78 research outputs found
A Unified Architecture for Dynamic Role Allocation and Collaborative Task Planning in Mixed Human-Robot Teams
The growing deployment of human-robot collaborative processes in several
industrial applications, such as handling, welding, and assembly, unfolds the
pursuit of systems which are able to manage large heterogeneous teams and, at
the same time, monitor the execution of complex tasks. In this paper, we
present a novel architecture for dynamic role allocation and collaborative task
planning in a mixed human-robot team of arbitrary size. The architecture
capitalizes on a centralized reactive and modular task-agnostic planning method
based on Behavior Trees (BTs), in charge of actions scheduling, while the
allocation problem is formulated through a Mixed-Integer Linear Program (MILP),
that assigns dynamically individual roles or collaborations to the agents of
the team. Different metrics used as MILP cost allow the architecture to favor
various aspects of the collaboration (e.g. makespan, ergonomics, human
preferences). Human preference are identified through a negotiation phase, in
which, an human agent can accept/refuse to execute the assigned task.In
addition, bilateral communication between humans and the system is achieved
through an Augmented Reality (AR) custom user interface that provides intuitive
functionalities to assist and coordinate workers in different action phases.
The computational complexity of the proposed methodology outperforms literature
approaches in industrial sized jobs and teams (problems up to 50 actions and 20
agents in the team with collaborations are solved within 1 s). The different
allocated roles, as the cost functions change, highlights the flexibility of
the architecture to several production requirements. Finally, the subjective
evaluation demonstrating the high usability level and the suitability for the
targeted scenario.Comment: 18 pages, 20 figures, 2nd round review at Transaction on Robotic
L’omicidio volontario tra gli immigrati: autori e vittime
The paper analyzes the data concerning to the foreigners authors and victims of homicide, deriving from the EURES Report on the homicide in Italy 2013.The analysis of these shows that the homicide in Italy has undergone a significant decrease in the last twenty years, disproving the xenophobic panicking that superficially and generally it tends to find the cause of the increase in crime among immigrants. In fact, since 2008 a progressive decrease there was with regard to the homicide of foreign known author: from 129 to 121. With reference to foreign victims in 2012 there is the lowest number since the last decade with 108 victims compared to 132 in 2011Il contributo analizza i dati relativi agli stranieri autori e vittime di omicidio provenienti dal Rapporto EURES sull’omicidio in Italia 2013. L’analisi di questi mostra come l’omicidio in Italia abbia subito un forte decremento negli ultimi venti anni, confutando l’allarmismo xenofobo che tende superficialmente e generalmente a riscontrare la causa dell’aumento della criminalità negli immigrati.Dal 2008, infatti, si è avuta una progressiva diminuzione per quanto attiene agli omicidi con autore di straniero noto, passando da 129 a 121. Con riferimento alle vittime straniere, nel 2012 si registra il più basso numero rispetto all’ultimo decennio con 108 vittime rispetto alle 132 del 2011
To Wean or Not to Wean: The Role of Autologous Reconstructive Surgery in the Natural History of Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome on Behalf of Italian Society for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP)
Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) can require prolonged parenteral nutrition (PN). Over the years, SBS management has been implemented by autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive surgery (AGIR). The primary objective of the present review was to assess the effect of AGIR on weaning off PN. We also evaluated how AGIR impacts survival, the need for transplantation (Tx) and the development of liver disease (LD). We conducted a systematic literature search to identify studies published from January 1999 to the present and 947 patients were identified. PN alone was weakly associated with higher probability of weaning from PN (OR = 1.1, p = 0.03) and of surviving (OR = 1.05, p = 0.01). Adjusting for age, the probability of weaning off PN but of not surviving remained significantly associated with PN alone (OR = 1.08, p = 0.03). Finally, adjusting for age and primary diagnosis (gastroschisis), any association was lost. The prevalence of TX and LD did not differ by groups. In conclusion, in view of the low benefit in terms of intestinal adaptation and of the not negligible rate of complications (20%), a careful selection of candidates for AGIR should be required. Bowel dilation associated with failure of advancing EN and poor growth, should be criteria to refer for AGIR
Long-Term Effects of Breast Cancer Therapy and Care: Calm after the Storm?
