On the trade-off between compression efficiency and distortion of a new compression algorithm for multichannel EEG signals based on singular value decomposition

In this article we investigate the trade-off between the compression ratio and distortion of a recently published compression technique specifically devised for multichannel electroencephalograph (EEG) signals. In our previous paper, we proved that, when singular value decomposition (SVD) is already performed for denoising or removing unwanted artifacts, it is possible to exploit the same SVD for compression purpose by achieving a compression ratio in the order of 10 and a percentage root mean square distortion in the order of 0.01 %. In this article, we successfully demonstrate how, with a negligible increase in the computational cost of the algorithm, it is possible to further improve the compression ratio by about 10 % by maintaining the same distortion level or, alternatively, to improve the compression ratio by about 50 % by still maintaining the distortion level below the 0.1 %

Information and communication technologies-based interventions for children with autism spectrum conditions: a systematic review of randomized control trials from a positive technology perspective

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become more widely used in the past years to help people with autism spectrum conditions (ASC). Serious games embedded into computers or tablets, as well as social robots, are the most employed ICT-related tools that are appealing to and appropriate for autistic children. The goal of ICT applications is to enhance behavioral abnormalities associated with ASC while also creating an interactive link between one person and one computer. Comparatively, to human-based therapy, ICT tools aid to inspire autistic children by providing predictability and regularity of tasks. Regaining social skills is the primary behavioral goal for which ICT tools have been designed and implemented. In the past several years, many studies have been created to show how effective it is at improving targeted behaviors. However, only a small number of researchers have used an RCT approach to evaluate its effectiveness. In this systematic review, we only included RCT studies where ICT technologies were used to help children with ASC in improving their social skills. Only 14 RCT studies satisfied the criteria and 12 described significant improvements, showing how the use of technology in educational contexts produced better improvement in developing several social skill facets with respect to the traditional face-to-face approach. Some studies used interventions and outcome measures focused on the core ASC symptoms, but many others addressed neurocognitive functions directly, like social cognition or emotional regulation, while other more general functions such as language or adaptive behaviors. We propose a classification based on processes and outcome measures to foster future research in this specific area of research. The behavioral intervention mediated by technological tools such as computer-based, tablet, and social robotics, undoubtedly provides a comfortable environment that promotes constant learning for people with ASC. Evidence provided in this review highlights the translational potential of this field of study in primary care practice and educational settings

Confinement of masonry columns with Steel Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (S-FRCM) composites

The rehabilitation of existing masonry elements through jacketing of columns using composite materials is becoming a remarkable technique in several applications that aim to increase the strength of existing masonry building. An experimental campaign was conducted with Steel- and -Basalt Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems, in order to test new products that might increase the advantages in terms of good adhesion to masonry substrate, breathability of the system, efficiency in aggressive environments, ease of installation and reversibility, which are essential for the preservation of historical buildings. The mean objective of this experimental study was to investigate the state of the improvement of square masonry columns, built in alternate stretcher and header bond configuration using as material confinement Steel- and-Basalt FRCM system, subjected to axial compression. Moreover, the effectiveness and influence of the confinement in terms of load-bearing capacity and strain distribution with respect to unconfined prisms was carried out. An optical technique, known as Digital Image Correlation (DIC), was employed to understand the interaction between the unit masonry components

Confinement of Masonry Columns with Steel and Basalt FRCM Composites

The rehabilitation of existing masonry elements by means of jacketing of columns using composite materials is becoming a remarkable technique in several applications that aim to increase the strength of existing masonry buildings. Fiber reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites are a newly developed strengthening system that consist of high-strength fibers embedded in a cementitious grout and externally bonded to the substrate. High resistance to fire and high temperatures, ease of handling during application, and vapor permeability with the substrate are some of the characteristics that make FRCMs a promising alternative to traditional organic composites such as fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. This work presents the results of an experimental study carried out to understand the behavior of masonry columns with a square cross-section confined by steel and basalt fiber sheets embedded in a mortar matrix subjected to monotonic concentric compressive load. The effectiveness of the confinement is studied in terms of load-bearing capacity with respect to unconfined columns. The effect of corner radius for columns confined with basalt fibers is investigate

Effect of Steel-Reinforced Grout Confinement on Concrete Square and Cylindrical Columns

This paper presents an investigation on the compressive behavior of plain concrete columns confined with steel-reinforced grout (SRG) composites. The test parameters include size and crosssectional shape (square or circular) of the columns, and number of layers (one or two) and density (low or medium density) of the steel fiber sheet. Out of 46 specimens herein presented, 33 were confined with SRG, and the remaining 13 columns were left unconfined for comparison. The results indicate that application of SRG composites improves both the average strength and the ultimate strain of confined specimens with respect to the control (unconfined) columns. The best performance in terms of strength and ultimate strain increase with respect to the control columns is obtained for small square and cylindrical columns confined with two layers of low-density fiber sheet