Searching through photographic databases with QuickLook

G. Ciocca, C. Cusano, R. Schettini, S. Santini, A. de Polo, F. Tavanti, “Searching through photographic databases with QuickLook”. Proc. Multimedia on Mobile Devices 2012; and Multimedia Content Access: Algorithms and Systems VI. Ed- Reiner Creutzburg; David Akopian; Cees G. M. Snoek; Nicu Sebe; Lyndon Kennedy. 8304. 83040V-1 (2012). Copyright 2012 Society of Photo‑Optical Instrumentation Engineers. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.We present here the results obtained by including a new image descriptor, that we called prosemantic feature vector, within the framework of QuickLook2 image retrieval system. By coupling the prosemantic features and the relevance feedback mechanism provided by QuickLook2, the user can move in a more rapid and precise way through the feature space toward the intended goal. The prosemantic features are obtained by a two-step feature extraction process. At the first step, low level features related to image structure and color distribution are extracted from the images. At the second step, these features are used as input to a bank of classifiers, each one trained to recognize a given semantic category, to produce score vectors. We evaluated the efficacy of the prosemantic features under search tasks on a dataset provided by Fratelli Alinari Photo Archive.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only

A new morphodynamic instability associated with cross-shore transport in the nearshore

The existing theory for shore-transverse rhythmic sand bars relies on morphodynamic instabilities involving the wave-driven longshore current and rip currents. Intriguingly, transverse finger bars are common on coasts with sediment excess, something not related to those currents. Here we show that, if the actual beach profile is above the equilibrium profile, cross-shore transport can induce an instability triggered by onshore transport together with wave refraction by the emerging bars. We use a numerical model that filters out the dynamics associated to longshore and rip currents but includes a simplified version of cross-shore transport and is able to reproduce the formation of shore-transverse bars. The alongshore spacing scales with the wavelength of the incident waves and the cross-shore extent is approximately equal to the distance from shore to the depth of closure. The modeled bars compare qualitatively well with observations at El Trabucador back-barrier beach (Ebro delta, Western Mediterranean Sea).Postprint (published version

Nutrients Bioaccessibility and Anti-inflammatory Features of Fermented Bee Pollen: A Comprehensive Investigation

We compared raw bee-collected pollen (Raw-BCP), spontaneously fermented BCP (Unstarted-BCP), and BCP fermented with selected microbial starters (Started-BCP) to deepen whether fermentation may favorably affect the nutrients bioaccessibility and functional features of BCP. Under in vitro gastrointestinal batches, the highest serum-availability of phenolic compounds was found in Started-BCP, highlighting the positive effect exerted by selected microbial starters. The same effect was not found in spontaneously fermented BCP. In colon adenocarcinoma cell line-2 (Caco-2) cells stressed by a pro-inflammatory stimulus, the treatment with Started-BCP halted the increase of pro-inflammatory mediator’s level. Started-BCP counteracted efficiently the deleterious effects of inflammatory stimuli on the integrity of the Caco-2 cells monolayer and its barrier function. Started-BCP successfully counteracted the H2O2-induced intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Caco-2 cells. A protective role against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation was exerted by Started-BCP in human keratinocytes. The same protective effects on Caco-2 and keratinocyte cell lines were negligible after treatments with Raw-BCP or Unstarted-BCP

Sulfate Reducing Bacteria as Bio-cleaning Agents: Development of New Methodologies and Study Cases

In the last decades, the contribution of different scientific disciplines in the field of restoration and conservation of cultural heritage to finding alternative methods of investigation that are even more effective and fully respect artworks, operators and environment, has greatly increased. An example is the University of Milan patent that provides for the use of some specialized bacteria as cleaning agents. This method, known as biocleaning, is based on the use of Desulfovibrio vulgaris, a sulfate reducing bacterium, for the removal of sulfate alterations from stone surfaces. Recently, the university spin-off Micro4yoU purchased the patent by initiating a series of investments aimed at enhancing the commercial product from prototype. The present work describes: the desulfation mechanism operated by Desulfovibrio vulgaris and the technological shift necessary to obtain a biological formulation usable in situ, with two practical case studies

Sulfate Reducing Bacteria as Bio-cleaning Agents: Development of New Methodologies and Study Cases