Breast cancer is still a lethal disease and the leading cause of death in women, undermining patients' survival and quality of life. Modern techniques of surgery and radiotherapy allow for the obtaining of good results in terms of survival, however they cause long-term side effects that persist over time, such as lymphedema and neuropathy. Similarly, the advent of new therapies such as endocrine therapy revolutionized breast cancer outcomes, but side effects are still present even in years of follow-up after cure. Besides the side effects of medical and surgical therapy, breast cancer is a real disruption in patients' lives considering quality of life-related aspects such as the distortion of body image, the psychological consequences of the diagnosis, and the impact on family dynamics. Therefore, the doctor-patient relationship is central to providing the best support both during treatment and afterwards. The aim of this review is to summarize the consequences of medical and surgical treatment on breast cancer patients and to emphasize the importance of early prevention of side effects to improve patients' quality of life
Mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services. Urban ecosystems
Action 5 of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 requires member states to Map and Assess the state of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES). This report provides guidance for mapping and assessment
of urban ecosystems. The MAES urban pilot is a collaboration between the European Commission, the European Environment Agency, volunteering Member States and cities, and stakeholders. Its ultimate
goal is to deliver a knowledge base for policy and management of urban ecosystems by analysing urban green infrastructure, condition of urban ecosystems and ecosystem services. This report presents guidance for mapping urban ecosystems and includes an indicator framework to assess the condition of urban ecosystems and urban ecosystem services. The scientific framework of mapping and assessment is designed to support in particular urban planning policy and policy on green infrastructure at urban, metropolitan and regional scales. The results are based on the following different sources of information: a literature survey of 54 scientific articles, an online-survey (on urban ecosystems, related policies and planning instruments and with participation of 42 cities), ten case studies (Portugal: Cascais, Oeiras, Lisbon; Italy: Padua, Trento, Rome; The Netherlands: Utrecht; Poland: Poznań; Spain: Barcelona; Norway: Oslo), and a two-day expert workshop. The case studies constituted the core of the MAES urban pilot. They provided real examples and applications of how mapping and assessment can be organized to support policy; on top, they provided the necessary expertise to select a set of final indicators for condition and ecosystem services. Urban ecosystems or cities are defined here as socio-ecological systems which are composed of green infrastructure and built infrastructure. Urban green infrastructure (GI) is understood in this report as the multi-functional network of urban green spaces situated within the boundary of the urban ecosystem. Urban green spaces are the structural components of urban GI.
This study has shown that there is a large scope for urban ecosystem assessments. Firstly, urban policies increasingly use urban green infrastructure and nature-based solutions in their planning process. Secondly, an increasing amount of data at multiple spatial scales is becoming available to support these policies, to provide a baseline, and to compare or benchmark cities with respect to the extent and management of the urban ecosystem. Concrete examples are given on how to delineate urban ecosystems, how to choose an appropriate spatial scale, and how to map urban ecosystems based on a combination of national or European datasets (including Urban Atlas) and locally collected information (e.g., location of trees). Also examples of typologies for urban green spaces are presented.
This report presents an indicator framework which is composed of indicators to assess for urban ecosystem condition and for urban ecosystem services. These are the result of a rigorous selection
process and ensure consistent mapping and assessment across Europe. The MAES urban pilot will continue with work on the interface between research and policy. The framework presented in this report needs to be tested and validated across Europe, e.g. on its applicability at city scale, on how far the methodology for measuring ecosystem condition and ecosystem service delivery in urban areas can be used to assess urban green infrastructure and nature-based solutions
ERNICA guidelines for the management of rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease
Background Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a serious congenital bowel disorder with a prevalence of 1/5000. Currently, there is a lack of systematically developed guidelines to assist clinical decision-making regarding diagnostics and management. Aims This guideline aims to cover the diagnostics and management of rectosigmoid HSCR up to adulthood. It aims to describe the preferred approach of ERNICA, the European Reference Network for rare inherited and congenital digestive disorders. Methods Recommendations within key topics covering the care pathway for rectosigmoid HSCR were developed by an international workgroup of experts from 8 European countries within ERNICA European Reference Network from the disciplines of surgery, medicine, histopathology, microbiology, genetics, and patient organization representatives. Recommendation statements were based on a comprehensive review of the available literature and expert consensus. AGREE II and GRADE approaches were used during development. Evidence levels and levels of agreement are noted. Results Thirty-three statements within 9 key areas were generated. Most recommendations were based on expert opinion. Conclusion In rare or low-prevalence diseases such as HSCR, there remains limited availability of high-quality clinical evidence. Consensus-based guidelines for care are presented.Peer reviewe
ERNICA guidelines for the management of rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease
Background Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a serious congenital bowel disorder with a prevalence of 1/5000. Currently, there is a lack of systematically developed guidelines to assist clinical decision-making regarding diagnostics and management. Aims This guideline aims to cover the diagnostics and management of rectosigmoid HSCR up to adulthood. It aims to describe the preferred approach of ERNICA, the European Reference Network for rare inherited and congenital digestive disorders. Methods Recommendations within key topics covering the care pathway for rectosigmoid HSCR were developed by an international workgroup of experts from 8 European countries within ERNICA European Reference Network from the disciplines of surgery, medicine, histopathology, microbiology, genetics, and patient organization representatives. Recommendation statements were based on a comprehensive review of the available literature and expert consensus. AGREE II and GRADE approaches were used during development. Evidence levels and levels of agreement are noted. Results Thirty-three statements within 9 key areas were generated. Most recommendations were based on expert opinion. Conclusion In rare or low-prevalence diseases such as HSCR, there remains limited availability of high-quality clinical evidence. Consensus-based guidelines for care are presented.Peer reviewe
Overall mortality in combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema related to systemic sclerosis
OBJECTIVES: This multicentre study aimed to investigate the overall mortality of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to compare CPFE-SSc characteristics with those of other SSc subtypes (with interstitial lung disease-ILD, emphysema or neither). METHODS: Chest CTs, anamnestic data, immunological profile and pulmonary function tests of patients with SSc were retrospectively collected. Each chest CT underwent a semiquantitative assessment blindly performed by three radiologists. Patients were clustered in four groups: SSc-CPFE, SSc-ILD, SSc-emphysema and other-SSc (without ILD nor emphysema). The overall mortality of these groups was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the stratified log-rank test; Kruskal-Wallis test, t-Student test and χ² test assessed the differences between groups. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: We enrolled 470 patients (1959 patient-year); 15.5 % (73/470) died during the follow-up. Compared with the SSc-ILD and other-SSc, in SSc-CPFE there was a higher prevalence of males, lower anticentromere antibodies prevalence and a more reduced pulmonary function (p<0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrates a significantly worse survival in patients with SSc-CPFE (HR vs SSc-ILD, vs SSc-emphysema and vs other-SSc, respectively 1.6 (CI 0.5 to 5.2), 1.6 (CI 0.7 to 3.8) and 2.8 (CI 1.2 to 6.6). CONCLUSIONS: CPFE increases the mortality risk in SSc along with a highly impaired lung function. These findings strengthen the importance to take into account emphysema in patients with SSc with ILD
Patient-reported impact of spondyloarthritis on work disability and working life: The ATLANTIS survey
