A Finite-Time Cutting Plane Algorithm for Distributed Mixed Integer Linear Programming

Many problems of interest for cyber-physical network systems can be formulated as Mixed Integer Linear Programs in which the constraints are distributed among the agents. In this paper we propose a distributed algorithm to solve this class of optimization problems in a peer-to-peer network with no coordinator and with limited computation and communication capabilities. In the proposed algorithm, at each communication round, agents solve locally a small LP, generate suitable cutting planes, namely intersection cuts and cost-based cuts, and communicate a fixed number of active constraints, i.e., a candidate optimal basis. We prove that, if the cost is integer, the algorithm converges to the lexicographically minimal optimal solution in a finite number of communication rounds. Finally, through numerical computations, we analyze the algorithm convergence as a function of the network size.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figure

Procedure per l’analisi elastocinematica di sospensioni a ponte torcente

Sommario: Scopo della tesi è un’analisi dei fattori che determinano variazioni di assetto delle ruote per una sospensione a “ponte torcente” quando la cassa del veicolo è soggetta a un moto di rollio puro. A tale scopo è stato pertanto sviluppato, sotto opportune ipotesi semplificative, un modello analitico per descrivere il comportamento elastocinematico di questo tipo di sospensione. Tale modello che, riproduce una geometria mediamente complessa e prevede varie tipologie di traversa, consente di ricavare analiticamente la posizione dell’asse di istantanea rotazione dei bracci longitudinali e le variazioni degli angoli di camber, di convergenza e di spin. Lo stesso modello è stato inoltre implementato in un programma Matlab per la valutazione numerica di tutte le grandezze in gioco. Il confronto dei risultati forniti da quest’ultimo si sono dimostrati essere in buon accordo con i dati ricavati da simulazioni FEM appositamente condotte, dimostrando la validità della schematizzazione effettuata. Abstract: The aim of this work is the study of the main parameters affecting the variations of wheels characteristic angles for a crank axle suspension when the body rolls. To this aim, under some simplifying assumptions, an analytical model has been developed, in order to describe the elastokinematic behaviour of this suspension architecture. This model, that has a complex geometry and can treat different torsion bar sections, permits to calculate analytically the istantaneous rotation axes of the longitudinal arms and the variation of camber, toe-in and spin angles. The same model has been also implemented in a Matlab program to evaluate numerically all the variables. The results given by analytical model are in good agreement with those obtained by FEM analyses, proving the validity of the model

The Distance to NGC 5904 (M 5) via the Subdwarfs Main Sequence Fitting Method

We present a determination of the distance modulus of the globular cluster NGC 5904 (M 5), obtained by means of the subdwarf main-sequence fitting on the (V,V-I) color-magnitude diagram. The subdwarf sample has been selected from the HIPPARCOS catalog in a metallicity range homogeneous with the cluster ([Fe/H] \~= -1.1). Both the cluster and the subdwarfs have been observed with the same telescope+instrument+filters setup (namely, ESO-NTT equipped with the SUSI2 camera), in order to preserve homogeneity and reduce systematic uncertainties. A set of archival HST data has then been used to obtain a deep and precise ridge line. These have been accurately calibrated in the ground photometric system by using the NTT data and used to fit the cluster distance modulus. By adopting the most commonly accepted values for the reddening, E(B-V) = 0.035 and 0.03, we obtain respectively mu_0 = 14.44 +- 0.09 +- 0.07 and mu_0 = 14.41 +- 0.09 +- 0.07, in agreement with recent determinations.Comment: 11 pages, 14 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysic

La Fenomenologia dello spirito di Hegel: Problemi e interpretazioni

[English]:The volume collects essays dedicated to the Phenomenology of the spirit of G.W.F. Hegel and to some of its main interpretations. It gathers critical essays on the Hegelian masterpiece and studies on Hegel’s influences on authors such as Marx, Gentile, Heidegger, Kojève, Paci, Lacan and Brandom. These contributions investigate some categorical nodes that have marked ensuing ethical, theoretical, philosophical-political and later psychoanalytic reflections: dialectic, culture, negation, desire, body, phenomenon, recognition. Therefore, this collection does not intend to mark a specific interpretation of the Hegelian text. Rather, the authors share the effort to illustrate in actu exercito the possibilities given by these two extremes – the text and its interpretation – in which later philosophical culture has moved. Through this movement the Phenomenology of the spirit continues to produce Philosophy, intended as an opportunity and an instrument for the understanding of "one's own time with thought". In addition to the editors, the volume hosts contributions from: Stefania Achella, Rossella Bonito Oliva, Alessio Calabrese, Teresa Caporale, Alessandro De Cesaris, Giuseppe Antonio Di Marco, Gianluca Garelli, Roberto Morani, Anna Pia Ruoppo./ [Italiano]: Il volume raccoglie saggi dedicati alla Fenomenologia dello spirito di G.W.F. Hegel e ad alcune sue principali interpretazioni. A scritti dal taglio più nettamente storiografico che ne ricostruiscono le influenze in autori quali Marx, Gentile, Heidegger, Kojève, Paci, Lacan e Brandom, si affiancano contributi volti a ricostruire alcuni nodi categoriali che, sollecitati dal testo hegeliano, hanno segnato le riflessioni etiche, teoretiche, filosofico-politiche e psicoanalitiche successive: dialettica, cultura, negazione, desiderio, corpo, fenomeno, riconoscimento. Questa raccolta non intende quindi né riproporre la lettera del testo hegeliano, né avanzare una sua specifica interpretazione. Piuttosto, gli autori hanno condiviso lo sforzo di illustrare in actu exercito le possibilità di movimento tra questi due estremi – testo e interpretazione – tra cui la cultura filosofica si muove. Attraverso questo movimento la Fenomenologia dello spirito continua a produrre filosofia, ossia ad essere occasione e strumento per la comprensione del “proprio tempo col pensiero”