In the last decades, the contribution of different scientific disciplines in the field of restoration and conservation of cultural heritage to finding alternative methods of investigation that are even more effective and fully respect artworks, operators and environment, has greatly increased.An example is the University of Milan patent that provides for the use of some specialized bacteria as cleaning agents. This method, known as biocleaning, is based on the use of Desulfovibrio vulgaris, a sulfate reducing bacterium, for the removal of sulfate alterations from stone surfaces.Recently, the university spin-off Micro4yoU purchased the patent by initiating a series of investments aimed at enhancing the commercial product from prototype. The present work describes: the desulfation mechanism operated by Desulfovibrio vulgaris and the technological shift necessary to obtain a biological formulation usable in situ, with two practical case studies.Negli ultimi decenni è cresciuto il contributo che le diverse discipline scientifiche hanno dato al recupero e alla conservazione del patrimonio artistico per trovare soluzioni sempre più efficaci e rispettose del bene, dell’operatore e dell’ambiente.Un esempio è un brevetto sviluppato dall’Università degli studi di Milano che prevede l’utilizzo di alcuni specifici batteri come agenti di pulitura. Tale metodo, indicato col termine di bio-pulitura propone, tra gli altri, l’impiego del batterio solfato riduttore Desulfovibrio vulgaris per la rimozione di alterazioni solfatiche da superfici litoidi. Recentemente, il brevetto è stato acquisito dallo spin-off universitario Micro4yoU che ha avviato una serie di investimenti per sviluppare, a partire dal prototipo di laboratorio, un prodotto commerciale.Nel presente lavoro verranno illustrati: il meccanismo di desolfatazione ad opera di Desulfovibrio vulgaris, il processo di trasferimento tecnologico affrontato per ottenere un formulato microbico utilizzabile in cantiere e due casi studio applicativi

Caracterización psicográfica del cliente trujillano de eventos sociales, bodas, que permita la creación de un canal de comunicación - 2017

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la caracterización psicográfica del cliente trujillano de eventos sociales, de bodas, a partir del cual se elaboró una propuesta de comunicación para este tipo de cliente por la cual pueda acceder a todo tipo de información referente al rubro, además, tener un contacto más cercano con los conocedores en el rubro de bodas. Debido a que el estudio es de carácter cualitativo/cuantitativo con triangulación cualitativos y cuantitativos se procedió a utilizar las siguientes técnicas que correspondían a este tipo de investigación: la encuesta (que estará conformada por los instrumentos de segmentación psicográfica VALS y LOV, los cuales fueron adaptados y validados para responder a los objetivos de esta investigación), el grupo focal y la entrevista en profundidad. Para dicha investigación se identificaron tres tipos de públicos: parejas que aún no deciden casarse, parejas que están en el proceso de organizar su boda y a los expertos en el rubro (proveedores y organizadores) respectivamente. Como resultado se resolvió que la caracterización psicográfica del cliente trujillano de eventos sociales, de bodas, en lo referido a su estilo de vida es que, en primer término, triunfadores y, en segundo término, creyentes. De acuerdo a su personalidad, son personas sociables y extrovertidas. Este cliente tiene como cualidades más resaltantes los valores de respeto a los demás, relaciones de afecto con los demás y sentido del cumplimiento. En cuanto al tipo de cliente, se concluye que son clientes racionales, pero también indecisos cuando desconocen aspectos de un servicio o porque no definen sus preferencias. En último lugar, su comportamiento como consumidor es motivado por un evento que usualmente celebrará una única vez en su vida.The objective of the present investigation was to determine the psychographic characterization of the Trujillo client of social events, of weddings, from which a proposal of communication was elaborated for this type of client by which he can access all kinds of information regarding the item, also, have a closer contact with connoisseurs in the field of weddings. Because the study is qualitative / quantitative with qualitative and quantitative triangulation, the following techniques corresponding to this type of research were used: the survey (which will be made up of the psychographic segmentation instruments VALS and LOV, which were adapted and validated to respond to the objectives of this research), the focus group and the in-depth interview. For this research three types of audiences were identified: couples who have not yet decided to get married, couples who are in the process of organizing their wedding and experts in the field (suppliers and organizers) respectively. As a result, it was resolved that the psychographic characterization of the Trujillo client of social events, of weddings, in relation to his lifestyle is that, in the first place, successful and, secondly, believers. According to their personality, they are sociable and extroverted people. This client has the most outstanding qualities values of respect for others, relationships of affection with others and a sense of compliance. Regarding the type of client, it is concluded that they are rational clients, but also undecided when they do not know aspects of a service or because they do not define their preferences. Ultimately, your behavior as a consumer is motivated by an event that will usually be celebrated only once in your life.Tesi

Modelamiento de un embalse en el centro poblado de Tayahual, cuenca del rio Moche, La Libertad 2023

Actualmente, la escasez de agua y el uso inadecuado de este recurso son los problemas ambientales de mayor preocupación a nivel global. Esta es la razón del presente trabajo de investigación, que tiene como ubicación de referencia el centro poblado de Tayahual en la cuenca del río Moche. La finalidad de nuestro estudio fue realizar el modelamiento de un embalse utilizando los sistemas de información geográfica a través de la recopilación de datos geoespaciales. Esto se realizó a través de la demostración de los aspectos generales de la zona de estudio, como ubicación y delimitaciones políticas; la caracterización de la base ambiental de la cuenca, mediante mapas temáticos utilizando el software ArcGis; y con el desarrollo del MDT para la visualización y simulación del embalse. A partir de esto se concluyó que los procesos realizados fueron indispensables para la realización del modelamiento del embalse y que el uso de estas tecnologías es de gran ayuda para proyectos futuros como este, no solo para un estudio referencial de la zona, sino también en el análisis de las condiciones climáticas, geográficas y ambientales, que son factores que tienen impacto en este tipo de construcciones

Monitoring coastal storms’ effects on the Trabucador barrier beach (Ebro Delta) through Sentinel-2 derived shorelines

