Architecture and Perspective in the Illusory Spaces of Ferdinando Galli Bibiena

Stage design is an articulated system of projective processes, whose aim is to create a purely visual emotion for the spectators when the curtain rises, disclosing that portion of space that is behind the actors. Setting up a scene is a very similar process to architectural planning, made of plans, sections and executive details of each element, in order to create a physical space but having the sole purpose of giving back a global image of itself, exactly coincident with the planned sketch. However, this design complexity is rarely highlighted by scholars, who end up commenting that the sketch is just like a perspective painted image, without reading the need for transposition into the physical space of the stage, that instead affects many compositional choices and exceptions, hidden in the apparent harmony of the general overall picture. In particular, we’ll examine Ferdinando Galli Bibiena’s treatise, L’architettura civile preparata su la geometria e ridotta alle prospettive (1711), which carefully describes the aforementioned stage design complexity.     

Knowledge-based multi-criteria optimization to support indoor positioning

Indoor position estimation constitutes a central task in home-based assisted living environments. Such environments often rely on a heterogeneous collection of low-cost sensors whose diversity and lack of precision has to be compensated by advanced techniques for localization and tracking. Although there are well established quantitative methods in robotics and neighboring fields for addressing these problems, they lack advanced knowledge representation and reasoning capacities. Such capabilities are not only useful in dealing with heterogeneous and incomplete information but moreover they allow for a better inclusion of semantic information and more general homecare and patient-related knowledge. We address this problem and investigate how state-of-the-art localization and tracking methods can be combined with Answer Set Programming, as a popular knowledge representation and reasoning formalism. We report upon a case-study and provide a first experimental evaluation of knowledge-based position estimation both in a simulated as well as in a real setting.     

OLEDs based on an europium(IIIrpar; complex: {Tris(thenoyltrifluoroacetonate)[1,2,5]‐thiadiazolo[3,4‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline}europium(III)

Abstract— The contribution of radiative and non‐radiative processes to the electroluminescence emission of OLEDs based on Eu‐complex, {tris(thenoyltrifluoroacetone)[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐f][1,10]phenanthroline} europium(III), [Eu(TTA)³TDZP], which acts as transporting and emitting layers, is investigated. The Eu‐complex presented an intense photoluminescence with high color purity in the red region, characteristic of the Eu(III) ⁵D⁰ → ⁷F² narrow line transition. However, when used in a double‐layered OLED its electroluminescence showed additional undesired broad bands, which can be attributed to the possible electrophosphorescence of the ligand and to an inefficient energy transfer from the organic ligand to the Eu(III). The characteristic narrow lines could be achieved using a co‐deposited active layer with the Eu‐complex acting as a dopant in a matrix comprised of 4,4’‐bis(carbazol‐9‐yl)biphenyl (CBP).     

Modelling negotiated decision making in environmental and natural resource management : A multilateral, multiple issues, non-cooperative bargaining model with uncertainty

The relevance of bargaining to everyday life can easily be ascertained, yet the study of any bargaining process is extremely hard, involving a multiplicity of questions and complex issues. The objective of this paper is to provide new insights on some dimensions of the bargaining process-asymmetries and uncertainties in particular-by using a non-cooperative game theory approach. We develop a computational model which simulates the process of negotiation among more than two players, who bargain over the sharing of more than one pie. Through numerically simulating several multiple issues negotiation games among multiple players, we identify the main features of players’ optimal strategies and equilibrium agreements. As in most economic situations, uncertainty crucially affects also bargaining processes. Therefore, in our analysis, we introduce uncertainty over the size of the pies to be shared and assess the impact on players’ strategic behaviour. Our results confirm that uncertainty affects players’ behaviour and modify the likelihood of a self-enforcing agreement to emerge. The model proposed here can have several applications, in particular in the field of natural resource and environmental management at the national or local level, where conflicts over how to share a resource of a finite size are increasing.     

La preuve en mathematique

Résumé

En mathématique, la méthode de la preuve et la méthode déductive remontent au modèle classique de l'exposition inventé par Euclide et décrit dans son ouvrage célèbre ayant pour titre Éléments. L'attitude des mathématiciens envers ces méthodes a eu beau évoluer au cours des derniers siècles, la relation entre la compréhension et l'acceptabilité des énoncés mathématiques n'a cependant pas progressé de manière spectaculaire. C'est pourquoi la présente analyse tente d'expliquer comment les difficultés liées à la preuve peuvent provenir de la tension entre deux pôles: la production des connaissances mathématiques, d'une part, et leur systématisation, d'autre part.

Il s'agit ici de deux orientations complémentaires de la recherche. En effet, la première partie de l'analyse axée sur la notion de l'unité cognitive a trait à la relation entre la production d'une conjecture et sa preuve, la construction théorique de l'unité cognitive servant à analyser et à interpréter les difficultés des élèves. La deuxième partie porte sur une étude qui veut initier les élèves à la réflexion théorique et examiner le rôle du logiciel Cabri‐géomètre dans le processus d'enseignement et d'apprentissage. Dans une perspective vygotskienne, l'emphase est alors mise sur la médiation sémiotique qui s'effectue par des artefacts culturels. Les exemples tirés de diverses recherches sont analysés en vue d'illustrer la complémentarité de nombreux aspects et problèmes relatifs à la preuve.

