1,720,969 research outputs found
Therapeutic use of physical activity in acute psychiatric patients and clinical psychology.
No full textHIGH RESOLUTION IMAGE PROCESSING AND LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION FOR HYDRO- GEOMORPHOLOGICAL HIGH-RISK AREA MONITORING
No full textHigh-resolution image processing for land surface monitoring is fundamental to analyze the impact ofdifferent geomorphological processes on Earth surface for different climate change scenarios. In thiscontext, photogrammetry is one of the most reliable techniques to generate high-resolutiontopographic data, being key to territorial mapping and change detection analysis of landforms inhydro-geomorphological high-risk areas. An important issue arises as soon as the main goal is toconduct analyses over extended areas of the Earth surface (such as fluvial systems) in a short time,since the need to capture large datasets to develop detailed topographic models may limit thephotogrammetric process, due to the high demand of high-performance hardware. In order toinvestigate the best set up of computing resources for these very peculiar tasks, a study of theperformance of a photogrammetric workflow based on a FOSS (Free Open-Source Software) SfM(Structure from Motion) algorithm using different cluster configurations was conducted, leveragingthe computing power of ReCaS-Bari data center infrastructure, which hosts several services such asHTC, HPC, IaaS, PaaS. Exploiting the high-computing resources available at clusters and choosingspecific set up for the workflow steps, an important reduction of several hours in the processing timewas recorded, especially compared to classic photogrammetric programs processed on a singleworkstation with commercial softwares. The high quality of the image details can be used for landcover classification and preliminary change detection studies using Machine Learning techniques. Asubset of the datasets used for the workflow implementation has been considered to test theperformance of different Convolutional Neural Networks, using progressively more complex layersequences, data augmentation and callback functions for training the models. All the results are givenin terms of model accuracy and loss and performance evaluation
Suitability assessment of global, continental and national digital elevation models for geomorphological analyses in Italy
No full textDigital elevation models (DEMs) represent a fundamental resource in geomorphological analysis. The increasing availability of open-access DEMs over wide areas is advantageous, but requires an evaluation of DEM quality and errors. This work applies a hierarchical assessment of global, continental and national DEMs in Italy in order to explore the differences and analyze the vertical accuracy, spatial error distribution and agreement of morphometric measurements. The selected DEMs are compared with local reference data as a ground points dataset, extracted from the national geodetic network, and regional DEMs at high spatial resolution, through both a qualitative and a quantitative approach. The results identify limits and potentialities of the selected DEMs, showing accuracy and errors in height representation, also affected by the topographic characteristics of the surface, such as steep slope in mountain zones and some defects in hydromorphological derivatives that could condition the geomorphological applications
THE USE OF UAV IMAGES TO ASSESS PRELIMINARY RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SPATIAL LITTER DISTRIBUTION AND BEACH MORPHODYNAMIC TRENDS: THE CASE STUDY OF TORRE GUACETO BEACH (APULIA REGION, SOUTHERN ITALY)
No full textBeach litter (BL) represents one of the major threats to coastal areas and related ecosystems. Monitoring programs based on in situ visual surveys allow the identification and classification of BL items. Nevertheless, such activities are time-consuming and only cover limited coastal stretches. Due to the above limitations, recent studies are exploiting the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to collect photogrammetric images for the monitoring of litter-related pollution. In this study, the BL spatial distribution along the Torre Guaceto beach (southern Italy) is assessed by mapping macro (> 2.5 cm) items on the orthomosaic obtained through the post-processing of UAV images. Furthermore, in order to define the recent morphodynamic evolution and analyze the potential influence of coastal process in the dispersion and accumulation of BL along the beach profile, morphological changes that occurred in the last 20 years have been estimated in the GIS environment. From the manual image screening process, a total number of 382 items BL are identified. The highest number of items are composed of artificial polymers/plastic (88%), followed by glass and textiles (3.4%). What concern the morphodynamic evolution, the central part of the investigated sector has been interested by a general retreat trend, especially in the last two years. Recent erosion processes affected mostly the fixed vegetation, whose limit has been affected by a retreat up to 3 m. The highest density of BL has been estimated for the inner part of the investigated beach, which corresponds to the area from the embryo dune to the foredune limit. In conclusion, this study highlights how the use of UAV systems enhances the monitoring of wide coastal sectors and the analysis of beach morphodynamic characteristics, this way supporting the easy identification of hotspot areas for BL accumulation as well as the establishment of appropriate clean-ups works
Remote sensing techniques to assess badlands dynamics: insights from a systematic review
Get PDFBadlands are typical landforms that develop on unconsolidated sediments or poorly consolidated bedrock, with bare or sparse vegetation, generally characterized by high rates of erosion. These landscapes are vulnerable to dynamic changes driven by natural processes such as rainfall and tectonic processes, as well as anthropogenic factors including deforestation and land reclamation. The evolution of their interaction significantly influences resource management, particularly soil and water, and informs sustainable land-use planning strategies. Monitoring and analyzing badlands dynamics is crucial for understanding their downstream effects and mitigating natural and environmental hazards such as landslides, debris flows, piping and sediment delivery to rivers. Remote sensing (RS) technologies, from ground- to satellite-based, have emerged as valuable tools for assessing these processes due to their ability to provide data at high spatial and/or temporal resolutions over complex terrains. This article provides a systematic overview of recent advancements in RS techniques applied to badlands, highlighting their respective contributions across various environmental contexts. Starting from 516 papers retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus databases, the review synthesizes the main findings of 96 peer-reviewed studies selected by the use of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) process. The majority of these studies (59%) were conducted in Europe, with significant contributions from Italy, Spain and France. Ground-based methods like Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) remain invaluable for site-specific studies that focus on fine-scale processes such as rill formation and micro-landslides, while airborne laser scanning and aerial photography and photogrammetry, offer broader spatial coverage, facilitating the creation of geomorphological maps and the analysis of large-scale erosional features. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), emerging since 2011, have bridged the gap between ground precision field studies and aerial scalability, becoming essential for 3D mapping and erosion monitoring in inaccessible terrain. Satellite imagery is a leading tool due to its extensive spatial and temporal coverage, enhancing land-use change monitoring and erosion modeling capabilities. The study also emphasizes the importance of well-known tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support the analysis of data and the creation of thematic maps (e.g. erosion susceptibility, land use/land cover, geotourism), while also recognizing the increasing role of Machine Learning (ML) in handling large and complex datasets, identifying hidden patterns, and supporting predictive analyses in environmental research. By providing a structured comparison of RS approaches in relation to their spatial scale, resolution, and applicability, this study contributes to a better understanding of their potential and limitations in badlands research, and offers a useful reference for designing future monitoring strategies
Exploring the Potential of Multi-Sensor and Multi-Scale Remotely Sensed Data Integration to Improve Flood Monitoring
No full textThis work proposes an integrated near-real time operational system based on satellite and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) methodologies. The proposed workflow leverages an algorithm for the computation of multi-temporal probability flood maps, based on a stack of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images (e.g. Sentinel-1). By obtaining a wide-scale overview of the most flood-prone areas, the system allows to investigate them on-demand and with improved spatio-temporal resolution, exploiting the potential of UAVs and a High-Performance Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry algorithm. UAV-derived high-resolution topographic data are then used to constrain the probabilistic flood hazard assessment through multi-temporal analyses and the extraction of detailed hydro-geomorphological parameters. Our approach is here tested over a reach of the Basento river in the Basilicata region (southern Italy), demonstrating its value in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of flood monitoring efforts, enhancing disaster preparedness and response strategies
Implementation of InfraRed Thermographic surveys in complex coastal areas: the case study of Polignano a Mare (southern Italy)
Get PDFInfraRed Thermography (IRT) spread quickly during the second half of the 20th century in the
military, industrial and medical fields. This technique is at present widely used in the building
sector to detect structural defects and energy losses. Being a non-destructive diagnostic
technique, IRT was also introduced in the Earth Sciences, especially in the volcanology and
environmental fields, yet its application for geostructural surveys is of recent development.
Indeed, the acquisition of thermal images on rock masses could be an efficient tool for identifying
fractures and voids, thus detecting signs of potential failures.
Further tests of thermal cameras on rock masses could help to evaluate the applicability,
advantages and limits of the IRT technology for characterizing rock masses in different geological
settings.
We present some results of IRT surveys carried out in the coastal area of Polignano a Mare
(southern Italy), and their correlation with other remote sensing techniques (i.e. Terrestrial Laser
Scanning and Structure from Motion). The case study (Lama Monachile) is represented by a 20
m-high cliff made up of Plio-Pleistocene calcarenites overlying Cretaceous limestones. Conjugate
fracture systems, karst features, folds and faults, were detected in the rock mass during field
surveys. In addition, dense vegetation and anthropogenic elements, which at places modified the
natural setting of the rock mass, represent relevant disturbances for the characterization of the
rock mass. In this context, IRT surveys were added to the other techniques, aimed at detecting the
major discontinuities and fractured zones, based on potential thermal anomalies.
IRT surveys were carried out in December 2020 on the east side of the rock mass at Lama
Monachile site. Thermal images were acquired every 20 minutes for 24 hours by means of a FLIR
T-660 thermal imager mounted on a fixed tripod. Ambient air temperature and relative humidity
were measured during the acquisition with a pocketsize thermo-hydrometer. A reflective paper
was placed at the base of the cliff to measure the reflected apparent temperature. In addition,
three thermocouple sensors were fixed to the different lithologic units of the rock face. These
parameters, together with the distance between the FLIR T-660 and the rock face, were used in
order to calibrate the thermal imager and correct the apparent temperatures recorded by the
device, during the post-processing phase. Successively, vertical profiles showing the temperature
of the rock face over time were extracted from the thermograms. Thermal anomalies were
correlated with stratigraphic and Geological Strength Index profiles, obtained by means of field
surveys and Structure from Motion techniques. The presence of fracture and voids in the rock
mass was also investigated
Language proficiency among hospitalized immigrant psychiatric patients in Italy
No full textBackground and aim: Lack of cultural adaptation may risk or worsen mental illness among immigrants, and interfere with assessment and treatment. Language proficiency (LP) seems essential for access to foreign environments, and the limited research concerning its effects on mental health care encouraged this preliminary study. Methods: We reviewed clinical records of all immigrant psychiatric patients hospitalized at the University of Foggia in 2004-09 (N = 85), and compared characteristics of patients with adequate versus inadequate LP. Results: Subjects (44 men, 41 women; aged 35.7 +/- 10.0 years) represented 3.62 +/- 0.94% of all hospitalizations in six years. (2004-09). Most (60.0%) had emigrated from other European countries. Many were diagnosed with a DSM-IV unspecified psychosis (40.0%) or adjustment disorder (18.8%), and 45.9% were in first-lifetime episodes. Average comprehension and spoken LP was considered adequate in 62.4% and inadequate in 37.6%. In multivariate modelling, adequate LP was more prevalent among women, emigration from another European country, receiving more psychotropic drugs at hospitalization, and having entered Italy legally. Conclusion: Findings support an expected importance of LP among immigrant psychiatric inpatients, and encourage language assessment and training as part of the comprehensive support of such patients, especially men
- …
