Artificial neural networks for resources optimization in energetic environment

Resource Planning Optimization (RPO) is a common task that many companies need to face to get several benefits, like budget improvements and run-time analyses. However, even if it is often solved by using several software products and tools, the great success and validity of the Artificial Intelligence-based approaches, in many research fields, represent a huge opportunity to explore alternative solutions for solving optimization problems. To this purpose, the following paper aims to investigate the use of multiple Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for solving a RPO problem related to the scheduling of different Combined Heat & Power (CHP) generators. The experimental results, carried out by using data extracted by considering a real Microgrid system, have confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed approach

A federated approach to Android malware classification through Perm-Maps

In the last decades, mobile-based apps have been increasingly used in several application fields for many purposes involving a high number of human activities. Unfortunately, in addition to this, the number of cyber-attacks related to mobile platforms is increasing day-by-day. However, although advances in Artificial Intelligence science have allowed addressing many aspects of the problem, malware classification tasks are still challenging. For this reason, the following paper aims to propose new special features, called permission maps (Perm-Maps), which combine information related to the Android permissions and their corresponding severity levels. Such features have proven to be very effective in classifying different malware families through the usage of a convolutional neural network. Also, the advantages introduced by the Perm-Maps have been enhanced by a training process based on a federated logic. Experimental results show that the proposed approach achieves up to a 3% improvement in average accuracy with respect to J48 trees and Naive Bayes classifier, and up to 16% compared to multi-layer perceptron classifier. Furthermore, the combined use of Perm-Maps and federated logic allows dealing with unbalanced training datasets with low computational efforts

Precise point positioning with single and dual-frequency multi-GNSS android smartphones

The new generation of Android smartphones is equipped with high performance Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chips capable of tracking dual frequency multi-constellation data. Moreover, starting from version 9 of Android users can disable the duty cycle power saving option thus good quality pseudorange and carrier phase raw data are available thus the application of Precise Point Positioning (PPP) algorithm becomes more and more interesting. The main aim of this work is to assess the PPP performance of the first dual-frequency GNSS smartphone produced by Xiaomi equipped with a Broadcom BCM47755. The advantage of acquire dual frequency data is highlighted by comparing the performance obtained by Xiaomi with that of a single frequency smartphone the Samsung S8. The horizontal and vertical accuracy achieved by Xiaomi are of 0.51 m and 6 m respectively while those achieved by Samsung are 5.64 m for 15 m for horizontal and vertical

Linear white lesion in the oral mucosa

Two unrelated patients aged 60 and 61 presented with an asymptomatic, white, slightly raised line on the buccal mucosa extending bilaterally from the commissure to the last molar teeth along their occlusal line, involving also the inner lower lip mucosa (Fig 1, A and B). The lesions could not wipe off on scratching. Medical history was unremarkable. Histopathology showed hyperparakeratosis without granular layers and regular acanthosis vacuolated cells in the upper spinous cell layer with some dyskeratotic cells in the absence of dysplasia (Fig 2). Neither inflammatory infiltrate nor bacterial colonies attached to the surface or fungal elements were seen (Fig 3)

Numerical simulation of nonunitary gravity-induced localization

The localization of a quantum state is numerically exhibited in a nonunitary Newtonian model for gravity. It is shown that an unlocalized state of a ball of mass just above the expected threshold of 10^11 proton masses evolves into a mixed state with vanishing coherences above some localization lengths.Comment: RevTex, 6 figures available on request from the authors To appear in Physica

Solutions and limitations of the geomatic survey of an archaeological site in hard to access areas with a latest generation smartphone: the example of the Intihuatana stone in Machu Picchu (Peru)

Archaeological remains need to be geometrically surveyed and set in absolute reference systems in order to allow a "virtual visit" and to create "digital twins" useful in case of deterioration for proper restoration. Some countries (e.g., Peru) have a vast archaeological heritage whose survey requires optimized procedures that allow high productivity while maintaining high standards of geometric accuracy. A large part of Peru's cultural heritage is located in remote areas, at high altitudes and not easily accessible. For this reason, it is of great interest to study the possible applications of easily transportable instruments. In this study it was verified how the capabilities of the latest smartphones in terms of absolute differential positioning and photogrammetric acquisition can allow the acquisition of a geometrically correct and georeferenced three-dimensional model. The experimentation concerned a new survey of the Intihuatana stones at Machu Picchu and its comparison with a previous survey carried out with a much more complex laser scanning instrumentation. It is important to note that both the photogrammetric survey and the GPS/GNSS survey were carried out with the same smartphone taking full advantage of both features of the same mobile phone. Relative comparison to an existing point cloud provided differences of 2 millimeters in mean with an RMSE of 2 cm. The absolute positioning accuracy compared to a very large-scale cartography appears to be of the order of one metre as was expected mainly due to the high distance of the GPS/GNSS permanent stations

Use of the sensors of a latest generation mobile phone for the three-dimensional reconstruction of an archaeological monument: The survey of the Intihuatana stone in Machu Picchu (Peru')

The survey of archaeological monuments presents particular needs and difficulties. Such surveys must in fact be as complete, geometrically correct and accurately geo-referenced as possible. These needs, however, often face problems of difficult accessibility, the need for rapid timing and complex logistical conditions. The latest generation of mobile phones are equipped with ultra-high resolution cameras up to 100 megapixel. Although they do not have the geometric characteristics of professional cameras, they can be used advantageously for the reconstruction of three-dimensional models using Structure from Motion methodologies . At the same time, the latest mobile phones are equipped with GPS/GNSS chips that allow a postprocessing of their positioning allowing to reach decimetric/centimetric accuracies. The use of sensors integrated in a mobile phone greatly simplify the survey both in terms of transportability but also in terms of authorizations by the competent authorities as the equipment is exactly the same that most tourists who visit the sites themselves bring with them. The approach proposed and made possible by these combined features in a latest generation mobile phone have been tested for a rapid survey of the Intihuatana stone in Machu Picchu (Peru), a site with considerable logistical and organizing complexity

