Kernel estimates for nonautonomous Kolmogorov equations with potential term

Using time dependent Lyapunov functions, we prove pointwise upper bounds for the heat kernels of some nonautonomous Kolmogorov operators with possibly unbounded drift and diffusion coefficients and a possibly unbounded potential term

The combination of DInSAR and facility damage data for the updating of slow-moving landslide inventory maps at medium scale

Abstract. Testing innovative procedures and techniques to update landslide inventory maps is a timely topic widely discussed in the scientific literature. In this regard remote sensing techniques – such as the Synthetic Aperture Radar Differential Interferometry (DInSAR) – can provide a valuable contribution to studies concerning slow-moving landslides in different geological contexts all over the world. In this paper, DInSAR data are firstly analysed via an innovative approach aimed at enhancing both the exploitation and the interpretation of remote sensing information; then, they are complemented with the results of an accurate analysis of survey-recorded damage to facilities due to slow-moving landslides. In particular, after being separately analysed to provide independent landslide movement indicators, the two datasets are combined in a DInSAR-Damage matrix which can be used to update the state of activity of slow-moving landslides. Moreover, together with the information provided by geomorphological maps, the two datasets are proven to be useful in detecting unmapped phenomena. The potentialities of the adopted procedure are tested in an area of southern Italy where slow-moving landslides are widespread and accurately mapped by using geomorphological criteria

Problematizing the Relationship Between Cultural, Social, and Political Capital and Graduate Student Participation in a Community Engagement Professional Association

The Graduate Student Network (GradSN) brings together emerging scholars who have an interest in research on service-learning and community engagement (SLCE). In this reflective essay, we problematize the relationship between social, cultural, and economic capital and graduate student participation in the GradSN, specifically the GradSN chair role. To begin, we share the origins, process, and initial findings of a collaborative autoethnographic study that involved a group of seven past, present, and incoming chairs. Participation in this study led us to question what barriers exist for graduate student participation in the GradSN, resulting in this reflective essay. Second, we share the critically reflexive practice the three of us engaged in to interrogate our identities in relation to our chair role. Finally, we discuss the concept of full participation as a way to disrupt current structures in the GradSN, concluding with ideas for future inquiry and action

Cognitive analytics management of the customer lifetime value: an artificial neural network approach

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to show that the use of CAM (cognitive analytics management) methodology is a valid tool to describe new technology implementations for businesses. Design/methodology/approach: Starting from a dataset of recipes, we were able to describe consumers through a variant of the RFM (recency, frequency and monetary value) model. It has been possible to categorize the customers into clusters and to measure their profitability thanks to the customer lifetime value (CLV). Findings: After comparing two machine learning algorithms, we found out that self-organizing map better classifies the customer base of the retailer. The algorithm was able to extract three clusters that were described as personas using the values of the customer lifetime value and the scores of the variant of the RFM model. Research limitations/implications: The results of this methodology are strictly applicable to the retailer which provided the data. Practical implications: Even though, this methodology can produce useful information for designing promotional strategies and improving the relationship between company and customers. Social implications: Customer segmentation is an essential part of the marketing process. Improving further segmentation methods allow even small and medium companies to effectively target customers to better deliver to society the value they offer. Originality/value: This paper shows the application of CAM methodology to guide the implementation and the adoption of a new customer segmentation algorithm based on the CLV

The FDA “black box” warning on antidepressant suicide risk in young adults: More harm than benefits?

The decision made in the year 2004 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require a boxed warning on antidepressants regarding the risk of suicidality in young adults still represents a matter of controversy. The FDA warning was grounded on industry-sponsored trials carried one decade ago or earlier. However, within the past decade, an increasing number of reports have questioned the actual validity of the FDA warning, especially considering a decline in the prescription of the antidepressant drugs associated with an increase in the rate of suicidal events among people with severe depression. The present report provides an overview of the FDA black box warning, also documenting two Major Depressive Disorder patients whose refusal to undergo a pharmacological antidepressant treatment possibly led to an increased risk for suicidal behaviors. The concerns raised by the FDA black box warning need to be considered in real-world clinical practice, stating the associated clinical and public health implications

<b><i>Topoisomerase 1</i></b> Promoter Variants and Benefit from Irinotecan in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients

Objective: Topoisomerase 1 (topo-1) is an important target for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between topo-1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and clinical outcome in metastatic CRC (mCRC) patients. Methods: With the use of specific software (PROMO 3.0), we performed an in silico analysis of topo-1 promoter SNPs; the rs6072249 and rs34282819 SNPs were included in the study. DNA was extracted from 105 mCRC patients treated with FOLFIRI ± bevacizumab in the first line. SNP genotyping was performed by real-time PCR. Genotypes were correlated with clinical parameters (objective response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival). Results: No single genotype was significantly associated with clinical variables. The G allelic variant of rs6072249 topo-1 SNP is responsible for GC factor and X-box-binding protein transcription factor binding. The same allelic variant showed a nonsignificant trend toward a shorter progression-free survival (GG, 7.5 months; other genotypes, 9.3 months; HR 1.823, 95% CI 0.8904-3.734; p = 0.1). Conclusion: Further analyses are needed to confirm that the topo-1 SNP rs6072249 and transcription factor interaction could be a part of tools to predict clinical outcome in mCRC patients treated with irinotecan-based regimens

Systematic analysis of SNR in bipartite Ghost Imaging with classical and quantum light

We present a complete and exhaustive theory of signal-to-noise-ratio in bipartite ghost imaging with classical (thermal) and quantum (twin beams) light. The theory is compared with experiment for both twin beams and thermal light in a certain regime of interest

Die Wirksamkeit leistungsstarker Hydraulikbagger als ein Kriterium zur Bestimmung der Maschinengrösse

A method developed only recently for determining the main characteristics of hydraulic excavators which are suitable for fulfilling planned production requirements was confirmed by the “Dipartimento di Georisorse e territorio” of the “Politecnico di Torino” when it was applied in trials carried put at the Balangero opencast mine. The new R994 hydraulic excavator fulfilled the desired production requirements satisfactorily under all working conditions. Further confirmation of the general validity of the correlation (interrelationship) on which the method of selection is based was provided by trials with a smaller R 984 hydraulic excavator