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Two Novel Sparse Models for Support Vector Machines
No full textBased on the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Twin Parametric Margin SVM (TPMSVM), this paper proposes two sparse models, named Sparse SVM (SSVM) and Sparse TPMSVM (STPMSVM). The study aims to achieve high sparsity, rapid prediction, and strong generalization capability by transforming the classical quadratic programming problems (QPPs) into linear programming problems (LPPs). The core idea stems from a clear geometric motivation: introducing an (Formula presented.) -norm penalty on the dual variables to break the inherent rotational symmetry of the traditional (Formula presented.) -norm on the normal vector. Through a theoretical reformulation using the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions, we achieve a transformation from explicit symmetry-breaking to implicit structural constraints—the (Formula presented.) penalty term does not appear explicitly in the final objective function, while the sparsity-inducing effect is fundamentally encoded within the objective functions and their constraints. Ultimately, the derived linear programming models naturally yield highly sparse solutions. Extensive experiments are conducted on multiple synthetic datasets under various noise conditions, as well as on 20 publicly available benchmark datasets. Results demonstrate that the two sparse models achieve significant sparsity at the support vectors level—on the benchmark datasets, SSVM, and STPMSVM reduce the number of support vectors by an average of 56.21% compared with conventional SVM, while STPMSVM achieves an average reduction of 39.11% compared with TPMSVM—thereby greatly improving prediction efficiency. Notably, SSVM maintains accuracy comparable to conventional SVM under low-noise conditions while attaining extreme sparsity and prediction efficiency. In contrast, STPMSVM offers enhanced robustness to noise and maintains a better balance between sparsity and accuracy, preserving the desirable properties of TPMSVM while improving prediction efficiency and robustness
Clinical practice recommendations and expected outcomes with fluorescent light energy: a Delphi-like consensus
No full textBackground: Fluorescent Light Energy (FLE) is a promising alternative to systemic therapies in veterinary dermatology and surgery for managing skin conditions and improving the quality of life of animals and their owners. Hypothesis/objectives: In the absence of specific recommendations for FLE use, an international DELPHI consensus research project was conducted to establish best practices. Methods: An international Steering Committee (SC) of a board-certified veterinary surgeon and veterinary dermatologists combined a literature review with clinical expertise to create recommendations. General practitioners and veterinarians of various specialties were selected to review and vote on the recommendations. Votes were collected electronically, independently, and anonymously. Results: The statements covering the following topics were analyzed in this paper: (i) Understanding photobiomodulation via FLE; (ii) Indications and Protocols for FLE; and (iii) FLE pet owner information. Consensus was reached on 33 out of 33 statements (100%) addressing the use of photobiomodulation via FLE; the practical modalities of FLE as monotherapy or adjunct therapy; healing biological benefits of photobiomodulation; reduction of antibiotic use in the management of bacterial skin infections; clinical indications where FLE can show the most favorable results along with protocols and duration of treatment; and communication with animal owners on safety measures and FLE’s benefits for their animal. Conclusions and clinical importance: This consensus provides practical guidelines on the utilization, application, and benefits of FLE when addressing veterinary dermatological conditions. It contributes to optimizing animal and owner welfare and bridges the gap between expert recommendations and the real-life experiences of general practice veterinarians
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC 510 supplementation promotes colonic well-being in animal models of cafeteria-induced obesity.