Dependability Assessment of Wireless Sensor Networks with Formal Methods

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are increasingly being adopted in critical applications, where verifying the correct operation of sensor nodes is a major concern. Undesired events, such as node crash and packet loss, may undermine the dependability of the WSN. Hence their effects need to be properly assessed from the early stages of the development process onwards to minimize the chances of unexpected problems during use. It is also necessary to monitor the system during operation in order to avoid unexpected results or dangerous effects. In this thesis we propose a framework to investigate the correctness of the design of a WSN from the point of view of its dependability, i.e., resilience to undesired events. The framework is based on the Event Calculus formalism and it is backed-up by a support tool aimed to simplify its adoption by system designers. The tool allows to specify the target WSN in a user-friendly way and it is able to generate automatically the Event Calculus specifications used to check correctness properties and evaluate dependability metrics, such as connection resiliency, coverage and lifetime. It is able to work at design time and runtime. In particular at runtime the tool works a server that is in waiting for new events coming from the WSN and, performed the reasoning using the same specifications, is able to do prediction about future criticalities of the WSN. The effectiveness of the approach is shown in the context of five case studies, aiming to illustrate how the framework is helpful to drive design choices by means of what-if scenario analysis and robustness checking, and to check the correctness properties of the WSN at runtime

Sergio Botta, Dagli sciamani allo sciamanesimo: Discorsi, credenze, pratiche, Roma, Carocci, 2018, pp. 172

Book review of Sergio Botta, Dagli sciamani allo sciamanesimo: Discorsi, credenze, pratiche, Roma, Carocci, 2018, pp. 172.Recensione di Sergio Botta, Dagli sciamani allo sciamanesimo: Discorsi, credenze, pratiche, Roma, Carocci, 2018, pp. 172

The decision of whether to have a child: does couple disagreement matter?

Most of the international studies on fertility are based on a female perspective. A major difficulty in couple-level research is the need for high-quality data that includes information on both partners. Using couple data from a longitudinal study conducted in Italy [2003-2007], a country with persistently low fertility levels, we examined the effect of disagreement within a couple about childbearing behaviour. The starting point was the hypothesis advanced in an earlier study that Italian women prevail in reproductive decision-making, because childbearing lies mainly in their sphere of influence. The data revealed that the decision rules are parityspecific. At parities zero and one, the disagreement produced an intermediate childbearing outcome irrespective of which partner wanted a(nother) child; while at higher parities, an asymmetrical veto power model in which the female partner had greater influence was observed. The findings suggest that the predictive power of short-term fertility intentions strongly improves if both partners' views are considered in fertility models, and thus support the adoption of couple analysis in fertility research

Mental disorder and the use of public psychiatric services in the foreigner population of the Canton Ticino

Scopo - Verificare se la popolazione straniera residente nel Canton Ticino differisce nell'utilizzazione delle strutture psichiatriche pubbliche e nel tipo di disagio psichico presentato, rispetto alia popolazione svizzera. Disegno Indagine compiuta sui soggetti di nazionalità svizzera e straniera, con più di 19 anni d'età, residenti nel Cantone Ticino, che hanno avuto nel corso del 1995 almeno un giorno di ricovero presso l'ospedale psichiatrico o almeno un contatto con gli ambulatori. Setting I servizi pubblici dell'Organizzazione sociopsichiatrica cantonale del Canton Ticino. Principali misure utilizzate - Sono stati calcolati per gli svizzeri, gli italiani e gli stranieri non italiani i tassi annuali standardizzati di prevalenza ospedaliera e ambulatoriale e i tassi di prima ammissione e primo contatto ambulatoriale, totali e per categorie diagnostiche (ICD-10). Risultati - Il gruppo degli stranieri non italiani presenta tassi annuali standardizzati totali di prevalenza ospedaliera e, soprattutto, di prima ammissione più elevati rispetto agli svizzeri e agli italiani; inoltre presenta, rispetto agli altri due gruppi, tassi di prima ammissione più alti per le sindromi schizofreniche (F2), negli uomini e per i disturbi psichici dovuti all'uso di sostanze psicoattive (Fl), nelle donne. Mentre nei primi contatti ambulatoriali gli altri stranieri presentano tassi più alti di sindromi nevrotiche, legate a stress e somatoformi (F4), negli uomini e di sindromi affettive (F3), nelle donne. Conclusioni - I risultati ottenuti sembrano confermare la presenza di livelli più alti di disagio psichico tra gli stranieri non italiani, soprattutto per alcune nazionalità, rispetto agli svizzeri e agli italiani. E possibile che la presenza di una consistente offerta di servizi psichiatrici da parte del settore privato possa aver sottostimato l'effettivo disagio psichico, soprattutto nel gruppo degli svizzeri e, in modo minore, in quello degli italian

An Effective Approach for Injecting Faults in Wireless Sensor Networks Operating Systems

This paper presents an effective approach for injecting faults/errors in WSN nodes operating systems. The approach is based on the injection of faults at the assembly level. Results show that depending on the concurrency model and on the memory management, the operating systems react to injected errors differently, indicating that fault containment strategies and hang-checking assertions should be implemented to avoid spreading and activations of errors