A real time algorithm for people tracking using contextual reasoning

In this paper we present a real-time tracking algorithm that is able to deal with complex occlusions involving a plurality of moving objects simultaneously. The rationale is grounded on a suitable representation and exploitation of the recent history of each single moving object being tracked. The object history is encoded using a state, and the transitions among the states are described through a Finite State Automata (FSA). In presence of complex situations the tracking is properly solved by making the FSA’s of the involved objects interact with each other. This is the way for basing the tracking decisions not only on the information present in the current frame, but also on conditions that have been observed more stably over a longer time span. The object history can be used to reliably discern the occurrence of the most common problems affecting object detection, making this method particularly robust in complex scenarios. An experimental evaluation of the proposed approach has been made on two publicly available datasets, the ISSIA Soccer Dataset and the PETS 2010 database.     

Towards Novel Treatments for Schizophrenia: Molecular and Behavioural Signatures of the Psychotropic Agent SEP-363856

Schizophrenia is a complex psychopathology whose treatment is still challenging. Given the limitations of existing antipsychotics, there is urgent need for novel drugs with fewer side effects. SEP-363856 (SEP-856) is a novel psychotropic agent currently under phase III clinical investigation for schizophrenia treatment. In this study, we investigated the ability of an acute oral SEP-856 administration to modulate the functional activity of specific brain regions at basal levels and under glutamatergic or dopaminergic-perturbed conditions in adult rats. We found that immediate-early genes (IEGs) expression was strongly upregulated in the prefrontal cortex and, to a less extent, in the ventral hippocampus, suggesting an activation of these regions. Furthermore, SEP-856 was effective in preventing the hyperactivity induced by an acute injection of phencyclidine (PCP), but not of d-amphetamine (AMPH). The compound effectively normalized the PCP-induced increase in IEGs expression in the PFC at all doses tested, whereas only the highest dose determined the major modulations on AMPH-induced changes. Lastly, SEP-856 acute administration corrected the cognitive deficits produced by subchronic PCP administration. Taken together, our data provide further insights on SEP-856, suggesting that modulation of the PFC may represent an important mechanism for the functional and behavioural activity of this novel compound.     

On the Multihead Weigher Machine Setup Problem

A multihead weigher machine (MWM) is a computer‐controlled machine used to fill a package with small products or parts with a given target weight. MWMs are widespread in the food and non‐food industries because of their high performance in terms of variety of products to be packed, high throughput and quality of the packaged items. Despite the popularity of these machines, no studies to date have addressed how to set up the operating parameters of these machines. In industrial practice, operators currently use ad hoc rules to setup an MWM, but the initial settings can have a dramatic effect on the machine performance. The aim of this paper is to formalize the setup problem and its main variables. Then an optimization technique is proposed to solve the problem. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Neurocognitive Profile of the Cerebellum in Multiple Sclerosis

In recent years, a high number of studies have demonstrated that neuropsychological functions are altered in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with cerebellar lesions, mainly including attention, working memory and verbal fluency. Since the present literature is often elusive on this topic, we aim to provide a comprehensive report about the real impact of cerebellar damages (evaluated as volume, lesions or connectivity measures) on cognitive functions. In particular in this review, we report and discuss recent works from 2009 to 2015, which have demonstrated the key role of the cerebellum in cognitive impairment of MS patients.     

Polyaniline − carbon nanohorn composites as thermoelectric materials

Thermoelectric materials can convert heat into electricity when a temperature gradient is present. The investigation of conductive polymers such as polyaniline (PANI ) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) as active materials for thermoelectric generators in the room temperature range is gaining interest because of several key advantages offered by these materials. The relative ease of solution processing, their mechanical stability and flexibility together with low density and low thermal conductivity make conductive polymers suitable for integration in a thermoelectric generator. Polymers offer remarkably low thermal conductivity values but modest Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity. In this work, polymer/inorganic nanocomposites of PANI with carbon particles such as single wall carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs ) were prepared via solution mixing of the precursors in order to increase the electrical conductivity by means of polymer matrix/nanohorn electronic junctions. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient were estimated on PANI /SWCNH films and pressed pellets and through‐plane thermal conductivity was determined on films. The thermal stability of PANI /SWCNH composites was evaluated by means of TGA /DSC coupled with residual gas analysis. It was found that a proper concentration of SWCNHs in PANI ?(+/?)‐camphor‐10‐sulfonic acid (CSA) film was effective in increasing the electrical conductivity without decreasing the Seebeck coefficient. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Forecasting lava flow hazards during the 2006 Etna eruption: Using the MAGFLOW cellular automata model

