Dalías, una amplia zona de falla normal se extiende en dirección NO-SE desde Almería hasta la cuenca de Tabernas. Esta zona de falla muestra evidencias de funcionamiento durante el Cuaternario y tiene sismicidad moderada asociada a su terminación septentrional (el terremoto de Gergal en 2002 con Mw 4.7; y posiblemente el terremoto de Nacimiento en 1894 con intensidad VII). La zona de falla de Palomares es también responsable de terremotos moderados en la Cuenca de Sorbas-Vera (terremoto de Vera en 1518). En la parte central del corredor del Almanzora, alguno de los segmentos de falla normal que se extienden entre Lúcar y Somontín podría ser responsable del terremoto de Lúcar, en 1932 (Mw 4.8 e intensidad VIII). Al este, entre Albox y Partaloa, se han descrito fallas inversas y pliegues asociados que deforman sedimentos cuaternarios. Aunque algunas de estas estructuras muestran evidencias de funcionamiento lento y progresivo durante el Cuaternario, el terremoto de Partaloa en 1972 (mbLg 4.8 e intensidad VII) pudo ser causado por la actividad de cualquiera de estos segmentos de falla inversa que deforman la parte occidental de la cuenca de Huércal-Overa

Victimization and PTSD-like states in an Icelandic youth probability sample

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although adolescence in many cases is a period of rebellion and experimentation with new behaviors and roles, the exposure of adolescents to life-threatening and violent events has rarely been investigated in national probability studies using a broad range of events.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In an Icelandic national representative sample of 206 9th-grade students (mean = 14.5 years), the prevalence of 20 potentially traumatic events and negative life events was reported, along with the psychological impact of these events.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Seventy-four percent of the girls and 79 percent of the boys were exposed to at least one event. The most common events were the death of a family member, threat of violence, and traffic accidents. The estimated lifetime prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder-like states (PTSD; DSM-IV, APA, 1994 <abbrgrp><abbr bid="B1">1</abbr></abbrgrp>) was 16 percent, whereas another 12 percent reached a sub-clinical level of PTSD-like states (missing the full diagnosis with one symptom). Following exposure, girls suffered from PTSD-like states almost twice as often as boys. Gender, mothers' education, and single-parenthood were associated with specific events. The odds ratios and 95% CI for PTSD-like states given a specific event are reported. Being exposed to multiple potentially traumatic events was associated with an increase in PTSD-like states.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The findings indicate substantial mental health problems in adolescents that are associated with various types of potentially traumatic exposure.</p

Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Child Post-Traumatic Cognitions Inventory (CPTCI-GER)

Dysfunctional trauma-related cognitions are associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The psychometric properties of the German version of the Child Post-Traumatic Cognitions Inventory (CPTCI-GER) were assessed in a sample of 223 children and adolescents (7–16 years) with a history of different traumatic events. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the original two-factor structure—permanent and disturbing change (CPTCI-PC) and fragile person in a scary world (CPTCI-SW). The total scale and both subscales showed good internal consistency. Participants with PTSD had significantly more dysfunctional trauma-related cognitions than those without PTSD. Dysfunctional posttraumatic cognitions correlated significantly with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS; r = .62), depression (r = .71), and anxiety (r = .67). The CPTCI-GER has good psychometric properties and may facilitate evaluation of treatments and further research on the function of trauma-related cognitions in children and adolescents. (Partial) correlations provide empirical support for the combined DSM-5 symptom cluster negative alterations in cognitions and mood

Bullying Victimisation, Internalising Symptoms, and Conduct Problems in South African Children and Adolescents: A Longitudinal Investigation

Bullying victimisation has been prospectively linked with mental health problems among children and adolescents in longitudinal studies in the developed world. However, research from the developing world, where adolescents face multiple risks to social and emotional development, has been limited by cross-sectional designs. This is the first longitudinal study of the psychological impacts of bullying victimisation in South Africa. The primary aim was to examine prospective relationships between bullying victimisation and internalising and externalising symptoms in South African youth. Secondary aims were to examine gender and age-related differences in experiences of bullying victimisation. Children and adolescents (10–17 years, 57 % female, n = 3,515) from high HIV-prevalent (>30 %) communities in South Africa were interviewed and followed-up 1 year later (97 % retention). Census enumeration areas were randomly selected from urban and rural sites in two provinces and door-to-door sampling included all households with a resident child/adolescent. Exposure to multiple experiences of bullying victimisation at baseline predicted internalising symptoms and conduct problems 1 year later. Additionally, baseline mental health scores predicted later bullying victimisation, demonstrating bi-directionality of relationships between bullying victimisation and mental health outcomes in this sample. Expected gender differences in physical, verbal, and relational bullying victimisation were evident and predicted declines in bullying victimisation over time were observed. In the developed world, school-based anti-bullying programmes have been shown to be effective in reducing bullying and victimisation. Anti-bullying programmes should be implemented and rigorously evaluated in South Africa, as this may promote improved mental health among South African children and adolescents

School Effects on the Wellbeing of Children and Adolescents

Well-being is a multidimensional construct, with psychological, physical and social components. As theoretical basis to help understand this concept and how it relates to school, we propose the Self-Determination Theory, which contends that self-determined motivation and personality integration, growth and well-being are dependent on a healthy balance of three innate psychological needs of autonomy, relatedness and competence. Thus, current indicators involve school effects on children’s well-being, in many diverse modalities which have been explored. Some are described in this chapter, mainly: the importance of peer relationships; the benefits of friendship; the effects of schools in conjunction with some forms of family influence; the school climate in terms of safety and physical ecology; the relevance of the teacher input; the school goal structure and the implementation of cooperative learning. All these parameters have an influence in promoting optimal functioning among children and increasing their well-being by meeting the above mentioned needs. The empirical support for the importance of schools indicates significant small effects, which often translate into important real-life effects as it is admitted at present. The conclusion is that schools do make a difference in children’s peer relationships and well-being