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Mechanical Ventilation and Indoor Environmental Quality: Experimental Comparison Between Two Decentralised Systems in School Classrooms
No full textThis paper presents a comparison between two types of controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) decentralised systems in school classrooms: one with an internal unit within the classroom (I), and one with ducts located in the ceiling (C). The main results show that, in terms of indoor air quality evaluation, CO2 levels in classrooms are influenced by both the opening or closing of doors and windows, as well as by the mechanical ventilation system. Only the classroom with the ceiling-hosted system (C) maintains acceptable CO2 levels solely through the system’s contribution, without the need to open the windows. The three-dimensional comfort mapping demonstrates a uniform microclimatic condition in the C classroom, while the I classroom records localised discomfort
A multi-market model with heterogeneous agents and switching mechanism
No full textThis paper presents a multi-market model consisting of two distinct financial markets with one risky asset. The model assumes that each market is populated by two types of interacting traders: fundamentalists and cross-sectional momentum traders. A market maker sets the price based on a nonlinear adjustment mechanism. We prove that, depending on the relative influence of traders’ beliefs, the asset dynamics can exhibit large-amplitude fluctuations. Through bifurcation analysis, we derive analytical conditions that show how the intensity of investors’ preferences for trading rules and the switching mechanism can destabilize the markets. Furthermore, we show that when investors hold polarized beliefs, it can introduce significant uncertainty in both markets, leading to complex price dynamics
Optimized Implementation of YOLOv3-Tiny for Real-Time Image and Video Recognition on FPGA
No full textIn recent years, the demand for efficient neural networks in embedded contexts has grown, driven by the need for real-time inference with limited resources. While GPUs offer high performance, their size, power consumption, and cost often make them unsuitable for constrained or large-scale applications. FPGAs have therefore emerged as a promising alternative, combining reconfigurability, parallelism, and increasingly favorable cost-performance ratios. They are especially relevant in domains such as robotics, IoT, and autonomous drones, where rapid sensor fusion and low power consumption are critical. This work presents the full implementation of a neural network on a low-cost FPGA, targeting real-time image and video recognition for drone applications. The workflow included training and quantizing a YOLOv3-Tiny model with Brevitas and PyTorch, converting it into hardware logic using the FINN framework, and optimizing the hardware design to maximize use of the reprogrammable silicon area and inference time. A custom driver was also developed to allow the device to operate as a TPU. The resulting accelerator, deployed on a Xilinx Zynq-7020, could recognize 208 frames per second (FPS) when running at a 200 MHz clock frequency, while consuming only 2.55 W. Compared to Google's Coral Edge TPU, the system offers similar inference speed with greater flexibility, and outperforms other FPGA-based approaches in the literature by a factor of three to seven in terms of FPS/W
Temporal trends in vascular medication use in 8079 patients with systemic sclerosis: insights to inform future trials and therapeutic strategies from the EUSTAR cohort
No full textObjectives Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by widespread vascular damage resulting in digital and systemic vasculopathic sequelae. Although there are effective treatments available, vascular disease remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in SSc. Our aim was to describe patterns of vascular medication use in SSc, including examination for potential changes over time. Methods A cross-sectional study of SSc patients enrolled in the EUSTAR database meeting 2013 ACR/EULAR SSc criteria. Patients were divided into two time periods: 2012-2017 and 2018-2022. We analysed the prescription patterns of endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA), phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5i), calcium channel blockers (CCB), intravenous iloprost, and antiplatelet therapies. Logistic regression was used to evaluate temporal trends and interaction effects. Results A total of 8079 patients were included. Significant increases over time were observed in the use of ERA (7% to 12%, P < 0.001), PDE5i (5.4% to 7.2%, P = 0.064), CCB (20% to 32%, P < 0.001) and anti-platelet therapies (15% to 20%, P < 0.001). There was a notable decrease in iloprost use (3.1% to 0.3%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of active digital ulcers (DU) decreased (16% to 13%, P = 0.040), while a history of DU (24% to 30%, P < 0.001) increased. Year-by-year and non-linear increases were noted for ERA and CCB whereas non-linear increase was observed for PDE5i. Year-by-year and non-linear decrease was observed for Iloprost prescription. Conclusion A significant change has occurred over time in vascular medication use in SSc patients, with increased utilization of ERA, PDE5i, CCB and anti-platelet therapies suggesting the adoption of more proactive and/or preventive treatment strategies