No full textObesity is a persistent pathological condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue, associated with a high risk of several morbidities and increased mortality. The link between excess calories and gut microbiota imbalance is well established, and alterations in this balance contribute to the promotion of chronic low-grade in-ammation. Our research aimed to examine the impact of a 12-week supplementation of Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum IMC 510 (Lp) in rats fed a cafeteria diet (CAF), compared to those fed a standard diet (CHOW). To explore this aspect, the alterations in the gut microbiota were characterized, and the e.ects linked to the state of the colonic mucosa and enteric neuroplasticity were pointed out. Previously pub-lished data have shown that in the CAF Lp group, the probiotic maintained the predominant bacterial phyla in the composition of the intestinal microbiota compared to the CAF-fed rats [1]. Furthermore, Lp effectively reduced food intake and weight gain, with subsequent bene!cial e.ects highlighted by serological, biochemi-cal, and histological analyses. The CAF Lp group shows a signi!cant reduction in blood glucose and blood lipid profile, particularly lowering LDL [1]. Using various morphological staining techniques across the different experimental groups, no alterations in the architec-ture and structure of the colonic crypts were observed. In the CAF Lp group compared to the CAF-fed rats, a marked reduction in mucus secretion and composition, especially in the acid pro!le, was noted through stain-ing with Alcian Blue pH 2.5. A signi!cant reduction of Mucin-2, the major protein of the polymer network composed of gel-forming mucins, was associated with the administration of Lp. Concerning the enteric nervous system, no morpho-structural alterations of the myenter-ic plexuses were observed with the administration of Lp. A pan-neuronal marker was tested, revealing a decrease in immunoreaction that could be related to an alteration of intestinal motility [2]. By analyzing samples incubated with glial markers, the results indicate glial rearrangement in obesityrelated inammatory conditions. No rec-ognizable di.erences were found between experimental groups when discriminating cholinergic neurons within the myenteric plexus. In contrast, the nitrergic neuronal network underwent neurodegeneration in obese groups, possibly related, in accordance with other studies, to oxi-dative stress and in-ammatory status. In conclusion, the Lp intervention could represent a new strategy to counteract the negative e.ects induced by obesity-related dysbiosis, making this approach both novel and safe for the prevention and management of obesity
Iterative Algorithms for Set Stabilization of Probabilistic Boolean Control Networks and Applications in State-Based Games
No full textA probabilistic Boolean control network (PBCN) is a binary discrete-time system that utilizes probability values. An important application of PBCN is in gene regulatory network (GRN), providing a more flexible model, and lay a foundation for the study of gene interactions in complex environments. In this research, the set stabilization with probability 1 of PBCNs is investigated. Utilizing semi-tensor product (STP) of matrices, an iterative algorithm for calculating the largest control invariant subset of PBCNs is established and a necessary and sufficient condition for set stabilization with probability 1 is provided. Moreover, we design an algorithm for the stabilization controller to achieve stabilization of the system in the shortest time. As an application, the results of PBCNs are used to solve the stabilization problems at recurrent state equilibriums (RSEs) of state-based games. Examples are given to verify the feasibility of the proposed method and results
Ambiente e tutela della persona: prosumer e diritto alle energie rinnovabili
No full textDato che il Brasile affronta significative sfide per garantire energia pulita, accessibile e
sostenibile alla società, in particolare nelle regioni più vulnerabili, le comunità energetiche
emergono in modo strategico come soluzione per democratizzare l'accesso all'energia, in
linea con gli impegni presi a livello internazionale, soprattutto con l'Obiettivo di Sviluppo
Sostenibile 7 dell'Agenda 2030. Da sottolineare che la mancanza di linee guida giuridiche
specifiche sulle comunità energetiche ostacola la loro implementazione, esponendo in
modo significativo i consumatori a rischi contrattuali e regolatori. Partendo da questa
realtà, la presente ricerca analizza il seguente problema: esistono in Brasile linee guida
giuridiche efficaci per l'implementazione delle comunità energetiche, basate sulle necessità
locali e regionali, che garantiscano la protezione dei consumatori di energia elettrica come
diritto della personalità, secondo il modello di direttive sull'energia rinnovabile efficaci
nell'Unione Europea? La necessità di colmare questa lacuna normativa, al fine di creare
basi concrete per un modello giuridico adattato alle peculiarità del Brasile e ispirato alle
esperienze internazionali di successo giustifica questa tesi, che si propone di verificare se
l'ordinamento giuridico brasiliano sia adeguato a costituire linee guida per regolamentare
le comunità energetiche, offrendo così protezione ai consumatori e promuovendo una