44noopenopenRamonda, Roberta; Marchesoni, Antonio; Carletto, Antonio; Bianchi, Gerolamo; Cutolo, Maurizio; Ferraccioli, Gianfranco; Fusaro, Enrico; De Vita, Salvatore; Galeazzi, Mauro; Gerli, Roberto; Matucci-Cerinic, Marco; Minisola, Giovanni; Montecucco, Carlomaurizio; Pellerito, Raffaele; Salaffi, Fausto; Paolazzi, Giuseppe; Sarzi-Puttini, Piercarlo; Scarpa, Raffaele; Bagnato, Gianfilippo; Triolo, Giovanni; Valesini, Guido; Punzi, Leonardo; Olivieri, Ignazio; Ortolan, Augusta; Lorenzin, Mariagrazia; Frallonardo, Paola; Giollo, Alessandro; Locaputo, Antonella; Paolino, Sabrina; Simone, Davide; Quartuccio, Luca; Bartoloni, Elena; Luca, Rossella De; Bartoli, Francesca; Sensi, Felice; Caporali, Roberto; Carlo, Marco Di; Roberto, Bortolotti; Atzeni, Fabiola; Costa, Luisa; Ciccia, Francesco; Perrotta, Fabio; Gilio, Michele; ATLANTIS study groupRamonda, Roberta; Marchesoni, Antonio; Carletto, Antonio; Bianchi, Gerolamo; Cutolo, Maurizio; Ferraccioli, Gianfranco; Fusaro, Enrico; De Vita, Salvatore; Galeazzi, Mauro; Gerli, Roberto; Matucci-Cerinic, Marco; Minisola, Giovanni; Montecucco, Carlomaurizio; Pellerito, Raffaele; Salaffi, Fausto; Paolazzi, Giuseppe; Sarzi-Puttini, Piercarlo; Scarpa, Raffaele; Bagnato, Gianfilippo; Triolo, Giovanni; Valesini, Guido; Punzi, Leonardo; Olivieri, Ignazio; Ortolan, Augusta; Lorenzin, Mariagrazia; Frallonardo, Paola; Giollo, Alessandro; Locaputo, Antonella; Paolino, Sabrina; Simone, Davide; Quartuccio, Luca; Bartoloni, Elena; Luca, Rossella De; Bartoli, Francesca; Sensi, Felice; Caporali, Roberto; Carlo, Marco Di; Roberto, Bortolotti; Atzeni, Fabiola; Costa, Luisa; Ciccia, Francesco; Perrotta, Fabio; Gilio, Michele; ATLANTIS study, Grou
Influence of safety warnings on the prescribing attitude of JAK 2inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis in Italy
The Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) tofacitinib (TOFA), baricitinib (BARI), upadacitinib (UPA) and 74
filgotinib (FILGO) are effective drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, the US 75
Food & Administration (FDA) raised concerns on the safety of TOFA after its approval. This 76
prompted the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to issue two safety warnings for limiting TOFA 77
use then extended in a third warning to all Jaki in patients at high risk of developing serious adverse 78
events (SAE). These included thrombosis, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and cancer. Thepurpose of this work was to analyze how the first two safety warnings from EMA affected the pre- 80
scribing of Jaki by rheumatologists in Italy. All patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had been 81
prescribed JAKi for the first time in a 36-month period from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2022 were con- 82
sidered. Data were obtained from the medical records of 29 Italian tertiary referral rheumatology 83
centers. Patients were divided into three groups of 4 months each, depending on whether the JAKi 84
prescription had occurred before the EMA's first safety alert (July 1-October 31, 2019, Group 1), 85
between the first and second alerts (November 1, 2019-February 29, 2020, Group 2), or between the 86
second and third alerts (March 1, 2021-June 30, 2021, Group 3). Percentage and absolute changes in 87
patients prescribed the individual JAKi were analyzed. Differences among the three Groups of pa- 88
tients in demographic and clinical characteristics were also assessed. A total of 864 patients were 89
prescribed a JAKi during the entire period considered. Of these, 343 were identified in Group 1, 233 90
in Group 2 and 288 in Group 3. An absolute reduction of 32% was observed in the number of patients 91
prescribed a JAKi between Group 1 and Group 2 and 16% between Group 1 and Group 3. In contrast, 92
there was a 19% increase in the prescription of a JAKi in patients between Group 2 and Group 3. In 93
the first Group, BARI was the most prescribed drug (227 prescriptions, 66.2% of the total), followed 94
by TOFA (115, 33.5%) and UPA (1, 0.3%). In the second Group, the most prescribed JAKi was BARI 95
(147, 63.1%), followed by TOFA (65, 27.9%) and UPA (33, 11.5%). In the third Group, BARI was still 96
the most prescribed JAKi (104 prescriptions, 36.1%), followed by UPA (89, 30.9%), FILGO (89, 21.5%) 97
and TOFA (33, 11.5%). The number of patients prescribed TOFA decreased significantly between 98
Group 1 and Group 2 and between Group 2 and Group 3 (p Ë‚ 0.01). Patients who were prescribed 99
BARI decreased significantly between Group 1 and Group 2 and between Group 2 and Group 3 (p 100
Ë‚ 0.01). In contrast, patients prescribed UPA increased between Group 2 and Group 3 (p Ë‚ 0.01). 101
These data suggest that the warnings issued for TOFA were followed by a reduction in total JAKi 102
prescriptions. However, the more selective JAKi (UPA and FILGO) were perceived by prescribers 103
as favorable in terms of risk/benefit ratio and their use gradually increased at the expense of the 104
other molecules
- …