Generalized Disparate Impact for Configurable Fairness Solutions in ML

We make two contributions in the field of AI fairness over continuous protected attributes. First, we show that the Hirschfeld-Gebelein-Renyi (HGR) indicator (the only one currently available for such a case) is valuable but subject to a few crucial limitations regarding semantics, interpretability, and robustness. Second, we introduce a family of indicators that are: 1) complementary to HGR in terms of semantics; 2) fully interpretable and transparent; 3) robust over finite samples; 4) configurable to suit specific applications. Our approach also allows us to define fine-grained constraints to permit certain types of dependence and forbid others selectively. By expanding the available options for continuous protected attributes, our approach represents a significant contribution to the area of fair artificial intelligence.Comment: to be published in ICML2

An analysis of Universal Differential Equations for data-driven discovery of Ordinary Differential Equations

In the last decade, the scientific community has devolved its attention to the deployment of data-driven approaches in scientific research to provide accurate and reliable analysis of a plethora of phenomena. Most notably, Physics-informed Neural Networks and, more recently, Universal Differential Equations (UDEs) proved to be effective both in system integration and identification. However, there is a lack of an in-depth analysis of the proposed techniques. In this work, we make a contribution by testing the UDE framework in the context of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) discovery. In our analysis, performed on two case studies, we highlight some of the issues arising when combining data-driven approaches and numerical solvers, and we investigate the importance of the data collection process. We believe that our analysis represents a significant contribution in investigating the capabilities and limitations of Physics-informed Machine Learning frameworks

About correlation between centre of pressure, trunk and head sways during quiet upright stance.

In order to better understand the mechanisms of orthostatic balance, centre of pressure (CoP), trunk, and head sways were simultaneously measured during quiet upright stance, and compared to each other, looking for possible correlation. Methods - A total of 16 healthy young adults served as subjects. They were asked to keep orthostatic position for 120 s, once with open and once with closed eyes. COP sway was measured by force platform, trunk oscillation by inclinometers placed at the sternum level, trunk and head angular velocities by miniature gyroscopes, placed at the sternum and the skull vertex, respectively. Cross-correlation functions were used to compare sways measured at different levels to each other. In particular, antero-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) components of CoP sway were correlated to the homologous components of trunk oscillation, and AP and ML trunk oscillation velocities to the homologous head oscillation velocities. Results – Clear and consistent positive correlation was found between trunk and head sways. In 83% of cases, cross-correlation functions presented one sharp peak near the origin, and much lower values elsewhere. Mean correlation delays in the different conditions (open or closed eyes) and directions (AP and ML) weren't significantly different from 0 at p=0.05 (t-test). Cross-correlation functions computed inside a 20 s sliding window showed that correlation was kept all along the test duration. CoP-trunk correlation was much less clear. Cross-correlation peaks as sharp as those observed between trunk and head velocities could never be observed. However, in many instances the two sways did show almost parallel time courses. This could either extend to almost the whole test duration or be limited to shorter periods, and was much more frequent in ML than in AP plane, where, in general, the two sways appeared to be uncorrelated. in a few instances, in the AP plane they semed to be phase opposed. Discussion – Sharp cross-correlation peaks with almost no delay show that trunk and head moved almost synchronously, like one rigid body. This was consistent with the fact that in either plane (AP or ML) and vision condition (eyes open or closed) the sway velocity distributions of trunk and head were similar to each other, and the corresponding average velocity ranges were not significantly different from one another at p=0.05 (t-test). Poorer correlation between CoP and trunk sways is a likely consequence of the presence of the hip joint, and the inertia of the trunk-arms-head system, linked to this joint. This makes the trunk over the hip intrinsically less steady than the head over the neck. Interestingly enough, CoP-trunk correlation was better in ML plane than in AP one, and this may easily be explained by the different stiffness of the hip joint in the two planes, due to the different geometry. Different degrees and modes of correlation between CoP and trunk sway suggest the use of different balance strategies. It is also possible that the two sways convey different, maybe complementary, information about balance control, and it could possibly make sense to consider also trunk movements in the diagnostic approach to balance control. This conclusion is consistent with previous suggestions by different authors

The patient with rhinitis in the pharmacy. A cross-sectional study in real life

In the practical management of allergic rhinitis (AR), pharmacists are usually the first-line contact, also because some medications are available as over the counter. Therefore, pharmacists may represent an important resource, in mediating the interaction between patients and physicians. We evaluated the clinical/demographic characteristics of patients with respiratory allergies who consulted their pharmacists as first-line contact. A patient-oriented questionnaire was developed by a scientific committee including pharmacists, GPs, allergists, pulmonologists and ENT specialists

The perception of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea/Hypopnoea Syndrome (OSAHS) among Italian general practitioners

Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea/Hypopnoea Syndrome (OSAHS) is a common disorder in the general population but often underestimated and underdiagnosed. Methods: This questionnaire-based study evaluated the overall level of knowledge about OSAHS among Italian General Practitioners (GPs), who are frequently involved in the management of this complex disease. This represents an interesting aspect, because GPs intercept many of the patients with OSAHS, in which C-PAP could be potentially indicated. Randomly-selected GPs were provided with questionnaires, which were then returned anonymously. Results: 80 questionnaires have been validated; the participants in the sample examined were represented by 43 females and 37 males; the average age of participants was 51 years. The general knowledge on OSAHS is overall satisfactory among GPs; it is recognized by most of the GPs interviewed as pathology in constant increase, and associated with predisposing factors such as obesity. High blood pressure is perceived as an independent cardiovascular risk factor in patients with OSAHS, in line with the majority of international studies. The C-PAP has been identified as the care gold standard in patients with OSAHS, despite the lack of patient compliance in relation to this procedure, while polysomnography was found to be the main instrumental procedure used in the diagnostic workup of OSAS. The pulmonologist and a multidisciplinary team have been identified as the specialist figures of reference to which to direct the patient through the diagnostic workup. Respiratory therapists and nurses represent the role of educator in the proper management of the C-PAP in the opinion of 62% of respondents, while only 34% think that this role should be played by the GPs and/or other specialists. Conclusions: In conclusion, this survey about the perception of OSAHS among GPs in Italy highlighted a satisfactory overall knowledge of OSAHS and only few weak points

Correction: Recent advances in the synthesis of analogues of phytohormones strigolactones with ring-closing metathesis as a key step

Correction for 'Recent advances in the synthesis of analogues of phytohormones strigolactones with ring-closing metathesis as a key step' by Chiara Lombardi, et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7ob01917c

Road tunnel risk-based safety design methodology by GU@LARP Quantum risk model

The ALARP concept is used in different countries for different sectors of activity where a risk assessment or measure is requested. In this paper a model is developed based upon ALARP principle for tunnel risk-based design in case of fire accident scenarios. In Italy, ALARP risk acceptability and tolerability criteria have been adopted then the compliance with them has to be verified in order to guarantee a minimum-sufficient level of safety. The quantum of risk coupled with any design scenario is defined and modelled and the consequent individual quantum of risk coupled with the single exposed unit in the scenario is defined too. The methodologies for the identification of the requested design scenario, in number and type, are outlined. The scenarios are described in a shape suitable as INPUTS in the thermo-dynamical numerical simulations for fire generation and exposed units evacuation. The expected OUTPUTS of the numerical simulation are the estimations of the number of the fatalities (N) coupled with the single specific scenarios. In parallel with the above physical deterministic scenario simulations, a conceptual and operational procedure has been also established for the scenarios probabilities assessment. Merging the resulting data of both the above separate models, the risk quanta Gu@larp model is finally established. A case study is developed considering scenarios related to a virtual limit tunnel to support the description of the model itself, properties, advantages and perspectives

Appropriateness in allergic respiratory diseases health care in Italy: definitions and organizational aspects

In a historical period in which sustainability of the National Health Service is mandatory because of the international economical situation, the limited available resources at national level and the tendency of passing from a "population medicine" model towards the concept of "individualized medicine", the debate on appropriateness of medical and surgical procedures is of central importance. The choosing wisely campaign, started in United States in 2012 and then spread all over the world, tries to summarize which are the most inappropriate procedures for each medical and surgical speciality; as far as allergic respiratory diseases, the most relevant Italian societies and the American Academy defined the allergological procedures with the highest probability of inappropriateness. In Italy, a recent decree of the Ministry of Health defined a list of more than 200 procedures that will be considered as inappropriate in certain conditions; many of these procedures concern allergology, including allergic respiratory diseases. In this commentary we discuss the above mentioned decree and the concept of appropriateness in the field of allergic respiratory diseases, trying to figure out some practical considerations based on the current health resources available in the field of allergology in Italy

El concepto de observación en las Ciencias Naturales

El concepto de observación en el ámbito de las ciencias naturales nos parece un tema promisorio de investigación filosófica La epistemología tradicional ha descuidado varios aspectos importantes de la práctica observacional científica, y como consecuencia de ello, la noción de observación empleada por los filósofos frecuentemente no corresponde a la actividad de la ciencia real. Para evitar esta dificultad establecemos como punto de partida general dos criterios de adecuación para un concepto filosófico de observación: A) Debe servir para elaborar una teoría epistemológíca tan explicativa, simple, y fértil como sea posible. B) Debe proveer .una reconstrucción racional del concepto científico de observación que sea lo más cercana posible a los usos y prácticas de ese concepto en la ciencia rea