The vulnerable Trabucador barrier beach has recently suffered significant storm-induced geomorphological changes. This study presents the monitoring of its shoreline during storm events for assessing their effects on beach dynamics. After fine-tuning the CoastSat tool (i.e. optimal NDWI threshold) for shoreline extraction from Sentinel-2 imagery (S2), results were validated with GNSS-RTK reference shorelines (RMSE = 6.8 m). Shorelines were extracted from Dec-2019 to Feb-2021, encompassing 11 storms (Hs > 2m; duration = 24h), including Gloria (Jan-2020). Results showed that S2 imagery provides enough temporal and spatial resolution to capture the storm effects on the site. The shoreline timeseries gave relevant information about the geomorphological processes occurring during storm events (barrier breaching, erosion, washover), allowing the assessment of their cumulative effects. These results might be important for coastal management, in a site suffering from chronic flooding.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Plasma and dried blood spot lysosphingolipids for the diagnosis of different sphingolipidoses: a comparative study.

Abstract Background Lysosphingolipids, the N-deacylated forms of sphingolipids, have been identified as potential biomarkers of several sphingolipidoses, such as Gaucher, Fabry, Krabbe and Niemann-Pick diseases and in GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses. To date, different methods have been developed to measure various lysosphingolipids (LysoSLs) in plasma. Here, we present a novel liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay for a simultaneous quantification of LysoSLs (HexSph, LysoGb3, LysoGM1, LysoGM2, LysoSM and LysoSM509) in dried blood spot (DBS). This LC-MS/MS method was used to compare the levels of LysoSLs in DBS and plasma in both affected patients and healthy controls. Methods Lysosphingolipids were extracted from a 3.2 mm diameter DBS with a mixture of methanol:acetonitrile:water (80:15:5, v/v) containing internal stable isotope standards. Chromatographic separation was performed using a C18 column with a gradient of water and acetonitrile both with 0.1% formic acid in a total run time of 4 min. The compounds were detected in the positive ion mode electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS/MS by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Results The method was validated on DBS to demonstrate specificity, linearity, lowest limit of quantification, accuracy and precision. The reference ranges were determined in pediatric and adult populations. The elevated levels of LysoSLs were identified in Gaucher disease (HexSph), Fabry disease (LysoGb3), prosaposin deficiency (HexSph and LysoGb3) and Niemann-Pick disease types A/B and C (LysoSM and LysoSM509). The correlation in the levels between DBS and plasma was excellent for LysoGb3 and HexSph but poor for LysoSM and LysoSM509. Conclusions Despite the fact that plasma LysoSLs determination remains the gold standard, our LC-MS/MS method allows a rapid and reliable quantification of lysosphingolipids in DBS. The method is a useful tool for the diagnosis of different sphingolipidoses except for Niemann-Pick type C

Effectiveness of a Hospital-Based Computerized Decision Support System on Clinician Recommendations and Patient Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: Sophisticated evidence-based information resources can filter medical evidence from the literature, integrate it into electronic health records, and generate recommendations tailored to individual patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a computerized clinical decision support system (CDSS) that preappraises evidence and provides health professionals with actionable, patient-specific recommendations at the point of care. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Open-label, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial among internal medicine wards of a large Italian general hospital. All analyses in this randomized clinical trial followed the intent-to-treat principle. Between November 1, 2015, and December 31, 2016, patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group, in which CDSS-generated reminders were displayed to physicians, or to the control group, in which reminders were generated but not shown. Data were analyzed between February 1 and July 31, 2018. INTERVENTIONS: Evidence-Based Medicine Electronic Decision Support (EBMEDS), a commercial CDSS covering a wide array of health conditions across specialties, was integrated into the hospital electronic health records to generate patient-specific recommendations. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was the resolution rate, the rate at which medical problems identified and alerted by the CDSS were addressed by a change in practice. Secondary outcomes included the length of hospital stay and in-hospital all-cause mortality. RESULTS: In this randomized clinical trial, 20 563 patients were admitted to the hospital. Of these, 6480 (31.5%) were admitted to the internal medicine wards (study population) and randomized (3242 to CDSS and 3238 to control). The mean (SD) age of patients was 70.5 (17.3) years, and 54.5% were men. In total, 28 394 reminders were generated throughout the course of the trial (median, 3 reminders per patient per hospital stay; interquartile range [IQR], 1-6). These messages led to a change in practice in approximately 4 of 100 patients. The resolution rate was 38.0% (95% CI, 37.2%-38.8%) in the intervention group and 33.7% (95% CI, 32.9%-34.4%) in the control group, corresponding to an odds ratio of 1.21 (95% CI, 1.11-1.32; P < .001). The length of hospital stay did not differ between the groups, with a median time of 8 days (IQR, 5-13 days) for the intervention group and a median time of 8 days (IQR, 5-14 days) for the control group (P = .36). In-hospital all-cause mortality also did not differ between groups (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.77-1.17; P = .59). Alert fatigue did not differ between early and late study periods. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: An international commercial CDSS intervention marginally influenced routine practice in a general hospital, although the change did not statistically significantly affect patient outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02577198