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Digital Twins of Business Processes: A Research Manifesto
No full textModern organizations necessitate continuous business processes improvement to maintain efficiency, adaptability, and competitiveness. In the last few years, the Internet of Things, via the deployment of sensors and actuators, has heavily been adopted in organizational and industrial settings to monitor and automatize physical processes influencing and enhancing how people and organizations work. Such advancements are now pushed forward by the rise of the Digital Twin paradigm applied to organizational processes.
Advanced ways of managing and maintaining business processes come within reach as there is a Digital Twin of a business process - a virtual replica with real-time capabilities of a real process occurring in an organization. Combining business process models with real-time data and simulation capabilities promises to provide a new way to guide day-to-day organization activities. However, integrating Digital Twins and business processes is a non-trivial task, presenting numerous challenges and ambiguities. This manifesto paper aims to contribute to the current state of the art by clarifying the relationship between business processes and Digital Twins, identifying ongoing research and open challenges, thereby shedding light on and driving future exploration of this innovative interplay
The early depositional history of the Pisco Formation (middle to Upper Miocene, Peru).
No full textThe East Pisco Basin of Peru is a world-renowned Fossil-Lagerstätte that has yielded an abundant and exceptionally well-preserved record of marine vertebrates within a sedimentary succession ranging in age from the middle Eocene to, at least, the Late Miocene. Owing to its remarkable wealth of fossil discoveries, the Miocene Pisco Formation is the most famous unit in the basin. Its stratigraphic architecture has been recently redefined in the Ica River Valley, with the identification of three depositional sequences (P0, P1 and P2, in ascending order), separated by extensive unconformities that testify to periods of subaerial exposure correlated with major climatic cycles. While P1 and P2 provided abundant diatom markers and several volcanic ash layers dated through the 40Ar/39 Ar method (P1, 9.5–8.6 Ma; P2, 8.4–6.7 Ma), the exposures of P0 that defined this unit were found to be barren of microfossils and lacked ash layers, thus their dating relied solely on strontium isotope stratigraphy (14.7-12.6 Ma). Here, we analyze a new section including P0 and P1 at Cerro Tiza. It represents a deeper portion of the Miocene Pisco Basin in the Ica River Valley, and features abundant siliceous markers, allowing for a good biostratigraphic control of the early Pisco deposits. Notably, the biostratigraphic age assignment of P0 in this work (14.2-12.9 Ma) confirms previous age estimates obtained through the strontium-isotope ratio and allows a chronological correlation with the Laberinto, Pampa and Naranja members of the Pisco Formation in the Laberinto area. Furthermore, stratigraphic markers and one ash layer from the P1 sequence indicate that deposition of this unit started earlier than hitherto recognized (slightly before 10 My), thus shortening the extension of the stratigraphic gap separating the two sequences. The microfossil assemblages also allowed for better constraining the paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic conditions that characterized the early depositional phases of the Pisco Formation
Evaluation of high-entropy (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni)-oxide nanofibers and nanoparticles as passive fillers for solid composite electrolytes
No full textSolid-state electrolytes (SSEs) could represent the key to solve safety issues of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Among them, those obtained by homogenously dispersing inorganic nanofillers into a polymer matrix combine advantages of all SSE typologies. In this work, high-entropy (Cr,Mn,Fe,Co,Ni) oxide (HEO) with different morphology
(nanoparticles or nanofibers) are evaluated as passive fillers for the preparation of composite polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based SSEs. By varying their preparation conditions (calcination at 400 or 800 ◦C for 0.5 or 2 h, followed by rapid cooling) different size and crystallization degree of the oxide grains are obtained. The results of the electrochemical testing of the PEO/HEO composites evidence the crucial role of the filler microstructure and morphology. The best results in terms of electrolyte resistance (22.5 Ω), electrochemical stability window (4.7 V), Li+transference number (0.37) and ionic conductivity (3.0⋅10− 4 S cm− 1 at 65 ◦C) are obtained by using well crystallized HEO nanofibers with highly defective surface. The suitability of the most promising composite for practical applications is validated by successfully using it in full cell with commercial high-voltage cathode materials
“DESIGN FOR REUSE. Mostra dei prodotti realizzati attraverso il riutilizzo di sfridi e scarti industriali e materiali a fine vita”, Sala Cola dell'Amatrice, Ascoli Piceno, 22 Gennaio-2 Febbraio 2025, coordinata e curata da Lucia Pietroni, Mariangela Francesca Balsamo, Alessandro Di Stefano.
