A fuzzified BRAIN algorithm for learning DNF from incomplete data

Aim of this paper is to address the problem of learning Boolean functions from training data with missing values. We present an extension of the BRAIN algorithm, called U-BRAIN (Uncertainty-managing Batch Relevance-based Artificial INtelligence), conceived for learning DNF Boolean formulas from partial truth tables, possibly with uncertain values or missing bits. Such an algorithm is obtained from BRAIN by introducing fuzzy sets in order to manage uncertainty. In the case where no missing bits are present, the algorithm reduces to the original BRAIN

TV Casualties: The Negative Impact Of Political Messages In Non-News Programs

Prior works in the social sciences have demonstrated the importance that television can have in shaping the views and outlooks of viewers. Studies have examined how it is that overtly political broadcasting, such as political commercials or ideological cable news channels, can impact viewers. However, precious little scholarship in the field of political science has been devoted to examining how non-news programming, the lion\u27s share of what is shown on television, can shape and mold viewers\u27 outlooks and opinions. Television programming is often built around conflict, presenting a distorted view of the world wherein certain in-groups, mainly the assumed audience of the broadcast, are invited to ridicule or feel hostility towards certain out-groups. It is hypothesized that non-news programming can influence how television viewers feel toward the out-groups targeted for ridicule or exclusion in their broadcasts. In order to test this hypothesis, both statistical analysis of pre-assembled data and an experimental design will be utilized. Cross-sectional data assembled by GSS and Annenberg will be analyzed using logit and ordinary least square models. Controlling for the socio-demographic, partisan, and ideological characteristics of a typical viewer of late-night satirical broadcasting or religious broadcasting, it is demonstrated that increased viewing of these types of television programs is significantly correlated with increased antipathy toward the out-groups or public figures held up for scorn or ridicule during these programs. The experimental design involves an online survey where respondents answered a series of questions pertaining to their political views, political knowledge, and socio-demographic characteristics. Respondents were then randomly selected to be exposed to one of three video clips, one of religious broadcasting discussing California\u27s Proposition 8, one of satirical broadcasting discussing California\u27s Proposition 8, and a sample of network news discussing the same issue. A post-screening questionnaire regarding feelings towards targeted out-groups was then administered to the subjects. Exposure non-news television programming increased antipathy toward the out-groups targeted for hostility or ridicule within the television clips

Effects on mobility training and de-adaptations in subjects with Spinal Cord Injury due to a Wearable Robot: A preliminary report

open7noopenSale, Patrizio; Russo, Emanuele Francesco; Russo, Michele; Masiero, Stefano; Piccione, Francesco; Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore; Filoni, SerenaSale, Patrizio; Russo, Emanuele Francesco; Russo, Michele; Masiero, Stefano; Piccione, Francesco; Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore; Filoni, Seren

Damage Assessment and Dynamic Characteristics of Temples in Nepal Post Gorkha 2015 Earthquake

The aim of this paper is to identify, also through micro tremor analysis and numerical analysis, the collapse\u2019s mechanisms of the Nepalese wood-masonry monuments damaged by the 2015 seismic event that struck Kathmandu and its valley. The research analyses two case studies: The Radha Krishna and the Bhimsen Temples. After a careful anamnesis based on visual inspection and hypotheses on the temple\u2019s structural behaviour, a global dynamic ambient test (micro tremor) was carried out for qualitative characterisation of the structural system, residual stiffness and strengths. First, numerical models have been calibrated on mechanical parameters present in literature. The difference between experimental results and numerical model values is higher than 100% in the Radha Krishna temple and 70% in the case of Bhimsen temple. Considering this results, the models were calibrated on the experimental results. The modal analysis shows important mixed effect of torsional and flectional mode in the case of the Radha Krishna temple while in the Bhimsen temple local effects prevail. The capacity curve of Radha Krishna temple shows behavior close to collapse at 0.26\ua0g, while the Bhimsen temple presents important damage at 0.3 in Z direction and 0.23 in X direction

On the conformal equivalence between 2D black holes and Rindler spacetime

We study a two-dimensional dilaton gravity model related by a conformal transformation of the metric to the Callan-Giddings-Harvey-Strominger model. We find that most of the features and problems of the latter can be simply understood in terms of the classical and semiclassical dynamics of accelerated observers in two-dimensional Minkowski space.Comment: 6 pages, plain-tex file, no figure

Primary mediastinal lymphoma: diagnosis and treatment options.

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a unique B-cell lymphoma variant that arises from a putative thymic medulla B cell. It constitutes 2-4% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas and occurs most frequently in young females. PMBCL is characterized by a diffuse proliferation of medium-to-large B cells associated with sclerosis. Molecular analysis shows that PMBCL is a distinct entity compared to other types of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. PMBCL is characterized by a locally invasive anterior mediastinal bulky mass. The combination of rituximab with CHOP/CHOP-like regimens followed by mediastinal radiation therapy (RT) is associated with a 5-year progression-free survival of 75-85%. However, the role of consolidation RT still remains uncertain. More intensive regimens, such as DA-EPOCH-R without mediastinal RT, have shown very promising results. The conclusive role of PET-CT scan requires prospective studies and there is hope that this may allow to de-escalate RT and accordingly yield reliable prognostic information

Buckling of built-up columns of pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer C-sections

This paper presents the test results of an experimental investigation to evaluate the buckling behavior of built-up columns of pultruded profiles, subjected to axial compression. Specimens are assembled by using four (off the shelf) channel shaped profiles of E-glass fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), having similar detailing to strut members in a large FRP structure that was executed in 2009 to start the restoration of the Santa Maria Paganica church in L’Aquila, Italy. This church had partially collapsed walls and no roof after the April 6, 2009, earthquake of 6.3 magnitude. A total of six columns are characterized with two different configurations for the bolted connections joining the channel sections into a built-up strut. Test results are discussed and a comparison is made with closed-form equation predictions for flexural buckling resistance, with buckling resistance values established from both eigenvalue and geometric nonlinear finite element analyses. Results show that there is a significant role played by the end loading condition, the composite action, and imperfections. Simple closed-form equations overestimate the flexural buckling strength, whereas the resistance provided by the nonlinear analysis provides a reasonably reliable numerical approach to establishing the actual buckling behavior