Use of the sensors of a latest generation mobile phone for the three-dimensional reconstruction of an archaeological monument: the survey of the Intihuatana stone in Machu Picchu (Peru’)

Abstract The survey of archaeological monuments presents particular needs and difficulties. Such surveys must in fact be as complete, geometrically correct and accurately geo-referenced as possible. These needs, however, often face problems of difficult accessibility, the need for rapid timing and complex logistical conditions. The latest generation of mobile phones are equipped with ultra-high resolution cameras up to 100 megapixel. Although they do not have the geometric characteristics of professional cameras, they can be used advantageously for the reconstruction of three-dimensional models using Structure from Motion methodologies . At the same time, the latest mobile phones are equipped with GPS/GNSS chips that allow a postprocessing of their positioning allowing to reach decimetric/centimetric accuracies. The use of sensors integrated in a mobile phone greatly simplify the survey both in terms of transportability but also in terms of authorizations by the competent authorities as the equipment is exactly the same that most tourists who visit the sites themselves bring with them. The approach proposed and made possible by these combined features in a latest generation mobile phone have been tested for a rapid survey of the Intihuatana stone in Machu Picchu (Peru), a site with considerable logistical and organizing complexity

Prevention of incisional hernia post emergency laparotomy: A time to change? A case series.

Introduction: Complicated acute diverticulitis (CAD) is a surgical challenge in which a mini-invasive approach may be offered. Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage (LPL) was introduced as an alternative to sigmoid resection. However, the role of LPL is still under debate. Aim of this study was to evaluate which surgical strategy between LPL and Laparoscopic Sigmoidectomy (LS) could give better outcomes in CAD. Materials and methods: This prospective, observational, multicenter study lasted from 2015 until to 2018. Inclusion criteria: left colonic or sigmoid CAD (modified Hinchey’’s classification: grade II not responder to conservative treatment and grade III). Exclusion criteria: septic shock, immunodepression, previous multiple surgical operations, modified Hinchey’’s grade I and IV,\15 and[85 years. Comparisons were made between LPL and LS groups. Results: 66 patients were enrolled: 28 (42%) had LPL and 38 (58%) LS. Following sigmoidectomy, 24 pts (63%) had a primary anastomosis and 14 pts (37%) an end-colostomy (Hartmann’’s procedure). There were no significant differences regarding age, male gender rate and mean BMI (p = 0.314, p = 0.07, p = 0.129, respectively). ASA score [2 was significantly higher in LPL (p = 0.05). The number of previous episodes of diverticulitis and the mean C-Reactive Protein dosage were similar (p = 0.756 and 0.846). Mannheim Peritonitis Index was significantly higher in LPL (0.004). No differences were found regarding to the distribution of Hinchey’’s grades II and III (p = 0.727). 1 (4%) patient in LPL and 5 pts (13%) in LS needed a conversion to open surgery (p = 0.181). Overall, the morbidity rates were 33% in LPL and 18% in LS (p = 0.169). Organ space infection (30% vs 3%, p = 0.002) and the re-operation rates (18.5% vs 0; p = 0.006) resulted significantly higher in the LPL group. Mortality was nihil. Mean post-op length of stay was 11.4 days in LPL and 8.23 days in LS (p = 0.088). Diverticular recurrence was significantly increased in LPL (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Compared to LS, LPL is associated with increased ongoing sepsis, emergency re-intervention and recurrence of acute diverticulitis. The role of LPL for patients with CAD remains questionabl

Evidence of active inverse faulting in the north-eastern sector of the Calabrian arc (Italy)

The Calabrian arc represents an accretionary wedge located between the southern Apennines and the Maghrebian chain from which it is separated by two regional shear zones, i.e. the “Pollino Line” and “Taormina Line”, respectively. Since the Pliocene, extension affected the Calabrian chain, determining the formation of normal faults systems. Paleoseismological investigations allowed to associate some of the strongest historical earthquakes occurred in the Calabrian region (Mw up to 7.5) to some of these normal faults. We analyse the north-eastern sector of the arc which is characterised by a complex structural setting, being affected by the Pollino Line. Indeed, an ~E-W trending fault system (Rossano Fault) cut the area. This fault system displays a complex kinematic history, with the superimposition, during the Quaternary, of a normal kinematics over an older strike-slip one. About two km SE of the Mirto village, an excavation exposed marine deposits, attributed by means of paleontological analyses to an age not older than the Lower Pleistocene, overlain by alluvial-colluvial sediments. These deposits have been deformed by a compressive, NW-SE trending fault, verging landwards. The continental sediments affected by the fault have been radiocarbon dated between 10.018±43 BP and 8397±47 BP. This fault may represent the surficial expression of 1) a splay of a back-thrust, related to a main active thrust verging towards NE or 2) an active NW-SE transpressive fault or 3) a local compressive deforma-tion (i.e. a restraining bend) related to an active strike-slip fault. Works are still in progress in order to define the relationship of this compressive fault with the near Rossano fault, to which Galli et al (2006d) attributes a Late Holocene normal activity, considering that this sector has been struck in 1836 by a strong earthquake (Mw=6.2), the causative fault of which has been only tentatively related to the aforementioned Rossano fault