Topological BIM for Occupancy-based Integrated Energy and Safety Analysis of Higher Education Buildings
Get PDFDespite the recognised benefits of BIM and Building Performance Simulation (BPS) in managing built heritage, developing and adopting them remains a resource-intensive task. Interoperability issues make it difficult to effectively use BIM data for performance assessment in building management, limiting the possibilities of combining, integrating and using building performance data to create knowledge-based tools supporting decision-making. To address the BIM-BPS interoperability issue, this paper introduces a semi-automated approach for developing space-oriented, BPS-compatible BIMs. Applied to a university building, the presented method generates semantically rich models for integrated, occupancy-based energy and fire safety analyses, demonstrating scalability for large stocks
Continuous Movement Monitoring at Home Through Wearable Devices: A Systematic Review
Get PDFHighlights: What are the main findings? Wearable sensors—especially IMUs, accelerometers, and gyroscopes—are widely used for continuous home-based motor monitoring, particularly in neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Most studies report high feasibility and patient compliance (≥70%), but only 5.6% were randomized trials, limiting the strength of clinical recommendations. What are the implications of the main findings? Wearable devices are reliable tools for the real-world assessment of motor symptoms, potentially complementing traditional in-clinic evaluations. Broader clinical adoption will require overcoming challenges such as clinician awareness, standardization, data privacy, and equitable access to technology. Background: Wearable sensors are a promising tool for the remote, continuous monitoring of motor symptoms and physical activity, especially in individuals with neurological or chronic conditions. Despite many experimental trials, clinical adoption remains limited. A major barrier is the lack of awareness and confidence among healthcare professionals in these technologies. Methods: This systematic review analyzed the use of wearable sensors for continuous motor monitoring at home, focusing on their purpose, type, feasibility, and effectiveness in neurological, musculoskeletal, or rheumatologic conditions. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and included studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results: Seventy-two studies with 7949 participants met inclusion criteria. Neurological disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease, were the most frequently studied. Common sensors included inertial measurement units (IMUs), accelerometers, and gyroscopes, often integrated into medical devices, smartwatches, or smartphones. Monitoring periods ranged from 24 h to over two years. Feasibility studies showed high patient compliance (≥70%) and good acceptance, with strong agreement with clinical assessments. However, only half of the studies were controlled trials, and just 5.6% were randomized. Conclusions: Wearable sensors offer strong potential for real-world motor function monitoring. Yet, challenges persist, including ethical issues, data privacy, standardization, and healthcare access. Artificial intelligence integration may boost predictive accuracy and personalized care
Blockchain for the valorization of Made in Italy extra virgin olive oil: A discrete choice experiment on young consumers
Get PDFThe authenticity and traceability of Italian extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are key consumer concerns, particularly considering counterfeit products threatening the Made in Italy brand. Italian EVOO is distinguished by its low acidity and unique polyphenolic and aromatic composition, which contribute to its high quality and health benefits. Considering the new Italian law for the protection of the Made in Italy brand, blockchain technology could become a viable instrument to improve transparency and ensure the uniqueness and excellence of Italian EVOO. This study examined young Italian consumers' preferences for blockchain-traced EVOO using a labelled discrete choice experiment. The objective was to assess their willingness to pay for blockchain-enabled traceability and its influence on purchasing behavior. Data were collected via an online survey with 245 participants aged 18–40, and the results were analyzed using a random parameter logit model to account for preference heterogeneity. Findings reveal a strong preference for Italian-origin EVOO, with blockchain-certified products receiving a positive consumer response. The analysis also indicates that consumers are willing to pay a premium for blockchain-traced EVOO, particularly when combined with Italian origin. These results highlight the potential of blockchain technology in strengthening consumer trust and protecting Made in Italy product