società più giusta, democratica e sostenibile. Per tracciare l’allineamento con l’obiettivo
generale, la tesi si propone i seguenti obiettivi specifici: i) studiare i concetti di dignità
della persona umana, diritto a uno standard minimo esistenziale, diritto a una vita dignitosa
e diritto alla sostenibilità, con il sostegno della regolamentazione dell'energia elettrica
come diritto fondamentale; ii) analizzare il concetto di prosumer in Brasile, le sue
vulnerabilità e le sfide affrontate nelle relazioni contrattuali regolate dal Diritto Civile e
dai diritti dei consumatori; iii) valutare i contributi delle direttive europee e del quadro
giuridico brasiliano sulla generazione distribuita per la formulazione di politiche pubbliche
efficienti; iv) elaborare proposte che possano contribuire alla realizzazione di un modello
giuridico brasiliano che promuova la sicurezza giuridica per le comunità energetiche,
basandosi sulla giustizia energetica, sulla transizione energetica e sulla protezione dei
consumatori. Con l’obiettivo di sviluppare linee guida giuridiche chiare e adeguate alle
necessità delle comunità brasiliane, la ricerca utilizza un metodo deduttivo con un
approccio bibliografico e documentale. Si auspica che questa tesi contribuisca alla
consolidazione del concetto di prosumer nell'ordinamento giuridico nazionale, alla
protezione dei consumatori e alla democratizzazione dell'accesso all'energia, favorendo lo
sviluppo di un quadro normativo nazionale che renda possibile un'energia sostenibile per
tutta la società, in linea con l'Obiettivo di Sviluppo Sostenibile 7 e con le norme
costituzionali.Given that Brazil faces significant challenges in ensuring clean, accessible, and sustainable
energy for society, particularly in the most vulnerable regions, energy communities emerge
strategically as a solution to democratize access to energy while aligning with international
commitments, especially Sustainable Development Goal 7 of the 2030 Agenda. It is worth
noting that the lack of specific legal guidelines on energy communities hinders their
implementation and significantly exposes consumers to contractual and regulatory risks.
Based on this reality, the present research addresses the following problem: Are there
effective legal guidelines in Brazil for the implementation of energy communities that are
tailored to local and regional needs and ensure the protection of electricity consumers as a
personal right, following the model of renewable energy directives effectively
implemented in the European Union? Justified by the need to fill this regulatory gap and
create concrete foundations for a legal model adapted to Brazil's specificities and inspired
by successful international experiences, this thesis aims to investigate whether the
Brazilian legal framework is adequate to establish guidelines that regulate energy
communities, thereby protecting consumers and promoting a fairer, more democratic, and
sustainable society. To align with this central objective, the thesis has the following
specific objectives: i) to study the concepts of human dignity, the right to a minimum
existential standard, the right to a dignified life, and the right to sustainability, grounded in
the regulation of electricity as a fundamental right; ii) to analyze the concept of the
prosumer in Brazil, their vulnerabilities, and the challenges faced in contractual
relationships under Civil Law and consumer rights; iii) to evaluate the contributions of
European directives and Brazil's distributed generation legal framework to the formulation
of effective public policies; and iv) to propose measures to establish a Brazilian legal model
that provides legal certainty to energy communities, based on energy justice, energy
transition, and consumer protection. To achieve the desired outcome of developing clear
legal guidelines adapted to the needs of Brazilian communities, the research employs a
deductive method with a bibliographical and documentary approach. This thesis aims to
consolidate the concept of the prosumer in the national legal framework, protect
consumers, and democratize access to energy, contributing to the development of a
national normative framework that enables sustainable energy for all, in alignment with
Sustainable Development Goal 7 and constitutional norms.Diante do fato que o Brasil enfrenta significativos desafios para garantir energia limpa,
acessível e sustentável para a sociedade, em especial nas regiões com maior
vulnerabilidade, as comunidades energéticas despontam de forma estratégica como
solução para a democratização do acesso à energia, com alinhamento aos compromissos
firmados com a seara internacional, principalmente com o Objetivo de Desenvolvimento
Sustentável 07 da Agenda 2030. Convém salientar que a carência de diretrizes jurídicas
específicas sobre as comunidades energéticas acaba por dificultar sua implementação, e
isso expõe, de maneira acentuada, os consumidores a sofrerem riscos contratuais e
regulatórios. Partindo dessa realidade, a presente pesquisa apresenta o seguinte problema
a ser analisado: no Brasil existem diretrizes jurídicas efetivas para a implementação de
comunidades energéticas, com base nas necessidades locais e regionais que garantam a
proteção dos consumidores de energia elétrica como direito da personalidade, conforme o
modelo de diretivas de energia renovável da que são efetivas na União Europeia?