Dans la pratique didactique, l'utilisation d'objets communs n'est pas nouvelle, mais c'est plutôt l'interprétation de ces objets en termes de médiation sémiotique qui est considérée comme une nouveauté. [Agrave] ce sujet, un exemple intéressant nous est donné dans le projet développé par le Groupe de Modène que coordonne Bartolini Bussi ; il s'agit d'une expérience qui a de nombreuses affinités avec la nôtre. [Agrave] propos de ces deux exemples, la signification que nous comptons introduire dans laquelle nous utilisons un artefact comme médiateur sémiotique est celle de Théorème en liaison étroite avec celle de Théorie. Dans ce cas précis, les artéfacts culturels sont les systèmes d'engrenage et la théorie de référence retenue est la cinématique de Héron (Livre l” de la mécanique, ler siècle apr. J.‐ C.). C'est un principe facilement acceptable qui peut servir de base à une théorie: ? Deux cercles engrenés tournent en direction opposée. L'un vers la droite, l'autre vers la gauche ? (cité dans Carra de Vaux, 1988). On peut tirer de ce postulat plusieurs théorèmes intéressants.

L'expérience du Groupe de Modène se déroule dans une classe de 4e année. Malgré l'âge des élèves, on observe que la plupart d'entre eux sont en mesure de concevoir des énoncés généraux relatifs au mouvement des engrenages et d'élaborer des argumentations pour les justifier, tout en ayant recours au principe établi. C'est en ce sens qu'il est possible de parler de pensée théorique.     

Subcellular localization using fluorescence imagery: Utilizing ensemble classification with diverse feature extraction strategies and data balancing

Protein subcellular localization plays a vital role in understanding proteins’ behavior under different circumstances. The effectiveness of various drugs can be assessed by the successful prediction of protein locations. Therefore, it is important to develop a prediction system that is sufficiently reliable and accurate in making decisions regarding the protein localization. However, main problem in developing a reliable and high throughput prediction system is the presence of imbalanced data, which greatly affects the performance of a prediction system. In order to remedy this problem, we utilized the notion of oversampling through Synthetic Minority Oversampling TEchnique (SMOTE). Further, different feature extraction strategies and ensemble classification techniques are assessed for their contribution toward the solution of the challenging problem of subcellular localization. After applying SMOTE data balancing technique, a remarkable improvement is observed in the performance of random forest and rotation forest ensemble classifiers for CHO_M, CHO_A and Vero_A datasets. It is anticipated that our proposed model might be helpful for the research community in the field of functional and structural proteomics as well as in drug discovery.     

Developing technological capabilities for Industry 4.0 adoption: An analysis of the role of inbound open innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises

To keep up with rapid technological change, firms are pushed to acquire new competencies and resources, often leveraging the external networks in which they are involved. The paper examines how firms' engagement in inbound open innovation (OI) enables the adoption of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the deployment of technological capabilities. We combine the OI and dynamic capabilities frameworks to assess how the absorption of knowledge from different actors impacts the necessary technological capabilities for adopting I4.0 technologies. The capabilities are categorized in technological sensing, seizing and reconfiguring. The study is based on in-depth case studies of two selected SMEs from the footwear industry. The cases show that engaging in external collaborations, particularly with universities, pushes SMEs to renew the bundle of competencies underlying their technological capabilities. However, this effect is influenced by the OI modalities adopted by both companies. While in Company A OI takes place through a broader array of formal and informal linkages that contribute to the exploration of distant knowledge bases and the experimentation of more diverse technologies, such as the Internet of Things, Company B relies on informal networking concentrated in its own field of specialization for the adoption of manufacturing-specific I4.0 solutions, such as automated robots and 3D printing.     

Relation between space charge accumulation and partial discharge activity in enameled wires under PWM-like voltage waveforms

It has been observed that voltage waveforms generated by power electronic converters may affect significantly the reliability of electric motor insulation. Since partial discharges are considered to be the main cause of the reliability loss, new enamel insulations for magnet wires are being developed in order to withstand better stress amplification. The electrical characterization of these insulating materials is often carried out through aging tests which may provide estimation of life under different stress levels and conditions. However, deeper investigation of aging phenomena due to supply voltage waveforms is needed, especially regarding the relation between aging factors and stress conditions. This paper deals with this topic, showing experimental evidences of relation between partial discharge quantities (e.g., inception voltage, repetition frequency, amplitude) and electrical properties, associated with charge accumulation, which can be directly evaluated through space charge measurements. Characterization of insulating materials and comparison of materials candidate for application in power electronic waveform environment can be carried out resorting to the methodology proposed here. This approach can provide, therefore, a useful feedback to wire manufacturers regarding, e.g., the choice of additive nature and enamel components for magnet wires in power-electronic controlled motors.