No full textLa Mostra “Design for Reuse”, è una collezione di prodotti realizzati attraverso il riutilizzo di scarti e sfridi industriali e componenti di oggetti e materiali giunti alla fine della loro vita utile. Attraverso un processo di auto-produzione, che coniuga l’utilizzo di tecniche artigianali e tecnologie di digital fabrication (additive manufacturing, laser cutting, ecc.), gli studenti del Laboratorio di Disegno Industriale 3 della Scuola di Architettura e Design di Unicam hanno ideato e realizzato prodotti utili e innovativi, dando nuova vita a materiali e oggetti che altrimenti sarebbero diventati rifiuti. Collaborando con numerose aziende del territorio marchigiano, che si sono rese disponibili alla sperimentazione, gli studenti hanno raccolto, selezionato, studiato e reimpiegato oggetti dismessi, sfridi e scarti di lavorazione, trasformandoli in nuovi prodotti: porta-monete, fioriere, sedute realizzate con camere d’aria di biciclette; indumenti sportivi impermeabili con tessuti tecnici di vele ormai usurate; oggetti per la casa e il giardino con scarti delle industrie del denim; porta-vasi con teli di pvc recuperati da scarti di aziende che allestiscono eventi temporanei; bigiotteria con sfridi di alluminio delle industrie degli infissi, ecc. La mostra “Design for Reuse” evidenzia come il design e i designer possono dare un importante contributo nella transizione verso un’Economia Circolare, riducendo drasticamente, attraverso la progettazione sostenibile, la produzione dei rifiuti e allungando la vita utile dei prodotti e dei materiali
"LEARNING RECONSTRUCION" FROM A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE. CONCEPT AND STRUCTURE OF THE MANUAL.
No full textWe live in an era defined by digital innovation and increasingly powerful, accessible tools resulting from advancements in technology. This phenomenon has significantly changed many of our habits across nearly all
areas of human activity, including scientific research and learning. In a world facing political, environmental, and social crises, alongside the emergence of powerful technological tools (Verdolini, 2023), a scientific culture is developing that emphasizes the urgency of providing effective and rapid solutions to these pressing
issues. We can refer to this culture as a "problem-solving" approach, in contrast to a "problem-setting" approach (Arieli, Sagiv, 2018). Understanding the distinction between these two methods in research practice is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of scientific inquiry
Livestock Animal Hair as an Indicator of Environmental Heavy Metals Pollution in Central Albania
Get PDFTrace elements, which may have harmful health effects, are present in the environment at varying concentrations. In Albania, data on exposure risks are limited. This study aimed to assess and compare the concentrations of various trace elements (aluminum, arsenic, boron, calcium, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc) in the hair of cattle and sheep raised in Central Albania (Tirana and Elbasan Counties). Hair samples were collected from 25 cattle and 25 sheep per county and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Zinc concentrations were significantly higher in cattle than in sheep (p = 0.029), while no differences were observed between counties (p > 0.05), indicating similar environmental conditions. Copper (17.84, 95%CI: 13.63-16.34 and 15.84, 95%CI: 14.00-17.69 mg/kg in cattle, and 15.58, 95%CI: 13.61-17.56 and 14.14, 95%CI: 12.07-16.20 mg/kg in sheep, in Elbasan and Tirana County, respectively), arsenic (2.08, 95%CI: 1.45-1.21 and 1.51, 95%CI: 1.19-1.81 mg/kg in cattle, 1.73, 95%CI: 1.38-2.07 and 1.39, 95%CI: 1.02-1.75 mg/kg in sheep, in Elbasan and Tirana County, respectively), and cadmium (2.36, 95%CI: 1.63-2.07 and 2.00, 95%CI: 1.68-2.32 mg/kg in cattle, 2.00, 95%CI: 1.59-2.40 and 1.71, 95%CI: 1.39-2.02 mg/kg in sheep, in Elbasan and Tirana County, respectively) concentrations exceeded the values reported in the literature, likely due to contamination from local mining and metal processing activities. Further research is needed to determine the sources of contamination and assess potential risks to animal and human health
Olfactory Responses of Frankliniella occidentalis and Orius similis to Volatiles from Houttuynia cordata: Implications for Thrips Management
No full textThrips can be attracted or repelled by volatiles from different host plant species. Houttuynia cordata is a common plant species with a strong, offensive smell, and few pests have been detected on this plant. Here, the olfactory responses of Frankliniella occidentalis to H. cordata volatiles were tested using electroantennography (EAG) and behavioral bioassays in different types of olfactometers, and the behavioral responses of Orius similis, a natural enemy of F. occidentalis, to the related main volatile compounds were also evaluated. Y-tube olfactometer bioassays showed that F. occidentalis performed negative responses to H. cordata volatiles. Decanal (47.21%), 1-decanol (11.02%), dodecanal (7.13%), β-myrcene (5.12%), and decanoyl acetaldehyde (3.76%) were the more abundant components in the H. cordata volatile profile in gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. EAG recordings showed that the antennae of female thrips could perceive these five compounds at a wide range of concentrations. In six-arm olfactometer bioassays, F. occidentalis exhibited negative responses to decanal, dodecanal, and decanoyl acetaldehyde at various doses but performed positive responses to 1-decanol and β-myrcene at certain doses. Furthermore, decanal, dodecanal, and decanoyl acetaldehyde at all concentrations showed no significant influences on the behavioral responses of O. similis. According to the results above, H. cordata can be a repellent plant species to F. occidentalis, and decanal, dodecanal, and decanoyl acetaldehyde show great potential for development as repellents for the control of F. occidentalis. In short, our results suggest that an integrated pest management system combining H. cordata-derived biopesticides with releases of the predator O. similis could effectively control F. occidentalis
Monoterpenoids from Artemisia austriaca Essential Oil Disrupt Hormone-Mediated Reserve Mobilization to Suppress Avena fatua Seed Germination
No full textBACKGROUND: The search for safe and effective alternatives to synthetic herbicides is crucial for sustainable agriculture. Essen- tial oils and their bioactive monoterpenoids are promising candidates owing to their potent phytotoxic properties. This study aimed to characterize the essential oil of Artemisia austriaca, investigate the absorption of its main components, camphor and 1,8-cineole, into Avena fatua (wild oat) seeds, and elucidate the mechanisms responsible for germination inhibition.