Justificando-se pela necessidade de preencher essa lacuna normativa, no intuito de criar
bases concretas para um modelo jurídico que se adapta adaptado às singularidades do
Brasil e, ainda, com influência das experiências internacionais exitosas, a tese defendida
tem por objetivo central apresentar uma investigação que indique se o ordenamento
jurídico brasileiro está adequado para constituir diretrizes que regulamentem as
comunidades energéticas, para desse modo, conceder proteção aos consumidores para a
efetivação de uma sociedade mais justa, democrática e sustentável. Para traçar o
alinhamento do objetivo geral, a tese tem como objetivos específicos desenvolver: i) o
estudo sobre a dignidade da pessoa humana, do direito ao mínimo existencial, do direito à
vida digna e do direito à sustentabilidade, com respaldo na regulamentação da energia
elétrica como direito fundamental; ii) a análise do conceito de prosumer no Brasil, suas
vulnerabilidades e desafios enfrentados nas relações contratuais estabelecidas pelo Direito
Civil e direitos como consumidor; iii) a avaliação das contribuições das diretivas europeias
e do marco legal brasileiro de geração distribuída para a formulação de políticas públicas
que sejam eficientes e, iv) a elaboração de propostas que possam produzir a efetivação de
um modelo jurídico brasileiro que contribuam para a promoção de segurança jurídica às
comunidades energéticas, com fundamento na justiça energética, na transição energética e
na proteção dos consumidores. Com o propósito de atingir o resultado satisfatório de
desenvolver diretrizes jurídicas claras e adaptadas às necessidades das comunidades
brasileiras, a pesquisa se utiliza de método dedutivo com uma abordagem bibliográfica e
documental. Espera-se, com a presente tese, a consolidação do conceito de prosumer no
ordenamento jurídico nacional, a proteção dos consumidores e a democratização do acesso
à energia para contribuição da viabilização de um marco normativo nacional,
oportunizando a concretização de energia sustentável para toda a sociedade que esteja em
consonância com o Objetivo de Desenvolvimento Sustentável 07 e com as normas
constitucionais
SISTEMA DI UNIONE DI LEMBI DI TESSUTO O PELLE MEDIANTE INCASTRI GEOMETRICI
No full textL’invenzione si riferisce allo sviluppo di un sistema innovativo di unione di lembi di tessuto o
pelle, senza l’uso di filo o altre tecniche di cucitura tradizionali, generato a partire da una serie di
elementi sagomati ed una pluralità di aperture. Tali aperture sono disposte lungo un bordo laterale
di tali elementi sagomati, e sono configurate per ricevere tali elementi sagomati generando un
incastro meccanico tra gli elementi sagomati e le aperture della pelle o tessuto. L’incastro
meccanico che si forma mantiene uniti i lembi di tessuto o pelle, permettendo di costruire diverse
tipologie di manufatti (sedute, pouf, ecc.) caratterizzati da un sistema di cucitura senza filo ad alto
valore decorativo
Da Salman Schocken ad Erich Mendelsohn. Nuove strategie creative per i grandi magazzini di Stoccarda
No full textThis essay examines the commercial logic behind the modern buildings designed by Erich Mendelsohn for entrepreneur Salman Schocken. Built in Germany between the 1910s and 1933, Schocken's department stores aimed to offer affordable, quality goods near railway stations, with distinctive vertical corners. Due to Nazi racial laws, both Mendelsohn and Schocken were exiled, hindering full realization of the project. Most stores were bombed and later rebuilt under different principles
Acidity in coffee: a flavoromics approach comparing multiple extraction methods
No full textThis PhD thesis investigates coffee acidity through a multidisciplinary approach
combining chemical analyses and sensory evaluation. Four main experiments were
carried out. In experiment 1, a new analytical method using solid-phase extraction
(SPE) and HPLC-DAD was developed and validated to quantify organic acids,
chlorogenic acids and caffeine in espresso coffee. The method was applied to C.