Geometric Disturbance Observer Based Control for Multirotors
No full textIn this paper we propose a disturbance observer based control for the class of multirotor aerial vehicles having co-planar and collinear propellers, following a geometric approach. The control scheme is based on the well known inner-outer loop structure, where the tracking control problem on the group of rotations is extended with an observer. To prove the asymptotic stability of the tracking error, a Lyapunov stability analysis is provided, taking into account kinematics, dynamics, and disturbance observer errors. For this purpose, disturbance rejection is achieved leveraging the disturbance model, which is assumed to be generated by exogenous systems having arbitrary orders. Simulations are performed on a hexarotor under elaborate external disturbances, which take into account unmodeled dynamics and time-varying wind effects. Simulation results show that the proposed control scheme can compensate for the disturbances, even when the embedded exogenous system model is coarse, outperforming the baseline geometric controller without disturbance compensation
Use of nailfold capillaroscopy for the early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Get PDFBackground Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a cholestatic autoimmune disease and is often associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The prevalence of SSc in PBC patients ranges from 1-22% and the diagnosis is often delayed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) for early SSc diagnosis in PBC patients. Methods In this monocentric, cross-sectional study, NFC was performed in 56 PBC patients. Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) was assessed in each patient. Patients with major NFC abnormalities and those with a scleroderma pattern were screened for SSc-specific antibodies. The SSc diagnosis was established using the 2013 American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/AULAR) and Very Early Diagnosis Of Systemic Sclerosis (VEDOSS) criteria. Results NFC abnormalities were found in 31 patients (55%): 11 (20%) presented minor abnormalities, 17 (30%) had major abnormalities and 3 (5%) presented a scleroderma pattern. RP was found in 12 patients. Two patients with a scleroderma pattern were newly diagnosed with SSc. All patients newly diagnosed with SSc presented RP. No patient without RP was diagnosed with SSc. Conclusions Performing NFC in PBC patients can help anticipate the SSc diagnosis. RP should always be checked in PBC patients and should be an indication to perform NFC for early SSc diagnosis. A diagnostic algorithm is proposed
Il governo del territorio in Puglia: bilanci e possibili proposte
No full textLa Puglia ha vissuto dieci anni di notevoli innovazioni nella pianificazione territoriale regionale tra il 2005 e il 2015, sia dal punto di vista della produzione normativa (come noto la potestà legislativa è il compito istituzionalmente assegnato dalla Costituzione all’art.117), sia da quello della produzione di piani e programmi territoriali . I dieci anni successivi non sono riusciti a completare, rafforzare e dare attuazione a questa riforma. Soltanto in questi ultimi due anni l’urbanistica è tornata al centro delle attenzioni dell’amministrazione regionale, con diverse iniziative (non tutte condivise dalla sezione INU regionale come quella della nuova legge sulla riqualificazione edilizia) trovando nell’originale percorso partecipativo promosso per la formazione della nuova legge urbanistica regionale, il suo momento più intenso ancora in corso di svolgimento. Rispetto a questa fase politica e amministrativa (come ci ricorda Indovina, 2014, il piano urbanistico è un atto politico tecnicamente assistito) che la Regione Puglia sta attraversando, si propone un bilancio personale e sintetico di alcuni aspetti ritenuti particolarmente significativi rispetto allo scopo del congresso INU di ribadire l’utilità dell’urbanistica non soltanto come strumento per garantire il diritto alla città attraverso la sua disciplina normativa, ma anche in relazione alla sua capacità di fornire benefici concreti per i cittadini e di assicurare la sostenibilità nel tempo del territorio