RESULTS: The essential oil of A. austriaca was dominated by camphor (26.22%) and 1,8-cineole (20.15%). These monoterpe- noids were absorbed by A. fatua seeds, inhibiting germination in a concentration-dependent manner. Their mode-of-action involved disruption of hormonal balance, significantly decreasing the gibberellic acid level (by ≤46.22% at 150 ∼g mL−1) while increasing the abscisic acid content (≤22.25-fold at 150 ∼g mL−1). The compounds also inhibited key metabolic enzymes, ⊍-amylase and lipase, by ≤97.51% and 22.25% at 150 ∼g mL−1, respectively. This enzymatic inhibition led to the accumulation of energy reserves such as starch (≤9.92-fold at 150 ∼g mL−1) and a corresponding decrease in available free sugars (by ≤84.56% at 150 ∼g mL−1).
CONCLUSION: Camphor and 1,8-cineole inhibit germination by disrupting hormonal signaling and blocking the metabolic pathways required for the mobilization of reserves in seeds. These findings clarify the specific phytotoxic mechanisms of these compounds, highlighting their potential as effective bioherbicides. This research advances the development of natural, eco- friendly alternatives for sustainable weed management
Assessment of Body Condition in Long-Distance Sled Dogs: Validation of the Body Condition Score and Its Association with Ultrasonographic, Plicometric, and Anthropometric Measurements
Get PDFThis study aimed to validate the 9-point body condition score (BCS) system in sled dogs by assessing its reliability and by comparing it with objective measures including real-time ultrasonography, plicometry, and anthropometry. Twenty-seven Siberian Huskies (11 females, 16 males) from three sled dog teams were assessed for BCS by three trained veterinarians and their respective mushers. Intra-observer reliability was substantial (Krippendorff’s α = 0.734), while agreement between expert raters (Kα = 0.580) and between the expert rater and mushers (Kα = 0.691) was moderate, with mushers tending to overestimate the BCS of their own dogs (median difference = −0.5). BCS showed positive correlations with body mass index (BMI) and subcutaneous fat at the chest and flank via plicometry (for all: p < 0.05). Ultrasonography showed weak correlations with BCS, likely due to the different anatomical layers evaluated and the distinctively high muscle-to-fat ratio typical of sled dogs. Both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed sex- and neutering-related differences in body composition, with males generally presenting larger skeletal dimensions and neutering influencing patterns of fat distribution. These findings support the reliability and field applicability of the BCS system when used by trained evaluators, highlighting the importance of considering sex and anatomical site when assessing body condition in athletic dogs. The 9-point BCS, combined with accessible objective tools, represents a consistent, cost-effective method for monitoring body condition in long-distance performance sled dogs
Commento all'art. 176 "Oggetto e ambito di applicazione" in materia di partenariato pubblico-privato e concessioni
No full textNella logica della autonomia ed autosufficienza (“autoconclusività”) del Libro IV del Codice vigente (Cons. Stato, Relazione sullo schema definitivo del Codice, 2022, 10), il co. 1 precisa l’oggetto della Parte II, sui contratti di concessione, la quale, in attuazione della Direttiva 2014/23/UE del Parlamento Europeo e del Consiglio del 26 febbraio 2014, prevede la disciplina armonizzata della materia. Più precisamente, l’ambito oggettivo è individuato avendo riguardo alle procedure di aggiudicazione dei contratti di concessione (art. 182 ss.) ed alla relativa esecuzione (artt. 188 ss.); per la definizione di contratto di concessione cfr. art. 177, ed art. 2, co. 1, lett. c), dell’All. I.1. (sull’ambito e sulle modalità di applicazione della procedura di rilascio della concessione, in particolare per l’esercizio e la raccolta a distanza dei giochi pubblici, cfr. Cons. Stato, sez. I, parere 26 novembre 2024, n. 1441) Per l’individuazione dell’ambito soggettivo occorre fare riferimento alla nozione di ente concedente di cui all’art. 174, co. 2, in relazione anche all’art.1, co. 1, lett. b), dell’All. I.1; cfr. altresì art. 174, co. 5, sulla necessità che i contratti di partenariato pubblico-privato siano stipulati solo da enti concedenti qualificati ai sensi dell’art. 63