arabica samples with different roasting levels (light, medium, dark) to study chemical
changes due to roasting. Experiment 2, part of the Pure Brew project, explored how
different filter coffee brewing methods affect the composition of volatile and non-
volatile compounds. Eight coffee brewing methods were compared, focusing on the
influence of filter material, shape and brewing parameters. In experiment 3, two novel
malic acid derivatives (2-IPMA and 3-IPMA) were identified and quantified using
HPLC-MS/MS in green, roasted and espresso coffee. The study highlighted the role of
postharvest processing (natural, washed, honey) in influencing their concentration and
proposed 2-IPMA as a potential marker of fermentation. While experiment 4 applied
an untargeted flavoromics approach to identify chemical drivers of perceived acidity.
Thirteen C. arabica samples with different origins and postharvest methods were
analyzed by a trained panel and profiled using HPLC-QToF-MS. Multivariate
statistical models revealed compounds related to acidity intensity. Overall, this
research provides new insights into the chemical basis of coffee acidity and how it is
influenced by processing and brewing practices
Matera e Adriano Olivetti. Testimonianze su un'idea per il riscatto del Mezziogiorno
No full textNell’anno in cui il mondo celebra la Lettera 22, Adriano Olivetti arriva a Matera. È il 1950 e nella “capitale simbolica del mondo contadino”, Adriano incontra Albino e Leonardo Sacco.
Con loro, Friedrich Friedmann, Angela Zucconi e altri straordinari personaggi, anima un laboratorio dove progettisti, assistenti sociali, ingegneri, filosofi lavorano allo studio dei Sassi per costruire luoghi che restituiscano dignità
e cittadinanza alle persone. I risultati di quel lavoro sono riconosciuti tra gli antefatti necessari al rinascimento di Matera, da “vergogna nazionale” a Capitale Europea della Cultura
Morphometry, cellular characterization and temporal evolution of granulomas induced by aluminium oxyhydroxide in sheep
No full textPersistent subcutaneous granulomas form at the injection site following administration of aluminium oxyhydroxide (AlOOH), a widely used vaccine adjuvant. Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) can infect macrophages within granulomas induced by commercial AlOOH-based vaccines in sheep. The entry of SRLVs into target cells involves the mannose receptor (MR), while catalytic polypeptide-like 3 protein containing Z1 domain (A3Z1) is considered a restriction factor for lentiviral replication. The objective of this study was to investigate the temporal evolution of AlOOH-induced post-vaccination granulomas in sheep experimentally infected with SRLVs. Twenty-four male lambs underwent two identical vaccination protocols and were challenged with SRLVs. Granulomas were detected in vaccinated groups only and progressively decreased in size. At post-mortem examination, 91.3% of the granulomas were recovered. Fistulas were present in granulomas following the second vaccination protocol. Central necrosis was present in 58.0% of granulomas and was associated with the vaccine used. Orthokeratotic keratin was seen within granulomas in 47.1% of the lambs. Considering all granulomas studied, significantly higher expression of MR was found compared with A3Z1. Differences in MR expression were related to the type of vaccine and the time since vaccination. A3Z1 expression was upregulated in granulomas from the infected groups. Macrophage polarization may influence SRLV infection of granulomas. While SRLV infection does not influence the architecture of post-vaccination granulomas, it may modulate their immune microenvironment. Further studies are needed to elucidate the complex interactions between AlOOH-induced granulomas and SRLV infection in sheep