The MAGFLOW cellular automata (CA) model was able to fairly accurately reproduce the time of the lava flow advance during the 2006 Etna eruption, leading to very plausible flow predictions. MAGFLOW is intended for use in emergency response situations during an eruption to quickly forecast the lava flow path over some time interval from the immediate future to a long-time forecast. Major discrepancies between the observed and simulated paths occurred in the early phase of the 2006 eruption due to an underestimation of the initial flow rate, and at the time of the overlapping with the 2004–2005 lava flow. Very good representations of the areas likely to be inundated by lava flows were obtained when we adopt a time-varying effusion rate and include the 2004–2005 lava flow field in the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of topography.     

Management of Brain and Leptomeningeal Metastases from Breast Cancer

The management of breast cancer (BC) has rapidly evolved in the last 20 years. The improvement of systemic therapy allows a remarkable control of extracranial disease. However, brain (BM) and leptomeningeal metastases (LM) are frequent complications of advanced BC and represent a challenging issue for clinicians. Some prognostic scales designed for metastatic BC have been employed to select fit patients for adequate therapy and enrollment in clinical trials. Different systemic drugs, such as targeted therapies with either monoclonal antibodies or small tyrosine kinase molecules, or modified chemotherapeutic agents are under investigation. Major aims are to improve the penetration of active drugs through the blood–brain barrier (BBB) or brain–tumor barrier (BTB), and establish the best sequence and timing of radiotherapy and systemic therapy to avoid neurocognitive impairment. Moreover, pharmacologic prevention is a new concept driven by the efficacy of targeted agents on macrometastases from specific molecular subgroups. This review aims to provide an overview of the clinical and molecular factors involved in the selection of patients for local and/or systemic therapy, as well as the results of clinical trials on advanced BC. Moreover, insight on promising therapeutic options and potential directions of future therapeutic targets against BBB and microenvironment are discussed.     

The Biomolecular Corona in 2D and Reverse: Patterning Metal–Phenolic Networks on Proteins,Lipids, Nucleic Acids,Polysaccharides, and Fingerprints

The adsorption of biomolecules onto nanomaterials can alter the performance of the nanomaterials in vitro and in vivo. Recent studies have primarily focused on the protein “corona”, formed upon adsorption of proteins onto nanoparticles in biological fluids, which can change the biological fate of the nanoparticles. Conversely, interactions between nanomaterials and other classes of biomolecules namely, lipids, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides have received less attention despite their important roles in biology. A possible reason is the challenge associated with investigating biomolecule interactions with nanomaterials using current technologies. Herein, a protocol is developed for studying bio–nano interactions by depositing four classes of biomolecules (proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides) and complex biological media (blood) onto planar substrates, followed by exposure to metal–phenolic network (MPN) complexes. The MPNs preferentially interact with the biomolecule over the inorganic substrate (glass), highlighting that patterned biomolecules can be used to engineer patterned MPNs. Subsequent formation of silver nanoparticles on the MPN films maintains the patterns and endows the films with unique reflectance and fluorescence properties, enabling visualization of latent fingerprints (i.e., invisible residual biomolecule patterns). This study demonstrates the potential complexity of the biomolecule corona as all classes of biomolecules can adsorb onto MPN‐based nanomaterials.     

Ultrasound-assisted drying of orange peel in atmospheric freeze-dryer and convective dryer operated at moderate temperature

Abstract

Atmospheric freeze-drying (AFD) at ?10?°C and moderate temperature convective drying (MTD) at 50?°C without and with ultrasound application (20.5?kW/m³) were carried out. Alcohol insoluble residue (AIR) and its swelling capacity (SC), water retention capacity (WRC) and fat retention capacity (FRC) were measured in the dried product. Ultrasound significantly shortened the drying time in both processes, the intensification effect being more significant in atmospheric freeze-drying (57% and 27% reduction in atmospheric freeze-drying and convective drying, respectively). As regards AIR and WRC, no effect was observed of either the drying temperature or ultrasound application. On the contrary, SC was significantly lower in AFD samples. The FRC of MTD samples was similar to that of the fresh ones and higher than the values obtained for atmospheric freeze-dried samples. Therefore, convective drying at moderate temperature preserved the AIR properties better than atmospheric freeze-drying.